Ash Regan on the rise of Reform in Scotland, what is a woman and why ‘no-one resigns anymore’
May 5, 2025
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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.
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.
Challenges of Gender Reform and Women’s Rights
Regan has voiced her dedicated support for women's rights, especially following a significant Supreme Court ruling that reaffirmed the biological definition of a woman. She expressed both triumph and frustration over the ruling, recognizing it as a victory for those who campaigned for women's rights, yet lamenting the personal sacrifices many made during the fight. The government’s inadequate response to the ruling, particularly their failure to address the impact on women's safety in public spaces, has frustrated Regan and others who feel ignored in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender reform. This situation exemplifies broader issues in politics, where accountability seems scarce, and public concerns are often overlooked.
Future Strategies and Political Accountability
Looking ahead, Regan is focusing on strategic reforms in the Scottish Parliament, particularly through a member's bill aimed at changing prostitution laws by shifting the focus of accountability onto buyers. She acknowledges past regrets concerning her efforts in government related to this issue but remains committed to her cause. The way forward for Alba involves not only maximizing pro-independence representation but also tackling pressing societal issues in a manner that resonates with voters’ expectations. Regan's strategy highlights the challenges smaller parties face in gaining visibility and impact in a complex political environment dominated by larger parties.
In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn speaks to the Holyrood leader of the pro-independence Alba party, Ash Regan. Regan was formerly a member of the SNP and even ran to be the party’s leader after Nicola Sturgeon resigned in 2023. She defected to the late Alex Salmond’s Alba party 18 months ago and ran for party leader after his death.
On the podcast, she talks to Lucy about the difference between Alba and the SNP, the threat of Reform in Scotland, the ‘performative’ nature of Scottish politics, the Supreme Court ruling over what is a woman, and why she was right to resign over the Gender Recognition Bill.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.
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