Best of the Spectator The Edition: Trump's Arctic madness, political treachery & banning social media
Jan 23, 2026
Freddy Gray, Deputy Editor of The Spectator, shares insights on the strategic importance of Greenland amid Trump's polarizing rhetoric. Lara Brown explains the risks of Chinese investment in British schools, raising concerns about national values. Miriam Cates critiques Britain's dependence on the US, warning it may be time for a reality check. The discussion also tackles the potential for banning social media for under-16s and the radicalization of young women, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in addressing these pressing issues.
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Trump Keeps Things 'Nice And Complicated'
- Freddy recounts a 1997 New Yorker interview where Trump said he keeps things "nice and complicated" so nobody knows what's going on.
- He uses this to explain Trump's multi-threaded foreign-policy tactics as deliberate confusion.
China Is Buying Into British Schools
- Lara Brown documents Chinese investment reshaping British boarding schools through purchases and overseas replicas.
- She warns brand dilution and CCP influence risk eroding the 'British' educational product parents pay for.
Limit Foreign Ownership Of Schools
- Miriam advocates rules limiting foreign ownership of schools to protect Britain's educational brand.
- She recommends policy changes to prevent further erosion of national cultural assets.