The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Watchdog says the proposals lack evidence
newAngela Rayner’s employment rights bill risks reducing the number of new jobs, while leaving workers on lower wages, a government watchdog has warned. In a critical assessment of Labour’s plans to give workers rights on their first day, and unions more power in the workplace, the Regulatory Policy...Angela Rayner’s employment rights bill risks reducing the number of new jobs, while leaving workers on lower wages, a government watchdog has warned. In a critical assessment of Labour’s plans to give workers rights on their first day, and unions more power in the workplace, the Regulatory Policy...Angela Rayner’s employment rights bill risks reducing the number of new jobs, while leaving workers on lower wages, a...
Rachel Reeves has pledged that there will be no further tax rises for the rest of this parliament as she said that Britain’s public services would need to “live within their means”. To reassure businesses angry at the government’s budget raid on national insurance contributions the chancellor told the CBI that she was “never going to have...Rachel Reeves has pledged that there will be no further tax rises for the rest of this parliament as she said that Britain’s public services would need to “live within their means”. To reassure businesses angry at the government’s budget raid on national insurance contributions the chancellor told the CBI that she was “never going to have...Rachel Reeves has pledged that there will be no further tax rises for the rest of this parliament as she said that Britain’s...
The special prosecutor appointed to investigate Donald Trump has requested that charges in both federal cases against the former president be dropped. The moves by Jack Smith will almost certainly lead to the collapse of both cases — one over Trump’s alleged attempts to interfere with the result of the 2020 election...The special prosecutor appointed to investigate Donald Trump has requested that charges in both...The special prosecutor appointed to investigate Donald Trump has requested that charges in both...
For more than a year now I’ve had the same morning routine. I come downstairs to make tea and, while the kettle is...For more than a year now I’ve had the same morning routine. I come downstairs to make tea and...For more than a year now I’ve had the same morning routine. I come downstairs to make tea and...
KEVIN MAHER
Another day another spurious round of volleys in an increasingly pointless and poisonous gender war. This time it’s...Another day another spurious round of volleys in an increasingly pointless and poisonous gender war.Another day another spurious round of volleys in an increasingly pointless and poisonous gender war.
Thousands of ex-convicts to be offered jobs to tackle reoffending rates
The Serious Fraud Office spent more than a decade investigating Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation but the case was dropped in 2023
The environment secretary was told of plans to impose inheritance tax on farms just 24 hours before the budget in a...The environment secretary was told of plans to impose inheritance tax on farms just 24 hours...The environment secretary was told of plans to impose inheritance tax on farms just 24 hours...
A British backpacker has described how he was sexually assaulted after drinking at a hostel in Laos being...A British backpacker has described how he was sexually assaulted after drinking at a hostel in...A British backpacker has described how he was sexually assaulted after drinking at a hostel in...
Forget sun, sand and sangria. Holidaymakers are swapping sunny destinations for “noctourism” — short for nocturnal tourism — inside the Arctic Circle. Booking.com has reported a surge in demand for trips to Tromso, with searches for places to stay...Forget sun, sand and sangria. Holidaymakers are swapping sunny destinations for “noctourism” —...Forget sun, sand and sangria. Holidaymakers are swapping sunny destinations for “noctourism” —...
video
A deal by richer nations to pay poorer countries hundreds of billions of dollars a year to tackle climate change is in Britain’s interest, the energy secretary has insisted. Ed Miliband spoke after returning from Cop29 in Baku, where a climate finance goal was eventually reached despite representatives of the world’s poorest countries storming out of the conference.A deal by richer nations to pay poorer countries hundreds of billions of dollars a year to tackle...A deal by richer nations to pay poorer countries hundreds of billions of dollars a year to tackle...
A more powerful form of stop and search is “overwhelmingly ineffective” in preventing crime and should be scrapped, a...A more powerful form of stop and search is “overwhelmingly ineffective” in preventing crime and should be scrapped, a report has said. The Section 60 stop and search policy, which enables the police to conduct searches of people without needing reasonable grounds, was introduced 30 years ago in the Criminal Justice...A more powerful form of stop and search is “overwhelmingly ineffective” in preventing crime and should be scrapped, a report...
National Rally leader says prime minister made no concessions on draft budget
newMarine Le Pen has intensified her threat to bring down France’s minority government after failing to win concessions from Michel Barnier, the prime minister. The National Rally leader left a meeting with the conservative leader of the centrist-conservative coalition, saying he had not budged on...Marine Le Pen has intensified her threat to bring down France’s minority government after failing to win concessions from Michel Barnier, the prime minister. The National Rally leader left a meeting with the conservative leader of the centrist-conservative coalition, saying he had not budged on...Marine Le Pen has intensified her threat to bring down France’s minority government after failing to win concessions from...
Donald Trump is planning an executive order that would lead to the removal of all transgender members of the US military, defence sources say. The order could come on his first day back in the White House, January 20. There are believed to be about 15,000 active service personnel who are transgender. They would be medically discharged...Donald Trump is planning an executive order that would lead to the removal of all transgender members of the US military, defence sources say. The order could come on his first day back in the White House, January 20. There are believed to be about 15,000 active service personnel who are transgender. They would be medically discharged...Donald Trump is planning an executive order that would lead to the removal of all transgender members of the US military...
A member of the German radical right Reich Citizens movement has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in an “amateurish” plot to carry out a pro-Russian coup by kidnapping the health minister. Wilhelm P, 62, from the rural southwestern district of Gorxheimertal, admitted in Frankfurt’s...A member of the German radical right Reich Citizens movement has been sentenced to two and a half...A member of the German radical right Reich Citizens movement has been sentenced to two and a half...
dispatch FROM BNEI BRAK
dispatch FROM BAKU
Every day for two weeks, a man in a Panama hat stood outside the Olympic Stadium in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, holding a placard urging his onlookers to go vegetarian. This was a “polite protest”, the placard insisted. The man did not berate...Every day for two weeks, a man in a Panama hat stood outside the Olympic Stadium in Baku, the...Every day for two weeks, a man in a Panama hat stood outside the Olympic Stadium in Baku, the...
By the time Percy Bysshe Shelley encountered Lord Byron in Venice in 1818, he had grown fat, his long dark hair was...By the time Percy Bysshe Shelley encountered Lord Byron in Venice in 1818, he had grown fat, his...By the time Percy Bysshe Shelley encountered Lord Byron in Venice in 1818, he had grown fat, his...
A doctor has described his frantic efforts to save the life of one of the young backpackers killed by poisoned...A doctor has described his frantic efforts to save the life of one of the young backpackers...A doctor has described his frantic efforts to save the life of one of the young backpackers...
Bank withdraws legal challenge in order to ‘draw a line’ under the issue
A court battle between Barclays and the City regulator over controversial deals the bank struck to avoid a taxpayer rescue during the 2008 crisis has been called off after the lender agreed to pay a £40 million fine. The FTSE 100 bank had been set to fight a penalty from the Financial Conduct...A court battle between Barclays and the City regulator over controversial deals the bank struck to avoid a taxpayer rescue during the 2008 crisis has been called off after the lender agreed to pay a £40 million fine. The FTSE 100 bank had been set to fight a penalty from the Financial Conduct...A court battle between Barclays and the City regulator over controversial deals the bank struck to avoid a taxpayer rescue...
Anglo American will sell its remaining Australian steelmaking coal operations to Peabody Energy for up to $3.8 billion as it restructures operations to fend off takeover bids. The FTSE 100 mining group has been overhauling its business to focus on copper and iron ore assets after being targeted with a £39 billion takeover offer from BHP...Anglo American will sell its remaining Australian steelmaking coal operations to Peabody Energy for up to $3.8 billion as it restructures operations to fend off takeover bids. The FTSE 100 mining group has been overhauling its business to focus on copper and iron ore assets after being targeted with a £39 billion takeover offer from BHP...Anglo American will sell its remaining Australian steelmaking coal operations to Peabody Energy for up to $3.8 billion as it...
America’s largest department store chain has delayed its quarterly results after discovering an employee hid up to $154 million in expenses. Macy’s disclosed on Monday that an employee had “intentionally made erroneous accounting accrual entries” of delivery expenses from the fourth quarter of 2021 through to the...America’s largest department store chain has delayed its quarterly results after discovering an...America’s largest department store chain has delayed its quarterly results after discovering an...
paul johnson
Son number two is 24 years old. He has just had an offer accepted on a house in London. Yes, that’s right. 24. Buying...Son number two is 24 years old. He has just had an offer accepted on a house in London. Yes...Son number two is 24 years old. He has just had an offer accepted on a house in London. Yes...
A former boss of BP who left the oil company amid scandal a little more than a year ago is attempting to revive his...A former boss of BP who left the oil company amid scandal a little more than a year ago is...A former boss of BP who left the oil company amid scandal a little more than a year ago is...
Sir Chris Hoy is beaming — and the reason for the cycling champion’s excitement might surprise some of the sport’s purists. The six-time Olympic gold medallist has just picked the first finished unit off the production line from Skarper, a...Sir Chris Hoy is beaming — and the reason for the cycling champion’s excitement might surprise...Sir Chris Hoy is beaming — and the reason for the cycling champion’s excitement might surprise...
The large shareholding of Sir Pascal Soriot in AstraZeneca has been hit by about £10 million by investigations in China.The large shareholding of Sir Pascal Soriot in AstraZeneca has been hit by about £10 million by...The large shareholding of Sir Pascal Soriot in AstraZeneca has been hit by about £10 million by...
The City regulator is opaque and unaccountable and “widely seen as incompetent”, according to a report due to be...The City regulator is opaque and unaccountable and “widely seen as incompetent”, according to a...The City regulator is opaque and unaccountable and “widely seen as incompetent”, according to a...
TikTok expects its highest Christmas sales this year as its once-struggling livestream shopping feature takes off in the UK. TikTok Shop enables users to buy products while watching videos from social media influencers and brands, as well as on...TikTok expects its highest Christmas sales this year as its once-struggling livestream shopping...TikTok expects its highest Christmas sales this year as its once-struggling livestream shopping...
Christmas hiring is starting to breathe life back into Britain’s job market, as annual salaries rise at the fastest rate in three years, figures suggest. The average advertised salary stood at £39,234 last month, up 6 per cent compared with last...Christmas hiring is starting to breathe life back into Britain’s job market, as annual salaries...Christmas hiring is starting to breathe life back into Britain’s job market, as annual salaries...
how i made it
She has founded successful firms such as FitFlop and Beauty Pie, but Marcia Kilgore still recalls the singer turning up at her spa 30 years ago
richard harpin
Retailers fearing the impact of the higher costs imposed by Rachel Reeves might feel like saying ‘We’re doomed’. They should stop grumbling and act
RECRUITMENT
A career path once meant working for the same firm for 40 years, then proudly collecting a carriage clock and hefty pension on retirement. Those days are long gone and Gen Zs entering the workforce now expect to have six different careers across their working lives. But what of the generations stuck between the Baby Boomers and upcoming “freelance first” Gen Alphas? For...A career path once meant working for the same firm for 40 years, then proudly collecting a...A career path once meant working for the same firm for 40 years, then proudly collecting a...
recruitment | SIX FROM THE BEST
As a student, Peter Jelkeby started working in Ikea’s Gothenburg store before climbing the company’s ranks. With 35...As a student, Peter Jelkeby started working in Ikea’s Gothenburg store before climbing the company’s ranks. With 35 years’ experience in the retail industry, he is now the firm’s UK & Ireland chief executive. Less complicated than a flatpack manual, here are his tips to build your career. 1 Stay humble and have big...As a student, Peter Jelkeby started working in Ikea’s Gothenburg store before climbing the company’s ranks. With 35 years’...
The RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney was paid a record £1.1million in a year when the governing body announced its biggest financial losses and another round of redundancies. Sweeney’s annual salary has increased over the last year from £684,000 to £742,000, a rise of 8.5 per cent. The Times...The RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney was paid a record £1.1million in a year when the governing body announced its biggest financial losses and another round of redundancies. Sweeney’s annual salary has increased over the last year from £684,000 to £742,000, a rise of 8.5 per cent. The Times...The RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney was paid a record £1.1million in a year when the governing body announced its biggest...
James Anderson’s attempt to make an IPL debut aged 42 appears to be over after no franchises bid for England’s leading Test wicket-taker — yet a 13-year-old batsman has become the youngest player sold at the auction. Anderson, the oldest player up for grabs, was not among the 143 players selected on day two of the auction to take part in...James Anderson’s attempt to make an IPL debut aged 42 appears to be over after no franchises bid for England’s leading Test wicket-taker — yet a 13-year-old batsman has become the youngest player sold at the auction. Anderson, the oldest player up for grabs, was not among the 143 players selected on day two of the auction to take part in...James Anderson’s attempt to make an IPL debut aged 42 appears to be over after no franchises bid for England’s leading Test...
paul joyce
Mohamed Salah has said he is “more out than in” at Liverpool after revealing he is still yet to receive a new contract offer from the club. Salah’s present deal expires at the end of the season and he poured out his growing frustration at what he feels is a lack of progress over the situation. After more than seven...Mohamed Salah has said he is “more out than in” at Liverpool after revealing he is still yet to...Mohamed Salah has said he is “more out than in” at Liverpool after revealing he is still yet to...
mike atherton
At first glance, there is little in common between Jacob Bethell, who could become England Test cap No718 in...At first glance, there is little in common between Jacob Bethell, who could become England Test...At first glance, there is little in common between Jacob Bethell, who could become England Test...
Owen SLot
With their courageous last-ditch defensive efforts, their bodies on the line and a strict “they shall not pass” ethic...With their courageous last-ditch defensive efforts, their bodies on the line and a strict “they...With their courageous last-ditch defensive efforts, their bodies on the line and a strict “they...
Kevin De Bruyne has cast doubt on his Manchester City future after admitting that contract talks between him and the club have been put on hold while he tries to rediscover his best form. Both De Bruyne and City want to make sure that he is able to play at his best before they resume negotiations, which have been on ice since last summer. The 33-year-old City...Kevin De Bruyne has cast doubt on his Manchester City future after admitting that contract talks...Kevin De Bruyne has cast doubt on his Manchester City future after admitting that contract talks...
Pep Guardiola issued a rallying cry to his struggling Manchester City players by urging them to make sure that they...Pep Guardiola issued a rallying cry to his struggling Manchester City players by urging them to make sure that they do not throw away the Premier League title that they worked so hard to win last season. After watching his team lose five successive matches in all competitions for the first time in his City career...Pep Guardiola issued a rallying cry to his struggling Manchester City players by urging them to make sure that they do not...
STUART BARNES
Nothing better summed up this convincing win than the 22nd-minute try from the captain, Jamie George. It was old-time...Nothing better summed up this convincing win than the 22nd-minute try from the captain, Jamie...Nothing better summed up this convincing win than the 22nd-minute try from the captain, Jamie...
JAMIE DELGADO
I was very surprised when it was announced on Saturday that Andy Murray is returning to the tour as a coach so soon...I was very surprised when it was announced on Saturday that Andy Murray is returning to the tour...I was very surprised when it was announced on Saturday that Andy Murray is returning to the tour...
martin samuel
As the minutes ticked by, on occasions, Rúben Amorim would allow his attention to be diverted from the pitch. His chin would drop to his chest, his gaze would fall to the floor. One imagines, if the noise inside Portman Road permitted, the smallest sigh would have been audible too. Those who know Amorim say he spent a lot more time on the edge of his technical area in...As the minutes ticked by, on occasions, Rúben Amorim would allow his attention to be diverted...As the minutes ticked by, on occasions, Rúben Amorim would allow his attention to be diverted...
After being escorted down the touchline at Portman Road before kick-off by his new bodyguard, Rúben Amorim took his...After being escorted down the touchline at Portman Road before kick-off by his new bodyguard, Rúben Amorim took his seat in the away dugout and plucked a bottle of water from the drinks cooler. By the end of the match, he was probably wishing that the box contained something a little stronger. Granted, the new...After being escorted down the touchline at Portman Road before kick-off by his new bodyguard, Rúben Amorim took his seat in the...
CHARLOTTE DUNCKER
tony cascarino
It felt like an exaggeration when people pinned Arsenal’s hopes of success on Martin Odegaard. It seemed to me like a...It felt like an exaggeration when people pinned Arsenal’s hopes of success on Martin Odegaard. It...It felt like an exaggeration when people pinned Arsenal’s hopes of success on Martin Odegaard. It...
STEVE JAMES
There were more than 35 long and barren minutes on the clock when Wales had their first attacking sortie into South...There were more than 35 long and barren minutes on the clock when Wales had their first attacking...There were more than 35 long and barren minutes on the clock when Wales had their first attacking...
molly hudson
In the seconds after Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to seal his fourth-straight world title, he put his head in his hands and in an emotional message to his team, admitted even he did not think this was...In the seconds after Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix...In the seconds after Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in fifth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix...
At 19, I was offered the job in return for unlimited food and drink. As the weeks passed, things got increasingly sinister. It ended with me spending a night in jail
INTERVIEW
Processed food is almost impossible to avoid — and it’s making us sick, says Dr Chris van Tulleken. It’s time for a revolution
Sophie was so terrified, she barely moved from behind the sofa. So Rory Cellan-Jones took drastic action
dr mark porter
Millions of people in the UK have distressing itching without an obvious cause
new
When the producer of the Emmy-nominated cult food show Chef’s Table, which is broadcast on Netflix, the...When the producer of the Emmy-nominated cult food show Chef’s Table, which is broadcast...When the producer of the Emmy-nominated cult food show Chef’s Table, which is broadcast...
sarah jossel
My poor husband had to go to Miami the other week. Our friend’s wedding happened to fall right after I rolled (quite...My poor husband had to go to Miami the other week. Our friend’s wedding happened to fall right...My poor husband had to go to Miami the other week. Our friend’s wedding happened to fall right...
ASK PROFESSOR TANYA BYRON
Ask the experts
first night review
“It’s good to be home,” Zayn Malik told his 3,500 screeching, videoing fans at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. “This is going to be very nice because you guys will all understand my accent.” Though it’s been almost ten years since the Bradford-born pop star shattered millions of hearts worldwide by announcing his departure from One Direction, he is only now doing his first...“It’s good to be home,” Zayn Malik told his 3,500 screeching, videoing fans at the O2 Apollo in...“It’s good to be home,” Zayn Malik told his 3,500 screeching, videoing fans at the O2 Apollo in...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Life in this corner of Queens, New York is noisy, profane and droll. Dan McCabe’s play has rough edges and meanders...Life in this corner of Queens, New York is noisy, profane and droll. Dan McCabe’s play has rough edges and meanders in the final quarter, but like Spike Lee’s Eighties film Do the Right Thing, Amit Sharma’s high-energy production creates a sense that you are sitting on a stoop, listening to real voices. In some...Life in this corner of Queens, New York is noisy, profane and droll. Dan McCabe’s play has rough edges and meanders in the...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 The Bristol-based Roustabout Theatre created Luna (2019) to mark the 50th anniversary of which landing? 2 Margaret Beckett was the first woman to lead which political party? 3 Which late star of the musical film Grease was born in Cambridge in 1948? 4 Tudor World is a living history museum in which Warwickshire town? 5 Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick was a...1 The Bristol-based Roustabout Theatre created Luna (2019) to mark the 50th anniversary of which...1 The Bristol-based Roustabout Theatre created Luna (2019) to mark the 50th anniversary of which...
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
Television
TELEVISION
a life in the day
Their gas boiler broke down in May. It was too old to fix, a plumber told James McGrane and his young family. “So it...Their gas boiler broke down in May. It was too old to fix, a plumber told James McGrane and his...Their gas boiler broke down in May. It was too old to fix, a plumber told James McGrane and his...
first person
Are you demisexual? I hadn’t heard the term before it came up in the Australian jungle on I’m a Celebrity.Are you demisexual? I hadn’t heard the term before it came up in the Australian jungle on I’m a...Are you demisexual? I hadn’t heard the term before it came up in the Australian jungle on I’m a...
He has a cult following of collectors who shed tears of joy when they finally get their hands on one of his inventive pieces
A tinselled tree in your suite, bulging stockings on the mantelpiece, and a carriage ride around Mayfair. These are the best luxury hotels in London for a festive break. By Hannah Skelley
Everrati Automotive are making old-school roadsters eco-friendly with such care and technical prowess that the only difference is the sound
The centuries-old champagne producer has installed 110 works of art by 36 artists across its new mega garden. Fiona McCarthy reports
Wraparound balconies, mattresses that cost the price of a flat, in-room caviar service and art by Picasso — these are the ultra-luxe cabins you’ll never want to leave
Craft workshops, (almost) no queues and magnificent sunsets — on a winter break in La Serenissima, Laura Jackson finally falls for the Italian city
See the country’s north, catch the northern lights and make new friends on a small group adventure that takes you — and your sled — from hut to hut
In Ardnamurchan on the west coast, a pair of Scandi-Hebridean-style cabins provide a cosy base for outdoor adventuring. But beware — you might just love it too much
Latest Foreign Office advice as two Britons are among those missing following the sinking of a tourist boat in the Red Sea
Travel Editor’s Take
Letting loose on holiday with friends and free shots is a rite of passage. That this had fatal consequences in Laos...Letting loose on holiday with friends and free shots is a rite of passage. That this had fatal...Letting loose on holiday with friends and free shots is a rite of passage. That this had fatal...
Every time I met another traveller in Vietnam, the words “Ha Giang” would tumble out of their mouth almost immediately.Every time I met another traveller in Vietnam, the words “Ha Giang” would tumble out of their...Every time I met another traveller in Vietnam, the words “Ha Giang” would tumble out of their...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
video
It might be blisteringly cold here in the Northern hemisphere, but over on the other side of the world another long, hot summer is about to start. Our winter is the best time to visit Australia, a continent that has everything you could want from...It might be blisteringly cold here in the Northern hemisphere, but over on the other side of the...It might be blisteringly cold here in the Northern hemisphere, but over on the other side of the...
OBITUARY
One half of a musical duo whose frothy hits belied a deeper intellect
OBITUARY
Popular parliamentarian who, against the odds, retained his Woolwich seat after quitting the Labour Party
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
The night sky
Weather eye
Storms can on rare occasions inspire great things, and 140 years ago a furious gale in the North Sea led to a famous...Storms can on rare occasions inspire great things, and 140 years ago a furious gale in the North...Storms can on rare occasions inspire great things, and 140 years ago a furious gale in the North...
BRING the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there. Put me to the test...BRING the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there.BRING the full amount of your tithes to the Temple, so that there will be plenty of food there.
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
SNP ministers will have about £300 million added to their budget in UK government funding to cover national insurance rises for the public sector. Treasury officials last week shared with Scottish civil servants the estimate of how much money would be made available to Holyrood through the policy.SNP ministers will have about £300 million added to their budget in UK government funding to cover national insurance rises for the public sector. Treasury officials last week shared with Scottish civil servants the estimate of how much money would be made available to Holyrood through the policy.SNP ministers will have about £300 million added to their budget in UK government funding to cover national insurance rises for...
Leading Article
For years, ministers in successive Scottish governments have complained that their hands are tied. However much they might sympathise with opposition demands for more funds for any given programme, the simple reality is that the government’s ability to act has been constricted by a series of parsimonious financial settlements imposed on...For years, ministers in successive Scottish governments have complained that their hands are tied. However much they might sympathise with opposition demands for more funds for any given programme, the simple reality is that the government’s ability to act has been constricted by a series of parsimonious financial settlements imposed on...For years, ministers in successive Scottish governments have complained that their hands are tied. However much they might...
I doubt if I have ever read such an outpouring of respect, affection and sadness as the response prompted by Melanie Reid’s decision to bring her Saturday column in the Times magazine to an end. For 15 years my colleague (and friend) has been charting a life that changed forever when she was thrown from her horse...I doubt if I have ever read such an outpouring of respect, affection and sadness as the response...I doubt if I have ever read such an outpouring of respect, affection and sadness as the response...
A Scottish tax worker who stole almost £200,000 of public money to clear debts and pay off her mortgage is facing up...A Scottish tax worker who stole almost £200,000 of public money to clear debts and pay off her...A Scottish tax worker who stole almost £200,000 of public money to clear debts and pay off her...
Elena Whitham, the SNP MSP who quit government after suffering from post-traumatic stress, will step down from...Elena Whitham, the SNP MSP who quit government after suffering from post-traumatic stress, will...Elena Whitham, the SNP MSP who quit government after suffering from post-traumatic stress, will...
Nearly half of Scots say they are worse off than a year ago, with almost two thirds believing the country’s economic conditions will continue to decline. The latest quarterly survey for the David Hume Institute, an independent think tank, and the...Nearly half of Scots say they are worse off than a year ago, with almost two thirds believing the...Nearly half of Scots say they are worse off than a year ago, with almost two thirds believing the...
Melanie reid | NOTEBOOK
Harry Potter peered out of the window of the Hogwarts Express to see “mountains and forests under a deep purple sky”. That is how the author JK Rowling described her boy wizard’s journey to his boarding school in what is widely accepted to be the...Harry Potter peered out of the window of the Hogwarts Express to see “mountains and forests under...Harry Potter peered out of the window of the Hogwarts Express to see “mountains and forests under...
IAN MACWHIRTER
Opinions are divided on the use of the term “woke”. Many who are critical of the excesses of identity politics are...Opinions are divided on the use of the term “woke”. Many who are critical of the excesses of...Opinions are divided on the use of the term “woke”. Many who are critical of the excesses of...
IAIN HARDIE
Securing the future of Scotland’s manufacturing base will require a significantly more intelligent, fact-based and...Securing the future of Scotland’s manufacturing base will require a significantly more...Securing the future of Scotland’s manufacturing base will require a significantly more...
Melanie reid | NOTEBOOK
In rural areas, heavy snow is a beautiful but demanding visitor. Effortlessly, it can close you down. You wake to the...In rural areas, heavy snow is a beautiful but demanding visitor. Effortlessly, it can close you...In rural areas, heavy snow is a beautiful but demanding visitor. Effortlessly, it can close you...
alf young
As Scotland’s independent auditor general, Stephen Boyle, was warning on Thursday that “the Scottish government needs...As Scotland’s independent auditor general, Stephen Boyle, was warning on Thursday that “the...As Scotland’s independent auditor general, Stephen Boyle, was warning on Thursday that “the...
Comment
Merz may be the only man to save Europe
William Hague
Continent is in crisis over growth, security and migration — Germany’s likely next chancellor will be key to its recovery
newLibby Purves
Charities need to regain trust or risk demise
Tomiwa Owolade
‘Relatable’ curriculums smother aspiration
Juliet Samuel | Notebook
Patience is a virtue for farmers — but it’s running out
Pelicot trial may deter other justice seekers
Leading Articles
Curriculum Vitality
The government must seize the chance to reform an out-of-date education system and redesign the curriculum to meet the needs of employers today
Borrowed Time
Labour’s approach is putting renewed pressure on the public finances
Food, Glorious Food
Why do artists’ oil palettes nowadays focus so much on our palates?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Providing funds and manpower for defence
Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, Politicians always claim that their prime obligation is to defend our nation. However, as Max Hastings confirms (“It’s scary what we need to spend on defence”, Nov 23), they have singularly failed to...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, Politicians always claim that their prime obligation is to...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, Politicians always claim that their prime obligation is to...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Confederation of British Industry annual conference, London; White Ribbon Day, a campaign to encourage men and boys to end violence against women and girls; Energy Intelligence Forum, an annual gathering for business and political leaders on the energy industry and sustainability.
On this day
In 1542 Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, abolished slavery by decree in his Leyes Nuevas. However, slavery persisted in Spain’s Puerto Rica and Cuba colonies (until 1873 and 1886); in 1882 the opening night of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Iolanthe was staged at the Savoy Theatre, London; in 1940 Woody Woodpecker made his first appearance in the animated short Knock Knock, part of the Andy Panda series; in 1952 Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, The Mousetrap, opened at the Ambassadors Theatre, London, starring Richard Attenborough and his wife, Sheila Sim; in 2018 the European Union endorsed the Brexit withdrawal agreement. The House of Commons rejected the agreement on three occasions, leading to Theresa May’s resignation on July 24, 2019.
Nature Notes
Dodder is an extremely strange plant. A parasite, it draws nutrients from other plants; this means it has no need to photosynthesise and therefore has no need for chlorophyll. Instead it produces large skeins of thin, threadlike, pinkish stems that simply drape themselves over their host species, with small clusters of white flowers at intervals amid the tangle. Once it was a troublesome crop pest of cereals and clovers, but it has been all but eradicated from modern farmland and is now largely confined to undisturbed areas of heathland where it parasitises heather and gorse. Also known as “devil’s guts”, it attaches itself to its host by means of tiny pads through which it draws their energy-rich sap. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Stuart Andrew, Conservative MP for Daventry, shadow secretary for culture, media and sport, 53; Dominic Cummings, political strategist, chief adviser to Boris Johnson (2019-20), 53; Blythe Duff, actress, Taggart (1990-2010), 62; Michael Feast, actor, Velvet Goldmine (1998), 78; Carole Hersee, costume designer, featured in the BBC’s Test Card F (1967-98), 66; Brent Hoberman, entrepreneur, co-founder of Lastminute.com (1998) and Made.com (2010), 56; Yvonne Kenny, opera singer, 74; Terry Kilburn, actor, Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol (1938), 98; Eilish McColgan, middle and long-distance runner, gold medallist, Commonwealth Games 10,000m (2022), 34; Alessandro Michele, fashion designer, creative director at Valentino, Gucci (2015-22), 52; Steve Morgan, founder (1974) and chairman (2009-19), Redrow, and chairman, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC (2007-15), 72; Lord (Paul) Murphy of Torfaen, Labour MP (1987-2015), secretary of state for Northern Ireland (2002-05) and Wales (1999-2002, 2008-09), 76; Lord Naseby (Michael Morris), Conservative MP (1974-97), chairman of Ways and Means and deputy speaker (1992-97), 88; Donald Sassoon, emeritus professor of comparative European history at Queen Mary University of London, The Anxious Triumph: A Global History of Capitalism (1860-1914) (2019), 78; Dougray Scott, actor, Mission: Impossible II (2000), 59; Gerald Seymour, thriller writer, Harry’s Game (1975), 83; Ben Stein, economist, actor and speechwriter for US presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, 80; John Taylor, inventor who developed thermostats for use in electric kettles, 88; Bruno Tonioli, choreographer, judge, Strictly Come Dancing (2004-20), 69, Sir Peter Wright, director laureate, Birmingham Royal Ballet, 98.