Air Date: July 6, 2025

This is a catch-up version of Bernard Ponsonby's live, weekly Sunday show on Go Radio.

Guests:

Zubir Ahmed (Labour MP, Glasgow South West)

Ruairi Kelly (SNP, Glasgow City Councillor)

Rachael Hamilton (Scottish Conservatives MSP)

Kenny MacAskill (Leader, Alba Party)

Headlines

One year of Labour government – success or failure?

Scottish independence movement – Kenny MacAskill interview

Chancellor's emotional moment in Parliament

[00:02:20]

Labour’s First Year in Government

Ruairi Kelly (SNP): Calls Labour’s year “atrocious.”

Zubir Ahmed (Labour): Defends achievements like the Employment Rights Bill, NHS roadmap, and trade deals.

Rachael Hamilton (Conservative): Criticises U-turns on winter fuel payments, welfare reform, and tax hikes.

[00:07:16]

Scottish Budget Consequentials

Ruairi highlights SNP’s use of block grant to reduce child poverty.

Rachael and Bernard debate fiscal responsibility and national debt.

[00:12:36]

Rise of Reform UK

Bernard notes that despite Labour’s struggles, SNP and Conservatives aren’t benefiting—Reform UK is.

Ruairi warns against reactionary politics and stresses need for hope-based campaigns.

[00:14:56]

Leadership & U-Turns

Bernard questions Starmer’s authority after repeated U-turns.

Zubir defends pragmatism and Labour’s £9.1B uplift to Scotland.

[00:17:33]

Future Tax Rises?

Rachael predicts tax increases due to abandoned welfare cuts.

Emphasises need for rebuilding public trust and offering a positive vision.

Scottish Independence

[00:21:58]

Kenny MacAskill (Alba Party)

Criticises Nicola Sturgeon for stalling the independence movement.

Calls for 2026 Holyrood election to be on independence.

Accuses SNP leadership of drift and lack of strategy.

[00:26:39]

SNP’s Reluctance & Alba’s Strategy

Alba aims to pressure SNP and win over disillusioned independence supporters.

[00:30:34]

Alba vs. Greens on the List Vote

MacAskill argues Alba is now a better list vote than Greens.

Blames Greens for unpopular policies like LEZ and ferry issues.

[00:32:44]

SNP Governance Record

MacAskill criticises SNP’s competence and economic management.

Says Labour is worse, and Reform UK is a frightening prospect.

[00:35:25]

Alex Salmond Conspiracy Allegations

MacAskill alleges political conspiracy against Salmond.

Claims the ordeal contributed to Salmond’s early death.

Panel Reaction & Emotional Politics

[00:37:53]

Reaction to MacAskill’s Claims

Ruairi: Explosive but unverified.

Zubir: Highlights SNP’s internal fractures.

Rachael: Calls it a conspiracy theory, but respects Salmond’s legacy.

[00:45:35]

Emotions in Politics

Discussion on Rachel Reeves’ emotional moment in Parliament.

Ruairi: Emotions are human, not weakness.

Zubir: Politicians often hide emotions; Reeves showed strength.

Rachael: Criticises Starmer for lack of support; highlights abuse faced by women in politics.

[00:50:34]

Social Media & Abuse

Ruairi: Local councillors face less abuse, but women bear the brunt.

Zubir: Emotional toll is real; anonymity fuels toxicity.

Follow us @thisisgoradio on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Tik Tok

For more Go Creative Podcasts, head to: https://thisisgo.co.uk/podcasts/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ATeQD...

Keir Starmer first year in office, Labour government UK 2025, Labour U-turns and controversies, Scottish independence 2026, Alba Party vs SNP, Kenny MacAskill interview, UK politics podcast, Westminster Labour record, Scottish political debate, Rachel Reeves emotional moment, SNP leadership criticism, Reform UK surge, Holyrood 2026 election, UK welfare reform debate, Political conspiracy Alex Salmond