Coffee House Shots

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Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale and many others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3 HRS AGO

LIVE: The Net Zero Debate | Liam Halligan & Lord Lilley vs Bob Ward & Shahrar Ali

For nearly two decades, net zero has sat at the heart of Britain’s policy agenda. Once framed as a clear moral imperative, it saw political parties promising to slash carbon emissions and ministers racing to position the UK as a leader on the international stage. But as economic pressures and global instability mount, that consensus is beginning to fray. Recent shocks – from the pandemic to war-driven energy crises – have exposed the fragility of supply chains and the risks of overreliance on external energy sources. While renewables like wind and solar can supplement carbon fuels, they also raise questions around cost, subsidy and reliability. At the same time, drilling for oil in the North Sea is penalised. So where does this leave Britain? As a relatively small contributor to global emissions, is the UK leading the way in adopting net zero – or putting its own economic resilience at risk? Listen here to a section of our recent live debate, where Lord Lilley and journalist Liam Halligan went up against Bob Ward, of the influential Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, and Shahrar Ali, former deputy leader of the Green party. Chaired by The Spectator’s assistant editor, Isabel Hardman. 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.

23 min
1 DAY AGO

The calm before Labour’s next storm

After a turbulent few weeks, Westminster is in limbo. Keir Starmer appears safe – for now – after Wes Streeting’s underwhelming resignation speech, and all eyes are turning to the Makerfield by-election on 18 June. Until then, the drama seems to have temporarily gone out of Labour’s leadership turmoil. Isabel Hardman and Noa Hoffman join Megan McElroy to discuss Starmer’s ‘pompous’ tone at PMQs, what is really going on with Wes Streeting, and the Essex icon causing a storm on Twitter and inside the Department for Education. 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.

15 min
2 DAYS AGO

Will the bond markets undo Burnham?

Andy Burnham’s campaign for Makerfield is already gathering pace, complete with Oasis soundtrack to a new campaign video. But as Labour’s would-be challenger tries to pitch himself as the man to replace Keir Starmer, questions remain over his economic credibility. Michael Simmons and Tim Shipman join Noa Hoffman to Burnham, the bond markets, and if Starmer can really dig in if Burnham wins the by-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 podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13 min
3 DAYS AGO

Burnham vs Reform: why Makerfield matters

The by-election in Makerfield is shaping up to be one of the most consequential contests in recent political history. On paper, the seat should be fertile ground for Reform: heavily Leave-voting, older than average and exactly the sort of ‘left behind’ constituency Nigel Farage hopes to win. But there is one complicating factor: Andy Burnham. The Mayor of Greater Manchester is hoping that his personal popularity can defy the political gravity of the seat and carry him back to Westminster – where, if he wins, Labour MPs may well carry him straight towards No. 10. But can Burnham survive Reform’s attacks on immigration, Brexit and his record? And could Wes Streeting’s intervention on rejoining the EU prove fatal in a seat like Makerfield? Tim Shipman is joined by Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, to discuss why this by-election could decide not just Labour’s next leader, but the future shape of British politics. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 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.

24 min
4 DAYS AGO

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 17/05/2026

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Lisa Nandy backs Keir Starmer, as ministers resign and potential leadership challengers circle. 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.

14 min
5 DAYS AGO

'It's an orgy of chaos': Steve Baker on how to oust a Prime Minister

On today’s Saturday shots, James Heale is joined by former Conservative MP Steve Baker to discuss the fallout from Wes Streeting’s resignation and the ‘orgy of chaos’ that has ensued. Steve takes James inside the dark arts of a Westminster coup: why numbers matter, why you should pay attention to individual grievances, the importance of discipline – and why Labour’s rebels may already be getting it wrong. As Andy Burnham plots his return, do the people of Makerfield really want to be caught up in a by-election that will not be about local issues? And is Burnham as good as he thinks he is? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 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.

13 min
6 DAYS AGO

LIVE: Steve Reed on Streeting, Burnham & what happened to levelling up?

In today’s podcast, Michael Gove is joined by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, at a Spectator event titled ‘Levelling Up vs Pride in Place’, sponsored by Autodesk. They discuss the evolution of government plans to empower local communities – from Big Society to Levelling Up and now Pride in Place – the challenges they face, the lessons that Labour is trying to learn from Conservative mistakes, and why continuity matters when it comes to governing. However, their conversation coincides with a time when Labour’s continuity of leadership is under serious threat, given Wes Streeting’s resignation and – live as Michael and Steve were in conversation – the decision by Josh Simons MP to relinquish his duties as the MP for Makerfield so Andy Burnham can begin the process of returning to the Commons. Listen as Steve – one of Keir Starmer’s closest allies and friends – digests the news and responds to those who think there is a ‘caped superhero that’s coming our way who has got all the answers to these problems’. 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.

21 min
14 MAY

Wesignation: does Streeting have a plan?

After days of deliberation, Wes Streeting has finally quit Keir Starmer’s government. At the stroke of 1 p.m., the Ilford MP resigned as Health Secretary in a two-page letter that laid out his differences with the Prime Minister. He details, at length, the results the pair have achieved in government and says they offer ‘good reasons for me to remain in post’. But: ‘As you know from our conversation earlier this week, having lost confidence in your leadership, I have concluded that it would be dishonourable and unprincipled to do so.’ So there we go – the starting gun has been fired on the Labour leadership race... or has it? Noa Hoffman, James Heale and Tim Shipman discuss how this carefully worded resignation leaves the door open for Andy Burnham. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 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.

18 min

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4.6

out of 5

89 Ratings

Cameron fan club

21/01/2024

jellyrolleric

Hi all 1. Have given a 5 star but not on the basis of the pap i have just listened to: how is camerons return going. 2. Having two cameron fanboys/girls on the podcast is not analysis rather a eulogy. 3. Cameron made some stunningly bad foreign policy decisions destroying Libya and bringing us the current open border situation. 4. Having an experienced useless actor hitting the ground running is not something to praise. 5. When you hear people talking about the uk punching up you know they have no grip on reality. The uk is just about able to send 20000 troops to nato for an exercise. Along with the 20 tanks, 16 boats its likely we will not be punching anyone. Try harder spectator. Regards Harvey
Dropping like Starmer’s ratings

7 May

OziMozzie

Was my favourite UK political podcast, but no more. Sure it’s got insight and commentary but the main presenter has turned it into a self congratulatory echo chamber. Thank goodness James H is still around to make it worthwhile.
Less snivelling from Gove pls

16/11/2024

Niqa5555

It was great until Gove wormed his way in. Now he ruins it all.
Splendid Britain

12/12/2022

luv abc

Favourite political podcast because of the quality and personable style of the presenter group. Thanks

Daily political analysis from The Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, James Heale and many others. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.