Podlitical

2024 feels a bit 2014 as Scotland marks 10 years since the independence referendum. The team look ahead to what the future of the independence debate might be in Scotland, as well as talking about the news of the week, including reports that there are splits at the top of Labour over chief of staff Sue Gray being paid more than the Prime Minister, and criticism over the scale of gifts and freebies that the PM Keir Starmer has received, now topping over £100,000. Also, the Commonwealth games are coming to Glasgow, what does it mean for the city and for Scotland, and can it live up to the hype?

Co-leader of the Scottish Greens Lorna Slater sits down with Podlitical, talking about her journey to Scotland, and ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, shares her memories of the referendum and how she got engaged in Scottish politics. Lorna Slater shares how she feels having autism is an advantage in the job, how her experience with the Deposit Return Scheme left her with a "deep cynicism" of the UK Government, plus the collapse of the Bute House agreement, and how Humza Yousaf's resignation was about "brutal" parliamentary math. As the next Holyrood election begins to be considered, Slater discusses how it's "hard to imagine" supporting the Scottish Government's next budget without the "green stuff".

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Scotland's only oil refinery is set to close, and the winter fuel payments row continues. Petroineos have confirmed Grangemouth will close next year, putting at threat hundreds of jobs at the UK's oldest refinery, with First Minister John Swinney saying he was "deeply disappointed" at the news. The First Minister also faces the prospect of a stand-off over the Scottish Government's next budget, after the Government were defeated in a Holyrood vote over free school meals. Labour also saw its first defeat in the Commons, but successfully won its vote on its plans to remove winter fuel payments from 10 million pensioners in England and Wales. Where does a week of belt-tightening and bleak warnings leave the two Governments? The Podlitical team discuss this and more.

Podlitical is back as parliaments return from recess bearing bad news for public spending. The new Labour government are pointing the finger at the previous successive Conservative governments for a "£22bn black hole" in the public purse, while drawing fire for their announced scrapping of winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners. Meanwhile, on the week of the Programme for Government, the SNP Scottish Government have announced £500m of cuts too, citing public sector pay deals and "prolonged" austerity from Westminster as part of the problem. The team try to cut through the blame-game to find out what these cuts and potential rejigging of priorities mean for Scotland and the UK, as the UK and Scottish Tory leadership contests continue, and all parties eye up the 2026 Holyrood election.

Finger pointing begins as Labour claim they found a "black hole" in public finances. On Monday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced changes to the Winter Fuel Payment and later said the new government would have to raise taxes due to the discovery of a £22bn "black hole" in the public finances from the last Government, which former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt strongly denies. Is this political theatre or was it a genuine surprise to the incoming government and related public finance bodies like the OBR? Is this austerity, as some opposition parties have claimed, or are the government actually spending more than previously? And what does this mean for the money coming to Scotland? Before Podlitical breaks for recess, the team untangle this week's news, and look ahead to what we can expect in September and beyond when the Parliaments return.

The Podlitical team talk GB Energy, the two-child cap, PMQs, and pies. Following the suspensions of seven rebel Labour MPs for voting against the government on an SNP amendment to scrap the two-child benefit cap, the team discuss how the row unfolded, and what this means in terms of the optics that Prime Minister Starmer wants to project. As the new Prime Minister faced his first PMQs, with former PM Sunak as opposition leader, what was the mood like in the Commons, and what does it tell us about things to come? Also, do we have any clearer idea of who might be the next UK and Scottish Tory leaders, and could the SNP technically annex the moon right now?

What does the King's Speech tell us about the new Labour government's priorities? Beyond the ceremony and pomp of the day, the team discuss the policies and priorities of the new government, including the future of devolution, what might impact devolved areas (and what won't), and what's been left out. How did the speech sit with opposition parties like the SNP? Also, Prime Minister Starmer meets with European leaders as he looks to "reset" the UK's relationship with Europe, and names begin to emerge for potential Scottish Conservative leader candidates.

With the election aftershocks settling, what does the "new normal" in politics look like? As MPs finish being sworn in after several days, the shape of the House of Commons sees an emboldened Labour and a much diminished Conservatives and SNP. With Ian Murray MP announced as the new Scotland secretary, what does this new office-holder and new political landscape have in store for Scotland - from Grangemouth & GB Energy to giveaways - and how might the next two years play out between Labour and the SNP as they embark on a potentially very long campaign in the lead up to the 2026 Holyrood election.

The new intake of MPs are sworn in as Labour begins governing. What do we know about the new Labour-majority House of Commons, and the initial priorities of the Labour government? As Keir Starmer addresses the Commons for the first time as Prime Minister, the team discuss the shape of the parties following the general election, what signs we have on how Labour look to govern in the UK, what it might mean for Scotland, and what the relationship might be like with the SNP-led Scottish Government.

Labour sees a landslide general election victory, what's next for Scotland? While Keir Starmer's Labour celebrated massive gains, and the Lib Dems saw a comeback, it was a punishing night for the Tories and the SNP. As the parties reflect on the results, and Labour prepares for Government, the team discuss the big moments of the night, and ask what the election tells us about the political landscape now, and what does the result mean for Scotland as it looks to the 2026 Holyrood elections?

On election eve, the team considers the state of the parties after the six week campaign. From gaffes to being grilled in front of live audiences, wacky stunts to serious statements, the team looks back at the 2024 general election campaign in Scotland and the wider UK, and discuss how the parties have shaped up ahead of the polls opening on Thursday July 4th. What have been the defining moments of the campaign, how might the political landscape change on Friday, and just how far can the Podlitical team stretch the "Ming vase" metaphor?

Martin Geissler sits down with SNP leader John Swinney. His party are coming into this general election off the back of what he himself described as a “rough time”. They’re offering voters “a new chapter”, with calls for more powers for Scottish Parliament, and eventually, they hope, full independence for Scotland, but given they’ve been in power in Holyrood for 17 years, how is that message landing with voters? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Swinney about Scottish independence, taxation, and what exactly makes a mandate for a referendum.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

What do the manifestos say about welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, social issues, and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on social issues for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What do the manifestos say about climate change, green policies, and oil & gas? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on climate policy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What do the manifestos say about the Scottish Independence, Brexit, immigration and more? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on statehood, foreign policy, immigration, military support and more for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What do the manifestos say about the NHS, social care, and health? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on public health and care for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

What do the manifestos say about tax, spending, and the pound in your pocket? The team deep dives into the party manifesto offers on money and the economy for the 2024 general election, comparing and contrasting pledges, and what they might mean for Scotland.

Part of a series looking at the 2024 party manifestos. For more coverage on more manifesto topics, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or visit the BBC News website.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar. The polls suggest Labour are doing well just now – but of course, two weeks is a long time in politics. Can they keep up the pace they’ve set themselves? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Sarwar about tax, just how Labour will get that growth they need to fund their pledges, immigration, and independence.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross. It’s fair to say it’s been a rough campaign for the Tories, but is it all doom and gloom in the camp? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Ross about his policies, his plans for the future, and the ups and downs of a few weeks on the campaign trail.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

This week, investigations into bets on the general election, and talk of tactical votes. As the Conservative Party’s director of campaigning is investigated by the Gambling Commission for placing a bet on the timing of the general election, alongside a Tory candidate and one of Rishi Sunak's closest aides, the team discusses the news from the campaign trail and what they've been up to this week. Also, Lucy, Rajdeep, and Phil chat tactical voting, just how much it will play into this election, and why there are more candidates than ever for voters to choose from.

How do political polls work, and why do different polls have different projections? Podlitical sits down with Rachel Ormston, Research Director for Ipsos in Scotland, and Mark Diffley, a pollster from Diffley Partnership, to talk all things polling. How do pollsters collect and collate their data, and why exactly are "MRP" polls so in vogue right now? The team talk through why Scotland is tricky to poll this election, how polls are "projections" not "predictions", why pollsters are paranoid, and ask if there really more polls than ever this election, or does it just feel that way?

How can parties "win" the general election, and how might they define winning? The team look at the possible routes to victory that the Scottish and UK parties could take, both likely and unlikely, and what it tells us about the current political landscape of the UK. What is the strategy behind the Conservatives' warning of a Labour supermajority, what might a successful election look like for second-or-third party in Westminster candidates SNP, the Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK, and what do the currently released manifestos tell us about targets?

The team discuss the Debate Night Scottish Leaders' debate. Following a fiery hour, how did the leaders set out their pitches to the Scottish electorate, how did Scottish leaders differ from Westminster counterparts, and how did the audience react to their pledges and promises? From cost of living to independence, the team analyse the performances and claims made by Anas Sarwar from Scottish Labour, Douglas Ross from the Scottish Conservatives, John Swinney from the SNP, Alex Cole-Hamilton from the Scottish Liberal Democrats and Lorna Slater from the Scottish Greens.

The Scottish Tory leader announces his resignation, the first manifestos launch, and more. Following the bombshell news that Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross is intending to resign that role after the general election, the team discuss how this might effect campaigning, how parties may use the news in the upcoming Scottish leaders debate, and what it means for Holyrood on July 5th. What other plans have parties made ahead of the debate? As the first manifestos begin to appear, with more on the way, the team analyses another week on the campaign trail, including where the parties are in terms of pledges and optics, the latest campaign stunts, and Phil recalls the time he nearly jumped out of a plane with the Lib Dems.

Martin Geissler sits down with Alba leader Alex Salmond. Alba claim to offer a different vision for Scottish independence, and hope to hoover up some of the pro-independence vote from the SNP and Scottish Green, but they've yet to have a representative elected under their banner. Will this election be the one? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Salmond about his strategy for getting independence, if he has any concerns about splitting the pro-independence vote, and how he thinks Scotland will fare in the Euros.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie. The Scottish Greens were part of the Scottish Government, until the then-First minister Humza Yousaf collapsed the Bute House Agreement. They had power, they had exposure, but has that helped their cause? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Harvie about independence, a post-government world for his party, and how he thinks they’ll do in the election.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

Martin Geissler sits down with Helen McDade of Reform UK. Reform UK is Nigel Farage’s latest political vehicle. They’re a broad church, united it seems by an opposition to immigration, but does Scotland share that same sentiment? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks McDade about how she found a home in Reform UK following her career working at environmental charities, and how exactly they want to reform the UK.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

Mortgages, tax, and cost of living: Is this an election on the economy? Podlitical sits down with BBC Scotland Business and Economy Editor Douglas Fraser, and Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, to discuss the economy and the role it's playing in the general election. How much of our current economic situation is down to internal decisions like taxation, mini-budgets, and Brexit, or external forces like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine? What routes are there for parties to improve the economy, and what challenges will the next UK Government face? The team examine what we know so far about the economic plans being pitched to the electorate.

How can politicians explain nuance in numbers and sell "sort of" answers in an election? The team look at the first general election debate between Labour's Keir Starmer and the Conservative's Rishi Sunak, and the controversial tax figures quoted by Sunak that Labour claim are "lies", discussing how politicians can sell nuanced or complicated positions when in a debate or on the doorstep, and how even fudgy figures can be electoral wins if enough people remember them. Also, there's been controversy as Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross announces he is standing to be an MP, and Diane Abbott once again finds herself in the headlines as it's revealed the Conservatives accepted money from donor Frank Hester after a previous row where he made alleged racist comments about Abbott.

Are election debates about winning or simply not losing, and do they influence votes? The team analyse the first Scottish leaders debate, and look into some of the political frontlines the parties are fighting on, from oil & gas, to the NHS, and devolution. With multiple further debates to follow during the general election campaign, what will politicians be hoping to get out of the debates, how might it influence people's voting intentions, and why does it feel like there are several different election campaigns going on all at once?

Martin Geissler sits down with Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton. The Liberal Democrats election campaign is well underway, with Sir Ed Davey, the party's leader, whizzing down waterslides and falling into lakes. But will it win them votes? In this audio version of the BBC Scotland Sunday Show interview, Martin asks Cole-Hamilton about energy, housing, Brexit, independence, and more.

Part of a series of interviews with party leaders over the course of the general election campaign. To hear them all, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds, or tune in to the Sunday Show every Sunday from 10am on BBC One Scotland and Radio Scotland.

How are politicians promoting their message, and what happens when narratives go rogue? This week saw tensions over Labour MP Diane Abbott's place in the party following her return from suspension, manoeuvring in Holyrood over the vote to sanction former SNP health secretary Michael Matheson, and Tories talking taxation. As the general election campaigning continues, the team discuss how politicians and their parties try and broadcast a clear message to voters, and how they can control - or lose control of - the narrative as unexpected events happen.

As general election campaigns kick off in earnest, how are they unfolding in Scotland? The team look at the first official week of the general election campaign, including the differences north and south of the border as parties look to exploit weak spots in each other's plans. In a week that's seen early gaffes, politicians paddleboarding, pledges on pensions, the NHS, & the economy, and an unusual case of a party which may have launched its campaign in no know UK constituency, Podlitical analyses the first five days of the 2024 general election.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called a snap election. What's next for Scotland? Following a day of febrile speculation, and despite it feeling like campaigning had already started months ago, the Prime Minister has officially announced a general election for July 4th. As parties throw themselves onto the campaign trail in earnest, the team explain what the mood was like on the ground on the day of the announcement, how the next weeks might unfold, what to watch, and what strategising might be going on inside political parties right now on how they'll sell themselves in Scotland. What might the Scottish political landscape look like post-election?

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton speaks to Podlitical post-conference. Cole-Hamilton explains how he was "always liberal", tracing his politics back to his parents and joining the Quakers, and explains the platform of change he wants the Scottish Liberal Democrats to run on in the next election, that the party have shown they "don't need to be in power to wield power" . Cole-Hamilton discusses toxicity in politics, including how abuse on the "abyss" of social media hurt his mental health, and how in Holyrood, the Liberal Democrats want to "behave like grownups" and meet the Scottish Government "on our own terms".

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Podlitical sits down with the Presiding Officer to mark 25 years of Scottish Parliament, Kirsten Campbell talks to the Presiding Officer about how she got her start in politics, and how she nearly didn't put herself forward to be the next Presiding Officer. Alison Johnstone discusses why female representation in the job matters, how she deals with heated debates in Parliament, how she handles protesters interrupting proceedings, and the parts of the job we may not see. As we mark a quarter century of Holyrood, how would the Presiding Officer like to see things done differently in Parliament, and does she think devolution is working as well as it could be?

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

This week sees political giveaways, promises, pledges, and appearances on Loose Women. If we're not in an election campaign, why does it feel like we are, and why are the parties acting like they are too? The team discusses the Scottish Parliament declaring a housing emergency, a fund to erase school dinner debt, and the summit with Ferguson shipyards. In Westminster, Labour lays out its five pledges, the Westminster lobby awaits further potential defections from the Tories to Labour, and the Prime Minister appears on Loose Women.

Politicians reflect on the highs and lows of Holyrood to mark its 25th anniversary. Podlitical's Lucy Whyte and Glenn Campbell sit down with Scottish Labour's deputy leader Jackie Baillie, the SNP's Christine Grahame, and former Scottish Conservative leader Baroness Annabel Goldie, all of whom were elected in the first Scottish Parliamentary election in 1999, to look back on a quarter of a century of Holyrood. Has the devolved parliament lived up to expectations? Is politics more tribal? Should MSPs be more rebellious? From the initial exciting days, to the debates over independence, the panel discuss their feelings around some of the big events of the last twenty five years, what they would like to see done differently, and what the future holds for the Scottish Parliament.

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

What can we expect from the new First Minister of Scotland John Swinney? As he officially becomes First Minister this week, following no other candidates putting forward their names for leadership, what might be the priorities and challenges of the new John Swinney administration? With a familiar cabinet and the addition of Kate Forbes as the Deputy First Minister, will it be enough to satisfy the half of the party that backed her against Humza Yousaf last year? The team take a look at what we learnt so far about the SNP's priorities this week, including the FM's first FMQs, and how Swinney's time at the top might unfold.

John Swinney looks set to be first minister as he's backed by potential challenger Forbes. Following his announcement he was running to be the next leader of the SNP and new First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, the former deputy to Nicola Sturgeon for almost a decade, looks set to win the top job after potential rival Kate Forbes announced she is backing him. The team analyse what might happen next, whether anyone else will put their name forward for the role, and - if Swinney is unopposed - how his premiership might unfold. Will he be able to pull a divided SNP together, and will his second time as SNP leader go more smoothly than the first?

First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced his resignation. What happens now? The team chats about how events unfolded over the weekend, culminating in First Minister Humza Yousaf announcing his plans to resign on Monday, after just 13 months in post, following the fallout from his scrapping of the Bute House agreement with the Scottish Greens the previous week. With divisions in both the party and parliament exposed, are we now heading for a Holyrood election, or an internal SNP leadership election, and who might the candidates be? As names begin to be put forward, the team discuss what might happen next.

First Minister Humza Yousaf faces a no-confidence vote after a dramatic day at Holyrood. The team react to the termination of the Bute House agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens, from the furious reaction from the Greens leadership to the fiery FMQs that followed. With Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross saying he will bring a no-confidence motion to Parliament next week, and the SNP's former power sharing partners confirming they will vote against the First Minister, is this the end of the line for Humza Yousaf's premiership?

The Scottish Government announces it is dropping its 2030 net zero emissions target. The team discuss the political implications of the SNP & Scottish Greens government announcing it's 2030 net zero target is "out of reach", as well dropping its annual and interim targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions, including if it will hit the parties in the polls, and if this represents a wider movement from UK parties away from green promises and policies. Also in Holyrood, Scotland's only gender care clinic that prescribes puberty blockers for under 18s has announced it's stopping prescriptions following a review by Dr. Hilary Cass, and in Westminster, PM Rishi Sunak's smoking ban for those born after January 1st 2009 has passed the first hurdle, could this be the legacy legislation he's looking for?

The Scottish Labour MSP on making Scotland accessible, working for the NHS, and more. MSP for the Glasgow Region, Pam Duncan-Glancy talks to Podlitical about her first "political moment" while in school, her mission to make Scotland a more accessible place for those with disabilities, and her election as the first permanent wheelchair user in Holyrood. Duncan-Glancy shares her thoughts on the new Scottish hate crime legislation, Israel/Gaza, and how she feels Labour is "grown up" enough to have disagreements inside the party and between the Scottish and UK Labour parties.

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

Scottish Trade Unions Congress General Secretary Roz Foyer sits down with Podlitical. Ahead of the STUC annual congress, Roz Foyer discusses how she first got involved in unions, and rose to become the STUC's first female General Secretary. Foyer talks about how women have always been at the heart of the Scottish union movement despite the perception of it being male-dominated, how she urges politicians to offer "real delivery" of workers rights and not just "talk the talk", and her vision for what needs to change to improve the lives of working people, from devolution of employment rights to taxing the wealthiest.

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The Scottish Greens MSP for the West Scotland region talks to Podlitical post-conference. Ross Greer sits down with the podcast to discuss protest in the form of direct action, including why he backs the right for protesters to disrupt First Minister's Questions at Holyrood, and the reaction to the new Scottish hate crime bill which came into force. Greer talks about his career over the last eight years, why he sees a "more urgent need" than ever for green politics, and his involvement with the 2014 independence referendum, including why he feels the Yes campaign never faced a "public reckoning" on why it didn't deliver, and why he "certainly hopes" he won't be a politician for life.

For a range of political interviews, subscribe to Podlitical on BBC Sounds.

The team talk rent controls, assisted dying, and the FM's first year in office. As Holyrood takes a break for recess, the Podlitical team look at some of the big bills moving through Scottish Parliament and causing some controversy, including the Housing Bill which could see rent controls introduced in areas of Scotland, the introduction of the Assisted Dying Bill which hopes to legalise medically assisted dying for people with terminal illnesses, and new hate crime laws which some claim will stifle free speech and increase pressure on the police. The team also discusses the first year of First Minister Humza Yousaf's premiership, and analyse some of the big events of the last 12 months.

The Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP on legalising assisted dying and representing Orkney. Liam McArthur joins Podlitical to discuss his upcoming bill on assisted dying for the terminally ill being presented at Holyrood, why he thinks a ban is unsustainable, and why he believes once a framework for assisted dying is in place we'll realise it was "long past due". McArthur also discusses the unique parts of representing a remote island constituency like Orkney, how he feels that local government has been "emasculated", and how he thinks perspectives in politics have become more binary.

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How do politicians balance attacking the opposition, while appealing to their voters? In a week where parties have toed the line between attacking their political rivals while trying to woo their voter bases, the team discuss the risk of alienating the very people you want to win votes from. As the Conservative leadership look to the Rwanda Bill to define themselves as different from past iterations of the party ahead of the upcoming election, so too have opposition parties been defining themselves in relation to the Conservatives. Labour have been accused of aligning themselves with Margaret Thatcher, and the SNP have faced criticism over their rhetoric following the SNP event this week, where First Minister Humza Yousaf said he wanted to use the election to as an opportunity to make Scotland "Tory free".

The Secretary General of the MCB on the new Government definition of extremism, and more. Zara Mohammed sits down with Podlitical to talk about becoming the first female, first Scottish, and youngest leader of the Muslim Council of Britain, her thoughts on the new Government definitions of extremism announced by the Conservatives last week, and the Government's non-engagement policy with the organisation. Mohammed discusses how life has changed for Muslims in the UK since the October 7th attack on Israel, how she sees a recent "barrage" of anti-Muslim sentiment coming from the top level of politics, and warns of being complacent about "Scottish Exceptionalism" when it comes to tackling inequality.

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Officials face PR problems with alleged racist comments and publicly funded "pornography". The Podlitical team sit down to discuss the week's news, including a row in Westminster into alleged comments made by Tory donor Frank Hester about MP Diane Abbott which politicians and public figures have called racist, with pressure mounting on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to return the £10m donation. In Holyrood, public arts body the National Lottery Open Fund faces criticism as Scottish culture secretary Angus Robertson says an arts project involving "hardcore" sex performances which received £100k should have "in no way" been given public funding.

The SNP MSP on his suspension, his clashes with the Greens, and bullying allegations. MSP for Inverness and Nairn and former Rural Economy cabinet secretary Fergus Ewing sits down with Podlitical to discuss his efforts fighting for fishermen and farmers, and being an "apprentice rebel at 66" when it comes to speaking out against his own party's plans - sometimes in a theatrical fashion. Ewing talks about the allegations by civil servants of bullying, denying his behaviour crossed a line, but claiming he wishes he could have "handled things slightly differently" in hindsight. An outspoken critic of the Scottish Greens and the Bute House Agreement, Ewing explains why he believes the Greens in Government are "extremists" and why things haven't been going "particularly well" for the SNP recently.

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Will the budget make you better or worse off, and what does it mean for Scotland? The team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde to deep dive into the Conservatives' 2024 spring budget, including the 2p cut to National Insurance and a proposed extension of the windfall tax on energy industry profits, which has caused concern inside the Scottish Conservatives. As the dust settles on the announcements, the team discusses if this is an election budget, if there's more to come, and if people will feel the difference in their bank accounts and bills.

The Scottish Conservatives leader on the oil industry, energy windfall tax, and more. Off the back of the Scottish Conservative Party conference, MP and MSP Douglas Ross joins the Podlitical team on the eve of UK Conservative chancellor Jeremy Hunt's budget, and explains why he's against a windfall tax on energy company profits being extended, and why he thinks backing the oil industry makes economic sense, as the Tories face what he calls a "challenging electoral map" at the next general election. Ross also talks through his early work as a farmer, how he became a referee, and why he's concerned about his family's security as a public figure.

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Headaches for political parties this week as high profile members voice their opinions. Whether it was Lee Anderson losing the Conservative whip for his comments on "Islamists" controlling London Mayor Sadiq Khan, former Prime Minister Liz Truss voicing thoughts on the "deep state" alongside presidential hopeful Donald Trump's former chief advisor, or the SNP's Fergus Ewing calling his own party "authoritarian" after being suspended, the team discuss the fallout this week from some strong words. Also, First Minister Humza Yousaf considers a public inquiry into the murder of Emma Caldwell, following the conviction of her killer 19 years after the murder and what he described as "systemic failings" in the case, and the Scottish Budget passes in Holyrood.

The Scottish Labour Leader on election plans, prejudice, and being called a "traitor". Sarwar sits down with Podlitical to talk about how his father's experience being the first Muslim MP initially made him want to "run a million miles away" from politics, his hopes for Labour in the next election, and why he wants to see less "playground politics" with an acceptance no one political party has all the answers. Following the Scottish Labour conference in February, Sarwar discusses the party's plans for Scotland, and why he thinks it is "dangerous" that First Minister Humza Yousaf shared The Press & Journal newspaper front page, which called Labour leadership "The Traitors" following the party's windfall tax announcement.

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Chaos in the House of Commons as a vote on a Gaza ceasefire motion turns into a row. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle is facing accusations he played "party politics" by granting a vote on Labour's Gaza ceasefire motion, breaking with convention and sparking fury from SNP and Conservative MPs. He said he allowed the vote to protect MPs' safety, and later apologised, but the row continues, with the SNP's Westminster leader Stephen Flynn saying his party has no confidence in him as speaker. The team discuss why this happened, and what might happen next.

The Scottish Greens Co-Leader and Scottish Government minister sits down with Podlitical. Patrick Harvie talks about his early exposure to Green politics and his career so far, including why he sees compromise and finding "genuine common ground" is how democracy should work, his feelings about the Bute House Agreement with the SNP, his belief that the "moral panic" over transgender rights has become toxic in a way he "would not have believed was possible" previously, and how he's coming to terms with not being cast as Dr. Who.

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Michael Matheson resigns as Scottish Health Secretary ahead of a report on his iPad bill. Late last year, it was revealed that the then-Health Secretary Matheson had racked up a £11k roaming bill on his parliamentary iPad, subsequently admitting that his sons had used the iPad as a data hotspot so they could watch football. The team react to the news and the Scottish government cabinet reshuffle, discussing why the resignation has come now, and if it will have the stated intended effect of avoiding the bill becoming a distraction - as this week saw difficulties for both the Conservatives in relation to Rishi Sunak's poorly received trans jibe to Labour's Starmer in PMQs, and Labour facing backlash over plans to scrap it's £28bn a year green pledge.

The former Scottish Labour MSP on the next election, the COVID inquiry messages, and more. Neil Findlay sits down with Podlitical to discuss how his pre-politics career influenced his socialist ideology, why he thought Labour siding with the Conservatives in the 2014 independence referendum's Better Together campaign was the "kamikaze route", how he views Scottish Independence now, and how he "dodged an atom bomb" by losing out on becoming Scottish Labour leader. Findlay shares his reaction to the expletive-laden messages referencing him between First Minister Humza Yousaf and Jason Leitch revealed in the COVID inquiry, and explains why he believes people that share his beliefs are being pushed out of all political parties.

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Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appears at the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. As the Scottish portion of the inquiry into the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by UK Governments comes to close, this week we heard from ex-First Minister Sturgeon and former Deputy FM John Swinney, with the former denying that she presided over a culture of secrecy and that she politicised the pandemic. The team sits down to discuss what happened this week and the potential political impacts.

First Minister Humza Yousaf appears at the COVID Inquiry. The team sit down to discuss the week's big political news, which saw Humza Yousaf, who was both Scottish Justice and then Health Secretary during the Covid-19 pandemic, answering the questions of the UK COVID inquiry as it continues in Scotland. WhatsApp messages and their deletion played a large part of both the questioning and First Minister's Questions, with an additional expletive-laden message between former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and aide Liz Lloyd, regarding then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, causing a stir.

The former leader of the Scottish Conservatives on Israel & Gaza, the pandemic, and more. The MSP for Eastwood, Jackson Carlaw sits down with Podlitical to discuss his career, from representing Scotland's largest Jewish community and his thoughts on the Israel / Gaza conflict, to why he felt he wasn't ruthless enough to be Scottish Conservative leader. Carlaw talks about his unwillingness to be seen as "screaming abuse" at then-First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in FMQs during the early days of the Covid-19 Pandemic, why then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson had the "wrong skillset" for the pandemic, and how the public are not "terribly impressed" by Tory infighting and PM changes.

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PM Sunak sees off a rebellion over his Rwanda Bill, and the Horizon scandal continues. Despite two senior resignations, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak managed to pass his bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda in the Commons despite threats of rebellion, but now the legislation passes to the Lords, with the PM urging them to back the bill in a press conference. What's going to happen next, and is the Rwanda bill the vote winner the Conservative Government hopes it will be? In Holyrood, opposition parties highlight the Horizon scandal and the sub-postmasters wrongly convicted in Scotland, as First Minister Humza Yousaf seeks UK wide legislation to overturn convictions - but does the UK Government agree?

The longest currently-serving SNP MP on independence strategy and Top of the Pops. Pete Wishart joins the Podlitical team to talk about his early career as a musician and appearing on Top of The Pops, why he made the transition to politics, and his work at Westminster. Wishart discusses why he thinks there are "inherent contradictions" with the SNP's Scottish independence strategy, and that it hasn't "hit the mark", but voters can't "pick and choose" when to support independence.

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The team returns to discuss the Post Office scandal and conversion therapy laws. In Westminster, Prime Minister Sunak has announced emergency legislation to ensure hundreds of wrongly convicted subpostmasters, who were prosecuted due to faulty Horizon software used by the Post Office, will have their names cleared, with Humza Yousaf's Scottish Government looking to follow suit. Also in Scotland, the government is set to seek opinions on banning the controversial practice of conversion therapy. What does this tell us about their areas of focus in the upcoming election?

Deputy First Minister and Finance Secretary Shona Robison MSP discusses the budget. Following her delivery of the Scottish budget to Holyrood on Tuesday, the Deputy First Minister sits down with the Podlitical team to talk about the "tough" budget and the "difficult" decisions that had to be made, the new tax band and council tax freeze, how she wants to keep discussions going with COSLA, and the importance of social justice and reducing child poverty.

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The team deep dives into the Scottish budget and the new tax rate. Following Tuesday's budget, where Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison announced a new 45% tax rate on earnings between £75,000 and £125,140, as well as an increase to the top rate of tax and confirmation of plans for a council tax freeze, Phil Sim sits down with BBC correspondent David Henderson and Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, to go over the fine details of the Scottish budget, what it means for voters, and what impact it might have politically as parties consider the upcoming election.

The team talk difficult decisions facing Holyrood, and the "Five Families" in the Tories. In Holyrood, the Scottish Government faces tough political choices ahead of next week's budget, and whether or not to appeal the ruling in favour of the UK Government in relation to blocking Scotland's Gender Recognition Reform bill, as well as a row with Lord David Cameron over how meetings with foreign leaders should be conducted by the Scottish cabinet following First Minister Humza Yousaf meeting with Turkish President Erdogan at COP28. In Westminster, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saw off rumours of rebellion over his Rwanda policy, but with the so-called "Five Families" within the Tory party vying for influence, is he in clear water yet?

The Lib Dem spokesperson for Scotland and Women & Equalities on GRR, Rwanda, and more. The MP for Edinburgh West joins Podlitical to discuss the Scottish Liberal Democrat strategy at the next General Election, why she "wasn't surprised" about a court decision to uphold the UK government's block on the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, and why she thinks "divisive" policies such as the Rwanda asylum plans aren't what the electorate want.

PM Rishi Sunak faces revolt over Rwanda plans, and Scotland faces a budget black hole. In Westminster, the Prime Minister said his patience was "worn thin" on trying to pass a bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, telling Conservative MPs to get behind the plans after immigration minister Robert Jenrick resigned, and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces questions at the Covid Inquiry. In Holyrood, the Scottish Government plans to hold a special cabinet meeting ahead of the upcoming Scottish budget, where it faces a £1bn shortfall, which it blames on Chancellor Hunt's Autumn Statement announcements.

The Conservative MP and Minister for Nuclear & Networks sits down with Podlitical. Andrew Bowie speaks about moving away from the "toxic debate" around Brexit, and discusses his government's Rwanda asylum plans including why he thinks former Home Secretary Suella Braverman should "think about the consequences" of their words. Bowie reacts to the allegations that the Sellafield nuclear site was hacked by groups linked to foreign states, which the Office for Nuclear Regulation denies, and explains why he wants to see more nuclear energy in Scotland.

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The team share thoughts on former Labour chancellor Lord Darling, who has died aged 70. From steering the UK through the 2008 global financial crisis, to his work on the Better Together campaign during the 2014 Scottish Independence referendum, the team look back on the former Edinburgh MP's long career, and the tributes that have poured in from fellow politicians across the spectrum.

The SNP Westminster leader and MP for Aberdeen South sits down with the Podlitical team, discussing his year in post so far, his relationship with former Westminster leader Ian Blackford, the challenges the SNP has faced over the last 12 months, and more. Flynn talks about the recent news of Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson's iPad bill, and the criticism he faced following Remembrance Sunday, as he also shares his thoughts on how the level of online abuse faced by politicians is "off the scale", and the difficulties of juggling his career and his family.

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The Matheson iPad saga continues and Chancellor Hunt delivers the Autumn Statement. The team discuss the latest developments of Scottish Health Minister Michael Matheson's £11k iPad roaming bill, with the Scottish Conservatives threatening a vote of no confidence, but not yet following through in Parliament. In Westminster, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has delivered the Autumn Statement, announcing tax cuts and more, with the fast-forwarding of his announced 2p National Insurance cut to January fuelling speculation around the timings of the next General Election.

Ash Regan, former cabinet minister and now sole Alba MSP in Holyrood, talks to Podlitical. Speaking to Phil Sim, the MSP for Edinburgh Eastern discusses the reasons she had for quitting her cabinet post in Nicola Sturgeon's government, her unsuccessful leadership bid, and why she moved to the Alba party. Regan talks about the comments made by First Minister Humza Yousaf after she left, as well as her feelings around Gender Recognition Reform, and why she thinks the SNP need to have a "serious think" about their position on independence.

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Suella Braverman is sacked, and ex-PM David Cameron returns to government. Following a row over a Times article by the then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman ahead of the Armistice Day weekend, Monday saw her sacking and the shock return of David Cameron to frontline politics. The team react to the surprising turn of events, discussing if this is the end of Prime Minister Sunak's troubles with Braverman, or if he risks splits on the right of the party. What message does the Prime Minister want to send by bringing in Cameron, and what does having the man who was Prime Minister during the Independence and Brexit referendums back in power mean for Scottish politics?

Headaches for the UK and Scottish Governments around WhatsApp, roaming iPads, and marches. In Holyrood, opposition parties claim First Minister Humza Yousaf misled parliament over government WhatsApp messages sent during the pandemic, which the FM has denied. This was followed with the news that Scottish Health Secretary Michael Matheson racked up an £11,000 roaming bill on an iPad he took to Morocco, charges he claims were caused while doing constituency work using an outdated SIM card. Meanwhile in Westminster, Number 10 disowns an article written by Home Secretary Suella Braverman accusing the police of bias around its handling of protests, ahead of the planned Pro-Palestinian march this weekend, with some Tories calling for her to be sacked by Prime Minister Sunak. The team talk through a tricky week for leaders in Holyrood and Westminster.

The Lib Dem peer and former Deputy First Minister shares thoughts from his career. Lord Wallace talks to Lucy Whyte and Kirsten Campbell about the early days of Scottish Parliament, his conversations with First Minister Donald Dewar and Prime Minister Tony Blair, and his role as acting First Minister. Wallace shares his thoughts Brexit and Independence, as well as the UK Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition of 2010, and why he thinks political parties have a problem with offering things that aren't possible.

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WhatsApp communications during the pandemic cause trouble in Holyrood and Westminster. As the UK Covid Inquiry continues, some of the submitted messages between Government officials paint a revealing (and sometimes expletive-laden) picture of decision making during the pandemic. Meanwhile in Holyrood, senior figures in the Scottish Government have been accused of deleting messages requested by the UK Covid inquiry. First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he has not removed any of his own messages, and The Scottish Government has said it would submit 14,000 messages to the inquiry by Monday. Political correspondent David Wallace Lockhart and Political Editor Glenn Campbell sit down and discuss what the last week of drama means for the Westminster and Scottish Governments.

The SNP MP for Glasgow East on moving the dial on Scottish independence and more. The team quiz David Linden MP on the SNP's independence plans, why he thinks the conversation around process has been overplayed, and what he makes of the SNP's current strategy. The team ask him about Lisa Cameron's defection to the Conservatives, and why he thinks the council tax freeze announcement at the SNP conference was a "masterstroke".

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The team sit down with Shadow Scottish Secretary Ian Murray MP to discuss how he sees the current relationship between Westminster and Holyrood, and what a potential future Labour government would do differently. The MP for Edinburgh South shares his thoughts on Michael Shanks' Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election win and how Anas Sarwar is doing as Scottish Labour leader, the independence movement, Labour councillors resigning over leader Keir Starmer's Israel/Gaza comments, and his stance on devolution.

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The team check in on how the SNP, Labour, and Tories are doing post-conference. With three of the party conferences done, and a handful of by-election results being keenly analysed, what can be said about the positions of these three parties as they gear up to fight in the next general election? A year is a long time in politics, and as both the by-elections and the unfolding crisis in Israel and Gaza show, a lot can happen in a short space of time. What are the strategies in both Holyrood and Westminster to win over voters, and what are the possible political pitfalls that await over the coming months?

The team discuss the SNP conference, from a council tax freeze to the FM's speech. The team talk through First Minister Humza Yousaf's announced Scottish council tax freeze and the reaction from councils, as well as the SNP's new independence strategy, and the appearance of a certain former First Minister. Following the defeat in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election and the defection of MP Lisa Cameron to the Tories, what was the mood like on the ground at the Aberdeen conference, and how are the party planning to woo Scotland's voters at the next general election?

The MSP on becoming an "accidental Green" and how she changed her mind on independence. Gillian Mackay of the Scottish Greens sits down with Lucy and Phil to chat about how she became a politician, what it's like navigating Holyrood as a new MSP, her thoughts on the Bute House agreement with the SNP, and how she moved from being a "No" voter to a supporter of Scottish Independence.

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Labour celebrates victory in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election, with leader Keir Starmer claiming the party "blew the doors off" as candidate Michael Shanks oversaw a landslide win over the SNP. The team gather to discuss the mood on the ground in Rutherglen and Hamilton West, what this might tell us about the next General Election (and what it doesn't), and where this leaves First Minister Humza Yousaf's SNP following their first defeat since he took office.

With HS2's future unclear, conversation at the Tory conference gets railroaded. The team discuss the rumours and speculation swirling at the Conservative party conference in Manchester, with both delegates and opposition seeking clarity on what Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will announce regarding the Birmingham to Manchester leg of HS2. What would the cancellation mean for Scotland, and has the speculation overshadowed the other announcements during conference? The team also look ahead to Labour's conference coming up and how the mood may be in the opposition party. Also, can anything be read from *that* video of Nigel Farage and Priti Patel dancing in terms of a tone shift in the Tories?

The controversial Rosebank offshore oil development gets the go ahead. Just a week after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak changed up his Government's climate targets, regulators have approved a new offshore development off the coast of Shetland. Supporters say it's essential to the green transition and will create jobs, but critics say it's just another blow in the fight against climate change. BBC Scotland's Environment, Energy, & Rural Affairs Correspondent Kevin Keane joins the team to weigh up the arguments for and against, what it means for Scotland, and discusses the balancing act political parties face between jobs, energy security, and climate targets when it comes to North Sea oil and gas.

The SNP MP on how her health issues colour her work, and why Westminster can be "toxic". After suffering a brain haemorrhage during the Covid pandemic in 2020, Amy Callaghan returned to Parliament in 2021, and became the SNP's Westminster health spokesperson. Phil Sim sits down with the MP and talks about the chaotic few years in both her personal and political life, the challenges of being a young woman in Parliament, sitting in Scotland's most marginal seat, and how she feels about *that* Nicola Sturgeon GIF.

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What does the Prime Minister's shakeup of green commitments mean for Scotland? Following a leak to the BBC, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a shift in net zero greenhouse gas emission targets, pushing the timeline to replace fossil fuel burning cars and boilers further back. While Sunak claims he's still committed to reaching net zero by 2050, First Minister Humza Yousaf has said it would be "unforgivable" for the UK to row back on its climate commitments - but what does it actually mean for Scotland? The team discuss the implications, and question whether this bombshell announcement is a sign an election is closer than we think.

The Deputy Leader of the Scottish Conservatives on her career, motherhood, and GRR. Lucy Whyte and Georgia Roberts sit down with Meghan Gallacher MSP, and discuss her beginnings in North Lanarkshire, how she developed conservative beliefs, and her rise to become deputy leader of the Scottish Conservative party. The team discuss Gender Recognition Reform and the late night vote last year, as well as what she thinks of the UK Government using a Section 35 order to veto the cross-party legislation. What does she think of the Conservatives prospects in the next election, and does she see herself as a future Scottish Tory leader?

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A drug room pilot gets the go ahead, and Labour's Starmer promises to "smash the gangs". The team discuss the week's top political news, including the UK Government saying it won't block plans for a drug consumption room pilot in Scotland, in an attempt to reduce drug deaths. In Westminster, Prime Minister Sunak faces problems with UK-China relations after alleged spying claims emerged, while opposition leader Keir Starmer heads to The Hague to talk about tackling small boat gangs with the EU, and First Minister Humza Yousaf goes to New York City for Climate Week.

The former First Minister on his chats with Humza Yousaf, and how politics became "petty". The team sit down with Lord Jack McConnell, the Labour First Minister for Scotland from 2001 - 2007, where he reflects on his time in power and the state of political discourse today. Lord McConnell talks about how he sees parties lose touch with voters, how politics moved from class-based to identity-based and its consequences, and whether or not he'd accept a role in a Starmer Government if Labour is successful at the next general election.

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From crumbly concrete to conferences, Holyrood and Westminster are back from recess, but did politics ever really go away? As parties gear up for by-elections including the potential bellwether seat of Rutherglen and Hamilton West, and conference season approaches, the team discuss the events over the summer and what comes next. What do the next few months have in store for Holyrood and Westminster? With First Minister Humza Yousaf announcing his programme for government, and the UK Government grappling with RAAC concrete problems, the term is already off to a busy start.

Why and how are constituency boundaries drawn, and why do they change? Join Phil Sim for a deep dive into the review of Westminster and Holyrood boundaries with Professor Ailsa Henderson, Chair of Boundaries Scotland, and Allan Faulds of Ballot Box Scotland. They discuss the detail and feedback that goes into making decisions, the misconceptions around boundary changes, how the changes work, and how some rules can cause quirky border oddities and long constituency names. Phil and Allan also discuss the political impact of the changes, and how it may affect the next election.

Parties gear up for a by-election as MP Margaret Ferrier loses her seat. The constituents for Rutherglen and Hamilton West have voted to remove Ferrier from office, where she has sat as an independent MP after being kicked out of the SNP in 2020 for breaching Covid travel rules. Following a 30 day suspension from the commons, the recall petition to remove her was signed by almost 15% of the eligible constituents, passing the 10% threshold which triggers a by-election. With party campaigning now beginning in earnest, both the SNP and Labour are eyeing up the seat, hoping this electoral test will prove their leaders' mettle ahead of the next general election.

The team discuss the drama and political ramifications of three by-elections. Keir Mather may have become the youngest MP in the House of Commons, but what do the mixed results mean for Labour's other Keir? And, what key messages can the Tories take away from the results, as they head towards a general election? The panel discuss the importance of local issues, the national picture and, of course, who's leading on the coffee intake stakes.

As Holyrood stands for summer recess, parties appear to be gearing up not slowing down. The team looks back on the last Parliamentary period, which saw two Monarchs, two First Ministers, and three Prime Ministers, and discuss why it seems that the parties in Scottish Parliament are already on election footing ahead of the next General Election, despite it potentially being over a year away. In what promises to be a busy summertime, the team look to the events and legislation to watch ahead Scottish Parliament returning in September.

The team look ahead to the SNP's "Convention on Independence" in Dundee. With First Minister Humza Yousaf due to open the convention with a speech, what will we learn about the SNP's preferred Scottish independence strategy going forward? The team chats through some of the options that may be on the table for the membership, as well as what strategies they might employ to raise support. From defacto referendums, constitutions, and mass marches, what shape will the independence movement in Scotland take after this week's convention, and where are the points of tension - not just in the SNP, but between other pro-independence parties Alba and the Scottish Greens?

It's been a tough week to be a former political party leader. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has resigned as an MP ahead of a damning report by the Privileges Committee, where MPs found he had deliberately misled parliament and the committee over pandemic rules breaches. Johnson says the report is a "political assassination". Meanwhile in Holyrood, and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was arrested and released without charge over the continuing police investigation into SNP party finances. The team discuss the week's explosive news, and how ex-leaders are causing potential problems for the current leaders in Scotland and Westminster, FM Humza Yousaf and PM Rishi Sunak.

Having announced he's standing down at the next election, what's next for Ian Blackford? The SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber since 2015, Ian Blackford joins the team to discuss his time as an MP and SNP Westminster leader, as well as his current role as the party's independence business ambassador and what the future holds for him. Blackford talks about the Deposit Return Scheme, Margaret Ferrier's suspension, and Stephen Flynn taking over as Westminster leader. He discusses the uncertainty in deciding to stand down, the online treatment of politicians, and why he thinks there is "no point" in independence "just for the sake of it".

The former Scottish Labour leader candidly surveys the political landscape from the sidelines. Kezia Dugdale discusses Labour leaders past and present, and the challenge of moving politics in Scotland past the constitutional debate. She gives her verdict on controversial recent adverts from Labour, and the "lads, lads, lads" culture that exists. The former politician also has a revealing assessment of so-called progress at Holyrood, compared to Westminster, and shares exclusive information about a review project to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

Speculation around a potential by-election is heating up. Will it be a contest in Rutherglen and Hamilton? Is it ok to say we're missing election fever? We look ahead to the next General Election and where the parties might be concentrating their efforts. The team is joined by polling expert Mark Diffley to give trending insights, polling analysis and informed speculation on the elections ahead.

How does the Scottish independence movement compare to those in other countries? Where do independence campaigns share similarities, and where do they differ? The team is joined by journalist Guy Hedgecoe in Madrid, and Will Hayward, Welsh Affairs Editor for WalesOnline, to compare and contrast the Catalan and Welsh independence movements with Scotland, and get a sense of the political and public sentiment for the movements.

Do coalition governments work for the parties involved, and do they benefit the voters? As talk of potential future coalitions with Labour continue in Westminster after their local election gains, Lucy is joined by political editor Glenn Campbell and political correspondent Kirsten Campbell to look at Scottish and Westminster coalitions and power sharing agreements. Have coalitions, both past and present, typically helped or hindered the parties involved? What does it mean for voters when the policies they may have voted for are used as tools of compromise?

Ahead of the Coronation of Charles III, the team looks at UK attitudes to the monarchy. Lucy and Phil are joined by Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh, to look at how Scotland and the wider UK feel about King Charles and the monarchy. How do people's views vary by area, party, and constitutional belief, and how have opinions changed since the death of Queen Elizabeth?

First Minister Humza Yousaf meets Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amidst continued SNP turmoil. The team discuss the talks between the new First Minister and the Prime Minister, including the cost of living crisis and devolution. The difficult start to Yousaf's premiership looks set to continue, with former FM Nicola Sturgeon saying the SNP crisis is her 'worst nightmare'. This week saw former SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford clash with the current Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, who revealed the party were still seeking an auditor to process the SNP's accounts, and acknowledged it could miss out on £1.2m in public funds if the deadline is missed. As Rishi Sunak now travels to Scotland for the Scottish Conservative conference this coming weekend, the team also discuss what we might hear from the PM and Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross.

The team catch up post-recess, following the arrests of Peter Murrell and Colin Beattie. Both the former SNP chief executive Murrell and the now former treasurer Beattie were released without charge, in an ongoing investigation into the SNP's finances, which Police Scotland launched in July 2021 under "Operation Branchform" after receiving complaints about how donations were used by the party. Meanwhile in Westminster, a report on allegations of bullying by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab has been received by PM Rishi Sunak. Raab denies the allegations, and has said he would resign if they are upheld.

The team discuss Humza Yousaf's first days as SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland. After being elected First Minister in Scottish Parliament on Wednesday, Yousaf has revealed his cabinet, and tackled a tricky FMQs disrupted by climate protesters. What do his picks for cabinet tell us about his plans for Scotland, how did he perform in his first days in the top job in Scottish politics, and why might the potential Commons suspension of former SNP MP Margaret Ferrier lead to his first electoral test?

Humza Yousaf wins the SNP leadership contest, so what next for the party? The team react to the result of the SNP leadership contest, which saw Health Secretary Humza Yousaf beat out Kate Forbes in the second round of voting, after Ash Regan was eliminated in the first round, pipping her to the post with 52.1% of the votes versus Forbes' 47.9%. As the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens looks to continue, it seems Yousaf's path to First Minister is clear, but with the vote so close, can he now heal a divided party? The team look ahead to the next steps Yousaf may take, how his cabinet may shape up, and what his victory means for the SNP and Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon faces a fiery final FMQs, and Boris Johnson is grilled by MPs. The team discuss the final FMQs for the First Minister, the 'robust' questioning she faced by opposition parties, and her last statement to Scottish Parliament as First Minister. In Westminster, Boris Johnson faced some robust questioning too, as MPs on the Commons privileges committee hear evidence to decide if the former Prime Minister did deliberately mislead Parliament over the Partygate scandal. What does this week tell us about political legacy, and how it can be built or broken?

SNP media chief Murray Foote and chief executive Peter Murrell resign over membership row. The team react to the news that happened over the weekend, and explore how a row over membership figures snowballed into these two major resignations for the party. What does it mean for the three candidates vying to be the next leader of the SNP, and for the party itself?

The SNP has a row over membership and Chancellor Hunt presents his Budget. After initially refusing to release figures, the SNP has confirmed its membership has fallen to just over 72,000. The team discuss why the row over membership transparency started and what impact it might have on the party going forward during the leadership campaigns to be the next First Minister. In Westminster, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presents his Budget, and confirms the UK will avoid a technical recession despite the economy shrinking. What do the announcements mean for Scotland?

The team discuss the SNP leadership debate and PM Sunak's small boats bill. During the televised SNP debate on Tuesday, the barbs became personal between the three candidates vying to be the next First Minister, as Kate Forbes launched an attack on Humza Yousaf's record in government, while the health secretary returned pointed comments about protecting equal rights, and Ash Regan wrote off her colleagues as "wishy washy" on independence. The team talk about the pitfalls of personal attacks, and why it might make governing more difficult for whoever the winner is. In Westminster, the Prime Minister and opposition leader Keir Starmer trade blows over the Conservative's new migrant plans, where anyone entering the UK illegally would be removed within 28 days and blocked from returning.

What's the shape of the SNP leadership race after the first hustings in Cumbernauld? The team talk about the first of the SNP leadership debates, what we learnt about the candidates' pitches to be the next First Minister of Scotland, and the row over media access. The Deposit Return Scheme is also causing headaches for the current First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, and the minister responsible Lorna Slater, with many producers yet to sign up to the controversial recycling scheme despite the original deadline passing this week. Meanwhile in Westminster, Prime Minister Sunak announces a Northern Ireland Brexit deal has been reached with the EU, but what reaction will the so-called Windsor Agreement get from his party and the opposition? The team also discuss the correct nomenclature for soft drinks.

Who are the candidates who hope to be the next SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland? The team discuss the leadership bids of Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan, and what we know so far about their vision for the future of Scotland, whether it's on independence, the NHS, or social issues such as trans rights. The first week since Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation has seen Forbes criticised for her comments on the Gender Recognition Reform bill and marriage equality, and Yousaf come under fire in FMQs for his performance as Health Secretary. Is this a sign of things to come for the next few weeks of campaigning?

Nicola Sturgeon has announced she is standing down after eight years as First Minister. The team react to the bombshell news which has sent shockwaves across Scottish politics. As the First Minister says she will stay on until a successor is chosen, she claims that the time is right for her to leave the top of Scottish politics. The team discuss why she's chosen to go now, what happens next, what it means for the independence movement, and who the potential candidates to her replace her might be, as well as reaction from opposition parties.

Does the narrative of leaders in Holyrood and Westminster under pressure match reality? This week, Phil Sim hosts Podlitical and gets down to brass tacks with the team to ask, despite pressures faced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, if their positions really are under threat? The team discuss the big issues in UK politics this week, from council budgets and cabinet reshuffles, to the continuing trans prisoners row in Scottish Parliament and the pitfalls of polling.

Tensions between the Scottish Government and councils continue as the budget is debated. The Scottish government says it has given councils an extra £570m for local services in its December budget, but local authorities are concerned that economic pressures will hit vital services like social care and education, and ring-fenced funds may lead to cuts in areas such as bin collections. Economist David Phillips, Associate Director of The Institute for Fiscal Studies, joins the team to explain some of the challenges facing the Scottish government and local authorities, what might be done to alleviate those pressures, and the economic outlook for Scotland and the UK going forward.

From a trans prisoner row to tax troubles, it's been another busy week in politics. In Holyrood, just as the dust settles from the hotly debated Gender Recognition Reform bill, a new row over a transgender rapist has broken out, and tensions grow between the Scottish Government and councils over funding for teachers. Meanwhile in Westminster, legacy crises from the Boris Johnson era put pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as his cabinet meet in Chequers, with Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi facing calls to resign over a tax penalty he received when Chancellor, and the ghost of Partygate threatens to re-appear.

Podlitical takes an in-depth look at the impact of delays in the Scottish Courts. A huge backlog of cases has left some of the most vulnerable women in Scotland waiting to have domestic and sexual abuse cases heard. We hear directly from those affected, those working on the frontline of the problem and we consider some of the solutions. If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast you can visit www.bbc.co.uk/actionline

What is a Section 35 order, and why has it sparked a row about devolution and democracy? The UK Government has triggered Section 35 of The Scotland Act to formally block the Scottish Government's Gender Recognition Reform legislation from reaching royal assent. As First Minister Nicola Sturgeon says the row will "inevitably" end up in court, Professor Nicola McEwen from the Centre on Constitutional Change joins the team to discuss the ramifications of this action on the constitutional debate. Why is the veto of Scottish laws by the UK Government so controversial, why are some worried about the future of Westminster powers over Scottish legislation, and what happens next?

An NHS in crisis and ongoing strikes spell trouble for the Scottish and UK Governments. The team discuss why the political temperature is still high heading into 2023 after the parliamentary recesses, and why it's not looking like it will calm down any time soon. As Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon are set to meet in Scotland with the backdrop of strikes, NHS pressures, and the cost of living crisis, what does the year ahead hold for politics in the UK?

After several days of intense debate, the Gender Recognition Reform bill passes. From the early mornings to the late nights, the team discuss this week in Scottish Parliament, as MSPs debated and voted on amendments to the Gender Recognition Reform Bill into the early hours, enabling the Scottish Government to get the legislation passed before the Christmas recess. As this week saw protests outside Holyrood, the team asks why has the bill been so controversial in Scotland, what have been the big flashpoints, and what might come next now it has passed?

What does the Scottish Government's budget mean for taxes, welfare, and independence? The team are joined by Emma Congreve from the Fraser of Allander Institute of the University of Strathclyde to take a deep dive into acting finance secretary John Swinney's budget. As tax divergence grows between Scotland and the rest of the UK, has this so-called 'left leaning' budget served to further highlight the differences between the Scottish and the Westminster Government, and what has been the political reaction?

Internal tensions continue as Stephen Flynn takes over as SNP Westminster group leader, with senior figure Pete Wishart resigning from the front bench, saying he was "bemused" as to why Flynn had sought to replace Ian Blackford in the role. Ex-PM Gordon Brown also revealed a package of proposed political reforms, claiming the Labour plan would make the UK work for Scotland, but the SNP described the measures as "underwhelming". Political science Professor Ailsa Henderson of the University of Edinburgh joins the team to discuss the latest polling on independence after the Supreme Court verdict, as well as the reaction to the Brown report.

Ian Blackford has announced he will stand down as leader of the SNP Westminster group, but why now, and what does this tell us about divisions within the SNP? The team discuss the news, who might take over, as well as the thorny issues in PMQs and FMQs from housing stock to a National Care Service. Are party leaders placing policy 'tanks on lawns' ahead of the next General Election, and what does it tell us about the potential future 'battlefields' of politics?

What's next for the pro-independence movement after the Supreme Court ruling? Judges at the Supreme Court have ruled that the Scottish government cannot hold an independence referendum without the UK government's consent. The team discusses the implications of the ruling for the Scottish and Westminster Governments, what 'war-gaming' is happening, and how using the next general election as a 'de facto' referendum may or may not work. Is this a decisive moment for Scotland's constitutional question, and what does chess have to do with it?

Chancellor Hunt lays out tax rises and spending cuts to try to fill the budget black hole, from freezing income tax thresholds to cutting back help with energy bills. In his first Autumn Statement, the Chancellor acknowledged the UK was in a recession, and announced support for the most vulnerable, including rises in line with inflation of the state pension, benefits, and tax credits. Alongside other measures such as an expanded windfall tax on energy company profits, what does the Autumn Statement mean for Scotland, will it be effective at balancing the books while supporting those in need, or is it, as Labour have said, a "pickpocketing" of the public?

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 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 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?

It's the first FMQs as Holyrood returns after recess, and Podlitical is in parliament. Lucy and Phil are joined in the Scottish Parliament's Garden Lobby by political reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie of The National and Scottish political editor Rachel Watson of The Scottish Sun to discuss the big challenges and issues facing Holyrood this year. From the multi-billion pound package to help with energy bills announced by new Prime Minister Liz Truss, the cuts facing the Scottish Government, to strikes and pay rises, what's on the agenda for this term of Parliament?

Liz Truss has won the Conservative leadership election and is set to become the new PM - so what's the first item to tackle on her agenda? Whether it's the cost of living crisis, calls for a second Scottish independence referendum, or the war in Ukraine, the new Prime Minister will be facing a very large "to-do" list. The team discuss what her plans may be going forward, from freezing energy bills to patching up relations with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after heated words during hustings.

Prime Ministerial hopefuls Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss face Tory voters in Scotland. Lucy Whyte speaks to Phil Sim and Glenn Campbell from Perth to get an inside look at the hustings, after the two Conservative candidates sell themselves as the best person to be Prime Minister to party members. Where do they stand on Indyref2, taxation, and what to do about the cost of living crisis?

Phil Sim takes a deep dive into 'crypto' and how the technology could benefit Scotland. From giddy highs to nail-biting lows, the cryptocurrency market has seen a volatile few weeks. The sector can sometimes seem like the Wild West, with stories of lucky Bitcoin millionaires and people losing out in get-rich-quick scams. But what exactly is cryptocurrency and the blockchain, and is it being used to its full potential? Phil interviews a range of cryptocurrency experts, from journalists and podcasters, to those working on the cutting edge of research in Scotland, who explain their vision for the future of computing infrastructure and currency.

The cost of living crisis deepens as two Conservative candidates vie to be the next PM. How much will inflation and taxation play into Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak's pitches to Conservative party members to be Prime Minister? What are their plans to help out those who are struggling? BBC consumer affair correspondent Connor Gillies joins the team, and shares insights from his roadshow around Scotland which looked at how the cost of living crisis was affecting people's every day decisions, from tourism to trips to the shops.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced his resignation. What happens next? Phil, Rajdeep, and Nick discuss the latest developments in the saga of Boris Johnson's resignation, from the mass quitting of his ministers, to the pressure on him from MPs. Who is in the running to be the next Prime Minister, and what impact might this have on the Scottish Government's plans for independence and the timings of the next General Election?

The team take a deep dive into the potential plans for a second independence referendum as Holyrood breaks for summer recess. What avenues do the Scottish Government and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon have for indyref2, and in which ways might these plans be scuppered? From a "gold standard" Section 30 order referendum, to a legal fight in the Supreme court, how might the next year in Scotland's constitutional battle unfold?

Is Scotland and the wider UK facing a 'summer of discontent'? BBC Scotland consumer affairs correspondent Connor Gillies joins the Podlitical team to discuss the rail strikes and the ongoing cost of living crisis. As inflation hits a 40 year high, what does this mean for budgets on both the personal and Government level, and are there any economic levers that can be pulled to tamp down the sky high costs of food, fuel, and more?

From nukes and NATO, to the NHS, the team discuss a second Independence referendum. As the Scottish Government release the first in a series of papers which it says will set out and debate the case for Scotland's independence, what are the key obstacles to a further independence referendum facing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the pro-independence parties in Holyrood? BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell joins and shares some of his sit-down interview with the First Minister, and her stance on nuclear weapons in Scotland.

Prime Minister Johnson survived a no-confidence vote, but is his position really secure? With by-elections looming, the team discuss the mood inside the Conservative Party, the PM's "benefits to bricks" pledge, and what happens next for Boris Johnson as his premiership appears to sit on shaky ground. How are opposition parties capitalising on the challenges facing the Tories, and will we soon hear more on a second Independence referendum from the SNP?

The long-awaited Sue Gray report into Downing Street lockdown parties is released. What implications does the 60 page report have for Prime Minister Boris Johnson? Will the "humbled" PM's apology to Parliament for the behaviour noted in the report be enough, and has the Partygate saga put Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross in a tricky position? The team also discuss Nicola Sturgeon's record-breaking time at the top as First Minister of Scotland.

Who is being hit the hardest by the continuing cost of living crisis? BBC Consumer Affairs correspondent Colletta Smith joins the team to discuss what costs are eating away at the purchasing power of the pounds in our pockets. Where are the biggest price rises coming from, what actions are the Scottish and UK Governments taking, and do these plans go far enough?

What do the local election results mean for the state of the Union? The team discusses the growing tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol, the contents of the Queen's speech and what it means for the cost of living crisis, and the pressure growing on the UK Government as the SNP win in the Scottish local elections, and Sinn Féin becomes largest party in the NI Assembly.

Podlitical reveals a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to cover an election. Lucy Whyte interviews the regular Podlitical team and other BBC colleagues to get a picture of the internal workings of a news organisation as results from the local council elections in Scotland and across the UK pour in. As the SNP again finish as the biggest party in the Scottish council elections, and with Labour finishing second after the Conservatives suffered big losses, what does it mean for the political landscape in Scotland going forward?

Allan Faulds of Ballot Box Scotland joins the team to chat all things local elections. A week before Scotland heads to the polls in the local council elections, the team take a look at the nitty-gritty of the electoral process. What are the main issues driving people to the voting booth, and will turnout be higher or lower than previous years? How are votes calculated, why is it so complicated, and why does it matter that candidates are in alphabetical order?

It's been a not-so-happy Easter for the Prime Minister as he was fined by the Met police. Over the Westminster and Holyrood recess, the prime minister, the chancellor Rishi Sunak and the PM's wife all received fixed penalty notices for attending a birthday gathering for Boris Johnson in No 10. Now, the pair face calls to resign by opposition parties and several Tory backbenchers. With no further potential actions being taken by the Metropolitan police until after the May local elections, will the public anger die down, or are problems being compounded for the PM and his cabinet? The team also discuss First Minister Nicola Sturgeon's face mask rule breach over the weekend, and the row over the Chancellor's wife's non-dom tax status.

Ahead of Parliamentary recess, the team discuss the row over ferry contracts and Covid. In a bumper week at Holyrood, the debate over the delayed CalMac ferries continues, and the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon pushes back the lifting of face covering restrictions by two weeks in light of rising Covid-19 cases. In Westminster, Partygate is back in the spotlight after the first fines for Downing Street parties are issued by the Met Police. What does this all mean as the cost of living crisis grows and we head into the local elections, and will these pressures on the Scottish and UK Governments be reflected in the polling booths?

Does the Chancellor's Spring Statement offer ways to combat the cost of living crisis? As Chancellor Rishi Sunak sets out measures to try and reduce the shock of rising fuel, food, and energy bill prices, the team analyse the statement and what it means for people in Scotland and the UK. What impact will this have on the upcoming local elections, and has the UK Government gone far enough in its plans to prevent the pinch on the pounds in our pocket?

Scotland sees record high Covid infections, but is the virus the threat it once was? As two years pass since the World Health Organisation declared a global pandemic, BBC Scotland’s Health and Social Care Correspondent Lisa Summers joins the team to talk about the latest increase in Covid-19 infections in Scotland, the latest variant, and what it means for public health and the NHS. As other legal restrictions end, will the extension on face-covering rules by First Minister Nicola Strugeon have a noticeable impact on stopping the virus' spread?

What can be done to protect people from high energy prices? Sepi Golzari-Munro of The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and Kevin Keane, BBC Scotland's Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Correspondent, join Phil and Rajdeep to discuss the current volatile oil and gas markets, and what it means for people in Scotland. Is the solution further North Sea extraction, or could green energy move quickly enough to fill the market demand and save customers some cash?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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?

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 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?

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?

Did parties at Downing Street last year breach Covid-19 rules? BBC political correspondent Chris Mason joins the team to discuss, as the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced an inquiry after a video emerged of government staff joking about a "cheese and wine" party which took place on December 18th last year. Government spokesperson Allegra Stratton, who appeared in the leaked footage, has resigned, and now other Downing Street parties during that period are being investigated. Will this latest row blow over or is the scandal here to stay?

An in-depth conversation with former Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman. She shares the mood inside the cabinet during the first months of the Covid-19 Pandemic in 2020, her regrets over care homes, and the difficult decisions made on restrictions over Christmas. Freeman also discusses the ongoing public inquiry into safety at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, and a second independence referendum in 2023.

Have problems and pressure been growing for Boris Johnson and Nicola Sturgeon this week? From flip-flops on vaccine passports to speeches mentioning Peppa Pig, the team discusses leadership. They chat through the differences and similarities on the situation the Prime Minister and First Minister find themselves in, and analyse BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg's interview with Nicola Sturgeon, including indyref2 and the handling of the pandemic. Why is there speculation over the political longevity of these two leaders, and is there any merit to it?

Listen to the full interview by BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg speaking to the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the speculation about her future, a second Independence Referendum, and the handling of Covid-19 in Scotland.

There’s been weeks of political pressure on No10 over the Owen Paterson row.

Climate journalist Shreya Jai joins the team to talk COP26 from an outside perspective. How does Glasgow's climate change conference look to the rest of the World? The team discuss the political roles played by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, as well as the importance of not just the pledges made by big polluters such as the US, China, EU, and India, but the ways in which we could enforce these promises.

Roddy Dunlop QC is a lawyer and Head of the Faculty of Advocates in Scotland. He talks to Lucy and Phil about Covid-19 restrictions including mask mandates, vaccine passports, the knock on effects of lockdown and the politicisation of the legal profession in the press.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has unveiled the budget, but can he balance the UK's fiscal needs? From cutting Air Passenger Duty to criticism over a lack of climate-friendly policies ahead of COP26, the team are joined by Mairi Spowage, Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde, to chat through what the budget means for devolved nations, the Government's "Levelling Up" agenda, and the pounds in people's pockets.

Last Friday, Conservative MP Sir David Amess was killed in his constituency. It’s been five years since the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox and SNP MP Carol Monaghan is another MP who has suffered online abuse including death threats. While in-person attacks are rare, politicians continue to endure sustained abuse online. So what’s driving this abuse and what can be done to combat it?

It was one of the country's worst public health failures say MPs. Thousands of lives were lost following the UK’s failure to do more to stop Covid spreading, according to the report published earlier this week. The 150-page document, Coronavirus:Lessons learned to date looked at the response to the pandemic predominantly in England. The approach, they said, was for the government to try and manage infection rates and in effect, achieve herd immunity by infection. And there were accusations of apparent “group think” among scientists. But they did also highlight the success of the vaccination rollout. So what has the response to the report been in Scotland and what are the consequences, if any, of the report?

Boris Johnson gave an optimistic speech at conference, but does his party feel the same? As the Prime Minister shared his enthusiastic vision of the UK's future, some worry that the new era of Johnsonism is going against what the Conservative party stand for. Meanwhile, Douglas Ross and the Scottish Conservatives may aim to emulate the Tory success in toppling the Red Wall with the SNP in Scotland, but is the lack of solid policies from the UK Government making their position as opposition difficult?

Post-Labour conference, the team discuss the Red Wall, the fuel crisis, and Indyref 2. Has Labour leader Keir Starmer managed to unite the party behind him, or is he prioritising victory in the next general election? Rajdeep shares what the mood was like inside the conference, from cheers to jeers, and talks about the new face that Labour is wearing. Where does Keir Starmer's "party of the Union" stance leave Scottish Labour in its attempts to rebuild post-election?

The team talk gas price rises, the ambulance service in crisis, and climate change. Is the outlook for winter looking bleak? The team discuss the impact that the Coronavirus pandemic and Brexit may or may not have had on the sectors under pressure, as well as the firefighting being done in Holyrood and Westminster to try and make sure our shelves are stocked and hospitals are under less pressure. Also, with COP26 approaching soon, will the Prime Minister make progress on reducing emissions during his trip to the US?

The team discusses the latest Covid plans and Nicki Minaj's online spat with Chris Whitty. Health correspondents Lisa Summers and Nick Triggle join Phil and Nick to walk through the current state of vaccine passports, plans to vaccinate children, and the looming threat of winter. Will the NHS be able to manage a sharp uptick in cases, and are booster jabs going to help?

What are the Scottish Government's priorities as set out in the programme for government? The team discusses the key plans announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon; including restarting work on a second independence referendum, reforms to the care service, extra funding for frontline healthcare and mental health services, and more. Also, in Westminster, The Prime Minister Boris Johnson manages to pass a tax hike to national insurance, but may face flak from some of his own party.

The SNP and Scottish Greens agree to a power-sharing deal and form a Holyrood majority, but where can the parties compromise, and where can they not? BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell joins the team to analyse the areas where the SNP-Green majority may agree or disagree - from climate goals and the Gender Recognition Act, to the upcoming test as the Scottish Parliament votes on vaccine passports.

Listen exclusively to the full BBC Scotland Greta Thunberg interview on COP26 and more. The team is joined by BBC Scotland Environment, Energy & Rural Affairs Correspondent Kevin Keane, who talks us through the interview, and explains the process of getting to chat with one of the world's top climate campaigners about the upcoming Glasgow climate conference, and whether or not she's more optimistic about the future.

What does the announced scrapping of the SQA exams body mean for Scottish pupils? Education journalist Emma Seith joins to talk us through the current exams drama in Holyrood ahead of the Scottish parliamentary recess. Also, as we head towards the so-called "freedom day" when restrictions lift, the team take a look at the current spat between Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon over a travel ban.

Is the lifting of lockdown irreversible? Is the alternative too politically painful? The team discusses this and more with BBC Scotland health correspondent Lisa Summers. With further Covid legislation being rushed through Holyrood ahead of the parliament going into recess, and the Delta variant still threatening the progress the UK has made so far, what does it mean for our freedoms going forward?

The global vaccine rollout is set to be high on the agenda at the G7 Summit. Rajdeep Sandhu joins us from the train there to give us a preview of what to expect, including the meeting between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US President Joe Biden. BBC global health correspondent Naomi Grimley also joins Lucy and Lynsey to chat through the massive logistical challenges facing developing countries in rolling out the vaccine. Also, there's a potential political football being kicked about in Scotland as a 'fan zone' is set to open ahead of the UEFA European Football Championship.

There’s talk of us being at the start of a third wave as we hit a "bump in the road". BBC Scotland Health Correspondent Lisa Summers joins the team to share whether the "cautious optimism" she felt at the start of the vaccine rollout is still there. Nicola Sturgeon has “paused” plans for lockdown easing in some parts of the country. Meanwhile, Portugal has been removed from the UK’s green list of countries with hopes of summer holidays dashed. The team pick up on the varying approaches to lockdown easing. And as we edge towards June 21, England’s final stage of their roadmap, is Scotland’s moving away from an ‘elimination’ strategy? And when can we officially declare the pandemic over?

In Westminster, Ex-Chief Advisor Dominic Cummings makes bombshell claims, and in Holyrood deals are weighed. Phil and Nick are joined by BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell and BBC News political correspondent Alex Forsyth to discuss the allegations levelled against the UK Government by the Prime Ministers' former chief advisor, who alleged that "tens of thousands of people died, who didn't need to die" during the Coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile in Holyrood, the SNP and the Scottish Greens are in talks about a formal deal, but what impact might this potential "co-operation agreement" have on the political landscape of Scotland?

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has unveiled her new, slimmed down cabinet team, one that she says is "a serious government for the serious times we face as a nation". With only one minister - Kate Forbes - keeping her old position, and only one junior minister promoted into the full cabinet, what does this reshuffle mean for the next few years of the Scottish Government? BBC Scotland politics editor Glenn Campbell joins the team to analyse the moves made, and which ministers may be facing difficult tasks ahead.

The team talk procedure and pomp as the MSPs of the 6th Scottish Parliament are sworn in, and a new presiding officer is voted for. BBC political journalist Kirsten Campbell joins the team from Holyrood to discuss the events of the day; including why no party seems to want to put forward a new presiding officer, what the SNP plans for their first 100 days in Government, as well as whether or not the First Minister is given a very important purse.

The SNP secured its victory in the Holyrood election, but a constitutional clash looms as the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tells Prime Minister Boris Johnson the question of a second independence referendum is "when, not if". What does the result of the Holyrood election mean for the next few years of Scottish politics? The team reflect on the outcome and the biggest issues facing the Scottish and UK Governments, including the constitutional question, the pandemic and recovery, as well as the state of the other parties.

There's just one day to go until voters head to the polls in the Holyrood election. As political rhetoric ramps up in the final hours of the campaign and parties try to sell themselves to the voting public, the team discusses the final week ahead of the election - including which seats are worth watching, and whether or not voters have been swayed to change their votes by promises from the parties.

Politicians insist that the Holyrood election on 6 May could be one of the most important in Scotland's history. But on average, almost half of the electorate don't actually vote in these polls. Who are the silent Scots who don't take part in the democratic process, and what's holding them back? Political correspondent, Phil Sim, meets the ‘silent Scots’.

The Prime Minister faces questions over the funding of the No. 10 flat refurbishment. Chris Mason joins the team to discuss the allegations facing PM Boris Johnson, and what kind of impact it may or may not have on the Holyrood election next week. Following the allegations he said he would rather see "bodies pile high" than take the country into a third lockdown, and the Labour leader Keir Starmer accusing the government of being "mired in sleaze", will this flat fiasco damage the Prime Minister's reputation, or is it too complex to cut through to the public?

Scottish parties are pledging to tackle climate change, but is it a vote winner? Lucy and Phil are joined by Environmental Politics expert Darrick Evensen to discuss what parties are promising in their manifestos ahead of the Holyrood election next week. How much does the general public care about environmental policies, especially during a pandemic, and to what level are people willing to change their lives to save the planet?

The team talks Scottish party manifestos and frozen treats as the sun shines, including what the public mood around the election seems to be, and the impact turnout may have on the results. With two weeks to go until polling day, the manifestos from all five major parties are out, and the team discuss what promises are being made to the electorate, as well as the respective independence and unionist strategies going forward.

As the European Super League is met by a less-than-super reception from fans, Lucy and Phil are joined by sports broadcasters Amy Irons and Chris McLaughlin to discuss the politics of football and the reaction to the ESL announcements in Scotland and the wider UK. The team discuss how the sport can be used by politicians to win over voters, as well as creating some political own goals.

Manifestos for the Holyrood election begin to be released, and parties hit the streets. The team discuss what we know so far about the promises pledged to the electorate, as well as what impact the resumption of door-to-door campaigning and canvassing will have for parties ahead of further restriction easing in Scotland on Friday. Will we see three frantic final weeks on the campaign trail, or has the so-called "Ground War" ground to a halt?

You’ll be able to see a full list of candidates and parties standing for both the regional list and constituency seats on the BBC website. Visit bbc.co.uk/scottishelection to stay up to date.

Campaigner Talat Yaqoob joins the team to examine if we'll have a representative Scottish Parliament, and what steps are being taken by parties to ensure that women and ethnic minority people are able to be an equal part of the political landscape after the Holyrood election. Will MSPs better reflect Scottish society as a whole after May 6th? What more can be done to turn promises into policy? The team discuss this and the latest news from the campaign trail.

As the deadline to stand in the Scottish Election passes, who are the would-be MSPs? The team discusses parties old and new, and with around 700 candidates in regional lists looking to be elected to Scottish Parliament on May 6th, the team chats about at some of the parties hoping to share their vision of Scotland with the voting public over the next few weeks.

A full list of candidates and parties standing for both the regional list and constituency seats will be available on the BBC website. Visit bbc.co.uk/scottishelection to keep up to date.

BBC News Scotland editor and debate moderator Sarah Smith joins the team to discuss and dissect the first Scottish Leader Debate of the 2021 Holyrood election. From missteps to memes, the team chat about the performances of the party political leaders, and Sarah Smith shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like moderating.

Holyrood enters recess and the election period begins ahead of the May 6th vote. BBC political journalist Kirsten Campbell joins the team to talk about the last week of madness in Scottish Parliament, the last-minute NHS pay rise announcement, and the friendly end to this term of Holyrood which has been punctuated by intense debate and anger. As the Coronavirus pandemic continues, what will the parties' election campaigns look like?

Andy Wightman MSP joins the team to share his experiences inside the Salmond committee. Nick, Lynsey, and Phil have a frank discussion with him, as he reveals an insider perspective to the committee which found the First Minister has misled the inquiry in her evidence, and concluded The Scottish government's handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond was "seriously flawed". We find out about the independent MSP's reaction to the leaks to the press, hearing evidence from the complainants, and what consequences he believes there should be going forward.

Lines are drawn, anger flares, and election rhetoric begins as Holyrood heads for recess. In the last week before we enter the election period ahead of the May 6th vote, the team discusses the clash between the First Minister and Conservative Holyrood leader Ruth Davidson at FMQs, the potential effect of the Hamilton inquiry, and the upcoming Scottish independence bill.

Following the killing of Sarah Everard, the team talk about women's safety and the political response to her death with campaigner Ashley Crossan. Speaking to Lucy Whyte, Lynsey Bews, and Phil Sim, they discuss what legislation is being introduced, issues surrounding the political debate of women's safety, and ask: How can we make society safer for women?

Professor Sir John Curtice joins the team to discuss how Scottish parties are polling. How has the pandemic influenced voters? Will the Salmond inquiry dent or bolster support for the SNP? Professor Curtice shares his insight on this and more with Lucy, Phil, and Lynsey, as we head towards the Holyrood elections in May.

The team digest the First Minister's marathon evidence session at the Holyrood committee, as Nicola Sturgeon rejects suggestions she broke the ministerial code, and claims that allegations of conspiracy made against her by Former First Minister Alex Salmond are "absurd". BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell joins the team to pick through the nearly eight hour hearing, how opposition parties have reacted, and whether we heard the smoking gun of evidence, or if it was a misfire.

There are rows over redactions and claims of conspiracy as the Salmond inquiry continues. From a fiery session of FMQs to the Scottish Parliament publishing a revised version of a submission from Alex Salmond after the Crown Office raised "grave concerns" about it, the team explains the anger on both sides - and what impact it could have on the landscape of Scottish politics.

As the vaccine rollout continues, the team discuss the pitfalls of positive promises, and the additional caution both First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Prime Minister Boris Johnson appear to be taking ahead of the planned release of a road map out of this lockdown. With political concern over promising a definitive timetable being met with businesses seeking clarity, the team chat about the fine line politicians are having to walk to avoid any further lockdowns while also sharing the good news on vaccine uptake.

The team discusses what's next for the Holyrood inquiry if Alex Salmond doesn't appear, after the two sides failed to come to an agreement and the committee said the former First Minister had set conditions that they "simply could never meet". Ahead of the potential appearance by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon next week, what kind of impact will this have on the Hamilton and Salmond inquiries, and what will Alex Salmond do next?

Tensions grow in the SNP, as Joanna Cherry is dropped from the Westminster front bench. In a public row, she claims she was 'sacked', while the party says it had made a number of changes to its Westminster team before the upcoming Holyrood election. Ahead of next week's potential appearance of Alex Salmond at the inquiry into how the Scottish Government handled sexual misconduct complaints, and with the row over the Gender Recognition Act still simmering away, just what is going on inside the SNP? The team discuss this and more.

Ahead of standing down from Holyrood, MSPs Aileen Campbell and Jenny Marra discuss if family life and political work can mix. Is it possible to balance raising children and a career on the campaign trail? Lucy and Rajdeep sit them down for a frank talk on the reasons they are choosing to leave frontline politics for now, as well as what they hope changes in the future to ease the difficulties of being a parent in Parliament.

Political planning around a potential second independence referendum ramps up a notch as the SNP release their 11-step 'roadmap' to independence, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson heads to Scotland. As both Unionist and Independence parties plead their case to the voting public ahead of the Holyrood election in May, the team discuss what arguments are being made, as well as what's happening behind the scenes.

Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard has stood down, so what's next for the party? With the Holyrood Elections in May, BBC Scotland political editor Glenn Campbell joins the team to discuss the party's prospects, as the leadership race between Anas Sarwar and Monica Lennon begins. They discuss the difficulties facing Scottish Labour in introducing a new leader to the public ahead of the election, all while trying to wrangle the elephant in the room - the prospect of a second Independence Referendum.

Brand new year, brand new political problems? The team discuss the busy start to 2021, including another lockdown and fears over Coronavirus mutations, Brexit finally being done and the so-called 'teething problems' surrounding fishing, as well as the growing split between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her former mentor Alex Salmond.

As tougher Christmas guidance is issued, what is the political thinking behind the rules? From bubbles to baubles, the team discuss the political dilemma leaders of the four nations face, and the potential risks to public health as we enter the new year. In the final episode of the year, Lucy, Phil, Rajdeep, Nick, and Lynsey also look back on 2020 and discuss their standout moments.

As Brexit trade talks reach a standstill, the possibility of a deal looks more unlikely, with the UK Government saying negotiations may not go on beyond Sunday. The team chats about the sticking points over fishing access and more, as well as what happens as we reach the deadline, and whether the negotiators might pull off a deal in the final hours. Is there a chance discussions can continue, or does the EU have bigger fish to fry?

How did a US-based conspiracy about Donald Trump gain followers in Scotland and the UK? BBC Trending editor Mike Wendling and Hope Not Hate researcher Dr. Joe Mulhall join Lucy and Phil to discuss how QAnon exploded online. Why is it starting to make appearances across the UK and Europe, from online groups to anti-mask protests outside of Holyrood? The team talk about the origins of QAnon, it's appeal to certain people, what we can learn from the USA, and the potentially dangerous consequences of letting the conspiracy grow this side of the Atlantic.

The team attempts to unravel the layers of infighting inside the SNP post-conference, including the potential political manoeuvres by former leader Alex Salmond and MP Joanna Cherry. There's also good news for the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the Coronavirus vaccine is poised to begin its rollout, and it's crunch time in Westminster as the Brexit deadline looms.

Author & psychologist Claudia Hammond talks lockdown loneliness during Christmas, including how the pandemic has impacted the nation's mental wellbeing, how the Government needs to handle potential increased pressure on mental health services, and ways we can improve and manage our moods as we enter the holiday season.

Christmas is approaching, and the UK has taken a four nation approach to the festivities, but what were the political motivations behind the move to allow restricted gatherings, and does it make sense while we're still in the middle of a pandemic? The team sits down to discuss the thinking inside the UK and Scottish Governments, and some of the regulations they're asking people to abide by.

Boris Johnson is facing the heat after reportedly calling Scottish devolution a disaster, causing anger from Labour and the SNP, as well as creating a potential headache for the Scottish Conservatives ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections. But just how successful has devolution been? As political parties become more polarised, and even the pronunciation of the word itself called into question by the team, can there be a grown-up discussion on devolution in the UK?

As the new Covid-19 vaccine is announced, the team discuss the political implications with BBC Scotland health correspondent Lisa Summers. Will it really be the silver bullet that can end the cycle of lockdowns in the UK, and what sort of impact will the rollout have on the 2021 Holyrood elections in Scotland? Lisa also explains the other tools in the Government's kit to reduce the number of coronavirus cases, and how they might be put to work to help us get home for Christmas.

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg joins the team to chat about how Whitehall views the apparent rise in support for Scottish independence, the discussions going on inside Number 10 about what they can do to counter it, and the concern of Unionists about the potential impact of continuing to rule out a referendum if the SNP wins a majority at next year's Holyrood election.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the furlough scheme is to be extended to March, but why now? The scheme will cover the whole UK as England enters a four week lockdown, but the Governments of Scotland and Wales have been critical, saying it should have been extended sooner. Will this new spate of spending help the economy and jobs over winter, or is it coming too late?

Scotland's new five-tier system is unveiled and former Labour leader Corbyn is suspended as the team tackle another busy news day. Will the Scottish Government's new restrictions manage to crack down on Covid-19 cases before Christmas? Meanwhile, in Westminster, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has suspended Jeremy Corbyn from the party over his reaction to a highly critical report on anti-Semitism. How will it impact the party, and will the report's shockwaves hit the Scottish Labour party too?

BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor shares anecdotes and analysis from his career ahead of his retirement from his role of nearly 30 years. He shares his beginnings as a political journalist, stand out moments from covering Scottish politics, and how he sees the future of Holyrood and Scotland in a more divided political landscape.

Professor Sir John Curtice joins the team to talk Independence polls and local lockdowns. Will the SNP sustain their polling lead across winter? How will the fight with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham impact on Boris Johnson's government? The team also talk about Professor Curtice's career, why he's not interested in Instagram, and if England could see a rise in the 'F-Word': Federalism.

Is the Salmond inquiry leading to splits within the SNP and the Scottish Government? As the Holyrood committee investigating the Scottish government's handling of complaints against Alex Salmond continues, the team explains and discusses the rifts between the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her former mentor, the previous FM Alex Salmond. What could the fallout be, and will public spats over the inquiry harm trust in the current Scottish Government?

NPR White House Correspondent Tamara Keith joins the team to talk the 2020 US Election, as we ask: How do you cover the race during a pandemic? Tamara shares her thoughts on Trump's spell with Coronavirus, polling, disinformation online, and how political journalism can be impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.

Pubs are facing another round of restrictions in Scotland, but will it slow the virus, and can the industry survive another blow? The team try to unpick some of the more confusing local restrictions starting ahead of the weekend, the praise and criticism the First Minister has faced, and wonder if these rules could be enforced in the rest of the UK too.

As the Coronavirus Act 2020 is extended - should emergency powers be under more scrutiny in Parliament? Those critical of the laws say Parliament should have more chance to debate and amend the rules, with some warning we risk our civil liberties. The Government argues it needs to react fast to reduce the Covid-19 infection rate. The team discuss this row boiling up in Westminster and Holyrood.

Naked Scientist Dr Chris Smith joins the pod as new Covid-19 restrictions are announced, to last 6 months or perhaps even longer - but will it help us handle a second wave, or should we be making more drastic policy decisions? Phil Sim and Rajdeep Sandhu answer your questions and get Dr Smith's expert opinion as a virologist. How long does he think we may live with the pandemic?

Is our democracy for sale? Peter Geoghegan joins the team to talk dirty money in politics, and how it it's utilised in a dark digital world to potentially influence elections. Lynsey Bews and Philip Sim ask him what we can do about it, how tech giants play a role, and how we can use the upcoming US election to learn lessons.

Financial Times journalist Sebastian Payne joins the team to discuss how a new bill on Brexit might break the law. The FT got a scoop revealing the UK's top lawyer was resigning over the so-called Internal Markets Act. Why might this breach international law, what does it mean for Devolution, and are we now heading for a No-Deal Brexit?

As Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard faces calls to quit, the team talk about party leadership and the complex process of picking a new leader. We discuss Douglas Ross taking over the Scottish Tories and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon publishing the draft Indyref2 bill. Where does all this leave the parties ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections?

Will the next generation of MSPs be more diverse? Maryam Ahmed & Alys Mumford join to discuss what needs to change for more women, ethnic minority, and LGBT+ candidates to stand.

Joining us from all four nations of the UK, the team talks about the state of the Union, what's changed during the pandemic, and the possible impact of a looming Brexit.

The team returns as Education Secretary John Swinney faces continued exams controversy, including a no confidence vote - but will this affect the SNP's success in the polls?

Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw has resigned, so where does this leave the party? Phil Sim, Lynsey Bews, and Nick Eardley return for a bonus episode to discuss.

School is back, and Spanish holidays may be scuppered. The team returns to talk lockdown, and what changes are happening in Scotland.

What do Chancellor Rishi Sunak's new schemes mean for Scotland? The team returns to discuss whether his plans will help soften the economic blow caused by Covid-19.

The sun shines as lockdown lifts, but are the decisions being made politically motivated? On the last weekly episode this summer, the team talk school u-turns and rule confusion.

Emma Seith joins the team to talk Scottish back-to-school planning and why it's divisive, including funding issues, debates around the science, and the two metre rule.

As the Covid-19 crisis hits jobs and livelihoods, how can we save the Scottish economy? The Government's finance secretary Kate Forbes MSP joins the team to share her ideas.

Writer Claire Heuchan and musician Ransom FA have a frank talk on being Black & Scottish, sharing their experience as protests against George Floyd's death in the US continue.

Why are BAME Brits being so hard hit in the pandemic? Ashitha Nagesh joins to discuss, talking about the recent Public Health England report, and the current protests.

The team chat about Scotland's plan to start lifting lockdown restrictions a little bit, as well as Dominic Cummings' trip to Durham, and Phil considering taking up horse riding.

BBC journalist Mark Daly joins the team to talk about the UK's track and trace plans, as well as his recent documentary looking into Scotland's Coronavirus strategy so far.

Is this the week Covid-19 got political? The team asks if this is a test for devolution, and if joint strategies across the four nations are falling apart.

How do you convince a whole country to stay at home? Psychology Professor Steve Reicher describes what politicians need to do if we are to trust them.

Dr Chris Smith of The Naked Scientists joins the team to talk Covid-19 testing, and the UK Government's aim to test 100,000 people per day by the start of May.

The team returns to talk all things Coronavirus and how it's changed politics so far, as the First Minister shares the initial framework for how Scotland may leave lockdown.

As the coronavirus pandemic grows, the team chats about how Governments are responding, including the budget boost announced for tackling the healthcare and economic issues.

The team (figuratively) cross the Atlantic with US political expert Chris Carman to discuss the Democratic primaries, and why it was a Super Tuesday for some, less so for others.

Is the Edinburgh Central candidacy a local fight, or a battle for the future of the SNP? Former MSP Marco Biagi joins the team to chat about his old constituency.

Scotland's youngest ever MSP Ross Greer chats about youth in politics and climate change, as the team ask whether young idealism can make a difference, or even save the world.

Jim Connolly joins the pod to talk about Governmental control as Chancellor Javid resigns from his post on reshuffle day, following reports he'd been asked to sack his advisers.

Political Editor Chris Musson joins the team to talk about his scoop on Derek Mackay, as the Finance Secretary quits due to the allegations he messaged a 16 year old online.

On the eve of Brexit day, the team debates musical Parliaments and flag arguments, as well as exactly what will happen on January 31st as the clock hits 11pm and we leave the EU.

SNP MP Amy Callaghan shares her path to Westminster, from cancer diagnosis to Parliament, and the shock unseating of Lib Dem leader Jo Swinson in East Dunbartonshire.

Ian Davidson and Anne Nisbet from the Citizens' Assembly of Scotland join the show as the project reaches the halfway point with the first meeting of 2020.

The PM has formally rejected IndyRef2, but is he generating generation generalisations? The team discuss what "once in a generation" means, as well as Stormont returning.

Will the year start with a roar or a squeak? The team finds out if they have 2020 vision as they chat about what's happening this year in Scottish and UK politics.

Brexit dominated the Queen's Speech, but what else is the PM wishing for this Christmas? In the last episode of the year, the team talks about politics in 2020.

The election is over, but the battle for who has a mandate (and for what) has just begun. The team digest the result of the General Election which saw the Tories and SNP win big.

How do you craft a knockout political question? Sarah Smith joins the team to discuss interviewing and debates on the last Podlitical before polling day.

With one week left until the UK votes, the team chat about the past month of campaigning - and discuss one particular saying by former Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Pledges for the young and the old, but are politicians forgetting about the middle? Jojo Sutherland and Stewart Weir join the team to chat parenthood and politics this election.

The team discuss how to get over the general election hump, why you should always take your polls with a large helping of salt and what the political parties' prospects look like.

Green pledges are being rolled out, but are these real winds of change or all bluster? The team chat climate change, and whether it's the big issue of this election.

Can you believe what politicians say? The team talk trust and truth during campaigning for the election, and try not to get too philosophical in the process.

Marie Le Conte and Joey D'Urso join the Pod to chat about the 'youth vote' this election, and if it's fair to lump all young people into the same group.

A very cold Nick keeps the team updated as he waits for Jeremy Corbyn's campaign bus, chatting about latest Labour comments on indyref, and the SNP's response.

Money is being poured into targeted political ads, but should you be concerned? The Podlitical team find out how political parties take aim at you online, and why they do it.

Can salad be political? Chris Mason joins Podlitical as the election has a rough start, answering pressing questions about salad, BBC hair styling, and all things campaigning.

It's happening! A General Election looms and the Podlitical team try to make sense of it - and whether Brexit will continue to dominate the conversation.

From historic beheadings to current coups, Podlitical gets a guided tour of Parliament as Phil Sim and Rajdeep Sandhu are shown the nooks and crannies of the Palace of Westminster

Mhairi Black MP sits down for a frank chat with Nick Eardley to share her experiences of working in Parliament.

Deep in the corridors of power, Podlitical takes a real insider look at politics! The team travel down to Parliament, for a rare broadcast from inside the Palace of Westminster.

PM Johnson has struck a new Brexit deal with the EU, but can it get through Parliament? On a day of breaking news, the Podlitical team chat about what might happen next.

Brexit getting you down? According to Dr Rangan Chatterjee, you're not the only one. He explains to Phil Sim and Lynsey Bews how the endless news cycle can stress us out.

Forget Coleen Rooney because we've got gossip of our own, as we reveal that Kezia Dugdale has left Scottish Labour - and there's plenty of hot Brexit chat too.

The Podlitical team discuss the Prime Minister's proposed Brexit deal and what it all means. Also Gerard Butler and cats versus dogs.

The Podlitical team discuss the resumption of Parliament, where passions have been running high.

The Podlitical team are joined by journalist Marie Le Conte to discuss an eyebrow raising issue for the Queen, and other big political news.

The Podlitical team are joined by special guests SNP MP David Linden and Conservative Councillor Meghan Gallacher to share their experiences of the 2014 Independence Referendum.

Parliament may be prorogued, but the Podlitical team still have plenty to discuss, including backstops, a general election, and a bunch of tricky questions.

Podlitical is back, and ready to tackle a week of political chaos in Westminster and beyond - including lost government majorities, Brexit bills, and a potential general election.

As a reporter at the Scottish Parliament, Phil Sim has seen his fair share of protests. From the big marches against Donald Trump and Brexit, to smaller ones over local issues like factory closures and rail services. He’s heard all manner of protests songs, witnessed MSPs marching in pyjamas, or in one case, dressed up as a fox, and has seen more ‘down with this sort of thing’ placards than you could shake a stick at. But does any of it have a tangible impact on our politics?

In this special episode of Podlitical, Phil examines two of the biggest protests of the day – The School Strikers and Extinction Rebellion, to find if protest can really succeed in changing the course of a government.

Northern Ireland correspondent Jayne McCormack and Welsh political reporter Cemlyn Davies join Phil, Nick and Rajdeep to talk about Boris Johnson's first visit to the home nations as Prime Minister. The gang also discuss the impact of the PM's No Deal rhetoric on Welsh Independence and Irish re-unification. Phil tells us about avoiding a man dressed as Jesus.

The Podlitical team, chaired by Philip Sim, talk about a wild week in Westminster at the beginning of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's premiership, and what it means for Scotland.

Northern Ireland correspondent Jayne McCormack joins Phil Sim, Nick Eardley and Rajdeep Sandhu to discuss the State of the Union following Theresa May's speech in Stirling and before the Conservative leadership hustings in Perth. A political correspondent from Wales was invited but they are all on a stag doo in Strasbourg.

The Podlitical team chaired by Philip Sim chat about the importance of personality in politics, and what makes a political leader with Kezia Dugdale.

The Podlitical team talks about who our next Prime Minister will be, as well as naughty neighbours, and why it's probably a good idea to lock your front door.

The Podlitical team are joined by a guest from Brussels to talk Tory leadership, the First Minister in Europe, and which Parliament has the best food.

The Podlitical Team discuss former MP Natalie McGarry's jailing and President Trump's state visit - including what it means for Scotland, Ireland, and the NHS.

After a week of political drama, the Podlitical team discuss the Prime Minister's resignation and what it means for Scotland, with a side of macaroni and opium.

In this bonus episode we take an in-depth look at trans rights and gender identity - something that’s become a prominent and divisive issue in Scottish politics and society as a whole. This comes as the Scottish government is planning reforms to the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) to allow people to "self-declare" their legally recognised gender and following the appearance of radical Canadian feminist Meghan Murphy at Holyrood. Lynsey Bews and Phil Sim are joined by James Morton (manager of the Scottish Trans Alliance) and Shona Craven (columnist and community editor for The National newspaper).

The Podlitical team are joined by special guests Presiding Officer Ken Macintosh and Political Editor Brian Taylor to test their Holyrood knowledge.

Lucy Whyte, Nick Eardley, Phil Sim and Lynsey Bews talk beef, Brexit, the European elections and online campaigning. Seriously, there’s a lot of beef. It’s doubtful the word ‘beef’ has ever been used more in any podcast ever. Beef.

Is climate change the new vote winner, and what should you eat on election night? The Podlitical team featuring Lucy Whyte, Nick Eardley, Lynsey Bews, and Philip Sim find out.

The Podlitical team, featuring Lucy Whyte, Philip Sim, Nick Eardley, and Jayne McCormack discuss the Huawei leaks, the SNP conference, and bare-behind protesting.

Phil gets his keyboard out (again) and the team discuss Indyref2, Brexit and new political parties amongst other things

Jackie Bird waves goodbye, Glenn Campbell says "hi" and Brexit reporting until we die?

A Brexit question from Mr Hanky, Phil talks political holidays & did the FM outfox Nick?

The future of the PM, "Uh Uh" to indicative votes & Phil's back in court.

Tonnes of Ask Us Anythings, Brexit chat & a debate over whether it's "Bercoh" or "Bercow".

The BBC’s Europe editor Katya Adler and Rob Burley, editor of Politics Live, join the team to discuss a momentous week in politics

This week the team are joined by Rajdeep Sandhu (The Nine) and James Williams (BBC Wales) to talk about joint motions, Section 30 and Geoffrey Cox's underwear.

Phil and Nick muse over the question of a second Scottish Independence Referendum.

This week's guests take us to Spain & Belgium as we discuss Brexit, Catalonia & short money.

We discuss the Independent Group, Brexit (obviously), hair and "a long history of beef"

Phil, Lucy & Rajdeep talk horse tethering, debating debates & their political Valentine's.

Anthony & Jayne join the team to discuss digital faux pas & Donald Tusk's strong language.

Phil can't control his budget excitement, we discuss Piers v Greer &, of course, BREXIT!

We answer your 'Ask Us Anything' Qs and ask our beloved lawyer "Can we talk about Alex Salmond?"

The panel ponder over the Westminster whirlwind & provide the latest on the Alex Salmond row.

Post-Xmas break, the team return with a Brexit jargon buster & a chat on parliament mice.

In our last episode of 2018; we manage to bring music, panto, VAR and lip reading tips to the subject of Brexit. Also, Phil brings us some breaking news.

This week, "WTF" is going on with the UK Government, Brexit, the budget & Phil's John Bercow impression.

This week we put Brexit on the 'front-burner' discussing Geoffrey Cox's voice, the corridor of power's 'seating devices' and Mac 'N' Cheese-gate.

Brexitcast's Chris Mason joins us as we chat Brexit TV debates, less meaningful votes & Noel Edmonds' torso.