Podlitical
A politics podcast from BBC Radio Scotland that covers the latest developments at Holyrood and Westminster. It is presented through the eyes of BBC Scotland journalists. The show offers discussion and analysis of current political events affecting Scotland and the wider UK.
Episodes
Hello from Scotcast
Martin Geissler on the BBC's new Scottish news podcast.A new episode of Scotcast is published every Monday to Wednesday by 5pm. Get in touch with the team by emailing scotcast@bbc.co.uk
Our Final Podlitical
In our final episode, the team look back at 6 years of change and chaos in politics. How does this week's row over WASPI women and Labour's new government link back to former PM Theresa May trying wrangle a Brexit deal through during her premiership? How did the constitutional debate develop, and where did that leave parties like the SNP? The team reflect on half a decade of intense politics, from
Interview: First Minister John Swinney
Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney sits down with Podlitical. The First Minister talks about becoming SNP leader right before the UK general election was called, how he worried his party faced a wipeout when the polls closed, and how he believed he was "the only person on the planet who could turn it around" for the SNP following a bruising period under former First Minister Hum
Buzz Or Buzzword?
The team discuss Labour's "reset" plans, and politicking ramping up in Holyrood. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Labour's "Plan for Change", but how has it gone down with the electorate, and Scottish Labour MSPs? As the 2026 Holyrood election continues to approach, the politicking ramps up in Holyrood, following the Scottish Budget, and polls suggesting Scottish Labour might not be on as sur
Politics By The Pound
Was the pound in your pocket or politicking at the heart of the Scottish budget? The team are joined by economist Dr João Sousa, Deputy Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute, at the University of Strathclyde, to deep dive into the Scottish Government budget this week. From surprises over the vow to scrap the two child benefit cap, tinkering with tax, and scrutiny over spending priorities, t
Assisted Dying: What's next for Scotland?
As MPs back proposals for assisted dying in England & Wales, what's next for Scotland? Podlitical's Rajdeep Sandhu sits down with two MPs and two MSPs who are split on support/opposition for assisted dying - Scottish Labour's Graeme Downie MP, Scottish Conservative Murdo Fraser MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur MSP, and the SNP's Seamus Logan MP - to discuss the implications of the
A Matter of Life and Death?
The team talk winter fuel payments in Scotland, immigration, and assisted dying. Ahead of next week's Scottish Government budget, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has told Holyrood that every pensioner in Scotland will receive a winter fuel payment next year. What does this mean for Scotland's finances and what does it say about the battlegrounds being laid for the 2026 Holyrood el
Reap What You Sow?
Farmers protest inheritance tax changes, and budget manoeuvres continue in Holyrood. This week saw thousands of farmers descend on the capital to protest Labour's changes to inheritance tax, while Labour claims the existing rules around inheritance tax aren't fair nor sustainable. In Holyrood, the row over Stephen Flynn's ambition to run as an MSP while staying on as an MP continues, and Scottish
Who Cares Wins
The National Care Service is delayed and the build-up to Holyrood 2026 continues. With the announcement that the National Care Service has been delayed, but not dropped according to the Scottish Government, and the original vision set out by former First Minister Sturgeon looking further away, what might be the fate of the National Care Service in Scotland, and might there be a UK version like Lab
Trump World
What does the new US president-elect Donald Trump mean for Scotland and the wider UK? From threats of tariffs, to campaign clashes with the Labour leadership, the team discuss the implications of a Trump presidency on the UK, including the risk of export tariffs for Scotch whisky, and the kind of relationship the US and UK may have for the next four years. With new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoc
Interview: Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes
Podlitical sits down with Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to talk budgets. Kate Forbes, the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, chats with Podlitical following Labour's first budget in 14 years, discussing how she and the SNP-led Scottish Government feel it's a "step in the right direction" but worries for Scotland's pensioners, farmers,
The Budget: Pain or Gain?
Podlitical breaks down the tax and spend on Labour's first Budget in 14 years. What implications do Chancellor Reeves' announcements have for Scotland, and the upcoming Scottish Government budget later this year? The team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director at the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde to deep dive into the taxation and spending plans, which Government dep
Chess or Exchequers?
With less than a week before the UK budget, is Chancellor Reeves playing fiscal chess? The team discuss the upcoming budget, and what it might mean for Scotland in terms of spending, cuts, and taxation, and if we can expect any "rabbits out the hat". Also, Scottish and UK politicians find themselves in an international row after Donald Trump accuses Labour of "foreign interference" following the n
Budget Bingo
The team discuss the latest on Salmond's death, and the likelihood of big budget reveals. Following the news that former First Minister Alex Salmond's body is being flown back by a private individual, the team discuss the row (that perhaps wasn't a row) over using the RAF to return Salmond to the UK, and what the loss of Salmond means to the independence movement going forward. Also, in Westminste
Legacy of Alex Salmond
Podlitical discusses the legacy, life, and career of former First Minister Alex Salmond. Phil Sim sits down with BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell and political correspondent David Porter, to share their memories of Alex Salmond, the interviews they did with him, how his career from the early days to Alba was defined by rebellion, his impact on Scottish politics, and more.
BlueAnon
The team get conspiratorial over the Tory leadership race, and discuss budget 'nuggets'. With the news that candidate for Conservative leadership James Cleverly was knocked out of the race, leaving Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick as the last two running, the team discuss what went wrong for Cleverly as conspiracies fly around the corridors of Westminster. Plus, what more do we know about Labour's
Interview: Wendy Chamberlain MP
The deputy leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats sits down with Podlitical. MP for North East Fife Wendy Chamberlain chats about her varied career, from working in the police force to becoming deputy leader of the Scottish Lib Dems, as well as chief whip and pensions spokesperson for the UK Liberal Democrats. Chamberlain explains how being an MP is the "best job" she's ever had, her background
Shake It Off
The team talk conference contentment, the national care service, and Taylor Swift. Why did the Conservatives seem so upbeat during the Birmingham conference? Why is the Labour donations row still dominating the news cycle several weeks in? Podlitical discusses the week's news, including Prime Minister Starmer returning £6k in gifts following a continuing row over donations, the new Scottish Conser
Re-Freshers
The team dissect the weekend's Labour conference, and Douglas Ross' final FMQs. After delegates met in Liverpool, have we learnt more about what Labour will deliver? Have they managed to reframe the gloomy economic outlook as a message of hope? Rajdeep shares her experience at conference, and talks about the mood on the ground with the Scottish MPs. Also, the Scottish Conservative leadership conte
Interview: Meghan Gallacher MSP
Scottish Conservatives' leadership candidate Meghan Gallacher sits down with Podlitical. The MSP for Central Scotland sets out her vision for the Scottish Conservatives if she wins the leadership contest, including why she's calling for repair and unity after the contest because "broken parties don't win elections", the infighting reported on during the contest, her resignation as Deputy Leader of
Interview: Murdo Fraser MSP
Scottish Conservatives' leadership candidate Murdo Fraser sits down with Podlitical. The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife sets out his vision for the Scottish Conservatives if he wins the leadership contest, including why the party needs to be "brave" to succeed in the 2026 Holyrood election, why he believes the messaging on independence has "lost its currency" with voters, as well as why he thinks f
Do The Timewarp Again
2024 feels a bit 2014 as Scotland marks 10 years since the independence referendum. The team look ahead to what the future of the independence debate might be in Scotland, as well as talking about the news of the week, including reports that there are splits at the top of Labour over chief of staff Sue Gray being paid more than the Prime Minister, and criticism over the scale of gifts and freebies
Interview: Lorna Slater MSP
Co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater sits down with Podlitical, talking about her journey to Scotland, and ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, shares her memories of the referendum and how she got engaged in Scottish politics. Lorna Slater shares how she feels having autism is an advantage in the job, how her experience with the Deposit Return Schem
Reform and Refine
Scotland's only oil refinery is set to close, and the winter fuel payments row continues. Petroineos have confirmed Grangemouth will close next year, putting at threat hundreds of jobs at the UK's oldest refinery, with First Minister John Swinney saying he was "deeply disappointed" at the news. The First Minister also faces the prospect of a stand-off over the Scottish Government's next budget, af
Get The Band Back Together
Podlitical is back as parliaments return from recess bearing bad news for public spending. The new Labour government are pointing the finger at the previous successive Conservative governments for a "£22bn black hole" in the public purse, while drawing fire for their announced scrapping of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. Meanwhile, on the week of the Programme for Government, the
Told You So?
Finger pointing begins as Labour claim they found a "black hole" in public finances. On Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and later said the new government would have to raise taxes due to the discovery of a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances from the last Government, which former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt strongly denies. Is this political theatre o
Pie In The Sky?
The Podlitical team talk GB Energy, the two-child cap, PMQs, and pies. Following the suspensions of seven rebel Labour MPs for voting against the government on an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the team discuss how the row unfolded, and what this means in terms of the optics that Prime Minister Starmer wants to project. As the new Prime Minister faced his first PMQs, with former
Pomp and Policy
What does the King's Speech tell us about the new Labour government's priorities? Beyond the ceremony and pomp of the day, the team discuss the policies and priorities of the new government, including the future of devolution, what might impact devolved areas (and what won't), and what's been left out. How did the speech sit with opposition parties like the SNP? Also, Prime Minister Starmer meets
Commons People
With the election aftershocks settling, what does the "new normal" in politics look like? As MPs finish being sworn in after several days, the shape of the House of Commons sees an emboldened Labour and a much diminished Conservatives and SNP. With Ian Murray MP announced as the new Scotland secretary, what does this new office-holder and new political landscape have in store for Scotland - from G
Paint The Town Red?
The new intake of MPs are sworn in as Labour begins governing. What do we know about the new Labour-majority House of Commons, and the initial priorities of the Labour government? As Keir Starmer addresses the Commons for the first time as Prime Minister, the team discuss the shape of the parties following the general election, what signs we have on how Labour look to govern in the UK, what it mig
Labour Landslide (General Election 2024)
Labour sees a landslide general election victory, what's next for Scotland? While Keir Starmer's Labour celebrated massive gains, and the Lib Dems saw a comeback, it was a punishing night for the Tories and the SNP. As the parties reflect on the results, and Labour prepares for Government, the team discuss the big moments of the night, and ask what the election tells us about the political landsca
Election Eve (General Election 2024)
On election eve, the team considers the state of the parties after the six week campaign. From gaffes to being grilled in front of live audiences, wacky stunts to serious statements, the team looks back at the 2024 general election campaign in Scotland and the wider UK, and discuss how the parties have shaped up ahead of the polls opening on Thursday July 4th. What have been the defining moments o
Interview: John Swinney, SNP (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with SNP leader John Swinney. His party are coming into this general election off the back of what he himself described as a “rough time”. They’re offering voters “a new chapter”, with calls for more powers for Scottish Parliament, and eventually, they hope, full independence for Scotland, but given they’ve been in power in Holyrood for 17 years, how is that message landi
Manifestos: Social Policy (General Election 2024)
What do the manifestos say about welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, social issues, and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on social issues for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visi
Manifestos: Climate (General Election 2024)
What do the manifestos say about climate change, green policies, and oil & gas? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on climate policy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or v
Manifestos: Scotland & The World (General Election 2024)
What do the manifestos say about the Scottish Independence, Brexit, immigration and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on statehood, foreign policy, immigration, military support and more for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more mani
Manifestos: Health (General Election 2024)
What do the manifestos say about the NHS, social care, and health? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on public health and care for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the
Manifestos: Money (General Election 2024)
What do the manifestos say about tax, spending, and the pound in your pocket? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on money and the economy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or
Interview: Douglas Ross, Scottish Conservatives (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross. It’s fair to say it’s been a rough campaign for the Tories, but is it all doom and gloom in the camp? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Ross about his policies, his plans for the future, and the ups and downs of a few weeks on the campaign trail.Part of a series of interviews with
Interview: Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The polls suggest Labour are doing well just now – but of course, two weeks is a long time in politics. Can they keep up the pace they’ve set themselves? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Sarwar about tax, just how Labour will get that growth they need to fund their pledges, immigration, a
Place Your Bets (General Election 2024)
This week, investigations into bets on the general election, and talk of tactical votes. As the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning is investigated by the Gambling Commission for placing a bet on the timing of the general election, alongside a Tory candidate and one of Rishi Sunak's closest aides, the team discusses the news from the campaign trail and what they've been up to this week. A
How Do Polls Work? (General Election 2024)
How do political polls work, and why do different polls have different projections? Podlitical sits down with Rachel Ormston, Research Director for Ipsos in Scotland, and Mark Diffley, a pollster from Diffley Partnership, to talk all things polling. How do pollsters collect and collate their data, and why exactly are "MRP" polls so in vogue right now? The team talk through why Scotland is tricky t
Routes To Victory (General Election 2024)
How can parties "win" the general election, and how might they define winning? The team look at the possible routes to victory that the Scottish and UK parties could take, both likely and unlikely, and what it tells us about the current political landscape of the UK. What is the strategy behind the Conservatives' warning of a Labour supermajority, what might a successful election look like for sec
Scottish Leaders' Debate Debrief (General Election 2024)
The team discuss the Debate Night Scottish Leaders' debate. Following a fiery hour, how did the leaders set out their pitches to the Scottish electorate, how did Scottish leaders differ from Westminster counterparts, and how did the audience react to their pledges and promises? From cost of living to independence, the team analyse the performances and claims made by Anas Sarwar from Scottish Labou
Optics, Opportunity, and Offers (General Election 2024)
The Scottish Tory leader announces his resignation, the first manifestos launch, and more. Following the bombshell news that Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross is intending to resign that role after the general election, the team discuss how this might effect campaigning, how parties may use the news in the upcoming Scottish leaders debate, and what it means for Holyrood on July 5th. What
Interview: Helen McDade, Reform UK (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Helen McDade of Reform UK. Reform UK is Nigel Farage’s latest political vehicle. They’re a broad church, united it seems by an opposition to immigration, but does Scotland share that same sentiment? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks McDade about how she found a home in Reform UK following her career working at environmental
Interview: Alex Salmond, Alba (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Alba leader Alex Salmond. Alba claim to offer a different vision for Scottish independence, and hope to hoover up some of the pro-independence vote from the SNP and Scottish Green, but they've yet to have a representative elected under their banner. Will this election be the one? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Salmond abo
Interview: Patrick Harvie, Scottish Greens (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie. The Scottish Greens were part of the Scottish Government, until the then-First minister Humza Yousaf collapsed the Bute House Agreement. They had power, they had exposure, but has that helped their cause? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Harvie about independence, a post-government
Election Economics (General Election 2024)
Mortgages, tax, and cost of living: Is this an election on the economy? Podlitical sits down with BBC Scotland Business and Economy Editor Douglas Fraser, and Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, to discuss the economy and the role it's playing in the general election. How much of our current economic situation is down to internal decisions
When Pigs Fly (General Election 2024)
How can politicians explain nuance in numbers and sell "sort of" answers in an election? The team look at the first general election debate between Labour's Keir Starmer and the Conservative's Rishi Sunak, and the controversial tax figures quoted by Sunak that Labour claim are "lies", discussing how politicians can sell nuanced or complicated positions when in a debate or on the doorstep, and how
Debate Me (General Election 2024)
Are election debates about winning or simply not losing, and do they influence votes? The team analyse the first Scottish leaders debate, and look into some of the political frontlines the parties are fighting on, from oil & gas, to the NHS, and devolution. With multiple further debates to follow during the general election campaign, what will politicians be hoping to get out of the debates, h
Interview: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Scottish Liberal Democrats (General Election 2024)
Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. The Liberal Democrats election campaign is well underway, with Sir Ed Davey, the party's leader, whizzing down waterslides and falling into lakes. But will it win them votes? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Cole-Hamilton about energy, housing, Brexit, independence, and
Get The Message (General Election 2024)
How are politicians promoting their message, and what happens when narratives go rogue? This week saw tensions over Labour MP Diane Abbott's place in the party following her return from suspension, manoeuvring in Holyrood over the vote to sanction former SNP health secretary Michael Matheson, and Tories talking taxation. As the general election campaigning continues, the team discuss how politicia
Early Doors (General Election 2024)
As general election campaigns kick off in earnest, how are they unfolding in Scotland? The team look at the first official week of the general election campaign, including the differences north and south of the border as parties look to exploit weak spots in each other's plans. In a week that's seen early gaffes, politicians paddleboarding, pledges on pensions, the NHS, & the economy, and an u
Snap! (General Election 2024)
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a snap election. What's next for Scotland? Following a day of febrile speculation, and despite it feeling like campaigning had already started months ago, the Prime Minister has officially announced a general election for July 4th. As parties throw themselves onto the campaign trail in earnest, the team explain what the mood was like on the ground on the day o
Interview: Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP
Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton speaks to Podlitical post-conference. Cole-Hamilton explains how he was "always liberal", tracing his politics back to his parents and joining the Quakers, and explains the platform of change he wants the Scottish Liberal Democrats to run on in the next election, that the party have shown they "don't need to be in power to wield power" . Cole-Ha
Interview: Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone
Podlitical sits down with the Presiding Officer to mark 25 years of Scottish Parliament, Kirsten Campbell talks to the Presiding Officer about how she got her start in politics, and how she nearly didn't put herself forward to be the next Presiding Officer. Alison Johnstone discusses why female representation in the job matters, how she deals with heated debates in Parliament, how she handles prot
Walks Like An Election, Talks Like An Election
This week sees political giveaways, promises, pledges, and appearances on Loose Women. If we're not in an election campaign, why does it feel like we are, and why are the parties acting like they are too? The team discusses the Scottish Parliament declaring a housing emergency, a fund to erase school dinner debt, and the summit with Ferguson shipyards. In Westminster, Labour lays out its five pled
Holyrood at 25 (ft. Jackie Baillie MSP, Christine Grahame MSP, & Baroness Annabel Goldie)
Politicians reflect on the highs and lows of Holyrood to mark its 25th anniversary. Podlitical's Lucy Whyte and Glenn Campbell sit down with Scottish Labour's deputy leader Jackie Baillie, the SNP's Christine Grahame, and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Annabel Goldie, all of whom were elected in the first Scottish Parliamentary election in 1999, to look back on a quarter of a century
First Minister John Swinney
What can we expect from the new First Minister of Scotland John Swinney? As he officially becomes First Minister this week, following no other candidates putting forward their names for leadership, what might be the priorities and challenges of the new John Swinney administration? With a familiar cabinet and the addition of Kate Forbes as the Deputy First Minister, will it be enough to satisfy the
Steady The Ship?
John Swinney looks set to be first minister as he's backed by potential challenger Forbes. Following his announcement he was running to be the next leader of the SNP and new First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, the former deputy to Nicola Sturgeon for almost a decade, looks set to win the top job after potential rival Kate Forbes announced she is backing him. The team analyse what might happe
A Brutal Business
First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced his resignation. What happens now? The team chats about how events unfolded over the weekend, culminating in First Minister Humza Yousaf announcing his plans to resign on Monday, after just 13 months in post, following the fallout from his scrapping of the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens the previous week. With divisions in both the party and
No Confidence
First Minister Humza Yousaf faces a no-confidence vote after a dramatic day at Holyrood. The team react to the termination of the Bute House agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens, from the furious reaction from the Greens leadership to the fiery FMQs that followed. With Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross saying he will bring a no-confidence motion to Parliament next week, and t
Out Of Reach
The Scottish Government announces it is dropping its 2030 net zero emissions target. The team discuss the political implications of the SNP & Scottish Greens government announcing it's 2030 net zero target is "out of reach", as well dropping its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including if it will hit the parties in the polls, and if this represents a wider mov
Interview: Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP
The Scottish Labour MSP on making Scotland accessible, working for the NHS, and more. MSP for the Glasgow Region, Pam Duncan-Glancy talks to Podlitical about her first "political moment" while in school, her mission to make Scotland a more accessible place for those with disabilities, and her election as the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood. Duncan-Glancy shares her thoughts on the new
Interview: Roz Foyer, STUC
Scottish Trade Unions Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer sits down with Podlitical. Ahead of the STUC annual congress, Roz Foyer discusses how she first got involved in unions, and rose to become the STUC's first female General Secretary. Foyer talks about how women have always been at the heart of the Scottish union movement despite the perception of it being male-dominated, how she urges polit
Interview: Ross Greer MSP
The Scottish Greens MSP for the West Scotland region talks to Podlitical post-conference. Ross Greer sits down with the podcast to discuss protest in the form of direct action, including why he backs the right for protesters to disrupt First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, and the reaction to the new Scottish hate crime bill which came into force. Greer talks about his career over the last eight
Philled In
The team talk rent controls, assisted dying, and the FM's first year in office. As Holyrood takes a break for recess, the Podlitical team look at some of the big bills moving through Scottish Parliament and causing some controversy, including the Housing Bill which could see rent controls introduced in areas of Scotland, the introduction of the Assisted Dying Bill which hopes to legalise medically
Interview: Liam McArthur MSP
The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP on legalising assisted dying and representing Orkney. Liam McArthur joins Podlitical to discuss his upcoming bill on assisted dying for the terminally ill being presented at Holyrood, why he thinks a ban is unsustainable, and why he believes once a framework for assisted dying is in place we'll realise it was "long past due". McArthur also discusses the unique par
Attack, Appeal, Alienate?
How do politicians balance attacking the opposition, while appealing to their voters? In a week where parties have toed the line between attacking their political rivals while trying to woo their voter bases, the team discuss the risk of alienating the very people you want to win votes from. As the Conservative leadership look to the Rwanda Bill to define themselves as different from past iteratio
Interview: Zara Mohammed, Muslim Council of Britain
The Secretary General of the MCB on the new Government definition of extremism, and more. Zara Mohammed sits down with Podlitical to talk about becoming the first female, first Scottish, and youngest leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, her thoughts on the new Government definitions of extremism announced by the Conservatives last week, and the Government's non-engagement policy with the organ
Problematic
Officials face PR problems with alleged racist comments and publicly funded "pornography". The Podlitical team sit down to discuss the week's news, including a row in Westminster into alleged comments made by Tory donor Frank Hester about MP Diane Abbott which politicians and public figures have called racist, with pressure mounting on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to return the £10m donation. In Hol
Interview: Fergus Ewing MSP
The SNP MSP on his suspension, his clashes with the Greens, and bullying allegations. MSP for Inverness and Nairn and former Rural Economy cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing sits down with Podlitical to discuss his efforts fighting for fishermen and farmers, and being an "apprentice rebel at 66" when it comes to speaking out against his own party's plans - sometimes in a theatrical fashion. Ewing talk
Spring Budget: Fireworks or Safety First?
Will the budget make you better or worse off, and what does it mean for Scotland? The team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde to deep dive into the Conservatives' 2024 spring budget, including the 2p cut to National Insurance and a proposed extension of the windfall tax on energy industry profits, which has caused concern insi
Interview: Douglas Ross MSP
The Scottish Conservatives leader on the oil industry, energy windfall tax, and more. Off the back of the Scottish Conservative Party conference, MP and MSP Douglas Ross joins the Podlitical team on the eve of UK Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget, and explains why he's against a windfall tax on energy company profits being extended, and why he thinks backing the oil industry makes econo
War of The Words
Headaches for political parties this week as high profile members voice their opinions. Whether it was Lee Anderson losing the Conservative whip for his comments on "Islamists" controlling London Mayor Sadiq Khan, former Prime Minister Liz Truss voicing thoughts on the "deep state" alongside presidential hopeful Donald Trump's former chief advisor, or the SNP's Fergus Ewing calling his own party "
Interview: Anas Sarwar MSP
The Scottish Labour Leader on election plans, prejudice, and being called a "traitor". Sarwar sits down with Podlitical to talk about how his father's experience being the first Muslim MP initially made him want to "run a million miles away" from politics, his hopes for Labour in the next election, and why he wants to see less "playground politics" with an acceptance no one political party has all
Erskine Mayday
Chaos in the House of Commons as a vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion turns into a row. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is facing accusations he played "party politics" by granting a vote on Labour's Gaza ceasefire motion, breaking with convention and sparking fury from SNP and Conservative MPs. He said he allowed the vote to protect MPs' safety, and later apologised, but the row continues, with the SNP's
Interview: Patrick Harvie MSP
The Scottish Greens Co-Leader and Scottish Government minister sits down with Podlitical. Patrick Harvie talks about his early exposure to Green politics and his career so far, including why he sees compromise and finding "genuine common ground" is how democracy should work, his feelings about the Bute House Agreement with the SNP, his belief that the "moral panic" over transgender rights has beco
byePad
Michael Matheson resigns as Scottish Health Secretary ahead of a report on his iPad bill. Late last year, it was revealed that the then-Health Secretary Matheson had racked up a £11k roaming bill on his parliamentary iPad, subsequently admitting that his sons had used the iPad as a data hotspot so they could watch football. The team react to the news and the Scottish government cabinet reshuffle,
