Could Scotland be on the verge of a democratic revolution—both locally and nationally? In this week's episode, Lesley Riddoch and Fraser Thompson break down a today's debate at Holyrood as MSPs discuss Scotland’s right to hold an independence referendum. But that’s not the only constitutional shake-up on the table: the SNP Scottish Government’s radical proposal to dismantle the current local authority structure in favour of up to 160 new "community authorities" sitting inside 6-10 regional authorities. Alongside this, they explore the ripple effects of the Cardiff Celtic Alliance meeting, shifting international trade alliances, and the escalating pressure on the Scottish Government to honour its commitment to Israeli settlement boycotts.
Topics Discussed
Is this the end of Scotland's mega-councils?: Analysis of the Scottish Government’s paper proposing the replacement of current council structures with 6 to 10 strategic regional authorities and between 120 and 160 local "community authorities". The hosts caution against rushing this complex restructuring to meet a budget deadline, calling instead for a Citizens' Assembly to ensure genuine democratic empowerment.
Shifting Tides on Independence: Holyrood’s debate on the right to decide, marked by Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra suggesting his party may not oppose the motion. The hosts trace how the Cardiff Celtic Alliance meeting has caused ripples across the UK media, prompting LBC's James O'Brien and The Guardian's Simon Jenkins to publicly re-examine their positions on Scottish autonomy.
The £100,000 SNP Campaign Fund: Fraser and Lesley discuss Robin McAlpine’s sharp critique of the SNP’s newly announced campaign "war chest," maintaining that what the movement urgently needs is an independent, civic-led campaign rather than top-down party control.
Canada and the EU: Canada’s proposed association agreement with the European Union. Lesley and Fraser explore how "middle powers" are aligning internationally, potentially leaving a post-Brexit UK further isolated, and raising questions for Scotland's constitutional future.
Boycotts and Public Procurement: Pressure mounts on the Scottish Government regarding its pledge to disinvest from companies linked to illegal settlements. The hosts examine ASLEF’s potential strike action over a Spanish firm bidding for ScotRail rolling stock, alongside the cultural fallout surrounding Ed Sheeran dropping Macklemore as a concert support act.
Links
Poem - Andra on November 30th - https://www.scottishpoetrylibrary.org.uk/poem/andra-november-30th/
Humza Yousaf book launch - 28 September 7pm https://www.waterstones.com/events/humza-yousaf-in-conversation-at-vanda-dundee/dundee
Build A Local Scotland event - Tuesday 1pm 6 October - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2000254783904
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What is The Lesley Riddoch Podcast?
Scottish politics dissected from a left, pro-independence stance. Each week, award-winning broadcaster and journalist, Lesley Riddoch chews over the week’s news with co-host Fraser Thompson. If you like intelligent, quirky chat about Scottish society and culture, and Scottish, UK and international politics analysed from a Scottish perspective; this podcast is for you.