Quite right!
The Spectator
Welcome to Quite right!, the podcast from The Spectator that searches for sanity and common sense in a world which increasingly seems devoid of both. Each week, join Michael Gove, editor of The Spectator, and Madeline Grant, assistant editor of The Spectator, for a mixture of politics, culture and mischief as they unpack the stories that most piqued their interest, amusement or exasperation.For more podcasts from The Spectator: spectator.co.uk/podcastsSubscribe to The Spectator: spectator.co.uk/subscribe
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
May 12, 2026 • 41min
Keir Starmer’s last stand – will Labour force him out?
A fast-paced breakdown of Keir Starmer's leadership crisis and the likely outcomes facing Labour. They map rival camps and potential successors like Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham. The conversation covers tactical moves over safe seats, internal party warfare, risks to the economy from instability, and how turmoil could reshape regional politics and other parties' fortunes.
23 snips
May 7, 2026 • 21min
My advice for the next Labour leader
They map out how a Labour leadership bid would actually work and the tactical dangers candidates face. They debate whether appealing to party members can hurt national electability. They weigh Angela Rayner’s political strengths against accusations of pork‑barrelling. They question Britain’s relationship with experts and argue for balancing specialist advice with practical judgment.
22 snips
May 5, 2026 • 44min
Britain’s antisemitism 'emergency' – and have Reform gone too far?
They unpack a surge in antisemitic attacks and debate whether Britain faces a national security crisis. They explore Islamist extremism, far‑left apologism and far‑right hatred as drivers. They examine how local election shocks could reshape Labour’s direction. They question a proposal to site migrant detention centres in Green-voting areas and whether it is political trolling or a step too far.
16 snips
Apr 28, 2026 • 56min
Katie Lam on the grooming gangs, Jenrick & why Farage is not fit to be PM
Katie Lam, Conservative MP and former special adviser known for immigration interventions, explains why she stayed Conservative and reflects on internal party rifts. She talks about the grooming gangs scandal and why institutions shied away from it. She reacts to Rob Jenrick’s defection and discusses immigration numbers, removal plans and why Nigel Farage lacks the temperament to be prime minister.
34 snips
Apr 23, 2026 • 28min
Why you should be proud to be English – and Rowling vs Campbell
A debate about what makes England worth celebrating, from pubs and parishes to literature and the countryside. A look at national character, bank holidays and who counts as English. A lively ranking of monarchs and a defence of underrated queens. A heated culture-war clash over Rowling versus Campbell, examining tone, tactics and gender debate dynamics.
13 snips
Apr 21, 2026 • 40min
Starmer out? — be careful what you wish for
They dig into the Mandelson appointment controversy and the political fallout for Keir Starmer. They replay Ollie Robbins' committee appearance and contrast his steadiness with Starmer’s handling. They examine vetting failures, Number 10 pressure, and the strain on civil service relations. They debate who might replace Starmer and the wider risks for Labour ahead of local elections.
20 snips
Apr 16, 2026 • 26min
Local elections preview: how bad will it be for Labour?
A sharp look at how multi-party local races could shake up traditional strongholds and weaken party machines. A debate on AI in journalism, from useful research tools to risks of hallucination and lost expertise. A cultural dig into ‘twee’ Britain, Paddington symbolism and whether soft, sentimental rhetoric is crowding out serious public debate.
21 snips
Apr 14, 2026 • 50min
Southport inquiry: they knew he was evil, why wasn’t he stopped?
A deep dive into how warning signs about a violent individual were missed and why institutions failed to act. They debate whether fear of appearing racist and professional caution prevented intervention. Discussion turns to a political U-turn over the Chagos bill and its strategic fallout. They also examine Labour’s hesitation on sex and gender guidance one year after a key Supreme Court ruling.
11 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 50min
Anas Sarwar: why I said Starmer should go – and what I told Wes Streeting
Anas Sarwar, leader of Scottish Labour and former dentist, campaigning to be First Minister of Scotland. He discusses why Scotland needs change after two decades, balancing oil, gas and renewable jobs, and how Labour can offer a realistic alternative. He also reflects on party messaging, conversations with senior colleagues, and plans for education, local growth and practical governance.
10 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 30min
Q&A: Do the Tories need a bigger kicking?
A lively debate over whether the Conservatives’ crushing defeat signals real change or just more talk. Detailed discussion of migration, the mini‑budget, levelling up and housing failures. Analysis of Starmer’s use of “national interest” amid rising tensions with Iran. A cheerful detour into which politicians read widely and three books every would‑be policymaker should know.
