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The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast
King's Speech Reaction - A Return to Big Government?
Ep. 18
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Bernard and Alex bring you an instant briefing on the King's Speech with the first legislative agenda for Keir Starmer's new Labour Government.
Is it a return to big Government (as some critics have said) or a different type of intervention?
Headlines on the bills
Watch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government.
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33. SALMOND & STURGEON - Part 1 Reaction & Analysis
32:01||Ep. 33PART 1 - Bernard and Alex were consulted during the production of BBC Scotland's "Salmond and Sturgeon: A Troubled Union".In this episode, released directly after the documentary's broadcast, Bernard and Alex focus on part one of the two part series. They give their thoughts and analysis of both the programme and relationship between Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.SNPScottish PoliticsScottish LabourScottish ConservativesScottish LibdemsScottish GreensAlba Party32. MICHAEL MARRA - 2026 Labour victory "nowhere near a done deal"
49:05||Ep. 32Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Michael Marra MSP, tells the podcastA 2026 victory for Labour in the Scottish Parliamentary Election is "nowhere near a done deal"The best case scenario is a minority Labour governmentHis political roots in family life in DundeeHe regards Anas Sarwar's transformation of Scottish Labour as "profound"Recorded at the Kilderkin pub on the Royal Mile.31. SNP CONFERENCE VERDICT - Where is the Policy Prospectus and Indy Strategy?
34:32||Ep. 31In the aftermath of the SNP's Annual Conference, Bernard and Alex ask - where are the new policies and the strategy for independence that the party will need to win voters back who switched to Labour at the General Election? The need for a clear policy prospectus.The challenges of economic growth and public services. The conference talked about Independence but not the trickier subject of strategy.If the SNP and Scottish Government continue to say they cannot deliver with the powers and budget they have, Scottish Labour will say it can.30. Alex Neil - 30 year wait for Independence if SNP lose in 2026
48:54||Ep. 30On the eve of the SNP Annual Conference, former Minister Alex Neil warns First Minster John Swinney to bin the "political weans" and "bring in heavyweights" as losing 2026 election will mean an independent Scotland is "in the freezer for 10-30 years"29. Should SNP Ministers Meet Israelis and Palestinians?
39:11||Ep. 29Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie tackle the issues of the week includingFallout from SNP Minister, Angus Robertson, meeting with Israeli diplomats.Can anything be done to stem drug deaths in ScotlandThe Scottish Conservative leadership race.28. I'll Investigate Douglas Ross says Tory Leadership Hopeful, Meghan Gallacher
46:02||Ep. 28Scottish Conservative leadership candidate, Meghan Gallacher, does not hold back in laying out her campaign stall.Says she'll investigate allegations that former boss and party leader, Douglas Ross, had a long term plan to dump Holyrood colleagues in favour of Westminster seat. Proposes 1p cut to Scottish Income TaxProposes a re-evaluation of Scottish Council Tax bands. Complete rebuild of the Scottish Tory party. Expresses her admiration for Margaret Thatcher who "took no sh*t"27. Labour's Paul Sweeney - 2026 Scot Parl Election "High Stakes" for Future of UK
52:41||Ep. 27He's only 35 but Labour's Paul Sweeney has already been an MP and now sits as an MSP. He joined Bernard and Alex in the Press Bar in Glasgow to discuss.;2026 Scottish Parliament Election is "high stakes" in terms of determining the long term future of the UK. "I've seen How hard Anas Sarwar works" - I don't think I'd be up to the job. "My faith in the Labour tribe" was rocked by the Iraq War. "Glasgow has lost its momentum" - He wants to be a champion for the City.He's a Federalist, not a Nationalist or Unionist. Was mis-sold a youthful list vote for SNP on broken promise on student debt.26. Is the Era of SNP Austerity Upon Us?
34:27||Ep. 26Bernard and Alex recapture the lost art of a leisurely political conversation over a pint in the pub - in this case Glasgow's famous journalists pub, The Press Bar. Is this the era of SNP austerity?The Winter Fuel Allowance means testNew GERS figures. We examine the state of Scotland's finances.25. I VOTED LABOUR - Former Tory MSP, Prof Adam Tomkins
45:45||Ep. 25Former Tory MSP and Constitutional Law expert, Professor Adam Tomkins, joins us for a fascinating insight into the constitutional issues Scotland faces plus .... Prof Tomkins voted Labour for Blair McDougall at the General ElectionRole of Lord Advocate needs fixed - "it's extremely dangerous"He's enthused by the "boring" serious nature of Keir Starmer's new Labour administration in Westminster. Can't remember the name of the Scottish Tory Leadership frontrunner.