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Ash Regan on the rise of Reform in Scotland, what is a woman and why ‘no-one resigns anymore’

May 5, 2025
Ash Regan, the Holyrood leader of the pro-independence Alba party and former SNP member, discusses the shifting landscape of Scottish politics. She delves into the rising threat of Reform in Scotland, driven by public disillusionment with mainstream parties. Regan shares her views on the complexities surrounding women's rights shaped by a recent Supreme Court ruling and reflects on her political career, including her commitment to gender reform and the challenges of representing independence within a fragmented electorate.
21:17

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ash Regan emphasizes the necessity for Alba to genuinely address public discontent with major parties, particularly focusing on Scottish independence and the cost of living.
  • Following a Supreme Court ruling on the definition of a woman, Regan advocates for women's rights while criticizing the government's insufficient response to gender issues.

Deep dives

Political Landscape Shifts in Scotland

The recent local elections have brought significant changes in the political landscape of Scotland, particularly with the emergence of new parties like Alba as challengers to established parties. Ash Regan, a leader in the Alba Party, has noted that she is in a different position than previous elections since she is now representing a smaller party amid boundary changes that have made traditional constituencies unrecognizable. This shift reflects a growing public dissatisfaction with the main parties, pushing voters toward alternatives like Reform, which has gained traction due to their fresh approach. Regan emphasizes the need for Alba to address public concerns genuinely, advocating for a clear strategy on Scottish independence and vital issues such as the cost of living.

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