Rail minister quits bringing the number of Conservatives standing down to 70
liveRishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are holding a series of events across the UK on the first full day of the general election campaign. Sunak has begun a two-day tour of the four nations as he seeks to pull off the biggest political comeback in history at the general election on July 4. Starmer...Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are holding a series of events across the UK on the first full day of the general election campaign. Sunak has begun a two-day tour of the four nations as he seeks to pull off the biggest political comeback in history at the general election on July 4. Starmer...Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer are holding a series of events across the UK on the first full day of the general election...
Over the next six weeks, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will set out their contrasting plans for Britain, competing for votes on July 4. So what do we know of the battle lines so far, and which issues are likely to define the campaign to come? Conservatives Rishi Sunak wants to put the economy — and most importantly his handling of it —...Over the next six weeks, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will set out their contrasting plans for Britain, competing for votes on July 4. So what do we know of the battle lines so far, and which issues are likely to define the campaign to come? Conservatives Rishi Sunak wants to put the economy — and most importantly his handling of it —...Over the next six weeks, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer will set out their contrasting plans for Britain, competing for votes...
video
Paula Vennells gave evidence for a second day at the Post Office inquiry after breaking down in the witness box three times on Wednesday. The former chief executive of the Post Office blamed senior colleagues for failing to give her the unvarnished reality of the Horizon system and the company’s history of...Paula Vennells gave evidence for a second day at the Post Office inquiry after breaking down in...Paula Vennells gave evidence for a second day at the Post Office inquiry after breaking down in...
WILL LYONS
interview
Moving to rural Normandy probably saved my life. When I first moved to France I stayed in cities like Marseilles...Moving to rural Normandy probably saved my life. When I first moved to France I stayed in cities...Moving to rural Normandy probably saved my life. When I first moved to France I stayed in cities...
PROFILE
There is trouble in paradise, or at least in its earthly equivalent, the Chelsea Flower Show. As the rain poured on...There is trouble in paradise, or at least in its earthly equivalent, the Chelsea Flower Show. As...There is trouble in paradise, or at least in its earthly equivalent, the Chelsea Flower Show. As...
He was the terror of the seas, the man who committed the most lucrative act of piracy the world had ever seen, and he inspired more ballads than any other swashbuckler. Then Henry Avery, the “Pirate King”, vanished without a trace. Research now...He was the terror of the seas, the man who committed the most lucrative act of piracy the world...He was the terror of the seas, the man who committed the most lucrative act of piracy the world...
A director of the Tavistock children’s gender clinic who was accused of racially harassing a whistleblower said he...A director of the Tavistock children’s gender clinic who was accused of racially harassing a...A director of the Tavistock children’s gender clinic who was accused of racially harassing a...
Hundreds of NHS patients have been prescribed fruit and vegetables by GPs in a pioneering scheme found to help them...Hundreds of NHS patients have been prescribed fruit and vegetables by GPs in a pioneering scheme...Hundreds of NHS patients have been prescribed fruit and vegetables by GPs in a pioneering scheme...
POST OFFICE inquiry sketch
Ten years may pass before those responsible for the Grenfell Tower fire face court, police investigating the causes...Ten years may pass before those responsible for the Grenfell Tower fire face court, police...Ten years may pass before those responsible for the Grenfell Tower fire face court, police...
the times diary
You may have thought that Rishi Sunak’s surprise election announcement was chaotic, but at least he did it sober. The...You may have thought that Rishi Sunak’s surprise election announcement was chaotic, but at least...You may have thought that Rishi Sunak’s surprise election announcement was chaotic, but at least...
Donald Trump has promised that President Putin will free Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter being held in Moscow on espionage charges, if he wins the American presidential election in November. Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in Russia’s Urals region in March last year on suspicion...Donald Trump has promised that President Putin will free Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter being held in Moscow on espionage charges, if he wins the American presidential election in November. Gershkovich, 32, was arrested in Russia’s Urals region in March last year on suspicion...Donald Trump has promised that President Putin will free Evan Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal reporter being held in...
video
China mobilised land and rocket forces and sent warships and military jets into the waters off Taiwan in what it called “punishment” for President Lai after he described the island as a “sovereign and independent country” in his inaugural speech. Taiwan responded by sending naval vessels, scrambling jets and placing land forces on alert in...China mobilised land and rocket forces and sent warships and military jets into the waters off Taiwan in what it called “punishment” for President Lai after he described the island as a “sovereign and independent country” in his inaugural speech. Taiwan responded by sending naval vessels, scrambling jets and placing land forces on alert in...China mobilised land and rocket forces and sent warships and military jets into the waters off Taiwan in what it called...
It has been 11 years, nine months and ten days since the journalist Austin Tice was captured in Syria. “I keep a tally. It’s not something you stop thinking about,” said his mother, Debra. Tice, who was kidnapped while on a reporting trip in August 2012, is now the longest-held American hostage in history. The...It has been 11 years, nine months and ten days since the journalist Austin Tice was captured in...It has been 11 years, nine months and ten days since the journalist Austin Tice was captured in...
It will take a decade and nearly €3 billion, but engineers in Rome are to send driverless underground trains deep beneath the city’s chaotic traffic, mobs of tourists and Roman remains from the Colosseum to the Vatican. Long promised but held up...It will take a decade and nearly €3 billion, but engineers in Rome are to send driverless...It will take a decade and nearly €3 billion, but engineers in Rome are to send driverless...
The deputy head of the Russian army’s general staff has been arrested on corruption charges amid an escalating...The deputy head of the Russian army’s general staff has been arrested on corruption charges amid...The deputy head of the Russian army’s general staff has been arrested on corruption charges amid...
Every day at sunrise and sunset, the cacophonous cries of the howler monkey reverberate around the steamy jungles of...Every day at sunrise and sunset, the cacophonous cries of the howler monkey reverberate around...Every day at sunrise and sunset, the cacophonous cries of the howler monkey reverberate around...
Five decades ago Bordeaux suffered a historic humiliation when it was defeated by Californian wines in a blind tasting that became known as the Judgment of Paris. Now the region in southwest France has regained some of its pride in a tasting...Five decades ago Bordeaux suffered a historic humiliation when it was defeated by Californian...Five decades ago Bordeaux suffered a historic humiliation when it was defeated by Californian...
An acclaimed French conductor has been accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations were made against...An acclaimed French conductor has been accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations were made...An acclaimed French conductor has been accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations were made...
It was France’s most popular boy’s name in the 1990s, but as it fell from favour the country’s more than 150,000...It was France’s most popular boy’s name in the 1990s, but as it fell from favour the country’s...It was France’s most popular boy’s name in the 1990s, but as it fell from favour the country’s...
The demonstrators gathered around a man with a guitar singing a lilting version of an old Irish ditty, a song about rebels kicking out the British during the War of Independence. They waved the Irish flag in one hand, that of Palestine in the...The demonstrators gathered around a man with a guitar singing a lilting version of an old Irish...The demonstrators gathered around a man with a guitar singing a lilting version of an old Irish...
National Grid plans to raise almost £7 billion from stock market investors to help to fund a substantial upgrade in the energy network, which has been put under strain by the rapid growth in electricity demand. Proceeds from the fully underwritten £6.8 billion rights issue will be used to finance...National Grid plans to raise almost £7 billion from stock market investors to help to fund a substantial upgrade in the energy network, which has been put under strain by the rapid growth in electricity demand. Proceeds from the fully underwritten £6.8 billion rights issue will be used to finance...National Grid plans to raise almost £7 billion from stock market investors to help to fund a substantial upgrade in the energy...
The owner of Royal Mail group switched from takeover controversy to farce today when it took nearly seven hours to tell the stock market that it would not be able to publish its annual results as scheduled. When International Distributions Services, Royal Mail’s holding company, finally got round to making an announcement, it appeared to...The owner of Royal Mail group switched from takeover controversy to farce today when it took nearly seven hours to tell the stock market that it would not be able to publish its annual results as scheduled. When International Distributions Services, Royal Mail’s holding company, finally got round to making an announcement, it appeared to...The owner of Royal Mail group switched from takeover controversy to farce today when it took nearly seven hours to tell the...
The billionaire who is the biggest shareholder in Hargreaves Lansdown has said he is “watching with interest” after the wealth manager he co-founded rejected a £4.7 billion bid from a private equity consortium. Peter Hargreaves, 77, owns about a fifth of the FTSE 250 company, making him a key player in any takeover...The billionaire who is the biggest shareholder in Hargreaves Lansdown has said he is “watching...The billionaire who is the biggest shareholder in Hargreaves Lansdown has said he is “watching...
Comment
A few months ago a contact emailed me a long critique of an article I had written, which ended thus: “As far as I am...A few months ago a contact emailed me a long critique of an article I had written, which ended...A few months ago a contact emailed me a long critique of an article I had written, which ended...
business commentary
That’s mining for you. Dig a bit deeper and who knows what may turn up. Mike Henry, the BHP boss, has unearthed...That’s mining for you. Dig a bit deeper and who knows what may turn up. Mike Henry, the BHP boss...That’s mining for you. Dig a bit deeper and who knows what may turn up. Mike Henry, the BHP boss...
The competition regulator is pushing ahead with a full market investigation into the £5 billion-a-year veterinary sector, following concerns about pet owners potentially overpaying for medicines. The confirmation from the Competition and Markets...The competition regulator is pushing ahead with a full market investigation into the £5...The competition regulator is pushing ahead with a full market investigation into the £5...
comment
Labour often talks a good game on housing. Sir Keir Starmer’s party acknowledges the need to reform planning laws to...
Labour often talks a good game on housing. Sir Keir Starmer’s party acknowledges the need to...
Labour often talks a good game on housing. Sir Keir Starmer’s party acknowledges the need to...
A Chinese drugs manufacturer has agreed to take on facilities at a science park in Kent being vacated by Pfizer as...A Chinese drugs manufacturer has agreed to take on facilities at a science park in Kent being...A Chinese drugs manufacturer has agreed to take on facilities at a science park in Kent being...
Sales of Tesla cars in Europe fell in the first four months of the year after countries including France and Germany cut subsidies for electric cars. New Tesla registrations fell by 4 per cent to 48,026 between January and end of April, according...Sales of Tesla cars in Europe fell in the first four months of the year after countries including...Sales of Tesla cars in Europe fell in the first four months of the year after countries including...
market report
All that optimism about slowing inflation and the prospect of interest rate cuts being only just over the horizon was...All that optimism about slowing inflation and the prospect of interest rate cuts being only just...All that optimism about slowing inflation and the prospect of interest rate cuts being only just...
A leading British technology company is restructuring its balance sheet, fuelling speculation that a deal with...A leading British technology company is restructuring its balance sheet, fuelling speculation...A leading British technology company is restructuring its balance sheet, fuelling speculation...
construction
Innovative approach to building labs for biotech and pharma is paying off for Tony and Kirsty Wells
Recruitment
In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of his government’s strategy for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan was for hydrogen to supply up to 35 per cent of Britain’s energy needs, but was the promise a load of hot air? No, according to key players in the country’s burgeoning hydrogen industry. Already the...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...
Six from the Best
As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close range. Working Assumptions, her latest book, unpacks what employers and employees need to know about the post-Covid changes rippling through the modern workforce. Here she shares her...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close...
West Ham player could be banned for years
updatedWest Ham United’s playmaker Lucas Paquetá is facing a ban from football that could stretch into years after being charged with four separate instances of spot-fixing — among the most serious charges ever brought against a Premier League player. Paquetá, the 26-year-old Brazil midfielder, has been...West Ham United’s playmaker Lucas Paquetá is facing a ban from football that could stretch into years after being charged with four separate instances of spot-fixing — among the most serious charges ever brought against a Premier League player. Paquetá, the 26-year-old Brazil midfielder, has been...West Ham United’s playmaker Lucas Paquetá is facing a ban from football that could stretch into years after being charged with...
MATT DICKINSON
Mr Porter was — is — one of those teachers whose passion was unmistakable even for the most recalcitrant pupil. In his English classes, plays were to be performed with feeling, language savoured, novels brought to vivid life. So when, what can both feel like yesterday and 100 years ago, Mr Porter — or Tony, as I am allowed to call him these...Mr Porter was — is — one of those teachers whose passion was unmistakable even for the most recalcitrant pupil. In his English classes, plays were to be performed with feeling, language savoured, novels brought to vivid life. So when, what can both feel like yesterday and 100 years ago, Mr Porter — or Tony, as I am allowed to call him these...Mr Porter was — is — one of those teachers whose passion was unmistakable even for the most recalcitrant pupil. In his English...
Kieran McKenna has a straight choice between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, with both clubs willing to match his personal demands to appoint him as their new head coach. Chelsea have been pushing hard to make up ground on Brighton, who have been pursuing the Ipswich Town manager since announcing last Saturday...Kieran McKenna has a straight choice between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, with both clubs...Kieran McKenna has a straight choice between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea, with both clubs...
zach mercer interview
Four months ago Zach Mercer said that he was “done” with England. Worn down by constant selection snubs from the head coach Steve Borthwick, he could not cope any more with the toll that missing out was having on his mental health and the person it was making him become. Yet now — before the summer tour to Japan and New Zealand — the Gloucester No8 is ready to reiterate...Four months ago Zach Mercer said that he was “done” with England. Worn down by constant selection...Four months ago Zach Mercer said that he was “done” with England. Worn down by constant selection...
England have recruited a sports psychologist to help with the defence of their T20 World Cup crown after last year’s...England have recruited a sports psychologist to help with the defence of their T20 World Cup crown after last year’s failure at the 50-over tournament. David Young, who works with Manchester City and has been involved with England’s cricketers in the past, was signed up on a part-time deal three months ago and will...England have recruited a sports psychologist to help with the defence of their T20 World Cup crown after last year’s failure at...
The independent football regulator will not be approved by parliament before the general election in a blow to...The independent football regulator will not be approved by parliament before the general election...The independent football regulator will not be approved by parliament before the general election...
matthew syed
I listened to a few radio phone-ins on Sunday and couldn’t help noting the frequency of the word “magical”. Jubilant...I listened to a few radio phone-ins on Sunday and couldn’t help noting the frequency of the word...I listened to a few radio phone-ins on Sunday and couldn’t help noting the frequency of the word...
It is shortly before 3am and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil hits a line drive to Bryson Stott, the Philadelphia Phillies shortstop, to end a closely fought encounter in the tenth inning. In truth, it is actually only 10pm, but my day started some 20 hours previously and my body clock is stuck on UK time, tiredness the price to pay for trying to squeeze as much baseball...It is shortly before 3am and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil hits a line drive to Bryson Stott...It is shortly before 3am and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil hits a line drive to Bryson Stott...
In his first interview with Chelsea just over a year ago, Mauricio Pochettino sat down over Zoom with the club’s two...In his first interview with Chelsea just over a year ago, Mauricio Pochettino sat down over Zoom with the club’s two sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. He asked them: “OK, so who needs to convince who?” Pochettino wore a big, cheeky grin as he said it, a quip designed to break the ice, but in...In his first interview with Chelsea just over a year ago, Mauricio Pochettino sat down over Zoom with the club’s two sporting...
premier league
David wilkie 1954-2024
Europa League Final
mike atherton
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Arron Banks’s open letter to the Gloucestershire members last Friday was his...Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Arron Banks’s open letter to the Gloucestershire members...Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Arron Banks’s open letter to the Gloucestershire members...
martin samuel
With the possible exception of the summer of 2021, when Manchester City paid £100million for Jack Grealish, it is...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...
interview
This month, the designer was at his mother’s hospital bedside when she was made a dame and died days later. He tells Louise Carpenter about the impact his parents, Shirley and Terence, had on his life
CAITLIN MORAN’S CELEBRITY WATCH
The prime minister recently learnt that he and his wife are worth £651m
FIRST PERSON
Three nights in Ibiza with two dozen boys and girls in separate villas — what could possibly go wrong?
newRICHARD MORRISON
After the actress criticised a chatbot for imitating her voice, I decided to see if the tech was coming for my job too
newPROFILE
The company’s latest results show sales are booming. I know why, says Esther Walker, who buys everything from its fruit and veg to its flatform sandals
REVIEW
Timing is everything in movies, and genres especially need refreshing and reinvigorating. So just as the long-running and frankly hoary hitman concept has reached the dead end of repetition in John Wick sequels, spin-offs and copycats, along comes...Timing is everything in movies, and genres especially need refreshing and reinvigorating. So just...Timing is everything in movies, and genres especially need refreshing and reinvigorating. So just...
Interview
When it comes to table decorations Brin Pirathapan has the one that any home cook would kill for. I’m in the modest dining room of his Bristol flat and before us sits the MasterChef ,2024 trophy. Pirathapan won it in a tense final, which aired on...When it comes to table decorations Brin Pirathapan has the one that any home cook would kill for.When it comes to table decorations Brin Pirathapan has the one that any home cook would kill for.
first night review
During his creative heyday from the mid-Sixties to the late Eighties, via hit productions such as Hello, Dolly!, Mame and La Cage aux Folles, the American musical-theatre composer and lyricist Jerry Herman wrote some of the best earworms in Broadway history. Originally created in 1981 by the director Larry Alford, the choreographer Wayne Cilento and Herman himself...During his creative heyday from the mid-Sixties to the late Eighties, via hit productions such as...During his creative heyday from the mid-Sixties to the late Eighties, via hit productions such as...
first night review
Anything goes with the Egyptian soprano and rising opera star Fatma Said: we know that from her album recitals...Anything goes with the Egyptian soprano and rising opera star Fatma Said: we know that from her album recitals variously incorporating the music of Egypt, Lebanon, Ravel, Lehár and Whitney Houston. Unfortunately, this live showcase proved that some things go much better than others. On she marched for the very...Anything goes with the Egyptian soprano and rising opera star Fatma Said: we know that from her album recitals variously...
First night review
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
video
review
Chris Pratt plays the lazy, gluttonous cat in a slightly entertaining screen incarnation
You’d be forgiven for forgetting what Chris Pratt looked like, given the amount of animation voice acting he does these days. Not content with Onward, two Lego movies and the Super Mario Bros Movie, the mickey-taking everyman is now the voice of Garfield the cat in his latest, slightly entertaining screen incarnation. Well, you can see why they wanted Pratt...You’d be forgiven for forgetting what Chris Pratt looked like, given the amount of animation...You’d be forgiven for forgetting what Chris Pratt looked like, given the amount of animation...
REVIEW
Reviewed here are the jazz albums our critic has deemed the finest so far this year. A new review will be added...Reviewed here are the jazz albums our critic has deemed the finest so far this year. A new review will be added regularly. What has been your favourite in recent months? Is there anything we are missing? Let us know in the comments Silent, Listening
ECM
Is the ECM label looking for a successor to its retired...Reviewed here are the jazz albums our critic has deemed the finest so far this year. A new review will be added regularly. What...
the big question
Changing the way motorists are charged to use roads so that those who drive the most pay more could be fairer and...Changing the way motorists are charged to use roads so that those who drive the most pay more...Changing the way motorists are charged to use roads so that those who drive the most pay more...
review
Insomnia
Paramount + The good news about Insomnia, Paramount’s six-part adaptation of Sarah Pinborough’s novel, is that Vicky McClure is better in it than she was in Trigger Point. Actually, it is the most compelling performance I have seen of...Insomnia
Paramount + The good news about Insomnia, Paramount’s six-part adaptation of...Insomnia
Paramount + The good news about Insomnia, Paramount’s six-part adaptation of...
Viewing GUide
Television
TELEVISION
Television
sophia money-coutts
review
It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is back and this year promises to be even more, well, Cannes than ever.
Yes, it boasts a big-beast director. Last year it was Martin Scorsese with...It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is...It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is...
Lisa Johnson selects seven of the smartest holiday seaside homes — and the specialists for booking them
Claudia Winkleman always preferred a pointy, goth-like shoe. Until her knees went
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
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...
Soak in a Nordic hot tub with vineyard views, live like a king in Versailles or take over a 14th-century hunting lodge in Brittany with these elegant château stays
Not to mention that plane journeys are set to become even bumpier in future because of climate change — luckily there’s hope tech can change that
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
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
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)
video
Looking out from the foothills of the lava-strewn Jabal Umm Nasser mountain over the deserts of northwestern Saudi...Looking out from the foothills of the lava-strewn Jabal Umm Nasser mountain over the deserts of...Looking out from the foothills of the lava-strewn Jabal Umm Nasser mountain over the deserts of...
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...
OH, THAT I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for. Job 6.8 (NIV) Bible verses are provided by...OH, THAT I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for. Job 6.8 (NIV) Bible...OH, THAT I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for. Job 6.8 (NIV) Bible...
Buckingham Palace
22nd May, 2024 The King this afternoon held a Reception for The Prince’s Trust Awards at...Buckingham Palace
22nd May, 2024 The King this afternoon held a Reception for The Prince’s...Buckingham Palace
22nd May, 2024 The King this afternoon held a Reception for The Prince’s...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Trolling and the toxic debate surrounding giving children puberty blockers or hormonal treatment is putting specialists off appearing in court
essay competition
Henrik Tiemroth, author of the winning essay in the Times/One Essex Court competition, has his say
lawyer of the week
out of court
The cases, the chatter, the chaos: what’s really going on in the law
Student law
Lucy Barnes had a “turbulent and chaotic” childhood characterised by “domestic abuse, neglect and family dysfunction”.Lucy Barnes had a “turbulent and chaotic” childhood characterised by “domestic abuse, neglect and...Lucy Barnes had a “turbulent and chaotic” childhood characterised by “domestic abuse, neglect and...
Student law
Medical staff rather than lawyers come to mind when picturing the International Committee of the Red Cross’s work in...Medical staff rather than lawyers come to mind when picturing the International Committee of the...Medical staff rather than lawyers come to mind when picturing the International Committee of the...
in conversation | lucy barnes
comment | ELIZABETH COLEMAN
COMMENT | HELENA BROWN
comment | Ann Stanyer
Former health secretary suspended from Holyrood for 27 days and will lose his salary for 54 days
newThe launch of the SNP’s election campaign was overshadowed on Thursday by Michael Matheson’s refusal to quit as an MSP after the first minister condemned the inquiry into his iPad scandal as “prejudiced”. The former health secretary was handed the biggest sanction in the history of the Scottish...The launch of the SNP’s election campaign was overshadowed on Thursday by Michael Matheson’s refusal to quit as an MSP after the first minister condemned the inquiry into his iPad scandal as “prejudiced”. The former health secretary was handed the biggest sanction in the history of the Scottish...The launch of the SNP’s election campaign was overshadowed on Thursday by Michael Matheson’s refusal to quit as an MSP after...
A little more than two weeks ago, an old broom swept into the SNP that the party hoped would revive its sagging popularity. Hopes are being pinned on John Swinney, who was central to the project that brought the Nationalists into government in 2007, served as Alex Salmond’s finance secretary and then Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy first minister...A little more than two weeks ago, an old broom swept into the SNP that the party hoped would revive its sagging popularity. Hopes are being pinned on John Swinney, who was central to the project that brought the Nationalists into government in 2007, served as Alex Salmond’s finance secretary and then Nicola Sturgeon’s deputy first minister...A little more than two weeks ago, an old broom swept into the SNP that the party hoped would revive its sagging popularity.
alex massie | sketch
Should you find yourself in a hole, the first question to ask is a simple one: “What would Jesus do?” According to John Swinney, the son of God would stress the fundamental Christian maxim: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” On this basis, the first minister rejected the recommendation of the Scottish...Should you find yourself in a hole, the first question to ask is a simple one: “What would Jesus...Should you find yourself in a hole, the first question to ask is a simple one: “What would Jesus...
Review
Zoom in on the view of Tobermory harbour, with its cheerful rainbow of buildings. That bright yellow stripe (plus part of the blue one next door)? It’s the Mishnish hotel, aka the Mish. In September 2022 Les and Meg Macleod, the Mish’s owners...Zoom in on the view of Tobermory harbour, with its cheerful rainbow of buildings. That bright...Zoom in on the view of Tobermory harbour, with its cheerful rainbow of buildings. That bright...
alex massie | comment
David wilkie 1954-2024
Between Henry Taylor in 1908 and Adam Peaty in 2021, the best swimmer Britain ever had was David Wilkie. Four things instantly came to mind when I heard of David’s death just a couple of months after he had celebrated his 70th birthday in the...Between Henry Taylor in 1908 and Adam Peaty in 2021, the best swimmer Britain ever had was David...Between Henry Taylor in 1908 and Adam Peaty in 2021, the best swimmer Britain ever had was David...
Ross Thompson hopes to inject fresh momentum into a stalling career after having finalised a move to Edinburgh from...Ross Thompson hopes to inject fresh momentum into a stalling career after having finalised a move...Ross Thompson hopes to inject fresh momentum into a stalling career after having finalised a move...
A specialist maths adviser has been appointed by Scottish ministers to reform the curriculum and boost achievement in...A specialist maths adviser has been appointed by Scottish ministers to reform the curriculum and...A specialist maths adviser has been appointed by Scottish ministers to reform the curriculum and...
EURO 2024
Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and soon marked the occasion by making the most adventurous and bold selection of his reign so far. Half a decade in charge has been enough to establish him as a leader of pragmatism and loyalty, committed to relying on the tried-and-tested group of players who have generally served him so well...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and soon marked the...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and soon marked the...
Rosemary Goring
Early one morning my husband called me into the garden. On the steps by our beech hedge was a fluffed-up finch, a...Early one morning my husband called me into the garden. On the steps by our beech hedge was a fluffed-up finch, a shivering puffball twice its natural size. Hearing our voices, it put its head under its wing, becoming completely spherical, like a Christmas bauble. This being nesting season, when the hedge quivers...Early one morning my husband called me into the garden. On the steps by our beech hedge was a fluffed-up finch, a shivering...
Comment
American antipathy towards UN is hardening
Gerard Baker
It’s not just Trump but Democrats too are growing sceptical of international organisations that take aim at US allies
newJames Marriott
Vandalism of opera may be only first shock
Janice Turner | Notebook
Labour and trans people is no happy marriage
James Kirkup
Stalkers are hounding MPs out of parliament
Daniel Finkelstein
Four reasons why Sunak has gambled on July
Leading Articles
Battle Commenced
Rishi Sunak is gambling on a summer election, trusting that his solid performance will save him, but the odds on his survival are long
Recognising Reality
Without Israel’s agreement, campaigning for a two-state solution is pointless posturing
Standing Tall
The quadruple amputee MP Craig Mackinlay richly deserves his accolades
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Pupils need educating about apprenticeships
Sir, Alice Thomson (“Apprentice scheme isn’t working for anyone”, May 21) turns a welcome spotlight on apprenticeships but the problem of low take-up is deeper than the government levy on employers. There would be fewer Neets — young people...Sir, Alice Thomson (“Apprentice scheme isn’t working for anyone”, May 21) turns a...Sir, Alice Thomson (“Apprentice scheme isn’t working for anyone”, May 21) turns a...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Home Office releases quarterly immigration statistics; Hay Festival of arts begins in Hay-on-Wye until Sunday; Ivor Novello music awards take place in London.
Italy: G7 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors begins, until Saturday.
US: International Space Development Conference begins in Los Angeles, until Sunday.
On this day
In 1832 Samuel Sharpe was hanged for leading the 1831 Christmas Uprising of slaves in Jamaica, a general strike that turned to violence and involved up to 60,000 slaves. The rebellion lasted until January 4, 1832. Sharpe was named a National Hero of Jamaica in 1975; in 1969 the Who released the rock opera Tommy, a double album. On March 26, 1975 a film based on the album was released, directed by Ken Russell and starring the lead singer Roger Daltrey and the rest of the band; in 1977, 105 children and five teachers were held hostage at a primary school in the Netherlands by gunmen from the South Molucca islands (formerly part of the Dutch East Indies), with another group seizing a train with about 50 passengers. Twenty days later the last hostages were freed by Dutch Marines. Two train hostages and six hijackers were killed; in 1984 a methane gas explosion at Abbeystead water treatment plant in Lancashire resulted in the deaths of 16 people, including two children, during a tour of the plant. An inquiry found that methane had built up in an empty pipe from coal deposits; in 2014 a fire broke out in the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art, causing extensive damage. On June 15, 2018 another blaze engulfed the building.
Nature notes
A whinnying sound rolled out over the water. Was there a pony near by? No, it was a male little grebe calling. But where was it? Again, the loud, distinctive trilling flurried across the pond, yet there was still no sign of the aquatic bird. Little grebes are masters of disguise. Not much larger than a duckling, they can easily hide from view in waterside vegetation; but they can also vanish from open water, by diving down and swimming quickly away, resurfacing at some distance. A favourite tactic is to impersonate a piece of driftwood. By sinking low in the water, with only their neck and head poking free, they will lie there motionlessly, until the threat has passed. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Richard Ayoade, comedian and actor, The IT Crowd (2006-13), 47; Johnny Ball, actor and TV presenter, Play School (1964-88), 86; William Barr, US attorney-general (1991-93, 2019-20), 74; Rubens Barrichello, racing driver, Formula One (1993-2011), 52; Craig Brown, satirist, 67; Dame Joan Collins, actress, The Stud (1978), Dynasty (1981-89), 91; Henry Mountcharles, Marquess Conyngham, chairman, Slane Castle, 73; Ryan Coogler, screenwriter and film director, the Black Panther films (2018, 2022), 38; Very Rev John Drury, chaplain and fellow, All Souls College, University of Oxford, 88; Dan Evans, tennis player, British No 3, 34; Christopher Finney GC, former Blues and Royals soldier, awarded the George Cross in 2003, 40; Graeme Hick, England cricketer (1991-2001), 58; Richard Hill, rugby union player, England player (1997-2008), 51; Anatoly Karpov, chess player, world champion (1975-85), 73; Lady Olga Maitland, Conservative MP (1992-97), chief executive, Money Transfer International (2008-14), 80; Ian Kennedy Martin, TV scriptwriter creator, The Sweeney (1974-78), 88; Robert Warren Miller, entrepreneur, co-founder of DFS (Duty Free Shops), 91; Bob Mortimer, comedian, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (since 2018), 65; John Newcombe, tennis player, winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles and 17 doubles titles, 80; George Osborne, chairman, British Museum, partner with Robey Warshaw (investment bank), editor, Evening Standard (2017-20), chancellor of the exchequer (2010-16), 53; Xander Parish, ballet dancer, 38; Heidi Range, singer-songwriter, Sugababes, Push the Button (2005), 41; Michel Roux Jr, chef and broadcaster, 64; Sir Pascal Soriot, chief executive, AstraZeneca, 65; Dame Janet Thornton, molecular biologist, director, European Bioinformatics Institute (2001-15, now director emeritus), 75; Matt Wrack, general secretary, Fire Brigades Union, 62.