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Online Safety Act: are Labour or the Tories worse on free speech? Aug 02, 2025

Show notes

Is the Online Safety Act protecting children – or threatening free speech? Michael Simmons hosts John Power, who writes the Spectator's cover piece this week on how the Act has inadvertently created online censorship. Implemented and defended by the current Labour government, it is actually the result of legislation passed by the Conservatives in 2023 – which Labour did not support at the time, arguing it didn’t go far enough.

Michael and John joined by former Conservative MP Miriam Cates who defends the core aims and principles at the heart of the Act. They debate the principles of Big Tech, the risks of government overreach and whether freedom of expression is under threat.

Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.

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Why can't we agree on data? Aug 01, 2025

Show notes

John O’Neill and Sam McPhail, the Spectator’s research and data team, join economics editor Michael Simmons to re-introduce listeners to the Spectator’s data hub. They take us through the process between the data hub and how their work feeds into the weekly magazine. From crime to migration, which statistics are the most controversial? Why can’t we agree on data? Plus – whose data is presented better, the Americans or the French?

For more from the Spectator’s data hub – which may, or may not look like the thumbnail photo – go to: data.spectator.co.uk

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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Will the junior doctors regret picking a fight with Wes? Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

The dispute between the British Medical Association (BMA) – a trade union for doctors – and the government continues, following the five-day strike by junior doctors. Doctors argue that pay is still far below relative levels from almost two decades ago, combined with the cost of study, the cost of living and housing crises, as well as challenging conditions within the NHS. Nevertheless, with an average pay rise of 5.4% for resident doctors this year, support for the strikes appears to be falling – both with the public at large, and within the BMA. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has hit back at the BMA and said they 'will not win a war with this government'.

Tim Shipman and Lucy Dunn join Natasha Feroze to discuss whether the junior doctors are wise to pick a fight with Wes. First though they talk about the fallout from Keir Starmer's announcement of that the UK could recognise Palestinian statehood in September. Given the recognition is conditional, is Starmer's position the worst of both worlds?

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Natasha Feroze.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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Could Reform's Scottish surge provoke indyref2? Jul 30, 2025

Show notes

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney unveiled his strategy for pursuing a second independence referendum this week, arguing that an SNP majority at next year's Holyrood elections is the only way to guarantee it. This is seen as an attempt to put Scottish independence back on the table as well as combat the rising popularity of Reform.

Pollster Mark Diffley of Diffley Partnership joins Lucy Dunn to unpack the SNP's independence strategy. Mark points out that while Reform are consistently outperforming expectations, their support still primarily comes from ex-Conservatives. This, plus the unpopularity of the current UK Labour government, could provide the SNP with an opening to exploit and shore up nationalist support. Could next year's Holyrood election be the most consequential election of the devolution era so far?

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Natasha Feroze.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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How much pressure is Starmer facing over Gaza? Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Keir Starmer says the UK will recognise a Palestinian state at a UN meeting in September unless Israel meets certain conditions. As the UN warns of famine and aid agencies are raising concern about widespread starvation, countries are coming under pressure to change their approach and influence Israel. The UK's announcement follows Emmanuel Macron’s decision that France will do so in September and after more than 200 cross-party MPs signed a letter endorsing recognition.

Political editor Tim Shipman and senior associate fellow at RUSI Michael Stephens join deputy political editor James Heale to discuss the situation. Plus, as Donald Trump’s visit to Scotland comes to an end, they discuss the surprising nuance in Trump’s position on Israel which was evident when he met Starmer yesterday.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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What should we make of the Starmer-Trump relationship? Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

It’s often the rotator blades of Marine One that blare over Donald Trump’s voice as he stands near the helipad on the south lawn of the White House. In Turnberry, Scotland, it was bagpipes. Trump, playing host to the British Prime Minister in Britain, performed his now familiar ingratiation ritual as he welcomed Sir Keir and Lady Victoria Starmer to his golf course. “Our relationship is unparalleled,” he said, above the din. He flattered the PM’s wife and even suggested, in his delightful nonsensical way, that she is a well-known figure all over the United States.

Lucy Dunn is joined by US editor Freddy Gray and political editor Tim Shipman to discuss what the trip means, and what we should make of the Starmer-Trump relationship.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 27/07/2025 Jul 27, 2025

Show notes

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

Kemi Badenoch does the rounds, giving her view on the war in Gaza, immigration, and the new party on the left.

And, after France officially recognises the state of Palestine, will the UK government follow suit?

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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Katie Lam on immigration, benefits and the border: ‘generosity has become naivety’ Jul 26, 2025

Show notes

Katie Lam became an MP in 2024 after a career in finance. She's also an accomplished scriptwriter, having co-written five musicals. She's one of the most exciting new intake MPs, and she's ruffling feathers in Westminster and beyond. She joins political editor Tim Shipman to discuss everything from her vision for the country to the ECHR, and shares her political ambitions.

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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Can the left get its act together? Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana have finally launched their new party, but it's off to a bumpy start. They unveiled 'Your Party', but had to quickly clarify that was not in fact the new party's name, and that will be decided on by a member's vote. He also had to play down claims of a split already.

However, if the so-called Gaza independents join forced with Sultana and Corbyn, the organisation that's not called Your Party could have enough MPs to outnumber Reform UK. What does it mean for the left – and can they get their act together?

Elsewhere, Tim discusses the slightly more organised Reform UK, the subject he wrote about in this week's magazine – and how it's no longer a case of can they win, but can anything stop them.

Megan McElroy discusses with Tim Shipman and James Heale.

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.

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Keir’s Indian Summer Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

The UK has finally signed a free-trade deal with India after three-and-a-half years of negotiation. The agreement will open up trade for cars, whisky, clothing and food products, with ministers claiming it will boost the British economy by £4.8 billion. For Keir Starmer, it offers much-needed economic and political good news. For Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, it shows that the £3 trillion Indian economy is willing to shake off its protectionist tradition and open up to international investors.

Lucy Dunn discusses with James Heale and Michael Simmons.

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.

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