Best of the Spectator The Edition: Chinese spies, Vance’s rise & is French parenting supreme?
8 snips
Oct 16, 2025 This week, political editor Tim Shipman reveals shocking insights into UK-China relations, including a major data hub sold to the Chinese. Freddy Gray discusses J.D. Vance's unstoppable rise in the Republican landscape. Meanwhile, Igor Toronyi-Lalic reflects on the decline of costume craftsmanship in the arts. The guests also debate parenting styles, questioning whether French discipline outshines British creativity. With a mix of political intrigue and cultural commentary, this discussion offers a captivating glimpse into current affairs.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
UK-China Relationship Exposed
- Successive UK governments mishandled China relations, revealing deep security lapses and secrecy.
- Selling a Chinese‑owned data centre that processed top‑secret Whitehall material exposed systemic incompetence.
Collapsing Spy Trial Sparks Incredulity
- The CPS and government gave conflicting reasons for dropping the spy trial, prompting widespread incredulity.
- The episode lifted the lid on a culture of obfuscation and alleged cover‑ups in Whitehall.
US Sees China As A Clear Threat
- The US prosecutes Chinese espionage far more aggressively than the UK, creating transatlantic friction.
- British openness to Chinese business and cultural ties undermines confidence among Five Eyes partners.
