The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
video
Courses that don’t improve university earnings face cull
newOne in eight university degree places would be scrapped under a future Conservative government and the funding diverted into apprenticeships, Rishi Sunak will pledge on Wednesday. In a crackdown on so-called Mickey Mouse courses, Sunak will accuse universities of “ripping young people off” by...One in eight university degree places would be scrapped under a future Conservative government and the funding diverted into apprenticeships, Rishi Sunak will pledge on Wednesday. In a crackdown on so-called Mickey Mouse courses, Sunak will accuse universities of “ripping young people off” by...One in eight university degree places would be scrapped under a future Conservative government and the funding diverted into...
Serving and former pilots and aircrew are allegedly dying of cancer after being unwittingly exposed to toxic exhaust fumes pumped out by British military helicopters. The Ministry of Defence knew about the potential risks to its personnel for more than a decade and did nothing about it, according to testimony from sick personnel and their...Serving and former pilots and aircrew are allegedly dying of cancer after being unwittingly exposed to toxic exhaust fumes pumped out by British military helicopters. The Ministry of Defence knew about the potential risks to its personnel for more than a decade and did nothing about it, according to testimony from sick personnel and their...Serving and former pilots and aircrew are allegedly dying of cancer after being unwittingly exposed to toxic exhaust fumes...
Exclusive book extract
By the standards of my world, I was a heretic. I’d come to believe that the socio-political movement insisting “trans women are women” was neither kind nor tolerant, but in fact profoundly misogynistic, regressive, dangerous in some of its objectives and nakedly authoritarian in its tactics. However, I kept my...By the standards of my world, I was a heretic. I’d come to believe that the socio-political...By the standards of my world, I was a heretic. I’d come to believe that the socio-political...
The Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, largely due to the high content of vegetables, fruit...The Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, largely due to the high content...The Greek diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world, largely due to the high content...
The 14-year marriage of the TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford is coming to an end and, for better or...The 14-year marriage of the TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford is coming to an end...The 14-year marriage of the TV presenters Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford is coming to an end...
No further action will be taken against Labour deputy leader
Not all Spitfires have been taken from the sky. While tragedy has grounded the RAF’s fleet, Biggin Hill was ready on Tuesday to send one into the air and to take a veteran onboard. Sadly, Dorothea Barron, 99, of the Second World War Wrens was...Not all Spitfires have been taken from the sky. While tragedy has grounded the RAF’s fleet...Not all Spitfires have been taken from the sky. While tragedy has grounded the RAF’s fleet...
photography
Chris Hoare was shaped by his experiences growing up on the northern fringe of Bristol. The photographs in his collection Seven Hills, which is about to be exhibited in the city, range from portraits of adolescents captured fleetingly on...Chris Hoare was shaped by his experiences growing up on the northern fringe of Bristol. The...Chris Hoare was shaped by his experiences growing up on the northern fringe of Bristol. The...
The number of middle-aged people applying to become teachers is growing three times faster than that of new graduates, amid calls to protect a scheme that helps professionals retrain from government cuts. Secondary school...The number of middle-aged people applying to become teachers is growing three times faster than that of new graduates, amid calls to protect a scheme that helps professionals retrain from government cuts. Secondary school...The number of middle-aged people applying to become teachers is growing three times faster than that of new graduates...
Scotland Yard discriminated against and harassed a detective with a serious heart condition by refusing to allow him to work from home. Tarik Ahmed, a 22-year veteran of the force, told an employment tribunal that senior...Scotland Yard discriminated against and harassed a detective with a serious heart condition by refusing to allow him to work from home. Tarik Ahmed, a 22-year veteran of the force, told an employment tribunal that senior...Scotland Yard discriminated against and harassed a detective with a serious heart condition by refusing to allow him...
DISPATCH
The three anti-tank missiles that smashed into the council office were the last straw for Eitan Davidi. The council leader in Margaliot, a small Israeli town near the border with Lebanon, which faces off against Hezbollah daily, cut off contact with Israel’s government and told the troops who had...The three anti-tank missiles that smashed into the council office were the last straw for Eitan Davidi. The council leader in Margaliot, a small Israeli town near the border with Lebanon, which faces off against Hezbollah daily, cut off contact with Israel’s government and told the troops who had...The three anti-tank missiles that smashed into the council office were the last straw for Eitan Davidi. The council leader in...
A “corrupt bargain” to silence a porn star helped Donald Trump become elected as president, a prosecutor told the jury during closing arguments on Tuesday. Trump struck a secret deal with a tabloid publisher who worked to “catch and kill” the stories of a former Playboy model and a porn star before the 2016 election, Joshua Steinglass told...A “corrupt bargain” to silence a porn star helped Donald Trump become elected as president, a prosecutor told the jury during closing arguments on Tuesday. Trump struck a secret deal with a tabloid publisher who worked to “catch and kill” the stories of a former Playboy model and a porn star before the 2016 election, Joshua Steinglass told...A “corrupt bargain” to silence a porn star helped Donald Trump become elected as president, a prosecutor told the jury during...
Konstantin Rizhak had every reason to feel confident about a career in Russian politics. A 42-year-old veteran of the Kremlin’s brutal war in Ukraine, he commanded a motorised rifle platoon and was awarded the Order of Courage. As the war grinds on, and tensions with the West escalate to unprecedented levels...Konstantin Rizhak had every reason to feel confident about a career in Russian politics. A...Konstantin Rizhak had every reason to feel confident about a career in Russian politics. A...
video
Robert De Niro said Donald Trump “could destroy the world” and labelled his supporters “gangsters” in comments outside the Manhattan courthouse where the former president was facing trial. At a press conference organised by President Biden’s...Robert De Niro said Donald Trump “could destroy the world” and labelled his supporters...Robert De Niro said Donald Trump “could destroy the world” and labelled his supporters...
An American football player has been accused of sexual assault by two flight attendants who claim he groped them on a...An American football player has been accused of sexual assault by two flight attendants who claim...An American football player has been accused of sexual assault by two flight attendants who claim...
The Pope has issued a formal apology after he was quoted claiming there was “too much faggotry” among men training to...The Pope has issued a formal apology after he was quoted claiming there was “too much faggotry”...The Pope has issued a formal apology after he was quoted claiming there was “too much faggotry”...
Stick figures of gladiators fighting to the death apparently drawn by a child have been found on a newly excavated wall in Pompeii, suggesting that children were taken to watch bloody combat at the Roman city’s arena, experts have said. The...Stick figures of gladiators fighting to the death apparently drawn by a child have been found on...Stick figures of gladiators fighting to the death apparently drawn by a child have been found on...
interview
The pursuit of greatness has driven mankind to countless once-unimaginable conquests: the climbing of Everest, the swimming of the Atlantic, the four-minute mile. In Abby Lampe’s case, it drove her to fly more than 3,000 miles, throw herself down...The pursuit of greatness has driven mankind to countless once-unimaginable conquests: the...The pursuit of greatness has driven mankind to countless once-unimaginable conquests: the...
If Donald Trump is found guilty by a Manhattan jury he will go before a judge for sentencing this summer as a non-violent offender in his late seventies with no previous convictions, not to mention as a former president and a leading candidate in...If Donald Trump is found guilty by a Manhattan jury he will go before a judge for sentencing this...If Donald Trump is found guilty by a Manhattan jury he will go before a judge for sentencing this...
A wind farm backed by SSE, the London-listed energy group, has been hit with the largest penalty to be issued by the energy regulator for overcharging bill payers to reduce its power generation. Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (Bowl) has agreed to pay £33.1 million in redress after Ofgem found...A wind farm backed by SSE, the London-listed energy group, has been hit with the largest penalty to be issued by the energy regulator for overcharging bill payers to reduce its power generation. Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Limited (Bowl) has agreed to pay £33.1 million in redress after Ofgem found...A wind farm backed by SSE, the London-listed energy group, has been hit with the largest penalty to be issued by the energy...
The eurozone’s largest economy is heading for stagnation amid a period of rapid population ageing that will place intense strain on the state and public finances, the International Monetary Fund has warned. In a snapshot of the German economy, the fund said economic growth would slow markedly due to the generation of baby boomers born...The eurozone’s largest economy is heading for stagnation amid a period of rapid population ageing that will place intense strain on the state and public finances, the International Monetary Fund has warned. In a snapshot of the German economy, the fund said economic growth would slow markedly due to the generation of baby boomers born...The eurozone’s largest economy is heading for stagnation amid a period of rapid population ageing that will place intense...
One of the largest oil and gas companies in the North Sea has overhauled its management team as it nears the completion of a deal to buy the UK assets of the Italian oil company Eni. Luciano Vasques, managing director of Eni UK, will join as chief executive at Ithaca Energy once the acquisition completes, filling a...One of the largest oil and gas companies in the North Sea has overhauled its management team as...One of the largest oil and gas companies in the North Sea has overhauled its management team as...
david smith
You may have missed it amid the flurry of sometimes eccentric ideas competing for voters’ attention but at the...You may have missed it amid the flurry of sometimes eccentric ideas competing for voters’...You may have missed it amid the flurry of sometimes eccentric ideas competing for voters’...
business commentary
Making it “easy for people to save and invest for a better future” has long been the goal of Hargreaves Lansdown.Making it “easy for people to save and invest for a better future” has long been the goal of...Making it “easy for people to save and invest for a better future” has long been the goal of...
ed warner
‘We celebrate and inspire different views, perspectives and points of view,” proclaims Hay Festival Global. That’s...‘We celebrate and inspire different views, perspectives and points of view,” proclaims Hay...‘We celebrate and inspire different views, perspectives and points of view,” proclaims Hay...
need to know
1 In the 1990s, a money manager named David Elias went before television cameras and made a bold prediction. The...1 In the 1990s, a money manager named David Elias went before television cameras and made a bold...1 In the 1990s, a money manager named David Elias went before television cameras and made a bold...
scale-ups
Sports nutrition brand Bulk’s sales lifted 30% to £123.1 million last year, as more people took up strength training and used supplements such as collagen and magnesium
how i made it
Anthony Eskinazi, founder of JustPark, on his 16-year journey to sell the business
recruitment
For a profession that prides itself on selling, estate agency all too often has failed to sell itself. Despite agents handling more than a million home sales each year worth over £151 billion, agents rank a lowly fifth from bottom on the Ipsos Veracity Index, languishing below both bankers and private landlords. A lack of trust and regulation mean that few young people...For a profession that prides itself on selling, estate agency all too often has failed to sell...For a profession that prides itself on selling, estate agency all too often has failed to sell...
six from the best
Ann Francke is chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, Britain’s professional body for management and...Ann Francke is chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, Britain’s professional body for management and leadership. After more than two decades in senior executive roles at Mars, Boots and Yell, here is what she has learnt to become a better manager. 1. Ask for feedback, don’t just give it. It’s rare to...Ann Francke is chief executive of the Chartered Management Institute, Britain’s professional body for management and leadership.
exclusive interview | martin samuel
It is waiting for Carlo Ancelotti that makes you aware of his superpower. It’s not just the fine football mind, the subtle yet obvious gift for man-management. It’s his everyman quality. There’s Carlo, you think, as in the distance a well-groomed grey-haired gentleman emerges from a chauffeured car. But no. Oh, sorry, here he is, as an effortlessly cool guy of a certain...It is waiting for Carlo Ancelotti that makes you aware of his superpower. It’s not just the fine...It is waiting for Carlo Ancelotti that makes you aware of his superpower. It’s not just the fine...
Ineos is “confident” that Manchester United will be allowed to compete in the Europa League next season after holding...Ineos is “confident” that Manchester United will be allowed to compete in the Europa League next season after holding talks with Uefa regarding its multi-club ownership rules. The MCO rules prevent one person or organisation having “decisive influence” over the running of more than one club in the same competition.Ineos is “confident” that Manchester United will be allowed to compete in the Europa League next season after holding talks...
GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP semi-finals
DAVID WALSH
Writing a book about the Tour de France 30 years ago it was hard to know what to do about Miguel Induráin. The...Writing a book about the Tour de France 30 years ago it was hard to know what to do about Miguel...Writing a book about the Tour de France 30 years ago it was hard to know what to do about Miguel...
Martin samuel
Fiorentina will go for a first European trophy since 1961 in the Uefa Conference League final on Wednesday night. If...Fiorentina will go for a first European trophy since 1961 in the Uefa Conference League final on...Fiorentina will go for a first European trophy since 1961 in the Uefa Conference League final on...
Enzo Maresca has many big decisions to make when he embarks on his first day as the Chelsea manager, but the Italian’s personal philosophy will remain the same. The 44-year-old is still in the infancy of his managerial career but he has been clear on what he has wanted from his teams from the beginning. When he was studying at the coaching centre Coverciano in his home...Enzo Maresca has many big decisions to make when he embarks on his first day as the Chelsea...Enzo Maresca has many big decisions to make when he embarks on his first day as the Chelsea...
Enzo Maresca is set to sign a five-year contract as Chelsea head coach and will be joined by five backroom staff from...Enzo Maresca is set to sign a five-year contract as Chelsea head coach and will be joined by five backroom staff from Leicester City. Maresca’s deal includes the option of a further season until 2030 as well as break clauses, which have not been divulged, in favour of Chelsea. He will be assisted by Willy Caballero...Enzo Maresca is set to sign a five-year contract as Chelsea head coach and will be joined by five backroom staff from Leicester...
T20 World Cup | simon wilde
England’s preparations for the defence of their T20 World Cup crown have become badly mired in inactivity and frustration. For the second time in three games against Pakistan, England were unable to get on the field as steady rain left the outfield at Sophia Gardens saturated and by 8.10pm, an hour before the final cut-off time for a shortened game to begin, the match...England’s preparations for the defence of their T20 World Cup crown have become badly mired in...England’s preparations for the defence of their T20 World Cup crown have become badly mired in...
t20 world cup
Cricket is coming for one of the world’s great untapped markets. It will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in...Cricket is coming for one of the world’s great untapped markets. It will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, Major League Cricket (MLC) is entering its second season — now recognised by the ICC with full list-A status — and a T20 World Cup on US soil is only days away. But what of the home team? Can they...Cricket is coming for one of the world’s great untapped markets. It will return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, Major...
Times Sport Unseen
With the Premier League season over, all eyes turned to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the FA Cup final between Manchester United and their rivals Manchester City. Our photographers Marc Aspland and Bradley Ormesher took their positions at the national stadium to capture the action from one of English football’s biggest events. City entered the game as favourites...With the Premier League season over, all eyes turned to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the FA...With the Premier League season over, all eyes turned to Wembley Stadium on Saturday for the FA...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Golden Echo (4.40 Beverley)
This lightly-raced filly has improved since stepped up in trip...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Golden Echo (4.40 Beverley)
This lightly-raced filly has improved since stepped up in trip and switched to handicap company and she can open her account here. Her latest effort, when a close third in a higher grade at Leicester, was particularly encouraging as she raced too keenly for her...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Golden Echo (4.40 Beverley)
This lightly-raced filly has improved since stepped up in trip and...
Exclusive book extract
The Harry Potter author, a broken-hearted mother and a former prison governor tell the inside story of their fight for rights. Exclusive extracts from a new book The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht
new
first person
Former Tory aide Cleo Watson reveals the secrets of life on the road, from next-level flirting to what it takes to get banned by Dominic Cummings
new
Eamon Holmes and Ruth Langsford are said to both want their collie-cross
new
hilary rose
Will someone think of the poor politicians who are soon to leave the House of Commons?
FIRST PERSON
The men’s mag is back. In the 1990s, Kate Spicer bought into the rebellious scene
new
All men are created equal, but not their houses — and this beautiful, time capsule-esque 18th-century family home in...All men are created equal, but not their houses — and this beautiful, time capsule-esque...All men are created equal, but not their houses — and this beautiful, time capsule-esque...
A world without next-day deliveries, access to wine from anywhere on the planet and the ability to stream any song...A world without next-day deliveries, access to wine from anywhere on the planet and the ability...A world without next-day deliveries, access to wine from anywhere on the planet and the ability...
first night review
FIRST NIGHT review
REVIEW
The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George
Sky Arts/Now Good journalists in search of the real story are often told to head to the pub. And when the director Mike Christie put the cameras in front of Sandra Esqulant, the landlady of the Golden...The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George
Sky Arts/Now Good journalists in search of the real story...The Pilgrimage of Gilbert & George
Sky Arts/Now Good journalists in search of the real story...
Viewing GUide
television
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
Television
TELEVISION
Television
MindGames
MINDGAMES
Robert Crampton
Shane Watson
EXPLAINER
Motivating yourself to exercise is the toughest part of the challenge, but results of a new study may just provide a...Motivating yourself to exercise is the toughest part of the challenge, but results of a new study...Motivating yourself to exercise is the toughest part of the challenge, but results of a new study...
First Person
Young men’s idleness and filthy little habits are once again causing issues for society. Last week, the MP Mel Stride...Young men’s idleness and filthy little habits are once again causing issues for society. Last...Young men’s idleness and filthy little habits are once again causing issues for society. Last...
Donn Delson’s bird’s-eye images are highly prized. But going up in a helicopter to watch him work is even more exhilarating
To celebrate the museum’s 200th anniversary, the British jeweller Boodles has created a 34-piece collection inspired by its paintings
Pre-loved luxury fashion is the new cool, partly because tracking down the good stuff is so hard. Harriet Walker finds the best treasure troves in London
video
Whether it’s the sound of a Kiki McDonough pendant gliding across the chain or a Church’s shoe being polished
updated
This summer’s shades are all about collaborations, with big names from Lenny Kravitz to Keith Haring
video
Nature meets plastic at the just-opened village accommodation that comes with theme park admission as well as its own playgrounds and plenty of Lego. Our writer is first in
The island has the same beautiful beaches, temples and jungle waterfalls, but no crowds — they’re missing out, says our writer who grew up there
new
video
Adventure-packed Bodo, in northern Norway, is a European Capital of Culture with added mountain walks, saunas and delicious seafood
The Bridgerton effect has fuelled interest in British heritage — and where better to start than with the UK’s most aristocratic spots? At this selection you can stay overnight and have out-of-hours access
A small-ship cruise around the underrated eastern isles of the Aegean visits places most people haven’t even heard of — let alone visited
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Q I’m going on a city break for a long weekend with two girlfriends (both of whom have children) and one is insisting...Q I’m going on a city break for a long weekend with two girlfriends (both of whom have children)...Q I’m going on a city break for a long weekend with two girlfriends (both of whom have children)...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
My friend is counting holes. “Fab. Four more!” he exclaims as we emerge from a golf club that dates from 1891.My friend is counting holes. “Fab. Four more!” he exclaims as we emerge from a golf club that...My friend is counting holes. “Fab. Four more!” he exclaims as we emerge from a golf club that...
video
The Amalfi coast is one of the prettiest parts of Italy — and therefore one of the most popular. In high season, the towns and villages strung along the winding coast are heaving. There are ways to find the uncrowded Amalfi, though: our expert...The Amalfi coast is one of the prettiest parts of Italy — and therefore one of the most popular.The Amalfi coast is one of the prettiest parts of Italy — and therefore one of the most popular.
obituary
Canadian-born Oscar winner who befriended a mob boss and persuaded a reluctant Clint Eastwood to star in Million Dollar Baby
new
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
BE CAREFUL for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made...BE CAREFUL for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your...BE CAREFUL for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your...
weather eye
In all the razzmatazz of the recent Chelsea Flower Show there was a display solely devoted to the humble garden hedge, a feature that isn’t often in the limelight. But Tijana Blanusa, a scientist with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), wanted to show how hedges can offer a wealth of benefits for gardens, the wider environment and, especially, urban areas. Hedges...In all the razzmatazz of the recent Chelsea Flower Show there was a display solely devoted to the...In all the razzmatazz of the recent Chelsea Flower Show there was a display solely devoted to the...
From The Times: May 29, 1924 The removal of the temporary war buildings from St James’s Park and the reconditioning...From The Times: May 29, 1924 The removal of the temporary war buildings from St James’s Park and the reconditioning of the bed of the lake having been completed, the Commissioners of Works have carried out an extensive scheme of planting. A great many dead and unsightly trees and shrubs have been removed, vistas...From The Times: May 29, 1924 The removal of the temporary war buildings from St James’s Park and the reconditioning of the bed...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Ministers concerned about potential conflicts of interest
SNP ministers are paving the way to split the role of Scotland’s most senior law officer in what would be one of the most significant overhauls of the legal system in more than 300 years. An expert report into the lord advocate, the role held by Dorothy Bain KC at present, is expected to be...SNP ministers are paving the way to split the role of Scotland’s most senior law officer in what would be one of the most significant overhauls of the legal system in more than 300 years. An expert report into the lord advocate, the role held by Dorothy Bain KC at present, is expected to be...SNP ministers are paving the way to split the role of Scotland’s most senior law officer in what would be one of the most...
Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular politician in Scotland, according to a new poll. The UK Labour leader, who SNP strategists hope will be a weak point for the party in the general election campaign, is the only senior politician with a net positive rating among the Scottish public. He had a favourability rating of plus 3 under the...Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular politician in Scotland, according to a new poll. The UK Labour leader, who SNP strategists hope will be a weak point for the party in the general election campaign, is the only senior politician with a net positive rating among the Scottish public. He had a favourability rating of plus 3 under the...Sir Keir Starmer is the most popular politician in Scotland, according to a new poll. The UK Labour leader, who SNP strategists...
Kenny Farquharson
If John Swinney seems less than his usual sure-footed self in this election there is a good reason: a ball and chain is attached to his ankle. This encumbrance is the gift of Humza Yousaf. In fact it may be the former first minister’s most significant legacy to his successor. The ball and chain is SNP policy on...If John Swinney seems less than his usual sure-footed self in this election there is a good...If John Swinney seems less than his usual sure-footed self in this election there is a good...
A five-year-old club from the fifth tier of Scottish football has completed a $1 million online fundraising campaign and landed investments from leading US sports figures and the US space programme. The Lowland League club Caledonian Braves...A five-year-old club from the fifth tier of Scottish football has completed a $1 million online...A five-year-old club from the fifth tier of Scottish football has completed a $1 million online...
Members of the Scottish Green Party are attempting to drop a general election candidate who called JK Rowling a...Members of the Scottish Green Party are attempting to drop a general election candidate who...Members of the Scottish Green Party are attempting to drop a general election candidate who...
The number of Scottish patients waiting more than a year for NHS treatment has jumped by 25 per cent despite SNP...The number of Scottish patients waiting more than a year for NHS treatment has jumped by 25 per...The number of Scottish patients waiting more than a year for NHS treatment has jumped by 25 per...
leading article
scottish business digest
Louise Gilmour | comment
Celtic had to do things the hard way this season, not just in needing a 90th-minute winner to see off Rangers in last Saturday’s Scottish Cup final but when it came to the business of securing a third successive league title. The quest was much...Celtic had to do things the hard way this season, not just in needing a 90th-minute winner to see...Celtic had to do things the hard way this season, not just in needing a 90th-minute winner to see...
Comment
How the Fiver Theory explains this election campaign
DANIEL FINKELSTEIN
Promises on pensions and income tax follow a proven political pattern but ignore the economic reality facing Britain
ALICE THOMSON
Starmer is a gamekeeper turned poacher
ROGER BOYES
South Africa needs to ditch its false friends
matthew parris | notebook
Damn the detractors, Derby is full of delights
John Roberts
We all pay a price for the failure to fund youth services
Leading Articles
Quadruple Lock
As the Conservatives exempt pensioners from income tax, both of the main parties are to blame for pandering to older voters
Burning Books
Shaming literary festivals is a selfish and counter-productive form of activism
Rounding Error
Ministers are ending funding for a scheme helping people to retrain as teachers
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Putting defence at the heart of the election
newSir, It is not surprising that for a military historian such as Max Hastings “a towering lesson of history is that the best prospect of averting war is to be sufficiently armed to deter aggression” (“Defence should be at centre of this election”...Sir, It is not surprising that for a military historian such as Max Hastings “a towering lesson...Sir, It is not surprising that for a military historian such as Max Hastings “a towering lesson...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Northern Ireland High Court in Belfast hears a challenge against the government’s Rwanda scheme. Mr Justice Humphreys previously ruled that part of the UK government’s Illegal Migration Act breached human rights and the post-Brexit Windsor Framework agreement; parliament’s liaison committee publishes a report on improving strategic thinking in Whitehall.
South Africa: Seventh national election is held since the country became a full democracy in 1994. Voters will elect 400 MPs to the National Assembly for a five-year term.
World: International Mount Everest Day. Nepal commemorates the historic first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.
On this day
In 1453 the city of Constantinople was captured by the Ottoman army of Sultan Mehmed II, and renamed Istanbul. The conquest marked the end of the Byzantine empire; in 1961 the Duke of Edinburgh became the first member of the royal family to give a TV interview. He talked to Richard Dimbleby about Commonwealth Technical Training Week; in 1969 Crosby, Stills & Nash released their eponymous debut album, featuring the singles Marrakesh Express and Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. The folk-rock supergroup was made up of David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash; in 1985, 39 football supporters were killed at the European Cup final between Liverpool FC and Juventus at the Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium. A wall collapsed as Juventus fans were trying to escape Liverpool fans who surged into their area an hour before kick-off; in 1999 the South African mountaineer Cathy O’Dowd became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from the south (May 25, 1996) and north sides.
Nature notes
Like many orchid species, the early purple orchid is a trickster. Plants generally attract pollinators by offering the reward of nectar, but early purple orchid flowers do not produce any. To be pollinated, they rely on the inexperience of young bees. When bees first emerge from their nest, they don’t know which flower species have the best sources of nectar, and learn by trial and error. By imitating the shape of nectariferous plants such as bluebells and bugle, early purple orchids fool the young bees into visiting them. The bees will be deceived a few times before wising up. Through a flowering period that stretches from April to June, early purple orchids rely on a constant stream of gullible “newbie” bees. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Dame Vivienne Cox, pictured, businesswoman, chairwoman, Rosalind Franklin Institute (medical research centre), 65; Annette Bening, actress, American Beauty (1999), 66; Lord (Michael) Berkeley of Knighton, composer and broadcaster, 76; Mel B, singer, Spice Girls (1994-2000), 49; Torquhil Campbell, Duke of Argyll, landowner and chief of Clan Campbell, 56; Rt Rev Steven Croft, bishop of Oxford, 67; Lord (Quentin) Davies of Stamford, former MP (1987-2010) and minister, 80; Roberto Di Matteo, footballer, Chelsea FC (1996-2002), and manager, 54; Rupert Everett, actor, Napoleon (2023), 65; Noel Gallagher, guitarist and singer, Oasis (1991-2009), 57; James Horwill, rugby union player, Harlequins (2015-19) and Australia (2007-16), 39; Paul Johnston, UK ambassador to Ireland, 56; Sir Alan Langlands, vice-chancellor, University of Leeds (2013-20), 72; Sir Julian Le Grand, professor of social policy, London School of Economics, 79; Pearl Mackie, actress, Doctor Who (2016-17), 37; Sarah Millican, comedian, 49; Nanette Newman, actress, The Stepford Wives (1975), 90; Martin Pipe, racehorse trainer, 15-time champion trainer, 79; Lord (David) Prentis of Leeds, general secretary of trade union Unison (2001-21), 76; Norbert Reithofer, chairman of the supervisory board of BMW, 68; Francis Rossi, rock singer and guitarist, Status Quo, In the Army Now (1986), 75; Rt Rev Martin Seeley, bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, 70; Carl-Henric Svanberg, chairman, Volvo Group (2012-Mar 2024), BP (2010-18), 72; Baroness (Fiona) Twycross, deputy mayor for fire and resilience, Greater London Authority, 55; Victoria Watson, group managing editor, The Times and The Sunday Times, News UK, 46; Dame Barbara Woodward, ambassador and permanent representative, UK mission to the UN New York, UK ambassador to China (2015-20), 63.