SNP / GREEN SPLIT?

MICHAEL MARRA BREAKS RANKS ON BREXIT — AND IS SCOTTISH BROADCASTING IN TERMINAL DECLINE?00:00 Introduction — Marra, Brexit and broadcasting01:20 Why Michael Marra wants Britain back in the EU04:15 Should politicians be allowed to speak their minds?06:45 Reform UK and the political obstacles to rejoining07:54 The price Britain would pay to rejoin08:48 David Cameron and the legacy of Brexit13:53 The independence referendum contradiction15:36 Holyrood votes for broadcasting devolution16:04 BBC Scotland, River City and STV cuts18:09 Would devolving broadcasting actually help?19:33 STV versus Netflix and Amazon22:00 The BBC licence fee under threat23:45 Why middle-sized media companies are squeezed26:53 Public service broadcasting: a licence to lose money?29:50 Why cuts to journalism threaten democracy32:03 Would Scottish control change anything?33:50 The decline of The Herald and The Scotsman35:01 Why DC Thomson is succeeding37:20 Bernard's surprising favourite Scottish newspaper39:46 Closing remarksMichael Marra says Britain should rejoin the European Union. But is the new Scottish Labour leader simply speaking his mind, or is there a bigger political calculation? And could reopening the Brexit debate create problems for Labour at Westminster?Meanwhile, MSPs have voted in favour of devolving broadcasting powers to Holyrood. But with BBC Scotland facing major cuts, STV under enormous commercial pressure and Scottish journalism in decline, would devolving regulation actually make any difference?Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss:Michael Marra's EU bombshell: Why the Scottish Labour leader is openly calling for Britain to rejoin the European Union.Brexit, Reform and Labour: Could the changing political landscape eventually make EU membership a realistic proposition again?The independence contradiction: Can Labour argue for revisiting the Brexit decision while opposing another Scottish independence referendum?Scottish broadcasting in crisis: The BBC Scotland channel, River City, STV's northern news service and the future of Scottish television.STV versus the streaming giants: How can a Scottish broadcaster compete with Netflix and Amazon when individual streamer episodes cost more than the Scottish company itself is worth?The future of Scottish journalism: Why The Herald and The Scotsman are struggling, the success of DC Thomson and Bernard's surprising choice for Scotland's best newspaper.Plus, the growing threat to investigative journalism, the future of the BBC licence fee and whether Scotland's public service broadcasters can continue to hold politicians to account.Ponsonby & Massie — independent political analysis from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ponsonby & Massie | Episode 137Should senior MSPs receive an extra £15,000 a year? Are AI data centres becoming Scotland's next major political battleground? And has John Swinney performed a dramatic U-turn on North Sea oil and gas?Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine the latest developments at Holyrood and Westminster, including:MSPs' £15,000 Pay Rise: Plans to award Holyrood committee conveners an additional £15,542 a year spark a debate over political salaries, public perception and parliamentary accountability.The AI Data Centre Backlash: Growing opposition to major developments raises questions about energy consumption, environmental impact, local democracy and the future of artificial intelligence in Scotland.SNP–Green Relations: The widening divide between John Swinney's SNP and the Scottish Greens threatens to complicate the First Minister's efforts to secure parliamentary support.North Sea Oil U-Turn: John Swinney's changing position on future oil and gas exploration, including Rosebank, signals a significant departure from previous SNP policy.Holyrood's Political Arithmetic: With the SNP governing as a minority, can Swinney build the shifting alliances needed to pass legislation and future budgets?The Lord Advocate's Dual Role: Is Scotland moving towards separating the government's chief legal adviser from the head of its prosecution service?Insightful political analysis and informed debate from two of Scotland's most experienced political journalists.Chapters00:00 – Introduction and MSP Pay Controversy01:59 – Should Committee Conveners Get a £15,000 Pay Rise?05:37 – Political Pay, Pensions and Public Perception08:10 – Are Holyrood's Committees More Important Than Debates?13:46 – AI Data Centres: Scotland's Next Political Battleground?15:47 – Local Opposition to Data Centre Developments17:05 – Scottish Greens, Big Tech and AI20:13 – The Political and Economic Case for Data Centres22:44 – Where Scotland's Parties Stand on AI24:08 – SNP–Green Relations and Minority Government27:34 – John Swinney's North Sea Oil and Gas U-Turn29:01 – Rosebank and the Future of North Sea Drilling32:34 – Should the Lord Advocate's Dual Role Be Abolished?34:55 – Politics, Prosecutions and Scottish Legal Reform37:36 – Closing Remarks#ScottishPolitics #PonsonbyAndMassie #Holyrood #SNP #JohnSwinney #ScottishGreens #NorthSeaOil #ArtificialIntelligenceFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Swinney faces mounting criticism after refusing to say whether he supports the Rosebank oilfield — despite being asked eleven times. Is the First Minister avoiding a fundamental split within the SNP over Scotland's energy future?The big political story this week was John Healey's Budget. A masterclass in political management — or simply a way of avoiding Britain's biggest economic problems?Could this politically cautious Budget be preparing the ground for a surprise election in 2027? Alex raises the possibility, while Bernard examines why the future of Nigel Farage's Reform UK could determine Labour's electoral calculations.Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine the Chancellor's cost-of-living measures, including £100 household payments, energy bill relief and higher taxes on banks. They ask whether the Budget offers meaningful help or simply buys time for Andy Burnham's Labour government.With economic growth struggling, tax revenues at record levels and welfare and defence spending pressures growing, are the difficult decisions being postponed until after the next general election?In Scotland, the SNP government has pledged to match the £100 household payment, but is council tax banding a fair way of helping families? And what does the Budget mean for Jenny Gilruth's increasingly difficult financial choices at Holyrood?This week:Healey's Budget: political success or economic failure?Britain's growth crisis, fiscal drag and the welfare billThe possibility of a 2027 general electionReform UK's decline and the Conservative recoveryScotland's £100 household payment and Holyrood's financesSwinney's Rosebank silence and the future of North Sea oilPolitical analysis and debate from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.#ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #Budget2026 #JohnSwinney #AndyBurnham #Rosebank #SNP #LabourParty #PonsonbyAndMassieFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the SNP Energy Policy depend on where you live in Scotland? Is it Net Zero or "Drill, baby, drill".As the UK Government gives the green light to the Jackdaw gas field, the SNP faces difficult questions over its support for North Sea oil and gas and its commitment to Net Zero.Bernard Ponsonby and columnist Alex Massie examine Scotland's increasingly contradictory energy politics, the looming UK Budget and the first cracks appearing in Reform UK's Holyrood group.This week's big political stories:🔴 NORTH SEA OIL & GAS — WHICH SIDE IS THE SNP ON?Jackdaw gets the go-ahead, but the future of Rosebank remains uncertain. Alex asks whether there are "two John Swinnies" when it comes to energy policy, contrasting the First Minister's previous opposition to Jackdaw with his latest response. Are politicians being honest about the costs and consequences of the transition to Net Zero?💷 THE UK BUDGET — HAS THE CHANCELLOR RUN OUT OF OPTIONS?With fiscal headroom shrinking, inflation pressures mounting and Labour constrained by its manifesto commitments, what can Chancellor John Healey actually deliver? Bernard and Alex discuss tax, welfare, defence spending, business confidence and whether the Government has any room left for political manoeuvre.🏴 REFORM UK — THE FIRST HOLYROOD RESIGNATIONAmanda Bland has resigned the Reform UK whip, leaving the party's Scottish parliamentary group with 16 MSPs. Why did she leave so soon? Should list MSPs who abandon their party surrender their seats? And will Malcolm Offord still be leading Reform UK Scotland at the next election?Plus: Andy Burnham's focus on the small irritations of everyday life, Harold Wilson's political wisdom, and a little SDP history.CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome to Episode 13501:50 Jackdaw approved — the North Sea energy debate03:00 John Swinney's contradictory positions on oil and gas04:05 Bernard: The SNP needs to make its position clear06:30 Is Britain's energy policy fundamentally flawed?08:49 The cost of Net Zero and Britain's industrial future10:56 Are politicians being honest about the energy transition?11:08 Budget 2026 — what choices does the Chancellor have?13:25 Inflation, spending pressures and shrinking headroom15:50 Has Labour become a tax-and-spend government?18:03 Business, investment and Britain's debt burden20:51 Defence spending versus the welfare budget23:11 Why businesses are struggling under Labour25:08 Andy Burnham and the politics of little things26:57 Reform UK loses its first Scottish MSP28:37 Why did Amanda Bland leave Reform?30:27 Should defecting list MSPs lose their seats?33:21 Bernard's verdict on Amanda Bland34:31 Will Malcolm Offord survive as Reform's leader?36:04 And Then There Were None? Reform's future36:14 Closing thoughts and next week's BudgetJoin the conversation: Is the SNP trying to have it both ways on oil and gas? Can Labour deliver a meaningful Budget? And will Reform UK hold together at Holyrood?Tell us what you think in the comments.Subscribe to Ponsonby & Massie for informed, independent discussion and analysis of Scottish and UK politics every Friday.#ScottishPolitics #JohnSwinney #SNP #NorthSeaOil #NetZero #UKBudget #ReformUK #PonsonbyAndMassieFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SNP CONFERENCE – INDY GROUNDHOG DAY?Is the SNP trapped in independence Groundhog Day? As John Swinney prepares to address the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie ask whether Scotland's governing party has any credible route to another independence referendum — and Bernard reflects on the SNPs historical stance and asks whether we're watching a repeat of Nicola Sturgeon's failed strategy.In this week's Ponsonby & Massie Podcast:SNP Conference: Is John Swinney promising another independence breakthrough that he simply cannot deliver?Independence Groundhog Day: Alex argues that the SNP is recycling the same strategies while failing to persuade Scotland to change its mind.The SNP's record in government: Why poor polling on the NHS, housing, the economy and the cost of living makes independence an attractive distraction.Currency, mortgages and pensions: The difficult questions that the independence movement still hasn't answered since 2014.Nicola Sturgeon Mark II? Bernard examines decades of SNP constitutional manoeuvring and asks whether Swinney is repeating the mistakes of his predecessor.A new constitutional convention? Bernard proposes a route towards answering the big questions about Scotland's constitutional future.Kemi Badenoch's survival: Why Bernard now thinks the Conservative leader could survive until the next general election — and the challenge posed by Reform UK.Andy Burnham in Scotland: Why Labour's Prime Minister is competing for the headlines during SNP conference.An early general election? Could Labour benefit from going to the country before 2029?And finally… art at taxpayers' expense? An SNP MSP's plan to employ an artist-in-residence prompts some colourful suggestions from Bernard and Alex.Political analysis, historical perspective and a few laughs from two of Scotland's most experienced political commentators.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction – SNP conference, Badenoch and Burnham02:07 SNP conference: Independence Groundhog Day?05:52 Bernard's history of SNP constitutional deadlock10:56 Independence: The unanswered currency and mortgage questions14:53 Why the SNP lost the 2014 referendum16:48 Bernard's proposal for a constitutional convention20:15 Pensions, devolution and Swinney's political strategy25:09 Kemi Badenoch: Could she survive after all?28:05 Conservatives vs Reform UK – the battle for the right30:07 Andy Burnham's Scottish electoral challenge32:22 Will Labour call an early general election?36:29 And finally… an SNP artist-in-residence?37:59 Public money, political art and constitutional crayons39:16 The sexism row, a political mime artist and Shetland poetry41:00 Closing thoughtsJoin the conversation: Is the SNP stuck in independence Groundhog Day? Can John Swinney change anything? And should parliamentary expenses pay for political art?Subscribe for weekly Scottish and UK political analysis with Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.#SNP #ScottishPolitics #ScottishIndependence #JohnSwinney #SNPConference #PonsonbyAndMassieFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the Greens damaged their own momentum through extreme resolutions and accusations of "racism"? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine Labour’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election victory, the Green Party’s explosive Israel and Zionism debate, and mounting questions over Zack Polanski’s leadership.Following the Green Party conference motion declaring that “Zionism is racism”, Bernard and Alex challenge the party’s position, discuss Peter Tatchell’s objections and examine the implications of Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer’s support for that proposition.Meanwhile, has Kemi Badenoch put the Conservatives back in the game? They assess the Tory conference, her rejection of a deal with Nigel Farage and Reform UK, and the politics behind proposals on inheritance tax and the £100,000 income tax threshold.At Holyrood, Stephen Flynn faces fresh scrutiny over the Glen Sannox ferry gas leak. What does his handling of parliamentary questions reveal about his readiness for government—and his ambitions to lead the SNP?Independent analysis and forthright debate on Scottish politics, Westminster and the choices facing Britain’s political leaders.CHAPTERS00:00 This week: Labour, the Greens, the Conservatives and Stephen Flynn02:06 Labour holds Holborn and St Pancras: a reality check for the Greens?04:30 The by-election result and what it means for Andy Burnham06:50 The Green Party split and questions over Polanski’s leadership09:15 “Zionism is racism”: Alex challenges the Greens’ position11:51 Peter Tatchell’s objections to the conference motion15:43 Israel, a two-state solution and the implications of Green policy18:24 Can the Greens withstand greater scrutiny?22:18 Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative recovery strategy26:56 Reform UK, tactical voting and the prospects for an electoral pact31:06 Tax promises, inheritance tax and the £100,000 threshold35:52 Badenoch versus Polanski: contrasting styles of leadership37:23 Are Labour and the Conservatives heading back to the 1970s?40:02 Stephen Flynn, the Glen Sannox gas leak and ministerial scrutiny43:29 What Flynn must learn if he wants to lead the SNP45:41 Closing thoughtsSubscribe to the Ponsonby & Massie Podcast for weekly political analysis from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Acast.#ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #PonsonbyAndMassieFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Burnham has lifted Labour’s spirits—but can he afford to deliver? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine what comes after the conference applause: pension reform, social care and the prospect of a tax-raising Budget.Bernard argues that Burnham has shown how to sell difficult political choices by explaining what voters will get in return. Alex asks whether the speech’s emotional appeal and promises for after the next election leave the government’s immediate financial problems unanswered.Would replacing the state pension triple lock with a double lock raise enough to fund a National Care Service? Which voters is Burnham trying to win back—and could his approach create an opening for Nigel Farage? Could electoral reform fundamentally reshape British politics?In Scotland, John Swinney faces difficult choices of his own. Bernard and Alex challenge the SNP’s pension argument and examine the looming battles over public sector jobs, compulsory redundancies, council reform and the cost of public services.Plus: the Holborn and St Pancras by-election, Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative Party conference.Subscribe to Ponsonby & Massie for independent analysis of Scottish and UK politics.Can Burnham turn renewed Labour confidence into delivery—and can Swinney persuade Scotland to accept painful reform? Share your thoughts in the comments.#PonsonbyAndMassie #ScottishPolitics #AndyBurnhamFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Labour’s conference approaching, Bernard and Alex discuss Andy Burnham’s first Budget, the speculation about an early general election, and whether a divided opposition could help Labour hold on to power.Could Scotland’s councils be radically reorganised within months? And as drug deaths rise, are the Scottish Government’s promises matching the results?Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine the proposed shake-up of local government, the lack of detail on costs and powers, and Glasgow City Council’s separate workforce dispute. They also discuss Scotland’s drug deaths, access to addiction treatment, and the growing gap between political rhetoric and outcomes.In this episode:• Scotland’s proposed council reorganisation• Glasgow’s workforce dispute• Drug deaths, rehabilitation and political accountability• Homelessness and the Scottish Government’s record• Labour conference, the Budget and Burnham’s electoral strategyChapters00:00 Introduction02:07 Scotland’s council shake-up10:27 Glasgow’s workforce dispute14:03 Scotland’s drug deaths25:41 Promises versus results26:39 Could Burnham call an early election?30:30 The pressure on Labour’s first Budget38:26 Reform, the Conservatives and Labour’s path to victory43:22 Closing thoughtsSubscribe for weekly analysis of Scottish and UK politics with Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.#ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #PonsonbyAndMassieFocussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Marra has been elected as the new Scottish Labour Leader. Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie take a deep dive into the issues he'll face. Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poor marks for Scottish Education in PISA figures, Burnham’s referendum blunder and a bad week for the SNP succession hopefuls?Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine Andy Burnham’s confusion over the route to a second Scottish independence referendum—and what it reveals about his command of constitutional politics.Scotland’s latest PISA results make grim reading. Why has Scottish education fallen behind England, and are John Swinney and Education Secretary Màiri McAllan confronting the scale of the problem?A difficult week for possible SNP successors Màiri McAllan and Stephen Flynn leaves John Swinney looking increasingly secure—while Glasgow’s new council leader Ricky Bell inherits a formidable set of problems.Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.