John Swinney faces mounting criticism after refusing to say whether he supports the Rosebank oilfield — despite being asked eleven times. Is the First Minister avoiding a fundamental split within the SNP over Scotland's energy future?
The big political story this week was John Healey's Budget. A masterclass in political management — or simply a way of avoiding Britain's biggest economic problems?
Could this politically cautious Budget be preparing the ground for a surprise election in 2027? Alex raises the possibility, while Bernard examines why the future of Nigel Farage's Reform UK could determine Labour's electoral calculations.
Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie examine the Chancellor's cost-of-living measures, including £100 household payments, energy bill relief and higher taxes on banks. They ask whether the Budget offers meaningful help or simply buys time for Andy Burnham's Labour government.
With economic growth struggling, tax revenues at record levels and welfare and defence spending pressures growing, are the difficult decisions being postponed until after the next general election?
In Scotland, the SNP government has pledged to match the £100 household payment, but is council tax banding a fair way of helping families? And what does the Budget mean for Jenny Gilruth's increasingly difficult financial choices at Holyrood?
This week:
Political analysis and debate from Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie.
#ScottishPolitics #UKPolitics #Budget2026 #JohnSwinney #AndyBurnham #Rosebank #SNP #LabourParty #PonsonbyAndMassie
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