The Spectator

The Spectator was established in 1828, and is the oldest continuously published magazine in the English language. The Spectator’s taste for controversy, however, remains undiminished. There is no party line to which The Spectator’s writers are bound - originality of thought and elegance of expression are the sole editorial constraints.

The trial issue contains a “Thought Crime Special” with articles from Melanie Phillips, “I think, therefore I’m guilty”; Christopher Booker writes about “Scientists in hiding; the demonisation of academics who question the consensus”; Alan Rusbridger explores “How to stifle the press” and how England’s libel laws make it easy.

UK politics come under scrutiny from James Forsyth, Brendan O’Neill ponders if teenagers could ever be “Drunk and orderly”; while Tom Hollander writes his diary and James Delingpole says eat local organic food if you like, but don’t kid yourself that it’s ‘green’. 

The Spectator’s regular arts coverage includes books, theatre, opera, cinema and exhibitions.

Labour must avoid being tempted by China. Labour is looking afresh at what Beijing has to offer, writes Katy Balls. David Lammy’s trip to China next week should offer an indication of Labour’s plans in that direction. The Chinese market is appealing and the government has already been conducting a China audit, which will set out where collaboration should be welcomed. From pausing the Free Speech Act (which contained protections against Chinese interference in UK universities) to handing over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (a China ally), there are already signs of which way the wind is blowing. Upcoming decisions regarding Shein, EVs and steel will reveal more.

 

Michael Gove: my plans for The Spectator. In his first issue as editor, Michael Gove sets out his plans for the magazine in this week’s diary. ‘What I hope I can do is bring the precious essence of The Spectator to even more readers,’ he writes. ‘That sense of mischief, the commitment to stylish writing, incisive commentary, original and provocative opinion and love of freedom.’ Michael says that the reason Alexander Chancellor is remembered as one of the magazine’s great editors is because he understood that while The Spectator was a magazine that covered politics, it was not a political magazine. ‘It should have the best writers on foreign affairs, food, music, new books, culture generally and human frailty everywhere. I never made it to No. 11 but Alexander is the Chancellor I most want to emulate.’

 

Inside McSweeney’s Downing Street. How will Morgan McSweeney run No. 10? He has three key strengths, says James Heale. Firstly, he is familiar with how the PM thinks, which should help him make decisions faster. Secondly, his confidence in his position as undisputed head of the No. 10 machine means he can afford to share the load. Thirdly, his 20 years in the Labour ranks mean he knows the party inside-out. His allies now form the upper echelons of Starmer’s government. ‘The Praetorian Guard surround the Emperor,’ remarks one Labourite. McSweeney has said he wants an ‘insurgency’ mindset, buttressed by changes to both the machinery and personnel of government, starting with the appointment of a new cabinet secretary.

 

Britain’s post-colonial shame is dangerous. Alexander Downer, the former Australian High Commissioner to the UK, laments the government’s Chagos Islands decision. ‘Britain is obsessed with its own shame over its imperial history – and has been for quite some time,’ he writes. ‘During Gordon Brown’s premiership I held the position of UN special adviser on Cyprus. I called on a senior adviser to Brown to discuss the progress we were making in negotiations between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots to reunite the island. One of the issues was the 99 square miles of British sovereign bases there. Much to my astonishment, the official at No. 10 told me that the PM would be happy to give up those bases as part of a settlement... The sentiment expressed to me by Gordon Brown’s adviser all those years ago seems still to reign supreme in the Foreign Office.’

 

Fiona Bruce: how I keep Question Time audiences under control. Fiona Bruce writes about the unfamiliar challenges of filming a special Question Time episode in Philadelphia. ‘I’m told every member of the audience will be frisked for guns. Blimey. The most I normally have to worry about is people getting overexcited and shouting. QT in Rotherham next week is going to feel like a meeting of the local WI.’