Coffee House Shots

Gabriel Pogrund, Sunday Times Westminster reporter, and Tim Shipman, political journalist and author, discuss UK political turmoil. They unpack Andy Burnham’s blocked by-election bid and what that reveals about party strategy. They also cover Suella Braverman’s jump to Reform and what it means for Nigel Farage and the Conservative realignment. Fast-paced political drama and shifting alliances.

Ed Davey, Liberal Democrats leader and former cabinet minister, warns about Russian threats and urges higher defence spending. Shabana Mahmood, Labour MP and NEC chair acting as Home Secretary, explains the party’s rule on Andy Burnham and argues policing should focus on crime. They also discuss Trump’s remarks, Chagos debate and a new centre-right movement.

Michael Gove opens a wide-ranging conversation with David Goodhart, journalist on demography and social trends; Tim Stanley, historian and cultural commentator; and Steve Baker, policy writer on markets and liberty. They debate AI, trade and prosperity. They discuss social and religious revival, fertility and family life, and the case for shifting power from managerial states to citizens and markets.

In this engaging discussion, Richard Johnson, an expert in British political history, and Danny Finkelstein, a Conservative peer with SDP roots, explore the complex dynamics of party defections. They analyze historical examples, revealing that success often hinges on a defector’s new party's stature. Danny shares his personal journey, highlighting the cultural shifts within parties. The duo also delves into the current weakening of party identities, illustrating how today’s defections mirror past trends, driven by ambition and changing political landscapes.

Andy Burnham's potential return to Parliament is creating buzz as a by-election looms. The discussion shifts to Robert Jenrick's surprising move to Reform, where he reveals concerns about the Conservative strategy and potential losses. Meanwhile, Trump's antics over Greenland are dissected, highlighting the effects on UK politics and Starmer's leadership. The hosts explore the dynamics of Labour's internal struggles and the intricate voter psychology shaping upcoming elections.

Tim Shipman, a political journalist known for his sharp analysis, and Isabel Hardman, a keen observer of parliamentary dynamics, delve into Keir Starmer's recent standout performance at PMQs. They discuss how Starmer's firm stance on Trump's remarks about Greenland caught everyone off guard, particularly affecting Kemi Badenoch. The duo examines the UK political establishment's growing frustration with Trump's unpredictability, while highlighting the delicate balance Starmer must maintain amid this volatile climate.

China's controversial ‘super embassy’ has been approved, after years of debate over the security risks. Campaigners had called on ministers not to give the site the green light, given its proximity to important internet cables that support the City of London. MI5 have admitted they can't 'wholly eliminate' the national security risks around the site. Megan McElroy is joined by James Heale and Sophia Gaston, research fellow at King's College London, to discuss. There's more international chaos for Keir Starmer too – overnight, Donald Trump described plans to hand over the soverignty of the Chagos islands as 'an act of great stupidity.' Where on earth does this leave the special relationship? 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.

In this discussion, political editor Tim Shipman and foreign affairs analyst Tim Marshall delve into the geopolitical importance of Greenland. They dissect Trump’s provocative tariff threats and the mixed reactions in Europe, alongside internal divisions within the U.S. government. Marshall explores the underlying motives behind Trump’s interest in Greenland, touching on issues of security and European defense spending. The duo also considers Greenland's place among global crises and predicts ongoing pressures on Europe regarding military capabilities in a shifting multipolar world.

Donald Trump stirs controversy with a tariff threat over Greenland, prompting backlash from UK ministers. Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick's switch to Reform sparks discussions about the party’s ambitions and polling strategies. Lisa Nandy defends local government reorganisation, aiming to simplify council responsibilities. An intriguing debate emerges on whether Trump is a modern-day king, alongside the US stance on Iranian protests and calls for UN reform amidst global challenges.

Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP and foreign affairs spokesperson, and Annabel Denham, senior political commentator at The Daily Telegraph, tackle the future of the Liberal Democrats. They discuss the party's identity amid stagnating polls, questioning whether it's defined by its opposition to others. Miller defends the party's commitment to civil liberties and international law, while advocating for localism and pragmatic policies on foreign relations. The conversation also covers electoral successes and the implications of rejoining a customs union.