Coffee House Shots
2,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days 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
Are Sunak's five pledges enough to sort Britain out?
January 04, 2023 16:59 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBRishi Sunak made five pledges to fix Britain in a speech in London today. Inflation will halve, the economy will grow, debt will fall, NHS waiting lists will be cut, and the government will pass laws to tackle the small boats crisis. Is the PM promising too much, or not enough? Max Jeffery speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale.
Will Brits shun trains?
January 03, 2023 16:45 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBMillions of Britons will forever shun trains because of the ongoing strikes, a government sources told the Times today. Are the strikes proving as effective as unions hoped? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Max Jeffery.
What's on Sunak's New Year agenda?
December 24, 2022 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBThis year in politics has ended with a row over nurses pay. Will the government be able to resolve the dispute in the New Year? Meanwhile, in Scotland, a new law about gender identification has caused a standoff between Westminster and Holyrood. Who will blink first? And finally, has Christmas come early for the Prime Minister? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Was Zelensky's visit to the US a success?
December 22, 2022 10:03 - 7 minutes - 7.12 MBOn this special podcast, Cindy Yu speaks to Svitlana Morenets, author of The Spectator's Ukraine in Focus newsletter. Whilst Zelensky's visit to the US yesterday was his first trip outside Ukraine since the start of the invasion, Svitlana has recently arrived home for the first time since the war began to spend Christmas with her family. They discuss whether Zelensky struck the right tone, how decisive US Patriot missiles could be and why this Christmas in Ukraine will be different. Produ...
Ambulance strikes: who will blink first?
December 21, 2022 12:10 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBToday tens of thousands of ambulance workers are on strike over a pay dispute. The government is calling on people to stay safe, avoid doing anything dangerous and only call 999 if essential. With patient safety at risk, where is public opinion? Also on the podcast, after the high court ruled the government's controversial Rwanda policy to be legal, is the judgement a complete win for the government? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 18/12/22
December 18, 2022 16:54 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The final guests highlighted from 2022 are Oliver Dowden, Yvette Cooper, Justin Welby and Victoria Newton.
2022: The year in review
December 17, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.3 MBKaty Balls, Isabel Hardman and James Heale review the political maelstrom that was 2022, a year with more Prime Ministers than some decades have managed.
What's Jake Berry up to?
December 16, 2022 11:59 - 9 minutes - 8.33 MBThe nurses' strike is well underway and there seems to be no sign of an agreement over pay any time soon. The government seems to be receiving fiercer criticism from within the Conservative party than from across the aisle, as former Conservative party chairman (and Truss and Johnson ally) Jake Berry turns into the rebel-in-chief. What's he up to? James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Cindy Yu.
Nurses strike: will there be a resolution?
December 15, 2022 15:07 - 8 minutes - 7.96 MBNurses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are on strike today in search of a 19 per cent pay rise. Chief Nursing Officer Dame Ruth May appeared outside St Thomas's hospital to show her solidarity with those striking. What is the significance of this? Also on the podcast, after a further three episodes of Harry and Meghan's new Netflix documentary were released, can either side end up the winner in the war of the Windsors? Max Jeffery speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale. Produce...
Did Starmer flop at PMQs?
December 14, 2022 13:55 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBKeir Starmer put in a weak performance in today's Prime Minister's Questions, Isabel Hardman says on today's podcast. Is Labour's fence sitting and vagueness on the strikes starting to hurt them? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.
Will Rishi's immigration plan work?
December 13, 2022 16:55 - 15 minutes - 14 MBRishi Sunak today revealed a plan he says will tackle illegal immigration. 'Enough is enough', he said. The asylum backlog of 150,000 will be cleared by the end of next year, and the government will do a deal with Albania to return people from the country. Will it work? Max Jeffery speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Is the Tory party undemocratic?
December 12, 2022 16:50 - 10 minutes - 9.26 MBRishi Sunak has now served as prime minister longer than his predecessor Liz Truss, but that doesn't mean that it's all plane sailing. Former Home Secretary Priti Patel has backed a campaign to 'restore democracy' in the Conservative party. Should the government be worried? Also on the podcast, as Rishi prepares to set out his agenda, is there a narrow path to conservative re-election? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Katy Balls' Sunday Roundup - 11/12/22
December 11, 2022 14:33 - 11 minutes - 11.5 MBKaty Balls presents the highlights from Sunday morning's politics shows. Featured on today's podcast are Sir Stephen Powis, James Cleverly, Wes Streeting and Dr Emma Runswick.
Can Labour retain their lead on the economy?
December 10, 2022 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBJames Heale asks Katy Balls and Stephen Bush about whether Labour can maintain the public's confidence on tax and spending decisions now that the mini budget is fading from memory.
Will Hunt’s ‘Brexit freedoms’ kickstart Britain’s economy?
December 09, 2022 15:36 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBJames Heale speaks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about Jeremy Hunt's latest proposals to reform the banking system. Will the 'Edinburgh Reforms' kickstart the much-needed growth in Britain's economy? And is this the Brexit future Rishi Sunak always wanted? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Are Harry and Meghan bad for Global Britain?
December 08, 2022 17:16 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBA number of measures are under discussion as Christmas looks like it will be dominated by strike action. What measures will the government put in place to limit the disruption? Also on the podcast, after the first episodes of Netflix's new series Harry and Meghan were released, could the documentary be bad for Global Britain? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Is Rishi Sunak a blancmange Prime Minister?
December 07, 2022 15:00 - 11 minutes - 11.1 MBShots were fired at PMQs today as Keir Starmer referred to Rishi Sunak as a 'blancmange Prime Minister'. The line came after Rishi Sunak conceded on the Tory rebellion over mandatory housing targets. Katy James and Fraser mull over this attack. Also on the podcast, with Stephen Fry elected as the SNP's new Westminster leader, what could this mean for Sturgeon? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Can Sunak grip the Tory coalition?
December 06, 2022 15:57 - 8 minutes - 7.72 MBThe government has backed down in the face of the planning rebellion, watering down their targets for housebuilding. At the same time, another revolt is brewing over permissions to build onshore wind. Is Rishi Sunak facing a more unruly Tory coalition than his predecessors, and does he have a grip on the party? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Why is Labour so keen to reform the House of Lords?
December 05, 2022 12:56 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBToday former prime minister Gordon Brown has released a review which includes recommendations to overhaul the constitution and replace the House of Lords. Could Labour push through reform? Also on the podcast, after Kier Starmer said that he doesn't see Jeremy Corbyn standing at the next election, has Starmer finally silenced the far left faction in his party? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 04/12/22
December 04, 2022 17:35 - 9 minutes - 9.12 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political programmes. Featured today are Nadhim Zahawi, Bridget Phillipson and Iain Duncan Smith.
Is Rishi Sunak going soft on China?
December 03, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBKaty Balls speaks to Cindy Yu, James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about the Prime Minister’s attitudes towards China and how to deal with the challenges it presents for the UK and the world.
Are the Tories in terminal decline?
December 02, 2022 12:54 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBSajid Javid has announced that he won't be standing for re-election, while also today, the Chester by-election saw the Conservative party suffered the worst loss in seat since 1832. Is the party in terminal decline? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Who could replace Ian Blackford?
December 01, 2022 19:17 - 8 minutes - 8.13 MBIan Blackford will stand down as SNP leader. After five years in the role, it is time for 'fresh leadership', Blackford says. But who will take over? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
How effective is Labour's class war?
November 30, 2022 17:44 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBIn today's Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer went in on Rishi Sunak's privileged background. Starmer detailed the various facilities available at Winchester College, where Sunak was educated, from an art gallery to a shooting range. Is this an effective line of attack, or do voters simply not care? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Does Sunak see China as a threat?
November 29, 2022 15:43 - 12 minutes - 11 MBRishi Sunak has signalled the end of the 'golden era' of relations between Britain and China, warning of Xi Jinping's creeping authoritarianism. In his first foreign policy set piece, was it enough to get the China hawks onside? Also on the podcast, James Forsyth and Katy Balls look at the latest amendments to the Online Harms Bill. Produced by Natasha Feroze
Can Sunak get a grip on his party?
November 28, 2022 13:18 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBAs MPs mull over whether they would like to stand in the next general election, the cracks in the party widen. Notable MPs like Chloe Smith and Dehenna Davison have already declared they will not stand but there are likely to be more over the coming days. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has two rebellions to take on this week. One led by Theresa Villiers over mandatory housing targets; the other by Simon Clarke railing against the ban on offshore wind farms. On the podcast, Katy, James and F...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 27/11/22
November 27, 2022 14:41 - 10 minutes - 9.72 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Today's interviewees include Mark Harper, Lisa Nandy, Jake Berry and Theresa Villiers.
Is the SNP juggernaut slowing down?
November 26, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBKaty Balls, Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth discuss the impact of the Supreme Court ruling on the SNP and the union.
How will the NHS cope this winter?
November 25, 2022 11:02 - 10 minutes - 9.23 MBToday the nurses' union have announced that they will strike this winter as they seek a pay rise of 5 per cent above inflation. How do the government navigate these strikes? Where do Labour stand? Also on the podcast, with the government trying to fill the 1 million vacancies in the job market, how do they get people back into work? Cindy speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Can the government get a grip on immigration?
November 24, 2022 17:19 - 9 minutes - 8.85 MBNew migration numbers out today show that, for the first time ever, net migration have exceeded 500,000 a year. Is this a problem for the government, or is this the kind of immigration that they actually quite like to see? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu.
What does the Supreme Court ruling mean for the SNP?
November 23, 2022 16:44 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBStarmer and Sunak have today come up against each other at PMQs for the first time since the Autumn Statement. It was an occasion dominated by questions from the Scottish Nationalists on the decision handed down by the Supreme Court ruling against a new independence referendum. James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman discuss. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Can Rishi weather his first Tory rebellion?
November 22, 2022 17:39 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBRishi Sunak is facing his first Tory Commons rebellion on the issue of UK house building targets. Could this be game over? Also on the podcast, after Chloe Smith announced that she will be leaving politics at the next election, could more follow her out of parliament? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Is the government trying to soften Brexit?
November 21, 2022 13:39 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBOver the weekend, government briefings that they will be looking towards a Swiss-style arrangement with the EU reignited the Brexit rows. Dormant Brexiteers like Nigel Farage and the European Research Group resurfaced, making it clear that they would not accept a so-called 'Chequers 2.0'. On the record, the government has been keen to reject this briefing. So what really happened? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Isabel Hardman’s Sunday Roundup - 20/11/22
November 20, 2022 17:42 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday morning’s politics shows. Featured today are Steve Barclay, Gary Smith, Kwajo Tweneboa and Chloe Morgan.
Austerity 2.0: is all the pain really necessary?
November 19, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBIt's no doubt a depressing time for the British economy, but how much that is the fault of the government, either for getting us to this stage and/or for not setting out a more optimistic exit route? On this episode, Cindy Yu moderates a debate between Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Kate Andrews who battle out their respective views. Produced by Cindy Yu and Matt Taylor.
Will Hunt's budget survive scrutiny?
November 18, 2022 11:28 - 9 minutes - 8.41 MBThe front pages are almost universally bad today, but the government is more concerned with the reaction from the markets, which, so far, have not turned against yesterday's budget. Could this high tax low spend fiscal statement yet pass scrutiny, given the torrid economic climate at large? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will the Autumn Statement break the Tory truce?
November 17, 2022 17:14 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBThe Conservative party is still digesting Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt's Autumn Statement, a far cry from the last fiscal statement from this party. Have the Prime Minister and the Chancellor managed to deliver a budget that hits the political sweet spot of cornering Labour without splitting their own party? Isabel Hardman talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu.
What do we know about the Polish missile tragedy?
November 16, 2022 15:02 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBLast night there were fears of a direct attack from Russia on a NATO country, after a missile struck two Polish nationals on the border with Ukraine. An investigation is now underway, but who is responsible for these deaths? Also on the podcast, Dominic Raab took PMQs today despite bullying allegations against him gathering pace. What are the latest developments in the bullying row? Cindy Yu speaks with James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Why is the workforce shrinking?
November 15, 2022 16:50 - 10 minutes - 10 MBFigures released today show that the number of people in employment has dropped by 50,000 since September, despite a national worker shortage of 1.25 million. Does this shed some light on the recession? Are these shortages simply because of disputes over pay or could the NHS waiting list be to blame? Also on the podcast, as public sector pay stagnates, how many will be lost to the private sector? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmonds...
What can we expect from the G20 summit?
November 14, 2022 13:04 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBThe G20 summit kicked off as world leaders arrived in Bali overnight. Ahead of the summit, Biden and Xi met to discuss tensions over trade, tech and human rights. The two claim they are ready for candid exchanges as China-US relations are at their lowest in decades. Rishi Sunak also flew to his first G20 summit. The Prime Minister is expected to hold multiple bilateral meetings as he tries to make his mark on the world stage. Meanwhile, can he keep a grip on domestic issues ahead of the Au...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 13/11/22
November 13, 2022 16:52 - 9 minutes - 8.86 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Featured today are Jeremy Hunt, Rachel Reeves, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Simon Clarke.
Was Lord Wolfson right?
November 12, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBNatasha Feroze hosts as Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews debate Lord Wolfson’s recent BBC interview in which he called for the UK to import more low skilled workers in order to fill the country’s job vacancies.
Is the UK on the brink of recession?
November 11, 2022 14:59 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBThe ONS forecasts reveal that UK output fell by 0.2 per cent between July-September. Whilst not a recession yet, it is increasingly likely the next quarter will see another dip following a surge in interest rates. Will the government's messaging change ahead of the Autumn Statement next week? Also on the podcast, Kate and James discuss Kwasi Kwarteng's interview in The Times as he reflects on his short time as Chancellor. Isabel Hardman is joined by Kate Andrews and James Forsyth. Produce...
Nurses on strike: how can the NHS cope?
November 10, 2022 17:09 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBFor the first time in history, nurses have voted to go on strike. As the NHS grapples with record wait lists and excess deaths, how will it cope this winter? Also on the podcast, James and Isabel discuss the ongoing situation in Northern Ireland. And how will Matt Hancock fare in the jungle? Natasha Feroze is joined by Isabel Hardman and James Forysth. Produced by Natasha Feroze
How much has the Williamson row damaged Rishi Sunak?
November 09, 2022 15:59 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBThough Gavin Williamson has now resigned, Rishi Sunak still had to fend off a number of questions on the disgraced minister at today's Prime Minister's Questions. How much damage has the row done to the Prime Minister? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will Hunt protect the pensions triple lock?
November 08, 2022 14:10 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBAhead of the Autumn Statement next week, questions remain over whether the government intends to protect the pensions triple lock. With pensioners being such an important part of the Conservative party's demographic, will Jeremy Hunt risk the inevitable backlash? Also on the podcast, what will Rishi Sunak do about Gavin Williamson as the bullying claims grow? Cindy Yu is joined by Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth. Produced by Cindy Yu and Natasha Feroze.
Does Westminster have a whipping problem?
November 07, 2022 14:53 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBGavin Williamson is in trouble, again. This time the reveal of some expletive-laden texts he sent to then-chief whip Wendy Morton has raised questions for the government over why Williamson was brought back into frontline politics. On the podcast, Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman about whether the dual role of government whips (as discipline enforcers and pastoral carers) is confused and out of date. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Isabel Hardman’s Sunday Roundup – 06/11/22
November 06, 2022 17:30 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday’s interview shows. Today’s guests include Oliver Dowden, Ed Miliband and Paul Blomfield.
What will Rishi Sunak be able to achieve in two years?
November 05, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBKaty Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and opinion pollster James Johnson, about how the Conservatives can carve a path back to electoral relevance in the face of a gloomy economic picture.
Why have the RMT cancelled the strikes?
November 04, 2022 18:23 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBToday the planned rail strikes have been cancelled at the 11th hour. Is this an indication that a deal may be soon reached to end the months of disruption? Also on the podcast, after it was announced that Arts Council England would cut its funding, it looks like the English National Opera will be forced out of London. Is this 'levelling up'? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.