The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

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The two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, join forces to bring you a regular “must listen” insider briefing on the political and wider world. Bernard has been Scotland's leading TV political editor for many years while Alex is the unavoidable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Together they bring decades of experience and unsurpassed contacts books to provide you with a valuable insider briefing behind the headlines. Scottish, Scotland, Scottish Politics, Political Podcast, Scottish Political Podcast, UK Politics, Scottish Independence, Indyref, Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond, Sturgeon, SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Lib Dem, Scottish Greens, Alba Party, Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Holyrood, Westminster, Brexit, Budget, Devolution, Policy, News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 4d ago

    SNP CONFERENCE - Indy Groundhog Day?

    SNP CONFERENCE – INDY GROUNDHOG DAY? Is the SNP trapped in independence Groundhog Day? As John Swinney prepares to address the SNP conference in Aberdeen, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie ask whether Scotland's governing party has any credible route to another independence referendum — and Bernard reflects on the SNPs historical stance and asks whether we're watching a repeat of Nicola Sturgeon's failed strategy. In this week's Ponsonby & Massie Podcast: SNP Conference: Is John Swinney promising another independence breakthrough that he simply cannot deliver?Independence Groundhog Day: Alex argues that the SNP is recycling the same strategies while failing to persuade Scotland to change its mind.The SNP's record in government: Why poor polling on the NHS, housing, the economy and the cost of living makes independence an attractive distraction.Currency, mortgages and pensions: The difficult questions that the independence movement still hasn't answered since 2014.Nicola Sturgeon Mark II? Bernard examines decades of SNP constitutional manoeuvring and asks whether Swinney is repeating the mistakes of his predecessor.A new constitutional convention? Bernard proposes a route towards answering the big questions about Scotland's constitutional future.Kemi Badenoch's survival: Why Bernard now thinks the Conservative leader could survive until the next general election — and the challenge posed by Reform UK.Andy Burnham in Scotland: Why Labour's Prime Minister is competing for the headlines during SNP conference.An early general election? Could Labour benefit from going to the country before 2029?And finally… art at taxpayers' expense? An SNP MSP's plan to employ an artist-in-residence prompts some colourful suggestions from Bernard and Alex.Political analysis, historical perspective and a few laughs from two of Scotland's most experienced political commentators. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction – SNP conference, Badenoch and Burnham 02:07 SNP conference: Independence Groundhog Day? 05:52 Bernard's history of SNP constitutional deadlock 10:56 Independence: The unanswered currency and mortgage questions 14:53 Why the SNP lost the 2014 referendum 16:48 Bernard's proposal for a constitutional convention 20:15 Pensions, devolution and Swinney's political strategy 25:09 Kemi Badenoch: Could she survive after all? 28:05 Conservatives vs Reform UK – the battle for the right 30:07 Andy Burnham's Scottish electoral challenge 32:22 Will Labour call an early general election? 36:29 And finally… an SNP artist-in-residence? 37:59 Public money, political art and constitutional crayons 39:16 The sexism row, a political mime artist and Shetland poetry 41:00 Closing thoughts Join the conversation: Is the SNP stuck in independence Groundhog Day? Can John Swinney change anything? And should parliamentary expenses pay for political art? Subscribe for weekly Scottish and UK political analysis with Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. #SNP #ScottishPolitics #ScottishIndependence #JohnSwinney #SNPConference #PonsonbyAndMassie Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    SNP CONFERENCE - Indy Groundhog Day?

  2. Oct 9

    ARE GREENS "MOST EXTREME PARTY IN BRITAIN"?

    Have the Greens damaged their own momentum through extreme resolutions and accusations of "racism"? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine Labour’s Holborn and St Pancras by-election victory, the Green Party’s explosive Israel and Zionism debate, and mounting questions over Zack Polanski’s leadership. Following the Green Party conference motion declaring that “Zionism is racism”, Bernard and Alex challenge the party’s position, discuss Peter Tatchell’s objections and examine the implications of Scottish Green co-leader Ross Greer’s support for that proposition. Meanwhile, has Kemi Badenoch put the Conservatives back in the game? They assess the Tory conference, her rejection of a deal with Nigel Farage and Reform UK, and the politics behind proposals on inheritance tax and the £100,000 income tax threshold. At Holyrood, Stephen Flynn faces fresh scrutiny over the Glen Sannox ferry gas leak. What does his handling of parliamentary questions reveal about his readiness for government—and his ambitions to lead the SNP? Independent analysis and forthright debate on Scottish politics, Westminster and the choices facing Britain’s political leaders. CHAPTERS 00:00 This week: Labour, the Greens, the Conservatives and Stephen Flynn 02:06 Labour holds Holborn and St Pancras: a reality check for the Greens? 04:30 The by-election result and what it means for Andy Burnham 06:50 The Green Party split and questions over Polanski’s leadership 09:15 “Zionism is racism”: Alex challenges the Greens’ position 11:51 Peter Tatchell’s objections to the conference motion 15:43 Israel, a two-state solution and the implications of Green policy 18:24 Can the Greens withstand greater scrutiny? 22:18 Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative recovery strategy 26:56 Reform UK, tactical voting and the prospects for an electoral pact 31:06 Tax promises, inheritance tax and the £100,000 threshold 35:52 Badenoch versus Polanski: contrasting styles of leadership 37:23 Are Labour and the Conservatives heading back to the 1970s? 40:02 Stephen Flynn, the Glen Sannox gas leak and ministerial scrutiny 43:29 What Flynn must learn if he wants to lead the SNP 45:41 Closing thoughts Subscribe to the Ponsonby & Massie Podcast for weekly political analysis from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. Also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Acast. #ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #PonsonbyAndMassie Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ARE GREENS "MOST EXTREME PARTY IN BRITAIN"?

  3. Oct 2

    Great Speech, Andy, But What Will You Do Now?

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

    Great Speech, Andy, But What Will You Do Now?

  4. Sep 25

    GENERAL ELECTION NEXT YEAR? "Zero Chance" say Ponsonby and Massie

    With Labour’s conference approaching, Bernard and Alex discuss Andy Burnham’s first Budget, the speculation about an early general election, and whether a divided opposition could help Labour hold on to power. Could Scotland’s councils be radically reorganised within months? And as drug deaths rise, are the Scottish Government’s promises matching the results? Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine the proposed shake-up of local government, the lack of detail on costs and powers, and Glasgow City Council’s separate workforce dispute. They also discuss Scotland’s drug deaths, access to addiction treatment, and the growing gap between political rhetoric and outcomes. In this episode: • Scotland’s proposed council reorganisation • Glasgow’s workforce dispute • Drug deaths, rehabilitation and political accountability • Homelessness and the Scottish Government’s record • Labour conference, the Budget and Burnham’s electoral strategy Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:07 Scotland’s council shake-up 10:27 Glasgow’s workforce dispute 14:03 Scotland’s drug deaths 25:41 Promises versus results 26:39 Could Burnham call an early election? 30:30 The pressure on Labour’s first Budget 38:26 Reform, the Conservatives and Labour’s path to victory 43:22 Closing thoughts Subscribe for weekly analysis of Scottish and UK politics with Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie. #ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #PonsonbyAndMassie Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    GENERAL ELECTION NEXT YEAR? "Zero Chance" say Ponsonby and Massie

  5. Sep 19

    MICHAEL MARRA - NEW SCOTTISH LABOUR LEADER

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

    MICHAEL MARRA - NEW SCOTTISH LABOUR LEADER

  6. Sep 11

    SCOTTISH EDUCATION - NO LONGER BEST IN UK. WHY?

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

    SCOTTISH EDUCATION - NO LONGER BEST IN UK. WHY?

  7. Sep 4

    SCOTLAND'S £5bn ABYSS - Is Swinney Austerity Inevitable?

    In this edition of The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie analyse the Scottish Government’s Programme for Government and John Swinney’s radical plans for public-service reform. They examine the proposed restructuring of Scotland’s NHS, social care, councils and quangos; the £5 billion funding gap; and the prospect of conflict with public-sector trade unions. Turning to UK politics, they assess Andy Burnham’s early premiership, Keir Starmer’s resignation, the Holborn and St Pancras by-election and the changing fortunes of Labour, the Greens, Reform UK and the Conservatives. Topics discussed: Scottish Government’s public-service reform agendaNHS, social-care, council and quango restructuringScotland’s £5 billion funding gap and trade-union conflictPolitical support and opposition to John Swinney’s reformsBus-fare caps, supermarket price controls and GP walk-in centresAndy Burnham’s early premiership and the UK economic outlookKeir Starmer’s resignation and the Holborn and St Pancras by-electionThe Greens, Reform UK and Britain’s increasingly fragmented politics Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    SCOTLAND'S £5bn ABYSS - Is Swinney Austerity Inevitable?

  8. Aug 28

    STURGEON & MURRELL TV DRAMA - Who will they cast?

    A new cost-of-living “winter of discontent”?Will Andy Burnham and John Swinney come clean on tightening budgets facing both Westminster and HolyroodThe lighter question of casting the announced Sturgeon–Murrell Channel 5 drama.Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    STURGEON & MURRELL TV DRAMA - Who will they cast?
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About

The two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, join forces to bring you a regular “must listen” insider briefing on the political and wider world. Bernard has been Scotland's leading TV political editor for many years while Alex is the unavoidable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Together they bring decades of experience and unsurpassed contacts books to provide you with a valuable insider briefing behind the headlines. Scottish, Scotland, Scottish Politics, Political Podcast, Scottish Political Podcast, UK Politics, Scottish Independence, Indyref, Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond, Sturgeon, SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Lib Dem, Scottish Greens, Alba Party, Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Holyrood, Westminster, Brexit, Budget, Devolution, Policy, News Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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