The week that was | 9 December 2011

Here is a selection of posts made on Spectator.co.uk over the past week:

Fraser Nelson highlights the New York Times’s austerity myth, and wonders how Europe’s 17-plus-six will proceed now.

James Forsyth says that the Brussels summit was a defining moment for British politics, and posts an extended version of his interview with Owen Paterson.

Peter Hoskin says that the Merkozy Plan fails to convince.

Melanie McDonagh
argues that the state should take charge of examinations.

David Blackburn reports on this week’s lobbying scandal.

Daniel Korski explains what Cameron could have done differently in Brussels.

Martin Bright attacks an old lie.

Nick Cohen laments the misogyny of journalists and the internet.

Rod Liddle says the Tory right isn’t making sense.

Alex Massie writes that Nicolas Sarkozy triumphed in Brussels.

The Spectator Books Blog wonders whether it’s okay to give up on a book.

The Spectator Arts Blog says that Charles Saatchi might