500 episodes

Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.

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    • 4.4 • 134 Ratings

Instant political analysis from the Spectator's top team of writers, including Fraser Nelson, Isabel Hardman, Katy Balls, James Heale and many others.

    Sunak’s Rwanda Bill finally passes parliament

    Sunak’s Rwanda Bill finally passes parliament

    After eight hours of debate on the Rwanda Bill, peers finally threw in the towel shortly after midnight. And with that, the Rwanda Bill became law, pending Royal Assent from the King. The two chambers have been engaged in a mammoth game of ping-pong for the past week, culminating in yesterday’s showdown on two final amendments. What comes next? 

    Kate Andrews speaks to James Heale and Katy Balls. 

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

    • 12 min
    Will there be a summer election?

    Will there be a summer election?

    This morning Rishi Sunak delivered a press conference making the case that the Rwanda Bill should become law today – and the government is ready for when it does. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about what could be an all-night parliamentary showdown on the Rwanda vote, and whether an early summer election is on the cards.

    Produced by Natasha Feroze. 

    • 11 min
    Can things get worse for the SNP?

    Can things get worse for the SNP?

    It's been quite the week for the SNP. Questions remain over the future of the Sandyford gender clinic, 'the tartan Tavistock'; the Scottish government ditched its flagship climate change target; and former party chief executive, and husband of Nicola Sturgeon, Peter Murrell was rearrested on embezzlement charges. 

    What does this all mean for the SNP? Lucy Dunn speaks to Iain Macwhirter, columnist at The Times, and Shona Craven, columnist at The National.

    Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons

    • 15 min
    Sunak declares a crackdown on Britain’s ‘sick note culture’

    Sunak declares a crackdown on Britain’s ‘sick note culture’

    Rishi Sunak has returned to one of his pet bugbears: getting the unemployed back into work. His speech to the Centre for Social Justice this morning was peppered with his favourite facts about the post-pandemic welfare crisis embroiling Britain. Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons. 

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

    • 9 min
    Is it smart to ban phones for teens?

    Is it smart to ban phones for teens?

    Sunak's top team is considering another ban: smartphones for teens. A consultation is due to begin this month that will question whether children need a smartphone, and if social media should require age verification. Could the debate bring the party together? 

    Also, there's another suspension in Westminster. Mark Menzies has been suspended after claims he made a late night call to ask for money to pay off 'bad people'. He strongly disputes the claims. 

    Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. 

    Produced by Megan McElroy. 

    • 10 min
    Sunak's Truss problem

    Sunak's Truss problem

    The day after her book was published, Rishi Sunak faced down questions from Keir Starmer and Labour members at PMQs about Liz Truss. While he had his replies at the ready, the questions underscored the main issue for Sunak: how should he deal with his predecessor? 

    Also on the podcast, there is more inflation news for the Government, and how will Starmer deal with internal party discipline?

    James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

    • 11 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
134 Ratings

134 Ratings

Visigoth1066 ,

Volume modulation?

Like the show but where is the producer? Volumes range all over the place. Sounds like some are close to their mikes and others are miles away. Irritating.

Domic57 ,

Short and sweet.

And surprisingly even-handed to both political wings. Good job!

definitely not Goldfarb ,

More Kate Andrews!

Love the podcast already (even as an American who only tunes in religiously during election/leadership contests) but please invite Kate on more frequently!

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