Elections and Selections

In this episode we give our initial reactions to  the First Minister’s Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26.
We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will  Scotland be  immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections?
And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change.
Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and stand up to Trump.
Today, Tuesday, sees the conclusion of the selection process for SNP candidates for those elections. Some weel kent sitting MSPs are fighting off challengers. Three contests in particular have hit the headlines.
Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory with no timeline for withdrawal. Does this move finally give the lie to Israel's claim that it's all about the return of the hostages?
If you fancy popping along to the two events Lesley will be appearing at this weekend, follow these links
https://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025
https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ