Podlitical

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

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 pandemics to protests, supreme court wrangling to parliamentary clashing.

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 Humza Yousaf. Swinney talks about the realisation he'd entered a "government bubble", why he believes the SNP is back on the front foot post-Scottish budget, and how he wants to make Scottish independence a "compelling proposition".For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 sure footing as it may have hoped. And, with new leaders for both the UK and Scottish Conservatives, where do they fit into the upcoming electoral picture, as Nigel Farage's Reform UK threatens to make waves in the upcoming elections?

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, the team discuss both the financial and political implications of the budget, as the SNP hope to woo voters ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election, and win over opposition parties to enable the budget to be passed.

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 assisted dying vote in Westminster on Scotland, and the upcoming bill in Holyrood on assisted dying, as well as what it was like to be in the room of such an important vote. What lessons can be learned from the Westminster debate, and will a devolved approach to assisted dying work?

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 election? Plus, immigration figures are out, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer accusing the previous Conservative government of running an "open borders experiment", as Reform UK's leader Nigel Farage claims the party has hit 100 thousand members, and MPs are set to debate assisted dying in England and Wales.

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 Parliament sees both the Scottish Government and opposition parties laying the political groundwork ahead of December's Scottish Budget. Plus, splits between UK Labour and Scottish Labour as leader Anas Sarwar pledges to expand eligibility for the winter fuel payment if they form the next Scottish government.

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 Labour set out in its manifesto? Plus, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has caused a stir by putting his name forward to stand as an MSP in the 2026 Holyrood election, while also hoping to stay on as an MP in Westminster, and the Labour government frets over potential Trump tariffs.

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 Badenoch taking her post this week, and Trump ally Nigel Farage's Reform UK seeing success in the UK general election, what influence might Trump's politics have on the national conversation?

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, and the feeling of "betrayal" within the whisky sector. Forbes lays out how the SNP "took on the chin" the general election result, and how the minority SNP Government look to pass legislation like the Scottish Budget by "governing from the mainstream" and building consensus around plans such as a National Care Service. Plus, is she staying up to watch the US election results come in?For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 departments see gains and which see cuts, and discuss at who might win, and who might lose out.

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 news of Labour activists campaigning for the Harris-Waltz camp in the United States, and an anecdote on accidentally doorstepping a candidate in a bathroom as the Tory leadership contest continues.

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 Westminster, journalists and politicians alike hold their breath as they wait to see the potential teases of what might be in Labour's first budget at the end of the month.

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.

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 first budget coming at the end of October, and the new Council of Nations and Regions is set to meet. What will Scotland's First Minister John Swinney focus on discussing, and is this the start of a closer working relationship between the administrations?

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 coming from a police family, how she joined the Lib Dems in 2015 after "crying at Nick Clegg on the telly", and the work of being a whip.For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 Conservative leader Russell Findlay settling into the role, and the unusually upbeat Conservative Conference for a party who just faced defeat in the General Election. Also, what's happening with the national care service in Scotland after local authorities voted to withdraw support?

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 contest is reaching its conclusion, and Douglas Ross takes part in his final FMQs as opposition leader. What does new leadership hold for the party, as Holyrood eyes up the 2026 election?

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 the Scottish Conservatives and how she felt she wasn't in the room when decisions were being taken by Douglas Ross. Gallacher also sets out her thoughts on a broader UK Conservative movement, which she hopes can come together "as a team" across devolved nations.For a full range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 former leader Ruth Davidson's comments on the contest were "not helpful", and how he felt excluded from decisions under the leadership of Douglas Ross.For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 that the PM Keir Starmer has received, now topping over £100,000. Also, the Commonwealth games are coming to Glasgow, what does it mean for the city and for Scotland, and can it live up to the hype?

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 Scheme left her with a "deep cynicism" of the UK Government, plus the collapse of the Bute House agreement, and how Humza Yousaf's resignation was about "brutal" parliamentary math. As the next Holyrood election begins to be considered, Slater discusses how it's "hard to imagine" supporting the Scottish Government's next budget without the "green stuff".For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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, after the Government were defeated in a Holyrood vote over free school meals. Labour also saw its first defeat in the Commons, but successfully won its vote on its plans to remove winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales. Where does a week of belt-tightening and bleak warnings leave the two Governments? The Podlitical team discuss this and more.

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 SNP Scottish Government have announced £500m of cuts too, citing public sector pay deals and "prolonged" austerity from Westminster as part of the problem. The team try to cut through the blame-game to find out what these cuts and potential rejigging of priorities mean for Scotland and the UK, as the UK and Scottish Tory leadership contests continue, and all parties eye up the 2026 Holyrood election.

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 or was it a genuine surprise to the incoming government and related public finance bodies like the OBR? Is this austerity, as some opposition parties have claimed, or are the government actually spending more than previously? And what does this mean for the money coming to Scotland? Before Podlitical breaks for recess, the team untangle this week's news, and look ahead to what we can expect in September and beyond when the Parliaments return.

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 PM Sunak as opposition leader, what was the mood like in the Commons, and what does it tell us about things to come? Also, do we have any clearer idea of who might be the next UK and Scottish Tory leaders, and could the SNP technically annex the moon right now?

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 with European leaders as he looks to "reset" the UK's relationship with Europe, and names begin to emerge for potential Scottish Conservative leader candidates.

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 Grangemouth & GB Energy to giveaways - and how might the next two years play out between Labour and the SNP as they embark on a potentially very long campaign in the lead up to the 2026 Holyrood election.

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 might mean for Scotland, and what the relationship might be like with the SNP-led Scottish Government.

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 landscape now, and what does the result mean for Scotland as it looks to the 2026 Holyrood elections?

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 of the campaign, how might the political landscape change on Friday, and just how far can the Podlitical team stretch the "Ming vase" metaphor?

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 landing with voters? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Swinney about Scottish independence, taxation, and what exactly makes a mandate for a referendum.Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

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 visit the BBC News website.

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 visit the BBC News website.

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 manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

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 BBC News website.

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 visit the BBC News website.

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 party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

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, and independence.Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

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. Also, Lucy, Rajdeep, and Phil chat tactical voting, just how much it will play into this election, and why there are more candidates than ever for voters to choose from.

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 to poll this election, how polls are "projections" not "predictions", why pollsters are paranoid, and ask if there really more polls than ever this election, or does it just feel that way?