Coffee House Shots

As Ed Davey condemned Donald Trump's military manoeuvres abroad, Annabel Denham looked on and asked 'what's the point of the Liberal Democrats?'. Thinking about the Lib Dem's longstanding europhile stance, the senior political correspondent at the Telegraph wrote: 'the party that once stood on a tradition of civil liberties now wants us to rejoin a bloc which regulates everything'. Calum Miller MP – foreign affairs spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats – joins Annabel and deputy political editor James Heale to address Annabel's challenge that the party is defined more by opposition the other parties than by their own policies. So, from localism and the UK's place in the world to free markets and social care, what do the Lib Dems stand for? And what constitutes 'liberalism' today? Produced by Patrick Gibbons, Megan McElroy and Natasha Feroze.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.

Tim Shipman, a political journalist and author known for his insights on Westminster politics, joins to dissect the recent defection of Robert Jenrick to Reform. He analyzes the immediate reactions and political maneuvers in Westminster, questioning whether this converts into a major victory for Reform. The discussion highlights tensions within the Conservative party and implications for Labour amid a fracturing right. Shipman also critiques the assisted dying bill, suggesting its poorly drafted nature distracts from pressing economic issues.

A dramatic day unfolds in British politics as Robert Jenrick is sacked from the Conservatives and quickly defects to Reform. The discussion dives into whether this was a planned move, with insights into Farage's leadership and recruitment strategies. Jenrick's demeanor at the press conference raises eyebrows, likened to a hostage video. The impact on Kemi Badenoch's position and potential future Tory defections are debated. Will Jenrick rise to prominence in Reform, potentially as a new shadow chancellor? Tune in for a whirlwind of political intrigue!

Tim Shipman, a political editor and astute commentator on Westminster dynamics, delves into Robert Jenrick's surprising fallout from the Conservative party. They discuss how Jenrick's alleged secret plotting to defect sparked Kemi Badenoch's drastic actions, including the revealing of a defection speech. Shipman outlines the potential strategic shifts in the political landscape, with Reform possibly emerging as a key player. Their conversation highlights how these developments could impact both Badenoch's leadership and the Conservatives' future.

Russell Findlay, leader of the Scottish Conservatives and former crime journalist, discusses the upcoming Holyrood elections and the challenges facing his party. He criticizes the lack of loyalty from defectors to Reform and Liberal Democrats. Findlay reflects on Labour's disastrous performance in Scotland, calling it a 'loveless landslide.' He also shares how his experience as a victim of an acid attack in 2015 has influenced his focus on crime, particularly organized crime in Glasgow. Tune in for his insights on politics and public safety!

In this engaging discussion, Luke Tryl, UK Director of More in Common, sheds light on the latest Liberal Democrat strategy focusing on the NHS and its cautious appeal to Middle England. He explores the implications of Ed Davey's 'boring' approach to politics, aiming for broader acceptance. The podcast tackles the fallout from Nadhim Zahawi's defection and its impact on Reform's outsider image, along with intriguing polling links that connect public figures with voter preferences. It's an insightful dive into current UK political dynamics!

In this discussion, Tim Shipman, a senior political journalist known for his incisive analysis, delves into Nadhim Zahawi's recent defection to Reform UK and what it means for the party. They explore whether Reform is morphing into a new version of the Conservatives, with Zahawi's background and fundraising prowess coming into play. The conversation includes Zahawi's past as Chancellor, concerns about his judgment, and his potential role as shadow chancellor. There’s also scrutiny of how Reform might strategize its coalition amid evolving policies.

Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative politician and party leader candidate, weighs in on NATO priorities, proposing age limits on social media to protect children. Former Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander dives into the UK's response to the unrest in Iran and discusses maritime tactics against the 'Shadow Fleet.' Peter Mandelson, in his first interview since his dismissal, addresses issues related to Jeffrey Epstein and reflects on Donald Trump's uniquely bold leadership style, blending humor with risk.

Tim Shipman, a political editor with deep insights into British politics, and Sonia Sodha, a journalist focused on social policy and gender issues, delve into the surprising shift of Mumsnet users towards Nigel Farage's Reform party. They discuss how concerns around single-sex spaces and Labour's handling of gender policies may have fueled this change. The duo also examines the wider political landscape, highlighting a growing gender gap and the rise of insurgent parties as reflections of disillusionment with the establishment.

Political journalist Tim Shipman and writer Michael Simmons delve into the backlash against proposed business-rate hikes for pubs. They discuss the implications of Labour's policy changes, highlighting how targeting pubs could politically alienate voters. Shipman reveals the potential fallout on Labour's credibility, while Simmons outlines the expected government responses and implications for other small businesses. Their insights underscore the significant impact of this brewing controversy on the political landscape and the economy.