The National Podcast

Stand-up comedian Jacob Hawley of the Screen Rot podcast joins Political Editor Xander Elliards to discuss bringing politics into comedy in a crazy world, why Scotland fans should want England to lose at football, why the Fringe isn't championing Scottish talent, and more. Head to https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/jacob-hawley-tickets/artist/5391850 for tickets for his upcoming show. Support The Nati...

Editor Laura Webster and Political Reporter James Walker discuss the SNP's plans to put a temporary ban on data centres, the latest on Nigel Farage's Clacton by-election mess, and more Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Political Editor Xander Elliards and Editor Laura Webster discuss Nigel Farage's resignation as an MP to trigger a by-election in Clacton. This is a political stunt - will the media be prepared to call it that? Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe

Editor Laura Webster and Digital Editor Laura Pollock discuss Andy Burnham's rejection of a second independence referendum, Nigel Farage's questionable financial arrangements, the scandal facing Highland Council and proposals for a mansion tax in Scotland. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Campaigner Talat Yaqoob joins Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie to discuss the state of Scotland's media, with a particular eye on the lack of diversity we see.  Support The National with a subscription from £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Political Reporter Steph Brawn is joined by Sophie Johnson of Stop the War to discuss the Defence Investment Plan.  Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Digital editor Laura Pollock is joined by political reporter Steph Brawn on The National Podcast LIVE where they dissect the news that fascist-style demonstrations on Scotland’s streets have been “emboldened” by the likes of Reform UK. Later, the pair discuss whether fears that Scottish Labour may have been compromised by Russian spies and Laura talks to Rob Murray, the British Red Cross Director...

Multimedia Reporter Alasdair Ferguson sits down with Claire Duffy of Glasgow TV Festival to discuss Edinburgh TV Festival moving to Manchester and what comes next for Scotland's screen sector. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Editor Laura Webster is joined by Political Editor Xander Elliards for today's National Podcast LIVE. They discuss the news that John Curtice has given his verdict on what an Andy Burnham premiership might mean for Scottish Labour and the SNP. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said the UK had to be prepared for war to be able to deter potential enemies as he set out the £15 billion defence investment pl...

Campaigner and peace advocate Samah Salaime joins Political Editor Xander Elliards on The National Podcast to discuss her work in Neve Shalom and wider activism.   Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe  

Political Reporter James Walker interviews Green MSP Q Manivannan, who has been faced with hate as a result of their immigration status. Here, they discuss their experience of Holyrood so far, Scottish independence, and more. Support The National with a subscription from £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie and Editor Laura Webster discuss Andy Burnham's speech on his vision for the UK, and what it means for Scotland. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 for 3 months at thenational.scot/subscribe

Editor Laura Webster and Political Editor Xander Elliards discuss Reform's behaviour in the Scottish Parliament this week, Andy Burnham's new U-turn on Scotland, and Kate Forbes's appearance at a hard-right summit   Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe

The UK's likely next prime minister wants to “tear up” the funding mechanism for Holyrood, The National revealed on Tuesday. Political Editor Xander Elliards and Editor Laura Webster discuss this story and the other big stories of the day on today's National Podcast. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot.subscribe

*Apologies for audio issues at the beginning* Keir Starmer has resigned, so what now for Scotland? Political Reporter Steph Brawn and Digital Editor Laura Pollock discuss the aftermath, as well as the recent anti-Muslim attacks in Edinburgh. Support The National with a subscription at thenational.scot/subscribe from just £1

The BBC has "evaded tough decisions" and been "badly managed", broadcaster Stuart Cosgrove has said, after the corporation announced plans for sweeping cuts which will hit Scotland. Reacting to the news on The National podcast Cosgrove, who presents football show Off the Ball with Tam Cowan, said: "The BBC have, maybe, in the past, evaded the tough decisions." Cosgrove, who used to work on Channel...

Join our political reporters Steph Brawn and James Walker as they discuss the upcoming Aberdeen South and Arbroath and Broughty Ferry by-elections, as well as Makerfield down south. Later, the pair chat about today's More in Common poll which found Scots have more pride in the country's men's national team compared to England and Wales ... Remember, you can subscribe now for £1 for three months of...

Political Reporter Steph Brawn meets new Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Energy of Scotland Stephen Gethins to discuss Scotland on the world stage in the context of the World Cup.    Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Political Reporter Steph Brawn and Managing Editor Steward Ward discuss the result of Scotland's first World Cup game, the Tartan Army abroad, and the biggest news stories from over the weekend. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Digital editor Laura Pollock and political editor Xander Eliiards discuss the French government report which states they have detected interference in elections in Scotland, France and New York City from an Israeli firm  Remember, you can subscribe for three months for just £1: www.thenational.scot/subscribe

Believe in Scotland founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp believes that with each of the devolved nations of the UK now led by pro-independence first ministers, an English independence movement will be formed that will take the shape of violent scenes we have seen this week Later, he and political reporter Steph Brawn touch on the Celtic Alliance and what's next for Scotland's independence movement Rememb...

Editor Laura Webster and Political Editor Xander Elliards discuss the disorder in Glasgow on Tuesday night and attacks on people because "of their skin colour". Elsewhere, we discuss claims of "anti-Scottish" comments on GMB and John Curtice's thoughts on the upcoming by-election in Aberdeen South. Join The National from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Tabassum Niamat livestreamed the events of Kenmure Street five years ago. Now, she continues her work as a campaigner. Here she speaks to Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie about her work. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Political Reporter Abbi Garton-Crosbie interviews Iris Duane, a newly elected Scottish Green MSP and one of Scotland's first two trans MSPs, about what her party is aiming to achieve, her views on independence and more. Support The National with a subscription from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe

Editor Laura Webster and Political Reporter Steph Brawn discuss the latest news that Police Scotland spied on Donald Trump protesters during his visit to the country.   Support The National from just £1 at thenational.scot/subscribe