Best of the Spectator

It’s a special (and emotional) edition of Coffee House Shots this Saturday because it is the last with Kate Andrews on this side of the Atlantic. She joins our editor Michael Gove and political correspondent James Heale for a debate on ideology. Kate – a liberal, in the classical British sense – explains exactly why she is not a Conservative and the various tenets that distinguish liberalism from conservatism, whilst Michael makes the case for being a 'pessimistic' conservative. So, what makes a liberal? What makes a conservative? And was Hayek right in saying that while there isn’t much to choose between these two political creeds, ultimately, they need each other. Produced by Cindy Yu and Oscar Edmondson.Kate Andrews' suggested reading on liberalism:F. A. Hayek: The Road to Serfdom Adam Smith: The Wealth of NationsDeirdre McCloskey: Why Liberalism Works

Julia Lopez has been the Conservative MP for Hornchurch and Upminster since 2017. Her first political experience was working for the then-MP for the Cities of London and Westminster Mark Field, before she became a councillor for Tower Hamlets – working to improve the standards of an area marred in scandal and heightened community tensions. She went on to hold ministerial roles under three Prime Ministers and is now the PPS to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. On the podcast, Julia talks to Katy Balls about the impact Margaret Thatcher had on the politics of her family, how she gained political experience touring London’s sewers and skyscrapers, and the mixed emotions of becoming an MP in 2017 – when the party lost its majority. She also describes what it was like to fight a campaign five days after giving birth, and her connection to The Spectator – having helped to change the law to protect British media from foreign ownership.  Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

This week: the carve-up of Ukraine’s natural resourcesFrom the success of Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington to the squabbling we saw in the Oval Office and the breakdown of security guarantees for Ukraine – we have seen the good, the bad and the ugly of geopolitics in the last week, say Niall Ferguson and Nicholas Kulish in this week’s cover piece. They argue that what Donald Trump is really concerned with when it comes to Ukraine is rare earth minerals – which Ukraine has in abundance under its soil. The conventional wisdom is that the US is desperately short of these crucial minerals and, as Niall and Nicholas point out, the dealmaking president is driven by a nagging sense of inferiority in comparison to rare earth minerals powerhouse China. Niall and Nicholas joined the podcast to talk further. (02:19)Next: why are women having caesareans being offered sterilisation?During a routine antenatal appointment, Flora Watkins was blindsided by the opening gambit from her obstetrician: ‘Why don’t we tie your tubes when we’ve got the baby out?’ The doctor wouldn’t drop it, despite Flora’s objections, insisting it was ‘a very simple procedure’. Flora speaks to other women who were traumatised by these unsolicited offers and confused about why they had been targeted. Most felt it was a judgment on the number of children they ‘should’ have. Only one woman had been given a medical reason. Flora joined the podcast to discuss this further, alongside Dr Janet Barter, president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, which advises women on contraception. (18:50)And finally: when is poetry so bad that it becomes good?Sam Leith, The Spectator’s literary editor, celebrates William McGonagall in the magazine – the man affectionately considered the worst poet in history. McGonagall was, as Sam says, an ‘anti-genius’ who (in light of the Tay Bridge Disaster) concocted such memorable stanzas as:Beautiful Railway Bridge of the Silv’ry Tay!Alas! I am very sorry to sayThat ninety lives have been taken awayOn the last Sabbath day of 1879,Which will be remember’d for a very long time.But Sam argues that there is joy to be found in bad poetry. To discuss good poetry, bad poetry and the very fine line between them, Sam Leith joined the podcast alongside one of the more successful Dundonian poets, Don Paterson. (33:08)Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

In this week's Book Club podcast, I'm joined by Donald Trump's outstanding Boswell, the magazine writer Michael Wolff. Michael’s new book, All or Nothing: How Trump Recaptured America, takes Donald Trump and his colourful cast of hangers-on from the aftermath of the 6 January riots to his triumphal return to the White House.Michael tells me why he thinks people in Trumpworld are still talking to him, how the Donald has changed over the decade he has been reporting on him, why he’s confident American democracy will survive a second Trump presidency – and how world leaders, such as Keir Starmer, are best advised to handle this volatile and unpredictable character.

Robert Bryce, an energy expert and author of The Question of Power, discusses the state of global energy, electric vehicles, and government policies both in the UK and America. Freddy and Robert look at how government subsidies and mandates have driven automakers toward unprofitable EV production, what is energy humanism, and how foreign interference has shaped climate policies over the past decade. 

In a thought-provoking discussion, Paul Wood shares a poignant letter from the Vatican. Matthew Parris warns Conservatives about aligning with potentially divisive issues, urging them to reconsider their strategies. Meanwhile, Ian Buruma critiques Richard Overy's work, arguing the atomic bombings were both immoral and ineffective. The conversations highlight looming dilemmas in politics and history, offering listeners rich insights into morality and strategy in the modern world.

Robert Jenrick, Shadow Justice Secretary, is known for his keen insights into political strategy, while Jonathan Ashworth, CEO of Labour Together, offers a fresh perspective on the Labour Party's stance. The discussion centers on Donald Trump’s impact on global politics and European defense. They tackle Labour's defense pledges and the Conservatives' challenges with Reform. The complexities around the Ukraine crisis, historical weaknesses in defense, and the implications of Brexit on national identity are also passionately debated.

Kate Andrews, Deputy US editor of The Spectator World, and Tim Stanley, a columnist at The Telegraph, explore the implications of Keir Starmer’s recent meeting with Donald Trump in Washington. They highlight its success in terms of positive discussions on Ukraine and US-UK tariffs, along with a potential upcoming state visit. The duo amusingly analyzes Trump’s compliments on Starmer's accent, shedding light on the cultural nuances of their diplomatic dance. They also touch on the historical context of UK-US relations and modern political complexities.

Alexandra Shulman, the former editor-in-chief of British Vogue, reflects on her transformative role in fashion journalism. She reminisces about the vibrant print journalism scene of the late '80s and '90s and debates the idea that print is dying. Alexandra shares memorable moments from her tenure, including an iconic Adele cover, while expressing concerns about the worsening beauty standards. She discusses her transition from a traditional role to a flexible, portfolio career, and highlights the evolving landscape of fashion media and the importance of authentic storytelling.

Katy Balls, a keen political journalist for The Spectator, and William Boyd, a celebrated author known for his Bond novel, delve into riveting topics. They unpack the rise of Reform under Nigel Farage, exposing the inner workings of his team. Katy reveals the surprising mix of figures within this political movement. The conversation shifts to the paradox of technology’s role in crises, sharing humorous and intense personal stories of being 'missing.' Finally, Boyd discusses the evolution of the James Bond franchise, exploring what makes 007 timeless yet relevant.