{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/643d6492ae2be60011a66c8d/694455eaf13209aaa3e98fc3?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Christmas Special 🎄 | Swinney, Sarwar, Reform UK & the Future of Independence","description":"<p>The <strong>Holyrood Sources Christmas Special</strong> is recorded <strong>live in Edinburgh</strong> with a packed audience as Calum Macdonald, Geoff Aberdein and Andy Maciver review the <strong>biggest moments in Scottish and UK politics in 2025</strong> — and make bold predictions for <strong>2026 and the Holyrood election</strong>.</p><p>In this wide-ranging discussion, the panel debates:</p><ul><li>Anas Sarwar’s U-turn on gender recognition reform</li><li>John Swinney’s independence referendum strategy</li><li>The legacy of Nicola Sturgeon and Kate Forbes’ decision to stand down</li><li>Labour’s UK Budget fallout and Rachel Reeves’ credibility</li><li>Reform UK’s electoral breakthrough in Scotland</li><li>Energy policy, the North Sea, offshore wind and deindustrialisation</li><li>Why politicians struggle to explain a credible energy transition</li><li>Whether Swinney could serve a full five-year term as First Minister</li><li>Predictions on Farage, Badenoch, Reform UK and the next political realignment</li></ul><p>This <strong>live Christmas episode</strong> captures Scottish politics unfiltered — with audience reaction, behind-the-scenes stories, and sharp disagreement between insiders who’ve shaped modern Holyrood.</p><p>🎙️ <em>Holyrood Sources takes you inside Scottish politics every week.</em></p><p>📌 <strong>Subscribe for weekly episodes and clips</strong></p><p> 📌 <strong>Recorded live at Malone’s, Edinburgh</strong></p><p> 📌 <strong>Christmas Special 2025</strong></p>","author_name":"Shortbread Media "}