Coffee House Shots Politics or economics – which is Labour worst at?
Nov 13, 2025
Tim Shipman, political editor of The Spectator, and Paul Johnson, former director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, discuss the UK's troubling economic landscape. They delve into the recent GDP slowdown and the Chancellor's impending budget challenge. Paul critiques Labour's short-term policies that hinder growth, while Tim highlights the political missteps as a 'doom loop' affecting Labour's credibility. They also explore the uncertainties around tax strategy and the implications of Labour's pre-election commitments on its current standing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Budget Faces Intensified Growth Challenge
- The July–August GDP slowdown reinforces a sense of national economic malaise that intensifies Rachel Reeves' budget challenge.
- Tim Shipman warns the budget must juggle tax rises, spending cuts, and party unity in a complex trade-off.
Actions Undermine Growth Rhetoric
- Paul Johnson argues Rachel Reeves' policies have been contractionary in the short term despite rhetoric about growth.
- He lists tax and regulatory increases that, he says, contradict a genuine growth-first approach.
Publish A Clear Tax Strategy
- Paul Johnson advises clear, consistent tax strategy to reduce damaging uncertainty ahead of budgets.
- He urges the Treasury to stop 'flying kites' and set durable rules to protect long-term saving and investment.