Rishi Sunak risks losing key votes on Rwanda bill
Peers prepared to delay flights until after May
Rishi Sunak’s policy of sending migrants to Rwanda faces further delays after Labour vowed to oppose the government’s plans in a crucial vote on Wednesday. The prime minister said that “everyone is trying to block us” and insisted that flights to Kigali would take off by the end of May. However...Rishi Sunak’s policy of sending migrants to Rwanda faces further delays after Labour vowed to oppose the government’s plans in a crucial vote on Wednesday. The prime minister said that “everyone is trying to block us” and insisted that flights to Kigali would take off by the end of May. However...Rishi Sunak’s policy of sending migrants to Rwanda faces further delays after Labour vowed to oppose the government’s plans in...
in depth
Anger, denials and apathy over ‘plots’ to oust PM
Jonathan Gullis, the Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, had hit breaking point. At the weekend Gullis, who is not usually seen as a natural ally of Rishi Sunak, issued an impassioned plea to colleagues to stop plotting to remove him from office. “Enough of briefings to destabilise things or undermine the agenda/PM,” he said in a 500-word...Jonathan Gullis, the Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, had hit breaking point. At the weekend Gullis, who is not usually seen as a natural ally of Rishi Sunak, issued an impassioned plea to colleagues to stop plotting to remove him from office. “Enough of briefings to destabilise things or undermine the agenda/PM,” he said in a 500-word...Jonathan Gullis, the Tory MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, had hit breaking point. At the weekend Gullis, who is not usually seen...
film
Ewan McGregor: I had an intimacy co-ordinator for sex scenes with my wife
newUsing an intimacy co-ordinator to set up sex scenes in films has become so embedded in the industry that Ewan McGregor wanted one when shooting bedroom scenes with his wife. The actor, 52, said that he felt one was necessary for scenes in the period drama A Gentleman in Moscow when his character has sex with a woman...Using an intimacy co-ordinator to set up sex scenes in films has become so embedded in the...Using an intimacy co-ordinator to set up sex scenes in films has become so embedded in the...
Editor's picks
First night | theatre
Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli excel in Ibsen on Broadway
In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a deadly contagion.In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a...In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a...
First person
There are many reasons women can’t just get on with having babies
At the time of writing I am 44 years old and mother to two beautiful girls, aged three and seven months. According to...At the time of writing I am 44 years old and mother to two beautiful girls, aged three and seven...At the time of writing I am 44 years old and mother to two beautiful girls, aged three and seven...
Politics
political sketch
PM gets glimpse of his runaway American dream
politics
Obama drops into Downing Street for surprise meeting
Barack Obama has paid a visit to Downing Street this afternoon for talks with Rishi Sunak on topics including the...Barack Obama has paid a visit to Downing Street this afternoon for talks with Rishi Sunak on...Barack Obama has paid a visit to Downing Street this afternoon for talks with Rishi Sunak on...
politics
Cabinet secretary Simon Case will finally appear at Covid inquiry
Britain’s most senior civil servant is to finally give evidence to the Covid inquiry in an appearance that risks...Britain’s most senior civil servant is to finally give evidence to the Covid inquiry in an...Britain’s most senior civil servant is to finally give evidence to the Covid inquiry in an...
clean it up
River Wye locals could share in millions over ‘chicken farm pollution’
newThousands of people living in the area around the River Wye could share hundreds of millions of pounds in compensation if a legal claim brought over chicken farms’ pollution of the river is successful. The number of chickens in the catchment has...Thousands of people living in the area around the River Wye could share hundreds of millions of...Thousands of people living in the area around the River Wye could share hundreds of millions of...
courts
Former head of police watchdog to stand trial over sexual offences
A former head of the police watchdog has formally denied a number of alleged sexual offences, including rape, against...A former head of the police watchdog has formally denied a number of alleged sexual offences...A former head of the police watchdog has formally denied a number of alleged sexual offences...
courts
Woman accused of murdering husband was abused, son claims
The son of a horse whisperer on trial for the murder of her husband has told a jury she was subjected to years of...The son of a horse whisperer on trial for the murder of her husband has told a jury she was...The son of a horse whisperer on trial for the murder of her husband has told a jury she was...
video
arts
A crowd-pleaser, but message is lost in the woods — our verdict on Banksy’s mural
A tree mural that appeared overnight on the side of a building in north London is the work of Banksy, the anonymous street artist has confirmed. He claimed the work as his own in an Instagram post on Monday, following speculation when it appeared...A tree mural that appeared overnight on the side of a building in north London is the work of...A tree mural that appeared overnight on the side of a building in north London is the work of...
LAW
Protesters can’t use beliefs as vandalism defence, court rules
Senior judges have confirmed that protesters do not gain legal “carte blanche” to vandalise property by arguing that they believe the victims support their cause. Activists accused of causing criminal damage cannot use what has...Senior judges have confirmed that protesters do not gain legal “carte blanche” to vandalise property by arguing that they believe the victims support their cause. Activists accused of causing criminal damage cannot use what has...Senior judges have confirmed that protesters do not gain legal “carte blanche” to vandalise property by arguing that...
education
Turn on TV subtitles to help children with reading, parents told
Switching on subtitles on television shows could double the chances of children leaving school as proficient readers, research has found. Access Education, the education software maker, found that showing children popular TV...Switching on subtitles on television shows could double the chances of children leaving school as proficient readers, research has found. Access Education, the education software maker, found that showing children popular TV...Switching on subtitles on television shows could double the chances of children leaving school as proficient readers...
the times diary
Miracle of female priest
Hamas third in command killed in IDF attack, US confirms
newThe United States national security adviser has confirmed that “Hamas’s number three”, Marwan Issa, has been killed by the Israeli military and is the highest-ranking militant in the group to have died since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Jake Sullivan said Issa, the deputy of Mohammed Deif...The United States national security adviser has confirmed that “Hamas’s number three”, Marwan Issa, has been killed by the Israeli military and is the highest-ranking militant in the group to have died since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. Jake Sullivan said Issa, the deputy of Mohammed Deif...The United States national security adviser has confirmed that “Hamas’s number three”, Marwan Issa, has been killed by the...
video
Famine imminent in Gaza, food security experts say
Famine is setting in across northern Gaza, according to a new report. About 1.1 million people will face the most severe level of hunger classified by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the authority behind the global initiative said on Monday. “The famine threshold for acute food insecurity has already been far...Famine is setting in across northern Gaza, according to a new report. About 1.1 million people will face the most severe level of hunger classified by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the authority behind the global initiative said on Monday. “The famine threshold for acute food insecurity has already been far...Famine is setting in across northern Gaza, according to a new report. About 1.1 million people will face the most severe level...
Jewish Hollywood figures denounce Oscar winner’s speech
More than 450 Jewish figures in Hollywood have signed an open letter condemning the Oscars acceptance speech of Jonathan Glazer. The British filmmaker was on stage at the ceremony earlier this month after his Holocaust film The Zone of Interest won the prize for best international feature. Glazer, 58, who is Jewish...More than 450 Jewish figures in Hollywood have signed an open letter condemning the Oscars...More than 450 Jewish figures in Hollywood have signed an open letter condemning the Oscars...
Still life that changed how we see Spanish art returns to Madrid
For nearly 300 years the most important still life in Spanish painting remained unknown. Its discovery about a century ago changed the history of the country’s art. Francisco de Zurbarán’s Still Life with Lemons, Oranges and a Rose was found in a...For nearly 300 years the most important still life in Spanish painting remained unknown. Its...For nearly 300 years the most important still life in Spanish painting remained unknown. Its...
Meet the Canadian mayor trying to attract Gen Z with land for $10
Looking out across the frozen forested wilderness, Peter Politis can see children playing on swings. In his mind’s...Looking out across the frozen forested wilderness, Peter Politis can see children playing on swings.Looking out across the frozen forested wilderness, Peter Politis can see children playing on swings.
LA golfers cry foul over tee time black market
After Larry David’s outburst over slow play leads to a heart attack on the golf course in Curb Your Enthusiasm...After Larry David’s outburst over slow play leads to a heart attack on the golf course in Curb...After Larry David’s outburst over slow play leads to a heart attack on the golf course in Curb...
Three generations of one family give up riches in extreme ritual
Even in a nation where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye, the Jains stand out. First, members of the religion — which is said to be the world’s oldest — set about earning riches, becoming among India’s most well-educated and...Even in a nation where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye, the Jains stand out.Even in a nation where fortunes are made and lost in the blink of an eye, the Jains stand out.
Biden tries to woo female voters with pledge on abortion rights
President Biden has signed an executive order setting aside $200 million for female health initiatives in a move he...President Biden has signed an executive order setting aside $200 million for female health...President Biden has signed an executive order setting aside $200 million for female health...
video
middle east crisis
Senior Hamas chief ‘dies in Israeli raid on hospital’
Israeli troops raided the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza in the early hours of Monday in an operation that the Palestinian...Israeli troops raided the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza in the early hours of Monday in an operation...Israeli troops raided the al-Shifa hospital in Gaza in the early hours of Monday in an operation...
Mike Lynch ‘spun fabulous tale’ about Autonomy, fraud trial told
Mike Lynch, the co-founder of one of Britain’s most successful technology companies, oversaw a “multi-year, multi-layered fraud” that led Hewlett-Packard to pay $11 billion for his software company Autonomy, a jury was told on Monday as his criminal trial opened in California. Lynch, 58, and...Mike Lynch, the co-founder of one of Britain’s most successful technology companies, oversaw a “multi-year, multi-layered fraud” that led Hewlett-Packard to pay $11 billion for his software company Autonomy, a jury was told on Monday as his criminal trial opened in California. Lynch, 58, and...Mike Lynch, the co-founder of one of Britain’s most successful technology companies, oversaw a “multi-year, multi-layered...
Ministers in crisis talks to save production at historic rail plant
Ministers are in last-ditch talks with Alstom to prevent the closure of the historic Derby train manufacturing works with the loss of thousands of jobs across the industry. Alstom, the French company that took over the Litchurch Lane factory during the pandemic from Bombardier, is threatening to close the plant and move production to Poland...Ministers are in last-ditch talks with Alstom to prevent the closure of the historic Derby train manufacturing works with the loss of thousands of jobs across the industry. Alstom, the French company that took over the Litchurch Lane factory during the pandemic from Bombardier, is threatening to close the plant and move production to Poland...Ministers are in last-ditch talks with Alstom to prevent the closure of the historic Derby train manufacturing works with the...
Apple may integrate Google’s AI into iPhones
Apple is discussing integrating Google’s artificial intelligence model into the iPhone, a potential alliance that would shape the future of the technology. Shares in Google’s parent, Alphabet, closed up 4.4 per cent at $148.48 while Apple’s stock rose 0.6 per cent to $173.72 on the report by Bloomberg News, as it...Apple is discussing integrating Google’s artificial intelligence model into the iPhone, a...Apple is discussing integrating Google’s artificial intelligence model into the iPhone, a...
Jailed Libor traders’ appeals ‘should be referred to Supreme Court’
Two traders sent to prison for “rigging” interest rate benchmarks must wait to learn whether their convictions will be overturned after the Court of Appeal reserved judgment. The court has been considering the safety of the...Two traders sent to prison for “rigging” interest rate benchmarks must wait to learn whether their convictions will be overturned after the Court of Appeal reserved judgment. The court has been considering the safety of the...Two traders sent to prison for “rigging” interest rate benchmarks must wait to learn whether their convictions will...
Bytes boss made 130 secret trades
Bytes Technology’s executives have been left “saddened as well as shocked” on learning that their former chief executive had carried out scores of secret trades in the company’s shares. The FTSE 250 software company told...Bytes Technology’s executives have been left “saddened as well as shocked” on learning that their former chief executive had carried out scores of secret trades in the company’s shares. The FTSE 250 software company told...Bytes Technology’s executives have been left “saddened as well as shocked” on learning that their former chief...
business commentary
Reckitt baby milk saga is still turning sour
Big firms’ plea would halve number of apprentices, says Gillian Keegan
The education secretary has hit out at large employers that have lobbied to use more of the £3.9 billion a year apprentice levy to up-skill their existing staff rather than train young apprentices. Gillian Keegan said letting these companies spend...The education secretary has hit out at large employers that have lobbied to use more of the £3.9...The education secretary has hit out at large employers that have lobbied to use more of the £3.9...
comment
Why do companies write cheques for political parties?
The row about Frank Hester’s donations to the Conservatives is receding almost as quickly as it blew up. Such is the...The row about Frank Hester’s donations to the Conservatives is receding almost as quickly as it...The row about Frank Hester’s donations to the Conservatives is receding almost as quickly as it...
market report
Consumer duty rules haunt Phoenix zombie funds
Back in July 2022, St James’s Place reassured investors that its long-term partnership with clients and its...Back in July 2022, St James’s Place reassured investors that its long-term partnership with...Back in July 2022, St James’s Place reassured investors that its long-term partnership with...
recruitment
Professionals who volunteer benefit from their kindness to others
Corporate volunteering may be about giving to others, but it can also pay dividends for your own career. Around a fifth of British companies now offer paid volunteer days for staff and 20 per cent of volunteers in their thirties and forties have used volunteering to retrain or gain experience for a career-change. For those who plan to stay in their roles, volunteering...Corporate volunteering may be about giving to others, but it can also pay dividends for your own...Corporate volunteering may be about giving to others, but it can also pay dividends for your own...
recruitment: SIX from THE BEST
The workplace is as crucial as the classroom for social mobility
As chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, Sarah Atkinson helps employers to understand that the workplace...As chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, Sarah Atkinson helps employers to understand that the workplace is as important as the classroom for improving social mobility and meeting the country’s economic challenges. As the new Social Mobility Employer Index opens for entries, Atkinson shares her advice...As chief executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, Sarah Atkinson helps employers to understand that the workplace is as...
football
Forest escape with four-point deduction despite bigger losses than Everton
Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules — despite having higher losses than Everton, who were given a six-point deduction. The punishment means Forest drop into the relegation zone, below Luton Town, with nine matches of the season...Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules — despite having higher losses than Everton, who were given a six-point deduction. The punishment means Forest drop into the relegation zone, below Luton Town, with nine matches of the season...Nottingham Forest have been deducted four points for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules — despite having higher...
football
Why all-Manchester FA Cup final would cause headache for ITV – and rugby
An all-Manchester FA Cup final could throw up a clash with rugby union’s Investec Champions Cup final that would be an issue for ITV and potentially the public authorities. Last season’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United — the first in the competition’s history — was moved to a 3pm kick-off at Wembley as the...An all-Manchester FA Cup final could throw up a clash with rugby union’s Investec Champions Cup final that would be an issue for ITV and potentially the public authorities. Last season’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Manchester United — the first in the competition’s history — was moved to a 3pm kick-off at Wembley as the...An all-Manchester FA Cup final could throw up a clash with rugby union’s Investec Champions Cup final that would be an issue...
football | martin samuel
No room for football now top-flight season plays out in law chambers
The decision of the independent panel was known on Friday, but Nottingham Forest asked the Premier League to delay the announcement of their four-point deduction for fear it would affect the mood around Saturday’s match against Luton Town. Look at them, still imagining that what happens on the field matters. It’s...The decision of the independent panel was known on Friday, but Nottingham Forest asked the...The decision of the independent panel was known on Friday, but Nottingham Forest asked the...
rugby union | sam warburton
England can gatecrash world’s top four – with a bit more brains
FOOTBALL | MELANIE Maynard
Two bereavements set my son Marcus back – but he’s in a good place now
CYCLING | MATT LAWTON
A small but indomitable rider, Kenny was peerless at her peak
Six Nations | Will Kelleher
My team of tournament: three Englishmen, a young Wales star but no Scots
FOOTBALL | HENRY WINTER
Chelsea fans should see Sterling as a role model, not a target
The last time I spoke to Raheem Sterling was outside Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final...The last time I spoke to Raheem Sterling was outside Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup...The last time I spoke to Raheem Sterling was outside Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s Carabao Cup...
CRICKET
Reformer Nicholas set to be appointed next MCC chairman
Mark Nicholas is set to be appointed as the next MCC chairman and will be recommended to the membership of the club...Mark Nicholas is set to be appointed as the next MCC chairman and will be recommended to the...Mark Nicholas is set to be appointed as the next MCC chairman and will be recommended to the...
american football
English Ale, spitfires and NFL stars: When gridiron came to war-time London
He was a man who had done extraordinary things, but it was a chance of a slice of normality that gave Captain Denis Whitaker an idea. That, and a few pints of English ale. As he drank in a London pub in December 1943 — a brief respite from...He was a man who had done extraordinary things, but it was a chance of a slice of normality that...He was a man who had done extraordinary things, but it was a chance of a slice of normality that...
Game in Numbers
Biggest increase in goals since offside rule change 99 years ago
This season has produced the highest rise in goals per game from one top-flight campaign to the next since 1925-26 and the second-highest jump ever. The figure of 2.85 goals per match last season has risen by 0.39 to 3.24: that is an increase of...This season has produced the highest rise in goals per game from one top-flight campaign to the...This season has produced the highest rise in goals per game from one top-flight campaign to the...
SIX NATIONS | DAVID WALSH
The two schools behind Ireland’s dominance (and could Farrell Jr go green?)
Football | Martin Samuel
Howe deserves time – and English managers need him to get it
We all know the priorities of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the furtherance of domestic coaches in...We all know the priorities of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the furtherance of...We all know the priorities of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the furtherance of...
rugby union
Care in talks over Harlequins extension – but has interest from France
Danny Care is keen to stay at Harlequins for one more season but has interest from France if he is unable to agree a...Danny Care is keen to stay at Harlequins for one more season but has interest from France if he...Danny Care is keen to stay at Harlequins for one more season but has interest from France if he...
RACING | Rob Wright
How to fix Cheltenham? Simple – get the best horses running against each other
As ever, the Cheltenham Festival produced its share of top-class performances and good stories last week, but there was an undeniable feeling that the meeting has arrived at a crossroads and that what had once seemed an unstoppable juggernaut is in danger of stalling. The decision to expand the Festival to four days, rather than three, in 2005 was understandable at a...As ever, the Cheltenham Festival produced its share of top-class performances and good stories...As ever, the Cheltenham Festival produced its share of top-class performances and good stories...
racing
Rob Wright’s racing tips and news
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Raffle Ticket (3.00 Exeter)
This gelding has only had seven starts over fences, so has...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Raffle Ticket (3.00 Exeter)
This gelding has only had seven starts over fences, so has clearly had his problems, but he is less exposed than his rivals in this veterans’ race and can follow up his latest success at Doncaster. That form has been boosted by the subsequent success of...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Raffle Ticket (3.00 Exeter)
This gelding has only had seven starts over fences, so has clearly had...
First person
There are many reasons women can’t just get on with having babies
The MP Miriam Cates says women shouldn’t be ‘tricked’ into egg freezing. Yet there are many reasons women delay babies, says Sophie Beresiner
health
Vicky Pattison: I have done the right thing for myself and my future family
The TV personality froze her eggs last year at 35 years old — despite being engaged and in love. She tells Elisabeth Perlman why she’s waiting for motherhood
food
Is posh hot chocolate the new flat white?
The café chain Knoops — speciality: sweet milky cocoa drinks — is about to expand across Britain. Surely real men drink coffee? No, says Simon Mills
caitlin moran
My train journey from hell — from London to Birmingham
The train is like a human terrine, faces pressed against the door glass
Health
How to protect your back and build up strength
Many midlifers focus on cardio or train intensively and relentlessly. But what’s key is retaining muscle mass, the osteopath David Vaux tells Anna Maxted
culture fix
Johnny Marr: How could Meryl Streep agree to be in Mamma Mia?
My favourite piece of music
For a long time now, it’s been My Goal’s Beyond by John McLaughlin. Like his work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, it is in a genre entirely of its own. It’s unquantifiable and makes me feel a certain way, no matter what happens in the outside world. The lyric I wish I’d written
“You’re going to reap just what you sow”, from Perfect Day by Lou...My favourite piece of music
For a long time now, it’s been My Goal’s Beyond by John...My favourite piece of music
For a long time now, it’s been My Goal’s Beyond by John...
ARTS
21 Easter activities for kids — from artist workshops to Paddington live
Easter egg hunts are a good way to keep kids entertained over the holidays, but museums and arts venues offer events...Easter egg hunts are a good way to keep kids entertained over the holidays, but museums and arts venues offer events, exhibitions and shows for families too — from the first unicorn exhibition to a touring orchestral screening of Paddington. Interactive exhibitions and workshops include the opportunity for...Easter egg hunts are a good way to keep kids entertained over the holidays, but museums and arts venues offer events...
MUSIC | INTERVIEW
Black Pumas: meet the Texas duo handpicked by President Biden
beauty | sarah jossel
Five ways to refresh your make-up bag for spring
Moving stories
‘We did an emergency house swap with my parents’
First night reviews
First night | theatre
Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli excel in Ibsen on Broadway
In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a deadly contagion. They should emigrate, he tells his daughter. “In America we won’t have to worry about anything like this.” The house roared. Henrik...In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a...In An Enemy of the People a doctor faces being hounded out of town for trying to warn people of a...
first night | pop
The 1980s rock’n’ravers Happy Mondays lead a nostalgia fest
first night | classical
Fervent torch songs reveal Sibelius’s passionate side
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 In Germany and Spain, which animal is said to have seven lives instead of nine? 2 Which country’s army took part in the Emu War (1932)? 3 Mr Bumble, the beadle, says: “the law is a ass” in which Dickens novel? 4 Which British monarch was the last king of America? 5 In 1929, which Labour politician led for the first time the largest party in the House of Commons? 6...1 In Germany and Spain, which animal is said to have seven lives instead of nine? 2 Which...1 In Germany and Spain, which animal is said to have seven lives instead of nine? 2 Which...
What to watch: your TV and streaming guide
VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on TV and radio tonight
In case you missed it
ASK PROFESSOR TANYA BYRON
My partner is manipulating me into having sex. I’m emotionally drained
fashion
Jim Ratcliffe’s most fashionable investment? Biker jackets
The British billionaire and Belstaff CEO Fran Millar talk motorcycles, loyalty and style
watches
What’s the time, Victoria Beckham?
VB has designed a watch with Breitling that captures her relaxed and feminine style
video
trend
Where luxury meets ASMR
Whether it’s the sound of a Mason Pearson hairbrush gliding through hair or a Hermès Kelly bag clipping shut
travel
A Mexican makeover: from cool casa to hot hotel
How a British designer created the prettiest resort in Maroma
accessories
Me and my special blanket
video
design
The best new luxury electric cars
uk
Seven of the best lush woodland walks
Biodiversity, rare birds and secret gorges — wonder as you wander through these otherworldly rainforests across the UK which will add magic to any weekend
video
city breaks
Beat the crowds to this glorious unsung Italian coastal city
Roman relics, a Renaissance cathedral and few overseas tourists are the big pulls for the low-key, laid-back hero of Rimini — go now, before its moment in the sun
video
scandinavia
My family’s TikTok-inspired Scandi holiday (which our teens loved)
Inspired by his kids’ favourite social media trends — but keen to keep them off their phones — James Palmer plans a jam-packed two-city-and-ski trip
spain
How to get a week of Easter sun in the Med for £360
Snap up seven nights in Mallorca with its coastal walks, gentle cycling and underground lakes – and balmy temperatures in April
video
UK
I’ve found the cheapest (and most convenient) way to go on safari
Forget long flights and high price tags — wake up amongst zebras and giraffes and spend a magical weekend with them and 120 other species in Wiltshire
Cruise
Dad’s dementia left Mum tired and lonely. This cruise made her smile
My mum, Lynn, is having a conversation with a mona monkey overlooking a crater lake in Grenada. It’s an old-world...My mum, Lynn, is having a conversation with a mona monkey overlooking a crater lake in Grenada.My mum, Lynn, is having a conversation with a mona monkey overlooking a crater lake in Grenada.
Kathy LEtte | travel troubleshooter
Was I right to leave my husband at the airport?
Q A few months ago I was going on a long weekend break to Berlin with my husband. We were running late to get to the...Q A few months ago I was going on a long weekend break to Berlin with my husband. We were running...Q A few months ago I was going on a long weekend break to Berlin with my husband. We were running...
Weather Eye
Mowing the lawn? You better be quick…
from the archive
‘Offence’ of politics on Sundays
Announcements
Births, marriages and deaths
HONOUR your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Exodus...HONOUR your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is...HONOUR your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is...
Court Circular
March 18, 2024
St James’s Palace
18th March, 2024 The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon arrived at Entebbe International Airport...St James’s Palace
18th March, 2024 The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon arrived at...St James’s Palace
18th March, 2024 The Duke of Edinburgh this afternoon arrived at...
Printable Puzzles
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Humza Yousaf refuses to apologise for ‘Tory-free’ Scotland rhetoric
Humza Yousaf has reaffirmed his desire to make Scotland “Tory free” at the general election. The first minister has been criticised, including by some within his own party, for using the phrase at the weekend when he addressed an SNP campaign event. Some are uneasy about the tone while others...Humza Yousaf has reaffirmed his desire to make Scotland “Tory free” at the general election. The first minister has been criticised, including by some within his own party, for using the phrase at the weekend when he addressed an SNP campaign event. Some are uneasy about the tone while others...Humza Yousaf has reaffirmed his desire to make Scotland “Tory free” at the general election. The first minister has been...
Alex Salmond denies he blocked law that could now oust Michael Matheson
Alex Salmond has denied claims that he intervened to block plans that would allow voters to remove misbehaving politicians from Holyrood. The lack of recall powers for the Scottish parliament means that Michael Matheson MSP, the disgraced former health secretary, will be able to keep his seat even if the standards committee punishes him for...Alex Salmond has denied claims that he intervened to block plans that would allow voters to remove misbehaving politicians from Holyrood. The lack of recall powers for the Scottish parliament means that Michael Matheson MSP, the disgraced former health secretary, will be able to keep his seat even if the standards committee punishes him for...Alex Salmond has denied claims that he intervened to block plans that would allow voters to remove misbehaving politicians from...
MAGNUS LINKLATER | COMMENT
Our cherished right to own property is being undermined
You would think they’d have learnt by now. SNP ministers and their advisers are not great at drafting bills — but they keep on doing it. They take on complex issues without thinking them through, and then, when they end up in the courts, they lose. At considerable cost to the public purse. The list stretches from...You would think they’d have learnt by now. SNP ministers and their advisers are not great at...You would think they’d have learnt by now. SNP ministers and their advisers are not great at...
Hill fort site at risk under plans for giant wind farm
The government agency responsible for Scotland’s historic landscape has been accused of a “dereliction of duty” after it endorsed a planned wind farm at the expense of an ancient hill fort. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) was asked to review...The government agency responsible for Scotland’s historic landscape has been accused of a...The government agency responsible for Scotland’s historic landscape has been accused of a...
THUNDERER
London-centric Channel 4 should deliver for all of the UK
At the turn of the century, 95 per cent of public service television in the UK originated from within the M25. This...At the turn of the century, 95 per cent of public service television in the UK originated from...At the turn of the century, 95 per cent of public service television in the UK originated from...
scottish business digest
Offshore wind centre hailed as an energy transition ‘milestone’
Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland. 1. Sir Ian Wood...Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.
Comment
Lost boys need help or they turn to extremes
William Hague
Disaffected young men are increasingly embracing far-right parties — they deserve better role models before it’s too late
melanie phillips
Google’s diversity idiocy threatens us all
hugo rifkind
Time for Sunak to unleash his inner tech bro
giles coren | notebook
Half of our nightclubs have closed? That’s great news
John Mair
BBC needs to act fast to reimagine the TV licence
georgia heneage | notebook
I wasn’t born but the letters of Harrison and Boyd make me nostalgic
Nostalgia is a weird sentiment for a 26-year-old. It’s an absent ache, felt in the unvalidated yearning for the Sixties (Woodstock etc), vintage fashion, record players, Polaroids and my generation’s obsession with period dramas. Most recently I...Nostalgia is a weird sentiment for a 26-year-old. It’s an absent ache, felt in the unvalidated...Nostalgia is a weird sentiment for a 26-year-old. It’s an absent ache, felt in the unvalidated...
Leading Articles
Vlad the Invader
Putin’s fraudulent victory provides a springboard for the intensification of the war in Ukraine. The West must tighten sanctions and step up arms shipments
Citizen Khan
If the mayor of London wins a third term in May it will be thoroughly undeserved
Black Widow
Trigger warning over financial institution’s historic name takes ultra-thin-skinned absurdity to new heights
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Tackling the scourge of our litter-strewn roads
Sir, Sadly, Jenni Russell’s article serves principally to highlight the symptoms and not the cause of the problem (“Our litter-choked roads are a national disgrace”, Mar 18). On a recent visit to New Zealand my wife and I were struck not only...Sir, Sadly, Jenni Russell’s article serves principally to highlight the symptoms and not the...Sir, Sadly, Jenni Russell’s article serves principally to highlight the symptoms and not the...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Cabinet meeting, 10 Downing Street; the shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves gives the Bayes Business School Mais annual lecture.
World: International Read To Me Day; World Social Work Day.
On this day
In 1877 Australia beat England by 45 runs at the close of the first official cricket Test match, which began on March 15 at Melbourne Cricket Ground; in 1932 Sydney Harbour Bridge was opened. Before the bridge could be officially declared open by premier Jack Lang, the fascist Francis Edward de Groot charged on to the bridge on horseback and cut the ribbon with a cavalry sword. He was fined £5; in 1959 Marilyn Monroe arrived in Chicago to begin a promotional tour for Some Like it Hot. The film was directed by Billy Wilder and co-starred Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. It was nominated for six Oscars, winning one for best costume design; in 2002 Zimbabwe was suspended from membership of the Commonwealth after irregularities around the re-election on March 6 of that year of Robert Mugabe to the presidency, including politically motivated violence. When the Commonwealth refused to lift its one-year suspension, the country withdrew from the association on December 7, 2003.
Nature notes
Witches’ butter is the common name given to several types of fungus that grow on dead wood. The bright yellow and most butter-like form — at a stretch — Tremella mesenterica is also known as yellow brain fungus. It creates intricate, jelly-like folds on the downed, rotting branches of trees and sometimes on standing deadwood; these eventually dry to a dark brown frill. Instead of feeding directly on the dead wood, it’s actually a parasite of other fungi, specifically the crust-forming species from the Peniophora genus. Tremella aurantia can appear very similar but parasitises a different host, the hairy crust fungus. In eastern European folklore the appearance of witches’ butter on your house or fence meant a witch had cursed you. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Ursula Andress, actress, Dr No (1962), 88; Sir John Beckwith, co-founder (1993) and chairman, Pacific Investments (fund management group), 77; Lord (Ian) Blair of Boughton, QPM, commissioner, Metropolitan Police (2005-08), 71; John Burnside, poet, Black Cat Bone (2011, TS Eliot prize and Forward Poetry prize), 69; Glenn Close, actress, Fatal Attraction (1987), Dangerous Liaisons (1988), 77; Dame Elizabeth Gardiner, first parliamentary counsel (2015-22), 58; Ashley Giles, chief executive, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, managing director of England men’s cricket (2019-22), England cricketer (1998-2006), 51; Marcelo Gleiser, theoretical physicist, author, The Dawn of a Mindful Universe: A Manifesto for Humanity’s Future (2023), 65; Lord (Peter) Hendy, chairman, Network Rail and London Legacy Development Corporation, commissioner of Transport for London (2006-15), 71; John Holder, first-class and Test cricket umpire (1983-2009), 79; Sir David Foskett, chairman, Civil Mediation Council (2019-22), High Court judge (2007-2019), 75; Clarence “Frogman” Henry, rhythm and blues singer, Ain’t Got No Home (1956), 87; Neil LaBute, playwright and film-maker, In the Company of Men (1997), 61; Leonard Lauder, businessman, chairman emeritus and former chief executive, Estée Lauder (cosmetics), 91; Ruth McKernan, neuroscientist, chief executive, Innovate UK (2015-18, the innovation agency), 66; Sir Thomas McKillop, president, Science Council (2007-11), chief executive, AstraZeneca (1999-2006), 81; John Minihan, photographer, Samuel Beckett: Photographs (1995), 78; Mario Monti, prime minister of Italy (2011-13), 81; Lord (Raymond) Plant of Highfield, emeritus professor, King’s College London (2001-17), 79; Ruth Pointer, singer-songwriter, last surviving original member of the Pointer Sisters, 78; Henry Slade, rugby union player, Exeter Chiefs and England, 31; John Studzinski, banker, vice-chairman, Pimco (investment-management company), founder, Genesis Foundation (arts charity), 68; Bruce Willis, actor, Die Hard (1988), The Sixth Sense (1999), 69.