Best of the Spectator

Sarah Vine, opinionated Daily Mail columnist on culture and politics. Lara Brown, Spectator commissioning editor who covers tech and interviews key figures. Tim Shipman, political editor known for reporting on UK politics. They debate Britain’s readiness for an AI revolution, AI’s social and regulatory costs, Peter Thiel’s theological tech views, the Mandelson controversy and press revelations.

Caroline Moorhead, historian and author of A Sicilian Man, explores Leonardo Sciascia, Sicily and the rise of the mafia. She traces Sciascia’s use of detective fiction as social critique. They discuss Sicily’s distinct identity, the mafia’s historical roots and evolution, Sciascia’s political controversies, and his literary influences and legacy.

They dig into new revelations linking Peter Mandelson to Jeffrey Epstein and whether that association has become a national security problem. They examine questions about Keir Starmer’s judgment and vetting processes. They discuss a growing generational backlash over frozen student loan thresholds and soaring interest. They explore a countryside culture war over regulation, diversity targets and rural misunderstanding.

Fernando Sulichin, documentary filmmaker and creative producer of Melania, discusses making the film. He recalls the rushed 10-day lead-up and 20-day shoot. He portrays Melania as reserved, detail-oriented and proud of her producing role. They talk about fashion, family life and the awkward, chaotic inauguration behind the scenes.

Sean Thomas, journalist who traces how an AI-generated goth girl became a nationalist icon. Mary Killen, social-history writer who mourns the loss of the copper landline and its practical and security downsides. Owen Matthews, author and Russia expert arguing that banning Russian art hands cultural power to the Kremlin. Patrick Kidd, commentator who recommends gentle childhood exposure to alcohol tastes.

James Nation, former Treasury and Downing Street advisor now leading Forefront Advisors, talks markets and fiscal credibility. He explains why Andy Burnham’s bid unsettled bond markets. He discusses how governments must respect financing constraints, the case for fixing the OBR, and why early action on inflation mattered. He also reflects on moving from government to the private sector.

Sam Olsen, who writes on politics and geopolitics at States of Play, and Cindy Yu, a Times columnist on UK–China relations, debate Starmer’s quiet China trip. They cover US-UK balancing, trade and supply-chain dependence, China’s leverage over critical materials, lifted sanctions and diplomatic signals, and how foreign policy ties back to domestic politics.

Arabella Byrne, Life editor and writer on culture and parenting; Douglas Murray, columnist and commentator on politics and law; Freddy Gray, deputy editor and US politics analyst. They debate who shapes Britain’s foreign policy and the fallout from the Chagos deal. They weigh Labour’s reset and Reform’s risks. They also explore why visual media makes ICE protests more visible than Iran and chat about phones, parenting and alcohol culture.

David Gauke, former cabinet minister and justice secretary and now vice-chair of Prosper UK, outlines a new centre-right movement. He discusses reclaiming politically homeless voters, rebuilding market-friendly economic arguments, trade and EU ties, immigration credibility, and avoiding polarising populism. Short, policy-focused conversation about restoring seriousness to politics.

A sharp take on whether Keir Starmer’s control of his party is cracking after moves to block Andy Burnham. A look at internal power plays, succession possibilities and who might step forward. Examination of whether Reform UK’s pull, highlighted by Suella Braverman’s defection, is reshaping the right or splintering conservative fortunes.