Coffee House Shots

In this special edition of Coffee House Shots, Tim Shipman is joined by defence editor at the Economist, Shashank Joshi. Two weeks in to the conflict in Iran, they give the definitive take on where we are at, the range of scenarios that the UK government are preparing for, and – crucially – how it could all end.
Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.
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This afternoon we have had the first tranche of documents released by the government relating to the process by which Peter Mandelson was chosen to be US ambassador. Whilst we have got a clearer picture on the big question – how much Starmer and the government knew about Mandelson’s association with Epstein – Labour are not out of the woods. Quotes from Jonathan Powell reveal that the vetting process was rushed and that – he thought – they didn’t dig deep enough. There is also the small matter of Peter Mandelson’s request for a payout of over half a million pounds. Oscar Edmondson, Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman discuss.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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The US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said today will be the most intense day yet of American strikes on Iran. Over the weekend, Donald Trump claimed the war could soon be over – and suggested the US has already effectively won. He also took aim at Keir Starmer, accusing Britain of joining wars America has ‘already won’. Deputy and US editor Freddy Gray joins the podcast to explain what’s really happening in Washington and why he believes the ‘special relationship’ may be over – and not coming back.

Economics editor Michael Simmons also joins to discuss the fallout. As oil prices surge and markets react, Reform UK is seizing on renewed pressure over the cost of living. What does the crisis mean for Rachel Reeves – and how serious could the economic consequences become? They both join Megan McElroy to discuss.

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Tim Shipman is joined by Isabel Hardman to discuss the domestic fallout from the conflict in Iran – from oil prices surging past $100 a barrel to renewed pressure on Britain’s cost-of-living crisis.
They examine how the rising price of energy could derail Labour’s economic plans, why Rachel Reeves may face difficult choices on fuel duty and support for households, and whether Keir Starmer has the political authority to navigate another economic shock ahead of the May elections.
They also debate the government’s new ‘cohesion strategy’ – including plans for an anti-Muslim hatred adviser and a broader crackdown on extremism – and ask whether Labour has found a coherent approach to integration, immigration and social cohesion, or whether the policy risks opening new divisions within the party.
Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.
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Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.

Is the UK already too implicated in an illegal war? Or does Keir Starmer’s cautious indecision represent a dereliction of duty to help our greatest ally?

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For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts.

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