Best of the Spectator
Home to the Spectator's best podcasts on everything from politics to religion, literature to food and drink, and more. A new podcast every day from writers worth listening to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
All episodes(95)
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Douglas Murray interview | Part one
Published Oct 27, 2026
As the embers fade from last week’s unrest in France, could Britain be heading for a similar fate? In the first of a two-part interview, Michael Gove is joined by author and Spectator columnist Douglas Murray to discuss the future of Western civilisation.Douglas argues that decades of mass migration and failed integration have left Britain facing the prospect of civil conflict, warning that violent extremists could one day ‘take this country by force’. He also asks why successive governments hav
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Col Richard Williams on the SAS witch hunt
Published Oct 26, 2026
Coffee House ShotsJust days after The Sunday Times revealed that five SAS soldiers were sent back into the war zone while under a three-year murder investigation, MPs passed the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, which the SAS Regimental Association has threatened to challenge in the High Court. To understand it's implications, Tim Shipman speaks to Richard Williams, former commanding officer of the SAS, about lawfare, the chain of command and what it means for Britain’s standing with Washington.Produced by Oscar Ed
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: James Heale, Lionel Shriver, Toby Young & Lara Prendergast
Published Oct 24, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: James Heale tells all about his trip to Plymouth with Reform party leader Nigel Farage; Lionel Shriver asks what the destruction in France has actually achieved; Toby Young talks us through his recent trip to Islay and wonders if we’re in a whisky recession; and our executive editor Lara Prendergast reflects on her experiences giving blood.Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyBook Club: Lindsey Fitzharris – Sleuth-Hound
Published Oct 24, 2026
Book ClubWho was the real Sherlock Holmes? In this episode Sam Leith is joined by medical historian and author Lindsey Fitzharris to discuss her new book, Sleuth Hound: The Case of the Real Sherlock Holmes.Fitzharris tells the extraordinary story of Joseph Bell, the Edinburgh surgeon whose powers of observation inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary detective. How did Bell learn to read the human body like a crime scene, and what role did he play in the emergence of modern forensic science? From Victori
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Can Macron still control France? with Louis Sarkozy & Loyd Grossman
Published Oct 23, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by the Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons, writer Louis Sarkozy and broadcaster Sir Loyd Grossman.This week: is France heading for revolution? As protests and unrest grip the country, Louis argues that France faces overlapping political, economic, demographic and security crises – and warns that the turmoil is likely to have consequences for next year’s presidential election. Is Macron losing control? Could Marine Le Pen finally take
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: Andy Haldane on Burnham, Badenoch & the Budget
Published Oct 22, 2026
Reality CheckAndy Burnham’s first Budget as Prime Minister is approaching – but higher borrowing costs have already made the sums more difficult. Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane joins Michael Simmons to warn that Britain has little room left to borrow more.For this episode of Reality Check, Andy tells Michael what could be in next week’s Budget, why devolution alone is not a growth strategy and why he appears to have praised Kemi Badenoch’s economic policies this week. Plus: they discuss
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: France is burning – could Britain be next?
Published Oct 20, 2026
France is burning. Over the weekend, students protesting about school conditions were joined by rural voters angry at fuel prices and a violent hard-left fringe. Michael and Maddie ask whether Britain should be worried. Do the same fault lines run through our own society, and is the Burnham government doing anything about them? They also discuss what Emmanuel Macron will be remembered for, and whether anyone can stop Marine Le Pen.Also: Sally Rooney’s books are leaving British shelves over her s
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: Trump’s decade of power – what went wrong?
Published Oct 20, 2026
Freddy Gray speaks with Spectator columnist Christopher Caldwell about the ten-year legacy of Donald Trump since his 2016 election victory, assessing his second administration's high-water marks alongside the recent political and personal controversies that Caldwell argues have eroded voter trust, unraveled his populist appeal, and raised sharp questions about the future of the conservative movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Jacob Rees-Mogg, Lara Brown, Matthew Parris & William Atkinson
Published Oct 19, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Jacob Rees-Mogg talks all things Tory Conference and Tucker Carlson; Lara Brown explores the growing rebellion against screens in schools; Matthew Parris reflects on what will survive us when we’re gone; and William Atkinson wonders if Altai the tiger be spared.Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: Should we worry about Pope Leo?
Published Oct 18, 2026
Holy SmokePope Leo XIV is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for lung cancer, with doctors removing the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican says his recovery is progressing normally, but questions remain over how his illness could affect a pontificate that is still in its early stages.What does the Pope’s diagnosis mean for the Catholic Church? The Pillar’s Ed Condon joins Damian Thompson to consider how illness could reshape Leo’s papacy and whether his health could speed up the proces
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Are we failing the next generation?
Published Oct 17, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, William Moore is joined by the Spectator’s commissioning editor Lara Brown, Financial Times columnist and peer Camilla Cavendish and broadcaster and former Labour MP Gloria De Piero.This week: are screens creating a new education divide? Lara examines the growing backlash against technology in schools. What began as an attempt to create a generation of ‘digital natives’ has left children as young as four doing reading and maths on gamified apps – despite little evidence
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: Fraser Nelson exposes Britain's welfare pipeline
Published Oct 16, 2026
Reality CheckIs Britain’s welfare state still a safety net or has it become a pipeline for long-term dependency? Almost one in ten six-year-olds are now categorised as disabled through the benefits system and, on current trends, that figure would rise to one in four 16-year-olds.Reality Check’s Michael Simmons speaks to The Times's Fraser Nelson – former editor of this parish – about his investigation into Britain’s welfare system: why mental health and behavioural claims among children have surged, how disa
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Simon Schama Interview
Published Oct 14, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by historian Simon Schama to discuss the resurgence of antisemitism in Britain, why many British Jews increasingly feel unsafe, and what history can teach us about the war in Gaza.Simon argues that the language of genocide is being misapplied to Gaza and warns that historical ignorance, social media and political polarisation are fuelling a new strain of antisemitism on both left and right.They also discuss Holocaust education, Donald Trump and the politics of truth, the t
- StandardSummaries onlyBook Club: Shaun Bythell – Return of the Bookseller Diarist
Published Oct 14, 2026
Book ClubFor this week’s Book Club, Sam Leith, the Spectator’s literary editor, is joined by Shaun Bythell, proprietor of The Book Shop in Wigtown, Scotland, and author of The Diary of a Bookseller series, to discuss the fourth instalment, The Return of the Bookseller’s Diary.They discuss the strange characters who wander into second-hand bookshops, the customers who haggle over £2 books, and how Bythell’s shop helped turn Wigtown into Scotland’s unlikely book town.They also explore the changing world of
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right! LIVE: Nick Timothy on Islamist extremism
Published Oct 13, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy, live at Conservative party conference in Birmingham, to discuss prisons, policing and the fight against Islamist extremism. Nick reflects on swapping life as a Downing Street adviser for the Commons and makes the case that prison works, before turning to the Tories’ plan for 50,000 new prison places. Britain, he argues, must ‘come down like a ton of bricks’ on extremists – but why did 14 years of Conservative government fail to dra
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Prue Leith, John Connolly, Flora Watkins & Lloyd Evans
Published Oct 11, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Prue Leith covers her foray into fashion and her life post-Bake Off; John Connolly explores Manchester's close links with the UAE; Flora Watkins asks whatever happened to the midlife crisis; and Lloyd Evans observes a far-right march. Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: Charles Owen on hearing God through Liszt
Published Oct 11, 2026
Holy SmokeFranz Liszt is remembered as one of the great showmen of the 19th century: a dazzling virtuoso, breaker of pianos and notorious womaniser who inspired a frenzy among his admirers. But a profound Catholic faith ran through his life, which found an increasingly powerful expression in his music. For this Holy Smoke episode, Damian Thompson is joined by the award-winning British pianist Charles Owen, whose new album De Profundis explores the sacred music of both Liszt and César Franck. Owen explains
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check LIVE: Why aren't Britain's young people working? | with Laura Trott
Published Oct 10, 2026
Laura TrottFor this special edition of Reality Check, economics editor Michael Simmons hosts a panel from Conservative Party conference on Britain’s growing NEETs crisis: the hundreds of thousands of young people not in education, employment or training. He is joined by shadow education secretary Laura Trott, the CBI’s Megan Bulford, Spectator commissioning editor Lara Brown and the CPS's Daniel Herring.Why are so many young people struggling to enter the labour market, and is the problem education, welfar
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Why is antisemitism rising in Britain? – with Andrew Roberts & Peter Hitchens
Published Oct 9, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by the Spectator’s commissioning editor Tali Fraser, Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens and the historian and Conservative peer Andrew Roberts.This week: why is antisemitism rising on both the left and right of British politics? On the third anniversary of 7 October, Tali writes in this week’s cover story about what she sees as a growing antisemitic convergence between Zack Polanski's Green Party and Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain. The pane
- StandardSummaries onlyBook Club: Matthew Sweet – The Great Dictator
Published Oct 7, 2026
Book ClubIn this week’s Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by author Matthew Sweet to discuss his new biography, The Great Dictator, about the bestselling novelist Barbara Cartland.They explore the extraordinary life behind Barbara Cartland’s instantly recognisable image – from her beginnings in the aftermath of the First World War to her career as one of the bestselling authors of all time.They discuss why Cartland was so often dismissed as a joke by literary critics, and how her novels offered gene
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right! LIVE: Are the Tories back?
Published Oct 7, 2026
Kemi Badenoch has opened Conservative party conference 2026 with statement on her political philosophy, and Michael and Maddie are in Birmingham to go through it. Michael is struck by how much of it disavows the government that he served in, from net zero to the Liz Truss mini-Budget, while Maddie welcomes a leader prepared to argue for incentives over optics. Will backing higher earners revive the 'nasty party' charge – and can Kemi see off Reform's pitch to highly productive workers?They also
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: James Heale, Angus Colwell, Lisa Haseldine & Chas Newkey-Burden
Published Oct 6, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: James Heale reflects on Labour party conference; Angus Colwell goes on the hunt for Britain’s wokest bar; Lisa Haseldine reveals what she has been stockpiling; and Chas Newkey-Burden provides his notes on pickled onions.Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots LIVE: Antisemitism, Man City & abolishing the Triple Lock
Published Oct 5, 2026
James Heale, Tim Shipman and Tali Fraser record live from Conservative Party conference in Birmingham. As we pass the two year mark of Kemi Badenoch's leadership of the Tory Party, the panel discuss whether she has done enough to win voters over and whether the party is ready for an early general election. Did Kemi miss a trick in not pressuring new Prime Minister Andy Burnham for one – and could Kemi survive an election defeat?Plus, the panel answer a variety of audience questions including: ho
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right! Jeffrey Archer on his final novel
Published Oct 5, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by novelist and former Conservative Party deputy chairman Jeffrey Archer to discuss his final novel, Adam and Eve, and a life spent close to the centre of British politics.Jeffrey explains how the book was inspired by September 1940, when Hitler changed his mind three times about invading Britain. They also discuss class, snobbery and the House of Lords. What does he regret about the day Diana's divorce was announced, and what advice would he give to Harry and Meghan?They
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: can Kemi win the battle for the right?
Published Oct 4, 2026
Coffee House ShotsJames Heale is joined by Tim Shipman and Liam Halligan, Telegraph columnist and the new director of the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS), to look ahead to Conservative party conference, which kicks off today. Kemi Badenoch’s latest attempt to draw clear dividing lines with Andy Burnham was through a tougher welfare offer aimed at the under-25s – as exclusively revealed by Tim in the Spectator this week. Will this, alongside tougher fiscal restraint and general plain speaking, appeal to the wider
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check LIVE: TUC boss Paul Nowak on taxpayers subsidising 'crappy jobs'
Published Oct 3, 2026
Michael Simmons is joined live at Labour conference by TUC general secretary Paul Nowak to discuss the state of Britain’s labour market. Are higher wages and stronger employment rights making it harder to hire, or are taxpayers subsidising too many low-paid, insecure jobs? They also discuss energy costs, social care, taxing wealth and banks, and Labour’s biggest mistakes in government. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: how Badenoch plans to follow Burnham – with Poppy Coburn
Published Oct 2, 2026
Poppy CoburnFor this week’s Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by the Spectator’s political editor Tim Shipman, restaurant critic Angus Colwell and Telegraph associate editor Poppy Coburn.This week: does the country want Kemi Badenoch’s tough love? Ahead of Tory party conference, Tim speaks to the Tory leader about her plans to get Britain working again. She argues that if you can work, you should; young people without a work history could be put onto a six-month ‘get to work’ scheme rather than Universal
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Book Club: Steven Pinker
Published Sep 30, 2026
The Book ClubIn this week’s Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by psychologist and linguist Steven Pinker to discuss his new book, When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…Pinker explores the powerful idea of ‘common knowledge’ - not simply what we know, but what we know that other people know, and what we know they know we know.From the story of the Emperor’s New Clothes to revolutions, financial markets and international relations, he argues that our ability to coordinate with one another depends on mak
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Meet the Labour MP taking on his own party | Jonathan Hinder
Published Sep 30, 2026
Jonathan HinderMichael Gove is joined by Jonathan Hinder, MP for Pendle and Clitheroe, one of the leading voices of Blue Labour, to discuss class, borders and the common good in a conversation recorded live at Labour conference.Jonathan, a former police officer, sets out his case against the economic and social 'hyper liberalism' of recent decades, before turning to industrial strategy, North Sea oil and gas, and why his constituents in terraced houses pay more property tax than multi-millionaires in London.Wi
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: do you buy Burnham's big pitch?
Published Sep 29, 2026
Coffee House ShotsAndy Burnham has used his Labour conference speech to set out his clearest vision yet for the country and it was a strikingly ambitious one. Noa Hoffman is joined in Liverpool by Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons to unpack a speech that ranged from a new National Care Service and reform of the pension triple lock to electoral reform, water and Britain’s future relationship with the European Union.How radical is Burnham’s programme in practice and is the ambition matched in the detail? And what was
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Freddy Gray, Michael Simmons, Elisabeth Braw & Angus Colwell
Published Sep 28, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Freddy Gray delves into how a smooth-talking Democrat could win the Michigan mid-terms; Michael Simmons explores where the billionaires who leave Britain actually go; Elisabeth Braw explains how we will soon be in a battle for the sea bed; and Angus Colwell reflects on the food on offer at Reform conference.Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: the truth about Xi & Trump’s summit
Published Sep 27, 2026
In this episode of Americano, Freddie Gray speaks with Dr. Edward Howell, an Oxford University lecturer in international relations, about the high-stakes summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, examining Beijing’s strategic desire for global parity, its covert role in enabling an anti-Western alignment alongside Russia, Iran, and North Korea, and the escalating geopolitical tensions surrounding Taiwan, trade, and economic coercion.Get 'A New Axis of Upheaval: North Korea, Russia, China, Iran
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Labour conference lookahead | with Jonathan Ashworth
Published Sep 25, 2026
Jonathan AshworthAhead of Labour Party conference, Tim Shipman is joined by former shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth to discuss the mood inside the party, Andy Burnham’s growing authority and whether he could be tempted to call an early general election. They also consider the pressures facing Burnham on tax, welfare, Europe and the North Sea – and why, sooner or later, he will have to start making enemies.Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: should Burnham call a snap general election?
Published Sep 25, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, William Moore is joined by the Spectator’s deputy editor and editor of Spectator World Freddy Gray, commissioning editor Lara Brown, and deputy political editor James Heale.This week: will Andy Burnham call an early general election? Tim Shipman’s cover story asks whether the Prime Minister might go to the polls before 2029, as Labour faces a worsening fiscal situation and an increasingly difficult choice over tax and spending. With the government’s budget looming, does
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Book Club: John Sellars – Stoicism Is Not What You Think
Published Sep 23, 2026
The Book ClubIn this week’s Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by philosopher John Sellars to discuss his new book, Stoicism Is Not What You Think.Sellars explores the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and challenges some of its most common misconceptions – from the idea that Stoics repress their emotions to the belief that they are cold, indifferent and detached from the world.From its origins in ancient Athens to its modern revival online, Sellars explains what the Stoics actually believed and counter Sto
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: the battle over Diana’s legacy
Published Sep 22, 2026
On this week’s episode of Quite right!: Earl Spencer's new memoir, Swan Song, has drawn a rare direct response from Buckingham Palace. Michael and Maddie weigh up the book's most salacious charges against the King, and ask whether the Earl is driven by money, pride, or something closer to revenge. Is this a serious blow to the monarchy – or do the public just not care what Earl Spencer has to say? Also: It is the turn of the Lib Dem conference, where a row over women's spaces has overshadowed Ed
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: the AI apocalypse is just good marketing
Published Sep 22, 2026
Reality CheckSome whistleblowers from the AI industry claim there is a more than 10% chance that artificial intelligence could wipe out humanity within a few years. A group of mostly Labour MPs has written to Andy Burnham calling for action on existential AI risk, while conceding there is little the British government can do about it alone.Michael Simmons speaks to John Power about the incentives behind the warnings, whether AI can realistically be regulated and why more mundane harms, from AI-written compla
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Tim Shipman, Charles Steel, Alex Diggins & Rachel Johnson
Published Sep 21, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Tim Shipman delves into the impact Ed Miliband’s Israeli sanctions have had on UK security; Charles Steel explores the men on the spectrum who rule the world; Alex Diggins talks about the importance of physical maps; and Rachel Johnson admits there’s an art to buying birthday presents. Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: Pakistani Christians fear backlash over Lambeth Palace award
Published Sep 20, 2026
Holy SmokePakistani Christians could face renewed persecution following the Archbishop of Canterbury’s decision to withdraw an honour to a leading Muslim cleric, Monsignor Michael Nazir-Ali warns in this episode of Holy Smoke.The former Bishop of Rochester speaks to Damian Thompson following the news that Lambeth Palace has had to withdraw an award to Hafiz Ashrafi after previous comments by the Imam came to light. Following the ‘Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation' award being presented, it came to
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: Steve Bannon on the AI extinction threat
Published Sep 18, 2026
is episode of Americano, Freddy Gray speaks with Steve Bannon – former White House chief strategist for Donald Trump - about the ideological convergence between national populists and progressive Leftists as they confront the existential risks of unbridled AI, the suppression of internal whistleblower warnings by Silicon Valley elites, and the urgent necessity of cutting off Chinese access to Western microchips and capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Peter Hitchens & Toby Young on whether we should fear the manosphere
Published Sep 18, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, William Moore is joined by the Spectator’s associate editor and director of the Free Speech Union Toby Young, journalist and author Esther Walker, and Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens.This week: the men on the spectrum who rule the world. Charles Steel writes in the magazine about the wealthy, obsessive and often unconventional figures who increasingly shape politics and technology – from Elon Musk to the crypto billionaire Ben Delo. Is autism a useful way of unde
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Rory Stewart interview | Part two
Published Sep 16, 2026
In the second part of his conversation with Michael Gove, Rory Stewart defends the most taboo position in British politics: that private schools are worth protecting. He further argues that the only excuse for privilege is living up to its obligations, and that a wealth tax would destroy the idea of public service.Rory tells Michael what Nigel Farage and Reform UK get wrong about tax, why he disagrees with Peter Thiel on what the wealthy should do with their money, and why Rishi Sunak staying in
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Book Club: Anand Gopal – Days of Love and Rage
Published Sep 15, 2026
The Book ClubIn this week's Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by The New Yorker writer Anand Gopal, whose new book, long-listed for the Baillie Gifford Prize, is Days of Love and Rage: A Story of Revolution.What does freedom mean once the dictator has gone? Anand explains why he spent eight years reporting on Manbij, a city of 150,000 that pushed out the Assad regime and set about building a democracy from scratch – and how the argument over what came next split the revolution in two. They discuss the b
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Rory Stewart interview | Part one
Published Sep 14, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by Rory Stewart, for a conversation he admits would ‘revolt’ his podcasting partner Alastair Campbell.Rory sets out the migration policy he would impose: every boat he would return to France, how he would cut the number of legal arrivals, and completely rework Britain’s broken asylum system.Rory argues that the grooming gangs debate is being conducted in bad faith, that migrant communities in Britain tend to assimilate rather than isolate, and that the culture warriors hav
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Tali Fraser, John Power, Sophia Money-Coutts & Angus Colwell
Published Sep 13, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Tali Fraser delves into why Labour’s socioeconomic duty is attacking the middle classes; John Power tells us how clipping is changing politics, Sophia Money-Coutts muses over which car would best suit her dog; and Angus Colwell spills the beans on Soho’s newest Turkish restaurant. Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: Catholic Burnham barred – should the law change?
Published Sep 13, 2026
Holy SmokeAndy Burnham has announced his intention to change a law which bars him from advising the King on appointments to the Church of England. The Victorian-era law explicitly bars Catholics like Burnham, as well as Jews – but doesn't prevent those of other Christian denominations, other faiths – like Hindu Rishi Sunak, or atheists like Keir Starmer. So, if the law is going to be changed to address this anomaly, should it allow all Prime Ministers of any faith to provide advice – or should all non-Ang
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Will Andy drill deep for oil & gas – and is Bayeux in Britain as good as it gets?
Published Sep 11, 2026
The EditionWilliam Moore is joined by The Spectator's economics editor Michael Simmons, The Spectator's commissioning editor and writer at large Tali Fraser, and the Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party Alex Burghart MP.This week: has Labour stopped just stopping oil? Michael reveals that ministers are expected to approve the Jackdaw gas field within days, while Rosebank is held back until after the by-election in Keir Starmer's old seat – and asks whether a party whose last energy secretary called the
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: Arthur Laffer vs Aaron Bastani | LIVE
Published Sep 11, 2026
Reality CheckArthur Laffer, the economist, former adviser to Ronald Reagan and architect of the Laffer Curve, goes head-to-head with journalist and left-wing author Aaron Bastani over one question: should Britain introduce a wealth tax?Chaired by The Spectator’s economics editor and host of the Reality Check podcast, Michael Simmons, they debate whether a wealth tax could raise significant revenue, or simply drive wealth and investment out of the UK.Spectator subscribers can watch the full debate at spectato
- StandardSummaries onlyHannah Richell: An Ocean and a Day
Published Sep 9, 2026
Hannah RichellIn this week’s Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by bestselling novelist Hannah Richell to discuss her new memoir, An Ocean and a Day.When Hannah’s husband died in a surfing accident, her life in Australia was shattered. Suddenly, she was a single mother to two young children, navigating a grief she could never have imagined. Her memoir traces that journey from the moment of the accident, but, more uniquely, looks beyond those first years of loss – to what grief looks like with the benefit
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Danny Kruger interview | LIVE at Reform Conference
Published Sep 8, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by Reform UK MP Danny Kruger to discuss the party’s plans for government and why he believes Britain is in a ‘revolutionary moment’.Kruger sets out how Reform would overhaul Whitehall, including replacing the Cabinet Secretary, reforming the civil service and taking a ‘torch’ to parts of the quango state. He also argues for major changes to the way judges are appointed and says Parliament must ultimately remain sovereign over the courts.They also discuss immigration, welfa
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Malcolm Rifkind on Farage, Kemi and Burnham's gift to the Tories
Published Sep 7, 2026
Coffee House Shotsir Malcolm Rifkind joins Tim Shipman and James Heale to discuss the future of the conservatism and tells The Spectator why Kemi Badenoch is the person to bring the Conservative Party back from the brink.He explains why he thinks Reform is already losing momentum, why Nigel Farage is ‘not fit to govern’, and why Andy Burnham could actually help the Conservatives at the next election.He also reflects on Britain’s relationship with Israel and the United States, criticises Labour’s approach to sanct
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Noa Hoffman, Robert Hardman, Patrick Galbraith, & Matthew Reisz
Published Sep 5, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Noa Hoffman explains why Keir Starmer’s empty seat could become a Green Party battleground; Robert Hardman tells us how the death of Norway’s King Harald could reshape the royal family; Patrick Galbraith says it has been a disastrous year for British farming; and Matthew Reisz explores the unique relationship between artist Paula Rego and her model, Anthony Rudolf.Produced and presented by Abigail Brierley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Francis Fukuyama interview
Published Sep 4, 2026
Michael Gove is joined by political scientist Francis Fukuyama to discuss liberalism, populism and the future of democracy in an increasingly unstable world.Francis reflects on The End of History and why its argument was so often misunderstood, before turning to the transformation of the American right under Donald Trump. Why have traditional conservative ideas lost their hold – and what explains the rise of populism across the West?They also discuss Brexit, which Francis argues Britain should r
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: has Reform UK lost its magic? | with Quentin Letts
Published Sep 3, 2026
Quentin LettsLara Prendergast is joined by The Spectator’s political editor Tim Shipman, columnist and journalist Melanie McDonagh, and the Daily Mail’s parliamentary sketchwriter Quentin Letts.This week: has Reform UK lost its magic? Ahead of the party’s conference, Tim reveals its plans for the first 100 days of a Reform government – and asks whether Nigel Farage can persuade voters that his party is ready to govern after a turbulent summer.Also: what is happening in Middlesbrough? The panel discuss rising
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Book Club: James Marriott
Published Sep 2, 2026
The Book ClubIn this week’s Book Club podcast, Sam Leith is joined by The Times columnist James Marriott, whose new book is The New Dark Ages: The End of Reading and the Dawn of a Post-literate Society.Are we witnessing the end of the reading age? James explains why literacy has shaped not just our culture but the way we think – and why its decline could have profound consequences for politics, democracy and public life. They discuss how television, TikTok and short-form video have transformed our attention
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Why the Tories are preparing for an early election
Published Sep 2, 2026
Kemi Badenoch has kicked off the new political term with a major reshuffle of her top team. Michael and Maddie ask what the changes tell us about the direction of the Conservative party, whether Andrew Griffith can sharpen its economic offer – and whether Badenoch is already preparing for an early election.Meanwhile, Andy Burnham returns to the Commons after a relatively comfortable summer. Has the Prime Minister been governing on ‘easy mode’ so far, and is his brand of politics simply the ‘chee
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: why did the CIA director fly to Moscow?
Published Sep 1, 2026
Gus Carter is joined by Owen Matthews, the Spectator's Russia writer, to discuss John Ratcliffe's unannounced trip to Moscow, where the CIA director met Russia's foreign intelligence chief but not Putin.Owen runs through the possible reasons: Iran, a suspected Russian provocation against NATO, and the stalled peace process. They also discuss the sabotage campaign across Europe and the sanctions bill that could hurt Russia more than anything Trump has tried.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid i
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Simon Sebag Montefiore, Vanessa Feltz, Sophia Money-Coutts & Angus Colwell
Published Aug 31, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Simon Sebag Montefiore explains how his ancestor dealt with antisemitism; Vanessa Feltz says she is coming for Piers Morgan; Sophia Money-Coutts argues we should cut the price of stamps to save the Christmas card; and finally, Angus Colwell takes on the Cornish culinary mafia. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: are you having a 'nun girl summer'?
Published Aug 30, 2026
Holy SmokeWhy are young women suddenly fascinated by nuns? From ‘nun girl summer’ on TikTok to a wider ‘quiet revival’ of Christianity among Generation Z, the religious life appears to be enjoying an unexpected cultural moment. But is the attraction genuinely spiritual – or are young women simply drawn to the aesthetics, certainty and tranquillity of convent life?This week on Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson is joined by the Spectator's US assistant editor Margaret Mitchell and the Daily Mail’s Mimi Yates to d
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: why I quit government | Al Carns
Published Aug 28, 2026
Coffee House ShotsFormer veterans minister Al Carns joins James Heale to discuss the government’s handling of Northern Ireland legacy cases – and why the issue helped drive him to resign.Writing in The Spectator this week, Al attacks the ‘two-track approach’ to legacy cases, which he says could cost taxpayers billions, and warns against allowing the history of the Troubles to be ‘rewritten through the courts’. He argues that Labour failed to listen properly to veterans before changing the law and sets out what mo
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: how the blob broke teaching | with Francis Foster
Published Aug 27, 2026
Francis FosterLara Prendergast is joined by The Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons, author and critic Philip Hensher, and comedian and co-host if the Triggernometry podcast Frances Foster.This week: are good teachers under siege? The panel discuss Michael Gove’s cover story on the education establishment, from collapsing classroom discipline to the ‘pathetically low ambition’ of those training Britain’s teachers. Also: have accusations of bullying become a weapon against demanding ministers? Michael
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: the ADHD debate we’re not allowed to have
Published Aug 26, 2026
Reality CheckThe backlash to Channel 4’s The Great ADHD Myth has reignited a fierce debate over how we diagnose ADHD – and whether that debate itself is becoming impossible to have.Michael Simmons looks at the extraordinary rise in diagnoses, the gap between recorded cases and underlying prevalence, and asks whether we are increasingly medicalising normal variations in behaviour.Is Britain finally recognising a vast amount of unmet need – or has diagnosis begun to serve a social as well as a medical function
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Book Club: Simon Sebag Montefiore – The Cauldron
Published Aug 25, 2026
The Book ClubMy guest on this week’s Book Club podcast is Simon Sebag Montefiore, the author of a number of fantastic books, including The Cauldron, which released this week. Simon and I talk about the making of the modern middle east, and how we forget some of the most fundamental groups who shaped this part of the world into the region that we know of today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: Just how bad are polls for the Republicans?
Published Aug 25, 2026
Freddy Gray is joined by James Johnson, co-founder of JL Partners, on why the midterms are looking increasingly grim for the Republicans. Trump's approval is trending down, the war is dragging on it, and James expects differential turnout to hand the Democrats the House, possibly with more than 230 seats.Freddy and James discuss why a Senate map that should have been safe for Republicans is now a toss-up, which six states will decide it, why prediction markets are not the answer, and why Michiga
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Madeline Grant, Harry Mount, Freddie Heffer & Toby Young
Published Aug 24, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Madeline Grant argues that the debate about the direction of James Bond mirrors Britain’s decline; Harry Mount makes the case for scrapping dinner parties; Freddie Heffer provides his notes on mulberries; and finally, Toby Young says that friendly fire hurts the most, as he reflects on the fallout from the Jason Arday scandal. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: why Quentin Letts fears for the parish church
Published Aug 23, 2026
Holy SmokeIs the Church of England slowly abolishing the parish priest? A new model of ‘oversight ministry’ promises team-based leadership and a greater role for lay volunteers – but critics fear it will leave priests increasingly invisible in the communities they serve. Meanwhile, those volunteers face an expanding regime of training, safeguarding requirements and diocesan bureaucracy. This week on Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson is joined by Daily Mail sketchwriter Quentin Letts, who has written a provocati
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Andy's report card – with Baroness Debbonaire
Published Aug 21, 2026
Baroness DebbonaireOne month on from Andy Burnham entering Downing Street and a lot has changed at the top of government. Starmer's old guard have been reshuffled or replaced, and Burnham's government have announced dozens of new projects, but the big challenges that he faces are largely the same. Noa Hoffman is joined by Baroness Thangam Debbonaire, the former shadow culture secretary, to review Andy's report card.Produced by Henry Lloyd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: has the West lost the will to defend itself? | with Maureen Lipman
Published Aug 20, 2026
Maureen LipmanWilliam Moore is joined by The Spectator’s political editor Tim Shipman, commissioning editor Tali Fraser and actress Maureen Lipman.This week: has the West lost the will to defend itself? The panel discuss the threats posed by China, Russia and Islamism – and whether Western societies have become too reluctant to defend their own values. Maureen also warns about the rise of antisemitism, arguing that universities are ‘grooming’ a generation of anti-Semites.Also: Tali reports back from a screeni
- StandardSummaries onlyReality check: the truth about Britain’s water crisis – and what it means for net zero
Published Aug 19, 2026
Britain is in the grip of another hot, dry summer, with hosepipe bans in force and fears growing about the country’s water supply. But are we really running out of water?Michael Simmons is joined by Reality Check reporter John Power to explain what is actually behind the shortages, whether Britain needs more reservoirs and why nationalising the water companies may not be the answer. They also ask what the drought tells us about the future of net zero – and how Britain should adapt to a changing
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Reform suspends Tim Montgomerie after Spectator interview
Published Aug 18, 2026
Coffee House ShotsAfter saying that Zia Yusuf needed to 'become a team player' in an interview on Coffee House yesterday, Reform UK responded, and decided that they would rather Tim Montgomerie were not in their squad at all. After the story broke this morning that Montgomerie had his membership of the party suspended, Noa Hoffman is joined by Tim Shipman and James Heale to react to the latest developments on the right of British politics.Produced by Henry Lloyd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inf
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: wandering bishops, rival popes & schismatic churches
Published Aug 18, 2026
Holy SmokeWhat happens when a bishop breaks with Rome but still claims apostolic succession? Damian Thompson is joined by historian Magnus Lundberg, Professor of Church and Mission History at Uppsala University in Sweden, to explore the strange world of ‘wandering bishops’, rival popes and tiny schismatic churches. They trace the tangled web of consecrations that have produced thousands of bishops outside the authority of Rome, and explore the grandiose titles and ceremonies of these independent bishops.
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: Britain's AI problem isn't data centres – it's electricity
Published Aug 17, 2026
Reality CheckBritain wants to become an AI superpower – but does it have the electricity to power one? Data centres underpin everything from online banking and streaming to artificial intelligence, and demand for them is exploding. The government has designated them as critical national infrastructure and is promising billions of pounds of investment, but Britain’s ageing grid is already struggling to keep up.Michael Simmons asks whether the UK can build enough power stations, transmission lines and substati
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Tim Shipman, Arabella Byrne, Alex Burghart & Lloyd Evans
Published Aug 16, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Tim Shipman argues that politicians’ contempt for the press is really contempt for the public; Arabella Byrne asks if you have old money face; Alex Burghart says that Harold Godwinson has a touch of the Viking about him, as he reviews Harold: Warrior King by Tom Licence; and finally, Lloyd Evans reads his confessions of a dog hater. Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: has Zack Polanski proven more continuity than change?
Published Aug 15, 2026
Coffee House ShotsAlmost one year on from his election as leader of the Green Party, has Zack Polanski broadened its appeal? Communications strategist and Green Party insider Russell Warfield joins Noa Hoffman to discuss his new book The Green Socialist: Zack Polanski & the Battle for Britain’s Future. In it, Warfield makes the argument that Polanski marks more of a continuum for the modern British Green Party – a natural next step for a party seeking to broaden its appeal, rather than the more radical change can
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Jason Arday and the death of Britain’s universities
Published Aug 13, 2026
The EditionWilliam Moore is joined by The Spectator’s associate editor Toby Young, commissioning editor Lara Brown and newsletter editor and restaurant critic Angus Colwell.This week: What has gone wrong with British universities? Lara unpacks the wider academic crisis in the wake of the Jason Arday scandal, from ‘surviving the apocalypse’ courses at Warwick to maths departments promising to ‘decolonise’ the subject. Has the sector lost its nerve?Also: Balding. Toby explains why he’s trying to talk his thr
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: is America ready for the new realities of war?
Published Aug 12, 2026
In this episode of Americano, Freddy Gray speaks to physicist and Spectator contributor Steve Hsu about the uncomfortable realities of modern warfare. Why are cheap missiles and drones so difficult and expensive to intercept? Freddy asks Steve about just how depleted are America’s missile stocks, and can the West rebuild its defence industry quickly enough?They also discuss China’s dominance of critical supply chains, the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and shipping, the strategic threat
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Simon Sebag Montefiore explains the making of the modern Middle East
Published Aug 11, 2026
This week, Michael Gove is joined by historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss the rulers, revolutionaries and nation builders who shaped one of the world’s most turbulent regions.From Ibn Saud’s dramatic conquest of Riyadh and Atatürk’s creation of modern Turkey to Ben-Gurion, Reza Shah and Nasser, Simon explores the extraordinary personalities who built states from the ruins of empire. What made these leaders so successful – and why did so many of their projects end in dictatorship, war or c
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Clacton by-election lookahead
Published Aug 11, 2026
Coffee House ShotsNigel Farage is heading back to the polls in Clacton after resigning to trigger a by-election over questions surrounding his £5 million gift. With the main parties refusing to stand, Farage looks set for a comfortable victory – but will his popularity in Clacton translate to the rest of the country? And have voters simply stopped caring about the controversy?Meanwhile, Andy Burnham is facing the first major tests of his premiership. As questions mount over how he will pay for his ambitious domes
- StandardSummaries onlyHoly Smoke: how Project Spire will hurt England's parishes
Published Aug 9, 2026
Holy SmokeIn this week’s episode of Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson is joined by Madeline Grant to dive into the contentious topic of Project Spire, the Church of England's ambitious plan to allocate £100 million in reparations for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. They will shed light on the Church's insistence on proceeding with this plan despite significant opposition from both the public and its own parishioners.Produced by Henry Lloyd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more inform
- StandardSummaries onlyRod Out Loud: Toby Young, Tim Luckhurst, Lara Prendergast, Mary Wakefield & Freddy Gray
Published Aug 8, 2026
Rod Out LoudThis week’s episode of Spectator Out Loud is a tribute to Rod Liddle, The Spectator's Associate editor, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 66. In this special episode, we hear from those who knew him best as they share some of their favourite columns written by Rod over the years. Produced and presented by Henry Lloyd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: why Labour doesn’t understand business
Published Aug 8, 2026
Reality CheckOliver Shah is a former journalist at The Sunday Times and now runs Newcome Advisory. On this week's Reality Check Oliver and Michael discuss why Labour can't build trust with the businesses, how the National Insurance tax hike was the poison pill for the private sector and whether it is still worth being an entrepreneur in Britain today.This episode is brought to you by Alliance Witan investment trust. To learn more about the trust and how we’re helping investors find their comfort zone, please
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: the real Rod Liddle – with Michael Gove, Toby Young & Freddy Gray
Published Aug 7, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by The Spectator’s editor Michael Gove, deputy editor Freddy Gray, and associate editor Toby Young.This week the episode and magazine is dedicated to our beloved Rod Liddle, who died aged 66. The Spectator journalists reflect on some of their favourite memories of Rod, what his legacy will be and how is writing, wit and intelligence will be irreplaceable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: is China winning the AI race now?
Published Aug 6, 2026
Gus Carter is joined by Geoffrey Cain to speak about the ongoing developments in Chinese AI, and how it stacks up to its American rivals. Gus and Geoffrey talk about the emergence of Kimi K3, and how Chinese models will become inherently more competitive to global audiences, not just those the United States. They also discuss the OpenAI model that went rogue, and how other US models refused to undertake research to prevent the same from happening again.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in go
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: Lara Brown, Patrick Kidd, Tali Fraser & Ella Veakins
Published Aug 4, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Lara Brown explains the ongoing dissolution of the British private education sector; Patrick Kidd asks whether sporting curses are actually possible, or simply just a fiction; Tali Fraser goes to a death cafe to explore the world of positivity after death; and finally, Ella Veakins outlines why we should all stand in opposition the the potted plastic plant. Produced and presented by Henry Lloyd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: could women be the solution to Britain's prison problem?
Published Aug 4, 2026
Reality CheckAmid rising backlash over the early prisoner release scheme, Kemi Badenoch has called for emergency legislation to stop the plans going ahead. The new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has already halted the plans until a review has been conducted. The situation with prison overcrowding is a ticking timebomb – what options are available? To alleviate the risk, some suggest women should be prioritised as candidates for early release, and women's prisons repurposed. To discuss, Michael Simmons is joined
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: How will Team Burnham deal with Team Trump?
Published Aug 3, 2026
Freddy Gray is joined by Ben Judah, a former Labour Special Advisor to discuss the new government's outlook on foreign affairs. Freddy and Ben examine how Andy Burnham's appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary will shape the way Britain builds on its special relationship with the United States and the Trump Whitehouse. They also discuss the implications of Miliband's past positions on net zero and fresh drilling for oil and gas, and how that might come to affect his personal relationship
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Britain's First Catholic PM? — with Patrick Maguire
Published Aug 2, 2026
Patrick MaguireIs Andy Burnham the country's first catholic Prime Minister, and how might it influence his leadership? Despite his faith drawing him to Labour, he doesn’t attend mass and rarely emphasises his religion publicly. To unpack his faith and where it might take him, Lara Brown, The Spectator's commissioning editor, is joined by the chief political commentator at The Times, Patrick Maguire, and The Spectator's religion editor, Damian Thompson.Produced by Henry Lloyd and Ed Parker. Hosted on Acast. See
- StandardSummaries onlyThe Edition: Rory Sutherland on private schools, early election & death doulas
Published Aug 1, 2026
The EditionFor this week’s Edition, Lara Prendergast is joined by The Spectator’s columnist Rory Sutherland, political editor Tim Shipman and drinks editor Jonathan Ray.This week: What has been the damage of Labour’s punitive war on private education? Rory questions whether the sector had helped itself in the years prior, but did the policy itself ever represent more than ‘class warfare?’ Tim explores the vigour to which the (now former) Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson embraced that label, whilst Jo
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: how to reform social care – with David Goodhart
Published Jul 31, 2026
David GoodhartAndy Burnham has launched a major push to overhaul adult social care in England, seeking cross-party consensus for a new National Care Service. He has refused to rule out tax rises to fund the reforms. Michael Simmons speaks to the author and journalist David Goodhart about why social care should be reframed as prevention, whether salaries should be increased in social care and why the public isn't as worried as politicians tend to panic about.This episode is brought to you by Alliance Witan inv
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: Is the radical left taking over the Democratic Party?
Published Jul 30, 2026
Freddy Gray is joined by David Weigel to discuss the Democratic primary battle taking place in Michigan between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. Freddy and David examine how the contest has become a proxy for the wider battle over the Democratic Party's future, pitting the Obama-era moderates against the ascendant progressive left. They discuss how Israel has emerged as one of the campaign's defining fault lines, how the issue of affordability has been used for different political ends, and wha
- StandardSummaries onlyQuite right!: Katharine Birbalsingh interview
Published Jul 28, 2026
Katharine Birbalsingh is the founder and headmistress of Michaela Community School in Wembley, and has been dubbed Britain’s strictest headteacher. Under her leadership, Michaela has become one of the country’s most successful state schools, while openly challenging the progressive orthodoxies of the British education system.On Quite right!, Katharine argues that ethnic-minority pupils do not need to see themselves reflected in every aspect of a culture to feel that they belong – and that sugges
- StandardSummaries onlyReality Check: Britain's homelessness & why Burnham won't fix it
Published Jul 28, 2026
Reality CheckAndy Burnham has laid out some of his top policy agendas for his premiership. Top of the list is to tackle homelessness – something the former Manchester mayor pledged to solve in Greater Manchester too, but the numbers have suggested the outcome was otherwise. What really needs to be done to fix homelessness in Britain? And how does his other policy of rent controls work against ending rough sleeping? Michael Simmons takes a look at the data.This episode is brought to you by Alliance Witan inve
- StandardSummaries onlySpectator Out Loud: James Heale, Iona Bain, Tali Fraser & James Phillips
Published Jul 26, 2026
Spectator Out LoudOn this week’s Spectator Out Loud: James Heale explains what the Opposition parties plan to do now that Andy Burnham is in No 10; Iona Bain explains why premium bonds are a pointless way to save for your child, and what to do instead; Tali Fraser asks whether we should be rolling back the years and all return to a barter economy; and finally, James Phillips reviews Biological War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen, giving us all a very friendly flashback to 2020. Produced and presented by Henry Lloyd
- StandardSummaries onlyAmericano: how Steve Hilton plans to win California
Published Jul 26, 2026
Steve Hilton is the British immigrant backed by President Trump who is running to be the next governor of California. On the podcast Steve and Freddy discuss his campaign, one slogan being Cali-fordable – how to improve the cost of living; why the Democratic 'machine' all hail from California and the East vs West coast political divide.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at Monetary-Metals.com/Americano Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- StandardSummaries onlyCoffee House Shots: Nick Clegg's coalition regrets
Published Jul 24, 2026
Coffee House ShotsTim Shipman is joined by Sir Nick Clegg, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Democrats, as part of The Spectator's new event series, Tim Shipman Meets the Party Leaders. Tim challenges Sir Nick on the decisions that defined his political career, from his passionate support for Europe to the failed referendum on an alternative voting system, and those famous coalition years. Reflecting on his record, Sir Nick offers a candid assessment of the decline of the two-party system