The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

Middle East tensions, UK welfare cuts, and the rise of political independents

The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby 

Guests

Blair McDougall

Labour MP for East Renfrewshire.

Former campaign director of the "Better Together" campaign during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

Ivan McKee, MSP

Scottish Government Minister for Public Finance.

Former Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise.

Robina Qureshi

Chief Executive of the charity Positive Action in Housing.

Longtime campaigner for refugee and migrant rights and prominent human rights advocate.

In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, the panel tackled three major issues shaping Scottish, UK and global politics. The show opens with a heated debate on the legality and consequences of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with guests expressing deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their economic and humanitarian fallout.

The conversation then shifts to the UK government's proposed welfare reforms, which aim to cut £5 billion from disability benefits—sparking debate over fairness, sustainability, and the impact on vulnerable citizens, particularly in Scotland.

Finally, the panel explore the growing role of independent politicians, prompted by Fergus Ewing’s decision to run as an independent MSP, and reflected on the balance between party loyalty, personal conscience, and constituent representation.

[00:02:18]

Middle East Conflict: Iran, Israel, and U.S. Bombings

Discussion on U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Legal and diplomatic implications debated by Blair McDougall, Ivan McKee, and Robina Qureshi.

Concerns over international law, nuclear deterrence, and echoes of the Iraq war.

Economic consequences of escalating conflict, including oil price spikes and inflation.

[00:21:52]

Gaza and the Two-State Solution

Panel reflects on the viability of a two-state solution.

Emotional and political fallout from the Gaza conflict.

Robina Qureshi shares insights from working with families in Gaza.

Calls for international investment in peace-building and moderate leadership.

[00:27:29]

UK Welfare Reform and Disability Benefits

New bill proposes cuts to PIP and Universal Credit to save £5 billion.

Blair McDougall discusses the balance between support and sustainability.

Ivan McKee outlines the Scottish Government’s preventative investment strategy.

Robina Qureshi highlights the impact on vulnerable populations and asylum seekers.

[00:50:29]

Independent Politics and Fergus Ewing’s Announcement

Debate on the role of independent MSPs in holding governments accountable.

Reflections on the legacy of Margo MacDonald and the value of political independence.

Final thoughts from panellists on loyalty to party vs. constituents and conscience.

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Power, Protests & Public Purse: Scotland Reacts to Reeves’ Budget, By-Election Fallout & Inquiry Chaos

Go Radio Politics Show 15th June 2025

Host: Bernard Ponsonby

Guests:

Paul Sweeney (Labour MSP)

Jamie Greene (Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP, formerly Conservative)

Anne McLaughlin (Scottish National Party)

Coming up:

• UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review
• Fallout from the Hamilton by-election
• Sheku Bayo public inquiry controversy
• King’s Birthday Honours debate

 

[00:02:44]

Spending Review: Good Deal or Bad Deal?

Paul Sweeney (Labour): Calls it a “very good deal” with significant UK investment in Scotland.

Anne McLaughlin (SNP): Strongly disagrees, citing Fraser of Allander Institute’s critique and lack of Scottish fiscal autonomy.

Jamie Greene (Lib Dem): Mixed view; acknowledges benefits of UK union but criticizes short-term budgeting and fiscal mismanagement.

[00:08:08]

Real Terms Increase?

Debate over whether the spending increase is real or just nominal.

Anne McLaughlin: Says no, citing inflation and independent analysis.

Paul Sweeney: Points to broader UK investments benefiting Scotland.

[00:10:05]

NHS Funding: Ring-Fenced or Flexible?

Jamie Greene: Argues for ring-fencing NHS funds; criticizes SNP’s fiscal management.

Anne McLaughlin: Defends pay settlements as essential NHS spending.

Paul Sweeney: Emphasizes NHS staff retention and broader health system reform.

[00:15:00]

Budget Priorities for 2025

Jamie Greene: Economic growth and social care.

Anne McLaughlin: Health, based on personal carer experience.

Paul Sweeney: NHS reboot to reduce long-term sickness and social security costs.

[00:21:50]

Leadership Crisis in SNP?

Discussion of alleged secret meeting to oust John Swinney.

Anne McLaughlin: Dismisses the story as fiction.

Jamie Green: Criticises Conservative leadership strategy.

Paul Sweeney: Sees Labour momentum and Swinney as symbol of SNP’s long tenure.

[00:29:48]

Public Trust in Politicians

All agree public cynicism is high.

Discussion on broken promises, media influence, and the need for political honesty.

Paul Sweeney: Calls for structural reform and long-term thinking in government.

Anne McLaughlin: Defends politicians’ intentions but criticizes media portrayal.

[00:41:09]

Sheku Bayo Inquiry: Should Lord Bracadale Step Down?

Jamie Greene: Concerned about public confidence and cost of inquiries.

Anne McLaughlin: Strongly defends Bracadale; says meetings with family are standard.

Paul Sweeney: Criticises Solicitor General’s intervention; calls for parliamentary explanation.

 [00:51:14]

Honours System: Reform or Scrap?

Anne McLaughlin: Wouldn’t accept an honour; praises Sir Geoff Palmer’s reasons for accepting.

Paul Sweeney: Supports reform and broader accessibility.

Jamie Greene: Supports honours for community service, not for elites or donors.

 

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By-Election Fallout: Labour’s Comeback, SNP’s Crisis, and Reform’s Rise

Host: Bernard Ponsonby

Guests: Mark Diffley from the Diffley Partnership, Reform UK's Thomas Kerr, Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill and Stewart McDonald Former SNP MP for Glasgow South. 

In the first episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby dives into the political shockwaves from the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election.

Labour's unexpected win, the SNP's dramatic vote drop, and Reform UK's meteoric rise to 26.1% are dissected with expert guests. The panel explores implications for the 2026 Holyrood elections, the future of public services, and the constitutional debate around Scottish independence. Reform UK's policy positions and funding challenges are scrutinised, and the episode closes with a light-hearted take on the Trump-Musk fallout.

 

[00:03:00]

Mark Diffley Analyses the Numbers

SNP vote drops 17%, Labour wins despite 2% fall

Reform UK's 26.1% vote share shocks analysts

[00:07:41]

Reform UK’s Rise: What It Means

Reform UK poised to gain 10–17 MSPs in 2026

Proportional representation impact at Holyrood

[00:10:10]

Thomas Kerr (Reform UK)

Reform’s plans to contest all 73 constituencies

Membership surge post-by-election

Policy gaps and manifesto development

[00:12:40]

Funding Formula Debate

Barnett Formula under scrutiny

Reform UK’s stance: review and potential overhaul

[00:18:25]

Public Sector Pensions Controversy

Reform’s proposal to shift from final salary to contribution-based pensions

Potential impact on teachers, police, and NHS workers

[00:25:13]

SNP’s Internal Challenges & Ground Game

Stewart McDonald on SNP’s need for modernisation

Policy delivery and digital campaigning gaps

[00:28:20]

Labour’s Campaign Success

Pauline McNeill on Labour’s grassroots strategy

Candidate familiarity and local engagement

[00:38:44]

NHS & Public Services in 2026

Labour and SNP strategies for healthcare reform

Voter expectations on GP access, A&E, and surgeries

[00:43:52]

Independence Referendum Debate

Is the constitutional question “dead”?

Grounds for a second referendum

SNP’s manifesto strategy for independence

[00:52:21]

Chancellor’s Spending Review Preview

Expectations from Rachel Reeves’ statement

Winter fuel allowance, NHS funding, and defence budget

[00:55:35]

Trump, Musk & the Super-Rich in Politics

Final thoughts on billionaires in politics

Scottish by-election 2025, Reform UK Scotland 2026, SNP vs Labour Scotland, Barnett Formula review, Scottish independence referendum 2026, NHS Scotland crisis, Rachel Reeves spending review, Thomas Kerr Reform UK, Pauline McNeill Labour MSP, Stewart McDonald SNP strategy

TRAILER: THE GO RADIO POLITICS SHOW WITH BERNARD PONSONBY

Unfiltered. Uncensored. Unmissable.

Bernard Ponsonby Returns with New Weekly Podcast from Go Radio.

Bernard will bring his signature hard-hitting interviews, insightful analysis, and engaging commentary to the airwaves, focusing on the week's most pressing stories and issues.

Bernard Ponsonby, a respected figure in political journalism, will offer a platform for serious yet fun debate—unfiltered and uncensored.

In the inaugural episode which drops this Sunday 8th of June, Bernard will delve into the fallout from the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse. He will explore voter attitudes towards the main parties and discuss whether Reform UK represents a new political direction or is driven by a negative view of other parties. 

Subscribe and never miss an episode.