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That 70s Show Nov 10, 2022

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With multiple strikes announced, is the UK facing a Winter of Discontent like in 1978-79? As the Royal College of Nursing announces its first strike in its 106 year history, and with strikes also announced by the civil servant's union PCS, the EIS Scottish teaching union, and the Aslef rail union, the team is joined by former BBC industrial correspondent Nick Jones, who explains the parallels and differences between the political and economic landscape today and that of the late 70s. With more potential industrial action on the way in other healthcare, rail, and postal unions, what can the UK and Scottish Governments do to satisfy public sector pay demands as they face a budgetary black hole?

Cuts, COP, Celebrity Nov 03, 2022

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From budget cuts to "I'm A Celebrity...!", the team tackle another busy week in politics. In Holyrood, deputy First Minister John Swinney announces further spending cuts in an emergency budget review, and the SNP faced its largest rebellion in 15 years in government over Gender Recognition reform, which saw SNP minister Ash Regan resign. In Westminster, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says he will now go to the COP27 climate conference in Egypt, and former health secretary Matt Hancock loses the whip as he reveals he's to enter the jungle for the TV show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Rishky Business Oct 27, 2022

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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the UK faces "difficult decisions" for economic stability. As he seeks to gain the confidence of the market, what are his Government's plans when it comes to curbing inflation, balancing the budget, and taxation as it announces the new budget will be delayed? The team are joined by financial consultant Helen Thomas, a former special advisor to shadow Chancellor George Osborne, who shares her insights into the mindset of the cabinet, the messaging around the economy, and how and why markets react the way they do to political events. Also, as Suella Braverman returns to her position as Home Secretary, having previously resigned for data breaches, the team discuss the potential political row bubbling up.

Unity, Finally? Oct 25, 2022

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New Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes to unite the Conservatives under his leadership after a quick contest, but with divisions still fresh after the premiership of Liz Truss, how will he do it? As economic and cost of living pressures continue, and with the opposition parties calling for a General Election, the team reacts to the appointment of the new PM, and discuss what happens next.

In Liz We Truss? Oct 19, 2022

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Can the embattled Prime Minister Liz Truss rally the support of her party? It's been another difficult week of U-turns for the Conservatives as new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt takes an axe to Kwasi Kwarteng's previous mini-budget announcements, and the PM faces Labour Leader Keir Starmer at PMQs. What can the Prime Minister do to win back the support of both Conservative MPs and the public? Also, the Scottish Government lays out its economic plans for an independent Scotland, from borders to currency.

Law and Disorder Oct 13, 2022

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The Indyref Supreme Court case kicks off, and disquiet continues in the Tory party. Off the back of the SNP conference, the team take a deep dive into the first two days of the Supreme Court hearings over whether or not the Scottish government is able to legislate for a second independence referendum, and Phil Sim shares his view from inside the courtroom. Meanwhile, in Westminster, the rough start to Prime Minister Liz Truss' premiership continues, with unrest within the party and markets remaining volatile. Will she have to further U-Turn on the tax cuts laid out in the Chancellor's mini-budget, and what does that mean for her political position?

Feast of Plans Oct 06, 2022

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Conference season continues as PM Liz Truss this week laid out her vision for the UK. As Rajdeep returns from the Tory conference in Birmingham and Phil gears up to head to the Aberdeen based SNP conference, the team discuss the different plans for the future being shared by political parties. Did Prime Minister Truss' conference speech manage to shore up support from her MPs and calm jumpy markets, and what does the Supreme Court case about a potential second independence referendum mean for the SNP conference and the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's plans.

Pound, Pounded Sep 29, 2022

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Financial markets remain rattled nearly a week after the Chancellor's 'mini-budget', but Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng are sticking to their guns on their economic announcements, saying international pressures have had an impact on its reception. As the Bank of England intervenes by buying bonds, what does the current economic turmoil mean for pensions and mortgages, and what are the knock-on effects for Scotland? As Labour come off a conference high, what does this weekend's Tory conference have in store for the Prime Minister? Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde joins the team to explain some of the mechanisms behind what's happening.

The Gamble on Growth Sep 22, 2022

Show notes

The economic chips are down, and Prime Minister Truss looks set to bet on lowering tax. The Prime Minister and her Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng will lay out their plans this week in a "mini-budget", with a focus on tax cuts, but critics say it isn't enough. As the Bank of England puts up interest rates, a potential recession looms (or may have already arrived), and living standards are dropping at the fastest rate in decades, the team discuss the new Prime Minister's massive to-do list, the opposition reaction, and the start of Conference season.

The Queen and Scotland Sep 15, 2022

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The team reflect on the Queen's influence on Scotland and Scottish politics. BBC Scotland politics correspondent Kirsten Campbell and BBC News Scotland editor James Cook join to share their experience covering the news of the Queen's death, and their memories of the late monarch and her impact on the Scottish political landscape. From the formal openings of Holyrood, the tensions during the 2014 Independence Referendum, to her love for the country in which she found "a haven and a home" - what next for Scotland and it's new sovereign King Charles III?

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