Coffee House Shots

This week Keir Starmer hosted the French President and the German Chancellor in Downing Street as the E3 moved closer to a landmark agreement: seizing around €100 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort. It’s a dramatic shift that has soothed some fears in Kyiv – but it has also reopened long-running arguments in Europe about property rights, sanctions and how far the West is willing to go. What does this bold move mean for the conflict, for Ukraine’s future and for Europe’s relationship with Washington?Meanwhile, as US–Russia shuttle diplomacy intensifies, Donald Trump’s oscillating positions continue to unsettle allies. Are we inching closer to a peace deal – or stuck in yet another cycle of drafts, red lines and diplomatic back-tracking? And, with Putin holding firm on territorial demands, is any agreement remotely realistic?James Heale is joined by Mark Galeotti and Tim Shipman.Produced by Oscar EdmondsonBecome 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.

Lucy Dunn, a political journalist and Spectator contributor, discusses Kemi Badenoch's press conference, highlighting a proposed national inquiry into grooming gangs that has stirred emotions among survivors. Tim Shipman, a seasoned political analyst, explores the chaotic state of Labour, particularly the backlash against Keir Starmer from within his own ranks as doubts about his leadership surface. The conversation also touches on the shockwaves from Lord Offord's defection to Reform UK and its potential impact on Scottish politics.

Join Pat McFadden, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, as he dives into the Youth Guarantee scheme and the complexities of welfare reform, including Universal Credit changes. Baroness Laura Faulkner raises concerns about women's rights and the government's handling of safety issues. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Helen Whately discusses the nuances of disability benefits and motability eligibility. Together, they explore pressing political topics, revealing the intricate balance between rights, benefits, and social responsibility.

In this discussion, Tom Baldwin, journalist and biographer of Keir Starmer, and Tim Shipman, political editor at The Spectator, dive into the complexities of Labour's current strategy. They explore whether Starmer should shift left to reclaim voters from the Greens and Lib Dems. Baldwin critiques the influence of 'super-advisers,’ arguing they distract from the government's message. Shipman highlights the struggle Starmer faces in communicating his values and recommends tapping into personal stories to resonate better with voters.

Join political writer James Heale and European policy expert Charles Grant as they delve into revived discussions about UK-EU relations, sparked by recent state visits and political maneuvers. Heale sheds light on Labour's potential customs union re-entry, while Grant critiques the limited economic benefits of a reset. They also assess the influence of Brexit's narrative on Reform and how Farage's clout might sway EU negotiations. Plus, don't miss the buzz around Liz Truss launching her new show—will she offer fresh insights?

James Heale, a political commentator and writer for The Spectator, joins the discussion on the staggering £9 million donation from Christopher Harborne to Reform. The conversation delves into how this financial boost could alter electoral dynamics and the potential influence of donors on party strategies. They explore the implications of postponed local elections and where Reform might target their resources. Additionally, Heale highlights the intersection of political funding, crypto interests, and the shifting landscape of donor influence in British politics.

Tim Shipman, a prominent political journalist known for his insightful analysis, and Isabel Hardman, a savvy commentator on parliamentary politics, delve into the unfolding drama at PMQs. Kemi Badenoch shines by skillfully challenging Starmer amidst budget chaos and rumors of a Tory/Reform pact spark interest. They dissect the shifting dynamics within Labour, tensions in the cabinet, and ideological divides over economic strategies. With whispers of a potential political alliance, the conversation teases what’s ahead for these parties.

Today we’re going to be talking about David Lammy, and his brand new plans to drastically reduce the number of jury trials in the UK in an attempt to address the backlog. With the backlog of cases due to be heard in courts already at 78,000, and heading for 100,000, the Justice Secretary believes that only radical solutions can tackle the ‘courts emergency’. But is he being too radical? This comes on the same day that Lammy announced that 12 prisoners have been accidentally released in the last three weeks.But first, the Budget fallout continues and there has been a resignation but – crucially – it’s not the Chancellor. After the OBR leaked the Budget early, its chairman Richard Hughes has taken the fall and resigned last night. Does this ease or increase the pressure on Rachel Reeves?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.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.

Lots has happened over the weekend – Your Party (as they are now actually called) have proven to be the gift that keeps on giving, there been another defection to Reform and Rachel Reeves stands accused of lying about the extent of the fiscal blackhole in her pre-Budget briefings.Some within Labour see it as a victory of sorts for Rachel Reeves that, so far, the post-Budget debate has focused mostly on the run-up to her statement rather than the measures it contained. However Keir Starmer has been mobilised this morning to give an 'everything is fine' speech in support of the Chancellor, with whom his fate is intertwined. Could she be forced to go? How serious is this? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Tim Shipman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 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.

Rachel Reeves, Labour Party politician and Chancellor of the Exchequer, dives into the recent budget controversies, defending her fiscal decisions amid scrutiny. She insists she’s trustworthy, even as questions arise over potential miscommunication about the public surplus. Priorities like the NHS and cost of living are highlighted, as Reeves emphasizes building fiscal resilience. The podcast also features sharp critiques from Kemi Badenoch, pressing for accountability and transparency in government budgeting.