The UK government's new foreign and defence policy. The Metropolitan Police and the Clapham Common vigil. Is the Good Friday Agreement safe with Boris Johnson? The Kuenssberg Westminster Covid report.
Show Notes
Boris Johnson is set to announce the well-trailed shift in UK foreign and defence policy.
We look at the proposals in terms of their impact on Scotland, if any, and in particular at the 40% increase in nuclear weapons to be based on the Clyde.
The appalling scenes of the Metropolitan Police's aggressive handling of the Clapham Common vigil for Sarah Everard were in stark contrast to the softly, softly tactics of the police in Glasgow to the "celebrations" of Rangers fans. Different forces, yes, but Lesley picks apart the underlying assumptions, perceptions and stereotypes underpinning those very different approaches. She also wonders if these events can create a major shift in men's attitudes and behaviours.
There are looming elections not just in Scotland but in Northern Ireland. While, naturally, most of our attention has been focused on domestic Scottish issues recent events,and decisions taken by the UK, have thrown into sharp relief the dangers to peace on the island of Ireland caused by Brexit.
As Nicola Sturgeon prepares to announce the latest Scottish Covid strategies Laura Kuenssberg has written what, she claims, is the inside story on how Boris Johnson and his Cabinet has handled the Covid crisis. If true, it is damning for No 10.
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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.