The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

In the wake of a poll in the Sunday Times reporting that Scottish Labour are a long way from preventing the SNP forming a third decade of Scottish Government in 2026 and reports of grumblings within the party from members and supporters at a recent Scottish Labour event, Bernard and Alex ask - what's gone wrong less than 6 months after the party delivered 37 MPs in the General Election? Plus, the SNP has its own worries. Ponsonby and Massie explore their current standing post the Scottish Budget. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Who will win a coveted Ponsonby and Massie coffee mug as Bernard and Alex convene in the Kilderkin Bar on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh to hold their own annual Scottish political award ceremony over pints. Also, after Nicola Sturgeon was paid £25,000 to take part in an ITV election programme, Bernard reveals for the first time how much the BBC offered him to take part in an election leaders debate programme. Who do you think got more? It's the awards show that's got it all. CATEGORIES Resignation of the Year Backbencher of the Year Brass Neck of the Year Consequential Scandal of the Year Inconsequential Scandal of the Year NOMINEES INCLUDE Nicola Sturgeon Humza Yousaf Anas Sarwar Douglas Ross Operation Branchform The Ferries Michael Matheson Neil Gray Fergus Ewing ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Anchorman, John Mackay, is one of the best known faces on television in Scotland as the lead presenter of STV's top rated news programmes. In his new book "Scotland Today & Yesterday" John records the biggest stories of his career from Dunblane to the Independence Referendum and tells Bernard and Alex what it was really like living in front of the camera through historic moments - and the personal effect it's had on him. John's book is published on 1st December and is available here -> https://amzn.to/4fI5sT1 ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

In his most revealing and in-depth interview yet, Anas Sarwar outlines Scottish Labour’s agenda for government should he become First Minister in 2026 and what motivates him in politics. •On post 2026 co-operation with SNP “"On individual issues, I will not turn my back or close my eyes to any politician of any party." •Swingeing cuts to SNP bureaucracy and red-tape •“We don’t need 50 health boards” •Planning applications should take 16-18 weeks not 59 •Advocates "streamlining public sector bodies, including reducing the number of enterprise agencies." •Clarifies position on “tapering” Winter Fuel Allowance.  •"The next stage of devolution is pushing power out of Holyrood into Scotland’s regions." •"The two darkest moments of my professional life—losing in 2015 and the leadership race in 2017—shaped me into a better human being and politician." ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

There are currently two bills on Assisted Dying - Kim Leadbeater MP introduced a Bill to the UK Parliament in October and Liam McArthur introduced a bill to March in the Scottish Parliament. Liam joins Bernard and Alex to discuss this sensitive subject, the legislation and its ramifications. If you'd like to find out more or this issue affects you the there are a number of campaign organisations. VARYING DEGREES OF SUPPORT Dignity in Dying: A leading UK organization campaigning for the right to die with dignity. Twitter: @DignityinDying [https://twitter.com/DignityinDying] Humanists UK: A charity supporting assisted dying, emphasizing autonomy and compassion. Twitter: @Humanists_UK [https://twitter.com/Humanists_UK] My Death, My Decision: A grassroots movement advocating for a compassionate law on assisted dying. Twitter: @MyDeathMyDecision [https://twitter.com/MyDeathMyDecision] Assisted Dying Coalition: A group of like-minded organizations seeking to legalize assisted dying for the terminally ill or incurably suffering. Twitter: @AssistedDyingUK [https://twitter.com/AssistedDyingUK] Exit International: A not-for-profit organization based in Scotland providing information about voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. Twitter: @ExitInternational [https://twitter.com/ExitInternational] All-Party Parliamentary Group for Choice at the End of Life: A cross-party group of members of the British Parliament and Peers supporting better end-of-life options, including assisted dying. Twitter: @APPGEndofLife [https://twitter.com/APPGEndofLife] VARYING DEGREES OF OPPOSITION Care Not Killing: An alliance comprising faith-based and pro-life organizations, Care Not Killing advocates for improved palliative care and opposes any changes to current laws prohibiting euthanasia and assisted suicide. Twitter: @CNKAlliance Christian Action, Research and Education (CARE): A Christian charity that campaigns against assisted dying, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the potential risks to vulnerable individuals. Twitter: @careorguk [https://twitter.com/careorguk] Disability Rights UK: A leading organization representing disabled people, it has expressed concerns that legalizing assisted dying could pressure disabled individuals into ending their lives prematurely. Twitter: @DisRightsUK Our Duty of Care: A group of healthcare professionals opposing assisted suicide and euthanasia, focusing on ethical considerations and the potential impact on the doctor-patient relationship. Twitter: @OurDutyofCare @alexmassie @Liam4Orkney @kimleadbeater @DavidDavisMP @CarolineLucas @patrickharvie @GordonBrown @HackneyAbbott @EdwardLeighGB @JohnSwinney @SueJWebber ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.