Podcasts about Scottish Government

Allen discusses US-UK tension over Chinese company Ming Yang's wind energy investment in Scotland, key offshore wind projects from HSM Offshore Energy and Great British Energy, Turkey's ambitious wind energy goals, and new leadership at the Global Wind Energy Council. Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard's StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes' YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us! There's tension between the US and UK over Chinese wind energy investment. The US government has raised security concerns about plans by Chinese company Mingyang to build a wind turbine factory in Scotland. Trump administration officials warned the UK about what they call national security risks. The factory would supply wind farms in the North Sea. UK ministers are now reviewing whether to block the project. They're worried about cybersecurity and being too dependent on Chinese technology. Security officials say Chinese wind turbines could contain electronic surveillance equipment. Mingyang is not state-owned, but critics worry the Chinese government could interfere. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes had said Scotland was open to the factory. But the Scottish Government is waiting for security guidance from Westminster. A UK Government spokesperson said they would never let anything threaten national security. All energy investments face the highest security checks. Construction has officially started on Belgium's major offshore energy project. Workers cut the first steel this week at a factory in the Netherlands. They're building parts for the Princess Elisabeth hub. The artificial island will sit twenty-eight miles off the Belgian coast. The project will transport at least two point one gigawatts of wind energy to the mainland. That's enough power for millions of homes. HSM Offshore Energy is making high-voltage equipment at their Schiedam yard. Commercial director Hans Leerdam says this marks a key moment for European energy security. The island will also connect Belgium to other European countries, including the UK. Final assembly will happen in Schiedam and Vlissingen. Leerdam calls it one of Europe's most strategic energy projects moving from plan to reality. The UK government has announced a massive boost for offshore wind energy. Great British Energy is leading a one billion pound investment package. The money will fund wind turbine manufacturing, floating platforms, and port upgrades. Three hundred million pounds comes from Great British Energy. The Crown Estate and private companies are adding another seven hundred million pounds. The investment targets key regions including Teesside, South Wales, East Anglia, and Scotland. Officials say it will create thousands of skilled jobs. The government is also offering up to five hundred forty-four million pounds through its Clean Industry Bonus. This encourages developers to invest in deprived areas. The North East of England could receive up to two hundred million pounds. That might unlock four billion pounds in private investment. Scotland gets up to one hundred eighty-five million pounds for ports and high-tech components. The offshore wind expansion should support fourteen thousand new jobs over four years. Industry leaders believe this could boost the UK economy by twenty-five billion pounds by twenty thirty-five. Turkey is planning a major expansion of its wind energy capacity. The country aims to reach forty-eight gigawatts of wind power by twenty thirty-five. Turkey currently has nearly fourteen gigawatts installed. That makes it the sixth largest wind power producer in Europe and twelfth in the world.

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Audrey Nicoll   To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's latest engagement with the UK Government regarding funding and timescales for the development of the Acorn carbon capture and storage project. Maurice Golden To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that up to 100 truckloads of Scotland's waste will be moved each day to England as a result of the landfill ban on biodegradable waste. Pam Duncan-Glancy To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's position on the funding of Scotland's higher education institutions.     A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-19-06-2025?meeting=16502

Introduction What are investors saying? 03:43 Why is policy certainty so important? 10:27 Energy companies versus energy investors: 13:05 Where should government focus on? 17:52 Why the grid is so important? 24:42 Importance of effective carbon pricing regime: 31:04 Policy Responses from UK and Scottish Government: 42:11 

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Kenneth Gibson  To ask the First Minister what the impact on Scotland will be of the Chancellor's Spending Review 2025. Liam Kerr  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on whether the home leave for prisoners system is operating appropriately and as intended. Foysol Choudhury  To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is working to ensure that patients are accurately informed of waiting times for NHS treatments following referrals to a specialist. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/meeting-of-parliament-12-06-2025?meeting=16486

PARTICIPANTS Ben Cooper, Economics Fellow, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Mairi Spowage, Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde Joao Sousa, Deputy Director, Fraser of Allander Institute, University of Strathclyde TIMESTAMPS (00:30) A summary of the spending review announcements (08:00) What did we hear on capital investment? (11:50) What were the announcements on day-to-day expenditure? (21:14) What are the implications on Scotland from the spending review? (26:50) What has changed for the Medium Term Financial Strategy? (35:30) How important is the spending review going forward? 

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by James Logan, the current chairman of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. This episode was recorded in the lead up to the Royal Highland Show 2025, and James tells us about changes at the Society and what he is looking forward to about this year's show. He talks about his life in agriculture and how he got involved with RHASS. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about RHASS you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In this week's episode we discuss the U turn by the Westminster Government on the winter fuel allowance. Where is the money coming from and how is it going to be paid for? We ask what happend to the accusations levelled at the SNP when they rose to the challenge and reinstated the payment ahead of the Westminster Government. We look too at the impact on the SNP's policy, with Labour trying to make it look as if the Scottish payment will just be £100? It won't. We try to clear some of that up.We talk about the aftermath of the Hamilton by-election and that there's no getting away from it, it was a really bad loss by the SNP. There was no mention of independence and the candidate was not as local as the truly local David Russell. We look at how the election played out and wheter that local connection is what mattered in an era where people have lost trust in parties.We examine what that says about the candidates chosen so far by the SNP in the Scottish election. We look as well at Israel and Gaza. Breaking news that the British government has taken sanctions out against two Israeli cabinet members. But that's not going to go anywhere near placating the 300 civil servants who've written a letter objecting to the British government's support of the Israeli government and have been told that if they want to keep objecting, they can resign.That and much more.LinksWatch The Applecross film on YouTube https://youtu.be/J0kUgdms368Remember to click subscribe on YouTube and click the Bell icon to get notified when new videos are releasedScotland 2070: Healthy Wealthy and Wisehttps://scotland2070.org/Common Weal: Common Home Planhttps://www.commonweal.scot/policies/the-common-home-plan/Build Canada Homeshttps://liberal.ca/housing-plan/Sam Cotes - Sky The five considerable problems with the chancellor's U-turn on winter fuel paymentshttps://news.sky.com/story/the-five-key-issues-from-chancellors-winter-fuel-payment-u-turn-13381413SSE Press ReleaseCritical Skye electricity transmission upgrade granted planning consenthttps://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2025/05/critical-skye-electricity-transmission-upgrade-granted-planning-consent/Scottish Government planning case and documentshttps://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00003395 ★ Support this podcast ★

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Ben Macpherson To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government is supporting film and TV production in Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. Roz McCall  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that Police Scotland's national child abuse investigation unit now carries out 700 child sexual abuse investigations a year, representing an increase of 30% since 2015. Mark Ruskell  To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to secure a direct ferry route between Scotland and France. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/recent-publication?meeting=16416&iob=140223

The Environment Agency says the north west of England is in drought. One farmer tells us this year's crops are already ruined because of a lack of water.Two proposed reservoirs have been given 'nationally significant' status by the government to speed up the planning process. Decisions on the Lincolnshire Reservoir which is planned for an area near Sleaford and the Fens Reservoir near March in Cambridgeshire will now be accelerated. Ministers say the law will also be changed so that in the future all projects which are, as they put it, 'fundamental to national water resilience' will automatically be designated as 'nationally significant'. Farming communities are concerned about the impact on productive farmland, and one farmer says the Lincolnshire scheme will wipe out her home and her business.All week we're talking about the nation's national parks. The Scottish Government's decided not to go ahead with plans for a new national park in Galloway. After a long legal battle supreme court judges ruled that wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor, we speak to the park's chief executive. In Wales we report on a nature recovery project in Pembrokeshire which works with farmers to enhance farmland by the coast. In The Broads Norfolk farmers and environmentalists are trying to tackle the damage being caused by deer. Golden Eagles have been extinct in England since 2015 when a solitary bird died in the Lake District. But could that be about to change? A conservation project in the south of Scotland which began in 2018 has seen a huge increase in the eagle population there, and some of those birds have begun exploring places like the Northumberland National Park where one was spotted just a few weeks agoPresenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

With only 1 year left of the Scottish Government's current term First Minister John Swinney set out his Programme for Government for  2026-26. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene listened to the main speeches and then went digging into the detail - and we found quite a lot that caught our eye. Our verdict?  Mainly highlights but also the occasional lowlight.  As the old saying goes- the devil is in the detail.  We've included chapter headings so if you have already watched John Swinney and Kate Forbes speeches from 6th May you can skip forward to our assessment.  Do you agree?  Let us know in the comments. Chapters: 00:02:15  John Swinney speech 6th May 2025 00:25:35   Kate Forbes speech 6th May 2025 00:37:11   Digging into the detail You can find the full Programme for Government here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/programme-government-2025-26/ #scottishpolitics #programmeforgovernment #holyrood  Contains information licensed under the Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  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 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

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Clare Adamson To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's latest engagement with the UK Government regarding its plans for the winter fuel payment and any implications for the Scottish Government's work to deliver a universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland. Stephen Kerr To ask the First Minister, in light of it being almost five years since the Scottish Government committed to spending £60 million to renew every play park in Scotland and of reports that less than half of the funding has been spent, what action the Scottish Government is taking to ensure that children do not miss out on renewed facilities. Monica Lennon (S6F-04140) To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to maintain its policy aim of keeping pace with the EU on environmental protection. Willie Rennie To ask the First Minister for what reason there has reportedly been no financial agreement between the Scottish Funding Council and the University of Dundee, in light of the alternative financial recovery plan being launched four weeks ago. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions is available here: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report/search-what-was-said-in-parliament/recent-publication?meeting=16416&iob=140223

The Scottish Government is due to make a statement this week about whether Galloway is to get a new National Park - or not. Galloway, in the south west of Scotland, was chosen from five potential locations and the first round of consultation on the plan was completed earlier this year, with its report now being considered by Scottish ministers. We hear from those in favour and against.Farmers who supply wheat to Britain's biggest bioethanol plant have been told it may have to close unless the government intervenes. Bioethanol is added to the E5 and E10 petrol you see at the pumps to reduce its carbon emissions - it's made by fermenting wheat to make alcohol, with the leftovers being used for animal feed. Vivergo Fuels says it will be impossible to compete with subsidised American ethanol, after the recent trade agreement with the US promised to scrap tariffs on imports.And as tractors get bigger and faster, how safe are they on our roads?Presented by Caz Graham Produced by Heather Simons

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

Border post facilities set up since Brexit to handle import checks could now be scaled down or even dismantled. The UK's new deal with the EU promises progress towards an agreement to reduce the paperwork and border checks involved in trading foods like meat and dairy. It also includes a deal on fishing which would allow EU boats to fish in British waters for a further 12 years. The Scottish Fishermen's Federation has called it "a horror show", but the DEFRA Secretary, Steve Reed, says it's a "reasonably good deal" for UK fishing.In its manifesto the Labour party promised to end what it described as “the ineffective badger cull". The Government now says it's working on a revised TB eradication strategy, which includes increased badger vaccination and a national wildlife surveillance programme to better understand the disease. So how much difference could that make?And a new set of targets to tackle climate change have been recommended to Scottish Government ministers, replacing those scrapped last year. A report from the Climate Change Committee suggests effectively delaying short term progress by six years, but keeping Scotland on track to meet its long-term goal of net zero emissions by 2045.Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons

Welcome back to the Rural Round-up. On today's episode George Chalmers & Tiffany Stephenson talk about the upcoming AECS deadline and the pressing issue of water scarcity. This show is produced in association with the Scottish Government.FAS Resources Water Scarcity - Farming and Water ScotlandEvents | Events helping farmers in Scotland | Farm Advisory Service For more information, visit www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

My guest today is Michael McEwan, a journalist who I've recently met on LinkedIn.Michael, a Scot, is a disability campaigner and freelance journalist.  He has worked for the BBC, STV and written for many different publications about disability and non-disability care issues.He talks about how as a youngster he wanted to get into media, but didn't know how and also having cerebral palsy himself it made his journey that much harder. Talking about his school life, time at university and then employment, he explains how his biggest bugbear is that generally people and employers see the disability rather than the person. People regularly underestimate his capabilities.We have a conversation about whether self-employment is an option that people with disabilities often feel they have to take to be able to follow the career they want in life.  Michael shares some of the many problems that occur when you are out and about and if for example you want to use the disabled toilet, in many places it can either be inaccessible, or if it is, often used as a store room. So working from home can be an easier option.Michael talks about the work he's been involved in, in the past some of which was funded by the Scottish Government – when he went around speaking about the challenges facing people with disabilities day to day.Like me, in his early days of working in the media, Michael worked on a hospital radio, where he volunteered. He now presents a podcast and has also had two documentaries commissioned. When people tell him he can't do something, his answer is always, I'm going to prove you wrong!Website: https://www.michaelmcewanmedia.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcewan-ba4a8784/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RAD1OMANIf you would like to contact me, you can visit my www.Scottmedia.uk or join my free Facebook group here https://www.facebook.com/groups/prtribe

In this episode, Tiffany Stephenson is joined by Dr Kerry Leslie to talk about the Potato viruses, which can cause devastating compulsory burn down orders, and why these viruses remain a major concern for the industry going forward.Welcome to Cropcast, your go-to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops.Each month, SAC advisor Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts, bringing you timely updates to help you make decisions in the field.Producer George Gauley, Editor Cameron Waugh, Executive Producer Kirstyn Blackwood, in association with the Scottish Government.Linked FAS Resources Six steps for virus management doc https://www.sasa.gov.uk/sites/default/files/The_6_Steps_to_Effective_Virus_Management_in_Potato_Crops.pdf The SAC Association of Potato Producers (SACAPP) https://www.sruc.ac.uk/business-services/sac-consulting/our-expert-teams/knowledge-networks/potato-services/

We talk with Ariane Burgess MSP, Convener of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee about the committee's Housing Inquiry. A year on from the official declaration of the national housing emergency by the Scottish Parliament, the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee say a Housing Emergency Action Plan with clear milestones and outcomes would ensure progress towards ending the crisis can be properly assessed. It is one of ten recommendations for the Scottish Government made in the Committee's Housing Inquiry Report. Read the report in full: https://digitalpublications.parliament.scot/Committees/Report/LGHP/2025/5/15/5e27adfd-6d08-4d34-a701-17fc4ffe5f83#Annex-A

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

Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by John Ferguson, founder and CEO of Sisaltech Ltd, a Scottish company which produces sustainable building insulation from natural sisal fibres and Scottish wool. In this episode John shares his unique story on how he got started, his sustainable business goals and his top tips for business success. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about John and Sisaltech you can find links in the show notes.  This episode was presented by me Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by George Gauley and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government.  Linked ResourcesSisaltech https://www.sisalwool.com/ John Ferguson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sisaltech/?originalSubdomain=uk

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

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

After suffering complications during the birth of her son, Leo, in 2021, former Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson developed PTSD. She posted about this to her followers on social media and has now written about it in her new book, Lucky. She told Clare McDonnell about her experience and why she is trying to break the taboo surrounding birth trauma.People who have committed murder, manslaughter or stalking offences should be forced to live in restricted areas after being released from prison on licence, according to a group of campaigners. BBC journalist Gemma Dunstan and law-change campaigners Rhianon Bragg and Dianna Parkes join Anita Rani to discuss. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the UK Supreme Court decision on the legal definition of a woman. His office has confirmed that he no longer believes trans women are women. There have been protests against the decision, with critics saying it is incredibly worrying for the trans community. The ruling followed a long-running legal battle between the Scottish Government and the campaign group For Women Scotland. Susan Smith, one of the directors, spoke to Clare and gave her reflections on the outcome, a week on.TV presenter, writer and self-declared 'homes therapist' Michelle Ogundehin joined Nuala to talk about decluttering and the connection between our home and our wellbeing, her personal wardrobe strategy and her love of curated things that tell our story.Emma-Jean Thackray is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, producer, bandleader and DJ. Her sound has incorporated the widest range of music, from jazz and funk to Detroit house and techno, northern Bassline and catchy rock and pop music. She joined Anita to discuss her new album Weirdo and the inspiration behind it. Presenter: Anita Rani Producer: Dianne McGregor

Trans women should use toilets according to their biological sex, according to the equalities minister Bridget Phillipson, this is in response to the UK Supreme Court's ruling a week ago on the legal definition of a woman. The Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the decision, saying it provides much needed clarity, and his office has confirmed that the Prime Minister no longer believes trans women are women. There have been protests against the decision, with critics saying it is incredibly worrying for the trans community. The ruling followed a long-running legal battle between the Scottish Government and the campaign group For Women Scotland. Susan Smith, one of the directors, gives her reflections on the outcome, a week on. The historian Tiffany Watt Smith traces the evolution and messy realities of female friendship across the past century in her new book Bad Friend. Tiffany talks to Clare about bad friends through history: the romantic school girls of the 1900s; office gossips; mum cliques; angry activists; and the coven – women who choose to live together in old age – to the present day. The former lioness Eni Aluko had a hugely successful career as a player making over 100 appearances for England. Since then she's gone on to have an equally successful career as a pundit, becoming the first woman to appear on Match of the Day in 2014. Earlier this month her name was in the headlines following the outcome of a civil court hearing involving the ex-footballer Joey Barton. In the first stage of a High Court libel case the Judge found that online posts made by Joey Barton about Eni and her family were "defamatory". Mr Barton is yet to respond, and can appeal, or defend the statements if the case proceeds to trial. In a separate criminal case involving both parties Joey Barton has pleaded not guilty to allegedly posting offensive comments on social media.An Army of Women is a documentary that follows a group of women in Austin, Texas who took on the legal systems that they feel let their rapists walk free – specifically by filing lawsuits against the police department in Austin and the district attorney's office in Travis County, which prosecutes cases for the county. Those suits were settled in 2021 and 2022. The documentary debuted at the South by Southwest Festival last year, and is being released here in the UK from this Friday. Clare speaks to documentary director Julie Lunde Lillesæter and Hanna Senko, who was the lead plaintiff in one of those lawsuits.Presented by Clare McDonnell Producer: Louise Corley

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the term woman should be based on biological sex. The judges ruled that the 2010 Equality Act's sex based protections only apply to biological women. The decision has been hotly contested after the Scottish Government argued that transgender people with a gender recognition certificate were entitled to them. Liam Hehir, partner at Freebairn and Hehir Lawyers, says it's a significant ruling for the purposes of the Equality Act - but it has its' boundaries. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

It could take seven decades before large-scale nature restoration is underway across 30% of Scotland's land, new figures from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance show. The coalition of more than 20 organisations calculates that rewilding across Scotland is now underway across 2.5% of the country's land, with 195,615 hectares rewilding. This is an increase of 32,985 hectares since the Alliance's last assessment one year ago, which reported that 2.1% of Scotland's land was rewilding. Long haul to reach nature recovery In line with global targets, the Scottish Government is committed to protect at least 30% of its land and sea for nature by 2030. But at current rates of increase, it will take 65 years before major nature restoration is underway across 30% of Scotland's land. Rewilding has been surging in recent years, and across Scotland there are now nearly 200 projects led by communities, charities, farmers, landowners, public bodies and others. But the Alliance says a significant increase in political support is now needed to reach the target. Thousands of people across the country have backed the Alliance's call for Scotland to be declared the world's first Rewilding Nation, with nature recovery across 30% of its land and sea. This week the Scottish Rewilding Alliance is taking those voices to parliamentarians by speaking with MSPs at a dedicated display stand in the Scottish Parliament. "Urgent political action is needed. Leaving it until 2090 before Scotland can benefit from nature recovery across 30% of its land is something we can't afford," said Steve Micklewright, Scottish Rewilding Alliance co-convenor and chief executive of Trees for Life. "Politicians from all parties need to step up. With political will, rewilding can help us tackle the nature and climate emergencies while benefiting health, jobs, sustainable food production and re-peopling, and ensuring clean air and water, and healthy rivers and seas." Rewilding 30% of Scotland can be achieved by restoring habitats including peatlands, native woodlands, wetlands, rivers and seas, while maintaining and benefitting productive farmland. Scotland is ranked one of the world's most nature-depleted countries. Research shows that intensive agriculture and climate breakdown are having the biggest impacts on habitats and wildlife, with other threats including non-native forestry, pollution, and introduced species. Polling shows that 80% of Scots think the Scottish Government should have policies in place to support rewilding. But rewilding is not yet included in the Government's key policies and frameworks, such as the planning framework, net zero plan, and biodiversity strategy. There are fears that planned legislation, including the Land Reform Bill, may be less ambitious than planned when it comes to nature restoration. Levels of marine recovery are unknown, due to government delays on ensuring effective Marine Protected Areas and lack of support for large-scale marine restoration. Based on known rewilding projects, however, the total area of Scotland's seas in recovery is believed to be dangerously low at less than 1%. "With political leadership in line with its international commitments, Scotland could become a world leader in nature recovery - the opportunities and benefits are huge," said Karen Blackport, the Alliance's co-convenor and chief executive of Bright Green Nature. "Declaring Scotland a Rewilding Nation would lead to meaningful action with ministers committing to restoring the country's natural environment through legislation and funding to enable rewilding and empower local communities." The Rewilding Nation Charter at www.rewild.scot/charter, calling on the Government to declare Scotland a rewilding nation, has been signed by thousands of people. The campaign has been backed by high-profile names including Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, actor Brian Cox, singer Nathan Evans, and activist Laura Young (Less Waste Laura). At this week's display in the Scott...

Send us a textIn this month's episode of the QMS Red Meat Podcast, we're joined by Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, for an exclusive deep dive into the latest Scottish Government policies impacting the industry.We'll discuss:✅ The future of Scotland's red meat sector amidst evolving agricultural policies✅ Government strategies to support farmers, butchers, and processors✅ Balancing food security, biodiversity, and climate goals✅ The challenges and opportunities for the sector over the next five years✅ What makes Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, and Specially Selected Pork stand out globallyWe also get a personal insight from the Cabinet Secretary on her favourite Scottish red meat dish!Plus, we'll hear updates from Sarah Millar on industry developments and Iain Macdonald on the latest market trends across cattle, sheep, and pig sectors.Don't forget to subscribe for more expert discussions each month!

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

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, Ivan McKee, the SNP MSP and Minister for Public Finance, discusses the Scottish Government's engagement with businesses, the role of the civil service, and the challenges of public service reform. He emphasises the importance of innovation and efficiency in the civil service, the need for the Scottish Government to take initiative rather than just mitigate Westminster policies, and the ongoing efforts to address child poverty. In this conversation, Ivan McKee discusses the performance of public services in Scotland, comparing them to England and addressing the need for improvement. He emphasises the importance of a long-term vision for Scotland's independence, highlighting the economic strengths and the necessity of effective public service delivery. The discussion also touches on the political changes within the SNP and the potential for injecting private sector innovation into public services to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

We speculate on what will be in Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement. Will the extra spending on building social/affordable housing be enough to stave off a revolt over social security cuts? Is she repeating the failures of a previous Labour government in thrall to iron clad ,self imposed fiscal rules? What impact has the Bank of England's monetary policy had on creating the "debt crisis"?Cowal Community Energy has had its bid to take over the lease for a large scale windfarm rejected by Forestry Land Scotland. Are the rules stacked against any community winning a contract? Why won't the Scottish Government step in, create winnable contracts, or even openly favour community bids?We also look at why Ferguson Marine failed to win the contract for seven new electric ferries, losing out to Poland.Oscar winner Hamdan Billal has vanished after being removed from an ambulance following an attack on his home by Israeli settlers. We examine the escalation of illegal Israeli violence on the West Bank since October the 7th 2023.23 year old Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat became the 208th media worker to be killed in Gaza after his car was specifically targeted by the IDF. Will his plea that we "Do not stop talking about Gaza Do not let the world look away." be heeded by the western media?On a lighter note here's the link to the Mark Carney, Mike Myers video we spoke about.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=972fCFe0Nt8 ★ Support this podcast ★

Joining us in S4 Episode 5 is Dr Catriona Stewart OBE MCPP where we explore Catriona's own late autism discovery, her lifetime of learning, and her lifetime of work - it's a deeply emotional episode.Catriona founded autistic-led charity SWAN: Scottish Women's Autism Network in 2012, on completion of her PhD research into the experiences of autistic girls, to provide peer support, build on the knowledge-base, and raise levels of understanding. Advisor to a number of high level national enquiries and campaigns, including the 3 year National Autism Project, and the 2 year Independent Review of the Mental Health Act (Scotland) in relation to Autism and Learning Disability, she ran an 18 month Employment Project for Scottish Government, and was an Ambassador to their Improving Understanding of Autism #DifferentMinds campaign, 2019-2023. She was a member of John (Lord) Scott KC's human-rights focused COVID-response Independent Advisory Group to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in 2020-21 and has since been a member of the SPA Board, where she is regarded as a Champion for Disability and the Neurominorities. She has delivered numerous papers and plenary presentations, training and workshops, in the UK and abroad. Most recent was the AETAPE bi-annual congress in Cadiz to which she presented on Independent Living for Autistic Adults, the barriers and enablers, from a Human Rights perspective. Her work is focused on community engagement, participatory action research, equality, diversity and inclusion, and Human Rights. It is informed by her research, her years of professional experience and her lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic woman and mother.To Catriona and all the autistic women who have paved the way before us, the trailblazers who have prepared the ground in this new world for others to follow. We see you and we give you our gratitude for opening the door to this brave new rediscovered world.Explore SWAN Connect with Catherine & Pete⁠⁠⁠Visit 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 Asta⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pete's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Pete on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Untypical⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Post Discovery Support?⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our next 6 week post discovery support circle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our next 6 week relational space circle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join Catherine's Frequency Circle 1.5 hour Masterclass⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Late Discovered Club Community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore 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 episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read about our 10 Year Plan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank 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 AvaS4 Guest Co-Host Pete WharmbyMusic by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Allora⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read more about our impact over the last 2 years ⁠⁠here⁠

The Health & Technology session took place on day two of RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference. Ever-increasing health demands allied with the development of new technologies, is driving innovation in the health sector. Demand for ophthalmology services has never been higher. Technologies developed to improve patient outcomes across the Eye Care Support Pathway can make a significant contribution. Across the whole of the NHS, technology is beginning to empower patients to have a greater control over their own health care. Our panel will discuss the latest development and innovations within a rapidly evolving environment.  Presentations and panel discussion was facilitated by: Dr Tara French: Digital Inclusion Programme Lead with the Scottish Government. She was joined on stage by: Nicola Cooper, Technology and Digital Innovation Lead with Scottish Care, Allan Stewart, Volunteer Campaign with RNIB Scotland, and Ruth Hamilton, Consultant Clinical Scientist within NHS Glasgow and Greater Clyde. Hear all audio from the conference here: Audioboom / Inclusive Design for Sustainability Conference 2025 Image description: The panellists sit on stage from left to right: Allan, Tara, Ruth, and Nicola. Tara is speaking.

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

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

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

In this episode, Steven and Nick welcome back Brian Gilmour from Indigo Square to discuss key updates in the Scottish property market. With rent controls changing, interest rates stabilising, and housing policies evolving, this episode is packed with insights for landlords, investors, and property professionals.Key Highlights:Scottish Property Market Updates: Changes to rent controls and what they mean for landlords. The impact of the Scottish Government's new housing policies. Why institutional investors are pulling out of Scotland.Economic & Interest Rate Discussion: The latest Bank of England base rate changes. Inflation trends and what they mean for property investors. Mortgage rate outlook—where are they heading?The Future of the Private Rented Sector: The long-term outlook for landlords in Scotland. Why so many landlords are selling up. How portfolio buyers can take advantage of market shifts.The UK Housing Crisis & Possible Solutions: The role of the government vs. private sector in fixing the crisis. The challenges of planning and building new homes. How Scotland's ageing housing stock is creating more problems.Scotland's property market is in a period of transition. While some landlords are exiting, opportunities remain for investors who understand the new landscape. With changes in rent controls, economic uncertainty, and evolving housing policies, staying informed is key!----------------------------------------------------------Prime Property Auctions – Sell your property with no upfront costs and control the reserve price. Prime Property Auction: www.instagram.com/primepropertyauctions/John: www.instagram.com/john_property_auctioneer/Luis: www.instagram.com/luis_property_auctioneer/Visit Prime Property Auction website: https://primepropertyauctions.co.uk/------------------------------------Follow us on all of our social media accounts: https://linktr.ee/scottishpropertypodcast**DISCLAIMER**Please do your own due diligence on any of our guests you may decide to do business with. We interview in good faith. However, we cannot be held responsible for any credibility issues that may arise.

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

The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has launched a $57.58 million fund to support early-stage space technologies and reduce reliance on imports. The US Department of the Air Force has agreed to revoke a Space Development Agency (SDA) award to Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, and reopen bidding. SAIC and AWS have been awarded contracts by NOAA to provide cloud hosting services for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS), and more. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Be sure to follow T-Minus on LinkedIn and Instagram. T-Minus Guest Our guest today is Scotland's Trade Envoy to Space, Daniel Smith. You can connect with Daniel on LinkedIn, and on the Scottish Government website. Selected Reading India's space regulator launches $58 million fund to boost startups, cut reliance on imports- Reuters In response to Viasat suit, SDA will recompete 10-satellite award to Tyvak - Breaking Defense NOAA Awards $4.8M TraCSS Cloud Services Order SuperSharp and NanoAvionics to partner on a disruptive Thermal InfraRed (TIR) imaging satellite NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free to Retire After 30 Years Service SpaceX Starlink mission lands rocket off coast of The Bahamas for 1st time  60 Years Ago: John Glenn, the First American to Orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7 - NASA T-Minus Crew Survey We want to hear from you! Please complete our 4 question survey. It'll help us get better and deliver you the most mission-critical space intel every day. Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at space@n2k.com to request more info. Want to join us for an interview? Please send your pitch to space-editor@n2k.com and include your name, affiliation, and topic proposal. T-Minus is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

It's Monday, February 17th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus 18-year-old Catholic woman escapes Pakistani Muslim man An 18-year-old Pakistani woman has been reunited with her Catholic family after six months of captivity, forced conversion to Islam, and coerced marriage to the Muslim who abducted her, reports Morning Star News. Huma Allah Ditta's ordeal began when she failed to return home from her job at a call center in Lahore  on June 28. Her distraught parents began a desperate search after police failed to lift a finger. On August 4th, her parents discovered that she had been abducted by a Muslim man named Abdul Basit Butt.  2 Corinthians 4:4 says, “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don't believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don't understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” The Catholic mother said, “My husband and I decided to put this matter in God's hands and started praying vigorously for our daughter's return.” The couple's prayers were answered on January 16th, when Huma managed to escape from Butt's custody and was reunited with her family. JD Vance slams Europe for violating free speech of pro-life Christians Last Friday, Vice President J.D. Vance used a speech addressing European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in Germany to slam Europe for violating the free speech and religious rights of pro-life Christians, reports LifeNews.com. VANCE: “When I look at Europe today, it's sometimes not so clear what happened to some of the Cold War's winners. … Perhaps most concerningly, I look to our very dear friends, the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular, in the crosshairs. “A little over two years ago, the British government charged Adam Smith-Connor, a 51-year-old physiotherapist and an Army veteran, with the heinous crime of standing 50 meters from an abortion clinic and silently praying for three minutes. Not obstructing anyone, not interacting with anyone, just silently praying on his own. “After British law enforcement spotted him and demanded to know what he was praying for, Adam replied simply it was on behalf of the unborn son he and his former girlfriend had aborted years before. Now, the officers were not moved. “Adam was found guilty of breaking the government's new buffer zones law, which criminalizes silent prayer and other actions that could influence a person's decision within 200 meters of an abortion facility. He was sentenced to pay thousands of pounds in legal costs to the prosecution.” Vice President Vance expressed disappointment that the United Kingdom had penalized so-called thought crimes. He warned European leaders against censoring pro-lifers. VANCE: “Now, I wish I could say that this was a fluke, a one-off, crazy example of a badly written law being enacted against a single person. But no, this last October, just a few months ago, the Scottish Government began distributing letters to citizens whose houses lay within so called ‘safe access' zones, warning them that even private prayer within their own homes may amount to breaking the law. Naturally, the government urged readers to report any fellow citizens suspected guilty of thought crime. “In Britain and across Europe, free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” RFK, Jr. vows to implement Trump's pro-life policies Last Thursday, February 13th, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was confirmed in a 52-48 vote and sworn in as President Donald Trump's Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), reported The Epoch Times. Prior to that, during the Senate Health Committee hearing, Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri asked Kennedy about whether he would implement President Trump's pro-life policies. Listen to their exchange. HAWLEY: “Under the first Trump presidency, HHS stopped new [National Institutes of Health] research that involved human fetal tissue from elective abortion. You said, ‘Stem cell research today can be done on umbilical cords. You don't need any fetal tissue.'  -- which is correct. My question to you is, ‘Will you reinstate President Trump's policy that ensures that no federal research and no federal tax dollars is conducted on fetal tissue taken from elective abortions?'” KENNEDY: “Yes.” HAWLEY: “Fantastic! Let me ask you just about Title X which prohibits the funding of the use of federal taxpayer funding for abortions or to flow to entities like Planned Parenthood that perform abortions or refer people to abortions. You were asked yesterday if you would support President Trump's rule that says, ‘No Title X funding for those who perform abortions or refer people to abortions.' I think your answer was, ‘Yes. You would reinstate that rule.' I just want to be sure I'm right about that. KENNEDY: “Yes.” HAWLEY: “Fantastic! Last point that I have for you. On mifepristone, the chemical abortion drug, you said yesterday that you would study its safety. I think that's good. I want to make an additional point here just about how the Biden administration changed the rules on mifepristone that I hope that you'll take into consideration because you pointed out that we need to honor the wishes of voters in states and their right to set life policy. “The Biden administration's rule on mifepristone, which they did after the Dobbs decision, means that in any state, including ones like mine [Missouri], where voters or state legislators say, ‘We don't want abortion performed after a certain point,' if the Biden administration rule on chemical abortion stands and you can mail in these abortion drugs without a doctor visit or referral, that means no state ban, no state decision, no voter decision is going to matter. We're going to have a one-size-fits-all policy set here in Washington. I hope you'll take that into consideration.” KENNEDY: “I will implement President Trump's policies.” Valentine's Day birthed through Christian martyr's death And finally, have you ever wondered why we just celebrated Valentine's Day on February 14th, this past Friday? Well, Pastor Valentine or Valentinus was a clergyman in the Roman Empire who lived during the reign of Claudius Gothicus or Claudius II. Because the Emperor was having difficulty getting young men to volunteer to serve in the army to fight his wars, he prohibited marriage which would further hurt the conscription rate. Pastor Valentine, who celebrated God's love and Biblical love between husband and wife, secretly married Christian couples in the forest which ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment.  While Claudius took a liking to Pastor Valentinus, the bold preacher tried to convert the Emperor which resulted in a sentence of death. In Romans 10:14, the Apostle Paul asks, "How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Valentine was beaten with clubs and stones.  And when that failed to kill him, Valentine was beheaded on February 14th, A.D. 269. And now you know the rest of the story. Get the children's book entitled Valentine: God's Courageous Evangelist. Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, February 17th in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

I support Tory MSP Liz Smith is the bombshell from Lesley. Has Lesley lost it or has Liz finally come up with a proposal on outdoor education that all sensible Scots can rally behind? We discuss.Turning from the Tories it's been another helluva week for both UK and Scottish Labour.Is UK Labour running so scared after the latest polls that it's aping Reform in policies and media messaging?Meanwhile a gloves off doorstep interview with Anas Sarwar by STV's Colin Mackay over Sarwar's pre-election pledges on Grangemouth, has made it a difficult week for the Scottish Labour leader. There also appears to have been a rethink by the party hierarchy over its 2026 election strategy with a pledge( yup more of these) to "protect" the achievements of "devolution" such as free prescriptions, the baby box, free tuition. As UK Labour apes Reform is Scottish Labour doing the same with the SNP ?Sarwar, at the end of the Mackay car crash piece, reiterated Labour support for the expansion of nuclear energy in Scotland to tackle climate change, provide jobs and ( wait for this one) reduce bills. Lesley has a few thoughts on this.The latest headlines suggest that the Scottish Government is, finally, set on creating a "fairer","better" system of local taxation. Do its actions match the headline?There's all the usual stuff plus more on Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a movie review and wisdom teeth extractions. ★ Support this podcast ★

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

Is Scotland's salmon farming industry on a sustainable path? In this episode, we hear from Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, and Deputy Convener Beatrice Wishart MSP as they discuss the findings of the Committee's latest report. With calls for stronger regulation, more research and urgent action from the Scottish Government, they outline what needs to change to ensure the industry can grow sustainably.   Read the full report on the Scottish Parliament website.

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

Research is so critical to the field of surgery worldwide. But how does the world of academic surgery compare in the UK? Join BTK fellow Jon Williams and ASGBI partner Jared Wohlgemut  for another installment of our BTK/ASGBI collaborative series where we take a deep dive investigating the many facets of surgical research–everything from getting started, funding, collaboration, mentorship, and sage advice from two incredibly successful academic surgeons. Professor Susan Moug represents the UK while Dr. Lesly Dossett represents the US in this excellent episode for any trainee or surgeon who is academically-inclined. After listening, you get to decide–who does it better?? UK or US? Professor Moug is an Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. She is a Consultant Colorectal and Robotic surgeon at Golden Jubilee National University Hospital in Clydebank, and at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley, Scotland. She is also the Director of Research for the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland since 2021, and the Surgical Specialty Lead for Colorectal Research at the Royal College of Surgeons of England. She has been awarded a Senior Fellowship from the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Government, and was the chief investigator for the Emergency Laparotomy in Frailty multicentre study, and the No-Laps follow-on study. Essentially, she is one of the leading researchers in emergency surgery in the UK, having been awarded over 1 million in grant funding for this under-researched and underfunded area. Dr. Dossett is an associate professor and surgical oncologist at the University of Michigan. After completing her undergraduate degree at Western Kentucky University, She completed both medical school and her general surgery residency at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, during which she obtained an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality training grant as well as a Masters in Public Health during research time. Following residency, she served as an active duty staff surgeon in the US Navy for several years before pursuing surgical oncology fellowship training at Moffitt Cancer Center. In 2016 she came on to University of Michigan as faculty and has since held numerous academic leadership roles both institutionally and nationally, including vice chair for faculty development, chief of the division of surgical oncology, and president of the Surgical Outcomes Club. Dr. Dossett has an impressive portfolio of research work focusing on implementation and de-implementation of comprehensive cancer care, which is funded through multiple NIH grants.  If you enjoyed this episode, stay tuned for more upcoming BTK/ASGBI collaborative content. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us at hello@behindtheknife.org.  ***SPECIALTY TEAM APPLICATION LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX2a_zsiyaz-NwxKuUUa5cUFolWhOw3945ZRFoRcJR1wjZ4w/viewform?usp=sharing

Who owns Scotland? How did they get it? What happened to all the common land in Scotland? Has the Scottish Parliament made any difference? Can we get our common good land back? In this updated edition of The Poor Had No Lawyers: Who Owns Scotland and How They Got it (Birlinn, 2024), Andy Wightman updates the statistics of landownership in Scotland and explores how and why landowners got their hands on the millions of acres of land that were once held in common. He tells the untold story of how Scotland's legal establishment and politicians managed to appropriate land through legal fixes. Have attempts to redistribute this power more equitably made any difference, and what are the full implications of the recent debt-fuelled housing bubble, the Smith Commission and the new Scottish Government's proposals on land reform? For all those with an interest in urban and rural land in Scotland, this updated edition of The Poor Had No Lawyers provides a fascinating analysis of one the most important political questions in Scotland. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Who owns Scotland? How did they get it? What happened to all the common land in Scotland? Has the Scottish Parliament made any difference? Can we get our common good land back? In this updated edition of The Poor Had No Lawyers: Who Owns Scotland and How They Got it (Birlinn, 2024), Andy Wightman updates the statistics of landownership in Scotland and explores how and why landowners got their hands on the millions of acres of land that were once held in common. He tells the untold story of how Scotland's legal establishment and politicians managed to appropriate land through legal fixes. Have attempts to redistribute this power more equitably made any difference, and what are the full implications of the recent debt-fuelled housing bubble, the Smith Commission and the new Scottish Government's proposals on land reform? For all those with an interest in urban and rural land in Scotland, this updated edition of The Poor Had No Lawyers provides a fascinating analysis of one the most important political questions in Scotland. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

There has been a 'lack of progress' from the Scottish Government in implementing reforms recommended for the salmon farming industry, according to MSPs. Members of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee in the Scottish Parliament warned that such delays could be 'detrimental to the long-term viability' of the sector. Farmer protests against the introduction of inheritance tax are continuing up and down the country, with more planned for the end of the month. But many agree that the row has at least made families talk about what should happen when one generation passes on the farm to the next. Professor Matt Lobley from Exeter University says while around 60% of farmers in their 60s have a successor lined up, the transfer of ownership can be a painful process.This week we'll be looking at some of the jobs that need to be done at this time of year to ensure the maintenance of the farm all year round. Today it's fencing, vital for keeping animals in, and your neighbours' animals out.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.