Number of Conservatives standing down rises to 72
updatedRishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer held 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, meanwhile...Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer held 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, meanwhile...Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer held a series of events across the UK on the first full day of the general election campaign.
The police investigation into Angela Rayner is expected to be concluded before the election with Labour increasingly confident she will be cleared, The Times understands. An announcement on the fate of the Labour deputy leader, who has faced questions over where she lived in the 2010s and the sale of her former council house in Stockport...The police investigation into Angela Rayner is expected to be concluded before the election with Labour increasingly confident she will be cleared, The Times understands. An announcement on the fate of the Labour deputy leader, who has faced questions over where she lived in the 2010s and the sale of her former council house in Stockport...The police investigation into Angela Rayner is expected to be concluded before the election with Labour increasingly confident...
video
A major review of past Horizon convictions was dropped after the Post Office’s chief spin doctor warned Paula Vennells not to make it front page news. The former chief executive asked senior colleagues why independent investigators were not reviewing “all cases of false accounting … over the last five to ten years”...A major review of past Horizon convictions was dropped after the Post Office’s chief spin doctor...A major review of past Horizon convictions was dropped after the Post Office’s chief spin doctor...
FIRST PERSON
The goal for many when dancing in public is to pass unnoticed, to move in a way that allows us to join in without...The goal for many when dancing in public is to pass unnoticed, to move in a way that allows us to...The goal for many when dancing in public is to pass unnoticed, to move in a way that allows us to...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Did Tom Holland’s army of fans feel short-changed? The USP of this latest Jamie Lloyd production is, after all, the...Did Tom Holland’s army of fans feel short-changed? The USP of this latest Jamie Lloyd production...Did Tom Holland’s army of fans feel short-changed? The USP of this latest Jamie Lloyd production...
The BBC’s director of comedy has issued a plea to TV producers to “save our sitcom” as he warned that it faces extinction. Jon Petrie said the triple-whammy effect of strikes, inflation and recession had negatively affected the next generation of...The BBC’s director of comedy has issued a plea to TV producers to “save our sitcom” as he warned...The BBC’s director of comedy has issued a plea to TV producers to “save our sitcom” as he warned...
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...
THE TIMES DIARY
At a memorial service for Dame Ann Leslie, the pioneering foreign correspondent, much was made of her glamour in war.At a memorial service for Dame Ann Leslie, the pioneering foreign correspondent, much was made of...At a memorial service for Dame Ann Leslie, the pioneering foreign correspondent, much was made of...
Donald Trump has promised that his relationship with President Putin will secure the release of 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...Donald Trump has promised that his relationship with President Putin will secure the release of 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...Donald Trump has promised that his relationship with President Putin will secure the release of Evan Gershkovich, the Wall...
Israel’s military has pushed deep into the heart of Rafah, entering new neighbourhoods and intensifying their fight against Hamas ahead of an international court ruling on the operation. Visiting the Gazan coast on Thursday, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, warned: “This action will go on and on, more forces from the ground, more...Israel’s military has pushed deep into the heart of Rafah, entering new neighbourhoods and intensifying their fight against Hamas ahead of an international court ruling on the operation. Visiting the Gazan coast on Thursday, Israel’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant, warned: “This action will go on and on, more forces from the ground, more...Israel’s military has pushed deep into the heart of Rafah, entering new neighbourhoods and intensifying their fight against...
President Biden has welcomed Kenya’s President Ruto for a state visit aimed at deepening relations between the United States and African nations, with Washington eager to counter growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent. Both men emphasised the role Kenya plays in regional security, as well as the...President Biden has welcomed Kenya’s President Ruto for a state visit aimed at deepening...President Biden has welcomed Kenya’s President Ruto for a state visit aimed at deepening...
Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie were returning from a beach vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands when his bag was flagged for inspection by airport security. As they watched agents meticulously disassemble the bag on April 12, the couple...Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie were returning from a beach vacation in the Turks and Caicos...Ryan Watson and his wife Valerie were returning from a beach vacation in the Turks and Caicos...
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...
Had he still been alive, Francis Bacon may have had some sympathy for the thieves responsible for stealing five of...Had he still been alive, Francis Bacon may have had some sympathy for the thieves responsible for...Had he still been alive, Francis Bacon may have had some sympathy for the thieves responsible for...
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...
Katy Perry has been given the keys to a $15 million Montecito mansion she bought four years ago from a millionaire who sued her in an attempt to back out of the sale. Perry, 39, bought the secluded two-acre estate with an eight-bedroom house in...Katy Perry has been given the keys to a $15 million Montecito mansion she bought four years ago...Katy Perry has been given the keys to a $15 million Montecito mansion she bought four years ago...
More than £6 billion was wiped off the London stock market’s energy and water sector after National Grid unveiled plans for one of the largest fundraisings in more than a decade and amid fears that an election will delay energy policy decisions. The near-£7 billion rights issue would be the...More than £6 billion was wiped off the London stock market’s energy and water sector after National Grid unveiled plans for one of the largest fundraisings in more than a decade and amid fears that an election will delay energy policy decisions. The near-£7 billion rights issue would be the...More than £6 billion was wiped off the London stock market’s energy and water sector after National Grid unveiled plans for one...
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...
tempus
It’s been a big couple of days for fans of Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chip manufacturer. The...It’s been a big couple of days for fans of Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chip manufacturer.It’s been a big couple of days for fans of Nvidia, the world’s most valuable chip manufacturer.
market report
Forecast-beating revenue and a focus on business across the Atlantic have ensured a successful start to the year at...Forecast-beating revenue and a focus on business across the Atlantic have ensured a successful...Forecast-beating revenue and a focus on business across the Atlantic have ensured a successful...
Britain’s recovery from a short-lived recession has lost speed over the past month, denting Rishi Sunak’s hopes of pinning a general election campaign on accelerating growth in the economy. However, the fact that inflation in the services industry...Britain’s recovery from a short-lived recession has lost speed over the past month, denting Rishi...Britain’s recovery from a short-lived recession has lost speed over the past month, denting Rishi...
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...
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...
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...
Manchester United have drawn up a four-man shortlist of managerial candidates should they sack Erik ten Hag. Mauricio Pochettino, who has become available after leaving Chelsea this week and would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, is on the list alongside Thomas Tuchel, Kieran McKenna and Thomas Frank. United maintain that no decision has been made on Ten Hag’s future...Manchester United have drawn up a four-man shortlist of managerial candidates should they sack...Manchester United have drawn up a four-man shortlist of managerial candidates should they sack...
West Ham United’s playmaker Lucas Paquetá is facing a ban from football that could stretch into years after being...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 charged by the FA...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...Mr Porter was — is — one of those teachers whose passion was unmistakable even for the most...Mr Porter was — is — one of those teachers whose passion was unmistakable even for the most...
Wayne Rooney could return to management, with Plymouth Argyle keen to appoint the former Manchester United striker.Wayne Rooney could return to management, with Plymouth Argyle keen to appoint the former...Wayne Rooney could return to management, with Plymouth Argyle keen to appoint the former...
mike atherton
On Tuesday, at the ECB’s board meeting, Mark McCafferty, the Warwickshire chairman, was able to announce that the 18 counties and MCC had finally come to a consensus over the proposed capital distribution from any future private investment into the Hundred. That should bring closer the next stage of the process, where the American investment bank Raine starts to flush...On Tuesday, at the ECB’s board meeting, Mark McCafferty, the Warwickshire chairman, was able to...On Tuesday, at the ECB’s board meeting, Mark McCafferty, the Warwickshire chairman, was able to...
elizabeth ammon
The Hundred host venues and non-host counties have finally reached a broad agreement over stakes being sold in the...The Hundred host venues and non-host counties have finally reached a broad agreement over stakes being sold in the eight teams. This injection of private capital into teams presently owned and run by the ECB is expected to generate hundreds of millions of pounds — but what happens next and who might these private...The Hundred host venues and non-host counties have finally reached a broad agreement over stakes being sold in the eight teams.
zach mercer interview
Diogo DALOT INTERVIEW
After weeks of failed talks and unlikely candidates, Bayern Munich’s fraught pursuit of a new manager looks set to finally come to an end — in Burnley. In recent days, Vincent Kompany has emerged as the frontrunner to replace the departing Thomas Tuchel, who leaves Bayern after their first trophyless season for 12 years. But how did one of Europe’s heavyweights end up...After weeks of failed talks and unlikely candidates, Bayern Munich’s fraught pursuit of a new...After weeks of failed talks and unlikely candidates, Bayern Munich’s fraught pursuit of a new...
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 in a blow to campaigners who were pushing for the new body. The Football Governance Bill had yet to go to the House of Lords, and Whitehall insiders said there was an acceptance that there was not enough time before the...The independent football regulator will not be approved by parliament before the general election in a blow to campaigners who...
Europa League Final
Newcastle United are ready to fight Dan Ashworth all the way in arbitration after his potential move to Manchester...Newcastle United are ready to fight Dan Ashworth all the way in arbitration after his potential...Newcastle United are ready to fight Dan Ashworth all the way in arbitration after his potential...
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...
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 travel with the team to the West Indies when they leave...England have recruited a sports psychologist to help with the defence of their T20 World Cup...England have recruited a sports psychologist to help with the defence of their T20 World Cup...
It is shortly before 3am and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil hits a line drive to Bryson Stott, the Philadelphia...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...It is shortly before 3am and the New York Mets’ Jeff McNeil hits a line drive to Bryson Stott, the Philadelphia Phillies...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
bill edgar’s fa cup final quiz
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?
RICHARD MORRISON
After the actress criticised a chatbot for imitating her voice, I decided to see if the tech was coming for my job too
PROFILE
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...
Apple Music has spoken, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is apparently the best album of all time, in the history of humanity — No 1 in a top 100 list the streaming service published this week. My first thought is a predictable one: really? Yes...Apple Music has spoken, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is apparently the best album of all...Apple Music has spoken, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is apparently the best album of all...
Review
Intellectual history, just as much as political or military history, is written by the victors. Any university...
Intellectual history, just as much as political or military history, is written by the victors.
Intellectual history, just as much as political or military history, is written by the victors.
Rereading
“It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali announced that the...“It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali...“It was the afternoon of my eighty-first birthday, and I was in bed with my catamite when Ali...
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
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...
Viewing GUide
Television
TELEVISION
Television
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
Police confirm inquiries continuing as report is sent to prosecutors on former first minister’s husband
Nicola Sturgeon remains under investigation over missing SNP finances, the Crown Office has said as police handed prosecutors their report into claims that her husband embezzled party funds. Police Scotland announced on Thursday that it had sent a report to Scotland’s prosecution service in...Nicola Sturgeon remains under investigation over missing SNP finances, the Crown Office has said as police handed prosecutors their report into claims that her husband embezzled party funds. Police Scotland announced on Thursday that it had sent a report to Scotland’s prosecution service in...Nicola Sturgeon remains under investigation over missing SNP finances, the Crown Office has said as police handed prosecutors...
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 parliament after racking up an £11,000...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 parliament after racking up an £11,000...The launch of the SNP’s election campaign was overshadowed on Thursday by Michael Matheson’s refusal to quit as an MSP after...
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
Rangers face a growing injury crisis for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic with defender Ridvan Yilmaz the latest major doubt ahead of the showdown at Hampden. Yilmaz was in tears when he came to manager Philippe Clement’s office on Monday to...Rangers face a growing injury crisis for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic with defender...Rangers face a growing injury crisis for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic with defender...
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has an assurance over how his players will deal with Saturday’s historic cup final but...Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has an assurance over how his players will deal with Saturday’s...Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has an assurance over how his players will deal with Saturday’s...
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...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 Glasgow Warriors. The three-times capped Scotland fly half will make the switch on a one-year deal at the end of the season after failing to win favour with Franco Smith since the South African coach took charge in 2022. The 25-year-old spent much of last...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...
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
There will be a wobble — can Starmer cope?
Patrick Maguire
The intensity, scrutiny and pace of an election campaign will present new challenges for the untested Labour leader
newGERARD BAKER
American antipathy towards UN is hardening
EMMA DUNCAN
Sunak’s right, we should judge him on economy
newMARTIN SAMUEL | NOTEBOOK
Soho night was ruined by clipboard misery guts
newJOSH BERGER
Mission impossible for our film sector without investment
newLeading Articles
Stage Right
As Nigel Farage rules out entering the electoral race, prospective voters should take a questioning look at what his party is really offering
Divine Retribution
The former chief executive is at last having to face up to the suffering of the Horizon victims
Funny Business
Comics and commissioners need to take more risks if the British sitcom is to survive
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.