Episodes

  • The problem with Labour's 'sticking plaster politics'

    The problem with Labour's 'sticking plaster politics'
    Oct 29 2024
    Wes Streeting has been out on the airwaves this morning and we got a better idea of what will be in the Budget when it comes to the NHS. In an attempt to resuscitate a 'broken but not beaten' NHS, he has announced a cash injection reported to be up to £7bn – including £1.57bn for new surgical hubs, scanner and radiotherapy machines. The health secretary did stress however that this will not be enough to save the NHS from a winter crisis. How far will this money go?

    Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Hale and Isabel Hardman.

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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    14 mins
  • Budget week: Labour braced for backlash

    Budget week: Labour braced for backlash
    Oct 28 2024
    It's Budget week (finally)! How this week goes will set the tone for Labour’s first year in office. It’s fair to say that expectations are relatively low – with the Prime Minister himself warning of ‘painful decisions’ ahead. We know a lot of what will likely be included and Treasury sources are keen to play down talk of any Budget rabbits – suggesting a mix of the measures currently being discussed in the media. So what should we expect? And can Labour ride out the week unscathed?

    Also on the podcast, Labour have suspended the whip for Mike Amesbury, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, after he appeared to threaten a man who has been knocked onto the road in Frodsham, Cheshire. Labour look like they will be facing their first by-election. Could Reform make an unlikely gain in this Labour safe seat?

    James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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    13 mins
  • Should Britain pay reparations to Commonwealth countries?

    Should Britain pay reparations to Commonwealth countries?
    Oct 26 2024
    This week, Keir Starmer has been in Samoa for a summit with delegations of the 56 nations which make up the Commonwealth. Between having to answer questions on Donald Trump and the budget, he has also been pressed on the issue of slavery reparations, with the leaders of some Caribbean countries insisting it is ‘only a matter of time’ until Britain bows to demands of handing over billions of pounds in compensation.

    Speaking today, Starmer addressed the issue. He said, ‘I understand the strength of feeling’ but insisted that he would be ‘looking forward, not back’. So what are the arguments for and against reparations? And why is this debate relevant now, in 2024?

    James Heale speaks to historian Robert Tombs.

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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    16 mins
  • Labour's 'working people' muddle

    Labour's 'working people' muddle
    Oct 25 2024
    Who exactly are 'working people'? The Labour party's use of this phrase during the election raised questions over who they will really be levying taxes upon. With less than a week to go until the Budget, Labour in government is still struggling to give a clear answer as to who they mean. James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

    Produced by Cindy Yu.
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    11 mins
  • How many Tories will defect to Reform?

    How many Tories will defect to Reform?
    Oct 24 2024
    After Nigel Farage's overture to Tory councillors to 'defect', one already has. Farage has also been on manoeuvres, piling on the criticism against Labour for its volunteers campaigning for the Democrats in the US. James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Freddy Gray about the latest.

    Tickets are still available to join Freddy Gray and Nigel Farage on Thursday 24 October for their analysis on the US election. Get your tickets here.

    Produced by Cindy Yu.
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    11 mins
  • Trump's crusade against Labour

    Trump's crusade against Labour
    Oct 23 2024
    Donald Trump has made the extraordinary move to file an official complaint against the British Labour party for their volunteers campaigning for the Democrats. On this episode, James Heale talks to Katy Balls and the Financial Times's Stephen Bush about what's behind the Labour tradition of sending volunteers to other democracies, and why a second Trump presidency might be the defining theme of this Labour government.

    Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.
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    16 mins
  • Michael Gove on prisons: Starmer is in the position of Bane

    Michael Gove on prisons: Starmer is in the position of Bane
    Oct 22 2024
    Another 1100 prisoners have been released today through the early-release scheme. How has this measure landed? With the news that former Conservative minister David Gauke will lead a review of prison sentencing, new Spectator editor Michael Gove joins Natasha Feroze and Katy Balls to discuss Labour's long term strategy. Can Labour learn lessons from America?

    Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.

    Join The Spectator's Deputy Editor Freddy Gray for a special live recording of Americano on Thursday 24 October. You can buy tickets at www.spectator.co.uk/electionspecial.
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    14 mins
  • Does Streeting’s NHS plan amount to anything?

    Does Streeting’s NHS plan amount to anything?
    Oct 21 2024
    This morning, Health Secretary Wes Streeting launched the ‘biggest consultation in NHS history’ in a bid to get public input into how to save the UK’s flailing health service. The British public and clinicians are being asked to share their experiences and ideas to help 'fix our NHS'. After years of discussion and reviews, how likely is it that Labour delivers the urgent reform that the NHS needs?

    Elsewhere, there have been more signs of what might be in the budget at the end of the month. Who might the big winners and losers be? James Heale discusses with Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

    Join Freddy Gray a special live recording of Americano on Thursday 24 October. You can buy tickets at www.spectator.co.uk/electionspecial.

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    13 mins