The Lesley Riddoch Podcast

We certainly cover a lot of ground in this week's episode.
Kicking off ( pun definitely intended) with the retreat by Richard Turfitt on the draconian proposed restrictions on travelling Scottish football fans. The consultation document resulted in almost unanimous consensus in opposition right across the political spectrum.
The decision by the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain that it would “not be in the public interest to prosecute drug users” possessing drugs within a consumption room were one to be created." has also sparked surprising agreement among political parties with even the Scottish Tories supporting the ruling and the establishment of a pilot scheme in Glasgow. However Suella Braverman and the UK government seem set against the idea. Will this lead to a Scottish Tory rebellion?
The Conservatives staved off a backbench revolt,led by Alok Sharma, on maintaining the ban on on-shore wind farm developments. However the latest auction of offshore licences proved a predictable disaster.
One of several facing an increasingly chaotic UK government sailing in the face of expert and public opinion.
This followed on from the report by the Commons International Development Committee on the unintended consequences of the Illegal Migration Act,which we explore.
There has also been vehement and complete opposition to the Northern Ireland Troubles Legacy and Reconciliation Act from all Northern Ireland's political parties, the Irish government, victims' families and civic groups. Is the act a cover up for the so called "Dirty War"?
Meanwhile there's trouble at t'mill or at least the TUC Congress 2023 with Unite leading the campaign for Labour not to roll back on workers rights and public ownership. The level of trust in an incoming Labour government might be judged by the motion passed calling for employment law to be devolved to Scotland.
However, it does appear from all that's coming out of Labour HQ that all this has fallen on Blairite deaf ears.
If you're interested in the "Break Up of Britain" conference memtioned by Lesley you can find out more and book tickets here
https://thebreakupofbritain.net/
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thebreakupofbritain/936799
All this plus reports back on Lesley's Thrive tour, house sitting adventures, and Pat's technical demands.


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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 former media lecturer and Dundee United fan, Pat Joyce. 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.