Coffee House Shots
2,131 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 11 hours 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
Does Rees-Mogg's plan for a socially distanced parliament work?
June 02, 2020 13:44 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBMPs are back in the House of Commons this week, and Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg wants them to vote physically, but socially distanced. This means a meandering queue through the Palace of Westminster for MPs to file through the lobbies. Will it work? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson in the Spectator's garden. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Will MPs rebel over No. 10's quarantine plan?
June 01, 2020 12:35 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBFrom the speed of easing lockdown, to quarantine for international travellers, to the return of MPs to parliament - the government is fighting battles on many fronts. Has it made things more difficult for itself? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 31/05/20
May 31, 2020 16:54 - 10 minutes - 10 MBKaty Balls presents the best bits from Sunday's political shows. Today's clips come from Dominic Raab, Nicola Sturgeon, Anneliese Dodds, Professor Devi Sridhar and Mary Bousted.
How will a socially distanced House of Commons work?
May 30, 2020 09:40 - 12 minutes - 11 MBMPs are returning to parliament next week, marking an end of the hybrid model that saw most MPs Zooming into parliamentary debates. On the podcast, John Connolly talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the challenges in a socially distanced House of Commons. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
How the furlough scheme will be rolled back
May 29, 2020 19:30 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBCindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcements on phasing out the furlough scheme.
Is it really 'case closed' on the Cummings affair?
May 28, 2020 18:07 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBChris Whitty and Patrick Vallance refused to give their opinions on the Dominic Cummings affair at today's press conference; while Durham police indicated that they will not be investigating the Barnard Castle trip any further, after announcing that it might have been a minor breach. Downing Street says it's 'case closed' - is it really? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
What did Boris's evidence to MPs reveal?
May 27, 2020 18:02 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBThe Prime Minister appeared for the first time in his premiership in front of the Liaison Committee today. The group, formed of select committee chairs, grilled him on a range of issues from Dominic Cummings to pandemic support, and more. John Connolly talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about what we learnt. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
What does the slump in the polls mean for Conservatives?
May 27, 2020 11:28 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBThe latest polling shows that even a majority of Conservative voters want Dominic Cummings out; and the Prime Minister's own standing has taken a dramatic hit. Cindy Yu speaks to pollster James Johnson and our own Katy Balls about what this means. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Could public opinion make Cummings's position untenable?
May 26, 2020 18:14 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBThe latest polling shows a drastic change in the Prime Minister's popularity because of the Cummings affair. Though the government is still sticking behind the adviser, will the sheer force of public opinion change things? John Connolly speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Has Cummings done enough to calm Tory MPs?
May 25, 2020 21:47 - 11 minutes - 11 MBIn an unprecedented press conference today, Dominic Cummings explained the circumstances in which he took his family to Durham, and the exact timeline. He struck a sincere tone, but stopped short of apologising. Has he said enough to stem the backlash? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Boris Johnson's political gamble over Cummings
May 24, 2020 18:20 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBBoris Johnson gave an unambiguous defence of Dominic Cummings at today's press conference. In so doing, the government is gambling that this is a storm they can weather. On the podcast, Kate Andrews discusses their thinking with Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 24/05/20
May 24, 2020 15:48 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBKaty Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with interviews coming from Grant Shapps, Steve Baker, Nick Thomas-Symonds and Sir Venki Ramakrishnan.
The Dominic Cummings imbroglio
May 23, 2020 19:39 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBThe government has come out in defence of Dominic Cummings's decision to travel to Durham during lockdown. On the podcast, two Spectator writers give their opposing views on whether or not he made the right decision. With Alex Massie and Melanie McDonagh. Presented by Katy Balls. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Has Starmer put Tories on the backfoot?
May 23, 2020 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBKeir Starmer is off to a good start in his first 50 days as Labour leader. But has he done enough to start bringing back former Labour voters? With Stephen Bush, the New Statesman's Political Editor, and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Can the government bring back the economy?
May 22, 2020 12:04 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBNew figures from the ONS today show the extent of damage done to the economy. Is this recoverable? With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Why the government U-turned on the NHS surcharge
May 21, 2020 18:12 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBWithin 24 hours of refusing to scrap the NHS surcharge for migrant healthworkers, the government has U-turned. We discuss why; as well as Scotland's lockdown easing and the new civil servant at No 10, Simon Case. With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here.
Can the government get contact tracing up and running by June?
May 20, 2020 14:04 - 13 minutes - 12 MBBoris Johnson pledges to get track and trace up by June 1, but is it possible? Plus, how is the government handling the new Opposition Leader, Keir Starmer, and how is the UK going to implement its Northern Ireland agreement with the EU? With Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by Fraser Nelson. Click here to try four weeks of the Spectator for free and get a free wireless charger.
Is the government blaming the scientists?
May 19, 2020 16:08 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBWith Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls. Try four weeks of the Spectator for free and get a free wireless charger at here.
Is Labour's stance on reopening schools worsening the education gap?
May 18, 2020 11:33 - 17 minutes - 16 MBWith James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Presented by Katy Balls. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 17/05/20
May 17, 2020 16:32 - 10 minutes - 9.75 MBKaty Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with clips from Michael Gove, Angela Rayner, Liam Fox, Carolyn Fairbairn and Paul Farmer.
Is Nicola Sturgeon playing politics?
May 16, 2020 09:00 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBWith Alex Massie, the Spectator's Scotland Editor, and Fraser Nelson. Presented by Katy Balls.
Is Boris Johnson a convert to the nanny state?
May 15, 2020 14:50 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBWith Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls.
Is the Roche antibody test a gamechanger?
May 14, 2020 16:08 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by John Connolly. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Boris on the ropes over care homes
May 13, 2020 14:46 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Fraser Nelson.
How generous is Rishi's furlough extension?
May 12, 2020 14:44 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBWith Kate Andrews and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Keir Starmer's canny coronavirus critique
May 11, 2020 17:33 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by Cindy Yu.
Boris sets out the exit strategy ahead
May 10, 2020 19:42 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBWith James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Presented by Katy Balls.
Boris sets out the shape of an exit strategy
May 10, 2020 19:42 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBWith James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Presented by Katy Balls.
Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 10/05/20
May 10, 2020 14:47 - 10 minutes - 9.47 MBKaty Balls hosts the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's clips come from Robert Jenrick, Jonathan Ashworth and Professor David Spiegelhalter.
The government's black-box approach to lockdown
May 08, 2020 13:27 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MBWith Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Presented by John Connolly.
Why is the 'R' number going back up?
May 07, 2020 17:48 - 10 minutes - 10 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Keir Starmer made life difficult for Boris Johnson at PMQs
May 06, 2020 15:39 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by John Connolly.
Why Neil Ferguson's position was untenable
May 06, 2020 09:42 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by Cindy Yu. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Is the UK really the worst hit country in Europe?
May 05, 2020 14:51 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Could a return to normality come before a vaccine?
May 04, 2020 11:57 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBWith Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 03/05/20
May 03, 2020 16:01 - 10 minutes - 9.4 MBKaty Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political interview shows, today featuring Grant Shapps, Amanda Spielman, Mark Drakeford and Ros Altmann.
Is a Brexit extension inevitable?
May 02, 2020 09:42 - 16 minutes - 14.8 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by John Connolly.
How Matt Hancock hit his target
May 01, 2020 18:34 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBWith Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu.
How the 'R' number dictates Boris's exit strategy
April 30, 2020 18:05 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu.
What is Labour's strategy of constructive opposition?
April 29, 2020 15:25 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by John Connolly.
Will coronavirus make politicians fix social care?
April 28, 2020 11:26 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu. Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Find out more at RathbonesLookForward.com.
Boris Johnson's new approach to lockdown easing
April 27, 2020 10:53 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBWith Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Presented by Katy Balls.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 26/04/20
April 26, 2020 17:18 - 9 minutes - 8.71 MBIsabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sundays interview shows, featuring Dominic Raab, Rosena Allin-Khan and Isabella Lövin.
How lockdown threatens to widen the education gap
April 25, 2020 09:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBWith James Turner, CEO of the Sutton Trust, and Fraser Nelson. Presented by Katy Balls.
Can Boris unite the Cabinet?
April 24, 2020 13:19 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBWith Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Presented by Cindy Yu.
What's Nicola Sturgeon's exit strategy?
April 23, 2020 18:04 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu.
What is the real impact of lockdown on the NHS?
April 22, 2020 19:21 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBWith Alastair McLellan, Editor of Health Service Journal. Presented by Fraser Nelson.
How did Keir Starmer do in his first PMQs?
April 22, 2020 15:12 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by John Connolly.
Is Matt Hancock the government’s ‘fall guy’?
April 21, 2020 18:22 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBWith James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Presented by Cindy Yu.
For how long can the government afford the furlough scheme?
April 20, 2020 17:48 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBWith Kate Andrews and Katy Balls. Presented by John Connolly.