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 Newsome 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/

The Scottish Budget dominates this week’s episode - did Scottish Labour produce a massive own goal by not bothering to contest or argue for anything in the budget? Has their decision to abstain made life easier for the SNP and led to muted criticism in the press? There seems to be the impression, in the press at least, that there's not an awful lot to say about the budget and the SNP have sailed through a fairly steady as she goes and uninspring pre-election budget with little pain.

We look at the situations across the world at the moment, in Minnesota in the aftermath of the terrible shooting there, the situation in Iran, and the continuing pressure on Greenland. All this and more.

Links
See the latest film showings for the new Finland Film
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events

Greenland films
Uncovering the history of America's secret cold war base on Greenland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIw8pEqJMHw

How did Greenland become part of Denmark and why does Trump want to buy it?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYfSlQaIEXk

In this Podcast Extra, we speak with Liam McArthur MSP about his private member’s bill - Assisted Dying for Terminally ill Adults. Lesley and Fraser reflect on their own views and their personal connections and involvement with the assisted dying campaign.

You can find out more about the bill at https://www.dignityindyingscotland.org.uk/. Both Lesley and Fraser take a supportive view of the legislation. This is a complex and difficult subject. A contrary view is taken by organisations like Care Not Killing https://carenotkilling.scot/