Coffee House Shots

Will Brits with Covid still self-isolate?

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With Boris Johnson set to announce the end of legal Covid restrictions later today, how will people respond? Will they continue to isolate, or choose ...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 20/02/22

20 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with today's guest stars including Boris Johnson, Wes Streeting and Michelle O'...

Could Nick Clegg end up as the most powerful man in Britain?

19 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The government's Online Safety Bill could be about to hand social media giants even more powers over journalism and free speech. Katy Balls speaks to...

Should Boris scrap free Covid tests?

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Next week is the end of recess and Boris Johnson is expected to scrap universal access to free covid tests. What will be the reaction to this?'You do ...

Is Rayner in trouble with Labour?

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Rayner received an outburst of criticism today after her views on shooting terrorists went viral. The deputy Labour leader is known for her col...

What will be the cost of sanctions against Russia?

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Biden has set out his intentions to impose sanctions against Russia should Putin decide to launch an invasion against Ukraine. Are European countr...

Can the government solve the cost of living crisis?

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Two issues dominate the news this week. While Putin is recalling some troops back to their barracks, the situation in Ukraine is far from over. Meanwh...

Why do the Americans think war is imminent?

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Over the weekend things between Ukraine and Russia seem to have gone from bad to worse. After a call between Biden and Putin failed to yield any meani...

Cindy Yu's Sunday Roundup - 13/02/22

13 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu rounds up the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Brandon Lewis, Yvette Cooper, Derek Chollet and Zoë Billingham.Become a Spectat...

Does Europe need to get used to dealing with Russia?

12 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

During the Cold War, the US saw Russia as global threat number one. But with China looming large on the world stage its focus is shifting. This leaves...

Who will replace Cressida Dick?

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cressida Dick announced yesterday evening that she is stepping down as head of the Metropolitan Police. In a statement, Dick said she had been left wi...

Should Liz Truss have gone to Russia?

10 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Foreign Secretary's trip to Moscow today ended with Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, walking out of their joint press conference. Did the ...

Will there ever be a break in the partygate scandal?

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister tried to start today's PMQs with an announcement to fire up the right of his base, an early end to all Covid restrictions. But the ...

What to make of the mini reshuffle?

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A mini reshuffle has happened, but this time nobody has been fired. Is this an advertisement of Boris Johnson being strategic? Or is it more an advert...

Will Boris's new appointments win over backbenchers?

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On Saturday night, No. 10 announced two new appointments: Steve Barclay would become chief of staff, and Guto Harri would become director of communica...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 06/02/22

06 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Featured today are Kwasi Kwarteng, Iain Duncan Smith, David Lammy, Sir Jeffrey Dona...

What happens in a vote of no confidence?

05 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about what happens if and when Graham Brady receives 54 letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson'...

Who will fill the vacuum in No. 10?

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Five members of Boris Johnson's team have now resigned from No. 10. This led Downing Street to bring forward changes to Johnson's top team – announc...

What does the latest No. 10 resignation mean?

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Munira Mirza, Downing Street's head of policy, has resigned over Boris Johnson’s Jimmy Savile attack on Keir Starmer.Katy Balls talks to James Forsy...

Was the levelling up white paper worth the wait?

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While Westminster politicians and journalists alike continue to predict exactly how many letters of no confidence in Boris Johnson have been officiall...

Have Tory MPs forgiven Boris?

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While Boris Johnson's performance in the Common's yesterday was seen broadly as tone deaf – thanks to comments about Jimmy Savile and drug-taking on...

What does the Gray report mean for Boris?

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The long anticipated Sue Gray report was finally published today albeit lacking significant chucks of details. Following the report Boris Johnson made...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 30/01/22

30 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman showcases the best bits from Sunday's interview shows. In the spotlight today are Liz Truss, Lisa Nandy and Sir Ed Davey.Become a Spect...

Can Boris save his premiership?

29 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson has come out fighting, but that doesn't mean he's in the clear. Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls about the Prime Minister'...

Will Sue Gray's report be a whitewash?

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today the Met Police requested that Sue Gray's report makes 'minimal reference' to the events in her inquiry, whilst there is an ongoing police invest...

Who authorised Pen Farthing's animal rescue operation?

27 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whilst everyone waits for the Sue Gray report, all eyes turn to the next scandal: Pen Farthing's animal rescue operation out of Afghanistan. It has be...

How much longer to wait for Gray?

26 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The view on the Tory benches at the moment seems to be consistently ‘wait for Gray’ before they decide whether or not they will send a letter of n...

What does the police probe mean for Boris?

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The latest in the scandal of Downing Street parties points to the Prime Minister’s own birthday, where a gathering took place in the Cabinet Office....

How damaging are Nusrat Ghani's claims?

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Over the weekend the MP Nusrat Ghani accused the government of sacking her because allegedly her Muslim faith was an issue, and they thought she didn'...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 23/01/22

23 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with Dominic Raab, Emily Thornberry, Nicola Sturgeon and Vadym Prystaiko. Beco...

What is Vladimir Putin up to?

22 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and the Spectator's Russia correspondent Owen Matthews about the buildup of forces on the border with Ukraine.  Beco...

Did Boris's whips go too far?

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After Christian Wakeford's defection to Labour, Boris Johnson looks to be in the clear – for now. The Prime Minister's backbenchers, though, are sti...

Did Tory whips blackmail Red Wall MPs?

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

As the Prime Minister has a stay of execution after the pork pie plot came to nothing, today allegations are flying that Tory whips have been using un...

Is Boris safe for now?

19 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Last night rumours were flying around Westminster that letters of no confidence from Tory MPs were pouring in and Boris might be leaving sooner rather...

Will Red Wall MPs turn on Boris?

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To keep Partygate alive, Dominic Cummings has released fresh accusations on his blog about Boris Johnson, who he claims knew about the parties taking ...

Will Operation Red Meat work?

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tory MPs have just returned from their constituencies after a weekend of persuading voters to support their party in the May local elections. It’s n...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 16/01/22

16 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with interviewees Sir Keir Starmer, Oliver Dowden, and Iain Duncan Smith and Kurt V...

After Boris, who?

15 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls, James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson discuss what happens if Boris Johnson's premiership is overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Downing Street p...

Is Boris to blame for No. 10’s party culture?

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's been revealed that two more parties took place in No. 10 during the pandemic. This time, on the eve of Prince Philip's funeral. While the Prime M...

Is the cabinet really behind Boris?

13 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After a hard PMQs for Boris Johnson which included multiple MPs calling for his resignation, the cabinet took to the media to show support for their e...

Have Tory MPs finally had enough?

12 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson has finally commented on the accusations of a Downing Street garden party held in the first lockdown. Yet his defence – 'I believed im...

Can Boris survive another Partygate scandal?

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another party scandal at No.10. ‘Bring your own booze’ said Martin Reynolds, the Prime Minster's private secretary in a leaked email ...

How soon will Plan B restrictions lift?

10 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

With some early signs that the Omicron threat is waning, talk has begun around Westminster as to when we can get rid of the remaining Covid restrictio...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 09/01/22

09 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the first Sunday interviews roundup of the year. Highlights from today feature Nadhim Zahawi, Rachel Reeves and Dr Clive Kay....

Could the Cabinet save Boris's premiership?

08 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Despite a torrid time for the Prime Minister's popularity over the last few months, there may be a political revival on the horizon. His decision not ...

Have Boris's 'lost' texts fuelled the sleaze scandal?

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The ‘lost’ texts sent by Boris Johnson to Lord Brownlow over his Downing Street flat refurbishment continues to dominate the headlines today. As t...

Who let the Mogg out?

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In yesterday's Cabinet debate, Jacob Rees-Mogg called on Boris Johnson to abandon the planned hike in national insurance, amid warnings of a looming c...

Did Rayner get the better of Boris?

05 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The first PMQs of 2022 was a little different. It was Angela Rayner’s turn to step up to the dispatch box whilst Keir Starmer is isolating having te...

New year new Keir?

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer arrived in Birmingham today to deliver his agenda-setting speech, outlining Labour's vision for the future. The opposition leader had to ...

Has England dodged lockdown?

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The government has delayed making any announcements about further Covid restrictions in the face of Omicron for weeks. But with more data coming in ev...

What happened at Boris's Covid Cabinet meeting?

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson chaired a Cabinet meeting yesterday to discuss the imposition of new Covid restrictions over Christmas. After three hours, the Prime Min...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 19/12/21

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from the final Sunday interview shows of the year. Today's podcast features Sajid Javid, Andrew Bridgen, Wes St...

Why David Frost resigned

19 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson once boasted that you couldn't hold a cigarette paper between him and David Frost, the man he brought on to take Brexit over the line. Y...

Can Boris make it to the next election?

18 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and James Johnson, the co-founder of the J. L. Partners polling company, about what the Conservative defeat in North...

How did the Tories lose North Shropshire?

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Conservative majority of 23,000 was wiped out overnight in North Shropshire, with Liberal Democrat Helen Morgan winning the by-election by nearly ...

Is this lockdown by stealth?

16 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Today saw record numbers of Covid cases with infections higher than the January 2021 lockdown. In reaction to soaring cases, Boris Johnson held a pres...

Can Boris take back control?

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Last night Boris Johnson suffered the biggest rebellion of his Tory premiership. But, unlike his predecessor, he still managed to get his vote through...

What does a large rebellion mean for Boris?

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Whitty has told the public he expects a 'significant increase' in Omicron hospitalisations over the next few weeks. The chief medical offi...

How big could tomorrow's Tory rebellion be?

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls, James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about the contents of - and the potential fallout from - Boris Johnson's address to the ...

Cindy Yu's Sunday Roundup - 12/12/21

12 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with today's guests including Sir Keir Starmer, Nadhim Zahawi, Steve Baker and Dr Susan H...

Should Boris be worried about North Shropshire?

11 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman talks to Katy Balls and the New Statesman's Stephen Bush about the possibility of an upset next Thursday in the seat recently vacated b...

Is Boris in for a Christmas rebellion?

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson's problems are not going away anytime soon and he is facing extreme pressure on several fronts going into the weekend. Hypocrisy charges...

How much trouble is Boris in over his Downing Street flat?

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu speaks to Isabel Hardman and Kate Andrews about the level of Conservative support for the Prime Minister after his latest Covid restrictions,...

What's Boris's new Covid plan?

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about the contents of the Prime Minster's latest Covid press conference.Become a Spectato...

Partygate: how much trouble is Boris in?

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It is all kicking off in Westminster. A leaked video has emerged where the former Prime Minister's spokesperson is seen laughing when questioned abou...

How damning is the whistleblower's Afghanistan report?

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A new 40-page document written by Raphael Marshall, a former desk officer at the Foreign Office, depicts a disorganised mess in the handling of this y...

Will Boris's crime crackdown backfire?

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson is launching a week of crime-related government announcements. Tackling middle-class drug use tops the agenda today, and the Prime Minis...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 05/12/21

05 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman rounds up the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Today's best bits come from Dominic Raab, Dame Rachel de Souza and Jim McMahon....

Should you snog a stranger?

04 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With the Omicron variant putting everyone on edge, there has been quite a bit of mixed messaging from the government about how we should all be conduc...

What's behind the reduced majority in Old Bexley and Sidcup?

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The by-election last night was a result for the Tories. However, their majority for this seat fell dramatically. Labour tried to badge it as good news...

Will the UK copy Europe with new Covid restrictions?

02 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A lot of news coming out of Europe this week. From French President Emmanuel Macron calling Boris Johnson a clown, to more extreme Covid prevention me...

Is Boris in trouble over No.10's Christmas party?

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer went on the attack today at PMQs. The controversy over last years Christmas party resurfaced, with accusations that No.10 breached lockdo...

What's the aim of Labour's second reshuffle?

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday Keir Starmer's Labour Party announced a new reshuffle of its shadow cabinet. It just coincidentally happened on the same day Angela Rayner g...

How is the government handling Omicron?

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We are slowly learning more and more about this new Covid variant, but it could be weeks before we know just how contagious and harmful it could be. W...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 28/11/21

28 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Guests today include Sajid Javid, Nicola Sturgeon and Lisa Nandy.Become a Spectator...

Is Macron weaponising the migrant crisis?

27 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The migrants that tragically lost their lives in the English Channel has caused Anglo- French relations to further deteriorate. There is a theory howe...

What is the Nu variant?

26 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

A new Covid variant dubbed 'Nu' has been discovered in South Africa and the UK has already put travel restrictions in place. Though early tests have s...

Can Priti solve the migrant crisis?

25 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The 27 migrants that tragically lost their lives whilst trying to cross the English Channel have sparked urgent appeals for Priti to resolve the migra...

Did Starmer beat Boris?

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

With multiple weeks of bad publicity and rumours of some Conservative MPs sending in letters of no confidence, today’s PMQs witnessed much more nois...

What's behind the social care rebellion?

23 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It has been a challenging week for Boris. Following the Peppa Pig speech, immediately after the Owen Paterson u-turn, the party may be starting to los...

Is the Prime Minister's shtick wearing thin?

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

During the last general election campaign, Boris Johnson's persona as the improvisational, brash, comedian was endearing to many voters and those in h...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 21/11/21

21 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with today's podcast featuring Sajid Javid, Nick Thomas-Symonds, Maroš Šefčov...

Is the UK facing a lockdown like Austria's?

20 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls talks to James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson about the latest lockdown in Austria, the prospect of Germany following suit, and Austria's plans ...

How can Priti Patel stop migrant crossings?

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Priti Patel has blamed the European Union's freedom of movement for the 'mass migration crisis' that Britain is facing. In a visit to Washington, the ...

Are Conservatives disembarking the Boris train?

18 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The announcement of the Integrated Rail Plan has left many, including a number of Conservative MPs, disappointed due to the proposed new routes and no...

How long will the 'Tory Sleaze' scandal run?

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Now entering its second week, the foray around members of parliament holding second jobs shows no sign of dying down. And, unfortunately, it seems wha...

What do the new lobbying rules mean for MPs?

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister has written to the Commons Speaker to propose new lobbying rules for MPs. While some may welcome the measure, like former PM Theres...

Was COP a flop?

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

COP26 is now over, but was it a flop? Even Alok Sharma, the President of COP26, apologised on the last day for 'the way this process has unfolded', as...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 14/11/21

14 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman brings you the highlights from Sunday's political shows. Clips today come from Alok Sharma, Ed Miliband, Angela Rayner and General Sir ...

Will levelling up split the Tories?

13 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Since the cabinet met on Thursday to map out their levelling up agenda, we take another look at what this ambiguous slogan really means and how import...

Can British troops fix Poland's migrant crisis?

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

British troops have been deployed to the Polish border as part of a ‘reconnaissance’ mission, as Poland tries to stop migrants crossing from Belar...

Why won't Boris apologise?

11 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

After the government abandoned plans to overhaul the Commons standards rules, Rishi Sunak has said the government needs to 'do better'. Will the PM sh...

Is Britain a corrupt country?

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson today has said that Britain is not a corrupt country, but what does it mean that he felt the need to say that? On today's Coffee House S...

Should MPs have second jobs?

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Owen Paterson affair has is shining a light on the extra cash  MPs earn on top of their £80,000 salary. One MP, Geoffrey Cox, earned nearly £1 ...

What are the plans to reform Commons rules?

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Over the weekend most media tore into the Owen Paterson affair, with a lot of talk about MPs' second jobs like those of Geoffrey Cox... ‘I think if ...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 07/11/21

07 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman takes you through the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with Sir Keir Starmer, Thangam Debbonaire, George Eustice and Dr Susan ...

What should be done about MPs and lobbying?

06 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fraser Nelson talks to James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman about how MPs should clean up their act in the wake of Parliament's latest lobbying scandal. ...

How did Boris misjudge the Paterson backlash?

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Owen Paterson has resigned as an MP after being embroiled in a lobbying row. Allies of the Prime Minister have blamed the Chief Whip, Mark Spencer, fo...

How damaging is the Owen Paterson fiasco to the Tories' reputation?

04 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Owen Paterson story continues today with the government u-turning quicker than expected. This came after realising that allowing Tory MPs to mark ...

Has the government misstepped on the Paterson defence?

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The row over Owen Paterson has come to a head today as the amendment to lift his suspension - tabled by fellow Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom and back...