Why ‘woke' is now just a right-wing fetish
For the Brexit fundamentalists, any form of deal, indeed the whole business of international diplomacy, is now for cucks and simps. If we were real patriots, we'd be marching through Normandy with the muskets out and banners flying to force the French to buy our sausages.
There is no place for grown-up politics in the febrile imagination of the terminally anti-woke.
For former MEP Dan Hannan, this relatively inoffensive deal means that 'Britain will become the EU's gimp, trussed up in black leather and zips, with a ball-gag in its mouth.'
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Spectator
an hour ago
- Spectator
Rachel Reeves, Winston Churchill and a short history of crying in politics
The scenes of a tearful Rachel Reeves are all anyone is likely to remember from yesterday's Prime Minister's Questions. The Chancellor wept openly, her expression distraught; it was difficult to watch. The death of Princess Diana and the extraordinary outpourings of public grief that followed marked the end of stiff-upper-lip Britain. Vestiges remain, however, and we still become uncomfortable at the sight of the prominent and powerful brought to tears. It triggers a Pavlovian response in much the same way that the mention of religion in polite company has our toes scrunching in our shoes, as we try to dig a hole to escape the awkwardness. In fact, the tearful politician has been with us for some time. Andrew Roberts notes that Winston Churchill's 'astonishing lachrymosity could be unleashed at minor moments as well as on great occasions, especially if martial music was involved'. Examples included tearing up on a visit to an East End air raid shelter during the Blitz, while singing 'O God Our Help In Ages Past' with FDR aboard the USS Augusta, and after watching historical drama That Hamilton Woman (Alexander Korda, 1941). For Brits over a certain age, a defining political memory will be Margaret Thatcher's tear-stained exit from Number 10. Her voice trembled as she announced: 'Ladies and gentlemen, we're leaving Downing Street for the last time,' but the brave face gave way once she was bundled into the back of the car that would carry her away from power. A camera flash penetrated the tinted windows and revealed the haunted eyes and clasped lip of a commander betrayed by her own infantrymen. Twenty-nine years later, Theresa May trod the same cobbled steps to fall on her own sword, though much like her predecessor the mortal wounds had been delivered by the daggers of her own colleagues. May held up longer than Thatcher but began to waver when she spoke of 'the job that it has been the honour of my life to hold' and there was a pronounced crack in her timbre at mention of being 'the second female prime minister'. But it was in the final words of her statement, when she expressed her 'enormous and enduring gratitude', that her composure crumbled, so that she closed several octaves higher, on 'serve the country that I love', and you could feel her heart ache with each syllable. While Thatcher's tears elicited schadenfreude from her enemies on the left, May's sniffles evoked a little more sympathy due to the sheer impossibility of the feat she had taken on: getting Brexit through an anti-Brexit parliament and a soft Brexit through a hard Brexit party. There was markedly less sympathy for Matt Hancock during his lachrymose tenure as health secretary, epitomised by his choking up while discussing the Covid vaccine rollout on Good Morning Britain. Hancock's Kleenex moments became so prolific that they were mocked by Spitting Image and even had Good Morning Britain questioning how sincere the waterworks were. Public lamentations by the political classes aren't just a British phenomenon. Even less sympathetic than Hancock is Japanese lawmaker Ryutaro Nonomura, who went viral in 2014 for bawling hysterically in a press conference called to rebut allegations that he had fraudulently claimed expenses. He was later convicted of misusing public funds, and is now a relationship guru and host of 'Ryutaro Nonomura's Love Story Channel'. (I'm not making this up.) Hillary Clinton choked up during a televised reading of the presidential victory speech she never got to give in 2016, an act of such solipsism you can appreciate why the American people opted for the reality TV sociopath instead. Former Republican House Speaker John Boehner bleated so often — when he was sworn in, when he met the Pope, when he had a conversation with the prime minister of Estonia — that blubbing is his principal legacy. Edmund Muskie, a serious contender for the Democrat presidential nomination in 1972, was thought to have sunk his chances when a speech in New Hampshire defending his wife from criticism of her lifestyle opened the floodgates. Other leaders manage to snot up but retain their dignity in the long run. Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin famously sobbed during a radio broadcast on the Altalena affair while Australians recall Bob Hawke being overcome during a speech describing the horrors of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Politics is an unforgiving business. One of Hawke's successors, Julia Gillard, remembers a phone call from another former PM, the eternally blunt Paul Keating, the day after she was deposed in a party room coup. 'We all get taken out in a box, love,' came the voice on the other end of the line. It was intended as a consolation. Yet the brute realities and sudden betrayals that await all who walk the corridors of power are of little interest to the voters. They don't have warm and fuzzy feelings for Chancellors at the best of times, and certainly not in times of economic hardship. Our upper lips might not be so stiff anymore but they curl in cruelty when a politician blubbers. Whatever the source of Rachel Reeves' sorrows, the political and media classes will be far more sympathetic than the voters. Whether her anguish is personal or political, most hearts across the country have already hardened against her. Many MPs and journalists will find that hard to believe — what if some terrible family loss is involved? — but as in so many things proximity to Westminster is distance from the voters, and the voters are not merely angry but contemptuous towards this government. A little more graciousness would benefit us all, a recognition of life's difficulties and complexities, even just a fleeting pang of empathy for our common human frailty, but don't count on it in this case. If the Chancellor had any idea just how thoroughly the public loathes her and her colleagues, she really would weep.
The Herald Scotland
3 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scotch whisky industry sailing through choppy waters
The Trump tariffs landed as distillers were dealing with an almighty hangover from a post-Covid boom. Demand for premium Scotch whisky cooled as economic conditions deteriorated in key markets such as China, the US and Latin America, leaving importers with surpluses of stock to work through. Geopolitical turbulence, with Russia continuing its assault on Ukraine, attacks on shipping in the Mediterranean, and conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, has done nothing for consumers' thirst for the water of life either. The impact of these challenges has been writ large in recent results from major industry players. In June, Bruichladdich owner Remy Cointreau cited the volatile global economic and geopolitical backdrop as it scrapped a key long-term target, highlighting the effects of tariffs both in US and anti-dumping duties in China, a major market for the company's Cognac exports. That came shortly after Johnnie Walker Diageo warned in May that US tariffs may hit its profits by $150 million a year. Pernod Ricard, owner of Dumbarton-based Chivas Brothers, cited the fall-out from US tariffs in April as sales fell short of forecasts in the third quarter. Given this background, it was no surprise that Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) was blunt in its assessment when asked to comment on the trading outlook by The Herald Business HQ Monthly, with the industry body also highlighting the impact on distillers from the high cost of production. Read more: 'What we're seeing right now is a once-in-a-generation set of challenges facing the Scotch whisky industry,' a spokesperson for the SWA said. 'Businesses of all sizes, but particularly SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), are operating under considerable strain as input costs have risen, from increased raw material and energy prices to the rise in employment costs. Consumer spending is also being impacted, the impact of which is being felt across the supply chain and hospitality sector. 'On the international stage, the key markets relied upon by smaller and medium sized companies to establish their business – the UK, the EU, and the US – are all facing their own unique obstacles which have put up barriers to trade and access. The US is our most valuable market, and is vital for many companies as they establish their export portfolio. 'It's important that talks continue between governments on both sides to reduce the current 10% the tariff burden for Scotch in the US. In the EU, we are monitoring developments on the new UK-EU deal to understand how the Scotch whisky industry can benefit.' With the impact of tariffs imposed during the first Trump president still fresh in their minds – the 25% tariff on single malt is believed to have hit exports by £650 million - Scotch whisky distillers are reporting disruption in the US market. Some distillers are changing their approach to the US, which remains the sector's biggest market by value. The value of Scotch shipped to the US was measured at £971 million in 2024. (Image: GlenAllachie) Billy Walker of GlenAllachie is upbeat about the industry's prospects in Vietnam 'The immediate term impact has been confusion and uncertainty over the tariffs leading to our distributors being very cautious,' said Ian Palmer, founder and chairman of InchDairnie Distillery in Fife. 'In the long term, there will be price increases for the US consumer leading to a loss of volume and that will be more evident at the 'value' end of the market. 'The more premium end will be better placed to ride out the storm. Our brands, our Scottish rye whisky, RyeLaw, and our recently launched peated malt, KinGlassie, are both at the premium end. At present we are managing both our costs and our price point, as well as preparing to be flexible. 'Historically, the US has always been seen as solid and safe market. This has gone now, so we are looking to manage the risk by ensuring we have a good geographic spread for our brands.' The uncertainty which has arisen from the Trump tariffs was also highlighted Martin Murray, co-owner and founder of Thurso-based Dunnet Bay Distillers. 'It's a real challenge for us,' he said: 'We'd set out a plan for 2025 with market visits and investment, but that has been significantly impacted by the US tariffs. It feels like we're living week to week and that's not good for anyone in the supply chain. The possibility of [tariffs] rising to 25% would have a big impact on sales and investment in this market. As a result, we've changed our strategy to be investing in sales in Asia. Our sales in China are going well in a market that still has challenges post-Covid.' Commenting more generally on the outlook, Mr Murray added: 'Currently, it certainly feels very turbulent, but there is an underlying resilient demand. We're braced for a challenging period, whilst things come back into balance. At the moment it feels like it's perfect storm of economic headwinds, trade policy uncertainty and changing behaviours. 'The biggest threats are tariffs in the US, and the impact on increasing costs in hospitality in the UK. For us we see the opportunities as being the continued trend of premiumisation and emerging markets.' Scotch whisky veteran Billy Walker, owner of the GlenAllachie Distillery in Speyside, said he is working in partnership with its US importers to spread the cost of tariffs on both parties. Read more: Mr Walker, who before acquiring GlenAllachie had built up and sold the BenRiach Distillery Company and previously worked for Ballantine's, Inver House, and Burn Stewart, said: 'We're trying to mitigate [the tariff] by taking 50% of it on us. So from an importer's point of view, they are going to be confronted with a 5% [cost increase]. 'But on a general position, these tariffs are going to be more damaging than the previous ones, because the previous ones were only on single malt. These are on all Scotch whisky.' Asked if there was any hope of the US tariffs on UK goods being reduced, Mr Walker said the SWA, which represents the industry in government matters, was doing a 'terrific job with the appropriate political people in the UK to find a way to mitigate them, or to get them reduced or removed'. But he said: 'I don't think they are going to get them wholly removed… it would be really welcome if they disappeared completely, but I don't think that is likely in the short-term.' Despite the challenges on the immediate horizon across the Atlantic, distillers emphasised the importance of the US market to the industry's prospects in the long run. Richard Urquhart, sales director at Elgin-based Gordon & MacPhail, owner of the Benromach and The Cairn distilleries in the north of Scotland, said the importance of the US to the company and the wider industry 'hasn't changed despite the imposition of tariffs'. Mr Urquhart said: 'While these tariffs have undoubtedly introduced added complexity and cost pressures, we remain committed to the market and to our American consumers and we will continue to work closely with our in-market partners to minimise impact. 'In terms of strategy, we will continue to navigate the changing environment. It's not about pulling back, it's about adapting. We remain focused on delivering exceptional whisky experiences, regardless of the trading climate.' For some distillers, it is a case of as you were. William Dobbie, managing director of R&B Distillers, owner of Isle of Raasay Distillery, said that US tariffs 'present a bit of short-term but are manageable together with our import partners'. He told The Herald Business HQ Monthly: 'The tariff on UK goods is not as punitive as some other regions in the world, which is manageable for now. The US tariffs are not changing our strategy at all. In fact, we are investing in the US market and plan to have some boots on the ground there over the next 12 to 24 months. 'Our independent, private ownership means we can take a very long-term point of view and allow us to make decisions that will put the business in a strong place long after the challenging short-term market conditions we are experiencing. If we changed our business plans at every whim of the current US administration we would be changing them every week, which is not something we have a desire or need to do.' Read more: Away from the US, distillers' hopes of building sales in the burgeoning spirits market of India received a major boost recently. The UK-India trade deal, which followed years of negotiations between the two countries, halved tariffs on imports of whisky and gin to India from 150% to 75%. The tariffs will then be reduced to 40% by the 10th year of the agreement. 'The UK-India trade deal is genuinely transformational for the Scotch whisky industry,' said Mr Murray at Dunnet Bay Distillers. 'Reducing tariffs from 150% to 75% immediately, and to 40% by year ten, opens unprecedented opportunities in what's already the world's largest whisky market by volume. 'Industry experts estimate this could increase Scotch exports to India by £1 billion annually, while generating £3.4bn in additional tax revenue for the Indian government through increased sales. For new distilleries like Castletown Mill, this is particularly significant because the deal enables smaller and independent producers to access the Indian market for the first time. 'India's growing middle class of over 300 million people represents a massive opportunity for premium spirits with authentic heritage stories. We've just got to be patient as we start our distillation of whisky this year.' Other markets are emerging strongly for the industry. Mr Walker highlighted the potential of a range of markets in Asia for Scotch whisky, including South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia, and singled out Vietnam as one to watch. Describing Vietnamese people as 'hard-working, energetic, and entrepreneurial', Mr Walker said: 'There's money to be spent there. I can see Vietnam becoming a huge holiday area in the next few years because it has such a wonderful coastline with remarkably decent infrastructure. 'And they are knowledgeable, they are not novices when it comes to Scotch whisky.' Mr Palmer also highlighted the potential of Asia for the industry. He acknowledged Asia and South America are 'not immune' to the current economic and trade uncertainty, but forecast that 'Asian markets will probably come out of the mist sooner than other markets'. Mr Murray added: 'We're finding challenges in most markets at present. The recovery post pandemic has not materialised and we're still seeing consumer spending habits changing. There are signs of a recovery with orders coming in regularly from China.' While there has been a steady flow of new distillery openings in Scotland over the last couple of decades, the current conditions may lead potential developers to think twice about investing in new facilities for Scotch whisky production in the current climate. Mr Palmer believes there is currently 'plenty' of distilling capacity, 'so any new distillery will have to have a long-term funding plan in place and develop a product that brings something new to the marketplace'. He added: 'I don't think more of the same will work in the current economic environment.' Mr Murray was slightly more optimistic on this front, noting: 'I believe there is still scope for new distilleries to open. I believe the traditional route to market is going to be less important as direct digital marketing and sales give new distilleries access to a significant audience willing to pay for premium products. 'Emerging markets have the place to play in supporting new distilleries' sales in the long term.'
Spectator
6 hours ago
- Spectator
Is Britain ready for France's most controversial novel?
This Saturday is the centenary of the birth of one of France's most controversial writers. Jean Raspail, who died in 2020, wrote many books during his long and varied life, but only one, The Camp of the Saints, is remembered. Even his admirers and sympathisers admit that the book isn't a classic in the literary sense. In an article to mark the publication of a recent biography of Raspail, Le Figaro said the novel was guilty of a 'certain kitschness, clumsiness, awkwardness and a nihilism that seems forced'. More than that, it has been accused of being overtly racist. Yet what made The Camp of the Saints such a sensation when it was published – and increasingly today among the online right – was its narrative. Raspail explained the idea for it came to him in 1972 as he looked out at the Mediterranean from the Côte d'Azur. 'The immigration problem didn't exist yet,' he said. 'The question suddenly arose: 'What if they came?'' In The Camp of the Saints, a million migrants from India land in the south of France in an armada of small boats. The left welcomes them with open arms and cries of: 'We're all from the Ganges now!' The French government requests that the rest of Europe accepts some of the arrivals, which it does. Seeing the generosity of Europe, more migrants from other Third World countries decide to head to the Old Continent for a new life. Europe collapses. The Camp of the Saints was savaged by much of the American press when it was published across the Atlantic in 1975, and not just because of its language. 'Preposterous' was the reaction of the New York Times, which mocked Raspail's 'fancy that sometime in the near future the Third World, protesting the unequal division of the world's goods and western indifference to its misery, strikes back'. In 2019, the NYT returned to the attack in an article entitled 'A Racist Book's Malign and Lingering Influence'. According to the paper, 'what Raspail described as a 'parable' came to be seen as a canonical text in white nationalist circles'. It namechecked Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump as two politicians influenced by the book. Given its reputation, The Camp of the Saints is possibly the closest thing we have to an actual 'banned book' in the English-speaking world. It has never been published in Britain, and while it was reissued by a small American publisher in 1995, secondhand paperbacks cost upwards of £200 on Amazon. But that is about to change. The novel is soon to be released in English again, this time by an independent American publisher called Vauban Books, run by Ethan Rundell. Rundell is a Francophile who studied in Paris in the 1990s (as well as Berkeley and Trinity College, Cambridge) and worked for many years in France as a translator. He founded Vauban Books in 2023 with Louis Betty, a professor of French at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Their mission is to translate into English books in French that are victims of 'ideological curation and gatekeeping… some voices are amplified, often for no other reason than they flatter the prevailing doxa on this side of the Atlantic; other voices, some of them quite prominent, are neglected or even actively suppressed when what they have to say runs counter to it'. Among the authors published so far by Vauban are Renaud Camus, the originator of the 'Great Replacement Theory' – which holds that ethnic French and white European populations are being replaced by non-white people. Camus was recently barred from entering Britain because the government said his 'presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good'. Rundell tells me it was a 'great honour' to be the translator of Camus. 'To publish Camus is to discover just how far we have gone in the direction of a post-literary society,' he says. 'His words are on all lips. Everyone has an opinion about him. And yet shockingly few people still seem capable of marshalling the basic curiosity – or perhaps I should say intellectual self-regard – needed to consult the source before rendering judgment on it.' He believes the same applies to Raspail, which is why Vauban is reissuing his best-known work in September. 'It has become an object of reflexive condemnation, even though many of those condemning it have never read a word that Raspail wrote,' says Rundell. 'On purely liberal grounds – informed debate, the free circulation of ideas, the need to make important primary texts available to the public at large – the case for publishing it is self-evident.' Even some supporters of the book take issue with many of the expressions it uses, but Rundell is braced for the criticism: 'I expect some people will be very angry that we are bringing it out, not least because it gives the lie to the imaginary, parallel world the progressive intelligentsia has constructed for itself and still seeks to impose upon the rest of us.' Bien-pensants hate the book, adds Rundell, because it 'relentlessly mocks that same intelligentsia, which in many ways has hardly changed since the book was first published in 1973'. Vauban Books hopes to have The Camp of the Saints ready for pre-order in Britain and Europe by the end of this month, although Rundell says he fears the distributor might 'refuse to carry the title'. With that in mind he intends to contact Toby Young's Free Speech Union. 'There may well be a battle ahead,' says Rundell. The Camp of the Saints isn't a great book, but it is an important one. Its concern about mass immigration can often shift into revelling in racist tropes. In that sense, it speaks to our current debates, where the line between demographic worries and outright nativism is frequently blurred. But as Rod Dreher in the American Conservative has written: 'You don't have to endorse Raspail's radical racialist vision to recognise that there is diagnostic value in his novel.'
