The Spectator

Thursday

The Spectator

Letters: The Syria debate, plus Giles Milton on Andro Linklater

From our UK edition

Syrian matters Sir: Though Syria (Leading article, 31 August) is certainly no laughing matter, the turmoil prevailing over a ‘punitive strike’ does bring to mind the little jingle of A.P. Herbert, during the Phony War of 1940. Some great minds were contemplating a ‘strike’ on the Soviet Union to punish it for its invasion of little Finland. Herbert’s verse was called ‘Baku, or the Map Game’, and begins: It’s jolly to look at the map, and finish the foe in a day. It’s not easy to get at the chap; these neutrals are so in the way. But what if you say ‘What would you do to fill the aggressor with gloom?’ Well, we might drop a bomb on Baku. Or what about bombs on Batum?

The Spectator

How Australia’s Tony Abbott pulled off a great conservative victory

From our UK edition

By conventional wisdom, Tony Abbott should not become Prime Minister of Australia this weekend. He ought to be too conservative, a throwback to a bygone age. He is sceptical about global warming, and proposed to abolish a carbon tax on the grounds of its expense and uselessness. He is a churchgoer who is against abortion and is sceptical about gay marriage. He is a former boxer, who tends to back America in foreign policy disputes. He is an Anglophile and an enthusiastic monarchist. He ticks almost every unfashionable box in modern politics. His victory is not inevitable, but those wishing to place money on his rival, Kevin Rudd, can find bookmakers willing to give odds of 26-1.

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 5 September 2013

From our UK edition

Home Having recalled Parliament to debate British military action over Syria, David Cameron, the Prime Minister, found the government defeated, much to his surprise, by 285-272, thanks to 30 Conservatives and nine Liberal Democrats voting with the opposition. He immediately told the Commons: ‘It is clear to me that the British Parliament, reflecting the views of the British people, does not want to see British military action. I get that and the government will act accordingly.’ Next day, Lord Ashdown, the former leader of the Lib Dems, tweeted: ‘In 50 years trying to serve my country I have never felt so depressed/ashamed.

The Spectator

Barometer – 5 September 2013

From our UK edition

Shining examples The ‘Walkie Talkie’, a new tower block in Fenchurch Street, was blamed for partially melting the interior of a Jaguar parked in a spot where the sun’s rays are focused by the building’s concave exterior. Other buildings with the same problem: — Vdara Hotel, Las Vegas. In 2010 a guest complained that he felt his head burning as he swam in the pool. Others claim the rays have melted plastic cups. — Museum Tower, Dallas. Blamed for ruining a work by James Turrell in the adjoining Nasher Sculpture Center, as well as burning plants in the building. — Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles. Blamed for an unpleasant glare in nearby apartment blocks — as well as raising the temperature in several hotspots in streets to 71°C.

The Spectator

Toby Young: Should I be an MP?

From our UK edition

In this week's Spectator, columnist Toby Young toys with the idea of standing as a Conservative candidate in in Hammersmith. He examines the factors stacked against any chance of success, and the reasons he has for standing: Suppose I won. Then what? I’d be faced with the pride-swallowing siege that is the life of a newly elected MP. Forget about affairs of state. The only decision I’d have to make would be who to suck up to more, George Osborne or John Bercow? Neither prospect fills me with joy. Being a backbench MP is drudge work for the most part and I’d have to take a salary cut to do it. Once upon a time, MPs could expect a little respect for devoting themselves to public service, but not any more.

The Spectator

Barometer | 5 September 2013

From our UK edition

Market price Independent schooling versus private tutoring: which is the biggest market? Some 579,700 pupils are educated at independent schools, for an average annual fee of £13,788, making for a total market of £7.99 billion. Based on a 35-hour week and a 40-week academic year, parents are paying an average of £9.80 per hour. A survey by tutor firm EdPlace found that 28 per cent of parents employ private tutors for at least one child. They pay an average of £2,758 per year, making for a total market worth £6 billion. The average charge is £22 per hour. Independents abroad What percentage of children attend independent schools in the following countries? France 15.0% US 9.8% Germany 7.8% UK 7.0% Japan 6.7% Canada 5.

Friday

The Spectator

Syria defeat: The Tory and Lib Dem rebels

From our UK edition

These are the names of the MPs who voted against last night's government motion on Syria: Conservatives (30): David Amess, Steve Baker, Richard Bacon, John Baron, Andrew Bingham, Crispin Blunt, Fiona Bruce, Tracey Crouch, David TC Davies, Philip Davies, David Davis, Nick de Bois, Richard Drax, Gordon Henderson, Philip Hollobone, Adam Holloway, Dr Phillip Lee, Dr Julian Lewis, Tim Loughton, Jason McCartney, Nigel Mills, Anne Marie Morris, Andrew Percy, Sir Richard Shepherd, Sir Peter Tapsell, Andrew Turner, Martin Vickers, Charles Walker, Chris White, Dr Sarah Wollaston.

Thursday