The Spectator

For a man with many troubles of his own, George Osborne is being remarkably generous in his advice to our European neighbours. The Chancellor believes the eurozone countries should slowly merge their tax and spending systems, moving towards ever-closer union. Rather sadistic advice, given that he wants Britain to stand well clear of this unfolding disaster. But it is being repeated so often that a dangerous position is emerging. The government’s European policy seems to be to advocate remedies for other countries, rather than pursuing what’s best for Britain. This week, we saw Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel agree to walk a little down this fateful road — perhaps with a harmonised corporation tax, presumably to deter competition between their countries.

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Fraser Nelson points out that Bill Bratton has advised the British government before, and reiterates the case for an inquiry into the recent riots. James Forsyth says that Cameron must not be bullied into silence by the police, and argues that Crispin Blunt’s flawed prisoners' rehabilitation programme must be reversed. David Blackburn thinks that Sarko’s euro tonic may not be the perfect medicine, and notes that the police have opened another front against the government. Jonathan Jones has news from the Republican battle. And The Arts Blog has been talking to Ron Arad.