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
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.
32 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 52min
Reform’s succession plan – and should Palestine Action be banned?
They unpack who might succeed Nigel Farage and whether Reform UK can function beyond its founder. They debate the court’s overturning of the bid to proscribe Palestine Action and what that means for free speech and public order. They discuss rising activism, alleged two-tier justice, and the risks of direct action. They also take a detour into Kenneth Williams and the lineage of British dark comedy.
11 snips
Feb 13, 2026 • 27min
Q&A: Should Britain abolish the monarchy?
A lively debate on whether Britain should ditch its royal family and the tricky legal and constitutional fallout that would follow. Discussion of the monarchy’s role as an apolitical unifier and soft-power asset. Tense speculation about a North East Somerset contest and whether a prominent politician might return. Exploration of why people tend to turn conservative with age, and how housing and life milestones shape voting.
27 snips
Feb 11, 2026 • 45min
Labour crisis: ‘Starmer is more like Boris than people admit’
A deep dive into a leadership crisis shaking Labour and whether it mirrors past Conservative collapses. They track fallout from the Mandelson papers and a dramatic WhatsApp leak. The conversation probes patterns of loyalty, judgment and staged party defenses. Potential successors and dark-horse contenders are weighed, with attention to how instability reshapes British political dynamics.
18 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 25min
Q&A: Is Rishi Sunak English – or British?
A lively debate about whether Rishi Sunak should be seen as English or British and why questions of national identity have become so heated. A discussion on whether accusations of racism are being used as a political weapon. A look at worrying warnings about civil unrest and what signs we should heed. Personal reflections on early political moments that shaped modern views.
26 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 47min
Mandelson scandal: ‘from tawdry friendship to something sinister’
A probing dive into fresh revelations linking a senior political figure to Jeffrey Epstein and the national-security questions that follow. A look at frozen repayment thresholds, soaring interest and how graduates feel squeezed. A debate over countryside policy, from diversity targets to bureaucratic missteps and whether outsiders misunderstand rural life.
Jan 30, 2026 • 27min
Q&A: Why Rwanda failed – and were the Tories serious about migration?
Discussion of why a large parliamentary majority can still feel fragile and spur backbench rebellions. Examination of whether the Rwanda deportation plan was ever deliverable and if a single flight could have altered political fortunes. Debate on the current role and limits of the UN and whether multilateral institutions deserve unquestioned moral authority.
9 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 47min
Is it nearly over for Keir Starmer? – and Reform's next defector revealed
Discussion about whether Keir Starmer’s control of his party is cracking after moves to block Andy Burnham. Debate over internal rivals and who might succeed if a leadership fight begins. Coverage of Suella Braverman’s move to Reform UK and what further defections mean for Conservative fortunes. Examination of Reform’s rise and the possible long-term fragmentation of the right.
24 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 34min
Debate: is Britain really broken?
The debate rages on: is Britain really broken? As the hosts dissect the impact of declinist rhetoric on national confidence, they explore the role of institutions and the failings in border protection. Meanwhile, a personal drama unfolds with the Beckham family, sparking questions about celebrity culture and commodified family life. Could Brooklyn Beckham's fallout be a modern-day Shakespearean tale? Tune in for insights on optimism, generational change, and what it really means to be a family in today’s society.
20 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 44min
The death of the special relationship – and was Jenrick right to leave the Tories?
The hosts dive into the shifting dynamics of the UK–US special relationship, questioning if it's just a comforting myth in light of Trump's unpredictable diplomacy. They explore how Britain's ties may be jeopardizing its security, possibly pushing allies closer to China. The discussion pivots to Robert Jenrick's unexpected defection to Reform UK, revealing the motivations behind the move and the potential implications for the Conservative Party. Ultimately, they examine the risks of right-wing infighting and its impact on future elections.
