Best of the Spectator

Lionel Shriver on Trump’s vendetta, Mamdani’s ‘stupid’ ideas & sentimental immigrationDeputy US editor Kate Andrews is joined by author and Spectator columnist Lionel Shriver to assess Donald Trump’s turbulent second term. They discuss the rise of socialism in New York, why fairness is warping immigration policy, and whether Trump’s obsession with lawfare and vengeance is undoing his own presidency.

First: the new era of censorshipA year ago, John Power notes, the UK was consumed by race riots precipitated by online rumours about the perpetrator of the Southport atrocity. This summer, there have been protests, but ‘something is different’. With the introduction of the Online Safety Act, ‘the government is exerting far greater control over what can and can’t be viewed online’. While the act ‘promises to protect minors from harmful material’, he argues that it is ‘the most sweeping attempt by any liberal democracy to bring the online world under the control of the state’.Implemented and defended by the current Labour government, it is actually the result of legislation passed by the Conservatives in 2023 – which Labour did not support at the time, arguing it didn’t go far enough. So how much of a danger is the Act to free speech in Britain?John joined the podcast to discuss further alongside former Conservative minister Steve Baker, MP from 2010-24, and who was one of the biggest critics of the bill within the Conservative Party at the time.Next: should we be worried about protests against migrants?This week, outside a hotel in Epping, groups amassed to protest against the migrants housed there, with counter-protestors appearing in turn. Tommy Robinson might not have appeared in the end, but the Spectator’s Max Jeffrey did, concluding that the protests were ultimately ‘anticlimactic’.Nevertheless, the protests have sparked debate about the motivations of those speaking out against the migrants – are there legitimate concerns voiced by locals, or are the protests being manipulated by figures on the political fringes? And what do the protests tell us about community tensions in the UK? Max joined the podcast to discuss alongside the editor of Spiked Tom Slater.And finally: why are ‘romantasy’ novels so popular?Lara Brown writes in the magazine this week about the phenomenon of the genre ‘romantasy’, which mixes romance with fantasy. While ‘chick-lit’ is nothing new, Lara argues that this is ‘literature taken to its lowest form’, emblematic of the terminally online young people who consume it. Nevertheless, it is incredibly popular and is credited by publishers as boosting the British fiction industry to over £1 billion. To unpack the genre's popularity, Lara joined the podcast, alongside Sarah Maxwell, the founder of London’s first romance-only bookshop Saucy Books, based in Notting Hill.Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Patrick Gibbons and Megan McElroy.

Sam Leith is joined for this week's Book Club podcast by Gary Shteyngart — whose new novel Vera, or Faith is set in a near-future America whose politics seems to be less science-fictional by the day. It tells the unexpectedly tender story of a bright but lonely ten-year-old girl contending with her parents' failing marriage and navigating the beginnings of a friendship. Gary tells Sam how parenthood changed him as a writer, how his feelings about his Russian heritage have shifted uncomfortably in light both of the Ukraine invasion and the US's fresh hostility to migrants, and why Writers' Tears is his students' drink of choice. Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts and to contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk

Donald Trump is in Scotland, holding court at Turnberry. He's welcomed Sir Keir and Lady Victoria Starmer to his golf course, and had a long discussion with reporters at a wide ranging press conference, that covered Russia, Gaza, and his long running feud with London mayor Sadiq Khan. To unpack it all, Freddy is joined by political editor Tim Shipman, and deputy US editor Kate Andrews.

Charlotte Ivers is the restaurant critic for the Sunday Times; most recently she reviewed Lupa, Fenix and Home SW15. Charlotte started her career as a media adviser in Theresa May’s Number 10, before she moved into the world of radio. She was a political correspondent at talkRADIO and Wireless Group before joining Times Radio.  On the podcast, Charlotte tells hosts Lara Prendergast and Olivia Potts about chasing the high she felt from tasting risotto for the first time, how a second date unwittingly converted her from vegetarianism and what she thinks makes a good restaurant critic.

Douglas Murray, a Spectator columnist, tackles the swirling topics of conspiracy theories and public mistrust in institutions. He questions why promises, like the release of the Epstein files, remain unfulfilled, stirring unrest even among Trump's supporters. The discourse dives into the deep skepticism gripping Western democracies, illustrating how this fuels conspiracy narratives and harms constructive dialogue. Murray also warns of a 'second dark age' of information, where truth becomes obscured by the sheer volume of data, further complicating accountability.

Ian Thomson, a writer, shares insights into the cultural loss following the destruction of the iconic Hotel Oloffson in Haiti amidst rising violence. Richard Bratby, also a writer, passionately argues for Johann Strauss's musical brilliance, highlighting the neglect of his works in today’s orchestras despite their profound beauty. They delve into the impact of the past on culture and music, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the need for recognition of artistic significance.

Katie Lam, the dynamic MP for Weald and shadow spokesman on home affairs, joins Tim Shipman for an insightful discussion. They dive into the intricacies of immigration policies and the welfare system, emphasizing the need for reform. Katie shares personal family stories while advocating for honest conversations about assimilation. They also tackle the shifting political landscape and the challenges facing the Conservative Party. Plus, Katie highlights the fascinating parallels between her dual careers in politics and scriptwriting, fueling her optimistic vision for Britain.

Michael Grynbaum, a New York Times writer and debut author of "Empire of the Elite," delves into Condé Nast's powerful influence on American culture. He discusses the evolution of celebrity culture and the media giant's struggle amidst social media's rise. The conversation highlights Anna Wintour's retirement, the shifting landscape of magazine publishing, and the complex ties between Condé and Donald Trump. Grynbaum reflects on the nostalgia for the past clarity in fashion and media amidst today’s chaotic choices.

Douglas Murray, a writer for The Spectator and cultural commentator, discusses the troubling impact of private equity on essential services in Britain, particularly water companies now burdened with debt. He delves into the fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, highlighting its lingering effects on Trump and MAGA supporters. Additionally, Murray critiques the nature of literary sequels, questioning their creativity and profitability, while also evaluating the recent literary trends that often sacrifice depth for marketability.