Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are hearing how much they will receive in compensation after the government vowed to pay “whatever it costs”. As the fallout from Sir Brian Langstaff’s report continued, ministers said that civil servants and Whitehall...Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are hearing how much they will receive in compensation after the government vowed to pay “whatever it costs”. As the fallout from Sir Brian Langstaff’s report continued, ministers said that civil servants and Whitehall...Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are hearing how much they will receive in...
The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation has put the economy on track for a “soft landing” and given the Bank of England room for three interest rate cuts this year. In its annual assessment of the UK, the Washington-based fund said that economic growth...The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation has put the economy on track for a “soft landing” and given the Bank of England room for three interest rate cuts this year. In its annual assessment of the UK, the Washington-based fund said that economic growth...The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation...
video
A British man has died and 47 others are injured after a flight from Heathrow was hit by severe turbulence, with one passenger saying: “Everywhere you looked there was another injury.” Witnesses recalled how within seconds of the seatbelt sign being turned on the aircraft plummeted thousands of feet, throwing...A British man has died and 47 others are injured after a flight from Heathrow was hit by severe...A British man has died and 47 others are injured after a flight from Heathrow was hit by severe...
MY CULTURE FIX
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
“Nice to be here again,” said Eric Clapton, gazing around the Royal Albert Hall as most ageing rockers might survey...“Nice to be here again,” said Eric Clapton, gazing around the Royal Albert Hall as most ageing...“Nice to be here again,” said Eric Clapton, gazing around the Royal Albert Hall as most ageing...
Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their spending on wages...Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their...Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their...
The actress Scarlett Johansson has said she was “shocked” and “angered” by a new audio version of ChatGPT that...The actress Scarlett Johansson has said she was “shocked” and “angered” by a new audio version of...The actress Scarlett Johansson has said she was “shocked” and “angered” by a new audio version of...
A ten-year-old boy was thrown over a 100ft cliff on to concrete and survived the fall after attempting to stop a man...A ten-year-old boy was thrown over a 100ft cliff on to concrete and survived the fall after...A ten-year-old boy was thrown over a 100ft cliff on to concrete and survived the fall after...
The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than usual. Flying north through Ukraine near Kyiv, the bird — whose only usual worry is picking off a tasty frog — was rocked by battlezone explosions and...The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than...The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than...
The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even closure if he pushes...The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even...The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even...
the times DIARY
Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not to pursue things that...Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not...Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not...
photography
An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia — particularly China — in the 1800s is going under the hammer after being hidden in a box for more than 100 years. Johann Carl Albert Jahreis, the collector...An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia —...An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia —...
video
President Macron is to fly to New Caledonia as a violent insurrection grips the French overseas territory. “He will go there tonight,” a government spokesman said Tuesday. The South Pacific territory has been gripped by deadly armed clashes, looting and arson in the past week, with six people...President Macron is to fly to New Caledonia as a violent insurrection grips the French overseas territory. “He will go there tonight,” a government spokesman said Tuesday. The South Pacific territory has been gripped by deadly armed clashes, looting and arson in the past week, with six people...President Macron is to fly to New Caledonia as a violent insurrection grips the French overseas territory. “He will go there...
A highly personal spat between Argentina and Spain’s political leaders shows no sign of abating after President Milei called Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, a “coward” and refused to apologise for calling his wife “corrupt”. On Tuesday the Spanish government withdrew its ambassador from Buenos Aires, ratcheting up a dispute that...A highly personal spat between Argentina and Spain’s political leaders shows no sign of abating after President Milei called Pedro Sánchez, the prime minister of Spain, a “coward” and refused to apologise for calling his wife “corrupt”. On Tuesday the Spanish government withdrew its ambassador from Buenos Aires, ratcheting up a dispute that...A highly personal spat between Argentina and Spain’s political leaders shows no sign of abating after President Milei called...
Gérard Depardieu, the French actor awaiting trial on sexual assault charges, will star in his first film role since being accused of rape, saying it comes at a “great time”. The star, who goes on trial in October, will feature in Travel Agents, an action movie with a budget of £85 million. Production is to...Gérard Depardieu, the French actor awaiting trial on sexual assault charges, will star in his...Gérard Depardieu, the French actor awaiting trial on sexual assault charges, will star in his...
video
A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear the courtroom on Monday after he scoffed at rulings and stared sullenly back at the bench in response to an order to show “proper decorum” on the stand.A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear...A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear...
Hollywood loves a comeback story — and this year’s Cannes film festival has delivered in spades, with a crop of 1990s stars returning to bask in the limelight. On Sunday Kevin Costner, 69, was back on the red carpet after a 20-year absence, and...Hollywood loves a comeback story — and this year’s Cannes film festival has delivered in spades...Hollywood loves a comeback story — and this year’s Cannes film festival has delivered in spades...
The stepbrother of the Princess of Greece has been reported missing in Los Angeles, with police raising concerns for...The stepbrother of the Princess of Greece has been reported missing in Los Angeles, with police...The stepbrother of the Princess of Greece has been reported missing in Los Angeles, with police...
A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition leader killed in a...A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition...A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition...
The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation has put the economy on track for a “soft landing” and given the Bank of England room for three interest rate cuts this year. In its annual assessment of the UK, the...The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation has put the economy on track for a “soft landing” and given the Bank of England room for three interest rate cuts this year. In its annual assessment of the UK, the...The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying that a faster-than-expected drop in inflation...
Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past decade, renewing concerns that the industry is not doing enough to weed out looming corporate collapses. A report from the Audit Reform Lab, a think tank at the University of Sheffield, shows that of the 250 largest...Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past decade, renewing concerns that the industry is not doing enough to weed out looming corporate collapses. A report from the Audit Reform Lab, a think tank at the University of Sheffield, shows that of the 250 largest...Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past...
Cazoo has gone into administration only three years after listing in New York at a valuation of $8 billion. The used car business launched by the Zoopla entrepreneur Alex Chesterman sought protection from creditors earlier this month and warned shareholders that it might need to file for administration. It has now...Cazoo has gone into administration only three years after listing in New York at a valuation of...Cazoo has gone into administration only three years after listing in New York at a valuation of...
business commentary
European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges. And a soaring...European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges.European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges.
comment
April’s inflation figures will be announced on Wednesday at 7am. The UK’s official statistics are not beyond...April’s inflation figures will be announced on Wednesday at 7am. The UK’s official statistics are...April’s inflation figures will be announced on Wednesday at 7am. The UK’s official statistics are...
The Aldi shop in Brighton and Hove city centre was heaving on Sunday afternoon, less than an hour before closing time. Shoppers frantically filled their trolleys and baskets with groceries and other kitchen staples. Shop workers shuffled back and...The Aldi shop in Brighton and Hove city centre was heaving on Sunday afternoon, less than an hour...The Aldi shop in Brighton and Hove city centre was heaving on Sunday afternoon, less than an hour...
Ryanair said that higher interest rates and weak consumer confidence could explain why growth in airfares has been slower than expected during the peak summer season. The warning was a rare note of caution in an industry that has boomed over the...Ryanair said that higher interest rates and weak consumer confidence could explain why growth in...Ryanair said that higher interest rates and weak consumer confidence could explain why growth in...
comment
Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting up of the Biden...Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting...Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting...
TEMPUS
There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos, the FTSE 250...There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos...There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos...
Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of an electric Kia instead. Uber, the app-based taxi service, is to offer more than 35,000 of its drivers in London up to £22,000 in grants and...Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of...Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of...
Expert tips
construction
Innovative approach to building labs for biotech and pharma is paying off for Tony and Kirsty Wells
Recruitment
In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of his government’s strategy for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan was for hydrogen to supply up to 35 per cent of Britain’s energy needs, but was the promise a load of hot air? No, according to key players in the country’s burgeoning hydrogen industry. Already the...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...
Six from the Best
As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close range. Working Assumptions, her latest book, unpacks what employers and employees need to know about the post-Covid changes rippling through the modern workforce. Here she shares her...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close...
euro 2024
Southgate selects Wharton, Jones and Quansah
updatedMarcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are the high-profile omissions from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate instead promoted an array of young talent. As Rashford, the Manchester United forward, and Henderson, the Ajax midfielder, were left contemplating an uncertain...Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are the high-profile omissions from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate instead promoted an array of young talent. As Rashford, the Manchester United forward, and Henderson, the Ajax midfielder, were left contemplating an uncertain...Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson are the high-profile omissions from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth...
Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their spending on wages, transfers and agents, while Arsenal provided the best value for money, according to a financial analysis. A late surge into European places for Mauricio Pochettino’s side did improve their performance compared to last season, but...Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their spending on wages, transfers and agents, while Arsenal provided the best value for money, according to a financial analysis. A late surge into European places for Mauricio Pochettino’s side did improve their performance compared to last season, but...Chelsea were the biggest underachievers in the Premier League this season compared to their spending on wages, transfers and...
steve james
Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied and hardline debate as the one surrounding the position of England Test wicketkeeper. The England management have already made one huge decision by ending James Anderson’s international career, and could they be about to...Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied...Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied...
MATT DICKINSON
It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that this glass room on...It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that...It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that...
Vincent Kompany is being considered by Bayern Munich to become their manager despite leading Burnley to relegation...Vincent Kompany is being considered by Bayern Munich to become their manager despite leading...Vincent Kompany is being considered by Bayern Munich to become their manager despite leading...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
COUNTy CHAMPIONSHIP
Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the midfielder, who wants to...Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the...Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the...
The Manchester City midfielder Rodri accused Arsenal of lacking the mentality of champions by claiming they lost the...The Manchester City midfielder Rodri accused Arsenal of lacking the mentality of champions by...The Manchester City midfielder Rodri accused Arsenal of lacking the mentality of champions by...
First person
Mandy Appleyard discovered that her photograph was being used by a stranger online
caitlin moran
A damning new report about Britain’s appalling maternity care will come as no surprise to most women. I still get flashbacks from my horrendous experience
It’s a silent killer but lifestyle changes can result in significant improvements to readings, the experts tell Peta Bee
robert crampton
A society without notes and coins would expose the consumption-related sins of omission in many marriages
Forget going out — staying in with all your friends is the new way to socialise
REVIEW
The redoubtable Ben Whishaw fires every weapon in his actorly arsenal during this visceral biopic of the Russian poet and politician Eduard Limonov. It’s a mesmerising turn, possibly the performance of Whishaw’s screen career (stronger than Surge, Bright Star or Paddington). Yet the 43-year-old barely saves the movie from the excesses of its subject. The...The redoubtable Ben Whishaw fires every weapon in his actorly arsenal during this visceral biopic...The redoubtable Ben Whishaw fires every weapon in his actorly arsenal during this visceral biopic...
review
It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is back and this year...It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is back and this year promises to be even more, well, Cannes than ever.
Yes, it boasts a big-beast director. Last year it was Martin Scorsese with Killers of the Flower Moon, and this year comes the premiere of...It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is back and this year promises...
MY CULTURE FIX
dr mark porter
REVIEW | music
interview
The radio presenter on the trauma of covering 9/11, her Blue Peter badge and working with Fi Glover
First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by George Eliot, anything by Dickens — sorry Charles, but it’s not vibing with me. I’m not a fan of the classics. University took away my love of reading. I only got back into doing it for fun in later life. I read 80 to 100 books a year now, including ones for work. First memory of...First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by...First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by...
troubleshooter
My brother and I became the executors of my father’s estate after he died in 2020, but HM Revenue & Customs keeps...My brother and I became the executors of my father’s estate after he died in 2020, but HM Revenue & Customs keeps saying that we owe late payment penalties despite filing the tax return on time. My dad died by suicide so I’m finding this situation really distressing. In 2022 our solicitor confirmed that any taxes...My brother and I became the executors of my father’s estate after he died in 2020, but HM Revenue & Customs keeps saying that...
review
Also reviewed: Blue Lights
Imposter: the Man Who Came Back from the Dead
Channel 4 Blue Lights
BBC1 The words “narcissist” and “psychopath” are now absurdly overused, deployed to describe anything from someone who pouts too much in a selfie to one who fails to weep sufficiently over a dead pet hamster. But for Nicholas Rossi (pseudonym Arthur Knight) the words feel inadequate. Rossi, the...Imposter: the Man Who Came Back from the Dead
Channel 4 Blue Lights
BBC1 The words...Imposter: the Man Who Came Back from the Dead
Channel 4 Blue Lights
BBC1 The words...
Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so have the inside track...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so have the inside track. Here is our guide to the best productions and where to watch them — ordered by when they end. Feel free to get involved in the comments and share your own recommendations. Nottingham Playhouse
If...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so have the inside track. Here...
MindGames
1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid, laudanum is a tincture of...1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid...1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid...
first night review
Full marks for imagination. If you’re weary of seeing hit films repackaged, scene by scene, for the stage, there’s much to admire in Lindsey Ferrentino and the director/co-adaptor Drew McOnie’s sparkling adaptation of the Oscar-winning French...Full marks for imagination. If you’re weary of seeing hit films repackaged, scene by scene, for...Full marks for imagination. If you’re weary of seeing hit films repackaged, scene by scene, for...
first night review
first night review
first night REVIEW
first night review
Viewing GUide
TELEVISION
television
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
They didn’t teach her how to manage a drill at the convent, so now she is going back to school to find her way around a toolbox
Florist Poppy Sturley on her bold design for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, inspired by Netflix’s Bridgerton
Guy Ritchie is hosting a series of lavish outdoor dinner parties at his Wiltshire estate, with chefs from around the world. But will he be there himself?
Fountains, sculpture, exotic trees, bonkers topiary — why a lavish garden has always been the ultimate status symbol. By Dr Louisa McKenzie
Titouan Bernicot was 16 when the corals surrounding his Polynesian home turned white. Since then he has dedicated his life to revitalising reefs around the world
video
Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership of Lawrence Stroll. The latest is the new and improved Vantage, the entry-level sports car from the British manufacturer that is seeking greater...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...
video
Beaches, tuk-tuk trips to wineries and fabulous fountains — Geneva is all about fun in the sun. Here’s how to spend a long weekend here (including the best place for fondue)
Pair picnics and rosé with an alfresco show at these venues, showing everything from Shakespeare to Singin’ In The Rain. Plus we’ve selected the loveliest places to stay nearby
Once the preserve of explorers and Inuit hunters, Scoresby Sound in Greenland is jam-packed with icebergs, glaciers and — if you’re lucky — the aurora borealis
video
Tourism is big news for the kingdom, but lots of Brits would think twice about a visit. Our writer finds out for herself what it’s like
From hiking in Nepal to homestays in Sri Lanka, these are the ultimate trips to go at alone (and my tried-and-tested ideas for how to enjoy them)
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage, even though I have now...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered with tempting cafés...I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered...I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered...
video
Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively untrodden part of Florida. But what a shame: this city in the panhandle has empty beaches, a handsome downtown, and air shows, including November’s Blue...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...
Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower Show of the...Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower...Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower...
law report
Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord Hodge, Lord Sales...Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord...Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a tribunal ruled that a rape crisis centre worker was unfairly dismissed for her views. Roz Adams was discriminated against at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), and...JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a tribunal ruled that a rape crisis centre worker was unfairly dismissed for her views. Roz Adams was discriminated against at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), and...JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a...
Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’...
magnus linklater | comment
When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to gaze, admiringly, at one of the great restoration works of modern times. Notre Dame cathedral is nearly back to its former glory. Its elegant spire, topped by a golden rooster, is proudly in place. New stained-glass...When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to...When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to...
Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction initiative, experts say. Conservationists are hopeful that the endangered species will expand to create a thriving population across the Morvern Peninsula in the Highlands after six were released into woodland on the Drimnin Estate near the Sound of Mull. The announcement...Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction...Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction...
A new non-invasive treatment for spinal cord injuries could have a “profound benefit” for patients, a study has shown.A new non-invasive treatment for spinal cord injuries could have a “profound benefit” for patients, a study has shown. The treatment, called ARC-EX therapy, involves programmed electrical stimulation that targets the spinal cord non-invasively and is designed to aid in functional recovery after an injury. Patients...A new non-invasive treatment for spinal cord injuries could have a “profound benefit” for patients, a study has shown. The...
Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly failing to provide...Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly...Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly...
scottish business digest
Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland. 1. Serica Energy...Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.
FOOTBALL
The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant coach John Carver confirmed the Brentford right-back has no chance of recovering in time. Hickey has not played since the end of October but it had...The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant...The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant...
comment | Alex Massie
Iain Macwhirter | comment
Comment
Three stages that will reveal the real Starmer
William Hague
The Labour leader’s true political character will only emerge in office — and it may surprise supporters and even himself
COMMENT
Melanie Phillips: Wickedly perverse move should sink the ICC
HUGO RIFKIND
It’d be better with Boris? This myth won’t fly
GILES COREN | NOTEBOOK
Sorry, Tesco: fancy cheese is mostly fit for the bin
OWEN mEREDITH
Freedom of press depends on closing this dark loophole
Susie Goldsbrough | notebook
Charles Dickens would have set the best of times for Hackney Half
It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the misfortune of being in east London on Sunday you probably saw it too: mile after mile of bum bags, cat-eye sunglasses and half-hearted mullets — squads of 20...It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the...It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the...
Leading Articles
Day of Shame
The Infected Blood Inquiry’s final report exposes decades of mistreatment, lies and official cover-up
Lost in the Fog
The death of the Butcher of Tehran will send ripples across the Middle East
Say Cheese
Britain’s dairies and cheesemakers are smiling at record cheese consumption
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Times letters: Rogue cyclists and improving road safety
Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high time rogue cyclists were humbled”, May 20). But he implicitly exculpates road-planners, whose every new wheeze is calculated to encourage them. Floating...Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high...Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens, with the first two days for RHS members only, until Saturday; the winner of the International Booker Prize is announced; the England football team manager Gareth Southgate names his preliminary squad for Euro 2024.
US: The UN security council in New York holds an open debate to discuss the protection of civilians in armed conflict and considers the latest report of the secretary-general on the issue.
On this day
In 1840 William Hobson, appointed Britain’s consul to New Zealand in 1839, proclaimed British sovereignty over all of New Zealand; in 1958 it was announced that subscriber trunk dialling would be introduced, enabling phone calls to be made without an operator’s help. On December 5, 1958, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the service by making a two-minute call from Bristol to Edinburgh; in 1966 the US boxer Cassius Clay (later Mohammed Ali) retained his world heavyweight championship title when he beat the UK’s Henry Cooper in the sixth round of a bout in London (Muhammad Ali obituary, June 4, 2016); in 1999 the romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, was released in UK cinemas; in 2015 the Islamic State group entered the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, a Unesco world heritage site. Many of the monuments in the city, which stands at the crossroads of several civilisations and was described as a “symbol of openness and tolerance” by Unesco, were destroyed by the extremists.
Nature notes
Small ermine moths are lovely: pure white with black spots and a fluffy tippet around their shoulders, like a starlet in the ivory fur coat for which they are named. Yet it’s not for their adult outfits that they are best known, but for the huge webs spun by their larvae in shrubs and hedges at about this time of year, which act to protect the caterpillars from predators as they grow. These webs often provoke some public alarm, but they’re completely natural and tend to disappear on their own, and the plants the caterpillars have been feeding on generally recover. There are several species of small ermine, some of which specialise in a particular food plant, such as euonymus, willow and sedum.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Prof Sir Stanley Wells,honorary president, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, 94; Martin Carthy, folk singer and guitarist, 83; Claire Cashmore, swimmer, Paralympic gold medallist (2016), 36; Mark Cavendish, cyclist, world road race champion (2011) and winner of 34 Tour de France stages, 39; Tom Daley, diver, Olympic gold medallist (2020, synchronised 10m platform), 10m platform world champion (2009, 2017), 30; Alexandra Danson, field hockey player, former captain of England and Great Britain, Olympic gold medallist (2016), 39; Nadine Dorries, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire (2005-23), digital, culture, media and sport secretary (2021-22), 67; Noel Fielding, actor, The Mighty Boosh (2003-07), comedian and presenter, The Great British Bake Off (2017-23), 51; Isa Guha, cricketer, England (2001-11), now commentator, 39; Tony Hayward, chairman, Glencore Xstrata (2014-21), chief executive, BP (2007-10), 67; Simon Hiscocks, sailor, double Olympic medallist (2000, 2004), 51; Lord (David) Hunt of Wirral, secretary of state for Wales (1990-93), 82; Jonathan Hyde, actor, Titanic (1997), 76; Ronald Isley, singer-songwriter, the Isley Brothers, 83; Sir Peter Lampl, founder (1997) and chairman, Sutton Trust, 77; Andrew Neil, editor, The Sunday Times (1983-94), and broadcaster, 75; Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director, Serpentine Gallery, 56; Peter Phillips, artist, an originator of Pop Art, 85; Rosalind Plowright, mezzo-soprano, 75; Mary Robinson, president of Ireland (1990-97), UN high commissioner for human rights (1997-2002), 80; Leo Sayer, singer, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (1976), 76; Nicola Shaw, chief executive, Yorkshire Water, High Speed 1 (2011-16), 55; Lemn Sissay, author, My Name Is Why (2019), and broadcaster, 57; Thomas Teague, KC, chief coroner of England and Wales, 70; Edward Watson, principal dancer, The Royal Ballet (2005-20), The Metamorphosis (Olivier Award, 2012), now a répétiteur, 48.