Coffee House Shots

James Heale and Isabel Hardman discuss the implications of King Charles' speech, including new laws for criminals, scrapping short jail sentences, and selling new houses as freehold properties. They also explore the government's lack of ambition and internal disagreements regarding crime and media regulation. The hosts share humorous exchanges and personal highlights from the event.

The podcast discusses the controversy surrounding the Home Secretary's comments on rough sleepers, the political motivations behind these statements, and allegations of a cover-up within the Tory party.

Political analyst Hossam Zaki discusses the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the need for a political solution. Pro-Palestine rallies labeled as 'hate marches'. Oliver Dowden reacts to explosive Covid inquiry testimony. Sarah Snook talks about dangerous potential of deepfakes.

WhatsApps between officials in Boris Johnson’s government have been centre-stage at the Covid inquiry this week. Is the app encouraging on-the-hoof policymaking and nasty briefing? James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Guido Fawkes chief Paul Staines.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.

This week the prime minister hosted his landmark AI summit at Bletchley Park which wrapped up with an interview with Elon Musk, who warned that AI will one day render all jobs obsolete. The who's who of AI were in attendance over the two days as well the likes of Kamala Harris and Ursula von der Leyen, but what was actually achieved? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Madhumita Murgia, AI editor at the Financial Times. 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.

Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman discuss the Bank of England's decision to hold interest rates at a 15-year high and the potential impact on inflation and recession. They also explore the economic outlook for 2023 and 2024, analyze tax cuts, and discuss the ongoing Covid inquiry and Matt Hancock's truthfulness. Trust, lessons learned from the public inquiry, and the power struggle in NHS England are also topics of discussion.

Today the Covid inquiry heard from Helen McNamara, former deputy cabinet secretary (who infamously supplied a karaoke machine for one of the government's lockdown parties). Her evidence suggested that the government's pandemic response had a women problem – from not properly understanding lockdown's impact on domestic abuse to not considering that PPE is designed for male bodies, not female. Is that fair? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.Produced by Cindy Yu.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.

Former No.10 aids Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain testify at the Covid inquiry. They discuss structural failures, neglect of vulnerable people, lockdown decision-making, rejected measures in other countries, and missed opportunities in the inquiry.

The Covid inquiry questions Martin Reynolds, Lee Cain, and Dominic Cummings, with a focus on interpersonal drama rather than lessons for government decision-making. Katy Balls discusses the relevance and impact of the inquiry, expressing concerns about accountability and recommendations. The podcast also highlights the handling of the situation in Palestine and debates Kia-Stammer's challenges with foreign policy and party line.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Israel's ground invasion has begun. We hear the latest response from the government and Labour, as calls grow for a humanitarian pause to the offensive. MP Layla Moran speaks of the desperation of her family, who are unable to move from the north of Gaza. And the head of the tech company Palantir says patient data will be safe, as his company attempt to get a massive deal with the NHS over the line. Produced by Joe Bedell-BrillBecome 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.