The State of Scottish Politics Today — Andrew Liddle

22. 6. 2023

This episode of The IR thinker examines the evolving landscape of Scottish politics in the decade since the 2014 independence referendum, with particular attention to the Scottish National Party, the repercussions of Brexit and the enduring question of independence. The discussion explores the relationship between Holyrood and Westminster, and considers how debates over energy, investment, immigration and poverty shape Scotland’s future within, or potentially outside, the United Kingdom.

Andrew Liddle

Andrew Liddle is a writer, political analyst and historian whose work focuses on modern British and Scottish political history. His most recent book, Cheers, Mr Churchill!: Winston in Scotland, has been internationally recognised for its meticulous research and insightful examination of Churchill’s relationship with Scotland.

Content

00:00 - Introduction
01:39 - Scottish Political Landscape After 2014
03:58 - Who Initiated the Scottish Referendum?
06:28 - Scottish National Party
09:08 - Scottish National Party: Older vs. Younger Generations
10:53 - Other Political Parties in Scotland
14:47 - Scottish Green Party & Liberals
17:06 - Scottish Parliament
21:02 - Should the Scottish Parliament Have More Competencies?
23:46 - Scottish Parliament and British Parliament
26:53 - Brexit and Scottish Independence Movement
31:09 - Scottish Independence: Security Issues
33:49 - What Comes After the Referendum?
36:15 - Would the UK National Referendum be an Option for Scotland?
38:25 - Is There a Scottish Passport?
39:58 - Nicola Sturgeon
45:07 - Has Nicola Sturgeon Left Any Political Legacy?
48:16 - Was Nicola Sturgeon Focusing Too Much on Scottish Independence?
51:27 - Humza Yousaf
55:00 - Other Scottish Political Leaders
58:01 - Scottish Energy Security and New Projects
1:01:21 - International Investment to Scottish Energy Sector
1:02:46 - What Should be Improved to Attract More Investment to Scotland?
1:04:52 - Scottish Economic Diplomacy
1:06:32 - Immigration Issues in Scotland
1:10:22 - Poverty in Scotland