The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

Diplomacy, Justice, and Political Drama: Trump’s UK Visit, Scotland’s Legal Shake-Up, and the Fallout from ‘Gullgate

Go Radio Politics Show: September 21st, 2025

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

Guests:

Martin Whitfield: Scottish Labour

George Adam: SNP

Edward Mountain: Scottish Conservatives

Thomas Kerr: Reform UK Scotland

Trump’s UK State Visit:
The panel debates whether Donald Trump’s second state visit was an “unqualified success” for the UK, exploring the diplomatic spectacle, the tech investment promises, and the ongoing Scotch whisky tariff saga. Was this a Brexit dividend, or just political theatre?

Brexit & Trade:
Is the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the US paying off? The guests weigh in on trade deals, tariffs, and the real impact on British industries.

Middle East & Statehood:
With the UK poised to recognise a Palestinian state, the show dives into the timing, the two-state solution, and the moral and political complexities of the ongoing conflict.

Justice Reform in Scotland:
The controversial abolition of the “not proven” verdict is dissected. Is this overdue reform or a step too far? The panel discusses the new two-thirds jury rule, the impact on victims, and whether the changes will deliver real justice.

Political Drama:
The resignation of Jamie Hepburn as a Scottish government minister after a heated altercation—dubbed “Gullgate”—sparks a candid discussion about standards in public life, ministerial responsibility, and whether political tempers are running too high.

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Diplomacy on the Brink: Trump’s Visit and the Mandelson Scandal

Go Radio Politics Show: September 14th, 2025

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

Guests:

Councillor Joe Fagan: Scottish Labour, Leader South Lanarkshire 

Christine Jardine: Scottish Liberal Democrat MP

Hannah Mary Goodlad: SNP Candidate 

Episode Highlights:

Labour in Crisis?
Peter Mandelson’s abrupt dismissal over ties to Jeffrey Epstein sparks outrage and questions about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment. Is his leadership now on shaky ground?

Trump’s State Visit – Diplomatic Triumph or Disaster?
With Donald Trump arriving in the UK, tensions rise. Will his unpredictable nature derail trade talks or stir controversy over Epstein connections?

Scottish Parliament Shake-Up
A record number of MSPs are stepping down. The panel discuss the generational shift and what fresh voices can bring to Holyrood.

Why Run for Office?
Hear personal motivations from two aspiring MSPs—Joe Fagan and Hannah Mary Goodlad—on why they’re stepping into the political arena and what issues drive them.

Energy Justice & Local Power
From Shetland’s wind farms to East Kilbride’s economic future, the candidates share their visions for fairer energy policy and revitalized local governance.

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The Battle for Holyrood: Housing, Health & Independence

Go Radio Politics Show: September 7th, 2025

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

Guests:

Mark Griffin: Scottish Labour

Meghan Gallacher: Scottish Conservatives

Dr. Philippa Whitford: SNP

Labour’s Chaotic Reshuffle: Angela Rayner resigns, Ian Murray is ousted, and Douglas Alexander returns. Is the Prime Minister the real weak link?

Scotland’s Housing Emergency: With over 10,000 children in temporary accommodation, is the SNP’s £5 billion action plan too little, too late?

Independence Strategy: John Swinney sets a bold target—65 SNP seats as a trigger for a second referendum. But is this a serious strategy or political theatre?

From reshuffles to rent controls, and constitutional clashes to construction crises—this episode is packed with political punch.

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Farage’s Footprint in Scotland: Reform UK, Identity Politics, and the Power of Personality

Go Radio Politics Show: August 31st, 2025

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

Guests:

Graham Simpson: Reform UK

Dave Doogan: SNP

Kezia Dugdale: Former Leader of Scottish Labour

Bernard Ponsonby dives into the political tremors shaking Holyrood as Graham Simpson defects from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform UK, marking a pivotal moment in Scottish politics.

Joined by Professor Kezia Dugdale and SNP MP Dave Doogan, the panel unpacks:

Reform UK's rise: Is it a populist surge or a symptom of voter disillusionment?

Election dynamics: What will shape next year's Holyrood vote—policy, personality, or protest?

Public service sustainability: Are parties ready to confront Scotland’s fiscal future?

Healthcare crisis: Why the NHS is topping voter concerns and what parties plan to do.

Politics of personality: Does charisma now outweigh ideology in winning votes?

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Borders, Benefits, and the Battle for Britain: A Deep Dive into Asylum, Immigration, and Pension Reform

Go Radio Politics Show: August 24th, 2025

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

Guests:

Helen McDade: Reform U.K. 
John Grady: MP: Labour Glasgow East

This week’s episode dives deep into three hot-button issues shaping UK and Scottish politics:

Asylum & Immigration Crunch
With record asylum applications and a growing backlog, Bernard grills Labour MP John Grady and Reform UK’s Helen McDade on the legal, moral, and economic implications. Should the UK withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights to regain control? And are legal migrants paying the price for asylum pressures?

State Pension Age & Triple Lock Debate
As the UK government reviews the pension age, the panel tackles tough questions: Is an increase inevitable? Can the triple lock survive long-term? 

Scottish Conservatives in Crisis?
Jeremy Balfour’s resignation sparks a broader discussion on the state of the Scottish Tories. Are they facing political extinction, or is this just turbulence before regrouping? Reform UK’s rising vote share adds fuel to the fire.

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Misogyny In Politics, Council Tax Reform & Is Freedom Of Speech Under Threat?

Go Radio Politics Show: August 17th, 2025

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

Guests:

Kaukab Stewart: SNP MSP Glasgow Kelvin 
Douglas Lumsden: Scottish Conservative MSP NE Scotland
Roz Foyer: General Secretary, STUC

In this lively episode, Bernard Ponsonby deep dive into the political and social issues dominating Scotland.

Nicola Sturgeon's Memoir:

Sparks intense debate over her legacy, emotional honesty, and political missteps.

Critics accuse her of rewriting history and avoiding accountability.

Supporters praise her vulnerability and introspection, especially regarding her relationship with Alex Salmond.

Misogyny in Politics:

Roz Foyer and Kaukab Stewart highlight the gendered nature of political criticism.

Douglas Lumsden argues abuse is widespread across all politicians, regardless of gender.

Wealth Inequality in Scotland:

Shocking new stats reveal deep disparities in income and savings.

Council Tax Debate:

Heated exchanges over the outdated and unfair nature of council tax bands.

Bernard challenges politicians on their reluctance to commit to revaluation or reform.

Free Speech & Cancel Culture:

Arrests at pro-Palestinian protests and the controversy around Kate Forbes at the Edinburgh Fringe raise concerns about censorship.

Guests discuss the balance between freedom of expression and incitement, with calls for more respectful public discourse.

The episode ends with a call for cooler heads and respectful debate in an increasingly polarised political climate.

Bernard Ponsonby promises more spirited discussion in next week’s show. Hit subscribe to make sure you don't miss it!

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Frankly Speaking: Sturgeon’s Memoir, Economic Shifts, and Forbes’ Farewell to Holyrood

Go Radio Politics Show: August 10th, 2025

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

Guests:

Christopher Murray: Labour Party for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh.

David Melvyn Linden: Former Scottish National Party for Glasgow East 

In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, host Bernard Ponsonby and guests explore these major issues.

Nicola Sturgeon’s Memoir – “Frankly”

The episode begins with an in-depth discussion of Nicola Sturgeon’s newly released memoir, Frankly. The book reveals deeply personal aspects of her life, and her complex relationship with former mentor Alex Salmond. 

Bank of England Interest Rate Cut

This segment tackles the Bank of England’s recent decision to cut interest rates, a move that has sparked debate among economists and politicians.

Labour’s Fiscal Strategy

Bernard Ponsonby challenges Labour’s tax pledges, predicting that economic pressures will force the party to break its manifesto commitments

Kate Forbes’ Departure & Toxic Politics

This segment focuses on Kate Forbes’ announcement that she will not seek re-election, citing family commitments and the toxic nature of political discourse in Scotland. 

Gaza Crisis & Netanyahu’s Proposal

The final segment addresses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to occupy all of Gaza, a move that has drawn international condemnation.

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Starmer’s Palestine Pledge, Labour’s Tax Crackdown & SNP’s Independence Ultimatum

Go Radio Politics Show: August 3rd, 2025

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

Guests:

Jeane Freeman: former Health Secretary, SNP.

Lynn Henderson: Scottish Secretary of the PCS Trade Union, Labour.

John Cooper: MP, Scottish Conservative. 

In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, host Bernard Ponsonby and guests Jeane Freeman, Lynn Henderson, and John Cooper explore three major issues.

The show opens with a heated debate on the UK’s potential recognition of a Palestinian state, exploring the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusations of genocide, and the political complexities between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The episode also focuses on the proposal for a 2% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, with arguments around fairness, economic impact, and Labour’s fiscal challenges.

The final part of the show examines the SNP’s strategy for Scottish independence, with First Minister John Swinney suggesting that winning 65 seats would be a mandate. The panel debates whether this reignites the independence movement or distracts from key voter concerns like health, education, and economic reform

[00:00-17:19]

UK Recognition of Palestinian State

Key Discussion Points:

UK’s potential recognition of Palestine in September

Humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accusations of genocide.

Hamas vs. Palestinian Authority representation.

International law and proportionality in warfare.

Role of negotiation and historical parallels (Northern Ireland, South Africa).

[17:55]

Wealth Tax Debate

Key Discussion Points:

Proposal for a 2% annual wealth tax on assets over £10 million.

Arguments for fairness and reducing inequality.

Concerns about capital flight and economic competitiveness.

Treasury modelling and Labour’s fiscal challenges.

Broader tax reform and public service efficiency.

[37:35]

Scottish Independence Strategy

Key Discussion Points:

First Minister’s proposal: 65 SNP seats as mandate for independence.

Debate over whether this reignites or buries the independence issue.

Voter priorities: health, education, economy vs. constitutional matters.

Role of other pro-independence parties.

Trade union perspectives on election priorities.

 

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Scottish independence, SNP, John Swinney, de facto referendum, Holyrood election, voter priorities, trade unions, manifesto strategy, constitutional debate.Wealth tax, Rachel Reeves, fiscal headroom, Labour budget, tax avoidance, fairness, public services, economic growth, inheritance tax, capital gains.Scottish independence, SNP, John Swinney, de facto referendum, Holyrood election, voter priorities, trade unions, manifesto strategy, constitutional debate.