The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

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

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."

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 SUPPORTDignity in Dying: A leading UK organization campaigning for the right to die with dignity. Twitter: @DignityinDyingHumanists UK: A charity supporting assisted dying, emphasizing autonomy and compassion. Twitter: @Humanists_UKMy Death, My Decision: A grassroots movement advocating for a compassionate law on assisted dying. Twitter: @MyDeathMyDecisionAssisted Dying Coalition: A group of like-minded organizations seeking to legalize assisted dying for the terminally ill or incurably suffering. Twitter: @AssistedDyingUKExit International: A not-for-profit organization based in Scotland providing information about voluntary euthanasia and assisted suicide. Twitter: @ExitInternationalAll-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: @APPGEndofLifeVARYING DEGREES OF OPPOSITIONCare 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: @careorgukDisability 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

Scottish Labour Deputy Leader, Dame Jackie Baillie, joins Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar to discuss:Scots are paying too much tax for failing servicesHer admiration of the SNP's Kate ForbesHer belief that the NHS is brokenWhy she'd like to be Health and Social Care Minister if Labour are elected in Scotland. Her early life in Hong Kong and her Portuguese familyWhy Margaret Thatcher motivated her to get into politics. Her fear of Labour complacency in the run up to the 2026 election

Bernard and Alex are back considering:SNP Registration of candidacy - Stephen Flynn, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have all thrown their hats in the ring. Can Flynn really be an MP and MSP despite party attitudes and are Sturgeon and Yousaf's intentions even real?PLUSNeil Gray - Does anyone believe the story of why ministerial trips were taken to watch Aberdeen football matches and does his explanation make matters worse?US Elections - What Trump's victory means.

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie reaction and analysis of the first budget statement from Rachel Reeves - the first woman Chancellor to deliver a budget in British history. Is it a "workerist", old-Labour budget that the likes of Harold Wilson, James Callaghan and Denis Healey would be happy with? Bernard and Alex discuss.

Catherine MacLeod, former Political Editor of The Herald and Special Adviser (SPAD) to UK Chancellor, Alistair Darling, joins Bernard and Alex to preview Rachel Reeves first budget of the new Labour Government.Catherine's insights into how the Treasury and Chancellor prepare for a budget.PONSONBY - "This is the real day one of the new Labour government."MASSIE - "The most keenly anticipated budget since Geoffrey Howe's first budget"MACLEOD - "I think Rachel Reeves has boxed herself in"

Poet and writer Jenny Lindsay tells her story:Being cancelled and "hounded" for being gender criticalHer new book telling the story of her experience - "Hounded: Women, Harms and the Gender Wars"She says that gender is an open goal for politicians who should apologize to women and admit they got it wrong.Jenny's book is available here:https://amzn.eu/d/7gTBdKO

PART 2 of a 2 part exploration of the life and times of Alex Salmond who died at the weekend at the age of 69. Bernard and Alex pick up the story in 2011 through the zenith of his career at the 2014 Independence Referendum and onto the challenges of legal battles and the Alba Party in his post-SNP world. The programme concludes with a summary of what his legacy might be. Bernard Ponsonby knew Alex Salmond professionally and personally for 35 years. they worked and spent time together over the past few months. Alex Massie has covered Alex Salmond closely throughout his career and despite their differences, revealed in part 1 that Salmond's team once courted Massie to be his speechwriter.