As the hostilities go on between Israel and Iran we try and get beneath the "We support the right of Israel to defend itself" to why Israel decided to launch its attacks, why now , and the realities of nuclear proliferation in the region.
Meanwhile a report by the Centre For Media Monitoring has forensically examined the BBC's coverage of Gaza. The results are damning in terms of revealing BBC bias.
We take a look at the spending review not only the decisions made but especially what impact Labour's decisions may have on Scottish politics.
Lesley's latest article in The National not only covers this but asks if the SNP’s old attack lines are now almost gone and its claims of success belong largely to the old glory days. Will John Swinney's Scotland 2050 speech bring them back?
Despite Deputy Leader Keith Brown committing to an independence convention before the Holyrood elections at the 2024 SNP Annual Conference this has now been knocked firmly on the head by Angus Robertson. Was this a mistake?
The trial of Kneecap member, Mo Chara, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act will go ahead at Westminster Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. What does this tell us about the nature of the state and its decisions on who and who not to prosecute under the Act's provisions?
As per usual there's other meanderings and maybe a wee mention of the golf.

In this week's episode we discuss the U turn by the Westminster Government on the winter fuel allowance. Where is the money coming from and how is it going to be paid for? We ask what happend to the accusations levelled at the SNP when they rose to the challenge and reinstated the payment ahead of the Westminster Government. We look too at the impact on the SNP's policy, with Labour trying to make it look as if the Scottish payment will just be £100? It won't. We try to clear some of that up.

We talk about the aftermath of the Hamilton by-election and that there's no getting away from it, it was a really bad loss by the SNP. There was no mention of independence and the candidate was not as local as the truly local David Russell. We look at how the election played out and wheter that local connection is what mattered in an era where people have lost trust in parties.

We examine what that says about the candidates chosen so far by the SNP in the Scottish election. We look as well at Israel and Gaza. Breaking news that the British government has taken sanctions out against two Israeli cabinet members. But that's not going to go anywhere near placating the 300 civil servants who've written a letter objecting to the British government's support of the Israeli government and have been told that if they want to keep objecting, they can resign.

That and much more.

Links
Watch The Applecross film on YouTube https://youtu.be/J0kUgdms368
Remember to click subscribe on YouTube and click the Bell icon to get notified when new videos are released

Scotland 2070: Healthy Wealthy and Wise
https://scotland2070.org/

Common Weal: Common Home Plan
https://www.commonweal.scot/policies/the-common-home-plan/

Build Canada Homes
https://liberal.ca/housing-plan/

Sam Cotes - Sky The five considerable problems with the chancellor's U-turn on winter fuel payments
https://news.sky.com/story/the-five-key-issues-from-chancellors-winter-fuel-payment-u-turn-13381413

SSE Press Release
Critical Skye electricity transmission upgrade granted planning consent
https://www.sse.com/news-and-views/2025/05/critical-skye-electricity-transmission-upgrade-granted-planning-consent/

Scottish Government planning case and documents
https://www.energyconsents.scot/ApplicationDetails.aspx?cr=ECU00003395

In this podcast special we speak with two energy experts Rhys Stanwix and David Pearson. The cost of energy has dominated our own far-from-expert musings for the last few weeks. So we thought it might be an idea to pull in some expertise for a special about district heating, locational pricing, why we are stuck with such high prices, poor grid connections ,the march of the pylons across much of north eastern Scotland. Do we need the better connectivity or is this just horsing Scottish renewable energy south?
We tackle all these questions, and more, in an in depth and highly informative special.

There's a distinct European flavour to this week's episode and we kick off with our reaction to the UK/EU deal struck on Monday.
Has the Scottish fishing industry, once again, been a bargaining chip worth sacrificing to benefit other parts of the UK economy? Given that fishing and farming are devolved matters why wasn't the Scottish government either involved or at the very least consulted on the agreements reached in these areas? Despite the trumpeting of the deal will it always be a sticking plaster over the economic wounds of Brexit?
Saturday saw the latest edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. Lesley has always been a massive fan of the event, Pat not so much, what are her reactions to the inclusion of Israel, the behaviour of the EBU and host broadcaster in apparently censoring the live audience during the Israeli performance, and the claims of massive state intervention in order for Israel to stage a propaganda coup?
The British Museum hosted a secret celebration of Israel "Independence" Day. Much of the focus has been on the appearance at it by comedian Jimmy Carr but should more have been made of the speech given by UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle , on the day that the Labour government was in court defending itself against claims that it had continued to supply Israel with F35 aircraft parts in breach of its own sanctions?
ScotLand( sic) Futures led by the Scottish Land Commission has called for individuals, community groups, land managers, businesses and organisations to "help shape a shared vision for how Scotland's land is owned, used and managed". Lesley asks if we need less "consultation" and more genuine action?

As we recorded last week's episode the result of the vote at Stage One of The Assisted Dying Bill vote at Holyrood was unknown. The vote was in favour. What happens next?
Andrew Tickell article - https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25171496.assisted-dying-debate-deserves-better-bad-faith-politics/
We also look at the election of the new Pope and Pat revels in the prospect of a European tour with his beloved Dundee United. Or does he?
Keli play - https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/keli

After the launch of Labour's new White Paper on immigration we ask, despite Starmer's protestations, if Farage and Reform are already dictating not just UK politics but UK government policy.
We also delve into the detail of the changes outlined in the paper.
The Labour leadership is also facing a backbench rebellion over its cuts to disability benefits and is also being urged by 69 MPs to recognise a Palestinian state. Will they listen to either of these calls?
Lesley's latest column in The National examined the rise of Reform and speculated on its potential to break out of its unionist bubble and attract disappointed SNP voters in next year's Holyrood elections.
First Minister John Swinney was grilled by Martin Geissler on whether independence would be page 1 line 1 of the SNP manifesto at those elections. We analyse his response.
Is the UK/US trade deal worth the paper it's written on? Not according to US economist Joseph Stiglitz. Was getting such a quick sectoral agreement a sign of weakness or strength for the UK's position?
Ahead of the Holyrood vote on assisted dying Lesley gives her thoughts on this difficult decision facing MSPs.
There are a few seats remaining for 'A Night for MAP' at the Queen's Hall, Edinburgh. Friday 30th May.
https://www.thequeenshall.net/whats-on/night-map

In this episode we give our initial reactions to the First Minister’s Statement: Programme for Government 2025-26.
We also look back at the series of elections in England last week. What can we take from the Reform UK surge? Will Scotland be immune from Farageism at the 2026 Holyrood elections?
And if Starmer didn't have enough on his plate with Reform to worry about up popped Ex PM Tony Blair with his thoughts on Net Zero and climate change.
Lesley discusses this and asks if Sir Keir shouldn't take a leaf out of Mark Carney's book and stand up to Trump.
Today, Tuesday, sees the conclusion of the selection process for SNP candidates for those elections. Some weel kent sitting MSPs are fighting off challengers. Three contests in particular have hit the headlines.
Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory with no timeline for withdrawal. Does this move finally give the lie to Israel's claim that it's all about the return of the hostages?
If you fancy popping along to the two events Lesley will be appearing at this weekend, follow these links
https://www.republic.org.uk/republic_day_in_edinburgh_2025
https://www.believeinscotland.org/creating_scotland_a_celebration_of_scotlands_connection_to_europe?fbclid=IwY2xjawKHIfBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBmNHlMdHBjQWRmOU4yekdyAR7p9909Uu6UuhjdJp9m85xSkmbNcttzovd-Tfn-_Fu8It5oKBoA7iG9YGDAzg_aem_9gAZZkwMFNyI1UVgM48CoQ

Lesley appeared on Debate Night last week. We look back at this, the issues that were raised by the audience, and the replies of the panel.
Here's the link to Lesley's justified rant over the energy rip off.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/984639903833195
Kneecap have clarified their position and apologised to the families of David Amess and Jo Cox after the accusations made over statements made during gigs. John Swinney has called for the group to be removed from the TRNSMT line-up, echoing those made by Kemi Badenoch and others over Glastonbury. Is this furore simply, as Kneecap have claimed, a distraction from the real issue of Israel's actions in Gaza?
Meanwhile Louis Theroux has made a follow up documentary on the Israeli " settler" movement. We look at Daniella Weiss, the so called "Godmother" of the movement her actions ,the Zionist nationalist tradition she comes from, and the influence she has on the Israeli government.
We turn our attentions to three sets of elections. The result of the Canadian General Election, the English local elections, and the Runcorn and Helsby by election.
There has been a landmark decision at appeal giving Poet's Neuk, a local community group, the right to buy privately owned land under a compulsory purchase order. It's taken nine years after the passing of the 2016 Land Reform Act for this to happen for the first time. Will this set a precedent?
All of this plus gig reviews and TV recommendations.

Lesley's latest article in the National asking if the SNP’s passion for independence has been so thoroughly and habitually muzzled of late that nothing will now let it off the leash has certainly set some hares coursing throughout both the SNP and the wider independence movement. We discuss.
https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25096446.independence-front-centre-snps-campaign/

The ripples of the Supreme Court judgement on the question of the definition of a woman continue to spread. Has the decision settled the apparent conflict between women's and trans rights? Could it even have been expected to?
The latest More In Common opinion poll of over 16000 people shows devastating results for the Labour Party. We look at the poll and its findings plus the upcoming English local elections and the Runcorn and Helsby by election.

We also reflect on the tenure and legacy of Pope Francis.
To get tickets for Lesley's Denmark film follow the link below
https://lesleyriddoch.com/events