Coffee House Shots Britain's expensive energy problem – with Claire Coutinho
Nov 24, 2025
Tim Shipman, political editor at The Spectator, joins Claire Coutinho, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy, to dissect Britain's energy crisis. They discuss the financial implications of the UK's high energy costs and the need for reliable electricity. Claire emphasizes the balancing act between achieving net zero and protecting living standards, arguing that the current goal may seem 'perverse.' The duo also explores public sentiment towards energy transitions and speculate on how energy policy will influence Labour's upcoming budget.
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Energy Is Both Pocket Pain And Strategy
- Energy policy combines immediate cost-of-living pain with long-term national security and growth implications.
- Good governments plan for both the present and future energy mix to avoid crises and preserve prosperity.
From Minister To Shadow, Numbers Changed Her View
- Claire Coutinho recounts her transition from minister to shadow secretary and why she kept the energy brief.
- She says her mathematical background exposed gaps in civil servants' cost assumptions about renewables.
Bills Rise Because Fixed Green Costs Bite
- Household bills keep rising despite lower wholesale gas prices because fixed renewable-related costs are landing on consumers.
- Addressing those fixed charges is central to lowering bills and restoring public trust.