The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for July 4. The prime minister addressed the nation from outside No 10 this afternoon and pledged to “fight for every vote”. Follow live. Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, has launched his party’s general election campaign in Michael Gove’s Surrey constituency, where he said his candidates would be “local champions”.Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for July 4. The prime minister addressed the nation...Rishi Sunak has announced a general election for July 4. The prime minister addressed the nation...
analysis
Rishi Sunak is not renowned for taking risks. His approach as prime minister has been about calming nerves and...Rishi Sunak is not renowned for taking risks. His approach as prime minister has been about calming nerves and instilling stability after Liz Truss’s disastrous 49-day tenure as prime minister. All of this makes his decision to call a general election in just over six weeks seem inexplicable.
The latest...Rishi Sunak is not renowned for taking risks. His approach as prime minister has been about calming nerves and instilling...
Carol Midgley
I keep reading that I need to get my garden “summer ready” for all the guests that won’t be coming because I’m too...
I keep reading that I need to get my garden “summer ready” for all the guests that won’t be...
I keep reading that I need to get my garden “summer ready” for all the guests that won’t be...
First person
I felt great that day. It was April 30 and the sun was shining at last. It was my friend’s birthday party in...I felt great that day. It was April 30 and the sun was shining at last. It was my friend’s...I felt great that day. It was April 30 and the sun was shining at last. It was my friend’s...
video
In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling the loaded breakfast trolleys out and putting hot meals on trays. At the front of the Singapore Airlines plane, other passengers had just begun eating.In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling...In the economy-class galleys the cabin crew were starting an all too familiar routine, wheeling...
Anne Robinson has given her £50 million fortune to her family to avoid inheritance tax after she dies because she...Anne Robinson has given her £50 million fortune to her family to avoid inheritance tax after she...Anne Robinson has given her £50 million fortune to her family to avoid inheritance tax after she...
There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord Cameron of Chipping...There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord...There is “no limit” to the number of English-speaking students who can come to the UK, Lord...
PHOTOGRAPHY
The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated photographs showing Leeds without the high-rise modernity of its current skyline and instead an oddly nostalgic look at individual buildings — old shop façades...The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated...The hugely popular Instagram feed @strangelyfamiliar supplies a regular feed of undated...
Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had even heard of the...Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had...Few companies did better out of the pandemic than Peloton. Before Covid struck, few Britons had...
THE TIMES DIARY
The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it claimed to be its...The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it...The Tyburn Angling Society, an eccentric group even more niche than the Swiss navy, held what it...
General warns of threat to Nordic and Baltic allies if Russia invades Gotland
The commander-in-chief of the Swedish armed forces has warned that President Putin wants to control the Baltic Sea and “has both eyes” on the strategically important island of Gotland. General Micael Byden told the RND news site in Germany: “There were times when we reduced our military presence...The commander-in-chief of the Swedish armed forces has warned that President Putin wants to control the Baltic Sea and “has both eyes” on the strategically important island of Gotland. General Micael Byden told the RND news site in Germany: “There were times when we reduced our military presence...The commander-in-chief of the Swedish armed forces has warned that President Putin wants to control the Baltic Sea and “has...
The Pentagon has accused Russia of launching a “counter space weapon” into the same orbit as a US government satellite and vowed to take defensive actions if necessary. Russia has previously threatened to attack American satellites such as SpaceX’s Starlink network of internet satellites that are aiding the Ukrainian military. “Russia...The Pentagon has accused Russia of launching a “counter space weapon” into the same orbit as a US government satellite and vowed to take defensive actions if necessary. Russia has previously threatened to attack American satellites such as SpaceX’s Starlink network of internet satellites that are aiding the Ukrainian military. “Russia...The Pentagon has accused Russia of launching a “counter space weapon” into the same orbit as a US government satellite and...
In the early days of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, close aides of Benny Gantz, the centrist politician and former general and defence minister, spoke with pride of his influence on the war’s direction. That has now changed and Gantz is publicly threatening to resign from the cabinet. Five days after Hamas...In the early days of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, close aides of Benny Gantz, the centrist...In the early days of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza, close aides of Benny Gantz, the centrist...
An acclaimed French conductor, François-Xavier Roth, has been accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations were made...An acclaimed French conductor, François-Xavier Roth, has been accused of sexual misconduct. The...An acclaimed French conductor, François-Xavier Roth, has been accused of sexual misconduct. The...
Following centuries of moral influence from the Catholic church, Italy has historically been more prudish than much...Following centuries of moral influence from the Catholic church, Italy has historically been more...Following centuries of moral influence from the Catholic church, Italy has historically been more...
A judge has blocked an effort to put Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate up for auction after the singer’s granddaughter Riley Keough filed an emergency lawsuit. The Memphis estate, bought by “The King of Rock’n’roll” in 1957, was handed over to Lisa...A judge has blocked an effort to put Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate up for auction after the...A judge has blocked an effort to put Elvis Presley’s Graceland estate up for auction after the...
dispatch from ukraine
IN maps and CHARTS
Turnout vital in Biden-Trump rematch
Australian miner’s latest offer of £38.6 billion was described as a final approach
newAnglo American has rejected a third and improved offer from BHP, but has opened the way for takeover discussions by extending the deadline for its larger rival to make a formal bid. The latest all-paper approach values Anglo American at £38.6 billion, or £29.34 a share, based upon the undisturbed...Anglo American has rejected a third and improved offer from BHP, but has opened the way for takeover discussions by extending the deadline for its larger rival to make a formal bid. The latest all-paper approach values Anglo American at £38.6 billion, or £29.34 a share, based upon the undisturbed...Anglo American has rejected a third and improved offer from BHP, but has opened the way for takeover discussions by extending...
The Bank of England was said to be almost certain to pass up the chance to cut interest rates next month after inflation figures exceeded the central bank’s expectations in April. Financial markets all but completely wrote off the chances of the Bank lowering interest rates for the first time since March 2020 at its next policy meeting on...The Bank of England was said to be almost certain to pass up the chance to cut interest rates next month after inflation figures exceeded the central bank’s expectations in April. Financial markets all but completely wrote off the chances of the Bank lowering interest rates for the first time since March 2020 at its next policy meeting on...The Bank of England was said to be almost certain to pass up the chance to cut interest rates next month after inflation...
Government borrowing rose by more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three years under pressure from a growing benefits bill and falling tax revenues, caused by the cut in national insurance contributions. Official figures show that the government’s total borrowing climbed to £20.5 billion last...Government borrowing rose by more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three...Government borrowing rose by more than expected in April, hitting the highest level in three...
COMMENT
During the long years of ultra-low interest rates, there was a fierce and sometimes ill-tempered debate among...
During the long years of ultra-low interest rates, there was a fierce and sometimes ill-tempered...
During the long years of ultra-low interest rates, there was a fierce and sometimes ill-tempered...
business commentary
Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal Soriot would pass his.Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal...Company bosses can fail their drug tests. Rewind a decade and who really knew whether Pascal...
Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company said it hoped to almost double revenues to $80 billion by the end of the decade as part of a “new era of growth”. At a highly anticipated investor event...Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company...Shares in AstraZeneca rallied to a record high after Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company...
comment
A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that “passions run high in...A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that...A UK tech department representative repeatedly said in a briefing to journalists last week that...
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...
The seaside resorts of Bournemouth, Sidmouth and Bexhill-on-Sea have been identified as among the fastest-growing engines of small-scale British enterprise. Traditionally better known for their holidays and beaches, the towns are attracting a new...The seaside resorts of Bournemouth, Sidmouth and Bexhill-on-Sea have been identified as among the...The seaside resorts of Bournemouth, Sidmouth and Bexhill-on-Sea have been identified as among the...
market report
Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering group. In a trading...Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering...Stalling electric vehicle sales have dented the outlook for Dowlais, the motor engineering...
TEMPUS
Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before publishing its results on...Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before...Cranswick, the FTSE 250 sausage maker, upgraded its guidance for 2024 three times before...
construction
Innovative approach to building labs for biotech and pharma is paying off for Tony and Kirsty Wells
Expert tips
Recruitment
In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of his government’s strategy for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan was for hydrogen to supply up to 35 per cent of Britain’s energy needs, but was the promise a load of hot air? No, according to key players in the country’s burgeoning hydrogen industry. Already the...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...
Six from the Best
As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close range. Working Assumptions, her latest book, unpacks what employers and employees need to know about the post-Covid changes rippling through the modern workforce. Here she shares her...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close...
premier league
Mauricio Pochettino is interested in talking to Manchester United if they decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer. The Argentinian, 52, left Chelsea on Tuesday after only one season in charge and has not made a decision on what he wants his next career move to be, but his availability...Mauricio Pochettino is interested in talking to Manchester United if they decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer. The Argentinian, 52, left Chelsea on Tuesday after only one season in charge and has not made a decision on what he wants his next career move to be, but his availability...Mauricio Pochettino is interested in talking to Manchester United if they decide to part ways with Erik ten Hag this summer.
alyson rudd
There are many sliding doors moments in football but one recurring theme involves Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United. The Argentinian was a frontrunner two years ago but the club swerved towards Erik ten Hag. When the club sought to replace Louis van Gaal in 2016 Pochettino was much admired but the job went to José Mourinho instead.There are many sliding doors moments in football but one recurring theme involves Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United. The Argentinian was a frontrunner two years ago but the club swerved towards Erik ten Hag. When the club sought to replace Louis van Gaal in 2016 Pochettino was much admired but the job went to José Mourinho instead.There are many sliding doors moments in football but one recurring theme involves Mauricio Pochettino and Manchester United.
Arsène Wenger is to press ahead with his proposal to bring in the most radical change to the offside law for more than 30 years after what he views as positive results from trials. Wenger, the former Arsenal manager who is now Fifa’s chief of global football development, is set to propose the change — effectively...Arsène Wenger is to press ahead with his proposal to bring in the most radical change to the...Arsène Wenger is to press ahead with his proposal to bring in the most radical change to the...
the trend | hamzah khalique-loonat
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...
Eddie Howe says he has no injury concerns over Kieran Trippier after his Newcastle United defender limped off early...Eddie Howe says he has no injury concerns over Kieran Trippier after his Newcastle United...Eddie Howe says he has no injury concerns over Kieran Trippier after his Newcastle United...
Premiership Guide
The regular season may be done and dusted but that does not mean that the fun has to stop with the Gallagher Premiership Guide . . . well, at least until after this iteration. It has been a slobberknocker of a season wherever you look, with the closest play-off race in years dominating the attention. However, they were not the only storylines to pique interest: could...The regular season may be done and dusted but that does not mean that the fun has to stop with...The regular season may be done and dusted but that does not mean that the fun has to stop with...
Euro 2024
Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has marked the occasion by making...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has 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...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has marked the occasion by making the most...
FOOTBALL
An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be crucial in the...An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be...An email that Dan Ashworth sent to himself about being approached by Manchester United could be...
jonathan northcroft
In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a neatness to his navy shirt and the little Three Lions badge stitched into his matching navy socks. But the process of putting together an England...In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a...In the football centre at St George’s Park, Gareth Southgate was relaxed and orderly. There was a...
RUGBY UNION | ALEX LOWE
CYCLING | GIRO D’ITALIA
gary jacob
The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles. The second-highest points tally in club history. As most metrics suggest, Arsenal have had an excellent season. Of course, the title eluded them...The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles.The most goals the club have scored in a Premier League campaign. More wins than The Invincibles.
tactical analysis
euro 2024
Gareth Southgate showed his ruthless side by leaving Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson out of his Euro 2024 squad...Gareth Southgate showed his ruthless side by leaving Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson out of...Gareth Southgate showed his ruthless side by leaving Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson out of...
Gregor Robertson
When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with quite the same poise...When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with...When was the last time that a player made the step up from Championship to Premier League with...
sophia money-coutts
The sport of kings is having a moment — it’s the subject of a new Netflix show from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex
First person
Narinder Kaur was horrified when the actor turned politician posted an explicit image of her on Twitter/X — but the nightmare had just begun
giles coren
‘The kung pao chicken, probably the mostly widely known and bastardised Sichuan dish, was a revelation’
new
Carol Midgley
Why on earth would you want to cook outside in the British weather?
Britain’s greatest choreographer is losing out to other, flashier dancemakers across the world’s stages
newApple 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...
BOOKS | FICTION
One Friday evening, a man and a woman caught the same bus, a No 57. “And that’s when she saw him. And he saw her.” A...One Friday evening, a man and a woman caught the same bus, a No 57. “And that’s when she saw him.One Friday evening, a man and a woman caught the same bus, a No 57. “And that’s when she saw him.
Much of the internet has been up in arms at the 28-year-old NFL player Harrison Butker’s commencement speech that...Much of the internet has been up in arms at the 28-year-old NFL player Harrison Butker’s...Much of the internet has been up in arms at the 28-year-old NFL player Harrison Butker’s...
It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer 2024’s first Marmite footwear trend. Will you wear a pair of fisherman sandals? Perhaps the better question is, can you find any? Big-budget styles from Prada and The Row are long sold out. On the high street, there are just a few pairs left of the rather nice black or silver...It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer...It’s strappy, chunky and what Vogue is calling the perfect summer shoe. Buckle up for summer...
Lake Como is no stranger to tortured poets. William Wordsworth called the northern Italian beauty spot his “treasure”...Lake Como is no stranger to tortured poets. William Wordsworth called the northern Italian beauty spot his “treasure”, the Shelleys loved it so much that they looked for a home there, and now, centuries later, the lake’s A-list fan club has welcomed a new member: Taylor Swift. Swift and her boyfriend, the NFL...Lake Como is no stranger to tortured poets. William Wordsworth called the northern Italian beauty spot his “treasure”, the...
chelsea flower show
a life in the day
Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became the youngest member of the Magic Circle at 17. He worked as a redcoat at Butlin’s Minehead before moving into children’s TV, hosting Ministry of Mayhem...Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became...Mulhern was born in Stratford, east London. He learnt his first magic tricks aged 11 and became...
REVIEW | fiction
Ask the experts
Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my full tax-free...Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my...Q. What should I do once I’ve used my £20,000 Isa allowance? I earn £160,000 and usually use my...
first person
This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches. The last time I was...This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches.This week alone I must have been sent a dozen invitations to champagne-fuelled property launches.
first night review
Gary Numan knows how to put on a retro party. On tour to mark 45 years since the release of his seminal albums Replicas and The Pleasure Principle, the synth-pop pioneer was gloriously kitsch yet disturbingly dystopian. Simple but striking staging set the tone. A glowing triangle inside a square surrounded by cheap strip lighting and an overload of multicoloured...Gary Numan knows how to put on a retro party. On tour to mark 45 years since the release of his...Gary Numan knows how to put on a retro party. On tour to mark 45 years since the release of his...
first night review
It was over to the Southbank for Voices from the East and three concerts clocking up the musical air miles. This was...It was over to the Southbank for Voices from the East and three concerts clocking up the musical air miles. This was the culmination of a series exploring orchestral music beyond the usual western suspects that the conductor Kirill Karabits has developed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra over the past 15 years.It was over to the Southbank for Voices from the East and three concerts clocking up the musical air miles. This was the...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
first night review
REVIEW | paperbacks
Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history, memoir, mystery, politics and more. Hardback prices are a eye-popping at the moment — why not splurge on a £9.99-er instead? You can also follow...Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history...Here are the brightest and best new paperbacks, featuring stylish literary fiction, hefty history...
MindGames
1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has been considered in...1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has...1 “Dead zones” are regions of the sea that are starved of which gas? 2 Which 1215 document has...
Viewing GUide
Television
TELEVISION
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
It’s all palazzos, pomp and delicious pasta on the country’s east coast, says Rosalyn Wikeley
Dr Louisa McKenzie meets the Parisian art world’s enfant terrible attracting new audiences to auction houses via social media and graffiti
They didn’t teach her how to manage a drill at the convent, so now she is going back to school to find her way around a toolbox
Florist Poppy Sturley on her bold design for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, inspired by Netflix’s Bridgerton
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
new
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
Tourism is big news for the kingdom, but lots of Brits would think twice about a visit. Our writer finds out for herself what it’s like
video
Beaches, tuk-tuk trips to wineries and fabulous fountains — Geneva is all about fun in the sun. Here’s how to spend a long weekend here (including the best place for fondue)
Sheffield, Birmingham and Swansea are among the places ranked least appealing for a weekend break in a new survey. Times writers weigh on on why they deserve more love
Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start. “Get dressed and out...Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start.Deep into the silence of the Arctic night, a noise that hinted of danger woke me with a start.
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered with tempting cafés...I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered...I think this small town is the ideal focus for a day-tripping itinerary. Not only is it peppered...
video
Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively untrodden part of Florida. But what a shame: this city in the panhandle has empty beaches, a handsome downtown, and air shows, including November’s Blue...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...
weather eye
PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty...PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise...PRAISE ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise...
Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this morning when His...Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this...Buckingham Palace
21st May, 2024
The Baroness Black of Strome was received by The King this...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Craig Levein, the former Scotland boss, has opened up about his past gambling habit that left him inventing excuses to his wife after losing his wages. Levein, 59, who now manages St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, said his mother played slot machines and he was introduced to gambling at a...Craig Levein, the former Scotland boss, has opened up about his past gambling habit that left him inventing excuses to his wife after losing his wages. Levein, 59, who now manages St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, said his mother played slot machines and he was introduced to gambling at a...Craig Levein, the former Scotland boss, has opened up about his past gambling habit that left him inventing excuses to his wife...
John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most senior civil servant. The Scottish government had to plug a £1.5 billion black hole in this year’s budget but John-Paul Marks, the permanent secretary, said that the financial situation was still precarious. In an...John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most senior civil servant. The Scottish government had to plug a £1.5 billion black hole in this year’s budget but John-Paul Marks, the permanent secretary, said that the financial situation was still precarious. In an...John Swinney, the first minister, has been told that he will have to make “significant” public spending cuts by Scotland’s most...
alex massie | comment
If Nicola Sturgeon and her government colleagues had their way, the Scottish parliament might very well have made it a criminal offence to publish, sell or even possess The Satanic Verses in Scotland. Salman Rushdie might have just about survived the fatwa issued by the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989, but he could well...If Nicola Sturgeon and her government colleagues had their way, the Scottish parliament might...If Nicola Sturgeon and her government colleagues had their way, the Scottish parliament might...
Managers at Scotland’s national arts agency are under pressure to explain why they funded an explicit theatre show...Managers at Scotland’s national arts agency are under pressure to explain why they funded an...Managers at Scotland’s national arts agency are under pressure to explain why they funded an...
Frankie Boyle has said he has been unable to watch the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer after experiencing a similar...Frankie Boyle has said he has been unable to watch the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer after...Frankie Boyle has said he has been unable to watch the hit Netflix show Baby Reindeer after...
Euro 2024
Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has 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...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has marked...Steve Clarke reached his fifth anniversary as the Scotland manager on Monday and he has marked...
Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, has been sacked...Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, has been sacked from the Scottish government by John Swinney. He was deemed surplus to requirements by the new first minister in a mini-shake up of his backroom team. His departure as a special adviser was confirmed on...Kevin Pringle, one of the most senior advisers to Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, has been sacked from the...
Comment
Stalkers are hounding MPs out of parliament
James Kirkup
Harassment of politicians is is now endemic — protecting the next intake must start with giving them more respect
newALICE THOMSON
Apprentice scheme isn’t working for anyone
ROGER BOYES
We should worry about who will succeed Raisi
MATTHEW PARRIS | NOTEBOOK
Debbonaire is definitely playing the right tune
ADRIAN SMITH
Visas must lure the best graduates not drive them away
Leading Articles
Unwarranted Action
The threat of prosecution for war crimes against Binyamin Netanyahu does nothing to help Palestinian civilians or bring peace closer in Gaza
Prison Break
Calls for fewer people to be arrested show the criminal justice system is collapsing
Something In The Air
Despite procurement stumbles, British wind power is a world-leading triumph
letters to the editor
Calls for action over infected blood scandal
Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national conversation about the need for reform of our state institutions. The lack of compassion and curiosity at the core of our public services should be...Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national...Sir, The Infected Blood Inquiry’s devastating conclusions have instigated a long overdue national...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Office for National Statistics publishes its latest UK house price index; Ofcom releases an annual report on adults’ and children’s news consumption across television, radio, print and online in the UK and within each UK nation; the women and equalities select committee holds an oral evidence session as part of its inquiry on assistance dogs; Steve Clarke announces the 28 players who have been selected as part of the Scotland football squad for Euro 2024; the England cricket team play Pakistan at Headingley in Leeds in the first of a four-match T20 series.
Iran: Funeral ceremony in Tehran for the president Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
US: Lord (Nicholas) Soames of Fletching, grandson of Winston Churchill, delivers the inaugural lecture in the Winston Churchill Lecture Series hosted by the Wilson Center in Washington DC.
On this day
In 1939 Germany and Italy signed the Pact of Friendship and Alliance (known as the Pact of Steel) before the start of the Second World War. The pact created the Axis powers, which from September 27, 1940, included Japan; in 1969 the lunar module of Apollo 10 came within about nine miles of the moon’s surface. Colonel Thomas Stafford and Commander Eugene Cernan were on a test mission ahead of the lunar landing that took place on July 21, 1969 (Eugene Cernan obituary, January 18, 2017); in 1970 the Cricket Council agreed to a “formal request from Her Majesty’s government to withdraw the invitation to the South African touring team”. Instead, five matches were played against a Rest of the World team captained by Garfield Sobers. Ray Illingworth captained the England team; in 2014 there was a coup d’etat in Thailand after a six-month political crisis. The prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra was replaced by a junta that imposed martial law and curfews; in 2017 a suicide bomb explosion at Manchester Arena caused 23 deaths, including the perpetrator, as fans were leaving a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande.
Nature notes
Easily mistaken for a goose, shelduck are one of our largest duck species. Their white body is beautifully decorated with a chestnut breast-band, black shoulders and bottle-green neck and head. Their beak is bright red. By preference, shelduck lay their eggs inside rabbit burrows. Hidden from view and from the elements, this is a safe choice. Sometimes, though, mistakes are made and the female will build her nest of straw, grass and down plucked from her own breast in a badger sett or fox earth, with predictable results. Shelduck also nest in tree holes and even haystacks. They do not steer clear of human buildings, either. They have even been recorded nesting in bird hides — a real treat for ornithologists. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Lynn Barber, journalist, author, A Curious Career (2014), 80; Sir Peter Bazalgette, co-chair, Creative Industries Council, chairman, ITV (2016-22), Arts Council England (2013-17), 71; David Bernstein, chairman, British Red Cross (2014-21), 81; Lord (Menzies) Campbell of Pittenweem, chancellor, University of St Andrews, leader, Liberal Democrats (2006-07), 83; Naomi Campbell, supermodel, 54; Lt Gen Ian Cave, UK military representative to Nato and the EU, 58; Rev Don Cupitt, theologian, writer and broadcaster, 90; Jerry Dammers, musician, a founder of the Specials, 69; Novak Djokovic, tennis player, men’s singles world No 1, 37; Jeffrey Fairburn, chairman, Avant Homes, chief executive, Persimmon (2013-18), 58; Piero Ferrari, businessman, vice-chairman of Ferrari, 79; Baroness (Maggie) Jones of Whitchurch, trade unionist, chairwoman, Labour Party (2000-01), 69; Ieuan Wyn Jones, director of Menai Science Park (M-SParc) (2013-18), deputy first minister of Wales (2007-11), 75; Graham Linehan, TV writer and director, 56; Ian Livingstone, property developer, co-executive chairman, London & Regional Properties, 62; Morrissey, singer-songwriter, frontman of the Smiths (1982-87), 65; GF Newman, novelist, Dark Heart (2013), and creator of the Judge John Deed TV series, 78; Dame Arlene Phillips, choreographer and judge, Strictly Come Dancing (2004-08), 81; Hannah Rothschild, writer, High Time (2023), and documentary film-maker, 62; Tom Scudamore, jockey, 42; Lubna Shuja, president, the Law Society of England and Wales (2022-23), 57; Henry Somerset, Duke of Beaufort, 72; Jon Sopel, journalist, former correspondent for BBC News, 65; Amanda Spielman, chief inspector of education, children’s services and skills (Ofsted) (2017-23), 63; Irwin Stelzer, economist, columnist for The Sunday Times, 92; Bernie Taupin, songwriter, long-term lyricist for Elton John (including Candle in the Wind, 1973), 74.