Coffee House Shots
2,141 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 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
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.
What's behind the government's dramatic U-turn?
August 17, 2020 17:57 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBGavin Williamson announced this afternoon that pupils receiving A-level and GCSE results this year would be awarded teacher-predicted marks. Why has the government finally changed its mind, and will Gavin Williamson stay in the Cabinet? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Is the government about to U-turn on exams?
August 17, 2020 11:40 - 9 minutes - 9.13 MBAs the backlash to the government's exams fiasco continued over the weekend, Gavin Williamson has been steadfast in not U-turning. But with GCSE results out later this week and Ofqual's algorithm revealing significant inequalities, is this position sustainable? John Connolly talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.
Kaya's story: why the government's exams triple lock doesn't help
August 15, 2020 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBKaya Ilska is a free school meals student, coming from a single mother family. She is incredibly bright - and was predicted 4 A*s by her teachers, a set of grades high enough to meet her offer to study Medicine at UCL. But the government's exams algorithm this week downgraded her results down to AABB, which means she not only misses the UCL offer but also her back-up at Cardiff. On the podcast, Kaya and Fraser go through her options to conclude that the government's so-called 'triple lock' d...
Should France have been kicked off the greenlist?
August 14, 2020 16:56 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MBAfter much speculation, France has been put on the quarantine list, along with Netherlands, Monaco, and Malta. But do the numbers really back it up? Cindy Yu talks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews about this decision. Also on the podcast, further lockdown easing and, are schools actually returning?
Levelling down: the results day fiasco
August 13, 2020 17:46 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBIt's A-Level results day and much as expected, a large minority of A-Level grades from across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland have been downgraded. For some schools and colleges, more than half of their students have been affected. On the podcast, Cindy Yu talks to Fraser Nelson and Mary Curnock Cook, former head of Ucas about the government's approach, educational inequality, and why a new cap on university places may have made the situation a whole lot worse.
Why is Labour struggling to attack Boris Johnson?
August 12, 2020 17:04 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBGavin Williamson last night announced that A-level students getting their results tomorrow could appeal using mock exam grades. Meanwhile, today, new figures showed that the UK economy contracted by over 20 per cent between April and June. Amidst all this, why has Labour failed to show how they could govern the country better? Fraser Nelson speaks to Kate Andrews, the Spectator's economics correspondent, and Stephen Bush, political editor at the New Statesman. Subscribe to The Spectator's f...
Will England have to follow Scotland's exams U-turn?
August 11, 2020 15:52 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBAfter a week of feet dragging, the Scottish government has today dramatically U-turned on downgrading exam results for 76,000 students. Those who received lower marks will now revert to the original predicted grades given by their teachers. Meanwhile, we are two days away from the English A-Level results being out, so will Gavin Williamson also reconsider the way results are moderated in England? Cindy Yu talks to Alex Massie and Kate Andrews. Also on the podcast: the latest ONS jobs figures...
Is the Preston lockdown justified?
August 10, 2020 15:40 - 13 minutes - 12 MBOver the weekend, the city of Preston in the north of England was partially locked down. But on what basis? Cindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson about whether the government is implementing local lockdowns based on the right metrics. Subscribe to The Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
Are the Lib Dems finished?
August 08, 2020 10:05 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBThe Liberal Democrat leadership race will finally come to an end this month but, after December's crushing election defeat, is the party over too? In a special Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, Gus Carter speaks to Katy Balls and Nick Tyrone, author of Politics is Murder, about how a new leader could pull the Lib Dems back from the brink of extinction. Subscribe to The Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
Will France be quarantined next?
August 07, 2020 15:19 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBBelgium, Andorra and the Bahamas were added to the UK’s quarantine list yesterday evening, meaning Brits returning from those countries will be required to stay at home for two weeks. With Belgium’s neighbour, France, also seeing a surge in coronavirus cases, will they be next? Gus Carter speaks to Katy Balls – who is on holiday in Paris – and James Forsyth about air bridges, exam results and the lack of candidates to become the next cabinet secretary. Subscribe to The Spectator's first pod...
Will Boris's planning reforms backfire?
August 06, 2020 13:35 - 10 minutes - 9.48 MBThe government has announced the most ambitious planning reforms of a generation – but could they backfire? Meanwhile, as the contacting tracing regime continues to lag, health officials launch a new coronavirus app that will tell people if they may be at risk from the virus. Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews. Subscribe to The Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
Can Douglas Ross take on the SNP?
August 05, 2020 18:38 - 10 minutes - 9.49 MBDouglas Ross has won the Scottish Conservatives leadership election – but can take on the SNP without risking a second independence referendum? Meanwhile, pressure is growing on the Tories to suspended a former minister accused of rape. Finally, a new report by a cross-party group of MPs suggests the failure to impose quarantine on travellers at the height of the pandemic could have worsened the coronavirus crisis. Gus Carter talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Subscribe to The Spectator...
Are we heading for mass unemployment?
August 04, 2020 16:27 - 9 minutes - 8.82 MBPizza Express today announced that 1,100 jobs are at risk as they close 67 outlets. With the Chancellor's furlough scheme winding up in November, should we expect more mass redundancies when the government support is cut? Gus Carter speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews about the UK's economic outlook, and also asks whether the UK's track and trace system is ready for children returning to school next month. Subscribe to the Spectator's podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast hi...
Can 'Eat Out to Help Out' save the restaurant industry?
August 03, 2020 15:52 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBToday marks the start of the 'Eat Out to Help Out' scheme – but can the move save Britain's restaurants without risking a second spike? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews about the Treasury initiative, as well as the possibility of more local lockdowns. Subscribe to the Spectator's podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
What's behind the excess deaths statistics?
August 01, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 21.1 MBStatistics released this week showed that England had the worst excess death rate in Europe during the first half of 2020. Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Carl Heneghan, professor of Evidence-Based Medicine at Oxford University about what's behind the numbers. Subscribe to the Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
Boris Johnson pauses lockdown easing
July 31, 2020 16:24 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBOvernight, the government announced a return of stricter social distancing measures in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and East Lancashire, with multiple households no longer allowed to meet indoors or in pubs and restaurants. Then, in a press conference today, the Prime Minister also called off the reopening of bowling alleys, casinos and indoor concert venues. What prompted the sudden change, and are we entering a second lockdown? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Subsc...
Why are England's excess deaths so high?
July 30, 2020 16:08 - 10 minutes - 9.47 MBNew figures show that England had the highest excess death rate across Europe in the first half of 2020. With another coronavirus wave looking imminent, can the government figure out why this happened in time for a second spike? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Subscribe to the Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.
Could the government be over-correcting on a second wave?
July 29, 2020 17:07 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBFears of a second wave dominate Westminster chat, but how much of it is the government trying to fight the last battle? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls over the difficult task the government has to balance the lessons learnt from the first wave of the pandemic, to the economic concerns prompting the lockdown. Subscribe to the Spectator's first podcast newsletter here and get each week's podcast highlights in your inbox every Tuesday.