Nottingham students were ‘proper butchered’, said police officers on WhatsApp
Mother tells of impact of their messages in open letter
Nottinghamshire police has continued to sack staff in secret over misconduct linked to the murders of two university students, while its officers used WhatsApp to describe how the victims were “proper butchered”, The Times can reveal. An officer used a work chat group to reveal gruesome details...Nottinghamshire police has continued to sack staff in secret over misconduct linked to the murders of two university students, while its officers used WhatsApp to describe how the victims were “proper butchered”, The Times can reveal. An officer used a work chat group to reveal gruesome details...Nottinghamshire police has continued to sack staff in secret over misconduct linked to the murders of two university students...
Britain to raise defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030
Rishi Sunak said Britain was putting its defence industry on a “war footing” as he pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. During a visit to Poland, the prime minister said that Nato members cannot expect the US to “pay any price” for defending the West “if we ourselves are unwilling to make greater sacrifices...Rishi Sunak said Britain was putting its defence industry on a “war footing” as he pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030. During a visit to Poland, the prime minister said that Nato members cannot expect the US to “pay any price” for defending the West “if we ourselves are unwilling to make greater sacrifices...Rishi Sunak said Britain was putting its defence industry on a “war footing” as he pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5...
BBC ‘sweeps report under carpet’ after Huw Edwards quits
BBC insiders have voiced dismay at the corporation, which has been accused of sweeping its internal report about Huw Edwards’s conduct under the carpet after his resignation. The broadcaster began a “fact-finding mission” after The Sun said in July that Edwards had paid a young person £35,000 and received explicit...BBC insiders have voiced dismay at the corporation, which has been accused of sweeping its...BBC insiders have voiced dismay at the corporation, which has been accused of sweeping its...
Editor’s picks
RICHARD MORRISON
Radio 3 boss deserves gratitude of classical music fans, not criticism
So Sam Jackson has joined a growing club — namely, every controller of BBC Radio 3 for the past 30 years — to be...So Sam Jackson has joined a growing club — namely, every controller of BBC Radio 3 for the past...So Sam Jackson has joined a growing club — namely, every controller of BBC Radio 3 for the past...
Daniel Finkelstein
Sunak can’t tell us ‘we’re on the right track’
Matt Chorley has a little bell and he likes to ring it when I speak. Matt is the host of the weekly podcast on which...Matt Chorley has a little bell and he likes to ring it when I speak. Matt is the host of the...Matt Chorley has a little bell and he likes to ring it when I speak. Matt is the host of the...
Politics
Girl among five dead in Channel dinghy crush
Sunak says tragedy shows importance of Rwanda plan
updatedKing honours Prince and Princess of Wales
The King has honoured the Princess of Wales for her distinguished public service. From Tuesday, Kate is a Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour, which was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognise outstanding achievements in the arts, sciences, medicine and public service. She is the first member of the royal family to receive the honour. The...The King has honoured the Princess of Wales for her distinguished public service. From Tuesday...The King has honoured the Princess of Wales for her distinguished public service. From Tuesday...
Prince Louis photo taken by Kate to mark his sixth birthday
The Princess of Wales has shared a picture of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday. Palace sources said the image...The Princess of Wales has shared a picture of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday. Palace sources said the image had been taken by Kate in the past few days at Windsor and had not been edited. She and Prince William are said to be grateful for the birthday messages they have received for the youngest of their...The Princess of Wales has shared a picture of Prince Louis to mark his sixth birthday. Palace sources said the image had been...
Marshmallows are ingredients, not sweets, judge rules in VAT row
Roasting marshmallows over an open fire is such a part of American culture that even the United States Forest Service...Roasting marshmallows over an open fire is such a part of American culture that even the United...Roasting marshmallows over an open fire is such a part of American culture that even the United...
the times diary
Perks of being US president? Barack Obama on day the music died
You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business cards, but what Barack...You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business...You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business...
The billionaire vanished in a ‘ski accident’. Was he a Russian agent?
Sitting in a café not far from Russia’s embassy in Berlin, Liv von Boetticher admits the story she is about to tell is “wilder than a James Bond film”. Karl-Erivan Haub, the German-American billionaire who went missing during a skiing trip in Switzerland six years ago and was initially believed...Sitting in a café not far from Russia’s embassy in Berlin, Liv von Boetticher admits the story she is about to tell is “wilder than a James Bond film”. Karl-Erivan Haub, the German-American billionaire who went missing during a skiing trip in Switzerland six years ago and was initially believed...Sitting in a café not far from Russia’s embassy in Berlin, Liv von Boetticher admits the story she is about to tell is “wilder...
Chinese spy suspect arrested in second AfD scandal
German police have arrested an assistant to Maximilian Krah, the hard-right Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) leading candidate in the European elections, on suspicion of spying for China. The man, named by law enforcement only as Jian G, was arrested on Monday in Dresden. He lives in Dresden and Brussels, the German public broadcasters ARD...German police have arrested an assistant to Maximilian Krah, the hard-right Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) leading candidate in the European elections, on suspicion of spying for China. The man, named by law enforcement only as Jian G, was arrested on Monday in Dresden. He lives in Dresden and Brussels, the German public broadcasters ARD...German police have arrested an assistant to Maximilian Krah, the hard-right Alternative for Germany’s (AfD) leading candidate...
Herculaneum scrolls reveal location of Plato’s garden grave
One of the fathers of western philosophy was buried in the garden of his Athens academy, near to a sacred shrine to the muses, research has revealed. The recorded burial spot of Plato became intelligible after experts used infrared and x-ray scanners to examine a 2,000-year-old carbonised scroll about the life of...One of the fathers of western philosophy was buried in the garden of his Athens academy, near to...One of the fathers of western philosophy was buried in the garden of his Athens academy, near to...
Australian PM attacks Musk’s ‘ego’ over church stabbing video
Elon Musk chose “ego and showing violence” over common sense, the Australian prime minister has said after the...Elon Musk chose “ego and showing violence” over common sense, the Australian prime minister has...Elon Musk chose “ego and showing violence” over common sense, the Australian prime minister has...
Hung jury over elderly rancher’s fatal shooting of migrant
newAn Arizona judge declared a mistrial in the case of an elderly rancher accused of fatally shooting an illegal...An Arizona judge declared a mistrial in the case of an elderly rancher accused of fatally...An Arizona judge declared a mistrial in the case of an elderly rancher accused of fatally...
US election
ROGER BOYES
An American civil war is far-fetched, and yet …
Domestic turbulence in the US as depicted in a new film is the biggest threat to the West
newTesla accelerates new models after first revenue fall since 2020
newTesla has reported a fall in quarterly revenue for the first time since 2020 as it delivered fewer electric vehicles to customers due to slowing demand and intense competition worldwide. The world’s most valuable carmaker, which was founded by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003...Tesla has reported a fall in quarterly revenue for the first time since 2020 as it delivered fewer electric vehicles to customers due to slowing demand and intense competition worldwide. The world’s most valuable carmaker, which was founded by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003...Tesla has reported a fall in quarterly revenue for the first time since 2020 as it delivered fewer electric vehicles to...
Investing in defence companies is ethical, says Sunak
newFunds that invest in companies making weapons are free to badge themselves as “ethical” or “sustainable”, the Treasury and the major fund management houses in Britain declared on Tuesday. In a joint statement designed to bolster support for the UK defence industry, the Treasury and the Investment Association declared that the armaments...Funds that invest in companies making weapons are free to badge themselves as “ethical” or “sustainable”, the Treasury and the major fund management houses in Britain declared on Tuesday. In a joint statement designed to bolster support for the UK defence industry, the Treasury and the Investment Association declared that the armaments...Funds that invest in companies making weapons are free to badge themselves as “ethical” or “sustainable”, the Treasury and the...
Spotify hits record quarterly profit from premium subscribers
A rise in the number of premium subscribers and a tighter grip on costs has helped Spotify post record quarterly profits. The music streaming company increased operating income to a record €168 million in the three months between January and March, against a €75 million loss in the previous quarter, but lower than...A rise in the number of premium subscribers and a tighter grip on costs has helped Spotify post...A rise in the number of premium subscribers and a tighter grip on costs has helped Spotify post...
Nigel Farage warns against buying NatWest shares amid debanking row
Nigel Farage has said the public should not buy shares in NatWest as the fallout from the debanking scandal continues.Nigel Farage has said the public should not buy shares in NatWest as the fallout from the...Nigel Farage has said the public should not buy shares in NatWest as the fallout from the...
Client withdrawals surge after departure of Jupiter’s stars
Clients who entrusted their cash to Jupiter Fund Management’s star stockpicker Ben Whitmore pulled a net £1.1 billion...Clients who entrusted their cash to Jupiter Fund Management’s star stockpicker Ben Whitmore...Clients who entrusted their cash to Jupiter Fund Management’s star stockpicker Ben Whitmore...
JD Sports to buy Hibbett for $1bn to boost US expansion
JD Sports is racing ahead with plans to crack the American market through the $1 billion acquisition of Hibbett, the US sports fashion retailer. The self-proclaimed “king of trainers” said it would pay $87.50 per share in cash for the...JD Sports is racing ahead with plans to crack the American market through the $1 billion...JD Sports is racing ahead with plans to crack the American market through the $1 billion...
Short sellers make billions as Magnificent 7 ride into trouble
Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called “Magnificent 7” American technology giants in recent days. The combined value of Alphabet, which is Google’s parent; Amazon...Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called “Magnificent 7” American technology giants in recent days. The combined value of Alphabet, which is Google’s parent; Amazon...Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called “Magnificent 7”...
business commentary
Hipgnosis suitor will need lot of bottle
Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has got itself two pretenders on the ownership front: Apollo-backed Concord with a recommended $1.4 billion cash bid at $1.16 a share...Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has got itself two pretenders on the ownership front: Apollo-backed Concord with a recommended $1.4 billion cash bid at $1.16 a share...Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has got itself two...
premier league | Tom allnutt
Havertz embarrasses Chelsea and sends Arsenal three points clear
Arsenal 5 Chelsea 0
newIf this was one of their toughest games left, Arsenal had a funny way of showing it. They tore Chelsea to shreds, plundered five goals and sent a resounding message that will have been heard loud and clear from Anfield to the Etihad: they are not done yet. Mikel Arteta had challenged his players to pull three points clear at the top of the Premier League table and to...If this was one of their toughest games left, Arsenal had a funny way of showing it. They tore...If this was one of their toughest games left, Arsenal had a funny way of showing it. They tore...
Paul Joyce
Liverpool target Arne Slot to replace Klopp
Liverpool have pinpointed the Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot as the man they want to replace Jürgen Klopp. The...Liverpool have pinpointed the Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot as the man they want to replace Jürgen Klopp. The 45-year-old led Feyenoord to success in the KNVB Cup final last weekend and has compiled a strong body of work in the Netherlands, having led the club to their first Eredivisie title in six years in the...Liverpool have pinpointed the Feyenoord head coach Arne Slot as the man they want to replace Jürgen Klopp. The 45-year-old led...
THE TIMES REFEREEING SUMMIT
‘We’re approaching anarchy’ – how to end culture of referee abuse
Watch: Rocky Flintoff smashes century with uncanny resemblance to dad
newRocky Flintoff showed that the apple does not fall far from the tree as the 16-year-old with the famous surname scored his first century for Lancashire’s second XI against Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Andrew Flintoff, the former England all-rounder...Rocky Flintoff showed that the apple does not fall far from the tree as the 16-year-old with the...Rocky Flintoff showed that the apple does not fall far from the tree as the 16-year-old with the...
O’Sullivan: Being the best is overrated – but I may play ten more years
newRonnie O’Sullivan will begin his quest to end the numerical debate over who is the best snooker player of the modern era on Wednesday, but the seven-times world champion has already concluded that greatness is overrated. O’Sullivan, 48, went past Steve Davis and Ray Reardon with his seventh world title at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield two years ago, the emotional...Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin his quest to end the numerical debate over who is the best snooker...Ronnie O’Sullivan will begin his quest to end the numerical debate over who is the best snooker...
elgan alderman
Has snooker’s tie to ‘smelly’ Crucible reached breaking point?
The Crucible in Sheffield was built to house Peer Gynt by Ibsen, Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides and Shakespeare’s...The Crucible in Sheffield was built to house Peer Gynt by Ibsen, Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides and Shakespeare’s Othello starring Clarke Peters and Dominic West from The Wire. Yet its greatest psychodrama is between snooker players and the sport from which they earn a living. Sorry Argentina, apologies Japan...The Crucible in Sheffield was built to house Peer Gynt by Ibsen, Iphigenia at Aulis by Euripides and Shakespeare’s Othello...
gallagher premiership | Alex Lowe
Seven teams split by ten points: Premiership set for ‘royal rumble’ climax
There is more than a hint of Harlequins 2021 about the rapid emergence of Bristol Bears in the Gallagher Premiership title race, accelerating late-season into the top four with a scintillating brand of attacking rugby. Even taking into account the...There is more than a hint of Harlequins 2021 about the rapid emergence of Bristol Bears in the...There is more than a hint of Harlequins 2021 about the rapid emergence of Bristol Bears in the...
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP | Steve James
Glut of runs from county openers gives England rich new possibilities
martin SAMUEL
FA cannot let Clattenburg use his power to damage and reduce our game
If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee Stuart Attwell he...If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee...If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee...
MIKE ATHERTON
Counties gather for Hundred talks that could future-proof whole game
Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this newspaper that he was open...Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this...Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this...
Steve James | matthew mott interview
‘I can’t get a set team – I hardly see the players between tournaments’
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. When England announced split roles for the Test and white-ball teams in 2022, it was Matthew Mott who seemed to have the cushy number with an already successful white-ball side and plentiful options, while...It wasn’t supposed to be like this. When England announced split roles for the Test and...It wasn’t supposed to be like this. When England announced split roles for the Test and...
sky bet championship | martin hardy
Summerville shines as Leeds overcome nerves and errors to stay in title race
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
Bellingham and Ederson’s cuddle and a bad day for golf
The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and Bradley were both in London all weekend for the semi-finals — Manchester City against Chelsea on Saturday before a thriller between Coventry City and...The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and...The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and...
FIRST PERSON
I love my husband — that’s why I’m divorcing him
From the outside Lisa Quinn’s 21-year marriage seemed strong — they loved and respected each other. So why did she make the decision to walk away?
The real stories behind the 16 greatest revenge songs
What Carly Simon started, Taylor Swift has taken to new heights. Pete Paphides decodes the best pieces of music about exes
first person
‘Almost every male medic has led me to believe my pain isn’t important’
A new study reveals women are less likely to die if treated by a female doctor. They are just better listeners, says Claire Cohen
Does the fall of Huw Edwards mark the end of the news anchor?
As the journalist leaves the BBC, the big beasts of broadcasting are dying out. Will anyone miss them, wonders Andrew Billen
ROBERT CRAMPTON
April’s chilly and my family’s war over the thermostat rages on
By rights, by late April the domestic heating wars that rip families apart through the winter should have been...By rights, by late April the domestic heating wars that rip families apart through the winter...By rights, by late April the domestic heating wars that rip families apart through the winter...
interview
Blooming? The truth about pregnancy isn’t so rosy
When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers would have left the...When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers...When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers...
Andrew Scott, Pierce Brosnan and Sharon Horgan on being Irish
‘Wait, he’s Irish?” my flatmate asked in shock when she saw me watching Pierce Brosnan in the new documentary Quintessentially Irish. “I thought he was English.” Too many people make this mistake about our Celtic James Bond. In their defence...‘Wait, he’s Irish?” my flatmate asked in shock when she saw me watching Pierce Brosnan in the new...‘Wait, he’s Irish?” my flatmate asked in shock when she saw me watching Pierce Brosnan in the new...
my culture fix
Percival Everett: The Beatles are overrated
My favourite book
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne. It was published in 1759 and is more postmodern than anything people will say is postmodern now. It uses every form of literary communication available...My favourite book
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne. It...My favourite book
The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne. It...
the lowdown
The latest ‘ugly’ shoe on the block
The best spring-cleaning products to buy now
If the idea of a spring clean is a total bore, perhaps it’s time to take a look at your cleaning kit and see whether...If the idea of a spring clean is a total bore, perhaps it’s time to take a look at your cleaning...If the idea of a spring clean is a total bore, perhaps it’s time to take a look at your cleaning...
gabriella bennett
In Ukraine I found the definition of resilience
In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of temporary houses cuts...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...
Why Montenegro is the hottest new luxury property spot
For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in 2006, it has been the quickest-growing tourism economy to 2019, with visitor numbers growing from 953,000 to 2.6 million. The beauty of the Adriatic...For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in...For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in...
Viewing GUide
What’s on TV and radio tonight
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which fictional builder has a blue pet cat named Pilchard? 3 Which area of high moorland in Devon was designated as a national park in 1951? 4 Which stringed instrument features in the logo of Ryanair? 5 Which US talk show host (1944-2023) was born in the London Underground’s Highgate...1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which...1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which...
In case you missed it
video
Tales from the Atelier: Cédric Grolet’s pastries
Go behind the scenes with world famous pâtissier, and learn how is hyper-realistic treats are made
Is this the cutest boat ever built?
Fiat has unveiled its first (highly adorable) nautical endeavor, the Off-Shore
accessories
Claudia Winkleman: my top five accessories if money were no object
From bags to boots, these are the opulent extras that make life special
jewellery
Would you wear a pistol on your pinkie finger?
When jewellery designers let their imaginations run wild, these are the results
motoring
The SUV that comes with its own scatter cushions
With the Burford, Range Rover has created a car worthy of the most glamorous village in England
video
MY STORY
‘I drove 7,500 miles solo through Europe and Africa . . . in a Peugeot 107’
Camping in her tiny car, obstructive border staff and even a terrifying crash didn’t stop Pelumi Nubi completing a daring 7,500-mile solo trip from the UK to Nigeria
travel ADVICE
Russian GPS jamming: which airlines and routes are affected?
Thousands of flights have been affected by suspected GPS jamming. Here’s what it means for air travel.
UK
The UK’s seven best cabins for birdwatching
A cosy lodge in the Lake District’s Eden Valley or cool digs on Essex marshland — these are the ideal spots from which to enjoy spring’s birdsong
video
ITALY
This Italian town holds the key to a long life — I found out why
The region of Cilento is mostly ignored by Brits — but its food, atmosphere and friendly residents mean there are more centenarians here than anywhere else in Italy
video
City breaks
Forget Marrakesh — try this easygoing, coastal city
Find year-round sun, souks and surf in lively Agadir
KAthy lette | travel troubleshooter
‘My husband earns more than me — but insists we split holiday costs’
GREECE
An underrated Greek island holiday for just over £400 — here’s how
If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is available for just over...If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is...If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is...
comment
I’ve travelled the world, but keep returning to this Spanish city
Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the extraordinary, the...Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the...Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the...
video
Cruise
What it’s really like sailing on the world’s biggest cruise ship
Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat. But with 7,600 passengers, does it all feel too much? Cathy Adams gets onboard to find out. Plus read more about Royal Caribbean’s other...Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat...Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat...
From the archive
French battlefield ghouls
Births, marriages and deaths
TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him...TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy...TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy...
Printable Puzzles
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Harvie: I’ll quit as Green leader if coalition scrapped
Patrick Harvie has confirmed he will quit as the Scottish Greens’ co-leader if party members vote to withdraw from the Bute House agreement as he dismissed a confidence motion against him as “sordid political game-playing”. The minister said he shares the “distress” of some in his party over the...Patrick Harvie has confirmed he will quit as the Scottish Greens’ co-leader if party members vote to withdraw from the Bute House agreement as he dismissed a confidence motion against him as “sordid political game-playing”. The minister said he shares the “distress” of some in his party over the...Patrick Harvie has confirmed he will quit as the Scottish Greens’ co-leader if party members vote to withdraw from the Bute...
Alcohol-related deaths rise 25% in three years
The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say the SNP’s approach to the health crisis is failing. Alcohol-specific deaths across the UK reached a record high of 10,048 people in 2022, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rate in...The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say the SNP’s approach to the health crisis is failing. Alcohol-specific deaths across the UK reached a record high of 10,048 people in 2022, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rate in...The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say...
Kenny Farquharson
Why ditching Greens won’t solve Yousaf’s problems
At first glance it looks like a no-brainer for the SNP. Of course they should ditch the Greens as coalition partners in the Scottish government. The pesky Greens are nothing but trouble. Cut them loose and the SNP has a fighting chance. But is it really that simple? No, it isn’t. Quick fixes seldom are. In fact, for...At first glance it looks like a no-brainer for the SNP. Of course they should ditch the Greens as...At first glance it looks like a no-brainer for the SNP. Of course they should ditch the Greens as...
OBITUARY
John Boyd, officer who led investigation into Lockerbie bombing
Four days before Christmas 1988 John Boyd was balanced precariously on a chair, hanging wallpaper in the kitchen of...Four days before Christmas 1988 John Boyd was balanced precariously on a chair, hanging wallpaper...Four days before Christmas 1988 John Boyd was balanced precariously on a chair, hanging wallpaper...
JOHN STURROCK
Our leaders must put an end to corrosive blame culture
Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish Care, said that the...Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish...Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish...
See the casket that may have led to ruin of Mary, Queen of Scots
An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone conservation work before it tours Scotland. It is thought the casket was given to Mary by her first husband, Francis II of France, and came to...An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone...An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone...
Editor's picks
Natasha Radmehr | HOME FRONT
Scotland is bulldozing buildings and we can’t do anything to stop it
There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has begun on the demolition...There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has...There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has...
gabriella bennett
In Ukraine I found the definition of resilience
In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of temporary houses cuts...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...
Comment
Sunak can’t tell us ‘we’re on the right track’
Daniel Finkelstein
Polling shows voters are so gloomy about the economy that the Tories will have to rethink their key electoral message
ALICE THOMSON
Ditch the recruitment bot — it’s not working
newROGER BOYES
An American civil war is far-fetched, and yet …
newMATTHEW PARRIS | NOTEBOOK
I know well the horrors that Lariam can unleash
newLee Elliot Major
A new educational dawn should focus on pupils’ wellbeing
newsusie goldsbrough | notebook
This Swiftie is delighted, but 31 songs is too many
They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most sensational releases of the year so far: Beyoncé’s 27-track (cross-) country bonanza, Cowboy Carter, and now Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department...They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most...They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most...
Leading Articles
Turning the Tide
After a rough passage, the Rwanda Bill is law. It must be implemented with speed and determination if the government’s sinking electoral fortunes are to be rescued
More Guns, Less Butter
The prime minister is right to commit to spending more on defence
Bon Voyage
The most distant manmade object in the universe just woke up
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Policing of pro-Palestinian demonstrations
Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were probably well intentioned but the former could clearly do with a lesson in diplomacy (“Calls for Met chief to quit over ‘openly Jewish’ row”, Apr...Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were...Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, begins a two-day trip to Poland. He is expected make a defence-related announcement during the trip; James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, visits Italy to discuss immigration.
World: The US Senate is to debate the legislative package passed last weekend by Congress that includes foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Sport: Arsenal v Chelsea, Premier League (8pm)
On this day
In AD 303 Saint George died. This is the traditional date of the death of the man immortalised in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon, who has been patron saint of England since 1348; in 1564, although the date is not confirmed, it is widely believed that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. He died on the same day in 1616; in 1819 the first soda fountain patent was granted to Samuel Fahnestock, enabling carbonated drinks to be sold by the glass. The strongest claim for creating the ice cream soda goes to Robert McCay Green in 1874, who had “Here lies the originator of the ice cream soda” on his tombstone; in 1851 Canada issued its first postage stamp, the Three-Pence Beaver, after Britain had transferred authority to the Province of Canada for its postal system. It was designed by engineer and inventor Sir Sandford Fleming, who had emigrated from Scotland aged 18; in 1928 Shirley Temple (Black) was born. Her starring role in Bright Eyes (1934) featured the song On the Good Ship Lollipop. She was awarded the first Juvenile Academy Award, served as US ambassador to Czechoslovakia (1989-1992) and died on February 10, 2014, aged 85 (obituary, February 12, 2014).
Nature notes
The jewel-like small tortoiseshell was once a common butterfly of parks and gardens, but numbers have fallen sharply since the mid-Seventies. Despite a small uptick in 2014 the downward trend has been accelerating and last year was their worst on record — particularly in southern Britain. Some blame Sturmia bella, a parasitic fly that arrived in 1998, assisted by climate change; its grubs parasitise small tortoiseshell caterpillars, whose life cycle happens to coincide perfectly with theirs, as well as those of peacocks and red admirals, and occasionally speckled woods. However, small torts were struggling well before Sturmia bella made landfall, so the fly may have been the last straw, tipping an already fragmented and weakened population into freefall. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Neville Brody, professor of visual communication, Royal College of Art (2011-18), 67; Alistair Brownlee, triathlete, two-time Olympic gold medallist, 36; Sir Akhlaq Choudhury, High Court judge, presiding judge, Midland Circuit, 57; Sir Paul Collier, professor of economics and public policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, 75; Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, president, Royal Aeronautical Society (2017-18), 70; Judy Davis, actress, A Passage to India (1984), 69; Victoria Glendinning, novelist, The Butcher’s Daughter (2018), 87; Bill Hagerty, chairman emeritus, British Journalism Review, 85; John Hannah, actor, Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), 62; Steph Houghton, footballer, Manchester City and England women, 36; Ruth Jones, Labour MP for Newport West, shadow environment minister, 62; Prince Louis of Wales, 6; Bernadette McAliskey, civil rights activist, 77; Lee Majors, actor, The Six Million Dollar Man (1973-78), 85; Pierluigi Martini, Formula One driver (1984-95), 63; Michael Moore, documentary-maker, Bowling for Columbine (2002), 70; Sir Richard Mottram, chairman, Amey plc (2008-17), permanent secretary, Intelligence, Security and Resilience, Cabinet Office (2005-07), 78; Gianandrea Noseda, principal guest conductor, London Symphony Orchestra, music director, Teatro Regio, Turin, 60; Dev Patel, actor, Slumdog Millionaire (2008), 34; Sir Simon Picken, High Court judge, presiding judge, Wales Circuit (2018-21), 58; Shaun Spiers, executive director, Green Alliance think tank, 62; Dick Steele, chairman, Portmeirion Group, 69; Raffaele Trombetta, ambassador of Italy to the UK, 64; Ben van Beurden, chief executive, Shell (2014-22), 66; Tessa Wyatt, actress, Robin’s Nest (1977-81), 76.