7 chapters across the catalog
Scottish Nationalist Party, Independence Arguments
The Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP) outlines three primary grievances against the UK government: the lack of a sovereign oil fund, the imposition of austerity measures, and the pursuit of a "hard Brexit." The hosts characterize these arguments as specious hindsight, noting that an independent Scotland would likely have faced similar economic challenges.
Scottish Independence Referendum and North Sea Oil
A report on the upcoming Scottish independence referendum highlights the "Yes" campaign's efforts to bypass mainstream media through local community organizing. The hosts discuss the economic stakes, particularly the control of North Sea oil reserves, and compare Scotland's potential future to Norway's model. They predict that Westminster will not easily allow the Scots to leave with such valuable resources.
A donor report highlights a persistent data bug in iOS 6 that causes podcasts to redownload multiple times, leading to cellular data overages. There are allegations of potential collusion between Apple and carriers like AT&T to increase data revenue, with the host suggesting a possible RICO class-action case. A network admin for a North Sea oil company provides a perspective on the geopolitical struggle between Germany and Russia over seabed resources.
Scottish Independence Referendum and Welfare State Debate
Thousands march in Edinburgh in support of Scottish independence ahead of a planned 2014 referendum. Scottish Nationalist Party leader Alex Salmond meets with Prime Minister David Cameron to discuss the breakaway. The hosts discuss the debate over whether an independent Scotland could sustain its welfare state using North Sea oil revenues.
Scottish Independence Debate and North Sea Oil
The debate over Scottish independence is examined through an interview between First Minister Alex Salmond and journalist Jeremy Paxman. Salmond argues that an independent Scotland would be prosperous due to North Sea oil, while Paxman questions the nation's ability to handle its share of the UK's national debt.
Oil Spill Drills and Predictions for the North Sea
The BBC reported on oil industry drills off the coast of Southampton designed to prepare for a disaster on the scale of the BP Deepwater Horizon spill. The hosts predict that a major oil event may soon occur in the North Sea, potentially targeting Norway due to its independent stance outside the European Union and its significant oil wealth.
Oil prices are predicted to slide toward $60 per barrel despite production cuts by major producers. Industry insiders report that the base cost of extraction has risen to $40-$45 per barrel due to severe labor shortages and high equipment costs, particularly in the North Sea. Private contractors in conflict zones like Iraq continue to earn high salaries, often exceeding $200,000 annually.
