Podcast
Instant political analysis from the Spectator‘s top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, James Heale, Isabel Hardman, Cindy Yu, Kate Andrews and many others.
Instant political analysis from the Spectator‘s top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, James Heale, Isabel Hardman, Cindy Yu, Kate Andrews and many others.
Coffee House Shots
Graham Brady’s amendment to give backbenchers a vote over new coronavirus restrictions looks set to pass through the Commons this week, provided it is selected by the Speaker. With the government determined not to give MPs a say, can they avoid a showdown with Tory backbenchers? Cindy Yu speaks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.
Play 16 mins
Coffee House Shots
In her Telegraph column this week, Katy Balls writes about the Chancellor who everybody loves. But the road to No. 10 is not easy – what are the pitfalls Rishi Sunak could face in the months ahead? Cindy Yu talks to Katy and James Johnson, former pollster at No 10 and co-founder of J.L. Partners.
Play 14 mins
Coffee House Shots
Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, has tabled an amendment to the government’s Coronavirus Act to force a vote in Parliament on any new restrictions. A cross-party group of 40 MPs have signed the amendment, including moderate Tories like Damian Green and Iain Duncan Smith. But why have they chosen to move against
Play 15 mins
Coffee House Shots
After new restrictions were announced this week by the prime minister, Rishi Sunak today unveiled his Winter Economy Plan. Telling the Commons that he ‘cannot save every business’, the chancellor said that the government would pay up to 22 per cent of workers’ wages. The package may be generous, but is it a sign that
Play 13 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 12 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 20 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 11 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 21 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 13 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 16 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 12 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 14 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 13 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 19 mins
Coffee House Shots
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?
Play 10 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 11 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 12 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 16 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 10 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 10 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 15 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 14 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 13 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 11 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 18 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 17 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 12 mins
Coffee House Shots
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.
Play 13 mins
Coffee House Shots
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’.
Play 15 mins
Coffee House Shots
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
Play 13 mins