The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
INVESTMENT SUMMIT
Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at Labour’s investment summit today. The government is expected to announce investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at the conference. A row over criticism of P&O...Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at Labour’s investment summit today. The government is expected to announce investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at the conference. A row over criticism of P&O...Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at Labour’s investment summit today.
Up to a dozen Conservative MPs are considering standing down before the next election because of Labour’s imminent clampdown on second jobs. Senior party sources told The Times that they expected “a drip of resignations” to begin after the Tory leadership contest, starting in the new year. Those who served in Rishi Sunak’s government and...Up to a dozen Conservative MPs are considering standing down before the next election because of Labour’s imminent clampdown on second jobs. Senior party sources told The Times that they expected “a drip of resignations” to begin after the Tory leadership contest, starting in the new year. Those who served in Rishi Sunak’s government and...Up to a dozen Conservative MPs are considering standing down before the next election because of Labour’s imminent clampdown...
CLIVE EFFORD MP
In the seven weeks before the general election, Clive Efford woke up at 6am every day, travelled to hospital for radiotherapy, then returned home and spent his afternoons and evenings knocking on doors in his constituency. The 66-year-old Labour MP was being treated for prostate cancer, undergoing 37 radiotherapy...In the seven weeks before the general election, Clive Efford woke up at 6am every day, travelled...In the seven weeks before the general election, Clive Efford woke up at 6am every day, travelled...
Kevin Maher
Gasp! Coleen Rooney is doing I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!. Hardly a shock. It was written in the...Gasp! Coleen Rooney is doing I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!. Hardly a shock. It...Gasp! Coleen Rooney is doing I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!. Hardly a shock. It...
Interview
Pausing from his work to look out across the frosty countryside, Jasper Cable-Alexander felt excited at having found...Pausing from his work to look out across the frosty countryside, Jasper Cable-Alexander felt...Pausing from his work to look out across the frosty countryside, Jasper Cable-Alexander felt...
Family pay tribute to ‘formidable politician and outstanding intellect’
Lenders, private equity giants, insurers and tech groups say stability has proved attractive
Tories accuse the government of being about to ‘betray’ a manifesto pledge
Four in ten major projects have been delayed since Labour came to power, analysis shows
As Superman, Christopher Reeve was a hero to millions around the world but a new film has revealed that to his family he was just as human as everybody else. In the “flaws and all” feature documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story...As Superman, Christopher Reeve was a hero to millions around the world but a new film has...As Superman, Christopher Reeve was a hero to millions around the world but a new film has...
A reconstruction of the murder of a British family in the Alps will be staged on Thursday as part of a cold case...A reconstruction of the murder of a British family in the Alps will be staged on Thursday as part...A reconstruction of the murder of a British family in the Alps will be staged on Thursday as part...
One of the frontrunners to become the next chancellor of Oxford University has been accused of failing to stand up...One of the frontrunners to become the next chancellor of Oxford University has been accused of...One of the frontrunners to become the next chancellor of Oxford University has been accused of...
The smiles of Hollywood stars can be mesmerising — how did their teeth get so white, so straight, so dazzlingly perfect? In an effort to unpick these questions on everybody’s lips (or rather just behind them), dentists have started taking to...The smiles of Hollywood stars can be mesmerising — how did their teeth get so white, so straight...The smiles of Hollywood stars can be mesmerising — how did their teeth get so white, so straight...
Miranda Hart has told how undiagnosed Lyme disease, which developed into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), left her housebound for the best part of a decade. The comedian and actress said she first became ill when she was 15 and became progressively worse until she had a “total collapse” in the years after the final series of her sitcom Miranda. She said that while...Miranda Hart has told how undiagnosed Lyme disease, which developed into myalgic...Miranda Hart has told how undiagnosed Lyme disease, which developed into myalgic...
Sir Trevor Mcdonald has revealed he missed Margaret Thatcher terribly, George W Bush was “warm and generous” and yes...Sir Trevor Mcdonald has revealed he missed Margaret Thatcher terribly, George W Bush was “warm and generous” and yes: Prince Phillip was a “slightly mad” driver. McDonald, who for many years was the face of ITN’s News at Ten, said that he had a close friendship with the former prime minister in her later...Sir Trevor Mcdonald has revealed he missed Margaret Thatcher terribly, George W Bush was “warm and generous” and yes: Prince...
Are dodos angry that human beings wiped them all out? Can a huge whale skeleton remember its death on a Sussex beach 160 years ago? And who would an extinct giant sloth choose as the next Tory leader? I was able to get answers to these questions...Are dodos angry that human beings wiped them all out? Can a huge whale skeleton remember its...Are dodos angry that human beings wiped them all out? Can a huge whale skeleton remember its...
The UK has gone from the front of the pack to the back in its ability to manufacture a pandemic vaccine, the team behind Oxford Covid jab have warned. Giving evidence to the House of Lords, scientists involved in the design and manufacture of the vaccine said that the UK needed a “peacetime” version of the vaccines taskforce, which led the procurement of vaccines during...The UK has gone from the front of the pack to the back in its ability to manufacture a pandemic...The UK has gone from the front of the pack to the back in its ability to manufacture a pandemic...
From flip phones to baggy trousers and Tamagotchis, Gen Z has embraced the Nineties revival. Now it appears to have...From flip phones to baggy trousers and Tamagotchis, Gen Z has embraced the Nineties revival. Now it appears to have reached the world of fragrance. Classic scents from Calvin Klein to Joop! are being rediscovered, not just by those who wore them decades ago, but by young adults who associate them with a bygone era...From flip phones to baggy trousers and Tamagotchis, Gen Z has embraced the Nineties revival. Now it appears to have reached the...
Germany’s government-in-waiting will drive radical reform of the European Union’s migration system and tighten the conditions for asylum, a senior opposition figure has pledged. Thorsten Frei, one of the most influential powerbrokers in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, said that the...Germany’s government-in-waiting will drive radical reform of the European Union’s migration system and tighten the conditions for asylum, a senior opposition figure has pledged. Thorsten Frei, one of the most influential powerbrokers in the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, said that the...Germany’s government-in-waiting will drive radical reform of the European Union’s migration system and tighten the conditions...
Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of France’s populist right, is expected to blame the European Union and claim to be the victim of persecution when she faces cross-examination on Monday at her trial on charges of siphoning off nearly €7 million of European funds to pay party personnel. Le Pen, 56, a past and future presidential contender, is...Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of France’s populist right, is expected to blame the European Union and claim to be the victim of persecution when she faces cross-examination on Monday at her trial on charges of siphoning off nearly €7 million of European funds to pay party personnel. Le Pen, 56, a past and future presidential contender, is...Marine Le Pen, the figurehead of France’s populist right, is expected to blame the European Union and claim to be the victim of...
One surprise was that the Gao brothers got away with it for so long. Their smooth, strange sculptures of Chairman Mao in poses by turns violent and humiliating were a carefully thought-out challenge to the Chinese Communist Party, which still officially venerates him. Yet for years, they continued to work from their...One surprise was that the Gao brothers got away with it for so long. Their smooth, strange...One surprise was that the Gao brothers got away with it for so long. Their smooth, strange...
A third possible assassination attempt on Donald Trump was thwarted on Saturday when police stopped a man armed with...A third possible assassination attempt on Donald Trump was thwarted on Saturday when police...A third possible assassination attempt on Donald Trump was thwarted on Saturday when police...
Poland has demanded a suspension of European Union asylum rules on its border with Belarus before a tense Brussels...Poland has demanded a suspension of European Union asylum rules on its border with Belarus before...Poland has demanded a suspension of European Union asylum rules on its border with Belarus before...
A joint US-Jordanian archaeological team has uncovered a 2,000-year-old tomb in the Unesco world heritage site of Petra that could help solve age-old mysteries about the ancient city and the people who built it. The tomb was found just beneath the...A joint US-Jordanian archaeological team has uncovered a 2,000-year-old tomb in the Unesco world...A joint US-Jordanian archaeological team has uncovered a 2,000-year-old tomb in the Unesco world...
from our correspondent
It began with a row in a club in Thailand between the heads of two drug gangs based in faraway Marseilles. Mehdi Abdelatif Laribi, known as “Tic”, and Félix Bingui, nicknamed “the Cat”, had grown up together and were even friends, but tensions...It began with a row in a club in Thailand between the heads of two drug gangs based in faraway...It began with a row in a club in Thailand between the heads of two drug gangs based in faraway...
swing state special
A pre-election four-part tour through America’s battleground swing states begins in a place where job and wealth creation is the main show in town
analysis
Administration could include familiar names, female trailblazers — and possibly a Republican
in maps and charts
Britain’s top five banks can support the government in achieving growth and greater prosperity if they are shielded from further regulations, their bosses have said. Before the government’s international investment summit today the leaders of HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest and Barclays have...Britain’s top five banks can support the government in achieving growth and greater prosperity if they are shielded from further regulations, their bosses have said. Before the government’s international investment summit today the leaders of HSBC, Lloyds, Santander, NatWest and Barclays have...Britain’s top five banks can support the government in achieving growth and greater prosperity if they are shielded from...
comment
This is a critical moment for the UK economy. The government has set an ambition to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Achieving that will require a step change in how we collaborate across the public and private sectors, alongside the supporting policy and regulatory steps. As the UK’s five biggest banks we are clear that how, as a...This is a critical moment for the UK economy. The government has set an ambition to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7. Achieving that will require a step change in how we collaborate across the public and private sectors, alongside the supporting policy and regulatory steps. As the UK’s five biggest banks we are clear that how, as a...This is a critical moment for the UK economy. The government has set an ambition to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7.
INVESTMENT SUMMIT
Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at Labour’s investment summit today. The government is expected to announce investment deals worth billions in AI, life sciences and infrastructure at the conference. A row over criticism of P&O Ferries that jeopardised...Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at...Sir Keir Starmer will pledge to get rid of regulation that “needlessly holds back investment” at...
The number of landlord-owned properties will shrink by almost a million in ten years if Rachel Reeves increases the tax on their profits to the same level as income tax, a leading economics consultancy has calculated. Capital Economics predicts a...The number of landlord-owned properties will shrink by almost a million in ten years if Rachel...The number of landlord-owned properties will shrink by almost a million in ten years if Rachel...
comment
“The failure to tax capital gains is widely regarded … as the greatest blot on our existing system of direct taxation.“The failure to tax capital gains is widely regarded … as the greatest blot on our existing...“The failure to tax capital gains is widely regarded … as the greatest blot on our existing...
budget preview
With just over a fortnight to go before this government’s first budget, employers’ national insurance contributions...With just over a fortnight to go before this government’s first budget, employers’ national...With just over a fortnight to go before this government’s first budget, employers’ national...
recruitment
Headlines laying bare the UK’s record economic inactivity rate have caused widespread consternation, with more than a fifth of adults not looking for work. But for those attempting to return to work after a career break the situation is tough too. A lack of opportunities, working below their qualification levels and prejudice from hiring managers mean three quarters of...Headlines laying bare the UK’s record economic inactivity rate have caused widespread...Headlines laying bare the UK’s record economic inactivity rate have caused widespread...
six from the best
Inspired by a childhood vision sparked while watching Back to the Future, Ariel Haroush is about to launch...Inspired by a childhood vision sparked while watching Back to the Future, Ariel Haroush is about to launch the world’s most high-tech shopping experience on London’s Oxford Street. As the founder of Future Stores and Outform, his leadership style merges creativity and hard numbers. Here is his advice on how to...Inspired by a childhood vision sparked while watching Back to the Future, Ariel Haroush is about to launch the world’s...
Pep Guardiola has left the door open to the possibility of becoming the next England manager. In comments that will give encouragement to the Football Association, Guardiola would not rule out the idea of taking charge of England next summer when his contract with Manchester City expires. The...Pep Guardiola has left the door open to the possibility of becoming the next England manager. In comments that will give encouragement to the Football Association, Guardiola would not rule out the idea of taking charge of England next summer when his contract with Manchester City expires. The...Pep Guardiola has left the door open to the possibility of becoming the next England manager. In comments that will give...
Nigeria’s football association said it will fly its team back home after claims the players were “locked up in an abandoned airport like hostages” before an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya. The team were held at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya for more than 15 hours after their chartered flight landed on Sunday. They were due to make...Nigeria’s football association said it will fly its team back home after claims the players were “locked up in an abandoned airport like hostages” before an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya. The team were held at the Al Abraq Airport in Libya for more than 15 hours after their chartered flight landed on Sunday. They were due to make...Nigeria’s football association said it will fly its team back home after claims the players were “locked up in an abandoned...
Mike Atherton
Graham Gooch once noted, rather lugubriously, that he is the only player to have his scores from his debut Test written into his surname. From that unpromising start, greatness eventually followed and his masterly 333 at Lord’s was the last time an England batsman had made a triple hundred before Harry Brook in Multan.Graham Gooch once noted, rather lugubriously, that he is the only player to have his scores from...Graham Gooch once noted, rather lugubriously, that he is the only player to have his scores from...
Nations League | Jonathan Northcroft
AMERICA’S CUP | rick broadbent
Gallagher Premiership | Will Kelleher
stuart barnes
Newcastle Falcons are supposedly developing players. That is one of the regular excuses when the promotion-relegation...Newcastle Falcons are supposedly developing players. That is one of the regular excuses when the...Newcastle Falcons are supposedly developing players. That is one of the regular excuses when the...
mike atherton
Unorthodox, maybe. Unprecedented, possibly. But as the groundsman began the process of bringing back from the dead...Unorthodox, maybe. Unprecedented, possibly. But as the groundsman began the process of bringing...Unorthodox, maybe. Unprecedented, possibly. But as the groundsman began the process of bringing...
NATIONS LEAGUE | PAUL HIRST
women’s t20 world cup
Our columnist had never lived the crazy, shoulder-padded dream. But it’s never too late to try …
From bold silhouettes to even bolder colours and shoes you can’t walk in, here’s how to do Eighties style
interview
Mary Trump was a clinical psychologist but she has a new vocation — skewering the 45th president
Interview
After the late Lord Snowdon’s son had a freak accident, surgeons battled for the photographer’s sight
ask professor tanya byron
Q. I am 49, happily married with a daughter and a son. My mother-in-law is an alcoholic, but most of the family are...Q. I am 49, happily married with a daughter and a son. My mother-in-law is an alcoholic, but most...Q. I am 49, happily married with a daughter and a son. My mother-in-law is an alcoholic, but most...
review | music
Long before he was reclaimed as a beloved figurehead of unassuming Britishness, Rick Astley was the last word in...Long before he was reclaimed as a beloved figurehead of unassuming Britishness, Rick Astley was...Long before he was reclaimed as a beloved figurehead of unassuming Britishness, Rick Astley was...
They call it the world’s most travelled artwork. Whether that’s true or not, it’s about to go to its (probably) final resting place. This month, William Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World — looking better than it has done for a century after a...They call it the world’s most travelled artwork. Whether that’s true or not, it’s about to go to...They call it the world’s most travelled artwork. Whether that’s true or not, it’s about to go to...
First Night Review
Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so have the inside track...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so...
Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll also...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few...
First Night Review
First Night Review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
On November 5 2024, tens of millions of Americans will go to the polls to decide the next president of the United States. Will Kamala Harris become the first female incumbent of the White House or will Donald Trump return to power four years after...On November 5 2024, tens of millions of Americans will go to the polls to decide the next...On November 5 2024, tens of millions of Americans will go to the polls to decide the next...
Viewing GUide
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
Television
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
television
MindGames
1 On October 1, Shigeru Ishiba became which Asian country’s new prime minister? 2 The Southern Daily Echo newspaper is based in which Hampshire city? 3 The sarcastic fringehead and tasselled wobbegong are types of which creature? 4 Which London Underground line opened in 1968 between Walthamstow Central and Highbury & Islington? 5 In business, a KPI is a key performance...1 On October 1, Shigeru Ishiba became which Asian country’s new prime minister? 2 The Southern...1 On October 1, Shigeru Ishiba became which Asian country’s new prime minister? 2 The Southern...
DISPATCH FROM SAN FRANCISCO
She charmed her way into Californian high society (and the gossip columns) but can the wannabe president sweet-talk the rest of America? Megan Agnew speaks to the friends, colleagues and allies who witnessed her early ascent up close
A low-carbohydrates diet may not be the answer to a long and healthy life after all. Giulia Crouch explains why
what i’ve learnt
The Olympic diver talks body image, coming out and the therapeutic power of knitting
motor awards 2024
Which models have raced ahead of the rest? The experts from The Sunday Times, The Sun and Luxx magazine pick this year’s Motor Awards winners
exclusive
The Russian opposition leader’s powerful memoir, Patriot, reveals a charismatic and courageous man
Helen Constantine is part of a growing tribe who make it their business to sort out other people’s properties, from stately homes to suburban kitchens
KATE REARDON
Two new luxury seaside resorts that offer grand beachfront residences and swim-up rooms for splendid isolation
The new Polestar 3 is 2.5 tons of luxury car, but technical wizardry means it can take corners like its niftier rivals
video
fashion
The Louis Vuitton trunk has been emblematic of luxury travel since it was first created in the 19th century. It was Vuitton himself who came up with the original design in 1837, when he was just 16 years old. The son of a farmer and a milliner...The Louis Vuitton trunk has been emblematic of luxury travel since it was first created in the...The Louis Vuitton trunk has been emblematic of luxury travel since it was first created in the...
Ticket prices are on the rise, but pick your airline carefully and you could save over 50 per cent on some routes, says Chris Haslam
Charming Parma, halfway between Milan and Bologna, has all the elegant hotels, culture and irresistible artisanal produce you need for a perfect autumn weekend break
Mexico has always held special memories for James Palmer and his wife. Eighteen years later, they took their children along as they rediscovered the country’s magic
The one-bedroom pad built for the swimming pool at the singer’s beloved Goring-on-Thames home is now available to rent. Club Tropicana or cottage core? Our writer decides
Travel Editor’s Take
More families than ever are stepping out of their fly-and-flop comfort zones with adventurous breaks. Our head of travel explains the appeal (and how to get it right)
comment
If you’re a new parent reading this, the answer to your question about whether you’ll ever get to go on a nice...If you’re a new parent reading this, the answer to your question about whether you’ll ever get to...If you’re a new parent reading this, the answer to your question about whether you’ll ever get to...
“Oh, right — good luck!” That was the general response when I announced our summer holiday plans to friends, who had...“Oh, right — good luck!” That was the general response when I announced our summer holiday plans...“Oh, right — good luck!” That was the general response when I announced our summer holiday plans...
video
Hundreds of potential entrants were considered for The Times and Sunday Times 50 Best UK Spas guide, and only the very best made the cut. Only one, though, ticked every box for our team of expert reviewers this year: the Herb House at Lime Wood...Hundreds of potential entrants were considered for The Times and Sunday Times 50 Best UK Spas...Hundreds of potential entrants were considered for The Times and Sunday Times 50 Best UK Spas...
WEATHER EYE
St James’s Palace
12th October, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Royal Honorary Colonel, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry...St James’s Palace
12th October, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Royal Honorary Colonel, The...St James’s Palace
12th October, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Royal Honorary Colonel, The...
I HAVE set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm 16.8 (AV)
Bible...I HAVE set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm...I HAVE set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psalm...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Family pay tribute to ‘formidable politician and outstanding intellect’
Alex Salmond collapsed and “died on the spot” at the conference he had been attending in North Macedonia, local police have said, as his family paid tribute to a “formidable politician”. Scotland’s former first minister had been complaining about pains in his leg at a meeting in the historic...Alex Salmond collapsed and “died on the spot” at the conference he had been attending in North Macedonia, local police have said, as his family paid tribute to a “formidable politician”. Scotland’s former first minister had been complaining about pains in his leg at a meeting in the historic...Alex Salmond collapsed and “died on the spot” at the conference he had been attending in North Macedonia, local police have...
The Tory grandee Sir David Davis has called for “Salmond reforms” at Holyrood as he vowed to continue to fight to clear the name of the former Scottish first minister. The former Brexit secretary, MP for Goole and Pocklington, has long criticised the way his nationalist political opponent, but close personal friend, was investigated over...The Tory grandee Sir David Davis has called for “Salmond reforms” at Holyrood as he vowed to continue to fight to clear the name of the former Scottish first minister. The former Brexit secretary, MP for Goole and Pocklington, has long criticised the way his nationalist political opponent, but close personal friend, was investigated over...The Tory grandee Sir David Davis has called for “Salmond reforms” at Holyrood as he vowed to continue to fight to clear the...
iain macwhirter
Alex Salmond was the kind of politician other politicians loved to hate. And he loved nothing better than upsetting them. You could almost hear him sniggering on Saturday night from beyond the veil at the insincere eulogies from politicians who loathed the ground on which he walked — especially, perhaps, that of his...Alex Salmond was the kind of politician other politicians loved to hate. And he loved nothing...Alex Salmond was the kind of politician other politicians loved to hate. And he loved nothing...
Campaigners are stepping up a drive to get the meat of kings served to Scottish children. Up to 100,000 deer a year are culled in the country, producing an estimated 3,000 tonnes of venison. However, Scotland lacks clear supply chains to get the...Campaigners are stepping up a drive to get the meat of kings served to Scottish children. Up to...Campaigners are stepping up a drive to get the meat of kings served to Scottish children. Up to...
John Swinney’s clampdown on spending has triggered a rebuke from the SNP’s most experienced cabinet ministers, who...John Swinney’s clampdown on spending has triggered a rebuke from the SNP’s most experienced...John Swinney’s clampdown on spending has triggered a rebuke from the SNP’s most experienced...
Water is so scarce in some parts of Scotland that communities have been placed on the second-highest level of drought...Water is so scarce in some parts of Scotland that communities have been placed on the...Water is so scarce in some parts of Scotland that communities have been placed on the...
MICHAEL GRANT
Andy Onyeama-Christie, the luckless Scotland back-row forward, is set for another lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering what appeared to be a serious lower-leg injury in the opening exchanges of Saracens’ 17-10 Gallagher Premiership...Andy Onyeama-Christie, the luckless Scotland back-row forward, is set for another lengthy spell...Andy Onyeama-Christie, the luckless Scotland back-row forward, is set for another lengthy spell...
Comment
Only one of these Tories is fit to lead the party
Matthew Parris
Jenrick would poison the Conservatives; Badenoch is original, carries the hint of a risk, but Cleverly could help her
libby purves
Rash Haigh must wise up to the real world
Tomiwa Owolade
Book shaming the young is but half the story
Juliet Samuel | Notebook
Children’s stories today don’t Scrubb up too well
Clive Efford
We need to change the NHS guidelines on prostate cancer
Leading Articles
Open for Business
To prosper outside the EU, Britain must be open to international investment
Free Thinking
Labour is complacently ignoring the free speech crisis on university campuses
X Marks the Spot
SpaceX’s successful trial of a reusable rocket will boost Elon Musk’s galactic ambition
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Schools and the responsibility for parenting
Write to [email protected] Sir, Joanna Williams makes a commendable attempt to restore parents’ sovereignty over their own children (“Hey, teacher, leave those kids alone — and let parents do the parenting”, Weekend essay, Oct 12). We...Write to [email protected] Sir, Joanna Williams makes a commendable attempt to restore...Write to [email protected] Sir, Joanna Williams makes a commendable attempt to restore...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: International investment conference hosted by UK government, London.
World: Opec’s monthly report on oil markets; Paris Motor Show starts.
On this day
In 1933 Germany announced its intention to withdraw from the League of Nations, which became effective on October 23, and the Geneva disarmament conference, which collapsed a year later; in 1939 the battleship HMS Royal Oak was sunk, with the loss of more than 800 lives, by the German submarine U-47 in Scapa Flow, Orkney, Scotland; in 1940 68 people were killed during the Blitz at Balham underground station in south London. A bomb partially destroyed a tunnel and the water mains and sewers above it, flooding the platforms; in 1944 Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was ordered to commit suicide or face a public trial for treason, after being implicated in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler during the Second World War. Rommel took the cyanide capsule option, with his wife and son’s safety being assured.
Nature notes
With their long, narrow leaves, willows are easy to recognise — though not many of us can tell the 18 species and 27 hybrids native to Britain apart. The white willow is the most common and widespread across the UK, though crack willows, goat willows, grey willows and osiers are also easy to find. Before plastic was invented willow was crucial to many industries, from basket-making to tool handles and to artificial limbs. Today it has a crucial role to play in terms of biodiversity — several hundred invertebrates rely on it for food, not to mention the habitat it provides — and as a protector of river banks and for use in biomass energy production, due to its rapid growth and willingness to be coppiced. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Jon Ashworth, chief executive, Labour Together, Labour Co-op MP for Leicester South (2011-May 2024), shadow paymaster-general (2023-May 2024), 46; Alex Beard, chief executive, Royal Opera House, 61; Lady (Diana) Brittan of Spennithorne DBE, chairwoman, Independent Age charity (2009-17), 84; Steve Coogan, comedian and actor, Philomena (2013), 59; Jody Cundy, cyclist and swimmer, nine-time Paralympic gold medallist, 46; Sir Martin Davidson, chairman, Great Britain China Centre, chief executive, British Council (2007-14), 69; Justin Hayward, musician, the Moody Blues, Nights in White Satin (1967), 78; Andy Hill, businessman, founder (1999) and chief executive, The Hill Group, 66; Prof Victor Hoffbrand, haematologist, 89; Aki Hussain, chief executive, Hiscox (insurance group), 52; Peter Jackson, chief executive, Flutter Entertainment, 49; Lesley Joseph, actress, Birds of a Feather (1989-98, 2014-17), 79; Ralph Lauren, fashion designer, founder, Polo Menswear Co (1968), 85; Lord (Richard) Luce, Conservative MP (1971-92), lord chamberlain (2000-06), 88; Sir Cliff Richard, singer, 84; Sir Peter Riddell, commissioner for Public Appointments (2016-21), director, Institute for Government (2012-16), chief political commentator of The Times (1993-2010), 76; Jim Rowan, president and chief executive, Volvo Cars, 59; Alex Scott, footballer, former Arsenal and England player, now a commentator, 40; Prof Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, chair, Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2020-23), 54; Roger Taylor, tennis player and coach, 83; Christopher Timothy, actor, 84; Carole Tongue, founder (2005) and chair, UK Coalition for Cultural Diversity, 69; J Craig Venter, pioneer in human genome sequencing, 78; Rose Wylie, painter, 90; La Monte Young, minimalist music composer, The Well-Tuned Piano, 89.