Coffee House Shots

Latest Episodes:

Can Netanyahu cling on? Inside Israel’s election deadlock Oct 31, 2026

Show notes

In this Saturday edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale is joined by Noa Hoffman, who has been reporting on the election from Israel, and former Foreign Office special adviser Ben Judah to unpack the results.

They discuss the historic turnout among Arab Israeli voters, the growing influence of ultra-Orthodox parties and why, despite the failures of October 7, Netanyahu continues to command support.

Plus: could an unlikely alliance between Jewish and Arab parties reshape Israeli politics?

Produced by Abigail Brierley

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The OBR's verdict on Healey Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

John Healey’s budget on Wednesday contained 98 measures, the most since 2010, and yet the OBR appears to be questioning the extent of his £15 billion in headroom. Tim Shipman speaks to the OBR’s David Miles about a tax take heading for a post-war high, the cuts pencilled in for the end of the parliament, and why, by his reckoning, Britain is 25% poorer than it expected to be in 2008.

Produced by Henry Lloyd

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The Spectator's post-Budget briefing Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

The Spectator’s editor Michael Gove, political editor Tim Shipman, economics editor Michael Simmons, economist and CEO of the Great British Business Council Catherine McBride and Harry Bell, director of financial planning at Raymond James, will give their insights into the autumn Budget, just hours after it is announced.

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Healey's 'breathing space' budget – was that it? Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Chancellor John Healey has just delivered his first Budget of the Burnham premiership – but has he done enough to turn the economy around?

In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Economics Editor Michael Simmons and Deputy Political Editor James Heale unpack the Budget, from £100 energy payments and downgraded growth forecasts to what this means for Britain’s banks.

But is the Chancellor offering households genuine breathing space? And with the markets barely reacting post Budget, has Labour missed its chance to make a bold economic statement?

Plus: what does the Budget mean for the prospect of an early election next spring?

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Abigail Brierley.

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Kwasi Kwarteng: what could go wrong for Burnham's budget Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

Former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng joins Tim Shipman and James Heale to discuss the challenges facing the government ahead of tomorrow’s Budget. How close is the relationship between Number 10 and Number 11? And how much influence has Andy Burnham had on the Chancellor’s plans?

How are Labour MPs feeling about a Chancellor they see as short on imagination? Plus, how should the Conservatives respond to the Budget – and what does Kwarteng make of Liz Truss’s new book?

Produced by Abigail Brierley.

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Burnham's first budget – trick or treat? Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

Budget week is finally here but it's also the week of Hallowe'en so Patrick Gibbons asks James Heale and Michael Simmons: will Burnham's first budget be one of tricks or treats? There have been a drip-feed of announcements over the weekend, from pensions to rough sleeping, so what have we learnt about the Budget on Wednesday – and about Burnhamism more generally?

Plus: a sign of hope or the wrong message – we discuss whether John Healey should drink at the despatch box.

You can catch the Spectator's livestream events on Wednesday, following the Budget, at spectator.co.uk/tv

Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

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Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 25/10/2026 Oct 25, 2026

Show notes

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

The Budget is fast approaching, and Andy Burnham wants to talk about freedom of movement.

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SAS witch hunt: is Britain betraying its own special forces? Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

Just days after The Sunday Times revealed that five SAS soldiers were sent back into the war zone while under a three-year murder investigation, MPs passed the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which the SAS Regimental Association has threatened to challenge in the High Court. To understand it's implications, Tim Shipman speaks to Richard Williams, former commanding officer of the SAS, about lawfare, the chain of command and what it means for Britain’s standing with Washington.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Henry Lloyd

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EXCL: Andy Haldane turns on Burnham’s Budget plans Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

Andy Burnham’s first Budget as Prime Minister is approaching – but have higher borrowing costs already made the sums more difficult for the Prime Minister and his Chancellor, John Healey? Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane joins Michael Simmons to warn that Britain has little room left to borrow more.

In this segment from the Reality Check podcast, they discuss what could appear in next week’s Budget, Andy's thoughts about a potential wealth tax and the difficulties faced by the Bank of England.

To listen to the full episode, search for Reality Check wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on The Spectator’s YouTube channel.

Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Henry Lloyd.

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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24 hours with Nigel Farage Oct 22, 2026

Show notes

On today’s Coffee House Shots, James Heale reports back after spending 24 hours with Reform leader Nigel Farage. It’s a fascinating time to get access to Reform HQ: the party has been rocked by a succession of sting operations, they await the verdict on the £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, and Farage's favourability ratings are in the doldrums. How is Farage holding up? And does he still have the zeal for campaigning?

Also today, Michael Simmons and Tim Shipman have written The Spectator’s definitive guide to next week’s Budget. What should we expect from the Chancellor?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.

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.

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