Is Scottish independence once again in play?
From Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today by ABC
May 1, 2026 · 30 min
About this episode
The episode discusses the history and current implications of Scottish independence and nationalism in the context of upcoming elections.
In 1707 the Scottish national parliament was disbanded, not to be reconvened until 1999. How and why Scotland regained its own Assembly is the story of rising Scottish nationalism and Westminster’s attempts to dampen such feelings and keep Scotland in the Union. On May 7th, Scots go to the polls, and the outcome could impact significantly on both the nationalist cause in Scotland and on the ongoing viability of Keir Starmer’s Labour government at Westminster. Guests: Dr Clement Macintyre – Professor Emeritus, School of Society and Culture, Adelaide University Dr Nicola McEwen – Professor of Public Policy and Governance, University of Glasgow Alyn Smith – Former UK MP and MEP, candidate for the 2026 Scottish parliamentary elections, Scottish National Party Tom Chidwick – Manager, Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London
People in this episode
Guests: Dr Clement Macintyre, Dr Nicola McEwen, Alyn Smith, Tom Chidwick
Topics covered
- Scottish independence
- Scottish nationalism
- Westminster politics
- Labour government
- Scottish parliamentary elections
Keywords
- Scottish independence
- nationalism
- Westminster
- Labour government
- elections
- Scotland
- politics
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: School of Society and Culture, Adelaide University, University of Glasgow, Scottish National Party, Mile End Institute, Queen Mary University of London
Places: Scotland, Westminster
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