Coffee House Shots To drill or not to drill, that is the question
Mar 25, 2026
Michael Simmons, economics editor critiquing energy and cost-of-living policy, and Tim Shipman, political editor with sharp insights into PMQs and party strategy. They debate North Sea drilling, Labour’s shifting energy stance and targeted support plans. They dissect who Labour might try to win back and clash over renewables versus a mixed, abundant-energy approach.
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Starmer Defers Energy Decisions To Ed Miliband
- Keir Starmer repeatedly deferred responsibility to the energy secretary, framing decisions as quasi-judicial rather than political.
- Tim Shipman described Starmer as sitting on the fence and saying "I'm not in charge," highlighting a leadership perception problem.
Reeves Favors Targeted Energy Support
- Rachel Reeves has signalled any energy support will be targeted rather than universal, shifting policy compared with 2022's broad guarantee.
- Michael Simmons warned targeted support for benefit claimants risks political backlash from middle-income voters left out.
Benefits System Chosen For Administrative Ease
- Targeting payments through the benefits system is administratively easy because recipients are already identifiable in government databases.
- Tim Shipman explained ministers prefer benefits because linking other datasets is slowed by GDPR and interdepartmental agreements.