The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast

It's 10 years since Scotland's Independence Referendum. Bernard and Alex reflect on what happened, where we are now and will there be an Indy Ref II?Including Bernard's insights into what really happened behind the scenes at the TV debates and on referendum night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PART 2 - 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 two 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 Party Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PART 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 Party Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On 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" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish 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" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scottish Conservative Leadership Candidate and former Olympian, Brian Whittle, takes on challengers. "I'd struggle to vote for Russell Findlay"Douglas Ross standing in General Election was "disrespectful" and cost Tories the seat. "We got what we deserved" in General Election.Scottish Tory leaders have failed on communication.Scottish Tories - too much PR and not enough policy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Against a backdrop of riots in the UK, misinformation and heightened tensions, a calm analysis of the riots and what they mean. How has the new Labour Government handled the crisis so far?Who is behind the riots?What this says about the UK?Why no riots in Scotland? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard and Alex get heated with each other when the subject of a legitimate route to a second independence referendum arises. Also, Tory leadership contest. From the Press Bar on Albion Street in Glasgow.Questions and comments fromLee CarneyJonny GrayWings Over ScotlandGordon InnesFollow us on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard and Alex retreat to their natural habitat in Glasgow's famous journalists' haunt, The Press Bar on Albion Street, to ponder the stories of the day over a sociable refreshment. Trump's Big Mistake - Alex reckons Trump made a big mistake in his singular determination to unseat Joe Biden before the election. Tory Leadership Battle - Insight into the candidates and implications for the UK and Scottish Conservative party. Bernard gives personal insight into some of the candidates. Two-Child Cap - Both Bernard and Alex think it's a matter of when and not if Labour scraps the two-child benefits cap. Does that have implications for other parties who have focussed heavily on it? Many thanks to the Press Bar for allowing us to record in their lovely pub.PRESS BAR - Facebook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt joins Bernard and Alex with excellent impressions of ...Keir StarmerAngela RaynerRachel ReevesTony BlairEd MilibandAlsoWhat makes Scottish audiences differentWhat makes people walk outWho's taken offence to his impressionsHis hopes for the new government You can catch Matt's show at the Edinburgh Festival herehttps://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/matt-forde-the-end-of-an-era-tour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard and Alex tackle the stories of the week;JOE BIDEN - Both Bernard and Alex are keen observers of US Politics - their thoughts on Joe Biden agreeing to step down as Presidential Candidate. MHAIRI BLACK - After standing down at the General Election, the former SNP MP announced her Edinburgh Festival show "Politics Isn't For Me" as well as words for Kate Forbes and John SwinneyPUBLIC SECTOR PAY - The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, hints at above inflation Public Sector pay rises - can she make it work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 billsWatch No11 Downing Street not No10 to gauge the success of this government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie speak to Stewart McDonald, SNP front bencher who lost his seat at the General Election ..... and he had a lot to say. ON 2026 HOLYROOD ELECTION25:32 MASSIE: "Do you think getting "horsed" in 2026 is now the most likely outcome of the Holyrood election?"McDONALD: "Yes"ON INDEPENDENCE35:07 "The hard pause has been delivered for us whether we like that or not. That was done last Thursday and was evident in ballot boxes up and down the country".ON LABOUR44:38 "I've watched them closely and they're getting their act together in a way that's connecting with people.... the reality is that they're a party that's being taken seriously by voters once again. Many of whom have voted SNP, not just over the past decade but over the past 17 years we have been in government. So, we have a problem and the only way we can answer that problem is to be serious, is to be grown up, is to take hard decisions"ON SNP CULTURE - "NOT A SERIOUS POLITCAL CULTURE"11:38 "We've strayed. They feel we've stopped listening to them so they've stopped listening to us."11:55 "I think we have a cultural problem within the SNP."13:19 "A political culture that operates like that is not a serious political culture." 14:22 "You cannot be everything to all people if you're serious about the aspiration of statehood and government."26:56 "I'm looking at the motions we're about to debate at our upcoming party conference, one of which includes a debate on the national anthem for an independent Scotland. I mean, get real." 27:10 MASSIE "What do you think the anthem should be?"27:14 McDONALD "I couldn't give a monkey's."NICOLA STURGEON16:49 "Obviously the leader has to take a large portion of the blame .... a long term strategy there was not." ON SWINNEY TURNING ROUND THE SNP31:19 "I think he wants to do it...but it will require him to be a ruthless bastard."ON BLAMING OTHERS44:10 "It is not the foundation and the basis of a grown up relationship with the country and too often we've thought that it is and that is sufficient."ON THE GREENS20:10 "Much of the damage that was done to our credibility, our reputation for good government happened during that time....... There's not much of those coalition years I will remember fondly"NUCLEAR WEAPONS24:18 "I don't think two years is possible.... the timescale cannot be put in place just by us."  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Your questions on the General Election result directly to Bernard Ponsonby and Alex MassieThis episode, questions from:Peter Hardy - @PeterHardyAG (X)Ian Jones - @Salop_Ian (X)Michael Apter - @Michael_Apter (X)Andrew Brophy - @AndrewBrophy3 (X)LTW Anderson - @ltwanderson (X)Mark Brown - Via EmailGordon Dudman - Via EmailAndrew McCall - Via Email Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.