Best of the Spectator

The Edition: Cruel Labour, the decline of sacred spaces & Clandon Park’s controversial restoration

16 snips
Apr 3, 2025
Michael Gove, author and political critic, discusses the moral vacuum in Starmerism, warning that a Labour government needs a clear mission to avoid a fate akin to John Major’s era. John McTernan adds insights into this ideological struggle. Revd Dr Jamie Franklin addresses the Church of England's misuse of sacred spaces for modern events, while Quentin Letts shares his manifesto for the next Archbishop. Finally, Dr Anya Lucas and Gillian Darley debate the controversial restoration of Clandon Park, weighing historical preservation against modern techniques.
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INSIGHT

Starmerism's Moral Vacuum

  • Kier Starmer's Labour government lacks a clear ideology, unlike Clement Attlee's.
  • This vacuum allows the Treasury to dictate policy, often leading to cuts that disproportionately affect the poorest.
INSIGHT

Domestic Policy Vacuum

  • While Starmer's international leadership seems grounded in progressive realism, his domestic agenda lacks reform principles.
  • The Labour party needs to define its core values, especially regarding welfare reform and its impact on vulnerable populations.
ANECDOTE

Gove's Hypothetical Resignation

  • Michael Gove claims he would have resigned if a Conservative government had pursued Labour's current welfare reforms.
  • He contrasts Labour's approach with the Conservative's austerity measures, which aimed to distribute pain across society.
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