The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

GP Hubs, Migration Debate, and the China Threat

Go Radio Politics Show: October 19th, 2025

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

Guests:

Alex Cole-Hamilton: Scottish Lib Dem Leader

Dave Moxham: STUC Deputy General Secretary

Stuart McDonald: Former SNP MP

Sharp analysis, big questions, and no easy answers—this episode is your guide to the stories shaping Scotland’s political landscape.

GP Drop-In Centres: Promise or Pipe Dream?
The SNP’s plan for nationwide GP hubs has sparked controversy. Will these centres ease the NHS crisis—or is this just pre-election spin? Hear candid takes from Alex Cole-Hamilton, Dave Moxham, and Stuart McDonald.

Scotland Demands Better: Fighting Insecurity & the Far Right
As civic groups rally against rising extremism, we ask: Is anger about migration really about racism—or broken politics? Discover what’s driving the movement and how parties plan to respond.

China Spy Row: Threat or Overblown?
The collapse of a high-profile espionage case raises tough questions. Does China pose a real danger to UK security and infrastructure? Our panel unpacks the risks, the politics, and the guardrails needed.

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Should the Rich Pay More? Is Council Tax Broken? Is Independence Still Viable?

Go Radio Politics Show: October 12th, 2025

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

Guests:

Frank McNally: Labour

John  Nicolson: Former SNP MP

Shona Haslam: Scottish Borders Council

This week’s episode dives deep into the political battlegrounds shaping the UK and Scotland. 

Wealth Tax Debate
Is it time to tax the ultra-rich? The panel clashes over the STUC’s proposal for a 2% levy on wealth over £10 million. Expect sharp exchanges on fairness, feasibility, and economic impact.

Council Tax: Reform or Scrap?
With council tax still based on 1991 property values, the guests explore radical alternatives—from local income taxes to community-based rebates—and question why reform has stalled for nearly two decades.

Independence Strategy at SNP Conference
As the SNP renews its push for independence, the panel debates whether the timing is right—or politically risky. Is the issue energising voters or alienating them?

Tory Conference Fallout
Kemi Badenoch’s headline-grabbing speech and bold policy pledges—like withdrawing from the ECHR and scrapping stamp duty—spark discussion on whether the Conservatives are serious contenders or simply chasing Reform UK’s shadow.

Farage Factor
Is Nigel Farage setting the agenda for both major parties? The panel weighs in on immigration rhetoric, electoral strategy, and the risk of mainstream parties echoing fringe voices.

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Donald Dewar: Scotland’s Reluctant Revolutionary

Go Radio Politics Show: October 5th, 2025

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

In this powerful special edition of The Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby commemorates the 25th anniversary of the death of Donald Dewar, Scotland’s first First Minister and the architect of devolution. Through candid conversations with close friends, political allies, journalists, and successors, this episode paints a vivid portrait of a complex, brilliant, and deeply principled man.

Featuring reflections from current First Minister John Swinney and former Glasgow City Council leader Steven Purcell, this special edition includes intimate interviews with Donald Dewar’s closest friends and colleagues - Fiona Ross, Baroness Meta Ramsey, Baroness Wendy Alexander, and David Whitton - offering a compelling portrait of the man who shaped modern Scottish politics.

 

Early Life & Personality: Hear intimate reflections from Baroness Meta Ramsey and journalist Fiona Ross on Dewar’s unconventional upbringing, sardonic wit, and unwavering loyalty.

Political Journey: From his first election in Aberdeen South,  Dewar’s path through opposition and into government is explored in depth.

Devolution Architect: Wendy Alexander shares behind-the-scenes insights into Dewar’s pivotal role in crafting the Scottish Parliament and his vision for Home Rule.

Leadership & Legacy: Former advisor David Whitton recounts Dewar’s time as First Minister, his struggles with health, and the emotional final days of his life.

Grassroots Impact: Stephen Purcell reflects on Dewar’s connection with constituents, especially in Drumchapel, and the enduring respect he commanded across social divides.

Cross-Party Reflections: Current First Minister John Swinney offers a thoughtful tribute to Dewar’s statesmanship and his role in shaping modern Scottish politics.

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Leadership in Question, Tuition Fees Reconsidered, and STV’s Media Shake-Up

Go Radio Politics Show: September 28th, 2025

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

Guests:

Patricia Ferguson: Labour

Graham Ledbetter: SNP

Eddie Barnes: John Smith Centre

The Farage Effect: Reform UK and the Rise of Anti-Establishment Politics

Nigel Farage’s growing influence looms over Westminster. The panel explores how mainstream parties should respond to populist rhetoric without alienating disillusioned voters.

Universities in Crisis: Is It Time to Rethink Scotland’s Higher Education Model?

With Scottish universities facing financial strain, the conversation turns to funding, foreign student reliance, and whether tuition fees should be reconsidered.

Colleges on the Margins: Has Scotland Neglected Vocational Education?

The panel highlights the imbalance between university and college funding, arguing that vocational training is essential for economic resilience and social mobility.

Regional News at Risk: STV Cuts Spark Alarm Over Media Centralisation

STV’s proposal to axe its northern news programme raises concerns about media representation and the erosion of local journalism in Scotland.

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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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