Podcasts about scottish politics

In this podcast extra Lesley speaks to writer, human rights campaigner and former diplomate Craig Murray and to Sara Salayers of Salvo about their work in the UN in both Geneva and New York taking forward the case for Liberation Scotland find out more at https://liberation.scot/ ★ Support this podcast ★

The BBC's had a pretty bad week, North and South of the border. We look at the suggestions that Robbie Gibb, the right-winger on the BBC board, has led a bit of a coup to get rid of the Director General and Head of News. What happens next? Does the license fee payer have to cough up millions to compensate Donald Trump for apparent hurt to his reputation?We discuss that, plus the hurt to Yesers in Scotland and that there has hardly been a mention of the lack of trust, visible and measurable in Scotland as a result of handling of the Indyref. We examine some of the most outragous examples of BBC Bias and recall the protests. We also look also at prisons and the problems in England with the mistaken release of dangerous offenders. We also discuss planned early release in Scotland. What's that about, and why are our prisons filled to bursting? Donate to support the Podcast https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeLinksMagnus Turpie  If you would like to support Magnus Turpie and Friends you can vote for them at Question 11 and Dick Gaughanich at Question 6https://projects.handsupfortrad.scot/scotstradmusicawards/voting/Listen to the full band https://www.youtube.com/@mcturpie/videosWatch the Scotland's Lost Forests Filmhttps://youtu.be/MuTV1SiYeu4Forest film write up in the National https://www.thenational.scot/news/25610918.lesley-riddoch-launched-new-film-scotlands-missing-forests/London Calling: BBC bias during the 2014 Scottish independence referendumhttps://youtu.be/TXQYuLUAbyw?si=H1mN3ZCRFDsKLcnBScotcast about BBC bias on Panorama starts with Senior Producer Natalie Higgins and Martin GeisslerThen Brian Taylor and Liz Lloyd on IndyRefhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002m077YouGov Media Trust findingshttps://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/45744-which-media-outlets-do-britons-trust-2023 ★ Support this podcast ★

In a special, bonus episode of Politics Weekly, Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey sit down with Scotland's former first minister Nicola Sturgeon for a frank conversation about her time in office and the future of nationalist politics. Nothing is off the table: her leadership, Covid, the gender row that dogged her final days in office and the alleged financial fraud at the SNP. Oh, and how she dealt with some wild stories about her personal life... Send your thoughts and questions to politicsweeklyuk@theguardian.com. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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

We start with the outcome of the Caerphilli by-election victory, won by Mr Caerphilli himself Lindsay Whittle and Plaid Cymru. But who did we hear from across the airwaves but Reform and Labour, not the victors themselves. Pretty par for the course perhaps but we try to correct that.We chew over recent opinion polls recently one suggesting there is now a pretty healthy majority for independence in Scotland. We look at the Labour Party and the struggles it is in over the whole of the UK as the Reform vote grows.We also talk a little about another election you won't have heard much about here in Scotland and the UK - the Presidential Election in Ireland where a left-wing republican endorsed by Kneecap who wants free public transport, housing as a human right, and support for the Irish language, plus Palestine won a landslide victor what does that mean?We also discussproblems in Scotland, violence in the classroom with some truly appauling statistics released recenbtly but what do they speak of at a deeper level?LinksScotwindhttps://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25568033.scotwind-scandal-analysis-scotlands-lost-energy-wealth/?ref=eb&nid=2261&block=article_block_a&u=d0e5dd8444617f314b5eb8a45311f0c8&date=261025Your Party - interview with Zarah Sultana indy at 7.35  10.00' wealth tax https://open.spotify.com/episode/2xTUyml3Y40AOW6qEk2sf0?si=1d1059ad0c874990&nd=1&dlsi=3ec5a5e0ebb9489bStephen Gethins on the tiny glimmer of reality dawning at WM re proportional yes result https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/a-breakthrough-in-scotlands-right-to-decide-5373779CultureSara Sheridan's book The Ice Maiden https://www.sarasheridan.com/the-ice-maidenThe MetagamaStep aboard the SS Metagama, a journey that will take you from the Butt to Barra and on to the lakes and plains of Canada, to 1920s Detroit and Prohibition, through the ebb and flow of fortunes on both sides of the Atlantic, with this ensemble of acclaimed musicians and singers.https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/metagama-an-atlantic-odyssey-ensemble-autumn-25#datesandtimesLanguageAnna Walker Ruadh ScotlandAinmean-Àite na h-Alba website gives information about Gaelic place names and their meaning. https://www.ainmean-aite.scot/# Iona's Namescape: - https://ionaplacenames.glasgow.ac.uk/map/#12/56.3411/-6.4126Storywalks in the Monadh Ruadh (Cairngorms) -www.storywalks.scotForgotten Woodlands: https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-woodland-heritage-mapped-future which is a pilot project  from NatureScot, Forestry and Land Scotland, and Ainmean-Àite na h-Alba (the national advisory partnership for Gaelic place-names) to map all Scottish place-names to reveal their historical woodland coverage.Tobair an Dualchais/Kist o' Riches- not just placenames but oral tradition recordings in Gàidhlig and Scots where the speaker talks about placenames and their meanings: https://www.tobarandualchais.co.uk/ ★ Support this podcast ★

In this Podcast Extra, Lesley travels to Rhyl to speak at a march and rally organised jointly by YesCymru and AUOBCymru (All Under One Banner Cymru), the march brought people from every corner of Wales to the north coast, filling Rhyl's streets with a sea of Welsh flags, banners and music. Lesley is blown away by the everyday and natural use of the Welsh language by so many Welsh speakers from all walks of life and from different ages. She interviewed some of the organisers of the march to find out more.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Keir Starmer has rejected the SNP over their latest indy plan, Joani Reid and Susan Aitken go to war about who is to blame for the refugee housing crisis in Glasgow and the Scottish Greens back drugs legalisation and the UK Greens gain support with Zack Polanski. Paul Hutcheon, Ben Borland and Douglas Dickie discuss the latest in Scottish Politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a bit of Welsh theme in the podcast this week. Lesley, having just come back from speaking at an all-under-one-banner Cymru rally in Rhyl gives us the low down on all things Welsh, the Welsh indepdendence movement and the revival of the Welsh language.  We talk about up coming changes to the Welsh voting system, scrapping what we've got for the Scottish elections which still has the first-past-the-post and the move to a completely proportional system. Why aren't we talking about that here in Scotland? We also discuss the separate Yes movement, Yes Cymru, which was set up in 2014 and is separate to the Welsh indpendence supporting parties.We also look at more authoritarian moves by UK Labour and breifly discuss the fall out over the ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans traveling to the watch a game against Aston Villa. And the Prince formerly knows as Duke of York and the timidity of the UK Labour government to just deal properly with stripping his titles.LinksREVIVE's national conference, a landmark event that is set to be a pivotal moment in Scotland's land reform journey.https://www.perththeatreandconcerthall.com/whats-on/revive-what-scotland-wants-real-land-reformSenedd Elections changeshttps://senedd.wales/senedd-now/senedd-blog/how-will-the-new-voting-system-work-at-the-next-senedd-election/Welsh placename projecthttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/19/welsh-placenames-submitted-to-wales-project-protect-linguistic-heritage ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's episode we discuss the SNP conference which has been something of a triumph for John Swinney. His position on independence was accepted and he made a pretty bouncy closing speech. But what if next May the elections have a result that the combination of independence parties exceeds the 65-seat majority when the SNP alone does not? In this conference episode we also look at the energy policy that was discussed. Is it time to have a really bold policy as Tommy Sheppard and the SNP Trade UInion Group proposed. That is to set up local heat companies, which is something that can be done now under the powers of devolution.  Since nobody's arguing against this will it actually happen? We look at the walk-in GP centers idea. Fraser has had some actual experience this weekend of the provision down south in England, and we talk about much else besides. LinksAn Evening With James Robertsonhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-james-robertson-tickets-1574320477929?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=42fc24f2dc22940e664f8ea8e93a5321ec02c2b5597bcbbd9c5e23fbde563cf32509b26d31f24d323588f4a7cee2f6ce4019bfcceb73dfe7a3816972a5c2f0efce72947d8ca626c06afa44b8  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's episode we chew over the UK Home Secretary's plan to give police in England extra powers to curb repeat demonstrations for Gaza, Palestine, or indeed anything else. We look also at the prospects for peace in Israel-Palestine.We compare party conferences with Conservatives speaking to empty halls to tiny numbers of activists who bothered to turn up. And the Greens Conference in England, which really had quite a zingy kind of speech from the Jewish leader, Zak Polanski, who nonetheless upholds the right to protest for Palestine.All of that, plus looking ahead to the SNP at the weekend.LinksMark Thomas My Life in Serious Organised Crime - https://youtu.be/PRwsXnBQaEo?si=3Ec1-kc0YGMARic0Wales rally 18 OctoberRhyl https://www.auob.cymruDenmark film showing 19 OctoberCaernarfon The Institute, The Carlton, 14 Bangor St, Caernarfon LL55 1AT 2pm More details soon on lesleyriddoch.com/eventsMissing Forests premier at the Revive Converence 8 NovemberREVIVE: What Scotland Wants - Real Land Reform. Available that evening on https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch Highland Windfarm Revolt screening plus Q&A - 29 November at 2pmPhipps Hall Beauly Free with donations. lesleyriddoch.com/eventsFinland FilmThe film will hopefully be ready in early November. My first priority is to book into cinemas which have very long lead times. But if any group wants to host a screening plus Q&A in late Nov/ early Dec or maybe more realistically Jan 2026 - please get in touch. hello@lesleyriddoch.com ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's episode we consider the Labour Party conference and what it all meant. We reflect on the odd goings on, like Labour Home Secretery Shabana Mahmood saying her political hero is Margaret Thatcher and we tackle Kier Starmer's conference speach. With Labour and Reform facing off on migration policy and plans for so called Brit Card compulsory ID Cards we look at what is motivating these policies and whether this is the type of country that you'd want to live in.We also ponder some interesting history that saw the archives of Scotland sink in a boat in the 17th century off the Northumbrian coast with no report very little knowledge or understanding of this event in Scottish consciousness.LinksEstonia The Baltic Tiger - YouTubeA Bleather O'Books  - TicketsSunday, November 2 · 10:30 - 11:30am (Doors at 10:15am)Robertson Room, Robert Burns Birthplace MuseumMurdoch's Lone Alloway KA7 4PQHow Cromwell and Edward I robbed Scotland of centuries of its historyhttps://www.thenational.scot/news/17300143.cromwell-edward-robbed-scotland-centuries-history/Lost to the Waveshttps://blog.historicenvironment.scot/2020/08/stormy-past/ ★ Support this podcast ★

Lesley is back and Finland's in the news, not just because Russian jets invaded Baltic airspace as well as Estonian earlier last weekend, but because they are prepared for a future that perhaps all of us are suddenly having to focus on. Oslo and Copenhagen airports both experienced Russian drones wandering through their airspace and closing those airports and there was an alleged cyberattack in Brussels.It feels like the problems of the continent are certainly coming home to roost. We talk about all of that, and the many ways in which Finland is a country that just actually functions extremely well because it is prepared and it never gave up the good old stuff that many other societies, Britain in particular, just dispensed with, things like trams and affordable housing. So there's a lot of Finland in this week's episode. We also discuss Your Party and its travails and a a bit of Andy Burnham and chanllanges to Kier Starmer. We look too at Palestine and whether recognition will actually aid some sort of progress there. Not to mention Donald Trump and his paracetamol and Seagull gate and the SNP's new CEO.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This podcast extra was recorded at the NORA conference in Stornoway. This was the first conference of its kind in Stornoway. It included Scotland and Scottish Isles, and the NORA countries: Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, and coastal Norway. The title of the event was Building Sustainable Futures for Island communities.NORA, or Nordic Atlantic Cooperation, is an intergovernmental organisation under the Nordic Council of Ministers, uniting Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and coastal Norway. Established in 1981 and formalized as NORA in 1996 when coastal Norway joined, the organization strengthens regional cooperation to make the North Atlantic a dynamic part of the Nordic region.https://nora.fo/Lesley spoke with:https://nora.fo/participants-stornowayGréta Bergrún Jóhannesdóttir, a researcher at Bifröst University, Iceland, focusing on rural Iceland, gender, and equality.Ondrej Spala, Project Manager for ICE Kirkenes, Norway, and Director of the Arctic Circular Economy Summit. His role in fostering entrepreneurial networks in the Nordic Arctic.Karin Marie Funding Lyster, an entrepreneur from the Faroe Islands, founder of MAI Learning AS, an EdTech company focused on AI integration. She has won awards for Arctic youth entrepreneurship. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Labour Party dominates this week's podcast, which might be a bit of a shock for followers of Independents, but not in a very good way for Keir Starmer. We discuss the fall out of Angela Rayner's resignation and the further collapse in confidence since the departure of the golden girl of the working class side of Labour stepped out. We look at the fall out over her stamp duty debacle on her what actually was a third residence.We also take a look at the race for the deputy leadership and what that might mean for UK Labour and for Scottish Labour's chances in next year's Holyrood election. The election campaign which will be masterminded by Douglass Alexander after poor old Ian Murray, who sacrificed life principles actually over nuclear weapons to be loyal to Keir Starmer was brutally sacked on the phone. Have a wee look at Douglas Alexander and how liked he is north of the border by his own folk.And flags and more flags from the use of the Saltire in Scotland and English politicians obsession with mentioning the Union Jack in every press conference.LinksBirthplace of Scotland's Saltire - https://saltire.scot/Public opionon Frage and Reformhttps://yougov.co.uk/politics/articles/52896-how-do-britons-see-reform-uk-ahead-of-their-2025-conference ★ Support this podcast ★

With both the Scottish and UK Parliaments back in session today, there is a back to school vibe for this week's podcast. After a quite week last week everything is kicking up a gear. We look at the Keir Starmer's mini mini reshuffle, which is a lot less sensational than expected, but seems to be centralizing power in Number 10. We talk about the number of departures from the Scottish Conservatives, and the fact that one of them, Graham Simpson going to Reform, might jeopardize the recall petition idea that he is pushing through as a private member's Bill.We also talk about the Scottish Green's leadership election and what that might mean in terms of new leadership, the energy price cap, and Kemi Badenoch: drill, baby, drill. All of that and more. Home Truths for Home Rule3pm Kirkcudbright Parish Church Saturday 6th Septhttps://kbtfringe.com/events/06-09-2025-15-00-home-truths-for-home-rule-scotland-after-25-years-of-devolutionScotland's Parliament, established over 25 years ago, has changed how we do politics. But has its record and impact been as significant as its advocates claim? What have been its successes - and what could it do better? People feel increasingly alienated by party politics and the centralisation of ‘Edinburgh knows best'. How if at all can this change? Join journalist and campaigner Lesley Riddoch and former First Minister Henry McLeish assess the impact of devolution, the contours of next year's Scottish elections, and what Scotland's future should look like and how we might get there.LinksOn Sept 13 & 14 at Netherbow Theatre in Storytelling Centre Royal Mile Edinburgh 7pm.https://scottishstorytellingcentre.online.red61.co.uk/event/913:6226/“The Invaders' Fear of Memories” is a theatre piece based on the life and diaries of Yosef Nachmani – a Russian Jew who migrated from Tsarist Russia to Ottoman Palestine in 1907. Nachmani became Director of the Jewish National Fund in the Galilee and subsequently played a central role in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine's indigenous people. The play offers a perspective into the origins of settler-colonialism and apartheid in modern-day Israel, exploring themes of loyalty, violence, ideology, and grief.The Invaders' Fear of Memories is performed by Benjamin Rivers, the great grandson of Nachmani. Over the course of the play, Rivers performs 12 characters and sings in Arabic, Hebrew, Ukrainian, and Yiddish.Tam Dean Burn as guest actor and a panel of distinguished academics for post screening Q&ASince August 2023, The Invaders' Fear of Memories has been performed to audiences across four continents.Also Peter Kennard's new exhibition “GAZA” from 6pm on Friday August 8th at 13A Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QG extended till end September.FREE SPEECH AGAINST THE GENOCIDE rally2pm Saturday Sept 6th Queen Elizabeth House (Scotland Office) Edinburghhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.ukThe Promise https://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-promisehttps://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-promiseClaire Foy and Christian Cooke star in Peter Kosminsky's BAFTA-nominated drama. Eighteen-year-old Erin sets out on an emotional journey when she retraces her grandfather's footsteps in Palestine. ★ Support this podcast ★

Is it time for John Swinney to do something robust and clear to make it obvious to everyone that Scotland is really got a different outlook towards the whole question of Palestine and Palestine Action than Westminster? We discuss the call from Ross Greer MSP to explore legal ways to stop arrests and prosecutions like the ludicrous situation of award-wining sreenwriter Paul Laverty.We talk also about the asylum protests that have been going on in Perth and elsewhere and ask where they largely the product of people being bused in or are there deeper problems with asylum and housing. We look at the electoral commission's publication of the annual accounts of Scottish politial parties and look at the numbers. And we discuss the Great John McLean and the campaign to create a permenant memorial to him in Glasgow.LinksPaul Laverty arrest https://youtube.com/shorts/1PCYk92UtpE?si=5s5vkpMC2-qYoDQvSaturday 6th September at 2pm outside Scotland Office (off Royal Mile) EdinburghMore info soon onhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.ukJohn Maclean statueCrowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/john-maclean-statue-campaign-2Article - https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/25415449.crowdfunder-bid-statue-revolutionary-john-maclean-glasgow/"I wish no harm to any human being” "No human being on the face of the earth, no government is going to take from me my right to speak, my right to protest against wrong, my right to do everything that is for the benefit of mankind,” “I am not here, then, as the accused; I am here as the accuser of capitalism dripping with blood from head to foot.”John Maclean March - Hamish Hendersonhttps://youtu.be/4gaUezjN87w?si=vKgb-8SzFGZ6ALrQ ★ Support this podcast ★

This is a special podcast about Scotland's culture and its tenacity over centuries of denial, marginalisation and nae seemin posh enough.Lesley heard these two in action at an Independence Forum Scotland event in Perth and thought the craic was so good it deserved this wider audience.So Stuart McHardy a writer, occasional broadcaster, and storyteller who has been Director of the Scots Language Resource Centre in Perth and President of the Pictish Arts Society is in conversation with Roger Emmerson, a distinguished architect who surprised many in his own profession by running the first Scottish architecture course in the 1990s.We discuss the irrelevance of ‘clown characters' like Neil Oliver and David Starkey, delve into the Scots embrace of contradiction and the ability to (happily) be in twa minds and ponder the success of Department Q. Amongst many other fascinating cultural themes. Stuart McHardy books include The Quest for Arthur, On the Trail of Scotland's Myths and Legends, Tales of the Picts, Strange Secrets of Ancient Scotland, Tales of Whisky and Smuggling, The Wild Haggis an The Greetin-faced Nyaff.View Stuart's books at Luath PressForthcoming Edin Book Festival gig Weds 13th August about book at printers now Scotland's Sacred Goddess (and if new book link appears then slot in here)    Roger Emmerson books includeScotland in 100 buildingsLand of Stone – a journey through Modern Architecture in ScotlandView Roger's books at Luath Press  ★ Support this podcast ★

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

In this episode of the Holyrood Sources podcast, hosts Calum MacDonald, Geoff Aberdeen, and Andy Maciver take your questions. They discuss the departure of Kate Forbes from the SNP and its implications, touching on her appeal to centrist voters and the challenges facing the party. The conversation then moves onto the broader political landscape, including the potential return of Ian Blackford, coalition possibilities, and the role of mayors in Scotland. The hosts engage with listener questions, reflecting on the need for bold political ideas and the current state of political engagement in Scotland. The episode concludes with a call for more substantive political discourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A blowy week in Scotland and for Scottish Politics, we speak about Kate Forbes's decision not to stand in next year's Holyrood Election. We look at the huge question of childcare, not just for her, but for everyone, speculate on who might stand in her constituency. We analyise the the disagreements on concience and policy issues from the stance gay marriage to Kate's economic strategy, and look at the suggestion that infrastructure has to come first before you can get to wealth creation, and childcare is infrastructure.We also discuss Kier Starmer and his guttural position on Palestine and John Swinney's much interrupted Edinburgh Fringe gig over the question of whether he has condemned Israel's genocide. All of that with a little swatch of Belladrum and a lot of speculation and the wind.LinksMike Mackenzie column about the inability of a devolved government to properly finance infrastructure; https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25361743.highlands-islands-will-win-scottish-independence/ Jon Shafi column about all parties in a state of collapse and flux not just the SNP.https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25365016.politicians-fleeing-stage-old-certainties-collapse/Kate Forbes - Mum guilt means my daughter comes with mehttps://www.thetimes.com/uk/scotland/article/kate-forbes-snp-mum-children-interview-2zfvjn8pr ★ Support this podcast ★

Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes has announced she will step down at the 2026 Holyrood election. In this bonus episode of Holyrood Sources, Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein (former Chief of Staff to Alex Salmond) and Andy Maciver (former Director of Comms for the Scottish Conservatives) unpack the political shockwave.

Donald Trump comes to Scotland and don't we know it! President Trump, with saltires fluttering on his motorcade instead of the union flag descended this week on Turnberry in Ayrshire and then up to Aberdeenshire. He's described John Sweeney as a terrific guy despite not really having met him yet and he suggests that all the proceeds from removing tariffs should go to Scotland, not to the UK. We discuss whether he's just mixing it, whether he actually favours Scotland in some way or is it all just rubbish that will be reversed next week.We also talk also about John Swinney's suggestion that there should be a constitutional convention. Again, that's suggested now, having been ruled out in previous weeks. We look at the SNP's strategy, such as it is, that there can be no move forward for Scotland without a referendum and that a referendum will only come if the SNP somehow manages to get over the line as the largest party in 2020. Simples! We take a look at the latest announcements. We also discuss the action that's ongoing against supporters of Gaza and the emergency UK cabinet meeting.LinksDave Pearson article about private wires https://bylines.scot/news/scotland/retaining-scotlands-wind-wealth-a-strategy-for-renewable-power/A 'good constituency MP'? how ‘hard working local politicians' are facilitating a genocidehttps://substack.com/home/post/p-169235829 ★ Support this podcast ★

There's a bit of a protest theme in this week's podcast. Obviously the Gaza Palestine demonstration at the weekend where Lesley was speaking. Thankfully there weren't arrests at the time, but could they be yet to come? There was also, if you like, the protest of Richard Murphy on Radio Scotland, interrupted continually on a program about bias and trust in the BBC.We discuss the rebels who've been booted out of the parliamentary Labour Party, but oddly not all the rebels that voted for axing the welfare cuts that were put forwward by Kier Starmer. Will this produce more dissent within a party that's now polling about the same as the new left wing party created by Zara Sultana that dosen't even exit yet.We talk about Trump and his potential comeuppance over his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. Forget to even mention that he's coming to Scotland. We'll take that next week and have a wee tribute to Dick Gaughan the master of Scottish traditional music. All of that and more!Join the Pals and Buddies and support the Lesley Riddoch podcastLinksPalestine letter to sign Protest is not terrorismhttps://protestisnotterrorism.wordpress.com/War Crimes CD - all income (not profit ) going to Gaza https://www.amazon.co.uk/War-Crimes-Champion-Doug-Veitch/dp/B0F3JY4KTLDick Gaughan special Travelling Folk with Anna Massie on BBC Soundshttps://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002ft8fDonate to help Dick Gaughan try and retreive the rights to some of his most important trackshttps://www.gofundme.com/f/aatux2 Buy the 8 disc set of Dick's musichttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2121905920/dick-gaughan-r-evolution-1969-84-an-8-disc-box-set/rewards ★ Support this podcast ★

Donate to support the podcast There's been a lot of missing in action in this week's podcast. Where is the Scottish government and the SNP when an energy supplier, Octopus, calls for zonal pricing that would give Scotland the cheapest energy in Europe? They're kind of missing in action. We talk about the latest proposals by Rachel Reeves, which looks like a bonfire of the regulations on the banking sector, which kind of prompted all the chaos post 2008.Is that really going to be such a great advance? And back to Israel and Palestine, some shocking admissions, about the connections between the current Labour government and trips to Israel that were not declared by MPs. That and more news about the July 19 march in this week's podcast on lesleyridich.com and social media.Scottish National demonstration Saturday 19 July Assemble 1pm foot of the Mound Edinburghhttps://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/event/eggec-nakba-demo-duplicate-1/ ★ Support this podcast ★

On this week's episode, we talk about the putative new Left-wing party possibly headed by Jeremy Corbyn. We speculate on why he hasn't said he will join it and what is happening on the Scottish front with a group that's promising a meeting in October. It's not very clear whether it supports independence or not.We talk about the victory of a left candidate for the Democratic nomination in New York City with a program that would probably make Jeremy Corbyn's heart sing.We're still talking about the wider question of Palestine and the shameful decision by the SNP group at Westminster to abstain on the vote on Palestine Action as they succumbed to Westminster bullying tactics and were outfoxed by Labour's procedural shenanigans. We reflect that in the previous parliament, with MPs like Tommy Sheppard, Dr Phillipa Whitford and Joanna Cherry, this would not have happened. That and much more besides, including bits and bits about the Western Isles and the, uh, glorious bounciness of Greenlanders.And we have a guest spot with Mick Napier from the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign ahead of a planned demonstration.1 pm meeting at the foot of the Mound, Edinburgh. LinksFinland Film  https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/finland---the-education-superstars-a-new-filmNHS Apphttps://www.digitalhealth.net/2024/10/scotland-s-digital-front-door-platform-to-go-beyond-the-nhs-app/https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view%2Cplaying-catchup-will-the-rollout-of-the-long-overdue-nhs-app-help-take-pressure-off-scotlands-gpsCnoc Soilleirhttps://www.nwh.uhi.ac.uk/en/about-us/campuses-and-centres/cnoc-soilleir/Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson ★ Support this podcast ★

You can donate to support and keep the podcast going by becoming a Pal or Buddy of the Podcast at https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribeBy the time you listen this, you'll know what we don't, which is the result of the disability cuts vote in the House of Commons, the revised package, which will now only put 150,000 people into poverty. And that's this year. Because next year, of course, is a whole new ball game for those wishing to sign up to PIP.We speculate on what these reforms and the opposition to them means for Labour Party support, for Keir Starmer's personal authority and popularity. We look also at, last week's Question Time where Lesley was on the panel, having just been stung in the throat by a wasp! Drawn no parallels or importance from that other than it was a strange way to prepare.We also discuss the big events of the week, Iran, Israel, Palestine, Kneecap and Bob Vylan's and the BBC's decisions to broadcast and not broadcast, which are inadvertently helping to promote artists who are the only people able to bring this issue to the forefront. We also look at NATO spending via a quote from the late great Hamish Henderson, Fraser relfects on his time working in the Westminster Parliament and much more besides. LinksFinland Film Crowdfunderhttps://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/finland---the-education-superstars-a-new-film ★ Support this podcast ★

In this week's podcast, we discuss Trump's attacks on Iran facilitating attacks by Israel and then demanding a ceasefire. It's an odd way to get diplomatic results. We react to Donald Trump's four-letter outburst as he baulks at Israel's flouting of the cease-fire and Iran's response.We also look at the attempts to proscribe Palestine action, which look very destined to simply encourage support for this soon-to-be-banned group. And we also look at the likely rebellion against labour's cuts to PIP payments.Listen to the end for some great tributes to Pat as he goes for his 3rd retirement so far. Help support the Finland crowdfunder - make a donation ★ Support this podcast ★

As the hostilities go on between Israel and Iran we try and get beneath the "We support the right of Israel to defend itself" to why Israel decided to launch its attacks, why now , and the realities of nuclear proliferation in the region.Meanwhile a  report by the Centre For Media Monitoring has forensically examined the BBC's coverage of Gaza. The results are damning in terms of revealing BBC bias.We take a look at the spending review  not only the decisions made but especially what impact Labour's decisions may have on Scottish politics. Lesley's latest article in The National not only covers this but asks if the SNP's old attack lines are now almost gone and its claims of success belong largely to the old glory days. Will John Swinney's Scotland 2050 speech bring them back?Despite Deputy Leader Keith Brown committing to an independence convention before the Holyrood elections at the 2024 SNP Annual Conference this has now been knocked firmly on the head by Angus Robertson. Was this a mistake? The trial of Kneecap member, Mo Chara, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act will go ahead at Westminster Magistrates' Court  tomorrow. What does this tell us about the nature of the state and its decisions on who and who not to prosecute under the Act's provisions?As per usual there's other meanderings and maybe a wee mention of the golf. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

In this podcast special we speak with two energy experts Rhys Stanwix and David Pearson. The cost of energy has dominated our own far-from-expert musings for the last few weeks. So we thought it might be an idea to pull in some expertise for a special about district heating, locational pricing, why we are stuck with such high prices, poor grid connections ,the march of the pylons across much of north eastern Scotland. Do we need the better connectivity or is this just horsing Scottish renewable energy south? We tackle all these questions, and more, in an in depth and highly informative special. ★ Support this podcast ★

There's a distinct European flavour to this week's episode and we kick off with our reaction to the UK/EU deal struck on Monday.Has the Scottish fishing industry, once again, been a bargaining chip worth sacrificing to benefit other parts of the UK economy? Given that fishing and farming are devolved matters why wasn't the Scottish government either involved or at the very least consulted on the agreements reached in these areas? Despite the trumpeting of the deal will it always be a sticking plaster over the economic wounds of Brexit?Saturday saw the latest edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Lesley has always been a massive fan of the event, Pat not so much,  what are her reactions to the inclusion of Israel, the behaviour of the EBU and host broadcaster in apparently censoring the live audience during the Israeli performance, and the claims of massive state intervention in order for Israel to stage a propaganda coup?The British Museum hosted a secret celebration of Israel "Independence" Day. Much of the focus has been on the appearance at it by comedian Jimmy Carr but should more have been made of the speech given by UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle , on the day that the Labour government was in court defending itself against claims that it had continued to supply Israel with F35 aircraft parts in breach of its own sanctions?ScotLand( sic) Futures led by the Scottish Land Commission has called for individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to "help shape a shared vision for how Scotland's land is owned, used and managed". Lesley asks if we need less "consultation" and more genuine action?As we recorded last week's episode the result of the vote at Stage One of The Assisted Dying Bill vote at Holyrood was unknown. The vote was in favour. What happens next?Andrew Tickell article - https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25171496.assisted-dying-debate-deserves-better-bad-faith-politics/We also look at the election of the new Pope and Pat revels in the prospect of a European tour with his beloved Dundee United. Or does he?Keli play - https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/keli ★ Support this podcast ★

After the launch of Labour's new White Paper on immigration we ask, despite Starmer's protestations, if Farage and Reform are already dictating not just UK politics but UK government policy.We also delve into the detail of the changes outlined in the paper.The Labour leadership is also facing a  backbench rebellion over its cuts to disability benefits and is also being urged by 69 MPs to recognise a Palestinian state. Will they listen to either of these calls?Lesley's latest column in The National examined the rise of Reform and speculated on its potential to break out of its unionist bubble and attract disappointed SNP voters in next year's Holyrood elections.First Minister John Swinney was grilled by Martin Geissler on whether independence would be page 1 line 1 of the SNP manifesto at those elections. We analyse his response.Is the UK/US trade deal worth the paper it's written on? Not according to US economist Joseph Stiglitz. Was getting such a quick sectoral agreement a sign of weakness or strength for the UK's position?Ahead of the Holyrood vote on assisted dying Lesley gives her thoughts on this difficult decision facing MSPs. There are a few seats remaining for 'A Night for MAP' at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh. Friday 30th May.https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/night-map ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode we give our initial reactions to  the First Minister's Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26.We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will  Scotland be  immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections?And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change.Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and stand up to Trump.Today, Tuesday, sees the conclusion of the selection process for SNP candidates for those elections. Some weel kent sitting MSPs are fighting off challengers. Three contests in particular have hit the headlines.Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory with no timeline for withdrawal. Does this move finally give the lie to Israel's claim that it's all about the return of the hostages?If you fancy popping along to the two events Lesley will be appearing at this weekend, follow these linkshttps://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ ★ Support this podcast ★

Lesley appeared on Debate Night last week. We look back at this, the issues that were raised by the audience, and the replies of the panel.Here's the link to Lesley's justified rant over the energy rip off.https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195Kneecap have clarified their position and apologised to the families of David Amess and Jo Cox after the accusations made over statements made during gigs. John Swinney has called for the group to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up, echoing those made by Kemi Badenoch and others over Glastonbury. Is this furore simply, as Kneecap have claimed, a distraction from the real issue of Israel's actions in Gaza?Meanwhile Louis Theroux has made a follow up documentary on the Israeli " settler" movement. We look at Daniella Weiss, the so called "Godmother" of the movement her actions ,the Zionist nationalist tradition she comes from, and the influence she has on the Israeli government.We turn our attentions to three sets of elections. The result of the Canadian General Election,  the English local elections, and the Runcorn and Helsby by election. There has been a landmark decision at appeal giving Poet's Neuk, a local community group, the right to buy privately owned land under a compulsory purchase order. It's taken nine years  after the passing of the 2016 Land Reform Act for this to happen for the first time. Will this set a precedent?All of this plus gig reviews and TV recommendations. ★ Support this podcast ★

Lesley's latest article in the National asking if the SNP's passion for independence has been so thoroughly and habitually muzzled of late that nothing will now let it off the leash has certainly set some hares coursing throughout both the SNP and the wider independence movement. We discuss.https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/The ripples of the Supreme Court judgement on the question of the definition of a woman continue to spread. Has the decision settled the apparent conflict between women's and trans rights? Could it even have been expected to?The latest More In Common opinion poll of over 16000 people shows devastating results for the Labour Party. We look at the poll and its findings plus the upcoming English local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by election.We also reflect on the tenure and legacy of Pope Francis.To get tickets for Lesley's Denmark film follow the link belowhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

Westminster was recalled last Saturday for and an emergency bill to save British Steel's Scunthorpe plant became law. It took around six and a half hours in total for Parliament to pass the legislation and the King to approve it.  Sir Keir Starmer said "We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry".We ask where was this urgency and commitment over Grangemouth, and Port Talbot steel works.Lesley questions the casual way every commentator accepts that energy prices in Britain are 50% higher than Germany and double the price of the United States. Ofgem has announced a change in the queuing regulations for wind and solar farms to eliminate so called "Zombie projects" and speed up the process of getting real projects up and running. Great news but have we been here before?Find Out Now has released results from an opinion poll carried out for The National  showing a rise in support for Scottish independence. We drill down into the poll and its potential significance.Ash Regan of Alba has issued a call for a cross party pro independence convention before next year's Holyrood elections. We look at the response from the SNP and the Greens.Meanwhile the Greens appear to be caught up in internecine conflict which doesn't seem to have been calmed down by its recent conference.The 15th of April is the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster which saw 97 Liverpool football supporters losing their lives.Starmer promised that the Hillsborough Law would be enacted by today. What was in that draft law? What has stalled its progress? What does the failure tell us about this Labour government and Starmer?Pat is still recovering from the nerve shredding final round of The Masters golf in Augusta and his beloved Dundee United achieving a top 6 finish in their first season back in the top flight. This doesn't stop him from talking about them both though and wondering why sport can grip even the most rational of us so fiercely.There's still a chance to catch Lesley's Denmark movie. To check out where it's showing click the link belowhttps://lesleyriddoch.com/events ★ Support this podcast ★

There's no escaping Donald Trump, unfortunately, in this week's episode as we begin by picking apart the tariffs he introduced last week.Has he condemned the US to recession? How did he come up with tariffs he placed on each country? Has he lost the support of the billionaires whose businesses are dependent on freedom of trade?Amidst this Trumpian economic doom and gloom Lesley highlights the work of We Don't Have Time. To listen to the views of its CEO Ingmar Rentzhog click this linkhttps://app.wedonthavetime.org/posts/6a458e55-a614-4886-b348-242282e514c7Trump also welcomed Netanyahu to the White House where the two leaders openly discussed, once again, the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. We look at this plus the massacre of Palestinian paramedics and the cover up by Israel that unravelled in the light of video footage recorded by one of the workers murdered by the IDF. We also examine the links between the UK Labour Party at the highest level and Labour Friends of Israel and question the influence of the LFI over UK government policy.On the domestic front there's the announcement by Patrick Harvie that he won't be standing for co-leadership of the Scottish Greens. Lesley speculates on who might run in the upcoming election and what the contest could say about the relationship between the party and its MSPs and the party's direction of travel.Lesley also pays tribute to Christina McKelvie and Willie Wilson both sad recent losses.Christina and Willie were stalwart proponents of Scottish independence and this week saw two polls which showed increasing support for Welsh independence. We discuss.Finally while in Donegal Lesley saw at first hand the effects of radical, progressive land reform and asks when will Scotland take note. ★ Support this podcast ★

Lesley's back on her old stomping ground in the north of Ireland showing her Denmark movie at the Imagine! Belfast Festival.She talks about the reaction to the film and the festival itself. This leads us into chat on the forgotten history of radical Presbyterianism, border polls, and the disputatious nature of  the debates  over both the Irish language and Ulster/Scots.We examine the ongoing controversy over the impact of Rachel Reeves Spring Statement on PIP claimants and ask if Trump's latest tariffs have already wiped out the fiscal headroom she gained on the back of her cuts.The UK government still appears to be clinging to the misplaced belief that sooking up to Trump will result in a US trade deal but at what cost as the MAGA  government zealots seem to be placing "free speech" conditions within any deals. This support for "free speech" doesn't extend to anyone speaking out against the Trump administration. We ask, in the light of recent UK events and government statements if Labour isn't immune from this authoritarian contagion?All this plus updates on the continuing crisis at Dundee University, the barrage of price rises hitting folk today, and spurious references to a classic Will Hay comedy. ★ Support this podcast ★

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

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

In this bumper edition we begin with Labour's leaked plans to cut welfare spending by £6 billion. £5 billion to come from making it harder to claim Personal Independence Payments. Five Scottish Labour MPs have put their names to a letter supporting these "reforms" as " truly progressive". We look at the cuts, wonder if this could be the final nail in the coffin of Scottish Labour, and Lesley compares and contrasts the UK response to the Ukraine crisis with that of Germany.The USA's change in stance under Trump to the Ukraine war and the Western Alliance in NATO prompted erstwhile Westminster SNP leader Ian Blackford to call for the SNP to switch to a multilateral position on nuclear disarmament. We examine the UK's independent nuclear deterrent and question both its independence and its value as a deterrent.Lesley watched the C4 documentary about Michael Sheen's campaign to not only personally pay off £1 million of debt owed by folk from his local area but also his long term project aimed at highlighting social injustice and the impact of credit finance companies on vulnerable communities.https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/mar/10/michael-sheen-interview-secret-million-pound-giveaway-port-talbotOur attention also turns to the USA. Are we deluding ourselves over popular opposition to Trump's policies? Will the Democrats find the spine to use the disruptive tactics employed by the Republicans during the Obama and Biden presidencies?All this plus Elaine C Smith, Brian Cox, and Gone With The Wind. ★ Support this podcast ★

As the Trump administration pauses military aid to Ukraine we look back at the events of the past week which led up to this.We begin with Starmer's "charm offensive" at the White House, his attempts to appease Trump, and his attempts to bridge the growing gap between the US and Europe.It all seemed to come crashing down with that appalling pool spray ambush of Zelenskyy by Trump and Vance, aided by a right wing "journalist" .We ask where this leaves Ukraine, the UK/US special relationship, and Scotland.As Trump cuts aid to Ukraine it continues to pour into Israel as it looks as if Netanyahu may be engineering a return to the IDF's assault on Gaza while stopping all humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. John Swinney has called a summit to counter the rise of  Reform and has invited political parties, trade unions, civic and  faith leaders to attend. Lesley questions whether warm words are enough and that action on progressive economic policies are what is really required to combat the right.Labour's New Deal for Working People has suffered yet another watering down in its progress through Parliament. Is Labour totally in thrall to business interests in its drive for growth?It's the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking publication of The Scotswoman edition of the Scotsman. Lesley looks back and how it why it happened .If you want to watch the videos she's made about this and other topics nip over to her YouTube channel where you can like and subscribe.https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch ★ Support this podcast ★

In this podcast extra we speak with actor and playwright Matthew Zajac about his stage adaptation of James Robertson's novel, "The Testament of Gideon Mack".We also venture into the trials and travails of running Dogstar, a European touring theatre company based around Inverness and how it's grown ​from its early Highland tours.To find out where you can see its production of "The Testament of Gideon Mack" click the link belowhttp://www.dogstartheatre.co.uk/ ★ Support this podcast ★

This week's episode focuses mainly on the rapidly changing shape of international relations under the influence of the Trump administration.Keir Starmer made a major speech at Westminster signalling an increase in defence spending from 2.3 to 2.6% from 2027 onwards. This at the expense of aid and development. We analyse the speech and how he sought to secure not only support in the Commons but across the nation.Starmer flies out to meet Trump on Thursday in the wake of the USA siding with Russia at the United Nations over the war in Ukraine. How will he handle this? What does the UK's abstention in the UN Security Council vote tell us about this? In Germany the CDU/CSU became the largest party after the recent elections. However the far right AfD surged into second place. Will Merz, the leader of the CDU be able to form a coalition with the Social Democrats? Do his outspoken statements on Trump, NATO and Russia mean a complete change in pan European defence and security policy?Anas Sarwar claimed that the £200 million pound "investment" by the National Wealth Fund had secured the future of Grangemouth and showed the benefit of a Labour government. We subject both those statements to scrutiny.Along the way we look at the threat of AI legislation to the creative industries, Michael Shanks on Eigg, and biscuits. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this podcast extra we speak with actor and playwright Matthew Zajac about his stage adaptation of James Robertson's novel, "The Testament of Gideon Mack".We also venture into the trials and travails of running Dogstar, a European touring theatre company based around Inverness and how it's grown ​from its early Highland tours.To find out where you can see its production of "The Testament of Gideon Mack" click the link belowhttp://www.dogstartheatre.co.uk/ ★ Support this podcast ★

The new Trump administration has continued its assault on the norms of political activity by appeasing Putin and Russia over the war in Ukraine.Representatives of the USA and Russia are meeting in Saudi Arabia but there's no place for Zelensky. Meanwhile the USA has made a bid to "buy" Ukraine's rare earth minerals.What does this tell you about Trump's foreign policy? is there any more to it than an admiration for so called strong men and a desire to extend economic colonialism?Meanwhile Vice President JD Vance in a speech in Munich lambasted the European liberal democracies claiming that they were in retreat from their most fundamental values, and that this ,not China or Russia, was the true threat to Europe.This was echoed by Kemi Badenoch, hard on the heels of the mutually shameful exchange on Palestinian refugees at PMQs with Starmer, in a another speech given at the ARC -Alliance for Responsible Citizenship- conference in London. She clearly played the anti-immigration culture wars card. Not to be left out UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting was quick to concur with Richard Madeley on Good Morning Britain that immigration  was a key factor in pressures on the NHS. Are we seeing the ground that the next UK General Election being fought on laid out in front of us as both Labour and the Tories seek to see off Reform?Streeting has mad no secret of his intention to expand private involvement in the English health system this while privatised Thames water staggers from crisis to financial crisis.Brewdog's James Watt has announced his intention to start up a "Shadow UK DOGE" mimicking Musk's cost cutting regime in the USA. How practical are Watt's ideas? Has he completely misread the reality behind the rhetoric in the States?We also discuss David Tennant's BAFTA kilted singing exploits plus the other usual other meanderings.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUr8QyTCph8The Brewdog forest and Parkswatch https://parkswatchscotland.co.uk/2024/02/14/brewdogs-lost-forest-at-kinrara-lost-trees-lost-carbon-and-lost-finances/ ★ Support this podcast ★

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

Rachel Reeves' big speech on growth. We ask where was Scotland in the raft of major projects? Hard on the heels of this came the shock, not to anyone who'd been paying attention, news that the CEO of GB Energy, Juergen Maier, could not only give no date for the £300 reduction in consumer bills promised by Labour at the General Election but also that the one thousand Scottish jobs would take around 20 years to materialise. Sticking with Labour is there another U-turn on policy in the pipeline despite the Court of Session ruling by Lord Ericht putting a stop on oil and gas production in the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields? Will Starmer side with Rachel Reeves, the GMB and Scottish Labour, and give the go ahead to drill? Or will Ed Milliband stand up to those voices and refuse to issue new licences?We, in the light of listener Simon Brooke's excellent contribution, re-examine the validity of the claims made by the  industry on so called sustainable aviation fuel?Donald Trump has called time out on his plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico. What's the reality behind the bluster? What's in store for the UK and the EU?Lesley looks at the historical precedence for US expansionism and just why Trump might be so keen on taking over Greenland.Suella Braverman trotted off to the USA to display her MAGA credentials at Trump's inauguration. She hung around to go "full Trump" in her speech to the Heritage Foundation . Is she signalling a potential jump to Reform, or is this an ongoing  part of a campaign to oust Kemi Badenoch as Tory leader by shifting even further to the right? All of this within the context of Reform's rise in the polls.PlusLast in Iceland series that explains why Icelanders pay £60 pcm for heat, hot water & electricityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXBEDk_o_hI&t=610sWhy does Trump want Greenland explainer videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYfSlQaIEXkBrave New Music book about Martyn Bennett https://luath.co.uk/products/brave-new-music?variant=54829697007992 ★ Support this podcast ★

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn MP will introduce a 10 Minute Rule Bill on WASPI women compensation on which the SNP say they will force a vote. Even if it makes it past this stage it has limited, if no chance, of being implemented as Private Members Bills normally require government support to pass. What then does Stephen Flynn hope to achieve?Just as there seems to be dissent in Labour ranks both at Holyrood and Westminster over this issue Labour MP Brian Leishman has been extremely vocal over the future of Grangemouth. Is there more to his opposition than standing up for his constituents? Where do the Unions stand ? Why has a Labour government decided to continue with the Tory £600 billion loan to Ineos to set up a plant in Antwerp? What's the controversy surrounding that plant?Just like its U-Turn on WASPI women Labour now seems intent on reversing its position on a third runway at Heathrow. What does this, when allied to Rachel Reeves making concessions after listening to the "non dom community" tell us about the direction of travel of this government?Meanwhile the Trump "revolution" is in full swing in the USA. Deportations, threats of trade wars against nations who stand up to him, plans to take over Greenland, and a raft of distinctly dodgy health decisions.  He has also shown his true colours on Gaza with his "  we just clean out that whole thing" , and relocate one and half million Palestinians to neighbouring Arab nations. We discuss.Lesley has updated her YouTube channel with two short films on Iceland and (soon) a Greenland (explainer) - if you can like and subscribe to this channel, I'd be very grateful and you will get notified about new videos as soon as they are posted. https://www.youtube.com/@Lesley_Riddoch If you want to see/listen to the podcast on YouTube follow this link. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWnxyoRlJxfMqJInR8kGf5iuVGThuEpL2Again like and subscribe thanks. ★ Support this podcast ★

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday. We look at the inauguration, Trump's raft of immediate Executive Orders and the worldwide implications of what his presidency heralds.Those potential effects are having to be factored into the UK government's economic strategies and diplomatic actions. Meanwhile apparent splits are appearing in Scottish Labour which were writ large in the "painting by numbers" interview with Kirsty McNeill Labour Parliamentary Under- Secretary of State for Scotland on the BBC's Sunday Morning Show.The Scottish government is currently arguing that measures such as creating a wealth tax and setting up a National Energy Company are snookered by The Scotland Act. Are there bold, innovative ways  to circumvent it and why is the SNP leadership so committed to playing by the UK's rules?Axel Rudabukana has pleaded guilty to the Southport murders. Yvette Cooper has promised an inquiry into why so many warning signs were missed by so many agencies. However big questions still remain over the Labour governments clampdown on the release of information on Rudakubana which may have squashed the anti immigrant, anti Muslim internet rumours which fuelled the subsequent riots.Lesley reacts to the first episode of An t-Eilean (The Island) – the UK's first ever high-end Gaelic drama series.Lesley has also launched the first of her YouTube films on Iceland and its green energy/heating revolution Hot Springs Town check it out herehttps://lesleyriddoch.com/filmsThere's also chat about music. Bob Dylan and Sibelius. Not so strange cultural bedfellows. ★ Support this podcast ★