New Statesman - Online-only content

Rush to judgement

Nick Spencer — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:21:00 GMT

Richard Dawkins should be wary of presuming to judge who is a genuine Christian and who isn't.

Love on the left

Samira Shackle — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:37:11 GMT

"Leon Trotsky thinks you're hotsky", and other Valentine's Day messages.

Web Only: the best of the blogs

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:55:43 GMT

The five must-read blogs from today, including Obama's new budget, Dawkins' religion poll, and public trust in Osborne.

Coalition considers charging for FoI requests

George Eaton — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:09:23 GMT

Is the government really committed to open data?

US press: pick of the papers

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 14:24:20 GMT

The ten must-read opinion pieces from today's US papers.

China set to reduce number of foreign TV shows

Robert Pollard — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:48:11 GMT

TV broadcasting agency sets new rules on the amount of foreign television programmes that can be aired.

Chart of the day: inflation plummets

George Eaton — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:26:32 GMT

Inflation falls to 3.6%, the lowest level since November 2010.

UK inflation rate lowest in over a year

Andrew McIntyre — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:09:53 GMT

The consumer prices index dropped more than half a point in January.

Ten point deduction looms as Rangers signal administration intent

Robert Pollard — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:53:31 GMT

Fifty-four times Scottish Champions face �49m HMRC bill.

Video: a love song for Sarah Teather

Samira Shackle — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:01:01 GMT

Love is in the air with this Valentine's Day parliamentary serenade.

Bereaved say "death knocks" better than social media

Andrew Pugh — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:58:31 GMT

A study finds groups and families may prefer that journalists visit personally.

Sayeeda Warsi, secularism and the Pope

Nelson Jones — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:28:50 GMT

In complaining about "militant secularisation", Warsi is talking the Catholic leader's language.

Osborne hoisted with his own petard

George Eaton — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:56:33 GMT

With Britain's credit rating on negative outlook, the Chancellor's reputation is on the line.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:39:32 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's papers.

Webbs on the Web

Alice Gribbin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:55:26 GMT

Diaries of NS founder and social reformer, Beatrice Webb, tell a fascinating personal and political history.

The turning of the tide

Juliet Jacques — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:57:52 GMT

The media's monstering of transgender people is finally being challenged.

Chart of the day: Boris regains lead over Ken

George Eaton — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:09:11 GMT

A new poll puts the Mayor of London two points ahead of his Labour rival.

Web Only: best of the blogs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:08 GMT

The five must-read blogs from today, including an unusual meeting of minds on Syria.

Japan's GDP drops further in Q4

Andrew McIntyre — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:40:56 GMT

Japan's fourth-quarter contraction was twice what analysts had predicted.

Reviews round-up

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:36:05 GMT

The critics' verdicts on Alain de Botton, Joseph Roth and Nathan Englander.

An open letter to Eric Pickles

Rowenna Davis — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:09:21 GMT

People are losing control of the public spaces they love. Give local councils a say over betting shops.

No recession but growth only "modest", predicts CBI

Staff Writer — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:33:50 GMT

Household spending will continue to be subdued.

US press: pick of the papers

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 14:13:50 GMT

The ten must-read opinion pieces from today's US papers.

A witch-hunt against the Sun?

David Allen Green — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:23:38 GMT

Why those at the tabloid should be more concerned with News International than the police.

Arrested Sun journalist "questioned over �50 lunch claim"

Dominic Ponsford — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:20:55 GMT

An expense claim shows one of the paper's journalists took two policemen to lunch.

Athens ablaze as Greek MPs pass austerity package

Robert Pollard — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:07:10 GMT

IMF and eurozone insist on further cuts in exchange for �110bn bailout fund.

What Tony Blair and David Miliband have to say to the Labour Party

Samira Shackle — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:03:24 GMT

Blair tells the party to focus on the centre-ground and links with the City, echoing Miliband's NS essay.

2012 Baftas: in pictures

Alice Gribbin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:43:07 GMT

Seven awards for the The Artist, two for Tinker Tailor and Best Actress to Meryl as Maggie.

Should Murdoch sell the Sun?

George Eaton — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:19:57 GMT

An intriguing proposal from Murdoch biographer Michael Wolff.

Grammy Awards 2012: in pictures

Alice Gribbin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:53:13 GMT

Adele thanks "doctors who brought my voice back" as she takes home six Grammys.

Sun comes out fighting asking: Who polices the police?

Dominic Ponsford — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:49:45 GMT

Kavanagh writes article criticising police raid.

Salmond and Cameron resume their tug of war

George Eaton — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:59:38 GMT

The likely outcome of this week's referendum talks.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:44:16 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's papers.

Whitney Houston, 1963-2012

Jonathan Derbyshire — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 11:09:26 GMT

Death of a singer blessed with a voice that was "good to vowels".

Empire of the Sun

Steven Baxter — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:29:40 GMT

If the Murdoch tabloid dies, I reserve the right not to mourn.

Isn't it time we backed Bahrain's revolution?

Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:05:23 GMT

As the first anniversary of the uprising approaches, it is time for the west to reassess its support for the regime.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 08:43:14 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Budget 2012: 20 minutes in, 1-0 Team Clegg

James Plunkett — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 11:45:49 GMT

The Lib Dems are right to identify higher rate pension tax relief as ripe for review.

Sarkozy sets out his stall

Jonathan Derbyshire — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 10:25:33 GMT

The French president will tack right to head off the threat of Marine Le Pen.

David Miliband's approach won't save Labour

Neal Lawson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:23:14 GMT

The old party is dead but its successor is yet to be born.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:45:58 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Pick of the Week

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:06:17 GMT

A selection of posts made this week on newstatesman.com

Quick fixes won�t stop rip-off Britain

Clare McNeil — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:11:32 GMT

Profiteering by the Big Six isn't to blame for the huge rise in energy prices.

Friday caption competition

George Eaton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:34:55 GMT

Romney throws the baby.

Web Only: the best of the blogs

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:00:08 GMT

The five must-read pieces from today, including whether fiscal stimulus can make a difference.

An economic riposte in three parts

David Blanchflower — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:09:43 GMT

On dealing with the deficit, GDP revisions and hours worked.

UK producer prices increase faster than predicted

Robert Pollard — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:53:58 GMT

Fastest rise in factory output prices for 9 months.

VIDEO: Republican's heartfelt plea on gay marriage goes viral

Samira Shackle — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:48:11 GMT

Representative Maureen Walsh gets emotional as she tells the House floor it is "cruel" to deny the right to love.

Chart of the day: the biggest employers in the world

George Eaton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:31:46 GMT

Where does the NHS rank?

Bideford Town Council hasn't a prayer

Nelson Jones — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:42:31 GMT

The High Court has ruled that local councils can't have prayers on the agenda.

The Friday Arts Diary

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:53:41 GMT

Our cultural picks for the week ahead.

LinkedIn attracts 14 million new members during Q4

Robert Pollard — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:38:03 GMT

Social network now boasts 145 million users as revenue doubles.

John Lewis Partnership weekly sales up by 10 per cent

Staff Writer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:51:43 GMT

Stores reported sales of �52.46m for the first week of February.

Why Bob Diamond's bonus is a legitimate target

George Eaton — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:41:35 GMT

Don't believe he myth that Barclays didn�t benefit from state support.

PepsiCo plans job cuts despite revenue surge

Staff Writer — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:34:33 GMT

Drinks company plans to cut 8,700 jobs, or about 3 per cent of its workforce.

Leveson sketch: Dacre � the sequel

Peter McHugh — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:34:26 GMT

Hugh Grant's "mendacious smear" has got right up the nose of the Daily Mail chief.

ConservativeHome calls for health bill to be scrapped

Samira Shackle — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:26:55 GMT

Three Tory cabinet ministers "almost instructed" influential website to come out against NHS reform.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:55:38 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Alex Salmond's counterfeit monarchism

James Maxwell — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:18:17 GMT

The SNP�s decision to embrace the royals looked like a clever strategic manoeuvre. But is it beginning to backfire?

Why greens can build the new capitalism

Ruth Davis — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:19:51 GMT

This is no straight fight between the free market and the state.

Real Madrid top Europe�s "Money League"

Robert Pollard — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:17:33 GMT

A total of six English clubs make up the top 20 but Spanish giants remain in pole position.

Gaza uncovered

Gareth Evans — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:08:38 GMT

A cinematic celebration of the lives of ordinary Palestinians.

When Ron Paul met Piers Morgan

Rebecca Lloyd — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:59:01 GMT

"Once you become a Ron Paul supporter you remain a Ron Paul supporter."

Boris Johnson vs the London Irish

Mehdi Hasan — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:34:18 GMT

Memo to the Mayor: not all Irish people are members of Sinn Fein.

Web Only: best of the blogs

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:21:54 GMT

The five must-read posts from today, including Osborne's bogus eurozone claims.

The lesson Cameron needs to learn from Birgitte Nyborg

Gavin Kelly — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:16:20 GMT

Our Scandinavian friends have much to teach us.

Chart of the day: the spectre of deflation

George Eaton — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:57:35 GMT

Why the Bank of England is troubled by falling prices.

Rewriting history will not atone for the mistreatment of Alan Turing

Nichi Hodgson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:52:23 GMT

If we pardon Turing, there are thousands more due the same. Never returning to those times should be our aim.

US press: pick of the papers

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:44:52 GMT

The ten must-read opinion pieces from today's US papers.

In the Critics this week

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:51:51 GMT

Alastair Sooke on Lucian Freud, John Gray on Alain de Botton and Will Self on the honours system.

"Eat the Data": three words that spell trouble for the coalition

David Blanchflower — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:49:24 GMT

The recession is only now becoming close and personal.

Cameron flirts with boardroom quotas

George Eaton — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:40:53 GMT

PM says he "won't rule out" legal targets for women in the boardroom.

NightJack blogger to sue the Times

David Allen Green — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:39:38 GMT

Richard Horton has instructed solicitor Mark Lewis.

Israel can be Jewish and democratic

Toby Greene and Alan Johnson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:34:25 GMT

A response to Ben White.

In this week's New Statesman: Boris vs Ken

Alice Gribbin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:54:45 GMT

Jemima Khan interviews the rivals | Jonathan Powell and Mehdi Hasan on Syria | Alastair Sooke on Lucian Freud

The Times and NightJack - the whole 'terrible' story

Press Gazette — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:23:57 GMT

The newspaper may face fresh legal action as details of email hacking are studied at Leveson Inquiry.

Why we should not deport Abu Qatada and be damned

Samira Shackle — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:53:47 GMT

Ignoring the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights would set a dangerous precedent.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:54:57 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Preview: Boris Johnson: �I�ll tell you what makes me angry � lefty crap�

Alice Gribbin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:30:36 GMT

Our exclusive interview with the London mayor, in tomorrow's magazine.

Preview: Ken Livingstone: �The world is run by monsters�

Alice Gribbin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:29:24 GMT

A preview of our exclusive interview with the Labour mayoral candidate.

Ken vs Boris: my verdict

Jemima Khan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:26:23 GMT

After interviewing both mayoral contenders in one day, I found Ken candid and Boris canny.

Web Only: best of the blogs

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:00:08 GMT

The five must-read blogs from today, including the key dangers in the health bill.

When is a bishop not a bishop?

Nelson Jones — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:33:31 GMT

Twenty years after they began ordaining women, Anglicans still haven't taken the final step towards gender equality.

PMQs sketch: Lansley still with us -- just

Peter McHugh — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:59:28 GMT

Health Secretary lives to fight another day as Cameron's temper flares again.

US press: pick of the papers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:56:56 GMT

The ten must-read opinion pieces from today's US papers.

On Sky News, Twitter, and whether we would like journalists to be human

Steven Baxter — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:46:21 GMT

Those who work for news organisations should, within reason, have a free hand in their personal tweets and writings.

On the political horizon: by-election mayhem

Rafael Behr — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:13:58 GMT

The races for new city mayoralties and directly elected police commissioners could mean choice Westminster seats being vacated. And then there's Eastleigh ...

PMQs review: Cameron's health problems get worse

George Eaton — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:11:00 GMT

A confident Ed Miliband left Cameron badly beaten on the NHS.

Virgin Media records first ever annual profit

Richard Hall — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:42:22 GMT

The British cable operator reported full-year net income of �75.9m.

Infographic: Republican primary race 2012

New Statesman — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:53:01 GMT

The dates, the votes, the delegates ... and the candidates.

Burying the hatchet

Jonathan Derbyshire — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:32:37 GMT

Adam Mars-Jones wins award for the "most trenchant book review of the past twelve months".

Revenue boost for Mail titles and Metro

Andrew Pugh — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:00:40 GMT

Associated Newspapers enjoys circulation rise.

Sky News and anti-social media

George Eaton — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:56:12 GMT

The channel's decision to ban retweets by its journalists is a great leap backwards.

Lansley fights another day as Cameron backs NHS reform

Samira Shackle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 09:39:19 GMT

The PM moves to squash speculation about the Health Secretary's future as the Lords prepare to debate the bill.

Santorum wins big. Is it a big nothing for the GOP race?

John Stoehr — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:16:04 GMT

Santorum's victories in Minnesota, Missouri, and Colorado mean bigger challenges for Romney and better chances for Gingrich.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:52:00 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri: 3 things to know

Alice Gribbin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 19:01:57 GMT

Another round of states vote for their Republican candidate.

Must read posts on the Twitter Joke Trial appeal

David Allen Green — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:23:47 GMT

Your brief guide to the High Court case.

Almost 1,000 jobs set to go in Lloyds shake up

Robert Pollard — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:23:33 GMT

Partially state-owned bank to close offices in Newcastle, Romford and Scunthorpe.

Web Only: the best of the blogs

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:08 GMT

The five must-read blogs from today, including why Cameron won't abandon his NHS reforms.

Charles Dickens: snapshots of a life

Alice Gribbin — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:29:35 GMT

Caricatures, interiors and comb-overs.

Gilbey on Film: We need to talk about Kermit

Ryan Gilbey — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:25:27 GMT

A triumphant cinematic return for the Muppets.

The monarchy is more secure than ever

Sunder Katwala — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:36:42 GMT

The uncomfortable truth for republicans is that public attitudes to the monarchy have barely shifted.

Dickens at 200

Sam Cane — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:51:21 GMT

A life in letters.

US press: pick of the papers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:40:42 GMT

The ten must-read opinion pieces from today's US papers.

What Lembit did next

George Eaton — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:02:09 GMT

Former Lib Dem MP turns pop star.

Disappointing sales figures for UK retailers

Robert Pollard — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:25:52 GMT

January figures down as consumer confidence remains low.

Latter Day Taint?

Nelson Jones — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:44:34 GMT

Evidence suggests that Mitt Romney's religion is less important to voters than it is to reporters.

BP profits rise sharply in Q4

Robert Pollard — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:22:50 GMT

Oil giant confirms increased dividend payments to shareholders after profits soar.

Dacre says Murdoch press support allowed Iraq war

Dominic Ponsford — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:39:34 GMT

Support of News International crucial to Iraq invasion, says Daily Mail chief.

Will Lansley be "taken out and shot"?

George Eaton — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:35:10 GMT

Speculation about the Health Secretary's future continues to grow.

�10.9bn of unpaid tax written off by government? Who cares!

Samira Shackle — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:20:05 GMT

The Treasury does not adequately monitor the way it spends public money, according to MPs.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:57:04 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

Laughed out of the Bank of England? You must be joking

David Blanchflower — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:19:34 GMT

A response.

Keeping faith with the state: a reply to David Miliband

Kevin Hickson and Robert M Page — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:33:51 GMT

Now is not the time for the left to turn its back on big government.

Scotland's credit rating becomes an issue

George Eaton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:23:26 GMT

Credit rating agencies warn that an independent Scotland may not inherit the UK's AAA rating.

Reviews round-up

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:53:54 GMT

The critics� verdicts on Jon McGregor, Tony Judt and Faramerz Dabhoiwala.

Can Newt make a comeback?

Rebecca Lloyd — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:09:40 GMT

He's already done it twice, but can Gingrich come back a third time?

Web Only: the best of the blogs

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:04:23 GMT

The five must-read blogs from today, including Paul Dacre's u-turn and the Network Rail bonus.

The threat from far-right terrorism

Mehdi Hasan — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:36:49 GMT

The Home Affairs Select Committee has produced an important report on an oft-ignored subject.

The Lib Dems' family feud on welfare

Richard Morris — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:11:27 GMT

Party activists are seething about the welfare reform bill.

UK manufacturers report output freeze

Robert Pollard — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:52:17 GMT

CBI report reveals effect of looming recession on manufacturing firms.

Why you should back High Streets First

Rowenna Davis — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:57:11 GMT

A new campaign wants locals to be given powers to limit the number of betting shops on their streets.

Average UK household still �7,900 in debt

Robert Pollard — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:53:35 GMT

New report shows that British consumers are struggling to pay down loans.

Why Ed Miliband welcomed David's intervention

Peter Hain — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:47:00 GMT

It is right that the Labour Party rigorously debates how to deliver fairness in tough times.

The latest Eurosceptic move is Cameron-friendly

Rafael Behr — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:57:00 GMT

100 Tory MPs have today called on the PM to do something he would almost certainly do anyway. Their real target is the Lib Dems.

Miliband rules out a shadow cabinet return. Or does he?

George Eaton — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:57:55 GMT

Former foreign secetary says "you never know" about possible frontbench return.

10 questions for Daily Mail boss Paul Dacre

Steven Baxter — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:22:28 GMT

The editor's appearance before the Leveson inquiry is the perfect time to ask about Mail Online.

Alex Salmond, the BBC and the impartiality question

Samira Shackle — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:57:56 GMT

The SNP leader's rugby punditry was cancelled on grounds of impartiality. Is he right to raise concerns about political interference?

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:51:53 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's newspapers.

As the cuts bite and growth stagnates, who will challenge our reckless bankers?

Ann Pettifor — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:52:51 GMT

In the absence of major re-regulation our financial system remains dangerously dysfunctional.

Don't be fooled by the Fred Goodwin sideshow

Laurie Penny — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:31:59 GMT

Gesture politics are good for only one thing: taking the edge off public outrage.

More fallout from the Huhne resignation

Mehdi Hasan — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:59:58 GMT

Ed Davey's rise and the party's potential humiliation...

How did Anonymous hack the FBI?

Ryan Gallagher — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:45:30 GMT

The latest, astonishing feat has put the internet hackers back in the public eye - and the authorities on the back foot.

Is Israel a democracy or an ethnocracy?

Ben White — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 10:21:07 GMT

Defenders of the Jewish state have unwittingly kicked off a much-needed debate about national identity.

Mitt Romney crushes Newt Gingrich in Nevada...

John Stoehr — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:47:47 GMT

...but the dog-whistling Gingrich refuses to quit the race.

Morning Call: pick of the papers

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:27:54 GMT

The ten must-read pieces from this morning's papers.