Political Currency

Keir Starmer has been in Brussels this week, meeting with European Union leaders with the view to resetting the relationship with the bloc. George Osborne and Ed Balls ask, is it making good on a campaign promise? Is it to shore up UK-EU relations as President Donald Trump runs wild with tariffs? Or, is it a perfect opportunity to lay the perfect trap for the Conservatives … Trump’s decision to slap tariffs on major US trading partners sent shock waves across the globe and sent the stockmarket into a tail spin. But he managed to outdo himself with his plans for Gaza, telling the world the US was taking it over. Ed and George look at how the first two weeks of this extraordinary Presidency is going, and how other world leaders are handling this new Trump era. And plans for a football regulator has widespread political support - so why does the Premier League remain so hostile to the idea? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Producers: Caillin McDaid, Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Danny Pape Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Ed Balls and George Osborne look at what makes a smart, successful opposition party. Is disagreeing with everything the government of the day says the best way to do it? Or are there some judicious, selective compromises to be made? And who are the best examples of politicians who’ve made some well played, cross party agreements? Amid global tumult, they consider the question: is democracy dead? What will happen if President Donald Trump’s policies are a roaring success? And the pair remember being interviewed by Andrew Neil. Was it an opportunity to relish, or one to avoid? Plus, former Tory adviser Malcolm Gooderham phones in to ask: can the Office of Budget Responsibility keep to their growth forecast of 2 percent? And what would the fallout be if there were to be a downgrade? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical Producer: Danny Pape Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of the horrific Southport attack, George Osborne and Ed Balls consider the parameters of the upcoming inquiry and the intensifying concern about young men engaging in acts of violence. Should the definition of extremism be changed with the so-called manosphere in mind? And do we need new rules for reporting on major crime for our social media age? And the pair mull over Rachel Reeves speech outlining her plans for growth. George thoroughly approves of everything she is announcing, and thinks he couldn’t have said it better himself – except that time he did, 12 years ago! Is Reeves morphing into a conservative chancellor? Plus, Ed reflects on the funeral of Labour stalwart John Prescott, sharing some of the most moving, powerful moments of the service. Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Producers: Caillin McDaid, Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Danny Pape Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A somewhat sporty one this episode, as in the wake of a Davos meet, George Osborne and Ed Balls consider: Why hasn’t David Beckham been knighted yet? Lady Posh Spice would just sound so good. Meanwhile, Former Minister for Sport Tracey Crouch asks if there’s any way to keep politics out of sport under Trump’s presidency. With a World Cup and an Olympics games in the US this year, what will be at stake under the new administration? And, the pair slip into professor mode to break down a few lessons of the Chancellor. What is the oft-discussed bond market? And while they are at it,what actually is Downing Street’s “The Grid”? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Trump has had a big week, what with an inauguration and then signing a myriad of actions in his first days in office - never mind the move to US tech supremacy. After a big start, Ed Balls and George Osborne ask whether he can sustain the political honeymoon, or if this will be a very different Trump presidency, marred by the reality of being a populist President in office. Meanwhile, like the rest of the global elite, George is in Davos, and he’s reporting back to Ed everything he’s heard about the outsider’s economic view of the UK. Will Rachel Reeves and Jonathan Reynolds’ upcoming announcements make any difference to the ‘glum’ outlook? And another closely-observed politician at Davos is Friedrich Merz, contender for the next Chancellor of Germany. As the AfD chases his CDU party, are we looking, as he claims, at the last free election in modern Germany? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Producers: Caillin McDaid, Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Donald Trump back in the White House as of Monday, leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey has called in to ask: In strengthening the nation's negotiating hand with the new American leadership, is there a case for rejoining the EU customs union? George Osborne and Ed Balls discuss whether he's on to something - and whether there's any way it could happen under a Starmer government. Meanwhile, the PM wants to supercharge the UK’s Artificial Intelligence capabilities – but should that be top of mind when the nation’s essential workers like teachers and nurses are still working with ailing technology? Plus, the pair consider the viability – and morality – of a universal basic income. Would it reduce poverty? Or lead to laziness? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a tough week, Keir Starmer’s been forced to publicly proclaim Rachel Reeves has his full support – and to hose down suggestions she won’t make the full parliament. Ed Balls and George Osborne weigh in on just how politically fatal it would be to ditch a Chancellor six months into the Labour leadership. The second Trump presidency is now a matter of days away, so how will this new American political era play out on the world stage? Why are some Trump opponents approaching the Trump sequel with more acceptance this time around? Finally, Ed and George are sharing their predictions for the looming annual World Economic Forum conference in Davos. This year, it’s coinciding with another big event – the US Presidential Inauguration. Has Davos become less relevant in recent years? How will issues like climate and DEI be addressed in response to the incoming President? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Producers: Caillin McDaid, Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

George Osborne and Ed Balls are back for their first round of questions of the year, ready to mull the big conundrums of 2025! Craig Oliver, former director of Politics and Communications in David Cameron’s No 10, asks the pair to weigh in on the upcoming Trump Presidency. Do we need to take him seriously – and literally – this time around? In the wake of our Inside No 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months series, should Labour have taken a leaf from the Cameron/Osborne era and painted a fuller picture of their economic approach while in opposition? And, Ed and George consider Keir Starmer’s national security adviser – is there anything amiss with the appointment of Jonathan Powell? Or does it make sense? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical Producer: Will Gibson Smith Producer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Dino Sofos Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Rachel Reeves starting 2025 with a bond market headache? Ed Balls and George Osborne explain how global trends and UK inflation might just mean she’s boxed herself in… again. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s growing interest in British politics – and hatred of Keir Starmer – has erupted into a row over the grooming gangs scandal. What would Ed and George do in Starmer’s position? And what are the long and short term political implications for Labour, the Tories and Nigel Farage’s Reform party. Plus, over in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation after a decade in power, and among the possible candidates mooted to replace him are two old friends of Ed and George’s: Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, and former deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Who will win out, and what will the future of Canada look like? Political Currency has been nominated for the People's Choice award at the Political Podcast Awards. Please VOTE for Political Currency at https://politicalpodcastawards.co.uk/the-peoples-choice-award/ Join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical Producers: Will Gibson Smith and Danny Pape Producers: Miriam Hall, James Shield and Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you position yourself on the world stage? David Cameron might have been Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, but in this third episode he shares with Ed Balls and George Osborne the true reality of leading a small country in a big world. British soldiers in Afghanistan; Relations with China; The beginnings of a rupture in the UK-EU relationship. And he shares the more personal moments - like losing a parent - that still happen in the life of a human being who happens to be Prime Minister. As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader. If you’ve listened to the first two episodes of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 3, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, as well as our subscriber exclusive Inquest episode. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Producers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John Rogers Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey Nissenbaum Production Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaid Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you prepare the country for austerity? David Cameron joins Ed Balls and George Osborne to step back to the 2010 budget. From the true relationship between a Prime Minister and his Chancellor, to the careful decisions on departmental spending, to the very difficult task of selling cuts to a country that doesn’t want them, this is the reality of a Prime Minister before a government-defining fiscal event. As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader. If you’ve listened to the first episode of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 2, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, with bonus content coming later this week. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Producers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John Rogers Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey Nissenbaum Production Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McDaid Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s it really like to step through the black door of No 10 for the first time as Prime Minister? Ed Balls and George Osborne ask David Cameron about his “out-of-body” experience on the way to the palace, plus what it’s like organising a staff team who have just had to say goodbye to a government. They discuss how to handle the top job when life starts relentlessly throwing events at you, the surprising tasks - like letters of last resort - that suddenly become your responsibility, and whether a ruthless streak is the only way to succeed. As Keir Starmer marks six months as Prime Minister, Political Currency is stepping back into 2010, when another former leader of the opposition took up the premiership. Across three episodes, Ed Balls and George Osborne are joined by David Cameron - from the moment he arrived at Downing Street, to dealing with a hostage crisis; taking on his first PMQs to the emotional loss of his father. This is Cameron as you’ve never heard him before - in conversation with both a former ally and adversary as they revisit the political moments that shaped a new government and a new leader. If you’ve listened to the first episode of Inside Number 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months and can’t wait for part 2, don’t! All episodes are already available, ad-free for Political Currency Gold subscribers, with bonus content coming later this week. And, you can now join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Producers: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and John Rogers Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty and Mikey Nissenbaum Production Support: Miriam Hall and Caillin McCaid Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Boxing Day, George Osborne and pop the champagne and turn their minds to the year ahead. Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway asks: What could Labour achieve in 2025 that would earn it Ed and George’s seal of approval? And what are they personally looking forward to in the coming year? Meanwhile, Conservative Member of Parliament Laura Trott, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has rung in to ask for advice on getting the issue of improving schools on the radar. And have Ed and George really left politics for good? They consider what it would take to stage a comeback … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Producer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is just days away now, so Ed Balls and George Osborne are getting into the season by reflecting on Christmas-time political emergencies that have interrupted the festivities over the years. Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman makes a guest appearance to ask the pair to weigh in on important matters: Should one read the joke first or place the crown after pulling a Christmas cracker? She also asks – mince pies or ice cream? And, of course, traitor or faithful? The pair also consider which political figure they would want to cover in a political biography. And George reveals whether he and Theresa May still exchange Christmas cards … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! And not only that… join Political Currency’s KITCHEN CABINET to enjoy early and ad-free listening, access to live EMQs recordings, and exclusive Political Currency merch. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Producer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Cameron is revealed as our very special guest on Inside No 10: David Cameron - The First Six Months, out 30th December. Follow us wherever you get your podcasts to make sure you don’t miss this incredible conversation about what it really takes to run the government. 📺: Watch the trailer now! Plus: An alleged spy scandal that reportedly ensnared Prince Andrew has Ed Balls and George Osborne asking: is it as bad as it looks? Isn’t spying – which the Chinese national in question strongly denies he was doing – just a fact of life? We consider how to balance counterespionage with attempts to build a stronger economic relationship with China. Meanwhile, with 2024 drawing to a close, we review the party leaders’ performance. How worried should Keir Starmer be about the polls? Has he made a rod for his own back in handling the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) compensation matter? And how’s Kemi Badenoch doing in her new role as Tory leader? And George and Ed hand out their awards for the political highs and lows of the year. Who had the worst speech? Whose was the best? And we review the most memorable moments of 2024, for both the right and the wrong reasons… Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Producers: Miriam Hall, James Shield and Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, George Osborne and Ed Balls consider: should economic decisions be confined to the Treasury and the Prime Minister? Or is the room for wider cabinet discussion? Meanwhile, Lyanne Nicholl, the CEO of 50:50 Parliament – an organisation dedicated to driving more female representation in government – asks Ed and George to share their most positive words of wisdom for someone weighing a career in politics. The pair reveal the women they’ve encouraged to go into the government game, and where they think barriers persist. They also mull the costs Britain would face were it to join the customs union – and is a Welsh referendum ever going to be a reality? Plus, they share when mishearing something has led to some political awkwardness all round … You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Producer: Rosie Stopher and Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keir Starmer is working hard to shift the narrative on his government from gloomy tax raiders to optimistic change makers. Ed Balls and George Osborne asses whether he’s leaning too hard into blame. Does he need to stop the finger pointing and get on and deliver? Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria collapsed this week — a sudden, stunning end to the Assad family’s five-decade reign. Ed and George reflect on the Syrian civil war and its impact on their time in politics. What is going on in Downing Street right now, and how should the UK proceed? David Cameron’s deputy security adviser Hugh Powell makes a guest appearance to advise on how to stop the country from descending into conflict. Plus, Emmanuel Macron is dealing with a frozen French parliament and under mounting pressure to appoint a new Prime Minister. After a spectacular Olympics and the grand reopening of Notre Dame, he should be riding high – but are his days in politics now numbered? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical producer: Oliver Geraghty Producers: Miriam Hall and Rosie Stopher Executive Producer: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the individuals who’ve influenced elections in the same way as Elon Musk? Ed Balls and George Osborne run through some of the great drivers of political results over the years - from people on the street to press barons. Plus, with our Inside The Room miniseries with Nicola Sturgeon now wrapped up, George and Ed take listener questions on the matter of the 2014 referendum and the ongoing, simmering tensions around Scottish independence. Would England be economically better off without Scotland – and why are English politicians so keen to cling to it? Are there parallels between the Scottish independence movement and Brexit – and if so, why won’t the nationalists admit it? You could have been listening to this episode of EMQs early and ad-free! Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Producer: Rosie Stopher, James Shield and Miriam Hall Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After helping to secure a victory for Donald Trump in the US election Elon Musk is seemingly setting his sights on the UK and Reform. Ed Balls and George Osborne take stock of whether Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch should be worried. Is this another sign of the end of the two-party system? The historic vote on assisted dying last week has brought a whole new set of questions and challenges for the government. How Labour will balance its plans for the NHS with this potential landmark legislation? And does Keir Starmer support this? Can the cabinet divisions on the bill be overcome? Meanwhile, the government’s main focus is a relaunch to help set the agenda for the rest of the parliament. Not, of course, that they're calling it that. But do government relaunches ever work? And how can this one successfully reset the narrative? Become a member of POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes and receive early access to EMQs. You'll also get EXCLUSIVE access to Ed and George's Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum debrief conversation. Subscribe now: patreon.com/politicalcurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Production support: Caillin McDaid Technical producer: Oliver Geraghty Producers: Miriam Hall and James Shield Executive Producer: Rosie Stopher Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decade ago, the Scottish people went to the polls for a referendum vote to make a choice: should the country break free of the United Kingdom? Ultimately, they voted to stay by a resounding margin – crushing the hopes of the Scottish National Party and soothing the fears of the British government of the day. But the issue of Independence continues to divide, and in this special miniseries, George Osborne and Ed Balls are joined by the former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon to take a fresh, forensic look at the forces, decisions and party politics that drove the independence movement. With just weeks to go, polling suggested the ‘Yes’ campaign had it, and Scottish voters were going to vote to leave. Nicola Sturgeon reveals the sense of jubilation inside the SNP when the tide began to turn their way, and fear the British establishment was only set to become more ferocious. If the poll had come just a little later, could the ‘Yes’ side have been triumphant? Did the “Vow” – a promise for more devolution powers – make a difference? Who was convinced Rupert Murdoch was going to use his tabloid to support their interests? Remember to send us your questions in for our special Inside The Room: The Scottish Independence Referendum episode of EMQs. You can send them to questions@politicalcurrency.co.uk Political Currency Gold subscribers have exclusive access to Ed and George's debrief chat. POLITICAL CURRENCY GOLD 🏅 Become a member of Political Currency Gold to support the podcast, enjoy ad-free listening to all our episodes, receive early access to EMQs and Inside The Room, and more. Subscribe now: patreon.com/PoliticalCurrency or on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/politicalcurrency Producers: Rosie Stopher and John Rogers Technical Producer: Oliver Geraghty Production Support: Miriam Hall Executive Producers: Ellie Clifford and Dino Sofos Archive: BBC News, EuroNews and Sky News. Political Currency is a Persephonica Production and is part of the Acast Creator Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Subscribe now on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.