Coffee House Shots

Charles Grant from the Centre for European Reform and Tim Shipman join James Heale to reflect on the rumours about Britain's latest set of negotiations with the European Union. There are reports that the EU may be willing to accept some form of mechanism, that the UK could use, should Britain ever wish to temporarily halt the number of inbound students. Perhaps we could call such a mechanism an 'emergency brake'. Sound familiar? What does this tell us about the dynamics of the EU, how the UK-EU relationship works – and how inevitable was the result in 2016?Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

Donald Trump has said he is 'strongly considering' pulling the US out of NATO, in comments made to the Telegraph – and it doesn't appear to be an April Fool. This isn't the first time he has rallied against the Alliance so should the UK take him seriously? Plus – what is Keir Starmer's strategy? – as he tries to balance a testing transatlantic relationship with pursuing closer relations with the EU.Patrick Gibbons speaks to Tim Shipman and James Heale.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

The IMF has warned Britain is particularly vulnerable to another spike in energy prices, and is more exposed than many of its European neighbours. Why is that the case? And does the government have any real plan to shield households and businesses from the fallout? With the Tories and Reform calling for the government to drill baby drill, why is the government avoiding a pretty obvious solution?James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.

Patrick Maguire, chief political writer at The Times, sits down with Tim Shipman for a reflection on Labour's odd year so far. From potential leadership challengers, like Wes Streeting and Angela Rayner, to cabinet heavyweights, like Yvette Cooper and Ed Miliband – where does power in this Labour government really lie? What does Keir Starmer's interview style and response to the Iran war reveal about him? And what are the implications of the local elections in just over a month – in what could be a historically disastrous night for the Party.Produced by Megan McElroy and Patrick Gibbons.

Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.The Iran conflict has reached its second month. Figures from across the political spectrum debate how best to respond to a leap in energy prices.

Should we defund – or defend – the BBC?Live from London, the Spectator hosted a debate on the future of this iconic British institution, compered by associate editor Isabel Hardman. The Spectator’s chairman – and long-time Beeb-critic – Charles Moore, and the Telegraph’s Allison Pearson went head-to-head with the Spectator’s editor – and former Tory cabinet minister – Michael Gove and the former BBC correspondent – now-podcaster with The Newsagents – Jon Sopel. Defund: do you agree with Lord Moore that the BBC is constantly breaking impartiality? That this issue ‘more profound than just about balance’ – that this is a systemic issue which hampers the British public’s opportunity to learn. And for Allison Pearson, the BBC that the country feels 'sentimental attachment to’ is gone, replaced today by a corporation that is ‘institutionally antisemitic’.Defend: Jon Sopel argues that the soft power of the BBC cannot be underestimated and, while guilty of many mistakes, destroying the BBC would be ‘an act of cultural vandalism akin to ISIS blowing up Palmyra’. Lord Gove argues that the BBC reflects the best of us, declaring that he backs the organisation 'not in spite of being a conservative – but because I am a conservative’.Subscribers can watch the full discussion on Spectator TV and for more events from the Spectator, go to events.spectator.co.uk. 

The panic has set in around the cabinet table about this energy crisis, and fears of history repeating itself. Tim Shipman writes in the magazine about the comparisons being made to 1973 and the Opec oil shock, with the government preparing for oil prices to reach £150 a barrel. What levers are available to the government to ease the economic fallout and 1970s-style inflation? And why is it that the UK is so uniquely impacted by this crisis?Oscar Edmondson speaks to Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Questions are being asked about Morgan McSweeney's missing phone, which he reported stolen to police last year. What might seem like a minor case of petty theft actually has serious implications for the investigation into Peter Mandelson's appointment. It also raises questions about Keir Starmer's general approach to government. James Heale speaks to Tim Shipman and Cleo Watson, former special adviser to Boris Johnson, about the case – and also about how it can hurt public trust in government. Do you believe in cock up – or conspiracy?Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

In the final Prime Minister's Questions before Easter recess, Kemi Badenoch pushed Keir Starmer to commit to new oil & gas drilling licences. The Conservatives spot an easy win here – cost of living concerns are rising as America's war with Iran continues. Plus, with a burgeoning welfare bill, the trade-offs are even trickier for Labour to resolve. Who should Labour target? Tim Shipman and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss. Come for Tim's impression of the Prime Minister, and stay for Michael's very strong response when asked if renewables are the answer.Produced by Patrick Gibbons.