Coffee House Shots
2,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 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
What are Sunak’s motives on the NI rise?
March 22, 2022 16:34 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBTomorrow is the spring statement. The proposed NI rise set to be outlined in it has been described by the Labour leader Keir Starmer as a 'cynical' move so the Chancellor can cut taxes before the next election for political brownie points. But what are Rishi Sunak's true motives? Cindy Yu deciphers them with Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Was Boris’s Ukraine/Brexit comparison a mistake?
March 21, 2022 13:08 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBOver the weekend, Boris Johnson sparked a wave of criticism after he linked the Ukraine crisis to Brexit. During his speech at the Conservative Party's Spring Conference, the PM suggested that Ukraine's decision to 'choose freedom' was reminiscent of Brexit. 'I think it was up there with the Jimmy Saville joke which he made about Keir Stamer in things which should not have been said.' - Fraser Nelson. Also on the podcast, will Rishi Sunak be forced to u-turn on his commitment to low taxes...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 20/03/22
March 20, 2022 18:14 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, ahead of the Chancellor's Spring Statement on Wednesday, with Rishi Sunak, Rachel Reeves, Olga Stefanishyna and Martin Lewis.
Is a boost to defence spending feasible?
March 19, 2022 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBAs Rishi Sunak finalises his Spring Statement, how can he resolve the trilemma of an ageing society, no peace dividend and low growth? Meanwhile, there is a broad Tory desire for increased defence spending amid the Russia Ukraine invasion. But from where will this money be taken? 'This isn't an easy time for Rishi. If you look at what it is costing us just to service the debt, it's going up by billions and billions of pounds' - Kate Andrews. All to be discussed as Katy Balls speaks to Kat...
Is partygate no longer an issue for Boris Johnson?
March 18, 2022 12:02 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBThe Tory spring conference is this weekend. Before the invasion of Ukraine, when partygate dominated the headlines, it was predicted to have the feel of a pageant show for potential candidates to replace Boris Johnson. But now, with even Labour quieting their cries for resignation, what will the atmosphere of this event be? Max Jeffery talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Why has P&O ferries laid off its staff?
March 17, 2022 18:05 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBToday P&O ferries announced to 800 staff that they were being made redundant with immediate effect as security mounted to ferries to escort the staff off the premises. The company said the staff will be served with "enhanced" severance packages, calling it a "necessary decision" to protect its remaining 2,200 staff. Was this fair when they received furlough pay from the taxpayer all through lockdown? Also on the podcast, the Bank of England has announced a rise in interest rates in a bid ...
Why has Iran finally released Zaghari-Ratcliffe from prison?
March 16, 2022 16:25 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MBAfter 6 years in jail, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been released and will return home from Iran to her husband and their seven-year-old daughter. The UK has paid a debt of £400 million as part of this negotiation which has been an ongoing diplomatic dispute between Britain and the Iranian government. Who were the key players in her release negotiations? And is this a win for Boris Johnson? Also on the podcast, Boris Johnson continues his trip in Saudi Arabia to encourage Mohammed bin Sal...
Will Saudi oil really fix Britain's energy crisis?
March 15, 2022 12:14 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBBoris Johnson is travelling to the Middle East tonight, where he'll be meeting Gulf leaders and trying to convince them to pump more oil. With Britain's energy price cap likely to rise to £3,000 in October, how important is it for the Prime Minister to get what he wants? And will more supply alone fix the problem? Max Jeffery speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Will Boris Johnson charm the Saudis?
March 14, 2022 12:44 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBVladimir Putin's war in Ukraine has caused the prices of oil and gas to skyrocket. One of the Prime Minster's strategies to combat this appears to be a visit Saudi Arabia this week, where he'll ask Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to release more oil. But what's the chance of this working? Katy Balls is joined by James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 13/03/22
March 13, 2022 18:42 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Michael Gove, Sir Keir Starmer and Polish president Andrzej Duda.
Why isn't the UK doing more to help Ukrainian refugees?
March 12, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBKate Andrews and Fraser Nelson discuss the government's feet-dragging response to allowing Ukrainians easier entry to the UK.
What’s the point of the latest sanctions?
March 11, 2022 13:24 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBWhile the world is hearing mummers that Vladimir Putin is considering using chemical weapons in Ukraine, the UK government has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian Parliamentarians. But will this latest move make the Kremlin pause or is it a largely symbolic gesture? Katy Balls talks with Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
What is the significance of the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich?
March 10, 2022 17:04 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBAfter seemingly dragging its heels for weeks, the government is ramping up its individual sanction measures against those close to the Kremlin. When Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea football club it was seen as a symbol of closer Russian and British ties, we will now see what signal him losing it creates. Kate Andrews hosts Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth to talk through sanctions, peace talks and Eurovision.
What’s behind the Tory revolt on refugee relief?
March 09, 2022 16:42 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBWhile Europe opens its arms up to the Ukrainians fleeing war, the UK is taking a much slower approach. While people are allowed to come in relatively quickly if they have family here, that definition of family is extremely limited. Our response is causing confusion with the public but seemingly also within the Conservative party. Katy Balls and James Forsyth are joined by Kate Andrews from Calais who has been spending the last two days talking to refugees on the ground looking to seek refug...
Will Zelensky's intervention change the mood among MPs?
March 08, 2022 12:42 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBFormer Speaker of the House, John Bercow has been banned from the Commons after the publishing of a review that reveals the extent of his bullying behaviour towards members of his staff. How will Labour react to this after welcoming him in with open arms? Also, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky will today address a number of UK MPs and is expected to ask for more aid on all fronts: sanctions, humanitarian and military. But just how much more can the UK offer without causing an escalat...
Ukraine: how bad will UK energy prices get?
March 07, 2022 13:15 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBAs the Russian invasion enters its twelfth day, fuel prices hit new records in the UK. Global leaders are preparing for the worst, is the UK braced for this too? Also on the podcast, what's behind Boris Johnson's six-point plan? 'I would far rather Boris Johnson wasn't turning away Ukrainian refugees at the border in Calais than coming up with the six-point plan' - Fraser Nelson. All to be discussed as Kay Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. For more information on the R...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 06/03/22
March 06, 2022 16:40 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, which today featured Dominic Raab, Sir Keir Starmer, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Ruth Smeeth and Tony Blair.
Will Europe remain united against Putin?
March 05, 2022 10:00 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBKate Andrews talks to James Forsyth and the historian Orlando Figes about whether Europe's united response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine will hold, and the effect of sanctions on Russia's economy and its oligarchs.
Russia's invasion: One week on
March 04, 2022 17:36 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBIt's been just over a week since Vladimir Putin began his invasion of Ukraine and in that time we have seen some truly unprecedented events: A former comedian leading an extremely effective homeland resistance against one of the world's largest armies, an estimated million people fleeing over the borders and a more unified Western response than we have seen in decades. Kate Andrews talks with The Spectator's Editor Fraser Nelson and its Deputy Editor Freddy Gray to assess the shocking eve...
Why is the UK so slow in sanctioning oligarchs?
March 03, 2022 18:02 - 10 minutes - 9.3 MBThough Britain has been sending weapons to Ukraine, and led Europe's push to get Russia taken out of the Swift banking system, the government has been criticised for being slow in sanctioning Russian oligarchs. What more should we be doing? Max Jeffery talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Why is the U.K so slow in sanctioning oligarchs?
March 03, 2022 18:02 - 10 minutes - 9.3 MBThough Britain has been at the front of the queue when it comes to sending weapons to help the Ukrainians defend themselves from the Russian invasion and calling for Russia's removal from Swift... When it comes to sanctioning individuals in the U.K with ties to Putin we have been amongst the slowest. Why? Max Jeffery talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls to find an answer to this question.
What cards does the West have left to play?
March 02, 2022 13:51 - 10 minutes - 10 MBPMQs began with a rather unorthodox but touching round of applause to welcome the Ukrainian ambassador to the chamber. While the Commons was united in its support of Ukraine and condemnation of Putin's actions, Labour leader Keir Starmer confronted Boris Johnson about certain Russian individuals who have been sanctioned by our allies but not by the UK. But why is Boris Johnson holding back? Though many talk about the close relationship between the Tories and Russian money, the bitter truth...
Why is a no-fly zone a no go?
March 01, 2022 16:37 - 10 minutes - 9.25 MBDuring a press conference in Poland today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was confronted by Ukrainian journalist and campaigner Daria Kaleniuk, who took issue with the excuse for not imposing a no-fly zone because it may start World War Three, saying it had already begun. While it is completely understandable that on the streets of Ukrainian cities that is how it must feel, the UK and the West are committed to not involving themselves with direct military action against Russia. Though the sa...
Has Putin underestimated the West?
February 28, 2022 13:05 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBOver the weekend, the West unveiled further measures to punish Russia for invading Ukraine. The European Union said it would put limits on the Russian central bank's ability to access its reserve of foreign currency, Finland blocked Russia from its airspace, and Germany pledged that it would increase its defence spending to 2 per cent. Has Putin underestimated western resolve? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 27/02/22
February 27, 2022 15:54 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from today's political shows, featuring Liz Truss, David Lammy and Sir Chris Deverell.
What is Sunak's economic vision?
February 26, 2022 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBKaty Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Tony Danker, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), about the Chancellor's Mais lecture on Thursday, where he reaffirmed his belief in 'sustainably' cutting taxes.
Are Russia's oligarchs the key to stopping Putin?
February 25, 2022 13:47 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBRussian forces are attempting to take Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, said he would be spending the day trying to convince European allies like Germany and Italy, who are reluctant to put too harsh sanctions on Russia, to ban them from the Swift payments system. How else can the West put Putin under pressure? Max Jeffery speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Ukraine under siege - what now?
February 24, 2022 14:32 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBVladimir Putin has launched an attack on multiple fronts across Ukraine. In a televised speech, the Russian leader announced a 'military operation' in Ukraine's Donbas region. Today, Boris Johnson has vowed to hit Russia with a 'massive' package of sanctions. But who will really suffer from these sanctions? And will it be enough to deter stop Putin in his tracks? All to be discussed as Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Owen Matthews, The Spectator's Russia correspondent.
How should the West react to Putin's full scale invasion?
February 24, 2022 14:32 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBVladimir Putin has launched an attack on multiple fronts across Ukraine. In a televised speech, the Russian leader announced a 'military operation' in Ukraine's Donbas region. Today, Boris Johnson has vowed to hit Russia with a 'massive' package of sanctions. But who will really suffer from these sanctions? And will it be enough to deter stop Putin in his tracks? All to be discussed as Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Owen Matthews, The Spectator's Russia correspondent.
Are UK sanctions all bark no bite?
February 23, 2022 15:53 - 11 minutes - 11 MBFor the last few weeks, the UK has condemned Putin and promised a strong response in the face of more Russian aggression. But when Boris Johnson announced his sanctions, for many, including those within his own party, they felt a little small. Particularly when compared to Germany cancelling the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Isabel Hardman talks with James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the UK's response to the Russian invasion.
Russia invades: what comes next?
February 22, 2022 12:28 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBLast night Vladimir Putin gave an hour-long television address to the Russian people over his decision to move troops into Ukraine. Amid international condemnation, Boris Johnson held a Cobra meeting this morning to discuss the UK's next moves. Meanwhile, Germany has put the brakes on Nord Stream 2. ‘The ball is now back in Vladimir Putin’s court. This is at the maximal end of responses that were expected' - James Forsyth. Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Will Brits with Covid still self-isolate?
February 21, 2022 12:30 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBWith Boris Johnson set to announce the end of legal Covid restrictions later today, how will people respond? Will they continue to isolate, or choose to go about their life even if they have the virus? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the change, as well as the continuing crisis in Ukraine.
Will Brits still self-isolate with Covid?
February 21, 2022 12:30 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBWith Boris Johnson set to announce the end of legal Covid restrictions later today, how will people respond? Will they continue to isolate, or choose to go about their life even if they have the virus? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the change, as well as the continuing crisis in Ukraine.
Will members of the public choose to self isolate?
February 21, 2022 12:30 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBWith Boris Johnson set to announce the end of legal Covid restrictions later today, how will the public respond? Will people employ common sense when it comes to testing and isolation or will we see individuals going out even when they know they have the virus? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the lifted laws, as well as the continuing situation in Ukraine.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 20/02/22
February 20, 2022 16:12 - 13 minutes - 12 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with today's guest stars including Boris Johnson, Wes Streeting and Michelle O'Neill.
Could Nick Clegg end up as the most powerful man in Britain?
February 19, 2022 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBThe government's Online Safety Bill could be about to hand social media giants even more powers over journalism and free speech. Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Damian Collins, who chairs Parliament's joint committee on the bill.
Should Boris scrap free Covid tests?
February 18, 2022 13:00 - 10 minutes - 9.75 MBNext week is the end of recess and Boris Johnson is expected to scrap universal access to free covid tests. What will be the reaction to this? 'You do have to wonder if tests are the best use of taxpayer's money given the pressure on the NHS' - Fraser Nelson Also on the podcast, the Met Office has told millions to stay at home as Storm Eunice battles across the UK. Could this be another sign of the times? Cindy Yu is joined by Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls
Is Rayner in trouble with Labour?
February 17, 2022 17:04 - 10 minutes - 9.86 MBAngela Rayner received an outburst of criticism today after her views on shooting terrorists went viral. The deputy Labour leader is known for her colourful language, but how much is this damaging Labour's branding? In her column this week, Katy Balls takes a look at the Labour Party’s strategy around Boris: ‘I think Boris Johnson staying on is now good for them because he’s mortally wounded’ - Katy Balls. Also on the podcast, what is the latest British intelligence on Russia and Ukraine...
What will be the cost of sanctions against Russia?
February 16, 2022 18:14 - 9 minutes - 8.96 MBJoe Biden has set out his intentions to impose sanctions against Russia should Putin decide to launch an invasion against Ukraine. Are European countries that economically rely on Russia for their energy prepared for the inevitable costs that will come with these sanctions? 'There is no way you could have a set of sanctions on Russia without thinking there will be some cost to the West for imposing them' - James Forsyth Also on the podcast, what's the latest with the Partygate police probe...
Can the government solve the cost of living crisis?
February 15, 2022 14:22 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBTwo issues dominate the news this week. While Putin is recalling some troops back to their barracks, the situation in Ukraine is far from over. Meanwhile at home, we are in a cost of living crisis that could continue for years to come. What will the government do to resolve this crisis? All to be discussed with Katy Balls and James Forsyth on today's Coffee House Shots.
What is of greater concern Russian invasion or British inflation?
February 15, 2022 14:22 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBTwo issues dominate the British public this week, one foreign and one domestic. While Putin recalling some troops back to their barracks may be a comforting sign to many, the situation in Ukraine is far from over and looks likely to continue to cause tension on the world stage until winter's end. At home though, we look to be heading towards a cost of living crisis that could continue for years to come. Katy Balls and James Forsyth examine these two issues on today's Coffee House Shots an...
Why do the Americans think war is imminent?
February 14, 2022 13:33 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBOver the weekend things between Ukraine and Russia seem to have gone from bad to worse. After a call between Biden and Putin failed to yield any meaningful results, the US warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could being as soon as Wednesday. Cindy Yu sits down with Katy Balls and James Forsyth to discuss whether war is truly just days away.
Cindy Yu's Sunday Roundup - 13/02/22
February 13, 2022 17:11 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBCindy Yu rounds up the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Brandon Lewis, Yvette Cooper, Derek Chollet and Zoë Billingham.
Does Europe need to get used to dealing with Russia?
February 12, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBDuring the Cold War, the US saw Russia as global threat number one. But with China looming large on the world stage its focus is shifting. This leaves Europe to take the lead in dealing with Putin's desires on Ukraine. Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Sophia Gaston the director of the British Foreign Policy Group about the growing tensions on the continent.
Who will replace Cressida Dick?
February 11, 2022 10:55 - 8 minutes - 7.6 MBCressida Dick announced yesterday evening that she is stepping down as head of the Metropolitan Police. In a statement, Dick said she had been left with 'no choice' but to resign, after it was made clear to her that London mayor Sadiq Khan did not have confidence in her leadership. Who will replace her? And what does her resignation mean for the investigation into parties in No. 10? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth.
Should Liz Truss have gone to Russia?
February 10, 2022 17:32 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MBThe Foreign Secretary's trip to Moscow today ended with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, walking out of their joint press conference. Did the trip achieve anything – and was it a mistake from the start? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth on this episode. For James, '[Lavrov's] rudeness is a sign that Liz Truss held the line in their meeting'.
Will there ever be a break in the partygate scandal?
February 09, 2022 17:32 - 9 minutes - 8.42 MBThe Prime Minister tried to start today's PMQs with an announcement to fire up the right of his base, an early end to all Covid restrictions. But the partygate scandal is the gift that keeps on giving when during the Commons session a new photo leaked of Boris Johnson at a Christmas quiz with a bottle of Prosecco and a colleague draped in tinsel. Isabel Hardman is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls to break down today's events in Westminster.
What to make of the mini reshuffle?
February 08, 2022 17:19 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBA mini reshuffle has happened, but this time nobody has been fired. Is this an advertisement of Boris Johnson being strategic? Or is it more an advertisement of the little room he has to manoeuvre? Also on the podcast, James and Isabel discuss the NHS backlog. Today the Health Secretary was forced to admit to MPs that the NHS waiting list in England, which already stands at a record 6 million, will keep on growing for another two years. What are the holes in his new plan? All to be discuss...
What is the tone of the new staff at No. 10?
February 07, 2022 13:27 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBOn Saturday night there was an announcement of two new appointments at Downing Street. Steve Barclay as Chief of Staff and Guto Harri as Director of Communications. Is this internal reshuffle playing well for Boris or is it causing even more tensions within the already fracturing Tory Party? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the new faces inside No. 10.
Will Boris's new appointments win over backbenchers?
February 07, 2022 13:27 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBOn Saturday night, No. 10 announced two new appointments: Steve Barclay would become chief of staff, and Guto Harri would become director of communications. Will Downing Street's reshuffle improve the mood of Tory MPs? And what else does Boris Johnson have to do? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the new faces inside No. 10.