Coffee House Shots

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Pat McFadden addresses Starmer's 'coalition of the willing', and incoming reforms at Whitehall, somewhat elusively. Richard Tice defends the timing of Reform MP Rupert Lowe's suspension, and Chris Philp speaks about the Tories' suggestion to ignore the Human Rights Act when judges make decisions on immigration. Meanwhile, the Latvian President argues that other European nations should be considering conscription. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a special (and emotional) edition of Coffee House Shots this Saturday because it is the last with Kate Andrews on this side of the Atlantic. She joins our editor Michael Gove and political correspondent James Heale for a debate on ideology. Kate – a liberal, in the classical British sense – explains exactly why she is not a Conservative and the various tenets that distinguish liberalism from conservatism, whilst Michael makes the case for being a 'pessimistic' conservative. So, what makes a liberal? What makes a conservative? And was Hayek right in saying that while there isn’t much to choose between these two political creeds, ultimately, they need each other. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.Kate Andrews' suggested reading on liberalism: F. A. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom Adam Smith: The Wealth of NationsDeirdre McCloskey: Why Liberalism Works Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump has been stealing the headlines when it comes to Ukraine this week, but Europe – and whether it can stay united in the face of the US pulling its support – remains an important subplot. At a summit yesterday, 27 countries backed the plan to increase spending on defence, but when will the cracks start to show?Thankfully, it seems that the Prime Minister is good in a crisis. Back at home, he has seen a modest bounce in popularity and he is making a good impression in Brussels, coming across as assured without grandstanding. He has also been leading on defence spending – could defence be the way in for Starmer to renegotiate a new position within the EU? Is Starmer having a good crisis? Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour have found themselves facing accusations of enabling ‘two tier policing’ following new guidelines from the Sentencing Council. Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has been quick to criticise the government, but Labour’s Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also urged the council reconsider their recommendations. Yvette Cooper’s former adviser Danny Shaw joins Katy Balls and James Heale to discuss the row. While Danny points out that the issue is more nuanced than the row makes out, to the public the very perception of ‘two tier policing’ will damage the government - and at a time when confidence in the justice system is at an all-time low. How will they fix the problem?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With reports of ‘billions’ of spending cuts earmarked for the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, taking place later this month, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews join Katy Balls to discuss what exactly Rachel Reeves could cut. With little fiscal headroom and sluggish forecasts of growth, Reeves doesn’t appear to have many options. It’s likely that welfare will be targeted, and there are reports that Labour’s opposition to new North Sea oil & gas licences may be relaxed to stimulate growth. One area that appears off the table is defence – following the Prime Minister’s pledge to cut international aid in order to fund new defence spending. But if all these reports are true, where does that leave Labour ideologically? Could Labour’s left be heading for what Michael calls their own ‘winter of discontent’? And what appetite does a weary British public have for further spending cuts?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overnight President Trump made another extraordinary move in his ongoing attempt to broker a deal between Ukraine and Russia, suspending all U.S. military aid to Ukraine. Katy Balls talks to James Heale and geopolitical analyst Mark Galeotti about how serious this development is and where it leaves Ukraine's European supporters.Produced by Natasha Feroze and Cindy Yu. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katy Balls and Kate Andrews, both political journalists from The Spectator, dive into Keir Starmer's diplomatic role in the Ukraine crisis. They discuss the challenge of coordinating with the unpredictable American political landscape, especially under Trump. The duo unpacks Starmer's potential over-promising to Ukraine amidst ongoing peace negotiations. They also explore how Europe's approach to peacekeeping might shift international perspectives, making it a critical moment for both Ukraine and UK diplomacy.

Zelensky's much anticipated meeting at the White House finished in an angry clash between the Ukrainian President, JD Vance and Donald Trump. The Vice President accused Zelensky of leading 'propaganda tours' and culminated in the Ukrainian President leaving the White House without a signed minerals deal. Was Zelensky ambushed? European leaders quickly scrambled to show their solidarity for Ukraine, whilst attempting to maintain good relations with America. How high are the stakes for Starmer ahead of the peace summit held by No.10 on Sunday? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator’s Katy Balls, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews were joined by special guests Robert Jenrick and Jonathan Ashworth for a live podcast, recorded at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster.The main topic of discussion is, of course, Donald Trump, whose inauguration has ushered in a new world disorder. His ‘shock and awe’ foreign policy has sent Europe scrambling as it tries to work out who will be responsible for ensuring its security in the future. We have seen a move away from the idealism that has defined foreign policy in the last decade and towards ‘realism’, with countries committing to boots on the ground and greater defence spending. Are Labour right to increase their defence pledge? Is Kemi Badenoch being energetic enough in holding the government to account – not just on its foreign policy, but on its record in government so far? And – closer to home – how worried are the Tories about the rise of Reform?This discussion was originally recorded on Wednesday 26 February. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Andrews, a political commentator and writer for The Spectator, shares her thoughts on Keir Starmer's recent diplomatic success with Donald Trump. They discuss how Starmer managed to win Trump's personal praise, prompting speculations of a blossoming bromance. The conversation highlights unexpected support from Trump on international issues, including tariffs and Ukraine. They explore the nuances of political rhetoric and the potential implications for Starmer's future as he navigates this newfound alliance.