Podcast appearances and mentions of Nicola Sturgeon

Mike Graham joins me on Heretics to expose the fakest people in UK media and politics. From Keir Starmer and Robert Peston to Emily Maitlis, Alastair Campbell, Rory Stewart, James O'Brien and more – Mike pulls no punches on who you can and can't trust in the media. SPONSORS: Go to https://freespoke.com/gold  to search freely. Make your AI video here: https://invideo.io/i/andrewgold  Get an exclusive 15% discount on Saily data plans! Use code HERETICS at checkout. Download Saily app or go to https://saily.com/HERETICS  Go to https://ground.news/andrew  to access diverse perspectives and uncover the truth. Subscribe through my link to get 40% off unlimited access this month only. Chuck Norris: Avoid these 3 Foods Like The Plague. Watch his method by clicking the link here: https://www.ChuckDefense.com/Heretics  Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at https://mintmobile.com/heretics  Start your MyHeritage journey now with a 14-day free trial using my link: https://bit.ly/AndrewGoldMyHeritage Go to https://TryFum.com/HERETICS  and use code HERETICS to get your free FÜM Topper when you order your Journey Pack today!  Follow Mike Graham: https://x.com/iromg Watch his show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsQFzQKFFyk&list=PLTgNsAaFzbI0UjFYpSFhynq3Nhozc84ZH We get into why politicians are so weird, whether Nigel Farage is real, the madness of flirty Nicola Sturgeon, Scientology, TalkTV vs the mainstream, and even Mike's infamous viral “you can grow concrete” moment. If you're tired of fake narratives and media spin, this is the conversation you need to hear. Join the 30k heretics on my mailing list: https://andrewgoldheretics.com  Check out my new documentary channel: https://youtube.com/@andrewgoldinvestigates  Andrew on X: https://twitter.com/andrewgold_ok   Insta: https://www.instagram.com/andrewgold_ok Heretics YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@andrewgoldheretics Chapters: 0:00 Mike Graham Highlights 1:13 The 1st Fake Person: Keir Starmer 3:13 What's Going On In Keir Starmer's Head? 4:28 Chagos Island Lies 6:13 Politicians Are Really Weird 10:33 Is Nigel Farage Real? 13:13 Farage Pandering to Trans in Prisons 15:13 Should We Have the Death Penalty? 18:13 Scientology, Tom Cruise & John Travolta 21:13 Mainstream vs Talk TV 23:13 The Speaker Taking Free Trips 24:43 Robert Peston 27:13 Flirty Nicola Sturgeon's Weird Regrets 28:43 Alastair Campbell's Bullying 30:43 Rory Stewart - Weird! 34:13 The Worst Journalist Of All Time 36:13 Emily Maitlis 40:13 Fake People In Our Own Alt Media 43:13 Russell Brand's Sudden Evangelical Turn 46:13 Are Andrew & Mike Right-Wing? 48:13 Can You Grow Concrete? Mike's Viral Moment 51:13 Realising How Viral It Had Gone! 54:13 James O'Brien Uses Fake Accounts? 1:02:28 A Heretic Mike Graham Admires Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iain Dale speaks on his LBC show with former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon about her divorce, her friendship with Alex Salmond, what she thinks about JK Rowling and more.

This week, Grace is buzzing to meet former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. Over the past few years, Nicola has weathered an independence referendum, Brexit, a pandemic, countless press briefings and parliamentary spats, an arrest and a divorce. So what food does she turn to when she needs some comfort?

We're counting down the days until the publication of The Hallmarked Man! Nick Jeffery and John Granger take perhaps the last look at Rowling's most recent postings before they dive into discussion about the meaning and artistry of Strike8.In today's conversation, they review Rowling's relationship with Stephenie Meyer, the author of the Twilight series, a New York Times feature article ‘The Wizard's Everlasting Spell' about the growth of Potter fan fiction with a romantic twist, and Rowling's acerbic review of Nikola Sturgeon's memoir Frankly. Nick and John discuss along the way the initial response of cultural gatekeepers to the quality of the writing in Harry Potter, the history of Rowling's relationship with the writers of romantic fan fiction using her characters in light of Fifty Shades of Gray, and Hogwarts Professor's role in making ‘Rowling Studies' legitimate and the culture-wide acceptance of Rowling as a writer of merit “something we've always known” rather than a controversial assertion.And what does all that have to do with the imminent release of Hallmarked Man? Nick and John share their more-than-tentative plans for reading Strike8 and the best way — not the only way, of course, but a much better way than, say, cataloging predictions everyone will forget by mid-September — to prepare for our first reading of an epic Rowling-Galbraith title.We hope you are as excited as we are to the advent of Hallmarked Man and that you're looking forward to exploration of its breadth and depth beneath the surface plot with us in the coming month!Links To Subjects Discussed Above:The Wizard's Everlasting Spell Why Magic, Dragons and Explicit Sex Are in Bookstores Everywhere: Romantasy is propping up the fiction market. Thanks to a generation that grew up reading about a boy wizard. (The New York Times, 20 August 2025, Alexandra Alter)The new version of the [‘Dramione' Potter fan fiction] story that so captivated Ms. Stallone will soon be released as “Alchemised,” and the novel's publisher, Del Rey, is betting that the feverish devotion to its fanfiction predecessor will translate into blockbuster sales. Del Rey has ordered a first printing of 750,000 copies for the novel's release in late September; translations are lined up in 21 languages.Besides appealing to hordes of existing fans, “Alchemised” has another advantage: It taps into the raging appetite for romantasy, a subgenre that blends fantasy elements like magic, fairies and dragons with love, yearning and explicit sex.In a way, the romantasy explosion — driven by the success of blockbuster authors like Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros, whose series have sold millions upon millions of copies — stems from the legacy of popular young adult series like “Twilight” and “Harry Potter.” Those books molded generations of young readers who have grown up but still crave big fantasy novels — now with a dose of erotica.“They grew up with the characters, and the stories ended, but there's still such a huge appetite,” said Leah Hultenschmidt, publisher of the romance imprint Forever. “They're still hungry for that magical world building, an epic cast of characters and heroism, and maybe they just want it a little spicier.”Publishers are frantically searching for the next breakout romantasy series. Last year, romantasy sales topped more than 32 million copies in print alone, a 47 percent jump over the previous year, according to Circana Bookscan. Five of the 10 best-selling adult fiction titles this year are romantasies. At the same time, adult fiction sales overall have stagnated.The kind of romance that's selling like crazy now — erotically charged genre mash-ups — first took off in fanfiction before publishers recognized there was an appetite for it.“For a long time, you had to go to fanfiction to find that,” said Anne Jamison, a professor of English at the University of Utah who has studied fanfiction. “Romantasy basically is what fanfiction made.”* Alchemized Sen Lin Yu* ‘Romantasy' Novels on Amazon, Etc.The twilight of Nicola Sturgeon: J.K. Rowling reviews FranklyI know I'm stating the obvious, and I'll probably be one of countless reviewers making the same point, but it's impossible to read Nicola Sturgeon's memoir without remembering the smash hit fictional franchise, Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. For those who don't know (ie, everyone who wasn't a tween or teenage girl, or living with one, 2005-2015), Twilight was massively popular for roughly a decade, each new book or film being greeted adoringly by its devoted fans. [opening paragraph)Rowling and Romantasy:* ‘The Twenty Richest Authors in the World:' Rowling #2 (!), Meyer #18, Collins #20* The Sunday Times' List of the “100 Bestselling Books of the Last Five Decades:” Rowling #23, Meyer #42, 58, 59, and 64* Twilight Book Sales * Stephen King: “Stephenie Meyer Can't Write Worth a Darn”* Speaking of Disappearances – Whatever Happened to Stephenie Meyer?* Fifty Shades of Grey Book Sales* ‘Fifty Shades Outsells Harry Potter'* ‘Rowling Refuses to Read Fifty Shades'* Rowling about Sales of Fifty Shades: “Just think how many books I could've sold if Harry had been a bit more creative with his wand.”Rowling August 2025 Tweet about Writers who are All Lake No Shed (and Vice-Versa) The Silkworm and its Women Writers:* Kathryn Kent: “I write fantasy with a twist… It's fantasy slash erotica really, but quite literary” (416) “She makes Dorcus Pengelly look like Iris Murdoch” (232)* Dorcus Pengelly: “She writes pornography dressed up as historical romance” (225)* Elizabeth Tassel: All Shed, No Lake (per Strike)You told Quine that Bombyx Mori sounded brilliant, that it would be the best thing he'd ever done, that it was going to be a massive success, but that he ought to keep the contents very, very quiet in case of legal action, and to make a bigger splash when it was unveiled.And all the time you were writing your own version. You had plenty of time to get it right, didn't you, Elizabeth? Twenty-six years of empty evenings, you could have written plenty of books by now, with your first from Oxford… but what would you write about? You haven't exactly lived a full life, have you?… (442)Did it feel good, raping and killing your way through everyone you knew, Elizabeth? One big explosion of malice and obscenity, revenging yourself on everyone, painting yourself as the unacclaimed genius, taking sideswipes at everyone with a more successful love life, a more satisfying — (440)* Michael Fancourt about women writers (298):I said that the greatest female writers, with almost no exceptions, have been childless. A fact. And I have said that women generally, by virtue of their desire to mother, are incapable of the necessarily single-minded focus anyone must bring to the creation of literature, true literature. I don't retract a word. That is a fact.* Hobart's Sin, Owen Quine's first and best novel, the “Key” to Tassel's Bombyx Mori, the “book within a book:” “The plot of Hobart's Sin turns on Hobart, who's both male and female, having to choose between parenthood and abandoning his aspirations as a writer: aborting his baby, or abandoning his brainchild” (229)* “It's all about a hermaphrodite who's pregnant and gets an abortion because a kid would interfere with his literary ambitions” (242)* Rowling about The Silkworm: It is the Story that Inspired the Series, the Lake OriginActually, the plot for Silkworm predated the plot for Cuckoo's Calling. I'd had the idea for that plot, the book within the book, for seven or eight years before I wrote it. That often happens with me, I have an idea and I keep it and sit on it. But I keep it and I play with it like a Rubik's cube and there'll come a point where everything clicks and it's ready to be written. I have a lot of notebooks filled with these kinds of things. Silkworm was like that. I sat on that plot for a long time before using it.* “It's a novel about novels with another novel inside it” (~1;15)Reading for Wisdom and JolliesAn Introduction to and Example of Reading Rowling at Four Levels: A Quadrigal Reading of The Christmas PigReading Rowling the Hard, Right Way versus Enjoying the Surface Story and Discussing Themes: An Introduction to Perennialist ReadingTraditional Symbols in Harry Potter and Cormoran Strike: A Perennialist ViewHarry Potter's Bookshelf — What to Read to Understand Rowling's Artistry and How to Read Her Work to Grasp Her Meaning and IntentionThe Deathly Hallows LecturesHarry Potter as Ring Cycle and Ring Composition* ‘How Does Ring Composition Work Anyway?'Darke Hierogliphicks: Alchemy in English Literature from Chaucer to the Restoration (Stanton Linden)How to Think About The Ink Black Heart Pre-Publication – Seven Tools for Serious Readers to Review (February 2022)And Don't Forget!* In Praise of Friendship - a Robin and Strike Heresy Get full access to Hogwarts Professor at hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

How did the media and Westminster impact the Scottish Referendum? Why are spin rooms "utterly pointless" in Nicola's view? Is misogyny in politics as bad as it used to be, or getting worse due to social media? Rory and Alastair are joined by Nicola Sturgeon for part 2 of their interview to answer all these questions and more. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members' newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Alice Horrell Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor, Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nicola Sturgeon opens up on her resignation, divorce and JK Rowling

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined Matt to discuss life after politics, her hopes for an independent Scotland, her meetings with Queen Elizabeth and her new book, Frankly.To catch the full conversation press the 'play' button on this page.

Nicola Sturgeon's new book is causing controversy. On this episode of Holyrood Sources, Geoff Aberdein - former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond - directly challenges several claims, including:Did Alex Salmond really leak allegations against himself?Was Salmond disengaged from the 2013 independence White Paper?Did he oppose same-sex marriage?Geoff says these stories are “falsehoods and fabrications” — and sets the record straight.Later, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver (former Director of Comms, Scottish Conservatives) debate:The fallout for John Swinney as Sturgeon's book dominates headlinesWhat rising concern over immigration means for Scottish politicsEnergy bills, community power, and whether Scotland is missing its renewable energy jackpotJames Hawes' claim that Scottish independence is “inevitable”

What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, to answer all these questions and more. Join The Rest Is Politics Plus: Start your FREE TRIAL at therestispolitics.com to unlock exclusive bonus content – including Rory and Alastair's miniseries – plus ad-free listening, early access to episodes and live show tickets, an exclusive members' newsletter, discounted book prices, and a private chatroom on Discord. Visit HP.com/politics to find out more. Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Josh Smith Assistant Producer: Alice Horrell Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Head of Content: Tom Whiter Exec Producers: Tony Pastor, Jack Davenport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Data centres to be expanded across UK as concerns mount Strictly Come Dancing Presenter Ross King added to 2025 line up Jeremy Bowen The divides within Israel over the war in Gaza Ex RAF test pilot says Chinook crashed on safety show flight EasyJet planes clip wings in Manchester Airport collision My family may be killed if deported, says son of Afghan caught in UK data breach Nicola Sturgeon book reignites trans row with JK Rowling Surrey Police crack down on jogging harassment and catcalling Alaskans share anger and hope as Trump and Putin fly in Labour councillor Ricky Jones cleared of encouraging violent behaviour

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 8th episode of Season 4, we consider some of this week's book reviews of Nicola Sturgeon's new autobiography, "Frankly". The book hasn't went down so well in Scotland, with its many omissions and attempted re-writing of history raising many questions and critiques.

Alistair Grant, Rachel Amery and Catriona Stewart discuss Nicola Sturgeon's long-awaited memoir, Frankly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jamal isn't interested in Jane's cacao nibs - sparking wistful thoughts of Fi's return (although there's no guarantee Fi would care either...) Jamal and Jane also chat 23-vehicle convoys, bad shoe relief, and allotments in Guildford. Plus, Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's former First Minister, reflects on her premiership and opens up about her memoir 'Frankly'. You can listen to the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3qIjhtS9sprg864IXC96he?si=uOzz4UYZRc2nFOP8FV_1jg&pi=BGoacntaS_ukiIf you want to contact the show to ask a question and get involved in the conversation then please email us: janeandfi@times.radioFollow us on Instagram! @janeandfiPodcast Producer: Eve SalusburyExecutive Producer: Rosie Cutler Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Sturgeon and her book is absolutely everywhere with the press full of the tiniest revelations. We have a look, neither of us having read the book, but take a look at really what's sitting behind some of the more serious revelations, particularly over the wisdom of pressing on with the gender recognition reforms, and behind the scenes, what was really happening. We ask the whether we going to learn anything that helps us with creating a more democratic country in Scotland that isn't so reliant on leaders and top-down instruction through all of this? Or just promote Nicola Sturgeon's book sales?All of that and news from the big wind farm convention that was held in Inverness where Lesely was present making a new film.Are these guys just NIMBYs who need to knuckle down and accept the hardware the same as everyone else for the green transition? Or has planning for it and democracy about it just gone completely out the window? And some culture from Fèis Rois.LinksNicola Interviewhttps://www.itv.com/watch/news/nicola-sturgeon-reflects-on-her-arrest-and-her-trans-policies-in-exclusive-interview/7qr93nfFèis Roishttps://feisrois.org/Robin McAlpinehttps://robinmcalpine.org/this-is-the-one-tall-tale-that-matters/https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25385625.wholly-political-campaign-independence-terrible-idea/Shona Cravenhttps://www.thenational.scot/politics/25382339.lessons-must-learned-loss-rationality/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Nicola Sturgeon has published her political memoir. What have we learned, and what's missing? Chris McCall is joined by Ben Borland, Mark Smith and John Ferguson to discuss all things former First Minister, and Vice President JD Vance's upcoming trip to Scotland. Host: Chris McCall Producer: Molly Finlay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today, Adam speaks to the former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon. Ahead of the release of her new book, 'Frankly', Nicola Sturgeon reveals details her time in office, her row with JK Rowling over gender in Scotland, her relationship with Alex Salmond, and her sexuality. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhereGet in touch with Newscast by emailing newscast@bbc.co.uk or send us a whatsapp on +44 0330 123 9480.New episodes released every day. If you're in the UK, for more News and Current Affairs podcasts from the BBC, listen on BBC Sounds: https://bit.ly/3ENLcS1 Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was by Miranda Slade with Shiler Mahmoudi. The social producer was Grace Braddock. The technical producer was Mike Regaard. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

There has been a drip feed of stories over the past few days from Nicola Sturgeon's memoir Frankly which hits the shelves this week. In her book, the former First Minister of Scotland covers a slew of topics including SNP infighting and her relationship with the late Alex Salmond, her sexuality and the police probe into SNP finances, and the gender reform bill that contributed to her leaving frontline politics. Spectator writer and Scottish Daily Mail columnist Euan McColm and Isabel Hardman – who has reviewed the book for this week's Spectator – join Lucy Dunn to discuss. For Euan there is a humility in the prose that he just doesn't recognise in the Sturgeon of real life – is she trying to discover herself? 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

This week I'm delighted to welcome back to The Shift one of my most listened-to guests, Nicola Sturgeon. When we last spoke, at the start of 2022, Nicola was First Minister of Scotland - the first woman to hold the role, the first woman in 600 years to be the keeper of the seal. And During her tenure, she was widely acknowledged to be one of the most impactful politicians of her generation. During our last conversation, she spoke for the first time about how it felt to experience menopausal symptoms in the corridors of power. Her candour was one of the things that opened the floodgates of the menopause conversation. But that was then. A year later she shocked the world by resigning from the role she had been working towards since she was 16, in an attempt to build a life outside politics and away from the public glare. Now she's written a book, Frankly, a personal and political memoir about her life in politics. And, like it's title suggests, she's tried not to pull any punches or side step any issues - personal or political. Nicola came to hang out in my living room in Edinburgh to discuss the decision to leave (and why she can't see a man making the same call) and the impact of spending the next two years under a cloud of suspicion. We also discussed class, confidence, turning back the clock, the price of success for women, learning to drive at 53, and finally having the freedom to get a tattoo! * You can buy all the books mentioned in this podcast at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Shift bookshop on Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, including Frankly by Nicola Sturgeon as well as the book that inspired this podcast, The Shift: how I lost and found myself after 40 - and you can too, by me. * If you enjoyed this episode and you fancy buying me a coffee, pop over to my page on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠buymeacoffee.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. • And if you'd like to support the work that goes into making this podcast and get a weekly newsletter plus loads more content including exclusive transcripts of the podcast, why not join The Shift community, come and have a look around at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theshiftwithsambaker.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ • The Shift (on life after 40) with Sam Baker is created and hosted by Sam Baker and edited by Juliette Nicholls at Pineapple Production. If you enjoyed this podcast, please rate/ review/ follow as it really does help other people find us. And let me know what you think on Bluesky @theothersambaker.bsky.social or instagram @theothersambaker or message me on substack The Shift with Sam Baker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian, Helen, Adam and Andy discuss the new memoir by Nicola Sturgeon and its effect on Scottish politics, the risks of falling in love with ChatGPT, and the rise in British columnists phoning it in from abroad.

Three and a half years in to Moscow's war in Ukraine, the Russian and American presidents are set to meet in Alaska - possibly to decide its outcome over the heads of European leaders.Having long insisted that Kyiv would not cede any territory to Russia, Ukraine's President Zelensky could now be softening on that position.Tim and Gordon are joined by Ukraine: The Latest hosts Dom Nicholls and Francis Dearnley to understand how this historic summit could play out.Plus, we read Nicola Sturgeon's memoir so you don't have to. The Telegraph's best-known Scot Alan Cochrane reviews her political record.Read: Ukraine prepared to cede territory held by RussiaProducer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: Will WaltersSocial Producer: Ece CelikStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland

Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has released her long-awaited memoir Frankly — and it's already sparking old feuds, reigniting the Alex Salmond debate, and deepening divisions inside the SNP.In this episode of the Holyrood Sources Podcast, Calum Macdonald and Andy Maciver unpack:Sturgeon's claims about Alex Salmond during the independence referendumThe SNP's internal factions: Team Sturgeon, Team Salmond & Team SwinneyHer reflections on Gender Recognition Reform and the Isla Bryson caseHow her leadership shifted SNP ideology — and her political legacyThe election wins and controversies that defined her time in powerLater, former Edinburgh Council leader Donald Anderson joins to debate the future of local government in Scotland:Should Scotland follow Manchester's Andy Burnham model with city region mayors?Is Holyrood too centralised for effective local democracy?Reforming (or replacing) council tax and giving councils more power to raise revenueCould stronger local leadership transform Scotland's economy?

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie preview the release of Nicola Sturgeon's memoir, "Frankly". Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Julie Etchingham is joined by ITV News' Scotland Correspondent Peter Smith to discuss her exclusive interview with the former First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon.Julie reveals how Sturgeon is "lifting the lid" on some deeply personal matters -  and Peter explains how the "formidable" politician was one of the few people he would get nervous about interviewing.They also reflect on some of the biggest moments of her titanic career, such as her relationship with Alex Salmond, her arrest in 2023, her attempt at gender recognition reform and much more.You can watch 'Nicola Sturgeon: The Interview' on ITVX and on the ITV News YouTube page.And, you can catch up with the latest episode of Talking Politics on ITVX, YouTube or on your favourite podcast platform.Got a question for the team? Email talkingpolitics@itv.com and we'll answer them on our Talking Politics Q&A show.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Ukraine must be part of peace solution, Zelensky says ahead of Trump Putin meeting Major incident declared as crews tackle two blazes in Dorset Horse rider dies after fall during Northamptonshire event Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio People are angry Behind the wave of asylum hotel protests Foreign criminals to face deportation after sentencing under new plans Nicola Sturgeon denies conspiracy to destroy Alex Salmond Prince Andrew book seals his fate for any return Police make arrests at Palestine Action ban protests Working class students divided on civil service summer internship reform

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Police make arrests at Palestine Action ban protests Nicola Sturgeon denies conspiracy to destroy Alex Salmond Horse rider dies after fall during Northamptonshire event Working class students divided on civil service summer internship reform Prince Andrew book seals his fate for any return Ukraine must be part of peace solution, Zelensky says ahead of Trump Putin meeting Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio Foreign criminals to face deportation after sentencing under new plans Major incident declared as crews tackle two blazes in Dorset People are angry Behind the wave of asylum hotel protests

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Prince Andrew book seals his fate for any return Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio Foreign criminals to face deportation after sentencing under new plans Major incident declared as crews tackle two blazes in Dorset Nicola Sturgeon denies conspiracy to destroy Alex Salmond Ukraine must be part of peace solution, Zelensky says ahead of Trump Putin meeting Horse rider dies after fall during Northamptonshire event Working class students divided on civil service summer internship reform Police make arrests at Palestine Action ban protests People are angry Behind the wave of asylum hotel protests

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Ukraine must be part of peace solution, Zelensky says ahead of Trump Putin meeting Major incident declared as crews tackle two blazes in Dorset Nicola Sturgeon denies conspiracy to destroy Alex Salmond Foreign criminals to face deportation after sentencing under new plans Prince Andrew book seals his fate for any return Police make arrests at Palestine Action ban protests Working class students divided on civil service summer internship reform Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio People are angry Behind the wave of asylum hotel protests Horse rider dies after fall during Northamptonshire event

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Bhim Kohli death Police sat on information before dog walker, 80, fatally attacked Nicola Sturgeon memoir describes arrest as worst day of my life Teenager who lost his legs in crash will never forgive driver Israel rejects international criticism of Gaza City takeover plan Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio Boy found guilty of Harvey Willgoose murder at Sheffield school New signs found of giant gas planet in Earths neighbourhood Boy, 4, dies after being hit by bus outside Margate hospital Jim Lovell, who guided Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, dies aged 97 Mike Huckabee US ambassador to Israel says UK would have lost WW2 with Starmer as leader

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Boy, 4, dies after being hit by bus outside Margate hospital Nicola Sturgeon memoir describes arrest as worst day of my life Jim Lovell, who guided Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, dies aged 97 Boy found guilty of Harvey Willgoose murder at Sheffield school Mike Huckabee US ambassador to Israel says UK would have lost WW2 with Starmer as leader Bhim Kohli death Police sat on information before dog walker, 80, fatally attacked New signs found of giant gas planet in Earths neighbourhood Israel rejects international criticism of Gaza City takeover plan Teenager who lost his legs in crash will never forgive driver Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Boy, 4, dies after being hit by bus outside Margate hospital Boy found guilty of Harvey Willgoose murder at Sheffield school Mike Huckabee US ambassador to Israel says UK would have lost WW2 with Starmer as leader Jim Lovell, who guided Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, dies aged 97 Israel rejects international criticism of Gaza City takeover plan New signs found of giant gas planet in Earths neighbourhood Teenager who lost his legs in crash will never forgive driver Bhim Kohli death Police sat on information before dog walker, 80, fatally attacked Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio Nicola Sturgeon memoir describes arrest as worst day of my life

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Bhim Kohli death Police sat on information before dog walker, 80, fatally attacked Hardeep Singh Kohli accused of indecent assault in BBC studio Teenager who lost his legs in crash will never forgive driver Israel rejects international criticism of Gaza City takeover plan Mike Huckabee US ambassador to Israel says UK would have lost WW2 with Starmer as leader Boy found guilty of Harvey Willgoose murder at Sheffield school Nicola Sturgeon memoir describes arrest as worst day of my life Boy, 4, dies after being hit by bus outside Margate hospital Jim Lovell, who guided Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, dies aged 97 New signs found of giant gas planet in Earths neighbourhood

Paul Hutcheon, Hannah Rodger, Mark Smith and Douglas Dickie look back on the last week of Scottish politics. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has revealed she won't stand for re-election next year, claiming she doesn't want to miss more time with her young family. Former FM Nicola Sturgeon is on the cusp of publishing her memoir and ex-MP Joanna Cherry has said she will publish her own memoirs next year in a bid to clear the name of Alex Salmond. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Des and the team break up the week's big news. Including: The state visit to the UK by French President Emmanuel Macron, inaccurate AI books about First Minister John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon, fans lending a spare room to Partick Thistle football club, the new Superman and more. Lead Writer: Nathan Cowley Additional material: Mike Grace, Kate Smurthwaite, Gregor Paton, Johnny Kitterick, Katharine Kennedy, Alan Hazlie, Jennifer WalkerProducer: Chris Quilietti Series Producer: Dave Flynn Researcher: Jodie White Script Editor: Keiron NicholsonAn Eco-Audio certified Production

Season 10 of Comfort Eating with Grace Dent will kick off on Tuesday 8 July. Join Grace and her celebrity guests, including CMAT, Irvine Welsh, Lulu and Nicola Sturgeon, as they delve into their ultimate comfort food

In this episode of Richardson's Rubicon, John Richardson talks with Colette Walker, leader of the Independence for Scotland Party, about the launch of Liberate Scotland and how it all links in with the UN decolonisation case. Colette shares how she has always felt Scottish rather than British and how class divisions in period dramas first sparked her distaste for the Union. She explains the founding of ISP in 2020 as a way to capture regional list seats under the D'Hondt system and boost pro-independence representation in Holyrood.Visit https://richardsonsrubicon.com/the-path-to-independence/ for more info! They explore how the strategy of contesting both constituency and list seats backfired in 2021. Colette describes how unionist parties gained extra seats on list votes because pro-independence voters split their support. ISP's plan is to stand under the Liberate Scotland banner on the list and in constituencies stand as ISP, ensuring a clear “indy party one” and “indy party two” ballot. This approach aims to build a super-majority of cross-party MSPs ready to claim a democratic mandate for independence.John raises concerns about candidates who arrive in Parliament with only one issue, independence. Colette defends the approach with a tease that more details will come. Pointing to policies in their manifesto like universal basic income, she insists these are somel examples of what a sovereign Scotland could do. Real decision making would follow a Swiss-style model of direct democracy. Citizens would propose and veto laws via binding referenda, with MSPs serving as accountable representatives rather than distant rulers with a take it or leave it attitude.They also discuss local government. Colette highlights how freeport schemes in England and privatisation of services shrink public spending and reduce Scotland's block grant. She notes that seventy per cent of Edinburgh lies within a freeport zone and that council investments there have already jumped five-fold. Both agree that smaller, more transparent local bodies and local referenda could rein in unresponsive authorities.On identity, Colette sides with Nicola Sturgeon's civic definition: anyone who lives in Scotland and contributes is Scottish. No ethnic or birth criteria apply. She wants a broad inclusive nation built on shared values. John is relieved! Looking ahead to Holyrood 2026, Colette promises a big launch of Liberate Scotland once logistics, crowdfunding, candidate selection and other details are set. She urges listeners to get involved with door-knocking, stalls and social media. Her call to action is clear: seize the moment to declare independence, or risk losing Scotland's resources and services for good.

“Creativity has always been my life force. Even when I didn't know I was autistic, it was how I survived.”From being sent out of chemistry class for caricaturing her teacher, to being piled on by hundreds of angry Nicola Sturgeon fans online, Lorna Miller has sharpened her pencil and become one of the UK's most successful editorial cartoonists - known for her satirical, political, and deeply personal work.The first woman to have a cartoonist role created for her in Private Eye, Lorna has also had her work featured in The Guardian and The Observer. Her 30-year career has continuously pushed boundaries in both art and advocacy.In this intimate and wide ranging conversation, Lorna shares how a late autism diagnosis at age 51 helped her reframe a lifetime of creative drive, chronic health challenges, and profound sensitivity - and how discovering Reiki became a powerful tool for healing.We explore:- The emotional impact of delayed autism diagnosis.- Creativity as a life force and a form of self soothing.- The stigma of invisible disability and chronic illness.- Why unmasking can feel both liberating and exposing.- Building a life and business that honours your sensitivity.Lorna's story is one of creativity and deep self-reclamation. A must listen for neurodivergent creatives, artists, and anyone on a journey of rediscovery.Follow Lorna on instagram https://⁠www.instagram.com/mistressofline⁠Follow Lorna's Reiki Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/share/18vCYkBjgR/?mibextid=wwXIfr Connect on Ko-fihttps://ko-fi.com/lornamiller2025 ::::::Connect with Catherine⁠⁠⁠⁠Visit Catherine's website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Order Catherine's NEW Book⁠⁠ 'Rediscovered: A Compassionate and Courageous Guide for Late Discovered Autistic Women (and their allies) which was published 21st February 2025 by JKP ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Catherine Asta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Post Discovery Support?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our next 6 week post discovery support circle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Late Discovered Club Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & our FREE monthly Community Connection Circle.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore The Asta Community of Professionals ⁠⁠⁠⁠Support our work3 ways you can support the podcast and the work we do...Become a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠member⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or partner and join our growing community.Buy us a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠coffee.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rate & review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ the show or an episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Community Partners ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠who are supporting the work that we are doing.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nordens⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Deborah Bulcock Coaching & Consulting ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Tidy Mind⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Growth Pod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hormones On The Blink ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About the Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.thelatediscoveredclub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Founder & Host Catherine AstaPodcast Editor Caty AvaMusic by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Allora⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

O lovitură puternică pentru reputația șefei Comisiei Europene, Ursula von der Leyen. Este părerea aproape unanimă a comentatorilor după ce aceasta a pierdut prima fază a procesului la Curtea de justiție a UE. Urmare a unei plângeri a ziarului The New York Times, judecătorii au stabilit că Executivul de la Bruxelles a greșit blocând accesul la schimbul de mesaje dintre Ursula von der Leyen și șeful Pfizer, Albert Bourla. Euractiv consideră că decizia, probabil, va atrage o reacție politică semnificativă și întărește îngrijorările tot mai mari cu privire la stilul de conducere extrem de centralizat al lui von der Leyen.Un purtător de cuvânt al The New York Times a declarat că decizia „este o victorie pentru transparență și responsabilitate în Uniunea Europeană”.Politico estede părere că ”verdictulva afecta considerabil reputația lui von der Leyen. Ea nu numai că a semnat personal cel mai mare contract de vaccinare al blocului comunitar, dar prezidează și instituția însărcinată cu aplicarea legislației UE.  Iar aici se includ și principiile transparenței și responsabilității. Hotărârea instanței împotriva ei oferă muniție politică unei game largi de critici.De asemenea, este o mare rușine, având în vedere că au trecut doar câteva luni de când s-a angajat public să apere standardele de transparență, eficiență și probitate în al doilea mandat”.Ziarul grec Protothema, observă ”Hotărârea Tribunalului General nu va fi doar despre o figură politică. Observatorii spun că va fi o piatră de hotar pentru transparența instituțională în UE și va determina dacă înalții funcționari ai Uniunii sunt supuși acelorași reguli de responsabilitate ca toți ceilalți”.Citeste siPfizer/von der Leyen: o decizie judecătorească care ar putea fi ignoratăLe Monde amintește că ”UE a acționat rapid după izbucnirea pandemiei de Covid-19 în 2020, urmărind să asigure vaccinuri pe care țările membre să le poată cumpăra pentru cetățenii și rezidenții lor.  Aceasta, într-o perioadă de cerere masivă la nivel mondial pentru aceste vaccinuri. Cu toate acestea, multe aspecte ale achizițiilor de la Pfizer au fost păstrate confidențiale, ceea ce a dus la acuzații de lipsă de transparență - și la mai multe procese în Belgia și la instanțele UE”.Dar, după cum constată, Euronews, Comisia Europeană nu este prima instituție care a declarat că nu poate oferi mesaje text atunci când a fost solicitată de jurnaliști sau legislatori.Postul de televiziune oferă și alte exemple în care dovezile pur și simplu au dispărut.Fostul prim-ministru olandez Mark Rutte, care a condus guvernele Olandei în perioada 2010-2024, a șters timp de ani de zile mesajele text de pe telefonul său, un vechi Nokia 301.Fostul prim-ministru scoțian Nicola Sturgeon, împreună cu alți miniștri de rang înalt și oficiali din domeniul sănătății, au șters toate mesajele lor de pe WhatsApp legate de pandemia de Covid-19. Faptul a ieșit la iveală anul trecut în timpul unei anchete naționale privind Covid.În 2020, presa germană a relatat că ministrul Transporturilor de atunci, Andreas Scheuer, a folosit adrese de e-mail și numere de telefon private în negocierile privind controversatele reguli legate de taxarea rutieră din țară.

This week we look at the rise and demise of Justin Bieber; Steve Hughes on Health and Safety;  Slave Labour and Solar Panels; The Conclave; Nicola Sturgeon on Transwomen;  Abortion in NSW;  Corporations fund Abortion; The Australian Election;  Country of the Week - Denmark and Dechurching Denmark;  India and Pakistan conflict;  Reform's Triumph; Antarctic Ice recovers; Why are there Michelin Stars;  the new Word Alive; Easter Church Attendance;  Feedback and the Last Word.  Justin Bieber, The Sex Pistols, Metallica, DR Koncerthuset, ZZ Top,  Duncan Chisholm, and George Thorogood 

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver discuss the recent Programme for Government announced by John Swinney, the implications for the upcoming 2026 election, and the impact of Nicola Sturgeon's comments on the Supreme Court ruling regarding the definition of a woman. The conversation also touches on the rise of Reform UK and the challenges it poses to traditional Scottish parties, as well as speculations about potential cabinet reshuffles ahead of the election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn speaks to the Holyrood leader of the pro-independence Alba party, Ash Regan. Regan was formerly a member of the SNP and even ran to be the party's leader after Nicola Sturgeon resigned in 2023. She defected to the late Alex Salmond's Alba party 18 months ago and ran for party leader after his death. On the podcast, she talks to Lucy about the difference between Alba and the SNP, the threat of Reform in Scotland, the ‘performative' nature of Scottish politics, the Supreme Court ruling over what is a woman, and why she was right to resign over the Gender Recognition Bill.

Episode 167 is a little different: we're sharing an excerpt from my chat on the Cinora YouTube channel with filmmaker – and returning pal – Ashley Dick. We dive into the shock cancellation of BBC Scotland's flagship soap River City and what the decision signals for drama production across Scotland and the wider UK.Since the recording, the fight to save the show has exploded. Famous faces – Richard E. Grant, Ewan McGregor, Miriam Margolyes and Nicola Sturgeon among them – have lent their voices, and a motion to keep River City on air will soon be heard in the Scottish Parliament.In this chat we talk about:How River City was axed and why it matters – timelines, budget pressures and the creative fallout.The concern for the wider TV industry – what the cancellation tells us about an already‑strained sector.Why we need to future‑proof the soap format (or find a new kind of long‑running drama).Why local voices are important – the cultural impact of losing a home‑grown show.What potential solutions we can pursue as an industry – ideas, funding routes and collective action.Hit play, share your thoughts, and help keep Scotland's storytelling future alive. Check out the full video over on the Cinora Channel. Full video from Cinora

Transgender women are not legally women, the Supreme Court declared in a landmark ruling on Wednesday.The judges' unanimous decision follows a years-long legal battle between gender-critical campaigners and the Scottish Government over the definition of a woman. Now pressure is growing on Keir Starmer to clarify the Government's position.Kamal and Camilla were at the court to get reaction from Julie Bindel and Helen Joyce – feminist writers and activists who say despite today's win, the fight against trans ideology in UK institutions is not over.They also hear from Joanna Cherry, the former SNP MP who went to war with her party colleagues over trans issues. She calls for “an apology from some of the politicians who pushed this ideology”, including Nicola Sturgeon.Producer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganExecutive Producer: Louisa WellsPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineySocial Media Producer: Ji-Min LeeCamera Operator: Andy MackenzieVideo Editor: Valerie BrowneProduction assistance from Anna JohnsonOriginal music by Goss Studio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv UK weather start of spring brings warmest day of year so far Reform UK row Leaked messages reveal Nigel Farage fury with Rupert Lowe Ukraines chaotic withdrawal from Russia, in its soldiers words Family of Boeing whistleblower sues company over his death Calls for Ofcom to investigate hacked nude photos posted online Putin would breach Ukraine deal if it is not defended, says Sir Keir Starmer Werrington woman jailed for faking twins pregnancy to partner Nicola Sturgeon no longer a suspect in SNP finances investigation As the Baltics Putin proof , are they really Russias next move Fingerprints identify Paraguayan woman seven years after death

National and international news from BBC Radio 4

Liz Kendall revealed Labour's much speculated welfare "reforms" in the House of Commons this lunchtime.We give our immediate reaction to the speech and try and pick our way through the dense details.The University of Dundee has announced over 600 job losses, with more to come, to address the £30 million financial blackhole it finds itself in.Where does the blame lie for this disastrous situation?Nicola Sturgeon is the most prominent SNP MSP to announce that they will not stand for Holyrood in 2026.Lesley reflects on her legacy and we discuss the impact of not only so many front benchers leaving but also the potential influx of ex MPs to the Scottish Parliament.Israel launched a devastating attack on Gaza last night killing over 400 folk. Was the ceasefire doomed from the moment Israel refused to move to Phase 2. Is this latest massacre an attempt by Netanyahu to appease his ultra right coalition partners and stave off mounting opposition at home?We also discuss the results of the Greenland elections and indulge in all the usual non political badinage. ★ Support this podcast ★

Everyone's favourite SNP politician tells Matt what Nicola Sturgeon's departure from Holyrood means for the SNP and for Scotland.Stewart also reflects on what the party has to do differently if it wants to gain independence. This is a funny, thoughtful and reflective conversation about Nicola Sturgeon's legacy and the future of Scotland.And the future of gay bars in Tenerife. 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-onlineCONTACT Regent Park Strategies here:https://www.regentparkstrategies.com/ SEE 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.

Rakib Ehsan, Tom Slater and Fraser Myers discuss Reform's civil war, the outrageous banning of Calin Georgescu in Romania and Nicola Sturgeon's toxic legacy. Celebrate 25 years of spiked. Donate £25 or more to get a year's membership of spiked supporters for half the usual price: https://www.spiked-online.com/donate/  Surfshark VPN keeps your internet use private, secure and unrestricted: surfshark.com/spiked 

This week we look at Greenland's election;  Ukraine Ceasefire;  Canada's new Prime Minister;  Cancelling elections in Rumania - Vanis Varoufakis; Nicola Sturgeon leaving; Is Samoa Sinking? Vegan Friendly Films;  Amazonian Hypocrisy; Dolly Parton's husband dies; Dick McTaggart; Country of the Week - Syria; Hamas 'migrant' in the UK; Can a Black Woman play Jesus?  Woke RAF runs out of pilots; Canberra Church buildings; Christian inmate attacks death penalty before being executed; Street Preacher acquitted in UK; Feedback - including Donald Macleod on Gender; the Last Word - Pauls Conversion; with music from Elton John, the Who, Queen, Dolly Parton, Survivor, the Gene Band, Kenny Loggins, and Syrian Orthodox singers. 

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.