Queen’s Speech clears the Commons
After a difficult few weeks, Theresa May can today breath a sigh of relief – the Queen’s Speech has passed. MPs voted…
What part of ‘devolution’ does Stella Creasy not understand?
Abortion is a matter devolved to Northern Ireland’s representatives. Today, Belfast’s Court of Appeal ruled abortion law in Northern Ireland should…
Watch: Tory MP slams DUP deal – ‘I can barely put into words my anger’
Oh dear. Heidi Allen is fast establishing herself as one of the most rebellious MPs in the Conservative party. The…
Cardinal Pell returns to Australia ‘to clear his name’. But what are his chances of a fair trial?
Cardinal George Pell, the head of the Vatican’s finances, has been charged with historic sex offences in his native Australia. He…
The Government backs down over Queen’s Speech abortion amendment
In the face of a possible rebellion over an amendment to the Queen’s Speech, the Government has backed down. Chancellor…
The Spectator Podcast: The Corbyn delusion
On this week’s bumper episode we discuss the cult of Corbyn, sharia courts, the golden age of gossip, and orchid delirium.…
The abortion amendment is the first proper ambush for this government
The first proper government ambush of this Parliament is upon us. The Speaker has announced which amendments to the Queen’s…
I, Iain Duncan Smith – the ex-welfare secretary on tower blocks and work assessments
This morning, The Spectator held a series of discussions about the future of Conservative welfare reform, chaired by Andrew Neil and…
Books Podcast: Jonathan Meades
In this week’s Books Podcast I’m joined by the great Jonathan Meades. A man of many hats — food critic,…
Professor George Osborne makes it job number six
George Osborne has been keeping himself busy recently putting the boot into Theresa May at every opportunity. Not content with…
Michael Gove’s first Defra picket line
As Michael Gove settles into his new role as Defra secretary, word reaches Steerpike that the Conservative MP is already facing…
The truth about the global warming pause
Between the start of 1997 and the end of 2014, average global surface temperature stalled. This 18-year period is known as…
France is finally looking forward to some Brit-bashing
Was that a touch of gloating I detected last night as I watched the news on French television? The lead item…
What the papers say: Is it time for a tax hike?
The 48 per cent have spoken – and they want higher taxes, according to the British Social Attitudes survey. In…
Conservatives defeat Labour’s amendment to Queen’s Speech
After much confusion today over the Conservative position on whether the party ought to lift the cap on public sector…
The wait for answers over Grenfell Tower goes on
The death toll from Grenfell Tower has now risen to 80, with police saying it could be next year before…
Theresa May diverts Grenfell blame onto Tony Blair
It was the first PMQs since Mrs May crawled triumphantly back into Downing Street after her humiliating victory in the…
Even the BBC’s Business Editor struggles to explain the deficit
With austerity so last election, voters no longer seem too fussed by the deficit. It may be that they no…
Why Philip Hammond will spend the Autumn down the back of the sofa
The government is considering lifting the 1pc public sector pay cap in the autumn Budget. In the post PMQs briefing, a…
Theresa May reassures Tory MPs at PMQs
This PMQs was always going to be a very different affair for Theresa May. Post-election, her aura has gone and,…
Jeremy Corbyn: the nation’s therapist
Comparisons between Jesus and Jezza became commonplace long before he chose to end his election campaign with a rally at…
Theresa May will be feeling the heat at today’s PMQs
What a very different atmosphere the House of Commons Chamber will have today for its first PMQs since the election.…
What the papers say: Why Google deserves its record £2.1bn fine
Google’s profits have soared in recent years. Now the company has been slapped with a fine to match, with the…
Donald Trump’s troubles show no sign of ending
Donald Trump is now referring to himself in his copious Twitter messages as ‘T’. Unlike the real Mr. T, who…