Historian Joan Reid at the Benjamin Franklin House on the 23rd July, 2012. Benjamin Franklin House, 36 Craven St, WC2, 020 7839 2006, £5

Writer Pankaj Mishra at the London School of Economics on the 30th July, 2012. LSE Old Theatre, Houghton St, WC2, 020 7955 6043, free

Politician Tom Watson at Ways with Words festival on the 9th July 2012. Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon, TQ9, 01803 867 373, £9

The UK Independence Party is a serious threat to the Conservatives

Best strategy for the Lib Dems? More of the same

The Occupiers' disdain for everyday democracy brings them dangerously close to their neoliberal foes.

A new biography of Barack Obama focuses on all the wrong milestones of an unusual life

Bronwen Maddox introduces the July issue.

Rowan explores Narnia, Bill Clinton gets headhunted, and Cameron meets Adonis

A strong showing by UKIP in European elections could spell trouble for the Tory vote