Podlitical

As Brexit trade talks reach a standstill, the possibility of a deal looks more unlikely, with the UK Government saying negotiations may not go on beyond Sunday. The team chats about the sticking points over fishing access and more, as well as what happens as we reach the deadline, and whether the negotiators might pull off a deal in the final hours. Is there a chance discussions can continue, or does the EU have bigger fish to fry?

How did a US-based conspiracy about Donald Trump gain followers in Scotland and the UK? BBC Trending editor Mike Wendling and Hope Not Hate researcher Dr. Joe Mulhall join Lucy and Phil to discuss how QAnon exploded online. Why is it starting to make appearances across the UK and Europe, from online groups to anti-mask protests outside of Holyrood? The team talk about the origins of QAnon, it's appeal to certain people, what we can learn from the USA, and the potentially dangerous consequences of letting the conspiracy grow this side of the Atlantic.

The team attempts to unravel the layers of infighting inside the SNP post-conference, including the potential political manoeuvres by former leader Alex Salmond and MP Joanna Cherry. There's also good news for the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon as the Coronavirus vaccine is poised to begin its rollout, and it's crunch time in Westminster as the Brexit deadline looms.

Author & psychologist Claudia Hammond talks lockdown loneliness during Christmas, including how the pandemic has impacted the nation's mental wellbeing, how the Government needs to handle potential increased pressure on mental health services, and ways we can improve and manage our moods as we enter the holiday season.

Christmas is approaching, and the UK has taken a four nation approach to the festivities, but what were the political motivations behind the move to allow restricted gatherings, and does it make sense while we're still in the middle of a pandemic? The team sits down to discuss the thinking inside the UK and Scottish Governments, and some of the regulations they're asking people to abide by.

Boris Johnson is facing the heat after reportedly calling Scottish devolution a disaster, causing anger from Labour and the SNP, as well as creating a potential headache for the Scottish Conservatives ahead of the 2021 Holyrood elections. But just how successful has devolution been? As political parties become more polarised, and even the pronunciation of the word itself called into question by the team, can there be a grown-up discussion on devolution in the UK?

As the new Covid-19 vaccine is announced, the team discuss the political implications with BBC Scotland health correspondent Lisa Summers. Will it really be the silver bullet that can end the cycle of lockdowns in the UK, and what sort of impact will the rollout have on the 2021 Holyrood elections in Scotland? Lisa also explains the other tools in the Government's kit to reduce the number of coronavirus cases, and how they might be put to work to help us get home for Christmas.

BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg joins the team to chat about how Whitehall views the apparent rise in support for Scottish independence, the discussions going on inside Number 10 about what they can do to counter it, and the concern of Unionists about the potential impact of continuing to rule out a referendum if the SNP wins a majority at next year's Holyrood election.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced the furlough scheme is to be extended to March, but why now? The scheme will cover the whole UK as England enters a four week lockdown, but the Governments of Scotland and Wales have been critical, saying it should have been extended sooner. Will this new spate of spending help the economy and jobs over winter, or is it coming too late?

Scotland's new five-tier system is unveiled and former Labour leader Corbyn is suspended as the team tackle another busy news day. Will the Scottish Government's new restrictions manage to crack down on Covid-19 cases before Christmas? Meanwhile, in Westminster, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has suspended Jeremy Corbyn from the party over his reaction to a highly critical report on anti-Semitism. How will it impact the party, and will the report's shockwaves hit the Scottish Labour party too?