Best of the Spectator

Sam Olsen, who writes on politics and geopolitics at States of Play, and Cindy Yu, a Times columnist on UK–China relations, debate Starmer’s quiet China trip. They cover US-UK balancing, trade and supply-chain dependence, China’s leverage over critical materials, lifted sanctions and diplomatic signals, and how foreign policy ties back to domestic politics.

Arabella Byrne, Life editor and writer on culture and parenting; Douglas Murray, columnist and commentator on politics and law; Freddy Gray, deputy editor and US politics analyst. They debate who shapes Britain’s foreign policy and the fallout from the Chagos deal. They weigh Labour’s reset and Reform’s risks. They also explore why visual media makes ICE protests more visible than Iran and chat about phones, parenting and alcohol culture.

David Gauke, former cabinet minister and justice secretary and now vice-chair of Prosper UK, outlines a new centre-right movement. He discusses reclaiming politically homeless voters, rebuilding market-friendly economic arguments, trade and EU ties, immigration credibility, and avoiding polarising populism. Short, policy-focused conversation about restoring seriousness to politics.

A sharp take on whether Keir Starmer’s control of his party is cracking after moves to block Andy Burnham. A look at internal power plays, succession possibilities and who might step forward. Examination of whether Reform UK’s pull, highlighted by Suella Braverman’s defection, is reshaping the right or splintering conservative fortunes.

Daisy Dunn, classics scholar and cultural writer, celebrates 40 years of Poems on the Underground. John Campbell, historian and biographer, explores Lord Haldane’s reforms and lasting relevance. Gavin Mortimer, journalist and author, reports on the EU–Mercosur deal and the fierce response from French farmers. Short, lively conversations on poetry in public spaces, political reform, and international trade tensions.

Michael Gove introduces David Goodhart, journalist on demography and identity; Tim Stanley, historian and cultural commentator; and Steve Baker, former MP focused on economics and tech. They discuss AI-driven medical advances and global trade, fertility and social media harms, the limits of the managerial state and the rise of individual empowerment. The panel frames reasons for optimism about 2026.

Daniel Wilson, historian and creator of Great British Architecture, showcases medieval churches and heritage across England and Wales. He recounts how local church photos grew into a heritage mission. He explores Norfolk's church density, restoration wins and losses, conservation funding, and why everyone should be a tourist in their own neighbourhood.

Danny Finkelstein, a long‑time Conservative peer and former SDP member, shares firsthand tales of switching sides. Richard Johnson, an academic who studies party realignments, traces historical patterns of defections. They discuss when switching pays off, party culture and suspicion of defectors, the emotional cost at constituency level, and how new breakaway groups compare to past movements.

Freddy Gray, Deputy Editor of The Spectator, shares insights on the strategic importance of Greenland amid Trump's polarizing rhetoric. Lara Brown explains the risks of Chinese investment in British schools, raising concerns about national values. Miriam Cates critiques Britain's dependence on the US, warning it may be time for a reality check. The discussion also tackles the potential for banning social media for under-16s and the radicalization of young women, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in addressing these pressing issues.

Scotland's SNP proposes what might be the smallest tax cut ever, claiming relief for low-income earners. However, analysis reveals a mere £40 annual benefit, raising concerns for small businesses. Higher earners face increased taxes, with rates nearing 80%. Surprisingly, the cut disproportionately favors those with higher incomes. The discussion raises questions about the SNP's tax messaging and the potential for Scottish taxpayers to pay more than their English counterparts in the near future. Trust in the SNP on fiscal matters appears shaky.