18 April 2005

From the Editor…

Welcome to the New Statesman website. Whether you are a new reader or an existing one - online or via the magazine - I hope you'll enjoy the great writing, fresh ideas and provocative debate that make the New Statesman Britain's award-winning current affairs weekly

Jason Cowley, Editor, New Statesman

Cover story

Faith invaders

As Britain's culture wars grow in intensity, and abortion and artistic freedom become hot issues, Cristina Odone reveals that Saudi and US funds are behind the devout religious groups that lead the offensive

By Cristina Odone

Features

Nightmare on Downing Street

By John Kampfner

If the Conservatives under Michael Howard really did win the keys to No 10 next month, what kind of Britain could we expect? Would we leave the EU? What would happen to the minimum wage?

My pledge card

Don't like Tony's six election promises? What would you prefer?

It worked for Bush

By Steve Morgan

The Republican strategy was to get conservative voters to the polls by exploiting their "anger points". Michael Howard could do the same. Steve Morgan reports

One-reader poll

Questions they don't want you to ask

By Neil Clark

'To most, Brown is a triumphant success. But in his own terms, he has failed '

By Richard Reeves

The election issue of the week - Has Labour really done as well on the economy as its leaders boast? Richard Reeves finds that, despite the undoubted pluses, there is a downside

I do like a high concept

By Zoe Williams

The party leaders represent the three ages of man, and at the moment, Zoe Williams is rather fond of them all

Bring back stinks and bangs!

By Robin McKie

Children's scientific curiosity is being stifled by teachers' fear of safety regulations and court action. But without risk there can be no discovery, argues Robin McKie

Regulars

New Statesman Leader

For middle-class welfare, vote Lib Dem

Darcus Howe fears the racists of Belfast

By Darcus Howe

In Belfast, I was warned, a black man should not go out alone at night

Competition

Win vouchers to spend at any Tesco store

Culture

Bach to school

By Jessica Duchen

Dazzling when he sprang on to the world stage as a pianist, Daniel Barenboim has conquered the arenas of conducting and orchestral leadership. He is now turning his attention to enthusing children with the classics, discovers Jessica Duchen

Voices off

By Richard Cork

Contemporary art - A babelish ghetto is transported into a Royal Mail sorting office. Richard Cork is transfixed

Theatre

You cannot be serious

By Michael Coveney

Theatre - The reinvention of The Holy Grail as a musical is another triumph for satirical theatre. Michael Coveney reports from New York

Theatre

Michael Portillo - Brief encounter

By Michael Portillo

Theatre - A moving edit of a tragic day, but save some pity for others. By Michael Portillo Bloody Sunday: scenes from the Saville inquiry Tricycle Theatre, London NW6

Film