Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are waiting to hear how much they will receive in compensation after the government vowed to pay “whatever it costs”. The compensation package will be announced at 12.30pm today and is expected to top £10 billion. As the...Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are waiting to hear how much they will receive in compensation after the government vowed to pay “whatever it costs”. The compensation package will be announced at 12.30pm today and is expected to top £10 billion. As the...Victims affected by the worst treatment disaster in the history of the NHS are waiting to hear how much they will receive in...
Colin Smith, 7, asked for a bicycle for Christmas in 1989. His parents bought it for him even though they knew he would never ride or even sit on it. In January 1990 he died of Aids and hepatitis C. Colin, the youngest of four brothers, had haemophilia diagnosed at four months old and was given Factor VIII, a blood-clotting treatment, at 12...Colin Smith, 7, asked for a bicycle for Christmas in 1989. His parents bought it for him even though they knew he would never ride or even sit on it. In January 1990 he died of Aids and hepatitis C. Colin, the youngest of four brothers, had haemophilia diagnosed at four months old and was given Factor VIII, a blood-clotting treatment, at 12...Colin Smith, 7, asked for a bicycle for Christmas in 1989. His parents bought it for him even though they knew he would never...
Michael Gove has accused the International Criminal Court of “double standards” in seeking an arrest warrant against Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister. The housing secretary told Times Radio it was “nonsensical” to equate Israel’s war in Gaza with the Hamas attacks of October 7, and attacked the ICC for...Michael Gove has accused the International Criminal Court of “double standards” in seeking an...Michael Gove has accused the International Criminal Court of “double standards” in seeking an...
First person
COMMENT
The decision by the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, to request arrest warrants for Israel’s...The decision by the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, to request arrest...The decision by the International Criminal Court prosecutor, Karim Khan, to request arrest...
Sleepovers used to be a teenage delight. But fast-forward a couple of decades and I am somehow, in my thirties with...Sleepovers used to be a teenage delight. But fast-forward a couple of decades and I am somehow...Sleepovers used to be a teenage delight. But fast-forward a couple of decades and I am somehow...
The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed by the use of infected blood products on the NHS between 1970 and 1998. Sir Brian Langstaff’s inquiry concluded that this was a “calamity” which “could and should” have been avoided. His report highlights a culture of defensiveness and cover-ups at the heart of the British...The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed...The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed...
political sketch
They looked, at first, like a Cup Final crowd, with their custom-printed red T-shirts and black and yellow pin badges...They looked, at first, like a Cup Final crowd, with their custom-printed red T-shirts and black and yellow pin badges, holding up their banners in the hot spring sun. There were a thousand of them, at least. There could have been thousands more. They had brought with them, to Westminster, that familiar sense of...They looked, at first, like a Cup Final crowd, with their custom-printed red T-shirts and black and yellow pin badges, holding...
A woman has died after being attacked by her own XL bully dogs at her home in east London. Armed officers were called...A woman has died after being attacked by her own XL bully dogs at her home in east London. Armed...A woman has died after being attacked by her own XL bully dogs at her home in east London. Armed...
A nine-year-old boy died of sepsis eight days after he was discharged from hospital with influenza and sent home with...A nine-year-old boy died of sepsis eight days after he was discharged from hospital with...A nine-year-old boy died of sepsis eight days after he was discharged from hospital with...
The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than usual. Flying north through Ukraine near Kyiv, the bird — whose only usual worry is picking off a tasty frog — was rocked by battlezone explosions and...The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than...The migration of Denisa, a greater spotted eagle, in the spring of 2022 was more eventful than...
The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even closure if he pushes...The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even...The foreign secretary has warned Rishi Sunak that universities will face job losses and even...
the times DIARY
Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not to pursue things that...Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not...Giving the graduation address to students at New York University, Sir Nick Clegg urged them not...
photography
An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia — particularly China — in the 1800s is going under the hammer after being hidden in a box for more than 100 years. Johann Carl Albert Jahreis, the collector...An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia —...An astonishing private collection of more than 150 photographs documenting life in Asia —...
video
A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear the courtroom on Monday after he scoffed at rulings and stared sullenly back at the bench in response to an order to show “proper decorum” on the stand. Robert Costello, an attorney and former federal...A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear the courtroom on Monday after he scoffed at rulings and stared sullenly back at the bench in response to an order to show “proper decorum” on the stand. Robert Costello, an attorney and former federal...A witness called by Donald Trump’s defence team at his criminal trial caused the judge to clear the courtroom on Monday after...
In a purpose-built court on the outskirts of Frankfurt, in a legal case so vast it had to be split into three trials, Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a German aristocrat, will face charges on Tuesday of conspiring to overthrow the government and install himself as the de facto king. Together with eight other alleged plotters, the 72-year-old...In a purpose-built court on the outskirts of Frankfurt, in a legal case so vast it had to be split into three trials, Heinrich XIII Prince Reuss, a German aristocrat, will face charges on Tuesday of conspiring to overthrow the government and install himself as the de facto king. Together with eight other alleged plotters, the 72-year-old...In a purpose-built court on the outskirts of Frankfurt, in a legal case so vast it had to be split into three trials, Heinrich...
analysis
Even if the International Criminal Court agrees to issue arrest warrants for the prime minister and defence minister of Israel, neither man is likely to stand trial. Israel is not a signatory to the ICC’s Rome Statute and is under no obligation to hand over its leaders. Yet if the judges grant the request of the...Even if the International Criminal Court agrees to issue arrest warrants for the prime minister...Even if the International Criminal Court agrees to issue arrest warrants for the prime minister...
For decades France has been afflicted by le déclinisme, a sense that its prestige and power are waning. Its once exalted cuisine is now criticised as staid and unadventurous, while Paris’s dominance in art and fashion is increasingly challenged...For decades France has been afflicted by le déclinisme, a sense that its prestige and power...For decades France has been afflicted by le déclinisme, a sense that its prestige and power...
As France prepares to host the Olympic Games, an unwelcome visitor has crashed the party. Tiger mosquitoes carrying...As France prepares to host the Olympic Games, an unwelcome visitor has crashed the party. Tiger...As France prepares to host the Olympic Games, an unwelcome visitor has crashed the party. Tiger...
Disneyland bills itself as the happiest place on Earth. But the people who breathe life into characters such as...Disneyland bills itself as the happiest place on Earth. But the people who breathe life into...Disneyland bills itself as the happiest place on Earth. But the people who breathe life into...
South Africa’s top court has ruled that Jacob Zuma, the former president, is not eligible to run as a candidate for...South Africa’s top court has ruled that Jacob Zuma, the former president, is not eligible to run...South Africa’s top court has ruled that Jacob Zuma, the former president, is not eligible to run...
A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition leader killed in a...A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition...A coup attempt in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been foiled, with an exiled opposition...
IN maps and CHARTS
Turnout vital in Biden-Trump rematch
Demand for reforms to address ‘poor standards’
Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past decade, renewing concerns that the industry is not doing enough to weed out looming corporate collapses. A report from the Audit Reform Lab, a think tank at the University of...Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past decade, renewing concerns that the industry is not doing enough to weed out looming corporate collapses. A report from the Audit Reform Lab, a think tank at the University of...Britain’s audit firms failed to raise the alarm for three quarters of the big companies that have gone bust over the past...
Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company has set a “bold” ambition to generate $80 billion in revenue by the end of the decade as part of a “new era of growth”. In advance of AstraZeneca’s highly anticipated investor event on Tuesday at the Discovery Centre, its new £1.1 billion global research and development headquarters in Cambridge...Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company has set a “bold” ambition to generate $80 billion in revenue by the end of the decade as part of a “new era of growth”. In advance of AstraZeneca’s highly anticipated investor event on Tuesday at the Discovery Centre, its new £1.1 billion global research and development headquarters in Cambridge...Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals company has set a “bold” ambition to generate $80 billion in revenue by the end of the decade...
Mike Ashley is eyeing up a stake in Exeter’s Princesshay estate, The Times has learnt, in what would be the first joint venture between the retail mogul and the King’s property company. Frasers Group, the FTSE 100 retailer majority-owned by Ashley, “is the frontrunner” to buy a 50 per cent interest in the estate...Mike Ashley is eyeing up a stake in Exeter’s Princesshay estate, The Times has learnt, in what...Mike Ashley is eyeing up a stake in Exeter’s Princesshay estate, The Times has learnt, in what...
business commentary
European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges. And a soaring...European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges.European domination every year. No issues over financial fair play, let alone copping 115 charges.
comment
Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting up of the Biden...Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting...Sweeping US tariffs against clean energy technologies from China represent the latest ratcheting...
comment
The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first quarter of the year...The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first...The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first...
TEMPUS
There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos, the FTSE 250...There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos...There are few British technology companies that have double-digit growth in their sights. Kainos...
market report
After a rocky period over at Spectris, investors should be taking another look at the precision engineer, according...After a rocky period over at Spectris, investors should be taking another look at the precision...After a rocky period over at Spectris, investors should be taking another look at the precision...
need to know
1 Self-driving cars have been given the green light to operate on British roads within two years, after a bill aimed...1 Self-driving cars have been given the green light to operate on British roads within two years...1 Self-driving cars have been given the green light to operate on British roads within two years...
Expert tips
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...
euro 2024
Jordan Henderson is to be omitted from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate decided to ditch his vice-captain for the tournament. The decision represents a blow to the 33-year-old Ajax midfielder, who had expected to be selected despite enduring a difficult season at...Jordan Henderson is to be omitted from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate decided to ditch his vice-captain for the tournament. The decision represents a blow to the 33-year-old Ajax midfielder, who had expected to be selected despite enduring a difficult season at...Jordan Henderson is to be omitted from England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate decided to ditch his...
steve james
Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied and hardline debate as the one surrounding the position of England Test wicketkeeper. The England management have already made one huge decision by ending James Anderson’s international career, and could they be about to make another by moving...Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied and hardline debate as the one surrounding the position of England Test wicketkeeper. The England management have already made one huge decision by ending James Anderson’s international career, and could they be about to make another by moving...Tin hat time here, simply because few subjects in British sport elicit the same sort of frenzied and hardline debate as the one...
tactical analysis
The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly called time on a 15-year career at the helm of the club. His replacement came from within: Bob Paisley, Shankly’s assistant, took charge and built upon the Scottish manager’s foundations to turn Liverpool into England’s...The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly...The last time a manager of Jürgen Klopp’s stature left Liverpool was in 1974, when Bill Shankly...
MATT DICKINSON
It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that this glass room on...It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that...It is strange to stand in the video assistant referees’ (VAR) room on a match night thinking that...
Aston Villa are in talks to sign Ross Barkley after the midfielder impressed at Luton Town this season. Unai Emery is...Aston Villa are in talks to sign Ross Barkley after the midfielder impressed at Luton Town this...Aston Villa are in talks to sign Ross Barkley after the midfielder impressed at Luton Town this...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
With the Premier League title charge a two-horse race right up until the final day, Marc Aspland and Bradley Ormesher took their positions at the Emirates Stadium and the Etihad Stadium respectively to capture the action. While Bradley soaked in the joy (and tried to avoid getting soaked in champagne himself) as Manchester City beat West Ham United 3-1 to secure another...With the Premier League title charge a two-horse race right up until the final day, Marc Aspland...With the Premier League title charge a two-horse race right up until the final day, Marc Aspland...
Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the midfielder, who wants to...Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the midfielder, who wants to revive a £70million move to Manchester City this summer. The West Ham United player had looked set to join the champions in August last year but the deal collapsed when it emerged that he was being...Lucas Paquetá’s camp are keen for the FA to rule on the gambling allegations against the midfielder, who wants to revive a...
COUNTy CHAMPIONSHIP
Martin Samuel
Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son Heung-min went clear...Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son...Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son...
Stuart Barnes
In an ideal world this column would be written in praise of Northampton Saints, crowned champions of England at the...In an ideal world this column would be written in praise of Northampton Saints, crowned champions...In an ideal world this column would be written in praise of Northampton Saints, crowned champions...
First person
Mandy Appleyard discovered that her photograph was being used by a stranger online
caitlin moran
A damning new report about Britain’s appalling maternity care will come as no surprise to most women. I still get flashbacks from my horrendous experience
It’s a silent killer but lifestyle changes can result in significant improvements to readings, the experts tell Peta Bee
robert crampton
A society without notes and coins would expose the consumption-related sins of omission in many marriages
Forget going out — staying in with all your friends is the new way to socialise
MY CULTURE FIX
SARAH JOSSEL
I haven’t worn my hair back for just over a year now. A slick bun? My usual topknot? Forget it. Out of the question.I haven’t worn my hair back for just over a year now. A slick bun? My usual topknot? Forget it.I haven’t worn my hair back for just over a year now. A slick bun? My usual topknot? Forget it.
dr mark porter
I appear to have developed another bad habit. It has taken 61 years but, according to my wife, Ros, I have started...I appear to have developed another bad habit. It has taken 61 years but, according to my wife...I appear to have developed another bad habit. It has taken 61 years but, according to my wife...
When I met the Hong Kong playwright Candace Chong Mui Ngam at her airy mansion block apartment in Kowloon on July 1, 2017, I asked her what she was working on. “I am planning to write something about politics,” she said, and at the time it seemed...When I met the Hong Kong playwright Candace Chong Mui Ngam at her airy mansion block apartment in...When I met the Hong Kong playwright Candace Chong Mui Ngam at her airy mansion block apartment in...
REVIEW | music
interview
First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by George Eliot, anything by Dickens — sorry Charles, but it’s not vibing with me. I’m not a fan of the classics. University took away my love of reading. I...First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by...First book I couldn’t finish
An enormous number from my English degree. Middlemarch by...
review
It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is back and this year promises to be even more, well, Cannes than ever.
Yes, it boasts a big-beast director. Last year it was Martin Scorsese with Killers of the Flower Moon, and this year comes the premiere of Francis Ford Coppola’s long-awaited mega-sci-fi Megalopolis.It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is...It’s that time again. The Croisette, the red carpets, the cocktails and the chaos. Yes, Cannes is...
video
REVIEW
Yes, it’s that time of festival again. Time for a movie that’s unleashed as a mid-point adrenaline boost, proving so...Yes, it’s that time of festival again. Time for a movie that’s unleashed as a mid-point adrenaline boost, proving so provocative and controversial that it sends some traumatised viewers scurrying for the exits, and others reaching for their superlatives. In the past it was the Lars von Trier slot (The House...Yes, it’s that time of festival again. Time for a movie that’s unleashed as a mid-point adrenaline boost, proving so...
MindGames
1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid, laudanum is a tincture of...1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid...1 Shown in a list at the back or front of a book, what is an “erratum”? 2 A potent opioid...
first night review
first night review
first night REVIEW
first night review
Viewing GUide
TELEVISION
television
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
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
Guy Ritchie is hosting a series of lavish outdoor dinner parties at his Wiltshire estate, with chefs from around the world. But will he be there himself?
Fountains, sculpture, exotic trees, bonkers topiary — why a lavish garden has always been the ultimate status symbol. By Dr Louisa McKenzie
Titouan Bernicot was 16 when the corals surrounding his Polynesian home turned white. Since then he has dedicated his life to revitalising reefs around the world
video
Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership of Lawrence Stroll. The latest is the new and improved Vantage, the entry-level sports car from the British manufacturer that is seeking greater...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...
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)
Pair picnics and rosé with an alfresco show at these venues, showing everything from Shakespeare to Singin’ In The Rain. Plus we’ve selected the loveliest places to stay nearby
Once the preserve of explorers and Inuit hunters, Scoresby Sound in Greenland is jam-packed with icebergs, glaciers and — if you’re lucky — the aurora borealis
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
From hiking in Nepal to homestays in Sri Lanka, these are the ultimate trips to go at alone (and my tried-and-tested ideas for how to enjoy them)
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage, even though I have now...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...
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...
Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower Show of the...Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower...Buckingham Palace
20th May, 2024 The King and Queen this evening visited the Chelsea Flower...
law report
Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord Hodge, Lord Sales...Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord...Supreme Court
Published on May 21, 2024
Merticariu v Judecatoria Arad, Romania
Before Lord...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a tribunal ruled that a rape crisis centre worker was unfairly dismissed for her views. Roz Adams was discriminated against at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), and...JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a tribunal ruled that a rape crisis centre worker was unfairly dismissed for her views. Roz Adams was discriminated against at the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre (ERCC), and...JK Rowling has urged Scottish ministers to condemn those who conduct “witch-hunts” against gender-critical women after a...
Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’...
magnus linklater | comment
When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to gaze, admiringly, at one of the great restoration works of modern times. Notre Dame cathedral is nearly back to its former glory. Its elegant spire, topped by a golden rooster, is proudly in place. New stained-glass...When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to...When visitors pour into Paris for the start of the Olympic Games in July, they will be able to...
Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction initiative, experts say. Conservationists are hopeful that the endangered species will expand to create a thriving population across the Morvern...Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction...Red squirrels will once again inhabit Scotland’s west coast after a successful reintroduction...
Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly failing to provide...Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly...Scotland’s most senior civil servant will be pushed on the “shambles” of ministers repeatedly...
scottish business digest
Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland. 1. Serica Energy...Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.
FOOTBALL
The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant coach John Carver confirmed the Brentford right-back has no chance of recovering in time. Hickey has not played since the end of October but it had...The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant...The Scotland defender Aaron Hickey is definitely out of Euro 2024 after national team assistant...
comment | Alex Massie
Iain Macwhirter | comment
Comment
Three stages that will reveal the real Starmer
William Hague
The Labour leader’s true political character will only emerge in office — and it may surprise supporters and even himself
COMMENT
Melanie Phillips: Wickedly perverse move should sink the ICC
HUGO RIFKIND
It’d be better with Boris? This myth won’t fly
GILES COREN | NOTEBOOK
Sorry, Tesco: fancy cheese is mostly fit for the bin
OWEN mEREDITH
Freedom of press depends on closing this dark loophole
Susie Goldsbrough | notebook
Charles Dickens would have set the best of times for Hackney Half
It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the misfortune of being in east London on Sunday you probably saw it too: mile after mile of bum bags, cat-eye sunglasses and half-hearted mullets — squads of 20...It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the...It was like a nightmare. I’ve never seen so many people who look like me. If you had the...
Leading Articles
Day of Shame
The Infected Blood Inquiry’s final report exposes decades of mistreatment, lies and official cover-up
Lost in the Fog
The death of the Butcher of Tehran will send ripples across the Middle East
Say Cheese
Britain’s dairies and cheesemakers are smiling at record cheese consumption
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Times letters: Rogue cyclists and improving road safety
Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high time rogue cyclists were humbled”, May 20). But he implicitly exculpates road-planners, whose every new wheeze is calculated to encourage them. Floating...Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high...Sir, Edward Lucas may be right to condemn the behaviour of aggressive cyclists (“It’s high...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: RHS Chelsea Flower Show opens, with the first two days for RHS members only, until Saturday; the winner of the International Booker Prize is announced; the England football team manager Gareth Southgate names his preliminary squad for Euro 2024.
US: The UN security council in New York holds an open debate to discuss the protection of civilians in armed conflict and considers the latest report of the secretary-general on the issue.
On this day
In 1840 William Hobson, appointed Britain’s consul to New Zealand in 1839, proclaimed British sovereignty over all of New Zealand; in 1958 it was announced that subscriber trunk dialling would be introduced, enabling phone calls to be made without an operator’s help. On December 5, 1958, Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the service by making a two-minute call from Bristol to Edinburgh; in 1966 the US boxer Cassius Clay (later Mohammed Ali) retained his world heavyweight championship title when he beat the UK’s Henry Cooper in the sixth round of a bout in London (Muhammad Ali obituary, June 4, 2016); in 1999 the romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, was released in UK cinemas; in 2015 the Islamic State group entered the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, a Unesco world heritage site. Many of the monuments in the city, which stands at the crossroads of several civilisations and was described as a “symbol of openness and tolerance” by Unesco, were destroyed by the extremists.
Nature notes
Small ermine moths are lovely: pure white with black spots and a fluffy tippet around their shoulders, like a starlet in the ivory fur coat for which they are named. Yet it’s not for their adult outfits that they are best known, but for the huge webs spun by their larvae in shrubs and hedges at about this time of year, which act to protect the caterpillars from predators as they grow. These webs often provoke some public alarm, but they’re completely natural and tend to disappear on their own, and the plants the caterpillars have been feeding on generally recover. There are several species of small ermine, some of which specialise in a particular food plant, such as euonymus, willow and sedum.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Prof Sir Stanley Wells,honorary president, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, 94; Martin Carthy, folk singer and guitarist, 83; Claire Cashmore, swimmer, Paralympic gold medallist (2016), 36; Mark Cavendish, cyclist, world road race champion (2011) and winner of 34 Tour de France stages, 39; Tom Daley, diver, Olympic gold medallist (2020, synchronised 10m platform), 10m platform world champion (2009, 2017), 30; Alexandra Danson, field hockey player, former captain of England and Great Britain, Olympic gold medallist (2016), 39; Nadine Dorries, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire (2005-23), digital, culture, media and sport secretary (2021-22), 67; Noel Fielding, actor, The Mighty Boosh (2003-07), comedian and presenter, The Great British Bake Off (2017-23), 51; Isa Guha, cricketer, England (2001-11), now commentator, 39; Tony Hayward, chairman, Glencore Xstrata (2014-21), chief executive, BP (2007-10), 67; Simon Hiscocks, sailor, double Olympic medallist (2000, 2004), 51; Lord (David) Hunt of Wirral, secretary of state for Wales (1990-93), 82; Jonathan Hyde, actor, Titanic (1997), 76; Ronald Isley, singer-songwriter, the Isley Brothers, 83; Sir Peter Lampl, founder (1997) and chairman, Sutton Trust, 77; Andrew Neil, editor, The Sunday Times (1983-94), and broadcaster, 75; Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director, Serpentine Gallery, 56; Peter Phillips, artist, an originator of Pop Art, 85; Rosalind Plowright, mezzo-soprano, 75; Mary Robinson, president of Ireland (1990-97), UN high commissioner for human rights (1997-2002), 80; Leo Sayer, singer, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing (1976), 76; Nicola Shaw, chief executive, Yorkshire Water, High Speed 1 (2011-16), 55; Lemn Sissay, author, My Name Is Why (2019), and broadcaster, 57; Thomas Teague, KC, chief coroner of England and Wales, 70; Edward Watson, principal dancer, The Royal Ballet (2005-20), The Metamorphosis (Olivier Award, 2012), now a répétiteur, 48.