The New Statesman

The New Statesman
source
Title	The New Statesman
Frequency	Weekly
Category	Politics, current affairs, culture
Firstdate	12 April 1913
Country	United Kingdom
Language	English

The New Statesman. A prominent British weekly magazine of political and cultural commentary, founded in London in 1913 by members of the Fabian Society, including Beatrice Webb and Sidney Webb. It has served as a significant forum for left-leaning intellectual debate throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, publishing a wide array of influential journalists, writers, and thinkers. The publication is known for its in-depth analysis, literary criticism, and coverage of international affairs, maintaining a position as a key voice within the British left.

History

The magazine was launched with the aim of promoting the gradualist socialist ideals of the Fabian Society, merging with the liberal weekly The Nation in 1931 to form the New Statesman and Nation. During the Spanish Civil War, it provided staunch support for the Republican cause, and its editors, such as Kingsley Martin, navigated the complex ideological terrain of the 1930s and the rise of Nazi Germany. In the post-war era, it critically examined the Cold War, the Suez Crisis, and the policies of successive governments from Clement Attlee to Margaret Thatcher. It underwent several ownership changes, including a period under Independent News & Media, before being purchased by its current proprietor. The magazine has consistently adapted to the digital age while maintaining its print edition.

Political stance and editorial line

Traditionally aligned with the Labour Party and democratic socialism, the magazine's editorial line has often positioned it on the party's left wing, advocating for policies such as public ownership, social justice, and multilateral foreign policy. It was historically critical of Atlanticism and strongly opposed the Iraq War in 2003. While broadly supportive of Labour governments, it has frequently critiqued leaders from Harold Wilson to Tony Blair for perceived ideological compromises. In recent years, its stance has reflected the internal debates within the British left following the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn and the electoral successes of the Conservative Party under Boris Johnson.

Notable contributors and editors

Its long-serving editor Kingsley Martin shaped the publication for three decades, while later editors included Anthony Howard and John Kampfner. A vast array of literary and political figures have contributed to its pages, including George Orwell, whose early essays and reviews appeared there, Virginia Woolf, Bertrand Russell, and Christopher Hitchens. Renowned literary editors like Martin Amis and Julian Barnes have overseen its cultural coverage, and political commentators such as John Pilger, Suzanne Moore, and Will Self have been regular columnists. Internationally recognized writers like Seamus Heaney and Maya Angelou have also published work within its sections.

Format and content

The publication is structured into distinct sections covering politics, current affairs, international reporting, and arts criticism. Each issue typically features long-form essays, investigative journalism, and opinion columns on domestic issues like the National Health Service and Brexit, as well as global events in regions such as the Middle East and United States. Its renowned cultural coverage includes book reviews, theatre criticism, and commentary on film and television, often featuring contributions from major novelists and poets. Regular supplements and special issues focus on topics ranging from science and technology to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Circulation and readership

While its print circulation has declined in line with industry trends, it maintains a dedicated subscriber base and has significantly expanded its digital audience through its website and podcast offerings. Its readership is demographically characterized by high levels of education and engagement with politics, spanning academia, the public sector, and the media. The magazine's audience extends beyond the United Kingdom, with substantial readership in North America and Europe, bolstered by its coverage of international politics and its historical reputation. Circulation figures are audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulations.

Influence and reception

It is widely regarded as an essential organ of the British intellectual left, having shaped political discourse and Labour Party policy debates for over a century. Its journalism has broken significant stories and its essays have often set the agenda for discussions on socialism, foreign policy, and cultural life. The magazine has received numerous awards, including from the British Society of Magazine Editors and the British Press Awards. Critics from publications like The Spectator or The Economist have often contested its ideological perspective, but it remains a fixture in the Westminster media landscape and a required reading for those engaged with progressive politics.

Category:British political magazines Category:Weekly magazines published in the United Kingdom Category:Publications established in 1913