The Spectator

Saturday

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 12 June 2010

From our UK edition

Mr David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said in a speech that ‘in five years’ time the interest we are paying on our debt is predicted to be ‘around £70 billion’; this meant that of ‘every single pound you pay in tax, ten pence would be spent on interest’. Mr David Cameron, the Prime Minister, said in a speech that ‘in five years’ time the interest we are paying on our debt is predicted to be ‘around £70 billion’; this meant that of ‘every single pound you pay in tax, ten pence would be spent on interest’. Decisions on how to reduce the deficit ‘will affect every single person in our country’, he said.

The Spectator

Our debt to Maggie

From our UK edition

Some politicians and members of the press have worked themselves into a fury with John McDonnell, the Labour politician who said this week that he wished he could go back in time and ‘assassinate Thatcher’. Harriet Harman has been urged to denounce him for making a ‘threat’ against the former prime minister. Though their indignation is understandable, they should lighten up. McDonnell (who on Tuesday withdrew from the Labour leadership race) was not, of course, being serious. His line drew loud laughs from his audience, a GMB trade union crowd. But more than that, John McDonnell has in fact done the Lady a service. In postulating a world without her, he has served to remind us how vital she was to this country, and how great is the debt we owe her.

The Spectator

Turkish menace

From our UK edition

For years, Turkey has been the West’s great hope. For years, Turkey has been the West’s great hope. It is a Muslim democracy and loyal Nato member, ally in the war on terror and living rejection of the idea of a clash of civilisations. We flattered ourselves that it was keen to join the European Union so it could further ‘modernise’ — by which we meant westernise. As Turkey became richer, so we imagined, it would become a more moderate and a dependable ally of the free world. It is now clear that this was a fundamental misjudgment. Turkey is indeed growing richer, but the extra wealth is only lubricating its slide towards extremism.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 11 June 2010

From our UK edition

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week Fraser Nelson says Obama is shaking the foundations of the Special Relationship. James Forsyth considers how the Tory backbenchers must come to define themselves, and watches Cameron repulse Harriet Harman’s misdirected PMQs assault. David Blackburn believes that Barack Obama’s antagonism toward BP is rooted in desperation and prejudice, and watches as the Labour leadership contest descends into farce. Daniel Korski notes that NATO would open talks with the Taliban. Susan Hill reckons that every little helps. Rod Liddle thinks that Dian Abbott wielded the knife against John McDonnell. Alex Massie ponders Obama’s motives in castigating BP.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 7 June – 13 June

From our UK edition

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… | 7 June 2010

From our UK edition

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk Fraser Nelson tells the story of another Rachel, and catches Vince Cable on manoeuvres. James Forsyth sees that David Cameron will not campaign either for or against voting reform, and notes that George Osborne is off to a fine start on the global stage. David Blackburn believes the Labour leadership candidates pine for the past, and notes that the coalition is committed to tackling poverty. Susan Hill comments on a dish best never served. Rod Liddle runs against prevailing opinion on David Laws. And Melanie Phillips attacks the western left’s alternative universe.

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 5 June 2010

From our UK edition

Don’t bring it home Sir: Charles Moore is right when he questions the benefit of holding the 2018 World Cup in England (The Spectator’s Notes, 29 May), but he doesn’t go quite far enough. Given the mindless, violent and xenophobic behaviour of many English football ‘fans’ since England won the 1966 World Cup, one can only hope that we don’t host the 2018 World Cup and that England are sent home at an early stage from South Africa in the imminent games. If England wins, we can expect another three generations of boorish and misplaced patriotism.

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 5 June 2010

From our UK edition

Mr David Laws resigned as Chief Secretary to the Treasury after it was revealed that he had used parliamentary allowances to pay £40,000 rent over five years for a room in the house of a man with whom he had long had a sexual relationship. Mr David Laws resigned as Chief Secretary to the Treasury after it was revealed that he had used parliamentary allowances to pay £40,000 rent over five years for a room in the house of a man with whom he had long had a sexual relationship. ‘My motivation throughout has not been to maximise profit,’ Mr Laws said, ‘but to simply protect our privacy and my wish not to reveal my sexuality.’ Mr Danny Alexander, also a Liberal Democrat, replaced Mr Laws in the Cabinet.

The Spectator

Bad habits | 5 June 2010

From our UK edition

The idea that you can jack up prices — by taxation or other means — and thereby shape society seems to mesmerise politicians. So the new estimates by the Department of Heath that a minimum price for alcohol — of 50p per ‘unit’ — would mean precisely 43,800 fewer crimes a year and 296,900 fewer sick days is like a magic wand to be waved at the dispatch box. What officials forget is that people find ways of adapting to and circumventing government rules. Tobacco in Britain is very heavily taxed, purportedly to discourage its use. The Treasury now estimates that one in five cigarettes smoked in Britain has been smuggled in illegally.

The Spectator

Not British

From our UK edition

Search any official document published by BP plc, the oil giant now battling not only to cap the Mexican Gulf oil spillage but to save itself from a terminal collapse of investor confidence, and you will not find anywhere the words ‘British Petroleum’. Search any official document published by BP plc, the oil giant now battling not only to cap the Mexican Gulf oil spillage but to save itself from a terminal collapse of investor confidence, and you will not find anywhere the words ‘British Petroleum’. The full version of the company name was dropped more than a decade ago, when the merger with US oil giant Amoco turned it into a transnational conglomerate with the green-tinged but much-mocked slogan ‘Beyond Petroleum’.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 4 June 2010

From our UK edition

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson comments on the Commons’ bizarre new chemistry. James Forsyth notes that more than a thousand schools have applied for academy status, and watched David Cameron impress on his first outcome. David Blackburn analyses a PR disaster for Israel, and sees a tacit endorsement of David Miliband from Peter Mandelson. Daniel Korski calls for change at the DfID. Rod Liddle believes that Israel’s standing in the world has been harmed. Alex Massie challenges some received opinions about immigration. Melanie Phillips defends Israel’s actions. And Cappuccino Culture is hearing whispers from Hay.

Tuesday

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 1 June 2010

From our UK edition

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the bank holiday weekend. Fraser Nelson charts the rise and fall of David Laws. James Forsyth laments a disaster for British public life, and ponders the Labour leadership contest. David Blackburn considers the attendant irony in Lord Prescott, and thinks the Telegraph’s latest expenses campaign is misjudged. Daniel Korski offers some names for Downing Street to consider for its defence council. Rod Liddle fought the laws and the laws won. And Melanie Phillips condemns an attempted terrorist outrage.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 31 May – 6 June

From our UK edition

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.

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 29 May 2010

From our UK edition

Press Complaints complains Sir: Reluctant though I am to point out inaccuracies in Rod Liddle’s work, I would like to correct some of his suggestions about the Press Complaints Commission (Liddle Britain, 22 May). Mr Liddle claims that Paul Dacre is ‘Chairman of the Press Complaints Commission’s Editorial Code of Practice’. Incorrect. In common with most self-regulatory systems, the newspaper and magazine industry’s code is written by a committee of industry experts following public consultation. The editors’ code of Practice Committee, of which Paul Dacre is Chairman, is entirely separate from the PCC (which independently enforces the Code). Liddle says that the PCC ‘almost never acts against tabloids’. Untrue.

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 29 May 2010

From our UK edition

In her 58th speech at the state opening of Parliament, the Queen said: ‘My government’s legislative programme will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.’ In her 58th speech at the state opening of Parliament, the Queen said: ‘My government’s legislative programme will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.

The Spectator

The revolution starts now

From our UK edition

Why would a parent want to set up their own school? Aren’t exhausted parents busy enough without doing the job of the state as well? This has become the latest line of attack on the Conservatives’ radical proposals for school reform, launched this week. Why would a parent want to set up their own school? Aren’t exhausted parents busy enough without doing the job of the state as well? This has become the latest line of attack on the Conservatives’ radical proposals for school reform, launched this week. The media seems obsessed with this canard — perhaps after decades of central control, the concept of liberalisation is hard for them to grasp — but communicating it clearly must now become a priority for the government.

The Spectator

Old hat?

From our UK edition

When John F. Kennedy was sworn in as president in 1961, he shocked America by refusing to wear a hat during his inauguration address. His decision seemed to precipitate a sharp decline in the wearing of hats. The state opening of parliament is by no means the British equivalent of an inauguration and Samantha Cameron is no JFK. But her decision to go bareheaded on Tuesday raises an urgent question about the state of the British hat. Mrs Cameron looked delightful in the gallery of the House of Lords, where — technically — she was not required to wear a hat. But the custom of wearing headgear on certain occasions (weddings, Royal Ascot, the Queen’s garden party) ought to be protected.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 28 May 2010

From our UK edition

Here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson outlines the death of the male working class, and says that Michael Gove must guard against the vested interests. James Forsyth watches the Tory right reassert itself, and sets out the tactical considerations over the timing of the AV referendum. Peter Hoskin sees the media helping the coalition's fiscal cause, and says the IDS agenda could help to end the benefits trap. David Blackburn argues that Ed Balls's fighting talk is getting him nowhere, and gives his take on David Laws's performance in the Commons. Daniel Korski calls for a new Afghanistan strategy. Martin Bright highlights a devastating attack on Amnesty International.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 24 May – 30 May

From our UK edition

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… | 24 May 2010

From our UK edition

...here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson says that David Cameron should seek the common ground. James Forsyth advises Cameron to pay attention to recent friendly warnings, and watches Andy Burnham fail to explain the point of his candidacy. Peter Hoskin sees plenty of encouraging signs from David Laws, and says that the Tories have their eyes on Iran. Charlotte Gore wonders whether the Tories have fallen victim to the Lib Dem Hug of Death. Martin Bright reports on Ken Livingstone stooping to new levels. Alex Massie praises the Third Most Important Man in Britain. And Melanie Phillips comments on what the death of Daniel Pearl means to Obama.