Spectator Briefings
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Building the future, grounded in the past
While Sherborne Schools have thrived in our honey-coloured buildings for 1,300 years, we have always felt slightly ahead of the curve, happily steering away from any short-term, educational fads. We have educated tens of thousands of forward-thinking pupils, from actors, generals and musicians, to scientists, business leaders and global figures, male and female. But we
How a family-owned tailor created fashion’s most famous street
As Henry Poole & Co celebrates its 220th anniversary, we reflect on the people, patronage and craftsmanship that have shaped our house since 1806. James Poole was born in Shropshire, around 1782. In January 1806, he arrived in London at a moment of national mourning. The funeral of Horatio Nelson had just taken place, and
We’re delivering a smoke-free future, today
At Philip Morris International, our mission is clear: To reduce smoking by replacing cigarettes with better smoke-free alternatives for legal-age consumers. Learn more at PMI.com/Progress
Digital IDs and how ExpressVPN can protect your privacy online
Britain is gearing up for the age of the digital ID. While the government recently backtracked on plans to make digital ID mandatory for everyone working in the UK, the £1.8 billion scheme hasn’t gone away: planning is ongoing for a ‘voluntary’ programme to be rolled out by 2029, with a public consultation expected to
A retirement roadmap
Planning in your thirties and forties Retirement may seem like a lifetime away, but the earlier you can start paying into a pension, the better. Get into the habit of paying into your pension and get to grips with the basics of planning for retirement. If a company employs you, they are legally obliged to
Getting Ahead for Society
GSK is committed to transforming healthcare by focusing on prevention. In collaboration with the NHS and Government, GSK aims to shift the focus from sickness to prevention, aligning with the Government’s 10-year plan. Through science, innovation, and strategic partnerships, GSK is developing medicines and vaccines, advancing research, and investing in early detection and education to
Move over private members’ clubs: the future of care homes
KYN has set a new benchmark for later life, delivering unrivalled care in beautiful, high-functioning homes filled with warmth and dignity. KYN’s ethos was informed by the founding team’s personal experiences with their families’ quest for care. The approach to care means a deep consideration of who residents truly are: what interests them, what has
‘Let’s be open-minded about hydrogen’
The 2018 film First Man is a spectacular story about Neil Armstrong and how the USA rose to the challenge of putting man on the moon. Humanity thrives on setting challenges and then doing everything possible to meet them. We stretch our technological knowledge, and we invest enormous sums into research and development. As the
How ExpressVPN can protect you from identity theft
Identity theft is a serious and growing problem in the UK, with more than 118,000 cases reported in the first six months of this year alone. Last year, the National Fraud Database logged the highest number of fraud cases on record, and identity theft made up the single biggest category – due in part to AI
How you could save money with ExpressVPN
Since the Online Safety Act came into force in the UK, there has been a surge in the popularity of VPNs, or virtual private networks. These offer a simple and legal way to browse the internet privately, safely and anonymously. But VPNs come with a host of surprising other advantages, too – from cheaper holidays
Backing British energy skills and jobs key to unlocking growth
What workforce is needed to deliver UK economic growth while meeting energy transition goals? A new training facility focuses on welding, engineering and other practical skills as part of a public and private sector joint investment in the UK energy workforce In Aberdeen, a state-of-the-art facility – which has just opened its doors to students
An education designed around the individual
Nestled in the heart of Dorset, Clayesmore has spent more than 130 years helping young people uncover what success means to them. Academic excellence is just one part of a wider educational journey that supports personal growth, confidence and self-belief. This is a school where everyone is known – not just by name, but for
An Elstree childhood
Set in 150 acres of idyllic West Berkshire countryside, Elstree is also home to childhood fun and adventure. The school nurtures a strong belief in ‘children remaining children’ for as long as they can. The school aims high for pupils and is proud of both outstanding Common Entrance results and an excellent Scholarship record. Pupils
How to browse privately in the age of the Online Safety Act with ExpressVPN
Browsing the internet just got a lot more complicated. On 25 July, the Online Safety Act came into force across the UK, requiring a range of websites to verify the age of their visitors. To do this, users are being asked to hand over valuable personal data – such as ID documents, credit card details
British innovation leads the charge against global plastic crisis
The numbers speak volumes: Around 400 million tons of plastic is produced annually, of which roughly a quarter goes into packaging. At the end of its life, 14 per cent of plastic packaging waste is collected for recycling, another 14 per cent gets incinerated and 40 per cent is landfilled. This leaves a stubborn 32
5 of the best wineries on the Gran Canaria Wine Route
Gran Canaria might not be the first place you think of when it comes to wine, but vines have been growing here since the Spanish colonised the island in the 15th century. Due to the island’s distinctive microclimate and volcanic soils, grapes grow incredibly well, and the Canarian archipelago lays claim to 18 unique grape varieties,
The hidden inefficiency of hydraulics: why we need a revolution
Hydraulics is one of the world’s unsung heroes. It’s everywhere, hidden in plain sight. From the brakes in your car to the planes in the sky and the cranes that built your office, hydraulics is the muscle behind modern life. Yet, despite its ubiquity, it has remained technologically stagnant for 70 years, operating at astonishingly
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Swalwell’s fall was electoral math not morality
Eric Swalwell’s fall from viable gubernatorial contender to political casualty was swift and surgical. He was among the frontrunners to replace Governor Gavin Newsom until allegations of sexual misconduct from years ago were published in the San Francisco Chronicle. The response from major Democratic operatives was immediate, with labor unions and party figures quickly withdrawing
Who will take responsibility for Southport?
The official report into the Southport attacks — in which 17-year old Axel Rudakubana murdered three girls at a Taylor Swift themed dance class in July 2024 — paints a damning picture of multiple serious failings by government agencies. Sir Adrian Fulford, the high court judge overseeing the public inquiry, said the attack could have been
Will Republicans blow California Governor’s race?
Eric Swalwell has dropped out of the race for California Governor after a series of sexual misconduct allegations. Republicans may be celebrating the demise of the prominent Democrat, but they should hold off on the champagne for now. Swalwell’s exit only increases the chance of two Democrats moving through to the run-off, depriving the GOP
The case for American power
Freddy speaks to Shadi Hamid, author of the book The Case for American Power, which explores – and puts forward – the case for American power in spite of Donald Trump.
The truth about Pakistan’s role in the US-Iran conflict
Pakistan was always an unlikely mediator for peace negotiations between the United States, Iran and sotto voce, China. It would not be an exaggeration to describe Pakistan as a failed state. Having outperformed India economically in the aftermath of partition, Pakistan went into steep decline after the arrival on the political scene of a corrupt chancer,
The case for American power
Freddy Gray speaks to Shadi Hamid, author of the book The Case for American Power, which explores – and puts forward – the case for American power in spite of Donald Trump.