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Coffee House Shots

Latest episodes

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Jan 11, 2025 • 20min

What's the point of public inquiries?

Isabel Hardman, assistant editor at The Spectator, offers insightful political analysis, while Raja Miah, an anti-grooming gang campaigner, advocates fervently for public inquiries. They delve into the recent parliamentary vote against a national inquiry into grooming gangs, questioning the effectiveness of past inquiries like Grenfell and the Post Office. The discussion highlights the need for focused investigations and the hurdles political dynamics create, emphasizing the importance of accountability to rebuild trust among victims and communities.
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Jan 10, 2025 • 11min

Can Musk oust Starmer?

In this engaging discussion, political journalist Katy Balls delves into the tensions between Keir Starmer's Labour Party and tech mogul Elon Musk. They explore the potential implications of Musk's influence on UK politics and whether he poses a real threat to Starmer's leadership. The conversation also touches on the challenges of powerful figures shaping political landscapes and the delicate balance of international relations, particularly with China, as Labour navigates domestic and global pressures.
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Jan 9, 2025 • 12min

Borrowing costs soar - will Rachel Reeves have to go back on her word?

Government borrowing costs have surged to historic highs, stirring fears of political consequences reminiscent of past crises. The speakers analyze the challenges faced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Labour Party amidst rising financial pressures. They reflect on the chaos triggered by Liz Truss's mini budget and question whether similar outcomes could follow now. With recession looming, tough decisions about public funding cuts are on the table, making the future uncertain for Keir Starmer's leadership.
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Jan 8, 2025 • 13min

Michael Gove: why does Labour want to ruin state schools?

Michael Gove, the former UK Secretary of State for Education, joins the discussion to dissect Labour's controversial Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. He argues passionately about the implications for school autonomy, questioning Labour's motives in reversing successful academy reforms. The conversation dives into striking statistics comparing the performance of academies versus traditional schools, while also addressing the pressing issues of teacher welfare and funding in today's educational landscape.
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Jan 7, 2025 • 18min

Farage vs Musk

Katy Balls, Political Editor for The Spectator, joins the discussion on the turbulent relationship between Nigel Farage and Elon Musk amid the grooming gang scandal. The conversation explores Musk's shifting endorsements across British politics and raises questions about trust in his influence. They analyze the implications of party dynamics, particularly Keir Starmer's handling of the scandal and the cultural divides growing between Labour and Conservative responses. The tension between political leaders and public sentiment is also highlighted.
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Jan 6, 2025 • 17min

Grooming gang row overshadows Starmer's big NHS speech

Isabel Hardman, a political commentator and writer for The Spectator, dives into the Prime Minister's ambitious plans for the NHS, addressing the backlog with radical reforms like cash incentives for GPs. She discusses how these proposals might shift healthcare away from hospitals and critiques Keir Starmer's vague responses to both the NHS situation and Elon Musk's comments on grooming gangs. The conversation also highlights the tension between serious political discourse and distractions from social media figures, particularly Musk's influence.
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Jan 5, 2025 • 16min

Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 05/01/2025

Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister of the UK and former Director of Public Prosecutions, joins the discussion to unpack the political fallout from Elon Musk's controversial comments about him and others. The dialogue dives into the crucial NHS winter pressures and the dire need for reform, as flu cases soar. Starmer also addresses the vital balance between free speech and accountability, all while emphasizing the importance of transparency in tackling grooming scandals. The conversation ultimately calls for bipartisan efforts in social care reform.
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Jan 4, 2025 • 19min

Elon Musk and the outrage about Britain's grooming gangs

In a riveting discussion, James Heale, a Spectator writer and political commentator, joins Danny Shaw, a crime and justice expert and former advisor to Yvette Cooper, to dissect the ongoing grooming gangs scandal in the UK. They explore the backlash against the government over the rejection of a historic inquiry into child abuse. Elon Musk’s provocative comments on the issue add an unexpected twist. The duo also critiques the institutional responses to race-related crimes and delves into Labour's evolving strategies for crime prevention and border security.
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Jan 3, 2025 • 14min

Is Labour serious about social care reform?

The podcast dives deep into the pressing UK social care crisis, questioning Labour's long-term plan that may delay urgent action. A proposed commission won't report until 2028, prompting concerns about accountability. The discussion also highlights the complex political landscape, funding challenges, and the need for skilled caregivers. With looming elections, both Labour and the Conservatives grapple with the implications of social care reform, suggesting a need for sustainable and effective solutions.
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Jan 2, 2025 • 19min

Is 2025 Farage’s year?

The podcast dives into Nigel Farage's potential rise in 2025, fueled by local elections and key alliances. Discussions highlight immigration as a pivotal voter concern and Farage's strategic connections with Donald Trump. A focus on the Reform Party’s dynamics reveals both its recent successes and possible challenges ahead. Additionally, insights on fundraising emphasize the impact of wealthy donors like Elon Musk, raising questions about integrity and the future of political growth.

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