The Edition The Spectator

This week, ‘Megxit’ has divided the nation – but could slimming down the monarchy actually be a good idea (00:50)? Plus, Ireland goes to the polls next month – how could the next Taoiseach impact Brexit talks (16:35)? And last, what if charity work isn’t quite the rewarding experience you expect (27:40)?
With Tim Stanley, Katie Nicholl, Liam Halligan, Tony Connelly, Cosmo Landesman and Mary Wakefield.
Presented by Isabel Hardman.
Produced by Cindy Yu and Gus Carter.

It’s been a week since Qassem Soleimani was assassinated. In this episode, we ask – has Trump’s decision actually united the Middle East (00:30)? Plus, as the Labour leadership contest gets underway – do any of the candidates actually scare the Tories (15:40)? And last, is the piggybank a thing of childhoods past (28:30)?
With Sir John Jenkins, Oz Katerji, Katy Balls, James Mills, Laurie Graham, and Iona Bain.
Presented by Lara Prendergast.
Produced by Cindy Yu and Gus Carter.

How do you and your family spend Christmas? In the Christmas issue of the Spectator, broadcaster and author Gyles Brandreth writes about the generations old traditions in his family of playing games and reciting poetry. In this episode of the Edition at Christmas, the Spectator’s Features Editor and resident board games fanatic Will Moore speaks to Gyles and Mark Mason, author of the Importance of Being Trivial, about their favourite Christmas traditions.

It’s been a protest unlike any other that China has seen. Since June, hundreds of thousands – by some estimates millions – of Hong Kongers have protested against the government. What was sparked by opposition to an extradition bill that would allow Hong Kongers to face trial in the mainland, has now turned into a six month long pro-democracy movement. So how significant are these protests, and have they got any closer to their goal? 
With Professor Kerry Brown and Isabella Steger.
Presented by Cindy Yu.

At the start of the year, Trump was locked in a fight with the Democrats over the funding for his wall, leading to a weeks long government shutdown. As Trump faces impeachment this week, has much changed in 2019?
With Freddy Gray, editor of Spectator USA, and John Rick MacArthur, President of Harpers Magazine.
Presented by Cindy Yu.

At the start of the year, Theresa May had just survived a no confidence motion from her own party, but she was barely clinging on. Cross-party MPs, aided by John Bercow, defeated the government in vote after vote. There was a real chance that Brexit might have been reversed. Things are pretty different now. So what were the main events of 2019?
With James Forsyth, Katy Balls, and Jacqui Smith.
Presented by Isabel Hardman.