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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