Coffee House Shots

In this discussion with Rory Sutherland, an advertising executive and columnist renowned for his behavioral insights, they delve into the pressing economic landscape of 2025. Sutherland champions a land value tax to curb speculative property investment and promote economic balance. He critiques the system that favors asset-rich pensioners and suggests policy nudges to encourage downsizing. Their conversation also touches on inheritance tax reforms to improve housing supply and argues against rising property values that stifle productive spending.

The discussion dives into political chaos, highlighting Angela Rayner’s dramatic resignation speech. There’s a memorable moment with Netanyahu gifting Trump a golden pager, leading to awkward reactions. The panel reflects on Rachel Reeves' emotional display in the Commons and debates the implications for her future. They assess Keir Starmer’s prospects and the unexpected rise of Reform UK. Amidst a landscape of populists, intriguing dynamics between Trump and local leaders add a twist to the year's political narrative.

Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader and MP for Aberdeen South since 2019, shares insights into the future of Scottish politics. He reflects on the SNP's recent losses and the push for revival under John Swinney's leadership. Flynn argues that a Holyrood majority is essential for a second independence referendum. He discusses the impact of Westminster policies on voter discontent and emphasizes the importance of practical solutions. Outside politics, he finds joy in family time and remains optimistic about the future.

As is fast becoming a tradition on Coffee House Shots at this time of year, James Heale and Tim Shipman are joined by sketch writer Quentin Letts to go through the events of the past 12 months. From sackings to resignations, and Farage to Polanski, it is a year in which the centuries-old consensus has been challenged and Westminster is delicately poised ahead of a 2026 which will define politics for the remainder of this parliamentary term. On the podcast, they discuss who is up and who is down, why Farage might be running out of steam and who is the most insufferable MP?Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Fuentes is a 27-year-old American influencer with a growing following. He believes America has been subverted by rich, powerful Jews. He was recently interviewed by Piers Morgan, where these views were put to him directly. During the exchange, Morgan referenced a video made by Times columnist Danny Finkelstein about his parents – a clip that has since led to Finkelstein being inundated with thousands of antisemitic messages.Danny Finkelstein joins The Spectator’s political editor Tim Shipman to discuss the growth of antisemitism, and what it reveals about modern Britain, America and the internet. They explore the pressures of multiculturalism, what this all means for liberal democracy, and the fragility of the political and media ‘mainstream’.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today was the final PMQs of the year – and it was certainly not a classic. It is customary for the Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition to make some attempt at Christmas cheer by telling jokes at the despatch box, but this year’s zingers were awful. Despite a promising start from Keir Starmer, it soon degenerated into quips about whether the Prime Minister has ‘the baubles’ and whether Kemi Badenoch will be ‘Home Alone’. None of the jokes were delivered with any aplomb. Is this parliament at its worst?Also today, Wes Streeting is under pressure as the junior doctors’ strike begins – how is he dealing with the walkout?James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and Tim Shipman.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned political editor, and Paul Goodman, a Conservative peer and expert on community cohesion, dive into the pressing issue of extremism in Britain. They discuss the failure of past governments to tackle Islamist extremism and the dangerous trend of communalist voting in politics. Tim highlights the cultural strain from reluctance to label violence properly, while Paul emphasizes the need for ideological work beyond policing. They also touch on Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC as part of a broader cultural strategy.

It’s nearly Christmas, but there is still lots of excitement to be had in Westminster, including Keir Starmer’s trip to the Liaison Committee. This is where the Prime Minister sits in front of senior MPs and is grilled on various policy areas. Today’s topics included the leaks (Wes Streeting and the OBR) and Keir Starmer’s integrity more generally, as well as the farm tax, the House of Lords and the government’s long-anticipated strategy to counter violence against women and girls. How did today’s proceedings expose the ‘paucity’ of Starmer’s Labour?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The government unveils its plan to reduce violence against women, as Sydney is rocked by an antisemitic terror attack.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lucy Dunn, a political correspondent moving to STV, teams up with Gordon McKee, Labour MP for Glasgow South, to unpack the current landscape of Scottish politics. They reflect on the SNP’s stability post-Sturgeon, with predictions for the 2026 elections. McKee discusses the persistent high NHS waiting lists and how Labour's presence is amplifying Scotland's voice in Westminster. They also delve into the rise of populism in Scotland and the challenges of communicating policy effectively, even using TikTok to reach younger voters.