TalkTV's International Editor Isabel Oakeshott kicks off today's show to discuss Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, and news from across the world as Governor of China’s Xinjiang region cancels his upcoming UK visit after backlash. We continue our discussion of Sturgeon's resignation with Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond who shares his thoughts on the future of Scotland without Sturgeon and his personal relationship with her over the years. Energy analyst at the Institute of Economic Affairs Andy Mayer returns to The Independent Republic to debate the controversial profiteering of British Gas owner Centrica after a record £3.3 billion in profit despite rising energy costs. The Home Office have released their Knife Crime and Prolific Offenders Statistics this morning amid knife crime soaring in home counties particularly in the West Midlands as drug rings spread; we speak to Chair of The West Midlands Police Federation Sergeant Rich Cooke to discuss what is needed to improve these worrying numbers of violent crime and ultimately death. Former foreign correspondent for Channel 4 News and NBC, and author of The Fire of the Dragon: China’s New Cold War Ian Williams closes the show to discuss the ongoing spy balloon saga, what this means for UK defence and how it raises more pressing concerns with Chinese cameras leaving British police vulnerable to spying. All that and so much more, so tune in! 

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