The Spectator

Saturday

The Spectator

The Tory lesson

From our UK edition

There is something distinctly Orwellian about Ed Balls’s latest wheeze. There is something distinctly Orwellian about Ed Balls’s latest wheeze. As of this week, parents requesting that their child be sent to a particular school are being informed by text message if their application has been successful. It is amazing how technology gives governments so many new ways to show contempt for citizens. This rejection-by-text system could only have been designed by a bureaucracy that has no idea how much of a blow it is for parents to be told that their child will not, after all, escape the local sink school.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 5 March 2010

From our UK edition

Here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson explains why the Tories should talk about immigration, and faces the protesters. James Forsyth wonders whether the Tories are over the worst of their wobble, and welcomes Michael Gove's efforts to restore the educational gold standard. Peter Hoskin says that any fallout the Tories face over Lord Ashcroft is of their own making, and watches Gordon Brown go crimefighting. Daniel Korski argues that Britain should return the Elgin Marbles to Greece. Susan Hill asks: where does the blame lie? Rod Liddle thinks that the Guardian is loathsome and loathful. Alex Massie sets out the problem of too much democracy. Melanie Phillips worries that it's anti-Israel Bigotry Week.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 1 March – 7 March<br />

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… | 1 March 2010

From our UK edition

...here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson wonders whether the YouGov poll is a hammer blow to the Tories or a gift from God, and highlights a tonic to dispel doubt about Cameron & Co. James Forsyth thinks that Cameron's speech delivered, and gives his take on William Hague's speech. David Blackburn live blogged Cameron's speech, and watches the Tories offer change. Daniel Korski says that we should help plucky Moldova. Alex Massie wonders whether the Tories' six election promises are all that impressive. And Melanie Phillips describes Cameron's speech as "Blue Obama-lite".

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 27 February 2010

From our UK edition

Bashing Gordon Sir: Poor, poor Gordon. Have mercy! We brutish Scots must stick together; if I had the likes of Bob Ainsworth, not to mention the simpering fraudsters of ‘Blair’s babes’, in my office every day, I would be sorely tempted to reach for the birch — if not a cricket bat. Then, of course, some closer to the headmaster might not be averse to a little S&M. But now that old protester-puncher Prescott has come out in support. Really, who needs friends like that? Alistair Horne Henley-on-Thames Time for a tea party Sir: You are right when discussing MPs’ and BBC expenses to bring in the question of local authorities’ expenses (Leading article, 12 February).

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 27 February 2010

From our UK edition

Mr Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, had sworn at senior aides and ‘roughly shoved aside’ an adviser and hit a car seat, according to an extract in the Observer from a forthcoming book by Mr Andrew Rawnsley. Mr Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, had sworn at senior aides and ‘roughly shoved aside’ an adviser and hit a car seat, according to an extract in the Observer from a forthcoming book by Mr Andrew Rawnsley. ‘I have never, never hit anybody in my life,’ Mr Brown said. ‘I throw the newspapers on the floor or something like that.

The Spectator

Sex, lies and education

From our UK edition

It is an odd day when Ed Balls is rebuked for pandering to the religious right. Yet that is exactly what happened this week, after the Secretary for Children, Schools and Families introduced an ‘opt-out’ clause in his new education bill which would allow religious schools to teach what they believe about sexual morality alongside the government curriculum. The Church of England, the Catholic Church, and the Muslim Council of Great Britain, grateful for any concession, have all welcomed the revised bill — even though it will still force Muslim teachers to instruct their pupils about homosexuality in a ‘non-judgmental’ way, and compel Christian schools to provide information on how children can gain ‘access’ to contraception and abortion.

The Spectator

A bully surrounded by cowards

From our UK edition

It is not just the revelations about Gordon Brown’s bullying behaviour towards his staff which mark him out as a failed leader; it is his hypocrisy. It is not just the revelations about Gordon Brown’s bullying behaviour towards his staff which mark him out as a failed leader; it is his hypocrisy. No government in history has committed itself so firmly to standing up for suffering employees and, as Rod Liddle points out on page 19, this noble aim has often resulted in overbearing legislation. We have had employment acts which make it an offence for a boss not to make allowance for people’s desire to pray at work, and laws which forbid firms from advertising for a ‘postboy’ on the grounds that it might discriminate against women and older people.

The Spectator

What the papers said…

From our UK edition

On 4 March 1980, following Zimbabwe’s first all-party elections, Robert Mugabe won overall control of the country’s new 100-seat parliament. On 4 March 1980, following Zimbabwe’s first all-party elections, Robert Mugabe won overall control of the country’s new 100-seat parliament. The result, a humiliating defeat for outgoing Prime Minister Bishop Abel Muzorewa, prompted sharply mixed reactions in Britain. The former Tory Foreign Office minister and MP for Brighton Pavilion, Julian Amery, lamented that ‘The government’s Rhodesian policy lies in ruins’, while Labour MP Tony Benn said, ‘I can’t think of anything that has given me so much pleasure for a long time.’ Here’s how the British press saw it.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 26 February 2010

From our UK edition

Here is a selection of some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson gives some reasons to be cheerful about Cameron and the Tories. James Forsyth has some advice for Cameron, and welcomes George Osborne’s Mais lecture. Peter Hoskin watches Alistair Darling unleash the forces of hell, and observes Brown come round to the Mandelson way of thinking. David Blackburn can’t comprehend what the Foreign Secretary is going on about, and says that the bullying smokescreen has obscured Rawnsley’s indictment of the entire government. Martin Bright was struck aghast by John Prescott on Newsnight. Susan Hill goes into the woods. Rod Liddle reviews Tower Block of Commons. Alex Massie delves into the immigration debate.

Thursday

The Spectator

In this week’s issue | 25 February 2010

From our UK edition

The latest issue of the Spectator is published today. Inside, James Forsyth argues that the Tories’ situation is now verging on critical; Martin Bright says that Brown’s henchmen are the problem; and Rod Liddle says that bullying has become the latest Public Sector growth industry. If you are a subscriber you can view these articles and many more here. If you have not subscribed, but would like to view this week’s content, you can subscribe online here, or purchase a single issue here. A selection of articles has been made available, free, for all website users: Toby Young goes to war with Caitlin Moran. James Walton explores the strange resurgence of faith in angels. And Lloyd Evans deplores the monstrous proliferation of arts prizes.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 22 February – 28 February

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… | 22 February 2010

From our UK edition

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk Fraser Nelson previews Gordon Brown’s interview with Channel Four, and argues that it is time for a Cameron Lazarus act. James Forsyth explains why the political classes are underestimating the Rawnsley allegations, and wonders what lead the Tories need to win. Peter Hoskin has bad news for both Brown and Cameron, and is underwhelmed by Labour’s election launch. David Blackburn on the proposed Cameron interview with Alan Titchmarsh. Daniel Korski has some Balkan business. And Rod Liddle tells us all to get a grip.

Saturday

The Spectator

Letters | 20 February 2010

From our UK edition

Trust funds Sir: Your leading article’s diatribe against the public sector (13 February) rather missed the point. The categories of deficiency described are not sector specific. The common factor is the failure, in general, of some individuals, irrespective of their role, to set acceptable examples of judgment and probity. I would find it hard to choose between a ‘public sector’ MP and, for example, a ‘private sector’ banker, as a trusted custodian of anything, let alone money. Indeed, it might also be argued, with some justification, that public sector rank and file have a better record of eschewing the practices of disreputable leaders than their private sector counterparts.

The Spectator

Portrait of the week | 20 February 2010

From our UK edition

UK Financial Investments, which oversees the British government’s stake in RBS, Lloyds and Northern Rock, said it might be 2015 before taxpayers got back the £40 billion used to prop up failing banks. UK Financial Investments, which oversees the British government’s stake in RBS, Lloyds and Northern Rock, said it might be 2015 before taxpayers got back the £40 billion used to prop up failing banks. Barclays’ profits increased to £11.6 billion in 2009, a rise of 92 per cent over the year before. Mr Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, said that the world’s leading economies were close to agreeing an international levy on banks.

The Spectator

Identity charade

From our UK edition

Who can imagine the appalling strangeness of being ‘linked’ to the assassination of a man whom you have not heard of, in a country you have never visited, for reasons you do not understand? Perhaps Kafka. Who can imagine the appalling strangeness of being ‘linked’ to the assassination of a man whom you have not heard of, in a country you have never visited, for reasons you do not understand? Perhaps Kafka. Certainly Michael Lawrence Barney, a recovering quadruple-bypass patient who returned from work to find his children staring at the newspaper, wondering if their father was a terrorist. Melvyn Adam Mildiner must know the feeling, too. He was suffering from pneumonia when he discovered that Interpol had issued a warrant for his arrest.

The Spectator

People power | 20 February 2010

From our UK edition

This was the week when the Conservatives finally started to get it right. After several false starts, disastrous poster campaigns and tragicomic errors, an agenda is now emerging. Handled properly, it could win David Cameron the majority he so badly needs — and rapidly undo the damage of the Labour years. Mr Cameron said on Monday that the next election would not be about transferring power from Labour to the Tories, but from government to the people. In an era when voters do not trust politicians of any hue, it is a powerful message. It could sound like a Barack Obama cliché were it not backed by something concrete.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 19 February 2010

From our UK edition

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson says that, love him though he does, the Fink just isn’t cutting it. James Forsyth believes the Tories have to fight dirty, and explains why Adeela Shafi didn’t get a namecheck. Peter Hoskin is pleased that the Tories’ new poster campaign is an improvement on their last, and evaluates the politics of Osborne’s co-ops. David Blackburn thinks there is much to do if Britain is to manufacture its way out of trouble, and wonders if the economic outlook could get any worse. Mark Bathgate analyses a turbo charged fiscal crisis. Daniel Korski asks what Cameron could learn from Obama’s struggles. Martin Bright asks if Jenny Tonge is really sorry.

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 15 February – 21 February

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… | 15 February 2010

From our UK edition

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. Fraser Nelson sees Cameron stepping up his game, and praises Tim Montgomerie’s broad church. James Forsyth watches the Cabinet split once again, and reports that Labour may be considering a 10% death tax. Peter Hoskin says the Tories are taking the fight to Labour over social justice, and thinks there might have been a ceasefire in the VAT war. David Blackburn believes that the Ashcroft row will roll on and on. Martin Bright catches a glimpse of the future of political debate. Susan Hill will be positively abstaining. Melanie Phillips ponders the fall out from the Amnesty International row. And Cappuccino Culture judges Arthur Koestler.