Coffee House Shots

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.

The British economy is shrinking. Figures just released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that GDP fell by 0.1 per cent in the three months to October. The contraction came after growth of 0.1 per cent in the three months to September. On a monthly basis, the economy shrank by 0.1 per cent in both September and October after remaining flat in August. Is growth really Labour’s priority? And what impact is all this doom and gloom having inside the party?Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale 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, an insightful political editor, and James Heale, a savvy political commentator, discuss the future of Nigel Farage and the Reform party. They delve into how Reform is preparing for potential governance and whether Farage would thrive as Prime Minister. Shipman shares anecdotes from his interview with Farage, highlighting his excitement and nervousness. The duo also explores internal party dynamics, relationships with other parties, and the ambitious strategy to reshape the British political landscape.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned political journalist known for his insights into UK politics, joins to dissect Kemi Badenoch's adept performance at Prime Minister’s Questions. He reveals how Badenoch cleverly linked her inquiries across government departments to showcase Labour's failures. The discussion also touches on Tory backbench reactions and Ed Davey's unique contributions in Commons. Tim highlights Rachel Reeves' connections to Keir Starmer and the implications of her recent remarks on tax and budget narratives.

Tim Shipman, Political editor at The Spectator, and Mark Galeotti, an expert in Russia and security affairs, discuss the implications of a major proposal to use €100 billion of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. They delve into the complexities of US-Russia shuttle diplomacy and the challenges posed by Putin’s territorial demands. The conversation highlights how economic pressures might influence Putin's pragmatism and examines Europe's evolving strategy as it seeks to sustain Ukraine while coping with shifting alliances.

Lucy Dunn, a political journalist and Spectator contributor, discusses Kemi Badenoch's press conference, highlighting a proposed national inquiry into grooming gangs that has stirred emotions among survivors. Tim Shipman, a seasoned political analyst, explores the chaotic state of Labour, particularly the backlash against Keir Starmer from within his own ranks as doubts about his leadership surface. The conversation also touches on the shockwaves from Lord Offord's defection to Reform UK and its potential impact on Scottish politics.

Join Pat McFadden, Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary, as he dives into the Youth Guarantee scheme and the complexities of welfare reform, including Universal Credit changes. Baroness Laura Faulkner raises concerns about women's rights and the government's handling of safety issues. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Helen Whately discusses the nuances of disability benefits and motability eligibility. Together, they explore pressing political topics, revealing the intricate balance between rights, benefits, and social responsibility.

In this discussion, Tom Baldwin, journalist and biographer of Keir Starmer, and Tim Shipman, political editor at The Spectator, dive into the complexities of Labour's current strategy. They explore whether Starmer should shift left to reclaim voters from the Greens and Lib Dems. Baldwin critiques the influence of 'super-advisers,’ arguing they distract from the government's message. Shipman highlights the struggle Starmer faces in communicating his values and recommends tapping into personal stories to resonate better with voters.

Join political writer James Heale and European policy expert Charles Grant as they delve into revived discussions about UK-EU relations, sparked by recent state visits and political maneuvers. Heale sheds light on Labour's potential customs union re-entry, while Grant critiques the limited economic benefits of a reset. They also assess the influence of Brexit's narrative on Reform and how Farage's clout might sway EU negotiations. Plus, don't miss the buzz around Liz Truss launching her new show—will she offer fresh insights?

James Heale, a political commentator and writer for The Spectator, joins the discussion on the staggering £9 million donation from Christopher Harborne to Reform. The conversation delves into how this financial boost could alter electoral dynamics and the potential influence of donors on party strategies. They explore the implications of postponed local elections and where Reform might target their resources. Additionally, Heale highlights the intersection of political funding, crypto interests, and the shifting landscape of donor influence in British politics.