Alternative Budget Special with The Spectator's Michael Simmons: Inside Westminster’s Energy Storm

Today, we’re joined by one of Britain’s leading economic commentators: The Spectator’s economics editor, Michael Simmons. Together, we explore an alternative budget for the energy industry and why it’s not too late for the Government to adopt some of our proposals.We examine OEUK’s suggested replacement for the Energy Profits Levy and discuss why the GMB union views lower taxation as a means to safeguard jobs. We also pay tribute to the late Quentin Willson, who, beyond his well-known Top Gear career, championed the FairFuelUK campaign, a movement credited with preventing fuel duty hikes at the pump for nearly two decades.We then turn to the question of VAT on electricity and gas, before concluding with fellow Spectator writer Rory Sutherland’s ideas on how to make tax more aspirational.Join us and Michael Gove for The Spectator Energy Summit. Book your tickets now to have the last word on energy debates. Make sure you use discount code: WPC25 at checkout for 25% off your purchase: https://events.spectator.co.uk/events/the-spectator-energy-summit-2025Michael Simmons, Economics Editor of The Spectator, joins host Alex Wolfe in the studio to discuss the UK Budget, The Spectator Energy Summit and how Westminster’s decisions are reshaping Britain’s energy and economic future. Listen and download Michael Simmons' podcast, Reality Check, here:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reality-check/id1676225649Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fIxijJIuHXpFLLZiK7rzb?si=4756c8f6336240e6YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDCXLWdvtIuZWz4RZype5YoX8zSWRQqIk_____________________________________________________________Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/tatami/residenceLicense code: JI1XYNLQRBRLWN12#WolfePowerClub #EnergyPodcast #UKBudgetSeason Two is in Partnership with The SpectatorTickets for the upcoming The Spectator Energy Summit, on Monday 30th November 2026, are available on sale. Use code: WPC50 for 50% off your purchaseIf you would like to partner with The Spectator Energy Summit, please contact Alex on LinkedIn or [email protected] Our SocialsWebsite: https://www.wolfepowerclub.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WolfePowerClubLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wolfe-power-club/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wolfepowerclub/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wolfe.power.club Wolfe Power Club Production TeamFounder and Host: Alex WolfeDirector of Government Relations: Max AustinDesigner: Nick PelekanosEditor: Adam WoodwardSocial Media Manager: Bella Carter Recorded at Studio 55 - which has produced podcasts, including Breaking the Taboo with Theo Clarke and The ABTO Podcast