Explore every episode of the podcast The National Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Monbiot’s chilling warning for Scotland | 30 Apr 2026 | 00:35:22 | |
Political Reporter James Walker interviews acclaimed journalist George Monbiot about neoliberalism, the state of UK politics, Scottish independence and lots more. Enjoy! Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Could a 'wellbeing economy' unlock Scottish independence? | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:42:12 | |
Political Reporter Steph Brawn is joined by former SNP MP Philippa Whitford to discuss how a wellbeing economy could shape the Scottish independence debate. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Could Malcolm Offord be any more out of touch? | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:32:13 | |
Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie and Editor Laura Webster discuss the gobsmacking Malcolm Offord moment from the STV Debate, Scottish Labour's defence of Keir Starmer and new figures debunking a common landlord claim ... Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Leader's Interview: John Swinney on independence, Palestine and AI | 28 Apr 2026 | 00:34:44 | |
Our latest Leader's Interview is with SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney. Editor Laura Webster sits down with him to discuss independence, the reaction to the SNP manifesto, the Scottish Government's action on Palestine, and more. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe from just £1 | |||
| SNP want indyref2 vote on DAY 1 after election | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:34:57 | |
Steph Brawn and Xander Elliards to sit down and discuss the news that SNP to bring forward a vote on securing an independence referendum on first day of Scottish Parliament term Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Leaders' Interview: Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay of the Scottish Greens | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:44:10 | |
In our third Leaders' Interview, the Scottish Greens' co-leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay talk to Political Editor Xander Elliards. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Zack Polanski joins us to talk Scottish independence, trans rights and fighting right-wing media | 24 Apr 2026 | 00:20:55 | |
Zack Polanski, Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, sits down with Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie on his trip to Scotland to discuss the Scottish election, independence, trans rights, fighting right-wing media narratives and much more. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Inside the Mandelson vetting disaster: How Keir Starmer’s No 10 lost control | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:15:37 | |
The fallout from the row over Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US has added to Labour’s unease and fuelled speculation about the Prime Minister’s position. After Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions session, digital editor Laura Pollock and political reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie discussed the fallout. | |||
| Scottish election manifesto special: What are the parties promising? | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:53:36 | |
Steph Brawn and Xander Elliards sit down to analyse the Scottish election manifestos and compare and contrast the policies of the big six. Support The National with a subscription from just £20 in our Spring Sale at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| 'It's communism!': How the SNP manifesto triggered the Scottish media | 17 Apr 2026 | 00:35:43 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie discuss the new SNP manifesto and its reaction, from comparisons to the Soviet Union and cries of "communism". Elsewhere, the BBC face criticism for their approach to an interview with John Swinney, and Keir Starmer's under even more pressure to resign. Support The National with a subscription from just £20 for a WHOLE YEAR at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Elaine C Smith on how to convince Scottish voters of independence ... and why comedy matters | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:48:41 | |
Scottish entertainment LEGEND Elaine C Smith joins Digital Editor Laura Pollock to discuss Scottish independence, the 2014 referendum, the Holyrood election, Two Doors Down, her incredible decades-long career and lots more. Support The National with a subscription from just £20 for an entire year at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Why Your Party failed in Scotland – with Niall Christie | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:36:09 | |
Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie sits down with Niall Christie, who was the Scotland rep on the Your Party central committee until suddenly resigning last week with the rest of the Scottish executive committee. They discuss what went wrong, and why the project failed. Support The National with a subscription from just £20 for a WHOLE YEAR at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Is there really a grubby Reform/Labour pact? | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:36:28 | |
Political Editor Xander Elliards and Editor Laura Webster discuss the fall-out from the Channel 4 Leaders' Debate, and whether Anas Sarwar or Malcolm Offord are telling the truth. Elsewhere, Malcolm Offord is under fire from a HIV charity, and Nigel Farage did not receive a warm welcome to Shetland. Get a subscription to The National from just £20 for a whole year at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Alan Cumming on why Scotland MUST be independent | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:48:10 | |
Editor Laura Webster sits down with legendary Scottish actor Alan Cumming to discuss politics, theatre, Scottish arts and culture and much more. Support The National with a subscription from just £20 at thenational.scot/subscribe during our Spring Sale! | |||
| Anas Sarwar launches bus with his face on it despite plummeting approval ratings | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:30:11 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Digital Editor Laura Pollock discuss Anas Sarwar's new battle bus, Plaid Cymru's manifesto launch and the SNP's new plans for young people trying to get on the housing ladder. Get a year of access to The National for just £20 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| The SSP's Colin Fox shares his vision for a radical Scottish Parliament | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:49:41 | |
Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie interviews SSP chief Colin Fox as part of our Leader's Interviews series. Get a whole year of The National for £20 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Peter Oborne on exactly what the media has got wrong on Palestine | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:34:41 | |
Political Editor Xander Elliards interviews the award-winning author Peter Oborne from Jerusalem. Join The National from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Why working class voters are falling for Reform – with Susie McCabe | 09 Apr 2026 | 00:39:49 | |
Comedian extraordinaire Susie McCabe joins Political Editor Xander Elliards to discuss her new show, what it's like to be heckled and the state of politics in Scotland and the UK. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Our Scottish election hustings LIVE | 08 Apr 2026 | 01:42:38 | |
Our wonderful columnist Assa Samake Roman hosts our election hustings! On the panel are: Jack Middleton for the SNP, Holly Bruce for the Scottish Greens, Christine Jardine for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Eva Comrie for Alliance to Liberate Scotland and Richie Venton for the Scottish Socialist Party. Support The National from just £20 a year in our Spring Sale at thenational.scot/subscribe
| |||
| SNP set for massive majority in our huge MRP poll | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:15:28 | |
We commissioned an MRP poll! In this Scottish Parliament election projection, the SNP are expected to win a majority, with a boost for the Greens meaning a sizeable pro-independence majority. Xander Elliards and Laura Pollock discuss the findings. Support The National from just £20 a year in our Spring Sale at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Furious Reform UK pull out of our debate | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:40:59 | |
Political Editor Xander Elliards and Editor Laura Webster discuss the news that Reform have backed out of our election hustings at the last minute. Elsewhere, they discuss Donald Trump's latest unhinged threats to Iran and some eyebrow-raising new polling numbers. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| How a 'fake green party' is tricking Scottish voters | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:34:54 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Political Reporter Steph Brawn discuss the return of Independent Green Voice - a "front" party for far-right campaigners which the Greens say lost them MSPs at the last election. They also discuss Reform UK's latest shambles, as another two candidates disappear, as well as a key official. Finally, is there too much large-scale advertising in Edinburgh and other Scottish cities? A new KFC ad is prompting debate around the rules on marketing campaigns. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Why is Starmer STILL silent on Israel's new death penalty law? | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:39:36 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Political Editor Xander Elliards discuss the UK Government's silence on the new Israeli death penalty law for Palestinians, how the closure of Grangemouth has left us in a mess during the energy crisis and Reform's threat to Gaelic and Scots. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Leader's Interview 1: Alex Cole-Hamilton | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:22:42 | |
Political Reporter Steph Brawn introduces Leader's Interview number one, as Scottish LibDem chief Alex Cole-Hamilton steps into the studio. They discuss conversion therapy, working with Reform, Donald Trump and whether his party faces an identity crisis. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Stephen Flynn on energy, the World Cup and the 'secret independence plan' | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:31:24 | |
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn talks to Political Reporter James Walker about a range of topics from the Scottish election, energy costs, America's illegal war on Iran and John Swinney's "secret" independence plan. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| THOUSANDS march for independence – is the tide turning? | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:36:39 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Westminster correspondent Hamish Morrison discuss the biggest issues on today's National Podcast. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Reform in shambles in Scotland as FIFTH candidate lost | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:36:43 | |
Editor Laura Webster and Political Reporter James Walker discuss the latest Reform mess as a fifth candidate drops out a week after their announcement. Later, they get into the UK Government's decision to block a £1.5bn factory investment in Scotland due to its Chinese links, and Question Time's latest Reform-related controversy. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Why we HAD to publish Malcolm Offord's sick homophobic joke | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:33:03 | |
Political Editor Xander Elliards and Editor Laura Webster discuss Malcolm Offord's disgusting homophobic joke, and why we decided to publish it. Elsewhere, the latest on the Morgan McSweeney phone saga, and some rather eye-catching poll findings.
Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| John Curtice's full breakdown of this Scottish election | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:27:50 | |
Professor John Curtice is back in the studio talking to us about the state of play going into the Scottish Parliament election. He gives a fantastic overview of where we are and what to expect over the next few weeks of campaigning. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Hasan Piker on how the US is crushing Cuba | 24 Mar 2026 | 00:50:58 | |
Multimedia Journalist Lucy Jackson is in conversation with streaming phenomenon Hasan Piker, who has just been in Cuba as part of the Nuestra America Convoy, about how the US is crushing Cuba. They also discuss Iran, and how Scotland is being dragged into Trump's war. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Laura Kuenssberg's 'dumbest question ever' | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:37:39 | |
Editor Laura Webster, Digital Editor Laura Pollock and Political Reporter James Walker discuss Laura Kuenssberg's 'dumbest question ever' on Israel and why it could possibly want to lie. They also get stuck into the latest polling finding a huge pro-independence majority, plans for a Queen Elizbeth memorial in Scotland, and Laura Pollock goes inside the far-right Unite the Clans rally at Holyrood. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe from just £1 | |||
| Inside Reform UK's Scotland conference and the fallout 24 hours later | 20 Mar 2026 | 00:30:56 | |
Digital editor Laura Pollock and political editor Xander Elliards sit down and reflect on a crazy Reform-filled 24 hours for the newsroom, from candidate suspensions after just one day and the party manifesto ... Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot.subscribe | |||
| Did the UK hold Scotland back on assisted dying? | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:35:47 | |
As MSPs vote against assisted dying proposals, we look at how the debate ended up at this point - and the reserved issue that caused a major problem in the end. Elsewhere, the Scottish Election Study tells us 5 key things about what to expect from the Holyrood vote in May, and new data debunks Tory claims about Scotland's tax system. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe from just £1 | |||
| What the media won't tell you about Iran ... with Aaron Bastani | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:18:32 | |
Editor Laura Webster is joined by Novara Media co-founder and political commentator Aaron Bastani to discuss the media's coverage of the US-Israel attacks on Iran, the voices not being heard and the real long-term consequences of this military action.
Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| The key findings in the Gaza Tribunal | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:30:56 | |
As Jeremy Corbyn's Gaza Tribunal reveals its report, we take a look into the key findings. Elsewhere, we recap the main SNP conference motions - including members telling the UK to prepare for Scotland's exit from the Union - and the SNP's position on the House of Lords. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Labour's secret memo reveals what they REALLY think about Scotland | 13 Mar 2026 | 00:43:13 | |
Editor Laura Webster joins Political Editor Xander Elliards to discuss THAT leaked Keir Starmer memo, and dig into political attacks on a new petition aiming to investigate pro-Israel influence in UK politics. They also take a look at Kay Burley's appearance on BBC Question Time, and dive into the murky world of the London media/politics sphere. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Douglas Alexander slated after Glasgow fire error | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:26:48 | |
The Scottish Secretary is in trouble. Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie and Multimedia Reporter Lucy Jackson discuss the day's biggest stories, including the latest from the Glasgow fire, Holyrood's assisted dying bill mammoth debate, and Alex Cole Hamilton's claims of anti-English hate. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| 175 years of Scottish history destroyed in Glasgow fire | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:29:49 | |
Our Editor Laura Webster and Digital Editor Laura Pollock discuss the horrendous fire by Glasgow Central, and what it means for Glasgow's built environment after a decade of devastating blazes. Elsewhere, Alba cease to be a proper party, Tony Blair wants to privatise Scotland's NHS, and Franz Ferdinand aren't happy with the IDF. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Should the UK be involved in Middle East war? Public opinion seems clear | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:31:33 | |
Editor Laura Webster and political reporter James Walker react to the moment a Question Time audience made clear whether they believed the UK should be involved in the war in the Middle East. The pair discuss the US use of UK military bases, the latest Holyrood polls and cultural icons coming out in support of Scottish independence. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Reform UK's election chances in Scotland dealt a HUGE blow in new poll | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:25:56 | |
Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie and Digital Audience and Content Editor Laura Pollock discuss today's biggest stories of the day, including the new Ipsos polling for the Scottish election poll, the latest in Iran, Malcolm Offord being accused of racism and BrewDog selling for just £33 million. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Does even Donald Trump know where he wants his war on Iran to end up? | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:42:59 | |
Does even Donald Trump know where he wants his war on Iran to end up? And what are the possibilities in the short-, medium-, and long-term? Foreign editor David Pratt, who has reported on the Middle East for four decades, gives his informed view on the fallout from the US-Israeli attacks on Iran | |||
| Will Scotland get dragged into Donald Trump's war? | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:28:40 | |
Political Editor Xander Elliards and Multimedia Journalist Lucy Jackson discuss the very worrying news of US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent conflict in the Middle East. What does this mean for the world, and for Scotland specifically? Meanwhile, a Saturday Night Live sketch on John Davidson's Bafta tics doesn't go down very well. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| We react to the massive Green by-election win | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:28:39 | |
What a result for the Greens in England! We unpack the result of the Gorton and Denton by-election, the media's role in the whole thing and the unfortunate timing of the Scottish Labour conference this morning ... Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| How Scotland can take back control of its own energy | 27 Feb 2026 | 00:46:44 | |
Political Reporter James Walker interviews Robin McAlpine of Common Weal about the state of Scotland's energy system and what can be done about it. Join The National from just £1 for 3 months here thenational.scot/subscribe Read our Energy Series here www.thenational.scot/topics/mccrone-report-2026/ | |||
| Breakthrough poll finds SNP set for MAJORITY – analysis | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:33:01 | |
As a major new MRP poll puts the SNP on track for a majority at the upcoming Scottish election, Political Reporter James Walker and Digital Audience and Content Editor Laura Pollock discuss what it could mean for Scottish politics. Elsewhere, they unpack the latest in the Gorton and Denton by-election, and there's a big win for one community after their fight against a major theme park company. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe for just £1 Read all of our Energy Week coverage here | |||
| How Nigel Farage threatens Scotland's energy potential | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:31:54 | |
As part of our Energy Week series, we are taking a look into how Nigel Farage's Reform UK are threatening Scotland's renewable energy sector. But first, Xander Elliards and Abbi Garton-Crosbie discuss the Bafta's racial slur incident, the latest on the Prince Andrew arrest and how a far-right agitator sparked an anti-immigration protest at a Dumfries hotel. Check out our Energy Series here and support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Meet the 22-year-old twins smashing the Glasgow Film Festival | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:21:16 | |
Lucy Jackson meets the directing twins, Nathan and Ben McQuaid, ahead of the World Premiere of their film Welcome to G-Town at the Glasgow Film Festival (which has already sold out TWO screenings). Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Inside Donald Trump’s ‘Gaza Board of Peace’ | 20 Feb 2026 | 00:29:43 | |
Political Reporter Steph Brawn and Multimedia Journalist Lucy Jackson dissect Donald Trump’s ‘Gaza Board of Peace’ with billionaire Riviera plans, a Fifa boss cameo and the outrage which has followed. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Meeting Scottish Labour's most rebellious MP | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:34:21 | |
Brian Leishman talks to political reporter Hamish Morrison about indyref2, the cost-of-living crisis, Labour's internal drama and much more in this in-depth interview. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||
| Andrew ARRESTED! What you need to know and what happens now? | 19 Feb 2026 | 00:08:34 | |
Emergency pod time as Political Editor Xander Elliards and Political Reporter Steph Brawn explain the crazy morning in UK politics. Why is this so significant, what happens now, and what does contempt of court law mean for all of this? Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for three months at thenational.scot/subscribe | |||