The Critic Magazine

27 November, 2025

With its unrivalled breadth of books and arts reviews, the Christmas double issue of The Critic will keep you informed and entertained throughout the season of goodwill. The first of the magazine’s new series of long-form essays provides an in-depth and inside account of how the British Army is no longer among the most feared and respected fighting forces in the world. What went wrong and is it too late to put right? Mark Littlewood argues that a failure to adapt to Britain’s political realignment explains the Conservative Party’s plight, whilst Sebastian Milbank maintains that it is the Labour Party that has failed to make the weather. Former Ofsted boss, Amanda Spielman, outlines why the civil service is mandated not to be impartial, and Helen Joyce asks what will replace transgenderism as the big progressive cause of our times. Also, Marcus Walker seeks inspiration and solace in Dubai and Venice, Patrick Kidd bids a “ciao” to the old San Siro, Norman Lebrecht laments classical music’s bruising year, Jonathan Glancey admires the post-industrial ruins of Britain’s redundant cooling towers, Alexander Larman toasts Simon Raven and Henry Jeffreys launches The Critic’s wine club in time for Christmas. Cheers!