How long will Ukraine remain headline news? Will the EU ban all Russian energy imports? As parties struggle to drum up candidates for the council elections is Scotland stuck in political limbo?
Show Notes
Lesley began the podcast back in 2007 and in episode 701 we can see that the debate surrounding independence has moved on and there have been tectonic shifts in the balance of political power in Scotland. However are we stuck in a quagmire where all political parties are struggling for candidates within the framework of a local government structure not fit for purpose and where every election is fought as a de facto independence referendum?
Boris Johnson ,in his crass comparisons between the fight of the Ukrainian people against the Russian invasion and Britons voting for Brexit, seems to have made himself persona non grata at the upcoming European Council. Will there be sufficient support for a blanket ban across Europe for Russian energy exports? Will Russia be impacted by any European ban when countries like India seem more than willing to take advantage of discounted Russian oil and gas?
Lesley dives into the complexities of Ukrainian politics in particular the recent history of the Donbas region, and the notorious Azov Battalion.
We also discuss Rishi Sunak's Spring Financial Statement. He has been tight lipped in the media but we suspect that Austerity Mark 2 is on the cards.
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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.