The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Economy ‘doing far better than many believe’
The unemployed have “ample opportunity” to find a job, senior ministers have insisted as they shrugged off fears over the rising numbers of people who are out of work. Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, and Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, argue that the economy is doing “far better than...The unemployed have “ample opportunity” to find a job, senior ministers have insisted as they shrugged off fears over the rising numbers of people who are out of work. Jeremy Hunt, the chancellor, and Mel Stride, the work and pensions secretary, argue that the economy is doing “far better than...The unemployed have “ample opportunity” to find a job, senior ministers have insisted as they shrugged off fears over the...
Schools must not teach children that they can change their gender identity and should avoid “explicit” conversations about sex until they reach the age of 13, the government is to say. Ministers will warn schools on Thursday that gender identity is a highly contested area and that teaching children about it could have damaging implications.Schools must not teach children that they can change their gender identity and should avoid “explicit” conversations about sex until they reach the age of 13, the government is to say. Ministers will warn schools on Thursday that gender identity is a highly contested area and that teaching children about it could have damaging implications.Schools must not teach children that they can change their gender identity and should avoid “explicit” conversations about sex...
“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully to the US PGA Championship. The Northern Irish golfer, 35, one of the UK’s most-decorated sportsmen, was optimistic for his chances of winning his first major in ten years. Being interviewed after his victory at the...“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully...“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully...
PREMIER LEAGUE | PAUL HIRST
obituary
Alice Munro always wore the ring that had belonged to her maternal great-grandmother Catherine, who, unhappy with...Alice Munro always wore the ring that had belonged to her maternal great-grandmother Catherine...Alice Munro always wore the ring that had belonged to her maternal great-grandmother Catherine...
I may not agree with the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s politics but I do with her views on women — yes, we...I may not agree with the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s politics but I do with her views...I may not agree with the Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s politics but I do with her views...
The King said he was delighted to be a “chrysalis” as he unveiled his first official portrait as monarch, featuring a butterfly to signify his “metamorphosis” from prince to sovereign. The artist Jonathan Yeo, who has painted Sir Tony Blair and...The King said he was delighted to be a “chrysalis” as he unveiled his first official portrait as...The King said he was delighted to be a “chrysalis” as he unveiled his first official portrait as...
It was November 11, 1946, and Lady MacRobert was giving a Remembrance Day address. “Some things cannot be expressed...It was November 11, 1946, and Lady MacRobert was giving a Remembrance Day address. “Some things...It was November 11, 1946, and Lady MacRobert was giving a Remembrance Day address. “Some things...
the times diary
When Dame Judi Dench was cast as M in her first James Bond outing she was nervous but soon settled into it. “Sitting...When Dame Judi Dench was cast as M in her first James Bond outing she was nervous but soon...When Dame Judi Dench was cast as M in her first James Bond outing she was nervous but soon...
China is GCHQ’s top priority as it “poses a genuine and increasing cyber-risk to the UK”, the chief of the intelligence agency has said. Anne Keast-Butler, the agency’s director, said that GCHQ devotes more resources to China than any other single...China is GCHQ’s top priority as it “poses a genuine and increasing cyber-risk to the UK”, the...China is GCHQ’s top priority as it “poses a genuine and increasing cyber-risk to the UK”, the...
DISPATCH
Narendra Modi claimed at the outset of his meteoric rise to power that he had been summoned by “Ma Ganga”, the river goddess, to represent India’s holiest Hindu city in parliament. On Tuesday, the man hailed by some as India’s greatest prime minister and by others as a sectarian demagogue...Narendra Modi claimed at the outset of his meteoric rise to power that he had been summoned by “Ma Ganga”, the river goddess, to represent India’s holiest Hindu city in parliament. On Tuesday, the man hailed by some as India’s greatest prime minister and by others as a sectarian demagogue...Narendra Modi claimed at the outset of his meteoric rise to power that he had been summoned by “Ma Ganga”, the river goddess...
Columbia University is facing an exodus of some of its most important financial backers as a confidence vote is held in its president over her handling of Gaza protests on campus. Donors to the embattled Ivy League university are concerned about its response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused chaotic scenes and prompted police...Columbia University is facing an exodus of some of its most important financial backers as a confidence vote is held in its president over her handling of Gaza protests on campus. Donors to the embattled Ivy League university are concerned about its response to pro-Palestinian demonstrations that caused chaotic scenes and prompted police...Columbia University is facing an exodus of some of its most important financial backers as a confidence vote is held in its...
The star witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial admitted saying the former president belonged in a jail cell “like an animal”, during fiery cross-examination on Tuesday. Michael Cohen, Trump’s former longtime lawyer and fixer, was questioned by the defence team about a series of bold statements he had made in...The star witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial admitted saying the former president belonged...The star witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial admitted saying the former president belonged...
video
Protesters in Georgia vowed to fight on after MPs approved a divisive “Kremlin-inspired” law on foreign funding that has sparked weeks of unrest and an open confrontation between the Black Sea country’s ruling party and its president. There were...Protesters in Georgia vowed to fight on after MPs approved a divisive “Kremlin-inspired” law on...Protesters in Georgia vowed to fight on after MPs approved a divisive “Kremlin-inspired” law on...
video
President Zelensky has said air defences need to be strengthened around Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city, as Russia...President Zelensky has said air defences need to be strengthened around Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second...President Zelensky has said air defences need to be strengthened around Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second...
The coast of California has been inundated with emaciated brown pelicans. The California Department of Fish and...The coast of California has been inundated with emaciated brown pelicans. The California...The coast of California has been inundated with emaciated brown pelicans. The California...
A California fisherman hatched an artistic scheme to skirt a city order to hide his boat from public view while keeping its essence very much in sight. Etienne Constable has lived in Seaside, a suburban city overlooking the Monterey Bay, for nearly three decades. For the past four years, he has kept the Might as Well in his driveway, keeping it at the ready for weekly...A California fisherman hatched an artistic scheme to skirt a city order to hide his boat from...A California fisherman hatched an artistic scheme to skirt a city order to hide his boat from...
An Oxford-educated lawyer and former member of the Household Cavalry, whose leaks helped unravel a string of unlawful...An Oxford-educated lawyer and former member of the Household Cavalry, whose leaks helped unravel a string of unlawful killings by Australian forces in Afghanistan, was jailed for more than five years as his supporters cried “shame” on Tuesday. David McBride, 60, who served with Australian forces in Afghanistan, had...An Oxford-educated lawyer and former member of the Household Cavalry, whose leaks helped unravel a string of unlawful killings...
US officials have released the early findings of an investigation into the Baltimore bridge collapse that killed six construction workers when a cargo ship collided with the structure in March. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)...US officials have released the early findings of an investigation into the Baltimore bridge...US officials have released the early findings of an investigation into the Baltimore bridge...
Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, has resumed testifying in the former president’s hush money trial in New York. Cohen testified yesterday about a $130,000 payment he made to the porn star Stormy Daniels before the 2016 presidential election to buy her silence about an alleged affair with Trump. Prosecutors allege that Trump and Cohen...Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, has resumed testifying in the former...Michael Cohen, Donald Trump’s longtime lawyer and fixer, has resumed testifying in the former...
Donald Trump turned up the invective and profanity for a huge rally crowd in New Jersey when he repeatedly blamed...Donald Trump turned up the invective and profanity for a huge rally crowd in New Jersey when he repeatedly blamed “total moron” President Biden for the criminal charges against him. Trump said that “weak and pathetic” Biden was “only good at cheating at elections” as he vented at “fascists” and “lunatics” he said...Donald Trump turned up the invective and profanity for a huge rally crowd in New Jersey when he repeatedly blamed “total moron”...
Anglo American is considering a stock market flotation of De Beers under plans to break up the miner’s sprawling operations and see off a £34 billion takeover approach by BHP. Duncan Wanblad, Anglo’s chief executive, said the company would look to spin out or sell De Beers, one of the world’s...Anglo American is considering a stock market flotation of De Beers under plans to break up the miner’s sprawling operations and see off a £34 billion takeover approach by BHP. Duncan Wanblad, Anglo’s chief executive, said the company would look to spin out or sell De Beers, one of the world’s...Anglo American is considering a stock market flotation of De Beers under plans to break up the miner’s sprawling operations and...
The United States has taken another step towards ending an era of free trade with China by announcing increases in tariffs on “green” and other technology imports, including a 100 per cent tax on electric vehicles. The White House said the tariffs were necessary to protect American manufacturing in critical areas at risk from dumping by...The United States has taken another step towards ending an era of free trade with China by announcing increases in tariffs on “green” and other technology imports, including a 100 per cent tax on electric vehicles. The White House said the tariffs were necessary to protect American manufacturing in critical areas at risk from dumping by...The United States has taken another step towards ending an era of free trade with China by announcing increases in tariffs on...
Trust in the government, parliament and the Bank of England has fallen sharply, according to a survey that will add to fears of a decline in confidence in Britain’s democratic and economic institutions. In the report compiled by the National Centre for Social Research, the share of the population who said they...Trust in the government, parliament and the Bank of England has fallen sharply, according to a...Trust in the government, parliament and the Bank of England has fallen sharply, according to a...
It took more than a century for Anglo American to build a mining empire that spans six continents and a portfolio that ranges from coal and copper mines to the famed diamond seller De Beers. It could be undone in less than two...It took more than a century for Anglo American to build a mining empire that spans six continents and a portfolio that ranges from coal and copper mines to the famed diamond seller De Beers. It could be undone in less than two...It took more than a century for Anglo American to build a mining empire that spans six continents and a portfolio...
About 1,650 British jobs are hanging in the balance after Anglo American’s decision to drastically curtail and delay the completion of its ambitious Woodsmith fertiliser mine under the North York Moors. While Duncan Wanblad...About 1,650 British jobs are hanging in the balance after Anglo American’s decision to drastically curtail and delay the completion of its ambitious Woodsmith fertiliser mine under the North York Moors. While Duncan Wanblad...About 1,650 British jobs are hanging in the balance after Anglo American’s decision to drastically curtail and delay...
BUSINESS COMMENTARY
comment
There seems to be an endless flow of hacking horror stories. Dell is the latest big business to have been hit by...There seems to be an endless flow of hacking horror stories. Dell is the latest big business to...There seems to be an endless flow of hacking horror stories. Dell is the latest big business to...
market report
Technology may be the sector at the front of many investors’ minds, what with the persistent talk of London-listed...Technology may be the sector at the front of many investors’ minds, what with the persistent talk...Technology may be the sector at the front of many investors’ minds, what with the persistent talk...
need to know
International Trade
recruitment
About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory certification and compliance courses to upskilling for a new role, and experts estimate that the UK training market is worth approximately £7 billion. Training and skills development is proved to increase the human capital in the national labour force, narrowing skills gaps...About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory...About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory...
SIX FROM THE BEST
Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to...Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to 70,000 deliveries a week. The activist recently launched the #GetFairAboutFarming campaign calling for supermarkets to adopt better business practices to safeguard the future of British fruit and veg farmers.Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to 70,000...
PREMIER LEAGUE | PAUL HIRST
Tottenham 0 Manchester City 2
We found out on Monday that Pep Guardiola had never heard of “squeaky bum time” and given their ice-cold performances last night, it appears that Erling Haaland and Stefan Ortega do not understand the concept either. With Manchester City 1-0 ahead, Son Heung-min raced through on goal in the 87th minute of this pivotal — yet strange — match, and the whole stadium held...We found out on Monday that Pep Guardiola had never heard of “squeaky bum time” and given their...We found out on Monday that Pep Guardiola had never heard of “squeaky bum time” and given their...
premier league | martin samuel
Erling Haaland tapped in at the far post, and the celebrations began. From the famed white wall behind the far goal...Erling Haaland tapped in at the far post, and the celebrations began. From the famed white wall behind the far goal, a mocking song about Arsenal. Pathetic, really. This was a stadium that was supposed to bear witness to history. Tottenham Hotspur’s history. A great and proud club, reborn. Instead it was reduced to...Erling Haaland tapped in at the far post, and the celebrations began. From the famed white wall behind the far goal, a mocking...
Tom Kershaw
Long forsaken are the days in the soap opera that is modern golf when the build-up to a major championship involves...Long forsaken are the days in the soap opera that is modern golf when the build-up to a major...Long forsaken are the days in the soap opera that is modern golf when the build-up to a major...
mike atherton
There remain significant concerns among the 11 non-host counties over the proposed distribution model for the...There remain significant concerns among the 11 non-host counties over the proposed distribution...There remain significant concerns among the 11 non-host counties over the proposed distribution...
rick broadbent
Other epithets are available but it turns out that John Fury is a fortunate man. Oleksandr Usyk, the champion who will fight Fury’s son Tyson on Saturday, explained that he had prevented the soldiers and streetfighters in his entourage from exacting a terrible revenge on the saddest of sporting fathers after Monday’s mindless headbutt in the Riyadh Hilton. Chanting and...Other epithets are available but it turns out that John Fury is a fortunate man. Oleksandr Usyk...Other epithets are available but it turns out that John Fury is a fortunate man. Oleksandr Usyk...
“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully to the US PGA...“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully to the US PGA Championship. The Northern Irish golfer, 35, one of the UK’s most-decorated sportsmen, was optimistic for his chances of winning his first major in ten years. Being interviewed after his victory at the...“It feels like the stars are aligning,” Rory McIlroy said on Sunday as he looked ahead hopefully to the US PGA Championship.
steve james
The Derbyshire pace attack, all five of them in Ian Bishop, Ole Mortensen, Devon Malcolm, Alan Warner and Frankie...The Derbyshire pace attack, all five of them in Ian Bishop, Ole Mortensen, Devon Malcolm, Alan...The Derbyshire pace attack, all five of them in Ian Bishop, Ole Mortensen, Devon Malcolm, Alan...
The Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is speaking to other bidders over the sale of the club in the event of the proposed...The Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is speaking to other bidders over the sale of the club in the...The Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is speaking to other bidders over the sale of the club in the...
talor gooch interview
There was one name on the list of special invitations for the US PGA Championship that felt more significant — and controversial — than most. Talor Gooch, the 2023 LIV Golf champion, has never demonstrated any inclination to play events outside...There was one name on the list of special invitations for the US PGA Championship that felt more...There was one name on the list of special invitations for the US PGA Championship that felt more...
uefa referees’ chief
Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult. The men in the middle make between 200-250 decisions per match...Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult. The men in the middle make between 200-250...Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult. The men in the middle make between 200-250...
England’s game against Japan in Tokyo is in danger of becoming the first men’s Test in decades to not be broadcast on...England’s game against Japan in Tokyo is in danger of becoming the first men’s Test in decades to...England’s game against Japan in Tokyo is in danger of becoming the first men’s Test in decades to...
Giro d’Italia
The iconic Stelvio Pass, which had been due to return to the Giro d’Italia for the first time since 2020, will not now feature in this year’s race because of a risk of avalanches. The 16th stage of the Giro next Tuesday has been rerouted, with...The iconic Stelvio Pass, which had been due to return to the Giro d’Italia for the first time...The iconic Stelvio Pass, which had been due to return to the Giro d’Italia for the first time...
the scorer | elgan alderman
A traumatic labour triggered a series of catastrophic problems for the former Made in Chelsea star
Anna Murphy gives her golden rules for the season
A subscriber thinks he’s messaging a female model in London — in reality, it’s a team of men manipulating him in Asia. Sophie Peachey investigates
Giorgia Meloni thinks that women at work don’t support each other — but that changes once they have children. Two writers share their experiences
REVIEW
Even without the eyes, you know it’s Elton John. The hair, the hands, the glasses, the suit in ice-cream parlour colours. The eggs for eyes weren’t part of the plan, but when John sat for the photographer David LaChapelle and spotted the two plastic fried eggs meant for props, he picked them up, popped them in like yolky contacts and the snapper got his shot. It’s a...Even without the eyes, you know it’s Elton John. The hair, the hands, the glasses, the suit in...Even without the eyes, you know it’s Elton John. The hair, the hands, the glasses, the suit in...
video
Review
Doctor Who
BBC1 Trust Steven Moffat to make things tricky and awkward for himself in his first Doctor Who episode...Doctor Who
BBC1 Trust Steven Moffat to make things tricky and awkward for himself in his first Doctor Who episode for seven years. The former showrunner has been brought back by his predecessor, Russell T Davies, (yes, things can be complicated in the Tardis) for a one-off episode this Saturday. It’s called ...Doctor Who
BBC1 Trust Steven Moffat to make things tricky and awkward for himself in his first Doctor Who episode for seven...
the Lowdown
review
★★★★★
It’s nice to be proved wrong. I went into Tate Britain’s Now You See Us: Women Artists in Britain 1520-1920 with a sense of the inevitable — the patriarchy, erasure, 400 years of scores to settle — and left with a you-go-girls! spring in...★★★★★
It’s nice to be proved wrong. I went into Tate Britain’s Now You See Us: Women Artists...★★★★★
It’s nice to be proved wrong. I went into Tate Britain’s Now You See Us: Women Artists...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Terence Rattigan wrote The Deep Blue Sea in 1952 after his former lover Kenneth Morgan disconnected the rubber hose...Terence Rattigan wrote The Deep Blue Sea in 1952 after his former lover Kenneth Morgan...Terence Rattigan wrote The Deep Blue Sea in 1952 after his former lover Kenneth Morgan...
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...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so...
review
Better Off Dead?
BBC1 You would expect a documentary about assisted dying, made by the actress and activist Liz Carr, to be hard-hitting, packed with detail and strong views. And so it was. What I wasn’t expecting was for it to be quite so funny. This smart, spiky, slightly sarky star of Silent Witness and The Witcher was first seen whizzing about on her wheelchair...Better Off Dead?
BBC1 You would expect a documentary about assisted dying, made by the actress...Better Off Dead?
BBC1 You would expect a documentary about assisted dying, made by the actress...
video
review
The Gathering
Channel 4 Helen Walsh’s six-part Liverpool-set drama The Gathering opens with snogging, vomiting...The Gathering
Channel 4 Helen Walsh’s six-part Liverpool-set drama The Gathering opens with snogging, vomiting, open fires and more than a hint of drug taking at an illegal beach rave. Oh, and a teenager called Kelly having her head thrust under the water and left, it seems, for dead. It is a dramatic start, for...The Gathering
Channel 4 Helen Walsh’s six-part Liverpool-set drama The Gathering opens with snogging, vomiting, open fires...
TELEVISION
television
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
TELEVISION
MindGames
1 “Tom Mix” is a bingo call for which number? 2 Which party holds 63 of the 129 seats in the Scottish Parliament? 3 The WI uses the slogan “Inspiring …” who? 4 Who played the Reverend Geraldine Granger in the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley? 5 The Nemean Lion and The Lernean Hydra are stories in which 1947 collection by Agatha Christie? 6 Playing the fictitious Sherif...1 “Tom Mix” is a bingo call for which number? 2 Which party holds 63 of the 129 seats in the...1 “Tom Mix” is a bingo call for which number? 2 Which party holds 63 of the 129 seats in the...
These fine jewellers are encouraging their successors in the schools and universities of Hull. Anna Murphy reports
video
Whether it’s the sound of a Mason Pearson brush gliding through hair or a Hermès Kelly bag clipping shut
It’s London Craft Week, and everywhere you look there’ll be master potters, embroiderers and quilt makers doing their thing
You want your likeness captured for posterity, but who to choose? The Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition, on this week, is a good place to start
Are your knees ready to be revealed? If not, try one of these innovative knee smoothing solutions. By Jennifer George
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
Kansas City’s native jazz, BBQ brisket and friendly, low-key charm was thrust into the spotlight when the singer started dating its Superbowl star Travis Kelce
Can’t get to Chelsea? Towns and villages around the country are bright with a profusion of spring and summer flowers. These are the best
video
A private cove, jungle-style surroundings and delicious locally sourced menus await at Yazz Collective, a vibey, luxury hideaway not far from Fethiye
video
Have a mini interrail adventure through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia on an affordable route that takes in the Adriatic’s aristocratic history
Jersey’s empty coves, surfing and incredible seafood helped our writer and her teenagers break out of a ten-year family holiday rut
comment
Asking for, ahem, a friend: is it ever acceptable to pocket a signed photo of Pat from EastEnders from the Airbnb loo?Asking for, ahem, a friend: is it ever acceptable to pocket a signed photo of Pat from EastEnders...Asking for, ahem, a friend: is it ever acceptable to pocket a signed photo of Pat from EastEnders...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
On this particular issue polling would no doubt suggest a nation divided. The issue in question is “Where next?” Of...On this particular issue polling would no doubt suggest a nation divided. The issue in question...On this particular issue polling would no doubt suggest a nation divided. The issue in question...
video
The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery school, brewery and farm shop. Now it has opened chic new accommodation which food lovers can book to stay in overnight. Alicia Miller checks in.
...The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery...The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery...
SARAH said, ‘God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with me.’ Genesis 21.6 (GNB)...SARAH said, ‘God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with...SARAH said, ‘God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with...
Buckingham Palace
14th May, 2024
The King held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning. The King, Freeman...Buckingham Palace
14th May, 2024
The King held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning.Buckingham Palace
14th May, 2024
The King held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning.
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Courts should decide on innocence, says top KC
Emergency legislation to quash convictions for Scottish sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal is a “misstep” which will see guilty people acquitted, one of Scotland’s top lawyers has said. Angela Constance, the Scottish justice secretary, said lives had been “ruined” by convictions...Emergency legislation to quash convictions for Scottish sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal is a “misstep” which will see guilty people acquitted, one of Scotland’s top lawyers has said. Angela Constance, the Scottish justice secretary, said lives had been “ruined” by convictions...Emergency legislation to quash convictions for Scottish sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal is a “misstep” which...
Charges for bin collections and cuts to services such as libraries and swimming pools will have to increase if councils are to balance their books, Scotland’s spending watchdog has warned. The Accounts Commission said that local authorities face “significant challenges” in closing an estimated collective budget gap of £585 million. Its...Charges for bin collections and cuts to services such as libraries and swimming pools will have to increase if councils are to balance their books, Scotland’s spending watchdog has warned. The Accounts Commission said that local authorities face “significant challenges” in closing an estimated collective budget gap of £585 million. Its...Charges for bin collections and cuts to services such as libraries and swimming pools will have to increase if councils are to...
Pupils risk losing almost a whole year of education under a council’s plan to cut teaching hours as part of budget-saving measures, it has been claimed. Falkirk council is proposing a reduction in school hours to plug a £64 million deficit during the next five years. If hours are not reduced, cuts to staff and...Pupils risk losing almost a whole year of education under a council’s plan to cut teaching hours...Pupils risk losing almost a whole year of education under a council’s plan to cut teaching hours...
Glasgow airport bosses have been told to “show some respect” after confusing Irish and Scottish Gaelic. An advertising board for a new bar and restaurant named Caledonia carried a message saying, “An bhfuil ocras ort?Glasgow airport bosses have been told to “show some respect” after confusing Irish and Scottish Gaelic. An advertising board for a new bar and restaurant named Caledonia carried a message saying, “An bhfuil ocras ort?Glasgow airport bosses have been told to “show some respect” after confusing Irish and Scottish Gaelic. An...
comment | ian bradley
With Labour now back in the political middle ground, the SNP, in John Swinney’s words, occupying “a moderate left-of-centre position” and the Greens on the radical left, where does this leave the Liberal Democrats? Scotland’s...With Labour now back in the political middle ground, the SNP, in John Swinney’s words, occupying “a moderate left-of-centre position” and the Greens on the radical left, where does this leave the Liberal Democrats? Scotland’s...With Labour now back in the political middle ground, the SNP, in John Swinney’s words, occupying “a moderate...
Roger crofts
Hibernian’s search for a new manager will be led by Malky Mackay after he was announced as their new sporting director.Hibernian’s search for a new manager will be led by Malky Mackay after he was announced as their...Hibernian’s search for a new manager will be led by Malky Mackay after he was announced as their...
Rugby Park is set to provide the backdrop to more scenes of Celtic celebration on Wednesday night with the visiting...Rugby Park is set to provide the backdrop to more scenes of Celtic celebration on Wednesday night...Rugby Park is set to provide the backdrop to more scenes of Celtic celebration on Wednesday night...
It seemed as though Rangers fans had suffered enough in losing an Old Firm game and effectively a league title at the weekend, but oh no. Their patience and temper still had more to endure. Their team eventually beat Dundee — with plenty to spare...It seemed as though Rangers fans had suffered enough in losing an Old Firm game and effectively a...It seemed as though Rangers fans had suffered enough in losing an Old Firm game and effectively a...
Comment
Why Starmer was right to welcome Elphicke
Daniel Finkelstein
The Tory defector’s change of heart reflects the inconsistent attitudes of most voters better than ideological purity
ALICE THOMSON
NHS must end medieval maternity practices
ROGER BOYES
Kremlin reshuffle sets Putin up for long war
NOTEBOOK | MATTHEW PARRIS
I still regret the day I stuck two pins in Peter
GUY DABBY-JOORY
Free speech shake-up fails to protect Jewish students
Leading Articles
So Many Failings
The latest review into the killings in Nottingham a year ago underlines the many ways in which the victims’ families have been let down
Blinken in Kyiv
The US secretary of state’s visit comes at a critical time as Kharkiv is threatened
What’s That Noise?
A survey suggests that half of us wouldn’t notice if British opera houses disappeared
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Weight-loss jabs and the fight against obesity
newSir, While there is rightly much excitement about the potential of weight-loss drugs, they can never be the only solution to our obesity crisis (“Weight loss jab reduces heart deaths by a fifth”, May 14). Getting access to this new generation...Sir, While there is rightly much excitement about the potential of weight-loss drugs, they can...Sir, While there is rightly much excitement about the potential of weight-loss drugs, they can...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Women and equalities select committee holds oral evidence session as part of inquiry into incel culture; Labour-commissioned review of private rented sector presents findings.
Germany: Olaf Scholz, the chancellor, hosts President Amherd of Switzerland in Berlin.
Singapore: Lee Hsien Loong, the longtime prime minister, steps down and is replaced by Lawrence Wong.
On this day
In 1567 Mary, Queen of Scots, married James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh; in 1921 the British Legion was formed from the merger of four First World War ex-servicemen’s support groups. Of 1.75 million war veterans with a disability, half were permanently disabled; in 1928 the Australian Inland Mission Aerial Medical Service (Royal Flying Doctor Service) was inaugurated; in 1936 the pioneering aviator Amy Johnson arrived in England after a record-breaking flight to and from South Africa; in 1989 the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev began a highly publicised visit to Beijing, China. At the time mass protests were being held against the Communist Party of China led by students calling for comparable reforms to the glasnost policies Gorbachev had introduced in the USSR.
Nature notes
There are approximately 9,000 wasp species in the UK. The vast majority of these bear very little resemblance to the yellow-jacketed variety that cause mayhem at picnics, but all of them do sterling work in the pest-killing department. The mournful wasp, Pemphredon lugubris, is a particular friend of farmers and gardeners. This medium-sized wasp (7.5–12mm) feeds its young almost entirely on aphids. Nesting in dead wood, the female constructs a system of chambers and lays an egg in each one. Every egg is accompanied by 40 or so aphids, which the wasp larvae will devour when it hatches. This solitary wasp’s poetic name comes from its black colour, which is reminiscent of traditional funeral clothing. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Sir Danny Alexander, vice-president, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Lib Dem MP (2005-15), 52; Dame Inga Beale, chief executive, Lloyd’s of London (2014-18), 61; Prof Dame Athene Donald, physicist, master of Churchill College, University of Cambridge, 71; Sir Peter Donnelly, founder and chief executive of Genomics plc and emeritus professor of statistical science at the University of Oxford, 65; Martin Eberhard, engineer, co-founder (2003) of Tesla, 64; Adam Fleming, businessman, former deputy group chairman, Stonehage Fleming (asset management), 76; Hadley Freeman, journalist, for The Sunday Times, and author, 46; Jasper Johns, painter and printmaker, 94; Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent for The Sunday Times, 59; David Luxton, deputy general secretary, Civil Service Pensioners’ Alliance, 70; Jill McDonald, executive vice-president and president (international operated markets), McDonald’s, chief executive, Costa Coffee (2019-22), 60; Sir Keith Mills, founder of the Air Miles and Nectar cards, 74; Sir Andy Murray, tennis player, Wimbledon men’s singles champion (2013, 2016), 37; Mike Oldfield, musician and composer, Tubular Bells (1973), 71; Sophie Raworth, broadcaster, BBC newsreader, 56; David Reiss, founder, the fashion chain Reiss, 81; Don Robert, chairman, London Stock Exchange Group, Experian (2014-19), 65; Matthew Sadler, chess grandmaster and chess writer, 50; Terry Smith, fund manager, chief executive, Fundsmith, 71; Ralph Steadman, cartoonist and illustrator, 88; Caroline Thomson (Lady Liddle), chair, Digital UK (2013-23), Oxfam (2017-20), and executive director, English National Ballet (2013-16), 70; Zara Tindall, equestrian, Olympic silver medallist (2012), world champion (2006), 43; Ben Wallace, Conservative MP for Wyre and Preston North, defence secretary (2019-23), 54; Paul Walsh, chairman, McLaren Group, 69.