It's been just over a week since Vladimir Putin began his invasion of Ukraine and in that time we have seen some truly unprecedented events: A former comedian leading an extremely effective homeland resistance against one of the world's largest armies, an estimated million people fleeing over the borders and a more unified Western response than we have seen in decades. Kate Andrews talks with The Spectator's Editor Fraser Nelson and its Deputy Editor Freddy Gray to assess the shocking events we ...
Mar 04, 2022•12 min
Though Britain has been sending weapons to Ukraine, and led Europe's push to get Russia taken out of the Swift banking system, the government has been criticised for being slow in sanctioning Russian oligarchs. What more should we be doing? Max Jeffery 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@spe...
Mar 03, 2022•10 min
PMQs began with a rather unorthodox but touching round of applause to welcome the Ukrainian ambassador to the chamber. While the Commons was united in its support of Ukraine and condemnation of Putin's actions, Labour leader Keir Starmer confronted Boris Johnson about certain Russian individuals who have been sanctioned by our allies but not by the UK. But why is Boris Johnson holding back? Though many talk about the close relationship between the Tories and Russian money, the bitter truth of th...
Mar 02, 2022•11 min
During a press conference in Poland today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was confronted by Ukrainian journalist and campaigner Daria Kaleniuk, who took issue with the excuse for not imposing a no-fly zone because it may start World War Three, saying it had already begun. While it is completely understandable that on the streets of Ukrainian cities that is how it must feel, the UK and the West are committed to not involving themselves with direct military action against Russia. Though the sanction...
Mar 01, 2022•10 min
Over the weekend, the West unveiled further measures to punish Russia for invading Ukraine. The European Union said it would put limits on the Russian central bank's ability to access its reserve of foreign currency, Finland blocked Russia from its airspace, and Germany pledged that it would increase its defence spending to 2 per cent. Has Putin underestimated western resolve? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this...
Feb 28, 2022•12 min
Isabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from today's political shows, featuring Liz Truss, David Lammy and Sir Chris Deverell. 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....
Feb 27, 2022•12 min
Katy Balls speaks to Kate Andrews and Tony Danker, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), about the Chancellor's Mais lecture on Thursday, where he reaffirmed his belief in 'sustainably' cutting taxes. 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...
Feb 26, 2022•11 min
Russian forces are attempting to take Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, said he would be spending the day trying to convince European allies like Germany and Italy, who are reluctant to put too harsh sanctions on Russia, to ban them from the Swift payments system. How else can the West put Putin under pressure? Max Jeffery speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfre...
Feb 25, 2022•12 min
Vladimir Putin has launched an attack on multiple fronts across Ukraine. In a televised speech, the Russian leader announced a 'military operation' in Ukraine's Donbas region. Today, Boris Johnson has vowed to hit Russia with a 'massive' package of sanctions. But who will really suffer from these sanctions? And will it be enough to deter stop Putin in his tracks? All to be discussed as Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth and Owen Matthews, The Spectator's Russia correspondent. Become a Spectator ...
Feb 24, 2022•15 min
For the last few weeks, the UK has condemned Putin and promised a strong response in the face of more Russian aggression. But when Boris Johnson announced his sanctions, for many, including those within his own party, they felt a little small. Particularly when compared to Germany cancelling the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Isabel Hardman talks with James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the UK's response to the Russian invasion. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts....
Feb 23, 2022•12 min
Last night Vladimir Putin gave an hour-long television address to the Russian people over his decision to move troops into Ukraine. Amid international condemnation, Boris Johnson held a Cobra meeting this morning to discuss the UK's next moves. Meanwhile, Germany has put the brakes on Nord Stream 2. ‘The ball is now back in Vladimir Putin’s court. This is at the maximal end of responses that were expected' - James Forsyth. Cindy Yu speaks to Katy Balls and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subsc...
Feb 22, 2022•11 min
With Boris Johnson set to announce the end of legal Covid restrictions later today, how will people respond? Will they continue to isolate, or choose to go about their life even if they have the virus? Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the change, as well as the continuing crisis in Ukraine. 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...
Feb 21, 2022•11 min
Isabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with today's guest stars including Boris Johnson, Wes Streeting and Michelle O'Neill. 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....
Feb 20, 2022•13 min
The government's Online Safety Bill could be about to hand social media giants even more powers over journalism and free speech. Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Damian Collins, who chairs Parliament's joint committee on the bill. 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...
Feb 19, 2022•24 min
Next week is the end of recess and Boris Johnson is expected to scrap universal access to free covid tests. What will be the reaction to this? 'You do have to wonder if tests are the best use of taxpayer's money given the pressure on the NHS ' - Fraser Nelson Also on the podcast, the Met Office has told millions to stay at home as Storm Eunice battles across the UK. Could this be another sign of the times? Cindy Yu is joined by Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls Become a Spectator subscriber today to ...
Feb 18, 2022•11 min
Angela Rayner received an outburst of criticism today after her views on shooting terrorists went viral. The deputy Labour leader is known for her colourful language, but how much is this damaging Labour's branding? In her column this week, Katy Balls takes a look at the Labour Party’s strategy around Boris: ‘I think Boris Johnson staying on is now good for them because he’s mortally wounded’ - Katy Balls. Also on the podcast, what is the latest British intelligence on Russia and Ukraine? All to...
Feb 17, 2022•11 min
Joe Biden has set out his intentions to impose sanctions against Russia should Putin decide to launch an invasion against Ukraine. Are European countries that economically rely on Russia for their energy prepared for the inevitable costs that will come with these sanctions? 'There is no way you could have a set of sanctions on Russia without thinking there will be some cost to the West for imposing them' - James Forsyth Also on the podcast, what's the latest with the Partygate police probe? All ...
Feb 16, 2022•10 min
Two issues dominate the news this week. While Putin is recalling some troops back to their barracks, the situation in Ukraine is far from over. Meanwhile at home, we are in a cost of living crisis that could continue for years to come. What will the government do to resolve this crisis? All to be discussed with Katy Balls and James Forsyth on today's Coffee House Shots. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For ...
Feb 15, 2022•12 min
Over the weekend things between Ukraine and Russia seem to have gone from bad to worse. After a call between Biden and Putin failed to yield any meaningful results, the US warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could being as soon as Wednesday. Cindy Yu sits down with Katy Balls and James Forsyth to discuss whether war is truly just days away. 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,...
Feb 14, 2022•11 min
Cindy Yu rounds up the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Brandon Lewis, Yvette Cooper, Derek Chollet and Zoë Billingham. 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....
Feb 13, 2022•12 min
During the Cold War, the US saw Russia as global threat number one. But with China looming large on the world stage its focus is shifting. This leaves Europe to take the lead in dealing with Putin's desires on Ukraine. Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Sophia Gaston the director of the British Foreign Policy Group about the growing tensions on the continent. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spe...
Feb 12, 2022•14 min
Cressida Dick announced yesterday evening that she is stepping down as head of the Metropolitan Police. In a statement, Dick said she had been left with 'no choice' but to resign, after it was made clear to her that London mayor Sadiq Khan did not have confidence in her leadership. Who will replace her? And what does her resignation mean for the investigation into parties in No. 10? Katy Balls speaks to James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go...
Feb 11, 2022•8 min
The Foreign Secretary's trip to Moscow today ended with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, walking out of their joint press conference. Did the trip achieve anything – and was it a mistake from the start? Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth on this episode. For James, '[Lavrov's] rudeness is a sign that Liz Truss held the line in their meeting'. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more. For more Spectator podcas...
Feb 10, 2022•9 min
The Prime Minister tried to start today's PMQs with an announcement to fire up the right of his base, an early end to all Covid restrictions. But the partygate scandal is the gift that keeps on giving when during the Commons session a new photo leaked of Boris Johnson at a Christmas quiz with a bottle of Prosecco and a colleague draped in tinsel. Isabel Hardman is joined by James Forsyth and Katy Balls to break down today's events in Westminster. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access thi...
Feb 09, 2022•9 min
A mini reshuffle has happened, but this time nobody has been fired. Is this an advertisement of Boris Johnson being strategic? Or is it more an advertisement of the little room he has to manoeuvre? Also on the podcast, James and Isabel discuss the NHS backlog. Today the Health Secretary was forced to admit to MPs that the NHS waiting list in England, which already stands at a record 6 million, will keep on growing for another two years. What are the holes in his new plan? All to be discussed as ...
Feb 08, 2022•15 min
On Saturday night, No. 10 announced two new appointments: Steve Barclay would become chief of staff, and Guto Harri would become director of communications. Will Downing Street's reshuffle improve the mood of Tory MPs? And what else does Boris Johnson have to do? Katy Balls talks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about the new faces inside No. 10. 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...
Feb 07, 2022•14 min
Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Featured today are Kwasi Kwarteng, Iain Duncan Smith, David Lammy, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, and Gavin Barwell. 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....
Feb 06, 2022•13 min
Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about what happens if and when Graham Brady receives 54 letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson's leadership. 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....
Feb 05, 2022•11 min
Five members of Boris Johnson's team have now resigned from No. 10. This led Downing Street to bring forward changes to Johnson's top team – announcing the resignations of chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, director of communications Jack Doyle and Martin Reynolds, his principal private secretary (who sent the now notorious BYOB email). How will the PM fill the vacuum they leave in No. 10? Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcas...
Feb 04, 2022•14 min
Munira Mirza, Downing Street's head of policy, has resigned over Boris Johnson’s Jimmy Savile attack on Keir Starmer. Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about how the defection of one of Johnson's oldest allies will affect an already turbulent No. 10. 'This does look terminal.' – Fraser Nelson 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 . Con...
Feb 03, 2022•17 min
