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
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.
27 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 51min
Coexistence or 'dominance'? The political Islam debate
A heated debate about public prayer, political Islam and where coexistence becomes an assertion of dominance. A discussion on theology, the call to prayer and tensions over religious accommodation in public life. A look at the Church of England’s future under new leadership and its struggles with bureaucracy and parish priorities. A political sketch of Angela Rayner’s manoeuvring and what it signals for Labour’s direction.
25 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 31min
Q&A: The Greens' secret weapon – and what happened to liberalism?
They dissect the Greens' softer public style and whether charm hides radical aims. They question if levelling up has quietly fallen off the political agenda and explore the causes of regional inequality. They probe what happened to the Lib Dems, debating stunt-driven leadership versus a serious liberal project.
17 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 44min
What’s the point of Keir Starmer? – and the Lords vs the Commons
They question whether Keir Starmer’s cautious, process-first style is a political weakness and if it could prompt leadership change. They unpack the Mandelson controversy and internal briefings that test accountability. They weigh the House of Lords’ role scrutinising assisted dying and late-term abortion proposals against a hurried Commons. They debate wiping Churchill from banknotes and what that says about Britain’s relationship with its past.
Mar 13, 2026 • 30min
Q&A: Should Starmer go left or right? – and Thimothée Chalemet’s tragédie en musique
A brisk debate on whether Keir Starmer should pivot left or stay centrist to win trust and credibility. A look at why Canada, Australia and New Zealand are often overlooked despite close ties. A lively defence of opera and ballet, questioning whether they are elitist relics or vital live art with democratic potential.
25 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 45min
Is Britain still a great power? – and why Ed Miliband should go | Quite right!
They argue about Britain’s shrinking clout in the Middle East and whether dependence on the US reveals real limits to influence. They debate the state of UK military and diplomatic reach, and how policy choices and civil service shifts affect power abroad. They also scrutinise energy strategy, questioning net zero timing, domestic oil and gas decline, and the economic fallout for regions and industry.
17 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 35min
Q&A: Has the Equality Act created a ‘hierarchy of victimhood’?
They debate why talented Britons are leaving for places like Dubai and whether the push factors reflect failing domestic policy. They question whether the Equality Act has drifted into creating a hierarchy of victimhood and outline practical harms from public sector equality duties. They survey contemporary right-wing leaders worldwide and consider which styles of conservative leadership Britain might learn from.
19 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 39min
Iran: Trump has a plan — does Starmer? Plus the Spring Statement fallout
They dissect the US strikes on Iran and whether a clear plan exists for regime pressure or change. They debate the risks of military action, regional fallout and how Gulf states and Israel factor in. They scrutinize Britain’s cautious response and questions about its defence capacity. They close by examining the Spring Statement’s cautious forecasts and the tradeoffs between welfare and defence spending.
7 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 41min
Part two | ‘MPs are just not good enough’ – Munira Mirza on Boris, Starmer & Britain’s leadership crisis
Munira Mirza, political adviser and founder of Civic Future and Fix Britain, critiques leadership and state wiring. She discusses why the 2019 mandate faltered, migration counting failures, and Boris Johnson’s strengths and flaws. She argues for reforming Labour-era laws, better preparation by parties before government, and a culture of radical candour and higher-calibre public servants.
37 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 40min
Part one | Munira Mirza on multiculturalism, Islamism & how fear of racism is distorting policy
Munira Mirza, former No.10 policy director and Deputy Mayor of London now leading Civic Future, discusses shifting Muslim votes in Gorton and Denton and the politicisation of religious identity. She talks about Islamism’s influence in Britain and concerns that fear of accusations of institutional racism has distorted public-safety decisions.
