The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

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The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby episodes

  • The Burnham Bounce, The Sarwar Exit and The Independence Question

    Go Radio Politics Show: July 26th, 2026.

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

    This episode tackles some of the biggest political and cultural stories shaping Scotland and the UK right now. From Andy Burnham's dramatic first week as Prime Minister to the future of Scottish Labour and the fate of Glasgow's iconic School of Art, Bernard Ponsonby and his guests deliver a lively, often fiery debate.

    Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has hit the ground running with a wave of policy announcements aimed at tackling the cost of living crisis. But are these measures meaningful reforms or simply headline-grabbing politics?

    Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Labour's Lord George Foulkes, SNP MP Kirsty Blackman, and Conservative MP Douglas Lumsden to assess the new government's direction, Scotland's place in the Union, and what comes next for households and businesses.

    The panel also examines Anas Sarwar's surprise move to the House of Lords, the battle to succeed him as Scottish Labour leader, and whether Scottish Labour can regain relevance in a political landscape dominated by the SNP.

    Plus, an emotional discussion on the future of Glasgow School of Art after confirmation that a faithful restoration is no longer financially viable. Should governments step in to save one of Scotland's most treasured architectural landmarks?

    Key Highlights
    • Andy Burnham's first week as Prime Minister under the microscope.
    • Cost of living measures: substance or political theatre?
    • The growing debate over devolution and Scotland's relationship with Westminster.
    • Anas Sarwar's House of Lords move sparks controversy.
    • Who could become the next leader of Scottish Labour?
    • Calls for a new independence referendum reignite constitutional tensions.
    • The future of the Glasgow School of Art and Scotland's architectural heritage.

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      51 min
    • Burnham's Britain: A New PM, Old Problems?

      Go Radio Politics Show: July 19th, 2026.

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

      This episode tackles politics at a moment of major change, rising tensions, and plenty of controversy. From a new Prime Minister taking office to concerns about political extremism and a spirited debate over football, the panel leaves no topic untouched.
       
      A new era begins at Westminster as Andy Burnham prepares to enter Downing Street, but can he succeed where Keir Starmer fell short? Bernard Ponsonby is joined by Labour's John Grady, the SNP's Graeme Downie, and Reform UK's Thomas Kerr to assess Starmer's legacy, debate Burnham's agenda, and ask whether Labour can deliver meaningful change while sticking to strict fiscal rules.
       

      The discussion then turns to a darker question following the shocking death of former Conservative minister Anne Widdecombe: Are politicians safe in modern Britain?

      The panel shares personal experiences of threats, examines the role of social media, and explores whether political discourse has become dangerously toxic.

      The show ends on a lighter, but no less passionate, note as the team debates England's World Cup exit, Scottish reactions, football rivalry, and whether politics can ever truly be separated from sport.

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      50 min
    • Nigel Farage Own Goal? Commonwealth Games Challenges & Glasgow Protest

      Go Radio Politics Show: July 12th, 2026.

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

      Bernard is joined by Reform's Angela Ross, SNP's Bailey Annette Christie and Labour's Chris Murray.

      This week on the Go Radio Politics Show, the panel tackles Nigel Farage’s shock resignation and by-election gamble, asking whether it’s a masterstroke against the political establishment or a risky move that could backfire spectacularly. With questions swirling around donations, transparency, and accountability, the debate becomes a broader discussion about trust in politics and the future of Reform UK.

      The conversation then turns to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Will the event deliver a major economic boost and showcase Glasgow on the world stage, or will concerns about the city’s infrastructure and declining high streets overshadow the celebrations?

      Finally, the panel examines a series of protests across Glasgow communities, exploring the role of social media, misinformation, public frustration, and whether growing tensions reflect deeper social and economic challenges facing Scotland today.

      Key Highlights
      • Nigel Farage's controversial resignation and Clacton by-election strategy.
      • Heated debate over political donations, transparency, and "the establishment."
      • Glasgow's preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and their potential legacy.
      • Concerns over the city's appearance, infrastructure, and economic future.
      • Analysis of recent protests in Royston, Cranhill, and Castlemilk.
      • The impact of misinformation, community anger, and political disengagement.
      • What politicians should do to rebuild trust and address local concerns.

        • A lively discussion covering political accountability, major sporting ambitions, and the social issues shaping Scotland's future.

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        51 min
      • Can Burnham Deliver Change? Are We Spending Enough on Defence? | The Go Radio Politics Show

        Go Radio Politics Show: July 5th, 2026.

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

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        Is Andy Burnham offering a genuine new direction for Britain, or simply a fresh face leading the same agenda? This week's Go Radio Politics Show tackles the big political questions dominating Westminster and Holyrood.
         

        Bernard Ponsonby and guests Frank McNally (Labour), Patrick Harvie (Scottish Greens) and Michelle Campbell (SNP) debate Burnham's vision for decentralising power, the future of devolution, and whether Labour's commitment to strict fiscal rules will limit its ability to deliver meaningful change.

        The discussion also turns to national security, examining Labour's defence spending plans, NATO commitments, nuclear deterrence, and growing global threats from Russia, cyber warfare and international instability.

        Finally, the panel explores Glasgow City Council's pursuit of £45 million in unpaid council tax and what it reveals about the cost-of-living crisis, local government funding and the urgent need for council tax reform.

        Episode Highlights

        • Will Andy Burnham's leadership bring real change or more political continuity?
        • The growing debate over devolution, local power and elected mayors.
        • Is Labour spending enough to protect Britain's security?
        • Nuclear weapons, Trident and competing visions for defence.
        • Glasgow's £45 million council tax collection challenge.
        • Why councils, taxpayers and governments are facing difficult financial choices.

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          51 min
        • Andy Burnham: Prime Minister in Waiting? & Peter Murrell Jailed — Should There Be an Inquiry?

          Go Radio Politics Show: June 28th, 2026.

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

          On this episode Bernard is joined by Christine Jardine MP and Kirsten Sullivan MP & Calum Kerr MSP.

          A dramatic week in UK and Scottish politics takes centre stage as leadership shake-ups, financial scandal, and media tensions collide. With Keir Starmer stepping aside and Andy Burnham poised for a potential “coronation,” the panel debates whether a new leader can truly reset Labour’s direction—or simply repackage the same challenges.

          Meanwhile, the sentencing of former SNP chief Peter Murrell sparks fresh controversy, raising critical questions about transparency, trust, and whether a deeper inquiry is needed.

          And finally, journalists push back against new restrictions at Holyrood—igniting a heated debate over media freedom versus order and access.

          Fast-paced, sharp, and unapologetically candid—this episode breaks down the political stakes shaping what comes next.

          Key Highlights

          • 🔥 Leadership Shake-Up: Is Andy Burnham the fresh start Labour needs—or more of the same?
          • 💷 £400k Scandal Fallout: Calls grow louder for an independent probe into SNP finances.
          • 🏛️ Trust in Politics: Can transparency rebuild public confidence?
          • 🎤 Media vs Parliament: Are new interview rules protecting order—or weakening press freedom?
          • ⚖️ Big Policy Questions: Defence spending, fiscal rules, and tough economic trade-offs ahead.

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

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            51 min
          • Power Plays & Poll Shocks: Is the PM Finished?

            Go Radio Politics Show: June 21st, 2026.

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

            Westminster is on the brink as pressure mounts on the Prime Minister’s future following a dramatic by-election shake-up. In this fast-moving episode, Bernard Ponsonby and a cross-party panel dissect the political fallout—from leadership turmoil in Labour to seismic shifts in Scottish politics and the rise (or stall) of Reform UK.

            With tensions high and opinions split, the conversation dives into whether the UK is facing a full political reset—or just more chaos baked into the system. Plus, a curveball: can football fever and World Cup momentum actually influence political fortunes?

            Expect sharp analysis, heated debate, and unexpected insights as politics collides with power, identity, and even sport.

            Key Highlights

            • ⚡ PM on the Edge: Could a leadership showdown force a dramatic exit—and who’s waiting in the wings?
            • 🗳️ Makerfield Earthquake: Andy Burnham’s by-election victory sparks questions about Labour’s future direction.
            • 🇬🇧 Reform UK Reality Check: Momentum or meltdown? Is the insurgent party hitting its ceiling?
            • 🏴 Scottish Shockwaves: Conservatives surge in Aberdeen—does oil & gas politics explain everything?
            • 🎯 Tactical Voting Exposed: Are voters gaming the system to block opponents rather than back parties?
            • ⚽ Politics Meets Football: Can World Cup highs (or lows) sway voters and national mood?

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

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

              57 min
            • Breaking Point: Budgets, Backlash & Britain’s Divide

              Go Radio Politics Show: June 14th, 2026.

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

              When public services are stretched and tensions rise, where does responsibility really lie?

              This episode dives into the growing financial crisis facing Scottish councils, with a £500 million shortfall forcing tough choices on taxes, services, and jobs. Panelists debate who’s to blame—from central government funding models to local decision-making—and whether the entire system is broken beyond repair.

              But the conversation takes a sharper turn as the panel tackles recent unrest across UK cities, exploring the dangerous intersection of crime, immigration, and political rhetoric.

              Is public anger being misdirected—or ignored? And what happens when communities no longer feel safe?

              To close, the focus shifts to national defence, government accountability, and whether political leadership is failing to meet today’s security challenges.

              A candid, high-stakes discussion on money, power, and the pressures shaping modern Britain.

              Key Highlights

              • 💸 £530M Council Crisis: Why local governments are running out of money—and what it means for your services and taxes. 
              • 🏠 System Under Fire: Is council tax outdated, unfair, and beyond saving?
              • 📉 Cuts vs Efficiency: Will “service redesign” mean fewer jobs—or smarter government?
              • 📊 Small Business Strain: Are rising costs pushing local economies to breaking point?
              • ⚠️ Civil Unrest Explored: What’s really driving recent protests—and who’s fueling the narrative?
              • 🧭 Political Responsibility: Do politicians’ words contribute to division—or calm it?
              • 🛡️ Defence Shake-Up: What a high-profile resignation says about government priorities and national security

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

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                51 min

              About The Go Radio Politics Show with Bernard Ponsonby

              From the publisher's feed

              The Go Radio Politics Show is hosted by veteran political journalist Bernard Ponsonby, this is the show for the people—cutting through the noise to focus on what truly matters in Scottish politics. …