Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Gove

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 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.

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.

The real Brexit betrayal: Starmer vs the workers ‘This week Starmer fell… into the embrace of Ursula von der Leyen' writes Michael Gove in our cover article this week. He writes that this week's agreement with the EU perpetuates the failure to understand Brexit's opportunities, and that Labour ‘doesn't, or at least shouldn't exist to make the lives of the fortunate more favourable'. Michael makes the argument that ‘the real Brexit betrayal' is Labour's failure to understand how Brexit can protect British jobs and industries and save our manufacturing sector. Historian of the Labour Party Dr Richard Johnson, a politics lecturer at Queen Mary University writes an accompanying piece arguing that Labour ‘needs to learn to love Brexit'. Richard joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside Conservative peer Dan Hannan. Both Brexiteers, they disagree over the approach the government should take and what tools it should be using. (1:02) Next: the big appeal of bite-sized history Why are so many readers turning to short histories? The historian Alice Loxton writes in the magazine this week about the popularity of books with titles like ‘the shortest history of…', ‘a brief history of…' or ‘a little history of'. Some may argue these are designed to satisfy generations of distracted readers, but Alice defends them, saying ‘there is something liberating about how noncommittal they are'. Should we embrace the ‘short history'? Alice, author of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives, joined the podcast to discuss further alongside Professor Simon Heffer – himself the author of A Short History of Power. (24:40) And finally: is being a bridesmaid ‘brutal'? A Northern Irish bride chose to have 95 bridesmaids when she married earlier this month. While it might be understandable to not want to choose between friends, Sophia Money-Coutts writes in the magazine this week that, once chosen, the reality of being a bridesmaid is brutal. Sophia joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside the journalist Francesca Peacock. (36:22) Hosted by William Moore and Gus Carter. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

The real Brexit betrayal: Starmer vs the workers‘This week Starmer fell… into the embrace of Ursula von der Leyen' writes Michael Gove in our cover article this week. He writes that this week's agreement with the EU perpetuates the failure to understand Brexit's opportunities, and that Labour ‘doesn't, or at least shouldn't exist to make the lives of the fortunate more favourable'.Michael makes the argument that ‘the real Brexit betrayal' is Labour's failure to understand how Brexit can protect British jobs and industries and save our manufacturing sector. Historian of the Labour Party Dr Richard Johnson, a politics lecturer at Queen Mary University writes an accompanying piece arguing that Labour ‘needs to learn to love Brexit'.Richard joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside Conservative peer Dan Hannan. Both Brexiteers, they disagree over the approach the government should take and what tools it should be using. (1:02)Next: the big appeal of bite-sized historyWhy are so many readers turning to short histories? The historian Alice Loxton writes in the magazine this week about the popularity of books with titles like ‘the shortest history of…', ‘a brief history of…' or ‘a little history of'. Some may argue these are designed to satisfy generations of distracted readers, but Alice defends them, saying ‘there is something liberating about how noncommittal they are'.Should we embrace the ‘short history'? Alice, author of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives, joined the podcast to discuss further alongside Professor Simon Heffer – himself the author of A Short History of Power. (24:40)And finally: is being a bridesmaid ‘brutal'?A Northern Irish bride chose to have 95 bridesmaids when she married earlier this month. While it might be understandable to not want to choose between friends, Sophia Money-Coutts writes in the magazine this week that, once chosen, the reality of being a bridesmaid is brutal. Sophia joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside the journalist Francesca Peacock. (36:22)Hosted by William Moore and Gus Carter.Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Minister pushing for deal over UK use of EU passport e gates M and S and Co Op BBC reporter on talking to the hackers Luke Littlers van window smashed during Norwich match Michael Gove in agreement with SNP leader John Swinney over independence Eurovision 2025 Austria wins with last minute vote, as the UK comes 19th Elton John brands government absolute losers over AI copyright plans What the hell happened to UK Eurovision entry Remember Monday Inside Air Force One as new era beckons for presidential plane Mexican Navy ship crashes into New York Citys Brooklyn Bridge Facial disfigurement I was refused service in a cafe because of my face

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Michael Gove interviews Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood (1:17; Max Jeffery shadows the police as they search for the parents of three abandoned babies (14:41); Paul Wood asks if this is really the end of the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (20:57); Susannah Jowitt reports that death has come to the Chelsea Flower Show (28:55); and, Leyla Sanai reviews Graham Swift's new anthology of short stories, Twelve Post-War Tales (34:23). Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

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

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

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.

The great escape: why the rich are fleeing Britain Keir Starmer worries about who is coming into Britain but, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes in the magazine this week, he should have ‘sleepless nights' thinking about those leaving. Since 2016, nearly 30,000 millionaires have left – ‘an outflow unmatched in the developed world'. Tax changes have made Britain a ‘hostile environment' for the wealthy, yet we are ‘dangerously dependent' on our highest earners: the top 0.01 per cent pay 6 per cent of all income tax. If the exodus is ‘half as bad' as those he has spoken to think, Simmons warns, a 2p hike to income tax looms. Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside private wealth specialist James Quarmby from advisory firm Stephenson Harwood. (1:04) Next: Michael Gove interviews justice secretary Shabana Mahmood ‘There's a moment of reckoning to come' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood tells The Spectator's editor Michael Gove in a wide-ranging interview in the magazine this week. Gove writes that he has a degree of sympathy for her, given he occupied her post for 15 months several years ago; ‘it's the most glamorous and least attractive job in the cabinet' he writes. The interview touched on grooming gangs, AI and the oath she swore on the Quran. You can hear an extract from the interview on the podcast but, for the full interview, go to Spectator TV (16:08) And finally: ‘pond terfs' versus the ‘right on' Zoe Strimpel highlights a schism that has emerged over Hampstead ladies pond in the magazine this week: whether trans women should be allowed to swim in the ladies pond. The division, between older ‘pond terfs', who are against their inclusion, and younger ‘right on' women, has only widened following the Supreme Court ruling. Far from solving the issue, the fight has only intensified.   Zoe joined the podcast alongside Julie Bindel to discuss further. (27:48) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

The great escape: why the rich are fleeing Britain Keir Starmer worries about who is coming into Britain but, our economics editor Michael Simmons writes in the magazine this week, he should have ‘sleepless nights' thinking about those leaving. Since 2016, nearly 30,000 millionaires have left – ‘an outflow unmatched in the developed world'. Tax changes have made Britain a ‘hostile environment' for the wealthy, yet we are ‘dangerously dependent' on our highest earners: the top 0.01 per cent pay 6 per cent of all income tax. If the exodus is ‘half as bad' as those he has spoken to think, Simmons warns, a 2p hike to income tax looms. Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside private wealth specialist James Quarmby from advisory firm Stephenson Harwood. (1:04) Next: Michael Gove interviews justice secretary Shabana Mahmood ‘There's a moment of reckoning to come' Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood tells The Spectator's editor Michael Gove in a wide-ranging interview in the magazine this week. Gove writes that he has a degree of sympathy for her, given he occupied her post for 15 months several years ago; ‘it's the most glamorous and least attractive job in the cabinet' he writes. The interview touched on grooming gangs, AI and the oath she swore on the Quran. You can hear an extract from the interview on the podcast but, for the full interview, go to Spectator TV (16:08) And finally: ‘pond terfs' versus the ‘right on' Zoe Strimpel highlights a schism that has emerged over Hampstead ladies pond in the magazine this week: whether trans women should be allowed to swim in the ladies pond. The division, between older ‘pond terfs', who are against their inclusion, and younger ‘right on' women, has only widened following the Supreme Court ruling. Far from solving the issue, the fight has only intensified.   Zoe joined the podcast alongside Julie Bindel to discuss further. (27:48) Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

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.

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.

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.

This week: the left-wing radicalism of Garden Court Garden Court Chambers has a ‘reassuringly traditional' facade befitting the historic Lincoln's Inn Fields in the heart of London's legal district. Yet, writes Ross Clark in the cover article this week, ‘the facade is just that. For behind the pedimented Georgian windows there operates the most radically effective cell of left-wing activists in Britain'. Ross argues that cases taken on by Garden Court lawyers raise questions of impartiality. Is this just another example of ‘law's expanding empire' over the domain of elected politicians, as former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption has warned? The Spectator's editor, and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove joined the podcast to discuss. (1:16) Next: cultural desert ‘From its gloopy green-filled chocolate to its soulless towers, Dubai is exerting a cultural influence over our capital' writes Angus Colwell in the magazine this week. More and more young people might be moving to the city, but its influence is being exported back. With around 250,000 Brits living in the Middle Eastern Emirate, why is Dubai so popular? Angus worries that we may lose some of the ‘pleasingly chaotic' aesthetic of London to Dubai's ‘artificial construction'. Angus joined the podcast alongside the writer Louise Perry. (13:43) And finally: the enduring obsession with Princess Diana  Almost 30 years on from her death, why has a fascination with Princess Diana endured? Philip Hensher reviews Dianaworld: An Obsession, by Edward White, in the magazine this week which explores the effect that Diana had – and still has – on people around the world. Why did people feel such a connection to the late Princess of Wales?  Philip joined the podcast alongside royal commentator Angela Levin. Philip explains that a ‘passive victimhood' has crept into society since Diana's death while, for Angela, the public felt they ‘owned' the Princess. (22:32) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week: the left-wing radicalism of Garden Court Garden Court Chambers has a ‘reassuringly traditional' facade befitting the historic Lincoln's Inn Fields in the heart of London's legal district. Yet, writes Ross Clark in the cover article this week, ‘the facade is just that. For behind the pedimented Georgian windows there operates the most radically effective cell of left-wing activists in Britain'. Ross argues that cases taken on by Garden Court lawyers raise questions of impartiality. Is this just another example of ‘law's expanding empire' over the domain of elected politicians, as former Supreme Court judge Jonathan Sumption has warned? The Spectator's editor, and former Justice Secretary, Michael Gove joined the podcast to discuss. (1:16) Next: cultural desert ‘From its gloopy green-filled chocolate to its soulless towers, Dubai is exerting a cultural influence over our capital' writes Angus Colwell in the magazine this week. More and more young people might be moving to the city, but its influence is being exported back. With around 250,000 Brits living in the Middle Eastern Emirate, why is Dubai so popular? Angus worries that we may lose some of the ‘pleasingly chaotic' aesthetic of London to Dubai's ‘artificial construction'. Angus joined the podcast alongside the writer Louise Perry. (13:43) And finally: the enduring obsession with Princess Diana  Almost 30 years on from her death, why has a fascination with Princess Diana endured? Philip Hensher reviews Dianaworld: An Obsession, by Edward White, in the magazine this week which explores the effect that Diana had – and still has – on people around the world. Why did people feel such a connection to the late Princess of Wales?  Philip joined the podcast alongside royal commentator Angela Levin. Philip explains that a ‘passive victimhood' has crept into society since Diana's death while, for Angela, the public felt they ‘owned' the Princess. (22:32) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week Ed Dutton returns to The Current Thing to talk about his new biography of the controversial, enigmatic genius Jonathan Bowden, who has become a highly influential figure following his premature death. We discuss: -Why Ed has been attacked by the ‘online right' for writing this book -Bowden's extraordinary speaking ability, and the traits that made him a genius -Bowden's relationships with Michael Gove and Damian Thompson of the Spectator -Why an intellectual like Bowden was drawn to ostensibly tough right wing parties -Bowden's bizarre pathological lying and lots more. This is a must for Bowden fans, and will also be very interesting for those who have never heard of him. This is just a clip as it is too controversial for most platforms, but you can find the full interview here: https://www.nickdixon.net/p/the-new-right-wing-messiahnickdixon.net There you will find full episodes of all Nick's podcasts with top guests, extended versions of the topical podcasts with Paul Cox, an extra weekly bonus podcast only for paid subscribers, Nick's private chat group, and more. And of course you will help support us in our quest to save the West, all for just £5 at nickdixon.net Or make a one-off donation here, thanks: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/nickdixon Nick's links Substack: nickdixon.net YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nick_dixon X: https://twitter.com/nickdixoncomic Ed's website: https://www.jollyheretic.com/ Ed's new book on Bowden: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shaman-Radical-Right-Jonathan-Bowden/dp/1923104667/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1

Michael Gove and Katy Balls join James Heale to discuss their interview with the Health Secretary Wes Streeting included in this week's special Easter edition of The Spectator. Michael identifies three key reasons why Streeting's fate is key to the success of the government: immigration, the cost-of-living crisis and faith in the NHS. Seen as the ‘golden child' of Number 10, Streeting has as many supporters in the Labour party as he has detractors – but his Blairite-coded image could help him take the fight to Reform.  Also on the podcast, Michael, Katy and James discuss Nigel Farage's progress in the local election campaign. Plus, as this is Katy's last podcast with Michael and James keep listening to the end for an ‘easter egg' from Michael – as well as why black cabs make the best podcast studios. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv British Steel Government aims to take control with emergency law Escaped XL Bully found and put down after Sheffield shooting Michael Gove gets peerage in Rishi Sunaks resignation honours list Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalils deportation Hudson helicopter crash Agustin Escobar and Merc Camprub Montal were corporate aristocracy Witkoff meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to get moving on Ukraine ceasefire Why is British Steel in trouble, who owns it and what will the government do Newspaper headlines Parliament recalled and Royals tried to trap me says Harry US fires Greenland military base chief for undermining JD Vance Sir Elton John celebrates extraordinary 10th UK number one album

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv US fires Greenland military base chief for undermining JD Vance Escaped XL Bully found and put down after Sheffield shooting Sir Elton John celebrates extraordinary 10th UK number one album Hudson helicopter crash Agustin Escobar and Merc Camprub Montal were corporate aristocracy Why is British Steel in trouble, who owns it and what will the government do Witkoff meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to get moving on Ukraine ceasefire Michael Gove gets peerage in Rishi Sunaks resignation honours list Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalils deportation Newspaper headlines Parliament recalled and Royals tried to trap me says Harry British Steel Government aims to take control with emergency law

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Newspaper headlines Parliament recalled and Royals tried to trap me says Harry Michael Gove gets peerage in Rishi Sunaks resignation honours list Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalils deportation Hudson helicopter crash Agustin Escobar and Merc Camprub Montal were corporate aristocracy Witkoff meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to get moving on Ukraine ceasefire British Steel Government aims to take control with emergency law US fires Greenland military base chief for undermining JD Vance Sir Elton John celebrates extraordinary 10th UK number one album Escaped XL Bully found and put down after Sheffield shooting Why is British Steel in trouble, who owns it and what will the government do

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Judge allows Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalils deportation Witkoff meets Putin as Trump urges Russia to get moving on Ukraine ceasefire Sir Elton John celebrates extraordinary 10th UK number one album British Steel Government aims to take control with emergency law Newspaper headlines Parliament recalled and Royals tried to trap me says Harry Why is British Steel in trouble, who owns it and what will the government do Hudson helicopter crash Agustin Escobar and Merc Camprub Montal were corporate aristocracy Escaped XL Bully found and put down after Sheffield shooting US fires Greenland military base chief for undermining JD Vance Michael Gove gets peerage in Rishi Sunaks resignation honours list

On Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, Over 100,000 extra NHS patients have been treated on time since Labour came into government. Nick talks to Minister for Social Care Stephen Kinnock. The National Crime Agency have raided hundreds of barbershops across the UK suspected of being fronts for crime gangs. Nick talks to Leader of Reform UK Nigel Farage.Michael Gove is set to receive a peerage in Rishi Sunak's resignation honours list. All of this and more on Nick Ferrari - The Whole Show podcast.

Danny's away, so Sally, Polly and Hugo are joined by former cabinet minister and politest man in politics, Michael Gove. What did he learn about Donald Trump's 'man cave' when he interviewed him the first time round?And, Keir Starmer wants to tackle what he calls the 'flabby state' - Is that the same as the 'blob', and can you reform Whitehall without going to war with it?Send questions, comments and voicenotes to howtowin@thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs? From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverentand author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

This week: Starmerism's moral vacuum ‘Governments need a mission, or they descend into reactive incoherence' writes Michael Gove in this week's cover piece. A Labour government, he argues, ‘cannot survive' without a sense of purpose. The ‘failure of this government to make social justice its mission' has led to a Spring Statement ‘that was at once hurried, incoherent and cruel – a fiscal drive-by shooting'.  Michael writes that Starmer wishes to emulate his hero – the post-war Prime Minister Clement Atlee, who founded the NHS and supported a fledgling NATO alliance. Yet, with policy driven by Treasury mandarins, the Labour project is in danger of drifting, as John Major's premiership did. Starmerism's policy vacuum is being filled so rapidly by HMT that we are embarking on an era of ‘cruel Labour'.  Michael joined the podcast to discuss further, alongside John McTernan, former private secretary to Tony Blair. (1:37) Next: have the Church's sacred spaces become community clubs?  From yoga classes to drag shows, and even a helter-skelter, the Revd Dr Jamie Franklin, host of the podcast Irreverend and author of The Great Return, writes in the magazine this week about what he argues is the ‘tragic misuse of its sacred spaces' by the Church of England. This new reality may be symptomatic of a wider issue with the leadership of the Church, currently pondering its future. The journalist Quentin Letts provides his own manifesto for the next Archbishop of Canterbury in this week's diary.  So do diverse uses of space broaden the Church's appeal or does it run the risk of diluting its holiness? Quentin, whose new book NUNC! Is out now, joined the podcast alongside Jamie to discuss. (20:52) And finally: is Clandon Park a visionary restoration or a catastrophic precedent? Calvin Po addresses the ‘conundrum of conservation' in the Arts lead for the magazine this week: how much of a building can be restored before it becomes a different building entirely?  Plans have moved forward for the 18th century Palladian mansion Clandon Park, managed by the National Trust, to be preserved in a half-charred form, following its gutting by fire in 2015. The Trust says this ‘approach combines careful conservation, scholarly restoration and sensitive contemporary design'. And The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB), founded by William Morris, has hailed the plans, arguing that a full restoration would amount to a ‘feeble and lifeless forgery' and the ‘Clandon of the future will offer a markedly different visitor experience to that of the past, but one that will have its own interest'. Calvin, however, worries that this sets a ‘catastrophic precedent' for restorations of the future, and The Georgian Group actively opposed the Trust's proposal, arguing that the building's merit comes in its original design ‘not in burnt bricks'.  To discuss further we were joined by The Georgian Group's director Dr Anya Lucas, and the architectural historian – and former Chair of SPAB – Gillian Darley. (35:17) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Oscar Edmondson.

What would you do if you got added to a messaging group that was discussing top-level classified information? This week, Alan and Lionel are asked about the Atlantic's stunning report that some of the highest level figures in American defence discussed war plans in a Signal group containing its editor, Jeff Goldberg. How have new communication technologies changed journalism—and the search for a scoop?Alan and Lionel answer more listeners' questions on the smash Netflix series Adolescence, social media and how Michael Gove's tenure as Spectator editor is progressing.If you have a question for Alan and Lionel send them to mediaconfidential@prospectmagazine.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Katy Balls, Michael Gove, Lord Glasman, Lord Frost and pollster James Kanagasooriam as they unpack the highly anticipated Spring Statement and its implications for national policy and global security. Listen for: Michael's plan for how to deal with the Donald, and why the Treasury is not fit for purpose; Maurice on his influence in the White House, and what's wrong with the current political class; David's reflections on why Brexit was ahead of its time; and James's explanation for Britain's lost sense of community.

Join Katy Balls, Michael Gove, Lord Glasman, Lord Frost and pollster James Kanagasooriam as they unpack the highly anticipated Spring Statement and its implications for national policy and global security. Listen for: Michael's plan for how to deal with the Donald, and why the Treasury is not fit for purpose; Maurice on his influence in the White House, and what's wrong with the current political class; David's reflections on why Brexit was ahead of its time; and James's explanation for Britain's lost sense of community.

This afternoon, Rachel Reeves made good on her promise to deliver only one fiscal set piece per calendar year by announcing what is widely being considered a Budget... this precedes a spending review in the summer and an actual Budget in the autumn. The headline is that the Chancellor had to find £15 billion in spending cuts to restore her headroom and keep within her own ‘ironclad' fiscal rules. This comes after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) confirmed that the £9.9 billion margin she left herself in the autumn has disappeared. The OBR has also halved its growth projections – bleak news for the government. Among the announcements: further welfare cuts after the OBR was not satisfied with the original package; some ‘final adjustments' to Universal Credit, with the standard allowance rising from £92 per week in 2025–26 to £106 per week by 2029–30; around 10,000 civil service jobs are for the chop; defence spending will rise, at the expense of international aid; and a new target to reduce the cost of running government by 15 per cent. But what is most striking is the extent to which the government is now beholden to the OBR. Who is running this government? Can Labour deliver on growth? Katy Balls speaks to Michael Gove and David Miles, member of the OBR's Budget Responsibility Committee. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

On 23 March 2020, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the unprecedented decision to put the UK into lockdown. To mark the 5th anniversary of that announcement this weekend, we have brought together our editor Michael Gove – then a cabinet minister under Boris – and our associate editor Toby Young – an ardent critic of the decision – to answer the question, was the government right to lock down? Was the decision a necessary and reasonable health measure based on the available evidence at the time, or a significant and avoidable violation of civil liberties by a government that was meant to champion liberal freedoms? You decide. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

On 23 March 2020, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the unprecedented decision to put the UK into lockdown. To mark the 5th anniversary of that announcement this weekend, we have brought together our editor Michael Gove – then a cabinet minister under Boris – and our associate editor Toby Young – an ardent critic of the decision – to answer the question, was the government right to lock down? Was the decision a necessary and reasonable health measure based on the available evidence at the time, or a significant and avoidable violation of civil liberties by a government that was meant to champion liberal freedoms? You decide. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

Bridget Phillipson's schools bill is back in the Commons today. The scope of the legislation is twofold: firstly, looking at the welfare of children in schools and secondly at fundamentally changing the landscape of secondary education by doing away with academies (and with it the legacy of the previous Conservative government on education). The plan has been read by many – including former head of Ofsted Amanda Spielman, who joins today's podcast – as Labour pandering to the unions and perhaps even prioritising the adults (union members) over the children. Amendments to the bill will be debated this afternoon, including a Tory amendment that would ban phones in schools, although it doesn't seem that Labour is in the mood to make any concessions. What is motivating Labour? What's the vision of change here? James Heale speaks to Michael Gove and Amanda Spielman. Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

On this week's Spectator Out Loud: Colin Freeman explains how Islamic State tightened its grip on the Congo (1:23); Harry Ritchie draws attention to the thousands of languages facing extinction this century, as he reviews Rare Tongues: The Secret Stories of Hidden Languages by Lorna Gibb (8:00); Max Jeffery highlights the boxing academy changing young lives (13:20); Michael Gove reflects on lessons learned during his time as education secretary (20:30); and, Catriona Olding introduces the characters from her new Provence-based memoir club (29:27).  Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.

Slashing the winter fuel allowance, maintaining the two child benefit cap, cutting international aid, cutting the civil service, axing NHS bureaucracy, possibly slashing welfare expenditure... you'd be forgiven for thinking the Conservatives were in power. But no, these are all policies pursued by the current Labour government. So on today's Saturday Shots Cindy Yu asks Michael Gove and James Heale, is Keir Starmer a Tory? While Michael admits to giving Starmer a 'painful' two cheers, he does say there is historic precedent for Labour government enacting right-leaning measures: from Jim Callaghan's migration policies to the economic ones of Ramsay MacDonald. How has Starmer got away with it? And what does his premiership of pragmatism tell us about the future direction of Labour? Michael sets out a number of tests to judge Starmer's success by: the tests of Fraser Nelson, Robert Jenrick, Ernie Bevan, Denis Healey and Bob Mellish...  Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.

Slashing the winter fuel allowance, maintaining the two child benefit cap, cutting international aid, cutting the civil service, axing NHS bureaucracy, possibly slashing welfare expenditure... you'd be forgiven for thinking the Conservatives were in power. But no, these are all policies pursued by the current Labour government. So on today's Saturday Shots Cindy Yu asks Michael Gove and James Heale, is Keir Starmer a Tory? While Michael admits to giving Starmer a 'painful' two cheers, he does say there is historic precedent for Labour government enacting right-leaning measures: from Jim Callaghan's migration policies to the economic ones of Ramsay MacDonald. How has Starmer got away with it? And what does his premiership of pragmatism tell us about the future direction of Labour? Michael sets out a number of tests to judge Starmer's success by: the tests of Fraser Nelson, Robert Jenrick, Ernie Bevan, Denis Healey and Bob Mellish...  Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Cindy Yu.

It was widely briefed that the main focus of Sir Keir Starmer's speech in Yorkshire today was his plan to do away with Whitehall red tape. What was kept under wraps was the Prime Minister's plans for the NHS – specifically to scrap NHS England. In a bid to tackle bureaucracy in the health service, the PM this morning told reporters that the ‘arms-length NHS' needed to go – adding that the move will ‘shift money to the front line' and free the health service to ‘focus on patients'. What's the point of abolishing NHS England? And are Labour 'doing the things that the Tories only dreamed of'?  Lucy Dunn speaks James Heale and Michael Gove.  Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy. 

It's a special (and emotional) edition of Coffee House Shots this Saturday because it is the last with Kate Andrews on this side of the Atlantic. She joins our editor Michael Gove and political correspondent James Heale for a debate on ideology. Kate – a liberal, in the classical British sense – explains exactly why she is not a Conservative and the various tenets that distinguish liberalism from conservatism, whilst Michael makes the case for being a 'pessimistic' conservative.  So, what makes a liberal? What makes a conservative? And was Hayek right in saying that while there isn't much to choose between these two political creeds, ultimately, they need each other.  Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. Kate Andrews' suggested reading on liberalism: F. A. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom  Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations Deirdre McCloskey: Why Liberalism Works

It's a special (and emotional) edition of Coffee House Shots this Saturday because it is the last with Kate Andrews on this side of the Atlantic. She joins our editor Michael Gove and political correspondent James Heale for a debate on ideology. Kate – a liberal, in the classical British sense – explains exactly why she is not a Conservative and the various tenets that distinguish liberalism from conservatism, whilst Michael makes the case for being a 'pessimistic' conservative. So, what makes a liberal? What makes a conservative? And was Hayek right in saying that while there isn't much to choose between these two political creeds, ultimately, they need each other. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. Kate Andrews' suggested reading on liberalism: F. A. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom  Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations Deirdre McCloskey: Why Liberalism Works

America isn't the only place where the political Right is beginning to move in a new direction.On this episode, Michael Gove, the legendary former Conservative UK MP and cabinet secretary and current editor of the Spectator, joined for a discussion of trade, tariffs, and where conservatism is headed across the Atlantic.They talked through the challenges faced by the British Right to combat the legacy of free trade, which mirror fights in the American Right today. Following Vice President Vance's remarks in Munich about our European allies, the two discuss how a nation founded to “get away from continental entanglements” and “ancestral quarrels” should approach foreign policy.For more, watch Gove and Cass's dramatic victory in a debate at the recent Alliance for Responsible Citizenship's conference in London about whether “protectionist policies make us poorer.” (Spoiler alert: they do not.)

With reports of ‘billions' of spending cuts earmarked for the Chancellor's Spring Statement, taking place later this month, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews join Katy Balls to discuss what exactly Rachel Reeves could cut. With little fiscal headroom and sluggish forecasts of growth, Reeves doesn't appear to have many options. It's likely that welfare will be targeted, and there are reports that Labour's opposition to new North Sea oil & gas licences may be relaxed to stimulate growth. One area that appears off the table is defence – following the Prime Minister's pledge to cut international aid in order to fund new defence spending.  But if all these reports are true, where does that leave Labour ideologically? Could Labour's left be heading for what Michael calls their own ‘winter of discontent'? And what appetite does a weary British public have for further spending cuts? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

A decade ago, the hedge fund manager Paul Marshall was known as a Lib Dem donor and founder of the Ark academy chain. Now, as the owner of UnHerd, GB News and, since last September, the Spectator, he's a right-wing media tycoon. Peter Geoghegan joins Thomas Jones to discuss Marshall's transformation. He explains the ‘symbiotic relationship' between Marshall and Michael Gove, their shared connection to evangelical Christianity, and the changing shape of conservative politics in Britain.Find further reading on the episode page: https://lrb.me/marshallpodSponsored links:Use the code ‘LRB' to get £150 off Serious Readers lights here: https://www.seriousreaders.com/lrb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Spectator's Katy Balls, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews were joined by special guests Robert Jenrick and Jonathan Ashworth for a live podcast, recorded at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. The main topic of discussion is, of course, Donald Trump, whose inauguration has ushered in a new world disorder. His ‘shock and awe' foreign policy has sent Europe scrambling as it tries to work out who will be responsible for ensuring its security in the future. We have seen a move away from the idealism that has defined foreign policy in the last decade and towards ‘realism', with countries committing to boots on the ground and greater defence spending. Are Labour right to increase their defence pledge? Is Kemi Badenoch being energetic enough in holding the government to account – not just on its foreign policy, but on its record in government so far? And – closer to home – how worried are the Tories about the rise of Reform? This discussion was originally recorded on Wednesday 26 February.

The Spectator's Katy Balls, Michael Gove and Kate Andrews were joined by special guests Robert Jenrick and Jonathan Ashworth for a live podcast, recorded at the Emmanuel Centre in Westminster. The main topic of discussion was, of course, Donald Trump, whose inauguration has ushered in a new world disorder. His ‘shock and awe' foreign policy has sent Europe scrambling as it tries to work out who will be responsible for ensuring its security in the future. We have seen a move away from the idealism that has defined foreign policy in the last decade and towards ‘realism', with countries committing to boots on the ground and greater defence spending. Are Labour right to increase their defence pledge? Is Kemi Badenoch being energetic enough in holding the government to account – not just on its foreign policy, but on its record in government so far? And – closer to home – how worried are the Tories about the rise of Reform? This discussion was originally recorded on Wednesday 26 February.

Kemi Badenoch has today given a major speech outlining the Conservatives' commitment to ‘realism' in their foreign policy. She said, ‘You cannot help others if you cannot help yourself', and that the sovereignty and strength of Britain matters 'above all'. She also pressed Keir Starmer to push defence spending north of the 2.5 per cent target and – as if it was all choreographed – the prime minister dutifully has, announcing in the Commons that defence spending will reach 3 per cent of GDP by the end of the next parliament. This will come at the expense of the foreign aid budget, another suggestion that the leader of the opposition made in her speech today. What is realism? Is it right to forgo our commitment to overseas aid? Also on the podcast, we got the news yesterday that MP Mike Amesbury has been jailed for 10 weeks after punching a man in his constituency last year. His constituency, Runcorn and Helsby, could be an interesting by-election – could it be a Reform gain? Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Michael Gove. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

'What does a party get after nearly two decades in office, collapsing public services, an internal civil war and a £2 million police investigation? Re-election again - perhaps with an even bigger majority', writes James Heale in The Spectator this week. He's talking about the SNP, whose change in fortunes has less to do with their leader John Swinney and more to do with the collapse of support for Scottish Labour and their leader Anas Sarwar. Who could benefit from the increased fragmentation of voters in Scotland? Will demands for more time, money and attention cause even more issues for Rachel Reeves? As Scottish Labour meets for its conference in Glasgow this weekend, James and editor Michael Gove join Katy Balls to discuss the dynamics between Holyrood and Westminster. Michael also spots a positive avenue for Labour, should they wish to take it... Produced by Patrick Gibbons. 

This week: the world needs a realist reset Donald Trump's presidency is the harbinger of many things, writes The Spectator's editor Michael Gove, one of which is a return to a more pitiless world landscape. The ideal of a rules-based international order has proved to be a false hope. Britain must accept that if we are to earn the respect of others and the right to determine the future, we need a realist reset. What are the consequences of this new world order? And is the Trump administration reversing the tide of decline, or simply refusing to accept the inevitable? Michael Gove joined the podcast alongside the geopolitical theorist Robert Kaplan, author of the new book Waste Land: A World in Permanent Crisis. Robert argues that the true understanding of realism has been corrupted, and that democracy ‘can easily become the tyranny of the majority'. (1:06) Next: when does healthy scepticism over cholesterol become pseudoscience With ‘sky-high' cholesterol, the journalist Paul Wood has gone down an internet rabbit-hole to improve his heart health. He declares ‘I was convinced by the cholesterol sceptics'. There was once a time when it felt like the front pages of newspapers had a story raising doubts about statins – a type of medication to control cholesterol – every week. Now, the internet is full of medical misinformation around high cholesterol, an issue that will affect over half of Britons. So, what is the truth behind cholesterol? And when does healthy scepticism tip over into pseudoscience? Paul joined the podcast alongside the cardiologist Dr Christopher Labos, author of Does coffee cause cancer? (25:24) And finally: with a love of magic, is it any wonder Dickens could conjure up worlds full of surprises? When people hear ‘the magic of Charles Dickens' they undoubtedly think about the words - and the worlds - he created. Yet, many won't realise that the great writer had a love of showmanship and stage magic himself. Peter Conrad says that Dickens could have even been an actor. What makes Dickens's worlds so compelling? And how did his love of stagecraft influence his writing? Peter has authored a new book on the subject, Dickens the Enchanter: Inside the Explosive Imagination of the Great Storyteller, and joins the podcast. (37:10) Presented by William Moore and Lara Prendergast. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

From Churchill to Thatcher to Blair to Farage, Parliament has seen some truly fantastic rhetoricians over the years. But last week came the news that – in a bid to improve his own oratorical skill – Keir Starmer employed a voice coach: former actress Leonie Mellinger. Mellinger has been at the centre of a fresh COVID-19 row, as the Prime Minister considered her to be so important that she qualified as a ‘key worker' in 2020, visiting Labour headquarters in a mask on Christmas Eve 2020 to advise Starmer. It is not an unusual practice to employ a voice coach to improve a politician's public speaking, and on the podcast Michael Gove is joined by his own former coach  Graham Davies, to recover the lost art of political rhetoric. They discuss what makes a great political speech, share some of their favourite examples and ask: has Mellinger actually improved Starmer's delivery? Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Megan McElroy.

This week saw the publication of Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund's new book Get In: The Inside Story of Labour Under Starmer. It's the second in their tell-all series of books on the Labour Party's ups and downs and has caused quite a stir in Westminster. From the revelations about Keir Starmer's voice coach causing a fresh lockdown row to Michael Gove's secret dinner with Morgan McSweeney, there is a high-density of scoops and disclosures. Can Labour blame the failures of their first 100 days on Sue Gray? And is there such a thing as ‘Starmerism'? Patrick and Gabriel sat down with Katy Balls and Michael Gove to discuss. Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.