Coffee House Shots (The Spectator)

Bibby Stockholm, the government's first migrant barge opened this morning. Intended to house up to 500 migrants, will this plan to cut the costs of putting migrants up in hotels work? Also on the podcast, Natasha Feroze speaks to Isabel Hardman and Katy Balls about the Liz Truss honours list – who are the contenders? And who may politely decline a new title...

This morning the UK’s electoral watchdog The Electoral Commission said that it had been the victim of a 'complex cyber attack' by 'hostile actors'. What do we know about the attack?

The cyberattack has been a distraction from what was meant to be the government's small boats week. We've had migrants refusing to board the Bibby Stockholm barge, Lee Anderson's comments splitting the party, the Home Office floating the idea of a holding centre on the Ascension Island and a new deal with Turkey. What's the latest on Rishi's plan to stop the boats?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Matt Dathan, Home Affairs Editor at the Times. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Katy Balls and editor of Conservative Home Paul Goodman join Natasha Feroze to discuss the troublemaker Lee Anderson. This week, his inflammatory comments on small boats dominated the news – is this good or bad for the Conservatives? And what role does Rishi Sunak have in mind for the former miner and deputy Chairman of the party?

Produced by Natasha Feroze. 

It’s been 16 years since Tony Blair walked away from frontline politics, but rather than retiring to Fife to write his books – like another Labour leader – he has managed to build his Tony Blair Institute for Global Change into one of the most sophisticated and influential think tanks in modern politics. What role could he play under a Starmer government? 

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and John McTernan, former political advisor to Tony Blair. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Natasha Feroze speaks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman about today's wage growth figures which have reached a 22-year high due to public sector pay. Are these an accurate reflection of the economy? Also on the podcast, Isabel Hardman takes a look at NHS week – each day the government has announced new measures to improve the National Health Service. Is a 'quit smoking' campaign really want the system needs?

Today we had the – seemingly – good news that the headline rate of inflation for July has come down to 6.8%. This is in line with Bank of England targets which suggest that Rishi could be set to meet his pledge to halve inflation. Is this cause for celebration in Number 10? Or should we be wary?

Cindy Yu speaks to Michael Simmons, The Spectator's data editor.

Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.

Check out The Spectator's data hub: https://data.spectator.co.uk/

As A-level students receive their exam results, Cindy Yu speaks to Isabel Hardman and Mary Curnock Cook who is the former chief executive of UCAS. In a bid to curb recent grade inflation, fewer of the top results have been handed out to students who were the first year group to sit through pandemic style examinations. Can the government return to 2019 levels this summer?

Produced by Cindy Yu and Natasha Feroze. 

Downing Street has extended an invite to Mohammed bin Salman to visit the UK in Autumn. Five years after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, is it time to let Saudi Arabia in from the cold?

Fraser Nelson speaks to Simon Mayall, a former Middle East adviser in the Ministry of Defence, and to Jawad Iqbal, a Spectator contributor.

If Labour wins the next election, will Keir Starmer have any money to spend on his programme of government? In a piece for the Times yesterday, journalist Philip Collins says it won't, and he thinks Labour is suffering because of this constraint. How can Labour be intellectually interesting if the government purse strings are so tight? Fraser Nelson disagrees. He says that, thanks to the Tories taking tax levels to record highs, Starmer will have plenty of cash to work with.

Kate Andrews speaks to Philip and Fraser.

Produced by Natasha Feroze and Max Jeffery.

Rishi Sunak is reportedly going to delay a planned major reshuffle. A Cabinet switch-up was expected next month, but it now seems that only ministers like Ben Wallace, who has already indicated that he wants to step down, will be moved from their posts. What changed the Prime Minister's mind?

Max Jeffery speaks to James Heale and Craig Oliver, former director of communications in No. 10.

Produced by Max Jeffery.

Are the Tories right to pick local candidates, over Westminster favourites, to be their next generation of MPs?

Cindy Yu speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Heale.

Nadine Dorries resigned from Parliament over the weekend, writing in a letter to Rishi Sunak that the Conservatives have been ‘corrupted’, and accusing the Prime Minister of ‘opening the gates to whip up a public frenzy against one of his own MPs’. Is Dorries, at least in part, right?

James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews.

Nadine Dorries’s seat in Mid Bedfordshire has a majority of 25,000. With the Boris Johnson ally now leaving Parliament, the seat is set to be a three-way race between the Tories, Labour and the Liberal Democrats. Who stands the best chance of challenging the Conservatives? Also on the podcast: Suella Braverman has instructed police to ‘investigate every crime’. Will it improve the public’s faith in the force?

James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.

James Cleverly is in Beijing, a decision which he has been pushed to defend in a clip given to the BBC. Much has changed in the five years since a British foreign secretary last visited China. What's the purpose of the trip? How has it been received in Westminster? 

Katy Balls speaks to Cindy Yu. 

Listen to Cindy's fortnightly podcast on Chinese politics, society and culture here: https://www.spectator.co.uk/podcasts/chinese-whispers/

Rishi Sunak may have shelved his plan for a big reshuffle but we have had some cabinet changes today. Grant Shapps has taken his fifth cabinet position in one year, replacing Ben Wallace as Defence Secretary, and Sunak loyalist Claire Coutinho will take over as Energy Secretary. What does Coutinho’s appointment reveal? 

James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Theresa May's new book, Abuse of Power, will not be a gossip-fuelled account of her time in No. 10. Instead, it'll be an account of how powerful people make mistakes, and how institutions corrupt. What's the point of the book, and has the former Prime Minister landed on a real, punishing problem in British politics?

Kate Andrews speaks to Fraser Nelson and Gavin Barwell, Theresa May's former chief of staff.

Parliament is back from recess and the row which will be dominating MPs inboxes is the school concrete crisis, which has disrupted the start of term for over 100 schools. Why didn't the government act sooner? 
 
 James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. 
 
 Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has reshuffled his shadow cabinet but just who has made it in and who has been moved aside?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Linden Kemkaran.

The government is struggling to change the story. After Gillian Keegan yesterday said, about the concrete crisis, that ‘everyone else has sat on their arse and done nothing’, the story has continued to dominate the news. How can the government recover? Who should take the blame?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Conservative Home’s Paul Goodman.

It was the first PMQs since the summer recess today and Labour were on the attack, comparing the Tory government to 'cowboy builders' over the ongoing school concrete debate. Rishi Sunak replied by calling out the leader of the opposition as 'captain hindsight'. Who came out on top? 

Also on the podcast, it's a year since Liz Truss's doomed premiership. How should we reflect on her time as PM? 

Max Jeffery speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. 

The Conservative MP Chris Pincher has resigned following the Commons decision to refuse his suspension appeal. Follow Nadine Dorries's most recent resignation, this means the government faces their 9th by-election since Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister – can they come back from this? Also on the podcast, Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman about Rishi Sunak's move to rejoin the EU Horizon Project and the latest on the UK-India trade deal. 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Lucy Dunn for the latest update on Scottish politics. Humza Yousaf has been on a 'reset'. But critics claim the Scottish First Minister is simply rehashing Nicola Stugeon's policies. Also on the podcast, will Labour take the Scotland by-election from the SNP? And what happened at the Holyrood Magazine awards?

Rishi Sunak has landed in Delhi ahead of the G20 summit this weekend. He will be hoping to smooth the way for a new free trade deal with India. What does a good result look like for the prime minister? Will the new deal result in increased immigration?

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and James Heale. 

Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.

Isabel Hardman hosts highlights from Sunday morning’s political shows. After Daniel Khalife's escape from HMP Wandsworth this week, the focus is on prisons. Did overcrowding and staff shortages contribute to the escape? What can the government do about rising prisoner numbers? Would Labour increase funding? There's also talk about the parliamentary researcher accused of spying for China, and military chiefs comment on the situation in Ukraine.
Produced Joe Bedell-Brill.

Over the weekend, it was reported that a parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. The accused has released a statement this morning claiming he is 'completely innocent'. Katy Balls speaks to Cindy Yu and James Heale about the arrest and what this could mean for Britain's relationship with China. 

Rishi Sunak has refused to commit to keeping the pensions triple lock in the next Conservative manifesto. What’s behind his equivocation? And, if the triple lock is ditched, will Labour follow suit? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

At PMQs, neither Labour nor the Tories wanted to commit to keeping the state pension triple lock. Have the two parties, awkwardly and unofficially, reached a consensus on dropping the promise?

Max Jeffery speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale.

Keir Starmer today unveiled Labour’s plan to stop illegal migration. Trying to deport migrants to Rwanda is a waste of money, he said – the millions would be better spent on a ‘new security agreement’ with Europe. But what does that mean?

Max Jeffery speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.

For the first time since 1992 the US and the UK will have elections in the same year, and – for the first time since 1964 – there is a real chance that those campaigns could overlap. How will they impact each other? 

Kate Andrews speaks to Katy Balls and Freddy Gray. 

The government is reportedly looking into whether it should cut the second phase of HS2. But with so much money having already been pumped into the project, should they just see it through to the end?

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews.

Isabel Hardman hosts highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. Electoral campaigns are soon to begin in earnest, and Labour is talking tough on immigration. But this week policy is overshadowed by criminal allegations against Russell Brand, devastating floods in Libya, and the researcher accused of being a Chinese spy. Ian Russell also talks about the dangers of the internet and the importance of the Online Safety Bill.

Liz Truss took the stage this morning for her first major intervention on the economy since leaving No. 10. Her speech at the Institute for Government comes almost a year to the day since her mini-Budget saw the markets panic and her premiership come to an abrupt end not long after. What did she have to say?  

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson, Kate Andrews and James Heale. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Keir Starmer is in Paris today. It's a bid to 'look statesman-like', Katy Balls says, but also underlines where a Labour government would take British relations with the EU. Oscar Edmondson talks to Katy and Charles Grant, director of the Centre for European Reform.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

Rishi Sunak is set to give a speech this week outlining changes to the government's environmental policies. The plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars, and gas boilers, will likely be delayed. What does the Prime Minister stand to gain?

James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Katy Balls.

Rishi Sunak is being attacked by Conservative and Labour politicians for choosing to delay some of Britain’s climate commitments. But is his new approach to policy really a welcome one? 

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Rupert Darwall, a senior fellow at RealClearFoundation.

Conference season has kicked off this weekend with the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth. Buoyed by their success in the recent by-elections, could the Lib Dems be the kingmakers at the next election?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Stephen Bush, associate editor at the Financial Times. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Jeremy Hunt said yesterday that it would be ‘virtually impossible’ to cut taxes in 2023. James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews about why the government has decided to spent more, rather than cut levies, and about whether Hunt and Sunak’s economic plan will come under criticism from Tory MPs at the Conservative party conference in a few weeks. 

Rupert Murdoch stepped down as chairman of News Corp and Fox News this week. But is this really the end of Murdoch’s career? ‘I can guarantee you that I will be involved every day in the contest of ideas’, he wrote in a statement. And what will the media tycoon’s legacy be?

James Heale speaks to Andrew Neil, chairman of The Spectator, and former editor of the Murdoch-owned Sunday Times.

Rishi Sunak is on his tour of hard truths, saying the unsayable on areas of policy where he believes his predecessors didn't want to be honest with the public. First we had the net zero pivot – scaling back the government's environmental commitments – and over the weekend there has been speculation that HS2 could be the next victim of tough talking Rishi Sunak. What's the latest? Is Rishi gifting Starmer an easy ride by clearing the weeds on this controversial project? 

Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Suella Braverman is in Washington today, giving a speech to a think tank on illegal migration in which she will argue that seeking asylum and seeking better economic prospects are two different things. It's a punchy line she's taking, should Rishi be taking note? Or is this a thinly veiled bid for the Conservative leadership? 

Also on the podcast, as Ed Davey wraps up this year's Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth, is there optimism in Lib Dem HQ as we look towards the next election? 

Cindy Yu speaks to Patrick O'Flynn and James Heale. 

Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. 

The UK's largest untapped oil and gas field has been given the green light in a move that has been criticised by Labour, although Keir Starmer has said he will honour the Tories' approval of the controversial Rosebank site should Labour enter government next year. Has the language changed around net zero? 

Also on the podcast, new polling suggests that Sadiq Khan holds only a slender lead ahead of Susan Hall in the London mayoral race, should he be worried? 

Max Jeffery speaks to James Heale and Fraser Nelson. 

Produced by Max Jeffery and Oscar Edmondson. 

Another day, another U-turn. But this time it's Labour, who have changed tack on their plans to end charitable status for private schools. Labour leader Keir Starmer previously declared that the charitable status for private schools could not be justified, so what’s behind the move? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan, former political secretary to Tony Blair. 

Tax levels in the UK are at their highest since records began 70 years ago and are unlikely to come down, or so says the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) in their report today. How has the tax burden increased over the four years of this parliament? What's driving up taxes?

Also on the podcast, there are reports today that Rishi Sunak will stop councils imposing 20 mph zones, is Rishi on the side of motorists?

Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Fraser Nelson.

Keep up to date with The Spectator's data hub: https://data.spectator.co.uk/

Produced by Max Jeffery and Oscar Edmondson.

The Conservative party conference begins in Manchester this weekend. Where have conferences gone wrong for previous Tory party leaders, and what will Rishi Sunak want to get out of this one? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Craig Oliver, dormer director of communications in No. 10 under David Cameron.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. 

Rishi Sunak is in the limelight as the Conservative party conference begins. The polls don't look good for him, but he comes out fighting, claiming he's 'going to do things differently'. The public associate him with personal wealth, does he think that makes him look out of touch? Sunak claims his values are clear, and contrasts himself with the 'hiding' Starmer. Meanwhile, Gove wants tax cuts before the next election, unlike the chancellor and prime minister. Priti Patel isn't impressed with the Home Secretary's comments on multicultralism. And Wes Streeting defends Labour's shifting policies.

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill

It's day two at Tory conference and the mood seems muted and lacking in energy. This is in direct contrast to Rishi Sunak who appeared to have fire in his belly in a tetchy interview over the weekend with Laura Kuenssberg. He will be hoping to use this conference as his reset moment, but will he be undermined by those in the cabinet with an eye on the leadership?

In Manchester, Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman discuss. 

The Spectator’s Fraser Nelson, Katy Balls and Kate Andrews are joined by special guest Frank Luntz for a live recording of Coffee House Shots from Tory party conference. It was at this event two years ago that Frank first declared Liz Truss to be the next Tory leader. Who might succeed Rishi Sunak? And is a Labour 2024 victory certain? 

Isabel Hardman and James Heale discuss day two of the Conservative party Conference. From Jeremy Hunt's speech, to Mark Harper's Hs2 dodge and a swelling support for Kemi Badenoch. 

It's day three at Tory conference and the story that won't go away is HS2. Rishi Sunak insisted in his media round this morning that a decision has not been made, meanwhile Downing Street sources are reporting that a decision has been made. Standing outside the Midland hotel, Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street urged the prime minister not to abandon HS2. Can we expect an announcement in Rishi's speech tomorrow? 

Katy Balls speaks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale. 

After spending most of his conference refusing to say much at all, Rishi Sunak used his speech to make three big policy announcements on HS2, smoking and A-levels. Will these gambles pay off? 

Fraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls, Isabel Hardman, Kate Andrews and John Connolly.

One of the announcements made in Rishi Sunak's conference speech was to scrap A-levels in favour of a qualification which includes compulsory English and Maths. With several problems in the education system, and years of disruption for students, what was behind the PM's decision to radically overhaul the system? James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and David Laws, former education minister who now chairs the Education Policy Institute. 

Labour has secured a resounding win against the SNP in the Rutherglen and Hamilton West by-election with a swing of 20.4%. Fraser Nelson speaks to Katy Balls and Iain Macwhirter about whether this the end of the Scotland hegemony of the SNP, and if Labour have drifted closer to the right. 

Seven years after the Brexit vote, Katy Balls is joined for a fringe panel from the Conservative Party Conference to discuss if voting to leave the EU was worth it, where the wins are and if opportunities are being missed. 

Katy Balls in conversation with John Redwood MP, Theresa Villiers MP, Camilla Cavendish, Charles Grant and Vote Leave founder Matthew Elliott.

It's the first day of Labour party conference and whilst the mood is buoyant the story that has dominated the weekend is of course the Hamas attack on Israel. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has refused to condemn the attack, will he be a thorn in Keir Starmer's side this week? And will Starmer finally be able to answer the question: If not the Tories, why us? 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. 

Cindy Yu is joined by immigration minister Robert Jenrick, Fraser Nelson and Kate Andrews to discuss the Rwanda plan and whether it can truly stop the boats. 

It was Rachel Reeves's moment on day two of Labour party conference. Addressing the hall she detailed her ambitious plans for growth and vowed to stick to 'iron-clad fiscal rules' if in power. She also received a surprise endorsement from former governor of the Bank of England Mark Carney. Once branded 'boring snoring' by a BBC editor, Reeves doesn't look boring anymore. Will she be the first female chancellor of the exchequer? 

Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman. 

Keir Starmer's leadership speech today in Liverpool didn't get off to the best start after a protestor ran onto the stage and dumped glitter all over him. But after dusting himself down and rolling up his sleeves, the leader of the opposition set about addressing the question that many prospective voters have wanted answering: If not them, why us?

He made big promises on the NHS and pledged to 'bulldoze through' the obstacles to growth caused by the planning system, including with a new generation of new towns. It was one of his best speeches yet, but can they deliver? 

Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman discuss. 

Wes Streeting, the shadow health secretary, said in a speech today that this NHS must ‘modernise or die’. But will a Labour government under Keir Starmer have the cash to really reform?

Max Jeffery speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.

Lisa Cameron MP has quit the SNP to join the Conservative party, just days before the SNP holds its party conference in Aberdeen. What does this say about the state of the Scottish National Party under Humza Yousaf? James Heale talks to Isabel Hardman and Lucy Dunn.

Produced by Max Jeffery and Cindy Yu.

Conference season is over, so we thought that we’d run through this year’s winners and losers. Did Rishi Sunak manage to present himself as the Action Man who can end the ‘thirty year consensus’ in British politics? Did Keir Starmer finally answer the question: if not them, why us? Did anyone surprise us? Or was it all for nothing, as new YouGov polling might suggest.

Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

James Heale speaks to foreign policy expert Sophia Gaston and defence correspondent Sean Rayment about what could be Israel's next steps, the strength of their military and how much political backing they have worldwide. 

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from today's political shows.

This week it's all about the Israel-Palestine conflict. An Israeli government adviser says Israel is following international law, but the Head of the Palestinian Mission to the UK refutes this, and describes horror and carnage in Gaza. James Cleverly says the UK stands with Israel, but both he and his Labour counterpart urge restraint. And the First Minister of Scotland fears for family members trapped in Gaza. 

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has been talking about bringing 'Texas-style justice' to the UK in his latest proposals for reform of the prisons system. What does it really mean? James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

So far, both major parties in the UK have aligned on their approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict, but can the Labour party really hold their position, considering how much of the party's grassroots support come from Muslim backgrounds? James Heale talks to Katy Balls and Conservative Home's editor, Paul Goodman.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

At his first speech as SNP leader at the party's conference, Humza Yousaf gave a policy-filled address. He hasn't had an easy start to his leadership, but can he turn things around? Katy Balls talks to Lucy Dunn and Iain Macwhirter.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Cindy Yu.

September's inflation data was released today, and showed that it was at the same level as August. Is inflation getting stuck a problem? Cindy Yu talks to Kate Andrews and Katy Balls. Also on the podcast: Labour's Israel headaches and a look ahead to tomorrow's by-elections.

Produced by Cindy Yu.

Today Rishi Sunak joined Benjamin Netanyahu for a joint press conference in which he pledged support to Israel. Netanyahu thanked him for his, ‘strong statement of support’ and grounded Israel’s fight in the context of Britain’s own history. ‘You fought the Nazis 80 years ago,’ he said, ‘Hamas are the new Nazis'.

Also on the podcast, the polls have opened for by elections in Tamworth and Mid Bedfordshire. What should we expect?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.

Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Photo credit: Simon Walker/No. 10 Downing Street

Labour has overturned the Tamworth and and Mid Bedfordshire by-election results, overturning the biggest majority in by-election history. Is there anymore road for Rishi Sunak? Isabel Hardman speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale. 

This week there have been some interesting developments in the public Covid-19 inquiry where scientists and mathematical modellers have been giving testimony on how prepared the government was to tackle the pandemic and how they used expert advise. 

Within the sessions, WhatsApp messages revealed that Dame Angela McLean – who at the time was chief scientific advisor to Ministry of Defence – sent a secret message referring to Rishi Sunak as 'Dr Death the chancellor' in reference to the public health impacts of the 'eat out to help out' scheme. What were some of the other revelations? Did we get any clarity on how these mathematical models were produced and implemented? And what can we hope to learn from what promises to be a long and protracted inquiry? 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Kate Andrews and Michael Simmons. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from this week's political shows. 

Some aid has been allowed into Gaza, but the situation is still dire. We hear from immigration minister Robert Jenrick on what the UK is doing to help. Naftali Bennett says Israel are not responsible for Gaza, Hanan Ashrawi gives us the Palestinian point of view, and Labour clarifies their own position. Plus the Tory slide continues as they lose another two seats in the by-elections. 

This week marks one year since Rishi Sunak entered No.10. Faced with the weekend's double by-election defeat, Labour's lead in the polls and another by-election coming soon, what can Rishi Sunak still do to turn things around? Natasha Feroze speaks to Katy Balls and James Heale.

Natasha Feroze speaks to Stephen Bush and Katy Balls about some of the geopolitical problems that lie ahead for Labour. Will David Lammy have to roll back on his views on Trump? Will Keir Starmer appeal to his muslim voter base whilst taking the standard Biden line on Israel/ Palestine? What about the Indian general election in November?

Today, Keir Starmer held a long meeting with some Muslim Labour MPs over their concern on his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, first ignited by comments he made on LBC which seemed to justify Israel's electricity and water blockade of Gaza. The Labour leader has made huge progress to move his party on from the reputation of anti-Semitism forged during the Corbyn era – but can he find a middle way to please all wings of his party on this deeply emotive issue? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

Produced by Cindy Yu.

Keir Starmer has had a difficult week, trying to keep his party on message over the war in Israel and Gaza. The official position is that Israel has a right to respond to Hamas’s attacks on 7 October, but a number of Labour MPs are now calling for a ceasefire. Could Starmer have better handled the situation? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and John McTernan. 

Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure from his party to back a call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The week began with the Labour leader correcting comments he made on LBC that Israel had a right to defend itself. But now, politicians to the left of his party are campaigning for a ceasefire. Is this something Starmer can support? Also on the podcast, James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson about more 'pestminster' scandals and Liz Truss on AI and China. 

As the government faces a general election defeat, is there a home for traditionally conservative thinkers? An international branch of new right Conservatives will join together on Monday for the Alliance of Responsible Citizenships (ARC) designed to share ideas and debate policy. But why won't many call themselves 'Conservatives'? And can ARC bring anything to the future of the party?

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows. 

Israel's ground invasion has begun. We hear the latest response from the government and Labour, as calls grow for a humanitarian pause to the offensive. MP Layla Moran speaks of the desperation of her family, who are unable to move from the north of Gaza. And the head of the tech company Palantir says patient data will be safe, as his company attempt to get a massive deal with the NHS over the line. 

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill

The Covid inquiry enters its most dramatic week, questioning Martin Reynolds (a.k.a. 'Party Marty'), as well as former No. 10 advisors Lee Cain and Dominic Cummings. But it seems that the inquiry has gone down more the route of interpersonal drama rather than lessons learnt for government decisionmaking. So what's the point of it? Katy Balls talks to Isabel Hardman and James Heale.

Produced by Cindy Yu.

Fraser Nelson speaks to Michael Simmons about the second phase of the Covid inquiry, looking at political governance. Attending the inquiry today was former No.10 aids Dominic Cummings and Lee Cain. 

Today the Covid inquiry heard from Helen McNamara, former deputy cabinet secretary (who infamously supplied a karaoke machine for one of the government's lockdown parties). Her evidence suggested that the government's pandemic response had a women problem – from not properly understanding lockdown's impact on domestic abuse to not considering that PPE is designed for male bodies, not female. Is that fair? Cindy Yu talks to Katy Balls and Isabel Hardman.

Produced by Cindy Yu.

The Bank of England has once again taken the decision to hold interest rates at their 15-year high. There is growing market consensus that this second pause is a sign that interest rates have peaked, or nearly reached their peak. Will the Bank be able to tread the thin line between tackling inflation but also keeping the country out of recession? Will Rishi Sunak hit his target to 'halve inflation'? 

Natasha Feroze speaks to Kate Andrews and Isabel Hardman. 

Produced by Natasha Feroze and Oscar Edmondson. 

This week the prime minister hosted his landmark AI summit at Bletchley Park which wrapped up with an interview with Elon Musk, who warned that AI will one day render all jobs obsolete. The who's who of AI were in attendance over the two days as well the likes of Kamala Harris and Ursula von der Leyen, but what was actually achieved?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Madhumita Murgia, AI editor at the Financial Times. 

WhatsApps between officials in Boris Johnson’s government have been centre-stage at the Covid inquiry this week. Is the app encouraging on-the-hoof policymaking and nasty briefing? 

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Guido Fawkes chief Paul Staines.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from this week's political shows. 

The Israel-Palestine conflict is creating division in the UK, with pro-Palestine rallies being labelled as 'hate marches' by Suella Braverman, and Keir Starmer continuing to reject calls for a ceasefire from members of his party. Hossam Zaki warns that a political solution is the only way forward. Plus, Oliver Dowden reacts to explosive testimony in the Covid inquiry this week, and Succession star Sarah Snook talks about the dangerous potential of deepfakes in the entertainment industry. 

The Home Secretary sparked fury over the weekend for her comments on homelessness, suggesting that rough sleepers using tents is a 'lifestyle choice'. Senior cabinet members including the Rishi Sunak didn't jump to her defence from the comments. What was behind her decision to take such a firm line? Also on the podcast, Katy Balls speaks to Fraser Nelson and Isabel Hardman about the serial rapist cover-up allegations levelled at the Tory party. 

It was the King’s speech today. King Charles announced that the government would introduce new laws to, among other things, force criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, scrap most jail sentences of less than a year, and sell all new houses as freehold properties. Is it enough for the Tories to turn around their deficit in the polls?

Katy Balls speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman.

Rishi Sunak met with Met Commissioner Mark Rowley today to discuss the pro-Palestine protests planned for the Remembrance weekend. Sunak has called the marches ‘disrespectful’, and said he would hold Rowley ‘accountable’ for not banning them. Will the Commissioner change his mind?

Isabel Hardman speaks to Katy Balls and Danny Shaw, former home affairs correspondent for the BBC. 

Suella Braverman has again dominated conversation with her controversial rhetoric, this time comparing the pro-Palestinian marches to the Orange Marches of Northern Ireland in a punchy op-ed for the Times. Has she finally gone too far for this government? Max Jeffery talks to Katy Balls and James Heale.

Produced by Max Jeffery and Cindy Yu.

This week Nadine Dorries’s new book The Plot: The Political Assassination of Boris Johnson has been published, and it has ruffled some feathers in Westminster. In it, she claims there was a plot orchestrated by a secret cabal of back room advisors, politicians and individuals in the media to overthrow Boris Johnson. Just what is ‘the movement’?

James Heale speaks to Fraser Nelson and Christopher Howse, assistant editor at the Telegraph. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Despite mounting pressure from Conservative MPs to remove Suella Braverman, no announcement has been made yet. How much pressure is Rishi Sunak facing over the Home Secretary's stand-off with the Met Police? Also on the podcast, Natasha Feroze speaks to James Heale and Isabel Harman about the Conservative Home Cabinet league table ahead of a possible reshuffle. 

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from this week's political shows. 

The Palestine march on Saturday was accompanied by violence after far-right groups converged on the Cenotaph. Did the Home Secretary's controversial Times article undermine the police and inflame tensions? Grant Shapps won't criticise Suella Braverman, but Yvette Cooper certainly does. Labour division continues with an upcoming vote on a motion calling for immediate ceasefire. And President Isaac Herzog claims Israel have been going out of their way to protect civilians in Gaza. 

It’s reshuffle day in Westminster. Suella Braverman is out as Home Secretary, replaced by James Cleverly, with former prime minister David Cameron making a shock return to parliament in the vacant Foreign Secretary slot. It’s the first time since 1974 that a former PM has been appointed to the cabinet. Can Rishi Sunak really still claim to be the candidate to end the ‘thirty year status quo’? Will he regret bringing Cameron back?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

Rishi Sunak has spent today selecting new people for his Cabinet. With MP's to the right such as Suella Braverman removed from office, has Rishi Sunak's bold reshuffle made deeper divides in his party?

When Suella Braverman was sacked on Monday she warned that she would have more to say in due course, and has just released her resignation letter. It is predictably punchy, accusing the prime minister of backtracking on policy promises he made her and especially on his commitment to stop the boats. Will Sunak come to regret casting Suella Braverman aside? Is this the start of a leadership bid?

Cindy You speaks to Katy Balls and Paul Goodman. 

Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson. 

The Supreme Court has ruled that the government scheme to deport illegal migrants to Rwanda is unlawful. Why? And how will Rishi Sunak respond? Will he try to take Britain out of the European Convention on Human Rights?

James Heale speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

Fifty-six Labour MPs rebelled last night and voted for an SNP amendment calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. Keir Starmer had ordered his party to abstain on the vote, and said afterwards that Israel had suffered ‘its worst terrorist attack in a single day’ on 7 October, and that ‘no government would allow the capability and intent to repeat such an attack to go unchallenged’. Is Starmer’s authority now under threat?

Oscar Edmondson speaks to Katy Balls and Kate Andrews.

The chancellor Jeremy Hunt will deliver his autumn statement next week and Rishi Sunak will be hoping to stamp his authority onto a fracturing party after a difficult few days. There are lots of rumours swirling around about what might be included, such as cuts to inheritance tax and to taxes for small businesses. What should we expect? 

Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Isabel Hardman. 

Produced by Oscar Edmondson. 

HMP Bedford was issued with an urgent notification yesterday, meaning it must immediately make reforms to improve. It’s the fifth prison to receive such a notification this year. What’s going wrong in Britain’s prisons, and what will fix them?

Max Jeffery speaks to former prison governor Ian Acheson and former prisoner David Shipley.

Katy Balls presents highlights from this week's political shows. 

It's an economy special, as Jeremy Hunt prepares to deliver his autumn statement next week. With tax at an all time high, which tax cuts will the government make, if any? Changes to benefits may see many lose out if they don't find jobs. Labour's Rachel Reeves says fixing the NHS is the way to get people back to work, and isn't impressed with potential inheritance tax cuts. And the government is desperate to make their Rwanda plan work - will it be possible?

Produced by Joe Bedell-Brill.

James Heale, Katy Balls and Fraser Nelson look ahead to the Autumn Statement this week. Will Rishi Sunak commit to cutting taxes? And with barely a year to go before the election, would implementing any policies now be felt in time?