Coffee House Shots

Winter trouble for the NHS blamed on industrial action; Starmer praises Margaret Thatcher; Ndileka Mandela on 'climate apartheid'; Gaza truce ends as IDF defends actions; Challenges faced by NHS and political messaging; Ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas

Katy Balls speaks with Fraser Nelson and Catherine MacLeod about the memory and legacy of Alistair Darling. They discuss his handling of the financial crash, emphasis on honesty, and his compassionate character. The podcast also explores the legacy and impact of George Osborne.

Matt Hancock's revelations in the Covid inquiry, including Rishi Sunak's desire to open non-essential retail before schools. Anticipation for Boris Johnson's upcoming evidence. Rishi Sunak's involvement in COP28 and disagreements on the net zero agenda. Diverging perspectives on China and climate change between Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak.

Political commentator Katy Balls and journalist Stephen Bush discuss Jeremy Hunt's accusation that Labour's economic plan is dishonest. They explore the impact of spending commitments, fiscal rules, and the autumn statement on Labour's narrative. They also assess the relevance and impact of the Covid inquiry, expressing concerns about its focus on personal disagreements rather than valuable insights for pandemic preparedness.

Political journalist Katy Balls and editor of ConservativeHome Paul Goodman discuss the potential rift between Rishi Sunak and Robert Jenrick, exploring interpretations of Jenrick's comments on immigration. They also delve into the challenges facing the Tory party including the Supreme Court verdict and declining poll support.

The podcast discusses the dispute between the UK and Greece over the Parthenon Marbles and the potential solutions for their return. It also explores the unexpected prominence of this issue during the Greek Prime Minister's visit to Downing Street and the consequences it may have for UK museums. Additionally, the hosts discuss the possibility of the Elgar marbles sparking a larger conversation on possessions and repatriations, as well as Labour's strategy to diminish Rishisunak's credibility and recent appointments in the party.

Guests Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman discuss the pressure on Rishi Sunak to curb legal migration. They explore the political pressure faced by Home Secretary James Cleverley, differing opinions on reducing legal migration within the government, and the balancing act the Prime Minister must perform between the economy and his party's desires. They also discuss the possibility of a drop in channel crossings, the Labour party's stance on migration, and potential challenges in implementing emergency legislation.

Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews discuss the impact of high levels of immigration on the welfare system, employment, and the economy. They explore the tension between welfare reform and the long-term consequences of not addressing these issues. The podcast also touches on the difficulty of identifying which groups of people are not coming to Britain and the shortage of healthcare professionals.

Riots in Dublin provoked by a child attack, looting and violence ensued. Discussion on political backlash to police response, unpreparedness and wider disorder. Also, an analysis of the first exchange between Israel and Hamas.

Migration expert James Heale and political commentator Kate Andrews discuss the recently released net migration figures in the UK, debating whether migration has peaked. They also analyze the criticism towards the Office for National Statistics, the changes in migration patterns following Brexit, and the impact of the autumn statement on public services.