Coffee House Shots
2,053 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★ - 134 ratingsInstant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.
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Episodes
Sunak’s Rwanda Bill finally passes parliament
April 23, 2024 12:00 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBAfter eight hours of debate on the Rwanda Bill, peers finally threw in the towel shortly after midnight. And with that, the Rwanda Bill became law, pending Royal Assent from the King. The two chambers have been engaged in a mammoth game of ping-pong for the past week, culminating in yesterday’s showdown on two final amendments. What comes next? Kate Andrews speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Will there be a summer election?
April 22, 2024 11:21 - 11 minutes - 11 MBThis morning Rishi Sunak delivered a press conference making the case that the Rwanda Bill should become law today – and the government is ready for when it does. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about what could be an all-night parliamentary showdown on the Rwanda vote, and whether an early summer election is on the cards. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Can things get worse for the SNP?
April 20, 2024 07:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBIt's been quite the week for the SNP. Questions remain over the future of the Sandyford gender clinic, 'the tartan Tavistock'; the Scottish government ditched its flagship climate change target; and former party chief executive, and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell was rearrested on embezzlement charges. What does this all mean for the SNP? Lucy Dunn speaks to Iain Macwhirter, columnist at The Times, and Shona Craven, columnist at The National. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patr...
Sunak declares a crackdown on Britain’s ‘sick note culture’
April 19, 2024 12:30 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MBRishi Sunak has returned to one of his pet bugbears: getting the unemployed back into work. His speech to the Centre for Social Justice this morning was peppered with his favourite facts about the post-pandemic welfare crisis embroiling Britain. Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Is it smart to ban phones for teens?
April 18, 2024 16:00 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBSunak's top team is considering another ban: smartphones for teens. A consultation is due to begin this month that will question whether children need a smartphone, and if social media should require age verification. Could the debate bring the party together? Also, there's another suspension in Westminster. Mark Menzies has been suspended after claims he made a late night call to ask for money to pay off 'bad people'. He strongly disputes the claims. Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls...
Sunak's Truss problem
April 17, 2024 17:18 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBThe day after her book was published, Rishi Sunak faced down questions from Keir Starmer and Labour members at PMQs about Liz Truss. While he had his replies at the ready, the questions underscored the main issue for Sunak: how should he deal with his predecessor? Also on the podcast, there is more inflation news for the Government, and how will Starmer deal with internal party discipline? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
How many MPs will reject Sunak’s smoking ban?
April 16, 2024 16:30 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBIt’s not just Britain that has a growth problem. Today’s release of the IMF’s April 2024 World Economic Outlook report argues that the global economy is following the lacklustre trend. Within this bleak picture, how does the UK look compared to its counterparts? Also on the podcast, MPs are set to vote this evening on the government's generational smoking ban. Is Rishi Sunak a 'finger wagging control freak' as Liz Truss claims? How many could rebel? James Heale speaks Katy Balls and Kate ...
Liz Truss returns - again
April 15, 2024 13:15 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBIt's 18 months since Liz Truss left Downing Street and her new memoir, Ten Years to Save the West, is out. She gave her first interview to Fraser Nelson on Spectator TV, covering why she wants to abolish the Supreme Court, Donald Trump, her husband's warning that her leadership bid would end in tears, and so much more. You can listen to the full interview on Spectator TV – don't forget to subscribe: https://youtu.be/fPwqsrI0L8Y?si=pguuktDZ5UB7zFCD We also cover Iran's missile attack on ...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 14/04/24
April 14, 2024 18:38 - 7 minutes - 7.28 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. After Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, conflict in the Middle East has reached a dangerous new phase. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins confirms British military planes are in action in the region. Yvette Cooper says the focus must be on de-escalation. Green co-leader Carla Denyer says the Israeli strike against an Iranian consulate in Damascus broke international law, but Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman...
Harold Wilson's secret Downing Street affair
April 13, 2024 08:30 - 9 minutes - 8.93 MBOn this special Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots we discuss Patrick Maguire's scoop this week about former Labour leader Harold Wilson's secret affair with his deputy press secretary. Where does this rank in the history of parliamentary affairs? And – on a more serious note – are there any lessons that Keir Starmer can learn from Harold Wilson? Katy Balls speaks to Patrick Maguire and James Heale.
Is Angela Rayner unsackable?
April 12, 2024 12:00 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBThe row over Angela Rayner's tax affairs has deepened today. This morning, Greater Manchester police have announced that – following a reassessment of the case – they will open a formal investigation into Angela Rayner. What does this mean for Keir Starmer? And why would it be so difficult for him to sack her? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Has Rishi Sunak failed on the NHS?
April 11, 2024 16:54 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBOne of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's five promises is to cut NHS waiting lists. However, even he's admitted progress is slow, with new data showing key targets on waiting lists have been missed. Can Sunak ever solve the NHS problem? Elsewhere, Lee Anderson has been telling us about the price of friendship, revealing he won't be campaigning in certain constituencies where his old Conservative pals are running... Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and Kate Andrews. Produced by Megan McElr...
What are the conclusions of the Cass Review?
April 10, 2024 12:30 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBToday we have had the Cass Review, a landmark report into gender services for children in England, authored by paediatrician Hilary Cass. She concludes that medical interventions were being made on the basis of 'remarkably weak' evidence and that there is a lack of a holistic approach to those questioning their gender. How big of an issue will gender politics be at the next election? Also on the podcast, after William Wragg gave up the whip last night will his decision to voluntarily resign...
Will David Cameron win over Republicans?
April 09, 2024 16:05 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBDavid Cameron is stateside meeting Republicans and Democrats as the Foreign Secretary tries to muster up support for the US to send aid to Ukraine. Before that he stopped by Mar-a-Lago to meet Donald Trump – the two haven't seen eye-to-eye in the past. Will the Republicans warm to Cameron? Katy Balls speaks to Freddy Gray and Lucy Fisher, Whitehall editor at the Financial Times.
How much trouble is Angela Rayner in?
April 08, 2024 16:19 - 9 minutes - 8.73 MBAngela Rayner has faced fresh allegations related to her taxes. Keir Starmer and other MPs in the shadow cabinet have come to her defence. Could these accusations jeopardise her position as shadow deputy Prime Minister? Also on the podcast, what are Richard Tice's plans for Reform? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 07/04/2024
April 07, 2024 19:03 - 16 minutes - 15 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. Israel is under increasing pressure to stop its military action, after an IDF strike hit an aid convoy, killing seven aid workers. Oliver Dowden and David Lammy are asked whether the UK should suspend arms sales to Israel. Meanwhile, multiple MPs are attacked by ‘honeytrap’ stings on dating apps, David Lammy says Angela Rayner has done nothing wrong over her tax affairs, and NATO chief Stoltenberg says we are in an er...
J.K. Rowling vs Scotland's hate monster
April 06, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBJ.K. Rowling has been at the centre of a Twitter backlash against Scotland's new hate crime laws which came into effect on April 1st. How has the first week of this controversial legislation gone for First Minister Humza Yousaf? And is political support for the policy dwindling? Natasha Feroze speaks to Lucy Dunn and Isabel Hardman.
Is William Wragg a victim?
April 05, 2024 14:26 - 9 minutes - 8.58 MBOn Thursday night, Conservative MP William Wragg admitted that he handed over the phone numbers of MPs, aides and a journalist to a man he met on a dating app. William Wragg will retain the whip after apologising for his actions. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak is eager to talk about the National Insurance cut that comes into place tomorrow – has this given him political credibility? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Heale.
Should Britain end arms sales to Israel?
April 04, 2024 14:36 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBThe row over arms sales to Israel continues today, as over 600 high profile figures in the legal profession, including former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption, sign a petition arguing they believe Israel has breached international law, and more Conservative politicians say, on the record, that they believe the UK must respond with an arms sale ban. Cindy Yu talks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman about where this row could go next. Produced by Megan McElroy and Cindy Yu.
Has Israel lost British support?
April 03, 2024 17:33 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBThe killings of three British aid workers in Gaza has caused fury across the board in Westminster, with Rishi Sunak conducting a candid phone call with Benyamin Netanyahu last night. Today, the question is over whether the UK should ban arms sales to Israel in a bid to influence Jerusalem's hardline approach to Gaza. Has Israel lost the support of the UK, and western countries more widely? James Heale talks to Isabel Hardman and Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy at the think tank, Policy...
Could Scotland's new Hate Crime Act overwhelm the police?
April 02, 2024 15:00 - 10 minutes - 9.67 MBThe SNP's new Hate Crime Act came into effect yesterday, but already it has been met with backlash. On the episode, James Heale talks to Isabel Hardman and Lucy Dunn on why Humza Yousaf insisted on this law and whether it could overwhelm the police. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will Sue Gray be running Keir Starmer’s government?
March 29, 2024 12:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThere is anxiety in parts of Starmer’s circle about Sue Gray appointing jobs in a Starmer-led Downing Street. When she’s in No.10 she’ll ‘be in her natural territory and running rings around everyone’, a former colleague told Katy Balls in her profile of 'the Gray lady' for The Spectator this week. How is Sue Gray shaking things up as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Jill Rutter, former senior civil servant. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Labour's pledge to 'take back control'
March 28, 2024 16:00 - 9 minutes - 8.94 MBLabour kicked off their local elections campaign today with a joint op-ed from Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner in the Times promising to empower localities and put an end to the regional divide. This is all encompassed in their Take Back Control Act … where have we heard that before? Rather than a seamless launch, the Labour leader has been met with difficult questions over Angela Rayner's tax affairs and the suggestion that the shadow education secretary could scrap the £4 billion expansion...
Could Jonathan Gullis be another Lee Anderson?
March 27, 2024 16:35 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBAfter the resignations of two ministers last night, No. 10 carried out a mini reshuffle, which included some controversial decisions. In particular, the appointment of the outspoken Red Wall MP Jonathan Gullis had some questioning whether Rishi Sunak was making another Lee Anderson-style mistake. James Heale talks to Katy Balls and former editor of Conservative Home, Paul Goodman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Patrick Gibbons.
What happened at Sunak’s Liaison Committee meeting?
March 26, 2024 17:13 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBRishi Sunak appeared in front of the House of Commons Liaison Committee today. What happened? Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.
Scott Benton triggers another by-election
March 25, 2024 16:00 - 10 minutes - 9.22 MBFormer Conservative MP Scott Benton has resigned, triggering a by-election in Blackpool South. The outgoing MP had the Tory whip removed after suggesting to undercover reporters that he would be willing to break lobbying rules for money. Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls about the likelihood of another Tory election defeat in Blackpool South, plus whether the Conservatives are pivoting on their China stance following an alleged cybersecurity threat.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 24/03/2024
March 24, 2024 18:10 - 10 minutes - 9.8 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt does the rounds this week, saying the Russian government is creating a smokescreen of propaganda out of the Moscow terrorist attack. Hunt also guarantees the continuation of the pension 'triple lock', but not compensation for the WASPI women. Labour Party Chair Anneliese Dodds is asked about Labour's approach to zero hour contracts, and the former communications secretary to Prince William says...
What is Labour’s economic plan?
March 23, 2024 10:40 - 29 minutes - 27.2 MBIn her Mais lecture in the City of London this week, Rachel Reeves set out her plan for Britain’s economy: securonomics. What does securonomics mean? Can it deliver wealth? Will it work in a high-immigration economy? Freddy Gray speaks to Kate Andrews and the author and journalist Paul Mason.
Should the 'Waspi women' be compensated?
March 22, 2024 18:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBThe Parliamentary Ombudsman's report on raising women's state pension age in line with men's has been published. It details that women born in the 1950s hit by the state pension age change are owed compensation and has advised that the government should 'do the right thing'. Will the 'Waspi women' end up disappointed? Michael Simmons speaks to Isabel Hardman and Louise Perry, host of the Maiden Mother Matriarch podcast.
Will Fine Gael call an election?
March 22, 2024 11:56 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBLeo Varadkar resigned as Ireland’s Taoiseach this week, and as Fine Gael leader. ‘Personal and political reasons’ informed his decision, he said. Will his party now call an election? Katy Balls speaks to Ben Scallen, from Dublin’s Gript Media.
Will Reform overtake the Tories?
March 21, 2024 17:50 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBA new YouGov poll has Reform just four points behind the Conservatives. Richard Tice’s party is on 15 per cent, and Rishi Sunak’s party is on 19 per cent. What is driving the Tory decline? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and to James Johnson of JL Partners.
Did Jeremy Hunt reduce inflation?
March 20, 2024 12:16 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBInflation has fallen to 3.4 per cent, it was announced this morning. Jeremy Hunt said it was a sign that the government’s economic plan is working. Is he right? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
What should Labour do about the Rwanda bill?
March 19, 2024 16:22 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBAll ten of the amendments to the Rwanda bill, put in by the House of Lords, were rejected by the House of Commons last night. The bill will head back to the Lords tomorrow, where they will decide whether to continue the process of 'ping pong' (putting more amendments in and sending the bill back to the Commons). Should Labour peers worry about being portrayed as foiling the Rwanda asylum plan? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Spectator contributor Patrick O'Flynn. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will Penny Mordaunt be the next prime minister?
March 18, 2024 12:24 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBOver the weekend, speculation about a plot to oust Rishi Sunak and replace him with Penny Mordaunt circulated the papers. It came after one of the worst weeks of the Prime Minister’s premiership and the looming May elections. This morning, key Cabinet ministers including Kemi Badenoch and Ben Wallace have come out in support of ’sticking to the plan’. Can Rishi Sunak keep the party calm ahead of a gruelling month? And what's the strategy behind opting for an autumn election? Cindy Yu speaks ...
Nigel Farage on Reform, the Red Wall and 14 years of Tory failure
March 16, 2024 08:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBOn this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Kate Andrews interviews broadcaster, and honorary president of the Reform Party, Nigel Farage. They discuss Lee Anderson's defection to the Reform party, how Nigel won the Red Wall for Boris Johnson, and whether he will return to front line politics. This was taken from The Week in 60 minutes on SpectatorTV. For the full episode, and more, click here.
Rishi Sunak rules out general election in May
March 15, 2024 13:00 - 9 minutes - 8.37 MBRishi Sunak has finally confirmed what most MPs already knew: there won’t be a May general election. Speaking to ITV News West Country on Thursday night, the Prime Minister was asked if there would be a general election at the same time as the local elections on 2 May. He replied: ‘There won’t be a general election on that day but when there is a general election, what matters is the choice.’ So, when will it be? Also on the podcast, after James Heappey became the latest MP to announce he ...
Will Gove’s extremism definition worsen Tory divides?
March 14, 2024 17:50 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBMichael Gove has unveiled the government’s new legal definition of extremism, which will decide whether organisations can receive government money. Conservative MPs, and three former Conservative home secretaries, have said doing would be a mistake. Is Gove doing more harm than good? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Paul Goodman, former editor of Conservative Home.
Will the Tories return Hester’s £10 million?
March 13, 2024 16:48 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBAt Prime Minister’s Questions today Rishi Sunak refused to commit to returning the £10 million donor Frank Hester gave to the Conservative party. Hester allegedly said that Diane Abbott made him ‘hate all black women.’ Sunak now says that Hester’s alleged comments were ‘racist’ and ‘wrong’, after a spokesperson initially only described them as ‘unacceptable’. Will the Tory position change again? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and the Financial Times’s Stephen Bush.
What does Boris want?
March 12, 2024 18:01 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBNewspapers today reported that Boris Johnson is going to campaign for the Conservatives in Red Wall seats. Responding, Nadine Dorries wrote on Twitter: ‘There’s no thawing of relations, no plans to campaign. Sunak not spoken to Johnson for over a year.’ So are the stories true? What does Boris want? Max Jeffery speaks to Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman.
Lee Anderson defects: what next?
March 11, 2024 13:50 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBLee Anderson has defected from the Tory party to Reform. In a press conference this morning, Anderson said ‘I want my country back’ and said that his parents had urged him to change party allegiance. How much of a headache is Anderson’s defection for Rishi Sunak, and will more Tory MPs quit the party? Max Jeffery speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 10/03/2024
March 10, 2024 19:14 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Rachel Reeves says everything in Labour's manifesto will be properly funded, but it isn't clear where that money will come from. The health secretary defends the government's new definition of extremism, and says the NHS needs to be more efficient. But chef Fearnley-Whittingstall says the government is doing nothing to tackle the NHS's biggest problem: obesity. And the director of the IFS says big cuts to public serv...
Does Britain need new laws to tackle extremism?
March 09, 2024 09:34 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBMichael Gove is expected to announce a tougher definition of extremism in response to a rise in radical ideology, since the Israel-Gaza war. Are new laws really needed? Or could the current laws, if enforced properly, be the best way to tackle a decline in social cohesion? Natasha Feroze speaks to David Shipley, a film producer and writer and Professor Jonathan Githens-Mazer from the University of Exeter who specialises in counter-terrorism and extremism.
Why is Theresa May standing down?
March 08, 2024 12:54 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBTheresa May has announced that she will not seek re-election this year. The former prime minister said that launching her global commission on modern slavery and human trafficking meant she would not be able to spend as much time as she would like on constituency matters. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman about the news.
Are Scottish Tories causing trouble for Rishi Sunak?
March 07, 2024 16:32 - 10 minutes - 9.63 MBLucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls about the slightly muted reaction to the budget. Labour has compared the announcements to Liz Truss's unfunded tax cuts and Scottish Tories have criticised the chancellor’s decision to extend the windfall tax on the profits of North Sea oil. But is this really the pre-election budget?
Jeremy Hunt’s low-key Budget
March 06, 2024 17:57 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBJeremy Hunt said the government would cut National Insurance by 2 per cent, would abolish the non-dom tax status and would raise the threshold for child benefits in his Budget today. To discuss the new measures, Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and David Miles, from the Office for Budget Responsibility.
What tax cut will Hunt deliver tomorrow?
March 05, 2024 17:14 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBKate Andrews speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman as the speculation grows over what taxes Jeremy Hunt will cut in tomorrow's budget. National Insurance is looking most likely – it's a giveaway but does it go far enough?
Sunak and Hunt face a Budget dilemma
March 04, 2024 12:18 - 14 minutes - 13 MBBudget day is approaching and the government has hinted that their plans for tax cutting 'giveaways' are now less likely. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews about what to and what not to expect for Wednesday's Spring Budget.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 03/03/2024
March 03, 2024 18:39 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBIsabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The Budget announcement is imminent, and Jeremy Hunt says there will be no 'gimmicks'. He might be stealing Labour's non-dom tax policy though. The government's free childcare programme might be in trouble, do Labour have any better ideas? George Galloway wins the Rochdale by-election, and Rishi Sunak warns against the threat of extremism. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Is the Home Office broken?
March 02, 2024 08:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBIn this special Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Cindy Yu is joined by The Spectator's political correspondent, James Heale, and Director of Kraken Strategy Ltd, and former Special Adviser, Salma Shah, to discuss the state of the Home Office. At the end of a tricky week of headlines for the department we ask: is the Home Office broken? Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.
Labour nightmare as George Galloway wins Rochdale by-election
March 01, 2024 09:30 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBGeorge Galloway has won a resounding victory in Rochdale, after a chaotic and messy by-election in which Labour was forced to disown its own candidate after he claimed Israel had allowed Hamas to attack on October 7th. Former Labour MP Galloway – standing for the Workers Party of Britain – won on a single issue campaign, criticising the Israel-Gaza war and in particular the response of Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak to the conflict. How bad is the result for Labour? Oscar Edmondson speaks to ...