Podlitical

Latest Episodes:

Witnessing War with John Simpson Mar 04, 2022

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BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson discusses Ukraine, and journalism in warzones. What does it take to report from active conflict, and how do you make sure you're getting accurate information on the ground? Lucy, Nick, and Rajdeep chat to John Simpson about his experiences in Afghanistan and Sarajevo, the parallels between the current invasion of Ukraine and historic wars, and the emotional impact of being a witness to war.

Gender Recognition Reform Mar 03, 2022

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What is The Gender Recognition Reform Bill currently tabled at Holyrood, and why has the debate around it grown so heated? Lucy and Phil are joined by BBC correspondent Lorna Gordon to discuss the legislation being debated in Scottish Parliament this week. What are the proposed reforms, what does it mean for Trans people and their legal identity, and what do groups for and against the bill have to say?

Dark Hours For Europe Feb 24, 2022

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As Russia invades Ukraine, what happens next, and what will the UK and EU Governments do? Podlitical is joined by Ramsay Jones CBE, a former special advisor for the UK Government. As the situation is described as "among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War" by EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, the team discuss what it's like to be inside the heart of Government during such an event, the impact of sanctions announced by the Prime Minister and European leaders, and how the crisis might impact us in Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom.

The Cost of Living Crisis? Feb 10, 2022

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Who will the cost of living rise hit hardest, and can anything be done to mitigate it? As the Scottish Budget is revealed, Mairi Spowage, Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde joins the team to look at some of the current global and domestic issues pushing up the price of goods in the UK, and what it means for the pounds in people's pockets. What impact has the pandemic had, and what are the longer term historic issues which led us to this point?

Down A Notch? Feb 03, 2022

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Dr Hannah White of The Institute for Government joins the team to discuss political processes and public trust, as the initial report from Sue Gray into parties at Downing Street is released. What happens next, and what does the report mean for Prime Minister Boris Johnson? As a new "Levelling Up" scheme is announced to the backdrop of cost of living rises, and Westminster sees further fiery exchanges, the team take a look at how the public feel about politics, and whether recent events have damaged trust in our political institutions.

Desperately Seeking Sue Gray Jan 27, 2022

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The Downing Street parties scandal continues as Westminster waits for Sue Gray's report. When can we expect from the senior civil servant's inquiries into parties held during lockdown, and what might it mean for the premiership of Prime Minister Boris Johnson? As the Metropolitan Police launch a criminal investigation into the events that unfolded in 2020 and 2021, Boris Johnson has promised that the official report will be published "in full", but will the wait for Sue Gray's verdict increase pressure on the Prime Minister, or will time calm tensions?

Whip Up A Storm Jan 20, 2022

Show notes

Accusations of intimidation are made, as the Prime Minister remains under scrutiny. The row over alleged parties held in Downing Street continues, with a Tory MP defecting to Labour ahead of PMQs on Wednesday. With the Government whips now under the spotlight after MP William Wragg accused them of threatening those suspected of plotting against Boris Johnson with the removal of government investment in their constituencies, what next for the Conservative Party and the premiership of Boris Johnson ahead of Sue Gray's report?

Beginning Of The End? Jan 13, 2022

Show notes

What next for Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he faces calls to resign? While his cabinet rallies around him, Scottish Conservatives including leader Douglas Ross and some Tory backbenchers have called on the Prime Minister to tender his resignation. After admitting to attending a drinks party during the 2020 lockdown, Boris Johnson has asked for the results of civil servant Sue Gray's inquiry to be released before decisions are made by his party, but as rows erupt amongst his own MPs and MSPs, plus with opposition parties calling on him to step down, will he face a motion of no confidence and a potential end to his time in Number 10?

The Year That Was 2021 Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

The team look back at and analyse the biggest political stories of the year, from the Salmond Inquiry and the mammoth evidence sessions given by the First Minister and her former mentor Alex Salmond, to the recent pressure on Prime Minister Boris Johnson as discontent in the Conservative backbenches builds. What had the biggest impact on Scotland and the UK's political landscapes, and what can we expect from 2022?

Ghost of Christmas Past? Dec 16, 2021

Show notes

What does the Omicron variant mean for festive plans across the UK? As further guidance to stop the spread of the new Covid-19 variant is issued, the team discusses the similarities to December 2020, and what makes this year different. This week Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced one of the biggest Conservative rebellions in Westminster over further rules, and the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced guidelines for businesses over the festive period. Has Covid-19 turned more political than ever?

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