Best of the Spectator

In this discussion, private wealth expert James Quarmby reveals how tax changes are driving the super-rich out of Britain while raising concerns about economic dependency on high earners. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood talks candidly about pressing issues including grooming gangs and AI, offering an introspective look at her duties. Zoe Strimpel dives into the heated debate over trans women's access to Hampstead's ladies pond, highlighting the divide among local women. Together, these guests tackle pressing social themes with expert insights.

In this engaging discussion, writer and activist Julie Bindel, known for her work on lesbian rights, explores the complexities of lesbian liberation today. She reflects on the historical challenges faced by lesbians and why they may not necessarily align with gay men's interests. Julie tackles the issue of 'progressive' misogyny seen in modern activism, and discusses the implications of the recent Supreme Court ruling on gender identity, questioning whether it signals the end of conflicts around trans issues.

Freddy Gray speaks to Spectator World's Editor-at-Large Ben Domenech about this month's issue, the Reviving of the American Mind, and Ben's interview with Christopher Rufo. 

Trump has announced a beautiful new deal with the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister and President shared a phone call to congratulate one another. It is the first trade deal agreed after Mr Trump began his second presidential term in January, and after he imposed strict tariffs on countries around the world in April. Freddy Gray speaks to Sarah Eliot and Kate Andrews about the negotiations and whether it is a coup for Trump or Starmer.

On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Olenka Hamilton ponders whether Poland’s revival is a mirage (1:24); Melanie McDonagh asks who killed the postal service (9:52); Hannah Moore argues that family cars aren’t built for families any more (14:35); James Delingpole reviews Careme from Apple TV and Chef’s Table from Netflix (21:15); and, William Atkinson provides his notes on Thomas the Tank Engine (26:48). Presented by Patrick Gibbons.Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.

Zia Yusuf, Chairman of the Reform Party and former tech entrepreneur, and Jacob Rees-Mogg, a prominent Conservative politician known for his traditionalist views, dive into the aftermath of a crucial local election. They explore why Reform is gaining traction and the possible Tory/Reform alliance to prevent political decline. The discussion also touches on Labour’s strategy and its implications for UK-EU relations, alongside rising concerns about urban antisocial behavior and the need for political unity as the landscape shifts.

From Rome Fr Benedict Kiely and Damian Thompson react to the election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as the successor to Pope Francis. The first American Pope, Prevost is also a citizen of Peru, having spent years working as first a parish pastor and teacher, and later as a bishop. The 267th Bishop of Rome is also the first native English-speaking pope for almost 900 years. The election of Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, is seen as a surprise but is being heralded by both liberal and conservative factions of the Catholic Church. Does he represent continuity or change with his predecessor? On this episode of Holy Smoke, Fr Benedict and Damian take us through what clues are available to understand what we can expect from the new Pope, from his choice of clothes and papal name to his views on issues like homosexuality and the traditional mass. Could Leo XIV surprise us?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Scuzz Nation: Britain’s slow and grubby declineIf you want to understand why voters flocked to Reform last week, Gus Carter says, look no further than Goat Man. In one ward in Runcorn, ‘residents found that no one would listen when a neighbour filled his derelict house with goats and burned the animals’ manure in his garden’. This embodies Scuzz Nation – a ‘grubbier and more unpleasant’ Britain, ‘where decay happens faster than repair, where crime largely goes unpunished, and where the social fabric has been slashed, graffitied and left by the side of the road’.On the podcast, Gus speaks to Dr Lawrence Newport, founder of Crush Crime, to diagnose the issues facing Britain – and offer some solutions to stop the rot. (01:28)Next: is it demeaning to study Dickens?In the magazine this week, Philip Hensher reviews ‘Literature and Learning: A History of English Studies in Britain’ by Stefan Collini. Philip’s main gripe is that the history stops short of charting the threats posed to the study of English literature in the past fifty years. Accessible, ‘relevant’ short stories are increasingly replacing the classics, as the monuments of Victorian literature defeat today’s undergraduates.So can English literature still teach us how to read deeply in an age of diminishing attention spans? Philip joins the podcast alongside Orlando Reade, author and assistant professor at Northeastern University London, where he teaches English and creative writing. (17:47)And finally: are you a bad house guest?In the magazine, Christa D’Souza bemoans terrible house guests. Set against the idyllic backdrop of her home in the Greek Cyclades, she gives an account of the trials and absurdities of hosting – from towel-hoarding Americans to the toddler-like breakfast habits of many grown adults.She joins the podcast alongside our very own agony aunt, Mary Killen, to discuss further – and hopefully offer some advice on how better to deal with rude house guests. (29:04)Hosted by Lara Prendergast and Gus Carter.Produced by Oscar Edmondson.

Daniel Swift, a scholar and author of 'The Dream Factory', sheds light on the intriguing world of Elizabethan theater and its profound effect on Shakespeare's work. He discusses the birth of London’s first playhouse, tackling the struggles playwrights faced while evolving from stigmatization to celebrated status. Swift explores the influence of immigrant artisans on London's cultural landscape and highlights the economic challenges of Shakespearean theater. He also reflects on the serendipitous collaborations that shaped Shakespeare's legacy in a flourishing yet tumultuous artistic environment.

Mary-Ellen McTague is a celebrated chef from Manchester, known for her innovative restaurants and community initiative, Eat Well MCR. She shares her childhood memories of being a selective eater and how a love for Lancashire hotpot shaped her culinary journey. The conversation dives into Manchester's evolving food scene and the importance of sustainability at her new venture, Pip. Mary-Ellen also highlights the value of communal dining, the challenges women face in the kitchen, and her dreams of perfect comfort foods. A rich tale of nostalgia and inspiration!