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Hello and welcome to Spectator Out Loud.

Each week we choose some of our favorite pieces from the magazine and ask their writers to read them aloud.

I'm Patrick Gibbons and on this week's podcast.

Amidst talk of a political pact, Katie Balls

analyzes the threat that reform posed to the Conservatives.

Alexander Rulbo takes us through the Maga social scene and the topsy-turvy world of the

art collective, Remilia. Reviewing Vatican spies from the Second World War to Pope Francis by

Yvonnec Donal,

Damien Thompson says it's scandalous that such a high number of priests have acted as communist moles.

Declaring The Rest is Booze, Daisy Dunn reviews the intoxicating history podcast from Henry Jeffries and Tom Parker Bowles,

as well as the art history show moving pictures on BBC

Radio 4. And finally, Mark Mason provides his notes on obituaries. Up first, Katie Balls.

In 1603, James VI managed to do what few thought possible. The self-styled First King of Great Britain

succeeded in bringing the old enemies of Scotland and England under one monarch. The self-styled First King of Great Britain succeeded in bringing the old

enemies of Scotland and England under one monarch. The union of the crowns is a topic of chatter

and inspiration for the British right these days. Admirers of Nigel Farage now talk about the

James First model. The idea is simple. Could the two warring tribes of the Conservatives and Reform be brought

together under one leader? The next general election may be nearly four years away, but it's telling

...