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Episodes from Coffee House Shots
Why is Starmer so unpopular? with Lewis Goodall
Opinion polls consistently show Keir Starmer as one of the most unpopular Prime Ministers in history. His critics point to inertia and a lack of vision, while his supporters argue that media spin is harming the image of a decent man. Less than two years on from Labour's landslide victory, broadcaster Lewis Goodall joins James Heale to try to answer the question 'where did it all go wrong?' – a subject which Lewis explores in a Channel 4 Dispatches documentary. Lewis explains the factors at play, from Starmer's personality and Labour party politics to the effect that the Conservative Party's im...
Conservative radicalism: who should the Tories target? with Jack Rankin MP
Can the Conservatives win back voters' support through a new kind of 'conservative radicalism'? Jack Rankin, Conservative MP for Windsor, joins James Heale to explain why he believes a focus on aspiration and wealth creation, paired with political courage to combat 'short-termism and stakeholderism', would enhance the Party's appeal and energise its supporter base. Jack argues that Conservative politicians need to be more honest about the country's problems, including with immigration and integration – where the expectation of a minimum level of British values should be set. He doesn't shy away from discussing the Tories' challenging record to...
EU déjà vu: the emergency brake is back!
Charles Grant from the Centre for European Reform and Tim Shipman join James Heale to reflect on the rumours about Britain's latest set of negotiations with the European Union. There are reports that the EU may be willing to accept some form of mechanism, that the UK could use, should Britain ever wish to temporarily halt the number of inbound students. Perhaps we could call such a mechanism an 'emergency brake'. Sound familiar? What does this tell us about the dynamics of the EU, how the UK-EU relationship works – and how inevitable was the result in 2016?...
Will Trump pull the US out of NATO?
Donald Trump has said he is 'strongly considering' pulling the US out of NATO, in comments made to the Telegraph – and it doesn't appear to be an April Fool. This isn't the first time he has rallied against the Alliance so should the UK take him seriously? Plus – what is Keir Starmer's strategy? – as he tries to balance a testing transatlantic relationship with pursuing closer relations with the EU.Patrick Gibbons speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to...
Why is Britain so exposed to rising energy prices?
The IMF has warned Britain is particularly vulnerable to another spike in energy prices, and is more exposed than many of its European neighbours. Why is that the case? And does the government have any real plan to shield households and businesses from the fallout? With the Tories and Reform calling for the government to drill baby drill, why is the government avoiding a pretty obvious solution?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to...
Where does Labour's centre of gravity lie?
Patrick Maguire, chief political writer at The Times, sits down with Tim Shipman for a reflection on Labour's odd year so far. From potential leadership challengers, like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner, to cabinet heavyweights, like Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband – where does power in this Labour government really lie? What does Keir Starmer's interview style and response to the Iran war reveal about him? And what are the implications of the local elections in just over a month – in what could be a historically disastrous night for the Party.Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibb...
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 29/03/2026
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The Iran conflict has reached its second month. Figures from across the political spectrum debate how best to respond to a leap in energy prices.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.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
LIVE: Should we defund or defend the BBC? | Michael Gove & Jon Sopel v Charles Moore & Allison Pearson
Should we defund – or defend – the BBC?Live from London, the Spectator hosted a debate on the future of this iconic British institution, compered by associate editor Isabel Hardman. The Spectator’s chairman – and long-time Beeb-critic – Charles Moore, and the Telegraph’s Allison Pearson went head-to-head with the Spectator’s editor – and former Tory cabinet minister – Michael Gove and the former BBC correspondent – now-podcaster with The Newsagents – Jon Sopel. Defund: do you agree with Lord Moore that the BBC is constantly breaking impartiality? That this issue ‘more profound than just about balance’ – that this is a systemic issue which hampe...
Energy crisis: are we in 1973 territory?
The panic has set in around the cabinet table about this energy crisis, and fears of history repeating itself. Tim Shipman writes in the magazine about the comparisons being made to 1973 and the Opec oil shock, with the government preparing for oil prices to reach £150 a barrel. What levers are available to the government to ease the economic fallout and 1970s-style inflation? And why is it that the UK is so uniquely impacted by this crisis?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber t...
The curious case of Morgan McSweeney's missing phone
Questions are being asked about Morgan McSweeney's missing phone, which he reported stolen to police last year. What might seem like a minor case of petty theft actually has serious implications for the investigation into Peter Mandelson's appointment. It also raises questions about Keir Starmer's general approach to government. James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Cleo Watson, former special adviser to Boris Johnson, about the case – and also about how it can hurt public trust in government. Do you believe in cock up – or conspiracy?Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.Become a Sp...
To drill or not to drill, that is the question
In the final Prime Minister's Questions before Easter recess, Kemi Badenoch pushed Keir Starmer to commit to new oil & gas drilling licences. The Conservatives spot an easy win here – cost of living concerns are rising as America's war with Iran continues. Plus, with a burgeoning welfare bill, the trade-offs are even trickier for Labour to resolve. Who should Labour target? Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss. Come for Tim's impression of the Prime Minister, and stay for Michael's very strong response when asked if renewables are the answer.Produced by...
Should we brace for another financial shock?
Britain’s response to the conflict in Iran is dominating Westminster – but is Keir Starmer really keeping the country out of war? After a tense Liaison Committee appearance exposed divisions over defence spending, pressure is also mounting on the government’s economic strategy. With energy prices rising, mortgage products disappearing and fears of inflation returning, how prepared is Labour for the fallout? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Michael Simmons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more....