Coffee House Shots
2,077 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 10 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
Shock as interest rates hiked to 5 per cent
June 22, 2023 16:18 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBJames Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Kate Andrews as the Bank of England announced it has hiked interest rates to 5 per cent. Faced with inflation, a looming mortgage crisis and personal debt, Rishi Sunak said today he is '100 per cent on it'. But can he turn things around? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Could Britain turn into a stagflation nation?
June 21, 2023 11:31 - 10 minutes - 9.6 MBNatasha Feroze speaks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about today's inflation figures, stuck at 8.7 per cent despite predictions it would fall. As a flagship policy of Rishi Sunak's to half inflation, what options does the Prime Minister have?
Parliament votes to ban Boris
June 20, 2023 13:54 - 9 minutes - 8.46 MBIn last night's vote on the Privileges Committee's report into whether Boris Johnson misled parliament, just six MPs backed the former prime minister. What's the reaction in Westminster today? Also on the podcast, after shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves rowed back on Labour's £28bn green projects pledge, why are both parties in such a mess on energy? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
How bad is the mortgage time bomb?
June 19, 2023 11:38 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBKaty Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson about the developments in the mortgage markets and how Tory MPs are expected to vote on Partygate.
Will Ulez be the undoing of Sadiq Khan?
June 17, 2023 06:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBIn his politics column for The Spectator this week James Heale profiles the three candidates that the Tories have shortlisted for London mayor. With the seventh London mayoral election coming up, can the Tories capitalise on Sadiq Khan's declining popularity recently, and offer some answers in the ongoing Ulez debate? Cindy Yu speaks to James Heale and Dave Hill the former Guardian London commentator who now runs the website On London. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
How will MPs vote on the Partygate report?
June 16, 2023 12:00 - 10 minutes - 9.39 MBThe release of The Privileges Committee's report into whether Boris Johnson knowingly misled parliament has caused a war of words in the press. Several MPs have announced that they will vote against the report when it comes to House of Commons on Monday. What's the latest? Also on the podcast, Boris Johnson is expected to be announced as the Mail's 'erudite' new columnist in tomorrow's edition. Does Johnson need a political office in order to cause trouble? James Heale speaks to Katy Bal...
How damning is the Privileges Committee's report?
June 15, 2023 11:30 - 10 minutes - 9.85 MBWe have finally got the results of the Privileges Committee's report into whether Boris Johnson deliberately misled parliament, and it doesn't make for comfortable reading for the former prime minister. The 30,000-word document finds that he committed multiple contempts of parliament, including deliberately misleading the house, deliberately misleading the committee, breaching confidence, impugning the committee and the democratic process of the house and ‘being complicit in the campaign of...
Nadine's revenge
June 14, 2023 11:49 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBHaving said she'll step down, Nadine Dorries has now said that she won't formally resign as an MP until later this year... It's hard to see this as anything other than revenge taken on Rishi Sunak, so as to prolong the by-election pain, Katy Balls says. Cindy Yu also talks to Kate Andrews about the economic pain in the country at the moment – from lacklustre GDP growth to rising mortgage rates. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Are 'sinister forces' conspiring against Nadine Dorries?
June 13, 2023 15:30 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBNadine Dorries has hit out on various platforms saying that 'sinister forces' stopped her from receiving her peerage, as promised to her by former prime minister Boris Johnson. This has been met by a strong rebuke from Number 10, but do Boris and Dorries have grounds to feel aggrieved? Also on the podcast, tomorrow we will learn the Privileges Committee's findings on whether Boris Johnson knowingly misled the House. What should we expect? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Paul Goodman,...
Sunak comes out fighting over Boris honours row
June 12, 2023 11:24 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBThis morning Rishi Sunak has delivered a direct rebuke of Boris Johnson over the resignation honours row, during an interview at London Tech Week. Is this the Prime Minister going into fighting mode? Do his comments go some way towards heading off a Johnson-led rebellion? Also on the podcast, Nicola Sturgeon was released from custody yesterday evening after seven hours of questioning. What's the latest? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmond...
Nicola Sturgeon arrested in SNP finance investigation
June 11, 2023 16:00 - 13 minutes - 12.8 MBNicola Sturgeon has been arrested in connection with the probe into SNP finances. A spokesperson for Nicola Sturgeon confirmed: ‘Nicola Sturgeon has today, Sunday 11th June, by arrangement with Police Scotland, attended an interview where she was to be arrested and questioned in relation to Operation Branchform. Nicola has consistently said she would co-operate with the investigation if asked and continues to do so.’ Katy Balls, Fraser Nelson and Iain Macwhirter discuss. Produced by Osca...
What's behind Labour's green U-turn?
June 10, 2023 09:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBNatasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and former Labour advisor John McTernan about Labour's announcement that they are watering down their green investment pledge. Is Labour in trouble over this U-turn? And could this be seen as a change in strategy for the party? Produced by Natasha Feroze
Is this the end of Boris Johnson?
June 10, 2023 07:53 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MBKate Andrews, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson react to the news that Boris Johnson has decided to stand down as an MP. Will the former Prime Minister go quietly? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Is Boris's honours list a lesson in cronyism?
June 09, 2023 17:55 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBBoris Johnson has published his resignation honours list, proposing a number of supporters, long time loyalists and even young staffers to be given peerages and honours. But is this an abuse of a system which should, instead, be about rewarding people for their public service? Cindy Yu talks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Cindy Yu.
How far can the Green Party go without Caroline Lucas?
June 08, 2023 15:59 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBThe Green Party's first and only MP, Caroline Lucas, has announced today that she'll be stepping down at the next election. On the episode, Katy Balls talks with Isabel Hardman and Fraser Nelson about Lucas's achievements and what it's like to be the sole MP of your party in a parliamentary system like ours. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Should Rishi be worried about Covid inquiry messages?
June 07, 2023 17:24 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBIt was prime ministers questions today and while Rishi Sunak is away in the US Oliver Dowden stood in. The Covid inquiry was a hot topic of debate. Rishi Sunak says he is not worried about being embarrassed by messages seen by the inquiry, but is he right to be so calm? Also on the podcast, the OECD has forecasted that the UK will narrowly avoid recession. But with growth at only 0.3 per cent for 2023, can we consider this a good outcome? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews....
Can Sunak and Biden crack AI regulation?
June 06, 2023 11:17 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBThe Prime Minister will be flying stateside tonight to visit Joe Biden. Top of the agenda will be AI regulation (they may also talk about Ben Wallace's bid to become the next Secretary General of Nato). It's a tricky issue and famously fast moving, so can the two leaders crack it? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Heale. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Is Andy Burnham a problem for Starmer?
June 05, 2023 11:17 - 10 minutes - 9.89 MBJames Heale is joined by Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls to discuss Rishi Sunak's visit to Dover in a bid to tackle small boats. Also, following a clash between Keir Starmer and members on the left of the party, how much of a problem has Andy Burnham become for the Labour leader?
Who will be on the candidates list?
June 03, 2023 09:00 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBJames Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Lord Stewart Jackson, regional chairman of the Conservative Democratic Organisation. On the podcast they discuss Labour and the Conservative's candidates selection process and the politics behind it.
Is the government heading for a court defeat?
June 02, 2023 16:28 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBThe Cabinet Office has officially triggered a judicial review against the Covid Inquiry – but is this a misstep, if eventually they will lose their legal case against it? On the episode, James Heale talks to Katy Balls and the Institute for Government's Catherine Haddon. Produced by Cindy Yu.
When will Pestminster end?
June 01, 2023 16:33 - 10 minutes - 9.71 MBNatasha Feroze speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale about Geraint Davies, a Labour MP who has been suspended from the party amid allegations of sexual harassment. Another Pestminster scandal to add to the list, how many more could be out there? Also on the podcast, as Rishi Sunak meets European leaders in Moldova to discuss illegal migration, how has it been received back home with his own party?
Do the Tories really hate 'the Blob'?
May 31, 2023 15:51 - 8 minutes - 7.52 MBBoris Johnson's team today suggested that they would be happy to hand over his WhatsApp messages from during the pandemic to help the Covid enquiry. Why has the civil service got itself in such a muddle over this, and why have the Tories failed to reform Whitehall? Max Jeffery speaks to James Heale and Kate Andrews. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Should Rishi Sunak ban vapes?
May 30, 2023 15:55 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBNatasha Feroze is joined by James Heale and Fraser Nelson to discuss the Covid inquiry's requested release of Boris Johnson's unredacted Whatsapp messages and diary entries. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak has spent the day in Kent looking at ways to clamp down unsafe vaping. But he won't go as far as other countries who intend to ban them.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup
May 28, 2023 21:02 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBThe Russian Ambassador has his own opinions about the war in Ukraine. Kuenssberg questions the Health Secretary over the government's pledge to build 40 new hospitals. Debate continues over junior doctors' pay demands. Jonathan Ashworth gives Labour's pitch for creating more jobs for British people. And Andrea Jenkyns comments on the recent Conservative WhatsApp messages leak.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup
May 28, 2023 21:02 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MBThe Russian Ambassador has his own opinions about the war in Ukraine. Kuenssberg questions the Health Secretary over the government's pledge to build 40 new hospitals. Debate continues over junior doctors' pay demands. Jonathan Ashworth gives Labour's pitch for creating more jobs for British people. And Andrea Jenkyns comments on the recent Conservative WhatsApp messages leak.
What's wrong with lots of immigration?
May 27, 2023 09:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBThis week's net migration figures were lower than expected, but still far higher than the 'tens of thousands' first promised by David Cameron. What's gone so wrong, and what's the downside of using immigration to boost economic growth? Fraser Nelson speaks to Damian Green, the Conservative MP and former immigration minister, and James Kirkup, a Spectator regular who runs the Social Market Foundation.
Why are borrowing costs surging?
May 26, 2023 11:55 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBJames Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews about the news that borrowing costs are back to being the highest since last Autumn. Are markets responding to another interest rate hike? What could this mean for the Chancellor Jeremy Hunt?
What's behind the latest migration figures?
May 25, 2023 16:07 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBJames Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Robert Colvile from the Centre for Policy Studies about today's migration figures, which hit a record high yet still came in lower than expected.
Are the Tories addicted to psychodrama?
May 24, 2023 10:49 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBIsabel Hardman speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews about the ongoing case of Suella Braverman's speeding saga. And now Boris Johnson has returned to the spotlight over reports he broke more lockdown rules. Does the energy around these stories say something about the culture of Westminster? Also on the podcast, Kate Andrews takes a look at today's inflation figures. Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Is the ministerial code fit for purpose?
May 23, 2023 16:28 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBPaul Goodman, editor of Conservative Home joins Katy Balls and James Heale to discuss the most recent victims accused of breaching the ministerial code. The code covers things like telling the truth in Parliament, keeping cabinet discussions secret and not allowing conflicts to arise between public duties and private interests. But is it fit for purpose? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
How much trouble is Suella Braverman in?
May 22, 2023 09:55 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBJames Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman about how Suella Braverman's speeding scandal might unravel; and what to expect from Keir Starmer's vision to build and NHS fit for the future.
Is Rishi retreating from net zero?
May 20, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 10 MBImmigration and the economy are priorities for Rishi Sunak's government. But under Boris Johnson and Theresa May, net zero was also a major policy focus for Conservative governments. Is Sunak as keen on it as his predecessors were? James Heale speaks to Fraser and Isabel Hardman.
What does Rishi want from the G7 in Hiroshima?
May 19, 2023 14:49 - 10 minutes - 9.62 MBRishi Sunak is in Hiroshima for the G7 summit. President Zelensky has said he'll be making a surprise appearance, and Sunak will be meeting with President Modi on the sidelines. What does Sunak want from the trip? Max Jeffery speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.
Is Brexit safe under Keir Starmer?
May 18, 2023 17:09 - 8 minutes - 8.18 MBJames Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Fraser Nelson about Rishi Sunak's response to the impending migration figures and whether Keir Starmer could be the man to 'make Brexit work'.
Would Starmer really build more houses?
May 17, 2023 17:37 - 12 minutes - 11.5 MBKeir Starmer promised in an interview with the Times today that as prime minister he would back the 'builders not the blockers'. But is it all bluster? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.
Rishi's ECHR battle at the Council of Europe
May 16, 2023 17:09 - 10 minutes - 9.75 MBThe Prime Minister has gone to Iceland today to see the Council of Europe, where he has been talking about immigration and the ECHR with other European leaders. On the episode, Katy Balls explains his mission to get other leaders on board with the UK's hardline approach to immigration. Cindy Yu also talks to James Heale about the second day of the National Conservatism Conference and Michael Gove's recommendation for conservatives. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Why did Braverman's immigration speech ruffle feathers?
May 15, 2023 12:14 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBHome Secretary Suella Braverman said that there is no good reason the UK can't train its own lorry drivers and fruit pickers in order to bring immigration rates down. Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman about why this has rubbed some up the wrong way and Keir Starmer's speech over the weekend, outlining Labour's vision for the future.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Round-up
May 14, 2023 16:40 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBAs the Conservative party continues to reel from the local elections results, on the Sunday shows this week Energy Secretary Grant Shapps defended Rishi Sunak's record as party leader, while even Boris Johnson ally Jacob Rees-Mogg admitted that the Conservatives cannot change leaders again. On The Laura Kuenssberg Show, Labour's Jonathan Reynolds hit back at claims that Keir Starmer is a changeable character, while AI engineer Emad Mostaque told the show that the technology could be an exist...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Round-up
May 14, 2023 16:40 - 9 minutes - 8.92 MBAs the Conservative party continues to reel from the local elections results, on the Sunday shows this week Energy Secretary Grant Shapps defended Rishi Sunak's record as party leader, while even Boris Johnson ally Jacob Rees-Mogg admitted that the Conservatives cannot change leaders again. On The Laura Kuenssberg Show, Labour's Jonathan Reynolds hit back at claims that Keir Starmer is a changeable character, while AI engineer Emad Mostaque told the show that the technology could be an exist...
Coffee House Shots Live: Coronation special
May 13, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBThe coronation will commemorate the start of a new era, but what will this mean for the United Kingdom? How will Charles III secure his place in history – and what kind of monarch will he be? From pageantry to the polls: will the coronation distract voters from the Tories’ predicted heavy losses in the local elections? And will Rishi Sunak be able to turn his party’s fortunes around for the general election? Fraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls and special guests Camilla Tominey and Matthew ...
What will boost growth?
May 12, 2023 12:17 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe UK economy grew by 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Jeremy Hunt said that the government needed to 'stay focused on competitive taxes, labour supply and productivity.' Is that enough to improve growth? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
Can Kemi brush off the Brexiteers on EU law?
May 11, 2023 16:51 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBWill Kemi Badenoch, the business and trade secretary, lose her supporters in the ERG, after the government confirmed that it would be going back on its pledge to remove all EU legislation from UK law by the end of 2023? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
Can Welby stop the Illegal Migration Bill?
May 10, 2023 15:36 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBJames Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush about the Lord's debate on the Illegal Migration Bill. Now in its third reading, will the government face substantive amendments to the legislation?
What's the fallout from the local election?
May 09, 2023 13:22 - 15 minutes - 14 MBJames Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman about the fallout from the local elections, some of the arrests made during the Coronation and Rishi Sunak’s plans to give powers to the pharmacies.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Round-up
May 07, 2023 19:21 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBOn today's Sunday shows, the fallout from the local elections dominated. Lucy Frazer defended the Conservative record while Wes Streeting argued that the results didn't rule out a Labour majority in a national election. Isabel Hardman brings you the round-up. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Why is Britain so reliant on immigration?
May 06, 2023 09:00 - 18 minutes - 16.8 MBIs the government using mass immigration to mask failures in the welfare system? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Matthew Goodwin, author of Values, Voice and Virtue.
The local elections: are we heading for a 1997 moment?
May 05, 2023 13:59 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBThe local election results so far paint a fairly grim picture for the Conservatives, whilst Labour and the Liberal Democrats have made big gains in key areas. With Starmer in the advantage position ahead of the next general election, how will No. 10 respond? Is there a path for the Tories in 2024? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and pollster James Johnson. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
The local elections: what’s happening?
May 05, 2023 09:31 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBEarly results from the local elections are coming in. The Conservatives were expected to perform badly, and Labour to make gains, and that's certainly happened. But, if Labour were to replicate these results in a general election, would they win? And are the Liberal Democrats the ones really doing well? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Did the Tories 'kill the dream of homeownership'?
May 03, 2023 17:30 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBIn today's Prime Minister's Questions, Keir Starmer accused the Prime Minister and his party of having 'killed the dream of homeownership'. With news this week that Rishi Sunak is considering reintroducing 'Help to Buy' while Michael Gove is sued for blocking a new housing development in Kent, does Starmer actually have a point? Katy Balls talks to Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Could Sue Gray-gate backfire on Keir Starmer?
May 02, 2023 17:49 - 17 minutes - 15.9 MBThe Cabinet Office has published its written statement into the resignation of Sue Gray, stating that it has given a 'confidential assessment' to the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) about whether she broke civil service rules in taking up a job from Keir Starmer while still a senior civil servant. On the episode, Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and the UK In A Changing Europe's Jill Rutter, who is also a former civil servant, about the implications for the civil service if G...