The Stooshie: the politics podcast from DC Thomson

Recess rewind: Hate crime, budget cuts and election fever

Our team takes stock of a turbulent end of term at the Scottish Parliament.
We look at the reaction to the Hate Crime Act, and the high profile interventions from JK Rowling to Ally McCoist.
Meanwhile, there's an election looming - are social policy problems like housing making an impact?
And we speak to North East Scotland College principal Neil Cowie for a featured interview on the impact of cuts regionally and nationally.

Assisted Dying: Scotland prepares for third attempt at law change

We speak to Liam McArthur, the MSP steering controversial assisted dying laws through Holyrood at the third time of asking.
Are the safeguards enough to convince sceptics?
Has Scotland’s parliament changed its mind since the last time it was debated?
The Bill will be lodged at Holyrood on Friday - and then the serious job of scrutiny will begin.

Fornethy House abuse survivors on their fight for justice

Description: Survivors of historical abuse at Fornethy House in Angus tell us about their experience, and fury at being snubbed for compensation.
Four women join us to explain what happened to them as children, with harrowing memories.
And they react to Deputy First Minister Shona Robison’s comments in the Scottish parliament about why they can’t get access to a financial compensation scheme.

Alex Cole-Hamilton interview special

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton speaks to The Stooshie about his party's hopes for the General Election, and how they want to oust the SNP as the third largest party in Westminster. 
 
We also discuss his position on the windfall tax for oil and gas giants, and how he thinks "fair minded" voters in the north east will understand the need to tax their profits. 

Budget blues and climate crisis

Alarm bells are ringing that people don’t realise the sheer scale of lifestyle changes needed to meet climate targets and “net zero”.
At the same time, voters see governments balance the books off their backs, and fail to hit the big targets and big business.
The authors of an annual “state of the state” report pull all that together in our featured interview with the backdrop of another painful budget.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. But where do they find the positives?

Michael Gove interview as Tories meet in Aberdeen

Michael Gove is the special guest for a feature length interview.<p>The Aberdeen-raised UK Government minister has plenty to say in the run-up to Conservative party conference in the Granite City.<p>He responds to concerns about “Islamophobia” in his party, gets into the future of energy in the north-east and offers frank views on his rivals in the SNP and Labour.<p>He also describes how his Aberdeen childhood played a part in his political outlook - and reveals whether he intends to hit dance floor in the city again… 

Liz Lloyd and Alan Roden reflect on Scottish Labour conference

We're joined by Nicola Sturgeon's former chief of staff, Liz Lloyd, and ex Scottish Labour communications director Alan Roden for a conference special.
The weekend gathering in Glasgow saw a set-piece speech from leader Anas Sarwar and UK party boss Sir Keir Starmer.
What do our panel of political experts make of the party's pitch to voters?

Interview special with Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar

Anas Sarwar tells The Stooshie how he attempts to lead his party by channelling legendary football managers Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson. And he reveals which premiership manager he'd compare First Minister Humza Yousaf with.
We also discuss Labour's plan to attract voters across Tayside, Fife, the north and north east; and why he think those worried about the future of the oil and gas sector in Aberdeen should put their faith in Keir Starmer.

Yes City revisited

We speak to the people of Dundee, Scotland’s Yes City, to test the mood on a difficult year for the SNP and independence.
Have attitudes changed as the dust settles on Nicola Sturgeon’s appearance at the Covid inquiry?
Perth and North Perthshire SNP MP Pete Wishart shares his thoughts on the way the inquiry was handled too.

Jason Leitch, Eljamel and budget woes

Covid adviser Jason Leitch has been a recurring character in the Covid inquiry.
We discuss how he has also become central to a second inquiry, one which looks into harm caused by ex Dundee surgeon Sam Eljamel.
We're joined by MSP Liz Smith who raised questions about the Tayside links and campaigners' concerns over potential conflict of interest.
The squeeze on budgets and terrible legacy of Liz Truss's hold on UK finances is causing major repercussions.
We look at the big health, education and transport projects now under threat.