The Spectator

Saturday

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 17 July 2010

General practitioners, operating in consortia under an independent commissioning board, are to take charge of 70 per cent of the National Health Service budget by 2013, with the abolition of all England’s ten strategic health authorities and the 152 primary care trusts, according to a White Paper. General practitioners, operating in consortia under an independent commissioning board, are to take charge of 70 per cent of the National Health Service budget by 2013, with the abolition of all England’s ten strategic health authorities and the 152 primary care trusts, according to a White Paper. The annual rate of inflation measured by the Consumer Prices Index fell to 3.2 per cent for June, from 3.

The Spectator

Military matters

David Cameron is not as keen on fighting wars as Tony Blair. His hesitancy is born out of respect for the military. The last decade saw the British government fight five wars on a peacetime budget, thereby stretching the military to (and often beyond) breaking point. The cost of this was avoidable deaths and inevitable defeats. A few hundred troops on patrol in Basra were never going to pacify a city of three million. Without a surge in Sangin, the troops were left to be picked off. The defence review, due in October, comes at a crucial juncture for Britain as we decide our place in the world. Around that time, Sir David Richards is expected to take up his post as chief of the defence staff, succeeding the inadequate Jock Stirrup. It would be, for Mr Cameron, a brave appointment.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 16 July 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson castigates Vince Cable’s graduate tax, and welcomes Andrew Lansley’s health reforms. James Forsyth explains how Ed Miliband would retake middle England, and considers the Balls deterrent. Peter Hoskin watches Michael Gove open an offensive, and argues that the OBR’s growth forecasts are not overly optimistic. David Blackburn witnesses the government struggle before the Treasury select committee, and says the government could learn from John Bird. Susan Hill asks where the hell does the emergency aid money go. Rod Liddle is in a dilemma. Who is more stupid: the ‘Moaty’ fan club, or Zenna Atkins?

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In praise of Aunty

This Thursday evening, Australians will be able to turn on their televisions and enjoy a new source of news: ABC News 24, Aunty’s effort to launch a 24-hour news station. This Thursday evening, Australians will be able to turn on their televisions and enjoy a new source of news: ABC News 24, Aunty’s effort to launch a 24-hour news station. And while this magazine was critical of the way the broadcaster handled the very sudden toppling of Kevin Rudd a few weeks ago, and there are concerns about a government entity going head-to-head with a private operation such as Sky News, ultimately we can only welcome another voice, and another source, on the media scene.

Monday

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CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 12 July – 18 July

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers' Wall. For those who haven't come across the Wall before, it's a post we put up each Monday, on which - providing your writing isn't libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency - you'll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there's no need to stay 'on topic' - which means you'll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There's also no constraint on the length of what you write - so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything's fair game - from political stories in your local paper, to chat about the latest football results.

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 12 July 2010

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Fraser Nelson praises Cameron’s refreshing honesty on schools. Peter Hoskin wonders if Labour will ever love-bomb the Lib Dems, and watches Miliband and Mandelson declare war on Brown. David Blackburn notes that David Miliband’s attack on Brown confirms his own weakness, and says that the Gove fight-back begins. Rod Liddle doubts that Blackpool is on a par with the Great Wall of China. Alex Massie notes that the government will not be banning…cheese sandwiches. And Melanie Phillips asks who has put Michael Gove on the rack.

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 10 July 2010

How to save the seas Sir: We can predict, sadly, that the so-called management of the ocean mining described in Charles Clover’s article (‘The scramble for the seas’, 3 July), will be as poor as the current management of the oceans’ fish stocks. To save the world’s oceans, we need much better policy, coupled with credible enforcement wherever exploitation is permitted, and the establishment of large protected marine reserves where fish and ocean beds are completely protected. Large marine reserves are vital guarantors that will allow ocean resources to survive if the fishing and mineral extraction which are permitted elsewhere fail to be sustainable.

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 10 July 2010

The coalition government contemplated legislation to reduce Civil Service lay-off payments in prospect of large redundancies. The Public and Commercial Services Union predicted strikes. Mr George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was accused by the opposition of scare tactics after asking ministerial colleagues to prepare plans for departmental cuts of 40 per cent. Mr Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, said that 715 school reconstruction schemes under Labour’s programme called Building Schools for the Future would not go ahead. Mr Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, encouraged ‘better off’ people with free bus passes to pay their fares. The BBC is to close its Asian Network radio channel but reprieve 6 Music.

The Spectator

God bless the Queen

The Queen’s speech to the United Nations this week was a masterpiece. A forum which hears so much from politicians with, at best, a passing grasp of world affairs was treated to the views of a head of state with half a century of experience and wisdom. As she so rightly observed, the most ‘sweeping advances’ she has seen came not at the behest of governments but because ‘millions of people wanted them’. Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the UN, perfectly captured the characteristics of her triumphant reign: ‘grace, constancy and dignity’. ‘In a changing and churning world,’ he told the monarch, ‘you are an anchor for our age.

The Spectator

Union rules

If David Cameron is looking for potential enemies, he need not worry about the Labour party. Mired in a five-way leadership race without any decent candidates or agendas, they are a danger only to themselves. Nor should he worry about rogue Liberal Democrats resigning to destabilise the coalition. His generous offer to hold a referendum on voting reform during next year’s May elections will keep them loyal until that date. The people with the energy and dedication to inflict damage on the government can be found in the teachers’ unions. It is hard to overstate the power of teachers’ unions in Britain. For decades they have worked with local authorities to assert complete bureaucratic control over the schools system.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 9 July 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson praises Michael Gove for putting democracy ahead of bureaucracy. James Forsyth holds his breath of Mandelson’s memoir, and asks who will follow Cameron. Peter Hoskin ponders the malleability of ringfences, and says that the coalition’s spending cuts are forcing Labour into a corner. David Blackburn argues that Jeremy Hunt must do the BBC’s cutting for them, and asks if efficiency is a luxury. Susan Hill remembers Beryl Bainbridge. Rod Liddle defines his politics. Alex Massie celebrates the BBC and other anachronisms. And Melanie Phillips considers the coalition’s frivolous atrocity.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 5 July – 11 July

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers' Wall. For those who haven't come across the Wall before, it's a post we put up each Monday, on which - providing your writing isn't libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency - you'll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there's no need to stay 'on topic' - which means you'll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There's also no constraint on the length of what you write - so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything's fair game - from political stories in your local paper, to chat about the latest football results.

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 5 July 2010

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Fraser Nelson ponders David Cameron re-alignment of our party politics. James Forsyth on the Tories’ move to campaign against AV, and reports on the growing rift between Cameron and Lord Ashcroft. Peter Hoskin says that the Treasury is playing a very smart game, and outlines the coalition’s choice on Incapacity Benefit. And Alex Massie welcomes two converts Liberal Unionism.

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 3 July 2010

No Alternative Sir: James Forsyth’s article on George Osborne’s machinations for a Conservative majority (‘Osborne is becoming the true Tory leader’, 26 June) at the next election failed to mention the most crucial matter — the Alternative Vote. We can assume there will definitely be a referendum on AV; so the only question is what the country’s decision will be. A casual perusal of the election result by constituency leads any reasonable person to see that, if Lib supporters put Lab second and vice versa, then the Conservative party can never again have a majority. And for those who say some socialist party supporters may put Tory second — no chance. They did not witness the class-hatred campaigns in the West country.

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Portrait of the week | 3 July 2010

The government’s committee on public expenditure, otherwise known as Pex or the Star Chamber, gave departments a month to come up with spending cuts of up to 33 per cent. The government’s committee on public expenditure, otherwise known as Pex or the Star Chamber, gave departments a month to come up with spending cuts of up to 33 per cent. Mr George Osborne, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, said he would spend the summer seeking ways to reduce welfare spending in order to cushion the cuts in other areas. Mr Ken Clarke, the Justice Secretary, proposed fewer short jail sentences, which were ‘costly and ineffective’.

The Spectator

Passion play

Following England’s dismal world cup defeat to Germany on Sunday, the nation’s football pundits struck up a familiar refrain: our boys lacked passion. Following England’s dismal world cup defeat to Germany on Sunday, the nation’s football pundits struck up a familiar refrain: our boys lacked passion. This is something of an English obsession: players win because they play with pride; they lose when they don’t show enough commitment. Talent is for foreigners, the English are meant to play with heart. But passion is overrated; too often just code for a lack of discipline. Time and time again, the most ‘passionate’ players let their country down.

The Spectator

Who benefits?

The cries of unfairness which have gone up in reaction to George Osborne’s assault on the £12.5 billion annual bill for disability benefits are a sign of just how ingrained the welfare culture has become among Britain’s workshy millions. The cries of unfairness which have gone up in reaction to George Osborne’s assault on the £12.5 billion annual bill for disability benefits are a sign of just how ingrained the welfare culture has become among Britain’s workshy millions. They are also an indication of how hard the Chancellor will have to battle against the assortment of quangos and charities which stick up for their rights to taxpayer-funded lives of leisure.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 2 July 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson lists 190 Tory manifesto pledges that have been ditched. James Forsyth says that George Osborne’s plans for a Tory victory are in motion, and wonders if Cameron will soften his stance on AV for the sake of the coalition. Peter Hoskin scrutinises the Treasury’s leaked unemployment figures, and catches the Milibands up to no good. David Blackburn thinks that Osborne’s amateur days are over, and doubts that this government’s foreign policy will not change.   Susan Hill considers policing. Rod Liddle wants to boycott the Guardian. Alex Massie praises Ken Clarke’s prison reforms.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 28 June – 4 July

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers' Wall. For those who haven't come across the Wall before, it's a post we put up each Monday, on which - providing your writing isn't libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency - you'll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there's no need to stay 'on topic' - which means you'll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There's also no constraint on the length of what you write - so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything's fair game - from political stories in your local paper, to chat about the latest football results.

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 28 June 2010

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Fraser Nelson believes that Cameron is planning a dignified exit from Afghanistan, and sees no change in Afghan policy from the G8. James Forsyth says that the Lib Dems have survived their toughest week yet, and reveals why Obama did not consider withdrawing from Afghanistan. David Blackburn relates how IDS plans to smash the welfare ghettos, and says that Cameron and Clegg’s love-in is deepening. Daniel Korski considers Turkey’s evolving foreign policy, and And Susan Hill is adamant that all is not fair in an Orange world.