Podcasts about scottish labour party

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein, and Andy Maciver analyse the current landscape of Scottish politics, focusing on the dynamics within the Scottish Labour Party, the implications of energy policies, and the ongoing debates surrounding gender recognition reform. The conversation highlights the importance of effective political communication, the challenges of leadership, and the need for a balanced approach to energy pricing and local community benefits. The hosts reflect on recent events, including the Scottish Labour Conference and the reactions to the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Bailey, while also addressing listener feedback and concerns about key political issues. In this episode, the hosts discuss listener feedback on previous podcasts, analyse the recent budget passed in Scotland, and explore the implications of MSP resignations. They delve into the challenges of recruiting new politicians, the impact of experienced politicians leaving, and the widening attainment gap in education. The conversation concludes with a look at John Swinney's new political strategy and its potential effects on the upcoming elections. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by the Scottish Labour leader and Scottish Labour deputy leader, Anas Sarwar and Jackie Baillie, to discuss their route to victory in 2026, NHS reforms, regionalisation of Scotland, nurse Sandie Peggie, energy policy and more.In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on the challenges faced by the Scottish Labour Party under the leadership of Anas Sarwar and Jackie Bailey. The conversation explores the implications of recent polling, the dynamics within the party, and the impact of Westminster politics on Scottish governance. The hosts and guests discuss strategies for revitalising Labour's image and addressing public concerns, particularly regarding the economy and public services. The episode emphasises the need for a clear vision and distinct identity for Scottish Labour as they approach the upcoming elections. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the pressing issues facing the NHS in Scotland, including the crisis in A&E, delayed discharges, and the need for reform in primary care. They emphasize the importance of a long-term vision for health and social care, addressing demographic changes and the need for adequate planning and investment. The discussion also touches on the intersection of gender identity and healthcare, particularly in relation to the Equality Act and the treatment of staff within the NHS. The speakers advocate for a focus on patient outcomes and the necessity of reforming the healthcare system to meet the challenges ahead. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, the hosts delve into the current state of Scottish politics, focusing on key figures like Anna Sarwar and the implications of Westminster's decisions on Scottish Labour. They discuss Sarwar's recent comments regarding potential collaboration with Reform UK, the impact of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields decision, and the public's perception of Sarwar's leadership. The conversation highlights the need for a more substantial policy discussion in Scottish politics, moving beyond the theatrics of coalition politics. The conversation delves into the current political landscape in Scotland, focusing on the performance of the Scottish Labour Party, public sentiment towards both the UK and Scottish governments, and the implications for independence. Key figures like Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney are discussed in terms of their leadership and legacy, while the impact of Reform UK on Scottish politics is also examined. The discussion touches on pressing issues such as rent controls and the challenges of delivering on promises made to vulnerable populations. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• We're LIVE at the Old Market Theatre, Hove on Weds 9 Oct. Tickets here.   Over half of the MPS elected in July's Labour landslide are new to the Commons. Jim Murphy led the Scottish Labour Party and in 1997 he was propelled into Parliament for the first time, after winning the Tory stronghold of Eastwood. He joins the panel to discuss his experiences and what his advice is for up-and-coming MPs. Plus, did anyone watch Elon Musk's conversation with Donald Trump on X? It was wild, rambling, and full of misinformation. So, is social media doomed or can it be redeemed? And in the Extra Bit… why are Starmer's critics so keen to label him a “dictator”?    • Get our exclusive Nord VPN deal at nordvpn.com/ohgodwhatnow. It's risk-free with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee.  • We're on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@ohgodwhatnow     www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow    Presented by Dorian Lynskey with Zöe Grünewald and Marie Le Conte. Producer: Chris Jones. Audio production by: Jade Bailey and Alex Rees. Video production by: Kieron Leslie and Chris Jones. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

pWotD Episode 2495: George Galloway Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of a popular Wikipedia page every day.With 392,626 views on Friday, 1 March 2024 our article of the day is George Galloway.George Galloway (born 16 August 1954) is a British politician, broadcaster, and writer who has served as member of Parliament (MP) for Rochdale since the 2024 by-election. He has been the leader of the Workers Party of Britain since he founded it in 2019. Between 1987 and 2010, and between 2012 and 2015, Galloway served as MP four constituencies, first for the Labour Party and later for the Respect Party, the latter of which he joined in 2004 and led from 2013 until its dissolution in 2016.Galloway was born in Dundee, Scotland. After becoming the youngest ever chair of the Scottish Labour Party in 1981, he was general secretary of the London-based charity War on Want from 1983 until his election as MP for Glasgow Hillhead at the 1987 general election. In 2003, he was expelled from the Labour Party due to his prominent opposition to the Iraq War. In 2004, Galloway became a member of the Respect Party, and then the party's leader by late 2013. He was elected as MP for Bethnal Green and Bow at the 2005 general election. After losing in neighbouring Poplar and Limehouse in 2010, he returned to the House of Commons after being elected at the 2012 Bradford West by-election; he lost this seat at the 2015 general election. After unsuccessfully standing as an Independent candidate in two seats in the 2017 and 2019 general elections, Galloway founded the Workers Party of Britain; he stood for the Workers Party at the 2021 Batley and Spen by-election, finishing in third place, and won the 2024 Rochdale by-election with nearly 40 per cent of the vote.Galloway testified to the United States Senate in 2005 over alleged illicit payments from the United Nations' Oil-for-Food Programme against Ba'athist Iraq. Among other international issues, Galloway has voiced his anti-Zionism and supports the Palestinians in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, and was also involved in the Viva Palestina aid convoys to the Gaza Strip. He opposes India's role in the Kashmir conflict with Pakistan, and has voiced support for the insurgency in Indian-administered Kashmir. He voiced support for Jeremy Corbyn in the 2015 Labour Party leadership election and during Corbyn's leadership of the party. In the 2016 European Union (EU) membership referendum, he advocated a "Leave" vote, campaigning with the cross-party, pro-Brexit organisation Grassroots Out, while before the 2019 European Parliament election he announced, "for one-time only", he would support Nigel Farage's Brexit Party. He opposes Scottish independence and founded All for Unity, a party that campaigned on support for British unionism in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, where it captured 0.9 per cent of the vote. He has defined himself as socially conservative. Galloway hosted the TalkRadio show The Mother of All Talk Shows between 2006 and 2010 and between 2016 and 2019 until his dismissal. He then broadcast on Russia Today (RT) until 2022, defending Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, after which sanctions were imposed on RT. Galloway's talk show moved to social media platforms.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:48 UTC on Saturday, 2 March 2024.For the full current version of the article, see George Galloway on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Niamh Neural.

At the end of the show a question from Maggie Rankin Recommendations: Eamonn Greyhound Tom Hanks stars as a longtime Navy veteran who, as a first-time captain, is tasked with protecting a convoy of 37 ships carrying thousands of soldiers and much-needed supplies across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic during WWII. For five days with no air cover, the captain and his small force of three escort ships must make their way through an area of the ocean known as “the Black Pit,” battling Nazi U-boats while protecting their invaluable ships and soldiers. https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/greyhound/umc.cmc.o5z5ztufuu3uv8lx7m0jcega  Stephen The Empire Podcast How do empires rise? Why do they fall? And how have they shaped the world around us today? William Dalrymple and Anita Anand explore the stories, personalities and events of empire over the course of history. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/empire/id1639561921  Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar This thrilling biography of Stalin and his entourage during the terrifying decades of his supreme power transforms our understanding of Stalin as Soviet dictator, Marxist leader and Russian tsar. https://www.waterstones.com/book/stalin/simon-sebag-montefiore/9781474614818 Stuart Licking Hitler BBC, 1978. Kate Nelligan, Bill Paterson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbsR7S60hRA 

BUY YOUR TICKETS FOR OUR 25 YEARS OF DEVOLUTION SPECIAL Announced guests so far: Jack McConnell, Alex Salmond, Henry McLeishClick: holyroodsources.com/live******Scottish Labour Party leader, Anas Sarwar, discusses the party's conference and the need for change and momentum. He emphasises the importance of message discipline and staying grounded. We discuss the perception that Scottish Labour is not as far ahead as UK Labour and highlights the need for a UK Labour government to strengthen the party's position. He discusses desired powers for the Scottish Parliament.With John Boothman (The Times and The Sunday Times), Eddie Barnes (Former Conservative Adviser, Campaign Director at Our Scottish Future), Gina Davidson (LBC Correspondent), Cat Headley (Labour Activist), Mark Diffley (Pollster) Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have a massive announcement for you.Plus, we preview Scottish Labour Party conference. We're joined by Jim Murphy, former leader of the Scottish Labour Party, who discusses his work advising candidates in elections around the world and navigating political risk. He also addresses the issue of antisemitism in British and Scottish politics and the recent suspension of Labour Party parliamentary candidates. The conversation touches on the relationship between Anas Sarwar and Keir Starmer, the impact of Labour Party policies on the oil and gas industry, and the importance of energy security and global security. Finally, Murphy reflects on the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament and the need for improvement in addressing generational disadvantage.In association with the Royal Bank of Scotland.Click holyroodsources.com/liveFor a full list of candidates in the Rochdale by-election, click here:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-68250468 Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Twenty-five years after the Scotland Act established the devolved Scottish government and parliament, the future of devolution and Scotland's place in the Union remain contentious issues. The SNP continues to advocate for Scottish independence. Meanwhile, the UK government has pursued a strategy of ‘muscular unionism'. Scottish Labour has called for a new approach, based on greater cooperation between UK and Scottish governments, and for stronger local government within Scotland. So what does Scotland's constitutional future hold? The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. How can Scottish devolution be strengthened? What might a future Labour government at Westminster mean for relations with Holyrood? And what is Sarwar's vision for Scotland's place in a reformed Union? To discuss these questions and more, Anas Sarwar was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government, followed by Q&A with the live and online audience.

Twenty-five years after the Scotland Act established the devolved Scottish government and parliament, the future of devolution and Scotland's place in the union remain contentious issues. The SNP continues to advocate for Scottish independence. Meanwhile, the UK government has pursued a strategy of ‘muscular unionism'. Scottish Labour has called for a new approach, based on greater cooperation between UK and Scottish governments, and for stronger local government within Scotland. So what does Scotland's constitutional future hold? The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Anas Sarwar MSP, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. How can Scottish devolution be strengthened? What might a future Labour government at Westminster mean for relations with Holyrood? And what is Sarwar's vision for Scotland's place in a reformed union? To discuss these questions and more, Anas Sarwar was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government, followed by Q&A with the live and online audience. Follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @ifgevents and join the conversation using #IfGSarwar.

Calum, Geoff and Andy are joined by Johann Lamont who was the Leader of the Scottish Labour Party from 2011 to 2014, during the independence referendum campaign; and Stephen Noon, who was chief strategist of the Yes Campaign and senior policy advisor to the First Minister. We discuss the referendum's impact on people and politicians, whether there's a way forward from here - and whether a binary referendum should ever be tried again.Plus Geoff and Andy have a row. Calum mediates. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Jack McConnell, joins the podcast to talk about election victories and defeats. He remembers campaigns he won and lost. He tells us about 2007, when Labour lost control of Holyrood and how early he knew something was going wrong. He discusses Labour's current position on North Sea oil and gas. He tells us about his relationship with other First Ministers, either present or former. As he reflects on his time as First Minister, he says he thought he was inheriting a tough job - but on reflection, in comparison to Humza Yousaf, he says: "I had it easy." He tells us about his vision for democracy and power in Scotland to be decentralised. What do you think of what Lord McConnell says? Email us: hello@holyroodsources.com to have your email read out next week. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/holyroodsources. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We gather the facts and consider the implications of the standoff between the Scottish and the UK Government over trans rights. After 5 years of consultations, the Scottish government set about updating their gender recognition laws and a coalition of Nicola Sturgeon's SNP, The Greens and The Scottish Labour Party recently passed the Gender recognition act. The vote in the Scottish parliament was decisive 88 for, 33 against, 4 abstained, 4 no vote. This was a clear message that these changes had a majority in the Scottish parliament. In London... this Scottish reform bill was viewed as a big problem. But the UK is lagging behind the rest of the world, over 30 countries and regions across 4 continents have updated their gender recognition laws over the last decade. In fact when it comes to the rights of trans- non binary people, the UK is now 21st on a list of nations alongside Russia. After a quick summary of how we got to this position, Graeme Smith talks to Paris Munro about how all this feels from the perspective of someone who is trans-non binary. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/outcastuk/message

In this pod, former Scottish Labour parliamentary candidate Keiran O'Neill speaks to us about the state of Scottish politics and specifically the Scottish Labour Party, gridlocked between the dominant pro-independence politics of the SNP and the Boris-backing British nationalism of the Conservative and Unionist Party. Find Keiran on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/KeiranON And for the latest blogs, pods, and videos from Hiraeth, please follow us on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/HiraethBlog And if you are enjoying the pod, please leave us a review and rating in your podcast app of choice.

With the country gearing up to welcome the world in Glasgow for the COP26 climate summit later this year, Scotland wants to be a global leader in the fight against climate change. A couple of years ago, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon declared a climate emergency, followed by a vote in the Scottish Parliament ratifying ambitious targets to gradually put an end to Scotland’s contribution to global carbon emissions. As Scots prepare to go to the polls to elect their parliamentarians, the climate crisis, and how far the country still needs to go, features heavily in the campaign. The Scottish Greens have been putting the protection of the environment in their manifestos for years. But they think now, as the country is debating about how to recover from the coronavirus pandemic, is the best time to put this issue front and centre of the discussion, according to Alison Johnstone, the Scottish Green Party candidate for the Lothian Region and the Edinburgh Central constituency. “We’re prioritising a fair and green recovery from Covid”, the Green candidate, campaigning in Edinburgh, said. “In Scotland we have a lot of people who live in poor quality housing, have insecure work. We want to change that.” Alison Johnstone says voters have been very receptive of the Scottish Greens campaign because climate change is becoming real for them. “We’re seeing incidences of flooding, dry spells that are affecting our ability to produce crops. It’s having a real impact now”, she says. But the Scottish Conservatives say they are the only ones with credible measures because their plan aims to take businesses on board. Party leader Douglas Ross is a member of Parliament for Moray, in the north-east of Scotland, a region where oil and gas jobs provide a livelihood for much of the population. Launching his party’s climate manifesto in Queensferry, a few miles east of Edinburgh, he insists on working with the UK government to make sure those jobs don’t disappear. “The UK government has been working with the oil and gas industry to together come up with the first in the G7 transition deal for the UK oil and gas, particularly protecting jobs in the north-east of Scotland”, he explains. “We want to keep the skills that so many people have in this industry as we transition to greener forms of energy”. The north of Scotland is also home to a lot of renewable energy production, with windfarms onshore in the Highlands, and offshore in the North Sea. Molly Nolan, the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross in the Highlands, says the issue of climate change and renewable energy has another dimension up north. “We host a lot of windfarms ad we see the process of energy being created more than people in larger cities in the central belt (the most densely populated area of Scotland between Edinburgh and Glasgow). In some cases, the transition to clean energy creates jobs, but in other ways it doesn’t really resonate with people. Part of that is because here in the Highlands, we have some of the highest rates of fuel poverty in Scotland, but we live in sight of windfarms. We pay more here for electricity than in the central belt”, she says. The Scottish Labour Party has put forward a manifesto focusing on a climate recovery, to create sustainable jobs in the Green economy. Claudia Beamish, the Scottish Labour and Coop Candidate for Clydesdale in the south of Scotland, and the COP26 Spokesperson, says there needs to be an economic plan to succeed. However, with only 9 years to significantly reduce Scotland’s carbon emissions, Claudia Beamish says there is no time to spare. “The really significant target is not the 2045 one, although I’m proud of it, but the 2030 target of 75% (less carbon emissions). What we need is a robust route map of all the sectors that are heavy emitters if we are to reach 2030. If we don’t, then we are really going to be in trouble”, she fears. The COP26 summit could provide Scotland and the UK with a stage to showcase the country’s excellence as far as research and development of renewable energy production is concerned. But more crucially, it needs to be a forum where the world comes together to solve the biggest threat to humankind yet.

There's less than a week to go before voting begins in the Scottish Parliament election 2021, as voters prepare to elect a fresh batch of MSPs to Holyrood on 6 May. In this election, the electorate will be given two votes, one to choose their constituency MSP and another where they choose a party from the regional list. The Radio 4 Today programme hears from Nicola Sturgeon MSP, the leader of the SNP; Anas Sarwar MSP, leader of the Scottish Labour Party; Willie Rennie MSP, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats; Lorna Slater, co-leader of the Scottish Greens; Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservative Party; and Alex Salmond, leader of the Alba Party. (Image: Scottish Parliament in Holyrood, Edinburgh; Credit: Reuters)

In this episode, as Scotland prepares to vote in landmark parliamentary elections on May 6, we explore why the question of independence from the UK is dominating the debate. And a team of researchers working with fruit flies, has discovered a biological switch that can turn neuroplasticity on and off in the brain. What might that mean? Welcome to episode 13 of The Conversation Weekly. It's been seven years since Scotland voted to remain the UK in the 2014 independence referendum. Now, as Scotland prepares to vote in elections for the Scottish Parliament on May 6, all eyes are on first minister Nicola Sturgeon and her pro-independence Scottish National Party. If pro-independence parties win a majority in the Scottish parliament – Sturgeon will ask the UK government in Westminster, led by prime minister, Boris Johnson, for a second referendum on Scottish independence. But he's highly unlikely to agree. To find out more about what's at stake in these upcoming elections, we speak to three experts, including one high-profile politician turned academic, to explain the situation. Kezia Dugdale, is director of the John Smith Centre and a lecturer in public policy at the University of Glasgow, and a former leaders of the Scottish Labour Party. She describes the political landscape going into the elections. Darren Nyatanga, a PhD candidate at the University of Liverpool, talks us through the constitutional questions at the heart of the independence debate. And economist Graeme Roy, dean of external engagement at the School of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow, explains Scotland's economic circumstances, and the economic arguments being used by nationalists and unionists. For our second story, we hear about some new research into neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to change its structure. Sarah Ackerman, postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Oregon, explains what her team has found about what controls these changes. And Moina Spooner, commissioning editor at The Conversation in Nairobi, Kenya, gives us her recommended reads for the week.The Conversation Weekly is produced by Mend Mariwany and Gemma Ware, with sound design by Eloise Stevens. Our theme music is by Neeta Sarl.If you'd like to sign up for The Conversation's free daily newsletter, please subscribe here. To get in touch, find us on Twitter @TC_Audio or on Instagram at theconversationdotcom. Or you can email us on podcast@theconversation.com. Full credits for this episode can be found here. A transcript of this episode is available here.Further readingScottish independence: could wind power Scotland back into the EU?, by Piotr Marek Jaworski, Edinburgh Napier University and Kenny Crossan, Edinburgh Napier UniversityScottish independence referendum: why the economic issues are quite different to 2014, by Graeme Roy, University of Strathclyde Scottish election: Alex Salmond's Alba gamble could yet tip scales on second independence referendum, by William McDougall, Glasgow Caledonian UniversityScotland could vote to separate in 2021, testing Canada's independence formula, by Catherine Frost, McMaster UniversityAstrocyte cells in the fruit fly brain are an on-off switch that controls when neurons can change and grow, by Sarah DeGenova Ackerman, University of OregonSomalia: toxic elite politics and the need for cautious external mediation, by Claire Elder, London School of Economics and Political ScienceWhy Kenya is on thin ice in its justification for sending Somali refugees back home, by Oscar Gakuo Mwangi, National University of Lesotho See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Since its creation in 1999, the Scottish Parliament has provided a forum to address issues like health, education and the environment, which directly affect the nation. However, as far as representation goes, there is room for improvement. Things could change dramatically in this year’s parliamentary elections, set to take place on 6 May. This is the second of four reports. With the most diverse set of candidates to date, those elected to Holyrood could look very different indeed, with more women, more people of colour, and more disabled people. Fatima Joji, from Aberdeen, is one of the candidates hoping to be among Scotland’s new MSPs in May: she leads the Scottish National Party’s regional list in the northeast of Scotland. The young woman works for an MP and has been interested in politics for years. But she had to be asked several times to stand for election. “Politics isn’t really an environment that’s inclusive for women,” she says. “But then, if I consider my intersectionalities as a Black woman, and a woman who is visibly Muslim, I’ve never seen anyone like me. So, there was a lot of internalised imposter syndrome and fear that I don’t belong in this space.” Watch out, the future is female Rebecca Bell is the Liberal Democrat candidate for the Edinburgh North and Leith constituency. After running to become an MP in the 2017 and 2019 UK general elections, she says that attending training and networking events especially designed for female politicians could give underrepresented citizens the extra nudge they need to get involved in national politics. “I went on the Future Female MP weekend a few years ago and that was really instrumental for me. Last year we started doing the same weekend but for people of colour, because we really wanted to encourage our members who were thinking about it,” she says. “I think more proactive things like that are absolutely necessary, because it’s a lot to ask a candidate to stand. If you’re a woman, you know you’re going to get sexist abuse online.” Despite Scotland priding itself in being an open, diverse society, women in politics still have to face everyday sexism, according to Rebecca Bell. “A lot of other female candidates got emails asking how old they were. I would be really surprised if a male candidate is asked how he’s juggling childcare and his job, whereas a woman will probably get asked how they can be good a good mother and a politician.” Disabled people don't want pity Unfortunately, other sections of Scotland’s society also face huge stigma: this is the case of disabled people. In Glasgow, Pam Duncan-Glancy is standing on the Scottish Labour Party’s regional list. She has spoken out for human rights and equality for as long as she can remember. Still, her legitimacy was questioned when she decided to get involved in public life. “All sorts of accusations were thrown at me: you’re getting this far because people pity you,” she remembers. “This isn’t a pity vote. This is because I believe I’m the best person for the job. Disabled people get that constantly.” Could more diversity in Scottish politics have happened without political parties making it a reality? Fatima Joji believes that only by tackling this issue head on can real change take place. “The SNP has been proactive. Each electoral region has a BAME or disabled person at the top of the SNP’s list. That is pioneering, and that just shows how much power parties have over this.” For Pam Duncan-Glancy, not only is this a matter for political parties, but for the country in general: to make politics better and more inclusive, the State has a duty to address the structural inequalities in society. “We’re now in a situation where disabled people find it very difficult to do very basic things such as leaving their own home, never mind actually becoming an activist and getting involved in politics,” she explains. “We need to address the underlying oppression of disabled people in Scotland in general”.

Trump's presidency, Brexit, and the mishandling of a global pandemic have made Douglas Alexander deeply concerned about the "powerful weaponization of nostalgia." As a former leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Alexander fears that a dissolution of old class identities will open the way to an even bigger attachment to tribal identities.  In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk and Douglas Alexander discuss the power of identity politics around the world, whether voters still believe in political competence, and how to bridge the "empathy gap" threatening democratic societies around the world.  Please do listen and spread the word about The Good Fight. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: goodfightpod@gmail.com Website: http://www.persuasion.community Podcast production by John T. Williams and Rebecca Rashid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google Twitter: @Yascha_Mounk & @joinpersuasion  Youtube: Yascha Mounk LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kezia Dugdale: Former leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Director of the John Smith Centre for Politics & Public Service | Mark Harper: Conservative MP for the Forest of Dean and leader of the Covid Recovery Group of Conservative MPs | Inaya Folarin Iman: Spiked Online Columnist and Free Speech Union board member | Paul Embery: Trade unionist, writer and author of the recently-published 'Despised: Why the Modern Left Loathes the Working Class'

Margaret Graham is the Scottish Labour party candidate in the by-election to be held in Craigentinny Duddingston on 12 November 2020

The Scottish Labour Party's decline has been severe. How – if at all – can it claw back something like the support it once enjoyed? With 51% of Labour voters now backing independence, how should Scottish Labour respond? Join us as we discuss Scottish Labour, Independence, the SNP and the possible break-up of the UK with Scottish commentator and political author Gerry Hassan. Gerry is a regular contributor to Compass, and in his most recent blog for Compass suggests the formation of a new Labour Party in Scotland as a solution to these problems. Listen to this week's episode to delve into all things Scotland, Labour, and so much more. "It's Bloody Complicated"  is moving now to fortnightly calls, and will be recorded every other Tuesday at 6pm BST. Become a Compass Member to join our live recordings and bring your questions to our guests: https://action.compassonline.org.uk/podcastSupport the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)Support the show (https://www.compassonline.org.uk/podcast/)

Six years can feel like a lifetime: Scotland, more than any other nation in the United Kingdom, certainly knows about it. It was only in 2014 that the nation chose to stay in the United Kingdom in a historic referendum. Many said it was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to debate Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom. Six years later, the constitutional debate is as far from being settled as it has ever been. The past eight polls have showed that now up to 55 percent of Scots would choose to leave the UK. Michael Sturrock, who leads the public affairs work for a large trade association in the data and marketing industry, is among those who have changed their minds about independence. In 2014, Sturrock supported Scotland remaining in the Union. But, as he woke up to the news that the UK had voted to leave the European Union in June 2016, he had a rethink. “It just became clear to me that the way to get my EU membership and citizenship back was through independence”, he says. More recently, the coronavirus pandemic has cemented his view that Scotland would be better off as an independent country. This is largely due to the fact that the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, has done daily briefings on the pandemic while the UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, hasn’t. An atmosphere of open honesty “There’s that openness and honest conversation with the nation that is carried on throughout this whole time, whereas the UK government sends a minister every now and then. It’s not the same honesty”, he says. “I think that’s what’s pushing people, specifically this year, towards supporting independence. There’s now a better relationship between the government and its people in Scotland, and people see that it does carry on in other areas." Even if polling shows that there is more trust in the devolved government than in the UK government, that doesn’t mean that independence is being considered as a priority in the midst of the pandemic, according to Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Liberal-Democrat member of the Scottish Parliament for the Edinburgh Western constituency. To the MSP, the best option for the UK would be to embrace federalism as well as other reforms. “We also need to change the way we elect our governments. The example that I use is that Tony Blair took Britain into an illegal war in Iraq with only something like 40% of the popular vote. "Thirdly we need to reform our UK Parliament. People get very angry when they see the privilege and the patronage of the UK House of Lords. So I think we need a directly elected second chamber, whether that is a senate or something equivalent.” Even if the Scottish Labour Party is yet to articulate a position on the constitutional debate, the UK Labour Party has come round to supporting federalism. However, federalism might not be an easy way out of the constitutional conundrum, according to Dr Ben Jackson, an associate professor of Modern History at Oxford University, and author of a book on nationalist political thought in modern Scotland. “The term federalism makes sense to people who are interested in these issues but not average voters. Trying to find a way of communicating a model of Scottish self-government that is neither independence nor the status quo is the task that they are confronting”, he says. “But of course, as soon as they move closer to federalism, there are questions of how to operationalise it and whether there is in fact any interest in the rest of the UK in implementing a federal system.” Decade-long Labour struggle Labour has been struggling over the past decade to regain its status as a dominant force in Scottish politics. In the last Scottish Parliament elections four years ago, they were beaten by the Scottish Tories into third place. Ironically, Labour’s woes in Scotland could be bad news for a conservative government that is extremely unpopular north of the border. “For unionism to get a hearing in Scottish politics, you might need the conservatives to lose power in London. It might only be with a Labour government that there might be more of a chance of making the case for the United Kingdom”, Dr Jackson reckons. “That’s always been the dynamic in Scottish politics since the 1980s: support for greater democratic autonomy in Scotland rises as the conservatives are in power.” The next Scottish Parliament elections will take place in May 2021. Depending on how the pro-independence parties fare, this vote could signify the beginning of a brand new campaign for self-determination, or an end of the constitutional debate for the time being.

When Richard Leonard became leader of the Scottish Labour Party in 2017, he inherited Scotland's third largest party. It still is. And with opinion polls suggesting that popular support for the once dominant power in Scotland is now down to around 15 to 17 percent, the prospects for Labour in the Scottish Parliament election in May next year look dire. In this podcast, The Critic's political editor, Graham Stewart, talks to John McTernan, the political strategist and former political secretary to Tony Blair, whether anything or anyone can save Scottish Labour? -- Right now we're offering 3 months for just £5. Go to thecritic.imbmsubscriptions.com/ for details. — Photo: by Robert Perry/Getty Images Music: “Modern Jazz Samba” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When Richard Leonard became leader of the Scottish Labour Party in 2017, he inherited Scotland's third largest party. It still is. And with opinion polls suggesting that popular support for the once dominant power in Scotland is now down to around 15 to 17 percent, the prospects for Labour in the Scottish Parliament election in May next year look dire. In this podcast, The Critic's political editor, Graham Stewart, talks to John McTernan, the political strategist and former political secretary to Tony Blair, whether anything or anyone can save Scottish Labour? -- Right now we're offering 3 months for just £5. Go to thecritic.imbmsubscriptions.com/ for details. — Photo: by Robert Perry/Getty Images Music: “Modern Jazz Samba” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week two Scots (James, Will) and a Tan (Dan) discuss the history and contemporary politics of the UK (and Scottish) Labour Party. James presents his thesis that the Labour Party has never been a workers' party, was never constituted as a workers' party, nor has it been sincerely directed towards overthrowing capitalism. We discuss this idea alongside many of the other issues plaguing the Labour Party in their most recent regeneration under Keir 'I, for one, like the cops' Starmer. Give us a follow on twitter @AnomieZ. Enjoy!

"There has never been a crisis in my lifetime where the poor have come out of the crisis better off." Josie Pagani talk to Jim Murphy about progressive politics in the post-covid world. Rt Hon Jim Murphy is a former secretary of state for Scotland, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, a member of both the Tony Blair and Gordon Brown cabinets, and a minister for Europe, technology, employment and welfare. Today he runs Arden Strategies, providing advice to progressive political parties and corporates. He talked to Josie about the economic crisis ahead, the impact it will have on politics, and the way progressives should respond to populists who offer nativism and nationalism. Jim says the politics of identity may be important but has never changed the life chances of someone born into a poor household. Follow Josie Pagani's progresive politics post-covid podcasts on your favourite podcast platform and read more at www.josiepagani.com.

Jimmy, Norrie and Stewart today discuss the new leader of the Labour Party Sir Keir Stamer appointment and of course Jackie Baillie’s new job as deputy leader of the Scottish Labour Party branch. We also have a brief discussion about Dr Calderwood Scotland’s chief medical officer and her wee trip to her second home.

Two patient deaths linked to an infection from pigeon droppings have prompted the review of Glasgow's flagship hospital. While confined in the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH), an elderly patient and a child contracted a fungal infection often gotten from bird excrement. Both patients died, and the infection reportedly contributed to the child's death. However, doctors said that the elderly patient died of another cause. The fungus that caused the infection was traced to a room containing machinery on the hospital's 12th floor. The room reportedly has a hole in the wall that could not be seen easily. The investigators were only able to find the opening by doing a smoke test. Because of the unfortunate incidents, Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman ordered a review of the hospital's design. She said that the review would reexamine the hospital's structure, construction, and maintenance, among other things. It will be conducted to figure out how the problems have arisen and to determine what needs to be fixed in the building. In response to Freeman's move, Scottish Labour Party's health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said that the hospital's review was already overdue. Lennon pointed out that since 2016, the hospital has been constantly encountering problems. These issues include sewage leaks that led to temporarily halting operations, and broken glass panels crashing from the hospital's 10th floor. Recently, there was also news of bacteria contaminating the water supply in some parts of the hospital. Lennon said that these problems should have alarmed any hospital, but most especially a major health institution like the QEUH.

There's only one place to begin this week and it's the, less than, surprise resignation of seven Labour MPs to form TIG-The Independent Group. Lesley and I try to get our heads round why now, what for, and what next for this disparate group. This speculation, inevitably for us, leads us down several highways and bye ways including proportional representation, and the founding of the Scottish Labour Party in 1888. Just when you thought the hoo ha surrounding BBC Question Time had died down the National revealed the editing of Fiona Hyslop's reply to orange jaiket man. We draw on our past experiences in teaching, producing, and presenting to examine the ethics and editorial decisions behind it. The Scottish Tories have been out in force across the streets and on social media fulminating about the Workplace Parking Levy. Lesley not only ripostes their arguments against it but widens the discussion to reflect on the nature of our relationships with private and public transport. Finally, it's hats aff tae the inestimable Jim Spence new rector of Dundee University and Arab of good standing. Laborare et orare James.

From humble beginnings in a slum tenement in the Scottish City of Dundee, George Galloway has risen to become one of the UK’s most well known and also most controversial politicians. His self-confessed radical views have seen him banned from Canada, arrested in the dead of night in Cairo, meeting with Saddam Hussein in Iraq, spending time with Fidel Castro in Cuba and on first name terms with Nelson Mandela, Benazir Bhutto and Yasser Arafat. The travels of Gorgeous George as he’s sometimes known are as fascinating, as intriguing as the man himself.    On this episode we cover:   Banned from Canada Arrested in Cairo Deported from Egypt Met Saddam Hussein in Iraq Met Fidel Castro in Cuba Been awarded two of Pakistan’s highest accolades   How a boy born in an attic in a slum tenement in the Irish quarter of Dundee Sleeping in a drawer Irish immigrants The joy of a new council house   From gangs to Chairman of the Scottish Labour Party age 26 How his politics have stayed true to his radical roots His life-changing trip to Lebanon Falling in love with the Arab world and the Palestinian cause Becoming good friends with Yasser Arafat, then Palestinian president The beauty of Beirut Being attacked in the street and hospitalised Where he has felt vulnerable Travelling to Iraq to meet Saddam Hussein The magical ancient civilisation of Iraq Walking in Abraham’s shoes What Saddam was like in person Weapons of mass destruction George Bush and Tony Blair How Iraq is now destroyed as a country Worshipping in the Catholic cathedral in Baghdad His multiple trips to Syria Assad and son Saudi Arabia and the rumoured coup Syria and Lebanon being one country The lifestyle in Syria before the war Maaloula people speaking – Aramaic the language of Jesus Sunni Muslims, Al Quada and extremism His love of Cuba His many hours spent with Fidel Castro Writing the ‘The Fidel Castro Handbook’ How Fidel ‘is the greatest man I ever met’ The Cuban Revolution Che Guevara Sitting watching TV with Fidel Bill Clinton in a Malcolm X baseball cap Fidel and Che Guevara’s time in New York in Harlem with Malcolm X Khrushchev, Indira Ghandi The pros and cons of Cuba How Cuba’s name is ‘written in the stars’ The future for Cuba Guantanamo’s agreement (or rather lack of it) with America Anti Death row activist Clive Stafford Smith Being water boarded Michael Moore’s Sicko Being made famous by The New York Post Crossing the US His great grandmother emigrating from New York to Dundee The BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are Getting banned from entering Canada due to his work on Palestine Arrested in Cairo in the dead of night Being subsequently deported The overthrowing of Mubarak in the Egyptian revolution Travelling to South Africa under Apartheid The ANC Being attacked by a white apartheid policemen in the townships Spending time with Nelson Mandela Glasgow Nelson Mandela’s fabulous aura Mandela’s visit to Cuba Hugo Chavez Benazir Bhutto Theresa May Tony Benn Winston Churchill Margaret Thatcher’s attitude in cafes John Major being the nicest prime minister he served under How he thinks Trump will win again Trump’s travel ban How everyone should have control their own borders Supporting Brexit The wall with the Mexican border Ramadan Trump’s Muslim reception Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia in the famine Khartoum Port Sudan Visiting refugee camps Witnessing people dying of starvation Vimto being the nectar of the gods Scottish journalist turned politician Brian Wilson His love of Portugal Sky News Twitter Looking over the Atlantic Ocean Preferring to stay closer to home How we should all visit Dundee The Victoria & Albert museum Dundee’s transformation The Scottish Highlands Scotland’s midge problem Why travel is so important His parents’ first trips abroad Florence, Venice and the ‘near abroad’ Travel opens your eyes and your mind Religion Having seen Bob Dylan live over 50 times Bob Dylan’s Christian fundamentalist period His favourite Bob Dylan song                  

Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution, presents the Scottish Government's Draft Spending and Tax Plans for 2018-19. With questions from: Murdo Fraser, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Scottish Conservative Party. Richard Leonard, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party. Patrick Harvie, Co-Convenor of The Scottish Green Party. Willie Rennie, Leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Kate Forbes, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution (SNP - Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) Dean Lockhart, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work (Con - Mid Scotland and Fife) Kenneth Gibson (SNP - Cunninghame North) James Kelly, Parliamentary Business Manager and Minister Without Portfolio (Lab - Glasgow) John Mason (SNP - Glasgow Shettleston) Maurice Golden, Chief Whip & Business Manager, Spokesperson for The Low Carbon Economy (Con - West Scotland) Alex Neil (SNP - Airdrie and Shotts) Jackie Baillie, Economy, Fair Work and Jobs Spokesperson (Lab - Dumbarton) Ivan McKee, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs (SNP - Glasgow Provan) Adam Tomkins, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security, The Constitution and Equalities (Con - Glasgow) x Iain Gray, Education, Skills and Science Spokesperson (Lab - East Lothian) Ben Macpherson, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Office of the First Minister (SNP - Edinburgh Northern and Leith) Miles Briggs, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport (Con - Lothian) Graeme Dey (SNP - Angus South) Anas Sarwar, Health Spokesperson (Lab - Glasgow) Richard Lochhead (SNP - Moray) Liz Smith, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Con - Mid Scotland and Fife) Clare Haughey (SNP - Rutherglen) Daniel Johnson, Shadow Education Minister (Lab - Edinburgh Southern) Tom Arthur, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice (SNP - Renfrewshire South) Donald Cameron, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change & Land Reform (Con - Highlands and Islands) Fulton MacGregor, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport (SNP - Coatbridge and Chryston) Neil Bibby, Shadow Minister for Transport and Town Centres (Lab - Mid Scotland) Emma Harper, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity (SNP - South Scotland) Rachael Hamilton, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism (Con - Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) Tavish Scott, Spokesperson for Education and Sport (LD - Shetland) Bruce Crawford (SNP - Stirling) Claire Baker, Justice Spokesperson (Lab - Mid Scotland and Fife) John Scott, Spokesperson for Farming (Con - Ayr) Any questions or comments, get in touch: Jack@FMQs.scot @FMQsScot www.FMQs.scot This podcast is not produced by The Scottish Parliament, but the all images and audio are reproduced under The Scottish Parliament Copyright License.  

The sixth FMQs as a podcast, and the first of the newly elected Leader of The Scottish Labour Party, Richard Leonard. The Rt. Hon. Ruth Davidson, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party (Edinburgh Central) Richard Leonard, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party (Lab – Dumbarton) Patrick Harvie Co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party (Glasgow) Mairi Gougeon, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities (SNP - Angus North and Mearns) Jeremy Balfour, Spokesperson for Welfare Reform (Con - Lothian) Gail Ross, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Office of the First Minister (SNP - Caithness, Sutherland and Ross) Kate Forbes, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution (SNP - Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) Ash Denham, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs (SNP - Edinburgh Eastern) Murdo Fraser, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance (Con - Mid Scotland and Fife) James Kelly, Parliamentary Business Manager and Minister Without Portfolio (Lab - Glasgow) Gillian Martin, Parliamentary Liaison Officer to the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform (SNP - Aberdeenshire East) Alexander Stewart, Spokesperson for Local Government (Con - Mid Scotland and Fife) Iain Gray, Education, Skills and Science Spokesperson (Lab - East Lothian) Neil Findlay (Lab - Lothian) The Official Reportof the session. The next FMQs will be Thursday 30th November 2017, Saint Andrew’s Day. Any questions or comments, get in touch: Jack@FMQs.scot @FMQsScot www.FMQs.scot This podcast is not produced by The Scottish Parliament, but the all images and audio are reproduced under The Scottish Parliament Copyright Licence.

The First Minister is attending the The UN Climate Change Conference in Bonn, so the Deputy First Minister fielded today's questions. Deputy First Minister: John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (SNP - Perthshire North) Questions: The Rt. Hon. Ruth Davidson, Leader of the Scottish Conservative Party (Edinburgh Central) Jackie Baillie, Interim Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Jobs and Fair Work (Lab – Dumbarton) David Torrance (SNP - Kirkcaldy) Tavish Scott, Spokesperson for Education (LD - Shetland) Richard Lochhead (SNP - Moray) Patrick Harvie Co-convenor of the Scottish Green Party (Glasgow) Willie Rennie, Leader of The Scottish Liberal Democrats (Mid Scotland and Fife) John Finnie, Justice, Transport & Tourism, Rural & Island Communities Spokesperson (Green - Highlands and Islands) Daniel Johnson, Shadow Education Minister (Lab - Edinburgh Southern) Graham Simpson, Spokesperson for Housing and Communities (Con - Central Scotland) Bruce Crawford (SNP - Stirling) Rachael Hamilton, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Tourism (Con - Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire) Monica Lennon, Shadow Minister for Inequality (working across the Health and Education teams) (Lab - Central Scotland) The Official Report of the session. The next FMQs will be Thursday 23rd November 2017 and will also be the first of the newly elected Leader of The Scottish Labour Party, pending the result in the leadership election due on 18th November 2017. Any questions or comments, get in touch: Jack@FMQs.scot @FMQsScot www.FMQs.scot This podcast is not produced by The Scottish Parliament, but the all images and audio are reproduced under The Scottish Parliament Copyright License.

On the day that Theresa May finally triggered article 50 we , inevitably, focus on this. What is Nicola Sturgeon's "cunning plan"? Is Scotland merely Maidenhead, no offence to Maidenhead, in May's Brexit strategy? Lesley recovers from her appearance on "Call Kaye" and reflects on what, if anything, the BBC has learned from its coverage of Indyref1. As the Scottish Labour Party takes a leaf out of my favourite time traveller's book, Sam Beckett if you're interested but others are available, and returns to 1979, I crack the myth of the SNP ushering in Thatcherism. The  almost under the radar Scottish local elections round up this episode but not before I display my linguistic, or otherwise skills. I should have said Tam Biet by the way. You're going to have to listen now if only to figure out what the ruddy heck I'm on about.

This week sees the return of the Fife twa after Lesley's op. Lesley pays tribute to the larger than life, late Paddy Bort ,doyen of the Edinburgh folk scene and powerful advocate for local democracy. You know when you ask someone a question and they actually give you the answer! Well, stand by for Lesley's forensic dissection of the BBC's proposals for a new Scottish channel, in particular the news at nine. We try and get to grips with the Sadiq Khan speech at the recent Scottish Labour Party conference in Perth and I , in particular, just don't understand Labour's strategy. Back in Westminster the Tories seem to be prevaricating over the details of the  transfer of powers back from Europe to Holyrood. Can Mundell's "guarantees" be trusted? In addition to all this there's more than a passing mention of Antonio Gramsci and I make another startling confession  this time involving a Hillman Imp and a dry stane dyke.    

Services will be held in churches across France to remember those killed after a lorry ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day. William Crawley talks to Fr Peter Jackson is from Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Nice and lives close to the terrorist attack. This week a new Prime Minister entered Number 10. The daughter of an Anglican priest, Theresa May joins the list of world leaders with a strong religious upbringing. Dr Eliza Filby, author of 'God and Thatcher' and Wendy Alexander, former leader of the Scottish Labour Party and a daughter of the manse, discuss how faith has influenced politic leaders. Kendall House in Gravesend was once a Church of England care home for young girls. It was shut in the mid 80's. One former resident tells William how she was drugged and abused over a two year period there. The Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff, responds to the findings of the review he commissioned which said the Church's response to allegations about abuse at Kendall House was, "woeful and inadequate". Trevor Barnes explores the history of Jewish musicians, composers and religious singers through a celebration of their vinyl recordings at the Jewish Museum in London. Up to 40 Catholic churches in the Diocese of Salford could be closed and 150 parishes merged under a proposed restructuring plan. Bishop John Allen tells William why he may be forced to take these radical actions. Despite the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's saying he wants to improve the poor relationship between the government and the country's First Nations, it's claimed he has done nothing to stop a housing development on islands sacred to the indigenous population. Sian Griffiths reports. Producers: David Cook Peter Everett Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Matt is joined by former leader of the Scottish Labour Party, Jim Murphy, in his first interview after leaving the role. For future dates please visit www.mattforde.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 10 of apolitical we speak with Colin Fox, National co-spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party and a former MSP. We chat about his introduction to politics and activism; his disenchantment with the Scottish Labour Party; the decline in support for the SSP over the past decade; and what the future holds for the Left in Scotland. […] The post #10: Colin Fox appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

In Episode 10 of apolitical we speak with Colin Fox, National co-spokesperson of the Scottish Socialist Party and a former MSP. We chat about his introduction to politics and activism; his disenchantment with the Scottish Labour Party; the decline in support for the SSP over the past decade; and what the future holds for the Left in Scotland. […] The post #10: Colin Fox appeared first on Apolitical Podcast.

The Polling Station is a new podcast of around 5 minutes in duration which we hope will come out every day between now and the election.We will do short informative little pieces on the election matters that are being missed, evaded, obfuscated or terminalogically inexactituded in the normal election coverage.This is the 2nd episode, you can find the others here.This time we spoke of the rather rough day that Jim Murphy's had yesterday, mostly caused by this quote from Chuka Ummuna..."The leader of the Scottish Labour Party will not be in charge of the UK budget. The leader of our country, our next prime minister, Ed Miliband, will be in charge of the UK budget and he has just answered the question, when that was put to him - will there be any cuts over the course of this parliament not just in the first financial year, but in the following financial years? And he was absolutely clear - there will be the need for further consolidation and cuts throughout the rest of the parliament."So was Jim hung out to dry or was it just the head office getting the branch manager back in line?We also talked about the idea of No Detriment and the fact that the Independent ex UK nation of Ireland seems to be doing rather well at the moment.Hope you enjoy…LINKShttp://michaelgreenwell.wordpress.com/https://twitter.com/Ivan_McKeehttps://twitter.com/mgreenwell

In the light of the terrible events last week in Paris, we have a few words about the Charlie Hebdo attack. Difficult to say anything new but we try. Jim Murphy has also been explaining at length his strategy for the Scottish Labour Party. Lesley has some views on the details as they arise. As promised, we also broadened our reading this week and dipped into the 'What Doctors Don't Tell You' publication.  As mentioned on 'Question Time', TV Leaders' Debates - Lesley Wrote about it in the Sunday Post and explains a little bit more Finally, we finish a windy podcast with a review of 'From Scotland With Love'.

This week we recap the book festivals at Lismore and the Radical Book Fair. It is also saw the shock resignation of Johann Lamont the leader of the Scottish Labour Party and a fair few folk had something to say about that. Lesley had a slightly different take on the various commentators. Nordic Horizons also hosted Timo Santala , the co founder of 'Restaurant Day' and there is plenty to share about this event. We also construct an interesting new radio programme which is modelled on unlikely combinations. 

This week Lesley talks about the ‘Wooing the undecided voter’ which she wrote about for Newsnet Scotland. At the same time, David Cameron was urging the English, Welsh and Northern Irish to woo the Scots to ‘No’ by showing and sharing the love. At the weekend, Lesley also crossed swords with David Aaronovitch over the contention ‘English, Scottish? Too close to separate over a range of attitudes’. Wings Over Scotland provided a summary and the audio; but here Lesley outlines her thinking and the background to their clash. And, finally, as the Scottish Labour Party prepares to unleash its proposals for devolution post ‘No’, the rumours are not setting the heather alight or so Lesley thinks. And a timely reminder, you can get the Lesley Riddoch Podcast on a free subscription on iTunes here. It’s delivered fresh, straight from the Feisty Studios to you each week.

It was hard not to talk about the Vickers' Report on Banking. Equally the moves of the Scottish Labour Party seem slightly strange. However, Lesley has a thought or two to share.

The Leader of the Scottish Labour Party joined Lesley in the studio for the last Riddoch Questions for 2008. There were some remarkable revelations.