Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are today beginning the first full week of the election campaign by trading blows on the economy and security. The Labour leader is using his first keynote speech of the election campaign in the southeast to accept that many voters are still unsure whether the...Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are today beginning the first full week of the election campaign by trading blows on the economy and security. The Labour leader is using his first keynote speech of the election campaign in the southeast to accept that many voters are still unsure whether the...Sir Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are today beginning the first full week of the election campaign by trading blows on the...
Conservative ministers and MPs have failed to “get behind” campaigning and have refused to knock on doors, a leaked memo from Tory headquarters sent days into the general election campaign has revealed. Conservative staff accused MPs of focusing too much on ministerial business in a document accidentally emailed to party MPs by a senior...Conservative ministers and MPs have failed to “get behind” campaigning and have refused to knock on doors, a leaked memo from Tory headquarters sent days into the general election campaign has revealed. Conservative staff accused MPs of focusing too much on ministerial business in a document accidentally emailed to party MPs by a senior...Conservative ministers and MPs have failed to “get behind” campaigning and have refused to knock on doors, a leaked memo from...
Israeli airstrikes on an area where displaced Palestinians have taken shelter have reportedly killed dozens of people. Aid groups said the strikes targeted the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood where civilians were sheltering in tents, igniting a fire. According to Gaza’s civil defence agency operating in the Hamas-run...Israeli airstrikes on an area where displaced Palestinians have taken shelter have reportedly...Israeli airstrikes on an area where displaced Palestinians have taken shelter have reportedly...
video
What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing the telephone...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...
Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he contemplates a...Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he...Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he...
Party pledges ‘sprint’ review to identify threats
exclusiveIn the wooded grounds of a former hunting lodge in a Hampshire forest, scientists are racing to protect Britain from the next ash dieback or Dutch elm disease. Ensconced in a highly secure containment lab, which staff say is “designed to let nothing out but humans”, Max Blake is concerned about a beetle menacing spruce that are vital for timber and Christmas trees. Ips...In the wooded grounds of a former hunting lodge in a Hampshire forest, scientists are racing to...In the wooded grounds of a former hunting lodge in a Hampshire forest, scientists are racing to...
The world’s loneliest plant is looking for love. For 130 years, Encephalartos woodii has existed alone. The species...The world’s loneliest plant is looking for love. For 130 years, Encephalartos woodii has existed alone. The species was discovered in the form of a single male, taken from the wild in 1895. Since then, he has lived a life of chastity. He has been cloned. He has spread copies of himself through the world’s...The world’s loneliest plant is looking for love. For 130 years, Encephalartos woodii has existed alone. The species was...
Photography
A new exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery charts the evolution of fashion photography from a commercial device into an art form. Curated by Nathalie Herschdorfer, director of Photo Elysée in Lausanne, Switzerland, and produced by the Foundation for...A new exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery charts the evolution of fashion photography from a...A new exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery charts the evolution of fashion photography from a...
Labour and the Tories have launched TikTok campaigns as they target younger voters on the social media platform. Political advertising is banned on the platform but the parties will be hoping to create content that performs...Labour and the Tories have launched TikTok campaigns as they target younger voters on the social media platform. Political advertising is banned on the platform but the parties will be hoping to create content that performs...Labour and the Tories have launched TikTok campaigns as they target younger voters on the social media platform.
A group teaching nine-year-olds that some children may not feel like “a boy or a girl” is sending its books to every primary school in Gillian Keegan’s constituency to protest sex education reforms. Pop‘n’Olly, an LGBT...A group teaching nine-year-olds that some children may not feel like “a boy or a girl” is sending its books to every primary school in Gillian Keegan’s constituency to protest sex education reforms. Pop‘n’Olly, an LGBT...A group teaching nine-year-olds that some children may not feel like “a boy or a girl” is sending its books to every...
video
President Macron has started a rare ceremonial tour of Germany aimed at soothing a Franco-German relationship that has sunk to its worst for decades. With French colours flying in Berlin, Macron and his wife, Brigitte, began the first French state visit for 24 years dominated by three days of ceremonies hosted by Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the president, that include...President Macron has started a rare ceremonial tour of Germany aimed at soothing a Franco-German...President Macron has started a rare ceremonial tour of Germany aimed at soothing a Franco-German...
The assassin was already in position when he was informed of his target. It was May 4, five days before Russia was...The assassin was already in position when he was informed of his target. It was May 4, five days before Russia was set to celebrate its national victory day holiday, when he set up a drone control centre in a basement in the Kyiv region. “When you see a convoy with a black Toyota Land Cruiser and a black minibus...The assassin was already in position when he was informed of his target. It was May 4, five days before Russia was set to...
From our correspondent
The daily descent of Lorenzo Rodríguez from the Madrid sunshine to the darkness of its labyrinthine sewerage system could well be called a heroic feat. For 34 years the grizzled madrileño has lowered himself through manholes to depths of up to 30 metres to clean and mend the city’s 3,000 miles of waste pipes and tunnels. To his colleagues he is a Pluto, a ruler of the...The daily descent of Lorenzo Rodríguez from the Madrid sunshine to the darkness of its...The daily descent of Lorenzo Rodríguez from the Madrid sunshine to the darkness of its...
A grand new art gallery is to be built in Caen after the Norman town won a contest among seven French cities to host...A grand new art gallery is to be built in Caen after the Norman town won a contest among seven French cities to host a permanent home for the collection of Jean-Claude Gandur, a Swiss billionaire. Gandur, 75, chose the seat of William the Conqueror in a run-off against Bordeaux as the the site of an architecturally...A grand new art gallery is to be built in Caen after the Norman town won a contest among seven French cities to host a...
IN maps and CHARTS
President Biden trails Donald Trump in five of the six swing states expected to decide the 2024 election, according...President Biden trails Donald Trump in five of the six swing states expected to decide the 2024...President Biden trails Donald Trump in five of the six swing states expected to decide the 2024...
Nikki Haley has confirmed that she will be voting for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, urging her...Nikki Haley has confirmed that she will be voting for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential...Nikki Haley has confirmed that she will be voting for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential...
Private equity executives have received a tax break worth as much as £4 billion under the “carried interest” rules that Labour plans to abolish if it wins the general election, data obtained by The Times has revealed. The figures demonstrate that a lenient tax treatment of private equity...Private equity executives have received a tax break worth as much as £4 billion under the “carried interest” rules that Labour plans to abolish if it wins the general election, data obtained by The Times has revealed. The figures demonstrate that a lenient tax treatment of private equity...Private equity executives have received a tax break worth as much as £4 billion under the “carried interest” rules that Labour...
The Serious Fraud Office has been in contact with administrators investigating the Philips Trust Corporation scandal. Philips Trust collapsed into administration two years ago holding an estimated £138 million of more than 2,000 building society customers’ assets, including properties in trust and £44 million of invested savings. The...The Serious Fraud Office has been in contact with administrators investigating the Philips Trust Corporation scandal. Philips Trust collapsed into administration two years ago holding an estimated £138 million of more than 2,000 building society customers’ assets, including properties in trust and £44 million of invested savings. The...The Serious Fraud Office has been in contact with administrators investigating the Philips Trust Corporation scandal. Philips...
need to know
1 Labour faces a fresh union backlash after insisting that it would allow companies to fire and rehire staff in “limited circumstances”. Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, claimed Labour’s renamed workers’ rights plan had “more holes in it than Swiss cheese” after a document appeared to give increased...1 Labour faces a fresh union backlash after insisting that it would allow companies to fire and...1 Labour faces a fresh union backlash after insisting that it would allow companies to fire and...
According to some forecasts, the past 18 months should have been a bloodbath for the housing market. Towards the end of 2022, in the wake of the infamous September mini-budget, there were predictions of a steep fall in house...According to some forecasts, the past 18 months should have been a bloodbath for the housing market. Towards the end of 2022, in the wake of the infamous September mini-budget, there were predictions of a steep fall in house...According to some forecasts, the past 18 months should have been a bloodbath for the housing market. Towards the end...
House prices have been strongest in rural areas over the past five years, outstripping growth in predominately urban locations. According to Nationwide, prices have risen by 22 per cent in the countryside, compared with 17 per...House prices have been strongest in rural areas over the past five years, outstripping growth in predominately urban locations. According to Nationwide, prices have risen by 22 per cent in the countryside, compared with 17 per...House prices have been strongest in rural areas over the past five years, outstripping growth in predominately urban...
Food
The meal kit delivery firm has cut costs and laid off staff as it battles rising inflation and the return to the office
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.
Maresca and Frank now frontrunners to take over at Stamford Bridge
newKieran McKenna has pulled out of the running for the Chelsea job, leaving Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank as the main managerial options to replace Mauricio Pochettino. McKenna, 38, who led Ipswich Town to promotion to the Premier League, was the frontrunner to succeed Pochettino last week but has...Kieran McKenna has pulled out of the running for the Chelsea job, leaving Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank as the main managerial options to replace Mauricio Pochettino. McKenna, 38, who led Ipswich Town to promotion to the Premier League, was the frontrunner to succeed Pochettino last week but has...Kieran McKenna has pulled out of the running for the Chelsea job, leaving Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank as the main managerial...
Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he contemplates a potential shake-up of his squad. Although City lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United, they still had a successful campaign, becoming the first English team to win four consecutive top-flight titles. Guardiola always speaks...Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he contemplates a potential shake-up of his squad. Although City lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United, they still had a successful campaign, becoming the first English team to win four consecutive top-flight titles. Guardiola always speaks...Pep Guardiola has been assured that Manchester City’s summer transfer plans are in order as he contemplates a potential...
Ian Hawkey
These are not wise times to prevaricate too long over the hiring or the firing of a new head coach. The market may be unusually clogged with unemployed managers bearing excellent sets of medals and worldly CVs, but delay runs the risk that the right man slips off to a rival or that the best candidates decide they...These are not wise times to prevaricate too long over the hiring or the firing of a new head coach.These are not wise times to prevaricate too long over the hiring or the firing of a new head coach.
Championship play-off final
FA Cup final | Paul Hirst
About 90 minutes after the final whistle of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left the...About 90 minutes after the final whistle of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Sir Alex Ferguson and David...About 90 minutes after the final whistle of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Sir Alex Ferguson and David...
French Open
Andy Murray’s new racket failed to make a dent on the other side of the French Open net on Sunday night. As hard as...Andy Murray’s new racket failed to make a dent on the other side of the French Open net on Sunday...Andy Murray’s new racket failed to make a dent on the other side of the French Open net on Sunday...
Champions cup | alex lowe
At the end of last season Jack Willis was in a bubble bath with the Bouclier de Brennus, the shield awarded to the winners of the French league. On Saturday night he was topless while breakdancing in the changing room as his Toulouse team-mates, wearing ski masks to protect their eyes from the champagne spray, celebrated a sixth Investec Champions Cup title. They know...At the end of last season Jack Willis was in a bubble bath with the Bouclier de Brennus, the...At the end of last season Jack Willis was in a bubble bath with the Bouclier de Brennus, the...
Champions cup | stuart barnes
“Epic,” said my old commentary partner, Miles Harrison, in the bowels of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when we bumped...“Epic,” said my old commentary partner, Miles Harrison, in the bowels of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when we bumped into each other after Saturday’s Champions Cup final. “Epic,” said a few of the more sage members in the press box. Hell, the press box was full of exhausted bodies after 100 minutes of rugby. This was a...“Epic,” said my old commentary partner, Miles Harrison, in the bowels of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when we bumped into each...
Monaco Grand Prix
The American golfer Grayson Murray, a two-times winner on the PGA Tour, has died at the age of 30. Murray’s death was...The American golfer Grayson Murray, a two-times winner on the PGA Tour, has died at the age of 30.The American golfer Grayson Murray, a two-times winner on the PGA Tour, has died at the age of 30.
mike atherton
It was only a month ago, in an interview given to Steve James in these pages, that England’s white-ball coach Matthew...It was only a month ago, in an interview given to Steve James in these pages, that England’s...It was only a month ago, in an interview given to Steve James in these pages, that England’s...
Jofra Archer’s return after more than a year on the sidelines lifted the spirits of his England team-mates and provided a crucial point of difference to the bowling attack as it tunes up for its T20 World Cup title defence, according to his close...Jofra Archer’s return after more than a year on the sidelines lifted the spirits of his England...Jofra Archer’s return after more than a year on the sidelines lifted the spirits of his England...
EXTRACT
Chris Stein on Debbie Harry, drug addiction and the rare disease that changed his life
exclusiveExtract
The actress introduced Shekhar Bhatia, her first husband, to Shakespeare; he took her to see West Ham United. As he recalls in his new book, it was a disaster
interview
The organist and social media star on why she’s happy for fans to film during her shows
ASK PROFESSOR TANYA BYRON
Q. My nine-year-old son, the youngest of four, has sucked his thumb since he was born. In fact I’m pretty sure I saw...Q. My nine-year-old son, the youngest of four, has sucked his thumb since he was born. In fact...Q. My nine-year-old son, the youngest of four, has sucked his thumb since he was born. In fact...
Viewing GUide
For full TV listings for the week, see our comprehensive TV guide Viewing guide, by Ben Dowell
Theresa May:...For full TV listings for the week, see our comprehensive TV guide Viewing guide, by Ben...For full TV listings for the week, see our comprehensive TV guide Viewing guide, by Ben...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Safe to say it was a rollercoaster weekend for Nicki Minaj, the 12-time Grammy-nominated rapper. After a sell-out show in Amsterdam, on Friday she announced she was extending her Pink Friday 2 album tour due to popular demand. Things then took a...Safe to say it was a rollercoaster weekend for Nicki Minaj, the 12-time Grammy-nominated rapper.Safe to say it was a rollercoaster weekend for Nicki Minaj, the 12-time Grammy-nominated rapper.
FIRST PERSON
In 2017 my parents lived in a farmhouse in a little village in Carmarthenshire in Wales, where they had been for 20 years [says Gail Carter, 47]. Because they were so far away, we always wondered what would happen when they got older and if...In 2017 my parents lived in a farmhouse in a little village in Carmarthenshire in Wales, where...In 2017 my parents lived in a farmhouse in a little village in Carmarthenshire in Wales, where...
MindGames
1 The subject of the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood, Ozploitation films are made in which country? 2...1 The subject of the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood, Ozploitation films are made in...1 The subject of the 2008 documentary Not Quite Hollywood, Ozploitation films are made in...
television
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
Television
TELEVISION
Television
Farmer clarkson
Quite rightly there’s been a lot of brouhaha and gnashing of teeth about the Welsh government’s weed-friendly farming...Quite rightly there’s been a lot of brouhaha and gnashing of teeth about the Welsh government’s...Quite rightly there’s been a lot of brouhaha and gnashing of teeth about the Welsh government’s...
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)...
This summer’s shades are all about collaborations, with big names from Lenny Kravitz to Keith Haring
Lymphatic drainage is a wonder treatment loved by Hollywood celebrities who need a quick fix. We round up the best UK practitioners
Simon de Burton visits the Italian workshop that lovingly restores old Cinquecentos to even greater glory
Lisa Johnson selects seven of the smartest holiday seaside homes — and the specialists for booking them
video
Since 1888 Lalique has produced some of the world’s most covetable crystals from its headquarters in France. The company was founded by René Lalique, a French jewellery designer who was part of the art nouveau design movement. Lalique began his...
Since 1888 Lalique has produced some of the world’s most covetable crystals from its headquarters...
Since 1888 Lalique has produced some of the world’s most covetable crystals from its headquarters...
A small-ship cruise around the underrated eastern isles of the Aegean visits places most people haven’t even heard of — let alone visited
video
Just a short drive from Caen, belle époque villas and glorious wellbeing treatments await in the back-in-vogue forested expanses of Bagnoles de l’Orne
When he was 19, our writer loved the country of squat loos, rip-off taxis and seedy auberges. Would a return visit give his children playground bragging rights?
video
When the TV presenter, her sister Wendy and their 91-year-old father discovered who their ancestor was, their next holiday destination was a natural selection
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Our travel troubleshooter advises on when to put friends before children and how to navigate a couple’s disparate holiday tastes
My usual preflight routine goes something like this: check passport and boarding pass, ensure I’ve downloaded a...My usual preflight routine goes something like this: check passport and boarding pass, ensure...My usual preflight routine goes something like this: check passport and boarding pass, ensure...
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
Composer who with his brother, Robert, wrote songs for family favourite Disney films such as Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book
Weather eye
From the archive
Kensington Palace
25th May, 2024 The Prince of Wales, President, the Football Association, this afternoon attended...Kensington Palace
25th May, 2024 The Prince of Wales, President, the Football Association...Kensington Palace
25th May, 2024 The Prince of Wales, President, the Football Association...
“ ‘NOW if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.“ ‘NOW if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my...“ ‘NOW if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
The UK’s energy sector is facing an “apocalyptic scenario” with firms considering quitting the country because of high taxes and the threat of banning new oil and gas drilling, the industry has warned. One company has stalled a project worth £400 million that would have created hundreds of jobs...The UK’s energy sector is facing an “apocalyptic scenario” with firms considering quitting the country because of high taxes and the threat of banning new oil and gas drilling, the industry has warned. One company has stalled a project worth £400 million that would have created hundreds of jobs...The UK’s energy sector is facing an “apocalyptic scenario” with firms considering quitting the country because of high taxes...
Anas Sarwar’s political opponents have accused him of hypocrisy after the Scottish Labour leader said his own family’s firm was not paying its workers the real living wage. Labour has pledged that if elected to power at the general election then it will introduce new minimum pay rates that will be linked to the cost of living. Sarwar told...Anas Sarwar’s political opponents have accused him of hypocrisy after the Scottish Labour leader said his own family’s firm was not paying its workers the real living wage. Labour has pledged that if elected to power at the general election then it will introduce new minimum pay rates that will be linked to the cost of living. Sarwar told...Anas Sarwar’s political opponents have accused him of hypocrisy after the Scottish Labour leader said his own family’s firm was...
Iain Macwhirter | comment
First impressions are important. Psychologists tell us that we make lasting judgments about someone’s character and truthfulness in the first seven seconds of meeting them. In politics, as in life, how a party leader begins an election campaign can define how the voters view them right up to polling day. Hence, that...First impressions are important. Psychologists tell us that we make lasting judgments about...First impressions are important. Psychologists tell us that we make lasting judgments about...
Holidaymakers and day trippers in Scotland have been warned they face the prospect of flooding, lightning and thunderstorms during the late spring bank holiday. Millions are expected on the roads to enjoy the last official break before summer but...Holidaymakers and day trippers in Scotland have been warned they face the prospect of flooding...Holidaymakers and day trippers in Scotland have been warned they face the prospect of flooding...
The death of native-spoken Gaelic in its traditional heartland is being forecast following figures which show a substantial fall people using the ancient language. For the first time Gaelic speakers are in the minority in the Western Isles, with...The death of native-spoken Gaelic in its traditional heartland is being forecast following...The death of native-spoken Gaelic in its traditional heartland is being forecast following...
FOOTBALL
Greg Taylor believes that Todd Cantwell overstepped the mark with some of his on-field sledging in Saturday’s Old Firm Scottish Cup final. The pair clashed near the touchline in the 73rd minute of Celtic’s 1-0 win, with Taylor being shown a yellow card for shoving the grounded Rangers midfielder after having made a clean tackle on him. Cantwell received a booking for...Greg Taylor believes that Todd Cantwell overstepped the mark with some of his on-field sledging...Greg Taylor believes that Todd Cantwell overstepped the mark with some of his on-field sledging...
FOOTBALL | MICHAEL GRANT
As a man who has declared his knowledge and respect for Rangers’ history — he was bowled over by his visit to the new...As a man who has declared his knowledge and respect for Rangers’ history — he was bowled over by his visit to the new club museum — Philippe Clement might roll his eyes about the inevitability of having to shoulder the blame if the next Old Firm game comes and goes without his first derby win. That game in the...As a man who has declared his knowledge and respect for Rangers’ history — he was bowled over by his visit to the new club...
Comment
Defence should be at centre of this election
Max Hastings
As we face a real threat from Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, our politicians must explain how they will protect us
Tomiwa Owolade
Our oversharing culture debases privacy
libby purves
The best sitcoms can both shock and console
sathnam sanghera | notebook
Love is … not having to pick up the phone
sean o’neill
Public inquiries must have a way to enforce real change
Leading Articles
First Among Equals
Michael Gove has announced he will not seek re-election in July. A gifted and consequential political reformer, he sets a formidable example to his successors
Age Concern
Rishi Sunak’s proposal for mandatory National Service has real merits
Heritage Heights
Building new audiences for Britain’s country houses is a noble endeavour
letters to the editor
Starmer’s plan for VAT on private school fees
Sir, The decision to impose tax on such a valuable and precious asset as education will be prone to unintended consequences (“Speedy action on school VAT”, news, May 25). The only children who will suffer will be those whose parents are...Sir, The decision to impose tax on such a valuable and precious asset as education will be prone...Sir, The decision to impose tax on such a valuable and precious asset as education will be prone...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Spring bank holiday.
World: Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly opens, the director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to speak.
Nature notes
The bubbling, mechanical churr of a nightjar is one of the sounds most evocative of a warm summer’s night. In late April and May fewer than 10,000 of these extraordinary birds arrive from the Democratic Republic of Congo at lowland heaths in southern England to breed, departing again in August. A drastic collapse in their numbers in the second half of the last century has been partially reversed, perhaps due to climate change but certainly connected to the felling of forestry plantations which creates more of the habitat they like. By day, nightjars rest on a branch or on the ground, disappearing entirely due to their cryptic plumage. By night they hunt moths, aided by their huge eyes and wide gapes. Melissa Harrison
On this day
In 1937 200,000 people celebrated the grand opening of the Golden Gate Bridge, in San Francisco, by strolling across it. The US navy had wanted the bridge to be painted black and yellow for high visibility; in 1963 Jomo Kenyatta’s Kenya African National Union party won the country’s general election. The country was granted full independence from British rule on December 12, 1963, and became a republic on December 12, 1964. Kenyatta was president until his death on August 22, 1978, succeeded by Daniel arap Moi until the party’s defeat on December 30, 2002; in 1964 Jawaharlal Nehru, the prime minister of India, died aged 74 after suffering a stroke. He had been in power since independence was granted on August 15, 1947; in 2022 it was revealed that more than a million foreigners had been offered visas to live in the UK over the previous year, the highest figure on record, according to the Home Office. The UK granted 994,951 visas in the 12 months to March 2022. The UK also granted asylum to 15,451 people over the same period, taking the number given long-term residency to the highest since records began in 2005.
The Times
Birthdays today
Rebekah Brooks, chief executive officer, News UK, 56; Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst, first sea lord and chief of naval staff (1993-95), 88; Paul Bettany, actor, The Da Vinci Code (2006), WandaVision (2021), 53; Heston Blumenthal, chef, 58; Dee Dee Bridgewater, jazz singer, Good Morning Heartache (2010), 74; Pat Cash, tennis player, Wimbledon men’s singles winner (1987), 59; Alina Cojocaru, principal dancer, English National Ballet (2013-21), 43; John Conteh, boxer, world light-heavyweight boxing champion (1974-77), 73; Sarah Dines, Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, 59; Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland & Lonsdale, leader of the Liberal Democrats (2015-17), 54; Joseph Fiennes, actor, Shakespeare in Love (1998), 54; Lord (Roger) Freeman, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1995-97), vice-chairman, Conservative Party (1997-2001), 82; Paul Gascoigne, footballer, England (1988-98), 57; Duncan Goodhew, swimmer, Olympic gold medallist (1980), 67; Isata Kanneh-Mason, pianist, 28; Jamie Oliver, chef and restaurateur, 49; Denise van Outen, presenter, The Big Breakfast (1997-98), and actress, Chicago (2001-02), 50; Miah Persson, soprano, 55; Edwin Poots, Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, MLA for South Belfast, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (2021), 59; Sir Gerald Ronson, property tycoon, 85; Lily-Rose Depp, actress, The Idol (2023), 25; Ravi Shastri, cricketer, India (1981-92), head coach of India’s national cricket team (2017-21), 62; Siouxsie Sioux, singer-songwriter, Siouxsie and the Banshees, 67; Dame Rosemary Squire, co-founder, Ambassador Theatre Group and Trafalgar Entertainment, 68; Donna Strickland, optical physicist, Nobel prize in physics for inventions in laser physics (2018), 65; Sophie Walker, founding leader, Women’s Equality Party (2015-19), 53.