Podcasts about Scottish Government

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Paul McLennan To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's latest engagement with the UK Government regarding any impact on poverty levels in Scotland of the freeze to Local Housing Allowance. Murdo Fraser To ask the First Minister what funding is in place to ensure that the A9 dualling project is completed by the target date of 2035. Stuart McMillan To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on whether the Scottish Government will instigate a direct award to Ferguson Marine for the replacement of MV Lord of the Isles. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The UK has temporarily banned all imports of pig products from Spain afrer an outbreak of African Swine Fever in wild boars there. It's their first case since 1994. The disease is spread by ticks and can be devastating to commercial herds. The National Pig Association here says it's vital our government puts adequate controls at borders to keep the disease out. Northern Ireland has had its first case of bluetongue, in County Down. The government has introduced a 20km restriction zone to control the spread. There have been around 200 cases in England and Wales this year, though none in Scotland. A farmer is calling on the Scottish Government to fund a multi-million pound dairy development programme, which would encourage farmers to keep cows with their newborn calves for longer. David Finlay has been pioneering the unconventional system on his farm near Kirkcudbright - which is now the largest commercial 'cow-with-calf' dairy in Europe. And all this week we're looking at the jobs farmers need to do over winter - today, cleaning up ready for next season. Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Sally Challoner.

In today's deep-dive episode of Holyrood Sources, we break down one of the most contentious and politically charged budgets in years — Rachel Reeves' first full Labour Budget. With Scotland at the centre of the economic and political fallout, the team scrutinises what this Budget means for Scottish jobs, taxation, public services, welfare, the North Sea, and the Scottish Government's own finances ahead of its budget in January.Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver offer a forensic, often fiery discussion about the political strategy behind the Budget, the reaction from business, the impact on the working-class vote, and why Scotland's oil and gas sector has been thrown into turmoil.We are also joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, who delivers an expert, evidence-based explanation of what the Budget really means for Scotland's economy, the Barnett consequentials, and the decisions now facing the Scottish Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conference of Ideas Join indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene as they share their favourite moments from the Scottish Currency Group conference held in Dunfermline on 25th and 26th October. Featuring behind-the-scenes commentary and chats with presenters Craig Dalzell and Colin Fox, plus insights on Scotland's economic future, currency options, and more.   One key theme which emerged from several of the speakers was the issue of Foreign Direct Investment, which the Scottish Government seem to embrace enthusiastically while others watch with concern at the level of profits being extracted from Scotland due to extensive foreign ownership of land and assets.   Key topics: 00:01:25  Ian Stewart introduces the Conference of Ideas 00:08:23  Craig Dalzell explains the pins in the map 00:16:35  William Thompson - Scotgov has got the wrong approach 00:28:29  Robin McAlpine - recapturing the Scottish economy 00:43:44  Colin Fox - A vision for a better Scotland Find out more from the Scottish Currency Group's new website https://scg.scot watch all the sessions from the conference at https://www.youtube.com/@UCbTZJrFgbalSJTNMfrb0N6A  Read more from Scotonomics on Scotland's Sectoral balances here https://scotonomics.org/private-sector-debt-in-scotland/ #scottishcurrencygroup #scottishindependence #economics The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! 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 Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.  

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 impact the Chancellor's Autumn Statement will have on Scotland. Dr Pam Gosal MBE To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government plans to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence. Alex Rowley To ask the First Minister, in light of ExxonMobil's announcement of the closure of the Mossmorran ethylene plant, what action the Scottish Government is taking to mitigate any damage this will cause to the Cowdenbeath area and the wider Scottish economy. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

Actor Sydney Sweeney on her role in the boxing biopic Christie. Olivia Laing, author of The Silver Book, and Adrian Wootton discuss Italian film director and writer Pier Paulo Pasolini exactly fifty years after his controversial film Salò and horrific murder.Rising countertenor star Hugh Cutting performs live.The Scottish Government's review of Creative Scotland. Presenter: Samira Ahmed

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by Edward Jones, who is a Sustainable Farming Advisor at Frontier Agriculture to discuss cover crops. Welcome to CropCast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers 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. Time codes 04:13 Definitions of green manure, cover crops & catch crops 09:14 Potential benefits 12:24 New species available 14:15 Different species for different areas 20:03 Considerations when choosing a crop 24:14 Greening 2026 28:40 Establishment 33:46 Potential uses with livestock 36:00 Seeds suitable for broadcasting 39:19 Three top tips Linked FAS Resources FAS Crops & Soils https://www.fas.scot/crops-soils/ EFA Greening 2026 https://www.fas.scot/preparing-for-the-future/Other Linked ResourcesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-jones-931725133?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app Clinkstone – Companion Crops & autumn cover crops in a min-till system https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uw5xnHdsaEw Cover Crop Guide: https://covercropsguide.co.uk/

Well, there's the football and the football and the reaction to the football and the football, and the goals and the radio commentary and the hope and the exhilaration and the football. So we talk about that even though Fraser's nae all that keen. We talk also about the lessons you might learn from Denmark, which is being heralded by Labour as their template for their new crackdown on refugees and asylum seekers.We look at the recent Copenhagen mayoral election where the Social Democrats have lost the control that they have held for 100 years, mostly over the pact with the far right. So beware what you wish for Labour. We talk also about the new Good Morning Scotland that isn't called that anymore. Is it all that different, and what could it be doing more? We look at the COVID inquiry verdicts and the tragedy of the UK  establishment telling the Scottish Government that their big mistake was not deviating completely from what the British government was doing. All this and more..LinksCelebrate Saint Andrew's Day at the birthplace of Scotland's FlagPipes and Drums from 1.30pm, Flag Ceremony 2pm followed by a service in Athelstaneford Parish Church. (small hand flags only, plesase, no personal flags, saltires or banners) https://www.facebook.com/events/800678686169345Pennie Taylor - scroll to 1:27:49  https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002mp06Richard Murphy and budget - https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25643726.scotland-needs-budget-wont-get/Guardian and Danish left resurgent - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/22/danish-model-centre-left-parties-labour-doesnt-workDown Cemetery Road 5 stars from Graudian https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/29/down-cemetery-road-review-emma-thompson-thriller-apple-tv ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Scottish Property Podcast, Nick and Steven sit down with John Blackwood, Chief Executive of the Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL), who has spent nearly 25 years representing landlords across Scotland.John brings unparalleled insight into the private rented sector (PRS), the political pressures landlords face, and the complex legislative landscape shaping housing today. From rent controls to the Housing Scotland Bill, ADS reform, empty homes, and the moral debate surrounding private renting, this conversation offers one of the most balanced and honest breakdowns of Scotland's housing challenges — directly from someone on the front line.Episode Highlights:

In CI News this week: The Christian Institute launches a new resource to help street preachers and the police, in Northern Ireland, RE lessons and assemblies that are exclusively Christian have been deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court, and the Scottish Government is urged to reject proposals for an extreme abortion regime. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories The Street Preacher's Charter: ‘An invaluable asset for gospel freedom' ‘Make the Charter your own': CI street preaching resource welcomed by leaders Supreme Court reinstates ruling against ‘proselytising' in NI RE lessons Scots report pushes extreme abortion agenda Baby born at 23 weeks now 1 year old and ‘absolutely thriving'

What did the UK Covid-19 Inquiry report say about the Scottish Government and Nicola Sturgeon? Alistair Grant and Andrew Quinn delve into the details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode our guests Isobel Lindsay and Bill Ramsay help unpack the deeper message behind Deputy PM David Lammy's extraordianry claim that the Scottish Government is a "national security threat". But which nation is he talking about?  From a Scottish perspective, many argue that Scotland's continued place within the UK poses the greater risk to Scotland's own national security. We also revisit a powerful highlight from the recent Scottish CND conference: former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard's eloquen and forceful speech challenging the Uk Labour Government's increasingly militarised foreign and economic policies. Join us for a forthright conversation about power, security and Scotland's future role in the world. key themes: 00:00:31  Lammy insults a nation 00:03:24  Who poses the biggest threat to Scotland? 00:16:00  Resilience and Security 00:28:19  Richard Leonard calls our UK Labour's path to war 00:30:33  Role and purpose of arms industry in creating as narrative of fear 00:38:43  Richard Leonard on US ownership of UK nuclear weapons 00:45:14  Craig Dalzell on nuclear power as a cover story 00:49:19  Uk labour government policy of escalating militarisation 00:50:43  Our message to Mr Lammy  #davidlammy #ScottishCND #scottishindependence The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! 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 Scottish Independence Podcasts is pro independence but not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views.

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Clare Haughey To ask the First Minister, in light of the UK Government's reported decision to revisit compensating Women Against State Pension Inequality, what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the potential social security implications for those affected in Scotland. Douglas Ross To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government will take in response to reported figures from the road safety charity, Brake, which show that over the last year road deaths and serious injuries rose by 2.8% nationally, with Moray recording the highest increase with a rise of 83%. Carol Mochan To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to news that public satisfaction with the NHS has dropped to its lowest level in more than a decade, according to the Scottish Household Survey. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The United Kingdom has set an ambitious target to achieve a decarbonised power system by 2030 as part of its broader Net Zero commitment. Delivering on this goal is central to strengthening energy security, enhancing resilience, and ensuring affordable, clean power for households and industry. In his address to the IIEA, Chris Stark, Head of the UK Government's Mission for Clean Power, outlines the UK's pathway to Net Zero and discuss the role of interconnectors, infrastructure, and investment in delivering a secure and sustainable energy system. Drawing on his leadership of the UK government's “Mission Control” for clean power, Mr Stark also reflects on the challenges and opportunities of transforming the UK's energy landscape amid an increasingly complex global environment. This event is part of the IIEA's REthink Energy series, organised in partnership with ESB. Speaker bio: Chris Stark was appointed head of the UK's Mission for Clean Power in the UK's Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in July 2024. Previous to this, he was Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee from April 2018 for six years. Under his leadership, the committee recommended a UK net zero target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – a target that is now in law. He was Director of Energy and Climate Change in the Scottish Government from May 2016 to April 2018. He has also served as Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust and is currently Honorary Professor at the University of Glasgow's Centre for Public Policy, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and is on the board of climate charity Murmer.

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time.   Topics covered this week include: Kevin Stewart  To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the report on regional economic growth by former University of Glasgow principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli. Rachael Hamilton To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government will maintain its manifesto commitment to freeze income tax rates and bands. Ariane Burgess  To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government is still on track to restore 250,000 hectares of peatland by 2030.

'A win for people-led rewilding' - new hutting law to unlock public land to connect people and nature. Last night (4 November) MSPs in the Scottish Parliament voted to create a new hutting law compelling the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for hutting on public land. The change to the law will make it easier for people across Scotland to access public land for low-impact, sustainable hutting in future. New hutting law to unlock public land to connect people and nature Huts are simple homes where people can reconnect with nature and experience the land off-grid. Reforesting Scotland's 1000 Huts Campaign says that a culture of recreational hut use would benefit people greatly, including by bringing people close to nature, cultivating practical skills in low-carbon living, fostering community, and offering benefits for health and wellbeing. With hutting depending on access to land for huts, campaigners from Reforesting Scotland and the Scottish Rewilding Alliance had called on the Scottish Government to publish a draft lease for hutters on public land. The successful campaign for a legal change was inspired by a pilot project at Carnock in southwest Fife, which has seen a pioneering lease enable a group of hutters to build 12 huts on the national forest estate. Al Whitworth, Director of Reforesting Scotland, said: "This is another success for our ongoing 1000 Huts Campaign, and we're delighted that the Scottish Government has again recognised the benefits of making a model lease available for hutting on public land. We hope this will help unlock more sites where hutters can enjoy nature protected by a strong legal agreement." Steve Micklewright, co-convenor of the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and chief executive of Trees for Life, said: "It's great to see the Scottish Government supporting the need for a model lease for hutting in the new Land Reform Bill. As well as restoring nature in a big way, rewilding is about people and restoring our relationship with the land. Hutting offers a fantastic way for more people to share in, and care for, Scotland's landscapes. This is a win for people-led rewilding." The successful changes to the bill were proposed in Parliament by Ariane Burgess, Scottish Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands. "Opening up more public land for hutting will in turn create all sorts of opportunities for people to get closer to nature and develop practical skills, and will foster community and co-operation. I'm really pleased to see the Scottish Government recognising the importance of hutting in the new Land Reform Bill by supporting my proposed amendment. This positive result should benefit people for years to come," said Ariane Burgess. The hutting win represents a double success for the Scottish Rewilding Alliance's recommendations on the Land Reform Bill. MSPs voted on 28 October to create a law obliging the owners of large landholdings over 1,000 hectares to publish plans on how they will increase biodiversity - which the Alliance says represents a 'big step towards a Rewilding Nation'. While celebrating the two new laws, the Alliance says that with Scotland one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, the Scottish Government needs to be more ambitious going forwards. Although the Scottish government is committed to protect at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030, just 2.5% of Scotland's land is currently rewilding - with current rates of increase meaning it will take 65 years before major nature restoration is underway across 30% of the country. Rewilding is the large-scale restoration of nature to a state where it can look after itself, focusing on restoring natural processes and, where appropriate, reintroducing missing species. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance is calling on the Scottish Government to declare Scotland the world's first Rewilding Nation, bringing in bold legislation to support rewilding. Polling has shown this is supported by over 80% of the Scottish public....

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today's episode Mary-Jane is joined by Barbara McLeod. Barbara owns and runs Cruciferous Croft in the Lochinver area of North West Scotland. She took on a croft herself, renovating an old building to live in, and has since started growing vegetables, finding most success with cabbages. This gave her the idea to start fermenting them into sauerkraut to add value. She now sells her products at food festivals and fairs. She tells us about what it was like getting started in crofting, and discusses heritage practices such as using seaweed for fertiliser, and following chemical free growing practices. She also tells us about the various sources of funding and support she has used to get her business up and running. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about Cruciferous Croft, the Farm Advisory Service mentoring scheme, the HIE food and drink tech hub, or the other sources of support that Barbara mentioned, you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Related ResourcesHome - Cruciferous Croft Website Food and drink TechHUB | HIE FAS Mentoring Support Available | Helping farmers in Scotland For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

An all party parliamentary group of MPs is launching what it calls a 'new action plan for fishing.' The group believes that the industry is being challenged by a series of problems including a declining workforce, restrictions at sea because of environmental protection and avoiding windfarms. The former fisheries minister and Cambridge MP Daniel Zeichner is writing the report. Farmers and crofters are criticising the Scottish Government over the allocation of grants for the Future Farming Investment Scheme. About 7,500 applications were submitted for the £21 million fund, but around 3,500 applications did not meet the criteria. Some farmers and politicians claim the distribution of money was "unfair". The Scottish Government says it understands some people are disappointed and says it is already reviewing the scheme.Researchers at the University of Worcester are carrying out research to find out how arthritis affects farmers and the farming industry.All week we're finding out more about growing mushrooms. We eat more than a £100 million worth in the UK every year. We visit the second-largest mushroom farm in the UK at Littleport in The Fens. It produces 160 tonnes a week, from tiny buttons, to large flat mushrooms.Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Christine Grahame To ask the First Minister what discussions the Scottish Government has had with the UK Government regarding the implementation of the proposed scheme for the renovation of military homes in Scotland. Douglas Lumsden To ask the First Minister when the Scottish Government will announce a timetable for improvement works on the A96 north of Inverurie, following the publication of its corridor review consultation report. Michael Marra To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Auditor General's report, 2024/25 audit of the Scottish Government Consolidated Accounts, which indicates a £1 billion underspend by the Scottish Government. Beatrice Wishart To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the recent news that Eastern Airways, which runs lifeline regional services in the Highlands and Islands, has entered administration. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

Join us at the Solway Coast to explore how collaboration is creating climate resilience on Scotland's dynamic coastline.David Pickett from the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) Caerlaverock Wetland Centre and Anna Austin from Caerlaverock Estate share how they're reconnecting fragmented landscapes. With backing from the Scottish Government's Nature Restoration Fund, they're turning drains into wetlands, pastures into corridors, and local ambition into climate-ready results.Discover the practical side of restoration: cutting drains, looping burns, and carving ponds that invite lapwing, teal, and golden plover to return. Learn how grasslands and hedgerows weave through productive farms, connecting peatland, saltmarsh, and meadows into resilient networks.Partnership drives this transformation. Neighbouring landowners work together to create thriving habitats where vulnerable species, such as natterjack toads, can flourish as the climate changes. From winter skies crowded with barnacle geese to summer meadows alive with dragonflies, this is nature restoration that works for people and place.Ready to connect habitats in your area? Listen for tips on creating wildlife corridors and building partnerships that benefit both nature and communities.Information:Nature Restoration FundWWT Caerlaverock Wetland CentreCaerlaverock Estate

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Emma Harper To ask the First Minister whether the Scottish Government has had any initial response from the UK Government in relation to the letter sent to the Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs on 22 October regarding the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Roz McCall To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that Babcock, in Fife, has had to hire workers from overseas as a result of reductions in some college courses. Pauline McNeill To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is regarding the reported 200,000 public sector workers who are still waiting on their pension entitlement following the 2018 McCloud judgement on pension discrimination. Ash Regan To ask the First Minister for what reason the Scottish Government has reportedly abandoned key provisions of the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, including the proposed licensing system, as communities prepare for potential disorder during Bonfire Night. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

In this episode George Chalmers is joined by SAC Senior Consultant and Chartered Accountant Andrew Coalter to discuss Arable Farm Finances, particularly cash flow challenges, investment and capital allowances for arable farms. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, George Chalmers 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. Related FAS Resources Cash Flow Forecasting: https://www.fas.scot/article/building-good-financial-habits-with-cash-flow-forecasting/ Budgeting & Financial Planning https://www.fas.scot/rural-business/business-tools/budgeting-and-financial-planning/ Finance & Funding https://www.fas.scot/whats-stopping-you-finance-funding/

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 what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any implications for its work to mitigate the two-child benefit cap of the UK Government's reported proposals to replace the cap with a tapered system. Brian Whittle To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that the mental health budget has been reduced in the 2025-26 Autumn Budget Revision. Michael Matheson To ask the First Minister, following Scotland's Global Investment Summit 2025, whether he will provide an update on the Scottish Government's work to attract international investment into Scotland's economy. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

You are listening to Agri Culture, a podcast that aims to explore the stories of the people that make up our agricultural industry and culture of farming, in Scotland and beyond. On today's episode Mary-Jane Lawrie is joined by Wallace Currie. Wallace may be familiar to you as he runs his own podcast R2Kast as part of his brand Rural 2 Kitchen, which started during lockdown as a way to share his farming life. Later he became a lecturer at SRUC and has since gone on to do a Nuffield Scholarship on pathways into agriculture through education, youth groups and consumer engagement. He talks to us about his farming background, his thoughts on how agriculture should be woven into our education system, and his work with the Young Farmers and Farmstrong Scotland. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Agri Culture. If you'd like to get in touch or find out more about R2Kast, Young Farmers, Nuffield Scholarships, or Farmstrong Scotland you can find links in the show notes. This episode was presented by Mary-Jane Lawrie, produced by Kerry Hammond and edited by Cameron Waugh, in association with the Scottish Government. Resources: Rural2Kitchen - YouTube R2Kast - People in Food and Farming/All In - Hosted by Wallace Currie Rural2Kitchen | Facebook Wallace Currie MSc (@rural2kitchen) • Instagram photos and videos The Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs | SAYFC Agricultural Studies | Nuffield Farming Scholarships Farmstrong Scotland - Live Well, Farm & Croft Well For more information, visit  www.FAS.scot Twitter: @FASScot Facebook: @FASScot National Advice Hub Phone: 0300 323 0161 Email: advice@fas.scot

In CI News this week: Dame Sarah Mullally has been chosen by the Crown Nominations Commission to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, the Scottish Government advises schools to separate toilets according to biological sex, and Wycliffe Bible Translators has reported historic growth in producing Bibles in new languages. You can download the video via this link. Featured stories CofE appoints first female Archbishop of Canterbury Scot Govt amends school toilet guidance to refer to biological sex Communities Secretary: ‘Islamophobia definition will not be allowed to infringe on free speech' ‘Historic' year for Bible translation as 118 Bibles and New Testaments launched

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Gordon MacDonald To ask the First Minister, regarding the potential impact on marginalised communities and public services in Scotland, what the Scottish Government's response is to UK Government proposals to introduce a mandatory digital ID scheme. Liz Smith To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's position is on whether NHS Tayside should exempt legal claims by former patients of Professor Sam Eljamel from the three-year time-bar which is currently in place. Jackie Baillie To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reported comments from the chair of the British Medical Association in Scotland, that Scotland's NHS is "dying before our eyes". A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Elena Whitham To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of any implications for its work to address poverty amongst older people of recent findings by the Living Wage Foundation that a majority of people on a low-income pension in the UK are unable to cover basic living costs. Brian Whittle To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that proposed changes to the counting method for NHS waiting lists will result in numbers falling despite no more patients being seen. Foysol Choudhury To ask the First Minister what urgent action the Scottish Government is taking in light of Public Health Scotland's estimate that dementia in Scotland is set to rise by more than 50% by 2044. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from both the left and centre of his party ahead of conference. With questions over his leadership, his political voice, and Labour's direction on key issues like energy policy, immigration, and economic growth, this episode asks:Does Starmer have the authority to unite his party?Could figures like Andy Burnham challenge him?Is Labour heading for a damaging split – or a chance to reset?Will Ed Miliband's reported U-turn on North Sea oil and gas reshape the government's energy strategy?We also compare Labour's struggles to historic SNP and Lib Dem conferences, and discuss how Reform UK is reshaping the political battlefield.Plus:Why Scottish Labour's new Westminster ministers could act as a “shadow Scottish Government” to boost Anas Sarwar's election chances.The role of Douglas Alexander as Scotland Secretary – and whether he can coordinate Labour's strategy effectively.Could Reform UK split the Tory vote enough for the SNP to win all constituency seats?Should there be a clear constitutional process for another Scottish independence referendum?Plus: the bizarre scandal of Seagullgate, which forced a minister to resign after a row with Douglas Ross.We also hear from listeners on Scottish education, independence rules, and whether Holyrood needs reform to handle the growing scale of devolved powers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Gordon MacDonald To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the potential impact on households in Scotland of the forecasts from the Food and Drink Federation that food and drink inflation could reach 5.7% by December. Murdo Fraser To ask the First Minister how the Scottish Government will support town and city centres as retail destinations.   Maggie Chapman To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to protect renters in the private sector from homelessness. A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Ruth Maguire To ask the First Minister, in light of reports of the rising rate of poverty for families with a baby under one and new evidence from Save the Children that increasing Best Start Grant and Best Start Foods payments could significantly reduce the child poverty rate for this priority group, whether the Scottish Government will consider increasing these payments. Brian Whittle  To ask the First Minister what urgent steps the Scottish Government is taking in response to reports that nursing and midwifery vacancies have risen by 60% in six months.   Paul Sweeney  To ask the First Minister what additional support the Scottish Government is giving to the Public Dental Service, in light of reports that there has been a 10% rise in spending over the last two years due to increased demand.   A full transcript of this week's First Minister's Questions will be available on the Scottish Parliament website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/official-report

The Scottish Parliament went back to Holyrood last week for the final session before the elections in 2026.   Following the Holyrood debate on Palestine and his very welcome decision to stop giving public money to companies helping to arm Israel in the commission of a genocide,  First Minister John Swinney began today with a speech announcing the publication of the new Scotgov  paper "Your Right to Decide"   This was followed by the first FMQs of the new term. We take a look at some of the stand out moments from these events in this extra Hot Topic episode: Key moments: 00:01:24  The Scottish Government's position on Israel 00:07:20   latest successes including ending peak rail fares 00:11:40   Scotland welcomes refugees 00:16:12   Stand up to Racism protest at Knightswood 00:19:45    Refugees in Glasgow, Saltires in Maryhill 00:24:06    Self determination and the exit process 00:32:52    Rallying cry for democracy Find the new paper Your right to Decide here:https://www.gov.scot/publications/right-decide/ #scottishindependence #democracy #johnswinney The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! 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: Industiral cinematic and 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: Evelyn Tweed To ask the First Minister what action the Scottish Government is taking to reduce the number of road traffic incidents on the trunk road network, in light of reports of a number of serious accidents over the summer. Tess White To ask the First Minister whether he will provide an update on the steps that the Scottish Government is taking as a result of the Supreme Court judgment in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers Alex Rowley To ask the First Minister, in light of SEPA's warnings of water scarcity over the summer and the introduction of restrictions on water abstraction last week in some areas, including North Fife, what action the Scottish Government is taking to secure water supply in Scotland in the face of changing climate conditions.   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=16549&iob=141274 

Allen discusses Trump's offshore wind cancellations, Dominion Energy's tariff troubles in Virginia, and India's new wind manufacturing rules helping Suzlon Energy. He also mentions Scotland's massive Berwick Bank approval and Colorado company Radia's ambitious Wind Runner cargo plane project. 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! I'm about to tell you about the biggest airplane you've never heard of. A Colorado company called Radia is building what could be the world's largest aircraft. They call it the Wind Runner. And if it is completed it's going to change everything about clean energy. Mark Lundstrom, an aerospace engineer from Boulder, has a simple problem to solve. Wind turbines keep getting bigger and more powerful, but we can't get them where they need to go. Here's why. Offshore wind farms can use turbine blades longer than 105m. But land-based turbines? They're stuck at about 80m. Not because of engineering limits - because of bridges, tunnels, and highway curves. The turbines are simply too big to get under bridges, through tunnels, or around curves, Lundstrom explains. So he's building a monster. The Wind Runner will be three hundred sixty-five feet long with a two hundred sixty-one foot wingspan. That's bigger than a Boeing 747. Much bigger. The payload volume? Twelve times greater than that famous jumbo jet. It'll run on sustainable aviation fuel and land on dirt strips right inside wind farms. Radia aims to complete the first Wind Runner in 2028. By doing this, Lundstrom says, we'll create the path to the cheapest energy in the world. Keep that plane in mind. Because everything else I'm about to tell you connects to that story. Now, let me tell you what's really happening with wind power. It's a story of global momentum meeting American resistance. President Trump just canceled plans to develop new offshore wind projects in federal waters. More than 3.5 million acres had been designated as wind energy areas. Gone. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is rescinding all designated wind energy areas. They're ending what they call speculative wind development. Offshore wind projects planned for Texas, Louisiana, Maine, New York, California, and Oregon? Canceled. The Biden administration's five-year schedule to lease federal offshore tracts? History. But here's the twist. While America pulls back, the rest of the world doubles down. Just days after Trump called wind turbines a con job during his visit to Scotland, the Scottish Government approved the world's biggest offshore wind farm project. The Berwick Bank project will power six million homes when finished. Trump said those turbines were some of the ugliest you've ever seen. Scotland said, "We'll take six million homes' worth of ugly, thank you very much." The message from Scotland? We're moving forward with wind power, regardless of what President Trump thinks. Now here's where policy meets your pocketbook. Dominion Energy's offshore wind project in Virginia just got over a $500 million price increase. The culprit? Trump's new tariffs on imported goods. The project features 176 giant wind turbines, 27 miles off Virginia Beach. It will power 660,000 homes next year. But those European Union tariffs, possible additional Mexican duties, and current taxes on Canadian and Mexican goods? They're adding up to $640 million to the project cost. Here's the kicker: Virginia customers will pay between $253 million and $320 million to cover those import taxes. Company chairman Bob Blue says the project is still the most affor...

The Scottish Government is working to co-create an Equalities Plan to underpin it's work for an equitable society.   RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, to learn more about it's goals and how people with disabilities are helping to co-create the plan. #RNIBConnect Image Shows RNIB Logo, White Background, RNIB In Bold Black Letters With a Solid Pink Line Below

Send us a textSusan Smith from For Women Scotland exclusively joins the Women's Rights Network to recount the extraordinary battle of three women determined to hold the Scottish government to account and who successfully secured a ruling from the UK Supreme Court that has sent positive shockwaves across the Western world.Susan details the outrageous antics of elected politicians in Scotland and how willingly the Scottish parliament allowed itself to be led by powerful trans lobby groups down a dystopian road.Listen to the extent to which women's rights advocates were shunned and locked out of critical discussions and decision making that would impact on women throughout Scotland, a dismissal that ultimately left For Women Scotland with no option but to litigate against those who failed the electorate, namely The Scottish Ministers.Susan also discusses what happens next and why it's essential that individuals be brave and sue organisations and business that continue to breach UK equality law.If you enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to hear more, go to womensrights.network/wrn-podcast to listen, download and subscribe to more of our episodes. And if you'd like to join our conversations, go to womensrights.network/join-wrn

The First Minister answers questions from Party Leaders and other MSPs in this weekly question time. Topics covered this week include: Joe FitzPatrick To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to the Sarcoma UK report, Unique Among Cancers. Tim Eagle To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government's response is to reports that several local authorities are delaying the introduction of a visitor levy. Marie McNair  To ask the First Minister what assessment the Scottish Government has made of the latest Office for National Statistics inflation statistics and any implications for its work to support low-income households.   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-26-06-2025

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.

Despite Climate Change Committee warnings, the Scottish Government says it will not reduce livestock numbers.Some good news on rural crime, but livestock theft remains high.Could a trade deal with the Gulf States open the door to low-welfare meat imports?Mud sunscreen for pigs: farmers tell us what they do for livestock and crops to combat a heatwave.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

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

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

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

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

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

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