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The Go Radio Politics Show is hosted by veteran political journalist Bernard Ponsonby, this is the show for the people - cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters in Scottish politics. Bernard leads the way with sharp analysis, spirited debate, and unfiltered commentary. Whether you’re deeply political or just politically curious, this is your space to listen, learn, and join the conversation.
Episodes
4 days ago
4 days ago
Go Radio Politics Show: February 22nd, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
The Lord Advocate in the Political Crosshairs
Why a confidential note to the First Minister triggered accusations of impropriety.
Should the dual role of chief legal adviser and head of prosecutions finally be split?
Panelists clash over conflicts of interest, political optics, and public confidence.
Scotland’s Finances: Reality Check or Armageddon Hype?
The Institute for Fiscal Studies warns of tightening budgets — is the crisis real?
The panel debates whether free tuition, free bus passes, and flagship services remain sustainable.
Where past reforms have worked… and where they’ve stalled for 15 years.
Public Services: Spending More, Getting Less?
Are Scotland’s “free” policies inadvertently subsidising the middle class?
Why outcomes in education and health aren’t matching investment.
The Christie Commission’s ghosts return to haunt Holyrood.
Council Tax Rise: Cost‑of‑Living Pain or Necessary Reality?
With rises above inflation across the country, are councils simply passing the buck?
Chronic underfunding, ring‑fencing battles, and the future of local democracy.
Is it finally time to scrap or overhaul council tax?
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For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Sunday Feb 15, 2026
Go Radio Politics Show: February 15th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard is joined by:
In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Alison Thewliss and Paul Sweeney for a gripping hour that cuts through the noise on Scotland’s most urgent political flashpoints.
Anas Sarwar’s ‘Extraordinary Intervention’
Why did the Scottish Labour leader publicly call for the Prime Minister to resign—just 81 days before the Scottish election?
Was it brave strategy or political self-destruction?
Alison and Paul spar over chaos vs. courage, party loyalty, and the real impact on voters outside the “political bubble.”
The Battle for Voters & the Rise of Reform UK
How shifting loyalties, voter cynicism, and a fracturing political landscape could make this the most disproportionate Scottish election result in devolution history.
Why Reform UK threatens Labour more than the SNP—and whether Sarwar is aiming at the wrong enemy.
Scotland’s Deepening Housing Crisis
Nearly 200,000 households waiting for homes.
Soaring homelessness, rising temporary accommodation use, and a bleak pipeline for affordable builds.
A blunt debate over whether the Scottish Government has treated housing as a priority—or whether decades of political drift have created a generational social crisis.
Planning Paralysis & Pension Funds: Missed Opportunities
Why Glasgow’s planning system drives developers “to despair.”
How multi‑billion‑pound pension funds could supercharge housing development—but aren’t being used.
What innovative financial models could unlock thousands of homes.
Justice, Sentencing & Public Outrage
The tragic case of Keith Rawlinson sparks a deep dive into sentencing leniency—especially for culpable homicide and dangerous driving.
Are Scotland’s laws out of sync with public expectations?
Should Parliament intervene—or is that a dangerous line to cross?
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For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Sunday Feb 08, 2026
Go Radio Politics Show: February 8th, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Bernard is joined by:
In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby, the panel dives into one of the most tumultuous political weeks in recent UK history.
With the Prime Minister fighting for survival amid the unprecedented Peter Mandelson–Epstein scandal, the conversation quickly expands into a wider interrogation of political judgement, morality, and the erosion of public trust.
The PM on the Brink
Keir Starmer faces internal revolt as the fallout from appointing Mandelson—despite vetting warnings about ties to Epstein—sparks fury within Labour ranks.
Guests debate whether Starmer can survive and what the scandal reveals about loyalty, judgement, and the broken political culture at Westminster.
Rotten to the Core? — Systemic Accountability & Unelected Power
Tommy Sheridan calls the British system “rotten,” attacking the influence of unelected power brokers like Morgan McSweeney.
John Cooper argues the truth will surface as the police investigation unfolds.
The panel considers whether this marks a historic turning point for the Labour Party — or even the Union.
What About the Monarchy? Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor’s Fallout
With new revelations about Epstein, questions resurface about Prince Andrew’s conduct and the monarchy’s moral authority.
Is the monarchy remarkably resilient, or is public patience wearing thin?
Prostitution Law: Did Holyrood Miss a Moment?
Heated debate over the rejection of Ash Regan’s bill to criminalise the purchase of sex.
Is this a failure to protect vulnerable women, or was more scrutiny needed?
A deeper look at online exploitation, enforceability, and political willpower.
£40–60 Billion to Fix Westminster?
Parliament needs massive refurbishment; MPs face impossible optics.
The panel weighs symbolism, practicality, public backlash, and whether the Palace of Westminster is even fit for modern democracy.
Should the Commons move? Replace the building entirely? Turn it into a museum?
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For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Sunday Feb 01, 2026
Go Radio Politics Show: February 1st, 2026.
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Scottish politics roars back as Bernard Ponsonby returns with a packed panel and a poll that could reshape Holyrood.
In an episode the conversation dives straight into the political tremors shaking Scotland ahead of the upcoming election.
Bernard is joined by:
Paul Sweeney (Scottish Labour)
Douglas Lumsden (Scottish Conservatives)
Thomas Kerr (Reform UK Scotland)
Alex Kerr (SNP)
Together, they unpack the latest YouGov poll, the surge of Reform UK in Scotland, the fight for economic credibility, and the relentless turbulence threatening party leaders in Westminster.
Episode Highlights
A Poll Rocks the Landscape
The episode opens with a blockbuster YouGov poll:
SNP still out in front—but 14 points down from 2021.
Reform UK surges to 20%, disrupting the old order.
Labour and Conservatives slump.
A projected pro‑independence majority re‑emerges at Holyrood.
The panel debates:
Can the SNP really be “home and dry”?
Are Labour and the Tories simply waiting for a miracle?
Is Reform’s rise a protest, a movement—or the start of something bigger?
Can Reform UK’s Tax Cuts Add Up?
Thomas Kerr unveils Reform UK Scotland’s flagship tax proposal:
Immediate 1p income‑tax cut, rising to 3p by term end.
£2–4 billion cost, but few details on savings.
The exchange is lively and reveals the tension between message politics and mathematical reality.
The Tax Debate That Won’t Die
SNP and Labour defend Scotland’s progressive tax model, arguing:
Most Scots pay less.
Public services benefit.
Fiscal drag is a necessary tool.
Reform and the Conservatives fire back:
Economic Growth: The Missing Ingredient
Bernard pushes each guest to outline a real strategy for boosting Scotland’s stagnant economic growth.
Labour call for major capital investment and industrial strategy.
Conservatives champion oil, gas, and competitive tax structures.
The SNP highlight Scotland’s relative UK outperformance and blame Brexit constraints.
Reform UK double down on their low‑tax, growth‑led model.
Westminster Turmoil & The Farage Factor
From Tory defections to Labour's internal rumblings, national politics is in chaos:
Suella Braverman joins Reform—another blow to the Conservatives.
Labour battles internal factionalism after the Burnham row.
Nigel Farage looms large, courting disaffected voters across the spectrum.
Bernard poses the big question: Are we heading for the first election in generations where both governing and opposition parties collapse simultaneously?
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For more Go Studio Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Sunday Nov 23, 2025
Go Radio Politics Show: November 23rd, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
In this episode of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby sits down with Ross Greer, co-leader of the Scottish Greens, for an in-depth conversation that goes beyond soundbites.
From his unexpected journey into politics—rooted in faith and a sense of justice—to his vision for Scotland’s future, Ross shares candid insights on what drives him, why he chose the Greens, and how he plans to tackle the country’s biggest challenges.
Faith as a Political Catalyst: Ross reveals how Christian teachings—especially “Blessed are the peacemakers”—inspired his activism.
Why the Greens? Climate crisis as the ultimate priority: “Everything else is moot if we don’t have a liveable planet.”
Politics in an Angry Age: From carrying a panic alarm to dealing with death threats—what it takes to survive public life.
Scotland’s Broken System: Why devolution hasn’t delivered and how vested interests block real change.
Election Strategy: Cooperation over confrontation, but a firm stance against Reform UK’s influence.
Trans Rights & Human Rights: Tackling 200-year NHS waiting lists and fighting dehumanising policies.
Independence Debate: Why the SNP’s “65-seat mandate” strategy is flawed and what Greens propose instead.
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For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Sunday Nov 16, 2025
Go Radio Politics Show: November 16th, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Alyn Smith: SNP MP
Aimee Alexander:Reform U.K.
Wendy Chamberlain: Scottish Liberal Democrats
Is the BBC facing an existential crisis after a Panorama scandal and mounting political attacks? Can Keir Starmer survive as Labour’s internal chaos spills into public view? And what does a landmark Supreme Court ruling mean for sexual offence trials in Scotland?
BBC Under Fire: Trust in the BBC hits a historic low after a Panorama controversy and high-profile resignations. Is public service broadcasting still viable in a digital age?
Labour in Turmoil: U-turns on income tax, whispers of leadership challenges, and a government that looks paralysed despite a huge majority.
Justice System Shockwave: Supreme Court ruling sparks debate on fair trials versus victim protection—could this reshape sexual offence prosecutions?
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For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Sunday Nov 09, 2025
Go Radio Politics Show: November 9th, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Susan Murray: Scottish Liberal Democrat MP (Mid Dumbartonshire)
Ian Blackford: Former Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party
Irene Graham: Former Labour Councillor, Glasgow
Remembrance Reflections: The panel explores the evolving meaning of Remembrance Sunday, the symbolism of red and white poppies, and generational shifts in how sacrifice is honoured.
Veteran Support & Accountability: A powerful segment on the gaps in support for veterans, including housing, mental health, and the provocative idea of trade union representation for armed forces personnel.
Budget Blues & Manifesto Mayhem: Rachel Reeves’ pre-budget manoeuvres spark concern over a potential breach of Labour’s tax promises, with major implications for Scotland’s block grant and the SNP’s budget planning.
Tactical Voting & Reform UK’s Rise: With Reform UK surging in the polls, the panel discusses the ethics and impact of tactical voting, and whether it’s a necessary evil to block parties seen as divisive.
Electoral Reform Debate: The episode closes with a robust discussion on the need for voting reform, including calls for the Single Transferable Vote (STV) and a more representative democracy in both Westminster and Holyrood.
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For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
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Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Sunday Nov 02, 2025
Go Radio Politics Show: November 2nd, 2025
This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.
Guests:
Paul McLennan:SNP
Kainde Manji: Labour
Liz Smith: Conservatives
This week’s episode dives deep into the political and fiscal crossroads facing both Westminster and Holyrood.
With the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves poised to deliver a potentially manifesto-breaking budget, Bernard and his panel dissect the implications for income tax, public spending, and the Scottish block grant.
The conversation intensifies around the Scottish Government’s billion-pound underspend and the looming £5 billion black hole predicted by the Auditor General.
In the final part of the podcast, the panel confronts the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew and its impact on the monarchy’s future.
Key Highlights:
Manifesto Mayhem? Will Labour break its pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance, or VAT? Panelists weigh in on the fiscal gap and political fallout.
Scottish Budget Blues: The Auditor General warns of poor financial planning and a £5B deficit by 2030. Is Holyrood managing money efficiently?
Growth vs. Austerity: Can the UK and Scottish governments avoid cuts while stimulating growth? The panel explores productivity, public sector reform, and strategic planning.
Monarchy in Crisis: The disgrace of Andrew Windsor sparks debate on royal accountability, public trust, and whether this marks a tipping point for the institution.
Believe Women: A powerful call to centre the voices of survivors in the wake of the Epstein scandal.
Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok
For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...