Coffee House Shots

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.

In this discussion, Luke Tryl, a researcher at More in Common, and political journalist Tim Shipman, dive into the potential challenges and strategies for Labour as their conference approaches. They tackle voter disillusionment with Keir Starmer and analyze a hypothetical scenario where Andy Burnham leads Labour to voter recovery. Tim highlights Labour's new community fund aimed at revitalizing local areas. They also scrutinize Reform UK's risk of alienating voters through controversial comments, urging a focus on pressing issues like immigration and the cost of living.

Andy Burnham, Manchester’s mayor and self-styled champion of the North, is openly flirting with a return to Westminster just days before the Labour Party conference. In a revealing interview, he outlined his 'Manchesterism' – a blend of business-friendly socialism and public control of essential services – though what that actually means remains unclear. Typically, he is full of inconsistencies, criticising Westminster and how it 'makes you look false', while openly seeking a route back. Does he see the irony? Meanwhile, Keir Starmer faces challenges on multiple fronts: his chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, is embroiled in a controversy over nearly £740,000 of undisclosed donations to Labour Together, threatening to overshadow conference proceedings.Labour’s conference promises to be anything but dull, but who will steal the headlines: Burnham or McSweeney? Lucy Dunn speaks to Isabel Hardman 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.

Sir Ed Davey positions himself as the anti-Farage, seeking to capitalize on the divisiveness of Nigel Farage's leadership. The Liberal Democrats celebrate their success as a third party while grappling with their visibility. Economic theories clash as new OECD data reveals the UK grappling with the highest inflation in the G7. Discussion swirls around Labour's growth ambitions and the pressure Rachel Reeves faces at the upcoming conference. Insights on strategies targeting One Nation Tories add depth to the landscape of UK politics.

In this discussion, political journalists James Heale and Tim Shipman dive into Nigel Farage's radical immigration plan to scrap indefinite leave for migrants, exploring its potential impact and feasibility. Heale explains how this could affect hundreds of thousands in the UK while Shipman breaks down the strategic implications for the Conservative Party. They also tackle Keir Starmer's recognition of Palestine and the government's approval of a second Gatwick runway, debating the political fallout and growth promises leading up to the next election.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The UK has officially recognised the state of Palestine. In the morning of Keir Starmer's announcement, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy explains Labour's reasoning, while Mel Stride criticises the government's timing.Elsewhere, Ed Davey builds up to the Lib Dem conference by calling for Elon Musk's arrest.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.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.

Michael Stephens, a researcher at RUSI, and Gabriel Pogrund, a journalist at The Sunday Times, delve into the UK’s potential recognition of Palestine. They explore the implications of this decision, analyzing whether it’s rooted in principle or political pressure within the Labour Party. The conversation highlights the backlash from the US and the growing tensions between UK domestic politics and its international standing, particularly with allies in the Middle East. The dynamics of Starmer’s strategy reveal challenges he faces both at home and abroad.

James Heale, a political commentator, sheds light on the dramatic fallout surrounding 'Your Party,' a new venture by Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana. Sienna Rodgers, deputy editor of The House Magazine, provides insider insights into the escalating tensions, likening it to a 'South American coup.' They discuss the clash of egos between Corbyn and Sultana, accusations of sexism, and the party's uncertain future. Key questions arise: will Keir Starmer or the Green Party's Zack Polanski emerge as the real beneficiaries of this turmoil?