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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Is Labour in trouble over the rail strikes?
June 21, 2022 11:59 - 10 minutes - 9.89 MBThe first day of strike action has begun with large parts of the country's railways, as well as London's underground lines, shut down. But where workers are trying to put pressure on the government and Network Rail over higher pay, it seems like the Labour party is in more trouble. Disagreement over the party's position on strike action (after all, it was set up to represent the unions in parliament) are playing out publicly, even on the front bench. Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Isa...
Will the government hold their line on strike action?
June 20, 2022 11:24 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBToday begins a chaotic week for commuters who face major travel disruptions as rail staff stage the biggest walkout in 30 years. Union leaders have accused the government of 'inflaming tensions', as Grant Shapps has refused to negotiate with the unions over pay, conditions, job cuts and safety. Also on the podcast, what could be the outcome of Thursday's two by-elections? Isabel Hardman is joined by Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 19/06/22
June 19, 2022 15:36 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows, today featuring clips from Grant Shapps, Mick Lynch, Micheál Martin and Lisa Nandy.
Who will be the PM's next ethical compass?
June 18, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBKaty Balls discusses the vacant role of ethics adviser with James Forsyth and prime ministerial biographer Lord Anthony Seldon.
Is it time to call Sturgeon's Bluff?
June 17, 2022 12:11 - 8 minutes - 7.74 MBThe calls for Indyref2 are coming thick and fast from the SNP leader this week with a plan for a monthly speech to express the benefits of Scotland leaving the UK. But would allowing a referendum now be better than resisting one? Newer generations of Scots tend to be more nationalist than their elders. Should unionists push for Indyref2 now before more young people reach voting age? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
What caused Geidt's flight?
June 16, 2022 13:21 - 9 minutes - 8.85 MBLord Geidt became the second ethics advisor to leave Boris Johnson's government last night. It seems like Chinese steel tariffs was the straw that broke the camel's back, but it is clear that he hasn't been happy in the position for sometime. Will the Prime Minister be able to find anyone to pick up this poisoned chalice? Max Jeffery speaks with James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Is the Rwanda flight block a problem for No.10?
June 15, 2022 13:12 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBthe first flight taking asylum seekers to Rwanda was stalled just before takeoff after a late intervention from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). As Priti Patel returned to the Commons to defend the policy, many Tory MPs are furious at the prospect of the courts taking precedent over government legislation. Could this lead to the UK leaving the ECtHR? Also on the podcast, is Keir Starmer too boring? After growing accusations, the Labour leader has urged his shadow cabinet to stop ...
Is the row over Rwanda good for the government?
June 14, 2022 12:15 - 10 minutes - 9.83 MBThe government is fighting on two fronts today. Firstly defending is Rwandan immigration plan from a unified front of Bishops as the first flight is set to take off tonight. Secondly, the Northern Ireland protocol bill which was announced yesterday afternoon faces scrutiny on many fronts. Katy Balls talks with Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
The next Brexit battle
June 13, 2022 19:47 - 12 minutes - 11 MBThe Foreign Secretary has outlined fresh legislation to change the post-Brexit trade agreement with the EU today – allowing ministers to override parts of the Northern Ireland protocol. Whilst the government insists that this is not a breach of international law, critics remain unconvinced. ‘I had one member of government say to me this bill is going to be a proxy on Boris Johnson’s leadership’ - Katy Balls. If this were a proxy, could this work in the Prime Minister’s favour? And why has...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 12/06/22
June 12, 2022 19:05 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows, with clips from Brandon Lewis, Rachel Reeves, Mark Serwotka and Tony Danker.
Will Jeremy Hunt run for PM again?
June 11, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBMax Jeffery talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth about the former Health Secretary's week.
Can the UK save the two Brits sentenced to death?
June 10, 2022 09:58 - 9 minutes - 9.02 MBTwo British citizens fighting the Russians have been sentenced to death in Ukrainian territory controlled by the Kremlin. How has the UK responded thus far? And domestically, Lord Frost has said that Boris Johnson has until the autumn to turn things around. Max Jeffery talks with Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
What's behind Boris's relaunch?
June 09, 2022 16:29 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBBy sticking to his promise to ‘move on’ after the confidence vote, Boris has announced his new flagship policies during a speech in Blackpool. He unveiled the ‘benefits-to-bricks' pledge aimed at extending a home-buying scheme. Will new housing measures be enough to regain the support of the public and the dwindling respect from his party? Also on the podcast, two by-elections are on the way. This could be either a triumphant or disastrous result for the Prime Minister. How might he fare in...
Did Boris Johnson survive PMQs?
June 08, 2022 12:15 - 10 minutes - 9.25 MBBoris Johnson was surrounded by opposition at the despatch box when he faced the Labour leader at PMQs today. Did Keir Starmer make the most of his opportunity to score points against the Prime Minister's disappointing result in the confidence vote the night before? Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Forsyth.
What will the Tory rebels do next?
June 07, 2022 12:30 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIt is the day after the night before when Boris Johnson narrowly survived a confidence vote. Today he held a meeting with the Cabinet to encourage his colleagues that it was time to ‘move on’. ‘This looks like a slow Tory suicide to me’ - Fraser Nelson Some critics have pointed to the fact that shortly after winning a confidence vote with similar margins, John Major, Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May ended up resigning. What will be Boris Johnson's fate as the Tory rebels plot out their ne...
Is Boris Johnson finished?
June 06, 2022 21:47 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe results are in. 211 Tory MPs expressed confidence in the Prime Minister, while 148 said they had no confidence in Boris Johnson continuing to lead the Conservative party. While this is technically a win, it is a narrower victory than Theresa May (who looked splendid in her ball gown tonight) got in her no-confidence vote which lead to her resignation only months later. Is this the beginning of the end for Boris? Isabel Hardman is joined by Katy Balls and James Forsyth on the roof of Par...
Boris to face confidence vote tonight
June 06, 2022 09:40 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBBoris Johnson will face a confidence vote tonight. Announcing the news this morning, the chair of the 1922 committee Sir Graham Brady said in a statement: 'The threshold of the 15% of the parliamentary party seeking a vote of confidence in the leader of the Conservative Party has been exceeded.' Will he win? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 05/06/22
June 05, 2022 17:59 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political programmes, with contributions coming from Grant Shapps, Sadiq Khan and Sir Howard Morrison QC.
Politics and the monarchy: a look back at the Queen's reign
June 02, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBAs this week marks the Queen's platinum jubilee, we take a look back at her greatest political achievements in her role as head of state. How important is the relationship between the monarch and the Prime Minister? 'I think there is a restraining act on the behaviour of Prime Ministers, that they will have to explain themselves to the Queen at some point - James Forsyth. Since her reign, she has served 14 Prime Ministers, one of whom was Margaret Thatcher. What was her relationship like ...
Is the SNP more conservative than the Conservatives?
June 01, 2022 13:05 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBThere is a lot of news to cover on Coffee House Shots before the celebrations for the Jubilee begin. First in Westminster with Lord Geidt threatening to resign over Boris Johnson's handling of partygate. Then more internationally to the fraying of the alliance to defend Ukraine. And finally, has Scotland found its Margret Thatcher in Kate Forbes? Cindy Yu talks with James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.
Why is Boris cutting the civil service?
May 31, 2022 13:02 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBThe government wants to cut the civil service by over 90,000 people to 2016 levels. Part of the plan is to suspend the Fast Stream recruitment scheme, which hires high-achieving graduates out of university. Why is the government so set on the cut, and is this really the best way to do it? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. James Forsyth: 'If these graduates go and work in the private sector instead, frankly the civil service won't be able to afford them in three, five or se...
Could Boris be toppled by accident?
May 30, 2022 12:23 - 10 minutes - 10 MBThe Sue Gray report came in last week, but we haven't seen a coordinated effort to either stand behind the Prime Minister, or kick him out. Instead, there has reportedly been a drip of letters of no confidence letters coming in from individual Tories, rather than an organised group. Could we finally see the 54 letters needed to trigger a vote on Johnson's leadership? Cindy Yu, Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth discuss.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 29/05/22
May 29, 2022 15:56 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. This podcast contains clips featuring Andrei Kelin, Brandon Lewis, Anneliese Dodds and Mick Lynch.
Have the Tories lost their way?
May 28, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBKaty Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth, and Kate Andrews about Rishi Sunak's latest support package to aid with the cost of living, including the windfall tax on energy companies.
Will Rishi's intervention backfire?
May 27, 2022 11:17 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBThere have been mixed opinions following Rishi Sunak's plans to help the cost of living crisis. The £15 billion budget is targeted to help the whole country with a particular emphasis on those most in need - but has it gone far enough? Or will we pay the price for the Chancellor's handouts in the future? All to be discussed as Kate Andrews speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Will Rishi's stimulus backfire?
May 27, 2022 11:17 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBThere have been mixed opinions following Rishi Sunak's plans to help the cost of living crisis. The £15 billion budget is targeted to help the whole country with a particular emphasis on those most in need - but has it gone far enough? Or will we pay the price for the Chancellor's handouts in the future? Kate Andrews speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Is the windfall tax justified?
May 26, 2022 16:36 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBRishi Sunak has announced a new tranche of economic measures designed to help ease the cost of living crisis in the UK. The new payments will be funded by a windfall tax on energy companies, which comes as the government U-turns on its previous opposition to the policy. On the episode, Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews about these measures – and especially the windfall tax. Kate doesn't mince her words, arguing that 'This tax grab is possibly going to be a nail on the coffi...
Did the Sue Gray report move the dial?
May 25, 2022 15:34 - 14 minutes - 13 MBThe long-awaited Sue Gray report is finally published today. It included new photographs (including of the birthday bash, though James Forsyth describes the photo as looking more like 'an enforced office socialising occasion' than a party), colourful details (one staffer was threw up at one drinks) and some unsavoury revelations (Sue Gray was damning about some of the staffers' treatment of cleaners and security staff). But amidst all this, has the report really worsened the situation for Bo...
What tone will Boris Johnson take?
May 24, 2022 15:32 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBHappy Sue Gray eve! Her report into events that took place inside Downing Street while the rest of the country was in lockdown is set to release on Wednesday morning. The tone Boris Johnson takes will be vital to his political future. Will he stick the landing? Katy Balls ponders this question with James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
How will Boris Johnson respond to the Gray report?
May 24, 2022 15:32 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBSue Gray's report into Downing Street parties during lockdown is set to be released on Wednesday morning. The tone Boris Johnson takes will be vital to his political future. What will he say? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
What do we know about the Sue Gray report?
May 23, 2022 12:47 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIt's finally happening! This is the week the infamous Sue Gray report into partygate will be released. Details are few and far between, although we do know that the Prime Minister will be mentioned by name in the document. Mutterings from Tory HQ are that this is not going to be a good week for the government but not the end of Boris Johnson. Only time will tell. Isabel Hardman talks with Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 22/05/22
May 22, 2022 15:29 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Today's best bits come from Nadhim Zahawi, Pat McFadden and Michael Lewis.
Should the Tories try to lose the next election?
May 21, 2022 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.05 MBSome Tories want to lose the next election. Conservative policies and ideologies are stale, they say, and the party could do with a period in opposition. Is this really a good idea? And could a Labour, SNP and Liberal Democrat coalition find a way to keep the Tories out of government for decades? 'If anyone is thinking that way, they don't deserve to be in power.' – Fraser Nelson Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Has Boris won back Tory MPs?
May 20, 2022 13:11 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBGiven that Boris Johnson escaped the latest and final set of party fines from the police yesterday, does this mean partygate is over? Sue Gray's report is still yet to be published, where she intends to name and shame those in her report. Could this take some of the pressure off the Prime Minister? Also on the podcast, there is a growing divide within the Conservative party between those who want a windfall tax and those that don't. But where does Boris stand on this? All to be discussed a...
Is Boris Johnson out of the woods on partygate?
May 19, 2022 12:35 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBThe Met police have today announced that their investigation into No. 10 parties is now over, and No. 10 have confirmed that neither the Prime Minister nor his wife have received more fines. Is Boris Johnson out of the woods? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. James points out the fortunate timing of the Met police's announcement – at a time when the Durham police are investigating Keir Starmer for his potential breach when he was having a beer and curry, leaving the Lab...
Is a windfall tax inevitable?
May 18, 2022 17:47 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBWith the cost of living crisis looming large, pressure is on the government to come up with effective solutions. With Labour snapping at their heels for an emergency budget and a windfall tax on oil and gas companies, will the Conservatives eventually bend to this pressure? And if they do, will these solutions even work? Katy Balls talks to Isabel Hardman and Kate Andrews.
Will the new Brexit bill spark a trade war with the EU?
May 17, 2022 16:51 - 10 minutes - 9.87 MBLiz Truss made a speech in the House of Commons today laying out the government's plans to scrap parts of the Northern Ireland protocol. James Forsyth first broke this story in last week's Spectator magazine. How will the EU react to the news? And could this spark a trade war with the EU? Moving onto the cost of living crisis, Labour have put forward an amendment to the Queen's Speech asking for a windfall tax. Having once dismissed the idea, the Conservatives are under pressure from some o...
Will Boris break Stormont deadlock?
May 16, 2022 10:14 - 12 minutes - 11 MBBoris is in Belfast today in an attempt to repair relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein. In a 2000 word article for Belfast Telegraph, the Prime Minister laid out his intentions not to scrap the Northern Ireland Protocol, but instead to fix it. Can these two polarised parties find a middle ground? Also on the podcast, Jeremy Hunt was on a media round over the weekend to publicise his new book on the NHS. Yet he was unable to avoid questions about his party. All to be discussed as Isabe...
Will Boris break the Stormont deadlock?
May 16, 2022 10:14 - 12 minutes - 11 MBBoris is in Belfast today in an attempt to repair relations between the DUP and Sinn Fein. In a 2000 word article for Belfast Telegraph, the Prime Minister laid out his intentions not to scrap the Northern Ireland Protocol, but instead to fix it. Can these two polarised parties find a middle ground? Also on the podcast, Jeremy Hunt was on a media round over the weekend to publicise his new book on the NHS. Yet he was unable to avoid questions about his party. All to be discussed as Isabe...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 15/05/22
May 15, 2022 17:56 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with Kwasi Kwarteng and Ed Miliband.
What is the future of Nato?
May 14, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14 MBFinland this week has expressed its wish to join Nato and Sweden is expected to follow suit. But with an America more focused on China, an ever aggressive Russia and Turkey with a membership veto card what does the future of this organisation look like? Cindy Yu talks with Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth
Why has the government culled so many civil service jobs?
May 13, 2022 11:35 - 12 minutes - 11 MBJacob Rees-Mogg has said that the government plans to axe 91,000 posts within three years from the civil service. The argument for it is that the reduced tax burden will help the public deal with the ever-growing cost of living crisis. But will this have the desired effect and will it be anywhere near enough? Kate Andrews talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about if the Prime Minister has the right temperament to weather this particular storm.
Why is the government planning to cull so many civil service jobs?
May 13, 2022 11:35 - 12 minutes - 11 MBJacob Rees-Mogg has said that the government plans to axe 91,000 posts within three years from the civil service. The argument for it is that the reduced tax burden will help the public deal with the ever-growing cost of living crisis. But will this have the desired effect and will it be anywhere near enough? Kate Andrews talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about if the Prime Minister has the right temperament to weather this particular storm.
Why is the government planning to cull the civil service?
May 13, 2022 11:35 - 12 minutes - 11 MBJacob Rees-Mogg has said that the government plans to axe 91,000 posts within three years from the civil service. The argument for it is that the reduced tax burden will help the public deal with the ever-growing cost of living crisis. But will this have the desired effect and will it be anywhere near enough? Kate Andrews talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about if the Prime Minister has the right temperament to weather this particular storm.
What's the point of a cost of living cabinet?
May 12, 2022 16:06 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBBoris Johnson met Conservative MPs in Stoke-on-Trent for a Cabinet away day. The focus is on how new legislation would level up the UK and protect people from the cost of living crisis as it intensifies. Meanwhile, the GDP figures show the UK economy contracted in March as consumers cut back on spending. Can the government. Is the UK heading towards a recession? All to be discussed as Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
What's behind the Swedish security pact?
May 11, 2022 15:33 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBToday Boris Johnson pledged his support to protect Sweden and Finland in a mutual defence pact. As non Nato members, the deal is intended to protect these two countries from unexpected attacks. Will Putin see this as provocative? And how might this deal clash with Macron's view of a European defence bloc? 'I think we can see the phrase Global Britain taking some meaningful form now' - Fraser Nelson. All to be discussed as Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
What did the Queen's Speech reveal?
May 10, 2022 16:29 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBInside the Lord's Chamber, Prince Charles delivered the Queen's Speech in his mother's absence. The key themes of the Prime Minister's legislative agenda included easing the cost of living crisis, post-Brexit economic arrangements and a particular emphasis on crime. 'You can tell the Tory party is trying to shore itself up from being outflanked on crime and immigration come the next election' - James Forsyth. What was the reaction to the speech in the debate that followed? All to be disc...
How much trouble is Keir Starmer in?
May 09, 2022 10:24 - 10 minutes - 9.86 MBAs pressures mount over claims that Keir Starmer broke lockdown rules, the Labour leader has just pulled out of a keynote speech he is due to give today. How much trouble is he really in? Katy Balls looks at Starmer's future in a blog on Coffee House today. Also on the podcast, what will be the fallout from the Sinn Fein victory in Northern Ireland? Brandon Lewis heads to Belfast today to press for the return of a fully functioning government. Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and James...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 08/05/22
May 08, 2022 17:38 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with Dominic Raab, Lisa Nandy, Sir Ed Davey and Jukka Siukosaari.
What do the local results mean for the next general election?
May 07, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBKaty Balls, James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman delve into the 2022 local election results and discuss how the Conservatives will adapt their strategy in order to remain in power.