The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

NHS Crisis, Political Memoirs, and Scotland's Future

Air Date: June 29, 2025

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

Host: Bernard Ponsonby

Guests:

Ian Blackford: Former SNP Westminster Leader

Douglas Lumsden: Scottish Conservative MSP

Sir Tom Clarke: Former Labour MP and author

This episode dives into Scotland’s most pressing political and social issues. The show opens with a heated debate on the NHS crisis, where guests Ian Blackford and Douglas Lumsden clash over cancer treatment delays, long waiting times, and the rise of private healthcare.

The conversation then shifts to Sir Tom Clarke’s explosive memoir, which delivers scathing critiques of Donald Dewar and candid reflections on Labour’s internal politics.

Finally, the panel looks ahead to the 2026 Holyrood election, discussing independence, coalition possibilities, and the future of Scottish leadership.

 

Episode Highlights

[00:02:10]

Ian Blackford on NHS Performance

Defends SNP’s record

Highlights recovery plans and increased appointments

Acknowledges patient frustration

[00:05:09]

Douglas Lumsden Responds

Criticises SNP’s 20-year record

Highlights long waits for basic services

Calls for NHS redesign and GP reform

[00:07:28]

Two-Tier Health System Debate

Discussion on private healthcare rise

BMA’s warning: NHS “dying before our eyes”

Equity and access concerns

[00:20:08]

Interview: Sir Tom Clarke

Reflections on John Smith and Tony Blair

Explosive claims about Donald Dewar

Labour Party internal politics and memoir insights

[00:34:33]

Reactions to Clarke’s Memoir

Guests reflect on political memoirs

Discussion on party infighting and leadership dynamics

[00:45:25]

Holyrood 2026 Election Preview

Will independence dominate the campaign?

Coalition scenarios and party strategies

SNP’s roadmap (or lack thereof) for independence

 

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...

NHS Scotland, cancer treatment, private healthcare, Scottish politics, Holyrood election, independence, Labour Party, political memoirs, Donald Dewar, John Smith, Tony Blair, SNP, Scottish Conservatives, Ian Blackford, Douglas Lumsden, Sir Tom Clarke, Donald Dewar, John Smith, Tony Blair, Nicola Sturgeon, Fergus Ewing, Kenny MacAskill

 

Middle East tensions, UK welfare cuts, and the rise of political independents

Air Date: June 22, 2025
Host: Bernard Ponsonby

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

Guests:

Blair McDougall: Labour MP for East Renfrewshire. Former campaign director of the "Better Together" campaign during the 2014 Scottish independence referendum.

Ivan McKee, MSP: Scottish Government Minister for Public Finance. Former Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism, and Enterprise.

Robina Qureshi: Chief Executive of the charity Positive Action in Housing. Longtime campaigner for refugee and migrant rights and prominent human rights advocate.

In this episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, the panel tackled three major issues shaping Scottish, UK and global politics.

The show opens with a heated debate on the legality and consequences of recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with guests expressing deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and their economic and humanitarian fallout.

The conversation then shifts to the UK government's proposed welfare reforms, which aim to cut £5 billion from disability benefits—sparking debate over fairness, sustainability, and the impact on vulnerable citizens, particularly in Scotland.

Finally, the panel explore the growing role of independent politicians, prompted by Fergus Ewing’s decision to run as an independent MSP, and reflected on the balance between party loyalty, personal conscience, and constituent representation.

[00:02:18]

Middle East Conflict: Iran, Israel, and U.S. Bombings

Discussion on U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Legal and diplomatic implications debated by Blair McDougall, Ivan McKee, and Robina Qureshi.

Concerns over international law, nuclear deterrence, and echoes of the Iraq war.

Economic consequences of escalating conflict, including oil price spikes and inflation.

[00:21:52]

Gaza and the Two-State Solution

Panel reflects on the viability of a two-state solution.

Emotional and political fallout from the Gaza conflict.

Robina Qureshi shares insights from working with families in Gaza.

Calls for international investment in peace-building and moderate leadership.

[00:27:29]

UK Welfare Reform and Disability Benefits

New bill proposes cuts to PIP and Universal Credit to save £5 billion.

Blair McDougall discusses the balance between support and sustainability.

Ivan McKee outlines the Scottish Government’s preventative investment strategy.

Robina Qureshi highlights the impact on vulnerable populations and asylum seekers.

[00:50:29]

Independent Politics and Fergus Ewing’s Announcement

Debate on the role of independent MSPs in holding governments accountable.

Reflections on the legacy of Margo MacDonald and the value of political independence.

Final thoughts from panellists on loyalty to party vs. constituents and conscience.

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...

 

UK politics podcast, Middle East conflict analysis, Welfare reform debate, Scottish politics, Go Radio Politics Show, Iran Israel US tensions, Labour welfare cuts, Independent MSP Fergus Ewing, Disability benefits UK, Gaza two-state solution

#UKPolitics, #MiddleEastCrisis, #WelfareReform, #ScottishPolitics, #GoRadio, #GazaCrisis, #DisabilityRights, #IndependentVoices, #IranIsrael,

 

Power, Protests & Public Purse: Scotland Reacts to Reeves’ Budget, By-Election Fallout & Inquiry Chaos

Air Date: June 15, 2025

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

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.

Join the Conversation 

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...

 

Go Radio Politics Show, Scottish political podcast, UK politics podcast 2025, Bernard Ponsonby podcast, Scottish Parliament debate, Political panel discussion Scotland, UK spending review, Scotland block grant 2025, NHS Scotland funding debate, Scottish fiscal autonomy, Fraser of Allander Institute analysis, Scottish economic policy 2025, Labour vs SNP spending views, NHS Scotland budget priorities, Scottish healthcare funding crisis, Social care reform Scotland, Pay disputes in Scottish NHS, Public sector pay settlements Scotland, Hamilton by-election fallout, SNP leadership crisis 2025, John Swinney SNP leadership, Anas Sarwar Scottish Labour, Scottish Holyrood election 2026, Sheku Bayo public inquiry, Lord Bracadale controversy, Scottish Police Federation inquiry, Public inquiry process Scotland.

By-Election Fallout: Labour’s Comeback, SNP’s Crisis, and Reform’s Rise

Air Date: June 8, 2025

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

Host: Bernard Ponsonby

Guests: Mark Diffley from the Diffley Partnership, Reform UK's Thomas Kerr, Scottish Labour MSP Pauline McNeill and Stewart McDonald Former SNP MP for Glasgow South. 

In the first episode of the Go Radio Politics Show, Bernard Ponsonby dives into the political shockwaves from the Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse by-election.

Labour's unexpected win, the SNP's dramatic vote drop, and Reform UK's meteoric rise to 26.1% are dissected with expert guests. The panel explores implications for the 2026 Holyrood elections, the future of public services, and the constitutional debate around Scottish independence. Reform UK's policy positions and funding challenges are scrutinised, and the episode closes with a light-hearted take on the Trump-Musk fallout.

 

[00:03:00]

Mark Diffley Analyses the Numbers

SNP vote drops 17%, Labour wins despite 2% fall

Reform UK's 26.1% vote share shocks analysts

[00:07:41]

Reform UK’s Rise: What It Means

Reform UK poised to gain 10–17 MSPs in 2026

Proportional representation impact at Holyrood

[00:10:10]

Thomas Kerr (Reform UK)

Reform’s plans to contest all 73 constituencies

Membership surge post-by-election

Policy gaps and manifesto development

[00:12:40]

Funding Formula Debate

Barnett Formula under scrutiny

Reform UK’s stance: review and potential overhaul

[00:18:25]

Public Sector Pensions Controversy

Reform’s proposal to shift from final salary to contribution-based pensions

Potential impact on teachers, police, and NHS workers

[00:25:13]

SNP’s Internal Challenges & Ground Game

Stewart McDonald on SNP’s need for modernisation

Policy delivery and digital campaigning gaps

[00:28:20]

Labour’s Campaign Success

Pauline McNeill on Labour’s grassroots strategy

Candidate familiarity and local engagement

[00:38:44]

NHS & Public Services in 2026

Labour and SNP strategies for healthcare reform

Voter expectations on GP access, A&E, and surgeries

[00:43:52]

Independence Referendum Debate

Is the constitutional question “dead”?

Grounds for a second referendum

SNP’s manifesto strategy for independence

[00:52:21]

Chancellor’s Spending Review Preview

Expectations from Rachel Reeves’ statement

Winter fuel allowance, NHS funding, and defence budget

[00:55:35]

Trump, Musk & the Super-Rich in Politics

Final thoughts on billionaires in politics

Scottish by-election 2025, Reform UK Scotland 2026, SNP vs Labour Scotland, Barnett Formula review, Scottish independence referendum 2026, NHS Scotland crisis, Rachel Reeves spending review, Thomas Kerr Reform UK, Pauline McNeill Labour MSP, Stewart McDonald SNP strategy

TRAILER: THE GO RADIO POLITICS SHOW WITH BERNARD PONSONBY

Unfiltered. Uncensored. Unmissable.

Bernard Ponsonby Returns with New Weekly Podcast from Go Radio.

Bernard will bring his signature hard-hitting interviews, insightful analysis, and engaging commentary to the airwaves, focusing on the week's most pressing stories and issues.

Bernard Ponsonby, a respected figure in political journalism, will offer a platform for serious yet fun debate—unfiltered and uncensored.

In the inaugural episode which drops this Sunday 8th of June, Bernard will delve into the fallout from the by-election in Hamilton, Larkhall, and Stonehouse. He will explore voter attitudes towards the main parties and discuss whether Reform UK represents a new political direction or is driven by a negative view of other parties. 

Subscribe and never miss an episode.