by Solid Media
<p>The two biggest names in Scottish political journalism, Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie, join forces to bring you a regular “must listen” insider briefing on the political and wider world.</p><br><p>Bernard has been Scotland's leading TV political editor for many years while Alex is the unavoidable commentator and columnist for the Times and Sunday Times. Together they bring decades of experience and unsurpassed contacts books to provide you with a valuable insider briefing behind the headlines.</p><br><p>Scottish, Scotland, Scottish Politics, Political Podcast, Scottish Political Podcast, UK Politics, Scottish Independence, Indyref, Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon, Salmond, Sturgeon, SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Lib Dem, Scottish Greens, Alba Party, Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, John Swinney, Anas Sarwar, Holyrood, Westminster, Brexit, Budget, Devolution, Policy, News</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
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Publishing Since
6/1/2024
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April 16, 2025
Bernard Ponsonby and Alex Massie discuss the Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of a woman and its implications for Scottish government policies
April 4, 2025
<p>Bernard and Alex explain and analyse the significance of Donald Trump's international trade tariffs and how it might affect you personally in everything from the cost of goods to your pension. </p><br><p>Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff offensive has triggered market turmoil and reignited fears of a full-blown trade war, with the FTSE 100 plummeting and central banks scrambling to respond. Trump’s protectionist policies — including steep tariffs on key trading partners such as the EU, UK, China, and Vietnam — are driving up consumer prices, fuelling inflation, and risking a global recession. Despite claims of “economic patriotism”, experts argue these tariffs amount to a form of self-inflicted economic harm, unravelling decades of free trade orthodoxy. Retaliatory tariffs, rising import costs, and disrupted supply chains are hitting exporters hard, with industries from Scotch whisky to fighter jet components feeling the sting. Critics warn this tit-for-tat tariff spiral could destabilise the world economy, weaken Western alliances, and hand geopolitical leverage to China — all in pursuit of a misguided vision of industrial revival. With headlines dominated by market shocks, IMF warnings, and international backlash, Trump’s trade war may be remembered as a high-stakes gamble with devastating global consequences.</p><br><p>PLUS </p><p>Scottish Conservatives keep resigning - but for contradictory reasons. Some think the party is too far to the left, others think it is too far to the right. Which is it?</p><p>Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Patrick Harvie, is set to step down after 17 years. Has he been effective as a politician?</p><br><p>Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
March 28, 2025
<p>Bernard and Alex dive deep into <strong>Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spring Statement</strong>, dissecting the harsh realities of the UK's <strong>economic growth crisis</strong>, looming <strong>tax rises</strong>, and <strong>controversial welfare cuts</strong> that could plunge 250,000 people—including 50,000 children—into poverty. They explore the political fallout within the <strong>Labour Party</strong>, a potential backbench rebellion, and Labour’s failure to control the narrative amid soaring <strong>public debt</strong> and £100bn in <strong>interest payments</strong>. The conversation heats up with sharp analysis of the SNP’s revived push for <strong>fiscal autonomy</strong>, described as “independence within the UK,” raising serious questions about <strong>Scottish public finances</strong>, the <strong>Barnett formula</strong>, and the future of <strong>devolution</strong>. With elections looming in Scotland and Labour’s messaging in disarray, this is essential listening for anyone tracking <strong>UK politics</strong>, <strong>economic policy</strong>, and the continuing <strong>constitutional question</strong>. </p><br><p>#UKPolitics </p><p>#LabourParty </p><p>#SpringStatement </p><p>#WelfareCuts </p><p>#RachelReeves </p><p>#SNP </p><p>ScottishIndependence </p><p>#FiscalAutonomy </p><p>#Budget2025 </p><p>#OBR </p><p>#TaxRises </p><p>#BarnettFormula </p><p>#PonsonbyAndMassie </p><p>#Podcast </p><p>#PoliticalCommentary</p><p>Focussing on UK, Scottish and Global politics, if you like other great political podcasts like The Rest is Politics, The News Agents, Newscast, Questions Time, Holyrood Sources, Planet Holyrood, The Stooshie, The Steamie, Scotcast, Americast etc etc then The Ponsonby and Massie Podcast could be a great show to add to your list of favourites. </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
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IFS/IfG/UKICE
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