The National Podcast
We discuss the day's biggest stories and interview the people you want to hear from. Hear about the behind-the-scenes that doesn't always make it into print, and get to know our brilliant team of reporters.
Episodes

20 hours ago
20 hours ago
29 min
Digital editor Laura Pollock and is joined by political reporter Hamish Morrison to discuss Andy Burnham's latest devolution pitch – this time to the leaders of Scotland and Wales in Glasgow at the National Economic Council.
Later, the pair discuss the DUP blocking Sinn Fein from the meeting, Palestine rights activist Andreas Malm being barred from entering the UK in another extraordinary intervention from the Home Office and the latest defence news which sees ministers drawing up plans for “off-the-books” defence funding to avoid billions in tax rises or public service cuts next year
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3 days ago
3 days ago
24 min
Lucy Jackson is joined by Xander Elliards to ask why the BBC broadcast FORTY ONE minutes of uninterrupted Reform UK coverage.
They also look at the move to bring the filming of Doctor Who to Scotland and if this is a positive move for the country's television industry.
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3 days ago
3 days ago
32 min
Political editor Xander Elliards and political reporter Adonis Storr give their takes on the 2026 UK Budget and what it means for Scotland.
Announced by Healey from 12.30 on Wednesday, he laid out a number of commitments for the government's spending and future economic plans.
Key policies to come out of the speech were: a £100 household energy bill payment (which has been put to Holyrood to match), a rise in the minimum wage for younger workers, and an "extra" £600m for the Scottish Government.
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5 days ago
5 days ago
30 min
Digital editor Laura Pollock and political reporter James Walker discuss the latest Scottish and international news, including the latest independence poll which is the sixth poll since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister to show a lead for Yes.
Elsewhere, the pair take you inside the conference where the case was made for a Scottish pound, give a short overview of the Scottish Greens conference and finally, react to Brazil’s President Lula da Silva win overnight.
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Oct 24, 2026
Oct 24, 2026
25 min
Campaigner Coll McCail joins Digital Editor Laura Pollock to discuss the wave of protests across major European cities, and examine what's really causing them.
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Oct 23, 2026
Oct 23, 2026
46 min
Editor Laura Webster and Political Editor Xander Elliards on the Chancellor's £1 trillion North Sea oil fund admission, Stephen Flynn's ScotRail row and the row over mummies in museums
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Oct 22, 2026
Oct 22, 2026
49 min
Comedian Marc Jennings speaks to Editor Laura Webster in a wide-ranging interview about his comedy career, what he has learned about Scottish politics by making fun of it, and his favourite things about Scotland.
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Keep up to date with Marc here https://www.marcjenningscomedy.com/

Oct 21, 2026
Oct 21, 2026
33 min
On this episode of Media Watch from The National, host Lucy Jackson is joined by political reporter Adonis Storr to examine three major developments in public service broadcasting and media accountability.
Following announcements around the planned closure of BBC Scotland channel in favour of BBC iPlayer, they discuss the political reaction at Holyrood, the implications for Scottish commissioning budgets, and what this transition means for viewers.
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Oct 21, 2026
Oct 21, 2026
29 min
Editor Laura Webster is joined by Zack Polanski, Green Party of England and Wales leader, and SNP MSP Jack Middleton, to discuss Labour's approval of new North Sea gas drilling. Later, new Political Reporter Adonis Storr joins for his debut National Podcast, to discuss Andy Burnham rejecting an inquiry into the Gaza genocide.
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Oct 20, 2026
Oct 20, 2026
18 min
Political Reporter Hannah Shedden speaks to Ellie Harrison of Get Glasgow Moving.
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