Politics Without Illusions: A Hard Look at Scotland’s Future

Go Radio Politics Show: April 5th, 2026.

This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio. 

Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Stephen Boyd, director of IPPR Scotland, Holly Bruce (Scottish Greens), Christine Jardine (Scottish Liberal Democrats) and Moira Ramage (Reform Uk).

In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, host Bernard Ponsonby dives deep into the defining issues of Scotland’s election campaign — guided by a new framework set out by IPPR Scotland.

Joined by representatives from the Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK Scotland, the discussion tackles five big questions shaping every party’s manifesto:

• Scotland’s £4.7 billion fiscal gap — Is it tax hikes, spending cuts, or economic growth that will close the black hole?
• Public service reform — Is the Scottish state too big, too inefficient, or simply underpowered locally?
• Economic growth reality check — Can any party truly deliver rapid growth, or is that political fantasy?
• Climate commitments — Are Scotland’s climate policies credible, or sliding backwards?
• Child poverty — With statutory targets looming, what are the real (and costly) actions needed to lift families out of poverty?

Expect sharp exchanges, candid admissions, and stark contrasts in philosophy — from wealth taxes to quango cuts, from renewables expansion to oil and gas debates, and from childcare expansion to direct cash transfers.

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