The Backbench

For the past month, the world has been captivated by Ukraine's defence of their country after the Russian invasion of the sovereign nation.

Join Caitlin Wickham and Quinn Farr they interview Scottish Liberal Democrats leader; Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP. We look at the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the international response both in the UK and the European Union. Mr Cole-Hamilton also talks about parallels with the Cold War and how this will affect the young people of today. 

Join Caitlin Wickham and Quinn Farr as they interview former Guantanamo Bay detainee Mohamedou Ould Slahi.

Detained for 14 years by the American government, Mr Ould Slahi sits down with the Backbench for an exclusive 10-minute interview. We talk about his motivation to write Guantanamo Diaries and his experience at the American Detention centre.

Join the Backbench for student-centric hustings in the run-up to the 2021 Scottish Parliamentary Elections. Hosted by Carter Wickham and Jonas Dein this debate tackles a series of important student questions such as mental health, drug policy and disability policy.

Participants:

Angus Roberston - SNP

Carole Ford - Liberal Democrats

Kate Nevens - Green

Miles Briggs - Conservatives

Sarah Boyack - Labour

What more prominent topic could there be then lockdown itself?   Sir Desmond Swayne TD VR has been an outspoken activist of the government's COVID-19 response. In recent weeks he's been accused of being an 'anti-vaxx supporter' or accusing the government of 'manipulating the numbers.' With the help of health expert Dr Mark Hellowell, we take a step back and examine - what actually has been the pros and cons of the government response to the pandemic? Check out more at backbenchpodcast.com 

Today's radio show discusses an increasingly pressing issue: Scottish independence. Featuring Labour MP Ian Murray and Edinburgh University constitutional expert, Daniel Kenealy, we interrogate whether Labour have a plan to prevent the breakup of the Union.

This week's Backbench combines features both expert and elected.   Labour MP Lloyd Russell-Moyle and Senior Academic Lecturer at Edinburgh, Jan Eichhorn, meet to discuss Labour's economic strategy.  We cover economy, COVID, Brexit, and the important 'what next for Labour' question.   Listen below on Spotify. Available on your favourite streaming platform!

On this episode of the Backbench, Jonas and Carter interview the Speaker of the House Commons, Sir Lindsey Hoyle. We talk to the Speaker about the effects of Covid-19 on his role, partisanship and the US Capital Insurrection. Check out our blog on backbenchpodcast.com 

2021 is starting off the right way with a relaunch of Edinburgh Political Union's podcast; The Backbench. Join Carter Wickham and Jonas Dein throughout the year as they interview academics, politicians and students, discuss current political affairs and explore the significance of world events! Check us out on backbenchpodcast.com for our new student blog.