UofG Spotlight

Episodes

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  State of the Race: The US Midterm Elections 20.10.2026 36m

  In today's episode of Spotlight, we're shifting focus to the US and the mid-term elections happening on 3 November. Hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale speak to UofG's Chris Carman and Jason Boxt, Founder of 3W Insights, about what might happen in these mid-term elections, what you need to look out for, and how significant they are for politics in the United States. The conversation covers key issues shaping the campaigns, including the economy and AI data centres; what the polls are saying and what we might see happen on election day; the stand-out candidates; concerns about turnout; and what we might see from President Trump when the results come in. Chris Carman is Stevenson Professor of Citizenship at the University of Glasgow, and Jason Boxt is Founder of 3W Insights, a political and corporate consultancy based in Washington DC. Tune in and subscribe. Tickets for our in-person event on 26 October: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/theres-no-money-left-can-we-still-build-a-fairer-society-tickets-1999520542769?aff=oddtdtcreator  Hear more from the Centre for Public Policy and sign up to our newsletter: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/ 
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  Tackling Poverty in 2026 05.10.2026 36m

  In today's episode, we're marking Challenge Poverty Week. Regular podcast host Kezia Dugdale is joined by guest host and Centre for Public Policy colleague Claire MacRae to speak to two guests working in this area. We discuss child poverty and the Scottish Government's targets, social security and the backdrop of Scotland's challenging financial outlook, what role local government can play in tackling poverty, and more.     We talk to Charlotte Gorman from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Professor Stephen Sinclair from the Poverty and Inequality Commission about newly published reports that look at the progress we're making towards eradicating poverty in Scotland in 2026 and how we can continue to work towards this goal.     Charlotte Gorman is Senior Policy Adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and author of the JRF's new Poverty in Scotland 2026 report. The report says that with targets missed and poverty too high, radical change is needed, and that local government needs to play a bigger role in poverty reduction.    Professor Stephen Sinclair is Chair of the Poverty and Inequality Commission and Professor of Social Policy and co-Director of the Scottish Poverty & Inequality Research Unit at Glasgow Caledonian University. The Commission's new report looks at the role of universal and targeted approaches to tackling poverty.    Tune in and subscribe.    Read the Joseph Rowntree Report, Poverty in Scotland 2026: https://www.jrf.org.uk/understanding-poverty/poverty-in-scotland-2026    Read the Poverty and Inequality Commission report, The role of universal and targeted approaches in addressing poverty and inequality in Scotland:  https://povertyinequality.scot/publication/universal-and-targeted-approaches-to-tackling-poverty-key-messages-from-the-poverty-and-inequality-commission/    Hear more from the Centre for Public Policy – sign up to our newsletter:  https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/ 
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  The Devolution Revolution? 21.09.2026 33m

  In today's episode of UofG Spotlight, we're looking at Andy Burnham's 'devolution revolution', and what that might mean for the UK devolved nations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Plus, we look at two significant developments in UK constitutional politics.  First up, hosts Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale give their take on two big developments in UK politics from the last fortnight. First, the exchange between Dundee SNP MP Chris Law and Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Prime Minister's Questions on grounds for an independence referendum, and second, the summit between the SNP, Sinn Féin, and Plaid Cymru in Cardiff, on the path to independence referendums.   Then they're joined by two guests: Dr David Waite, Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow and Dr Jack Newman, Lecturer in Politics and Public Administration at the University of Liverpool to discuss devolution. Does the 'devolution revolution' extend beyond England? What can be learned from Manchester for regional devolution elsewhere? Are mayors an option for Scotland? And what might support success for Burnham's devolution drive?  Tune in and subscribe.  Read the report by Professor Kezia Dugdale and Stephen Noon, Scotland and the Constitution: Agreeing a way forward:  https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/outputs/headline_1101096_en.html  Sign up to the Centre for Public Policy newsletter:  https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/ 
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  Scotland's Programme for Government 07.09.2026 42m

  UofG Spotlight is back for series 8! And we're starting with the Scottish Government's Programme for Government, announced by First Minister John Swinney on 1 September.   We discuss what's in (and not in) the new five-year Programme for Government, from the four over-arching themes and nine new Bills, to the detail of public service reform, independence and devolution, prevention, food price caps, and lots more.   Regular podcast hosts Professor Nicola McEwen and Professor Kezia Dugdale are joined by leading voices in Scottish public policy and politics: Sarah Davidson, CEO of Carnegie UK and Honorary Professor at the Centre for Public Policy Peter MacMahon, writer, broadcaster and commentator on Scottish and UK politics A brilliant conversation on what this announcement means for politics and policy in Scotland in the coming terms. Tune in and subscribe. Hear more from the Centre for Public Policy – sign up to our newsletter: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/  
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  The Future of Foreign Aid: Retreat or Reinvention? 05.06.2026 39m

  In this episode of Spotlight, we turn from devolved politics to global challenges, asking the important question: do we still value development aid?  Host Nicola McEwen is joined by leading researchers from the University of Glasgow and Queen Margaret University to unpack the changing landscape of international development. Together, they explore the long-term decline in UK and global aid commitments, the real-world consequences for communities in some of the world's most vulnerable settings and the new approaches to development finance emerging. This work is being supported by the Scottish Council for Global Affairs.   Later in the episode, Nicola speaks with SCIAF's Director of Public Engagement, Ben Wilson, about Scotland's distinctive role, the Scottish Government's commitments, and whether initiatives like aid match funding could create a different path forward.  As global pressures mount and political priorities shift, what does the future hold for development aid - and for the communities who depend on it? 
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  Power, Policy and the Next Five Years - After the Elections Ep.8 12.05.2026 38m

  In the final episode of our election podcast series, now 'After the Elections', we look at the results of the Scottish election, what it means for the future of public policy, and how soon we might see the impact of challenging public finances. We're joined by two guests, Graeme Roy, Professor of Economics at the University of Glasgow and Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission, and Kate Higgins, former Special Adviser to the Scottish Government.    How hard is it to deliver change in government?   What is the fiscal context facing the new administration?   What is the likelihood of an independence referendum? Can the MSPs find common ground, in a parliament that is more diverse and ideologically fragmented than ever before?    Tune in and subscribe.      Over the last month, the Centre for Public Policy has published a range of academic insights from University of Glasgow experts, on justice, the economy, migration, the constitution and more.    Visit our website to find out more:  https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/ 
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  In England and Wales - On the Elections Ep.7 06.05.2026 38m

  In this episode of our On the Elections podcast series, we're looking to England and Wales, where elections are also being held tomorrow, 7th May. In England, almost 5,000 councillors will be elected across 134 of England's 317 councils. And the Welsh Parliament – or Senedd – is also holding its election, with a new voting system and a 50% increase in the number of Senedd members being elected.    We're joined by Professor Jane Green, Director of the Nuffield Politics Research Centre and Co-Director of the British Election Study, and Professor Laura McAllister from Cardiff University's Wales Governance Centre and one of Wales' leading academics.    With Jane, we discuss England, from whether this election will be a test for Keir Starmer's government, to bloc voting, how well we expect to see individual parties do from Reform UK to the Greens, and more. And with Laura, we talk about Wales, from how the new electoral system might play out in the Senedd election, to the latest polls and frontrunners, and what has gone wrong for Welsh Labour.     Tune in and subscribe.      Read our joint report with Ipsos - Does Independence Still Matter?: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/news/headline_1264446_en.html Visit the Centre for Public Policy for more expert insights, from justice, to migration, the constitution, the economy, and more: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/ 
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  Can the Next Scottish Government Fix Public Services? On the Elections Ep.6 29.04.2026 29m

  This week on the UofG Spotlight On the Elections podcast, we're talking about whether the next Scottish government can fix public services.    What are the parties proposing to fix the problems in public services and help to sustain them into the future? What should they be doing?    To talk about this, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale are joined by Frances Mair, the Norrie Miller Professor of General Practice and Head of the School of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow, and Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive at Carnegie UK, and Honorary Professor here at the Centre for Public Policy.    Tune in and subscribe.    Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country.     https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/ 
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  Can the next Scottish Government Revive the Economy? On the Elections Ep.5 23.04.2026 32m

  In today's episode, we're talking about the economy, and particularly whether the next Scottish Government can revive the economy in Scotland. Host Professor Graeme Roy is joined by three experts. Sara Carter, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow, Dr David Waite, senior lecturer in Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow, and Stephen Boyd, Director of the IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland).    They look at what the current future looks like for Scotland's economy; the manifestos and whether the parties have risen to the challenge ahead; what's missing and what might meet that challenge - from more focus on entrepreneurship and small business to regional devolution; and how we get back to the basics on what drives the economy.    Tune in and subscribe.    Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country.     https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/   
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  The Manifestos - On the Elections Ep.4 20.04.2026 32m

  In this episode of the UofG Spotlight On the Elections podcast, we're looking at what's in the manifestos of the Scottish parties.    Hosts Nicola McEwen and Kezia Dugdale talk to Professor Alistair Clark, a political scientist from the University of Newcastle and Chris Birt, Associate Director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.     Together they discuss whether manifestos really matter, what's in them, what's not and how what they choose to emphasise gives us a greater insight into their priorities and outlook.     Tune in and subscribe.    Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country.    https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/ 
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  The Rise of the Right - On the Elections Ep.3 15.04.2026 30m

  This week we're looking at the rise of the right in Scotland. We're seeing Reform UK emerge in Scotland as a serious contender, and given the electoral system one that is likely to see a sizeable number of MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. In this episode, we explore: What's driving the rise of parties like Reform UK What can we learn from similar parties elsewhere? And what are the implications for public policy more generally?  First up we talk to Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, an independent, non-partisan thinktank and registered charity, engaging people's hopes and fears about integration and immigration, identity and race, and former journalist.  The we're joined by two academic experts, Dr Judith Sijstermans, University of Aberdeen, and Dr Pontus Odmalm, University of Edinburgh. Tune in and subscribe. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
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  An Election in the Shadow of War? On the Elections Ep.2 08.04.2026 27m

  In today's episode of our UofG Spotlight: On the Elections series, we're looking at the election through the lens of global politics and growing global insecurity, specifically the US and Israel's war with Iran.  We're joined by John Edward, Head of Operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs and Geoff Aberdein, Managing Partner at True North, co-host of the podcast Holyrood Sources, and a former Special Adviser to the SNP Scottish Government. We examine what the impact of the events in the Middle East are closer to home, on devolution and for Scotland's wider place in the world. How will the parties in their campaign HQs will be absorbing events in Middle East, will they be altering campaign plans and messaging? Does an election for a devolved parliament seem inconsequential against a backdrop of such big issues? What about fuel costs and energy, and what does global insecurity mean for the politics of independence? Tune in and subscribe. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website including live lunchtime webinars on key issues in the campaign, and written insights on policy issues facing the country. https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/
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  On the Elections Ep.1: The Polls and the Policies So Far 02.04.2026 26m

  Kicking off our 'On the Elections' series of the UofG Spotlight podcast, hosts Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale talk to guests Chris Carman and Mark McGeoghegan.  A 'state of the race' episode, they talk about the key issues for the campaign ahead.  How much do the campaigns really matter? What are the polls saying, and how are key issues ranking with voters? What about Reform UK and just how volatile is the electorate? Tune in for a fantastic primer on the upcoming election in Scotland. Follow the election day by day with the Centre for Public Policy on our website here: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/elections/ Registration for our webinars are now live! Book here: What can devolved governments do to address the cost-of-living crisis? In partnership with the Campaign for Social Science: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-can-devolved-governments-do-to-address-the-cost-of-living-crisis-tickets-1985828948843?aff=oddtdtcreator What are the parties' plans on tax, spending and the economy? In partnership with the Institute for Fiscal Studies: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-are-the-parties-plans-on-tax-spending-and-the-economy-tickets-1985833580697?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true What's behind how people vote? In partnership with Ipsos: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whats-behind-how-people-vote-tickets-1985913859814 What just happened? https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-just-happened-tickets-1985915371335?aff=oddtdtcreator  
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  Are We Tackling Poverty in Scotland? 17.03.2026 31m

  In this episode of Spotlight, Kezia Dugdale speaks with Jim McCormick, Chief Executive of The Robertson Trust, about the Scottish Government's new Child Poverty Framework and what truly drives progress on lifting families out of poverty, from boosting incomes to delivering strong local services. Kezia is joined first by Dr Thomas Rochow to preview insights from the Centre's State of Poverty project and why income support alone isn't enough without accessible services and joined‑up systems.
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  The Future of Higher Education in the UK 11.03.2026 35m

  Higher education is facing one of the most challenging periods in its recent history. Rising financial pressures, declining international student numbers, and shifting expectations. So what does a sustainable, inclusive, and future‑ready higher education system look like? In this episode, Prof Nicola McEwen explores the future of higher education with two leading voices. First, she speaks to Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, former Principal of the University of Glasgow and now President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Anton sets out the scale of the financial pressures facing universities across the UK and the implications of the contrasting tuition fee policies north and south of the border. He also makes the case for an independent review of tertiary education.  Later in the episode, Nicola is joined by Prof Catherine Lido, Professor of Psychology and Adult Learning and Associate Director of the Urban Big Data Centre. Catherine takes us beyond fees and admissions to explore what true educational equality looks like today. She discusses the barriers that still prevent people from participating in education and examines how AI and technological change are reshaping both education and the labour market.
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  Hard choices ahead? Budget Challenges Facing the Next Scottish Government 24.02.2026 40m

  In this episode, Nicola McEwen and Graeme Roy look ahead to the challenges facing the next Scottish Government as it confronts a tight fiscal landscape.    Nicola speaks with Matt Donoghue from the State Government of Victoria about Australia's Early Intervention and Investment Framework (EIIF) - an interesting approach to pooled budgeting and preventative spending that's gaining international attention. They explore how the model works, how departments are incentivised to collaborate, and what it takes to shift resources toward long‑term prevention.    Nicola then returns with Graeme and Fiona Duncan, Independent Strategic Adviser to The Promise Scotland, to consider what lessons Scotland might draw from this approach. Together they discuss whether models like pooled budgeting, whole‑family wellbeing funding, and cross‑government decision‑making can help tackle system‑wide challenges.
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  Work, Ageing and the Employment Rights Act 12.02.2026 39m

  This week Kez Dugdale is joined by Professor Kathleen Riach and Professor Melanie Simms from the University of Glasgow to discuss work, ageing and employment rights.   Kat takes us through her recent research on work and ageing, looking at what it means to become older in work, whether policymakers and employers are doing enough to support people and what impacts how 'old' we feel.  Then Mel discusses the details, politics and implications of the Employment Rights Act, which recently received Royal Assent in Westminster. She talks about how the changes could impact workers and employers, and what it means for collective rights and the trade unions. 
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  Challenging Scotland's Political Leaders 22.01.2026 47m

  We're kicking off Season 7 of our UofG Spotlight podcast with a live episode challenging our political leaders on public service reform in Scotland. Recorded live on Monday 19 January 2026 at our event, Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland, our host Professor Kezia Dugdale talks to: Michael Marra MSP - Scottish Labour Alison Thewliss - SNP Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP - Scottish Conservatives Graham Simpson MSP - Reform UK Jamie Greene MSP - Scottish Liberal Democrats Gillian Mackay MSP - Scottish Greens Kez quizzed our panel about whether politicians can work together to deliver for Scotland, the fiscal challenge facing Scotland, prevention, the future of the NHS, devolution, and more. We closed with a big question: What would each member stop spending money on, how much money that would save and what you would spend it on? The Centre for Public Policy will be publishing lots more insights and outputs from speakers at our Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland event, including Professor Graeme Roy as discussed in this episode. Make sure you don't miss it - sign up to the Centre for Public Policy mailing list: https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/publicpolicy/about/
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  Trump's Second Act: Leadership, Tariffs, and Tensions 16.12.2025 38m

  In this latest episode of Spotlight, we reflect on a turbulent year in American politics and its global ripple effects. Nicola McEwen and Kez Dugdale are joined by two leading voices in international affairs:  Prof Juliet Kaarbo (University of St Andrews) explores Donald Trump's evolving leadership style, the psychology behind his foreign policy decisions, and the blurring lines between domestic and international agendas. Prof Mark Blyth (Brown University) unpacks the economic and political consequences of Trump's tariff wars, rising inflation, and the resilience of U.S. institutions under executive pressure.  Tune in for expert analysis, transatlantic perspectives, and a look ahead to what the next three years might hold.  CONFERENCE TICKETS: Stop/Start: Making Public Service Reform Stick in Scotland: Book your place. 
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  The UK Budget: What You Need to Know 28.11.2025 22m

  This week's episode takes a quick look at the UK Government's Budget:   What it means for Scotland?  Why has the Government made these tax decisions?  Was this a Budget for growth?  What does lifting the Two Child Limit mean?  How do we achieve effective regional development?  Professor Nicola McEwen, Director of the Centre for Public Policy, discusses all this with Graeme Roy, Professor of Economics and Chair of the Scottish Fiscal Commission, Dr David Waite, expert in regional economies and inclusive growth and Ruth Patrick, Professor in Social and Public Policy with expertise in poverty and social security.