Coffee House Shots

PMQs: Johnson and Starmer clash on schools

10 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

John Connolly discusses Prime Minister's Questions with James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast withou...

Why aren't schools reopening?

09 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The government has shelved its aim of reopening primary schools before the end of term amid growing pressure from parents and unions. But how will tha...

The politics of toppling a statue

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Thousands of protesters took to the streets this weekend as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. In Bristol, a statue of the slaver Edward Colston...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 07/06/20

07 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's clips come from Professor John Edmunds, Matt Hancock, Lisa Nandy, John ...

How the government is preparing for the inevitable Covid inquiry

06 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Some decision-makers have already made timelines of their actions since the start of the pandemic, James Forsyth reveals in his political column for t...

Is it time for the government to admit its mistakes?

05 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With an NHS tracing app not fully up and running until autumn, contact tracing seems like the latest in a series of events where the government has ov...

Why has the government U-turned on face masks?

04 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced that face masks will be compulsory on public transport from mid-June. Until recently, that was explicit...

The end of Keir Starmer's 'constructive opposition'

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The time for constructive opposition is over, as Keir Starmer picks up a new tone in his interview to the Guardian, which he continued in PMQs. Cindy ...

Does Rees-Mogg's plan for a socially distanced parliament work?

02 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

MPs are back in the House of Commons this week, and Commons Leader Jacob Rees-Mogg wants them to vote physically, but socially distanced. This means a...

Will MPs rebel over No. 10's quarantine plan?

01 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From the speed of easing lockdown, to quarantine for international travellers, to the return of MPs to parliament - the government is fighting battles...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 31/05/20

31 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls presents the best bits from Sunday's political shows. Today's clips come from Dominic Raab, Nicola Sturgeon, Anneliese Dodds, Professor De...

How will a socially distanced House of Commons work?

30 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

MPs are returning to parliament next week, marking an end of the hybrid model that saw most MPs Zooming into parliamentary debates. On the podcast, Jo...

How the furlough scheme will be rolled back

29 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls about Chancellor Rishi Sunak's announcements on phasing out the furlough scheme. Become a Spectator sub...

Is it really 'case closed' on the Cummings affair?

28 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Chris Whitty and Patrick Vallance refused to give their opinions on the Dominic Cummings affair at today's press conference; while Durham police indic...

What did Boris's evidence to MPs reveal?

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The Prime Minister appeared for the first time in his premiership in front of the Liaison Committee today. The group, formed of select committee chair...

What does the slump in the polls mean for Conservatives?

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The latest polling shows that even a majority of Conservative voters want Dominic Cummings out; and the Prime Minister's own standing has taken a dram...

Could public opinion make Cummings's position untenable?

26 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The latest polling shows a drastic change in the Prime Minister's popularity because of the Cummings affair. Though the government is still sticking b...

Has Cummings done enough to calm Tory MPs?

25 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In an unprecedented press conference today, Dominic Cummings explained the circumstances in which he took his family to Durham, and the exact timeline...

Boris Johnson's political gamble over Cummings

24 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson gave an unambiguous defence of Dominic Cummings at today's press conference. In so doing, the government is gambling that this is a stor...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 24/05/20

24 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political shows, with interviews coming from Grant Shapps, Steve Baker, Nick Thomas-Symonds and Sir V...

The Dominic Cummings imbroglio

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

The government has come out in defence of Dominic Cummings's decision to travel to Durham during lockdown. On the podcast, two Spectator writers give ...

Has Starmer put Tories on the backfoot?

23 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Keir Starmer is off to a good start in his first 50 days as Labour leader. But has he done enough to start bringing back former Labour voters?With Ste...

Can the government bring back the economy?

22 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

New figures from the ONS today show the extent of damage done to the economy. Is this recoverable?With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Ka...

Why the government U-turned on the NHS surcharge

21 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Within 24 hours of refusing to scrap the NHS surcharge for migrant healthworkers, the government has U-turned. We discuss why; as well as Scotland's l...

Can the government get contact tracing up and running by June?

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Boris Johnson pledges to get track and trace up by June 1, but is it possible? Plus, how is the government handling the new Opposition Leader, Keir St...

Is the government blaming the scientists?

19 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Try four weeks of the Spectator for free and get a free wireless charger at here.Become a...

Is Labour's stance on reopening schools worsening the education gap?

18 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look lik...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 17/05/20

17 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, with clips from Michael Gove, Angela Rayner, Liam Fox, Carolyn Fairbairn and Paul Fa...

Is Nicola Sturgeon playing politics?

16 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Alex Massie, the Spectator's Scotland Editor, and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcas...

Is Boris Johnson a convert to the nanny state?

15 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Is the Roche antibody test a gamechanger?

14 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by John Connolly.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look lik...

Boris on the ropes over care homes

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Fraser Nelson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

How generous is Rishi's furlough extension?

12 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fin...

Keir Starmer's canny coronavirus critique

11 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Boris sets out the shape of an exit strategy

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 10/05/20

10 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls hosts the highlights from Sunday's political interviews. Today's clips come from Robert Jenrick, Jonathan Ashworth and Professor David Spie...

The government's black-box approach to lockdown

08 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Why is the 'R' number going back up?

07 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fi...

Keir Starmer made life difficult for Boris Johnson at PMQs

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Why Neil Ferguson's position was untenable

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fi...

Is the UK really the worst hit country in Europe?

05 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out...

Could a return to normality come before a vaccine?

04 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look lik...

Katy Balls' Sunday Interviews Roundup - 03/05/20

03 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls presents the highlights from Sunday's political interview shows, today featuring Grant Shapps, Amanda Spielman, Mark Drakeford and Ros Altm...

Is a Brexit extension inevitable?

02 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

How Matt Hancock hit his target

01 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

How the 'R' number dictates Boris's exit strategy

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

What is Labour's strategy of constructive opposition?

29 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Will coronavirus make politicians fix social care?

28 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fi...

Boris Johnson's new approach to lockdown easing

27 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 26/04/20

26 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sundays interview shows, featuring Dominic Raab, Rosena Allin-Khan and Isabella Lövin. Become a Spectato...

How lockdown threatens to widen the education gap

25 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Turner, CEO of the Sutton Trust, and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast witho...

Can Boris unite the Cabinet?

24 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

What's Nicola Sturgeon's exit strategy?

23 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

What is the real impact of lockdown on the NHS?

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Alastair McLellan, Editor of Health Service Journal.Presented by Fraser Nelson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without...

How did Keir Starmer do in his first PMQs?

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Is Matt Hancock the government’s ‘fall guy’?

21 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

For how long can the government afford the furlough scheme?

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectato...

Will Boris disappoint the lockdown hawks in government?

20 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look lik...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 19/04/20

19 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from the Sunday interview shows, with clips from Michael Gove, Professor Sarah Gilbert and OECD secretary gener...

Why isn't the UK testing at full capacity?

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

The five tests for easing the lockdown

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fi...

Keir Starmer's coronavirus gamble

15 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

How much will coronavirus cripple the British economy?

14 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.Presented by Cindy Yu.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like. Fin...

As lockdown continues, will this be the toughest week yet?

13 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co....

Is the UK on track to be Europe's worst hit country?

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 12/04/20

12 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Easter Sunday's political interviews. Guests appearances include Alok Sharma, Sir Keir Starmer, Sir Jeremy...

Lessons learnt from Germany's coronavirus response

11 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Berlin-based journalist Constantin Eckner and Kate Andrews.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast wit...

The human cost of the coronavirus lockdown

10 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Why the lockdown isn't over yet

09 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by John Connolly.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look lik...

Will coronavirus usher in a new Conservatism?

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the future might look like...

The decision Dominic Raab can't make

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Boris Johnson admitted to intensive care

07 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Who is running the government?

06 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Coffee House Shots is sponsored by 'Look Forward', the podcast from Rathbones on what the...

Boris admitted to hospital

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 05/04/20

05 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's political interviews, today featuring clips from Matt Hancock, Sir Keir Starmer, Professor Neil F...

Keir Starmer's first challenges as Labour leader

04 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Stephen Bush, the New Statesman's Political Editor, and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this ...

Has Sweden got it right?

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Matt Hancock's Gordon Brown moment

02 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Why is Boris Johnson's popularity surging?

01 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Is the government failing on testing?

31 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Stephen Bush, the New Statesman's Political Editor, and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this ...

Is social distancing working?

30 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With James Forsyth and Katy Balls.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 29/03/20

29 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman presents the highlights from Sunday's interview shows, today featuring Michael Gove, Tony Blair and Rebecca Long-Bailey.Become a Specta...

Is the West failing to rise to the coronavirus challenge?

28 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Katy Balls talks to Sophia Gaston, Director of the British Foreign Policy Group, and Cindy Yu about the Western and Chinese responses to the coronavir...

What Boris's coronavirus diagnosis means for the government

27 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

What is Sunak's stimulus for the self-employed?

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Find this week's The Edition podcast with William Hague here.Become a Spectator subscriber...

Is an immunity test around the corner?

25 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Who's to blame for the tube overcrowding?

24 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Stephen Bush, Political Editor of the New Statesman, and Katy Balls.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this...

Britain enters lockdown

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...

Is the government's coronavirus approach confused?

23 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 22/03/20

22 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from Sunday's interview programmes, with Robert Jenrick and Jeremy Corbyn. Become a Spectator subscriber today to...

What does coronavirus mean for Britain's prisons?

21 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Professor Ian Acheson, former prison officer and senior advisor at the Counter Extremism Project, and Chris Atkins, filmmaker and author of A Bit...

Did the government just nationalise wages?

20 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectato...

Can this virus really be beaten within 12 weeks?

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

The unanswerable question on coronavirus

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by John Connolly.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

The Sunak stimulus

17 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Kate Andrews and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectato...

Is the country ready for life under coronavirus?

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Fraser Nelson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Can the government keep the public's trust?

16 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth.Presented by Katy Balls.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectat...

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Interviews Roundup - 15/03/20

15 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Isabel Hardman hosts the highlights from today's political shows, featuring Matt Hancock, Jonathan Ashworth, Lisa Nandy and Italian Ambassador Raffael...

Mervyn King on Radical Uncertainty

14 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fraser Nelson talks to Mervyn King about the limits of economics, where the number crunching in 2016 went wrong, and the sort of Brexit we should have...

Will coronavirus cause a Brexit delay?

13 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With Katy Balls and James Forsyth.Presented by Cindy Yu.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co...