Why won't Starmer answer the question!?

Why won't Starmer answer the question!?

Author: The Spectator April 15, 2026 Duration: 14:08

PMQs is back and – predictably – Lord Robertson’s intervention on the state of the armed forces dominated proceedings. The Prime Minister gave six responses to questions about defence spending, none of which addressed the criticism properly. While it was not a painful session for Starmer, it did show how little he has to say and how little authority he seems to have over such a serious matter. Why can’t he just answer the question? Does he want to be back in opposition?

Megan McElroy speaks to Tim Shipman and Isabel Hardman.

Produced by Megan McElroy and Oscar Edmondson.

Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.


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


Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Coffee House Shots
Podcast Episodes
The greatest political books ever: how many have you read? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:05
It’s polling day! Tim and James take the opportunity to go through their favourite political books ever, fiction and non-fiction. They discuss the books that have shaped their understanding of politics and make the case…
Are the Greens repeating Corbyn's mistakes? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:08
As voters prepare to go to the polls in a set of local elections that could redraw the political map, we examine the ‘outsiders’ on today’s episode – starting with the Greens. After Zack Polanski’s grilling on the Today…
Who will survive the local elections? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:16
The local elections are nearly upon us. Political editor Tim Shipman and deputy political editor James Heale bring you the one-stop shop podcast with everything you need to know ahead of the day. What could happen to Kei…
Isabel Hardman's Sunday Roundup - 03/05/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:52
Isabel Hardman presents highlights from Sunday morning's political shows.Politicians react to potential bans on Palestine marches, in the wake of the Golders Green stabbings.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access…
Why did the assisted dying bill fail? | Lord Moore vs Lord Falconer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
The assisted dying bill has stalled in the House of Lords – but is it dead, or merely delayed?After weeks of fraught debate, multiple amendments and accusations of filibuster, supporters of the bill are considering wheth…
The end of the peer show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:28
Hereditary peers have left their red leather benches for the final time. The House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Act became law earlier this year, which removes all hereditary peers' right to speak and vote in Parliament b…
Starmer vs the basics of politics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:07
Does Keir Starmer have confidence in Rachel Reeves? Kemi Badenoch pressed the Prime Minister on his Chancellor’s future at PMQs – and he declined to answer, twice. Westminster (and Twitter) is now awash with reshuffle ru…
Morgan McSweeney faces the music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:59
It’s a blockbuster day in parliament today. To kick things off, we had Philip Barton pleading ignorance; to close the proceedings tonight we have a vote on a possible Privileges Committee probe. But in between we have Mo…
Can the King handle Trump? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:45
King Charles is about to travel to Washington to visit President Trump. The brief? Fix the strained relationship. No pressure! Can royal diplomacy steady relations? Will the trip be awkward given Trump's recent words on…