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
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Round-up – 30/04/23
April 30, 2023 18:33 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBIsabel Hardman hosts highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Today's shows looked ahead to next week's local elections, with both parties keen to manage expectations. The Green Party's Adrian Ramsey was questioned on the party's stance on local solar initiatives and the government's new AI advisor Matt Clifford explained what the £100 million new AI fund would be used for. Produced Joe Bedell-Brill.
How bad will the local elections be for Rishi?
April 29, 2023 12:46 - 16 minutes - 15 MBThe Tories are preparing for a drubbing in the local elections next week. But just how bad will they be? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and John Curtice. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Max Jeffery.
Sharp quits, what next?
April 28, 2023 16:46 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBRichard Sharp has quit as chairman of the BBC, following an investigation into whether he properly disclosed his role in enabling an £800,000 loan to Boris Johnson before his appointment. What will happen next? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Cindy Yu and Max Jeffery.
Could nurses still back Barclay’s pay offer?
April 27, 2023 15:02 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBA judge has ruled that strikes by the Royal College of Nursing be cut short by a day, because the six-month mandate for strike action will have passed. Two more unions are still to vote on Health Secretary Steve Barclay’s pay offer. If they support it, could the RCN change their mind on the deal? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Will Xi really bring peace to Ukraine?
April 26, 2023 17:19 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBXi Jinping said he will send diplomats to help broker peace in Ukraine after he had a phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky. But are China’s aims really as noble as they seem? Fraser Nelson speaks to Isabel Hardman, Svitlana Morenets and Cindy Yu.
How did Beattie miss a £100,000 motorhome?
April 25, 2023 18:06 - 10 minutes - 9.39 MBColin Beattie, the SNP’s former treasurer, said today that he ‘didn't know’ about the party’s purchase of a motorhome worth £100,000, the vehicle at the centre of an ongoing police probe into SNP finances. What’s going on? And as the military begins to evacuate British citizens from Sudan, did the Foreign Office react fast enough? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Could Diane Abbott return to Labour?
April 24, 2023 11:55 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBKaty Balls, Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman discuss Diane Abbott's suspension from the Labour party. Given her hasty apology, could Keir Starmer allow such a key figure to Labour's left back into the party? Also on the podcast, what has been the fallout from Dominic Raab's resignation? And how is Rishi Sunak trying to woo business leaders? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Round-up – 23/04/23
April 23, 2023 15:31 - 11 minutes - 10.4 MBIsabel Hardman hosts highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Today's shows focussed heavily on Dominic Raab's resignation from Rishi Sunak's government. Whilst new deputy PM Oliver Dowden described Raab as a 'man of his word', Labour's Jonathan Ashworth was less flattering, calling him: 'Not just a bullying minister, a failing minister'. Education was also a hot topic. In the aftermath of the tragic death of headteacher Ruth Perry, questions have arisen over whether Ofsted is a pos...
Why is the Troubles being glorified now?
April 22, 2023 10:30 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBAs world leaders gathered to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, is violence glorified when it comes to remembering the Troubles? John Connolly speaks to Spectator columnist Douglas Murray and former DUP leader Arlene Foster. This episode can be watched in full on Spectator TV's Week in 60 Minutes.
Dominic Raab resigns over bullying report
April 21, 2023 10:30 - 9 minutes - 8.72 MBThis morning Dominic Raab has resigned from Rishi Sunak's government following the findings of an investigation into bullying claims against him. Raab has been one of Sunak's closest allies, serving as deputy PM and justice secretary. Where does this leave the prime minister? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.
Does Raab have to go?
April 20, 2023 17:00 - 10 minutes - 9.53 MBToday was meant to be judgement day for Dominic Raab as we learnt the outcome of Adam Tolley's investigation into historic bullying claims made against the deputy PM. His fate now rests squarely in Rishi Sunak's hands. Will he resign? Also on the podcast, there have been a couple of amendments tabled today on the Conservative's Illegal Migration Bill, will these changes placate the rebels? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Is Keir Starmer soft on crime?
April 19, 2023 16:45 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MBPrime Minister's Questions was a punchy affair today. Rishi Sunak fought back against accusations that the Conservatives have failed on tackling crime, calling Keir Starmer 'Sir Softy' to turn the attack back around on Starmer, for his track record as the Director of Public Prosecutions. But was it an effective attack? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. Produced by Cindy Yu.
How much does the investigation into Sunak matter?
April 18, 2023 15:47 - 14 minutes - 13 MBThe investigation into Rishi Sunak leads several papers today, but how much does it really matter? On the episode, James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Conservative Home editor Paul Goodman about why the episode is unlikely to hurt Sunak in the long run. They also discuss the coming report on Dominic Raab's alleged workplace bullying and the centenary of the 1922 committee. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Coffee House Scots: can Humza save the SNP after treasurer's arrest?
April 18, 2023 12:00 - 9 minutes - 8.69 MBThe arrest of the SNP's treasurer Colin Beattie in relation to the probe into the party's finances has overshadowed Humza Yousaf's relaunch speech scheduled for today. Beattie has been taken into custody two weeks after Peter Murrell, the SNP's chief executive, was questioned by police regarding loans made in June 2021. Can Yousaf distance himself from the chaos in his own party? What does this mean for Scottish Labour's chances at the next election? Michael Simmons speaks to Katy Ball...
Does Sunak's maths plan add up?
April 17, 2023 11:05 - 10 minutes - 9.43 MBParliament is back from the Easter break and Rishi Sunak has taken the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to improving maths literacy in the country. Listeners will remember that the plan to make maths compulsory until 18 was first announced in Rishi's new year's speech along with his five priorities. Why is maths provision so important to him? Also on the podcast, with local elections on the horizon, how does Tory campaigning shape up against Labour's new tactics? Cindy Yu speaks to...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup – 16/04/23
April 16, 2023 15:03 - 10 minutes - 9.78 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. This morning’s shows heavily focussed on the crisis in the NHS, after the Royal College of Nursing voted against the government’s pay deal, meaning further strike action. Pat Cullen says the strikes could last as long as Christmas. Conservative Party Chair, Greg Hands disagrees and says the deal is a 'very reasonable offer'. In an interview with Wes Streeting, the Shadow Health Secretary says he is deeply worried abou...
What junior doctors really earn
April 15, 2023 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBStriking junior doctors are demanding a 35 per cent pay rise. Is that realistic? And are junior doctors really underpaid? Lucy Dunn is joined by economics editor Kate Andrews and Spectator contributor James Kirkup.
Are Suella Braverman's critics right?
April 14, 2023 16:05 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBHome Secretary, Suella Braverman has come under fire from senior Conservatives who have accused her of 'racist rhetoric', but are these accusations fair? Also on the podcast, Katy Balls takes a look at the latest deal on strikes and Natasha Feroze asks Fraser Nelson why he's against voters bringing ID for the May local elections.
Is Starmer worried about Sunak?
April 13, 2023 16:12 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBFraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush from the Financial Times about the two party leaders as Britain starts to think about the next year's general election. As Labour's lead in the polls narrows, is their campaigning strategy working? And how is a fractious Conservative party responding to having Rishi Sunak as their leader? Produced by Natasha Feroze.
Rishi meets Biden: bi-latte or bi-lateral?
April 12, 2023 15:43 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBJames Heale is joined by Katy Balls and Talk Radio political editor, Peter Cardwell who has been in Belfast for Biden's state visit. A symbolic time as Northern Ireland marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. Given the President's proud Irish roots and vocal criticism of former Prime Ministers, was Rishi Sunak able to thaw the special relationship?
Will public support for junior doctors wane?
April 11, 2023 15:07 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBOn the day that junior doctors begin a four-day strike over pay and working conditions, Lucy Dunn, The Spectator's social media editor and qualified doctor speaks to Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson. Will public support for the strikes turn if patient safety is put at risk? Also on the podcast, Kate takes a look at the latest IMF forecast for the UK.
Is Labour using Dominic Cummings's tactics?
April 10, 2023 16:44 - 9 minutes - 8.49 MBToday Keir Starmer has doubled down on Labour Party adverts attacking the Conservative's record on crime, and which seemingly accuse Rishi Sunak of not caring about child sex abuse. But is everyone in the party willing to play hardball? Or have the adverts highlighted divisions between senior Labour MPs? Also on the podcast, after Peter Murrell was arrested in connection with an investigation into the SNP's finances, why has a luxury motorhome now been seized by police? James Heale speaks...
Why don't Brits love Starmer?
April 06, 2023 16:30 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBRishi Sunak's personal poll ratings are on the up, by why don't the public love Starmer? We talk through the latest polling. And Mark Spencer, now the farming minister, has been cleared by an investigation into whether he made Islamophobic investigations to fellow Tory MP Nus Ghani. Is the row over? Max Jeffery is joined by James Heale and James Johnson, the co-founder of polling firm JL Partners. Produced by Max Jeffery.
The arrest of Peter Murrell
April 05, 2023 17:51 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MBNicola Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell, has been arrested today in connection with an investigation into the SNP’s finances. James Heale talks to Fraser Nelson and Conservative Home editor Paul Goodman on the episode. They also discuss Trump's arrest and ask whether Suella Braverman might need a new seat. Produced by Cindy Yu.
What can we learn from Nigel Lawson?
April 04, 2023 16:24 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBNigel Lawson, former chancellor and Spectator editor, passed away yesterday aged 91. How did he affect conservative economic thinking? And have the lessons from his time in the Treasury been properly learnt? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Lucy Fisher. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Channel crossings have fallen. Why?
April 03, 2023 16:49 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBChannel crossings were down 17 per cent in the first three months of 2023, compared with 2022. Why? And a new poll of Tory members from Conservative Home shows Rishi Sunak jump from being the sixth least popular member of the cabinet in November, to being the sixth most popular member member today. Does it matter? Max Jeffery speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. Produced by Max Jeffery.
Sunday shows round-up: Braverman blames 'cultural sensitivities' for grooming scandal
April 02, 2023 14:11 - 11 minutes - 11 MBKaty Balls hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. The Home Secretary Suella Braverman stands by her Rwanda immigration policy despite evidence refugees were shot by police there in 2018. Business representatives Minette Batters and Murray Lambell argue immigration needs to go up, not down. Braverman and Labour’s Lisa Nandy clash over who is to blame for a lack of action over child sexual exploitation. And Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn suggests AI might represent an exist...
Have US-UK relations improved with Rishi Sunak?
April 01, 2023 10:20 - 10 minutes - 9.59 MBNatasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Freddy Gray about Biden's upcoming visit to the UK. Given the President's proud Irish roots, how much will he try throw his weight around on Brexit? And how worried are the Democrats about Trump's indictment?
Does CPTPP make it harder to reverse Brexit?
March 31, 2023 13:37 - 16 minutes - 15 MBBritain has agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a £9 trillion trade bloc with 11 members. James Heale, speaks to Katy Balls and a special guest, Alexander Downer about whether this is a win for the government. And what it could mean for those looking to reverse Brexit.
Will the locals be a horror show for Rishi?
March 30, 2023 13:55 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBThe first day of Easter recess is a chance to reflect on the last couple of months in politics and look at the challenges that lie ahead. As Keir Starmer launches his local election campaign in Swindon today, how are the parties going to position themselves for their largest reckoning this year? The polls predict a hammering for Rishi Sunak, and could this be a good result for the Lib Dems? Natasha Feroze speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls.
Was Yousaf wrong to snub Forbes?
March 29, 2023 16:20 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBKate Forbes has quit the government after turning down an offer to be rural affairs minister in Humza Yousaf's cabinet. With some suggesting the new First Minister of Scotland should keep his friends close as his enemies closer – was this wise? Also on the podcast, James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about asylum hotels, a topic that is becoming increasingly contentious as the government explores new ways to house migrants.
Will exiling Corbyn backfire on Starmer?
March 28, 2023 17:57 - 12 minutes - 11.1 MBLabour has voted to block Jeremy Corbyn from running as a Labour candidate in the next general election. For the podcast, Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Gabriel Pogrund who is the Whitehall editor of the Sunday Times about whether this was a fight worth picking for Starmer. Also, given the former Labour leader has had ten consecutive successful campaigns for his seat in Islington North, is he likely to run again as an independent?
Coffee House Scots: Humza wins – what's next?
March 27, 2023 15:06 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBHumza Yousaf has been announced as the new leader of the SNP after a narrow victory over second placed Kate Forbes. What will this mean for the cause of Scottish independence? Katy Balls speaks to Michael Simmons, Stephen Daisley and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
How are Tories split on small boats?
March 27, 2023 11:51 - 8 minutes - 8.08 MBTory party divisions over the small boats policy are starting to appear. Although the bill sailed through its second reading in parliament, now Rishi Sunak is facing amendments to the legislation. Where are the dividing lines? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.
Sunday shows round-up: MPs caught in sting operation
March 26, 2023 16:11 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. Michael Gove was quizzed by Laura Kuenssberg on the sting operation by Led By Donkeys, which showed five Tory MPs asking for hefty sums on second jobs. He also defended Boris Johnson on partygate and the government's proposed ban on nitrous. Lucy Powell, shadow culture secretary, said that the government was putting the BBC under threat and agreed with the World Athletics Federation's decision to ban trans women from ...
Is it time to stop changing the clocks?
March 25, 2023 07:00 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBOn this special Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, The Spectator’s James Heale, journalist Peter Hitchens and the IEA’s Christopher Snowdon argue the cases for and against daylight saving time. Are we all being needlessly robbed of an hour in bed? Or should we lighten up and embrace the longer days? Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.
What's going on in France?
March 24, 2023 13:04 - 15 minutes - 14.3 MBThis morning Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles's State visit to France has been cancelled as the country struggles with nationwide strikes against the government's pension reform. The King was due to visit Paris and Bordeaux, two of the cities which have been hit by the most extreme violence. Will his trip to Germany go ahead as planned? Also on the podcast, Rishi Sunak has been buoyed by a successful week in which he pulled off his Brexit plan. Will he be able to weather t...
What's behind Starmer's trans U-turn?
March 23, 2023 17:40 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBKeir Starmer today seemed to change his party's stance on self-identification for transgender people. Before, Starmer said Labour would update the Gender Recognition Act so transgender people could self-identify as whatever gender they wanted. Today, he said that 'if you’re going to make reforms, you have to carry the public with you.' What's changed? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
The trial of Boris Johnson
March 22, 2023 19:03 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBToday Boris Johnson sat through a grueling four-hour hearing into whether the former Prime Minister deliberately misled parliament. Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson take a look at the key moments of the meeting; and whether Rishi Sunak should be worried about the Brexit vote rebels.
Who wants Boris back?
March 21, 2023 14:06 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBBoris Johnson has today made his defence of partygate, before he is questioned by the Privileges Committee tomorrow. He accepts that he misled the House of Commons, but insists he made his statements ‘in good faith’ and that he ‘would never have dreamed’ of doing so intentionally. But who's going to support him now? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Paul Goodman.
Is the DUP's protocol verdict a blow for Sunak?
March 20, 2023 15:45 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBAhead of the vote on Rishi Sunak’s Brexit deal, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the DUP has said he will not back the key parts of the Windsor Framework. How much could this become a problem for Rishi Sunak? Also on Wednesday, what are the possible outcomes of Boris Johnson’s probe into Partygate? Natasha Feroze, Katy Balls and James Heale take a look at the week ahead.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup – 19/03/23
March 19, 2023 14:00 - 9 minutes - 8.95 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. Oliver Dowden, the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, defended it taking so long for the government to come to an agreement with NHS unions over pay; Lisa Nandy, the shadow foreign secretary, said the government's Rwanda deportation policy was 'unworkable'; and SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes explained how she thinks her party can regain the trust of its members. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Coffee House Scots: should the SNP be worried about falling membership?
March 18, 2023 07:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBThe SNP has confirmed that its membership has fallen to 72,000 – a loss of over 30,000 since 2021. This has prompted an open letter from leadership candidates Kate Forbes and Ash Regan, calling for transparency when it comes to membership numbers. Why are so many leaving? Also on the podcast, Humza Yousaf has committed yet another public gaffe when he went to visit a group of female Ukrainian refugees. Is he still the firm favourite? Katy Balls speaks to Michael Simmons, Lucy Dunn and Fr...
Will Boris vote on the NI Protocol?
March 17, 2023 13:04 - 10 minutes - 10.1 MBA look ahead to next week where MPs will vote on parts of the Northern Ireland Protocol. What would a win look like for the government? The vote has been conveniently placed on the same day Boris Johnson is already in parliament for the privileges committee hearing. The lone rebel of the protocol will have to put his money where his mouth is – which way will he vote? Natasha Feroze speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.
Are NHS strikes about to end?
March 16, 2023 17:49 - 10 minutes - 9.86 MBThe day after Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget has been fairly muted compared to recent Budget hangovers. What has been the overall reaction? On the global markets, Kate Andrews looks at the international reaction after Credit Suisse shares fell by more than 30 per cent yesterday. And what's behind the recent breakthrough in negotiations between NHS Unions and Ministers? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.
Budget special: what did we learn?
March 15, 2023 17:42 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MBJeremy Hunt, the Chancellor has unveiled his spring Budget, which was accompanied by forecasts predicting that the UK will avoid recession this year and that inflation will drop to below 3 per cent by the end of the year. But do the measures go far enough? Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson.
Coffee House Scots: is the SNP establishment worried by Forbes?
March 14, 2023 14:42 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBAfter a tumultuous two weeks, voting is now open for the SNP leadership elections until 27 March. But are members any closer to knowing who they’ll vote for? The deputy first minister of the SNP, John Swinney has backed Humza Yousaf to be SNP leader. What could be seen as an influential endorsement by some, can also be a sign that the Yousaf campaign is worried things are tighter than hoped. Michael Simmons speaks to Katy Balls and Alex Massie.
Has small boats united the Tories?
March 14, 2023 12:53 - 10 minutes - 9.37 MBMPs voted through the second reading of the Illegal Migration bill last night with a 62-vote majority. There was a handful of Tory MPs that abstained from voting but importantly, despite threats of a rebellion, no Conservative MPs voted against it. Seen as an election-winning issue, is this a rare sign of unity from the party? Also on the podcast, Katy Balls and James Heale take a look ahead at the Budget tomorrow.
Is Rishi right about China?
March 13, 2023 18:01 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBToday Rishi Sunak's diplomacy is taking centre stage. He is currently in San Diego for talks with President Biden and the government has just released its refreshed Integrated Review, which includes strengthened language on China, the Russia-Ukraine war and science and tech. Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Sophia Gaston, head of foreign policy at the think tank Policy Exchange. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.
Does the triumph of Gary Lineker spell disaster for the BBC?
March 13, 2023 13:14 - 9 minutes - 9.15 MBTwo stories dominated the news agenda over the weekend, one concerning a household name and the other involving a bank which – before Sunday – few had heard of. What is the political significance of Gary Lineker's row with the BBC? And after the fall of Silicon Valley Bank, are we heading for a regional banking crisis? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.