What is the difference between class distinctions in Scotland and the rest of the UK? How did Nicola Sturgeon's childhood in Scotland inform her politics? What was Margaret Thatcher's influence on Nicola's career? Rory and Alastair are joined by former Leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, to answer all these questions and more. Visit https://www.HP.com/politics to find out more. 00:00 Independence referendum and campaign struggles 01:02 HP & Windows 10 02:13 Childhood and upbringing 04:50 Class and social mobility in Scotland 09:55 Education and aspirations 11:47 Bullying and school friendships 15:32 University, vocational paths, and spreading wings 16:00 Thatcher’s impact and politicisation 21:45 Why not Labour? Joining the SNP 26:06 Evolution of the SNP 29:51 Scottish Parliament and devolution 33:09 Revenue, taxation, and powers 37:36 First election and imposter syndrome 39:59 Relationship with Alex Salmond 41:48 Tactical brilliance and symbolism 43:25 Independence referendum – framing and strategy 47:51 Currency, EU membership, and economic challenges 51:01 Civic nationalism vs. populist nationalism 55:07 Stress and panic during the white paper 59:05 Referendum debates and Project Fear 1:05:23 Aftermath of 2014 referendum 1:05:41 Brexit and Boris Johnson’s impact 1:06:23 Why a second referendum didn’t happen 1:08:29 What could have been done differently on independence 1:10:03 Building majority support and the legal limits of referendums 1:10:42 Relations with five Conservative prime ministers 1:12:05 Views on Boris Johnson, Trump, and populist politics 1:15:07 Sexism, misogyny, and rumors in politics 1:17:28 Smear campaigns and Russian disinformation 1:18:16 Women in politics and social media toxicity 1:19:10 Progressive causes: climate, immigration, and trans rights 1:22:45 Despair at timidity of the left 1:22:59 Alex Salmond scandal and reflections 1:25:00 Peter Murrell controversy 1:25:24 Women’s rights and the trans rights debate 1:28:00 Gender recognition reform and culture wars 1:29:06 Balancing women’s rights and trans rights 1:30:30 Regret over polarization and wishing for a pause 1:30:35 COVID inquiry, mental health, and seeking professional help 1:33:04 Life after politics and future plans 1:35:41 Debrief