Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 32 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...Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 32 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...Lebanon is on edge after thousands of electronic devices exploded across the country over the past two days, leaving 32 dead...
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.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.Israel is suspected of using pagers and walkie-talkies packed with explosives to kill and wound thousands of Hezbollah fighters.
Sir Keir Starmer accepted freebies worth tens of thousands of pounds because it is “part of the job”, the business secretary has said. Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio that politicians who work hard are entitled to “a bit of relaxation”. Since 2019, the prime minister has received gifts, benefits and hospitality...Sir Keir Starmer accepted freebies worth tens of thousands of pounds because it is “part of the...Sir Keir Starmer accepted freebies worth tens of thousands of pounds because it is “part of the...
milan fashion week
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...
interview
Mary Doherty had cancer but wouldn’t know about it for another year. An urgent biopsy would have shown up the disease...Mary Doherty had cancer but wouldn’t know about it for another year. An urgent biopsy would have...Mary Doherty had cancer but wouldn’t know about it for another year. An urgent biopsy would have...
Israeli PM accuses Keir Starmer of undermining his country and sending a ‘horrible message’ to Hamas
Train passengers have been told by a rail operator not to use dating apps on trains in case children see...Train passengers have been told by a rail operator not to use dating apps on trains in case...Train passengers have been told by a rail operator not to use dating apps on trains in case...
University researchers have been branded “hypocrites” for condemning air travel as bad for the planet but then flying...University researchers have been branded “hypocrites” for condemning air travel as bad for the...University researchers have been branded “hypocrites” for condemning air travel as bad for the...
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...
david charter | analysis
Two thirds of 1.3m-member union backs Trump over Harris
The battle for the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters shows just how important union support is during a US election and how much Donald Trump is changing the Republican Party. On Wednesday the union’s president, Sean O’Brien, announced that his organisation was sitting out...The battle for the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters shows just how important union support is during a US election and how much Donald Trump is changing the Republican Party. On Wednesday the union’s president, Sean O’Brien, announced that his organisation was sitting out...The battle for the endorsement of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters shows just how important union support is during a...
video
President Zelensky has said that he has prepared and completed a “victory plan” intended to bring peace to Ukraine in its war against Russia. The Ukrainian leader has said that the plan is intended to keep the country strong and avoid “frozen conflicts”, a reference to the years of low-level fighting in the Donbas region that preceded...President Zelensky has said that he has prepared and completed a “victory plan” intended to bring peace to Ukraine in its war against Russia. The Ukrainian leader has said that the plan is intended to keep the country strong and avoid “frozen conflicts”, a reference to the years of low-level fighting in the Donbas region that preceded...President Zelensky has said that he has prepared and completed a “victory plan” intended to bring peace to Ukraine in its war...
The French woman who was raped by dozens of men at the invitation of her husband has lashed out at their defence lawyers, accusing them of depicting her as a willing participant and an alcoholic, even though she had been in a drugged and comatose state. Gisèle Pelicot voiced outrage to the court about the way the...The French woman who was raped by dozens of men at the invitation of her husband has lashed out...The French woman who was raped by dozens of men at the invitation of her husband has lashed out...
Police on three continents teamed up to hack an encrypted phone network used by killers and drug traffickers and...Police on three continents teamed up to hack an encrypted phone network used by killers and drug...Police on three continents teamed up to hack an encrypted phone network used by killers and drug...
Harvey Weinstein has been charged with a new sex crime in New York, dealing a fresh blow to the movie producer’s...Harvey Weinstein has been charged with a new sex crime in New York, dealing a fresh blow to the...Harvey Weinstein has been charged with a new sex crime in New York, dealing a fresh blow to the...
Eric Adams, the mayor of New York, stood at the front of a packed room on a pier above the Hudson River. “I dislike rats!” he said. Adams’s administration is in crisis. Four federal investigations are afoot, targeting his associates. His police...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...
John Grisham, the bestselling novelist whose legal thrillers have been turned into Hollywood films, has backed an...John Grisham, the bestselling novelist whose legal thrillers have been turned into Hollywood...John Grisham, the bestselling novelist whose legal thrillers have been turned into Hollywood...
Spanish doctors who saved the life of a Jehovah’s Witness during an emergency operation by giving her three blood...Spanish doctors who saved the life of a Jehovah’s Witness during an emergency operation by giving...Spanish doctors who saved the life of a Jehovah’s Witness during an emergency operation by giving...
IN maps and CHARTS
US central bank ends its pause in reductions ‘with a bang’ as it signals further action
The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by half a percentage point and signalled further reductions in an attempt to prevent a slowdown in the world’s largest economy. The federal open market committee’s decision to lower the cost of borrowing to a range of 4.75 to 5 per cent was the first...The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by half a percentage point and signalled further reductions in an attempt to prevent a slowdown in the world’s largest economy. The federal open market committee’s decision to lower the cost of borrowing to a range of 4.75 to 5 per cent was the first...The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates by half a percentage point and signalled further reductions in an attempt to...
Boeing is preparing to furlough tens of thousands of employees to save money as a workers’ strike halts the manufacturing of its bestselling planes. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s chief executive, said a large number of US-based executives, managers and employees would be impacted “over the coming days”. “We are planning for selected employees to...Boeing is preparing to furlough tens of thousands of employees to save money as a workers’ strike halts the manufacturing of its bestselling planes. Kelly Ortberg, Boeing’s chief executive, said a large number of US-based executives, managers and employees would be impacted “over the coming days”. “We are planning for selected employees to...Boeing is preparing to furlough tens of thousands of employees to save money as a workers’ strike halts the manufacturing of...
The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates at 5 per cent until ratesetters can see signs that inflation risks have been quashed. Inflation held steady at 2.2 per cent in August but sped up in the services sector, which is closely watched by the Bank’s nine-strong monetary policy committee (MPC).The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates at 5 per cent until ratesetters can see...The Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates at 5 per cent until ratesetters can see...
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...
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...
market report
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...
Champions League | paul hirst
Man City 0 Inter Milan 0
As Erling Haaland and Francesco Acerbi shared a joke on the pitch after their fierce battle, and Ederson shook hands with his opposite number, Yann Sommer, Uefa started publishing information about the statistics behind the 0-0 draw between Manchester City and Inter Milan. The governing body...As Erling Haaland and Francesco Acerbi shared a joke on the pitch after their fierce battle, and Ederson shook hands with his opposite number, Yann Sommer, Uefa started publishing information about the statistics behind the 0-0 draw between Manchester City and Inter Milan. The governing body...As Erling Haaland and Francesco Acerbi shared a joke on the pitch after their fierce battle, and Ederson shook hands with his...
They are words that have stalked Maro Itoje since they were written in 2021; words that have undermined his reputation and, in the eyes of the England lock, created a false impression of his character. In his controversial book Leadership, Eddie Jones described Itoje as too “inward-looking” to be a positive influence on others...They are words that have stalked Maro Itoje since they were written in 2021; words that have undermined his reputation and, in the eyes of the England lock, created a false impression of his character. In his controversial book Leadership, Eddie Jones described Itoje as too “inward-looking” to be a positive influence on others...They are words that have stalked Maro Itoje since they were written in 2021; words that have undermined his reputation and, in...
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...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...
Champions League | Michael Grant
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...
Mike Atherton
It’s the golf; it’s always the golf, isn’t it? When it was reported that Ollie Pope would be rested for Surrey’s...It’s the golf; it’s always the golf, isn’t it? When it was reported that Ollie Pope would be...It’s the golf; it’s always the golf, isn’t it? When it was reported that Ollie Pope would be...
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 for those into football governance and corporate jargon (we did say something for everyone), there is an epoch-shaping...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...
Manchester City Women were without their star striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier...Manchester City Women were without their star striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier first leg away to Paris FC after the club failed to file a visa application. Shaw, who is Jamaican, requires a visa to enter France or any country in the European Union. That Shaw missed the...Manchester City Women were without their star striker Khadija “Bunny” Shaw for Wednesday’s Champions League qualifier first leg...
matt lawton | nick de marco interview
the trend | HAMZAH KHALIQUE-LOONAT
Premiership guide | Matt Cotton
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...
county championship round-up
Any newcomer to cricket who doubts the importance of the pitch in determining a match’s progress would have done well...Any newcomer to cricket who doubts the importance of the pitch in determining a match’s progress...Any newcomer to cricket who doubts the importance of the pitch in determining a match’s progress...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
After returning from Paris in the wake of a spectacular Paralympic Games, Marc Aspland found himself capturing stars from the world of sport and music (sort of) as he ventured to Wembley, Twickenham (sorry, the Allianz Stadium) and Tottenham for the north London derby. Bradley Ormesher was also back in action this week, taking in the unique atmosphere of the Davis Cup...After returning from Paris in the wake of a spectacular Paralympic Games, Marc Aspland found...After returning from Paris in the wake of a spectacular Paralympic Games, Marc Aspland found...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY Standbackandlook (5.30 Chelmsford) This gelding is a progressive stayer on an all-weather...Racecards BET OF THE DAY Standbackandlook (5.30 Chelmsford) This gelding is a progressive stayer on an all-weather surface and he can return to form here after a below-par third on turf at Nottingham last time. He had appreciated a step up to this trip when easily winning on his previous two starts, both at...Racecards BET OF THE DAY Standbackandlook (5.30 Chelmsford) This gelding is a progressive stayer on an all-weather surface and...
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
Tesco’s CEO has raised the idea of using customers’ Clubcard information to help them to make better food choices. Anne Shooter has some tips of her own
interview
Consultant anaesthetist Mary Doherty worried her career would be threatened when she was diagnosed at 45
As the big news came from Instagram on how they are tightening up restrictions on teenage accounts, I idly...As the big news came from Instagram on how they are tightening up restrictions on teenage...As the big news came from Instagram on how they are tightening up restrictions on teenage...
giles coren
A couple of weeks ago, in my Saturday opinion column, I called pompously but not untypically for a ban on smartphones...A couple of weeks ago, in my Saturday opinion column, I called pompously but not untypically for...A couple of weeks ago, in my Saturday opinion column, I called pompously but not untypically for...
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...
CAITLIN MORAN’S CELEBRITY WATCH
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...
The BIg question
A quarter of employees, many of whom are on the lowest incomes, choose not to contribute to their workplace pension...A quarter of employees, many of whom are on the lowest incomes, choose not to contribute to their...A quarter of employees, many of whom are on the lowest incomes, choose not to contribute to their...
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...
will lyons
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Organic September — a month-long campaign created by the Soil Association to...In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Organic September — a month-long campaign created by the Soil...In case you haven’t noticed, it’s Organic September — a month-long campaign created by the Soil...
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...
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 drama in this fictionalised account of the occasion in 1976 when Paul McCartney paid a visit to his old friend John Lennon at the...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
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...
TELEVISION
The finest jewels worn by pets and the fine pets turned into jewels after their death. By Rachel Church
video
recipe
Step inside the chef’s Michelin-starred kitchen and see how he makes his favourite dish
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...
Scotland would not leave the UK until there is ‘compelling and demonstrable’ backing for it, says first minister
The public is not ready for another independence vote, John Swinney has admitted, as he distanced himself from the prospect of a snap second referendum. The first minister said that Scotland would not leave the UK until there is “compelling and demonstrable” backing for it. A source close to...The public is not ready for another independence vote, John Swinney has admitted, as he distanced himself from the prospect of a snap second referendum. The first minister said that Scotland would not leave the UK until there is “compelling and demonstrable” backing for it. A source close to...The public is not ready for another independence vote, John Swinney has admitted, as he distanced himself from the prospect of...
A Scottish Labour MP who ran the Better Together campaign has compared supporting independence to backing the death penalty. Blair McDougall, who was elected in East Renfrewshire in July, made the “slightly imperfect comparison” as he argued that the constitution is no longer forefront in people’s minds when voting at elections. He pushed...A Scottish Labour MP who ran the Better Together campaign has compared supporting independence to backing the death penalty. Blair McDougall, who was elected in East Renfrewshire in July, made the “slightly imperfect comparison” as he argued that the constitution is no longer forefront in people’s minds when voting at elections. He pushed...A Scottish Labour MP who ran the Better Together campaign has compared supporting independence to backing the death penalty.
ALEX MASSIE
Here’s a good game: ask a dozen members of the Westminster village to name the most significant political events in the United Kingdom this century and see what happens next. Brexit will always be on the list, of course, but consideration should also be given to the great financial crisis of 2008, the war in Iraq...Here’s a good game: ask a dozen members of the Westminster village to name the most significant...Here’s a good game: ask a dozen members of the Westminster village to name the most significant...
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
URC | Mark PAlmer
Comment
Tory beauty parade is really all about Farage
Katy Balls
As the party gathers to consider its four leadership contenders, one eye will be fixed nervously on upstart Reform UK
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.