The Conservatives are facing their worst local election result in 40 years, and have lost the Blackpool South by-election with a huge swing to Labour. Elections have taken place in 107 local authorities across England and for 11 mayors including in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Tees...The Conservatives are facing their worst local election result in 40 years, and have lost the Blackpool South by-election with a huge swing to Labour. Elections have taken place in 107 local authorities across England and for 11 mayors including in the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Tees...The Conservatives are facing their worst local election result in 40 years, and have lost the Blackpool South by-election with...
analysis
Can Rishi Sunak survive? While the results early on Friday were bleak for the Conservatives, allies believe that the victory in Tees Valley — albeit with a significant swing to Labour — looks likely to be enough to shore up his position. On any level the results make difficult reading for the Tories. In the early hours of the morning...Can Rishi Sunak survive? While the results early on Friday were bleak for the Conservatives, allies believe that the victory in Tees Valley — albeit with a significant swing to Labour — looks likely to be enough to shore up his position. On any level the results make difficult reading for the Tories. In the early hours of the morning...Can Rishi Sunak survive? While the results early on Friday were bleak for the Conservatives, allies believe that the victory in...
Results are being announced throughout Friday and Saturday in local and mayoral elections across much of England and Wales. This article is being continuously updated. People in England have voted for councillors across 107 local authorities and for mayors in ten combined authority regions, while 37 police and crime...Results are being announced throughout Friday and Saturday in local and mayoral elections across...Results are being announced throughout Friday and Saturday in local and mayoral elections across...
caitlin moran
It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically. Like any...It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically.It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically.
FIRST PERSON
It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M&S, musing over what to...It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M...It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M...
See how the stealth tax affects your area
political sketch
Leader of the Commons insists she will not challenge Sunak for the Tory leadership despite expectations of heavy losses in the local elections
The Co-op Live arena had been touted as the largest indoor venue in the UK, a world-class arena that would bring the biggest stars (and crowds of 23,500) to Manchester — but it is fast gaining a reputation as a flop. When plans for the new £365...The Co-op Live arena had been touted as the largest indoor venue in the UK, a world-class arena...The Co-op Live arena had been touted as the largest indoor venue in the UK, a world-class arena...
Johnny Mercer is prepared to go to jail to protect the identity of special forces whistleblowers who warned him about...Johnny Mercer is prepared to go to jail to protect the identity of special forces whistleblowers...Johnny Mercer is prepared to go to jail to protect the identity of special forces whistleblowers...
THE TIMES DIARY
News travels slowly to the more deprived parts of Latin America. The broadcaster Steph McGovern says that when she...News travels slowly to the more deprived parts of Latin America. The broadcaster Steph McGovern...News travels slowly to the more deprived parts of Latin America. The broadcaster Steph McGovern...
video
Donald Trump fired a “shot across the bows” by warning expected witnesses to “be nice” when they testify against him, a prosecutor has told the judge overseeing his trial. The former president described one of the witnesses as “very nice” and “a nice guy” in remarks prosecutors cast as a...Donald Trump fired a “shot across the bows” by warning expected witnesses to “be nice” when they testify against him, a prosecutor has told the judge overseeing his trial. The former president described one of the witnesses as “very nice” and “a nice guy” in remarks prosecutors cast as a...Donald Trump fired a “shot across the bows” by warning expected witnesses to “be nice” when they testify against him, a...
Europe should consider sending troops to help defend Ukraine if Russian forces break through their defence lines, President Macron has said. Expanding on remarks he made in February about possible military intervention, the French leader said it was vital to rule no measures out because “if Russia wins in Ukraine, there will be no security...Europe should consider sending troops to help defend Ukraine if Russian forces break through their defence lines, President Macron has said. Expanding on remarks he made in February about possible military intervention, the French leader said it was vital to rule no measures out because “if Russia wins in Ukraine, there will be no security...Europe should consider sending troops to help defend Ukraine if Russian forces break through their defence lines, President...
ANTHONY LOYD IN UKRAINE | INTERVIEW
The general’s war is one of deathly mathematics and the physics of mass destruction. He talks in the language of lethal force applied to accumulated human mass. The zeroes and pluses of the enemy’s infantry and machines. How many Russian soldiers must die, at what rate and over what timeline, for coffins to arrive...The general’s war is one of deathly mathematics and the physics of mass destruction. He talks in...The general’s war is one of deathly mathematics and the physics of mass destruction. He talks in...
The jacaranda is in bloom and the blue sky of Seville is lit by what Alfonso Guerra’s favourite poet called a...The jacaranda is in bloom and the blue sky of Seville is lit by what Alfonso Guerra’s favourite...The jacaranda is in bloom and the blue sky of Seville is lit by what Alfonso Guerra’s favourite...
The American basketball star Brittney Griner has spoken about the suicidal thoughts she experienced in her lowest...The American basketball star Brittney Griner has spoken about the suicidal thoughts she...The American basketball star Brittney Griner has spoken about the suicidal thoughts she...
video
President insists ‘order must prevail over chaos’
An underwater drone shaped like a giant manta ray has been fully tested in trials off the coast of southern California. Images of the huge uncrewed prototype vehicle, designed to carry out long-range operations for the US navy, have been released...An underwater drone shaped like a giant manta ray has been fully tested in trials off the coast...An underwater drone shaped like a giant manta ray has been fully tested in trials off the coast...
gerard baker
There’s a joke doing the rounds among Joe Biden’s critics as the US president’s campaign team plot an increasingly...There’s a joke doing the rounds among Joe Biden’s critics as the US president’s campaign team...There’s a joke doing the rounds among Joe Biden’s critics as the US president’s campaign team...
Donald Trump has gone back to the policy focus that launched him into the presidency in 2016 by placing immigration...Donald Trump has gone back to the policy focus that launched him into the presidency in 2016 by...Donald Trump has gone back to the policy focus that launched him into the presidency in 2016 by...
The private bank is slashing its UK share allocation from as much as 40% to between 1.9% and 3.5%
Coutts, the bank used by members of the royal family, has been accused of adding to the UK’s problems by switching almost £2 billion of client money out of the London stock market to invest overseas. The private bank, which serves tens of thousands of well-off clients, is slashing the allocation...Coutts, the bank used by members of the royal family, has been accused of adding to the UK’s problems by switching almost £2 billion of client money out of the London stock market to invest overseas. The private bank, which serves tens of thousands of well-off clients, is slashing the allocation...Coutts, the bank used by members of the royal family, has been accused of adding to the UK’s problems by switching almost £2...
The UK private sector economy expanded faster than initially estimated last month, reinforcing signs that growth is gathering momentum after a short recession, a closely watched survey showed. The final composite S&P Global and Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) jumped to 54.1 in April...The UK private sector economy expanded faster than initially estimated last month, reinforcing signs that growth is gathering momentum after a short recession, a closely watched survey showed. The final composite S&P Global and Chartered Institute for Procurement and Supply’s purchasing managers’ index (PMI) jumped to 54.1 in April...The UK private sector economy expanded faster than initially estimated last month, reinforcing signs that growth is gathering...
The Manifesto
Joseph Stiglitz chuckles. We’re talking about the way the economic shocks and scandals that made the modern world and shaped his thinking so quickly fade from collective memory. “My 22-year-old students today were six at the time of the Great Recession,” he says of the 2008 financial crisis, one of his many...Joseph Stiglitz chuckles. We’re talking about the way the economic shocks and scandals that made...Joseph Stiglitz chuckles. We’re talking about the way the economic shocks and scandals that made...
business commentary
You can be sure of Shell. It’s a while since anyone could say that of the oil group. But, bit by bit, isn’t its...You can be sure of Shell. It’s a while since anyone could say that of the oil group. But, bit by...You can be sure of Shell. It’s a while since anyone could say that of the oil group. But, bit by...
tempus
Guinness nabbed the title of Britain’s most popular pint last year. The black stuff is more than two centuries old...Guinness nabbed the title of Britain’s most popular pint last year. The black stuff is more than...Guinness nabbed the title of Britain’s most popular pint last year. The black stuff is more than...
comment
Despite being frequently lazy and selfish, I try to be public spirited. More than two decades on I am still upset...Despite being frequently lazy and selfish, I try to be public spirited. More than two decades on...Despite being frequently lazy and selfish, I try to be public spirited. More than two decades on...
market report
When Smurfit Kappa packs up its boxes to merge with its American rival WestRock it will leave a large hole in...When Smurfit Kappa packs up its boxes to merge with its American rival WestRock it will leave a...When Smurfit Kappa packs up its boxes to merge with its American rival WestRock it will leave a...
recruitment
Offering a 92 per cent success rate and economic savings of more than £6 billion a year, mediation is the “quiet revolution” aiding British business and the family courts. Succinctly summed up by those in the sector as “mediation avoids litigation”, the confidential process involves an independent mediator appointed to help parties to talk through their problems...Offering a 92 per cent success rate and economic savings of more than £6 billion a year...Offering a 92 per cent success rate and economic savings of more than £6 billion a year...
RECRUITMENT | six from the best
Best known for her appearances on the BBC television show Dragons’ Den, the serial entrepreneur and investor...Best known for her appearances on the BBC television show Dragons’ Den, the serial entrepreneur and investor Sarah Willingham is now founder and chief executive of the UK’s leading premium cocktail bar group Nightcap. Willingham, is renowned for her eclectic career combining savvy start-ups with hands-on...Best known for her appearances on the BBC television show Dragons’ Den, the serial entrepreneur and investor Sarah...
Owen Slot
On Sunday, at home, I am dusting off the folder that my dear, late father compiled of our family history and wondering to what extent I can get away with claiming Arne Slot as one of our own. It’s not totally inconceivable. Before the first Slot moved to London before the First World War, we were indeed a Dutch family. And I’m pretty sure I’ve got high-pressing...On Sunday, at home, I am dusting off the folder that my dear, late father compiled of our family...On Sunday, at home, I am dusting off the folder that my dear, late father compiled of our family...
The far-right activist Tommy Robinson is free to attend matches, including this summer’s European Championship, after...The far-right activist Tommy Robinson is free to attend matches, including this summer’s European Championship, after his four-year football banning order was lifted early despite severe objections. The former leader of the English Defence League — whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon — was given the banning...The far-right activist Tommy Robinson is free to attend matches, including this summer’s European Championship, after his...
Jonny May interview
English cricket has been left stunned by the death of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire spin bowler, at the...English cricket has been left stunned by the death of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire...English cricket has been left stunned by the death of Josh Baker, the promising Worcestershire...
stuart barnes
Prepare for an old-fashioned dose of sporting hyperbole — both in the course of this column and in the hours leading...Prepare for an old-fashioned dose of sporting hyperbole — both in the course of this column and...Prepare for an old-fashioned dose of sporting hyperbole — both in the course of this column and...
bill edgar
It’s 50 years since the Professional Footballers’ Association handed out their Players’ Player of the Year award for the first time, and based on the second half of that history it’s a safe bet that the honour this season will not go to a defender or goalkeeper or to any player outside the Premier League’s top five. Since Paul McGrath, the Aston Villa defender, won in...It’s 50 years since the Professional Footballers’ Association handed out their Players’ Player of...It’s 50 years since the Professional Footballers’ Association handed out their Players’ Player of...
Premier League
It has taken a while and, yes, there have been credible and entertaining displays along the way but this defeat of...It has taken a while and, yes, there have been credible and entertaining displays along the way but this defeat of Tottenham Hotspur felt like a true turning point and one that may after all propel Chelsea towards competition in Europe next season. For too long the west London club have lacked backbone and...It has taken a while and, yes, there have been credible and entertaining displays along the way but this defeat of Tottenham...
Europa Conference League
ben ainslie interview
Giro d’Italia
Giulio Ciccone was only five months into his professional career when he won a stage of the Giro d’Italia in 2016, at...Giulio Ciccone was only five months into his professional career when he won a stage of the Giro...Giulio Ciccone was only five months into his professional career when he won a stage of the Giro...
The Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali will not face an extended ban despite further breaches of FA gambling...The Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali will not face an extended ban despite further...The Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali will not face an extended ban despite further...
IN DEPTH
It’s the top cause of workplace absences in the UK and research suggests that stress is the new silent killer. So should we all be changing our lives?
interview
The actor and singer has come under pressure to quit as this year’s UK contestant, over its inclusion of Israel. He talks to Jonathan Dean
Every episode is like a swift stab of a very sharp knife. Thank God my stalker novel Misery came out first
REVIEW | history
In 40BC, this mighty leader seized Judea and built the temple in Jerusalem
newINTERVIEW
Susannah Butter hears the shocking story behind the Netflix hit
caitlin moran
It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically. Like any...It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically.It’s 6.35pm. We are in a restaurant. We have had our menus for nine minutes. Well, theoretically.
FIRST PERSON
It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M&S, musing over what to...It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M...It’s Wednesday lunchtime, I’ve just completed my morning university lectures and I’m in M...
I seem to have become known on these pages for my old-fashioned, some would say curmudgeonly, views about the latest kitchen gadgets. Where younger cooks rave, I scratch my head in bemusement. Air fryers? Nothing special, they’re just small ovens. Our Place’s “miraculous” Always Pan? Just a non-stick with a lid. Is there no end to the way people can be persuaded to part...I seem to have become known on these pages for my old-fashioned, some would say curmudgeonly...I seem to have become known on these pages for my old-fashioned, some would say curmudgeonly...
Even if it’s not the hot spell we were hoping for, this delicious dozen will put everyone in a sunny mood. Take your...Even if it’s not the hot spell we were hoping for, this delicious dozen will put everyone in a sunny mood. Take your pick from a trio of bright whites, including a £5.19 lower alcohol chardonnay, plus a trio of juicy, easy drinking reds and three unusual, food-friendly pinks. Whatever the weather, everyone needs a...Even if it’s not the hot spell we were hoping for, this delicious dozen will put everyone in a sunny mood. Take your pick from...
REVIEW | HEALTH
MUSIC REVIEWS
video
review
14-year-old Zeina wants to see a film set in her country ‘where no one dies’
video
review
The actress plays opposite Nicholas Galitzine as a divorcee who embarks on an affair with a young boy
video
review
The tale of a hostess who follows a misanthropic soul to small-town Indiana
video
REVIEW
One of the highlights of Jerry Seinfeld’s 2020 Netflix special 23 Hours to Kill was a carefully worked “bit” about Pop-Tarts, three minutes long, that climaxed with the line: “They can’t go stale because they were never fresh!” Seinfeld has, for...One of the highlights of Jerry Seinfeld’s 2020 Netflix special 23 Hours to Kill was a carefully...One of the highlights of Jerry Seinfeld’s 2020 Netflix special 23 Hours to Kill was a carefully...
fame and fortune
laura freeman
Hang up your headsets, turn down the volume. The sculptor Tony Cragg has pressed mute on the art audio guide. “I...Hang up your headsets, turn down the volume. The sculptor Tony Cragg has pressed mute on the art...Hang up your headsets, turn down the volume. The sculptor Tony Cragg has pressed mute on the art...
The Big question
Taxpayers who did not file their self-assessment tax returns by January 31 faced £100 fines and those who still...Taxpayers who did not file their self-assessment tax returns by January 31 faced £100 fines and...Taxpayers who did not file their self-assessment tax returns by January 31 faced £100 fines and...
FIRST NIGHT review
“Mum, look, it’s crazy!” a beaming Olivia Dean said to the balcony of the Eventim Apollo in west London, where somewhere among her whooping fans sat a justifiably proud parent. The 25-year-old singer-songwriter from north London is coming to the end of touring her debut album, Messy, which was nominated for a Mercury prize and won her BBC Music Introducing Artist of...“Mum, look, it’s crazy!” a beaming Olivia Dean said to the balcony of the Eventim Apollo in west...“Mum, look, it’s crazy!” a beaming Olivia Dean said to the balcony of the Eventim Apollo in west...
FIRST NIGHT review
As the first band to return Brixton Academy to its full capacity after the venue made a tentative return to live...As the first band to return Brixton Academy to its full capacity after the venue made a tentative return to live music this spring with low-key concerts by Nirvana and Oasis tribute acts, Editors appear to have been chosen carefully. After a crowd crush in December 2022 that resulted in the deaths of two women...As the first band to return Brixton Academy to its full capacity after the venue made a tentative return to live music this...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT review
Viewing GUide
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
TELEVISION
MINDGAMES
1 In a fairy tale, which young girl encounters a wolf on her way to visit her ailing grandmother? 2 Which forename is the Italian equivalent of Joseph? 3 Most authorities regard which Australian wild dog as a subspecies of the wolf? 4 Which art museum opened in a discontinued power station on London’s South Bank in May 2000? 5 Debuting in 1966, which US TV show began...1 In a fairy tale, which young girl encounters a wolf on her way to visit her ailing grandmother?1 In a fairy tale, which young girl encounters a wolf on her way to visit her ailing grandmother?
video
Hannah Evans gets trained at Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
London’s chefs are all about locally sourced ingredients, so much so that they are growing their own — inside the dining room
In the rapidly modernising Middle Eastern city, laid-back luxury reigns supreme
Henry Bird visits the mothership on the shores of Lake Geneva, where he gets pampered and hydrated in equal measure
The brand has unveiled the car for every mood — whether that’s a lazy afternoon or driving like your hair’s on fire
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...
video
Our expert was first on board Cunard’s latest launch, Queen Anne, and found a futuristic twist on tradition with kombucha bellinis, pickleball and even a Banksy
On a new tour created by Victoria Pendleton, cycling and horse riding combine with smart country-house hotels
The island group that includes Tenerife and Lanzarote isn’t all mega-resorts — these are the low-key and stylish places to stay
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
video
Skip the Med for the cooler Belgium Riviera and base yourself in royal favourite Ostend which offers art, serious seafood and super sunsets
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Gosh, haven’t museums changed? The five finalists in this year’s Museum of the Year, announced on Tuesday, April 29...Gosh, haven’t museums changed? The five finalists in this year’s Museum of the Year, announced on...Gosh, haven’t museums changed? The five finalists in this year’s Museum of the Year, announced on...
uk
‘Whisky” comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning water of life, and it is the actual water (along with grain...‘Whisky” comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning water of life, and it is the actual...‘Whisky” comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha, meaning water of life, and it is the actual...
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...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
How to plan and pull off the perfect home makeover so the numbers add up, by a couple who did exactly that
John Swinney has struck a deal with Kate Forbes to put economic prosperity at the heart of his administration as he positioned himself to become Scotland’s new first minister. The former deputy first minister will replace Humza Yousaf as soon as Monday if no other SNP candidate puts their name...John Swinney has struck a deal with Kate Forbes to put economic prosperity at the heart of his administration as he positioned himself to become Scotland’s new first minister. The former deputy first minister will replace Humza Yousaf as soon as Monday if no other SNP candidate puts their name...John Swinney has struck a deal with Kate Forbes to put economic prosperity at the heart of his administration as he positioned...
Analysis
The contest to become the embattled SNP’s next leader will soon begin. So what are the rules and how will the country’s new first minister be elected? Humza Yousaf has resigned as leader of the party but will stay on as first minister until a replacement is determined. Nominations to be the next SNP leader are open until noon on Monday and...The contest to become the embattled SNP’s next leader will soon begin. So what are the rules and how will the country’s new first minister be elected? Humza Yousaf has resigned as leader of the party but will stay on as first minister until a replacement is determined. Nominations to be the next SNP leader are open until noon on Monday and...The contest to become the embattled SNP’s next leader will soon begin. So what are the rules and how will the country’s new...
alex massie | political sketch
There was a demob happy air to proceedings at what may prove to have been Humza Yousaf’s final session answering — or at least pretending to answer — questions directed to the first minister. Yousaf’s departure ensured the session was of little consequence and, as a result, a relaxed and genial mood permeated the...There was a demob happy air to proceedings at what may prove to have been Humza Yousaf’s final...There was a demob happy air to proceedings at what may prove to have been Humza Yousaf’s final...
obituary
In 2006, Eddie Tobin was in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds when he was visited by an old friend who had emigrated to Australia decades earlier. The previous month, the businessman, one of the most influential figures in the politics of...In 2006, Eddie Tobin was in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds when he was visited by an old...In 2006, Eddie Tobin was in hospital recovering from gunshot wounds when he was visited by an old...
scottish business digest
scottish home of the week
‘When you walk in, it’s as if it’s a film set,” says Iain Williamson from Ivy Property, the selling agents of this...‘When you walk in, it’s as if it’s a film set,” says Iain Williamson from Ivy Property, the...‘When you walk in, it’s as if it’s a film set,” says Iain Williamson from Ivy Property, the...
John McLellan
This week’s Society of Editors conference in London opened with a minute’s silence in honour of the scores of...This week’s Society of Editors conference in London opened with a minute’s silence in honour of...This week’s Society of Editors conference in London opened with a minute’s silence in honour of...
RUGBY UNION
The younger brother of the Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu will join Edinburgh in June. Mosese Tuipulotu, who turns 23 on Sunday, has agreed terms to move to the Scottish capital from the Sydney-based NSW Waratahs. Also a centre, Tuipulotu junior...The younger brother of the Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu will join Edinburgh in June. Mosese...The younger brother of the Scotland centre Sione Tuipulotu will join Edinburgh in June. Mosese...
Comment
To win back Holyrood, Scots Labour may go rogue
Patrick Maguire
If Starmer follows victory in Westminster with two years of watering down workers’ rights, Sarwar will have tough choices
gerard baker
Biden needs more than a two-state solution
emma duncan
Green doomsayers only harm their cause
martin samuel | notebook
People go totally ape over animals in the house
Fiona Hamilton
We should admire bereaved parents who fight for change
Leading Articles
Campus Warfare
Pro-Palestinian student uprisings that have paralysed American campuses appear poised to spread to Britain. Universities must have the courage to respond robustly
Danger Ahead
If Labour wants to stop small boats it must avoid sending mixed signals to migrants
Still Mad
Amid concern about Britain’s nightlife, Manchester keeps the clubbing flame alive
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Assisted dying and improving end-of-life care
Sir, Alice Thomson emphasises some of the complex and deeply personal issues around assisted dying against a background of an ageing population, worries around loneliness, being a burden, chronic illness, the cost of care and other matters that...Sir, Alice Thomson emphasises some of the complex and deeply personal issues around assisted...Sir, Alice Thomson emphasises some of the complex and deeply personal issues around assisted...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Hearing takes place at the independent inquiry into British armed forces’ activity in Afghanistan, Royal Courts of Justice, London; leprosy spread from red squirrels to humans in medieval England, according to Current Biology study; High Court judgment expected in challenge from environmental groups to government’s net-zero plans
China: Expected launch of Chang’e-6 lunar probe mission to the dark side of the moon.
On this day
In 1966 news was placed permanently on the front page of The Times for the first time, after a radical redesign; in 1968 the first heart transplant in the UK, the tenth in the world, was performed at the National Heart Hospital in London. The recipient survived for 45 days; in 1988 the White House confirmed that Nancy Reagan, the first lady, had used astrological advice to schedule President Ronald Reagan’s activities; in 1979 the general election was won by the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher, beating the Labour Party of prime minister James Callaghan. The Conservatives remained in power until 1997; in 2007 the British toddler Madeleine McCann, aged three, disappeared from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve, Portugal.
Nature notes
Shandy Hall in Coxwold, North Yorkshire, gives visitors a fascinating insight into the life of Laurence Sterne, author of Tristram Shandy; it also offers the chance to experience one of the world’s finest nature spectacles — a vibrant rookery. The upper branches of the sycamores that lift from the rim of the former stone quarry, which forms Shandy Hall’s woodland garden, are filled with the black baskets of rook nests. The rise and fall of cawing sweeps from these stately trees like the howling of wolves. The rooks are not confined to this visitor attraction, however. Nearby, a huddle of hawthorns also plays host to an offshoot from the main rookery. These nests are a good 50 feet lower than those in the sycamores. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Katya Adler, BBC Europe editor, 52; Steve Barclay, environment secretary, Tory MP for North East Cambridgeshire, 52; Patti Boulaye, singer, Stop It I Like It (1976), 70; Rob Brydon, actor and comedian, Would I Lie to You? (since 2008), 59; Peter Duncan, TV presenter, Blue Peter (1980-86), and chief scout (2004-09), 70; Ben Elton, author and comedian, co-writer, The Young Ones (1982-84) and Blackadder, 65; Dr Timothy Evans, apothecary to the Royal Household, 69; Richard Eyre, chairman, Internet Advertising Bureau, 70; William Clay Ford Jr, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company, 67; Nona Gaprindashvili, chess player, the first woman to be awarded the Fide title grandmaster (1978), 83; Rebecca Hall, actress, Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008), 42; Christina Hendricks, actress, Mad Men (2007-15), 49; Ken Hom, TV chef, Ken Hom’s Chinese Cookery (1984), 75; Mary Hopkin, singer, Those Were the Days (1968), 74; Sir Mo Ibrahim, businessman, founder of Celtel, 78; Edward Kessler, founder-president, Woolf Institute, Cambridge, 61; Michael Kiwanuka, musician, Kiwanuka (2019), winner of the Mercury prize (2020), 37; Joseph Kosinski, film director, Top Gun: Maverick (2022), 50; Gina McCarthy, White House national climate adviser (2021-22), 70; Steve McClaren, football manager, England (2006-07), 63; Jane Morgan, singer, The Day the Rains Came (UK No 1 in 1959), 100; Sir Alan Parker, founder and chairman, Brunswick Group LLP, 68; Suzi Perry, TV presenter, The Gadget Show (2004-12), 54; Carlo Rovelli, theoretical physicist and writer, Helgoland (2020), 68; Sandi Toksvig, comedian and presenter, QI (since 2016), The Great British Bake Off (2017-20), The News Quiz (2006-15), 66; Akio Toyoda, chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation, 68; Sarah Rose Troughton, lord-lieutenant of Wiltshire and Queen’s companion, 71; Frankie Valli, singer, Big Girls Don’t Cry (1962), 90; Allan Wells, sprinter, Olympic gold medallist (1980), 72.