Coffee House Shots The Spectator
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- News
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Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.
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Can Humza Yousaf hang on?
Humza Yousaf faces the biggest crisis of his leadership to date – with his fate in the hands of former SNP leadership rival Ash Regan. Will Humza step down before he is pushed? Or is there a narrow gap through which the First Minister can fight on?
Lucy Dunn speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. -
Is this the beginning of the end for Humza Yousaf?
After two and a half years in government together, Humza Yousaf has terminated the SNP’s governing pact with the Scottish Greens. The decision was rubber stamped at a hastily arranged meeting of the Scottish cabinet on Thursday morning. It preempts a vote by rank-and-file Green members on whether to walk away from Yousaf’s government after he ditched a key climate target.
In response, The Scottish Conservatives have tabled a vote of no confidence vote. And the Yousaf might very well lose it, now the Greens are out of the government. What will this mean for the first minister?
Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn, Iain Macwhirter and Fraser Nelson.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson. -
Has Angela Rayner redeemed herself?
With Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer away, Oliver Dowden and Angela Rayner stepped in for PMQs today. Questions quickly turned to the long running row about Rayner's tax affairs. Did she redeem herself?
Also, the prime minister has announced further UK military spending, confirming it will rise to 2.5% of national income by 2030. Does the move cause problems for Keir Starmer?
Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.
Produced by Megan McElroy. -
Sunak’s Rwanda Bill finally passes parliament
After eight hours of debate on the Rwanda Bill, peers finally threw in the towel shortly after midnight. And with that, the Rwanda Bill became law, pending Royal Assent from the King. The two chambers have been engaged in a mammoth game of ping-pong for the past week, culminating in yesterday’s showdown on two final amendments. What comes next?
Kate Andrews speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson. -
Will there be a summer election?
This morning Rishi Sunak delivered a press conference making the case that the Rwanda Bill should become law today – and the government is ready for when it does. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about what could be an all-night parliamentary showdown on the Rwanda vote, and whether an early summer election is on the cards.
Produced by Natasha Feroze. -
Can things get worse for the SNP?
It's been quite the week for the SNP. Questions remain over the future of the Sandyford gender clinic, 'the tartan Tavistock'; the Scottish government ditched its flagship climate change target; and former party chief executive, and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell was rearrested on embezzlement charges.
What does this all mean for the SNP? Lucy Dunn speaks to Iain Macwhirter, columnist at The Times, and Shona Craven, columnist at The National.
Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons
Customer Reviews
Volume modulation?
Like the show but where is the producer? Volumes range all over the place. Sounds like some are close to their mikes and others are miles away. Irritating.
Short and sweet.
And surprisingly even-handed to both political wings. Good job!
More Kate Andrews!
Love the podcast already (even as an American who only tunes in religiously during election/leadership contests) but please invite Kate on more frequently!