Coffee House Shots

Latest Episodes:

Labour’s ‘levelling up’ agenda – Michael Gove interviews Steve Reed Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

On the eve of Labour’s party conference, the Spectator's editor Michael Gove sits down with Steve Reed MP, the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The government has announced an historic £5 billion package of funding for 'national renewal' – designed to revive high streets, parks and public spaces. Reed explains how he thinks Labour can win back 'forgotten' communities through building 1.5 million houses through this Parliament, allocating fair funding for councils and devolving more powers to local government. Is this Labour's own 'levelling up' agenda?

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ID cards are back: will they work? Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

The Labour machine has whirred into gear to try and contain a certain Northern mayor’s mischievous interventions this week, by announcing a big controversial piece of policy. The news that ID cards – Tony Blair’s pet project – will be introduced has splashed all the front pages, demoting Andy Burnham to yesterday’s news. It’s a policy with broad public support, but with a passionate minority opposition including the leaders of the other major parties. The fact that it is being rebranded as a ‘Brit card’ with the aim of tackling the migration crisis has also ruffled a few feathers. Will it work politically? And, more importantly, will it work in practice?

Lucy Dunn speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starmer's make-or-break conference Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Labour conference kicks off this weekend in Liverpool – but the mood going in is far from triumphant.

On today's Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn is joined by Tim Shipman and More in Common’s Luke Tryl to take the temperature ahead of Labour’s big set-piece. They discuss why some voters already see Starmer as ‘just as bad as the lot that came before’, and whether Labour can turn things around with new policies aimed at revitalising local communities – from saving libraries and pubs to giving residents more power over development.

There is also a fascinating hypothetical poll in which an Andy Burnham-led Labour party outpaces Reform UK, turning a deficit into a narrow lead. Luke explains how Burnham’s appeal lies less in his own charisma than in Labour’s ability to win back disillusioned supporters from the Lib Dems and the undecided.

But if Labour is struggling to meet expectations, Reform faces its own dilemmas. Farage’s recent flirtation with fringe debates – from vaccine-sceptic speakers to entertaining Trump's edict on paracetamol – risks alienating the mainstream voters. As Tim and Luke point out, Reform’s future depends on whether it can stay focused on bread-and-butter issues like immigration and the cost of living, or whether it strays into conspiratorial territory.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is 'Manchesterism'? Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Andy Burnham, Manchester’s mayor and self-styled champion of the North, is openly flirting with a return to Westminster just days before the Labour Party conference. In a revealing interview, he outlined his 'Manchesterism' – a blend of business-friendly socialism and public control of essential services – though what that actually means remains unclear. Typically, he is full of inconsistencies, criticising Westminster and how it 'makes you look false', while openly seeking a route back. Does he see the irony?

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faces challenges on multiple fronts: his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is embroiled in a controversy over nearly £740,000 of undisclosed donations to Labour Together, threatening to overshadow conference proceedings.

Labour’s conference promises to be anything but dull, but who will steal the headlines: Burnham or McSweeney?

Lucy Dunn speaks to Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ed Davey pitches himself as the anti-Farage Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

The Liberal Democrat party conference in Bournemouth has concluded with a speech from leader Sir Ed Davey. While the current crop of Liberal Democrats are the most successful third-party in 100 years, they have faced questions about why they aren't cutting through more while Nigel Farage is. It's something Davey is aware of and – hoping to exploit how divisive the leader of Reform is – he sought to pitch himself as the anti-Farage. Will it work?

Plus, more bad news for the Chancellor. Labour had pledged to aim for the highest growth in the G7. New figures from the OECD did upgrade their global growth forecast, including for Britain, but projected that the UK would see the highest inflation across the G7. How bad is this for Rachel Reeves?

James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farage goes after Boris Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

Nigel Farage has unveiled his most radical immigration plan yet – scrapping indefinite leave to remain for migrants – in a move designed to reverse the so-called 'Boriswave.' James Heale explains how this would affect hundreds of thousands already living in the UK, why the party claims it could save £250 billion, and whether any of it is remotely feasible.

Meanwhile, Keir Starmer has formally recognised Palestine as a state, a decision hailed by many Labour MPs but criticised by others as diplomatically reckless. And, to round off a busy political Monday morning, the government has approved a second runway at Gatwick – but will it really boost growth before the next election?

Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Tim Shipman.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 21/09/2025 Sep 21, 2025

Show notes

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

The UK has officially recognised the state of Palestine. In the morning of Keir Starmer's announcement, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy explains Labour's reasoning, while Mel Stride criticises the government's timing.

Elsewhere, Ed Davey builds up to the Lib Dem conference by calling for Elon Musk's arrest.

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should Britain recognise Palestine? Sep 20, 2025

Show notes

The government is expected to press ahead with recognition of Palestinian statehood, before a formal declaration at the United Nations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer set out plans earlier this year to recognise Palestine – but what does this actually mean? And what does the move actually achieve; is it driven by principle, by politics – or by pressure from within his own party?

Michael Stephens of RUSI and Gabriel Pogrund of the Sunday Times join James Heale to assess the significance of this shift. They discuss the backlash from countries like the US, the unease within Labour ranks and the growing tension between domestic politics and Britain’s standing with allies in the Middle East. France, Australia and Canada, close allies of Britain, announced their own plans to recognise Palestine, yet the US has condemned any move. What does Starmer’s recognition of Palestine mean for the UK’s relationship with the US? And is Starmer at risk of being outflanked – both at home and abroad?

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the 'Your Party' meltdown Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Who would have thought it? Jeremy Corbyn’s insurgent party co-venture with Zarah Sultana seems to have imploded before it even got going. On Thursday, 'Your Party' supporters received an email from Zarah Sultana detailing how they could sign up for a £55 membership. Soon after, Jeremy Corbyn released a statement – co-signed by the so-called Gaza independent MPs that make up the as-yet-untitled party – which dismissed Sultana’s email as ‘unauthorised’, and that they were seeking legal advice.

James Heale describes how it has the air of a 'South American coup', with both sides briefing against each other, including Zarah Sultana’s camp accusing Jeremy Corbyn of overseeing a ‘sexist boys’ club’. It is all getting very personal, and the disagreement seems to stem from a fundamental clash of egos between the two founders. Is this mortal for the party? And who stands to benefit: Keir Starmer, or the Green party’s dynamic new leader, Zack Polanski?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Sienna Rodgers, deputy editor of The House Magazine and ‘Your Party’ whisperer.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump’s state visit was a ‘news bonanza’ Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Donald Trump has been in the UK this week on an unprecedented second state visit – an honour that he said last night at a state dinner he ‘hopes’ is reserved only for him, to much amusement in the room.

Humility doesn’t come naturally to the President, but he does seem genuinely humbled by the pomp and pageantry that comes with a state visit. Meanwhile, Trump-management and grandstanding on the world stage seem (bizarrely) to come naturally to the Prime Minister. Trump's visit – which threatened to be derailed by the sacking of the US ambassador Peter Mandelson over his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – has been a welcome reprieve from the tumult of domestic politics for Keir Starmer’s Labour party.

A tech deal has been agreed which involves investment from US tech companies in the UK to the tune of several billion pounds; there was some soft diplomacy between the Princess of Wales and the First Lady today, and this afternoon’s press conference wasn’t totally sidetracked by questions about Mandelson... although there are clearly some tensions bubbling under the surface, mainly on energy policy, Palestinian statehood and Ukraine. Was the visit a success?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Freddy Gray and Tim Shipman.

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected