Best The Scottish Parliament Podcasts (2024)

1
First Minister's Questions 05 September 2024 46:08

8h ago46:08

46:08

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/what-was-said-and-official-reports/what-was-said-in-parliament/By The Scottish Parliament

1
MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal" 49:05

2h ago49:05

49:05

Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcast A 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal" The best case scenario is a minority Labour government His political roots in family life in Dundee He regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound…

1
SNP CONFERENCE VERDICT - Where is the Policy Prospectus and Indy Strategy? 34:32

1h ago34:32

34:32

In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus. The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about In…

1
Alex Neil - 30 year wait for Independence if SNP lose in 2026 48:54

8d ago48:54

48:54

On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Should SNP Ministers Meet Israelis and Palestinians? 39:11

6h ago39:11

39:11

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week including Fallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats. Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in Scotland The Scottish Conservative leadership race. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
I'll Investigate Douglas Ross says Tory Leadership Hopeful, Meghan Gallacher 46:02

1h ago46:02

46:02

Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall. Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income Tax Proposes a re-evaluation of Sco…

1
RCSLT News Aug 2024: influencing to Parliament; EDI; launch of Buddy Chat; Government in Wales 7:47

3h ago7:47

7:47

In August's news: - Influencing into the new government in Parliament. - Update on RCSLT's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion work and plans. See also reponse to the riots across the UK: www.rcslt.org/news/rcslt-respons…ots-across-the-uk/ - Launch of Buddy Chat course in Northern Ireland. This is for children to learn to communicate with others who …

1
Labour's Paul Sweeney - 2026 Scot Parl Election "High Stakes" for Future of UK 52:41

9d ago52:41

52:41

He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.; 2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in…

1
Is the Era of SNP Austerity Upon Us? 34:27

17d ago34:27

34:27

Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity? The Winter Fuel Allowance means test New GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf…

1
I VOTED LABOUR - Former Tory MSP, Prof Adam Tomkins 45:45

1d ago45:45

45:45

Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General Election Role of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous" He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir St…

1
Scottish Tory Leadership Candidate, Brian Whittle 45:01

14d ago45:01

45:01

Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay" Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election. Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication. Scottish Tories - t…

1
UK Riots - Starmer's First Crisis - What do they mean? 38:21

22d ago38:21

38:21

Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far? Who is behind the riots? What this says about the UK? Why no riots in Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
Independence Referendum II (Re-uploaded Version) 43:47

26d ago43:47

43:47

Bernard and Alex get heated with each other when the subject of a legitimate route to a second independence referendum arises. Also, Tory leadership contest. From the Press Bar on Albion Street in Glasgow. Questions and comments from Lee Carney Jonny Gray Wings Over Scotland Gordon Innes Follow us on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Hosted on Acast. S…

1
In Glasgow's Press Bar - Trump's Big Mistake, Tory Leadership Battle, 2 Child Cap to be Cancelled? 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

Bernard and Alex retreat to their natural habitat in Glasgow's famous journalists' haunt, The Press Bar on Albion Street, to ponder the stories of the day over a sociable refreshment. Trump's Big Mistake - Alex reckons Trump made a big mistake in his singular determination to unseat Joe Biden before the election. Tory Leadership Battle - Insight in…

1
MATT FORDE - Joins Bernard and Alex 44:47

21d ago44:47

44:47

Matt joins Bernard and Alex with excellent impressions of ... Keir Starmer Angela Rayner Rachel Reeves Tony Blair Ed Miliband Also What makes Scottish audiences different What makes people walk out Who's taken offence to his impressions His hopes for the new government You can catch Matt's show at the Edinburgh Festival here https://tickets.edfring…

1
JOE BIDEN Goes, MHAIRI BLACK Festival Shows, RACHEL REEVES Public Sector Pay Grows 34:53

22d ago34:53

34:53

Bernard and Alex tackle the stories of the week; JOE BIDEN - Both Bernard and Alex are keen observers of US Politics - their thoughts on Joe Biden agreeing to step down as Presidential Candidate. MHAIRI BLACK - After standing down at the General Election, the former SNP MP announced her Edinburgh Festival show "Politics Isn't For Me" as well as wor…

1
RCSLT News July 2024: General election, Senedd reports, Scottish Covid Inquiry 11:03

2M ago11:03

11:03

In July's news: - Impact of the results of the General Election and how you can get involved. - Communication Access free training www.communication-access.co.uk/ - Lee Silvermann Voice Technique media coverage www.rcslt.org/news/new-study-com…e-with-parkinsons/ - King's Speech - Senedd reports on the implementation of the Additional Learning Needs…

1
King's Speech Reaction - A Return to Big Government? 32:02

1M ago32:02

32:02

Bernard and Alex bring you an instant briefing on the King's Speech with the first legislative agenda for Keir Starmer's new Labour Government. Is it a return to big Government (as some critics have said) or a different type of intervention? Headlines on the bills Watch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government. Hosted on…

1
SNP - Explosive Interview with Stewart McDonald 55:31

1M ago55:31

55:31

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie speak to Stewart McDonald, SNP front bencher who lost his seat at the General Election ..... and he had a lot to say. ON 2026 HOLYROOD ELECTION 25:32 MASSIE: "Do you think getting "horsed" in 2026 is now the most likely outcome of the Holyrood election?" McDONALD: "Yes" ON INDEPENDENCE 35:07 "The hard pause has been…

1
Your Questions No3 - General Election Results 29:12

2M ago29:12

29:12

Your questions on the General Election result directly to Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie This episode, questions from: Peter Hardy - @PeterHardyAG (X) Ian Jones - @Salop_Ian (X) Michael Apter - @Michael_Apter (X) Andrew Brophy - @AndrewBrophy3 (X) LTW Anderson - @ltwanderson (X) Mark Brown - Via Email Gordon Dudman - Via Email Andrew McCall - Via…

1
New Cabinet. Also, what now for the Tories and SNP? 30:27

2M ago30:27

30:27

In this episode, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss The new Labour Cabinet The future propects for the Conservatives and SNP .....and the former TV cameraman who out-predicted the pollsters. Bernard and Alex also reference a previous episode with Tom Baldwin discussing Keir Starmer in great detail. It's really worth a listen and gives unrival…

1
UK General Election Result - The Verdict ... 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

We've been up all night. Here is the hot-off-the-press take on the UK General Election result from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Labour joy Conservative and SNP election woes. What will the parties do next? What should they do next? Plus, highlights of selected seats and stories. #generalelection2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m…

1
OUR BIG ELECTION NIGHT PREVIEW 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

YOU CAN GET OUR FREE WALLCHART HERE - https://x.com/PonsonbyMassie/status/1806349078093087015 This Episode is in 2 parts PART 1 - 0 mins - 17 mins - ELECTION NIGHT INSIGHTS - Alex asks Bernard to share his insights on how presenters cope with overnight election programmes. PART 2 - 17 mins - 39mins - WHAT TO WATCH FOR - Bernard and Alex give you a …

1
BIG POLL WARNINGS - for Tories, SNP & Biden 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

With some recent polls predicting the SNP and Conservatives will be reduced to a rump of MPs at the General Election on Thurs 4th July, Bernard and Alex have a health warning for pollsters and politicians alike. Can these polls be trusted and do they have the nuance to pick up on constituency level sentiments? Plus, it was the issue the Democrats d…

1
First Minister's Questions 27 June 2024 46:30

2M ago46:30

46:30

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/what-was-said-and-official-reports/what-was-said-in-parliament/By The Scottish Parliament

1
Your Questions Answered.... 27:49

2M ago27:49

27:49

Bernard and Alex do their best to answer your questions sent in to ponsonbymassie@gmail.com Questions this episode from; Darren McGarvey @lokiscottishrap (X) Rob Shorthouse @bobtwopointoh (X) John Duffy @johnduffy512 (Youtube) Colin Thompson @colinthompson3111 (Youtube) Argyll Loon @argyllloon (X) Luca Brasi @hickslike22 (X) Ewen Kennedy @ewangkenn…

1
JK Rowling, Nigel Farage & Stampgate 34:36

3M ago34:36

34:36

Bernard and Alex on ..... The effect of Farage and Reform Will JK Rowling's gender recognition reform criticism of Labour come back to haunt the party? Stampgate - Will allegations of the SNP using MSPs expenses to pay for election campaign stamps re-ignite memories of previous scandals for voters? ... and Scotland exiting the Euros. Bernard and Al…

1
RCSLT News June 2024 9:13

2M ago9:13

9:13

In June's news: - The UK General Election - Get involved in e-action: www.rcslt.org/policy-and-influen…on-2024/#section-4 - Communication Access free training communication-access.co.uk/ - Results of the Voicebox joke telling competition www.rcslt.org/news/east-lothian-…cebox-competition/ - New permanent National Speech, Language and Communication …

1
Major Yougov/SKY Poll + SNP & Labour Manifestos 38:18

3M ago38:18

38:18

Yougov sampled 39,979 in a super poll that shows the Conservatives reduced to 108 seats. The SNP & Labour Manifestos are out. Bernard and Alex give insight and analysis into the latest developments in the UK General Election 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
First Minister's Questions 20 June 2024 46:25

3M ago46:25

46:25

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/what-was-said-and-official-reports/what-was-said-in-parliament/By The Scottish Parliament

1
The SNP Malaise - "I think you need Dyno-rod in to that [SNP] front bench" 40:58

2M ago40:58

40:58

Bernard and Alex discuss the SNP's electoral chances and what the election result means to the SNP's cause of independence. They are joined by former SNP MSP, investigative journalist and life-long independence campaigner, Dorothy-Grace Elder who doesn't hold back in her criticism of John Swinney. DGE describes John Swinney as a "Sturgeonista" who …

1
Who is Keir Starmer? We have the answers from his biographer, Tom Baldwin. 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

"MUST LISTEN" EPISODE - An incredible insight into the man who will most likely be Prime Minister from the man who knows him better than most - his biographer, Tom Baldwin. Tom discusses what makes Keir Starmer tick, his background, his politics and what we can expect from him in Government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati…

1
First Minister's Questions 13 June 2024 48:46

3M ago48:46

48:46

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Topics covered this week included NHS waiting lists, dentistry, and new licenses for oil and gas. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/what-was-said-and-official-reports/what-was-said-in-pa…

1
Scottish Leaders' Debate - Euro Fever - Conservative Manifesto 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - TORY MANIFESTO - EURO FEVER * SCOTTISH LEADERS DEBATE - Bernard thinks there may have been a few plants in the audience * CONSERVATIVE MANIFESTO - Massie - Family visa policy is a "Love Tax" * EURO FEVER - Do marginal factors effect marginal constituencies as Scotland and England prepare for the Euros ahead of election? Ma…

1
ASK BERNARD & ALEX - Your Questions Answered 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

Alex and Bernard attempt to answer your questions. *Spoiler Alert" They had 30 or 40 questions to get through and managed about 5 or 6 because they chatted so much. Apologies if you sent in a questions and didn't get it answered! * Alex reminds Bernard of the time he stood as a candidate .... and lost his deposit. * Turnout? * General Election impl…

1
CIVIL WAR IN THE TORY PARTY & GENERAL ELECTION ROUND-UP 39:07

2M ago39:07

39:07

Bernard and Alex summarise the General Election campaign to date and analyse the implications. * Is the Tory campaign the worst in living memory? * Westminster and Holyrood Tories are circling their leaders. * Ponsonby lambasts Sunak over D-Day. * Massie casts the SNP's Stephen Flynn as Cassius with a "lean and hungry look" towards his Caesar, John…

1
First Minister's Questions 6 July 2024 44:37

3M ago44:37

44:37

The Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes MSP takes questions from MSPs this week. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-and-committees/what-was-said-and-official-reports/what-was-said-in-parliament/By The Scottish Parliament

1
UK General Election Predictions From the Team 51:00

3M ago51:00

51:00

Three very educated guesses on the outcome of the UK General Election as Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh joins Bernard and Alex to talk polls, constituency boundaries and possible Conservative oblivion, a la Canada '93. WARNING - This is a real deep dive. You may wish to don your political anorak, make some strong coffee an…

1
REACTION - To the First Leaders Debate - General election 2024 21:56

3M ago21:56

21:56

Bernard and Alex do not hold back in their criticism of the first Leaders Debate between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer on ITV. "This was not a serious debate" "entertainment TV" and "a disservice to the viewer". Plus Bernard and Alex give detailed reaction to the performances of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…

1
Welcome - General Election 2024 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Welcome to the NEW Ponsonby and Massie Podcast This week, the two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, review the General Election campaign so far and preview the upcoming leaders debates. Included in this episode PONSONBY - "Starmer is the most anti-left Labour leader since Gaitskell" MASSIE - "Every SN…

1
First Minister's Questions 30 May 2024 46:29

3M ago46:29

46:29

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Topics covered this week included health and care worker visa applications, synthetic opioids being linked to rising numbers of deaths, and teacher numbers in Glasgow. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber…

1
IJLCD - Teaching little kids about big sentences 34:42

4M ago34:42

34:42

Often, when we're working with kids with DLD, we assume that we need to be working on simple sentences or very basic vocabulary, but should we be aiming for more? Can we support children with DLD to learn to use grammar and vocabulary in ways that are functional for their life, such as their everyday communication or their school curriculum? The pa…

1
First Minister's Questions 23 May 2023 48:28

4M ago48:28

48:28

The First Minister takes questions from Douglas Ross MSP, Anas Sarwar MSP and other Members during FMQs. Topics covered this week included student immigration, implementation of placental growth factor-based testing for pre-eclampsia, and support the Ferguson Marine shipyard. Transcripts are available on our website: https://www.parliament.scot/cha…

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