Building a Democracy for the 21st Century On 26th April the Electoral Reform Society held a conference in Edinburgh called A Scottish Spring with a range of excellent speakers covering topics such as the rise of polarisation in democracy, Scottish public opinion, Civic and local democracy in Scotland , engagement and debate. Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene were there and very much enjoyed the discussions and presentations. It was a full day event so we weren't able to film every session in its entirety but these are some of our particular highlights of the day:

00:03:00 Willie Sullivan, ERS Senior Director in conversation with Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy

00:15:16 Marlene's question

00:16:40 Mark Diffley provides an overview of Scottish public opinion including exclusive polling commissioned for the conference

00:31:00 Esther Roberton, former Co-ordinator of the Scottish Constitutional Convention on the aspirations for the Scottish Parliament and how well it has lived up to those

00:40:17 Pauline Smith, Chief Executive, Development Trusts Association Scotland on local democracy

00:45:00 Mark Drakeford, former First Minister of Wales on alternative forms of democracy for the Uk

#democracy #scottishpolitics #electoralreform

Find our previous episode on building a local democracy in Scotland here https://yescowal.podbean.com/e/building-a-local-scotland/

find out more about the Electoral Reform Society here https://electoral-reform.org.uk/ers-scotland/

The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

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Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

Scotland in Europe: Our journey to the European Parliament! In this special episode of our podcast, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene share our exciting journey to Brussels where they joined a delegation organised by campaign groups Yes for EU and Europe for Scotland. Our mission? To promote Scotland's place in Europe and meet with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs ) in support of an independent Scotland rejoining the EU. From behind the scenes moments to exclusive MEP interviews, this episdoe captures the warm welcome and strong support we received in the heart of the EU. Our trip was not only inspiring for all the delegates but also formed part of the Europe Day celebrations on May 9th with footage featured in an event held in Edinburgh and also livestreamed.

Key chapters: 00:00:21 Arriving in Brussels 00:02:53 Elise Tallaron, Heather Anderson, Alyn Smith and Marlene Halliday share their hopes for the visit 00:06:27 Emotional arrival at the European Parliament 00:11:48 Inside the Parliament 00:13:40 A message from Thomas Waitz MEP 00:18:15 Fiona and Marlene go exploring 00:20:47 Elise introduces her team 00:21:33 A message from Vicent Marza Ibanez MEP 00:23:46 A glimpse of the debating chamber 00:24:38 A message from Olga Perez Vitoria, EFA Advisor 00:28:55 A chat with Hana from Coppieters Foundation 00:32:30 A message to our young people from Rina Hajdari and Charlotte Bechert 00:37:57 A message from Valentina Servera Clavell, EFA Campaigns 00:41:27 End of the day reflections from Heather Anderson and Alyn Smith 00:44:53 A message from Terry Reintke, MEP 00:46:19 Europe Day event excerpt from Q and A session

Watch the video version of this podcast here: https://youtu.be/4L8rWoGFeJc?si=zpYPE61Kv-nDrbtC

Watch the Europe Day event here: https://www.youtube.com/live/QoCJN_b5RDA?si=aiwUlBAelhQhAVCw

#scotlandineurope #grassroots #scottishpolitics

The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod

English Council Elections Fallout: What can Scotland learn? In this episode, Fiona and Marlene are joined by regular guests Bill Ramsay and Isobel Lindsay to discuss the recent English local council election results and the growing momentum behind far right organisation Reform Uk. What do these political shifts mean for Scottish politics? could they signal change - or opportunity - north of the border?

We explore the dangers of politicians clinging to the centre ground, how to re-energise a disillusioned electorate and whether the Scottish government should adopt a more radical, even rebellious, stance.

Key themes:

00:01:49 Lessons from the English election results 00:06:30 Broken Britain 00:16:55 The independence lifeboat 00:23:49 Indy parties vs the indy movement 00:25:02 Housing crisis or opportunity? 00:28:40 Turnout is key 00:33:53 Can the SNP be the anti-Trump? 00:38:40 Time to get radical again? 00:44:16 Tactics to counter Reform UK

#scottishpolitics #ReformUk #politicalstrategy

The Scottish Independence Podcasts team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Remember to like and subscribe!

Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com

Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes

Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips. video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm

If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee? https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcasts or choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause.

Music:

Inspired by Kevin MacLeod