Coffee House Shots

Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party leader and home secretary, shares insights at her conference address. She outlines a controversial border and deportation plan, emphasizing mass removals and the aim to exit the European Convention on Human Rights. The discussion turns to the impact of proposed laws on protest rights post-Manchester terror attack, raising debates on community safety and free expression. Amidst falling poll ratings, Badenoch pushes for party resilience, highlighting long-term recovery strategies and a clear vision to appeal to voters.

Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP and former minister, discusses the looming UK debt crisis and advocates for urgent reforms in welfare and migration policy. Miriam Cates, former MP and broadcaster, highlights the alarming decline in fertility rates and its implications for the UK's future. They both explore how pro-nation politics can resonate again, alongside the pressing need for a cohesive family policy. The duo critiques past approaches and debates how to better represent and support working families in the evolving political landscape.

Michael Gove, an experienced politician and editor, shares deep insights following the tragic attack on Heaton Park Synagogue. He highlights the Jewish community's warnings about rising antisemitism and explores the role of inflammatory rhetoric in exacerbating vulnerabilities. Gove stresses the need for proactive leadership against Islamist ideology, critiques the Prevent system, and calls for improved counter-extremism measures. He speaks candidly about the political pressures influencing responses and advocates for better civic education on extremist thought.

The podcast dives into Kemi Badenoch's bold vision for the Conservative Party amid political challenges. Following a tragic terror attack in Manchester, discussions shift to how this might impact party dynamics. Badenoch plans to scrap the Climate Change Act, signaling a controversial shift. With her leadership under scrutiny, the struggle against Labour and Reform UK is highlighted. The conversation also touches on political strategies, infighting within the party, and how Badenoch aims to engage the audience at the upcoming conference.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned political journalist known for his insights on UK politics, joins Claire Ainsley from the Progressive Policy Institute to dissect Labour's recent conference. They delve into the dynamic between deputy leadership candidates Lucy Powell and Bridget Phillipson, exploring the insider versus outsider narrative. Discussion highlights include Starmer's connecting with modern voters and the perception of Labour as the party of the professional middle class. Their analysis reveals underlying tensions and the implications for Labour's future appeal.

Keir Starmer might have just delivered his most impactful speech at the Labour Party Conference. He framed his vision of patriotism against the backdrop of Nigel Farage's divisive rhetoric. The address highlighted Labour's successes while addressing the need for tough choices within the party. Starmer's personal narrative intertwined with worker-focused themes electrified the crowd, as he emphasized unity and fiscal responsibility. With bold promises on migration and public priorities, is this a new chapter for Labour? All eyes are on Starmer's evolving leadership.

Whilst a certain noisy northern mayor has positioned himself as the problem child of conference 2025, The Spectator finds another Labour politician far more interesting. All around Liverpool the newsstands are decorated by the image of the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, dubbed the ‘Terminator’ by Tim Shipman in the most recent issue of The Spectator. As one strategist notes: ‘Shabana is not afraid to use power. That’s what we need.’In this special edition of Coffee House Shots we present a wide-ranging in-conversation between Shabana Mahmood and Spectator editor Michael Gove. Listen for: how to tackle the ‘Boriswave’, whether the Home Office is fit for purpose, Shabana’s compelling case for digital ID cards and her response to Keir Starmer’s claim that Reform are ‘racist’.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.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.

Labour party conference has kicked off in Liverpool, and the Chancellor has just delivered her keynote speech.‘Security, security, security’ was the message from Rachel Reeves as she addressed the Labour party faithful. The Labour government, she said, will create an economy that puts the British worker above all else. Aside from setting out her economic vision, she made time for a few jabs in Manchester mayor Andy Burnham’s direction and gave a nod to shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson (should we take that as an endorsement?). Has she been taking notes from Gordon Brown?Elsewhere, the mood in the bars is much more buoyant than it was last year – although that has a lot to do with the absence of Sue Gray. Starmer’s change of tack and taking the fight to reform on indefinite leave to remain, as well as the announcement of some juicy bits of policy, seems to have placated many. But is conference just a holiday from reality?Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.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.

On the eve of Labour’s party conference, the Spectator's editor Michael Gove sits down with Steve Reed MP, the new Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government. The government has announced an historic £5 billion package of funding for 'national renewal' – designed to revive high streets, parks and public spaces. Reed explains how he thinks Labour can win back 'forgotten' communities through building 1.5 million houses through this Parliament, allocating fair funding for councils and devolving more powers to local government. Is this Labour's own 'levelling up' agenda?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.

The Labour machine has whirred into gear to try and contain a certain Northern mayor’s mischievous interventions this week, by announcing a big controversial piece of policy. The news that ID cards – Tony Blair’s pet project – will be introduced has splashed all the front pages, demoting Andy Burnham to yesterday’s news. It’s a policy with broad public support, but with a passionate minority opposition including the leaders of the other major parties. The fact that it is being rebranded as a ‘Brit card’ with the aim of tackling the migration crisis has also ruffled a few feathers. Will it work politically? And, more importantly, will it work in practice? Lucy Dunn speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale. 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.