Ruth DavidsonEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

For millions of graduates, student loans are just another deduction on the payslip. But what does Plan 2 actually mean — and why has it become one of the most controversial policies affecting young people in Britain? This week, Ava Santina takes a deep dive into the student loan system created under the Cameron-Clegg coalition and asks whether today's graduates have been sold a raw deal. From £9,000 tuition fees and RPI-linked interest rates to frozen repayment thresholds and balances that seem to grow despite years of repayments, Ava unpacks how the system works and why it has become a political flashpoint. Joining the podcast is former Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, who reflects on the origins of the policy, the political decisions that shaped it, and whether governments have underestimated the impact on a generation of graduates. With young people facing soaring housing costs, stagnant living standards and mounting debt, Ava asks whether Sir Keir Starmer's government should go further to reform Plan 2 loans. Would reducing interest rates, raising repayment thresholds or redesigning the system altogether put more money back into the pockets of younger workers? And can politicians afford to ignore the growing backlash? Subscribe to How to Rebuild Britain now: https://linktr.ee/howtorebuildbritain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ruth Davidson, former leader of the Scottish Conservative party joins Calum, Geoff and Andy. She discusses the sympathy she feels for Humza Yousaf given the ongoing SNP crisis. Geoff and Andy say the new First Minister's programme for government is getting lost as the crisis around the SNP continues. Ruth reminisces about preparing for First Minister's Questions - she describes the differing styles of Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond. She discusses the future of the Scottish Parliament, her memories of the independence referendum in 2014...and a lot more besides. Recorded Tuesday 18th April. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.