In this week’s episode, we digest a heavy couple of weeks of news, including the latest killing by ICE agents in Minneapolis. We ask how long can Reform in the UK continue to get away with their references to America, connections with the Trump administration, and leaning on the sort of DOGE style of efficiencies in government as their big offer in the Scottish elections? We look at Lesley’s column and discussion of whether Scotland should have boycotted the World Cup if Trump had gone further with Greenland threats. 

We also look at Andy’King of  the North’ Burnham's knockback from standing, in the forthcoming by-election that would have let him jump in as a replacement Labour leader. Will it all just be brushed under the carpet? How successful will that be? 

Scottish Labour seems to have got a new tactic of ‘mandamification’ of Anas Sarwar. We digest the attempts to ape the social media style of the New York Mayor with groovy videos, the walking, talking, jazzy music, and jumping camera shots. Will that work?

Edinburgh Cameo screening of the Finland film

Unfortunately the Cameo double booked themselves. The February 20th screening of the Finland film HAS MOVED to Sunday March 22nd 5.15pm. T

Ticket-holders for the original date will be refunded but must buy a new ticket for the March date. Sorry about that. A new booking link for March 22nd will be online soon at https://lesleyriddoch.com/events.

Links
Scottish Labour is a party stuck in long-term decline
https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/25789020.scottish-labour-party-stuck-long-term-decline/

Gavin Newsom  World Economic Forum Davos

https://www.youtube.com/live/ObkKhPt1QM0?si=lzSpDW8FWWTrWB_U

Deacon Blue 'appalled' after Malcolm Offord quotes Dignity

https://www.thenational.scot/news/25800409.deacon-blue-appalled-malcolm-offord-quotes-dignity/