Podcasts about First minister

The First Minister of Wales sets a marker to the left of Keir Starmer, setting out her vision of a "Red Welsh Way", drawing inspiration from Gavin and Stacey.Producer: Daniel Kraemer

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Willie Coffey To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made, regarding any implications for its work to grow Scotland's economy, of analysis from Future Economy Scotland indicating that average earnings in Scotland are £15,000 less per year than they would have been if wages had not flatlined since the financial crisis. Graham Simpson To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to The Hunter Foundation report, Lessons from Singapore for Scotland's Economy. Foysol Choudhury  To ask the First Minister, in light of recent reported incidents, how the Scottish Government is working to prevent knife crime. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/recent-publication?meeting=16416&iob=140223  

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time.   Topics covered this week include: Collette Stevenson To ask the First Minister, regarding any implications for its work to tackle poverty, what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the Department for Work and Pension's forecasts reportedly indicating that the UK Government's planned reductions to disability benefits will impact 700,000 families that are already in poverty. Sandesh Gulhane  To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address the performance of NHS 24, in light of reports that nearly one in five calls to the service went unanswered last year. Michelle Thomson  To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the recently announced UK-USA trade deal and its potential implications for businesses in Scotland. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/recent-publication?meeting=16416&iob=140223  

In CI News this week: The Government estimates that assisted suicide could save the NHS millions of pounds by ending thousands of lives early, peers urge the Government to abandon plans to introduce a home education register, and MPs attempt to decriminalise abortion by hijacking the Crime and Policing Bill. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Killing thousands could save NHS millions, Govt estimates Scotland's First Minister pledges to vote against assisted suicide Peers urge Govt to reconsider introduction of home education register MPs set to vote on decriminalising abortion No-fault divorce fuelling ‘animosity', says family lawyer

First Minister John Swinney MSP answers questions from party leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Questions included: Kevin Stewart  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to water scarcity alerts issued by SEPA for the east of Scotland, in light of low rainfall and warm temperatures.  Brian Whittle To ask the First Minister, in light of the publication of the Programme for Government, what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that prevention is more strongly integrated into the health system. Jackie Baillie To ask the First Minister when the landslip shelter on the A83 at the Rest and Be Thankful will be complete.   Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament   

In this episode we give our initial reactions to  the First Minister's Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26.We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will  Scotland be  immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections?And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change.Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and stand up to Trump.Today, Tuesday, sees the conclusion of the selection process for SNP candidates for those elections. Some weel kent sitting MSPs are fighting off challengers. Three contests in particular have hit the headlines.Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory with no timeline for withdrawal. Does this move finally give the lie to Israel's claim that it's all about the return of the hostages?If you fancy popping along to the two events Lesley will be appearing at this weekend, follow these linkshttps://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to the thirty-first episode of the Zoology Ramblings Podcast! In this episode, Emma and Robi share news about Czech beavers saving taxpayer time and money, Robi goes on a thought tangent about nature friendly farming in the UK and Emma talks about how vicuña poo can create biodiversity hotspots as glaciers retreat. Emma and Robi's animals of the week range from the very large (Koobi Fora Giant Stork) to the very small (Tardigrades). For their local conservation stories, Robi talks about the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, ruling out the legal reintroduction of lynx into the wild in Scotland. Emma talks about an exciting new National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme being rolled out across the UK. And finally onto global conservation stories, where Emma talks about a project looking to bring back the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger) from extinction using futuristic gene editing. Robi ends by talking about the new African Rhinoceros Conservation Framework, which lays out best practice guidelines for effectively conserving rhinos across the continent. About the hosts: Robi Watkinson is a Conservation Biologist and wildlife filmmaker specialising in the spatial and movement ecology of large carnivores, camera trapping survey methods, rewilding, metapopulation dynamics and conservation planning. He has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, and the Institute of Communities and Wildlife in Africa, University of Cape Town. He is based between Cape Town and London, and has strong interests in equitable and inclusive conservation, palaeontology and wildlife taxonomy and evolution!Emma Hodson is a Zoologist and wildlife content creator, currently working in the community and engagement team at Avon Wildlife Trust. Emma's role as a Wildlife Champions Coordinator involves supporting and upskilling people to take action for nature in their local communities. Emma has experience in remote wildlife fieldwork, and has been part of Arctic fox, macaw and cetacean research teams in Iceland, Peru and Wales respectively. She has also been involved in animal care and rehabilitation work in Costa Rica and South Africa. Emma is particularly passionate about the interface between community engagement and wildlife monitoring, and enjoys running workshops and giving talks on topics including camera trapping, beaver ecology and rewilding. Follow up links: You can watch "Rewilding A Nation" for free on WaterBear by following this link: https://www.waterbear.com/watch/rewilding-a-nation You can follow more of our weird and wonderful wildlife adventures on instagram: @zoologyramblingspodcast & @robi_watkinson_wildlife & @emma_hodson_wildlife

Listen back to FMQs. Questions this week included:  Jackie Dunbar To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any implications for its work to grow Scotland's economy of the EY ITEM Club Spring Forecast, which downgraded expectations for UK output over the next two years. Edward Mountain To ask the First Minister, in light of the reported high demand for neurodevelopmental assessment services, when the Scottish Government plans to publish the report on the work that it funded on the five “tests of change” across Scotland, which concluded in March 2024. Mark Griffin To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports of local authorities suspending council housing allocations.   Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

It was supposed to a fun afternoon arguing over the 2,000trees clashfinder but Sharon Osbourne, Scotland's First Minister and the pesky bloody Tories had other ideas…. so the spotlight is back on the Kneecap lads.But what about the promoters, like James, who have red hot Irish trio on their poster?Well, there's death threats for a start. We go again, every Thursday morning.

Fliss and James discuss a report from the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) about the issues facing the Welsh NHS and the ''urgent need for a turnaround''. They are joined by one of the report's authors and former GP Professor Sally Lewis and Professor Jon Barry, the Director in Wales for the Royal College of Surgeons. BBC Wales Political Editor Gareth Lewis then joins the pod to reveal comments from the First Minister about Labour party's MPs not standing up for Wales.

- “Our footballing ambition is too small!”- “We need regional academies everywhere from Stranraer to Orkney!"- “My greatest regret from the McLeish report” 

jQuery(document).ready(function(){ cab.clickify(); }); Original Podcast with clickable words https://tinyurl.com/25bofwlj Contact: irishlingos@gmail.com 150k people have paid their respects to the Pope so far. 150k duine atá tar éis a n-ómós a léiriú don Phápa go dtí seo. The Vatican has said that 150,000 people have already come to pay their respects to Pope Francis, who is lying in state in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City for the third consecutive day. Tá sé ráite ag an Vatacáin go bhfuil 150,000 duine tar éis teacht cheana féin chun a n-ómós a thabhairt don Phápa Proinsias, atá ina luí faoi ghradam i mBaisleac Pheadair i gCathair na Vatacáine don tríú lá as a chéile. People are waiting up to four hours in queues to pay their respects. Tá daoine ag fanacht suas le ceithre huaire i scuainí lena n-ómós a léiriú. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday. Cailleadh an Pápa Proinsias Luan na Cásca. He was 88 years old. Bhí sé 88 bliain d'aois. The President of Ireland, Michael D. Bhí Uachtarán na hÉireann, Michael D. Higgins, and his wife, Sabina in St. Peter's Basilica earlier. Higgins, agus a bhean chéile, Sabina i mBaisleac Pheadair níos túisce. With world leaders expected to attend the funeral tomorrow morning, Italy is preparing for a tight security measure. Agus súil le ceannairí domhanda teacht chuig an tsochraid maidin amárach, tá beart dian slándála á réiteach ag an Iodáil. President Michael D. Beidh an tUachtarán Michael D. Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin are among the heads of state and government who will represent the countries of the world in Peter's Square. Higgins agus an Taoiseach Micheál Martin i measc na gceann stáit agus na gceann rialtais a dhéanfaidh ionadaíocht ar son thíortha an domhain i gCearnóg Pheadair. They will be joined by US President Trump, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymur Zelenskyy. Ina gcomhluadar beidh Uachtarán Trump na Stát Aontaithe, Príomh-Aire na Breataine Keir Starmer, an tUachtarán Emmanuel Macron agus Uachtarán na hÚcráine, Volodymur Zelenskyy. It was announced shortly afterwards that the First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, will be present at the funeral. Fógraíodh ar ball beag go mbeidh Céad-Aire Thuaisceart Éireann, Michelle O'Neill, i láthair ag an tsochraid. Former US President Joe Biden will also be there. Beidh iarUachtarán Mheirceá, Joe Biden, ann freisin. In addition, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in Rome between now and Easter Sunday, when Pope Francis was last seen making a short circuit through St. Peter's Square. Anuas air sin, tá súil leis na céadta míle cuairteoir sa Róimh as seo go dtí an Satharn Domhnach na Cásca an uair dheireanach a chonacthas an Pápa Proinsias agus é ag déanamh cúrsa gearr thrí Chearnóg Pheadair. Less than 24 hours later he died of a stroke that had struck him during the night. Níos lú ná 24 uair níos deanaí bhí sé básaithe den stróc a bhuail é i gcaitheamh na hoíche. He was recovering in the Vatican from a pneumonia infection that had put him in the hospital for 5 weeks. Bhí sé ag teacht chuige fein sa Vatacáin ó infhabhtú niúmóine a chuir san ospidéal ar feadh 5 seachtaine é. After the funeral, his body will be taken to his favorite church in Rome, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, and will be laid to rest under a simple slab with a single word engraved on it, Franciscus. Tar éis na sochraide, tabharfar a chorp chuig an séipéal b'ansa leis sa Róimh, baisleac Santa Maria Maggiore agus cuirfear ann é faoi leac simplí a mbeidh aon fhocal amháin greanta air, Franciscus. In Ireland, a Solemn Mass was held this morning in St. Mary's Parish Church where prayers were held for the eternal rest of the Pope's soul. In Éirinn, bhí Aifreann Sollúnta ar siúl ar maidin i Leas-Eaglais Naomh Muire inar guíodh ar son suaimhneas síoraí d'anam an Phápa.

The First Minister takes questions from MSPs.

The Ordinary Elite is a Scottish podcast brought to you from Glasgow by John McGovern and Mike Dailly. Both are Solicitor Advocates - John a criminal defence lawyer and Mike a civil litigation practitioner and social justice campaigner. In our 4th episode of Season 4, we consider this week's judgment of the UK Supreme Court in For Women Scotland v the Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Government lost this case in the same month that the First Minister agreed to award ministers a £19,000 pay rise. Are we getting value for money from our senior public servants or are we rewarding failure?

This week the Daily Record's political editor Paul Hutcheon is joined by the First Minister and leader of the Scottish National Party, John Swinney. The pair sit down over a plate of Tunnock's teacakes to discuss the issues Record readers hold dear - the NHS, the cost of living, Donald Trump, and in an exclusive reaction, the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman. To watch this exclusive interview in full, head to the Daily Record's YouTube channel. Presented by Paul Hutcheon. Audio, video and editing by Daryl Devine and Molly Finlay. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen back to FMQs. Questions this week included:  Kevin Stewart   To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reported comments made by the chair of the North Sea Transition Task Force that the North Sea's future should be a “national mission”. Stephen Kerr To ask the First Minister what engagement the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government regarding what assessment has been made of the potential impact of an extension of US tariffs on Scottish businesses that export to the US market. Katy Clark  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on whether the reported increased annual cost of Scotland's prisons to over £77,000 per prisoner represents good value for public money.   Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

Felicity Evans and James Williams are joined guests to discuss the pressure Welsh Labour find themselves under following UK Labour's welfare cuts. Cathy Owens, Director of Cavendish Cymru, and BBC Wales' Political Correspondent, Daniel Davies, discuss the past few weeks in politics and the impact the latest developments will have on the First Minister, Welsh Labour and Wales' relationship with Westminster.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone MSP and First Minister John Swinney MSP make a statement to Parliament following the death of Christina McKelvie MSP. 

Listen back to FMQs. Questions this week included:  Kenneth Gibson To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the UK Government's Spring Statement. Murdo Fraser To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to reduce waiting times for children and adolescents for the diagnosis of autism and ADHD. Mercedes Villalba To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to prevent instances of water scarcity in 2025. Ash Regan  To ask the First Minister, in light of reports of an escalation in gang-related violence in Edinburgh, with recent shootings in Niddrie and West Pilton, what immediate action can be taken to support the emergency services in ensuring the safety and reassurance of communities in the Edinburgh Eastern constituency.   Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

Eluned MorganEluned is the First Minister of Wales and the first female First Minister of Wales. What challenges does Wales face that other parts of the UK might not?How do leaders create economic growth?And can someone help get Eluned some Oasis tickets? SEE THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE ON STAGE! 31 March: Anthony Scaramucci12 May: Wes Streeting9 June: Kemi Badenoch14 July: Michael Gove Plus more to be announced... Get tickets for all shows here: https://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/ DONATE to the RNOH Charity here:https://www.rnohcharity.org/donate/donate-onlineSEE Matt at on tour until June 2025, including his extra date at The Nottingham Playhouse: https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows 28 March: Nottingham, Lakeside Arts Centre4 April: London, Bloomsbury Theatre13 April: Salford Lowry - EXTRA DATE29 May: Chipping Norton Theatre - EXTRA DATE30 May: Swindon Arts Centre - EXTRA DATE4 June: Leeds City Varieties - EXTRA DATE5 June: Nottingham Playhouse - EXTRA DATE6 June: Cambridge Junction - EXTRA DATE12 June: York, The Crescent - EXTRA DATE13 June: Chelmsford Theatre - EXTRA DATE14 June: Faversham, The Alex - EXTRA DATE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included:  Michelle Thomson  To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the recent UK Living Standards Review 2025, from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and any implications for its work to grow Scotland's economy. Rachael Hamilton  To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is marking Endometriosis Awareness Month. Kevin Stewart  To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to tackle Islamophobia in Scotland, in light of reports of an attack on a mosque in Aberdeen at the weekend.   Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

A version of this essay was published by firstpost.com at https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/shadow-warrior-britains-outsized-malign-role-in-global-chaos-13872084.html?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialBeing a keen observer of the United Kingdom, I have lately noticed a few apparently unconnected events with dismay. If I were to connect the dots, it begins to appear that Britain has had an outsize influence on international affairs. Maybe the James Bond meme isn't the total fantasy I had assumed it was: a juvenile wet dream about nubile maidens and irresistible heroes bumping off sundry villains.The reality appears to be quite impressive. This tiny, rainy island off Northwest Asia has been running quite a number of worldwide schemes. Its administrative center, Whitehall, manages a global web of intrigue and narrative-building, and has created a number of ‘imperial fortresses', thus punching above its weight-classOne of their principal assets in gaslighting others is the BBC (not to mention their plummy accents that, for example, make Americans just melt). The BBC has a sterling reputation which does not seem well-deserved. There have been many instances of motivated bias (eg. in their Brexit or India coverage), lack of integrity (eg. sexual transgressions by senior staff) and so on. In reality, it is about as unabashed at pushing its agenda as Al Jazeera is about its own.Admittedly, Britain has made one major blunder along the way, though: Brexit, which left them in trisanku mode, sort of adrift mid-Atlantic. They were distancing themselves from the European Union, counting on their so-called ‘special relationship' with the US to sustain them, away from what they perceived, correctly, as a declining and disunited Europe. They also thought they could dominate their former colonies again (see the frantic pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement with India?) without onerous EU rules. Sadly, none of this quite worked out.The reason is a fundamental problem: there is not much of a market for British goods any more. Indians once coveted British products as status symbols, but today, with the possible exceptions of Rolls Royce cars and single-malt whiskey, there's very little anybody wants from them. They still do good R&D, make aircraft engines (India could use that technology), and their apparently for-hire journalism is well-known, but that's about it.On the other hand, they have managed to stay entrenched in the international financial system, starting with colonial loot, especially the $45 trillion they are believed to have taken from India. It is rumored that they used stolen Indian gold to buy distressed assets in the US after the Civil War. It is possible they had the same game plan for Ukraine: acquire rich agricultural land and mineral deposits at distressed prices. Some point to the port of Odessa as another targetUkraine: bad faith actor?It is remarkable how Boris Johnson, then PM of UK, is alleged to have single-handedly ruined the chance of a ceasefire in April 2022 during his visit to Kiev in the early days of the Ukraine war, when there was a chance of a negotiated cessation of hostilities with all parties adhering to the Minsk 1 and 2 agreements.In January, just before President Trump took office, UK PM Starmer signed a minerals agreement with Ukraine as part of a “100-Year Partnership” that appears to pre-emptively undercut Trump's proposed $500-billion US deal. That lends credence to allegations about the UK's coveting minerals, as well as its not being interested in ending the tragic war.Gold: is it all there?The UK does have a thing for tangible assets, including gold. A lot of the world's gold (5000 metric tons) is supposedly held in secure custody in London. But there are fears that this may not physically be there in the vaults of the Bank of England any more. They may have indulged in ‘gold leasing', where the actual gold ends up being replaced by paper promises after it is lent out to bullion banks, from where it may be moved around and be inaccessibleExtraordinary delays in gold deliveries in 2025 (on withdrawals to New York triggered by tariff fears) increase this concern. There is a lack of transparency in transactions in the metal in the UK. Spooked, many countries are taking their gold back. India repatriated 200+ tons of its own gold from London in 2024. Venezuela is fighting a court battle to get its gold back.Then there are concerns raised by the arguably unfair freezing of Russian assets held abroad as part of Ukraine-war sanctions: Starmer recently promised to give Ukraine $2 billion, basically the interest generated by those assets. This doesn't sound quite right, and has dented the image of London as a reliable financial hub. Brexit was a blow; the rise of Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai and Zurich all threaten the City of London, but it is second only to New York, still.Imperial Fortresses galoreAnother win for the British was the selection of Mark Carney, a former Bank of England governor, as the Prime Minister of Canada. The Anglosphere continues to be dominated by the UK, although the Commonwealth is a club that serves no particular purpose any more, except as a curious relic of the British empire.This highlights the concept of ‘imperial fortresses': far-flung outposts that have helped sustain British military power and diplomatic clout despite the loss of empire. Traditionally, these were naval bases/garrisons such as those in Malta, Gibraltar, Bermuda, etc. that allowed Britain to keep an eye on the ‘restless natives'. However, I contend that the entire Anglosphere has been treated as imperial fortresses by them.Canada, Australia and New Zealand still continue to have the British King as their Head of State, which is astonishing for supposedly sovereign nations. But it's far more interesting that, in effect, the US has been treated as another vassal by the Brits, pillow-talked into doing things that are generally only in the interests of Britain. All that pomp and circumstance has beguiled poor Americans. Whitehall, I assert, have been Svengalis to Foggy Bottom.Master Blaster blowback?The other metaphor is from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), where "Master Blaster" is a literal duo: Master, a cunning dwarf, and Blaster, his brawny, enforcer bodyguard. The Americans unwittingly have provided the muscle to the calculating dwarf's machinations, which generally end up mostly benefiting the latterBut there is yet another imperial fortress that we should consider: Pakistan. It was created expressly to be a geographically well-placed client state for the Brits to continue their 19th century Great Game from afar to checkmate Russia, and incidentally to contain India. From that point of view, Pakistan has been a successful imperial outpost, notwithstanding the fact that it, despite decades of US largesse, is a failing state (see the Baloch train hijack recently).This is part of the reason why Americans have a hard time explaining why they get involved in Pakistan and Afghanistan again and again to their ultimate regret, with painful exits. They have been induced to do this by the clever Brits, who, quite evidently, sided with Muslims against Hindus in the sub-continent, for instance in the British-led merger of Gilgit-Baltistan into Pakistan, contrary to the Instrument of Accession.There is considerable irony in all this, because one could argue that Pakistani-origin Brits have now done a ‘reverse master-blaster' to the Brits. That sounds eerily like the ‘reverse-Kissinger' that Trump is supposed to be doing. Or maybe it is a ‘recursive master-blaster', although the mind boggles at that.Consider the facts: UK rape-gangs are almost entirely of Pakistani origin; several current mayors (including Sadiq Khan in London) and past mayors are of that ethnicity, indicating a powerful vote-bank; they have at least 15 MPs and a large number of councillors.There's Pakistani-origin Sir Mufti Hamid Patel, the chair of the Office of Standards in Education; Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary; Humza Yusuf, the former First Minister of Scotland. This imperial fortress is fighting back, indeed, and winning. The UK may not have quite anticipated this outcome.The American vassal-state is also beginning to rebel. Trump was personally incensed by the fact that Starmer sent 50 Labor operatives to work against him in the 2024 US elections: their interactions have been a little frosty.Khalil, an embedded asset?Then there is the case of a current cause celebre in the US, Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born Algerian citizen of Palestinian descent. He has been accused of leading violent anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, and detained on that count. Interestingly, he had a security clearance from the UK, and was part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, living in Beirut and leading a scholarship program for Syrians. Yes, Syria.And then Khalil suddenly showed up with a green card (not a student visa), got married to a US citizen named Noor Abdalla, finished his program at Columbia, and so on. To me, all this sounds like it was facilitated, and that he has certain powerful foreign friends. No prizes for guessing who they were.Iraq, Libya and Syria: Humanitarian crisesSpeaking of Syria, Whitehall spent at least 350 million pounds sterling between 2011 and 2024 in regime-change activities targeting the Assad government, according to Declassified UK.The UK's meddling in the Middle East, going back to the Sykes-Picot carving up of the Ottoman Empire after World War I, and mandates in Palestine and Iraq, and even earlier to the antics of T E Lawrence, was clearly intended to advance and sustain British interests in, and influence on, the region. Which is not unreasonable.The sad fact, though, is that it appears the British have actively fomented, or been deeply involved in, a lot of the military misadventures that have turned the region into a mess of human misery. To take relatively recent history, the invasions of Iraq, Libya, and now of Syria were arguably dreamt up or at least actively supported by Britain.The invasion of Iraq was certainly endorsed by Tony Blair's infamous September 2002 dossier about Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which turned out to be imaginary, but then, lo! Saddam Hussein was overthrown and killed.The invasion of Libya saw Britain take on an even more active role. David Cameron and France's Nicolas Sarkozy in effect prodded a somewhat reluctant Barack Obama to invade, even co-drafting the UN Security Council Resolution 1973 in 2011 that was the formal permission for the war. The net result was the killing of Muammar Gaddafi.In the case of Syria, Britain began covert operations in 2012, with MI6 allegedly organizing arms shipments, training and coordination of groups opposed to the Assad regime. The sudden fall of Assad in December 2024, driven by groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that Britain indirectly supported, underscores the successful outcomes of this policy.In all three cases, a secular dictatorship was overthrown and religious extremists took over. Earlier, civilians had reasonably prosperous lives; women were generally educated and present in the workforce. After the regime changes, all three are bombed-out hellholes, with no rights for women or religious minorities. In particular, the latter have been consistently subjected to massacres, as in the recent large-scale executions of Alawites in Syria.Even though Americans were the principal players in all these cases, the impression is that British Whitehall's gaslighting of their US counterparts in Foggy Bottom could well have tipped the scales and turned skirmishes into outright war and disaster.Thus it is clear that Britain is still a formidable player in the world of international relations, despite the loss of empire and relative decline. It is unfortunate, however, that the net result of its actions is to add to entropy and chaos and the loss of human lives and rights. Perfidious Albion it still is.1950 words, Mar 16, 2025AI-generated podcast from NotebookLM.google.com: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe

James and Fliss speak to Desmond Clifford, the former principle secretary to Mark Drakeford and Carwyn Jones. He also worked as the head of Wales' EU office in Brussels for a number of years. His career with the Welsh Government spans over a decade working behind the scenes as a civil servant. In an exclusive interview with Walescast he lifts the lid on what government looks like behind closed doors.

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included:  Christine Grahame To ask the First Minister, regarding any potential impact on planning legislation in Scotland, what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that the UK Government has proposed giving people living near power infrastructure hundreds of pounds off their bills each year. Jamie Greene To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is considering to further support Scotland's universities, in light of reports that the University of the West of Scotland reported a multi-million pound deficit in the last financial year, with other universities across Scotland in a similar financial position. Carol Mochan  To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on how the Scottish Government is working to improve healthy life expectancy.  Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

James and Fliss talk through the Welsh Government's overhaul of ambulance response time targets with BBC Wales' Health Correspondent Jenny Rees. They are also joined by Dr Becks Fisher, director of research and research policy at Nuffield Trust and Desmond Clifford, the former Principal Secretary to the First Minister, to discuss the point of targets and if they actually work.

Nicola Sturgeon has announced her intention to step down at the next Scottish Parliament election in May 2026. One of the original MSPs elected to Holyrood in 1999, Sturgeon has dominated Scottish and UK politics over the past two decades. The Salmond-Sturgeon era began in 2004 and she went on to serve as First Minister for the best part of a decade. Stewart McDonald, former SNP MP for Glasgow South 2015-24, and Lucy Dunn join James Heale on this special Coffee House Scots to discuss Sturgeon's legacy. She brought Scotland the closest to independence for 300 years, yet resigned in 2023 under a cloud over party management. Attention turns to next year's election, could the SNP's winning streak continue without her? Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Natasha Feroze. 

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included:  Marie McNair  To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will mark International Women's Day, and its theme of "Accelerating Action" to reach gender equality. Annie Wells To ask the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to tackle the reported rising number of cases of drug-driving. Foysol Choudhury To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on how the Scottish Government is working to tackle Islamophobia in Scotland, in light of reports that anti-Muslim hate incidents across the UK reached record levels in 2024. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

In CI News this week: The Leadbeater Bill: Safeguards rejected as Clause 1 passes, Scotland's First Minister doubles down on support for men in women's spaces, MSP: ‘Praying in your home could be illegal depending who passes the window'and Degrading and violent online pornography must be banned, says Govt review. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories The Leadbeater Bill: Safeguards rejected as Clause 1 passes Scotland's First Minister doubles down on support for men in women's spaces MSP: ‘Praying in your home could be illegal depending who passes the window' Degrading and violent online pornography must be banned, says Govt review

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included: Michael Matheson MSP To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the recent study by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit regarding the contribution of the net zero sector to the UK and Scotland's economy. Brian Whittle MSP To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to support farmers responding to threats to livestock from disease. Mark Ruskell MSP To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will protect the lives of racing greyhounds. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

Alistair Grant, Rachel Amery and Alexander Brown discuss the First Minister's attack on Reform UK, and the rise of Nigel Farage's party in Scotland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included: Clare Adamson  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent Labour Market Outlook survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development on UK business confidence.   Pam Gosal  To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's plans to update the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967. Colin Smyth  To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to reduce the disability employment gap. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

In the second episode of ‘My Identity' Professor Colin Graham (Maynooth) is in conversation with NI Justice Minister and Leader of the Alliance Party, Naomi Long MLA. This episode is a recording of a public conversation which took place in Dublin on 6 December 2024. A lifelong resident of East Belfast, and politically active since her early twenties, Naomi first joined Belfast City Council as an Alliance Party councillor in 2001. She was subsequently elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly as MLA for East Belfast in 2003. After having the honour of serving as Lord Mayor of Belfast from 2009 to 2010, she became the first Alliance MP elected to Westminster, as Member of Parliament for East Belfast in 2010, unseating the then First Minister, Peter Robinson. In May 2016, Naomi returned to the Northern Ireland Assembly as MLA for East Belfast, before becoming Leader of Alliance that October. Since then, she has presided over the most successful elections in Alliance's history. Naomi is the current Justice Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive. In this episode she discusses, among other things, her upbringing, her faith and her career journey. The recording of the event can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXiqr9KX34s Read more about the event here: https://www.ria.ie/blog/the-long-view-identity-is-a-fluke-of-where-you-were-born/ This is episode 2 of the My Identity podcast series hosted by Professor Colin Graham, Maynooth. In this series, Colin is in conversation with a range of people whose ideas, work and life experiences shed light on the topic of identity on the Island of Ireland. My Identity is part of the ARINS project. Colin Graham is Professor English and formerly Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Maynooth University. His books include Northern Ireland: Thirty Years of Photography, Deconstructing Ireland and Ideologies of Epic. He was editor of The Irish Review from 2004 to 2020. During the Brexit negotiations he created the Twitter account @borderirish and wrote the book I am the Border, so I am, published by HarperCollins. ARINS: Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South brings together experts to provide evidence-based research and analysis on the most significant questions of policy and public debate facing the island of Ireland, north and south. The project publishes, facilitates and disseminates research on the challenges and opportunities presented to the island in a post-Brexit context, with the intention of contributing to an informed public discourse. More information can be found at www.arinsproject.com ARINS is a joint project of The Royal Irish Academy, an all-island body, and the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at Notre Dame's Keough School of Global Affairs. My Identity is hosted by Professor Colin Graham. Podcast management and production by Dr Susie Deedigan. Audio design and editing by The Spinning Mill, Belfast.

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included: Rona Mackay To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's work to keep The Promise, in light of the fifth anniversary of it being made. Douglas Lumsden To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Court of Session's decision regarding the Rosebank oil field and the Jackdaw gas field. Jackie Baillie To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to address the reported shortage in clinical radiologists, which is projected to rise to 263 fewer posts than needed by 2028. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

Alistair Grant, David Bol and Rachel Amery sit down with First Minister John Swinney in his office in Holyrood for a wide-ranging interview, touching on the NHS, education, council tax - and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included: Kevin Stewart  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent CBI report, which reportedly suggests that businesses are preparing to “cut staff and raise prices”. Jackson Carlaw  To ask the First Minister whether he will join HM The King and other world leaders in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz extermination camp and offer his reflections on the theme of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day, "For a Better Future". Collette Stevenson  To ask the First Minister, in light of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report, UK Poverty 2025, whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's actions to tackle poverty in Scotland, including in relation to any potential impact of planned UK Government welfare reforms. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

Listen back to FMQs! Questions this week included: Christine Graham To ask the First Minister, in light of the inauguration of Donald Trump as US President, and the reported prospect of import tariffs, what sectors of Scottish business it anticipates may be most affected. Meghan Gallacher To ask the First Minister what steps the Scottish Government is taking to address concerns regarding waiting times in A&E departments, following reports of a mother having to wait 50 hours for medical care at University Hospital Wishaw. Pauline McNeill To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government plans to make creating sexually explicit “deepfake” images and videos a crime. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

PATREON EXCLUSIVE. Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter talk about the First Minister's Conference and the consensus that wasn't. Will Danielle Smith's position be a winner in Alberta? If you're Smith, Nenshi, Ford or Trudeau - what do you do now? And do we think with 10 more minutes we could have gotten Stephen Carter to realize the awful truth about his past? Zain Velji, as always, picks the questions and keeps everybody in line. Get Thursday episodes, access to hundreds of old episodes, and bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen back to this week's FMQs! This week: Jackie Dunbar  To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the potential economic impact of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners' reported £800 million investment in battery energy storage sites in Scotland. Edward Mountain  To ask the First Minister, in light of the rise in the number of people under 50 being diagnosed with bowel cancer, what proposals the Scottish Government has to extend the national bowel screening programme to those under 50 years old. Claire Baker  To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is responding to reports that 182 sexual assaults, including rapes, have taken place in hospitals in the last five years. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

It's a bumper episode this week as we try and navigate our way through the news.First up, BBC Scotland has launched Scotcast a brand new podcast. We give our considered verdict on this latecomer to the Scottish podcast scene,Its maiden episode focused heavily on the opening of Scotland's first Drug Consumption Room/ Overdose Prevention Centre. How was it covered? In the political argy bargy Whose voices are being heard? Whose are not?It also dealt with both the ending of the marriage between Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell and the fall out over Nicola's recent comments on the behaviour of the late Alex Salmond. We follow suit.Lesley recently wrote a column questioning John Swinney's saying, “I don't think people would understand what I was doing if I refused to meet with the president of the United States.” Lesley reckons the First Minister has misread the mood of the Scottish people when it comes to the Donald.There are strong suggestions that Dominic Cummings is the eminence grise behind Elon Musk's recent fetid tweets on UK politics and the Labour Party in particular. We ask why Musk is so fixated on Britain and what is the odd symbiotic relationship between him and the BBC?Sticking with Labour there's trouble afoot with both the latest YouGov opinion poll and the volatility of the UK economy.We also look at the LA wild fires,Trump's fuelling of the flames with disinformation and the climate change as their root cause.Along the way there's chat about the UK's toxic relationship with processed foods, terrible puns, a tour of "The Testament of Gideon Mack" and a multi-million pound Gaelic noir series "An t- Eilean"-BBC Alba tonight 9pmLesley's best selling book "Blossom" also gets a few mentions.Follow these links for more information on all of the above- except Pat's puns.https://www.channel4.com/programmes/eat-smart-secrets-of-the-glucose-goddesshttp://www.dogstartheatre.co.uk/https://lesleyriddoch.com/books-mobile ★ Support this podcast ★

Scotland is now four years into what its former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, called a 'drug death public health emergency'. Now, the city of Glasgow is trying a radical new solution by opening a drug consumption room. So can this reduce Scotland's high rate of drug-related deaths? ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith tells Charlene White what you need to know…

Listen back to this week's FMQs! This week: Clare Haughey - To ask the First Minister, in light of recent freezing temperatures, whether he will provide an update on what steps the Scottish Government is taking to support low-income households with their energy bills. Liz Smith -To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is regarding the latest reported concerns on the use of Hikvision CCTV devices by local authorities in Scotland. Maggie Chapman - To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the effectiveness of the National Planning Framework 4 principles in creating sustainable places across Scotland that enhance human and environmental wellbeing. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

"Scottish People REALLY Need Ayahuasca… " says Sam Believ, Ex North Sea Engineer turned Columbian Retreat Founder … he says "...everyone can benefit from Ayahuasca, especially Offshore (Oil & Gas) Workers, because hurt people, hurt people.” We discuss fulfilment versus happiness, and how world leaders trying plant medicine would change the world for the better overnight… Sam offers free retreat for the First Minister of Scotland (or your president) at his beautiful retreat https://ayahuascaincolombia.com/ or IG lawayra_retreat Connect with host, Thor https://www.linkedin.com/in/thorholt/ and if you get anxious about interviews or presenting he's created a couple of simple guides available free here https://bit.ly/captain-your-career and https://bit.ly/Pilot-Your-Presentation #ayahuasca #scotland #oilandgas #aberdeen #career #coaching #publicspeaking THIS PODCAST IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE - IT IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY

There are few people that have been at the centre of Welsh national politics for as long as Mark Drakeford. As a councillor, special advisor, Assembly Member, Cabinet Secretary, Minister, and First Minister - as well as leader of Welsh Labour - his experience is unrivalled. In this session recorded at Labour Party conference Mark is interviewed by friend of the pod Jess Blair (of the Electoral Reform Society) about his thoughts on Welsh democracy past, present, and future, the key debates around redesigning the electoral system for the Senedd in 2026 and beyond and some of the big challenges he faced bringing the legislation through both our national parliament and the Labour Party itself. Mark also takes questions from the floor about widening representation in the Senedd, republicanism, House of Lords reform, and expanding the franchise. You can follow our speakers here: - Mark Drakeford MS: https://x.com/MarkDrakeford - Jess Blair: https://x.com/JessBlair7 - ERS Cymru: https://x.com/ERScymru As always, you can find the latest from us on the socials @hiraethpod, including BlueSky here: https://bsky.app/profile/hiraethpod.bsky.social We hope you find this podcast interesting and useful. Please do send feedback, it's always great to hear what our audience thinks. Thank you for listening to the podcast. If you have enjoyed it, please leave us a nice rating or comment on your podcast app or on YouTube and, if you are able to do so, please consider supporting our work from just £3/month on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/hiraethpod

Nollag Shona Daoibhse.I enjoy Christmas time. It a time for family and friends and for relaxation. For children and Dadaí na Nollaig and presents. For visiting family. For good food – often too much good food - good craic and sitting at home watching a movie, listening to music and reading a good book. It's a time for remembering those who are no longer with us or for visiting those sick or in hospital.60 Years A Growing. As this year draws to a close it strikes me that I first became an activist sixty years ago. It was in September 1964. I was a student in St. Mary's Grammar School in Barrack Street at the bottom of Divis Street.  On my way to school I noticed that a shop front in Divis Street was plastered with election posters for the upcoming British General Election.  Liam McMillan, a local republican had his election office there. He displayed the Irish national flag in the shop window. The flag was illegal and the RUC, at the behest of Ian Paisley, an up and coming demagogue, using crowbars and pickaxes smashed their way into the election office and seized the flag. The republicans replaced it and there were a few days of street disturbances. The Divis Street Riots.  2024 – A defining year for UnityLast February the North's political institutions were re-established. This was an important development but more crucially Michelle O'Neill was elected as First Minister of the Executive. This was a historic moment in the constitutional transformation that commenced with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. 

Listen back to this week's FMQs! This week: Christine Grahame asked whether the Scottish Government will encourage the public not to buy puppies or dogs during the festive period, in light of the reported possibility that these may be the product of irresponsible breeders, including illegal puppy farms; Sandesh Gulhane  what steps the Scottish Government is taking in response to the reported announcement that NHS Scotland's IT software supplier, INPS, has entered administration, in light of concerns that this could leave GPs without the digital infrastructure to maintain electronic health records; and Mark Griffin asked what consideration the Scottish Government has given to what the potential impact might be on Deaf and Deafblind people of the termination of its contract with Contact Scotland BSL. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

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.

In 2023, Humza Yousaf made history when he was elected as Scotland's first minister, making him the first Muslim leader of a Western democracy. Yet, that term was cut short this past spring after Yousaf was forced to resign from the post, as his coalition government fell apart.Since then, Yousaf has remained a backbench member of the Scottish Parliament.However, in this exclusive interview with Zeteo in London, Humza Yousaf announces that he will not be seeking re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026, telling Mehdi that it's time for him to “step away from frontline politics.”“I think the time is right for me to step down, step away from frontline politics and make way for the next generation of elected members,” Yousaf says to Mehdi.In this wide-ranging interview, the former leader of Scotland discusses his fallout with the Green Party earlier this year, which ultimately led to the collapse of his coalition government, saying that terminating the power-sharing agreement with the Greens was, “the right thing to have done.”“My successor is no longer encumbered with that deal, [he] can make decisions in policy that he wants to take forward in our country's interest without having to negotiate and compromise with the Greens. They can do that on an issue by issue basis, which I think is the best way to do it,” Yousaf says.Yousaf also discusses the Middle East with Mehdi, telling him that the UK Labour Party is complicit in Israel's genocide on Gaza.“There's no doubt in my mind at all they are complicit. And I hope and pray that I live to see the day that all of those who are complicit are held accountable for these crimes,” Yousaf tells Mehdi.Mehdi asks Yousaf about his feud with billionaire Elon Musk, with the former first minister reiterating why he thinks Musk is, “one of the most dangerous men on the planet.”Yousaf also sounds the alarm about reports that Musk has been considering donating to the hard-right Reform UK party (Musk has denied these reports).Watch the full exclusive interview above to hear Mehdi and Yousaf also discuss the rise of Islamophobia and the UK race riots from this past summer, his party's catastrophic performance in the UK's general election this year, and the Pakistani government's continued imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeteo.com/subscribe

Listen back to this week's FMQs! This week: Michelle Thomson asked the First Minister what plans the Scottish Government has to bring forward legislation to criminalise non-fatal strangulation; Liz Smith asked what discussions the Scottish Government has had with local authorities regarding the reported impending closure of library facilities across Scotland; and Pam Duncan-Glancy asked the First Minister about reported comments from the Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland that “children are being let down” by an education system that needs “radical reform”. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament 

This morning is the government's big investment summit. They pledged to have the summit within their first 100 days in an attempt to hit the ground running and show the UK as a sensible place to do business. The timing – two weeks before the budget – is interesting, and so is the U-turn from P&O, who will attend the summit despite comments last week by Transport Secretary Louise Haigh (she described the ferry company as a ‘rogue operator'). P&O's reported £1 billion worth of investment is back up for grabs. Is it time to invest in Britain? What is Labour's big pitch to business? Also on the podcast, over the weekend we had the sad news that former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond passed away. What will be his legacy? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.