THE National has launched a new weekly podcast bringing you the latest political news, gossip and insight from the Scottish Parliament.

Each week we’ll speak to MSPs about the biggest issue in Holyrood and Scottish politics, and ofcourse, the independence debate.

To kick off, the first episode of Holyrood Weekly will look in depth at the UK Government’s decision to use a Section 35 order to block Scotland’s gender reforms from becoming law.

The National: LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07: Secretary of State for Scotland, Alister Jack, arrives at Downing Street for the first Ministerial Cabinet Meeting Of 2020 on January 7, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Is Scottish Secretary Alister Jack’s decision to spark a constitutional row an ideological opposition to self-ID? Is it an attack on trans people and trans rights, as supporters of the bill have suggested, a targeted attack on Scottish democracy, or is it just a big distraction from the Tory government’s anti-strike bill and attack on unions, the crisis in the NHS, or the impact of Brexit on trade and the labour market?

This week we’ll speak to Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman, SNP MSP Paul McLennan and LGBT activists who fought for over seven years for the reforms.

READ MORE: Alister Jack: Trans people not part of thinking in Section 35 decision

Laura Webster, The National's Editor, said: "One of the key aims this year is to expand our multimedia offering, and giving readers insight into what our journalists see, hear and dig out inside Holyrood each week is a key part of that.

"You'll hear from different political reporters from week to week, diving into the topics and stories you care most about.

"Holyrood Weekly is the first in an exciting series of podcasts coming out over the next few weeks and we hope you enjoy the selection!"

The show will be available to listen to on the Omny streaming platform, and on The National's website. You can hear Episode 1 below.