Coffee House Shots

Former Commander of Joint Forces Command – and one of the authors of the Strategic Defence Review – General Sir Richard Barrons joins Lucy Dunn and James Heale to talk through the main conclusions of the review, and the questions it raises. Labour have talked up the fact that this is the first government in a generation to not reduce the size of the armed forces. But, as Sir Richard explains, difficult choices await politicians and the public if the UK wants to be more prepared, and faster, for potential threats.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today the government has published the long-awaited strategic defence review. The brief was to take a new look at some of the challenges to the UK in 2025, and what is needed to ensure our security and reset our defence priorities.We are still waiting for some of the detail, but so far we know: £15 billion for new warheads to be carried by the new Dreadnought-class submarines; a dozen new SSN-Aukus attack submarines; £1.5 billion to build at least six munitions' factories; £6 billion to procure munitions over the remainder of this parliament; and £1 billion for digital capability and a new CyberEM Command. Where is all that money coming from?Most of the squabbling today has been over the commitment to 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending. Labour have so far only gone as far as to say that's an ‘ambition'. But are Labour being ambitious enough? Is the UK still a global player when it comes to defence if we can't commit to 3 per cent? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Emma Salisbury, research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Defence Secretary John Healey says the nature of war is changing, and admits Britain has an army retention crisis. Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick wants to arm prison officers, and Zia Yusuf talks up Reform's plan to cut £350bn in public spending.Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has called for possession of small amounts of cannabis to be decriminalised following a report by the London Drugs Commission. The report has made 42 recommendations, which include removing natural cannabis from the Misuse of Drugs Act.Former cabinet minister, now Labour peer, Charlie Falconer and Tory MP Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst join Lucy Dunn to discuss whether now is the time to decriminalise cannabis. For Lord Falconer, who chaired the Commission, the present law doesn't work and he explains the principles behind the review; Neil, however, believes that the proposals send the wrong message that cannabis is harmless. He argues that a balance needs to be found between robust enforcement and compassion for families and friends also affected by the behaviour of drug users. They both agree on the diagnosis, but how do you combat the issue?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lots to discuss today: Robert Jenrick takes on TfL, a Nazi jibe from the attorney general and allegations of shoplifting made against our own Michael Simmons.But we start with Keir Starmer's big speech yesterday, where the theme was ‘get Nigel', after polling from More in Common showed that framing the election as a two-horse race could be beneficial to Labour. They are attempting to cut the Tories out altogether but, in response, the Conservatives plan to use fiscal credibility as the battleground to crawl back up the polls. Will the economy save the Tories?Elsewhere, Robert Jenrick is the star of the week after a video of him reprimanding fare-dodgers on the Tube went viral, racking up more than ten million views on X. He seems to have struck a chord both within his party and with the public more generally, who are growing tired of our low-trust society and the blight of petty crime. Is Jenrick the one to tackle ‘Scuzz Nation'?Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dissatisfaction with the established political parties is driving a ‘tartan bounce' in Scotland for Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Far from being an English phenomenon, Reform is polling favourably with Scottish voters. There will be a by-election next week for the Scottish Parliament seat of Hamilton, in what will be Reform's first big test inside the politics of devolved government.For councillor Thomas Kerr, who defected from the Scottish Conservatives to Reform earlier this year, Reform's appeal in Scotland is no surprise. He joins Lucy Dunn to explain why he thinks the ‘sky is the limit' for Reform, why Farage is an asset to the party in Scotland and to explain Reform's current views around devolution powers.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labour's spending review is expected on the 11th of June, when we will find out which government departments face cuts and which costs have been ringfenced. This can set the tone for politics for months to come as it gives a clue to which priorities matter most – especially in times of fiscal restraint – and which ministers are up, and which are down. But how is a spending review conducted? How does His Majesty's Treasury balance the negotiations with those competing for its attention? And, following the leaked Angela Rayner memo, do we know which economic arguments are winning out?James Nation, formerly a SpAd at the Treasury, and then Number 10, for Rishi Sunak – now an MD at Forefront Advisers – joins James Heale to take us through the process, the personalities and the politics behind a spending review. Plus – a year on, was Rishi Sunak proven right?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss the speculation that Labour could scrap the two-child benefit cap. Is this just red meat for the left of the party or is it a sign that public opinion around welfare has shifted? And, with mixed messages on the economy, can the country afford to scrap it?This comes just a week after Labour's partial U-turn over the winter fuel allowance so, with pressure also increasing from Reform, is the welfare state about to expand?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This spring marks the 25th anniversary of the landmark judgment in the infamous Irving v Lipstadt Holocaust denial case. David Irving sued American academic Deborah Lipstadt after she had described him as a Holocaust denier in her 1994 book, for his claims that Jews had not been systematically exterminated by the Nazis. Given the burden of proof in English libel law being on the defence, it was up to Lipstadt and her publisher Penguin to prove her claims were true that Irving had deliberately misrepresented evidence. In 2000, the Judge found in her favour.Deborah Lipstadt and the lawyers that represented her, Anthony Julius and James Libson, join Michael Gove for this special edition of Coffee House Shots to provide their reflections: on the trial, on what it's like to go to court over something that's widely accepted as settled historical truth, and to discuss why they think antisemitism flourishes in so many forms. They also talk about why the principles of the case are ever more important today as they were 25 years ago.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Michael Simmons presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Rayner defends Labour's winter fuel payments U-turn, and fends off suggestions that her leaked memo has anything to do with a future leadership bid. Meanwhile, as Nigel Farage prepares to outflank Labour on the left, Kemi Badenoch says Reform supporters don't know what they're voting for. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

Spectator editor Michael Gove joins Natasha Feroze to talk about his cover article this week: 'Starmer vs the workers', the real Brexit betrayal. Michael puts forward his arguments for why Labour should learn to love Brexit, should take back control to protect British jobs and industries, and could use Brexit as an opportunity to harness AI and science & technology. Plus, has the UK-EU deal brought back 'happy memories' for the former prominent Brexiteer? Produced by Natasha Feroze and Patrick Gibbons.

Former Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor David Gauke joins James Heale to talk about his review into prison sentencing. The former Tory minister was appointed by the current Labour Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood, but says there is a clear centre-right argument for prison reform. He talks James through his policy proposals and the political reaction to them, the thinking behind expanding chemical castration for sex offenders and why deportation is complicated when dealing with the very worst foreign criminals. Ultimately his review is designed to reduce what is currently the highest incarceration rate in Europe. Produced by Patrick Gibbons. 

The Independent Sentencing Review chaired by former Lord Chancellor David Gauke has today announced its suggested reforms which sees a major shift from imprisonment to community-led sentencing. Measures include the recommendation that convicted criminals leave prisons after serving around one-third of their sentence, that short prison sentences of up to 12 months are drastically reduced and – the attention grabbing – expansion of chemical castration for paedophiles. What are the political ramifications of these policies, and will they work?  Danny Shaw, former advisor to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, and James Heale discuss with Lucy Dunn. Also on the podcast, they discuss a last minute obstacle to resolving the Chagos deal and the news that net migration dropped dramatically in 2024.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

After sustained speculation and a local elections drubbing, Keir Starmer announced today at PMQs that the government will be softening their policy on winter fuel. Whilst it won't come into effect for some time, they have agreed to ensure that ‘more pensioners are eligible for winter fuel payment.'  This comes hours after a memo was mysteriously leaked to the Telegraph. It contains an extensive list of recommendations from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to the Treasury, including a set of eight tax rises such as reinstating the pensions lifetime allowance and altering dividend taxes. This amounts to a direct challenge to Rachel Reeves's fiscal approach and preference for spending cuts. The bigger story, of course, is what this says about feelings within Labour – it's clearly not a happy family. Sources suggest that Angela Rayner is uneasy with the direction of travel in the Treasury and speaks for a silent majority in the Labour party who are fed up with defending controversial measures such as winter fuel. So who leaked this memo? Could Rayner be leading a mutiny? And will the U-turn on winter fuel placate the rebels?  Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Fallout continues from yesterday's summit and the announcement of a deal between the UK and EU – or is it fair to call it 'fallout' as, despite criticism over the deal from Nigel Farage and Kemi Badenoch, has the public got Brexit fatigue?  James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to talk about the reaction to the deal. Fisheries has taken up most discussion but Michael points out a lesser talked about commitment to energy policy. And, with the government keen to talk about it in tandem with recent deals with India and the US – and Gulf states soon, according to Rachel Reeves this morning – what's the political narrative around the summit? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

As EU leaders arrive in London for a summit hosted by Keir Starmer, there has been an announcement that the UK and EU have reached a deal. The UK has extended its agreement on EU fishing boats in British waters, while in return fewer checks on British food exports are expected. There have also been discussions about a defence pact, reduced tuition fees for EU students and access to electronic passport gates for British holiday-makers.  While we await further details, deputy political editor James Heale and director of the Centre for European Reform Charles Grant join Lucy Dunn to unpack what we know so far. Will the deal be an easy sell, or does it risk being seen as a ‘brexit betrayal'? And, does it lack ambition or is it an important first step in restoring trust between two allies? Charles points out that there are important implications: on a future US trade deal; for Northern Ireland; and, in setting precedent; while James highlights the tight-rope Labour have to walk in constructing a narrative around the deal – particularly around avoiding being seen as selling out the ‘somewheres' in favour of the ‘anywheres'. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.  

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's politics shows. As the government wraps up negotiations with the EU, some believe the deal will betray Brexit voters, while others think Labour won't go far enough. Meanwhile, Elton John calls the government ‘absolute losers' over its plans to allow AI to use copyrighted material, and Centrica boss Chris O'Shea warns its Rough facility might have to shut down. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

Kemi Badenoch has come in for criticism since becoming leader of the opposition – for her energy, her performances at PMQs and her inability to galvanise her shadow cabinet. On this podcast, James Heale hosts the trial of Kemi Badenoch and asks whether someone else might be better placed to take the Tories into the next election and – more importantly – who that prince (or princess) across the water could be. The Spectator's assistant content editor William Atkinson makes the case for the prosecution, while Michael Gove sets out why the Tories should stick with Kemi. Lara Brown, our new commissioning editor, acts as the jury. ‘If your house is on fire you don't wait a year to call the fire brigade,' says William. But Michael argues that political leaders – much like football managers – should be given time and patience in order to implement their direction, philosophy and, ultimately, to become successful. So should she stay or should she go? ... Or should the Tories give it to ‘Big Sam' until the end of the season? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Have your say, by emailing us at: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Labour MP Kim Leadbeater's assisted dying bill is back in the Commons for the report stage today – returning to parliament for the first time since major changes were made to the legislation. While Leadbeater has insisted the bill is coming back ‘even stronger' than before, support among MPs appears to be fading. The mood in parliament was different to the second reading – which listeners will remember as a self-congratulatory affair, hailed as a ‘historic' day by Leadbeater – but today's debate was notably more ill-tempered. The majority of speeches seemed to oppose the bill rather than support it, and a late intervention by Esther Rantzen did not help. The prevailing opinion appears to be that, while there is support for this kind of legislation, there is little backing for a private member's bill. If this bill does achieve Royal Assent, that will only mark the beginning of a complex challenge for Labour, who will then face major decisions on doctors, training and substances – all issues likely to dominate debate for the remainder of their term. Is Starmer right to hang his legacy on this issue? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Hale and Rajiv Shah, a former adviser to the Attorney General and in Number 10. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

The Prime Minister is in Albania today to focus on immigration: the government has announced that the UK is in talks to set up 'return hubs' with other countries to send failed asylum seekers abroad. Unfortunately for the government though, also going abroad are Britain's millionaires. In the cover article for this week's Spectator, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes that London lost 11,300 dollar millionaires last year alone. These figures run in stark contrast to today's news that GDP increased by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025. This continues a trend of mixed signals for Britain's economy. Also on the podcast Spectator editor Michael Gove discusses his interview with justice secretary Shabana Mahmood, who announced today that some reoffenders will be recalled to parliament for a reduced, fixed amount of time to relieve the pressure on prisons. Both Michaels join Lucy Dunn to discuss further, and for the full interview with Shabana Mahmood click through to Spectator TV.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Prime Minister's Questions today, and there was lots on the agenda. It is often a fool's game to guess what the leader of the opposition will lead on, but today she had a wide choice of ammunition – from unemployment to welfare to the government's new stance on migration to the war in Gaza. Kemi Badenoch looked assured when holding Keir Starmer to account on the Chancellor's ‘jobs tax' and on funding for children's hospices. But can we attribute her performance to growing confidence in the role – or is the news just getting worse for Keir Starmer? There were a couple of notable moments from the Prime Minister, including an attack on Reform and his response to Liz Saville-Roberts, leader of Plaid Cymru, when she ‘called him out' on his use of the phrase ‘island of strangers' earlier this week. Keir Starmer appeared tetchy – is he taking a leaf out of Rishi Sunak's book? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Keir Starmer has succeeded in keeping immigration at the top of the news agenda for another day – although he may not be happy with the headlines. After his set-piece announcement yesterday, the Prime Minister is caught between fire from both sides. On the left, he is accused of ‘pandering' to Nigel Farage and even echoing the rhetoric of Enoch Powell's ‘Rivers of Blood' speech – with regard to Starmer's statement about Britain becoming an ‘island of strangers'. Meanwhile, Farage has called the Prime Minister ‘insincere' and ‘playing catch-up'. Within Labour, some backbench MPs have broken ranks. But it is the quiet, soft-left faction – already uneasy about winter fuel, foreign aid etc. – that will concern the PM most. Might immigration be the issue that forces them to rebel? And is this really a departure for Keir Starmer, or a return to the language of New Labour? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Isabel Hardman and Danny Shaw, former adviser to Yvette Cooper. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Keir Starmer has kicked off what may be one of his most significant weeks in the job with a white paper on immigration. In it, the government details its plan to ‘take back control' of migration, promising that numbers will fall ‘significantly' – although no target number has been given. The plan includes the following: English tests for all visa applicants (and their adult dependants); an increase in the residency requirement for settled status from five to ten years; and new measures making it harder for firms to hire workers from overseas, including abolishing the social care visa and raising the threshold for a skilled worker visa. Many have interpreted the move as an attempt to stem the rise of Reform by beating them at their own game. The Prime Minister gave a press conference this morning to announce the plans. His language marked a sharp contrast with speeches he made upon becoming leader. Gone are the days of ‘making the case for the benefits of migration' – now replaced with ‘we are becoming an island of strangers'. Are Labour making promises they can't keep – and are they merely echoing Reform? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Karl Williams, research director at the Centre for Policy Studies. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. The home secretary announces new measures to curb immigration numbers, and Starmer has a US trade deal. But not everyone believes the deal is much of a win. Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

The post-mortem has begun on a historic set of local elections – but where does each party go from here? Is Reform unstoppable? Is Kemi the one to lead the Conservative rebuild? Do Labour really ‘get it'? Michael Gove, James Heale and Lucy Dunn are joined by special guests Zia Yusuf and Jacob Rees-Mogg to unpack these questions – as well as the broader ramifications of the local elections on British politics. Listen for: Zia's understanding of why Reform did so well; Jacob's concession that a Tory/Reform pact of some description could be the only way for the Conservatives to avoid extinction; and Michael's assessment of whether Labour will force us closer to the EU. This podcast was originally recorded live at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster on Wednesday 7 May.

On Thursday afternoon Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave a speech about closing the long-awaited UK-US trade deal. Not that his announcement went without a hitch however; after first directing lobby journalists to the wrong Jaguar Land Rover factory in Coventry, Starmer then had his limelight stolen by the election of a new Pope. Although, Labour's ‘historic' trade deal has pipped the Pope on most front pages. The reception has been positive across government too, with many heralding a political win for Labour – just when they really needed one after the local elections. But is this an economic win as well? Critics say the deal is shallow, clearly just a start, and are at pains to point out that we are still in a worse trading position than earlier this year. Meanwhile, the governor of the Bank of England intervened to urge the government to ‘do everything' it can to rebuild trade with the EU.  Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Michael Simmons.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

It's a massive day for the Labour government and for Keir Starmer, as the UK becomes the first country to sign a trade deal with the US following the tariff turmoil of last month. Donald Trump described it as a ‘full and comprehensive deal' … although we are still waiting for some of the details to be thrashed out. What we do know is this: the 25 per cent tariff on UK steel and aluminium has been removed and the rate on most car exports has been slashed from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent. In return, the UK is removing the tariff on ethanol for US goods and has agreed ‘reciprocal market access on beef'. So far there is no word on the digital services tax, and Britain is still liable to pay the 10 per cent baseline tariff rate. On both sides of the pond, the deal is being described as ‘historic' by leaders who – for their own reasons – could really do with a win. But who does this deal favour? Is it a coup for Starmer – or Trump? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Kate Andrews and Michael Simmons. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Lots to talk about today, including new polling which puts Reform on 29 points compared to the Tories on just 17. We've also just had the first PMQs since the local elections. But the trade deal announced yesterday between the UK and India is dominating the headlines, with many concerned about some of the concessions made – namely the decision to exempt some short-term Indian workers from national insurance as part of the new agreement. This comes barely a week after the local elections, where immigration has been widely considered the most salient issue. The Conservatives have gone on the attack, despite the fact that a trade deal with India was supposed to be one of the major gains from Brexit – an example of how Britain could ‘venture out into the world' and open up trade with fast-growing economies. Are the Tories now against free trade? Interestingly, Kemi Badenoch omitted to ask about the trade deal at PMQs today, choosing instead to question Keir Starmer on the ongoing concerns around winter fuel and the pressure from many elements within his party to at least water down the policy. Can Starmer afford to U-turn? James Heale speaks to Michael Simmons and Paul Goodman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

It's day five of recriminations after the local elections, with politicians, pollsters and journalists alike still trying to make sense of what just happened. On today's podcast, Rachel Wolf gives her verdict: we should not be shocked by Reform's surge. She argues that Nigel Farage's success should have been predicted – that it's the same, distinctly anti-political silent majority who ‘surprised' us during Brexit, ‘surprised' us in 2019 and are ‘surprising' us now.  How will Labour respond? Will they U-turn on winter fuel? And is Boris Johnson the only one who can win back these disillusioned voters for the Tories? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Rachel Wolf, CEO of Public First and former adviser to Boris Johnson. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Lucy Dunn speaks to the Holyrood leader of the pro-independence Alba party, Ash Regan. Regan was formerly a member of the SNP and even ran to be the party's leader after Nicola Sturgeon resigned in 2023. She defected to the late Alex Salmond's Alba party 18 months ago and ran for party leader after his death. On the podcast, she talks to Lucy about the difference between Alba and the SNP, the threat of Reform in Scotland, the ‘performative' nature of Scottish politics, the Supreme Court ruling over what is a woman, and why she was right to resign over the Gender Recognition Bill.

The two main parties are reeling after local elections in which Reform surged to huge wins. Wes Streeting has admitted that Reform could be Labour's main opposition by the next election. Tory MP Nigel Huddleston says Kemi Badenoch will remain as Tory leader, Reform chairman Zia Yusuf hints they may use legal action to prevent migrants being housed in hotels, and Ed Davey wants the Liberal Democrats to 'call out' Reform. 

As the parties regroup following the local elections, both Labour and the Conservatives have to face a miserable result. Lucy Dunn speaks to Isabel Hardman and pollster Luke Tryl about the anger and disillusionment amongst the electorate, and why Keir Starmer message 'we need to go further and faster' can't cut through.  

The word ‘unprecedented' is often overused in politics, but these local elections have proved to be just that. The headline is: sweeping success for Reform.  Nigel Farage's 'teal tsunami' comes at the expense of the main parties – turning the two-party consensus on its head. The recriminations for Labour and the Tories have already begun. On the left, a number of MPs have broken cover and urged the government to shift its position on high-salience issues such as winter fuel. On the right, Kemi Badenoch's leadership is looking increasingly shaky, with Tory MPs and staff warning that a step change is needed. Where do the main parties go from here? And can anyone stop Nigel? James Heale speaks to Isabel Hardman and The Spectator's incoming political editor, Tim Shipman. This episode was recorded as part of The Spectator's local elections live broadcast. You can watch the full coverage here.

Votes are being counted across England, but there is a clear early winner from these local elections: Nigel Farage. His party triumphed in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election this morning, overturning a 14,000-odd majority and winning by just six votes! Elsewhere, Andrea Jenkyns triumphed in Lincolnshire; Reform came second in a number of mayoral races; and their 38 per cent vote share in Runcorn matches the best-ever performance that Ukip achieved in a by-election. So far, the story is one of teal triumph – at the expense of the two main parties. Labour are already pointing to the difficulty incumbents often face at local elections, and will claim victory after narrowly holding out in three mayoral races: North Tyneside, the West of England and Doncaster. The Tories, however, appear to have totally capitulated – but with widespread results for councils across England expected later, that could all change. Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Lucy Dunn. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Voters have gone to the polls today for a historic set of local elections. The polling indicates a rough night for the two main parties and a good showing for Reform, the Lib Dems and the Greens. So be prepared for a lot of election-night spin from both Labour and the Tories. To talk through the various ways in which politicians can claim victory in the face of defeat, James Heale is joined by our editor, Michael Gove – no stranger to the media round himself. They discuss the best candidates to face up to the media from both the Tories and Labour, as well as some of the greatest examples of post-election spin from history. Michael also gives an insight into his own tactics when trying to divert the narrative away from electoral disaster and when encouraging the media to ‘calm down'. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Tony Blair is making waves in Westminster today after his institute published a report on net zero that appears to undermine Ed Miliband and Labour's green agenda. In his foreword – while not directly critical of the UK government – he encouraged governments around the world to reconsider the cost of net zero. Many have compared Blair's comments to those made by Kemi Badenoch several weeks ago and questioned the timing – just 48 hours before the local elections. What is Blair up to? Should Labour listen to Tony? Also on the podcast, with the local elections tomorrow, we take one final look at the polling. With Labour expecting big losses, how can the party spin the results? James Heale speaks to the pollster James Johnson and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. Produced by Oscar Edmondson. For tickets to our local elections shake-up event with Jacob Rees Mogg and Zia Yusuf, click here. 

Mark Carney has won the Canadian election, leading the Liberal Party to a fourth term. Having only been Prime Minister for 6 weeks, succeeding Justin Trudeau, this is an impressive achievement when you consider that Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives were over 20 percentage points ahead in the polls earlier this year. Trump's rhetoric against Canada – engaging in a trade war and calling for the country to become the 51st state – is credited as turning around the fortunes of the Liberals. Are there lessons for conservatives across the anglosphere, including Kemi Badenoch? Patrick Gibbons speaks to James Heale and Michael Martins. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Are we looking at a spring of discontent? It's the final push ahead of this week's local elections, and what Keir Starmer wants to talk about is expanding the NHS app – which he says will cut waiting lists and end the days of the health service living in the ‘dark ages'. However, what people are actually talking about is public sector pay. The independent pay review body has recommended pay rises of around 4 per cent for teachers and nurses. Will there be industrial action? Are Labour going to be pushed into another round of public sector pay increases? Meanwhile, after Ben Houchen's comments this weekend, the murmurs of a Tory/Reform pact refuse to go away. Was his a helpful intervention? Lucy Dunn speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Legendary pollster Prof Sir John Curtice joins the Spectator's deputy political editor James Heale to look ahead to next week's local elections. The actual number of seats may be small, as John points out, but the political significance could be much greater. If polling is correct, Reform could win a ‘fresh' by-election for the first time, the mayoralties could be shared between three or more parties, and we could see a fairly even split in terms of vote share across five parties (Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Conservatives, the Green party, and Reform UK).  The 2024 general election saw five GB-wide parties contest most seats for the first time. These set of local elections could solidify this ‘five-party political system'. In fact, says John, ‘Reform have already won these local elections' by virtue of being able to contest all the seats available. Are we headed for a different kind of politics in Britain? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Despite this being the week that Kemi Badenoch finally showed some steel in PMQs, it's Robert Jenrick who has been stealing the headlines. That's for lots of reasons – mainly his comments about a potential Tory Reform pact, which he clarified on Good Morning Britain this morning, saying: ‘Kemi Badenoch and I are on exactly the same page. Kemi has been very clear there won't be a pact with Reform, and I've said time and again that I want to put Reform out of business. I want to send Nigel Farage back to retirement.' This follows leaked footage which surfaced this week from a student event in late March, where he appeared to suggest that he would back a pact to join forces with Farage. Elsewhere, he had a big win when Yvette Cooper announced that the government will publish migrant crime league tables – a policy he has pushed for. Is he the prince across the water? Or do we need to give Kemi a break? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Henry Hill, deputy editor at Conservative Home. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been in Washington D.C. this week at the IMF's spring meetings, and will meet US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent tomorrow. Cue the ususal talk of compromising on chlorinated chicken. Not so, reports the Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons, who explains that Reeves may offer a reduction in long-standing tariffs already imposed on American cars. But, it's been a bad week of economic news for the Chancellor as the IMF downgraded the UK's growth forecast. We're also one week away from the local elections – Starmer's first big test since last year's general election. The economy isn't usually the number one issue at local elections but, as More in Common's Luke Tryl explains, the cost of living crisis is still very much alive in voters' minds. And, while Reform look set to have a good night, the economy is not their strongest policy area. What should we look out for on the night? Michael and Luke join Lucy Dunn to discuss. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.  

Happy St George's Day! To celebrate, we thought we would discuss who is the most patriotic political leader — and why some struggle to communicate their love of country. Keir Starmer declared in an interview with the Mirror this morning that Labour is ‘the patriotic party'. This follows a more concerted effort from those within the party to become more comfortable with the flag. But is Keir Starmer actually a patriot? How will the ‘battle of the Union Jack' play out at the local elections? And does Reform have a point to prove when it comes to patriotism? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Claire Ainsley, former executive director of policy for the Labour party, now at the Progressive Policy Institute. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.