Sir Keir Starmer has insisted it is “common sense” for him to accept corporate hospitality from Arsenal football club, and brushed off concerns about the ethics of receiving gifts. The prime minister said he had accepted the offer to watch an Arsenal game from a corporate box because the security...Sir Keir Starmer has insisted it is “common sense” for him to accept corporate hospitality from Arsenal football club, and brushed off concerns about the ethics of receiving gifts. The prime minister said he had accepted the offer to watch an Arsenal game from a corporate box because the security...Sir Keir Starmer has insisted it is “common sense” for him to accept corporate hospitality from Arsenal football club, and...
Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 37 dead and more than 2,000 people injured. In what appears to be a highly targeted operation, which security sources claim is the work of Mossad, the Israeli spy agency, electronic pagers belonging to Hezbollah members...Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 37 dead and more than 2,000 people injured. In what appears to be a highly targeted operation, which security sources claim is the work of Mossad, the Israeli spy agency, electronic pagers belonging to Hezbollah members...Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 37 dead...
At his electronics shop, Kevor says there is little demand for pagers. Everyone wants mobile phones these days, he adds. He is not likely to sell any soon, though, reflecting the fact that in the Lebanese capital this week, holding some electrical devices is akin to holding a bomb. “I’m Lebanese, I’m used to this,”...At his electronics shop, Kevor says there is little demand for pagers. Everyone wants mobile...At his electronics shop, Kevor says there is little demand for pagers. Everyone wants mobile...
Ken Murphy, the CEO of Tesco, must be a terribly conflicted man. This week he said he could imagine using the data...Ken Murphy, the CEO of Tesco, must be a terribly conflicted man. This week he said he could...Ken Murphy, the CEO of Tesco, must be a terribly conflicted man. This week he said he could...
Emma Raducanu backed up her desire for a “really long and heavy block” of late-season tennis on the Asia swing with...Emma Raducanu backed up her desire for a “really long and heavy block” of late-season tennis on...Emma Raducanu backed up her desire for a “really long and heavy block” of late-season tennis on...
Israeli PM accuses Keir Starmer of undermining his country and sending a ‘horrible message’ to Hamas
In DEPTH
Israel is suspected of using pagers and walkie-talkies packed with explosives to kill and wound thousands of Hezbollah fighters. The complex operation, which has left the militant group humiliated and depleted, used devices doctored by spies, then sold by a “front” in Europe before they arrived in Lebanon. Here is how the operation unfolded. At half past three on a busy...Israel is suspected of using pagers and walkie-talkies packed with explosives to kill and wound...Israel is suspected of using pagers and walkie-talkies packed with explosives to kill and wound...
Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon are drawing closer to war as Israel weighs up a wide-ranging military operation...Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon are drawing closer to war as Israel weighs up a wide-ranging military operation against the Iranian-backed militia to quell near-daily rocket fire on its northern towns since the start of the war in Gaza last October. Tensions spiked this week after pagers and radio communication...Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon are drawing closer to war as Israel weighs up a wide-ranging military operation against the...
Florence Pugh has said she found it traumatic having her head shaved for her role in the forthcoming romantic comedy...Florence Pugh has said she found it traumatic having her head shaved for her role in the...Florence Pugh has said she found it traumatic having her head shaved for her role in the...
One in five working age adults is claiming sickness benefits in some areas of the country, with a surge driven by...One in five working age adults is claiming sickness benefits in some areas of the country, with a...One in five working age adults is claiming sickness benefits in some areas of the country, with a...
milan fashion week
The Milan roll call of brands is an impressive one. Prada is the first premier league trendsetter out of the blocks, with other must-watch labels such as Gucci and Bottega Veneta yet to come … When is a tweed jacket not a tweed jacket, a fur coat...The Milan roll call of brands is an impressive one. Prada is the first premier league trendsetter...The Milan roll call of brands is an impressive one. Prada is the first premier league trendsetter...
Thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented by incorporating people’s genetic risk into their standard...Thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented by incorporating people’s genetic risk...Thousands of heart attacks and strokes could be prevented by incorporating people’s genetic risk...
THE TIMES DIARY
While the Labour Party prepares for its conference in Liverpool, Jeremy Corbyn’s former strategist is in Budapest...While the Labour Party prepares for its conference in Liverpool, Jeremy Corbyn’s former...While the Labour Party prepares for its conference in Liverpool, Jeremy Corbyn’s former...
Sweden has announced a plan to move the start of primary school a year earlier in an attempt to arrest the long decline in the country’s educational performance. The country’s state school system, whose roots stretch back to the 19th century, was once held up as a template for others to follow, but it has slid down international rankings over the past two decades. After...Sweden has announced a plan to move the start of primary school a year earlier in an attempt to...Sweden has announced a plan to move the start of primary school a year earlier in an attempt to...
Hungary has followed the Netherlands in filing a demand for an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules, and has...Hungary has followed the Netherlands in filing a demand for an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules, and has pledged to defy rulings against its hardline border policies. The two countries will use any amendment to the EU’s treaty to press for exemptions, complicating a target date of 2030 to prepare the bloc...Hungary has followed the Netherlands in filing a demand for an opt-out from EU asylum and migration rules, and has pledged to...
david charter | analysis
will pavia dispatch
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, stood at the front of a packed room on a pier above the Hudson River. “I dislike...Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, stood at the front of a packed room on a pier above the Hudson...Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, stood at the front of a packed room on a pier above the Hudson...
A ten-year-old Japanese boy has been stabbed to death on his way to school in the Chinese city of Shenzhen, raising...A ten-year-old Japanese boy has been stabbed to death on his way to school in the Chinese city of...A ten-year-old Japanese boy has been stabbed to death on his way to school in the Chinese city of...
IN maps and CHARTS
Retailer loses landmark legal battle
newNext has warned that it could be forced to close stores after losing a landmark legal battle over equal pay that is set to cost the retailer more than £30 million. The FTSE 100 clothing and homewares chain said in a report that the equal pay ruling could impact whether stores were “individually...Next has warned that it could be forced to close stores after losing a landmark legal battle over equal pay that is set to cost the retailer more than £30 million. The FTSE 100 clothing and homewares chain said in a report that the equal pay ruling could impact whether stores were “individually...Next has warned that it could be forced to close stores after losing a landmark legal battle over equal pay that is set to cost...
Strong international expansion has helped to drive a 3.9 per cent rise in pre-tax profits at Next, the fashion and homeware retailer. The FTSE 100 company reported significant growth outside Britain, with full-price sales in its overseas division rising by 23 per cent to £433 million in the first half of the financial year. An increase in...Strong international expansion has helped to drive a 3.9 per cent rise in pre-tax profits at Next, the fashion and homeware retailer. The FTSE 100 company reported significant growth outside Britain, with full-price sales in its overseas division rising by 23 per cent to £433 million in the first half of the financial year. An increase in...Strong international expansion has helped to drive a 3.9 per cent rise in pre-tax profits at Next, the fashion and homeware...
Journalists at Guardian Media Group have revolted against a planned sale of The Observer over concerns that it could harm the financial security of staff members. Members of the National Union of Journalists have voted in favour of a motion criticising the “flawed analysis” behind a decision to offload the Sunday...Journalists at Guardian Media Group have revolted against a planned sale of The Observer over...Journalists at Guardian Media Group have revolted against a planned sale of The Observer over...
Ratesetters voted 8-1 to keep rates unchanged on concerns about inflation
The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5 per cent after voting by 8-1 for no change to monetary policy in September. The nine-strong monetary policy committee said it was adopting a “gradual approach” to lowering interest rates as inflation is expected to creep up for the rest of the year. The decision, which was in line market expectations, comes after latest...The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5 per cent after voting by 8-1 for no change to...The Bank of England has held interest rates at 5 per cent after voting by 8-1 for no change to...
The Bank of England will reduce the amount of bonds it sells back to investors as part of its quantitative tightening...The Bank of England will reduce the amount of bonds it sells back to investors as part of its quantitative tightening programme, easing pressure on the government before next month’s budget. The central bank’s monetary policy committee said it would carry out £100 billion of quantitative tightening (QT) over the...The Bank of England will reduce the amount of bonds it sells back to investors as part of its quantitative tightening programme...
business commentary
Stuart Rose recently bemoaned the “worklessness” that has seen thousands more people become economically inactive...Stuart Rose recently bemoaned the “worklessness” that has seen thousands more people become...Stuart Rose recently bemoaned the “worklessness” that has seen thousands more people become...
comment
Donald Trump once boasted that “Trade wars are good, and easy to win.” Americans must hope so, because more trade...Donald Trump once boasted that “Trade wars are good, and easy to win.” Americans must hope so...Donald Trump once boasted that “Trade wars are good, and easy to win.” Americans must hope so...
The Gusbourne wine estate controlled by Lord Ashcroft may be up for sale for a handsome price but this year’s harvest looks set to face “challenging conditions in the vineyard”. The group, which mostly produces vintage fizz, was hit by a...The Gusbourne wine estate controlled by Lord Ashcroft may be up for sale for a handsome price but...The Gusbourne wine estate controlled by Lord Ashcroft may be up for sale for a handsome price but...
comment
Imagine you are a music producer with an inclination to fraud. You come up with an excellent scheme. When you upload...Imagine you are a music producer with an inclination to fraud. You come up with an excellent scheme.Imagine you are a music producer with an inclination to fraud. You come up with an excellent scheme.
tempus
Pharmaceutical giants are basically simple beasts. They toil away, discovering drugs to keep us well. Some turn out...Pharmaceutical giants are basically simple beasts. They toil away, discovering drugs to keep us...Pharmaceutical giants are basically simple beasts. They toil away, discovering drugs to keep us...
Education technology
SIX FROM THE BEST
Six tips from a social historian and adviser on inclusion, ethics and anti-racism
National inclusion week begins on Monday and as a social historian, author and adviser on inclusion, ethics and anti-racism, Nick Basannavar is at the forefront of global debate. Running his own consultancy, he works with leaders in corporates, charities and governments. Here he shares his simple advice for greater inclusion at work. 1 Stop talking. Just because you’re...National inclusion week begins on Monday and as a social historian, author and adviser on...National inclusion week begins on Monday and as a social historian, author and adviser on...
RECRUITMENT
No organisation would hire an unqualified pilot, surgeon or engineer, so why hire unqualified managers? Despite about...No organisation would hire an unqualified pilot, surgeon or engineer, so why hire unqualified managers? Despite about 8.4 million people working as managers from a UK working population of 33 million, 82 per cent are “accidental managers” who do not have any formal training when promoted into their role. The result?No organisation would hire an unqualified pilot, surgeon or engineer, so why hire unqualified managers? Despite about 8.4...
Leicester manager says media were given wrong images of Palace goal after ‘awful human error’ in offside decision
newThe Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has accused the Premier League of using “false images” in the VAR controversy during his side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Leicester were winning 2-0 at Selhurst Park when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from a Tyrick Mitchell cross. Despite a lengthy delay...The Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has accused the Premier League of using “false images” in the VAR controversy during his side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace. Leicester were winning 2-0 at Selhurst Park when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored from a Tyrick Mitchell cross. Despite a lengthy delay...The Leicester City manager Steve Cooper has accused the Premier League of using “false images” in the VAR controversy during...
Lewis Hamilton believes there was a “racial element” in comments made by the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, comparing swearing drivers to rappers. Before this weekend’s grand prix in Singapore, the controversial Ben Sulayem criticised Formula 1 drivers who use bad language during races over the team radio. “We have to differentiate...Lewis Hamilton believes there was a “racial element” in comments made by the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, comparing swearing drivers to rappers. Before this weekend’s grand prix in Singapore, the controversial Ben Sulayem criticised Formula 1 drivers who use bad language during races over the team radio. “We have to differentiate...Lewis Hamilton believes there was a “racial element” in comments made by the FIA president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, comparing...
james gheerbrant
As a general rule, it should be assumed that most famous athletes are like icebergs: what they allow you to see is maybe ten per cent of what’s really there; the rest, the 90 per cent of their thoughts and feelings that they do not expose, is both mystery and ballast. And so, when arguably the best male footballer...As a general rule, it should be assumed that most famous athletes are like icebergs: what they...As a general rule, it should be assumed that most famous athletes are like icebergs: what they...
Gallagher premiership
The new Gallagher Premiership season begins on Friday night when the champions, Northampton Saints, travel to the Rec to play Bath in a rematch from last season’s final and Newcastle Falcons take on Bristol Bears at Kingston Park. But will Northampton be in the frame for the title again this season or can Bath go one better; who will be the players to watch and will...The new Gallagher Premiership season begins on Friday night when the champions, Northampton...The new Gallagher Premiership season begins on Friday night when the champions, Northampton...
Beno Obano interview
Beno Obano has a vision for his future. The Bath and England prop is already a musician, a documentary maker and a...Beno Obano has a vision for his future. The Bath and England prop is already a musician, a documentary maker and a podcaster. The 29-year-old has a master’s degree in sports psychology and plans to study for another at Oxford University at the end of his rugby career. Then he wants to become the RFU’s first creative...Beno Obano has a vision for his future. The Bath and England prop is already a musician, a documentary maker and a podcaster.
County championship
golf
The second act of Andy Murray’s sporting career took an inauspicious turn on the 8th hole on the West Course at Wentworth. Faced with an 85-yard pitch over a daunting pond that guards the front of the green, the man who defied his physical ailments for so long let out a high-pitched yelp and then a rueful smile long before his ball made its fateful splash. For a brief...The second act of Andy Murray’s sporting career took an inauspicious turn on the 8th hole on the...The second act of Andy Murray’s sporting career took an inauspicious turn on the 8th hole on the...
Rory McIlroy has said he doubts whether Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood will captain Europe at a Ryder Cup because they...Rory McIlroy has said he doubts whether Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood will captain Europe at a Ryder Cup because they no longer have a connection with the younger members of the locker room. Poulter revealed this week that he still has hopes of leading Europe in the biennial dust-up after his talismanic role as a...Rory McIlroy has said he doubts whether Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood will captain Europe at a Ryder Cup because they no longer...
Champions League | paul hirst
Matthew syed
The Times reported on Monday that Ed Balls is heading a campaign for cricket to be a stronger presence in state...The Times reported on Monday that Ed Balls is heading a campaign for cricket to be a...The Times reported on Monday that Ed Balls is heading a campaign for cricket to be a...
women’s super league PREVIEW
The 2024-25 Women’s Super League season has something for everyone. For Lionesses lovers, there are England selection battles before next summer’s European Championship. For drama junkies, there is the prospect of an enthralling title race. And...The 2024-25 Women’s Super League season has something for everyone. For Lionesses lovers, there...The 2024-25 Women’s Super League season has something for everyone. For Lionesses lovers, there...
Champions League | Michael Grant
Premiership guide | Matt Cotton
Just like Oasis, we are so back. Only 104 days after Northampton Saints clinched their first league title in a decade at the expense of Bath at Twickenham, the Gallagher Premiership returns and this season promises to be more unpredictable and chaotic than ever. This year is going to feel so different. No Owen Farrell. No Courtney Lawes. No Manu Tuilagi. No horrible...Just like Oasis, we are so back. Only 104 days after Northampton Saints clinched their first...Just like Oasis, we are so back. Only 104 days after Northampton Saints clinched their first...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY Pearl Of Windsor (3.05 Ayr) This filly is bred for speed and she can make it three wins from...Racecards BET OF THE DAY Pearl Of Windsor (3.05 Ayr) This filly is bred for speed and she can make it three wins from three tries over the minimum trip. A half-sister to classy five-furlong specialist Raasel, Pearl Of Windsor was too keen on her first two starts over further. She has won both starts since dropped in...Racecards BET OF THE DAY Pearl Of Windsor (3.05 Ayr) This filly is bred for speed and she can make it three wins from three...
The author’s fourth novel, Intermezzo, is her most erotic yet, but why are Rooney’s progressive female characters so submissive in bed?
newreview | Fiction
The protagonists in the Irish author’s fourth novel are sensitive, cultivated, highly intelligent and have great sex. But do they have to be so precious and prissy?
TELEVISION
How accurate is this new drama about Prince Andrew’s notorious TV interview?
what i’ve learnt
The actor and writer talks sex, drugs and not being very rock’n’roll
The app is going to introduce teen accounts to give parents more control. Helen Rumbelow on what you need to know
review
It’s the moments of humanity that make this show — despite the director’s efforts to keep us on the edge of our seats about who will finish first. Spoilers ahead!
Do you ever feel it is fortuitous in the Race Across the World series that the contestants trek thousands of miles independently of each other relying on rail, road, boat and their wits — yet it often seems to be a knife-edge finish? In the previous (non-celebrity) series there were just eight minutes in it after people had schlepped 9,300 miles from Japan to the...Do you ever feel it is fortuitous in the Race Across the World series that the contestants trek...Do you ever feel it is fortuitous in the Race Across the World series that the contestants trek...
video
Review
When did you stop watching Marvel movies? Even some diehard fans would confess they gave up after Avengers: Endgame,...When did you stop watching Marvel movies? Even some diehard fans would confess they gave up after Avengers: Endgame, the 2019 blockbuster that raked in a cool $2.8 billion and featured more spandex than a bobsleigh team. It was the superhero movie to end all superhero movies. Sure, you may have dipped back into the...When did you stop watching Marvel movies? Even some diehard fans would confess they gave up after Avengers: Endgame, the 2019...
Review
I think the statistics expert Hannah Fry would agree that “celebrity mathematician” is a vanishingly unlikely thing...I think the statistics expert Hannah Fry would agree that “celebrity mathematician” is a...I think the statistics expert Hannah Fry would agree that “celebrity mathematician” is a...
Natasha Radmehr
My clicky hip has returned. It disappeared 18 months ago during early pregnancy and I barely noticed amid the...My clicky hip has returned. It disappeared 18 months ago during early pregnancy and I barely...My clicky hip has returned. It disappeared 18 months ago during early pregnancy and I barely...
Let’s say you were standing in the heart of London. The incandescent projectile, moving at 40,000mph, would travel from the top of Earth’s atmosphere to the apex of the Shard skyscraper in just a few seconds. A bright flash would immediately give...Let’s say you were standing in the heart of London. The incandescent projectile, moving at...Let’s say you were standing in the heart of London. The incandescent projectile, moving at...
CAITLIN MORAN’S CELEBRITY WATCH
first night review
first night review
This is an ungainly play at times — the lines about “assimilationist negroes” and the spiritual allure of west Africa...This is an ungainly play at times — the lines about “assimilationist negroes” and the spiritual...This is an ungainly play at times — the lines about “assimilationist negroes” and the spiritual...
first night review
They chat, they bicker, they bond over memories of Laurel and Hardy. On the surface, there’s not a great deal of...They chat, they bicker, they bond over memories of Laurel and Hardy. On the surface, there’s not...They chat, they bicker, they bond over memories of Laurel and Hardy. On the surface, there’s not...
first night review
first night review
The BIg question
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 Absolument fabuleux (2001) is a French film adaptation of which British sitcom? 2 Which type of fruit cordial features in a Purple Guinness cocktail? 3 Michel Barnier has been appointed as the new prime minister of which country? 4 FSBO is a property market term that stands for “for sale by …” who? 5 The King George VI Memorial Chapel is part of St George’s Chapel at...1 Absolument fabuleux (2001) is a French film adaptation of which British sitcom? 2 Which type of...1 Absolument fabuleux (2001) is a French film adaptation of which British sitcom? 2 Which type of...
video
recipe
Step inside the chef’s Michelin-starred kitchen and see how he makes his favourite dish
The finest jewels worn by pets and the fine pets turned into jewels after their death. By Rachel Church
Nancy Durrant has a rare opportunity to tour the century-old mosaic factory Orsoni, with its furnace and all-gold loo
Tony Turnbull pays tribute to two hotel-kitchen legends at the Ritz and the Dorchester
Whether you are a flashy design lover, craft connoisseur or Euro technocrat, there is a luxury backpack for everyone
We’ve picked out 25 of the loveliest spots for tastings, delicious food, and unbeatable views in this wine lover’s paradise – with no drive home afterwards
video
Kea, just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the mainland, has a stylish new resort, pretty towns and brilliant blue coves. No wonder the Athenians have kept it under wraps
video
Take the pressure out of holiday planning with our quick quiz to determine what’s best for your next getaway
Once the freshers week fog fades, your fledgling student will be ready for a visit. Don’t miss these things to do and eat in Cambridge, Cardiff and more. Remember, you’ll be paying
There’s nowhere quite like the world’s biggest reef system. We’ve answered all the questions you might have and rounded up the best ways to see it
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
video
There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and powerhouse of tradition, is magical in summer — but you can enjoy its brilliant cuisine (including some of the world’s best tapas), art galleries, pristine...There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and...There’s really no bad time to visit the Spanish capital. Madrid, the hub of culture and...
obituary
Hungarian refugee whose work on nuclear magnetic resonance led to the development of MRI scanning
OBITUARY
Striker with a wild-eyed post-goal stare who went from national hero to figure of controversy
obituary
Quintessential party stalwart who was contemptuous of City fat cats and spoke in defence of Nelson Mandela
obituary
Craggy-featured artist whose works are held in collections from the Tate to the Museum of Modern Art, New York
Ron Yeats, Brian Trueman and Patrick Stoddart
NOW HE who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will...NOW HE who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store...NOW HE who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store...
Balmoral Castle
18th September, 2024
The Hon Shehbaz Sharif (Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan)...Balmoral Castle
18th September, 2024
The Hon Shehbaz Sharif (Prime Minister of the Islamic...Balmoral Castle
18th September, 2024
The Hon Shehbaz Sharif (Prime Minister of the Islamic...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
A new report calls for a holistic approach to rehabilitation that includes access to healthcare, housing and employment to keep people out of prison
Millions of days of custody could be saved by adopting techniques that address the reasons for offending, which would reduce crime and save taxpayers’ money, campaigners claim as they publish fresh proposals to resolve the crisis in the justice system. As ministers allow the early release of thousands of prisoners to free up space in overcrowded jails, Commons, a...Millions of days of custody could be saved by adopting techniques that address the reasons for...Millions of days of custody could be saved by adopting techniques that address the reasons for...
Philander Knox and James Reed would have had no idea that about 130 years after they founded a law firm in Pittsburgh...Philander Knox and James Reed would have had no idea that about 130 years after they founded a law firm in Pittsburgh their successors would have three offices in China. Reed Smith’s entry to the People’s Republic came a year after it caused a big splash in the City of London by taking over Richards Butler in 2007.Philander Knox and James Reed would have had no idea that about 130 years after they founded a law firm in Pittsburgh their...
in conversation | Andy Slaughter
Sacked twice from the shadow front bench, Andy Slaughter was not surprised that he did not get a ministerial post in Labour’s government. But the barrister, who served as shadow justice minister — leading the opposition to the Legal Aid...Sacked twice from the shadow front bench, Andy Slaughter was not surprised that he did not get a...Sacked twice from the shadow front bench, Andy Slaughter was not surprised that he did not get a...
Liz Brownsell
Charity Commission research showed earlier this year that “knowing where the money is spent and that the charity...Charity Commission research showed earlier this year that “knowing where the money is spent and...Charity Commission research showed earlier this year that “knowing where the money is spent and...
Natura Gràcia
Labour’s emphasis in opposition on national security and protecting critical infrastructure means that in government...Labour’s emphasis in opposition on national security and protecting critical infrastructure means...Labour’s emphasis in opposition on national security and protecting critical infrastructure means...
Minister announces review of policy after backlash from homeowners and elderly in rural areas
A ban on wood-burning stoves for new-build homes in Scotland has been paused after rising concerns about the impact on rural residents who rely on them for heat. Under government standards that came into force on April 1, new homes and buildings cannot use direct emission or polluting heating...A ban on wood-burning stoves for new-build homes in Scotland has been paused after rising concerns about the impact on rural residents who rely on them for heat. Under government standards that came into force on April 1, new homes and buildings cannot use direct emission or polluting heating...A ban on wood-burning stoves for new-build homes in Scotland has been paused after rising concerns about the impact on rural...
The board of Scotland’s troubled water industry regulator was “surprised” when serious financial irregularities emerged, MSPs have heard. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics), which currently employs 21 staff, has been under intense scrutiny since December last year when Audit Scotland, the public spending watchdog, raised...The board of Scotland’s troubled water industry regulator was “surprised” when serious financial irregularities emerged, MSPs have heard. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics), which currently employs 21 staff, has been under intense scrutiny since December last year when Audit Scotland, the public spending watchdog, raised...The board of Scotland’s troubled water industry regulator was “surprised” when serious financial irregularities emerged, MSPs...
comment
Access to drinking water costs each Scottish household an average of £370 per annum. Thursday’s meeting of the public audit committee (Pac) at Holyrood exposed that at least one of the three public sector bodies responsible for delivering water to the tap has not been serving the customer. Scottish Water provides...Access to drinking water costs each Scottish household an average of £370 per annum. Thursday’s...Access to drinking water costs each Scottish household an average of £370 per annum. Thursday’s...
Police Scotland’s controversial gender self-identification rules could negatively affect sexual assault survivors...Police Scotland’s controversial gender self-identification rules could negatively affect sexual...Police Scotland’s controversial gender self-identification rules could negatively affect sexual...
John Jeffrey has been forced to withdraw from the race to be the next chairman of World Rugby after failing to win...John Jeffrey has been forced to withdraw from the race to be the next chairman of World Rugby...John Jeffrey has been forced to withdraw from the race to be the next chairman of World Rugby...
Champions League | Michael Grant
In the Champions League Celtic tend to begin by stumbling and tripping over the starting blocks, as if glued to them. Twelve times they had started a group campaign without a win. Now, new format, new outcome. Celtic burned off Slovan Bratislava...In the Champions League Celtic tend to begin by stumbling and tripping over the starting blocks...In the Champions League Celtic tend to begin by stumbling and tripping over the starting blocks...
Champions League | Mark palmer
Comment
Labour needs to break out of the Gray zone
Patrick Maguire
Either dozens of insiders are wrong or Starmer’s operation is riddled with dysfunction. Conference is a chance to reset
iain martin
In this volatile world, the Union is never safe
hugo rifkind
Congrats, Sir Ed, but it’s nothing to do with you
janice turner | notebook
A dressing down for Starmer and his advisers
Jawad Iqbal
How to give GPs a shot at raising child vaccination rates
Leading Articles
Failed and Failed Again
Britain’s police forces continue to harbour suspected male sexual and domestic abusers while the Met, in particular, continues to let down female victims
Pulling the Strings
China’s tightening grip on its axis of outcasts presents a challenge to Nato
Fate Sealed?
After 78 years, Tupperware, the stars’ container, has filed for bankruptcy protection
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Assisted dying and the example of Canada
Sir, Melanie Phillips’s intelligent article “Canada’s assisted death rush is a grim warning” (comment, Sep 17) appears alongside another report, “Patients with ME risk starvation, warn doctors”. The medical profession is still dominated by those...Sir, Melanie Phillips’s intelligent article “Canada’s assisted death rush is a grim warning”...Sir, Melanie Phillips’s intelligent article “Canada’s assisted death rush is a grim warning”...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Bank of England announces its latest decision on interest rates; trading statement from Ocado; half-year results from Next.
Lebanon: Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, is due to give a speech on the attack in which thousands of the militant group’s pagers were simultaneously detonated.
On this day
In 1692 the English-born farmer Giles Corey, aged 80, became the only person to be pressed to death (with stones) by order of an American court. He refused to submit to trial by jury at the Salem witch trials, for which the key evidence was a spectral vision by Ann Putnam, aged 12. As a result of enduring up to three days of “peine forte et dure”, his property was inherited by his two sons-in-law instead of the state; in 1888 the world’s first modern-day beauty contest, the Concours de Beauté, was held in Belgium and won by 18-year-old Bertha Soucaret from Guadeloupe. After some ugly scenes, she was forced to flee the venue; in 1945 William Joyce, known as Lord Haw-Haw, was sentenced to death for treason, after broadcasting anti-British propaganda on behalf of Nazi Germany; in 1970 Michael Eavis staged his first festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton, Somerset, later known as Glastonbury Festival. The Pilton Pop, Blues & Folk Festival headlined Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn (aka T Rex); in 2000 the People’s Fuel Lobby was formed at a meeting in Altrincham, Cheshire, to protest against increased petrol prices; in 2022 Elizabeth II was laid to rest alongside the Duke of Edinburgh at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, after a day that began with a state funeral at Westminster Abbey attended by more than 2,000 mourners, including heads of state, foreign royals and other overseas dignitaries.
Nature notes
The interdependence of species shows both the richness and the fragility of our wildlife. The sheep’s-bit dufourea bee (Dufourea halictula) is a small, shiny black bee that gathers pollen exclusively from the blue flowers of sheep’s-bit, a plant growing on sandy heaths and dry coastal cliffs. Even when heathland was common in Britain, this bee was not particularly abundant, but with the widespread loss of the habitat, it began to disappear. Last recorded in 1953 at Parley Common (a heath in Dorset), the species is now considered extinct in Britain, although keen amateurs may well eventually find it again. A good place to look would be the stony paths that wind through heaths, a favoured nesting site for the hyper-specialist bee. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Kate Adie, presenter, BBC Radio 4, From Our Own Correspondent (since 1998), chief news correspondent, BBC TV (1989-2003), 79; Louise Botting, broadcaster, BBC Money Box (1977-92), one of the first female directors of a FTSE-100 company, 85; Richard Burgon, Labour MP for Leeds East, shadow lord chancellor and justice secretary (2016-20), 44; Jarvis Cocker, singer-songwriter, Pulp, Common People (1995), 61; Mark Drakeford, Welsh Labour MS Cardiff West, first minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour (both 2018-Mar 2024), now cabinet secretary for finance and Welsh language, 70; Reece Dunn, swimmer, three-time Paralympic gold medallist (2020), 29; Artur Ekert, professor of quantum physics and cryptography, University of Oxford, 63; Jimmy Fallon, comedian and talk-show host, 50; Rosemary Harris, actress, Notorious Woman (1974), Spider-Man (2002), 97; Jeremy Irons, actor, The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981), 76; Alun Wyn Jones, rugby union player, Wales (2006-23, and former team captain), the world’s most-capped rugby union player (171), 39; Dame Lesley (Twiggy) Lawson, model and actress, The Boy Friend (1971), 75; Kevin Lygo, managing director (media and entertainment), ITV, 67; Patrick Marber, playwright, Notes on a Scandal (2006), 60; Bill Medley, singer-songwriter, the Righteous Brothers, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin (1964), 84; Pete Murray, broadcaster, BBC radio and TV, Six-Five Special (1957-58), 99; Prof Michael Proctor, physicist, provost of King’s College, Cambridge (2013-23), 74; Dame Zandra Rhodes, fashion designer, chancellor, University for the Creative Arts (2010-18), 84; Nile Rodgers, musician, Chic, Le Freak (1978), 72; David Seaman, footballer, England (1988-2002) and Arsenal (1990-2003), 61; Paul Williams, composer and lyricist, the Carpenters’ We’ve Only Just Begun (1970), 84.