Politics chat with the latest goings on at Holyrood and Westminster through the eyes of BBC Scotland journalists.
As Brexit trade talks reach a standstill, the possibility of a deal looks more unlikely, with the UK Government saying negotiations may not go on beyond Sunday. The team chats about the sticking points over fishing access and more, as well as what happens as we reach the deadline, and whether the negotiators might pull off a deal in the final hours. Is there a chance discussions can continue, or does the EU have bigger fish to fry?
How did a US-based conspiracy about Donald Trump gain followers in Scotland and the UK? BBC Trending editor Mike Wendling and Hope Not Hate researcher Dr. Joe Mulhall join Lucy and Phil to discuss how QAnon exploded online. Why is it starting to make appearances across the UK and Europe, from online groups to anti-mask protests outside of Holyrood? The team talk about the origins of QAnon, it's appeal to certain people, what we can learn from the USA, and the potentially dangerous consequences o...
The team attempts to unravel the layers of infighting inside the SNP post-conference, including the potential political manoeuvres by former leader Alex Salmond and MP Joanna Cherry. There's also good news for the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the Coronavirus vaccine is poised to begin its rollout, and it's crunch time in Westminster as the Brexit deadline looms.
Author & psychologist Claudia Hammond talks lockdown loneliness during Christmas, including how the pandemic has impacted the nation's mental wellbeing, how the Government needs to handle potential increased pressure on mental health services, and ways we can improve and manage our moods as we enter the holiday season.
Christmas is approaching, and the UK has taken a four nation approach to the festivities, but what were the political motivations behind the move to allow restricted gatherings, and does it make sense while we're still in the middle of a pandemic? The team sits down to discuss the thinking inside the UK and Scottish Governments, and some of the regulations they're asking people to abide by.
Boris Johnson is facing the heat after reportedly calling Scottish devolution a disaster, causing anger from Labour and the SNP, as well as creating a potential headache for the Scottish Conservatives ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections. But just how successful has devolution been? As political parties become more polarised, and even the pronunciation of the word itself called into question by the team, can there be a grown-up discussion on devolution in the UK?
As the new Covid-19 vaccine is announced, the team discuss the political implications with BBC Scotland health correspondent Lisa Summers. Will it really be the silver bullet that can end the cycle of lockdowns in the UK, and what sort of impact will the rollout have on the 2021 Holyrood elections in Scotland? Lisa also explains the other tools in the Government's kit to reduce the number of coronavirus cases, and how they might be put to work to help us get home for Christmas.
BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg joins the team to chat about how Whitehall views the apparent rise in support for Scottish independence, the discussions going on inside Number 10 about what they can do to counter it, and the concern of Unionists about the potential impact of continuing to rule out a referendum if the SNP wins a majority at next year's Holyrood election.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the furlough scheme is to be extended to March, but why now? The scheme will cover the whole UK as England enters a four week lockdown, but the Governments of Scotland and Wales have been critical, saying it should have been extended sooner. Will this new spate of spending help the economy and jobs over winter, or is it coming too late?
Scotland's new five-tier system is unveiled and former Labour leader Corbyn is suspended as the team tackle another busy news day. Will the Scottish Government's new restrictions manage to crack down on Covid-19 cases before Christmas? Meanwhile, in Westminster, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has suspended Jeremy Corbyn from the party over his reaction to a highly critical report on anti-Semitism. How will it impact the party, and will the report's shockwaves hit the Scottish Labour party too?...
BBC Scotland political editor Brian Taylor shares anecdotes and analysis from his career ahead of his retirement from his role of nearly 30 years. He shares his beginnings as a political journalist, stand out moments from covering Scottish politics, and how he sees the future of Holyrood and Scotland in a more divided political landscape.
Professor Sir John Curtice joins the team to talk Independence polls and local lockdowns. Will the SNP sustain their polling lead across winter? How will the fight with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham impact on Boris Johnson's government? The team also talk about Professor Curtice's career, why he's not interested in Instagram, and if England could see a rise in the 'F-Word': Federalism.
Is the Salmond inquiry leading to splits within the SNP and the Scottish Government? As the Holyrood committee investigating the Scottish government's handling of complaints against Alex Salmond continues, the team explains and discusses the rifts between the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her former mentor, the previous FM Alex Salmond. What could the fallout be, and will public spats over the inquiry harm trust in the current Scottish Government?
NPR White House Correspondent Tamara Keith joins the team to talk the 2020 US Election, as we ask: How do you cover the race during a pandemic? Tamara shares her thoughts on Trump's spell with Coronavirus, polling, disinformation online, and how political journalism can be impacted by Covid-19 restrictions.
Pubs are facing another round of restrictions in Scotland, but will it slow the virus, and can the industry survive another blow? The team try to unpick some of the more confusing local restrictions starting ahead of the weekend, the praise and criticism the First Minister has faced, and wonder if these rules could be enforced in the rest of the UK too.
As the Coronavirus Act 2020 is extended - should emergency powers be under more scrutiny in Parliament? Those critical of the laws say Parliament should have more chance to debate and amend the rules, with some warning we risk our civil liberties. The Government argues it needs to react fast to reduce the Covid-19 infection rate. The team discuss this row boiling up in Westminster and Holyrood.
Naked Scientist Dr Chris Smith joins the pod as new Covid-19 restrictions are announced, to last 6 months or perhaps even longer - but will it help us handle a second wave, or should we be making more drastic policy decisions? Phil Sim and Rajdeep Sandhu answer your questions and get Dr Smith's expert opinion as a virologist. How long does he think we may live with the pandemic?
Is our democracy for sale? Peter Geoghegan joins the team to talk dirty money in politics, and how it it's utilised in a dark digital world to potentially influence elections. Lynsey Bews and Philip Sim ask him what we can do about it, how tech giants play a role, and how we can use the upcoming US election to learn lessons.
Financial Times journalist Sebastian Payne joins the team to discuss how a new bill on Brexit might break the law. The FT got a scoop revealing the UK's top lawyer was resigning over the so-called Internal Markets Act. Why might this breach international law, what does it mean for Devolution, and are we now heading for a No-Deal Brexit?
As Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard faces calls to quit, the team talk about party leadership and the complex process of picking a new leader. We discuss Douglas Ross taking over the Scottish Tories and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon publishing the draft Indyref2 bill. Where does all this leave the parties ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections?
Will the next generation of MSPs be more diverse? Maryam Ahmed & Alys Mumford join to discuss what needs to change for more women, ethnic minority, and LGBT+ candidates to stand.
Joining us from all four nations of the UK, the team talks about the state of the Union, what's changed during the pandemic, and the possible impact of a looming Brexit.
The team returns as Education Secretary John Swinney faces continued exams controversy, including a no confidence vote - but will this affect the SNP's success in the polls?
Scottish Tory leader Jackson Carlaw has resigned, so where does this leave the party? Phil Sim, Lynsey Bews, and Nick Eardley return for a bonus episode to discuss.
School is back, and Spanish holidays may be scuppered. The team returns to talk lockdown, and what changes are happening in Scotland.
What do Chancellor Rishi Sunak's new schemes mean for Scotland? The team returns to discuss whether his plans will help soften the economic blow caused by Covid-19.
The sun shines as lockdown lifts, but are the decisions being made politically motivated? On the last weekly episode this summer, the team talk school u-turns and rule confusion.
Emma Seith joins the team to talk Scottish back-to-school planning and why it's divisive, including funding issues, debates around the science, and the two metre rule.
As the Covid-19 crisis hits jobs and livelihoods, how can we save the Scottish economy? The Government's finance secretary Kate Forbes MSP joins the team to share her ideas.
Writer Claire Heuchan and musician Ransom FA have a frank talk on being Black & Scottish, sharing their experience as protests against George Floyd's death in the US continue.
