Coffee House Shots
2,109 episodes - English - Latest episode: 15 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
Will Rishi's economic measures be enough to save businesses?
October 09, 2020 11:53 - 9 minutes - 8.64 MBToday the Chancellor will announce new economic packages targeted at the areas under lockdown. But will the measures go far enough to save businesses, already under strain? Katy Balls talks to Kate Andrews and James Forsyth.
What will the North's new restrictions look like?
October 08, 2020 18:39 - 10 minutes - 9.72 MBOvernight, news broke of the three-tier system that the government has in store for the country. First to be put into the strictest tier is likely to be large parts of the North of England, from next week onwards. Cindy Yu discusses with Katy Balls and James Forsyth the political fallout over the next few days.
What's behind Sturgeon's coronavirus crackdown?
October 07, 2020 16:44 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBNicola Sturgeon today announced that 3.4 million Scots will be placed under increased Covid restrictions, with bars and restaurants shutting across a central belt which includes Glasgow and Edinburgh. What's behind the crackdown, and could similar measures be announced in England? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Is Boris's outlook all sunshine and no substance?
October 06, 2020 15:35 - 10 minutes - 9.59 MBBoris Johnson gave his headline speech to an empty hall in the virtual Tory conference today. But despite promises to 'Build Back Better', was the speech overlooking the country's immediate troubles? John Connolly talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Are test and trace woes overshadowing the Covid response?
October 05, 2020 12:24 - 9 minutes - 9 MBMore than 15,000 positive tests were missed in a test and trace blunder, it was revealed today. With the government announcing a new 'traffic light' local lockdown system later this week, will the new measure be overshadowed? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 04/10/20
October 04, 2020 14:11 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBToday's highlights come from Boris Johnson, Jonathan Ashworth, Douglas Ross, Sir Christopher Meyer and Nigel Farage.
Is there still hope for Unionism?
October 03, 2020 08:50 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThe SNP has had a torrid week as the inquiry into Alex Salmond's trial came to a head, topped off with MP Margaret Ferrier's Covid breach. But Nicola Sturgeon has not sustained damage - so is there still any hope for Unionism? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and Stephen Daisley, with a cameo appearance from James Forsyth.
How much does Margaret Ferrier's Covid breach threaten the SNP?
October 02, 2020 16:10 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBMargaret Ferrier has admitted that she travelled across the country despite having tested positive for Covid. Given that the SNP has had some of the strictest rules on lockdown, has this threatened the party's reputation? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
Are local authorities fighting back against Covid restrictions?
October 01, 2020 17:41 - 13 minutes - 12 MBMiddlesborough's mayor, Andy Preston, today refused to accept the government's decision to place households in the town under a local lockdown. Accusing Westminster decision-makers of 'ignorance', the mayor said the new measures would 'kill viable jobs' and 'damage mental health'. Is this the start of regional authorities fighting back? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Is the whack-a-mole lockdown strategy working?
September 30, 2020 13:26 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBKeir Starmer attacked Boris Johnson in PMQs today over the effectiveness of local lockdowns, saying in some areas 'things are getting worse not better'. After the PM himself got the rules mixed up yesterday, is the government's strategy working, or is a change of strategy needed? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth.
Live at Alternative Conference
September 29, 2020 17:20 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThe Prime Minister was forced to apologise this afternoon after misstating new lockdown rules brought into force overnight in the North East. Is government incompetence costing it support? In a live episode of Coffee House Shots for The Spectator's Alternative Conference, Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and James Johnson, co-founder of polling company JL Partners.
Can the government avoid a showdown with Tory backbenchers?
September 28, 2020 13:13 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBGraham Brady's amendment to give backbenchers a vote over new coronavirus restrictions looks set to pass through the Commons this week, provided it is selected by the Speaker. With the government determined not to give MPs a say, can they avoid a showdown with Tory backbenchers? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 27/09/20
September 27, 2020 19:28 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the best of Sunday's political shows, with highlights coming from Steve Baker, David Lammy, Oliver Dowden, Dame Carolyn Fairbairn and Professor Mark Woolhouse.
Is Rishi Sunak on the path to No. 10?
September 26, 2020 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBIn her Telegraph column this week, Katy Balls writes about the Chancellor who everybody loves. But the road to No. 10 is not easy - what are the pitfalls Rishi Sunak could face in the months ahead? Cindy Yu talks to Katy and James Johnson, former pollster at No 10 and co-founder of J.L. Partners.
Why even moderate Tories are voting against No. 10
September 25, 2020 13:10 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBSir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, has tabled an amendment to the government's Coronavirus Act to force a vote in Parliament on any new restrictions. A cross-party group of 40 MPs have signed the amendment, including moderate Tories like Damian Green and Iain Duncan Smith. But why have they chosen to move against No. 10? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Rishi Sunak slowly turns the taps off
September 24, 2020 13:14 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBAfter new restrictions were announced this week by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak today unveiled his Winter Economy Plan. Telling the Commons that he 'cannot save every business', the chancellor said that the government would pay up to 22 per cent of workers' wages. The package may be generous, but is it a sign that the government is winding down the scale of its economic interventions? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
Should the government admit its mistakes?
September 23, 2020 15:01 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBIn a televised address to the nation last night, Boris Johnson hailed Britain as a 'freedom loving country', but said that a lack of adherence to existing coronavirus restrictions meant new measures are needed. Is the government right to blame the public for a rise in Covid cases, or should they adopt a more contrite tone and admit to mistakes in areas like testing? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Can the lockdown hawks stave off further restrictions?
September 22, 2020 16:24 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBBoris Johnson today warned that Britain has 'reached a perilous turning point' in its battle with coronavirus, as he ordered pubs to close at 10pm and pledged to crack down on rule-breakers. The package of new restrictions were not as sweeping as many Tory MPs had feared, but with the Prime Minister saying that his government could yet 'deploy greater firepower', is this just the beginning? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Why won't Vallance and Whitty answer any questions?
September 21, 2020 11:53 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBIn a Downing Street statement this morning, Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance presented their take on the latest coronavirus data. Speaking without a government representative, the pair said that Brits needed to 'break unnecessary links between households' and warned that the UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus infections a day by mid-October. But why didn't Vallance and Whitty answer questions from journalists? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 20/09/20
September 20, 2020 18:19 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBIsabel Hardman rounds up the best of Sunday's interview shows, with clips coming from Matt Hancock, Sir Keir Starmer, Bob Woodward and Len McCluskey.
What does Europe teach the UK about a Covid second wave?
September 19, 2020 09:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBAs the UK seems to enter a second wave of coronavirus infections, Europe is again the guide on the trajectory of the virus and the best strategy to tackle it. But from Sweden to Belgium, which European country should we follow, and is anyone in government listening? Kate Andrews talks to Fraser Nelson and Swedish economist Fredrik Erixon.
What's the point of a two-week lockdown?
September 18, 2020 12:44 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBThe government is reportedly considering the short-term reintroduction of nationwide social restrictions to halt the spread of coronavirus. Will a two-week 'circuit break' make a difference, or simply delay the inevitable? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
The impossibility of Moonshot without fixing test and trace
September 17, 2020 19:10 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBThe government has promised to deliver a nationwide mass testing programme by the beginning of next year, claiming it could offer a route out of continued restrictions. But with mounting reports about the failing test and trace system, is Operation Moonshot impossible? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Has the government's Brexit plot backfired?
September 16, 2020 18:41 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThe government's Internal Market Bill won't reach the House of Lords until after the October EU Council, James Forsyth tells Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson on the podcast today. This means that the bill won't become law anytime soon, and provides the government leverage for a deal in that Council. So was this a ploy to get a better deal all along, or is the plan backfiring?
Can the government fix the testing meltdown?
September 15, 2020 13:36 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBAmid reports of local testing shortages, Matt Hancock told MPs today that the system is facing an 'enormous challenge' after a 'sharp rise' in demand. While the government has pledged to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October, just 220,000 are currently being processed. Can the government fix the problem? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Can Boris stave off a Tory Brexit rebellion?
September 14, 2020 14:56 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBFormer attorney general Geoffrey Cox has today warned that the Internal Markets Bill could cause 'unconscionable' damage to the UK's international standing. With a vote on the legislation due later today, could a rebellion overcome the government's majority? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 13/09/20
September 13, 2020 16:30 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's featured interviewees are Robert Buckland, Simon Coveney, Louise Haigh and Professor Peter Openshaw.
Will Ireland stump a Brexit deal?
September 12, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBThe EU said it could walk away from trade talks after the government announced that it planned to break international law in its Internal Markets Bill. But how will Ireland, one of the countries most affected by the government's decision, react? Katy Balls speaks to Peter Foster, public policy editor of the Financial Times, Pat Leahy, political editor of the Irish times, and James Forsyth.
The growing Tory unease over lockdown
September 11, 2020 17:22 - 10 minutes - 9.41 MBAs England heads into stricter lockdown measures shortly, James Forsyth talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the growing unease amongst backbenchers over the government's strict Covid response. Is it time for the government to try harder to make a case for its approach?
Are the Brexit talks about to break down?
September 10, 2020 19:24 - 10 minutes - 9.83 MBThe EU gave an ultimatum today that, unless the UK shelved its Internal Market Bill within three weeks, it would be taking legal action against the government. With negotiations in a more acrimonious stage than they have been for a long time, are the talks about to break down? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Is Britain facing a second Covid crackdown?
September 09, 2020 16:51 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBBoris Johnson held a press conference this afternoon to announce that only groups of six or smaller would be able to meet from Monday. The new restrictions come after a spike in coronavirus cases, and were brought in alongside threats to fine those who break the rules. But is there more to come? John Connolly speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth.
How will Tory MPs react to No. 10's Brexit law breach?
September 08, 2020 14:45 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBAs Michel Barnier arrives in London for another round of trade talks, Brandon Lewis today said that government plans to reinterpret the Brexit withdrawal treaty could break international law. Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about what the No. 10 proposals could mean, and whether Tory backbenchers can stomach the move.
Will the hardline Brexit approach work?
September 07, 2020 14:09 - 10 minutes - 9.58 MBBoris Johnson last night issued a warning to the European Union that Brexit negotiations must be concluded by October 15 or Britain will walk away. Will this focus minds, or might it spell the end for the talks? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the government's hardline approach.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 06/09/20
September 06, 2020 15:56 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIsabel Hardman returns with the highlights from Sunday's political programmes. Today's highlights come from Dominic Raab, Diane Abbott, Leonid Volkov and Richard Leonard.
Will state aid sink a Brexit deal?
September 05, 2020 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.25 MBThe deadline for a Brexit deal is fast approaching, but the level of subsidies paid to companies and industries could prove a stumbling block. Will state aid - which makes up just 0.34 per cent of the UK's GDP - scupper an agreement with the EU? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Will the Tories accept tax rises?
September 04, 2020 13:49 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBRishi Sunak has faced a backlash this week over proposals to increase taxes to pay for the UK's coronavirus response. Can the chancellor push the changes through, and how will the party react? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Is mass testing the answer?
September 03, 2020 16:14 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBMatt Hancock today announced Operation Moonshot, a £500 million scheme to ramp up the UK's testing capacity and offer a return to normality without social distancing. Does it really offer a way out? John Connolly speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
The latest No. 10 U-turn
September 02, 2020 16:46 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBBolton and Trafford were returned to Manchester's local lockdown this morning after yet another U-turn by the government. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer went head to head for their first PMQs of the new parliamentary term. Finally, Rishi Sunak and the PM met members of the 2019 Tory intake in an attempt to shore up the government's backbench support. John Connolly speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Can Simon Case reform the civil service?
September 01, 2020 15:36 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBSimon Case has been appointed the new cabinet secretary, tasked with leading the UK through its coronavirus recovery and reforming the civil service. Is he up to the job? Gus Carter speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the country's most powerful official.
Is this the next cladding scandal?
August 29, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MBAfter the Grenfell Tower fire, new fire safety legislation was introduced in an attempt to ensure the tragic incident was never repeated. But the new rules have left some tower block tenants unable to sell their properties, and they could be forced to pay tens of thousands to replace dangerous classing. Why? Fraser Nelson speaks to Emma Byrne, assistant editor of the Spectator, alongside the Telegraph's Liam Halligan.
Can Boris get people back in the office?
August 28, 2020 13:53 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBThe government will launch a new publicity campaign to coax people back into the office, it was announced today. This morning's headlines took a hardline approach, telling readers that they could lose their jobs unless they returned to work. Is this really the government's approach, and why are offices important? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Can self-isolation payments improve test and trace?
August 27, 2020 16:17 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBThe government has announced that self-isolating Britons will be paid £13 a day to stay at home. Will this help improve the beleaguered test and trace system? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews.
Will the next U-turn be on face masks at work?
August 26, 2020 16:23 - 13 minutes - 12.4 MBThe government reversed its position on masks in schools late yesterday evening, announcing that secondary school pupils in local lockdown areas would be mandated to wear face coverings in communal areas. Could masks in offices be next? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about why the government keeps changing its mind.
Is Boris being too defensive on the culture wars?
August 25, 2020 15:46 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBReports on Sunday suggested the BBC was going to drop 'Rule, Britannia!' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' from its Last Night of the Proms schedule because of the songs' associations with slavery and colonialism. Boris Johnson hit back at the broadcaster today, however, calling for an end to 'this general bout of self-recrimination and wetness'. But was the Prime Minister's response strong enough? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Can Gavin Williamson reopen England's schools?
August 24, 2020 14:55 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBBoris Johnson has returned from his holiday to embark on a media campaign promoting September's schools reopening. With Scottish pupils already back - and the initial signs of their return looking positive - can Gavin Williamson stage a successful reopening, or will the beleaguered education secretary face another fiasco? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.
Why is Starmer's support surging?
August 22, 2020 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.57 MBFollowing the exam results fiasco, the Tories' lead in the polls has dropped to just two points in the latest YouGov survey. With Labour on the up, what is Keir Starmer doing right, and should we expect further gains? Cindy Yu speaks to the Spectator's deputy political editor Katy Balls and Stephen Bush, political editor at the New Statesman.
Britain's £2 trillion debt problem
August 21, 2020 15:44 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBUK debt has hit £2 trillion, the Office for National Statistics said today - an increase of over £200 billion on last year. What does this mean for the economy, how does the UK compare to the rest of Europe, and does Boris Johnson plan to keep on spending? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews.
Where will the next local lockdown be?
August 20, 2020 16:19 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MBBirmingham and Oldham are on the brink of reentering lockdown, with cases in both rising significantly in comparison to the rest of the country. But how severe is the outbreak, and can the government risk shutting down the UK's second largest city? Cindy Yu speaks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about the contenders for Britain's next local lockdown, and also asks whether there are alternatives to the 14-day quarantine for returning holidaymakers.
How Nicola Sturgeon outsmarts Westminster
August 19, 2020 17:25 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBA new poll today shows that support for Scottish independence is at a record high of 55 per cent. On the podcast, Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about why - in particular, how does Nicola Sturgeon continue to exceed Westminster's expectations?
Why has the government scrapped Public Health England?
August 18, 2020 16:43 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBMatt Hancock today confirmed that Public Health England will be scrapped and replaced by a new National Institute for Health Protection, which will be led by Baroness Dido Harding - who currently runs the Test and Trace scheme. John Connolly speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews about why.