Coffee House Shots
2,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 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
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 18/07/21
July 18, 2021 17:07 - 13 minutes - 12 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Robert Jenrick, Jonathan Ashworth and Professor Neil Ferguson.
When will restrictions end for good?
July 17, 2021 09:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBIn our last Coffee House Shots before the so called 'Freedom Day' on Monday, James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson share their thoughts on just how free it will feel, what's the right call on vaccine passports and would a further delay be the right thing to do rather then open and close again later?
What is the point of Starmer's listening tour?
July 16, 2021 12:35 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBAfter a year and a half of Zoom speeches held in empty rooms, opposition leader Keir Starmer is heading out on a listening tour to connect with voters. That may be all well and good, but is anyone listening to him? And even if they are, does he have anything worth saying? James Forsyth talks to Isabel Hardman about the struggling Labour leader.
Is it up to the state to tackle obesity?
July 15, 2021 17:16 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThe government has been advised by Henry Dimbleby, founder of LEON food chain, to introduce a new tax on sugary and salty foods. While the Prime Minister has distanced himself away from the proposal, it has caused a lively debate in The Spectator's office. Tune in to hear Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Kate Andrews debate the limits of the state when it comes to our health and our diets; how much obesity is related to class; and whether it really is impossible to find vegetables in Tooting.
Have Conservatives lost the culture wars?
July 14, 2021 12:44 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThe Prime Minister looked visibly uncomfortable at Prime Minister's Questions today, as Keir Starmer accused him of 'giving racism the green light' with the Conservative party's stance on footballers taking the knee. It comes after a week in which other Tories - notably Priti Patel - have been criticised by footballers and begs the question - did the Conservatives wade into a culture war they can't win? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
What does the foreign aid win mean for the government?
July 13, 2021 19:35 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBBoris Johnson and his government won the vote today to cut foreign aid spending, but there were rebels and some very prominent ones, including former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and former Prime Minister Theresa May. What should the government learn from this in order to win potentially even more contentious votes down the line? To discuss Isabel Hardman speak to James Forsyth.
What can social media companies do to stop racist comments online?
July 12, 2021 14:38 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBThe new Health Secretary Sajid Javid addresses the Commons this afternoon ahead of Boris Johnson's 5pm remarks about the lifting of restrictions on July 19. And in what was an already painful night for England it was made even grimmer by the horrific, racist abuse that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka received online from supposed England 'fans' after the final. James Forsyth talks to Isabel Hardman.
Can social media stamp out racist comments?
July 12, 2021 14:38 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBThe new Health Secretary Sajid Javid addresses the Commons this afternoon ahead of Boris Johnson's 5pm remarks about the lifting of restrictions on July 19. And in what was an already painful night for England it was made even grimmer by the horrific, racist abuse that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka received online from supposed England 'fans' after the final. James Forsyth talks to Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 11/07/21
July 11, 2021 15:04 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the best bits from Sunday's interview shows. Highlights today come from Nadhim Zadhawi, Kate Green, Professor David Spiegelhalter, General Sir Nick Carter and Raffaella Trombetta.
What does the NHS look like post pandemic?
July 10, 2021 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBJames Forsyth talks to award winning journalist Isabel Hardman about her brand new Spectator podcast Building Back. In it first episode, out now, she looks at current state of the NHS and its ever expanding waiting list. James and Isabel discuss what the political fallout could be from not tackling this issue competently. Listen to Isabel's podcast here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcast/The-NHS-edition
Will masks ever go?
July 09, 2021 11:44 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBPolling released yesterday revealed that a surprisingly large minority of the British public support not only just a permanent mask mandate but also the closure of nightclubs and a 10pm curfew. To discuss these bizarre findings James Forsyth is joined by Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos MORI, the firm behind the numbers, and Francis Elliott, director of advocacy at Engage Britain and former political editor of the Times.
Will Sunak scrap the pensions triple lock?
July 08, 2021 15:48 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBState pensions may rise by 8pc this year due to the Conservative policy of the pensions triple lock. But can the government keep to it, given the extraordinary economic circumstances we are in? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Boris warned as Tory MPs re-elect Brady
July 07, 2021 15:57 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBTory MPs today re-elected Graham Brady as chair of the 1922 Committee - the group that represents backbench Conservatives to the government. Brady, who has voted against the government's coronavirus laws, was standing against Heather Wheeler, who was seen as a candidate more aligned to No. 10. Despite having an 80-seat majority, Boris has been warned. Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Javid's lockdown balancing act
July 06, 2021 16:52 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBSajid Javid today said there could be 100,000 Covid cases a day in summer. He said the government would be focusing on hospitalisation and death figures, but added Britain was in 'uncharted territory for any country in the world'. Many thought of the new health secretary as a lockdown sceptic, so why is he urging caution? Isabel Hardman speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
How free will July 19th feel?
July 05, 2021 18:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBIn a bonus Coffee House Shots, James Forsyth and Katy Balls breakdown the announcement from the Prime Minister this evening about the end of Covid restrictions and try to piece together why something that should feel like a celebration seems so stoic.
What to expect from the big bang reopening
July 05, 2021 11:22 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBBoris Johnson will announce details of the 19 July reopening later today. According to reports over the weekend, masks will be ditched, social distancing will be scrapped, indoor venues will open to full capacity and mass events will be allowed. How will Labour react, what's the thinking behind the PM's decision, and is it reversible?
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 04/07/21
July 04, 2021 16:04 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, which today featured Robert Jenrick, Rachel Reeves and Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.
What comes after 19 July?
July 03, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBLife might feel normal when nightclubs reopen and masks are tossed aside, but worries about unemployment and inflation will persist. What will happen to the economy after 19 July? James Forsyth speaks to Fraser Nelson and economist David Miles about what to expect.
What should Keir Starmer do with the Batley and Spen win?
July 02, 2021 09:55 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBIn an extremely close race Labour candidate and sister to the late Jo Cox Kim Leadbeater has won her by-election with a majority of just 323. What will the opposition do with this narrow but note worthy win? And is it time to for the tories to admit they aren't as invincible as they first thought? To discuss Katy Balls is joined by James Forsyth and Isobel Hardman.
What happens if Starmer loses Batley and Spen?
July 01, 2021 12:25 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBReports emerged overnight that Angela Rayner's allies are ready to mount a leadership challenge if Keir Starmer loses Batley and Spen tomorrow. What will happen if the Tories win another Labour heartland seat? James Forsyth speaks to Katy Balls.
Was that Starmer's best PMQ's so far?
June 30, 2021 16:58 - 10 minutes - 9.84 MBKaty Balls and James Forsyth dissect the back and forth from today's session in the House of Commons. Does Boris really think he can sell his 'I fired Matt Hancock' story?
What's happening in Batley and Spen?
June 29, 2021 16:22 - 17 minutes - 16 MBA bizarre flourish of tactics are on display in the run up to the Batley and Spen by-election. And are we already feeling the new Health Secretary's influence? To discuss, Fraser Nelson is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Will Javid handle Covid differently?
June 28, 2021 10:27 - 10 minutes - 9.95 MBIt's Sajid Javid's first day in the office as health secretary. The former chancellor's comments last year that he would 'run the economy hot' have led some to think he will try to end restrictions as soon and as extensively as possible, but might he have changed his mind? Isabel Hardman speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 27/06/21
June 27, 2021 16:22 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the best from Sunday's political shows. Highlights come from Brandon Lewis, Lucy Powell, Sadiq Khan and Dr Chaand Nagpaul.
Hancock out, Javid in
June 26, 2021 19:20 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBMatt Hancock has resigned as health secretary this evening following this week's scandal and his replacement has already been appointed: former chancellor Sajid Javid. Katy Balls is joined by Isabel Harman and Fraser Nelson to discuss this breaking news.
Westminster sex scandals: Why do we care?
June 26, 2021 09:00 - 23 minutes - 22 MBCindy Yu talks to Fraser Nelson and Guido Fawkes blogger Paul Staines about the Matt Hancock revelations and how reporting on sex scandals has changed over the years.
Is Hancock's position under threat?
June 25, 2021 12:14 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Sun broke the news this morning that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has seemingly been up to some extra-marital exploits with his aide Gina Coladangelo, possibly breaking many of the Covid restrictions that he himself put in place. What will be the consequences of his hypocrisy? Cindy Yu is joined by James Forsyth, Isabel Hardman and another special appearance from Fraser Nelson.
Will Brits be welcomed abroad this summer?
June 24, 2021 16:59 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBDaily new cases are just under 17,000 today, and Angela Merkel has advised other EU leaders to make British tourists quarantine upon entry to the bloc. So even if the British government allows a more liberal green list, would British tourists be welcomed abroad? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Katy points out that this bodes well for July 19: 'So I wouldn't be surprised if you get some scientists used to commenting on this sounding the alarm in the coming days if it keeps go...
Five years later will we ever truly move on from Brexit?
June 23, 2021 17:29 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBIt's the five year anniversary of when the UK decided to leave the European Union and while the opposition are looking to try and put the referendum behind them, the government still seems keen to put any UK success squarely on the shoulders of Brexit. But with nationalist sentiment rumbling on in both the north and west are the Conservatives ignoring the battles to come? And also are the prospects of vaccine passports looking better? James Forsyth and Katy Balls discuss... with another sur...
Who's being hurt by 'white privilege'?
June 22, 2021 17:35 - 14 minutes - 13 MBWhile Labour are shuffling people round yet again and the DUP are getting ready to welcome in their third leader in less than a month, a new report seems to show that in education, the group seemingly most negatively effected by the idea of 'white privilege' are white, working class children. Katy Balls discusses the day's events with Isabel Hardman, James Forsyth and a special appearance from Fraser Nelson.
What's the plan for planning reform?
June 21, 2021 12:20 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBWith the Conservatives still taking stock after their loss in the recent by-election, it seems the governments ambitions for planning reform are now firmly under the microscope. And on what would have been 'freedom day', there are reports that the powers at be don't think they'll have to extend restrictions again (we've heard that one before). Isabel Hardman is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 20/06/21
June 20, 2021 16:30 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's interview shows. Today's guests included John Bercow, Robert Buckland, Andy Burnham, Sir Ed Davey and Steve Reed.
Will Boris Johnson face more southern rebels?
June 19, 2021 09:00 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBThe surprise result of Friday's Chesham and Amersham by-election has led to questions over why the Conservative lost just so badly - and why no one saw it coming. On today's Coffee House Shots, Conservative Home's Paul Goodman warns against over-reading the situation: 'When it comes to by-elections, the golden rule should be, why not presume that voters will kick the establishment? ... I really think, as I'm looking around at these Remainers coming out of their various holes and lairs, ind...
How do you explain the Lib Dems' stunning victory?
June 18, 2021 13:55 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn a political upset the Liberal Democrats have won the by-election in Chesham and Amersham in a massive poll swing from the Tories. And in other political the new DUP leader Edwin Poots has resigned, leaving his party to figure out what to do next. To dissect what happened, Cindy Yu is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
How do you explain the Lib Dem's stunning victory?
June 18, 2021 13:55 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn a political upset the Liberal Democrats have won the by-election in Chesham and Amersham in a massive poll swing from the Tories. And in other political the new DUP leader Edwin Poots has resigned, leaving his party to figure out what to do next. To dissect what happened, Cindy Yu is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
How much trouble is the DUP in?
June 17, 2021 16:58 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBNew DUP leader Edwin Poots faces his first challenge today as he tries to push through a controversial candidate for First Minister. How much trouble is the party in, just weeks after the ousting of Arlene Foster? Isabel Hardman talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Is Matt Hancock Hopeless?
June 16, 2021 17:04 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBAnother day another Dom Bomb. In Cummings latest release, a number of WhatsApp messages reveal communications between himself and the Prime Minister, with the latter describing the health secretary Matt Hancock's performance as 'fucking hopeless'. To discuss the new revelations and its potential fallout Katy Balls is joined by James Forsyth, Isabel Hardman with a surprise appearance by Fraser Nelson.
Will the Australia trade deal really make a difference?
June 15, 2021 15:30 - 16 minutes - 15.6 MBThe government has agreed its first post-Brexit bespoke trade deal. But the agreement with Australia has already caused consternation among Conservative MPs about the potential competition from Australian farmers. Are these fears overstated? Isabel Hardman talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.
How long will political and public patience last?
June 14, 2021 19:03 - 10 minutes - 9.9 MBIt seems Freedom Day is no longer June 21st. The writing was clearly on the wall this morning, but now the Prime Minister has officially told the public, it is likely to be another four weeks of restrictions. But after so many backtracks how much credibility does Boris have left? Katy Balls is joined by James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman to discuss.
How can Boris justify delay?
June 14, 2021 11:05 - 17 minutes - 16.4 MBBoris Johnson is expected to announce a delay to reopening later today. How will the Prime Minister make his case, and will his backbenchers support him? Separately, world leaders bumped elbows over the weekend at the G7 summit in Cornwall. What came out of the conference, and is the unanimity on the biggest challenges facing the West? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 13/06/21
June 13, 2021 18:39 - 9 minutes - 8.6 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Featured today are Dominic Raab, Gordon Brown, Emily Thornberry, Micheál Martin and Professor Andrew Hayward.
Should we delay 21 June?
June 12, 2021 08:00 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBOn Monday, the Prime Minister will announce whether the 21 June unlocking is to go ahead. Because of the increased transmissibility of the Indian Covid variant, cases in the UK are continuing to rise. Does it make sense to wait for data to confirm that the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths has been broken, or should we confidently reopen? Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls, Kate Andrews and Cindy Yu discuss.
Can the G7 beat Russia and China's vaccine diplomacy?
June 11, 2021 11:40 - 10 minutes - 9.54 MBAs the G7 rolls on and the world leaders learn where their peers stand on certain issues post Covid, the wealthy western nations need to decide how best to help vaccinate the world's poorer countries without risking their own rollouts at home. Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Could Brexit scupper the G7?
June 10, 2021 16:45 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBThe long-anticipated G7 meeting in Cornwall has got off to a rocky start today, as it transpired that the US had lodged a 'demarché' - a diplomatic ultimatum - with David Frost, earlier in the week, over the UK's position on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Could tensions spill over? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Are Brexit talks back to the bad old days?
June 09, 2021 15:55 - 10 minutes - 9.25 MBToday, talks between David Frost and the EU's negotiator Maroš Šefčovič ended with little agreement about how to move forward on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Isabel Hardman talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth about what this means, and what Joe Biden might say when he lands in the UK later this week.
Is the foreign aid row a sign of things to come?
June 08, 2021 12:21 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBThough the amendment on foreign aid was not selected by the Speaker yesterday, the row over the budget cut is not over yet. Today MPs will have an emergency debate about the policy, and Lindsey Hoyle has advised that the government should bring the matter in front of the House in the future. This is just one of a number of things bothering Tory MPs at the moment - is there a pattern here of rebellion, and how much more resistance will the Treasury meet as it tries to tighten the pursestrings...
Will the government be defeated on foreign aid?
June 07, 2021 12:07 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBAfter the government cut the UK's foreign aid budget a group of rebellious tory MPs bound together to try and reverse the decision, will it come to a head this week? And has the culture war spread to cricket after the suspension of Ollie Robinson for decade old racist remarks? And with Portugal moving to the amber list, just how limited will the options be for our summer holidays? Cindy Yu talks with James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
How much trouble is the government in over foreign aid?
June 07, 2021 12:07 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBAfter the government cut the UK's foreign aid budget a group of rebellious Tory MPs bound together to try and reverse the decision, will it come to a head this week? And has the culture war spread to cricket after the suspension of Ollie Robinson for decade old racist remarks? And with Portugal moving to the amber list, just how limited will the options be for our summer holidays? Cindy Yu talks with James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 06/06/21
June 06, 2021 17:02 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday;s political programmes. Interviewees today include Matt Hancock, Lisa Nandy, Kate Green, Tony Blair and Sir Bob Geldof.
What can the west do about China?
June 05, 2021 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBAs China changes its two child policy to a three child policy over fears of population decline, the west is also having to regularly change its approach towards the world's next superpower. John Connolly talks to James Forsyth and Cindy Yu about our precarious relationship with China.