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The Spectator

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The Spectator

Proud to have been nominated as one of the Independent’s top 10 wine clubs!

From our UK edition

The Independent selected their top 10 best wine clubs and this is what they had to say about The Spectator: ‘This has terrific monthly offers, each of which is dedicated to one of seven impressive wine partners ranging from Tanner Wines to Yapp Brothers. In addition, there are ad hoc choices from its renowned wine writer, Simon Hoggart.’ To read more, click here.

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.