The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

After the launch of Labour's new White Paper on immigration we ask, despite Starmer's protestations, if Farage and Reform are already dictating not just UK politics but UK government policy. We also delve into the detail of the changes outlined in the paper. The Labour leadership is also facing a  backbench rebellion over its cuts to disability benefits and is also being urged by 69 MPs to recognise a Palestinian state. Will they listen to either of these calls? Lesley's latest column in The National examined the rise of Reform and speculated on its potential to break out of its unionist bubble and attract disappointed SNP voters in next year's Holyrood elections. First Minister John Swinney was grilled by Martin Geissler on whether independence would be page 1 line 1 of the SNP manifesto at those elections. We analyse his response. Is the UK/US trade deal worth the paper it's written on? Not according to US economist Joseph Stiglitz. Was getting such a quick sectoral agreement a sign of weakness or strength for the UK's position? Ahead of the Holyrood vote on assisted dying Lesley gives her thoughts on this difficult decision facing MSPs.  There are a few seats remaining for 'A Night for MAP' at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh. Friday 30th May. https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/night-map [https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/night-map] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe]

In this episode we give our initial reactions to  the First Minister’s Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26. We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will  Scotland be  immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections? And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change. Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and stand up to Trump. Today, Tuesday, sees the conclusion of the selection process for SNP candidates for those elections. Some weel kent sitting MSPs are fighting off challengers. Three contests in particular have hit the headlines. Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory with no timeline for withdrawal. Does this move finally give the lie to Israel's claim that it's all about the return of the hostages? If you fancy popping along to the two events Lesley will be appearing at this weekend, follow these links https://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025 [https://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025] https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ [https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe]

Lesley appeared on Debate Night last week. We look back at this, the issues that were raised by the audience, and the replies of the panel. Here's the link to Lesley's justified rant over the energy rip off. https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195 [https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195] Kneecap have clarified their position and apologised to the families of David Amess and Jo Cox after the accusations made over statements made during gigs. John Swinney has called for the group to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up, echoing those made by Kemi Badenoch and others over Glastonbury. Is this furore simply, as Kneecap have claimed, a distraction from the real issue of Israel's actions in Gaza? Meanwhile Louis Theroux has made a follow up documentary on the Israeli " settler" movement. We look at Daniella Weiss, the so called "Godmother" of the movement her actions ,the Zionist nationalist tradition she comes from, and the influence she has on the Israeli government. We turn our attentions to three sets of elections. The result of the Canadian General Election,  the English local elections, and the Runcorn and Helsby by election.  There has been a landmark decision at appeal giving Poet's Neuk, a local community group, the right to buy privately owned land under a compulsory purchase order. It's taken nine years  after the passing of the 2016 Land Reform Act for this to happen for the first time. Will this set a precedent? All of this plus gig reviews and TV recommendations. ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe]

Lesley's latest article in the National asking if the SNP’s passion for independence has been so thoroughly and habitually muzzled of late that nothing will now let it off the leash has certainly set some hares coursing throughout both the SNP and the wider independence movement. We discuss. https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/ [https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/] The ripples of the Supreme Court judgement on the question of the definition of a woman continue to spread. Has the decision settled the apparent conflict between women's and trans rights? Could it even have been expected to? The latest More In Common opinion poll of over 16000 people shows devastating results for the Labour Party. We look at the poll and its findings plus the upcoming English local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by election. We also reflect on the tenure and legacy of Pope Francis. To get tickets for Lesley's Denmark film follow the link below https://lesleyriddoch.com/events [https://lesleyriddoch.com/events] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe]

Westminster was recalled last Saturday for and an emergency bill to save British Steel's Scunthorpe plant became law. It took around six and a half hours in total for Parliament to pass the legislation and the King to approve it.  Sir Keir Starmer said "We are acting to protect the jobs of thousands of workers, and all options are on the table to secure the future of the industry". We ask where was this urgency and commitment over Grangemouth, and Port Talbot steel works. Lesley questions the casual way every commentator accepts that energy prices in Britain are 50% higher than Germany and double the price of the United States. Ofgem has announced a change in the queuing regulations for wind and solar farms to eliminate so called "Zombie projects" and speed up the process of getting real projects up and running. Great news but have we been here before? Find Out Now has released results from an opinion poll carried out for The National  showing a rise in support for Scottish independence. We drill down into the poll and its potential significance. Ash Regan of Alba has issued a call for a cross party pro independence convention before next year's Holyrood elections. We look at the response from the SNP and the Greens. Meanwhile the Greens appear to be caught up in internecine conflict which doesn't seem to have been calmed down by its recent conference. The 15th of April is the 36th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster which saw 97 Liverpool football supporters losing their lives. Starmer promised that the Hillsborough Law would be enacted by today. What was in that draft law? What has stalled its progress? What does the failure tell us about this Labour government and Starmer? Pat is still recovering from the nerve shredding final round of The Masters golf in Augusta and his beloved Dundee United achieving a top 6 finish in their first season back in the top flight. This doesn't stop him from talking about them both though and wondering why sport can grip even the most rational of us so fiercely. There's still a chance to catch Lesley's Denmark movie. To check out where it's showing click the link below https://lesleyriddoch.com/events [https://lesleyriddoch.com/events] ★ Support this podcast ★ [https://lesleyriddoch.com/podcast/subscribe]