Coffee House Shots The Spectator

Rishi Sunak has returned to one of his pet bugbears: getting the unemployed back into work. His speech to the Centre for Social Justice this morning was peppered with his favourite facts about the post-pandemic welfare crisis embroiling Britain. Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Sunak's top team is considering another ban: smartphones for teens. A consultation is due to begin this month that will question whether children need a smartphone, and if social media should require age verification. Could the debate bring the party together? 

Also, there's another suspension in Westminster. Mark Menzies has been suspended after claims he made a late night call to ask for money to pay off 'bad people'. He strongly disputes the claims. 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. 

Produced by Megan McElroy. 

The day after her book was published, Rishi Sunak faced down questions from Keir Starmer and Labour members at PMQs about Liz Truss. While he had his replies at the ready, the questions underscored the main issue for Sunak: how should he deal with his predecessor? 

Also on the podcast, there is more inflation news for the Government, and how will Starmer deal with internal party discipline?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

It’s not just Britain that has a growth problem. Today’s release of the IMF’s April 2024 World Economic Outlook report argues that the global economy is following the lacklustre trend. Within this bleak picture, how does the UK look compared to its counterparts?

Also on the podcast, MPs are set to vote this evening on the government's generational smoking ban. Is Rishi Sunak a 'finger wagging control freak' as Liz Truss claims? How many could rebel? 

James Heale speaks Katy Balls and Kate Andrews. 

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson. 

It's 18 months since Liz Truss left Downing Street and her new memoir, Ten Years to Save the West, is out. She gave her first interview to Fraser Nelson on Spectator TV, covering why she wants to abolish the Supreme Court, Donald Trump, her husband's warning that her leadership bid would end in tears, and so much more.  

You can listen to the full interview on Spectator TV – don't forget to subscribe:
https://youtu.be/fPwqsrI0L8Y?si=pguuktDZ5UB7zFCD

We also cover Iran's missile attack on Israel, and what might come next. 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. 

Produced by Megan McElroy. 

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows.

After Iran’s first direct attack on Israel, conflict in the Middle East has reached a dangerous new phase. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins confirms British military planes are in action in the region. Yvette Cooper says the focus must be on de-escalation. Green co-leader Carla Denyer says the Israeli strike against an Iranian consulate in Damascus broke international law, but Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman claims that the consulate was actually being used by Iranian military. And Atkins defends her party’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will ban smoking for anyone born after 2009 if it goes through this week.

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.