Matthew Lee

Friday

Matthew Lee

The Spectator Podcast: is there any hope for Brexit?

This week, the Supreme Court gave its bombshell ruling - Boris Johnson’s prorogation of parliament was unlawful. With parliament resuming the very next day, Boris Johnson has been dealt a humiliating defeat. Yet, MPs still won't trigger a general election, until Boris requests a Brexit extension. So is there any escape for the Prime Minister, or for Brexit? In this week’s cover piece, Rod Liddle is less than optimistic, arguing that, as he predicts in his book, the Establishment just will not let Brexit happen. On the podcast, Lara Prendergast speaks to Rod and Anand Menon, Director of the think tank UK in a Changing Europe. Rod rails against the partiality of the judges, saying: 'I don't agree with Supreme Courts, I don't believe we should have one.

Friday

Matthew Lee

The Spectator Podcast: will the EU compromise for Boris?

As the UK government ramps up its no deal Brexit planning, is there any chance of a compromise with the EU on a deal? In this week’s magazine, James Forsyth looks at how seriously Brussels is taking Boris Johnson’s threats. He suggests that until parliament signals it can pass a deal, the EU is ready to hold out. On the podcast, Katy Balls talks to James and Agata Gostyńska-Jakubowska, a Senior Research Fellow for the Centre for European Reform. Agata tells us that the EU is adamant about its united position. Negotiations are about: 'standing behind Dublin, sending the message to smaller and newer states that if they were in need, they could expect similar solidarity from other member states.

Friday

Matthew Lee

The Spectator Podcast: is Boris Johnson ‘devious’ enough to get a new deal?

Boris Johnson became the new Prime Minister this week, but what will his first 100 days in office be like? In this week’s magazine, James Forsyth examines why the unconventional Team Boris have to hit the ground running – he argues that if they can get public opinion on side, then it’s possible to tackle any hurdles parliament might throw up. On the podcast, Isabel Hardman talks to James and Conservative MP Simon Hart to get their thoughts on a possible early election.