Latest news with #JamesHeale
Spectator
16-07-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Mel Stride: ‘what I would do differently'
Last night, Rachel Reeves was the headline act at the Mansion House dinner. In her speech, she made the case that 'Britain is open for business' and that we must 'stay competitive in the global economy'. Critics would say it is hard to claim to be open for business while having also overseen a £25 billion national insurance tax raid that is now known to be costing thousands of jobs. She began by stressing that, despite what recent reporting might suggest, she is 'okay' – the economic indicators, however, suggest that the economy is far from okay. Just this morning, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that inflation hit 3.6 per cent in the year to June – well above the 2 per cent target. On this special edition of Coffee House Shots, James Heale and Michael Simmons are joined by shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who offers his prescription for Britain's ailing economy. He outlines how he would have conducted the speech at Mansion House, how he will spend the recess with business leaders of all descriptions in 'listening mode', and why – when it comes to the big institutions such as the OBR, the Treasury and the Bank of England – he 'isn't ruling anything out'. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Spectator
02-06-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Is Britain ‘battle-ready'?
Today the government has published the long-awaited strategic defence review. The brief was to take a new look at some of the challenges to the UK in 2025, and what is needed to ensure our security and reset our defence priorities. We are still waiting for some of the detail, but so far we know: £15 billion for new warheads to be carried by the new Dreadnought-class submarines; a dozen new SSN-Aukus attack submarines; £1.5 billion to build at least six munitions' factories; £6 billion to procure munitions over the remainder of this parliament; and £1 billion for digital capability and a new CyberEM Command. Where is all that money coming from? Most of the squabbling today has been over the commitment to 3 per cent of GDP on defence spending. Labour have so far only gone as far as to say that's an 'ambition'. But are Labour being ambitious enough? Is the UK still a global player when it comes to defence if we can't commit to 3 per cent? Oscar Edmondson speaks to James Heale and Emma Salisbury, research fellow at the Council on Geostrategy. Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
Spectator
27-05-2025
- Business
- Spectator
Is the welfare state about to expand?
James Heale and Michael Simmons join Patrick Gibbons to discuss the speculation that Labour could scrap the two-child benefit cap. Is this just red meat for the left of the party or is it a sign that public opinion around welfare has shifted? And, with mixed messages on the economy, can the country afford to scrap it? This comes just a week after Labour's partial U-turn over the winter fuel allowance so, with pressure also increasing from Reform, is the welfare state about to expand? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Spectator
19-05-2025
- Business
- Spectator
EU-UK reset: ‘brexit betrayal' or lacking ambition?
As EU leaders arrive in London for a summit hosted by Keir Starmer, there has been an announcement that the UK and EU have reached a deal. The UK has extended its agreement on EU fishing boats in British waters, while in return fewer checks on British food exports are expected. There have also been discussions about a defence pact, reduced tuition fees for EU students and access to electronic passport gates for British holiday-makers. While we await further details, deputy political editor James Heale and director of the Centre for European Reform Charles Grant join Lucy Dunn to unpack what we know so far. Will the deal be an easy sell, or does it risk being seen as a 'brexit betrayal'? And, does it lack ambition or is it an important first step in restoring trust between two allies? Charles points out that there are important implications: on a future US trade deal; for Northern Ireland; and, in setting precedent; while James highlights the tight-rope Labour have to walk in constructing a narrative around the deal – particularly around avoiding being seen as selling out the 'somewheres' in favour of the 'anywheres'. Produced by Patrick Gibbons.
Spectator
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
Debate: should Kemi Badenoch go?
Kemi Badenoch has come in for criticism since becoming leader of the opposition – for her energy, her performances at PMQs and her inability to galvanise her shadow cabinet. On this podcast, James Heale hosts the trial of Kemi Badenoch and asks whether someone else might be better placed to take the Tories into the next election and – more importantly – who that prince (or princess) across the water could be. The Spectator's assistant content editor William Atkinson makes the case for the prosecution, while Michael Gove sets out why the Tories should stick with Kemi. Lara Brown, our new commissioning editor, acts as the jury. 'If your house is on fire you don't wait a year to call the fire brigade,' says William. But Michael argues that political leaders – much like football managers – should be given time and patience in order to implement their direction, philosophy and, ultimately, to become successful. So should she stay or should she go? … Or should the Tories give it to 'Big Sam' until the end of the season? Produced by Oscar Edmondson. Have your say, by emailing us at: podcast@
