Latest from Coffee House

Latest from Coffee House

All the latest analysis of the day's news and stories

Friday

Peter Hoskin

From the archives: The student protests of ’68

No, not Paris, but the University of Essex – where, in early to mid-1968, students rallied angrily against Vietnam and all that. The situation was aggravated when three students – including David Triesman, later Lord Triesman – were summarily suspended from their studies, and The Spectator duly dispatched a correspondent to investigate. The resultant article came in the issue dated 24 May 1968; a few pages on from an editorial headlined “How to deal with the student problem”, and alongside coverage of events in France. Here it is: The truth about Essex, Ian MacGregor, The Spectator, 24 May 1968 The first thing that strikes you about Essex university is the

Thursday

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Christmas cheer, Spectator style

It was the Spectator’s Carol Concert last night, in the Fleet St church of St Bride’s – and one of my favourite nights of the year. The choir is amazing: if you’re a sucker for John Rutter-style choral arrangements (which I very much am), then it was heaven. The choir’s first piece was Harold Darke’s stunning arrangement of In The Bleak Midwinter, perhaps my second-favourite piece of Christmas music.* I was up for the first reading, Isaiah Ch9, predicting the birth of Christ. It was weirdly short, so I looked up the Good Book to see if I could beef it up a little – and it was one of

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers Wall, 6 December – 12 December

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers’ Wall. For those who haven’t come across the Wall before, it’s a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn’t libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you’ll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there’s no need to stay ‘on topic’ – which means you’ll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There’s also no constraint on the length of what you write – so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything’s fair game – from political stories in your local

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 6 December 2010

…here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson charts the Passion of Nick Clegg. James Forsyth wonders what the Lib Dems will say at the next election, and watches Alan Johnson making Ed Miliband’s life more difficult. Peter Hoskin check on the OBR’s growth forecasts, and tracks the latest confusions in the Lib Dem tuition fee saga. Nick Cohen reports on how Islamism is being indulged in East London. Alex Massie gives his take on an abysmal Australia side. Melanie Phillips highlights a video that says it all. The Spectator Arts Blog celebrates the enduring appeal of Mastermind. And the Spectator Book Blog congregates for Larkin

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 3 December 2010

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson argues that David Cameron can be proud of his World Cup bid, and reveals Sweden’s recession remedy. James Forsyth says that England’s defeated World Cup bid was a national embarrassment, and says that the Lib Dems need to get their act together over tuition fees. Peter Hoskin digs out a leaked embassy memo about Margaret Thatcher, and observes a grim turning point for Ed Miliband. David Blackburn outlines what the statist left thinks of the liberal right, and watches the government take the fight to students. Daniel Korski highlights the Guardians Wiki-spin. Martin Bright reveals

Peter Hoskin

From the Archives: 1966 and all that

Yesterday, Coffee House recommended that disappointed English football fans take solace, as always, in memories of 1966. To that end, here’s The Spectator’s review of England’s World Cup victory at the time. These were clearly more innocent times, as evidenced by the closing observation: “whether we win or not is not a matter for negotiation between heads of states or men in striped pants.” Their cup runneth over, D.N. Chester, The Spectator, 5 August 1966 Let it be for ever recorded. At 5.15 pm on Saturday July 30 1966, the Swiss referee blew his whistle and England had won the World Cup for the first time, having just beaten West

Monday

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 29 November 2010

…here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the weekend. James Forsyth introduces the ANTIs, and explains what we learn from Wikileaks. David Blackburn finds some more statistical support for IDS’ welfare reform, and notes that Ed Miliband’s latest relaunch went the same way as the last. Daniel Korski wonders if Europe is about to become more German, and argues that tuition fees work and are fair. And Jerry Hayes reviews The Real PM?

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 26 November 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week The Spectator welcomes Nick Cohen as its latest guest blogger. The Spectator Book Blog congratulates 2 old friends of the magazine on their appointment to the Booker Prize judging panel. Fraser Nelson praises Michael Gove’s education white paper, and analyses the political precedents of Howard Flight’s loose talk. James Forsyth explains why Spain matters. David Blackburn watches the coalition forge another impressive compromise, and thinks that Ed Miliband must begin to define himself and his party. Mark Littlewood reports on the centre right’s changing conception of society and why Jon Cruddas is exercised by it. Martin Bright

David Blackburn

From the archives: The Royal Marriage Question

Like father, like son. Prince William took his time to propose to Kate Middleton, almost as long as his father took to take the plunge in 1981. The press brayed on both occasions. Here’s what Auberon Waugh made of the Prince of Wales’ dithering over Diana. It was tragically prescient. The Royal marriage question, The Spectator, 10 January 1981. In the death of Princess Alice of Athlone at 97 last Saturday the Queen lost not only first cousin twice removed but also a great aunt by marriage. Under the circumstances, it might seem humane to allow a period of time to elapse for her to get over this double shock

Friday

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

The kiss of death | 19 November 2010

Oh dear. On Wednesday night, we at The Spectator saw David Cameron handing Lord Young his Spectator/Threadneedle Parliamentarian of the Year in the category of Peer of the Year. “Over the decades,” said yours truly, “Prime Ministers have come to value his advice. As Thatcher put it: ‘other people bring me problems, David brings me solutions.’” Not any more – David has brought him a problem, followed by a resignation. Less than 48 hours after picking-up our award, his political career appears to be at an end.   It is true that there are some people who have had a “good recession”. That is: faced no danger of losing their

The Spectator

The week that was | 19 November 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson wonders if Cameron was being more than wryly ironic when ribbing Ian Gilmour. James Forsyth notes that Tuesday was a very good day to bury bad news, and says that Tim Farron is one to watch and not just for his rapping. Peter Hoskin notes that Tuesday was a day on which to bury good news, and argues that Ireland’s nightmare has been Europe’s problem. Martin Bright charts the chilling effect of the Woolas case. Rod Liddle has braced himself for months of vapid, pointless shit. Alex Massie aids the defence of the euro. And

Thursday

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Cameron on The Spectator

In my last post I did Cameron a disservice by suggesting he had to research his remarks about The Spectator. Like many well-read people, with an interest in life in the round, he’s been a reader for years – Steve Hilton buys him a copy for his birthday, I’m told – and we backed him not just when he first entered the leadership contest (the only publication so to do) but with a now-famous article by Bruce Anderson hailing him as the next messiah as early as 2003. Anyway, for the record, this is what Cameron had to say about The Spectator: “In all seriousness, The Spectator is one of

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Dave v Boris wars: a prequel?

David Cameron was on sparkling form last night, at our Parliamentarian of the Year awards. He joked about his photographer – saying he didn’t arrive for dinner because he saw fish was on the menu and didn’t want to pay for his own snapper. His remarks about the magazine were thoughtful, and well-researched. But what did he mean by the below? It certainly had the guests talking afterwards: some regarded it as the verbal equivalent of a horse’s head thrown into the bed of the Mayor of London. Me: I offer no opinion. But this is what he had to say: “I think the great thing about the Spectator is

Wednesday

Peter Hoskin

Parliamentarian of the Year award recipients 2010

The Spectator held its annual Parliamentarian of the Year Awards ceremony this evening. Here, for CoffeeHousers to deliberate over, is the full list of winners: Newcomer of the year: Caroline Lucas Inquisitor of the year: Tom Watson Peer of the year: Lord Young of Graffham Speech of the year: David Cameron (for his “big comprehensive offer to the Lib Dems” and the apology for Bloody Sunday) Double act of the year: George Osborne and Danny Alexander Campaigner of the year: Ed Miliband Survivor of the year: Gisela Stuart Backbencher of the year: Graham Brady Statesman of the era: Margaret Thatcher Parliamentarian of the year: Ed Balls Politician of the year:

Tuesday

Peter Hoskin

What Kate should know | 16 November 2010

CoffeeHousers, you may have heard: Prince William and Kate Middleton are going to marry. Even now, the news helicopters are cluttering the sky above St. James’s Park. and their overhead imagery is punctuating the breathless television coverage below. As it happens, The Spectator dealt with this story in 2006, with a piece by Patrick Jephson, Diana’s former private secretary, on what Kate Middleton can expect from marriage into the royal family. One or two of its references – such as, “It isn’t just Woolworth’s who are jumping the gun with souvenir wedding plates” – may have dated, but the future Princess Catherine may still care to read it: What Kate

Monday

The Spectator

CoffeeHousers’ Wall, 15 November – 21 November

Welcome to the latest CoffeeHousers’ Wall. For those who haven’t come across the Wall before, it’s a post we put up each Monday, on which – providing your writing isn’t libellous, crammed with swearing, or offensive to common decency – you’ll be able to say whatever you like in the comments section. There is no topic, so there’s no need to stay ‘on topic’ – which means you’ll be able to debate with each other more freely and extensively. There’s also no constraint on the length of what you write – so, in effect, you can become Coffee House bloggers. Anything’s fair game – from political stories in your local

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 15 November 2010

…here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson says that IDS is showing how arguments are won. James Forsyth reports on Prince William’s visit to Afghanistan, and gives his take on David Laws’ account of the coalition negotiations.. Peter Hoskin wonders what happened to Labour’s economic message, and reports on Michael Gove’s latest radical proposal. Daniel Korski highlights the growing tensions between Washington and Beijing. Susan Hill recommends some overlooked charities. Rod Liddle lambasts Yasmin Alibhai-Brown. The Spectator Arts Blog remembers the comedy of the Little Waster. And the new Spectator Book Blog reviews the Man Booker prize winner.

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 12 November 2010

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson says that the 50p tax rate is the coalition’s most expensive policy, and explains the difference between English and Scottish poppies. James Forsyth writes that the Lib Dems have been spared by idiotic students, and sets out Labour’s Woolas trouble. Peter Hoskin outlines ten things you need to know about the IDS reforms, and reveals Alan Johnson’s deceptions and out-of-date figures. David Blackburn reports on Britain’s threadbare defence establishment, and highlights the mounting concerns over Ireland’s economy. Daniel Korksi tells our politicians to stop dreaming of Leo McGarry. Rod Liddle enjoys Labour’s latest method for

Peter Hoskin

From the archives: The end of the First World War

A blast of celebration – and of reflection – from The Spectator, written after the armistice in 1918. There is more than a touch of foresight in the warning that, “True peace and valid reconstruction demand … as much time, renunciation and self-sacrifice as the winning of the war.” Thanks be to God, The Spectator, 16 November, 1918 The thought that has filled the mind of the nation on Monday, and has possessed it ever since, is the thought, Thanks be to God. Under a thousand names and forms, consciously and unconsciously, realised fully or only half realised, this it is that has given unity to the nation and made

Friday

David Blackburn

From the archives – striking matters

This week, there have been calls for certain public sector strikes to be made unlawful, Tube strikes and, today, the firemen have called off their strike having ‘listened to the concerns of the public’. It is all so 2002. Go To Blazes, The Spectator, 26 October 2002 Any public sector union contemplating a strike is best advised to start by targeting children’s bookshops. It is remarkable how groups of workers who first impinge on the consciousness through the pages of nursery books manage to command greater public affection and higher wage settlements than those who do not. Nurses and train-drivers have done particularly well out of recent pay disputes. Municipal

Thursday

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

In this week’s Spectator

The latest edition of The Spectator is now out on iPad (click here for more info) and the newsagents (or £2, posted direct today). I thought CoffeeHousers may be interested in a small selection of the goodies we have in store.   1.  Andrew Neil on the conservative comeback in America. He spent the summer shadowing the Tea Party, and gives the best analysis you’ll read on what just happened – and what lies ahead. (You can read it here.) The Sunday Times’ Christina Lamb travelled across Nevada and California with the Tea Partiers, and tells tales from the campaign bus (one being that they only serve coffee). And Daniel

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 29 October 2010

Here are some of the posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week: Fraser Nelson explains how free schools benefit all schools. James Forsyth sets out the new fairness battleground, and reports on a double boost for the coalition’s economic strategy. Peter Hoskin watches Clegg get angry, and says that Cameron’s certainty contrasts with Miliband’s equivocation. David Blackburn charts the growing need for elected police commissioners, and observes the Big Society in action. Alex Massie reports back from Israel. Melanie Philips reveals the true reason for the Middle East impasse. And the Spectator Arts Blog picks a selection of films for Halloween.

Friday

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Sticking up for free schools

I’m on the train back from doing Radio Four’s Any Questions – broadcast live from Derby, repeated at 1.10pm tomorrow – where I had a bust-up with Christine Blower of the NUT. CoffeeHousers may recall she was the star of a cover story we ran a few weeks back, about the campaign of bullying and intimidation levelled against headteachers who are trying to seek Academy status. She raised that article during recording, and things kinda kicked off. I told her she should be ashamed of the way her union thugs try to intimidate young teachers who seek to break away from local authority control and reach independence. She denied writing

The Spectator

The week that was | 22 October 2010

Here are some of the posts made at Spectator.co.uk over the past week. Fraser Nelson ‘reveals’ that 1.5 million jobs will be created during the cuts, and sets out 10 points about the CSR. James Forsyth says the cuts were not as deep as expected, and terms the MoD ‘not fit for purpose’. Peter Hoskin brings back the meat from the IFS’ briefing, and finds the chart that may cause the coalition trouble. David Blackburn notes that Andrew Mitchell has received an important visitor, and watches Ed Balls fire his first salvo at Theresa May. Martin Bright urges the Cabinet to show its Big Society credentials. Susan Hill bumps into

Peter Hoskin

From the archives: The birth of the NHS

File this double shot from the Spectator archives in the folder marked ‘For historical interest’. Our leading article on the creation of the National Health Service in 1948, and an essay by Lord Moran from one week after: Health and security, The Spectator, 2 July, 1948 July 5th, 1948, will be a notable date in British social history, marking as it does the entry into operation of the National Health Service and the National Insurance Acts. The latter removes from the whole of the population the fear of want, even though many will still be left in circumstances so straitened that the National Assistance Board, created to meet special cases

Thursday

The Spectator

WEB EXCLUSIVE: The Spectator defence debate

With the strategic defence review hot off the presses, The Spectator asked Allan Mallinson, Robert Fox, Con Coughlin, Adam Holloway MP and Richard Dannatt to discuss if the time has come for the army, navy and air force to be combined into a massive British Marine Corps. For the benefit of CoffeeHousers, here is Lloyd Evans’ parade ground review.

Monday

The Spectator

Just in case you missed them… | 18 October 2010

…here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson wonders what will become of the Home Office in the Spending Review, and highlights the immigration game. James Forsyth sets out what Liam Fox can learn from IDS, and reports that George Osborne is getting behind infrastructure. Peter Hoskin tracks the latest welfare cuts, and watches the universities strike back. David Blackburn speculates as to why the Tories didn’t win a majority, and observes the government protect more spending. Martin Bright says that Ed Miliband has had a good week, but warns that there are another 200 to go. Rod Liddle wonders why James Delingpole has gone politically

Friday

The Spectator

The week that was | 15 October 2010

Fraser Nelson highlights the Tories defying a profligate EU. James Forsyth watches Ed Miliband start with a bang, and sifts through the political consequences of the tuition fees decision. Peter Hoskin says that reforming incapacity benefit is crucial, and reports on Philip Green’s attempt to bring Arcadia to Whitehall. David Blackburn reports on Alan Johnson’s performance at the dispatch box, and summarises the recommnedations of the Browne review. Martin Bright calls for some humility from Labour. Susan Hill draws the line at a book-signing event. Rod Liddle reveals his headline of the month. Alex Massie outlines the culture war behind the Big Society. Melanie Phillips watches decency fight back. And

Peter Hoskin

From the archives: Up to our eyes in debt

This latest piece from the Spectator archives isn’t topical in any specific sense, but it does chart a problem which has spread over recent years until it has seeped into everything from government to football: namely, debt. In it, Dominic Lawson visits a Merseyside housing estate towards the end of the 80s, to find a community which has been force-fed cheap and easy credit, and is preyed upon by debt collectors. As a warning of what was to come, there are few better examples: The debtors of Smack City, by Dominic Lawson, The Spectator, 17 February, 1988 He could not work it out, the Merseyside debt collector. And nor could

Fraser Nelson Fraser Nelson

Highlights from the latest Spectator | 15 October 2010

I thought CoffeeHousers might appreciate a selection of a half a dozen pieces in the new edition of The Spectator. I know it is, in many ways, a tough task persuading online audience to part with cash for a magazine (or our new iPad edition, available for free to subscribers) – but this week’s issue really is the perfect something for the weekend.   1. The Coming Dutch Explosion. Tensions in Amsterdam are at bursting point – with Geert Wilders on trial soon, the English Defence League sending their skinheads out to aid him, and jihadism on the rise. We did the best thing we could to defuse the situation:

Monday

The Skimmer

What a coincidence…

Ed Howker’s weekend post about life in Rochdale – and The Spectator’s study of welfare ghettos – has made the news today. There’s a powerful spread in The Sun, with full and due attribution to the source. But the Daily Mail also ran the figures, incorrectly attributing them to the DWP. (We expressed DWP dole figures as a share of ONS population estimates. The resulting ratio only we produced.) We at The Spectator have no doubt that the Daily Mail reporter did actually visit Rochdale. It’s just that her material looks as if it could have been copied from Ed’s Coffee House post. Here are some coincidental overlaps: Coffee House

Friday

Peter Hoskin

From the archives: Entering the ERM

It’s twenty years, to the day, since the UK joined the European Exchange Rate Mechanism – a decision that would, of course, culminate in our withdrawal on Black Wednesday, 16 September, 1992. Subsequent years of strong growth placed those events in a fresh context, but here’s The Spectator’s take from 1990: The dangers of stageism, The Spectator, 13 October 1990 Give the European federalists and inch, and they will take a kilometre. Commenting on Britain’s entry into the Exchange Rate Mechanism of the EMS, Sir Leon Brittan claimed that ‘Britain has begun an inevitable move towards joining a full European Monetary System, including a single currency’. And the Guardian, which

Wednesday

The Spectator

Reaction: David Cameron’s speech

Here is a selection of the blogosphere’s reaction to Cameron’s speech. Fraser Nelson notes that Cameron has resuscitated the Big Society. James Forsyth urges Cameron to concentrate on people power. Peter Hoskin ponders a peculiar speech from the Prime Minister. David Blackburn wonders what to make of Cameron’s disavowal of laissez-faire. Alex Massie asks if Britain is up to Cameron’s challenge. Michael White notes that Cameron’s joviality will keep the welfare dogs at bay. Andrew Porter delivers his verdict on Dave’s ‘slick’ performance. Tim Montgomerie describes it as ‘forgettable’. Toby Helm thought it ‘a profound disappointment’. And Nick Watt notes the resurrection of Lord Kitchener.

Tuesday

David Blackburn

Gove re-emphasises his reform agenda

Michael Gove means business. His case is simple: standards have fallen; it is time to be radical. Under Labour, Britain fell from 4th to 14th for science, from 7th to 17th for literacy and from 8th to 24th for mathematics. With a fervour that was nothing short of zealous, Gove promised that the ‘injustice will end’. His ministerial career has had a difficult start – his message often lost under Ed Balls’ righteous indignation. Having faltered, he is beginning to re-direct his rhetorical emphasis to more fertile ground. Where once he wanted to empower parents, he now wants to empower teachers – no doubt to attract recalcitrant teaching unions to