Polls Apart

We begin with the ongoing controversy over the Cambo oilfield and the accusation in certain quarters that Nicola Sturgeon is a latter day Margaret Thatcher overseeing the destruction of an industry and communities in the NE of Scotland. And in the week where a poll showed support for Scottish independence at 55%, and dissatisfaction with Boris Johnson among Scottish voters at 80% the Tories held Old Bexley and Sidcup in a by election.

Show Notes

We begin with the ongoing controversy over the Cambo oilfield and the accusation in certain quarters that Nicola Sturgeon is a latter day Margaret Thatcher overseeing the destruction of an industry and communities in the NE of Scotland. Can the Scottish government do more to enable a just transition within its limited powers or is it hamstrung by the conduct and policies of Westminster?
Shocking claims have been made by a civil service whistleblower over, what he claims, was a failure at all levels of the UK government to meet its obligations to evacuate Afghans linked to Britain during the Taliban takeover.
Is this symptomatic of a governing party mired in corruption, incompetence ,and malice on a massive scale?
Dominic Raab was at the centre of these claims and was also the latest government minister rolled out, this time on the Marr Show, to try and spin the way out of the Covid law breaking parties alleged to have taken place during London lockdown last Christmas.
Will these revelations cut through to the voting public down south?
And in the week where a poll showed support for Scottish independence at 55%, and dissatisfaction with Boris Johnson among Scottish voters at 80% the Tories still held Old Bexley and Sidcup in a by election. However the voter turnout was risible at just over 33%. A symptom of voter disillusionment or the a result of the first past the post voting system?

All this plus our thoughts on the power of music with the release of the Peter Jackson Beatles documentary, Get Back.
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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.