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Leading

108. Mhairi Black: Independence, inequality, and the future of the SNP

Nov 18, 2024
Mhairi Black, former MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, gained notoriety as the youngest MP ever elected and is known for her candid views within the SNP. She shares her journey from youth activism to Parliament, tackling the culture of bullying and intimidation in politics. Mhairi discusses the evolving internal conflicts within the SNP, the complexities of Scottish independence, and her thoughts on future leadership. She emphasizes the need for youth engagement and innovative policies like basic income to shape Scotland's political landscape.
53:34

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Mhairi Black's early political activism highlights the importance of grassroots movements in shaping political representation and engagement.
  • The SNP's future success hinges on unifying its factions and addressing local community issues to remain relevant amidst independence goals.

Deep dives

Mary Black's Early Political Involvement

Mary Black's political journey began at a surprisingly young age, as she protested against the Iraq War at just seven years old. Growing up in a politically engaged family influenced her understanding of activism and politics, which dismissed the notion of avoiding discussions on controversial topics. Her family had strong ties with traditional Labour values, yet she gravitated toward supporting Scottish independence, marking the beginning of her political ambitions. This early experience highlights how early activism instilled within her a lifelong commitment to public service and advocacy.

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