Best of the Spectator

John Bew, historian and foreign-policy adviser to multiple prime ministers, outlines Britain’s ‘fourth great disruption’ and its historical echoes. He traces past national reforms, argues for disciplined planning, and weighs defence, economic limits and the need for political trade-offs. Short, vivid reflections on how Britain might renegotiate its place in the world.

Jo Coburn, Times Radio broadcaster offering sharp political analysis. James Heale, deputy political editor at The Spectator covering party strategy. Charles Moore, Spectator chairman and columnist on politics and foreign policy. They debate whether Nigel Farage truly seeks the premiership, Reform's governing contradictions, ties to Trump, electoral maths and youth voting, UK defence shortfalls and the future of the BBC.

Howard Jacobson, Booker Prize–winning novelist known for comic and literary fiction, discusses his new novel Howl. He explains why a novel can do what journalism cannot. He explores using dark comedy amid rage, a furious narrator confronting moral panic, shifting attitudes toward Israel, and Shakespearean tragic textures.

A lively dive into Keir Starmer’s cautious, process-first leadership and whether that approach is a political weakness. A close look at the Mandelson appointment, briefings and accountability. Debate over Labour’s chances of replacing its leader before an election. A wider chat about political tone, hypocrisy and what purpose a leader’s decency serves.

Andrew Atherstone, Professor of Modern Anglicanism and biographer of Sarah Mullally, outlines her rise from chief nurse to Archbishop and her evangelical roots. He explores her cautious, consensual leadership style, ambiguity on same-sex blessings, approach to safeguarding and racial justice, and the political and Communion challenges she faces. The conversation highlights her likeability and practical, pastoral instincts.

Danny Shaw, former adviser and Home Affairs commentator who backs pragmatic reforms to cut court backlogs. Karl Turner, Labour MP active in justice debates who fiercely defends jury rights. They debate the Courts Bill, whether judge-only trials speed up justice, parliamentary divisions and practical risks of curtailing juries. Tense agreement on the broken state of the system.

Damian Thompson, journalist and writer known for music and arts commentary, reads a personal piece about his renewed piano obsession. Short segments touch on North Korean succession rumors, how left-liberals signal tasteful boasting, and a witty take on first impressions of becoming a magistrate. Quick, playful and varied conversations.

Revelations about a senior diplomatic appointment that went ahead without direct vetting. Investigation into why a lawyer-turned-politician shows little curiosity about key decisions. Discussion of how detachment from everyday decision-making affects patronage and control. Comparisons with recent leaders and what political skill looks like today.

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.

Lionel Shriver, novelist and Spectator columnist known for provocative, idea-driven fiction, discusses A Better Life. She talks about a fictional New York host program for migrants, polarized reactions to controversial books, how dialogue and humour tackle contemporary immigration debates, and choices around realism, character design and research.