Coffee House Shots
2,092 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 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
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.
Should Sunak block Boris Johnson's honours list?
March 11, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.7 MBBoris Johnson is reportedly cutting the number of names on his honours list from 100 to 60 (still much higher than the average honours list for former prime ministers). This is a Tory sleaze scandal in the making, so should Rishi Sunak think about blocking it? Or could the reminder of Johnson's flaws actually help the Sunak premiership? James Heale discusses with Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. Produced by Cindy Yu and Kevin Swartwood.
Will Sunak’s charm offensive with Macron work?
March 10, 2023 18:21 - 10 minutes - 9.56 MBRishi Sunak was in Paris today meeting with President Emmanuel Macron. The pair unveiled a new deal to stop the Channel crossings as part of the first Franco-British summit for five years. Will the new measures work? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform.
Is Labour saying anything new on childcare?
March 09, 2023 13:54 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MBThe shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson is giving a speech to centre-right think tank Onward today, all about childcare. But is the party actually saying anything new on the issue? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and the FT's Stephen Bush. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Coffee House Scots: can the SNP stop the infighting?
March 08, 2023 17:00 - 17 minutes - 16.2 MBWe had the first televised hustings for the leadership of the SNP last night, and it was a fiery affair to say the least. Will the lack of party unity end up costing the SNP? Lucy Dunn speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Daisley.
Is time running out for Simon Case?
March 08, 2023 15:13 - 11 minutes - 10.9 MBIt's been reported that more damaging messages sent by Cabinet Secretary Simon Case during the pandemic will surface in the Daily Telegraph's Lockdown Files, leading to speculation over whether he will still be in position by the time of the King's coronation. Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Heale about whether the Cabinet Secretary will soon have to step down. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will Sunak's small boats plan make any difference?
March 07, 2023 17:30 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MBSuella Braverman unveiled the Illegal Migration Bill today in the Commons. The Home Secretary said that Britain had been 'taken for a ride', as she revealed the government's plan to detain asylum seekers for up to 28 days 'without bail or judicial review until they can be removed'. Will this contravene the European Convention on Human Rights? And even if it does, will it make a difference to small boats crossings? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.
Can Rishi stop small boats?
March 06, 2023 14:14 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBTomorrow the government is set to deliver its plan the tackle small boats, legislation Rishi Sunak has been promising since before Christmas. Is Rishi about to get tough on immigration? Also on the podcast, what is the latest in the Sue Gray scandal? Will this – alongside continuing questions over Simon Case – start a serious conversation about impartiality in the civil service? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup – 05/03/23
March 05, 2023 18:24 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. Matt Hancock's leaked WhatsApp messages dominated the interviews as Chris Heaton-Harris defended Boris Johnson, and Jonathan Ashworth called for an inquiry into what the Treasury knew about the 'eat out to help out' scheme. And on Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill called for the DUP to return to the executive. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
Coffee House Scots: what did we learn from this week's hustings?
March 04, 2023 07:00 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBIt's been an interesting week in the race for the leadership of the SNP. Kate Forbes's campaign has been plunged into fresh doubt by the news that her husband attended a private Tory hustings, whilst Douglas Ross has been forced to apologise after swearing during First Minister's Questions. We also had the first televised hustings, but who came out on top? Michael Simmons speaks to Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls and Stephen Daisley. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Sue Gray defects
March 03, 2023 12:31 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBCindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about Sue Gray's new role as Keir Starmer's chief of staff and what happened on the Tory MP's away day in Windsor.
Does Boris have a point on the Protocol?
March 02, 2023 16:23 - 17 minutes - 16 MBBoris Johnson delivered his first speech since leaving No.10 and told the audience he would not be able to back Rishi Sunak's Brexit deal. Although the Windsor Framework has largely received a lukewarm reception, does Boris have a point? Also on the podcast, Sue Gray has just resigned from the civil service to become Keir Starmer's chief of staff. What could this mean politically for both parties? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and Sam Lowe, partner at Flint.
Coffee House Scots: is the SNP shifting right?
March 01, 2023 19:00 - 14 minutes - 13 MBIn the first of The Spectator's special Coffee House Scots series, Michael Simmons speaks to Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls and Stephen Daisley about the SNP leadership race. Given that the main motivation uniting the SNP is the ambition for an independent Scotland, how do the candidates differ ideologically?
What we learned from the lockdown files
March 01, 2023 15:28 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBThe Daily Telegraph has splashed on over 100,000 WhatsApp messages to and from Matt Hancock during his time as Health Secretary. Altogether they show the internal workings of the government and how key lockdown decisions were made during that time. On the podcast, James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson, who has been working with the Telegraph on putting these files into the public eye. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Has Rishi Sunak pulled this off?
February 28, 2023 10:37 - 14 minutes - 13.4 MBJames Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls about some of the key points in the Windsor Framework. Having reached an agreement with the EU, can Rishi Sunak do the same with both the Tories and the DUP?
Northern Ireland Protocol: is this a 'breakthrough' deal?
February 27, 2023 17:40 - 14 minutes - 13 MBToday Rishi Sunak has reached a revised agreement with the EU on Northern Ireland, and hailed it a 'turning point' for the people of Northern Ireland. But how will the DUP and – more importantly – Tory MPs, react? Isabel Hardman speaks to Katy Balls and Sam Lowe. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup – 26/02/23
February 26, 2023 15:19 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBIsabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab says there's 'quiet confidence' about the Northern Ireland Protocol deal. Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Labour would act in the 'national interest', and expects to support the deal. SNP leadership hopeful Humza Yousaf said that with sustained public support, ‘independence will absolutely be inevitable’. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.
How is the government helping Ukrainians in Britain?
February 25, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MBToday marks one year since Putin sent the Russian army into Kyiv. Since then, what has been the experience of the Ukrainians who fled their homes and came over to the UK? Svitlana Morenets, a staff writer at The Spectator speaks to Kate Andrews about the year reporting on her war-torn country from Britain. Also joining the podcast is Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis UK whose work involves helping those 4000 Ukrainians who arrived on the Homes for Ukraine scheme and are now at risk of h...
Could Kate Forbes still win?
February 24, 2023 13:29 - 10 minutes - 9.54 MBA poll of the SNP membership puts Kate Forbes as the frontrunner. Despite becoming embroiled in a row over her religious views, Forbes enjoys the support of 28 per cent of members, compared to Humza Yousaf's 20 per cent. Could she win the contest? Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.
Was there anything Labour about Labour's five missions?
February 23, 2023 13:58 - 10 minutes - 9.27 MBKeir Starmer has set out Labour's five missions for government in a speech today, but was there anything Labour about them? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman about where this speech leaves the Labour party's chances to win the next election. Also on the podcast: the government's plan to cut the asylum backlog. Produced by Cindy Yu.
Will there be resignations over Northern Ireland?
February 22, 2023 17:05 - 9 minutes - 9.14 MBRishi Sunak continues to try to get his MPs onside when it comes to the government's deal with the EU on the Northern Ireland Protocol. Some Eurosceptics have warned that the Prime Minister could see resignations from his government if this is handled badly, with some touting Home Secretary Suella Braverman's name. What's the latest? James Heale talks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.
Is Rishi Sunak repeating May's mistakes?
February 21, 2023 15:15 - 13 minutes - 12.7 MBToday was meant to be the day that Rishi Sunak presented his Northern Ireland Protocol plans to parliament, instead he told the cabinet that intensive negotiations continue with the EU. Is he doomed to repeat Theresa May's Brexit mistakes? Will he need the backing of the DUP for any agreement? Also on the podcast, as prospective SNP leader Kate Forbes continues to defend her views on gay marriage, can her campaign survive? Cindy Yu speaks to Isabel Hardman and Patrick O'Flynn. Produced b...
Is there a campaign to stop Forbes?
February 20, 2023 13:17 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBScotland's finance secretary, Kate Forbes has formally declared her campaign to be leader of the SNP. Currently the bookies' favourite – what direction would she take the party in? Also on the podcast, will there be more news on the Northern Ireland protocol this week?
Is Scottish independence dead?
February 18, 2023 07:00 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MBAfter the news this week that Nicola Sturgeon will step aside as leader of the Scottish National Party, can the cause of Scottish independence survive without her? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and James Johnson, former Downing Street pollster and co-founder of JL Partners.
Will the DUP accept Sunak’s deal?
February 17, 2023 17:19 - 12 minutes - 11.8 MBAs it looks like the government is about to agree a new deal with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol, Rishi Sunak is in Belfast today meeting with the DUP. Will they accept a compromise? Max Jeffery speaks to Isabel Hardman and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform. Produced by Max Jeffery.
How powerful is Keir Starmer?
February 16, 2023 17:17 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MBWith Labour nearly 30 points ahead in the polls, Keir Starmer is consolidating his position at the top. He said yesterday that Jeremy Corbyn will not stand as a Labour candidate in the next election, and he could be looking to reshuffle his shadow cabinet soon. How much power does Starmer have? Could he completely cut Labour's ties to the trade unions? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and the Times's Patrick Maguire. Produced by Cindy Yu and Max Jeffery.
Is Sunak making a mistake on the NI protocol?
February 15, 2023 17:43 - 17 minutes - 16.1 MBJames Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Conservative Home editor Paul Goodman about the union. Both in terms of Nicola Sturgeon's sudden decision to resign this morning and the possibility of an imminent agreement on the Northern Ireland protocol.
Nicola Sturgeon resigns – why now?
February 15, 2023 13:46 - 15 minutes - 14 MBNicola Sturgeon has announced her resignation as First Minister of Scotland. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman about her decision to leave and Sturgeon's nine years as leader.
Is Rishi Sunak tough enough on China?
February 14, 2023 17:00 - 11 minutes - 11 MBBen Wallace, the Secretary of State for defence has launched a security review in the wake of Chinese spy balloons entering Western airspace. This accelerated a row over defence spending ahead of the Spring Budget. How far is the government willing to go under pressure over the Ukraine war and now an intensified Chinese threat? James Heale speaks to Cindy Yu and Katy Balls. To learn more about Chinese politics, society and culture, listen to The Spectator's Chinese Whispers podcast.
Is there a plot to unravel Brexit?
February 13, 2023 12:12 - 10 minutes - 9.71 MBWhilst the government is in recess, a group of cross-party politicians joined a private meeting to discuss 'How we can make Brexit work better with our European neighbours?' Are the critics right that this is an attempt to unravel Brexit? Also on the podcast, Labour dropped their GPC files [government procurement cards] early this morning – what can be learnt from their big scoop? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.
Was Liz Truss right?
February 11, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBThis week has seen the return of Liz Truss, firstly with her op-ed in the Telegraph and then her Spectator TV exclusive interview. Has enough time passed to revise our opinion of her pro-growth agenda? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews.
Is our economy OK?
February 10, 2023 16:51 - 10 minutes - 9.96 MBNew GDP figures show that the UK economy narrowly avoided recession at the end of 2022. Between the final quarter and the third quarter of last year, there was no change in the economy's output. Is this really good news? And do GDP figures matter if people still feel poorer? Max Jeffery speaks to Kate Andrews and James Heale.
Is Lee Anderson No. 10's secret weapon?
February 09, 2023 17:59 - 10 minutes - 9.51 MBThe chatter in Westminster has been dominated by comments the new deputy chairman of the Conservative Party gave to James Heale, The Spectator's diary editor, in an interview published today. When asked if he was in support of the death penalty, Lee Anderson said: 'Yes. Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed. You know that, don’t you? 100 per cent success rate.’ On the podcast, Isabel Hardman talks to James and Katy Balls about whether No. 10 anticipated that the Conservativ...
Will Britain send Ukraine jets?
February 08, 2023 18:31 - 10 minutes - 9.35 MBPresident Zelensky was in Westminster today to address Parliament. The Ukrainian leader came to London to ask MPs to give Ukraine fighter jets. Will Rishi Sunak agree to? Max Jeffery speaks to Svitlana Morenets and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Max Jeffery.
What's behind Rishi's reshuffle?
February 07, 2023 13:35 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MBRishi Sunak announced a reshuffle of his cabinet this morning. Among other changes, Greg Hands will become the Tory party chair, and Michelle Donelan will become the culture secretary. Why is Sunak making these changes just 18 months before an election? Will they make any real difference to how his government works? Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Max Jeffery.
The Liz Truss interview: 'I didn't get everything right'
February 06, 2023 18:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MBToday Liz Truss has broken her silence, giving her first broadcast interview since leaving No.10 to SpectatorTV. Was she denied a ‘realistic chance’ at success? Fraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. You can watch the full interview now on SpectatorTV: https://www.youtube.com/@SpectatorTV