Coffee House Shots

We've learnt from a speech this morning from GCHQ director Jeremy Fleming that the Russian army is in even more disarray than was previously thought. This has led some to think that not only could the Ukrainians succeed in holding the Russians at bay but even opens up the possibility of them retaking some of the lands that the Kremlin has already captured. But to be successful in this they would need to be sent more offensive weaponry than the UK and Nato have given so far. Boris Johnson seems keen to help in this manner but will other allies be as enthusiastic? Isabel Hardman talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls.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.

Despite the fines issued yesterday, Keir Starmer's attacks at Prime Minister's Questions today failed to land on Boris Johnson. In part, this was down to the Prime Minister's 'remarkably pugnacious' attitude, according to James Forsyth on this episode. What's more, it seems that Conservative MPs are happy to allow partygate to take a back seat for now. James remarks that 'previously when Boris Johnson tried that kind of very aggressive tactic... you could see the discomfort on Tory benches. Today I thought that was much less visible.'This all comes after a team bonding dinner at the Crowne Plaza last night, where Boris Johnson gave a boisterous speech to backbench MPs, followed by after-dinner remarks from broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. Was this good timing? 'I do think that the jokes that Boris Johnson was telling is a sign of the current confidence in No 10 about his position', James says.Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman also discuss the Shrewsbury maternity scandal. On Sajid Javid's pledge that this won't happen again, Isabel Hardman says: 'I'm not sure that that is a promise he can really make, because we had that promise after Morecambe Bay, which again was exposed by a bereaved father'.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.

Partygate is back in the news with fines being issued by the Metropolitan Police to twenty individuals. But this is not the end of the matter, this is only the first batch of fines and the full Sue Grey report is still to come. Is this scandal still enough to bring down the Prime Minister or have the party and the public moved on?Isabel Hardman talks with James Forsyth and Katy Balls. 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.

During the tail end of his Europe trip, President Biden stated of Vladimir Putin 'for God's sake, this man cannot remain in power.' This was quickly walked back by his staff saying that the US had no plans for regime change in Russia. But with the potential of the Russia Ukraine situation turning into long-term conflict, the UK needs to adjust its priorities, particularly when it comes to energy. Whether that future is in wind, nuclear, or fracking.Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth and Katy Balls. 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.

Isabel Hardman rounds up the best bits from Sunday's politics shows, with today's guests Nadhim Zahawi, Jonathan Ashworth, Mariia Mezentseva and Frances Haughen. 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.

For the last two years, Rishi Sunak has appeared the frontrunner in any future Tory leadership election. But has his spring statement and damaged his standing within his party and among the public?Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Forsyth about Rishi Sunak's future and Britain's economic forecast.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 Prime Minister has just returned from a Nato meeting in Brussels. So far, the alliance's members have been unified in their response to Russia, but with President Zelensky now asking for Nato to send tanks to Ukraine, are we going to see cracks emerge?Katy Balls talks with James Forsyth and Isabel Hardman.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.

Well the papers haven't been too kind about Rishi Sunak's spring statement. To unpack if it truly deserves this level of vitriol Cindy Yu talks to James Forsyth about the UK's economic future as well as Nato's more unified front.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.

While on the surface there might seem like a lot to like in Rishi Sunak's spring statement. Yes, the NI tax increase is still there, but the tax threshold to pay it is being raised. And there is even a promise of an income tax cut coming in 2024. But does the spectre of inflation mean that many of these supposed benefits won't be felt tangibly for the average taxpayer and may even see the amount they give to the government go up?Katy Balls is joined by James Forsyth, Kate Andrews and Fraser Nelson to discuss. 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.

Tomorrow is the spring statement. The proposed NI rise set to be outlined in it has been described by the Labour leader Keir Starmer as a 'cynical' move so the Chancellor can cut taxes before the next election for political brownie points. But what are Rishi Sunak's true motives?Cindy Yu deciphers them with Katy Balls and James Forsyth.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.