Podcasts about Holyrood

How many legal problems can you fall into in the space of a single podcast? This week, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson navigate a potential minefield of four major legal and political controversies. We dive into the ongoing sagas involving Peter Mandelson and the Trade Ambassador formerly known as Prince Andrew.Closer to home, we dissect the row over the Lord Advocate and the revelations surrounding the timing of Peter Murrell's charges being shared with the First Minister. We also look at the shock announcement that the Alba Party are unlikely to contest the Holyrood election, blaming financial and regulatory problems alleged to have been caused by their former General Secretary.But it's not all legal drama; we look at the ideas that could truly transform the face of Scotland. From local control to community wealth building, we discuss how empowering communities can shift our mindset and boost the economy. In this episode:The Legal "Big Four": Mandelson, Prince Andrew, the Lord Advocate, and the Alba Party.Peter Murrell & The First Minister: the dual role of Scotland's Lord Advocate.Transforming Scotland: Why local control and community wealth building matter more than ever.By-election Watch: Can Labour hang one?LinksSupport the podcast with a monthly or annual subscriptionhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeCommunity Wealth Buildinghttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fridayseconomics/video/7594406782802464013Gordon Brown as Private Investigator articlehttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/feb/25/why-gordon-brown-delving-deep-into-epstein-filesExcellent Simon Pearson substackhttps://simonpearson1.substack.com/p/the-only-politics-on-offer?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3669870&post_id=188725593&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=1wdpld&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=emailEverybody to Kenmure Street filmreview https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/feb/24/power-pyjamas-everybody-to-kenmure-street-glasgow-immigrationSearch local screemnngs - 'everybody to kenmure street showtimes' ★ Support this podcast ★

On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver discuss a brand new MRP poll which suggests that the Scottish National Party (SNP) could win an outright majority at Holyrood — something not seen since 2011 under Alex Salmond.Calum, Geoff and Andy also consider the future of the Additional Member System, whether Holyrood needs reform, and what Denmark's energy U-turn means for the North Sea debate.We're also joined by Shona Haslam from Logos Scotland, to discuss Christians in Scotland's views ahead of the election. In this episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down:

The Scottish Government has published a tranche of documents after it missed a series of deadlines to produce papers relating to an ethics investigation into Nicola Sturgeon. The files were finally uploaded to the Government's website today - running to an estimated 5,000 pages - after ministers initially blocked publication. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer will reportedly not make an appearance Scottish Labour's spring conference - weeks after Scottish leader Anas Sarwar called for his resignation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Scottish Government has published a tranche of documents after it missed a series of deadlines to produce papers relating to an ethics investigation into Nicola Sturgeon. The files were finally uploaded to the Government's website today - running to an estimated 5,000 pages - after ministers initially blocked publication. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer will reportedly not make an appearance Scottish Labour's spring conference - weeks after Scottish leader Anas Sarwar called for his resignation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Significant elections are taking place in Scotland and Wales this year.With the current political mood so unpredictable, the make-up of Holyrood in Edinburgh and the Senedd in Cardiff could be very different after May. And given that social work in Scotland and Wales is the full responsibility of these legislatures, any change is likely to have a sizeable impact on decisions taken about the profession, the workforce, and the people that social workers support.So, what does social work need to be telling the parties and individuals vying for power? The Scottish Association of Social Work (SASW) and BASW Cymru have both set out their manifestos which they want to see the next devolved governments take forward. This episode will consider what these asks are and which political levers they intend to pull to get them accepted.Host Jonny Adamson is joined by three guests who have all played a major role in developing these manifestos and the campaigning strategies around them. Caroline McDonald, Social Work Team Leader in Children's Services at Glasgow City Council and Co-Chair of SASW, Andrew Pennington, Senior Social Work Practitioner at Powys County Council and Chair of BASW Cymru, and George Hannah, Senior Public Affairs Officer for SASW.They discuss how politics differs in Scotland and Wales to other parts of the UK, social work's role in promoting the vote, and how the profession can use its voice more loudly to affect change in communities across the UK. They also hazard a guess as to who the political winners and losers could be come polling day.Our thanks to James Ede at Be Heard Productions for producing the episode.BASW Cymru manifesto for 2026: Cymru Decides: https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/basw-cymru-manifesto-2026-cymru-decides A secure future for Scottish social work: https://basw.co.uk/policy-and-practice/resources/secure-future-scottish-social-work Scottish Parliament Election Hub 2026: https://basw.co.uk/about-basw/social-work-around-uk/sasw-basw-scotland/scottish-parliament-election-hub-2026 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In CI News this week: Northern Ireland pauses its participation in NHS England's controversial puberty blocker trial, Holyrood legislates to weaken parental opt-out protections in schools, and the CI launches its brand new Faith in Action podcast. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories NI puts puberty-blocker trial participation on hold Holyrood passes controversial Bill to weaken parental opt-out in schools Tribunal told to reconsider case of Christian social worker denied job Faith in Action: a new CI podcast

Alistair Grant, David Bol, Rachel Amery and Andrew Quinn discuss a furious row involving the Lord Advocate, the First Minister and the Peter Murrell embezzlement case. Plus, the team look ahead to three party conferences taking place this weekend, and David interviews Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join Paul Hutcheon, Ben Borland and John Ferguson as they pick apart the latest news lines form Scottish politics and beyond Daily Record Homepage: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ Daily Record Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheScottishDailyRecord Daily Record Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport Instagram: https://instagram.com/dailyrecord_sport Daily Record TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailyrecord_sport Daily Record Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daily_Record Daily Record Newsletters: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/ Join our WhatsApp communities here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages: DAILY RECORD: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/join-daily-records-whatsapp-community-31116469 RECORD SPORT RANGERS: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-rangers-31111892 RECORD SPORT CELTIC: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-celtic-31111589 You can get all the latest news, sport, showbiz and comment at DailyRecord.co.uk LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE #DailyRecord #politics #scotland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What are the legal routes to an independence referendum—and who gets to decide? Fiona and Marlene bring you the standout highlights from Holyrood's Constitutional Committee, featuring evidence from top constitutional lawyers. Expect myth-busting (goodbye “once in a generation”), clear-eyed legal analysis, and some unexpectedly rich discussions about trust, fairness and the health of democracy itself. Key points: 00:01:46  "Once in a generation" is just campaign rhetoric 00:04:35  "Settled will" is just political rhetoric 00:06:29   "Supermajority" is not required, the precedent is a simple majority 00:07:13   Scotland would secede from the UK state, not the Act of Union 00:07:47   The Act of Union is subject to the Scotland Act sec 37 00:09:09   The Claim of Right does not confer popular sovereignty 00:11:36    The Treaty of Union confirms Scots are a nation 00:13:12    Scots have the right to self determination, how do we exercise it 00:15:16    Perceptions of fairness 00:18:31   Trust in democratic processes 00:21:15    UK duty of "rigorous impartiality" in NI border poll 00:25:44    Ambivalent Unionism 00:32:08     Citizens Assemblies etc 00:42:42     Independence is a process, not an event 00:45:05     England can vote to leave UK, why not Scotland? 00:49:43     Westminster is blocking democracy. #scottishindependence #constitutionalrights #mythbusting  "Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence".  Clips come from the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee meetings held on 13th and 27th November and 11th and 18th December 2025. The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  indypodcasters@gmail.com  Bluesky: @scottishindypod Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters   If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

This week, Ellen and Alona are joined again by Prospect editor and former Labour speechwriter Philip Collins to unpack the government's ongoing crisis.With Peter Mandelson currently under investigation by the Metropolitan Police, Starmer's premiership came close to collapse. He appears to have clung on for now—but how long can he survive as prime minister? And why, in his moment of peril, did no other contenders for PM come to the fore?Philip discusses what surprised him about Wes Streeting's WhatsApp messages to Mandelson, and whether the departure of Morgan McSweeney from 10 Downing Street will have any impact on the government's direction. He also analyses the implications of Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar's call for Starmer to resign. Will it harm his chances in the upcoming Holyrood elections?Plus, beyond Mandelson, they explore whether political culture is now too close to money—and if politicians, in general, are too vulnerable to the wealthy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is under yet more pressure as Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, has called on him to resign over "mistakes" in governance. The Record's politics chief Paul Hutcheon is joined by Mark Smith and John Ferguson to discuss the split between Starmer and Sarwar, as well as the ongoing scandal and suspensions around convicted sex offender and former Labour councillor Sean Morton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How many weeks have started with a ponder that this has been an extraordinary week for the Labour Party? Nothing, so far at least, could eclipse Anas Sarwar's solo attempt to unseat Prime Minister Kier Starmer this week. In this episdoe, we look at the series of departures, Tim Allan, the press officer who hardly got noticed going in the wake of Morgan McSweeney's departure as Chief of Staff.We discuss the impact in Scotland and the May elections. We also react to the Scottish conference of Your Party, which voted decisively to be a pro-independence party and their decision to field candidates on the list and in constituencies at the Holyrood election. There's a smattering of on the winter Olympics and renewed calls for a proper bank holiday on Saint Andrew's Day.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has called for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to resign — and the political fallout could reshape the Holyrood election.In this special Holyrood Sources episode, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver break down a day of extraordinary political drama.

Join the Daily Record's Political Editor Paul Hutcheon as he chats with Alloa and Grangemouth Labour MP Brian Leishman about the latest issues affecting Scottish Labour, UK Labour and more. Daily Record Homepage: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/ Daily Record Facebook: https://facebook.com/TheScottishDailyRecord Daily Record Instagram: https://instagram.com/scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport Instagram: https://instagram.com/dailyrecord_sport Daily Record TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scottishdailyrecord Daily Record Sport TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dailyrecord_sport Daily Record Twitter: https://twitter.com/Daily_Record Daily Record Newsletters: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/ Join our WhatsApp communities here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages: DAILY RECORD: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/join-daily-records-whatsapp-community-31116469 RECORD SPORT RANGERS: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-rangers-31111892 RECORD SPORT CELTIC: https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/join-record-sports-new-celtic-31111589 You can get all the latest news, sport, showbiz and comment at DailyRecord.co.uk LIKE | COMMENT | SUBSCRIBE | SHARE #DailyRecord #politics #exclusive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In CI News this week: Peers warn the Government against regressive abortion measures, the Scottish Parliament votes against a Bill to criminalise the purchase of sex, and a detransitioner who was given a double-mastectomy at sixteen is awarded two million dollars in compensation. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Peers speak out against regressive abortion up to birth clause Holyrood rejects prostitution Bill aimed at criminalising ‘sex buyers' CofE Canon quits over Cathedral's use of same-sex blessing prayers Autistic detransitioner awarded $2m after her breasts were removed at 16

In this episode Political Correspondent Rachel Amery, Deputy Political Editor David Bol and Westminster Correspondent Andrew Quinn discuss the ongoing Peter Mandelson scandal and the fall-out of the fatal super-hospital contamination scandal. Take a listen now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A debate recorded at the Battle of Ideas festival at Church House, Westminster on Saturday 18 October 2025. ORIGINAL FESTIVAL INTRODUCTION In recent years, Britain has been rocked by several scandals where the public has been kept in the dark. Politicians and the authorities have indulged in obfuscation, denial, cover-ups and even possible collusion – all to avoid accountability or admit responsibility.  As with previous scandals, it's often been grassroots campaigners, victims' groups and courageous journalists who have brought these issues to public attention. What was it like being a key player on the frontline of history in three of these recent scandals: rape gangs, the Post Office miscarriages of justice and gender self-ID in Scotland?  Journalists Charlie Peters and Nick Wallis, and Susan Smith from campaign group For Women Scotland, tell their stories of activism, investigation and holding truth to power. GB News reporter Charlie Peters, presenter of the 2023 documentary, Grooming Gangs: Britain's Shame, has called it ‘the worst race-hate scandal and abuse scandal since the Second World War'.  Meanwhile, Conservative MP Nick Timothy, writing in response to Sir Keir Starmer's announcement that he would – at last – commission a national inquiry on the back of recommendations in Baroness Casey's National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (2025), stated: ‘Rape gangs are the biggest scandal of our generation.' The Post Office Horizon IT scandal stands out as another one of the UK's most significant miscarriages of justice. Faulty accounting software developed by Fujitsu led to the Post Office prosecuting over 900 subpostmasters for theft, fraud or false accounting, resulting in wrongful convictions, bankruptcies, imprisonments and even suicides. Nick Wallis, a freelance journalist, broadcaster and author, has been one of the leading figures in exposing and chronicling the scandal. For Women Scotland (FWS) is a women's rights advocacy group that was set up in 2018 to oppose the SNP's attempts to force gender self-identification through Holyrood. Even when the Gender Recognition Reform Bill was blocked by the Tory UK government, the then first minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, continued to defend the policy.  In a car-crash press conference, she famously refused to say whether double-rapist Adam Graham/Isla Bryson, who was initially sent to a female jail, was a man or a woman. The scandal caused a huge public outcry and has been partially blamed for Sturgeon's sudden resignation a few months later. The furore also forged For Women Scotland into a formidable campaign group that eventually won a famous victory in clarifying equality law at the Supreme Court. These scandals are only three of the many that have shocked our nation, alongside the Grenfell Tower fire, the Hillsborough tragedy, the infected-blood scandal and more.  Are such scandals simply a feature of modern Britain? Do they, as many argue, implicate the state itself as negligent, incompetent and mired in the tendency to cover-up and collude? What can we learn from these brave journalists and campaigners who have stood at the frontline, challenged politicians and the authorities, and held them to account? SPEAKERS Charlie Peters GB News national reporter Susan Smith co-director, For Women Scotland; director, Beira's Place; contributor, The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht Nick Wallis journalist, presenter, BBC Radio 4 series The Great Post Office Trial CHAIR Claire Fox director, Academy of Ideas; independent peer, House of Lords; author, I STILL Find That Offensive!

The panel pick apart the latest political news lines from across Scotland and beyond, from the Mandelson scandal englufing the Labour party to anas Sarwar's changed stance on trans prisoners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Holyrood wasn't built for winner-takes-all politics.  So why are we pretending it is? This week, IndyPodcasters Fiona and Marlene dig into the idea of political mandates at Holyrood. With SNP leader John Swinney arguing that a majority of SNP MSPs would justify another independence referendum, we ask: does that really stack up in a system designed to avoid majority rule? And if a bigger, cross-party majority backs independence, shouldn't that count too? 00:03:25  John Swinney explains how the UK UNion fails Scotland 00:06:49   SNP majority  equals a  binding mandate? 00:09:20   Walking into his own trap? 00:13:52    Rachel Reeves is stuck in a rut 00:16:55    Once in a generation just campaign rhetoric 00:18:43    Edinburgh Agreement not a precedent 00:20:17    David Cameron's decision not binding 00:24:21     Is a majority the magic wand? 00:28:03     Angus Robertson has a different view 00:34:09      Our quick poll #holyrood  #proportionalrepresentation #mandate The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Get in touch: Email:  indypodcasters@gmail.com  Bluesky: @scottishindypod   Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  Video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm We're also on TikTok : scotindypodcasters If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?   https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.  

In CI News this week: Support for assisted suicide proposals at both Westminster and Holyrood shrinks amid concerns at the lack of safeguards, hundreds of academics press the Government to introduce vital free speech protections, and a church assisted by The Christian Institute defends its right to book a stand at a Freshers' fayre after being banned. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Pro-assisted suicide MPs and Peers fear Leadbeater Bill may fall Holyrood must vote on assisted suicide without key safeguards Academics and public figures call for an end to Uni cancel culture Church banned from Freshers' Fair successfully challenges ‘discriminatory' policy

Voters in Falkirk, one of Scotland's key constituencies, give their brutally honest verdict on the politicians who will shape the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.In this special episode of Holyrood Sources, we partner with polling experts More In Common to bring you a rare focus group of Labour 2024 voters — now drifting towards the SNP, Reform UK, or undecided.

Daily Record Deputy Political Editor Chris McCall is joined by Daily Record Head of News Mark Smith and Scottish Express Content Editor Douglas Dickie on the Planet Holyrood podcast to discuss Donald Trump's new world order and if a World Cup boycott really is the best way to respond? They also discuss the latest news and reaction to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital scandal and if Scots will give their vote to Nigel Farage's Reform UK in the Scottish election in May. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the winners of Allocation Round 7, as well as Viaro's southern North Sea snub and Petrofac's UK business buy out.    This week's episode features Energy Voice's Ryan Duff, Floyd March, Mat Perry and Erikka Askeland as they give their two cents on the week's headlines.   First up, Mat gets us up to speed on the winners of AR7 as he argues that the government deserves a pat on the back. Although, Erikka fights for ScotWind project support as not one of the 12 successful bids came from a project that received a a licence under Holyrood's 2022 leasing round.   Next, Floyd talks us through the situation at Viaro as Francesco Mazzagatti's firm was told Shell and Exxon had backed out of a deal announced 18 months ago to sell southern North Sea gas assets. The North Sea Transition Authority has been keeping a close eye on Viaro in recent months having demanded additional information from the operator for this deal and its attempted takeover of rival Deltic.    Finally, Ryan gets us caught up on Petrofac's North Sea business after it announced it would be selling its Asset Solutions division to a US firm on Christmas Eve. The services firm that slipped into administration last year is now set to hold a meeting with its creditors to approve the takeover, which is set to save 3,000 jobs.

The first Scotland-wide poll of the 2026 Holyrood election year delivers a political shock: Reform UK level with Scottish Labour, the SNP ahead but without a majority, and serious questions for every party leader.On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald is joined by Geoff Aberdein (former SNP Chief of Staff, True North Advisors) and Andy Maciver (former Scottish Conservative communications director) to break down what the numbers really mean.

The leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Russell Findlay MSP, sits down with James Heale to look ahead to May's pivotal Holyrood elections. He pushes back against the threat from Reform, arguing that Nigel Farage is trying to be 'all things to all people', and he is scathing about the lack of loyalty shown by those who have defected from the party – not just to Reform, but to the Liberal Democrats too.But with the collapse of the support Labour received in the 2024 general election – which Findlay calls their 'loveless landslide' – why aren't the Tories benefitting more?Plus, how did being the victim of a vicious acid attack in 2015 shape his politics?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sean McGrath is a Full Professor of Philosophy at Memorial University of Newfoundland and Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at McGill University. After five years in a cloistered Roman Catholic monastic community, he completed doctoral degrees in both Philosophy and Theology. He has taught and researched the philosophy of religion for over twenty years. He is the author of six academically acclaimed books in areas as diverse as psychoanalysis and ecology, but always with a contemplative theological approach. He lives in Holyrood, Canada.Book link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Road-Search-Soul-West/dp/1803412739Become part of the Hermitix community:Hermitix Twitter - ⁠⁠ / hermitixpodcast⁠⁠ Hermitix Discord - ⁠⁠ / discord Support Hermitix:Hermitix Subscription - ⁠⁠https://hermitix.net/subscribe/⁠⁠ Patreon - ⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/hermitix⁠⁠ Donations: - ⁠⁠https://www.paypal.me/hermitixpod⁠⁠Hermitix Merchandise - ⁠⁠http://teespring.com/stores/hermitix-2⁠⁠Bitcoin Donation Address: 3LAGEKBXEuE2pgc4oubExGTWtrKPuXDDLKEthereum Donation Address: 0xfd2bbe86d6070004b9Cbf682aB2F25170046A996

Alistair Grant, Rachel Amery, Andrew Quinn and David Bol discuss reports of internal tensions within Scottish Labour, plus all the latest from Holyrood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation.With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour's governing challenges could reshape the UK's political map.

The Sources Podcast hosts come together for a special New Year 2026 UK politics preview, analysing what could be the most volatile year in British politics for a generation.With local elections in England, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd elections in Wales, and mounting pressure on the Northern Ireland Executive, this episode explores how the rise of Reform UK, growing voter fragmentation, and Labour's governing challenges could reshape the UK's political map.

2026 may be the year that Anas Sarwar finally leads Labour back into power at Holyrood. In this revealing and hilarious interview from 2021, he outlines what Labour needs to do to win.Since then Labour have won a landslide at Westminster... can he replicate that?THE POLITICAL PARTY LIVE26 January: Special VIP Guest16 February: David Miliband9 March: Zack Polanski30 March: Lisa Nandyhttps://nimaxtheatres.com/shows/the-political-party-with-matt-forde/SIGN UP to Matt's mailing list to get free audience tickets to his Radio 4 series:https://www.mattforde.com/mailing-list SEE Matt's brand new stand-up tour 'Defying Calamity' across the UK:https://www.mattforde.com/live-shows Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Holyrood Sources Christmas Special is recorded live in Edinburgh with a packed audience as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver review the biggest moments in Scottish and UK politics in 2025 — and make bold predictions for 2026 and the Holyrood election.In this wide-ranging discussion, the panel debates:Anas Sarwar's U-turn on gender recognition reformJohn Swinney's independence referendum strategyThe legacy of Nicola Sturgeon and Kate Forbes' decision to stand downLabour's UK Budget fallout and Rachel Reeves' credibilityReform UK's electoral breakthrough in ScotlandEnergy policy, the North Sea, offshore wind and deindustrialisationWhy politicians struggle to explain a credible energy transitionWhether Swinney could serve a full five-year term as First MinisterPredictions on Farage, Badenoch, Reform UK and the next political realignmentThis live Christmas episode captures Scottish politics unfiltered — with audience reaction, behind-the-scenes stories, and sharp disagreement between insiders who've shaped modern Holyrood.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, joins Lucy Dunn for a special episode to assess the place of the SNP in British politics as we approach the end of 2025. The SNP were ‘decimated' to just nine MPs at the 2024 general election – yet, if polls are to be believed, they are on course for another record win in the 2026 Holyrood elections. But can the SNP really frame this election as a ‘fresh start'?Flynn explains what he made of the ‘bleak fallout' of 2024, why he is standing for election to Holyrood next year and what he makes of SNP heavyweights such as John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon. Plus, could a push for a second independence referendum be on the cards soon?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, joins Lucy Dunn for a special episode to assess the place of the SNP in British politics as we approach the end of 2025. The SNP were ‘decimated' to just nine MPs at the 2024 general election – yet, if polls are to be believed, they are on course for another record win in the 2026 Holyrood elections. But can the SNP really frame this election as a ‘fresh start'?Flynn explains what he made of the ‘bleak fallout' of 2024, why he is standing for election to Holyrood next year and what he makes of SNP heavyweights such as John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon. Plus, could a push for a second independence referendum be on the cards soon?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Kings Foundation chair and nominee peer admits misleading doctorate claim US reportedly pursuing third oil tanker linked to Venezuela At least 13 photos removed from Justice Department released Epstein files Epidural kit shortage could last until March, regulator says Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank In pictures Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice More than 800 migrants cross English Channel in December record Puppy farm and trail hunt ban promised in animal welfare strategy Pam Duncan Glancy Labour MSP to quit Holyrood over links to sex offender A memorial ends but Bondi tragedy has left Australia reeling, again

Reform UK is rising in Scotland — but can the political system cope with what comes next?From tribunal chaos to ministerial pressure and a volatile pre-election landscape, this week exposed deep fault lines at Holyrood.In this episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver to unpack a turbulent week in Scottish politics. They assess Reform UK's momentum, Malcolm Offord's challenges, and why broadcasters and parties alike are struggling to respond.The panel also examines Angela Constance's survival of a no-confidence vote, the growing controversy around the Sandy Peggie tribunal ruling — including questions over errors and credibility — and a blistering debate on resident doctors, strikes, and the NHS. With elections looming, the discussion reveals why trust, competence, and clarity are becoming the real political battlegrounds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator heads into Christmas a little bit less Scottish as we bid farewell to our political correspondent Lucy Dunn. Before Lucy leaves for STV, she joins Coffee House Shots – with fellow Scots Michael Simmons and Labour MP Gordon McKee – for one final episode reflecting on the state of Scottish politics. They discuss whether the SNP has stabilised Scottish politics this year, make predictions for what could happen at the 2026 Holyrood elections and ponder whether the Scottish influence in Westminster has grown stronger under Starmer. Plus, from Reform to the SNP – how new is the threat of populism in Scotland?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator heads into Christmas a little bit less Scottish as we bid farewell to our political correspondent Lucy Dunn. Before Lucy leaves for STV, she joins Coffee House Shots – with fellow Scots Michael Simmons and Labour MP Gordon McKee – for one final episode reflecting on the state of Scottish politics. They discuss whether the SNP has stabilised Scottish politics this year, make predictions for what could happen at the 2026 Holyrood elections and ponder whether the Scottish influence in Westminster has grown stronger under Starmer. Plus, from Reform to the SNP – how new is the threat of populism in Scotland?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A major new Ipsos poll drops — and the implications for Holyrood 2026 are huge. The SNP hold a stable lead. Labour has fallen sharply. Reform UK has surged into second place in the constituency vote, fuelled by the rise of immigration as a top concern for Scottish voters.• Why Reform UK is gaining Scottish voters from both Labour and the Conservatives • How immigration became a top-three issue in Scottish politics • Why the SNP vote remains “sticky” • Labour's worsening poll numbers after Keir Starmer's difficult months • The Greens' highly effective regional-vote strategy • Whether Reform has reached its ceiling in Scotland • What demographic groups are driving Reform's riseWe also speak to Mark McGeoghegan of Ipsos, who analyses the polling in depth — approval ratings, demographic breakdowns, voting-intention shifts, and how Scottish voters feel about taxation and public spending.And later: an interview with Michael Matheson, the outgoing SNP MSP, and former Transport Secretary. Will the A9 ever be fully dualled? Has the Scottish Government failed on delivery? Matheson responds.Finally, we react to your messages about Malcolm Offord's defection to Reform UK, including whether he boosts their credibility, fundraising and appeal — or whether he's tied to rhetoric that will hurt the party in Scotland.

This morning Kemi Badenoch has staged a presser setting out the terms for a new (alternative) national grooming gangs inquiry – a move that has reopened wounds for many survivors and intensified criticism of Labour's handling of the existing process. What will this mean for the government, for survivors, and for the political fight ahead?Meanwhile in Scotland, the defection of former Scotland Office minister Lord Offord to Reform UK has sent shockwaves through the Scottish Conservatives – and raised fresh questions about the balance of power ahead of the Holyrood elections. Could Reform genuinely challenge Labour for second place? And how worried should Scottish Labour be as scandals continue to mount?Plus, Labour Together – the McSweeney-linked think tank which basically put Keir in power – has turned on the PM and is reportedly canvassing members on who they'd prefer as an alternative to Keir Starmer. Is he now in more danger than Kemi?James Heale is joined by Lucy Dunn and Tim Shipman to discuss a tumultuous week in Westminster and beyond.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElory. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The fallout from Rachel Reeves' first Labour budget has dominated Scottish politics — and in this episode of Holyrood Sources, recorded live in Malone's Pub in Edinburgh, we unpack the political chaos, the polling shockwaves, and what it all means for the 2026 Holyrood election.This episode previews our live Christmas special and pub quiz, and dives into budget politics, polling trends, and party strategy across the UK.

In CI News this week: Health Secretary Wes Streeting is urged to abandon plans for a puberty-blocker trial for children, Northern Ireland's Education Minister emphasises that a recent Supreme Court ruling will not impact the Christian ethos of schools, and ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine' is revealed as Britain's favourite school hymn. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories Govt under pressure to scrap puberty blocker experiment on children NI Education Minister to safeguard ‘Christian ethos' following RE ruling Holyrood's controversial assisted suicide Bill moves towards to final stage ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine' voted nation's favourite school assembly hymn Christian Institute Chairman Revd Dr Richard Turnbull promoted to glory

Alistair Grant, David Bol and Catriona Stewart discuss the UK Budget and what it means for Scotland, as well as the impact on Scottish Labour heading into the Holyrood election in May. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the podcast we examine how Budget 2025 reshapes the university funding model – from the international levy and modest new maintenance grants, to confirmed tuition fee uplifts and changes to pension tax arrangements that will affect institutional costs. We discuss what the package tells us about the government's approach to public finances, the politics of international recruitment, and the sustainability of cross-subsidy in a tight fiscal environment for higher education.Plus we discuss research and innovation announcements and get across debate in Holyrood on the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill.With Ken Sloan, Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Harper Adams University, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Budget 2025 for universities and studentsUniversities now need to be much clearer about the total cost of a courseStudent finance changes in the budget – Director's cutReclassification ghosts and jam tomorrow at stage 2 of Scotland's tertiary billA government running out of road still sets the economic weather for higher educationA change in approach means research may never be the same again

“We were given a space… and in there we were allowed to develop a voice.”   We chat with Afam and Justine from Commission Advocating Rights for Minorities (CARM).   CARM worked with the Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee to test what a truly participatory approach to human rights budgeting could look like. Their lived experience shaped the scrutiny process, influenced MSPs directly, and helped reframe how the Committee thinks about voice and accountability.   Members of CARM worked with the Committee exploring participation and accountability in Scotland's budget. They composed questions for Ministers, co-designed scrutiny themes, and helped MSPs hear lived experience in people's own words.   In this episode, Afam and Justine explain what that work involved, why the experience mattered, and how the framework they helped shape is now influencing organisations beyond Holyrood.

In this week's eposide we give first reactions to Rachel Reeves' speech outlining all the terrible problems of the UK which land us with some of the highest Governent borrowing costs in the world.  We look at what might lie ahead in the UK budget and discuss how Reform's economic strategies are falling off the edge at a rate of knots with the council they actually run Kent County Council looks set to increase council taxes rather than managing to save money.We also discuss the land reform legislation that was going through Holyrood last week, which seems destined to make no difference whatsoever, except to complicate things even more. All this with a sprinkling of Edinburgh trams, Highland Council's seemingly robust response to SSEN's High Votage Transmission plans, and forays into the US and New York's mayoral election. But we end (before Lesley has to run out the door) with reflections on Scottish cultre and the life of the curator Elspeth King.LinksTacking stitches - The first thing you should do when you buy a new coathttps://www.esquire.com/uk/style/a46500500/tacking-stitch-coat-jacket-vent-men/Elspeth Kinghttps://www.thenational.scot/news/25589816.former-glasgow-peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-dies/https://news.stv.tv/west-central/peoples-palace-curator-elspeth-king-on-becoming-the-glasgow-midden-raker - great STV interview with Elspeth King 2022.Land ReformBriefing by Andy Whitemanhttps://andywightman.scot/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/stage_3_briefing.pdfCouncil Tax (not) Reformhttps://www.commonweal.scot/articles/magazine-e2ypeEdinburgh Tramshttps://padfletcher.substack.com/p/edinburgh-council-and-its-tram-extensionPaddy Fletcher piece on economics of new edinburgh tram.  ★ Support this podcast ★

The Land Reform Bill is being debated at Holyrood and members of the Scottish Parliament will be voting on what's been described as landmark legislation. If passed, the bill could allow the government to intervene in private land sales and require large estates to be broken up. The proposals are controversial with landowners and some opposition politicians. Defra has announced that an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will come into effect in the north, central and east of England. Poultry keepers with flocks of more than 50 birds will be required to keep their birds housed. The Chief Vet says prompt action is needed to prevent further spread of the disease. Himalayan balsam is an invasive species which proliferates along riverbanks. Its spread has been very hard to control. Could a fungus hold the key to controlling it? Historic man made features that lie on farmland from ancient walls to Roman forts help form the character of our countryside. For farmers however, historic features on their land can often seem like a headache rather than something to celebrate because they need conservation standard maintenance and restoration which is expensive and requires specialist skills. Historic England's ‘Countryside Stewardship Heritage Service' wadvises farmers on how to get funding for this. We visit a farm in Cumbria where a 19th century bridge and an 18th century lime kiln are in need of some tender loving care. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Des and the teams break up the week's big news. Including: the dispute between Holyrood and Westminster over the bill for Trump's visit to Scotland, a heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, changes to some of the nation's favorite biscuits, a new threat to Scotland's green spaces, late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon's visit to Royal Deeside and more. Lead Writer: Elaine Malcolmson Additional material: Chris Ballard, Jennifer Walker, Barry Dunstall, Archie Keen, Nathan Cowley, Gregor Paton, Mike Shephard, Cooper Mawhinney Sweryt, Rebecca Bain & Alex Garrick Wright, Duane Roft and Jon Paisley.Producer: Chris Quilietti Senior Producer: Lauren Mackay Series Producer: David Flynn Researcher: Jodie White Script Editor: Keiron NicholsonAn Eco-Audio certified Production.