Money Money Money

Back after the two week break when Pat decided to take his holidays at precisely the wrong, political, time.
In this "while he was away" episode we kick off with our reaction to the return of George Galloway to Westminster after his thumping victory in the Rochdale by election.
As Galloway enters Parliament Lee Anderson departs from the Tory Party to join Reform. This plus speculation on Kate's family photo took up 40 minutes of The World at One on Radio 4. Lesley questions the focus and asks if this represents the values and priorities of Scots.
We take a look at Hunt's Budget. What traps has he laid for an incoming Labour government? What does it say about Starmer's Labour when it is committed to the same "We can't max out the country's credit card" narrative?
Sticking with Westminster, is there merit in Keith Brown's suggestion that the SNP should consider Sinn Fein style abstentionism?
Keith has also been blunt in his calling for Stephen Kerr MSP's candidacy for the Conservative Party be removed after his recent comments on Humza Yousaf and the Scottish Government's funding of UNRWA.
Growth is the cry from both Labour and the Tories but the UK's is anaemic in comparison to that of the USA. What part, if any, will the economy play in the upcoming Presidential election? Biden and Trump have their nominations sewn up but will Trump's culture wars appeal beyond his base?
Labour also seem about to back Michael Gove's controversial redefinition of extremism. We examine the backgrounds of those driving this and its potential implications.
Along the way we also cover Michelle Donelan's libel case, the showing of Lesley's Denmark movie to MSPs, the special women's edition of the National and what inspired it, and baggage shenanigans at Edinburgh airport.
If you want to see Lesley's Denmark movie follow this link
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

In this podcast extra we speak with William Thomson who along with Kairin Van Sweeden co-founded Scotonomics. It was set up with" a commitment to enhancing economic literacy and fostering discussions that are informed, objective, and accessible to a wide audience, with a particular focus on the economic context of Scotland."
A major part of this is its annual Scotonomics Festival which is taking place in various venues across Dundee and online from Friday the 22nd of March until Sunday the 24th.
It's Scotland’s biggest festival of economics with over 30 sessions covering aspects of the Scottish, UK and global economy with academics, activists, economists, policymakers, politicians and the public coming together to discuss people, place and planet.
We cover what the founding principles and ideology of Scotonomics are and just what they mean for Scotland in the here and now and in an independent future.

If you're interested in attending here's the link
https://scotonomics.scot/event/festival-of-economics/
As well as the events in Dundee there will be an "Economics of the Real World" event  at Leith Dockers Club on Thursday March the 21st. Four internationally renowned economists will challenge  the mainstream economic dogma currently dominating political thought.
https://scotonomics.scot/event/economics-of-the-real-world-edinburgh/
This includes screening of the movie "Finding the Money"
It follows former chief economist to Senator Bernie Sanders, Stephanie Kelton, on a journey through Modern Money Theory or “MMT”, to unveil a deeper story about money, injecting new hope and empowering democracies around the world to tackle the biggest challenges of the 21st century: from climate change to inequality.
https://scotonomics.scot/event/finding-the-money-film-leith/
It will also be shown in Dundee
https://scotonomics.scot/event/finding-the-money/

Sometimes a series of events can encapsulate the state of the United Kingdom, the cynical manipulation of tensions surrounding Gaza for party political and personal advantage., the relationship between the media and the political establishment , and the reality of the position of the  SNP at Westminster.
Last Wednesday saw the House of Commons descend into chaos as the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle , broke with Parliamentary procedure, and the advice of the Clerks, to allow a Labour amendment to the SNP Opposition Day motion calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to Israeli collective punishment. We examine those events , the role of the Speaker, the ramifications of his decision and his reasons for making it.
We also give our immediate reaction to the UK government's statement on Gaza this Tuesday afternoon. The statement given as the reason for Hoyle to reject the SNP call for an SO24 debate. A debate he had promised to grant the SNP last week.
The focus has shifted from the situation in Gaza, aided by political commentators , on to alleged threats to MPs' security hard on the heels of Lord Walney's report on political violence. Who is Walney? What was in his report? Can he be trusted as an impartial actor in the current context of pro Palestinian protests?
Meanwhile , while claiming "words are important" , the Tory Party is mired in an Islamophobia crisis with Rishi Sunak and a string of ministers refusing to say that ex Deputy Chair of the party Lee Anderson was racist in his attack on Sadiq Khan. This while ignoring Suella Braverman and ex PM Liz Truss's recent similar outbursts. Weakness or a symbol of a hierarchy of racism within the Conservative Party?
Today is the 50th anniversary of the long secret McCrone Report with its revelations on the potential impact on the Scottish economy of North Sea oil and its implications for Scottish independence.
The National has published the report in full. Read it and weep.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/17461406.westminster-doesnt-want-read-mccrone-report-full/
Simon Forrest CEO of Nova Innovation has written about the  current "  tragedy played out in Scotland " with the failure of both the UK and Scottish governments to reap the benefits of Scotland's new energy bonanza. Renewables.
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/24145789.top-renewables-firm-ceo-scotlands-energy-story-tragedy/
Tickets for Lesley's Denmark film are still available right here
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Does the murder of Alexei Navalny signal the end or a new beginning of anti Putin activism in Russia? Is it also a wake up call for those of us in the West who have taken our eyes off the developments in Russia, Ukraine, and the destabilization of the region?
Despite the row over accusations of antisemitic statements by prospective Parliamentary candidates the Labour Party romped to two outstanding victories in the Kingswood and Wellingborough by-elections. We examine Rishi Sunak's response to these losses and ask if he might call a snap election. If he is still Tory leader.
Meanwhile Scottish Labour held its annual conference with a significant focus on Anas Sarwar as leader. Sarwar was quite willing to state his willingness to stand up to Starmer. Will this show of independence stretch to his two Scottish MPs following the Scottish Labour conference position and voting with the SNP on its motion calling for an immediate Gaza ceasefire?
In response to Scottish Labour’s plans for a windfall tax on oil profits, more than 800 oil ,engineering, and business executives have raised concerns that this could lead to massive job losses in the North East. The SNP is even more committed to phasing out of oil and gas production in an independent Scotland. We ask where stands the Just Transition and the development of local industry and training?
All this plus the origins and consequences of the Right to Buy policy and the thorny question of Ullapool and its train station.
If you want to see Lesley's Denmark movie check out this link
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

In the latest and biggest U-turn in a series of policy reversals Sir Keir Starmer ditched the £28 billion spending target central to Labour's Green Prosperity Plan.
Why and why now?
To add to his woes as further revelations appeared on, Azhar Ali, Labour's candidate in the Rochdale by-election, there was a volte face and Ali was deselected. He remains on the ballot as the decision was made too late to remove him.
We again ask. Why? Why now?
As accusations of antisemitism are thrown around between and across political parties and individuals has the distinction between anti Jewish racism and anti Zionism been forever blurred?
Michael Matheson's resignation over the iPad data bill has led to a Cabinet reshuffle. Who's in? Who's out? What makes a "good" minister?
Professor Jim Gallagher was given a platform on Good Morning Scotland to outline Our Scottish Futures plans on reforming Scottish local government. He argued that Scotland was an over centralized country. His solution seemed to be  bigger local authorities. At the time of recording we could find no trace of the report on their website. However "Rewiring Scotland" has now appeared. We shall, no doubt, return to examine it in greater depth next week.
A stooshie has broken out over the re-opening of the Redcoat cafe in Edinburgh Castle. A petition asking for it to be renamed has attracted thousands of signatures. The controversy has engaged such luminaries as Professor Sir Tom Devine and us.
Tickets are still available for the remaining dates of Lesley's Denmark movie. Link below
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Saturday the third of February 2024 was an historic moment as Michelle O'Neil became the first republican to hold the position of First Minister in the 103 year history of Northern Ireland. Both she and the DUP's Deputy First Minister Emma Little- Pengelly have a family background in the paramilitaries and yet both made impressive speeches emphasizing cooperation and conciliation. We look at this and the promises and potential pitfalls on the return of Stormont.
Sir Keir Starmer's Labour continue to lead in the polls but internal party polling shows that it is losing support among the Muslim community over its stance(s) on Gaza. What do the polls show and will Labour lose votes not only among Muslims over this? Meanwhile in the latest U-turn Starmer has abandoned the pledge to reform/abolish the House of Lords and threatened MPs who don't toe the party line with deselection for the upcoming General Election.
Details of Michael Gove's secret State of the Union poll have now been made public post the Scottish Covid Inquiry and it makes very interesting reading.
Lesley reflects on Nicola Sturgeon's appearance at the inquiry.

Meanwhile  has Rishi Sunak sunk to a new low with his Piers Morgan Rwanda bet?
If you want to see Lesley's Denmark movie here's the link
https://www.lesleyriddoch.com/events-mobile

All this plus Lesley's mystery patient experience, the coverage of King Charles' cancer diagnosis and the usual meanderings frae Pat.

This is the bumper episode to end all bumper episodes.
We reflect on the DUP behind the scenes maneuvers that looks like leading to a return of devolved government in Northern Ireland. What are the details of the deal done between the DUP and the UK government and what political impact will it have both domestically and in the UK?
The drone attack on Tower 22 and the death of three US serviceman has added yet another layer of complexity to the expanding crisis in the Middle East. What will Biden's response be? How connected was it to the situation in Gaza?
We also examine the ICJ rulings on potential Israel genocide in Gaza, the Israeli reaction and the defunding of UNRWA.
Donald Trump won the New Hampshire Republican primary. Is this the end for Nikki Haley or is there still more to play for in the race for the GOP's presidential nomination?
Michael Gove was the "star turn" in the Scottish leg of the Covid Inquiry. We ask just who was playing politics during the pandemic?
All this plus epic bus journeys, speirin Scoats, and double heel day.
If you fancy seeing Lesley's new film on Denmark, follow this link
https://www.lesleyriddoch.com/events-mobile

In this week's episode
The much trumpeted and poured over Tory rebellion in the Commons over the Rwanda Bill fizzled out but it looks like it will face defeat in the Lords. We cheer the humanitarian victory but what does it say about the state of British politics when we rely on the unelected chamber?
As DeSantis drops out of the race to be the GOP presidential candidate the circus moves on to New Hampshire and its primaries. Nikki Haley is the last candidate standing as the Trump juggernaut rumbles on. The Donald is way ahead in local Republican polls but what part will the 40% Independents play in the final result?
Biden is not on the ballot in the Democratic primary but will a low turnout and lack of "write ins" be blow to his re-election strategy?
 We discuss Lesley's latest National article which looks at the contest and what lessons the SNP could learn from Biden's lack of popular appeal.
Talking of the SNP Humza Yousaf has expressed his unease at the "National" element of the party name. Where did the name come from? Should it be changed and to what?
Meanwhile the Covid Inquiry Scottish phase has begun. We try and get our heads around the WhatsApp messages kerfuffle.
Emily Thornberry was the latest politician to claim that Netanyahu's rejection of the two-state solution was somehow an outlier within Israeli politics and that there were significant opposition voices. We question that assumption.
According to a new report for Centre for Cities, the average person in the UK has lost out on an average of £10,200. The figures are even worse in Scotland. It rises to £45,240 for Aberdeen, which is the worst-hit city in the report.
https://www.centreforcities.org/publication/cities-outlook-2024/
For those of you who don't know the great Dick Gaughan and his work here's a few wee links.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThuBz6ly-ts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmwHHUsWM_M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWyWe-udK7M&list=OLAK5uy_lS2djP85J9fMir5R2zW5ETNv7xez7H6qQ

Meanwhile Lesley continues her tour with the new Denmark film. If you fancy seeing it, here you go.
 https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

I don't know about you folks, but it doesn't seem like two minutes since the last US Presidential elections.  Yet here we are January 2024, and the results of the Iowa Republican caucus are in and it's a resounding victory for Donald Trump. We try and make sense of this most arcane aspect of American political life and what the figures tell us about the potential of another Trump presidency.
Here in the UK, there will be a General Election this year and YouGov have just published a massive "super poll" predicting an almost unprecedented wipe-out of the Tory Party and a massive Labour majority. The SNP being predicted to lose around half its seats while remaining, just, the largest party, ahead of Labour.
How is the SNP responding to this threat and what is its campaign strategy?
However, that General Election might be closer than we think if the Conservative" Five families" put their money where their mouths are and rebel on Sunak's Rwanda Bill. Will Lee Anderson et al be the turkeys who vote for Christmas?
Tension in the Middle East continues to ramp up with the USA and UK taking military action against the Houthi rebels in the Yemen. Who are the Houthis and what do they want?
If you want to see Lesley's Denmark film here's a list of dates, times, and venues
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

It's the first episode after our Christmas break and there's certainly a lot to talk about. When wasn't there?  I hear you ask.
The political parties are definitely shifting into election mode. Big speeches from Sir Keir Starmer, Humza Yousaf, and Anas Sarwar.
Meanwhile Rishi Sunak, and his communications "experts" decided that a mash-up video of Home Alone and Love Actually was just the job to promote Sunak as the man to be Prime Minister.
We dissect not just that video but those speeches to examine the terrain the election will be fought on in Scotland.
2024 sees the 25th anniversaries of both the Scottish Parliament and the Senedd. We ask the question why the Labour Party in Wales has taken such a radically different perspective and position on "nationalism" to that of Scottish Labour.
Mr. Bates v The Post Office has struck a popular chord probably not seen since Cathy Come Home. Why has it taken 25 years for this scandal to attract so much attention and for how long can those responsible avoid the consequences?
Along the way we also discuss reform of the NHS, the movie "One Life", dodgy festive period breakfasts and screenings of Lesley's latest film Denmark: State of Happiness
Details of where and when you can see it right here
https://www.thenational.scot/news/24035052.denmark-state-happiness-film---showings/
And here
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events