Britain
You’re going to lose. It is only you against many.
If, in the aftermath of an act of would-be terror, the people refuse to be terrorised does it still remain a terrorist act? Perhaps but there’s a sense, I think,… Continue reading
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The Sweet Sorrow of following Somerset Cricket
Marcus Trescothick. Nick Compton. Alviro Petersen. James Hildreth. Craig Kieswetter. Jos Buttler. When all troops are fit and available Somerset enjoy a batting line-up one might compare favourably to this… Continue reading
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Writers in a state of fear
A State of Fear, Joseph Clyde’s new thriller*, stands out for many reasons. Thrillers only work if they are thrilling, and Clyde’s description of the search for the terrorist who… Continue reading
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The Tory Tumbrils Begin to Roll for David Cameron
As I type this, pundits in London are stiffening themselves for the tough task of over-interpreting local election results and projecting wildly unrealistic forecasts for the next general election on… Continue reading
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The power of Granta’s gift to British writers
Philip Hensher was one of Granta’s 20 under forty in 2003, so what does he make of the new list? Writing in this week’s Spectator, he says that there are… Continue reading
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Wisden, 150 Not Out
Summer, or rather the hint or promise of it, only arrives with the publication of Wisden. The cricketers’ almanack – the venerable almanack – celebrates its 150th anniversary this season.… Continue reading
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Margaret Thatcher: An Accidental Libertarian Heroine
It is 34 years since Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister. Coincidentally, she entered Downing Street 34 years after Clement Attlee won the 1945 general election. The whole history of post-war… Continue reading
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John Hayes: Muslims are right about Britain
John Hayes, the prime minister’s latest tribune, achieved some fame or infamy, depending on your view, when he wrote the following article for the Spectator on 6 August 2005, a… Continue reading
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A great honour in memory of a remarkable man
I am delighted to say that my latest book, Bloody Sunday: truths, lies and the Saville Inquiry, has been jointly awarded the Christopher Ewart-Biggs memorial prize at a ceremony in… Continue reading
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A lesson in solidarity, from the Jewish community in Britain
This week I wrote my last Bright on Politics column for the Jewish Chronicle. Here it is in full: This is my last Bright on Politics column. After three-and-a-half years… Continue reading
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How much will Britain change in the next 10 years?
In the latest issue of Standpoint magazine I have a longish piece on the census for England and Wales. The story made the news for a couple of days at… Continue reading
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80 years ago, Bodyline ended and English cricket enjoyed a triumph
Today, February 28th 2013, is the 80th anniversary of the conclusion to one of the finest – and certainly the most controversial – test series ever played. Eighty years ago… Continue reading
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Doing it the French way
‘Where have all the great French writers gone?’ the people cry. Or at least they would if anyone was interested in French books. Translated literature claims just 3 per cent… Continue reading
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Hilary Mantel did not attack Kate, she defended her.
Like grief, stupidity has a hierarchy. So, on balance, Ed Miliband’s response – if it can be so dignified – to Hilary Mantel’s essay about the mystery and magic attraction… Continue reading
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Why Britain is, still, the world capital of decency
In the Wall Street Journal today there is a wonderful piece by an American tourist struck by the level of friendliness and civility he found amongst the British people. He starts with… Continue reading
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David Cameron’s Immigration Reverse Ferret
If you seek cheap entertainment, the sight of government ministers defending their immigration policies to the foreign press is always worth a sardonic chuckle or two. And, lo, it came… Continue reading
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Obituary of the Week: Jungleyes Love - Spectator Blogs
I’ve been on Jura on a Wedding Planning Immersion Course* these past few days so, apart from noting that the Pope is retiring (upon which I have no opinion), I’ve… Continue reading
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Whisper it, but the British economy may in better shape than you think... - Spectator Blogs
Doom and gloom is all around. This is another winter, if not of discontent, then certainly of persistent grumbling. Optimism is as rare as a Scottish victory at Twickenham and,… Continue reading
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Should Jews leave Britain?
Should Jews leave Britain? The question is prompted by this piece written by the Israeli journalist Caroline Glick. Glick recently came to London to take part in an Intelligence Squared… Continue reading
260 CommentsFrank Keating, 1937-2013 - Spectator Blogs
A while back a friend remarked that a piece I’d written – on cricket probably though, perhaps, darts – was “worthy of Frank Keating”. I can’t say if the compliment… Continue reading
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