The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Tens of thousands who arrived illegally could stay
Labour has said it will admit small boat migrants into the asylum system as the party vowed to overturn the government’s hardline asylum ban. The party said it would consider the asylum claims of all those who have entered the UK illegally since March last year, opening up a key battleground for...Labour has said it will admit small boat migrants into the asylum system as the party vowed to overturn the government’s hardline asylum ban. The party said it would consider the asylum claims of all those who have entered the UK illegally since March last year, opening up a key battleground for...Labour has said it will admit small boat migrants into the asylum system as the party vowed to overturn the government’s...
Pro-Palestinian groups are setting up protest camps at universities across Britain in an effort to replicate the disorder on campuses in the United States. As violence broke out on the other side of the Atlantic, on Wednesday students at Russell Group universities including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle pitched tents...Pro-Palestinian groups are setting up protest camps at universities across Britain in an effort to replicate the disorder on campuses in the United States. As violence broke out on the other side of the Atlantic, on Wednesday students at Russell Group universities including Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Sheffield and Newcastle pitched tents...Pro-Palestinian groups are setting up protest camps at universities across Britain in an effort to replicate the disorder on...
The local elections on Thursday have national implications. They represent the most significant test of voter opinion before the general election and are critical to Rishi Sunak’s future. Anxious Tory MPs will be analysing the results in their local areas — and nationally — to see what it means for their seats...The local elections on Thursday have national implications. They represent the most significant...The local elections on Thursday have national implications. They represent the most significant...
review
How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of human activity? We...How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of...How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of...
Deborah Ross
Thank you for calling the National Phoneline for Middle-Class Problems. Our lines are extremely busy today because of...Thank you for calling the National Phoneline for Middle-Class Problems. Our lines are extremely...Thank you for calling the National Phoneline for Middle-Class Problems. Our lines are extremely...
Four female BBC News presenters who were taken off air last year have claimed at an employment tribunal that the recruitment process they took part in was “rigged”. Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone, Kasia Madera and Annita McVeigh said in witness...Four female BBC News presenters who were taken off air last year have claimed at an employment...Four female BBC News presenters who were taken off air last year have claimed at an employment...
A new vaccine has shown promise at treating a presently incurable type of brain cancer in a groundbreaking clinical trial. The vaccine was tested on four adult patients with glioblastoma, the most common and deadly type of...A new vaccine has shown promise at treating a presently incurable type of brain cancer in a groundbreaking clinical trial. The vaccine was tested on four adult patients with glioblastoma, the most common and deadly type of...A new vaccine has shown promise at treating a presently incurable type of brain cancer in a groundbreaking clinical...
The adult website OnlyFans is being investigated for potentially allowing children to see pornography on the platform. Ofcom, the regulator, has opened an investigation under laws governing video-sharing platforms, which state...The adult website OnlyFans is being investigated for potentially allowing children to see pornography on the platform. Ofcom, the regulator, has opened an investigation under laws governing video-sharing platforms, which state...The adult website OnlyFans is being investigated for potentially allowing children to see pornography on the platform.
video
Columbia University officials have blamed “outside agitators” for the escalation of pro-Palestinian campus protests as they defended their decision to send in police to remove and arrest student activists. American universities are on edge after officers from New York to Los Angeles entered...Columbia University officials have blamed “outside agitators” for the escalation of pro-Palestinian campus protests as they defended their decision to send in police to remove and arrest student activists. American universities are on edge after officers from New York to Los Angeles entered...Columbia University officials have blamed “outside agitators” for the escalation of pro-Palestinian campus protests as they...
profile
Take a look at the curriculum vitae of Minouche Shafik — Baroness Shafik since 2020 — and it is clear her job history has ill-prepared her for what is happening on her campus. Columbia University’s president spent the past few decades helping to set interest rates as deputy governor of the Bank of England, a world away from quelling a...Take a look at the curriculum vitae of Minouche Shafik — Baroness Shafik since 2020 — and it is clear her job history has ill-prepared her for what is happening on her campus. Columbia University’s president spent the past few decades helping to set interest rates as deputy governor of the Bank of England, a world away from quelling a...Take a look at the curriculum vitae of Minouche Shafik — Baroness Shafik since 2020 — and it is clear her job history has...
The United States has accused Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops in violation of the international ban on their use. The State Department issued a statement which claimed Russia likely used the weapons including the choking agent chloropicrin to gain an upper hand. “The use of such chemicals...The United States has accused Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops in...The United States has accused Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukrainian troops in...
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been accused of unprofessional behaviour including being chronically late to set on a...Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been accused of unprofessional behaviour including being...Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been accused of unprofessional behaviour including being...
One of Donald Trump’s most loyal acolytes in the House of Representatives has promised to move ahead with an attempt...One of Donald Trump’s most loyal acolytes in the House of Representatives has promised to move...One of Donald Trump’s most loyal acolytes in the House of Representatives has promised to move...
An American football coach from Milwaukee died of cancer after supplies of his chemotherapy drug ran out before he...An American football coach from Milwaukee died of cancer after supplies of his chemotherapy drug...An American football coach from Milwaukee died of cancer after supplies of his chemotherapy drug...
OBITUARY
Paul Auster attended a summer camp at the age of 14 that changed his life. A storm erupted while the group was in the...Paul Auster attended a summer camp at the age of 14 that changed his life. A storm erupted while...Paul Auster attended a summer camp at the age of 14 that changed his life. A storm erupted while...
Kamala Harris has defended her laugh against the derision of her critics as she battles poor approval ratings before...Kamala Harris has defended her laugh against the derision of her critics as she battles poor...Kamala Harris has defended her laugh against the derision of her critics as she battles poor...
Donald Trump has threatened to prosecute President Biden “for all his crimes” if he wins a second term and deploy the...Donald Trump has threatened to prosecute President Biden “for all his crimes” if he wins a second...Donald Trump has threatened to prosecute President Biden “for all his crimes” if he wins a second...
FCA disclosures will be in public interest, says Lord Tyrie
A row over a plan by the City regulator to “name and shame” companies under investigation has intensified after Lord Tyrie, a City grandee, defended the watchdog in the face of criticism from the chancellor. The Financial Conduct Authority has been under intense pressure over the proposal, which...A row over a plan by the City regulator to “name and shame” companies under investigation has intensified after Lord Tyrie, a City grandee, defended the watchdog in the face of criticism from the chancellor. The Financial Conduct Authority has been under intense pressure over the proposal, which...A row over a plan by the City regulator to “name and shame” companies under investigation has intensified after Lord Tyrie, a...
The US Federal Reserve said that interest rates are likely to remain higher for longer as price pressures mean inflation is not expected to fall back to its 2 per cent target in the near term. At its latest policy meeting, the world’s most powerful central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged in the 5.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent...The US Federal Reserve said that interest rates are likely to remain higher for longer as price pressures mean inflation is not expected to fall back to its 2 per cent target in the near term. At its latest policy meeting, the world’s most powerful central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged in the 5.25 per cent to 5.5 per cent...The US Federal Reserve said that interest rates are likely to remain higher for longer as price pressures mean inflation is not...
Shareholders in Smith & Nephew have revolted over plans to increase pay for its United States-based executive directors closer to American levels, one of a number of big public companies to face investor rebellions at annual meetings on Wednesday. More than 43 per cent of voting shareholders opposed the FTSE 100...Shareholders in Smith & Nephew have revolted over plans to increase pay for its United...Shareholders in Smith & Nephew have revolted over plans to increase pay for its United...
business commentary
Not every company has the “vision of becoming the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British performance brand”.Not every company has the “vision of becoming the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British...Not every company has the “vision of becoming the world’s most desirable, ultra-luxury British...
comment
Anyone might think that stock market investors are having a jolly time these days. The FTSE 100 has posted intra-day...Anyone might think that stock market investors are having a jolly time these days. The FTSE 100...Anyone might think that stock market investors are having a jolly time these days. The FTSE 100...
comment
Why has Britain’s economic growth performance deteriorated compared with its peers since 2008? That’s the question...Why has Britain’s economic growth performance deteriorated compared with its peers since 2008?Why has Britain’s economic growth performance deteriorated compared with its peers since 2008?
tempus
The AI race is growing more expensive by the minute. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet are spending billions on...The AI race is growing more expensive by the minute. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet are...The AI race is growing more expensive by the minute. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta and Alphabet are...
market report
need to know
recruitment
From Terence Conran’s interiors and Tom Dixon’s furniture to Vivienne Westwood’s fashion and Peter Saville’s album covers, Britain has a proud history of producing outstanding designers. Yet this legacy could be under threat. Entries to the design and technology GCSE have plummeted by 68 per cent over the past decade, a decline that has not been offset by increases in...From Terence Conran’s interiors and Tom Dixon’s furniture to Vivienne Westwood’s fashion and...From Terence Conran’s interiors and Tom Dixon’s furniture to Vivienne Westwood’s fashion and...
recruitment
As chief executive of Speakers for Schools, the social mobility charity, Nick Brook focuses on empowering...As chief executive of Speakers for Schools, the social mobility charity, Nick Brook focuses on empowering state-educated students to reach their potential, irrespective of background or circumstance. With a career spanning 30 years of education leadership, here he shares the lessons he has learnt from classroom to...As chief executive of Speakers for Schools, the social mobility charity, Nick Brook focuses on empowering state-educated...
Ange Postecoglou has said that he is not interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s dreadful record at set pieces this season and insists solving the problem is not a priority for him. After losing at home to Arsenal on Sunday, Tottenham face Chelsea on Thursday, knowing another defeat would all but end...Ange Postecoglou has said that he is not interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s dreadful record at set pieces this season and insists solving the problem is not a priority for him. After losing at home to Arsenal on Sunday, Tottenham face Chelsea on Thursday, knowing another defeat would all but end...Ange Postecoglou has said that he is not interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s dreadful record at set pieces this season and...
MATTHEW SYED
If you didn’t see the article about Ben White on Monday, I suggest you have a shufty. It was a fascinating insight into the success of Arsenal at set pieces this season (they employ a specialist coach). Yes, it’s partly about the skill of the delivery and the players who rise to connect with the ball, but it is also about, well, something...If you didn’t see the article about Ben White on Monday, I suggest you have a shufty. It was a fascinating insight into the success of Arsenal at set pieces this season (they employ a specialist coach). Yes, it’s partly about the skill of the delivery and the players who rise to connect with the ball, but it is also about, well, something...If you didn’t see the article about Ben White on Monday, I suggest you have a shufty. It was a fascinating insight into the...
Ronnie O’Sullivan is out of the World Snooker Championship after losing 13-10 to Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals. His defeat came after Judd Trump and John Higgins were also beaten, leaving Kyren Wilson as the only member of the world’s top 16 in the tournament. Starting the final session at 8-8, O’Sullivan...Ronnie O’Sullivan is out of the World Snooker Championship after losing 13-10 to Stuart Bingham...Ronnie O’Sullivan is out of the World Snooker Championship after losing 13-10 to Stuart Bingham...
champions league
Molly Hudson
It is a mark of the influence and talent of Adrian Newey that the 65-year-old, who still draws his designs on paper...It is a mark of the influence and talent of Adrian Newey that the 65-year-old, who still draws...It is a mark of the influence and talent of Adrian Newey that the 65-year-old, who still draws...
Giro d’italia
Just over 12 months ago, Antonio Tiberi was released by Trek-Segafredo after being fined for shooting dead a cat...Just over 12 months ago, Antonio Tiberi was released by Trek-Segafredo after being fined for...Just over 12 months ago, Antonio Tiberi was released by Trek-Segafredo after being fined for...
europa conference league
The Trend | Hamzah Khalique-Loonat
GIRO D’ITALIA
It’s unusual for a rider who has never ridden a certain race before to be such an overwhelming favourite on their debut appearance. But then Tadej Pogacar is an unusually talented rider. Already well established as a generational talent with two Tour de France titles under his belt, the Slovenian would always be fancied on his first attempt at the Corsa Rosa, but so...It’s unusual for a rider who has never ridden a certain race before to be such an overwhelming...It’s unusual for a rider who has never ridden a certain race before to be such an overwhelming...
champions cup
Underachieving Leinster. That is not a pair of words you see together often. It will read oddly for many fans of the...Underachieving Leinster. That is not a pair of words you see together often. It will read oddly for many fans of the Irish province; particularly those from an older vintage who find it extraordinary that it is Ireland who now have the most envied rugby system, with teams expected to dominate, and is a country where...Underachieving Leinster. That is not a pair of words you see together often. It will read oddly for many fans of the Irish...
interview
He has held Michelin stars for half of his life, but the chef no longer wants to feel the heat of a professional kitchen. By Damian Whitworth
new
interview
Charlie Webster tells Julia Llewellyn Smith how she overcame the odds
new
CAITLIN MORAN’S CELEBRITY WATCH
The Scottish first minister has joined the ranks of UK politicians who have failed to serve a single term
FIRST PERSON
The Bumble app is ditching its USP of women having to instigate romance. Times writers share their own experiences
giles coren
Some weeks ago, I reviewed a pretty good restaurant in Oxford that let itself down in a few basic ways, and although I was broadly positive about it, I did not let it off scot-free in the areas where it had failed, as I usually do when visiting...Some weeks ago, I reviewed a pretty good restaurant in Oxford that let itself down in a few basic...Some weeks ago, I reviewed a pretty good restaurant in Oxford that let itself down in a few basic...
review
How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of human activity? We...How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of...How long till Gary Lineker’s hyperproductive podcast empire encompasses every possible sphere of...
gabriella bennett
There’s a walk I like to do in my village, turning left at the big church in the direction of farmland. Before the...There’s a walk I like to do in my village, turning left at the big church in the direction of...There’s a walk I like to do in my village, turning left at the big church in the direction of...
recipe
Sweet and tangy, this quick, easy and colourful dish is coming into season as the days grow warmer. One reader shares how she came up with it. Susan Baxendale, 61, Flintshire This recipe came about through trying the low-Fodmap diet, and because of a glut of courgettes on my husband’s allotment. I wanted something tasty and easy. I like to use yellow courgettes, which I...Sweet and tangy, this quick, easy and colourful dish is coming into season as the days grow warmer.Sweet and tangy, this quick, easy and colourful dish is coming into season as the days grow warmer.
Listen to any discussion about recipes and you’ll soon discover that there is no such thing as bread and butter when...Listen to any discussion about recipes and you’ll soon discover that there is no such thing as bread and butter when it comes to cooking. From a splash of Martini in a risotto to mashed banana in a carrot cake, home bakers and cooks have always had special ingredients they swear by. As part of a monthly readers’...Listen to any discussion about recipes and you’ll soon discover that there is no such thing as bread and butter when it comes...
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
first night review
I was in the drugstore last week, buying snacks, when an acquaintance asked me if I had seen Baby Reindeer. He said it blew him away. This guy was in his mid-sixties, and I couldn’t imagine him watching a kids’ cartoon, so I asked him what it...I was in the drugstore last week, buying snacks, when an acquaintance asked me if I had seen Baby...I was in the drugstore last week, buying snacks, when an acquaintance asked me if I had seen Baby...
Television
video
Viewing GUide
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
MindGames
MINDGAMES
video
Hannah Evans gets trained at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
The brand has unveiled the car for every mood — whether that’s a lazy afternoon or driving like your hair’s on fire
Henry Bird visits the mothership on the shores of Lake Geneva, where he gets pampered and hydrated in equal measure
Intelligent blankets, sleek ear buds and a head band that will tingle you to sleep
conversations
video
The French chef Cédric Grolet is the man behind what are considered to be some of London’s finest pastries. You can find them at the Berkeley hotel in Knightsbridge or, if you don’t fancy waiting in a queue that often snakes down the street, you...The French chef Cédric Grolet is the man behind what are considered to be some of London’s finest...The French chef Cédric Grolet is the man behind what are considered to be some of London’s finest...
The Buiräbähnli safari in Engelberg is the most spectacular Alpine hike you’ve never heard of, using a lift system intended for farmers to yo-yo up and down the valley
new
The island group that includes Tenerife and Lanzarote isn’t all mega-resorts — these are the low-key and stylish places to stay
uk
Not all of our top whisky spots are in Scotland… from Norfolk to Northern Ireland here are the producers to know about — plus where to stay nearby
video
Skip the Med for the cooler Belgium Riviera and base yourself in royal favourite Ostend which offers art, serious seafood and super sunsets
Make a weekend of it at one of these thrilling attractions that span some of the country’s most exciting destinations from Manchester to Dundee
Travel advice
A series of Border Force strikes will disrupt operations at Heathrow airport this week. Border Force staff working at...A series of Border Force strikes will disrupt operations at Heathrow airport this week. Border...A series of Border Force strikes will disrupt operations at Heathrow airport this week. Border...
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Q. My in-laws are from a wealthy French family — salad-eating, Agnès B-wearing types who have villa holidays...Q. My in-laws are from a wealthy French family — salad-eating, Agnès B-wearing types who have...Q. My in-laws are from a wealthy French family — salad-eating, Agnès B-wearing types who have...
video
Paris is one of the most alluring cities to visit, whether you’re into food, art, culture or history. And there’s a hotel for every mood and budget. Our Paris expert Hannah Meltzer visits five of her favourites and explains why they’re perfect for...Paris is one of the most alluring cities to visit, whether you’re into food, art, culture or...Paris is one of the most alluring cities to visit, whether you’re into food, art, culture or...
WEATHER EYE
From the archive
AND they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his...AND they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to...AND they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to...
Buckingham Palace
1st May, 2024 The King of Lesotho visited The King this morning.
The Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP...Buckingham Palace
1st May, 2024 The King of Lesotho visited The King this morning.
The Rt...Buckingham Palace
1st May, 2024 The King of Lesotho visited The King this morning.
The Rt...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Delays in releasing a deceased’s funds mean relatives have to pay inheritance tax and other bills from their own money, with some cases taking up to a year to resolve
One boundary dispute about overhanging gutters has run up lawyers’ bills of more than £150,000
comment | Jonathan fisher
lawyer of the week
out of court
The cases, the chatter, the chaos: what’s really going on in the law
cartoon
For a Few Guineas More: The Legal Year in Cartoons by Alex Steuart Williams and Nick Reid is published by Law Brief at £9.99For a Few Guineas More: The Legal Year in Cartoons by Alex Steuart Williams and Nick Reid is...For a Few Guineas More: The Legal Year in Cartoons by Alex Steuart Williams and Nick Reid is...
in conversation | Hilary Meredith-Beckham
The SNP rivals John Swinney and Kate Forbes have met for secret talks about who should replace Humza Yousaf as first minister. Swinney, the former deputy first minister, has said he will carefully consider public and private pleas from senior figures, including cabinet ministers, to put himself...The SNP rivals John Swinney and Kate Forbes have met for secret talks about who should replace Humza Yousaf as first minister. Swinney, the former deputy first minister, has said he will carefully consider public and private pleas from senior figures, including cabinet ministers, to put himself...The SNP rivals John Swinney and Kate Forbes have met for secret talks about who should replace Humza Yousaf as first minister.
Hundreds of breast cancer patients have travelled more than 100 miles for diagnosis and treatment after waiting times soared at another health board because of staffing shortages. NHS Grampian, which previously received NHS Tayside patients because of staffing problems in Dundee, is now sending its own cases to Larbert, near Falkirk...Hundreds of breast cancer patients have travelled more than 100 miles for diagnosis and treatment after waiting times soared at another health board because of staffing shortages. NHS Grampian, which previously received NHS Tayside patients because of staffing problems in Dundee, is now sending its own cases to Larbert, near Falkirk...Hundreds of breast cancer patients have travelled more than 100 miles for diagnosis and treatment after waiting times soared at...
alex massie | comment
Scottish politics is just like Scottish football: often preposterous, always compelling, and not very good. The events of the past week have proved as fine a reiteration of this timeless truth as anyone could desire. Chuck everything in the mixer and see what nonsense comes out. As so often, the laws of unintended...Scottish politics is just like Scottish football: often preposterous, always compelling, and not...Scottish politics is just like Scottish football: often preposterous, always compelling, and not...
recipe
Clare Coghill’s dish is quick, easy to make and a great way to impress a guest
This lango roll recipe is a great option for a quick spring dinner. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they’re super indulgent and are a great way to impress a guest. The key to this dish is getting the freshest langoustines you can get your hands on, and you’ll be on to a winner. Serves 2 • 400g freshly cooked and peeled langoustine tails
• 2 brioche buns...This lango roll recipe is a great option for a quick spring dinner. Not only are they quick and...This lango roll recipe is a great option for a quick spring dinner. Not only are they quick and...
review
In the world of top-tier tasting menus, snacks are where the chef flexes his or her muscles. A statement of intent...In the world of top-tier tasting menus, snacks are where the chef flexes his or her muscles. A statement of intent written in three mouthfuls to which the word snack does not remotely apply. So what do the snacks at Lyla say about Stuart Ralston? And his fourth restaurant in Edinburgh, second opening of 2023...In the world of top-tier tasting menus, snacks are where the chef flexes his or her muscles. A statement of intent written in...
leading article
Almost a thousand women in Scotland died of breast cancer last year. Many of those lives could have been saved if the...Almost a thousand women in Scotland died of breast cancer last year. Many of those lives could...Almost a thousand women in Scotland died of breast cancer last year. Many of those lives could...
scottish business digest
Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland. 1. The chairman...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.
The west coast of Scotland is renowned for its string of silver beaches and mesmerising seascapes. Nowhere is this better seen than in the four glorious miles between the village of Arisaigand the undisturbed beauty of Camusdarach Beach that...The west coast of Scotland is renowned for its string of silver beaches and mesmerising seascapes.The west coast of Scotland is renowned for its string of silver beaches and mesmerising seascapes.
Comment
Rebels serve Sunak with a prisons dilemma
Katy Balls
Tory efforts to scupper proposed lighter sentences raise questions about the prime minister’s ability to wield power
JAMES MARRIOTT
Millennials are bending the knee to religion
IAIN MARTIN
Return of Swinney would signal SNP’s decay
LAURA FREEMAN | NOTEBOOK
Van Gogh guide’s grasp of the facts was sketchy
LUCY DENYER
To boost equality, open the door to more ladies’ loos
Leading Articles
Keeping Faith
A mandatory cap on the number of religious students in faith schools was always a misguided intervention. It is right that they are now to be given greater autonomy
Hey Big Spender
Britain is losing out to France and Italy after abolishing VAT-free luxury shopping
Let It Be
Reacting with anger to the hurts of the past is bad for one’s health
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Personal beliefs and contempt for the law
newSir, Daniel Finkelstein raises some important and interesting questions in his piece on the case of Dr Sarah Benn (“Contempt for the law shows contempt for us all”, May 1). It seems problematic to argue, as he appears to, that Dr Benn...Sir, Daniel Finkelstein raises some important and interesting questions in his piece on the case...Sir, Daniel Finkelstein raises some important and interesting questions in his piece on the case...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Mayoral elections, including London, and local council elections in England and Wales; Shell and Standard Chartered results.
On this day
In 1670 Charles II granted a royal charter to the Hudson Bay Company, headed by the king’s cousin Prince Rupert, the first governor of the territory known as Rupert’s Land until 1870. Rupert did not visit Canada; in 1859 Jerome K (Klapka) Jerome, the author of the humorous travelogue Three Men in a Boat, was born. The three men were George Wingrave, Carl Hentschel and Jerome; in 1887 the Rev Hannibal Goodwin filed the first US patent for celluloid film, and made images of Bible stories for Sunday school. He contested an 1889 patent by George Eastman (Kodak), and that year was awarded his patent. Goodwin died on December 31, 1900; in 1936 Sergei Prokofiev conducted the premiere of Peter and the Wolf in Moscow. His symphonic fairytale for children was performed by the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra; in 1949 the playwright Arthur Miller was awarded a Pulitzer prize for Death of a Salesman. It opened in London on July 28, 1949, with the Times critic commenting that it was “beautifully produced . . . and meticulously well acted”; in 1952 the first commercial jet airliner, a BOAC de Havilland Comet, took off from London on its maiden flight to Johannesburg. Its special call-sign was Jet Speedbird.
Nature notes
With their grey-blue upper parts and apricot underparts, nuthatches are charismatic birds. They have prominent black eye-stripes, and hefty, dagger-like beaks. Their behaviour also commands attention. A bold presence in the woods, they travel assertively both up and down tree trunks, and are the only UK bird to move headfirst down a trunk. Highly vocal, nuthatches call constantly through all seasons. Sedentary, they rarely fly further than the distance between the trees within their woodland territory, which ranges from two to 25 acres. They generally nest in old woodpecker holes, but being security conscious, often reduce the size of the entrance hole by packing wet mud round it. This prevents any predatory woodpecker from coming in and helping itself to the chicks. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Lily Allen, singer-songwriter, Sheezus (2014), and actress, 39; Édouard Balladur, prime minister of France (1993-95), 95; Dame Harriett Baldwin, Tory MP for West Worcestershire, international development minister (2018-19), 64; David Beckham, footballer, England (1996-2009), 49; Juliet Bouverie, chief executive, Stroke Association, 56; Mark Cutifani, chairman, Vale, chief executive, Anglo American (2013-22), 66; Stephen Daldry, stage, TV and film director, Billy Elliot (2000), 63; David Daly, chairman, Frasers Group, 65; Tom Dean, swimmer, two-time Olympic gold medallist, 24; Sir James Dyson OM, inventor, the first bagless vacuum cleaner, and founder, Dyson, 77; Prof Simon Gaskell, chairman, Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, 74; Valery Gergiev, director of the Mariinsky and Bolshoi theatres, 71; Lou Gramm, singer-songwriter, Foreigner, I Want to Know What Love Is (1984), 74; Michael Grandage, president of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, 62; Andy Harrison, chairman, Segro, 67; Julia Hartley-Brewer, broadcaster, TalkRadio, 56; Pamela Healy, chief executive, British Liver Trust, 65; Mairi Hedderwick, author, Katie Morag picture books, 85; Engelbert Humperdinck, singer, Release Me (1967), 88; Caroline Hurndall, UK ambassador to Libya (2021-23), 44; Bianca Jagger, human rights activist, 79; Jiri Pavel Kafka, last surviving Czech pilot to serve in 311 (Czechoslovak) Squadron of the RAF in the Second World War, 100; Brian Lara, cricketer, West Indies (1990-2006), 55; Martin Naughton KBE, founder of GlenDimplex, 85; Baroness Primarolo, Labour MP (1987-2015), 70; Bruce Robinson, actor, screenwriter and director, Withnail and I (1987), 78; Lord (Kuldip Singh) Sahota, Labour councillor (2001-23), 73; Carole Souter, interim chair, Historic Royal Palaces (2022-23), 67; Sir David Suchet, actor, 78; Baroness (Liz) Sugg, sustainable development minister (2019-20), 47; Alan Titchmarsh, horticulturist, 75; Donatella Versace, designer, 69; Lord Woolf, lord chief justice (2000-05), 91, Princess Charlotte of Wales, 9.