Best of the Spectator The Edition: America's Iran gamble – why the Royals could be Britain's Trump card
Mar 13, 2026
Sophie Winkleman, actress and education campaigner, on textbooks, edtech harms and banning smartphones in schools. Adrian Walbridge, Bloomberg columnist and author, on parallels with the 1930s, threats to liberal order and tech’s impact on attention. Tim Shipman, political editor, on Britain’s defence tensions, naval identity and whether the King could wield rare diplomatic influence.
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The King As A Diplomatic Soft Power Asset
- The British monarchy supplies unique diplomatic soft power that can smooth relations with an idiosyncratic US president like Trump.
- Participants note Trump is visibly starstruck by royals, and a King's visit can be an effective PR and diplomatic tool.
Starmer's Inexperience Strains Civilian Military Relations
- Keir Starmer's delayed response and lack of experience in defence questions exposed tensions between Number 10 and the military.
- Tim Shipman details disputes with the MOD and Chief of Defence Staff over deployments and credibility in wartime decision-making.
UK Defence Spending Looks Slow Compared To Peers
- Britain's defence spending has risen unevenly, leaving it behind neighbours who ramped faster, making the UK look like a laggard against threats like Russia.
- Adrian Walbridge compares UK spending to Sweden, Poland and Lithuania to show the pace problem.
