‘Sick-note culture’ is costing the UK £98bn a year or 4% of GDP
Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed, fuelling a crisis that is stifling Britain’s economic growth. Analysis of data representing millions of workers across Europe found that people take more sick days the heavier they are, owing to complications...Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed, fuelling a crisis that is stifling Britain’s economic growth. Analysis of data representing millions of workers across Europe found that people take more sick days the heavier they are, owing to complications...Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed, fuelling a crisis that is stifling...
Britain faces the most dangerous threat from colluding authoritarian states since the end of the Cold War, Rishi Sunak will warn. Almost “every aspect of our lives is going to change” given the challenges posed by countries including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, the prime minister is expected to say. In a speech on Monday he will...Britain faces the most dangerous threat from colluding authoritarian states since the end of the Cold War, Rishi Sunak will warn. Almost “every aspect of our lives is going to change” given the challenges posed by countries including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran, the prime minister is expected to say. In a speech on Monday he will...Britain faces the most dangerous threat from colluding authoritarian states since the end of the Cold War, Rishi Sunak will warn.
For years, Russia’s deputy minister of defence, Timur Ivanov, lived high on the hog, flaunting access to St Tropez villas, yachts and Rolls-Royces. When Ivanov, 48, was finally arrested last month and charged with large-scale bribery, analysts said that the writing was on the wall for his close ally and boss, the...For years, Russia’s deputy minister of defence, Timur Ivanov, lived high on the hog, flaunting...For years, Russia’s deputy minister of defence, Timur Ivanov, lived high on the hog, flaunting...
KEVIN MAHER
What did Tolstoy say? Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but they ain’t got nothing on the royals? Talk...What did Tolstoy say? Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but they ain’t got nothing...What did Tolstoy say? Each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way, but they ain’t got nothing...
Kathy Lette | Travel Troubleshooter
Q. My friend is about to be declared bankrupt but is desperate to take a break and get away from her troubles for...Q. My friend is about to be declared bankrupt but is desperate to take a break and get away...Q. My friend is about to be declared bankrupt but is desperate to take a break and get away...
ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Guardian Media Group and News UK, publisher of The Times, have told the government that the...ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Guardian Media Group and News UK, publisher of The Times, have told the...ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Guardian Media Group and News UK, publisher of The Times, have told the...
A commercial plane with an “un-jammable” navigation system powered by quantum technology has been trialled in the UK...A commercial plane with an “un-jammable” navigation system powered by quantum technology has been...A commercial plane with an “un-jammable” navigation system powered by quantum technology has been...
CLEAN IT UP
A record number of new wild swimming areas will be monitored for water quality after being designated as bathing sites in England. The Environment Agency will start before the summer to monitor 27 places which the government proposed as new...A record number of new wild swimming areas will be monitored for water quality after being...A record number of new wild swimming areas will be monitored for water quality after being...
The Liberal Democrats have been accused of breaking equality laws after an Anglican candidate was allegedly...The Liberal Democrats have been accused of breaking equality laws after an Anglican candidate was...The Liberal Democrats have been accused of breaking equality laws after an Anglican candidate was...
“They’ve been together for 362 years at this point. They’ve got to be together for a reason. And in my show they love...“They’ve been together for 362 years at this point. They’ve got to be together for a reason. And...“They’ve been together for 362 years at this point. They’ve got to be together for a reason. And...
anthony loyd in ukraine
A teenager who escaped from Russian-occupied Donbas is unable to prove her identity, travel or access basic rights
Tya had always known that freedom would have a price. As the 18-year-old began her lonely escape from Russian-occupied Donbas and headed for Kharkiv, she had expected that the questioning at the border filtration centre on the final leg of her journey might be harsh and sometimes loud. It was...Tya had always known that freedom would have a price. As the 18-year-old began her lonely escape from Russian-occupied Donbas and headed for Kharkiv, she had expected that the questioning at the border filtration centre on the final leg of her journey might be harsh and sometimes loud. It was...Tya had always known that freedom would have a price. As the 18-year-old began her lonely escape from Russian-occupied Donbas...
The separatist parties that have been in power in Catalonia for a decade have lost their majority after the regional election on Sunday. The Socialist party of the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, won the greatest number of seats and has become the only party capable of heading a coalition government, albeit with the help of...The separatist parties that have been in power in Catalonia for a decade have lost their majority after the regional election on Sunday. The Socialist party of the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, won the greatest number of seats and has become the only party capable of heading a coalition government, albeit with the help of...The separatist parties that have been in power in Catalonia for a decade have lost their majority after the regional election...
When Mary Beth Graham buried her father, she thought his story had ended. Gerald Shrum, 90, died in March last year at a Pennsylvania nursing home, after a long and joyful life spent flying planes and doting on his family. “Then my sister got a phone call,” Graham said. Graham, 69, found herself rapidly falling into...When Mary Beth Graham buried her father, she thought his story had ended. Gerald Shrum, 90, died...When Mary Beth Graham buried her father, she thought his story had ended. Gerald Shrum, 90, died...
For 63 years, la Fête des Vins d’Anjou-Saumur has celebrated some of the Loire Valley’s finest wines at a festival...For 63 years, la Fête des Vins d’Anjou-Saumur has celebrated some of the Loire Valley’s finest...For 63 years, la Fête des Vins d’Anjou-Saumur has celebrated some of the Loire Valley’s finest...
The first person to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig has died nearly two months after the...The first person to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig has died nearly...The first person to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig has died nearly...
FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT
Across France campsites were full, beachfront restaurants busy and sandcastles proliferating. “May is the new July,” proclaimed Le Monde as the country shed its habitual miserabilism to head for the seaside on a weekend stretched to a length that...Across France campsites were full, beachfront restaurants busy and sandcastles proliferating.Across France campsites were full, beachfront restaurants busy and sandcastles proliferating.
Twenty years ago hardly anyone in China, a nation of tea lovers, drank coffee. Not many more were aficionados of...Twenty years ago hardly anyone in China, a nation of tea lovers, drank coffee. Not many more were...Twenty years ago hardly anyone in China, a nation of tea lovers, drank coffee. Not many more were...
A Finnish hairdresser has come up with the perfect solution for anyone who dreads booking a hair appointment for fear...A Finnish hairdresser has come up with the perfect solution for anyone who dreads booking a hair...A Finnish hairdresser has come up with the perfect solution for anyone who dreads booking a hair...
Gina Lollobrigida embarked on a career as a photographer and interviewer to avoid getting bored between the film roles that made her a Hollywood legend. When she met Fidel Castro in Havana in 1974, she made such an impression on him that he gave...Gina Lollobrigida embarked on a career as a photographer and interviewer to avoid getting bored...Gina Lollobrigida embarked on a career as a photographer and interviewer to avoid getting bored...
A council facing scrutiny over a succession of disastrous investments changed its rules so that it could invest in a Monaco-based financier’s “junk bond” fund. Warrington borough council removed a restriction on investing in high-risk debt in order for the deal to go through. It has been accused...A council facing scrutiny over a succession of disastrous investments changed its rules so that it could invest in a Monaco-based financier’s “junk bond” fund. Warrington borough council removed a restriction on investing in high-risk debt in order for the deal to go through. It has been accused...A council facing scrutiny over a succession of disastrous investments changed its rules so that it could invest in a...
The Covid-era “Great Resignation” is over and has given way to a “Big Stay”, with workers fearful of rocking the boat amid Britain’s uncertain economic outlook. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body for human resources workers, said the findings from its latest labour force survey pointed to lower staff...The Covid-era “Great Resignation” is over and has given way to a “Big Stay”, with workers fearful of rocking the boat amid Britain’s uncertain economic outlook. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body for human resources workers, said the findings from its latest labour force survey pointed to lower staff...The Covid-era “Great Resignation” is over and has given way to a “Big Stay”, with workers fearful of rocking the boat amid...
More than a million people in the past three years may have taken out mortgages that will continue past the state pension age and could lead to problems in retirement. Figures obtained from the Bank of England by Sir Steve Webb, the former Liberal Democrat pensions minister, show that today’s mortgage crisis has...More than a million people in the past three years may have taken out mortgages that will...More than a million people in the past three years may have taken out mortgages that will...
comment
Less than two weeks ago, some us in England went to the polls for this year’s local elections.
Reflecting the...Less than two weeks ago, some us in England went to the polls for this year’s local...Less than two weeks ago, some us in England went to the polls for this year’s local...
comment
The term “industrial strategy” has long been mired in political discourse. At best, it is misunderstood as...The term “industrial strategy” has long been mired in political discourse. At best, it is...The term “industrial strategy” has long been mired in political discourse. At best, it is...
An artisan pizza chain visited by Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during the pandemic has reported record results and plans to expand into Scotland and Wales. Pizza Pilgrims, a chain of 22 Neapolitan pizzerias, has started work on a new site by...An artisan pizza chain visited by Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during the pandemic has reported...An artisan pizza chain visited by Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak during the pandemic has reported...
the week ahead
Burberry is one of a number of luxury retailers to have suffered a slowdown in demand amid rising inflation and the...Burberry is one of a number of luxury retailers to have suffered a slowdown in demand amid rising...Burberry is one of a number of luxury retailers to have suffered a slowdown in demand amid rising...
need to know
1 Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed. An analysis of...1 Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed. An...1 Obese people are up to twice as likely to take time off work, a study has revealed. An...
recruitment
About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory certification and compliance courses to upskilling for a new role, and experts estimate that the UK training market is worth approximately £7 billion. Training and skills development is proved to increase the human capital in the national labour force, narrowing skills gaps...About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory...About six in ten UK staff undergo some form of training at work each year, ranging from mandatory...
SIX FROM THE BEST
Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to...Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to 70,000 deliveries a week. The activist recently launched the #GetFairAboutFarming campaign calling for supermarkets to adopt better business practices to safeguard the future of British fruit and veg farmers.Guy Singh-Watson is founder of Riverford, an organic vegetable box company which grew from humble beginnings to 70,000...
MARTIN SAMuel
Towards the end of the second half, claps of thunder and flashes of lightning pervaded the area around Old Trafford. But it wasn’t the forked kind. Even the lightning is sheet at Manchester United this season. Just as well, really, because if the deluge had arrived much earlier the game would...Towards the end of the second half, claps of thunder and flashes of lightning pervaded the area around Old Trafford. But it wasn’t the forked kind. Even the lightning is sheet at Manchester United this season. Just as well, really, because if the deluge had arrived much earlier the game would...Towards the end of the second half, claps of thunder and flashes of lightning pervaded the area around Old Trafford. But it...
Rory McIlroy has experimented with countless preparation techniques in his decade-long pursuit of a fifth major win, but his work before this week’s US PGA Championship could not have gone better as he stormed to victory at the Wells Fargo. The Northern Irishman began the final round at Quail Hollow one shot behind the overnight leader...Rory McIlroy has experimented with countless preparation techniques in his decade-long pursuit of a fifth major win, but his work before this week’s US PGA Championship could not have gone better as he stormed to victory at the Wells Fargo. The Northern Irishman began the final round at Quail Hollow one shot behind the overnight leader...Rory McIlroy has experimented with countless preparation techniques in his decade-long pursuit of a fifth major win, but his...
STUART BARNES
Exeter Chiefs’ victory against Harlequins was no surprise. The style and margin of it? Now that is another matter. Playing Toulouse anywhere, at any time, takes it out of a team. Taking them on in the Champions Cup semi-final in their own city — only six days previously — is even more draining. On Saturday...Exeter Chiefs’ victory against Harlequins was no surprise. The style and margin of it? Now that...Exeter Chiefs’ victory against Harlequins was no surprise. The style and margin of it? Now that...
premier league | paul hirst
Gallagher Premiership
Ian Hawkey
By mid-morning on Sunday, suited, carefully coiffured and, in some cases, not too shy to sing out of tune, Real...By mid-morning on Sunday, suited, carefully coiffured and, in some cases, not too shy to sing out...By mid-morning on Sunday, suited, carefully coiffured and, in some cases, not too shy to sing out...
A “concerned” Novak Djokovic will undergo medical tests after feeling the effects of being struck on the head by a...A “concerned” Novak Djokovic will undergo medical tests after feeling the effects of being struck...A “concerned” Novak Djokovic will undergo medical tests after feeling the effects of being struck...
Elgan Alderman
William Scotton did not set pulses racing at the Oval on August 12, 1886. The Nottinghamshire opener went 67 minutes without scoring and was out for 34 in almost four hours, lollygagging behind WG Grace, his partner. It inspired Punch magazine to...William Scotton did not set pulses racing at the Oval on August 12, 1886. The Nottinghamshire...William Scotton did not set pulses racing at the Oval on August 12, 1886. The Nottinghamshire...
rick broadbent | John McDermott interview
Rick Broadbent | Bill Curbishley interview
Giro d’italia
There may well be one new member of the Giro d’Italia peloton annoyed with the dominant race leader. Tadej Pogacar said he was certain other riders were annoyed by his desire to win as many stages as possible, and Jhonatan Narváez will be the one now thinking “thanks a bunch” — a sentiment laced with sarcasm. The Slovenian did not win the ninth stage, which makes a...There may well be one new member of the Giro d’Italia peloton annoyed with the dominant race leader.There may well be one new member of the Giro d’Italia peloton annoyed with the dominant race leader.
The teenager Phoebe Gill launched herself into the frame for a place in the 800m at the Olympics this summer after...The teenager Phoebe Gill launched herself into the frame for a place in the 800m at the Olympics this summer after she ran the second-fastest time in the world this year. The 17-year-old from St Albans broke her personal best by almost four seconds at the Belfast Irish Milers Meet and is now the eighth-fastest...The teenager Phoebe Gill launched herself into the frame for a place in the 800m at the Olympics this summer after she ran the...
county championship round-up
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP play-offs
interview
After childhood abuse and a volatile marriage, the photographer David Bailey’s son was on the path to gender transition. He tells Mark Smith why he’s made a U-turn
IN DEPTH
The mountaineer’s recently discovered letters home reveal much about his complicated life, 100 years after his death, says his relative Tom Newton Dunn
Who’s best suited to run the country, Rishi Sunak or Keir Starmer? Derek Guy, the notorious tweeter also known as ‘Menswear Guy’, inspects their wardrobes
interview
Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson talks to Blanca Schofield about grappling with trolls, acting with Paul Mescal and baring (nearly) all at the Brits
ASK PROFESSOR TANYA BYRON
Q: My husband and I are in our seventies. We fell in love at university and have been inseparable since. We married...Q: My husband and I are in our seventies. We fell in love at university and have been inseparable...Q: My husband and I are in our seventies. We fell in love at university and have been inseparable...
interview
On June 16, 2020, Sebastian Junger nearly died. Lying in the emergency department of a hospital on Cape Cod, he...On June 16, 2020, Sebastian Junger nearly died. Lying in the emergency department of a hospital...On June 16, 2020, Sebastian Junger nearly died. Lying in the emergency department of a hospital...
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
first night review
Growing up near Belfast in the 1990s, the first classical concerts I attended were with the Ulster Orchestra — Mozart...Growing up near Belfast in the 1990s, the first classical concerts I attended were with the...Growing up near Belfast in the 1990s, the first classical concerts I attended were with the...
first night review
Which venue has the edge in the summer Shakespeare stakes? Over at the Globe, you can bask in a winning version of...Which venue has the edge in the summer Shakespeare stakes? Over at the Globe, you can bask in a...Which venue has the edge in the summer Shakespeare stakes? Over at the Globe, you can bask in a...
ask the experts
MindGames
1 About 71 per cent of which planet in our solar system is covered by water? 2 Which god of thunder is “battering the...1 About 71 per cent of which planet in our solar system is covered by water? 2 Which god of...1 About 71 per cent of which planet in our solar system is covered by water? 2 Which god of...
Viewing GUide
television
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
TELEVISION
Television
He claims to be a disabled Scottish academic called Arthur Knight. American prosecutors insist he is Nicholas Rossi, a serial rapist wanted by the FBI. Before he was extradited to Utah, he pleaded his innocence to Marc Horne
interview
The Marvel star’s grandfather died of the disease, his father is showing early signs — now he’s discovered he’s at high risk. He talks about anxiety, his new health regime and Mad Max
interview
Rebecca F Kuang’s satire of the publishing industry was one of last year’s most talked-about novels, selling 1.5m copies — and there might be a sequel
There are 8.4 million people living alone and they end up paying more for everything from heating to hotels and houses. Rachel Mortimer speaks to one of them
review | memoir
From Ozzy Osbourne prancing in the nude to Ziggy Stardust’s evening glass of milk: this child’s-eye view of the Seventies music scene is funny, tender and playful
EXCLUSIVE interview | Christina Lamb
interview
When Isabella Rossellini was younger, she thought old age would be a time to stop, relax and take stock of her life...When Isabella Rossellini was younger, she thought old age would be a time to stop, relax and take...When Isabella Rossellini was younger, she thought old age would be a time to stop, relax and take...
It is known as England’s wildest shore, filled with jaw-dropping sandy beaches, weather-beaten old castles, Viking...It is known as England’s wildest shore, filled with jaw-dropping sandy beaches, weather-beaten...It is known as England’s wildest shore, filled with jaw-dropping sandy beaches, weather-beaten...
You want your likeness captured for posterity, but who to choose? The Portrait Painters Annual Exhibition, on this week, is a good place to start
Are your knees ready to be revealed? If not, try one of these innovative knee smoothing solutions. By Jennifer George
Lisa Grainger steps into the rooftop eyrie of the capital’s first luxury eco-hotel
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcraft collection features examples of artisanal skill that will blow your mind
video
It’s a hardened, weary soul who doesn’t get just a little bit excited when Ferrari pulls the covers off a new car. In the time-honoured maxim, out goes the old and in comes the new; we dispense with the 812 Superfast and gain the Ferrari 12Cilindri.It’s a hardened, weary soul who doesn’t get just a little bit excited when Ferrari pulls the...It’s a hardened, weary soul who doesn’t get just a little bit excited when Ferrari pulls the...
Giant lizards, dazzling reefs and villages untouched by tourism — this remote volcanic region is the perfect place to explore on a small ship cruise
video
Have a mini interrail adventure through Italy, Slovenia and Croatia on an affordable route that takes in the Adriatic’s aristocratic history
Jersey’s empty coves, surfing and incredible seafood helped our writer and her teenagers break out of a ten-year family holiday rut
Knowing how much gratuity to leave — if at all — can be a minefield. From cafés to hotel housekeeping we explain the etiquette in the UK other holiday favourites
A 35-minute train ride from Portugal’s capital, cool Cascais has exciting new restaurants, stylish hotels, and creativity at every turn
Kathy Lette | Travel Troubleshooter
video
The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery school, brewery and farm shop. Now it has opened chic new accommodation which food lovers can book to stay in overnight. Alicia Miller checks in.
...The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery...The Welbeck Estate, on the edge of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, is known for its cookery...
Kensington Palace
11th May, 2024 The Duchess of Gloucester this morning opened the Danish Fair at the Danish Church...Kensington Palace
11th May, 2024 The Duchess of Gloucester this morning opened the Danish Fair...Kensington Palace
11th May, 2024 The Duchess of Gloucester this morning opened the Danish Fair...
law report
Supreme Court
Published on May 13, 2024
Rabot v Hassam
Briggs v Laditan
Before Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord...Supreme Court
Published on May 13, 2024
Rabot v Hassam
Briggs v Laditan
Before Lord Reed...Supreme Court
Published on May 13, 2024
Rabot v Hassam
Briggs v Laditan
Before Lord Reed...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Anonymous agitators have hijacked the Scottish government’s controversial new hate crime law and triggered the greatest number of online complaints police in Scotland have ever dealt with, the chief constable has said. Jo Farrell, the first woman to head Police Scotland, said that the majority of...Anonymous agitators have hijacked the Scottish government’s controversial new hate crime law and triggered the greatest number of online complaints police in Scotland have ever dealt with, the chief constable has said. Jo Farrell, the first woman to head Police Scotland, said that the majority of...Anonymous agitators have hijacked the Scottish government’s controversial new hate crime law and triggered the greatest number...
A man has died after two jet skis collided near a holiday park on the Solway Firth. The 42-year-old, who has not been named, was flown by air ambulance from Prestwick to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University hospital after the accident near Gatehouse of Fleet late on Saturday afternoon. He died of his injuries on Sunday, Police Scotland...A man has died after two jet skis collided near a holiday park on the Solway Firth. The 42-year-old, who has not been named, was flown by air ambulance from Prestwick to Glasgow’s Queen Elizabeth University hospital after the accident near Gatehouse of Fleet late on Saturday afternoon. He died of his injuries on Sunday, Police Scotland...A man has died after two jet skis collided near a holiday park on the Solway Firth. The 42-year-old, who has not been named...
Iain Macwhirter
I’m not sure who first cracked the joke about John Swinney and Kate Forbes being “yesterday’s man and the candidate for the 19th century.” Variants of it have been floating around the nationalist left ever since Humza Yousaf resigned as first minister (which seems like an age ago but is actually only two weeks). It...I’m not sure who first cracked the joke about John Swinney and Kate Forbes being “yesterday’s man...I’m not sure who first cracked the joke about John Swinney and Kate Forbes being “yesterday’s man...
interview
Jo Farrell has not had an easy time in her first seven months as chief constable of Scotland’s police force. The rows came early. She was forced to apologise after commandeering a police car to take her home to the north of England after trains...Jo Farrell has not had an easy time in her first seven months as chief constable of Scotland’s...Jo Farrell has not had an easy time in her first seven months as chief constable of Scotland’s...
ART | REVIEW
★★★★☆ Jude Barber, architecture curator of the Royal Scottish Academy’s (RSA) major annual show, cites the Pakistani...★★★★☆ Jude Barber, architecture curator of the Royal Scottish Academy’s (RSA) major annual show...★★★★☆ Jude Barber, architecture curator of the Royal Scottish Academy’s (RSA) major annual show...
SARAH KYAMBI | COMMENT
The Conservative government is claiming to have made progress on delivering cuts to immigration, based on falling...The Conservative government is claiming to have made progress on delivering cuts to immigration...The Conservative government is claiming to have made progress on delivering cuts to immigration...
Comment
It’s unwise to laugh at Dominic Cummings
Will Lloyd
Boris Johnson’s former adviser might never launch his Startup Party but may plant seeds among young conservatives
libby purves
We’re the masters here, not the machines
tomiwa owolade
A person’s colour is no clue to their opinions
emma duncan | notebook
My robot lawnmower has driven me wild
elisabeth braw
Flag of convenience newcomers make a mockery of system
Leading Articles
Arbiters of Truth
Self-appointed monitors of news accuracy such as the Global Disinformation Index can themselves undermine objective reporting by penalising sites they disagree with
Who Says
Britain must reject a proposed United Nations treaty forcing it to surrender vaccines
Heaven’s Saké
Sales of the Japanese fermented rice tipple are booming in Britain
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Bureaucratic barriers to building houses
Sir, Emma Duncan presents an informative but polarised perspective on what she sees as the “stifling regulation” of the UK building sector (“We need to axe red tape to get Britain building”, May 10). Energy efficiency regulations may well...Sir, Emma Duncan presents an informative but polarised perspective on what she sees as the...Sir, Emma Duncan presents an informative but polarised perspective on what she sees as the...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The King officially hands over the role of colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales at the Army Aviation Centre, Middle Wallop, Hampshire; Mental Health Awareness Week begins; the British Book Awards are held in London.
Netherlands: The World Hydrogen Summit, an annual three-day conference looking at the latest advancements in hydrogen technology, begins in Rotterdam.
World: United Nations office on drugs and crime releases this year’s World Wildlife Crime Report.
On this day
In 1943 General Alexander (later Earl Alexander of Tunis) announced the surrender of Italian and German forces in Tunisia; in 1973 tennis stars Bobby Riggs and Margaret Court faced off in the Mother’s Day Massacre in a challenge match. Riggs belittled women’s tennis, but had the court resurfaced to slow the game to his advantage. Court lost 6-2, 6-1. On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King took up the Battle of the Sexes challenge, beating Riggs 6-4, 6-3, 6-3 to a $100,000 prize. He had stated: “A woman’s place is in the kitchen and the bedroom — and not necessarily in that order”; in 1981 Pope John Paul II was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by a Turkish gunman while he was entering St Peter’s Square, Vatican City; in 1989 student protesters began a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. Martial law was declared on May 20; in 2018 the actress Margot Kidder died at the age of 69. Kidder was best known for playing Lois Lane in four Superman films opposite Christopher Reeve.
Nature notes
Near the summit of the hill were two benches and a dog bin, the grass around them worn away by feet. The bare soil, unshaded by any vegetation, was warmer than the soil elsewhere, and this made it the perfect habitat for a tiny predator. The green tiger beetle is a vivid, iridescent green with creamy yellow spots on its long wing cases, big eyes and strong jaws; its long legs mean it can move fast in pursuit of other small invertebrates, but to do so it needs warmth from the sun. The same goes for its larvae: these develop in shallow burrows in unshaded soil that act as pitfall traps, allowing the larva to prey on whatever falls in. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Luciano Benetton, co-founder of Benetton, 89; Baroness Boycott, editor, The Independent (1998), The Express (1998-2001), 73; Joe Brown, singer and guitarist, A Picture of You (1962), 83; Lord (Anthony) Clarke of Stone-cum-Ebony, justice of the Supreme Court (2009-17), Master of the Rolls and head of civil justice (2005-09), 81; The Rt Rev Peter Collins, RC bishop of East Anglia, 66; Lord (John) Cope of Berkeley, deputy chairman and treasurer, Conservative Party (1990-92), 87; Gareth Davis, chairman, M&C Saatchi (2021-23), 74; Eileen Diss, theatrical designer, six-time Bafta winner, 93; Michael Dobson, chairman, Berkeley Group and Sienna Investment Managers, 72; Evelyn Boscawen, Viscount Falmouth, owner of the Tregothnan estates, Cornwall, 69; Prof Dame Jane Glover, director of opera, Royal Academy of Music (2009-16), 75; David Hill, musical director, Bach Choir, chief conductor, BBC Singers (2007-17), 67; Prof Kathleen Jamie, poet, the national poet laureate of Scotland (makar), The Morrow-bird (2021), 62; Harvey Keitel, actor, Reservoir Dogs (1992), 85; Jonathan Klein, co-founder and chairman, Getty Images (2015-20), 64; Carrie Lam, chief executive of Hong Kong (2017-22), 67; Dame Andrea Leadsom, Tory MP for South Northamptonshire, minister for public health, 61; Richard Madeley, broadcaster, Richard & Judy (2001-09), 68; Dame Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter, 59; Scott Morrison, prime minister of Australia (2018-22), 56; Samantha Morton, actress, Minority Report (2002), 47; Jeffrey Evans, Lord Mountevans, lord mayor of London (2015-16), 76; Robert Pattinson, actor, The Batman (2022), 38; Selina Scott, former TV presenter, 73; Tim Shipman, political commentator, The Sunday Times, 49; Casey Stoney, footballer, England women’s team (2000-17), 42; Zoë Wanamaker, actress, My Family (2000-11), 75; James Whale, radio and TV presenter, 73; Keith Williams, chairman, Royal Mail, 68; Stevie Wonder, singer-songwriter, 74.