The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
PM hopes to build relationship before US election
Sir Keir Starmer is holding talks with Donald Trump to help build a personal relationship with the US presidential candidate and keep up continued support for Ukraine. Prior to a sit-down meeting at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, the prime minister said that he wanted to get to know the...Sir Keir Starmer is holding talks with Donald Trump to help build a personal relationship with the US presidential candidate and keep up continued support for Ukraine. Prior to a sit-down meeting at Trump Tower in New York on Thursday, the prime minister said that he wanted to get to know the...Sir Keir Starmer is holding talks with Donald Trump to help build a personal relationship with the US presidential candidate...
Rachel Reeves will free up as much as £50 billion to spend on roads, housing, energy and other large-scale projects under plans being drawn up by officials. The chancellor has asked the Treasury to look at changing the government’s current borrowing rules that would hand her a windfall to fulfil Labour’s pledge to increase investment in the...Rachel Reeves will free up as much as £50 billion to spend on roads, housing, energy and other large-scale projects under plans being drawn up by officials. The chancellor has asked the Treasury to look at changing the government’s current borrowing rules that would hand her a windfall to fulfil Labour’s pledge to increase investment in the...Rachel Reeves will free up as much as £50 billion to spend on roads, housing, energy and other large-scale projects under plans...
Elon Musk has stepped up his war of words with the UK government after being denied an invitation to an upcoming business investment summit. Responding to the news of the snub, the Tesla billionaire said: “I don’t think anyone should go to the UK when they’re releasing convicted paedophiles in order to imprison...Elon Musk has stepped up his war of words with the UK government after being denied an invitation...Elon Musk has stepped up his war of words with the UK government after being denied an invitation...
interview
Rupert Everett is lately married, which is a worry. What if this new-found respectability means he’s no fun any more?Rupert Everett is lately married, which is a worry. What if this new-found respectability means...Rupert Everett is lately married, which is a worry. What if this new-found respectability means...
If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your back twinges when...If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your...If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your...
video
Prime minister tells UN he will reject UK’s past ‘paternalism’ towards other nations
new
A man who is accused of committing a sexual assault within hours of being freed from prison under the government’s...A man who is accused of committing a sexual assault within hours of being freed from prison under...A man who is accused of committing a sexual assault within hours of being freed from prison under...
NHS bosses have rejected pleas for specialist care for people with severe myalgic encephalomyelitis despite promises...NHS bosses have rejected pleas for specialist care for people with severe myalgic...NHS bosses have rejected pleas for specialist care for people with severe myalgic...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Perhaps this is the moment when the Royal Court, scene of one dud after another, started to turn the corner. Mark Rosenblatt’s debut play about Roald Dahl, best-selling author and unabashed antisemite, is subtle, intelligent and stylishly crafted.Perhaps this is the moment when the Royal Court, scene of one dud after another, started to turn...Perhaps this is the moment when the Royal Court, scene of one dud after another, started to turn...
His status as a “spiritual celebrity” allowed one of the world’s most prominent youth pastors to get away with...His status as a “spiritual celebrity” allowed one of the world’s most prominent youth pastors to...His status as a “spiritual celebrity” allowed one of the world’s most prominent youth pastors to...
The Times diary
It is one thing as a fading celebrity to be offered a nice payday via the Strictly dancefloor or by eating wombat...It is one thing as a fading celebrity to be offered a nice payday via the Strictly dancefloor or...It is one thing as a fading celebrity to be offered a nice payday via the Strictly dancefloor or...
paris fashion week
After Dior’s display of fierce femininity on day one and Saint Laurent’s masculine tailoring, Chemena Kamali’s second show for Chloé presented a more girlish look. Beach trinkets, lace bloomers and a bohemian air inspired by the St Tropez beach...After Dior’s display of fierce femininity on day one and Saint Laurent’s masculine tailoring...After Dior’s display of fierce femininity on day one and Saint Laurent’s masculine tailoring...
I won’t quit, he says, after being accused of accepting gifts and donations from Turkish nationals
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations after a long-running corruption investigation. A five-count indictment against the Democrat and former police captain, who pledged to crack down...Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal foreign campaign donations after a long-running corruption investigation. A five-count indictment against the Democrat and former police captain, who pledged to crack down...Eric Adams, the mayor of New York City, has been indicted on federal charges of bribery, fraud and soliciting illegal...
President Zelensky will return to Ukraine from Washington without securing permission to use long-range western missiles to strike deep into Russia. Zelensky met President Biden and Vice-President Harris separately at the White House to make a personal plea for the lifting of restrictions on British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or US-made...President Zelensky will return to Ukraine from Washington without securing permission to use long-range western missiles to strike deep into Russia. Zelensky met President Biden and Vice-President Harris separately at the White House to make a personal plea for the lifting of restrictions on British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles or US-made...President Zelensky will return to Ukraine from Washington without securing permission to use long-range western missiles to...
DAVID CHARTER | ANALYSIS
A frown crossed Kamala Harris’s face. She was in the midst of her first solo network interview as the Democratic presidential candidate: a conversation on a friendly network, focused on the economy, which polls suggest is the voters’ top priority along with immigration. Harris, who trails her rival Donald Trump in...A frown crossed Kamala Harris’s face. She was in the midst of her first solo network interview as...A frown crossed Kamala Harris’s face. She was in the midst of her first solo network interview as...
MEGAN AGNEW | SKETCH
George Grylls | DISPATCH
Anthony loyd in ukraine
The VIP section of Lebanon’s biggest gambling spot, the Casino du Liban, was closed on Wednesday night because of an unexpected staff shortage. An Israeli airstrike had hit two houses and killed 18 people just a 15-minute drive to the north...The VIP section of Lebanon’s biggest gambling spot, the Casino du Liban, was closed on Wednesday...The VIP section of Lebanon’s biggest gambling spot, the Casino du Liban, was closed on Wednesday...
video
President Putin has sought to escalate nuclear tensions over the war in Ukraine before President Zelensky’s crucial talks at the White House on the use of western missiles to hit targets in Russia. Speaking at a session of the Kremlin’s National...President Putin has sought to escalate nuclear tensions over the war in Ukraine before President...President Putin has sought to escalate nuclear tensions over the war in Ukraine before President...
BP and Shell shares tumble as Brent crude drops by 2.5 per cent
More than £10 billion was wiped off the stock market value of Britain’s two oil supermajors after reports that Saudi Arabia is preparing to abandon its unofficial $100-a-barrel target for oil prices. BP and Shell tumbled to the bottom of the FTSE 100 share index after reports from the Gulf sent...More than £10 billion was wiped off the stock market value of Britain’s two oil supermajors after reports that Saudi Arabia is preparing to abandon its unofficial $100-a-barrel target for oil prices. BP and Shell tumbled to the bottom of the FTSE 100 share index after reports from the Gulf sent...More than £10 billion was wiped off the stock market value of Britain’s two oil supermajors after reports that Saudi Arabia is...
The furore engulfing the Financial Conduct Authority over its chairman’s failure to abide by its own whistleblowing policy has intensified after Ashley Alder resisted pressure to resign. A review undertaken by Richard Lloyd, the senior independent director on the regulator’s board, and published by the watchdog on Monday found that Alder...The furore engulfing the Financial Conduct Authority over its chairman’s failure to abide by its own whistleblowing policy has intensified after Ashley Alder resisted pressure to resign. A review undertaken by Richard Lloyd, the senior independent director on the regulator’s board, and published by the watchdog on Monday found that Alder...The furore engulfing the Financial Conduct Authority over its chairman’s failure to abide by its own whistleblowing policy has...
The chief executive of OpenAI is set to enter the ranks of Big Tech billionaires under proposals to shift the company to a “for-profit” model. Sam Altman, 39, could be handed a 7 per cent stake in the American start-up behind ChatGPT, which was launched as a non-profit organisation in 2015. Under the new structure...The chief executive of OpenAI is set to enter the ranks of Big Tech billionaires under proposals...The chief executive of OpenAI is set to enter the ranks of Big Tech billionaires under proposals...
Germany is on course to be the only leading economy to contract this year, according to economists who have warned of a structural downturn that risks curbing growth. A group of German and Austrian economic institutions said...Germany is on course to be the only leading economy to contract this year, according to economists who have warned of a structural downturn that risks curbing growth. A group of German and Austrian economic institutions said...Germany is on course to be the only leading economy to contract this year, according to economists who have warned of...
The operator of the All Bar One, Harvester and Toby Carvery chains has blamed dismal weather and the August riots for taking the edge off an otherwise strong summer. Mitchells & Butlers reported like-for-like sales growth of...The operator of the All Bar One, Harvester and Toby Carvery chains has blamed dismal weather and the August riots for taking the edge off an otherwise strong summer. Mitchells & Butlers reported like-for-like sales growth of...The operator of the All Bar One, Harvester and Toby Carvery chains has blamed dismal weather and the August riots for...
business commentary
tempus
British asset managers are squeezed in the middle. They lack the scale of big American firms such as BlackRock that...British asset managers are squeezed in the middle. They lack the scale of big American firms such...British asset managers are squeezed in the middle. They lack the scale of big American firms such...
The parent company of South West Water has set aside £16 million to cover the cost of the parasite contamination...The parent company of South West Water has set aside £16 million to cover the cost of the...The parent company of South West Water has set aside £16 million to cover the cost of the...
The number of self-employed people has fallen by 4 per cent in a year, with partnerships faring even worse
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...
Manchester City appear to have secured a potentially significant victory in their legal battle with the Premier League over the rules designed to limit how much associated parties can pay clubs in sponsorship. As The Times revealed in June, City launched an unprecedented legal action against the...Manchester City appear to have secured a potentially significant victory in their legal battle with the Premier League over the rules designed to limit how much associated parties can pay clubs in sponsorship. As The Times revealed in June, City launched an unprecedented legal action against the...Manchester City appear to have secured a potentially significant victory in their legal battle with the Premier League over the...
Lawyers acting for Mohamed Al Fayed’s accusers say they have received new allegations relating to his ownership of Fulham FC. Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner who died aged 94 last year, has been accused of multiple sexual assaults after a BBC investigation published last week. Five women who worked at Harrods have said they were raped by...Lawyers acting for Mohamed Al Fayed’s accusers say they have received new allegations relating to his ownership of Fulham FC. Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner who died aged 94 last year, has been accused of multiple sexual assaults after a BBC investigation published last week. Five women who worked at Harrods have said they were raped by...Lawyers acting for Mohamed Al Fayed’s accusers say they have received new allegations relating to his ownership of Fulham FC.
STUART BARNES
In the spirit of political openness I will confess to accepting some pre-season hospitality from my old club, Bath. Not quite £76,000 and nothing in the way of gifts but yes, there was a free ticket with lunch and drinks included before the friendly against Munster. The invitation was to celebrate the “refreshing”...In the spirit of political openness I will confess to accepting some pre-season hospitality from...In the spirit of political openness I will confess to accepting some pre-season hospitality from...
James Gheerbrant
‘Timo Werner is absolute lightning.” “Werner’s only speed is full speed.” “60m is too small for this guy.” “Liverpool...‘Timo Werner is absolute lightning.” “Werner’s only speed is full speed.” “60m is too small for...‘Timo Werner is absolute lightning.” “Werner’s only speed is full speed.” “60m is too small for...
Steve James
It was a piece in praise of the obviously lavish talents of young Jacob Bethell that just happened to mention how he...It was a piece in praise of the obviously lavish talents of young Jacob Bethell that just...It was a piece in praise of the obviously lavish talents of young Jacob Bethell that just...
county championship
Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United can turn Joshua Zirkzee into a striker who can solve their goalscoring problems, despite his slow start to life at Old Trafford. Ten Hag said that Zirkzee could become a “prolific” goalscorer for United but admitted that it will take the Netherlands forward a while to reach his peak because, at 23 years old, his career is in its...Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United can turn Joshua Zirkzee into a striker who can solve...Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United can turn Joshua Zirkzee into a striker who can solve...
Sean Dyche wants to continue “the hardest job in the Premier league” by leading Everton out at their new stadium next...Sean Dyche wants to continue “the hardest job in the Premier league” by leading Everton out at their new stadium next season as part of the club’s vision under US billionaire Dan Friedkin. This week’s agreement by The Friedkin Group (TFG) to buy out Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has raised the prospect of the...Sean Dyche wants to continue “the hardest job in the Premier league” by leading Everton out at their new stadium next season as...
charlotte duncker
cycling | David Bates
There are 20 hairpin bends on the descent of Alto de Velefique. In daylight, it sweeps and it flows and if you like to ride a bike downhill, you could be happy there. But in the early morning darkness of September 2, thick cloud had settled close...There are 20 hairpin bends on the descent of Alto de Velefique. In daylight, it sweeps and it...There are 20 hairpin bends on the descent of Alto de Velefique. In daylight, it sweeps and it...
premier league quiz
PREMIERSHIP GUIDE | MATT COTTON
The rapper Sean Combs partied with the A-list and met royalty. Prosecutors say he’s also a sex trafficker who coerced women into performing sex acts that he then filmed. By Damian Whitworth
Interview
These MomTokers have more than ten million followers on social media and now star in a new reality show with a bigger audience than The Kardashians
David Baddiel
David Baddiel watches a new play that finally confronts the beloved author’s antisemitism
A public tit for tat has seen the Duchess of Sussex branded as ‘just terrible’. By Hilary Rose
interview
His first memoir was full of scurrilous anecdotes. Now the actor has written an equally entertaining new book
If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your back twinges when...If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your...If your knees play up every time you go for a run, if you struggle to get out of a chair or your...
richard morrison
A distinguished academic once told me how she was wooed by her future husband. “He dazzled me with his knowledge of...A distinguished academic once told me how she was wooed by her future husband. “He dazzled me...A distinguished academic once told me how she was wooed by her future husband. “He dazzled me...
Before the televised OJ Simpson trial electrified America another case transfixed the nation. Lyle and Erik Menendez, handsome brothers enjoying the trappings of a privileged upbringing in Beverly Hills, murdered their parents in 1989. The siblings, depicted by prosecutors as cold-blood killers, claimed they acted in self-defence after a lifetime of sexual abuse at the...Before the televised OJ Simpson trial electrified America another case transfixed the nation.Before the televised OJ Simpson trial electrified America another case transfixed the nation.
review
It is a critical cliche to claim that the films of Christopher Nolan are cold and unemotional — and they are, all of...It is a critical cliche to claim that the films of Christopher Nolan are cold and unemotional — and they are, all of them, from Memento to Oppenheimer. Cold as a night on Pluto. Except, that is, for this one gorgeous, heartbreaking epic. Written by Nolan with his brother Jonathan, it spans galaxies and vast...It is a critical cliche to claim that the films of Christopher Nolan are cold and unemotional — and they are, all of them, from...
review
Keeping up with the changing names of an artist who broke through as Christine and the Queens is not easy, but those...Keeping up with the changing names of an artist who broke through as Christine and the Queens is...Keeping up with the changing names of an artist who broke through as Christine and the Queens is...
REVIEW
Our critics pick the best albums of 2024. From R&B to indie hits, this guide has you covered. We will update...Our critics pick the best albums of 2024. From R&B to indie hits, this guide has you covered.Our critics pick the best albums of 2024. From R&B to indie hits, this guide has you covered.
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
first night review
first night review
review
An agnostic sex podcaster and a rabbi walk into a room. No, it’s not the set-up to a bad joke, but the premise for Nobody Wants This (Netflix), which unites two titans of early-Noughties pop culture — the high school detective Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) and the nerdy dreamboat Seth from The OC (Adam Brody) — for a rewarding romantic comedy. Whether it was...An agnostic sex podcaster and a rabbi walk into a room. No, it’s not the set-up to a bad joke...An agnostic sex podcaster and a rabbi walk into a room. No, it’s not the set-up to a bad joke...
first night review
Next week Birmingham Royal Ballet presents the world premiere of Luna, an ambitious full-length work concocted by...Next week Birmingham Royal Ballet presents the world premiere of Luna, an ambitious full-length work concocted by an international quintet of female choreographers. But first comes this revival of one of the cornerstones of the British ballet repertoire, a vintage rural rom-com. At nearly 65 years young...Next week Birmingham Royal Ballet presents the world premiere of Luna, an ambitious full-length work concocted by...
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 The term, hypoxaemia, refers to low blood levels of which gaseous element? 2 What colour is the Farrow & Ball paint Nancy’s Blushes? 3 George Galloway said, “Sir, I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability” to which Iraqi dictator? 4 State of Shock is a 1984 song by the Jacksons featuring which Rolling Stones member? 5 Which country separated itself...1 The term, hypoxaemia, refers to low blood levels of which gaseous element? 2 What colour is the...1 The term, hypoxaemia, refers to low blood levels of which gaseous element? 2 What colour is the...
The capital is spoilt for choice when it comes to five-star establishments, so let us be your guide
These are the most exciting emerging makers to have on your radar right now
Forget 4am rocket fuel shots — these days the best tequila is a rarefied and delicious treat, with a price tag to match
The seven-year, multimillion-pound restoration of Castle Raby’s gardens has resulted in an almost painterly work of plantsmanship
Peter Howarth rounds-up Europe’s top bespoke shoemakers. Just don’t forget to tell the fitter what you want, he says
A weekend escape to L’Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, an hour southwest of the capital, offers a taste of the French Riviera without the crowds
The bar has been raised for getaways in the Peaks with a bunch of lovely cottages opening their doors for weekends away. Here’s where to hunker down
video
Art, markets and fine dining await alongside history and politics await in Washington
Norway’s Vesteralen archipelago, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, has spectacular landscapes, whales and lovely hamlets that most tourists miss
From the best sections to visit to the tours to take you there, here’s how to make the most of a visit to China’s most famous attraction
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
video
Think you know which type of getaway you’re most suited to? Put your theory to the test with seven quick questions that will map your holiday wishes against a range of trips and whittle it down to one perfect fit. • Mostly As: A cruise is on the...Think you know which type of getaway you’re most suited to? Put your theory to the test with...Think you know which type of getaway you’re most suited to? Put your theory to the test with...
THEREFORE if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common...THEREFORE if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his...THEREFORE if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
In 1984, Chelvey Court was a wreck and the Olvers and the Halletts needed somewhere to live. Forty years later, they’re selling their magnificent combined home
Analysis
A sluggish planning system and a skills shortage are just some of the obstacles ahead
comment
Why overvaluing your home can be a costly mistake in terms of time and money
This warehouse conversion in Old Street has been a hotspot for TV and film shoots for many years
Louise Venables sounded out of breath when she answered the phone — and no wonder. “I’m making the big move in the morning, so I’m a tad distracted with packing and panicking,” she says. The week before, she had received her visa granting her the...Louise Venables sounded out of breath when she answered the phone — and no wonder. “I’m making...Louise Venables sounded out of breath when she answered the phone — and no wonder. “I’m making...
Scotland’s early prisoner release scheme will lead to a rise in shoplifting, a senior police officer has warned. Assistant chief constable Tim Mairs from Police Scotland said many of those being freed before serving their full sentences would “go back out and start [offending] again”. Speaking at...Scotland’s early prisoner release scheme will lead to a rise in shoplifting, a senior police officer has warned. Assistant chief constable Tim Mairs from Police Scotland said many of those being freed before serving their full sentences would “go back out and start [offending] again”. Speaking at...Scotland’s early prisoner release scheme will lead to a rise in shoplifting, a senior police officer has warned. Assistant...
An elderly Scottish couple are attempting to sue the Scottish and UK governments over the cut to the winter fuel payment for “damaging the welfare of pensioners”. Following Labour’s election win, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, announced that the winter fuel payment — which had previously been universal — would only be available to those on...An elderly Scottish couple are attempting to sue the Scottish and UK governments over the cut to the winter fuel payment for “damaging the welfare of pensioners”. Following Labour’s election win, Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, announced that the winter fuel payment — which had previously been universal — would only be available to those on...An elderly Scottish couple are attempting to sue the Scottish and UK governments over the cut to the winter fuel payment for...
Police investigating the murder of a taxi driver in Aberdeen almost 41 years ago have identified 200 people with a potential genetic link to DNA found at the scene. Police Scotland said those identified were not suspects, but that they hoped the DNA leads would help in the hunt for the murderer. The family of George...Police investigating the murder of a taxi driver in Aberdeen almost 41 years ago have identified...Police investigating the murder of a taxi driver in Aberdeen almost 41 years ago have identified...
When they showed up for a first viewing at Spottes Mill in 2022, husband and wife Lisl Macdonald and Chris King had...When they showed up for a first viewing at Spottes Mill in 2022, husband and wife Lisl Macdonald...When they showed up for a first viewing at Spottes Mill in 2022, husband and wife Lisl Macdonald...
Douglas Ross has provoked fury in his Holyrood group with a parting shot that his successor should listen to their...Douglas Ross has provoked fury in his Holyrood group with a parting shot that his successor...Douglas Ross has provoked fury in his Holyrood group with a parting shot that his successor...
Comment
Only one woman can rescue Starmer now
Patrick Maguire
After an uneasy conference, everything is riding on the chancellor if Labour is to reclaim the initiative it has squandered
gerard baker
Buckle up, this is going to be a close one
emma duncan
Labour’s big idea will prove Mission: Impossible
martin samuel | notebook
Beware the beach hut — there may be no escape
jawad iqbal
The use of donor’s penthouse pad was flat-out wrong
Leading Articles
Fractured France
The new Barnier government is assailed from all sides as it tries to balance the budget and cope with a growing row over asylum and immigration
False Economy
Plans to crack down on non-doms may cost more revenue than they raise
It’s Pronounced Brontey, Dear
The memorial to Britain’s preëminent literary sisters has had its dots added
Letters to the editor
Controversy over use of physician associates
Sir, Further to the letter (Sep 25) expressing support for the value of physician associates (PAs) in maintaining continuity of care, it has always been the case that PAs could have a place in the NHS — but this should not be without a clear...Sir, Further to the letter (Sep 25) expressing support for the value of physician associates...Sir, Further to the letter (Sep 25) expressing support for the value of physician associates...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The winner of the Scottish Conservative Party leadership contest is announced; Institute for Fiscal Studies report on the delivery of better public services due
World: The Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, speaks at the UN general assembly; Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a leadership election to select a new prime minister
On this day
In 1888 a letter gloating about a spate of murders in the East End of London was received by the Central News Agency signed “Jack the Ripper”; in 1905 a paper by Albert Einstein was received by the scientific journal Annalen der Physik, introducing the equation E = mc2 (energy equals mass times the velocity of light squared); in 1940 the Battle of Graveney Marsh, in Kent, took place, the last engagement involving an invading force on UK mainland soil. The crew of a crashed German bomber opened fire on soldiers from the London Irish Rifles, who overpowered them. No one was killed. A new German bombsight was recovered from the aircraft, on which time-bombs had been armed; in 1988 Ben Johnson was stripped of his 100m world record and Olympic gold medal after testing positive for using performance-enhancing drugs.
Nature notes
The autumn migration is in full, glorious swing, and birdwatchers are scanning skies and wetlands for the seasonal influx of visitors. But whereas the annual arrival of thrushes, geese and wild swans announce themselves in expansive musical flocks, some visitors are less conspicuous. Take the blue-winged teal which has recently been spotted skulking at Tophill Low Nature Reserve near Hull. Blue-winged teals breed in North America in an area stretching from Alaska to Tennessee, and overwinter in Central and South America. Storm Lilian must have blown it over the Atlantic. In fact, there’s a growing trend for this duck with a beautiful blue wing to arrive in Britain. No longer rare vagrants, they may well soon be upgraded to regular vagrants. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Diane Abbott, Labour MP for Hackney North & Stoke Newington, 71; Bill Athey, cricketer, England (1980-88), 67; Dame Josephine Barstow, opera singer, 84; Baroness (Tessa) Blackstone, chairwoman, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 82; Max Boyce, comedian, 81; Luke Campbell, boxer, Olympic gold medallist (2012, bantamweight), 37; Shaun Cassidy, singer, Da Doo Ron Ron (1977), actor, creator of TV series American Gothic (1995), 66; Patrick Cescau, chairman, InterContinental Hotels Group (2013-22), group chief executive, Unilever (2005-08), 76; Barbara Dickson, singer, I Know Him So Well (1985, with Elaine Paige), 77; Michele Dotrice, actress, Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em (1973-78), 76; Simona Halep, tennis player, Wimbledon’s women’s singles winner (2019), 33; Nicky Haslam, interior designer, 85; Michael Houlihan, founding director-general, Japan House London (2016-22), 76; John Inverdale, TV and radio presenter, former host of Rugby Special and Grandstand, 67; Peres Jepchirchir, long-distance runner, winner of the London 2024 marathon (women-only world record, 2:16:16), 31; Avril Lavigne, singer-songwriter, Complicated (2002), 40; Denis Lawson, actor, New Tricks (2012-15), 77; Brendon McCullum, cricketer, New Zealand (2004-16), now head coach of the England Test team, 43; Jenny Mollica, chief executive, English National Opera and London Coliseum, 43; Gwyneth Paltrow, actress, Emma (1996), and businesswoman (Goop), 52; Peter Sellars, opera and theatre director, 67; Sir Richard Stagg, warden, Winchester College, UK ambassador to Afghanistan (2012-15), 69; Indira Varma, actress, Game of Thrones (2014-17), 51; Garry Watson, actor, the only surviving member of the Watson family of child actors, Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939), 96; Irvine Welsh, novelist, Trainspotting (1993), 66.