Paula Vennells is giving evidence to the Post Office public inquiry — the first time she has spoken in public about the Horizon IT scandal in close to ten years. Between 1999 and 2015, nearly 1,000 postmasters were prosecuted on the basis of data from the faulty accounting software, and thousands more were forced out of their businesses, bankrupted or asked to pay back...Paula Vennells is giving evidence to the Post Office public inquiry — the first time she has...Paula Vennells is giving evidence to the Post Office public inquiry — the first time she has...
Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in...Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in the year to April, down from 3.2 per cent in the previous month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. City analysts and the Bank of England had forecast 2.1 per cent. Before the release of...Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in the year...
sophia money-coutts
jonathan northcroft
ALICE THOMSON
Universities are under attack. Many Tory MPs appear to have come to the conclusion that these seats of learning are...Universities are under attack. Many Tory MPs appear to have come to the conclusion that these...Universities are under attack. Many Tory MPs appear to have come to the conclusion that these...
When a wealth manager was asked to look over a life insurance trust belonging to the ageing heiress to the Carhartt...When a wealth manager was asked to look over a life insurance trust belonging to the ageing...When a wealth manager was asked to look over a life insurance trust belonging to the ageing...
video
In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling the loaded breakfast trolleys out and putting hot meals on trays. At the front of the Singapore Airlines plane, other passengers had just begun eating.In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling...In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling...
The backlash over the casting of the able-bodied artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe as Richard III is...The backlash over the casting of the able-bodied artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe as...The backlash over the casting of the able-bodied artistic director of Shakespeare’s Globe as...
There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord Cameron of Chipping...There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord...There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord...
PHOTOGRAPHY
The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated photographs showing Leeds without the high-rise modernity of its current skyline and instead an oddly nostalgic look at individual buildings — old shop façades...The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated...The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated...
Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had even heard of the...Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had...Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had...
THE TIMES DIARY
The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it claimed to be its...The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it...The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it...
dispatch from ukraine
The Russian troops who slipped into the Ukrainian trench clearly belonged to an elite Spetsnaz unit. “Drago”, a 24-year-old special forces commander with Ukraine’s Kraken detachment, recalled: “You could see how professionally and well co-ordinated they were working — it was high-level stuff.The Russian troops who slipped into the Ukrainian trench clearly belonged to an elite Spetsnaz unit. “Drago”, a 24-year-old special forces commander with Ukraine’s Kraken detachment, recalled: “You could see how professionally and well co-ordinated they were working — it was high-level stuff.The Russian troops who slipped into the Ukrainian trench clearly belonged to an elite Spetsnaz unit. “Drago”, a 24-year-old...
Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea have destroyed coral reefs in their relentless harvesting of giant clams, the Philippines claimed, as it announced plans to bring an international legal case against Beijing for environmental damage caused to disputed territories in the South China Sea. On Tuesday the Philippine coastguard released...Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea have destroyed coral reefs in their relentless harvesting of giant clams, the Philippines claimed, as it announced plans to bring an international legal case against Beijing for environmental damage caused to disputed territories in the South China Sea. On Tuesday the Philippine coastguard released...Chinese fishermen in the South China Sea have destroyed coral reefs in their relentless harvesting of giant clams, the...
A criminal investigation has been launched into the death of Matthew Perry, with detectives seeking to discover how the actor obtained the ketamine that killed him. The Friends star, 54, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at home in Los Angeles in October last year after a highly public, decades-long fight with...A criminal investigation has been launched into the death of Matthew Perry, with detectives...A criminal investigation has been launched into the death of Matthew Perry, with detectives...
LETTER FROM RIYADH
Donald Trump’s campaign pointed blame at an employee after the former president’s social media account posted a video...Donald Trump’s campaign pointed blame at an employee after the former president’s social media...Donald Trump’s campaign pointed blame at an employee after the former president’s social media...
The Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has described a request by the International Criminal Court’s chief...The Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has described a request by the International Criminal...The Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant has described a request by the International Criminal...
Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough has filed an emergency lawsuit to block the sale of Graceland in a surprise auction planned for this week. The Memphis estate, bought by “The King of Rock’n’roll” in 1957, was handed over to Lisa Marie...Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough has filed an emergency lawsuit to block the sale of...Elvis Presley’s granddaughter Riley Keough has filed an emergency lawsuit to block the sale of...
Sweden has been shaken by revelations that the hard-right Sweden Democrats have been running a “troll factory” to...Sweden has been shaken by revelations that the hard-right Sweden Democrats have been running a...Sweden has been shaken by revelations that the hard-right Sweden Democrats have been running a...
Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has threatened legal action against the makers of a critically acclaimed biopic...Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has threatened legal action against the makers of a...Donald Trump’s presidential campaign has threatened legal action against the makers of a...
IN maps and CHARTS
Turnout vital in Biden-Trump rematch
Lower energy and food price growth dragged down prices in April but not as much as expected
Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in the year to April, down from 3.2 per cent in the previous month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. City analysts and the Bank of England had forecast 2.1 per cent.Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in the year to April, down from 3.2 per cent in the previous month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. City analysts and the Bank of England had forecast 2.1 per cent.Inflation fell sharply over the past month to the lowest level in nearly three years. It declined to 2.3 per cent in the year...
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 appointed restructuring...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 appointed restructuring...Cazoo has gone into administration only three years after listing in New York at a valuation of $8 billion. The used car...
Government borrowing rose more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three years owing to a growing benefits bill and falling tax revenues caused by the drop in national insurance contributions. Official figures show that the government’s total borrowing climbed to £20.5 billion last month...Government borrowing rose more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three years...Government borrowing rose more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three years...
business commentary
Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal Soriot would pass his.Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal...Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal...
comment
A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that “passions run high in...A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that...A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that...
Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company said it hoped to almost double revenues to $80 billion by the end of the decade as part of a “new era of growth”. At a highly anticipated investor event...Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company...Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company...
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...
TEMPUS
Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before publishing its results on...Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before...Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before...
CVS Group is set to take a writedown on the disposal of assets in the Netherlands and Ireland while awaiting news on a possible competition investigation of the UK veterinary market. The Aim-listed veterinary services provider has offloaded the...CVS Group is set to take a writedown on the disposal of assets in the Netherlands and Ireland...CVS Group is set to take a writedown on the disposal of assets in the Netherlands and Ireland...
market report
Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering group. In a trading...Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering...Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering...
need to know
1 The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying a faster-than-expected fall in...1 The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying a...1 The International Monetary Fund has upgraded Britain’s growth forecast, saying a...
construction
Innovative approach to building labs for biotech and pharma is paying off for Tony and Kirsty Wells
Expert tips
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...
MARTIN SAMUEL
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups, said the comedian George Carlin. And there is no more stupid, larger group than those in charge at Chelsea. They’ve got so many owners, co-owners, directors of football, co-directors of football, wise men, unwise men that, together...Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups, said the comedian George Carlin. And there is no more stupid, larger group than those in charge at Chelsea. They’ve got so many owners, co-owners, directors of football, co-directors of football, wise men, unwise men that, together...Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups, said the comedian George Carlin. And there is no more stupid...
FOOTBALL
An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be crucial in the forthcoming arbitration against his former club Newcastle United. Ashworth, who is still being paid his salary of more than £1 million a year by Newcastle despite being on gardening leave for three months, emailed the incoming...An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be crucial in the forthcoming arbitration against his former club Newcastle United. Ashworth, who is still being paid his salary of more than £1 million a year by Newcastle despite being on gardening leave for three months, emailed the incoming...An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be crucial in the forthcoming...
martin samuel
With the possible exception of the summer of 2021, when Manchester City paid £100million for Jack Grealish, it is hard to imagine that Aston Villa have ever been so flush. The bounty of a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League worth £52.9 million. The prospect of a minimum ten-game Champions League campaign...With the possible exception of the summer of 2021, when Manchester City paid £100million for Jack...With the possible exception of the summer of 2021, when Manchester City paid £100million for Jack...
the trend | hamzah khalique-loonat
CYCLING | GIRO D’ITALIA
jonathan northcroft
In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a neatness to his...In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a...In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a...
RUGBY UNION | ALEX LOWE
Rugby in New Zealand is on the brink of civil war before the All Blacks play two Tests against England in July. The...Rugby in New Zealand is on the brink of civil war before the All Blacks play two Tests against...Rugby in New Zealand is on the brink of civil war before the All Blacks play two Tests against...
gary jacob
The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles. The second-highest points tally in club history. As most metrics suggest, Arsenal have had an excellent season. Of course, the title eluded them, with Manchester City pipping them by two points. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta has built a group that can overcome setbacks, have...The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles.The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles.
MARTIN SAMUEL
From MBE to NFI, the downfall of Marcus Rashford has been shockingly swift. The hero of the nation in the wake of...From MBE to NFI, the downfall of Marcus Rashford has been shockingly swift. The hero of the nation in the wake of lockdown, it was less than 18 months ago that he was regarded as the most in-form striker in Europe, scoring 16 goals in 17 matches on his immediate return from the World Cup in Qatar. Yet his exclusion...From MBE to NFI, the downfall of Marcus Rashford has been shockingly swift. The hero of the nation in the wake of lockdown, it...
tactical analysis
The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly called time on a 15-year career at the helm of the club. His replacement came from within: Bob Paisley, Shankly’s assistant, took charge and built upon the Scottish manager’s foundations to turn Liverpool into England’s most successful club during the 1970s and 1980s. The...The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly...The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly...
Gregor Robertson
When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with quite the same poise...When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with quite the same poise as Adam Wharton? England’s second tier has been fertile ground for a plethora of top-flight stars in recent years, of course, but it is hard to recall anyone who has taken to life among the elite as...When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with quite the same poise as Adam...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
Tony Mowbray will not return to his job as the Birmingham City manager as he concentrates on making a full recovery...Tony Mowbray will not return to his job as the Birmingham City manager as he concentrates on...Tony Mowbray will not return to his job as the Birmingham City manager as he concentrates on...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Covert Legend (5.30 Ayr)
This gelding has benefitted from an operation to help with...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Covert Legend (5.30 Ayr)
This gelding has benefitted from an operation...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Covert Legend (5.30 Ayr)
This gelding has benefitted from an operation...
sophia money-coutts
The sport of kings is having a moment — it’s the subject of a new Netflix show from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
First person
Narinder Kaur was horrified when the actor turned politician posted an explicit image of her on Twitter/X — but the nightmare had just begun
The Chelsea Flower Show is proof that British women have one failsafe fashion formula
Carol Midgley
Why on earth would you want to cook outside in the British weather?
The actress has broken the golden rule: she complained about being too slim. But do we believe her? By Polly Vernon
a life in the day
Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became the youngest member...Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became...Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became...
It has been worn on stage at Glastonbury and to several royal weddings. Named “dress of the decade” in 2020 by Vogue...It has been worn on stage at Glastonbury and to several royal weddings. Named “dress of the...It has been worn on stage at Glastonbury and to several royal weddings. Named “dress of the...
It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer 2024’s first Marmite footwear trend. Will you wear a pair of fisherman sandals? Perhaps the better question is, can you find any? Big-budget styles from...It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer...It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer...
chelsea flower show
REVIEW | fiction
Ask the experts
Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my full tax-free...Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my...Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my...
first person
This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches. The last time I was...This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches.This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches.
REVIEW | paperbacks
Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history, memoir, mystery, politics and more. Hardback prices are a eye-popping at the moment — why not splurge on a £9.99-er instead? You can also follow...Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history...Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history...
MindGames
1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has been considered in...1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has...1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
first night review
first night review
Viewing GUide
Television
TELEVISION
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
It’s all palazzos, pomp and delicious pasta on the country’s east coast, says Rosalyn Wikeley
Dr Louisa McKenzie meets the Parisian art world’s enfant terrible attracting new audiences to auction houses via social media and graffiti
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
video
The exhilarating streets of Tokyo proved to be the perfect spot for our writer and his sibling to reconnect and catch up after six long years apart
Save money on your next trip to the States in a hostel, which are far from their downmarket stereotype. We’ve found the ones which are scrupulously clean — and stylish
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
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)
Sheffield, Birmingham and Swansea are among the places ranked least appealing for a weekend break in a new survey. Times writers weigh on on why they deserve more love
Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start. “Get dressed and out...Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start.Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start.
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...
weather eye
PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty...PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise...PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise...
Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this morning when His...Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this...Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Deputy first minister said successful economy was necessary to fund social priorities
Kate Forbes has raised the prospect of taxes being cut in Scotland to grow the country’s economy. The deputy first minister said that rates cannot continually increase and the SNP administration must strike a balance between taxation and public spending. Humza Yousaf’s administration introduced a...Kate Forbes has raised the prospect of taxes being cut in Scotland to grow the country’s economy. The deputy first minister said that rates cannot continually increase and the SNP administration must strike a balance between taxation and public spending. Humza Yousaf’s administration introduced a...Kate Forbes has raised the prospect of taxes being cut in Scotland to grow the country’s economy. The deputy first minister...
John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most senior civil servant. The Scottish government had to plug a £1.5 billion black hole in this year’s budget but John-Paul Marks, the permanent secretary, said that the financial situation was still precarious. In an...John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most senior civil servant. The Scottish government had to plug a £1.5 billion black hole in this year’s budget but John-Paul Marks, the permanent secretary, said that the financial situation was still precarious. In an...John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most...
KENNY FARQUHARSON | COMMENT
He presents himself as a fresh start but the government he leads is stale. He offers his decency as a contrast to his party’s recent brushes with the law. He asks us to consider his competence against the haplessness of his immediate predecessor. Who am I talking about here? John Swinney or Rishi Sunak? It could be...He presents himself as a fresh start but the government he leads is stale. He offers his decency...He presents himself as a fresh start but the government he leads is stale. He offers his decency...
Church of Scotland pledges ‘radical reform’ to win new converts as results of delayed census are published
Church of Scotland leaders have pledged “radical reform” to win new converts after census data revealed for the first time that most people in the country have no religion. The latest statistics showed 51.1 per cent did not have a religious faith, and in more bad news for the Kirk, only 20.4 per cent said they were church members, a fall of 610,100 since 2011 and of...Church of Scotland leaders have pledged “radical reform” to win new converts after census data...Church of Scotland leaders have pledged “radical reform” to win new converts after census data...
Minsters are reviewing funding of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre after a tribunal found its chief executive was the...Minsters are reviewing funding of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre after a tribunal found its chief executive was the “invisible hand” behind the harassment of a support worker who held gender-critical views. A tribunal found that Mridul Wadhwa, a trans woman, oversaw a “heresy hunt” and an internal investigation...Minsters are reviewing funding of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre after a tribunal found its chief executive was the “invisible...
Leading Article
The leaders of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre conducted a “heresy hunt” against one of the organisation’s own employees...The leaders of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre conducted a “heresy hunt” against one of the...The leaders of Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre conducted a “heresy hunt” against one of the...
Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, has been sacked...Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf...Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf...
The upcoming Women’s European qualifier between Scotland and Israel will be played behind closed doors due to security concerns. Scotland’s women take on Israel at Hampden on May 31, and again five days later in a match that Uefa has moved to Bucharest. The Scottish FA said: “Due to updated intelligence and following extensive security consultations with all key parties...The upcoming Women’s European qualifier between Scotland and Israel will be played behind closed...The upcoming Women’s European qualifier between Scotland and Israel will be played behind closed...
will whitehorn | comment
The graduate route visa is a success story for the Conservatives and for UK plc. Yet its fate currently
hangs in...The graduate route visa is a success story for the Conservatives and for UK plc. Yet its fate currently
hangs in the balance. I can hardly think of a bigger act of self-sabotage for the UK economy than to
deter highly motivated, highly skilled international talent from coming here. Scrapping or even
restricting...The graduate route visa is a success story for the Conservatives and for UK plc. Yet its fate currently
hangs in the balance.
Comment
Why we really do need to talk about Brexit
Daniel Finkelstein
Both parties plan to ignore our most consequential postwar decision during the election — that won’t help the country
ALICE THOMSON
Apprentice scheme isn’t working for anyone
ROGER BOYES
We should worry about who will succeed Raisi
MATTHEW PARRIS | NOTEBOOK
Debbonaire is definitely playing the right tune
ADRIAN SMITH
Visas must lure the best graduates not drive them away
Leading Articles
Unwarranted Action
The threat of prosecution for war crimes against Binyamin Netanyahu does nothing to help Palestinian civilians or bring peace closer in Gaza
Prison Break
Calls for fewer people to be arrested show the criminal justice system is collapsing
Something In The Air
Despite procurement stumbles, British wind power is a world-leading triumph
letters to the editor
Calls for action over infected blood scandal
Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national conversation about the need for reform of our state institutions. The lack of compassion and curiosity at the core of our public services should be...Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national...Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Office for National Statistics publishes its latest UK house price index; Ofcom releases an annual report on adults’ and children’s news consumption across television, radio, print and online in the UK and within each UK nation; the women and equalities select committee holds an oral evidence session as part of its inquiry on assistance dogs; Steve Clarke announces the 28 players who have been selected as part of the Scotland football squad for Euro 2024; the England cricket team play Pakistan at Headingley in Leeds in the first of a four-match T20 series.
Iran: Funeral ceremony in Tehran for the president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
US: Lord (Nicholas) Soames of Fletching, grandson of Winston Churchill, delivers the inaugural lecture in the Winston Churchill Lecture Series hosted by the Wilson Center in Washington DC.
On this day
In 1939 Germany and Italy signed the Pact of Friendship and Alliance (known as the Pact of Steel) before the start of the Second World War. The pact created the Axis powers, which from September 27, 1940, included Japan; in 1969 the lunar module of Apollo 10 came within about nine miles of the moon’s surface. Colonel Thomas Stafford and Commander Eugene Cernan were on a test mission ahead of the lunar landing that took place on July 21, 1969 (Eugene Cernan obituary, January 18, 2017); in 1970 the Cricket Council agreed to a “formal request from Her Majesty’s government to withdraw the invitation to the South African touring team”. Instead, five matches were played against a Rest of the World team captained by Garfield Sobers. Ray Illingworth captained the England team; in 2014 there was a coup d’etat in Thailand after a six-month political crisis. The prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was replaced by a junta that imposed martial law and curfews; in 2017 a suicide bomb explosion at Manchester Arena caused 23 deaths, including the perpetrator, as fans were leaving a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande.
Nature notes
Easily mistaken for a goose, shelduck are one of our largest duck species. Their white body is beautifully decorated with a chestnut breast-band, black shoulders and bottle-green neck and head. Their beak is bright red. By preference, shelduck lay their eggs inside rabbit burrows. Hidden from view and from the elements, this is a safe choice. Sometimes, though, mistakes are made and the female will build her nest of straw, grass and down plucked from her own breast in a badger sett or fox earth, with predictable results. Shelduck also nest in tree holes and even haystacks. They do not steer clear of human buildings, either. They have even been recorded nesting in bird hides — a real treat for ornithologists. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Lynn Barber, journalist, author, A Curious Career (2014), 80; Sir Peter Bazalgette, co-chair, Creative Industries Council, chairman, ITV (2016-22), Arts Council England (2013-17), 71; David Bernstein, chairman, British Red Cross (2014-21), 81; Lord (Menzies) Campbell of Pittenweem, chancellor, University of St Andrews, leader, Liberal Democrats (2006-07), 83; Naomi Campbell, supermodel, 54; Lt Gen Ian Cave, UK military representative to Nato and the EU, 58; Rev Don Cupitt, theologian, writer and broadcaster, 90; Jerry Dammers, musician, a founder of the Specials, 69; Novak Djokovic, tennis player, men’s singles world No 1, 37; Jeffrey Fairburn, chairman, Avant Homes, chief executive, Persimmon (2013-18), 58; Piero Ferrari, businessman, vice-chairman of Ferrari, 79; Baroness (Maggie) Jones of Whitchurch, trade unionist, chairwoman, Labour Party (2000-01), 69; Ieuan Wyn Jones, director of Menai Science Park (M-SParc) (2013-18), deputy first minister of Wales (2007-11), 75; Graham Linehan, TV writer and director, 56; Ian Livingstone, property developer, co-executive chairman, London & Regional Properties, 62; Morrissey, singer-songwriter, frontman of the Smiths (1982-87), 65; GF Newman, novelist, Dark Heart (2013), and creator of the Judge John Deed TV series, 78; Dame Arlene Phillips, choreographer and judge, Strictly Come Dancing (2004-08), 81; Hannah Rothschild, writer, High Time (2023), and documentary film-maker, 62; Tom Scudamore, jockey, 42; Lubna Shuja, president, the Law Society of England and Wales (2022-23), 57; Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, 72; Jon Sopel, journalist, former correspondent for BBC News, 65; Amanda Spielman, chief inspector of education, children’s services and skills (Ofsted) (2017-23), 63; Irwin Stelzer, economist, columnist for The Sunday Times, 92; Bernie Taupin, songwriter, long-term lyricist for Elton John (including Candle in the Wind, 1973), 74.