Scotland's Choice

Hosted by Drew Hendry MP and Brendan O'Hara MP. With guests Kirsty Blackman MP and David Linden MP.

Hosts Drew Hendry MP and Brendan O'Hara MP are joined by fellow SNP MPs Tommy Sheppard and Marion Fellows on this edition of the Scotland's Choice Westminster Roundup.

MPs Drew Hendry, Brendan O'Hara and Alison Thewliss discuss events unfolding at Westminster including the UK Government's Anti-Strike Bill. https://linktr.ee/scotchoice

Drew Hendry MP and Brendan O'Hara MP discuss the events unfolding at Westminster and why independence for Scotland is now essential.

Joining host Drew Hendry MP in Part 2 of the Cost of Westminster Crisis special of Scotland's Choice are SNP MPs Stewart Hosie and Alan Brown and Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake.

Drew Hendry MP is joined by fellow SNP MPs David Linden, Alison Thewliss and Brendan O'Hara to discuss the crisis unfolding at Westminster.

Just how fair is Scotland's media? And, if it's unfair, how do we fix that? Our panel discuss the current state of affairs in Scotland, and the opportunities that Scottish independence would bring. Joining host Drew Hendry MP are Linda Graham, owner and founder of Broadcasting Scotland, Ruth Watson from the National Yes Network, and Jack Paterson, founder of the SNP's Independence Magazine. From Broadcast media to the press, it's quite clear that coverage of the issue of Scottish independence hasn't been completely fair and balanced since the vote in 2014. So, why is this? What, if any, solutions are there? Citizens journals and broadcasting are becoming more common and more popular, but are they sustainable? Linda explains some of the difficulties with funding, but also some of the incredible opportunities to deliver compelling and fair content. Ruth explains how the National Yes Network is bringing together Yes groups from around the country and creating a network for sharing valuable information and assets. And Jack outlines why he started the Independence Magazine, a publication which has grown to become a product of the highest quality in the space. All of the the above and more on Episode 54 of Scotland's Choice. Visit the Scotland's Choice website for our back catalogue of episodes and bonus articles here.

Founder of Business for Scotland and head of Believe in Scotland Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp is Drew Hendry's guest on the Scotland's Choice podcast this time. Gordon set up Business for Scotland in 2011 and now has 4,000 associated members. They describe themselves as "an agenda setting, independent and political party neutral business network and business policy think tank." A key argument in the referendum campaign will be rejoining the EU. Regular listeners of the Scotland's Choice podcast will have heard Drew discuss this with a variety of guests, but with such a large number of businesses being represented by Gordon, he was keen to get his unique insight into how it's affecting them. As well as founding Business for Scotland, Gordon more recently founded Believe in Scotland. It aims to present the facts in a clear way to folk who dislike some of the 'big P' politics on display in these sorts of campaigns (their resources are great - definitely check them out!). In light of that, Drew was keen to see how Gordon thought the arguments have changed since 2014 and why the case for Scottish independence is stronger than ever. Thanks very much for coming on, Gordon, we'll hopefully catch up with you again over the next year! Visit the Scotland's Choice website for our back catalogue of episodes and bonus articles here.

Fine Gael TD (that's a Teachta Dála - a member of the Irish Parliament) Neale Richmond is Drew's guest on Scotland's Choice this week to provide a view from Ireland. Having international guests on the podcast has been an ambition of ours for a while now - we want views from around Europe, and possibly even beyond, as to why they think Scotland would flourish as an independent country. After all, as the First Minister said as she launched the first prospectus paper, "why not Scotland?" Neale, like Drew, has long been a critic of Brexit and the economic damage it has unleashed on the UK. But one thing listeners in Scotland may not be too familiar with is how it's changed the relationship between the UK and Irish governments. Neale discusses this along with similarities between the Scottish independence movement and the reunification movement in Ireland, the current state of affairs in Westminster, the currency question and much more. Thanks very much to Neale for coming on the Scotland's Choice podcast, you can find him on Twitter here. Visit the Scotland's Choice website for our back catalogue of episodes and bonus articles here.

The first of two episodes looking at the current state of the Union. From corruption and sleaze scandals to an outdated, archaic form of political discourse, there's plenty to be said. Joining Drew this week are fellow SNP MPs Carol Monaghan and Brendan O'Hara. Together, they discuss areas such as the UK's immigration policy and the hostile environment it's created, nuclear weapons based on the Clyde, the declining state of the UK economy and much more.It's clear that Scotland can and will do better as an independent country, than as part of a failing union. Check out other episodes here.

This special edition of the Scotland's Choice Podcast was recorded in front of a live audience at the Aberdeen Independence Movement's (AIM) conference in Aberdeen. It's the first-ever live recording Scotland's Choice has done and we really enjoyed it - let us know if you'd like to hear more like this! Joining Drew on the panel are friends of the podcast, Stephen Gethins and Stewart Hosie MP - both back for their second time. Joining them is Scotland's Choice first-timer, folk singer and activist Iona Fyfe. The conference, organised by volunteers was a huge success and acted as a kickstart to the grassroots campaign with delegates attending from all over the country and beyond. It's so important that these non/all party events are supported properly as, as we all know, the independence movement is bigger than any one person or party and we must all have cohesive arguments. Topics the panel discuss include an independent Scotland's constitution, rejoining the EU, online social media trolls, and how we engage with voters who aren't yet on board. And, of course, much more. Check out other episodes here.

On this episode of Scotland's Choice, Drew is joined by polling expert and doctoral researcher Mark McGeoghegan to discuss how important good and accurate polling is in politics. Mark has extensive experience in the polling industry and is currently working towards his PhD at the University of Glasgow, researching secessionist movements from around the world. He explains how certain issues have shifted opinions since the 2014 referendum, and offers plenty of insight into how to make sense of all the polling data. There is also a cautionary tale from Quebec - that movement narrowly missed out on independence and became fractured, its important we don't allow the same to happen here in Scotland. The polling results over the last couple of years seem to suggest a sustained appetite for independence and a vote so Mark makes the point that it's important to strike while the iron is hot. Check out other episodes here.

In this second of a two-part Local Government election special of Scotland's Choice, Drew is joined by: Fergus Mutch & Laura Doherty Local Councils decide how to deliver education in our schools, where to develop housing, how much to invest in roads and what local services to support. These are important decisions that impact our communities and Laura and Fergus delve into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for local authorities. Check out other episodes here.

With Local Government elections fast approaching, Drew sits down with three candidates standing for election on the 5th of May. In this first of a two part election special of Scotland's Choice, Drew is joined by: Emma Knox (Aird & Loch Ness SNP candidate) Lloyd Melville (Monifieth and Sidlaw SNP candidate) Olaf Stando (Burntisland, Kinghorn & Western Kirkcaldy SNP Candidate) Local Councils decide how to deliver education in our schools, where to develop housing, how much to invest in roads and what local services to support. These are important decisions that impact our communities and the group delve into the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for local authorities. Check out other episodes here.

With Toni Giuliano. Scotland voted overwhelmingly against Brexit. All 32 local authorities voted to remain in the European Union and every poll since has shown this number only increases. Yet, we are having to ensure the fallout of a Tory Brexit with its empty Global Britain rhetoric. The UK's exit from the EU has made the case for independence and Westminster continues to make the case on a daily basis. In this week's Scotland's Choice, Drew sits down with SNP Policy Development Convenor, Toni Giuliano to discuss the current state of affairs and how as an independent nation, we can forge a different path – one that sees Scotland seeking accession to the EU. From discussing the benefits of joining the EU to potential routes available for accession, Drew and Toni cover an array of topics around Scotland's relationship with the EU. The two also discuss the arguments used against Scotland re-joining the EU and discuss the many benefits of Scotland having a voice in the EU. Opposition parties can often be heard saying, ‘why leave one union to join another'. Tune in to hear Toni's thoughts on why the two unions are not comparable and how Scotland can forge its path to becoming a member state of the European Union as an Independent Nation. Catch Toni over on Twitter. Listen to more Scotland's Choice here.

Cost of Living Crisis with David Linden MP & Councillor Jen Layden. The Office for National Statistics recently reported those earning below the UK average wage will pay up to an extra £255 per year, with the forthcoming Tory national insurance hike. The lowest earners have seen their universal credit cut by £20 a week by the Tories, all while they were trying to grapple with inflation running at over five per cent and climbing. For example, foods such as rice have shot up over three hundred per cent in cost. To exacerbate the issue further, national rises in electricity and gas costs will send family bills skyward, with average households facing another £800 a year in energy costs. If that sounds bad, spare a thought for those living in rural areas or not connected to gas mains and reliant on electricity or fuel as heating oil. Their costs will be three or four times that amount. And families are dealing with all this while feeling the Brexit bite, low wages and spiralling costs. In this episode Drew talks to David Linden MP and Councillor Jen Layden about the cost of living crisis and the impact Westminster policy has on Scottish families. David and Jen share their thoughts on how things could be done differently in an Independent Scotland. Follow David Linden MP on twitter or visit his website and catch up with Jen Layden here. Listen to more episodes of Scotland's Choice.

What better way to celebrate International Women's Day (8th of March 2022) than to hear from three talented and inspiring activists in the Independence movement. In this episode Drew is joined by independence campaigners and women's rights champions Sue Lyons, Sally Donald and Charlotte Armitage. We hear from all three on why International Women's Day is such an important day to them and find out their thoughts on the challenges women still face in the workplace, politics and in society. This special International Women's Day episode is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to our movement, our communities and our society - but also to keep shining a light on the many biases women face day in day out. Some key stats from this episode: 50% of women are in entry-level jobs but that reduces to 22% as they go up the ladder The World Economic Forum Gender Gap Report estimates that on the current trajectory, it will now take 135.6 years to close the gender gap worldwide. It also reports that it will take 145.5 years to attain gender parity in politics and women represent only 26.1% of some 35,500 parliament seats. International Women's Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. "IWD has occurred for well over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. IWD is not country, group or organization specific." International Women's Day text from https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ #IWD2022 #BreakTheBias Listen to other Scotland Choice Episodes here. Follow Sally, Sue and Charlotte on Twitter to hear more on their work and campaigns.

In Conversation with Fergus Ewing MSP & Emma Harper MSP Few sectors have been harder hit by Brexit than agriculture and farming. Drew sits down with Fergus Ewing MSP and Emma Harper MSP to talk about Westminster's role in the fate of rural economies and the farming community on this week's podcast. Scotland's farmers and crofters are having to deal with the impacts of labour shortages, barriers to trade and supply chain issues resulting from Brexit. To make matters worse, they know much more pain is just around the corner as the tories continue to cobble together concerning trade deals – not to mention the Internal Market Bill, which threatens Scotland's high-quality producers. Both Fergus and Emma's passion for the sector and deep understanding of the issues farmers and crofters face is evident throughout the conversation making it a must-listen! Both Emma and Fergus talk about the opportunities for the sector in an independent Scotland, along with changing attitudes within the farming community. Listen to more Scotland's Choice Episodes here: Follow Fergus on Twitter or visit his website Follow Emma on Twitter or visit her website

There are few words so synonymous with Scottish Independence than the phrase Devo Max. Over the years, Devolution Max - a full fiscal autonomy alternative to Independence has been floated by many a unionist. Unsurprisingly, their Devo Max musings always seem to coincide with growing support in the polls for Scottish Independence. Like clockwork, when there is a rise in the polls for support for Independence, devo max is touted by union supporters. Devo Max doesn't reflect our nation's interests and nor will it deal with the significant impacts being tethered to a broken Westminster have on Scottish families and our economy. Yet it is has become a favourite party trick of those who do not support Scottish Independence. In this week's episode of Scotland's Choice, we explore the Devo Max question. Joining Drew to chat all things Devo Max is SNP Stalwart, Peter Wishart MP, the SNP Westminster Deputy Leader Kirsten Oswald MP and No to Yes Campaigner, Michael Sturrock. Kirsten Oswald has been the Member of Parliament for East Renfrewshire since 2015 and has served as SNP Westminster Deputy Leader since 2020. You can follow Kirsten on Twitter or visit her website. Pete Wishart is the SNP's longest-serving Member of Parliament, having served the people of Perth and North Perthshire since 2001. You can catch Pete over on Twitter or visit his website. Michael Sturrock previously joined Drew on Scotland's Choice to discuss his personal journey from No to Yes and we are delighted to have him back on the podcast. Michael founded the No to Yes campaign site. You can catch Michael on Twitter here. Catch up with other episodes of Scotland's Choice here.

With Gillian Martin MSP and AIM activists Fatima Joji and Theo Forbes. Drew sits down with Aberdeen Independence Movement organisers Fatima Joji, Theo Forbes and North East MSP Gillian Martin in this Yes Places series episode of Scotland's Choice. The guests share their views on the opportunities ahead for Scotland as an independent nation, and we hear more about their thoughts on the work ahead of us to pave the way for a future Yes Vote. Theo, Fatima, and other grassroots activists set up the Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) to do just this. It is great to hear them talk passionately about how the local independence movement works together to help shape the debate and encourage positive change campaigning. While Gillian offers some fantastic insights into how the work of the Scottish Parliament is shaping the views of the independence debate on the world stage. Naturally, with both Gillian and Fatima's extensive work on women for independence, Drew discusses with them the impacts of policies like Scotland's world-leading legislation to tackle period poverty and the effects of Westminster policies on women and the independence movement. In this Yes Places episode, Gillian, Theo and Fatima all touch on the unique challenges people living in the North-East face, including the opportunities that lie ahead for the region, the difficulties the area faces and what this means for support for independence. Theo and Fatima also get us all caught up on the forthcoming Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) conference, which seems like an event not to be missed. We hope it is the first of many independence movement events to come. Theo is founding member of the Aberdeen Independence Movement (AIM) which you can find more on here. Fatima is the Co-Chair of AIM and is a Director of @5050parliament. Follow AIM on Twitter here. Gillian Martin has been the MSP for Aberdeenshire East since 2016 and is Convenor of Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in Scottish Parliament. You can find more about Gillian's work on her website here and follow her on Twitter here.

With Kate Forbes. In this Scotland's Choice episode Drew sits down with Kate Forbes to the discuss economic opportunities for an Independent Scotland. Kate is the MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch (which includes Dingwall, the Black Isle, and the Great Glen). Kate is the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy in the Scottish Government, which means she can offer a unique insight into the tangible economic benefits of independence. The issues that dominated the 2014 independence debate have fundamentally changed and Kate offers her insight into how these have shifted and the economic opportunities for an independent Scotland. This episode is well worth a listen, Drew, and Kate cover everything from how she got into politics to currency, trade, energy and the impacts of Brexit. You can follow Kate on Twitter here or on Facebook here. Listen to other episodes of Scotland's Choice here.

Some of the best bits of Scotland's Choice. Part Two of our special episodes showcasing some of the key points made on Scotland's Choice. With 2022 set to be a huge year for the independence movement, it's vital that we familiarise ourselves with the facts. Ahead of us is a year in which plans for the referendum will be published. Let's not let it slip now! Listed below are links to each of the episodes that the clips in Part Two of Looking Ahead are taken from. Feel free to go back and listen to the full conversation. We'll have brand new content for you next week and throughout the year! Episode 24: The Business Case for Independence (with Michelle Thomson MSP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 27: Juat Transition (with Stephen Flynn MP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 25: Scotland In and Out of the EU (with former Jenny Gilruth MSP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 29: Scotland's Trade (with Stewart Hosie MP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 30: A Wellbeing Economy (with Ariane Burgess MSP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 16: The Financial Case for Independence - Part One (with Andrew Wilson). Click here to listen to the episode in full. For the full catalogue of Scotland's Choice episode click here. Follow Scotland's Choice on Twitter here.

Some of the best bits of Scotland's Choice. Part One of two special episodes showcasing some of the key points made on Scotland's Choice. With 2022 set to be a huge year for the independence movement, it's vital that we familiarise ourselves with the facts. Ahead of us is a year in which plans for the referendum will be published. Let's not let it slip now! Listed below are links to each of the episodes that the clips in Part One of Looking Ahead are taken from. Feel free to go back and listen to the full conversation. We'll have Part Two for you next week and then normal service will be resumed! Episode 22: Young People (with Charlotte Armitage). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 20: Arctic Relations (with Angus Robertson MSP). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 26: Scotland's Land (with former MSP Rob Gibson). Click here to listen to the episode in full.Episode 18: No to Yes (with Ruaridh Hanna). Click here to listen to the episode in full. For the full catalogue of Scotland's Choice episode click here. Follow Scotland's Choice on Twitter here.

With Hannah Bardell MP and Sally Donald. With Hannah Bardell MP and Sally Donald. According to UN analysis early this year, at the current rate, gender equality in the highest positions of power will not be reached for another 130 years. This shows just how much work is needed to create more gender-balanced and better functioning governance around the world. Here in Scotland, we have a gender-balanced cabinet and a female First Minister and a female Finance Secretary, but we know there is still much work to be done to level the playing field. In this episode, Drew talks to Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston and Sally Donald, Edinburgh Central SNP Women's Officer about their thoughts on the role of women in politics, the challenges they face and how we go about encouraging more women to get involved in campaigning and front line politics. Polling post-referendum in 2014 indicate that women were decisive in delivering a No vote, with 57 per cent voting No, while 53 per cent of men voted Yes. Hannah, Sally, and Drew discuss changing attitudes and looking ahead to the next Independence Referendum how women are helping shape the debate. During their discussion with Drew, both Hannah and Sally talk about the challenges that face women entering politics from a grassroots level and putting themselves forward for election and political life. Their insights into the challenges women face and the benefits of more people-centric policies are thoughtful and well worth a listen. Follow Hannah on twitter here and on Facebook here. Follow Sally on twitter here and Edinburgh Central SNP here. Listen to other episodes of Scotland's Choice here.

With Alyn Smith MP, and Yes Stirling activists Greg and Gerry. A view from Stirling. In this episode, the first of our Yes Places series, Drew talks with members of the Stirling independence movement about their activism, their views on the route to Independence and the relationship between grassroots activism and political representation. Local Yes teams were at the heart of the last independence campaign, and they will be even more crucial for the next one, so we want to hear from those working day in day out in local communities to deliver a decisive yes vote – and the series begins with Yes Places: A View from Stirling Alyn Smith is the MP for Stirling and represented Scotland in Europe from 2004 to 2019 as a Member of the European Parliament. Throughout this time, he forged close working relationships with his European counterparts. His closing remarks in the EU Parliament resonated with people across Scotland; when speaking of Scotland, he asked European colleagues to 'leave a light on so we can find our way home." Also joining Drew for this episode Yes Places: A View from Stirling are Gerry and Greg, two Yes Stirling campaigning stalwarts. Gerry and Greg epitomise all that is great about grassroots campaigning. Not only are they dedicated campaigners in Stirling, but they also promote the benefits of Independence only through the YES STIRLING social media handle. They are also well known in the independence movement for creating fantastic independence videos, which have been shared far and wide on social media. Gerry and Greg, along with Alyn, share their hopes for a better Scotland and their thoughts on the opportunities that lie ahead for an independent Scotland. It is an enjoyable conversation and certainly not to be missed. Follow Alyn Smith on Twitter here and on Facebook here. Follow Yes Stirling on Twitter here or visit the Yes Stirling website here. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

Few areas of policy were more divisive in the lead up to the 2014 Independence Referendum than Pensions. People were told repeatedly that one of the most significant risks of independence was losing pension security and the infamous ‘triple lock'. We know this issue was hugely influential in shaping the views of older voters who naturally were concerned about the perceived risk to their pension contributions. Roll on to 2021, and almost every protection voters were promised by Better Together campaigners have been dismantled – including the promise of triple-lock pensions which the UK Tory Government intends to suspend in 2022. In this episode, Drew talks with SNP Westminster Group Leader Ian Blackford to discuss how the debate around pensions has shaped since the referendum. They discuss the impact of pensions policy on people living in Scotland and discuss the issues facing women born in the 1950s. Many people will be familiar with the WASPI campaign against this injustice. Ian and Drew discuss how the UK Government could and should have made different decisions to support women affected by these changes. People living in Scotland rightly want to know that the pensions they have paid into all their working lives are in safe hands. It is a subject that will dominate the debate ahead of the next referendum, making this episode is a must-listen for campaigners. Follow Ian on Twitter here and on Facebook here. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

Twelve-month waits for payment, a culture of suspicion, punishing bureaucracy are just some of the features of the UK Social Security system people living with disabilities face. In this episode, Drew chats to Councillor Laura Brennan-Whitefield, a SNP Councillor for North Ayr, a mother, a disabilities campaigner, a trekie and someone who lives with a disability. Laura, who has lived with Multiple Sceloris for 14 years, believes an Independent Scotland offers the opportunity to build a system that treats people fairly, with dignity and respect. Something she believes is very different to what is on offer under the UK system. Across the UK, people living with disabilities face a rigid social security system that doesn't consider their condition, their individual needs and, for some, even prevents them from working. Instead of recognising the contribution disabled people can have in our society, the current social security system under the UK Government goes to battle with people who need support. The sheer rate of applications for support overturned on appeal shows just how broken the system is. In contrast, with its limited powers – a mere 15% of all social security powers, the Scottish Parliament has shown that it can be done differently. By putting fairness and dignity at the heart of social security, we have the opportunity to support disabled people to live their very best lives. Laura shares her thoughts on how this approach to social security impacts views on independence and how she believes an independent Scotland will better serve people living with disabilities. Follow Laura on Twitter here and SNP Disabled Members Group here Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

When we think of politics we probably think of the grand halls of Westminster Palace or the postmodern structure of the Scottish Parliament. With that, we also likely think of key political figures in the main parties. The First Minister, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the Presiding Officer. Cast your mind back to the 2014 referendum, which figures stand out? Probably high-profile people such as Alex Salmond, Alistair Darling, Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson etc. But it was in the grassroots in which the bulk of the work was done. The leaders' debates in 2014 did very little to change people's minds. Of course, they served a purpose, but a major swing wasn't recorded after any event of this nature. What was recorded, however, is the polling on opinions on independence in the run-up to the 2014 referendum. In January 2012, 32% of people polled supported independence. This rose to 45% in the final vote. Many factors were at play, but the activists pounding the streets and knocking on doors certainly did a lot to change people's minds. Here, we've assembled a group of 3 activists from different walks of life and from different parts of the country to explain why activism is so important. How can one get involved in signing up? What's it like the first time you knock on someone's door? How do you politely disagree with folk? And, most importantly, how can this brand of grassroots activism win people over? All of these issues are discussed in Part 2 of this special episode of Scotland's Choice. Follow our activists on Twitter: Marcus, Danielle, Alan. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

Wellbeing is something we're all a lot more in tune with today. And there is a growing number of people who support the idea of a well-being economy - one that promotes looking after individuals and the environment. To discuss the (not so new) idea, Ariane Burgess, Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands Region, joins host Drew Hendry MP. Much of today's economic measures are focused on tracking GDP and pursuing a "growth at any cost" model. But, while, of course, GDP is necessary to take into account, it should not be considered the be-all and end-all of how well a country is performing. Bobby Kennedy said in 1968, during his presidential campaign, "GDP measures everything in short, except that which makes life worthwhile". So, the idea of GDP not being the sole measure of a national economy is hardly a new one. Schemes such as a 4-day working week are proposed in Scotland. With the most obvious of advantages being an increase in individuals' wellbeing, we also see economic benefits too. So, it's a win-win. People are more productive when they are happier and looked after. A wellbeing economy is not just for people though. The philosophy also encompasses green initiatives. A thriving natural environment promotes sustainable economic growth as well as increased happiness in citizens. Listen to all of the above and much more on this fascinating episode of Scotland's Choice. For more of Ariane's work, click here. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

Trade is the beating heart of any economy. In its simplest form, it allows goods or services to be transferred between one party to another, in return for other goods/services, or, more commonly, money. So where has the UK lost its way with regards to trade? What's changed in recent years that's had such a disastrous effect? Stewart Hosie MP has been MP for Dundee East since 2005. Now serving as the SNP's Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, he previously covered International Trade for the SNP at Westminster - a position our host Drew Hendry MP now holds. When discussing Scotland's trade, these two have years of experience on the matter and are well versed in the arguments and finer details to be considered. Since Brexit, the UK has struggled to establish trade deals with countries around the world. This scramble for finding such deals has led to sub-par deals being accepted. Look no further than the recently signed deal with New Zealand which is actually expected to shrink the UK economy. There is also the important issue of morality and ethics to consider. Present UK law allows the country to trade with regimes accused of committing genocide. Is that something we really want to be a part of? So how could Scotland fare better as an independent country? You'll have to listen to this week's episode to find out! For more of Stewart's work, click here. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

Grassroots activism has an extremely important part to play in politics. When we think of politics we probably think of the grand halls of Westminster Palace or the postmodern structure of the Scottish Parliament. With that, we also likely think of key political figures in the main parties. The First Minister, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Presiding Officer. Cast your mind back to the 2014 referendum, which figures stand out? Probably high-profile people such as Alex Salmond, Alistair Darling, Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson etc. But it was in the grassroots in which the bulk of the work was done. The leaders' debates in 2014 did very little to change people's minds. Of course, they served a purpose, but a major swing wasn't recorded after any event of this nature. What was recorded, however, is the polling on opinions on independence in the run-up to the 2014 referendum. In January 2012, 32% of people polled supported independence. This rose to 45% in the final vote. Many factors were at play, but the activists pounding the streets and knocking on doors certainly did a lot to change people's minds. Here, we've assembled a group of 3 activists from different walks of life and from different parts of the country to explain why activism is so important. How can one get involved in signing up? What's it like the first time you knock on someone's door? How do you politely disagree with folk? And, most importantly, how can this brand of activism win people over? All of these issues are discussed in this special episode of Scotland's Choice. Part 2 will be released in a few weeks' time. Follow our activists on Twitter: Marcus, Danielle, Alan. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.

The Just Transition. Everyone will have heard the phrase, and many will have at least a vague idea of the meaning behind it. But, looking in-depth and in specific terms, what do politicians mean when they talk about it? Stephen Flynn MP is the SNP's Energy spokesperson at Westminster and so is well-versed in the subject of the Just Transition. In this episode of Scotland's Choice he and host Drew Hendry MP discuss why this area of policy is important. In short, the just transition means the process of moving away from dependency on fossil fuels towards renewables. Crucially, though, this must be done in a just manner, one that minimises job losses and economic damage. We have seen a transition before, but it was anything but just. In the second half of the 20th century, coal mines were rapidly shut down leaving workers out of a job and leading to an unemployment crisis. Not only is Stephen the SNP's Energy Spokesperson, he represents a constituency that relies on us getting this transition right - Aberdeen South. Aberdeen and its surrounding areas have, for decades, benefitted from Scotland's offshore resources. Proponents of the just transition argue that these jobs do need to be lost when we stop drilling for oil. There will be a huge demand for jobs in the renewables sector, we just have to provide the training to reskill these critical workers. And the work has already started. 87% of workers that have been signed up to the Scottish Government's Just Transition Training programme have been successfully retrained - it can be done. The UK Government is dragging its heels on the matter. And promises made after the 2014 referendum are already being broken. Just look at the funding promised for the carbon capture facility in the North East. There is much more detail and discussion in the full episode, listen now! For more of Stephen's work click here. Listen to other Scotland's Choice episodes here.