Best of the Spectator

In this festive special, historian Dominic Sandbrook reflects on Lady Emma Hamilton's impact on Christmas traditions in the 18th century. Novelist Philip Hensher delights in the charm of miserable Christmases in literature. Steve Morris discusses the spiritual significance of angels, inviting listeners to take them seriously. Music journalist Michael Hann connects holiday tunes from The Waitresses to the Spice Girls. Finally, agony aunt Mary Killen offers witty solutions to Christmas dilemmas, ensuring a holiday filled with laughter and insight.

Quentin Letts, a sharp-witted sketch writer and columnist known for his satirical insights into British politics, joins the discussion to dissect the highs and lows of 2025. They cover the chaotic welfare debate and Labour's internal strife. Letts humorously addresses the dreariness of MPs, critiques Ed Miliband's performance, and discusses the implications of key political shifts, including Farage's waning influence. With a keen eye on the future, they ponder the significance of upcoming local elections and the mood in Westminster.

Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair's Washington correspondent, dives into his revealing interview with Susie Wiles, a key player in the Trump administration. He discusses Wiles's role in professionalizing the chaotic second-term White House and minimizing infighting. McLaughlin shares her candid remarks on Trump, calling him 'an alcoholic's personality,' and highlights her efforts against retribution policies. The conversation also explores the ideological rifts within the GOP and Wiles's influence on future party dynamics, all while analyzing Trump's responses to controversy.

Bernard Cornwell, a prolific historical novelist known for the Sharpe series and The Last Kingdom, shares insights into his writing journey and career. He discusses how his daily writing routine fuels his prolific output, the balance between historical research and storytelling, and the evolving character of Richard Sharpe. Cornwell also reflects on his literary influences and the impact of Sean Bean's portrayal of Sharpe. He reveals anecdotes about his experiences in historical settings and hints at future tales in the Sharpe saga.

Michael Gove and Madeline Grant delve into the disturbing rise of anti-Semitic violence, exploring its ideological roots and the West's hesitation to confront them. They discuss the concerning trend of anti-Semitism among various political factions and the pressure on Jewish identity. Additionally, the hosts celebrate Jane Austen’s enduring relevance, questioning her interpretation through a modern lens. Finally, they tackle the elements of a good whodunit, emphasizing the importance of plot twists and satisfying conclusions in mystery narratives.

Rory Sutherland, vice chairman of Ogilvy UK and a keen observer of human behavior, delves into the surprising advantages that religious communities can offer. He discusses how belief systems shape consumer choices, drawing fascinating comparisons between Mormons and secular scientists. Sutherland explores the Protestant work ethic, Quaker business practices, and even modern churches' marketing strategies. He argues that spiritual identities influence consumer behaviors and suggests innovative service formats for churches to attract younger audiences.

Victor Davis Hanson, a US historian and classicist, dives deep into Donald Trump’s first year back in office. He reviews the administration's choices on the economy and immigration, highlighting the effects on services and labor. Hanson examines the challenges of effective messaging on inflation and forecasts the political consequences. He critiques the handling of controversies like the Epstein files and outlines the limitations of Ukraine policy, all while framing Trump's agenda as a bold counter-revolution with substantial risks and potential for national renewal.

Join Gyles Brandreth, a former MP and author, as he shares Queen Camilla's book recommendations for Christmas. Theoretical astrophysicist Avi Loeb sparks imagination by suggesting a comet could be a spaceship. Journalist Melanie McDonagh delves into the ghostly differences between Protestant and Catholic narratives, while music critic Richard Bratby reflects on the poignant stories told by composers' graves. Together, they explore life's mysteries and lighten the festive spirit.

Lucy Dunn, a political correspondent transitioning to STV, and Gordon McKee, Labour MP for Glasgow South, dive deep into the current state of Scottish politics. They assess the SNP's stability and the challenges of public services like the NHS. Gordon discusses the rising influence of Scottish Labour at Westminster and predicts Anas Sarwar's chances for First Minister. They also explore the emergence of populism in Scotland and how social media can effectively communicate policy. Lucy reflects on her career, adding a personal touch to their political analysis.

In this festive discussion, James Heale, Deputy Political Editor at The Spectator, shares insights on British politics as he predicts a challenging year for Keir Starmer. Damian Thompson, Associate Editor, dives into the allure of Sherlock Holmes and critiques the Liberal Democrats. Angus Colwell, Editor of the Morning Press, profiles physicist David Deutsch's optimistic views on humanity and AI. They also explore the Queen's reading choices, nostalgic Christmas memories, and suggest the best festive spots in London. A merry blend of politics and holiday cheer!