In a televised address to the nation last night, Boris Johnson hailed Britain as a 'freedom loving country', but said that a lack of adherence to existing coronavirus restrictions meant new measures are needed. Is the government right to blame the public for a rise in Covid cases, or should they adopt a more contrite tone and admit to mistakes in areas like testing? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to ...
Sep 23, 2020•12 min
Boris Johnson today warned that Britain has 'reached a perilous turning point' in its battle with coronavirus, as he ordered pubs to close at 10pm and pledged to crack down on rule-breakers. The package of new restrictions were not as sweeping as many Tory MPs had feared, but with the Prime Minister saying that his government could yet 'deploy greater firepower', is this just the beginning? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcas...
Sep 22, 2020•20 min
In a Downing Street statement this morning, Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance presented their take on the latest coronavirus data. Speaking without a government representative, the pair said that Brits needed to 'break unnecessary links between households' and warned that the UK could see 50,000 new coronavirus infections a day by mid-October. But why didn't Vallance and Whitty answer questions from journalists? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today...
Sep 21, 2020•11 min
Isabel Hardman rounds up the best of Sunday's interview shows, with clips coming from Matt Hancock, Sir Keir Starmer, Bob Woodward and Len McCluskey. 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....
Sep 20, 2020•14 min
As the UK seems to enter a second wave of coronavirus infections, Europe is again the guide on the trajectory of the virus and the best strategy to tackle it. But from Sweden to Belgium, which European country should we follow, and is anyone in government listening? Kate Andrews talks to Fraser Nelson and Swedish economist Fredrik Erixon. 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 s...
Sep 19, 2020•21 min
The government is reportedly considering the short-term reintroduction of nationwide social restrictions to halt the spread of coronavirus. Will a two-week 'circuit break' make a difference, or simply delay the inevitable? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. 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 Ho...
Sep 18, 2020•13 min
The government has promised to deliver a nationwide mass testing programme by the beginning of next year, claiming it could offer a route out of continued restrictions. But with mounting reports about the failing test and trace system, is Operation Moonshot impossible? Cindy Yu speaks to 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/podcast...
Sep 17, 2020•16 min
The government's Internal Market Bill won't reach the House of Lords until after the October EU Council, James Forsyth tells Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson on the podcast today. This means that the bill won't become law anytime soon, and provides the government leverage for a deal in that Council. So was this a ploy to get a better deal all along, or is the plan backfiring? Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. Fo...
Sep 16, 2020•12 min
Amid reports of local testing shortages, Matt Hancock told MPs today that the system is facing an 'enormous challenge' after a 'sharp rise' in demand. While the government has pledged to deliver 500,000 tests a day by the end of October, just 220,000 are currently being processed. Can the government fix the problem? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For m...
Sep 15, 2020•14 min
Former attorney general Geoffrey Cox has today warned that the Internal Markets Bill could cause 'unconscionable' damage to the UK's international standing. With a vote on the legislation due later today, could a rebellion overcome the government's majority? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. 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 . Co...
Sep 14, 2020•13 min
Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's featured interviewees are Robert Buckland, Simon Coveney, Louise Haigh and Professor Peter Openshaw. 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....
Sep 13, 2020•13 min
The EU said it could walk away from trade talks after the government announced that it planned to break international law in its Internal Markets Bill. But how will Ireland, one of the countries most affected by the government's decision, react? Katy Balls speaks to Peter Foster, public policy editor of the Financial Times , Pat Leahy, political editor of the Irish times , and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree ...
Sep 12, 2020•19 min
As England heads into stricter lockdown measures shortly, James Forsyth talks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the growing unease amongst backbenchers over the government's strict Covid response. Is it time for the government to try harder to make a case for its approach? 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 H...
Sep 11, 2020•10 min
The EU gave an ultimatum today that, unless the UK shelved its Internal Market Bill within three weeks, it would be taking legal action against the government. With negotiations in a more acrimonious stage than they have been for a long time, are the talks about to break down? Cindy Yu talks to 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/...
Sep 10, 2020•11 min
Boris Johnson held a press conference this afternoon to announce that only groups of six or smaller would be able to meet from Monday. The new restrictions come after a spike in coronavirus cases, and were brought in alongside threats to fine those who break the rules. But is there more to come? John Connolly speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcast...
Sep 09, 2020•12 min
As Michel Barnier arrives in London for another round of trade talks, Brandon Lewis today said that government plans to reinterpret the Brexit withdrawal treaty could break international law. Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about what the No. 10 proposals could mean, and whether Tory backbenchers can stomach the move. 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...
Sep 08, 2020•17 min
Boris Johnson last night issued a warning to the European Union that Brexit negotiations must be concluded by October 15 or Britain will walk away. Will this focus minds, or might it spell the end for the talks? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the government's hardline approach. 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 ...
Sep 07, 2020•10 min
Isabel Hardman returns with the highlights from Sunday's political programmes. Today's highlights come from Dominic Raab, Diane Abbott, Leonid Volkov and Richard Leonard. 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....
Sep 06, 2020•12 min
The deadline for a Brexit deal is fast approaching, but the level of subsidies paid to companies and industries could prove a stumbling block. Will state aid - which makes up just 0.34 per cent of the UK's GDP - scupper an agreement with the EU? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. 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: pod...
Sep 05, 2020•10 min
Rishi Sunak has faced a backlash this week over proposals to increase taxes to pay for the UK's coronavirus response. Can the chancellor push the changes through, and how will the party react? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. 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/p...
Sep 04, 2020•14 min
Matt Hancock today announced Operation Moonshot, a £500 million scheme to ramp up the UK's testing capacity and offer a return to normality without social distancing. Does it really offer a way out? John Connolly speaks to 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...
Sep 03, 2020•14 min
Bolton and Trafford were returned to Manchester's local lockdown this morning after yet another U-turn by the government. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer went head to head for their first PMQs of the new parliamentary term. Finally, Rishi Sunak and the PM met members of the 2019 Tory intake in an attempt to shore up the government's backbench support. John Connolly speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to ...
Sep 02, 2020•13 min
Simon Case has been appointed the new cabinet secretary, tasked with leading the UK through its coronavirus recovery and reforming the civil service. Is he up to the job? Gus Carter speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the country's most powerful official. 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 Acas...
Sep 01, 2020•14 min
After the Grenfell Tower fire, new fire safety legislation was introduced in an attempt to ensure the tragic incident was never repeated. But the new rules have left some tower block tenants unable to sell their properties, and they could be forced to pay tens of thousands to replace dangerous classing. Why? Fraser Nelson speaks to Emma Byrne, assistant editor of the Spectator, alongside the Telegraph's Liam Halligan. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go...
Aug 29, 2020•17 min
The government will launch a new publicity campaign to coax people back into the office, it was announced today. This morning's headlines took a hardline approach, telling readers that they could lose their jobs unless they returned to work. Is this really the government's approach, and why are offices important? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For m...
Aug 28, 2020•17 min
The government has announced that self-isolating Britons will be paid £13 a day to stay at home. Will this help improve the beleaguered test and trace system? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Kate Andrews. 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....
Aug 27, 2020•12 min
The government reversed its position on masks in schools late yesterday evening, announcing that secondary school pupils in local lockdown areas would be mandated to wear face coverings in communal areas. Could masks in offices be next? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about why the government keeps changing its mind. 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...
Aug 26, 2020•13 min
Reports on Sunday suggested the BBC was going to drop 'Rule, Britannia!' and 'Land of Hope and Glory' from its Last Night of the Proms schedule because of the songs' associations with slavery and colonialism. Boris Johnson hit back at the broadcaster today, however, calling for an end to 'this general bout of self-recrimination and wetness'. But was the Prime Minister's response strong enough? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this ...
Aug 25, 2020•15 min
Boris Johnson has returned from his holiday to embark on a media campaign promoting September's schools reopening. With Scottish pupils already back - and the initial signs of their return looking positive - can Gavin Williamson stage a successful reopening, or will the beleaguered education secretary face another fiasco? John Connolly speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out mo...
Aug 24, 2020•14 min
Following the exam results fiasco, the Tories' lead in the polls has dropped to just two points in the latest YouGov survey. With Labour on the up, what is Keir Starmer doing right, and should we expect further gains? Cindy Yu speaks to the Spectator's deputy political editor Katy Balls and Stephen Bush, political editor at the New Statesman. 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 ...
Aug 22, 2020•10 min
