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Reality Check

Reality Check

By: The Spectator
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About this listen

 Reality Check – the new podcast from The Spectator – cuts through the spin and explains the numbers behind the noise. In each episode, The Spectator’s economics editor Michael Simmons and in-the-know guests will make a data-driven case on a story hogging the headlines.

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d1e18ae0-b5b6-11f0-8af1-e11d9dcdb75c Politics & Government
Episodes
  • 2025: a year of tears, tariffs & taxes

    2025: a year of tears, tariffs & taxes
    Dec 23 2025

    Michael Simmons reflects on some of the economic highs and lows of 2025.

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Electrify everything! Octopus boss on Britain's energy problems

    Electrify everything! Octopus boss on Britain's energy problems
    Dec 18 2025

    The Spectator’s Michael Simmons in conversation with Greg Jackson, CEO & Founder of Octopus Energy and non-executive member of the Cabinet Office Board

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Why Wes Streeting is right about junior doctors

    Why Wes Streeting is right about junior doctors
    Dec 12 2025

    Junior doctors, now known as resident doctors, will strike from December 17 to 22, which Wes Streeting has said will 'wreck Christmas'. The doctors are demanding a 26 per cent salary rise over the next few years to make up for the erosion in their pay in real terms since 2008 – this is on top of a 28.9% increase they have had over the last three years. Michael Simmons takes a look at their claim over the erosion of their pay in real terms, explains why Wes Streeting is right to call them 'moaning minnies' and offers an alternative solution instead.

    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.
    Show More Show Less
    8 mins
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