Coffee House Shots

Jan 21 2025 500 ep. 14 mins 10.7k

Coffee House Shots Podcast artwork

Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Michael Gove, Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, James Heale, Cindy Yu and many others.

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Why wasn’t the Southport killer stopped?

Jan 21 2025 13 mins

At a press conference this morning, Keir Starmer moved quickly to announce a public inquiry into the Southport murders. This comes after Axel Rudakubana pleaded guilty to murdering three girls in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift–themed dance class last year. The Prime Minister promised that ‘no stone’ will be ‘left unturned’ when it comes to asking the ‘difficult questi

Could Trump 2.0 derail the Starmer project?

Jan 20 2025 12 mins

The parties - and protests - have already kicked off, as Trump's inauguration gets underway in Washington D.C. today. Katy Balls speaks to Michael Gove and Republicans Overseas UK's Sarah Elliott about what we can expect from the first week of Trump's second presidency, and how Keir Starmer will attempt to navigate the 'special relationship'. Sarah updates us on the mood in the US

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 19/01/2025

Jan 19 2025 12 mins

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. It’s a momentous few days, as a ceasefire begins in Gaza, and the US prepares for Trump’s inauguration. We hear about the plight of the hostages and their families, and then Darren Jones and Priti Patel give their opinion on the UK’s relationship with the incoming president.

Reeves's worst week so far?

Jan 17 2025 16 mins

It's been a tricky week for Rachel Reeves: an onslaught of criticism for the levels of borrowing costs, GDP at 0.1 per cent, and stagflation still gripping the UK economy. Remarkably she has come out of it looking stronger – politically at least. But can she afford to celebrate? The Spectator's Kate Andrews and data editor Michael Simmons join the podcast to discuss the economy,

Labour caves on grooming gangs

Jan 17 2025 13 mins

There will be more inquiries into grooming gangs. After sustained pressure, the Home Secretary announced yesterday a series of local, government-backed inquiries, rather than a full public inquiry. Critics argue that this either doesn’t go far enough, or that Labour have been forced to go back on their word by certain figures on the right and are now making policy on the hoof. Wi

Is Starmer doing enough for Ukraine?

Jan 16 2025 13 mins

Keir Starmer is in Ukraine today, on his first visit to Kyiv since becoming Prime Minister. And he came bearing gifts: a 100-year partnership agreement between the UK and Ukraine, covering nine ‘pillars’ from culture to science. It is hoped that the new pact will define the relationship between the two countries well beyond the current conflict with Russia. This is all in the c

Why would the government pay Gerry Adams?

Jan 15 2025 10 mins

With rumours swirling around Westminster and after Keir Starmer’s less than convincing defence of his Chancellor earlier in the week, Rachel Reeves has found some brief respite. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed that inflation dipped to 2.5 per cent in the 12 months to December, down from 2.6 per cent the month before. It’s welcome news for a Chancellor who is

Is Reform about to overtake Labour? And Tulip Siddiq resigns

Jan 14 2025 12 mins

New voting intention polling today puts Reform neck and neck with Labour. The YouGov/Times poll reveals that support for Starmer’s army has plummeted nine points, with just over a quarter of Brits backing the government – while Nigel Farage’s Reform party has seen its support soar by 10 points. Kemi Badenoch’s Tories have lost two points, while the canvassing of 2,279 adult

Sturgeon-Murrell split & Scotland's Reform challenger

Jan 13 2025 12 mins

Former Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced she is separating from her husband Peter Murrell, former chief executive of the SNP. The announcement comes as the police probe into the SNP’s funds and finances remains ongoing, with Sturgeon and ex-SNP treasurer Colin Beattie under investigation while Murrell was charged with embezzlement in April 2024. Katy Balls i

Why hasn't Tulip Siddiq been sacked yet?

Jan 13 2025 17 mins

It’s rare that a world leader knows the name of a junior minister in the British government – let alone calls for them to be sacked. Yet that is the feat achieved by Tulip Siddiq, No. 4 in Rachel Reeves’s Treasury team. The anti-corruption minister is now facing calls to resign from the leader of Bangladesh, who condemned the use of properties gifted to her and her family by