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

Why Priti Patel is staying put

Sir Alex Allen, a top civil servant in charge of the report into allegations of bullying at the Home Office, has resigned, but the Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is at the centre of it all, has not. Why is the Prime Minister so keen to 'stick with Prit'? Fraser Nelson 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/podcasts . Contac...

Nov 20, 202013 min

Will new defence money solve the MoD's spending blackhole?

The government has announced a £16.5 billion increase in defence spending, far more generous than previously expected. Will this new budget signal an end to the MoD's spending blackhole? John Connolly 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/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy ...

Nov 19, 202011 min

What's behind Boris's green agenda?

Boris Johnson has today announced a raft of new environmental policies, following the departure of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain last week. Will it reset the direction of Number 10, or are more comprehensive changes needed? Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson, 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@spectat...

Nov 18, 202019 min

Has devolution been a disaster?

Boris Johnson told northern MPs last night that he thought Scottish devolution had been a 'disaster', a comment that was immediately disowned by the Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross. Katy Balls talks 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/privacy for...

Nov 17, 202013 min

Can a self-isolating Boris reset his premiership?

Boris Johnson has been told to self-isolate by contact tracers after meeting with a Covid positive MP last week. It comes just as the PM was expected to reset his premiership following the departure of Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain. Gus Carter is joined by Fraser Nelson 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@spectato...

Nov 16, 202015 min

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 15/11/20

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's interview shows. Highlights today come from Simon Coveney, George Eustice, Professor Ugur Sahin, Jo Stevens and Gordon Brown. 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....

Nov 15, 202013 min

What do special advisers actually do?

Dominic Cummings walked out of No. 10 Downing Street last night – but what did he actually do in there? Katy Balls is joined by Fraser Nelson and Peter Cardwell, a former SpAd and author of The Secret Life of Special Advisers . 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 inf...

Nov 14, 202024 min

Who will replace Dominic Cummings?

Boris Johnson's chief aide has said that he'll be gone by Christmas – so what does that mean for Downing Street operations? Katy Balls is joined by 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/privacy for more information....

Nov 13, 202015 min

Has Vote Leave lost control?

Downing Street has seen a day of backstabbing and counter-briefings after Dominic Cummings ally Lee Cain resigned as Boris Johnson's director of communications. John Connolly talks to Fraser Nelson 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....

Nov 12, 202014 min

Could the vaccine trigger another Tory divide?

Backbench Tory MPs are questioning the government's plan for rolling out the vaccine. Meanwhile, rumours over a new Downing Street chief of staff have triggered a spat inside No. 10. Gus Carter 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/podcasts . Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mor...

Nov 11, 202011 min

Why is No. 10 so cautious about a Covid vaccine?

The Pfizer vaccine is being lauded by many as the silver bullet that could end the Covid crisis. Meanwhile, the UK has seen a record number of redundancies. Also, No. 10 suffered serious defeat in the Lords last night over its controversial Brexit bill. Katy Balls talks 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 u...

Nov 10, 202015 min

Are we on the brink of a Covid vaccine?

The drugs firm Pfizer has announced that its vaccine — currently in stage three trials — is 90% effective. Meanwhile, Britain and the EU are entering the final stage of trade negotiations. Finally, No. 10 is ramping up its inquiry to discover who leaked news of England's second lockdown. 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...

Nov 09, 202014 min

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 08/11/20

Isabel Hardman presents the best bits from Sunday's political programmes. Today's highlights come from Dominic Raab, General Sir Nick Carter, Sajid Javid, Emily Thornberry and Senator Chris Coons. 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....

Nov 08, 202012 min

Can the NHS cope with Covid?

At Thursday's coronavirus press conference, Sir Simon Stevens, chief executive of the NHS, said a second wave 'is real and it's serious', as he warned that 11,000 people were already in hospital with the virus. Is the NHS able to cope with another spike in infections, and has the government adequately prepared for winter? Kate Andrews speaks to Fraser Nelson and Dave West, deputy editor of the Health Service Journal. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go ...

Nov 07, 202025 min

Was the three tier system working all along?

As Liverpool begins it's mass testing trial, ONS figures published today show that the coronavirus infection rate was fell in the week ending October 31. So was the tiered system working all along, meaning the new lockdown is unnecessary? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the new data, Scottish independence, and the US election. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator po...

Nov 06, 202014 min

Has Rishi Sunak lost the argument?

The Chancellor announced new furlough measures today, something that he has long been opposed to. Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and James Forsyth about whether or not Rishi Sunak has lost the argument. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be in for a chance to win a bottle of Pol Roger champagne by filling out our podcast survey. Visit spectator.co.uk/podcastsurvey . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more...

Nov 05, 202014 min

Should the government take a stance on the US election?

Dominic Raab refused to comment on Donald Trump's claims of election 'fraud' this morning, after the President said he planned to contest the result in the Supreme Court. Boris Johnson also refrained from being drawn into a conversation about the race, saying at PMQs that the UK would not comment 'on the democratic processes of our friends and allies'. Is the the government right not to take a stance? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be i...

Nov 04, 202013 min

Is mass testing the way out of lockdown?

As England heads into a second lockdown, today brings a glimmer of hope. Liverpool will be the first UK city to undergo mass testing, including a fast turnaround saliva test. John Connolly talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth about whether Moonshot, this time around, is more realistic. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be in for a chance to win a bottle of Pol Roger champagne by filling out our podcast survey. Visit spectator.co.uk/podcastsurvey . Become a Spectator subscriber today to ...

Nov 03, 202016 min

Why a Tory lockdown rebellion should worry Boris

After Boris Johnson announced that England would be put into another nationwide lockdown this Thursday, backbench Tory MPs quickly made their opposition known. Graham Brady, chairman of the powerful 1922 Committee, said the restrictions would be denounced 'as a form of evil' if enforced in a totalitarian state. But with Labour's backing meaning the measures will pass, why should a Conservative rebellion worry the PM? Fraser Nelson speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscr...

Nov 02, 202018 min

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 01/11/20

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with Michael Gove, Sir Keir Starmer, David Miliband and Dame Carolyn Fairbairn. 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....

Nov 01, 202011 min

Lockdown Part Two - Is England back to square one?

Katy Balls, James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson discuss the Prime Minister's latest announcement. 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....

Oct 31, 202016 min

Is a second national lockdown imminent?

The whole of England could be put into lockdown again, reports this morning claim, as coronavirus cases continue to rise at a rate above the worst-case scenario modelled by SAGE. It comes as newly published minutes from the first week of October show the advisory group pushed the government to take action sooner. 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...

Oct 31, 202017 min

A glimpse of normality with Swedish historian Johan Norberg

Kate Andrews interviews Swedish historian Johan Norberg in a Stockholm cafe about what we can and can't learn from the Swedish Covid experience and the importance of liberty and trust in a functioning democracy. 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....

Oct 31, 202030 min

Will there be a Labour civil war?

Though there are grumblings from the left of the Labour party over Corbyn's suspension, Keir Starmer has taken today to set the narrative in his favour. The polls, showing Labour in the lead, also help. Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth about how Starmer may have nipped a civil war in the bud. 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...

Oct 30, 202015 min

Can the Labour left resist Keir Starmer?

Labour is truly under new leadership as Jeremy Corbyn gets suspended from the party today. The left of the party is clearly not happy - but can they do anything about the new direction of the party? John Connolly talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be in for a chance to win a bottle of Pol Roger champagne by filling out our podcast survey. Visit spectator.co.uk/podcastsurvey . Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts....

Oct 29, 202011 min

Can Boris Johnson resist a national lockdown?

SAGE warned that the second wave of Covid-19 could be worse than the first, and that the whole of England could be in Tier-3 by Christmas, reports today claim. With Emmanuel Macron also expected to announce another national lockdown in France tonight, can Boris Johnson continue to resist doing the same? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be in for a chance to win a bottle of Pol Roger champagne by filling out our podcast survey. Visit s...

Oct 28, 202012 min

Is levelling up still viable in the age of Covid?

More than 50 Tory MPs have signed a letter organised by Jake Berry's Northern Research Group, urging the government to not forget its pledge to level up the North. But does Boris Johnson need to recalibrate his ambitions in the age of Covid? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and John Connolly. Tell us your thoughts on our podcasts and be in for a chance to win a bottle of Pol Roger champagne by filling out our podcast survey. Visit spectator.co.uk/podcastsurvey . Become a Spectator subscriber toda...

Oct 27, 202010 min

Is a free school meals U-turn inevitable?

Boris Johnson said the government would 'do everything in our power' to ensure children wouldn't go hungry over Christmas, after backlash over their refusal to extend free school meals over the holiday. Tory MPs have criticised the position following a campaign by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford, with Sir Bernard Jenkin saying the government had 'misunderstood the mood of the country'. Is a U-turn now inevitable? John Connolly speaks to James Forsyth and Cindy Yu. Become a Spectator...

Oct 26, 202013 min

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 25/10/20

Isabel Hardman brings you the best of Sunday's political shows, with Brandon Lewis, Bernard Jenkin, Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Vaughan Gething and Dr Anthony Fauci. 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....

Oct 25, 202014 min

Will there be a 'special relationship' under a Biden presidency?

Many on this side of the pond and on the stateside believe that there is a natural affinity between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump. So what will Anglo-American relations be like under a President Biden? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Sir Christopher Meyer, former Ambassador to Washington, about the opportunities and the pitfalls. 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 spect...

Oct 24, 202019 min
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