Coffee House Shots - podcast cover

Coffee House Shots

The Spectatoraudioboom.com
Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale and many others.

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Episodes

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 21/06/20

Katy Balls hosts the highlights from Sunday's interviews. With Boris Johnson, Matt Hancock, Rachel Reeves and Shaun Bailey. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 21, 202012 min

Is the Foreign Office DfiD merger a mistake?

The plans for a merger between the two departments has united three former prime ministers in their criticism. Andrew Mitchell, Tory MP and former International Development Secretary, certainly thinks it's a disastrous idea, and claims that Boris Johnson promised to his face that this would not happen. Andrew joins Katy Balls and Jame Forsyth on the podcast, together with David Lidington, former Cabinet minister and previously at the Foreign Office, who thinks that it's actually a good idea. Cli...

Jun 20, 202023 min

What the new alert level means for lockdown easing

The government has downgraded the coronavirus alert level from 4 to 3, with the support of its scientific advisers. So is it about time to ease lockdown even further? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about this and the discovery of the magic money tree, as debt is now worth more than British GDP. The Spectator is partnering with private bank Julius Baer to find the UK's brightest entrepreneurs for our Economic Innovator of the Year Awards. If you run a business that brings rad...

Jun 19, 202014 min

Why did the government persist with its doomed app?

The government is today announcing a switch from its NHS-built contact tracing app in favour of one built by Apple and Google. On the podcast, Katy Balls asks James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson - why has it taken them so long to admit defeat? The Spectator is partnering with private bank Julius Baer to find the UK's brightest entrepreneurs for our Economic Innovator of the Year Awards. If you run a business that brings radical positive change and is capable of achieving national or international im...

Jun 18, 202011 min

Is Boris Johnson's week starting to look up?

At Prime Minister's Questions, Boris Johnson cornered Keir Starmer on the Labour party's ambivalent position on schools reopening. After a bumpy start to the week, is the Prime Minister's luck turning? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about this, the 1922 committee meeting, and Westminster reopening. The Spectator is partnering with private bank Julius Baer to find the UK's brightest entrepreneurs for our Economic Innovator of the Year Awards. If you run a business that brings...

Jun 17, 202021 min

Was the government's free meals U-turn inevitable?

After the highly publicised campaign by the footballer Marcus Rashford, the government has U-turned on the question of free school meals in the summer. Was it inevitable, and what does this move mean for public spending? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews about this as well as the Foreign Office merger and the Oxford drug breakthrough. The Spectator is partnering with private bank Julius Baer to find the UK's brightest entrepreneurs for our Economic Innovator of the Year Awards. ...

Jun 16, 202015 min

Will the government's lockdown easing work?

As the government tries to encourage more spending with the opening of non-essential shops today, is the public still too cautious about Covid? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. The Spectator is partnering with private bank Julius Baer to find the UK's brightest entrepreneurs for our Economic Innovator of the Year Awards. If you run a business that brings radical positive change and is capable of achieving national or international impact, we want to hear from you. Apply by 1 ...

Jun 15, 202016 min

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 14/06/20

Katy Balls hosts today's essential interviews roundup, which today features Boris Johnson, Rishi Sunak, Nick Thomas-Symonds and David Lammy. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 14, 202010 min

Is toppling a statue an act of performance art?

Has the statue of Churchill been improved by being enclosed in a protective casing? Was Colston's toppling one of the greatest acts of performance art? Or is this all a sad indictment of the state of British politics? Fraser Nelson talks to The Spectator's arts editor Igor Toronyi-Lalic and Coffee House contributor and writer Claire Fox. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to sp...

Jun 13, 202014 min

The Tory fightback against identity politics

Late last night, the statue of Winston Churchill on Parliament Square was boarded up over fears the monument could again be targeted by Black Lives Matter protestors. This morning, Boris Johnson intervened saying that it is 'shameful that this national monument should today be at risk of attack'. Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the looming Tory fightback against identity politics. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for fr...

Jun 12, 202014 min

How long can the two-metre rule last?

Tory MPs are increasingly concerned about the impact of the two-metre rule, with No. 10 facing pressure to relax the policy to help save businesses. Gus Carter talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podc...

Jun 11, 202012 min

PMQs: Johnson and Starmer clash on schools

John Connolly discusses Prime Minister's Questions with James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 10, 202013 min

Why aren't schools reopening?

The government has shelved its aim of reopening primary schools before the end of term amid growing pressure from parents and unions. But how will that affect the poorest students? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectato...

Jun 09, 202014 min

The politics of toppling a statue

Thousands of protesters took to the streets this weekend as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. In Bristol, a statue of the slaver Edward Colston was toppled and thrown into the city's docks. But are we now seeing a change in the government's response? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to specta...

Jun 08, 202018 min

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 07/06/20

Katy Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's clips come from Professor John Edmunds, Matt Hancock, Lisa Nandy, John Barnes and Margaret Hodge. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Jun 07, 202010 min

How the government is preparing for the inevitable Covid inquiry

Some decision-makers have already made timelines of their actions since the start of the pandemic, James Forsyth reveals in his political column for this week's Spectator . How does the knowledge that an inquiry is coming change the way the pandemic is dealt with? John Connolly talks to James and Katy Balls. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectato...

Jun 06, 202015 min

Is it time for the government to admit its mistakes?

With an NHS tracing app not fully up and running until autumn, contact tracing seems like the latest in a series of events where the government has over-promised and under-delivered. Is it time for the government to admit the mistakes it has made in dealing with the pandemic? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without ad...

Jun 05, 202016 min

Why has the government U-turned on face masks?

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that face masks will be compulsory on public transport from mid-June. Until recently, that was explicitly not the government advice. What's changed? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth. Get a subscription to The Spectator as well as a copy of Lionel Shriver's book, all for free here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.c...

Jun 04, 202010 min

The end of Keir Starmer's 'constructive opposition'

The time for constructive opposition is over, as Keir Starmer picks up a new tone in his interview to the Guardian, which he continued in PMQs. Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about this strategy; and other issues of proxy voting, Scottish care homes, the BAME impact, and a new testing target. Get a month's free trial of The Spectator and a free wireless charger here . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find ...

Jun 03, 202014 min

Does Rees-Mogg's plan for a socially distanced parliament work?

MPs 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator...

Jun 02, 202014 min

Will MPs rebel over No. 10's quarantine plan?

From 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to...

Jun 01, 202018 min

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 31/05/20

Katy 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. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 31, 202011 min

How will a socially distanced House of Commons work?

MPs 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to sp...

May 30, 202012 min

How the furlough scheme will be rolled back

Cindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcements on phasing out the furlough scheme. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

May 29, 202013 min

Is it really 'case closed' on the Cummings affair?

Chris 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today...

May 28, 202013 min

What did Boris's evidence to MPs reveal?

The 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to fi...

May 27, 202017 min

What does the slump in the polls mean for Conservatives?

The 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/p...

May 27, 202016 min

Could public opinion make Cummings's position untenable?

The 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podc...

May 26, 202013 min

Has Cummings done enough to calm Tory MPs?

In 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more....

May 25, 202012 min

Boris Johnson's political gamble over Cummings

Boris 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 . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcasts, go to specta...

May 24, 202013 min
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