China’s foreign policy Sir: As Hillary Clinton just stated, China and Russia ‘neutered’ the UN by vetoing the sanctions on Syria. Russia did it because Syria is an ally with which it does business. China vetoed because it wants no judgments on how it has mauled its own population since ‘Liberation’ in 1949. Beginning with
Long to reign over us The Queen has become only the second British monarch to spend 60 years on the throne. To overtake Victoria, she would have to reign until 10 September 2015, but would still then be 19 years short of Sobhuza II of Swaziland, who began his reign on 10 December 1899, at
Home A judge granted bail to Abu Qatada, once described by a Spanish judge as ‘Osama bin Laden’s right-hand man in Europe’, who was to be freed from Long Lartin prison and allowed to leave a fixed address in London for two one-hour periods a day, in order to take his youngest child to school.
The weather conditions of the past week could not have been better conceived to show up the inadequacies of Britain’s — and the rest of Europe’s — energy policy. A vast anticyclone extending from Siberia to eastern England has brought snow as far south as Rome and temperatures of minus 40˚C to Eastern Europe. With North
Here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk during the past week: Fraser Nelson says Andrew Lansley’s NHS bill was completely unnecessary. Douglas Murray thinks Ken Livingstone will get away with his homophobic remark, but a Tory wouldn’t have. James Forsyth reports on Osborne’s pro-business speech on Tuesday, and spares a thought for the 30 ministers
This morning, the chief executive of RBS Stephen Hester appeared on Radio 4’s Today programme to discuss the recent furore over his bonus. Hester revealed he nearly resigned over the crisis and agreed that bankers have been making too much. Here’s the full transcript for CoffeeHousers. James Naughtie: Banker without a bonus? You might say
To mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne in 1952, here is the leader that appeared sixty years ago on our front cover. It was written under the editorship of Wilson Harris, who had been in the position nearly 20 years. Queen and Nation, 15 February 1952 The slow days
…here are some posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the weekend: Fraser Nelson says the richest 1 per cent pay 28 per cent of the UK’s income tax, so let’s not scare them away. James Forsyth says Lords reform is going to dominate the next parliamentary session, but the government will have a tough time passing
A woman’s work Sir: I enjoyed Andrew M. Brown’s article on the rise of the ‘Dalis’ (28 January). As the working wife of a man who earns more than I do, I drew comfort from the fact that more and more women are becoming the main breadwinners. At the same time, it is irritating to
