Energy crisis: are we in 1973 territory?

Energy crisis: are we in 1973 territory?

Author: The Spectator March 27, 2026 Duration: 9:33

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.

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For a clear-eyed take on the day’s political developments, Coffee House Shots delivers concise, sharp discussion straight from the heart of Westminster. This daily podcast from The Spectator gathers the magazine’s most astute political observers-voices like Michael Gove, Tim Shipman, Isabel Hardman, and James Heale-around a virtual table for the kind of frank, insider conversation that happens away from the cameras. Each episode cuts through the noise of the 24-hour news cycle to examine the real forces shaping policy, elections, and power struggles. Listeners get more than just a recap of headlines; they’re offered analysis of the strategic calculations, the personal rivalries, and the underlying trends that the major bulletins often miss. The tone is informed and direct, reflecting the depth of experience within The Spectator’s team. It’s designed for anyone who wants to understand not just what is happening in British politics, but why it matters and what might happen next. Tune in for a regular dose of perspective that feels less like a formal briefing and more like overhearing a crucial chat in the corridors of influence. This podcast provides that essential context, making sense of the rapid flow of daily news with authority and clarity.
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