🎙️ The Temper Trap: Can PR De-Fang Farage? | with Stuart Donald In this thought-provoking episode, Indypodcasters Fiona and Marlene are joined by returning guest and data analyst Stuart Donald to discuss his latest research paper, The Temper Trap. The trio explore how Proportional Representation (PR) can be a powerful tool in limiting the influence of far-right politics, especially compared to the UK’s current First Past the Post (FPTP) electoral system. Stuart shares compelling data from across Europe, showing how countries with PR systems—despite the presence of far-right parties—have managed to keep extreme immigration and social policies in check. Could Reform UK gaining seats in Holyrood or the Senedd actually reduce the risk of Nigel Farage becoming Prime Minister? Could PR be the key to protecting democracy in the UK? 👉 Tune in to uncover: Why PR is more effective than FPTP in containing extremism How European democracies handle far-right parties differently Whether PR could be the unexpected safeguard against a Farage-led government Key themes:00:02:01  Background to The Temper Trap00:07:25  Why PR drives higher voter participation00:09:19  How FPTP allows outsiders to drag parties to the right00:14:05  Uk health spending and child mortality is worse than EU average00:17:06   Welfare chauvinism vs welfare nihilism00:20:33  UK populism punishes the poor00:27:10  How PR protects against extremism00:32:52   Why FPTP cannot cope with neo-liberalism00:36:57    Can Holyrood break free from FPTP mentality00:41:07    John Curtice warning - pick the right majority!00:44:53   Dangers of Labour inertia and possible UK routes to PR Find Stuart's paper The Temper Trap here: https://www.compassonline.org.uk/publications/the-temper-trap-how-proportional-representation-tames-the-populist-right/ The Indypodcasters team produce a NEW podcast episode every Friday search for Scottish Independence Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts.  Remember to like and subscribe! Contact Us: indypodcasters@gmail.com  Visit our website https://scottishindypod.scot for blogposts, newsletter signup and more episodes Subscribe for free to our Youtube channel @scottishindypodExtra for more of our video footage and clips.  video premieres most Tuesdays at 8pm If you've enjoyed this podcast you might like to buy us a coffee?  https://ko-fi.com/scottishindependencepodcastsor choose us as your Easyfundraising good cause. Music: Inspired by Kevin MacLeod Scottish Independence Podcasts is not party political.  Opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily represent our views. #democracy #electoralreform #holyrood2026