In the News
‘Substantial’ risk of intensive care beds running out, admits PM
newBoris Johnson has admitted that the risk of running out of NHS intensive care beds was “very substantial” as he warned that schools may not reopen after the half-term break. Giving evidence to MPs, the prime minister said that despite some signs that infection rates were slowing he could not...Boris Johnson has admitted that the risk of running out of NHS intensive care beds was “very substantial” as he warned that schools may not reopen after the half-term break. Giving evidence to MPs, the prime minister said that despite some signs that infection rates were slowing he could not...Boris Johnson has admitted that the risk of running out of NHS intensive care beds was “very substantial” as he warned that...
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Meagre food parcels an ‘insult to families’, says Johnson
newBoris Johnson has described the food parcels being sent out to children during lockdown as “disgraceful” as the government changed its guidance on how to ensure children get school meals. The prime minister said that the packages were “appalling” and an “insult to the families that have received them” and he agreed to review the supply chain.Boris Johnson has described the food parcels being sent out to children during lockdown as “disgraceful” as the government changed its guidance on how to ensure children get school meals. The prime minister said that the packages were “appalling” and an “insult to the families that have received them” and he agreed to review the supply chain.Boris Johnson has described the food parcels being sent out to children during lockdown as “disgraceful” as the government...
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Trump on brink of becoming first president to be impeached twice
newPresident Trump is set to become the first US leader to be impeached twice in a vote today supported by a small number of rebels from his own party after a rushed debate in the House of Representatives. Democrats pushed ahead with breakneck speed, foregoing the usual presentation of evidence and questioning of...President Trump is set to become the first US leader to be impeached twice in a vote today...President Trump is set to become the first US leader to be impeached twice in a vote today...
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CORONAVIRUS
Teacher grades will form benchmark for exams
Student who spots history from space
Britain’s rich history can be inconvenient for developers. Unearthing an Anglo Saxon burial site or Roman temple can...Britain’s rich history can be inconvenient for developers. Unearthing an Anglo Saxon burial site...Britain’s rich history can be inconvenient for developers. Unearthing an Anglo Saxon burial site...
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Embrace the ‘discomfort’ of Oxbridge, students told
The actor Riz Ahmed has encouraged ethnic minority students to be “comfortable with the discomfort” of attending...The actor Riz Ahmed has encouraged ethnic minority students to be “comfortable with the...The actor Riz Ahmed has encouraged ethnic minority students to be “comfortable with the...
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CORONAVIRUS
Police under fire for outdoor clampdown
coronavirus
‘Empty hospital’ activist fined £200
coronavirus
Cricket fan caught out after ten‑month wait
coronavirus
Largest yearly increase in deaths since 1940
Last year there was the largest increase in deaths in a single year in England and Wales since 1940. Office for National Statistics figures show that there were 608,002 deaths registered in England and Wales last year, up 15 per cent from 530,841...Last year there was the largest increase in deaths in a single year in England and Wales since 1940.Last year there was the largest increase in deaths in a single year in England and Wales since 1940.
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coronavirus | around the world
Coughing gorilla troop tests positive at US zoo
Political Sketch
A talkin’ to from small wonder of the cabinet
As soon as the Downing Street scene-shifters placed the special shorties’ dais in front of the central lectern, it...As soon as the Downing Street scene-shifters placed the special shorties’ dais in front of the...As soon as the Downing Street scene-shifters placed the special shorties’ dais in front of the...
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RED BOX | ESTHER WEBBER
Are we witnessing a rebirth of target culture?
One feature of the pandemic is that we’ve become used to numbers being front and foremost: above all else, the grim...One feature of the pandemic is that we’ve become used to numbers being front and foremost: above...One feature of the pandemic is that we’ve become used to numbers being front and foremost: above...
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the times diary
Tory turned air true blue
News in pictures
For more pictures from The Times follow us on InstagramFor more pictures from The Times follow us on InstagramFor more pictures from The Times follow us on Instagram
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World at five
Biden hopes old faces will restore balancing act
newOne accused Turkey’s President Erdogan of sheltering Islamic State and its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Two more earned the wrath of Saudi Arabia for negotiating with Iran behind the backs of America’s Gulf allies under President Obama. A fourth was vilified over the resulting deal by the American cheerleaders of Binyamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister. Now...One accused Turkey’s President Erdogan of sheltering Islamic State and its leader, Abu Bakr...One accused Turkey’s President Erdogan of sheltering Islamic State and its leader, Abu Bakr...
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Mafia trial of the century opens in courtroom with seats for 1,000
newHundreds of lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and defendants drew breath as they filed into Italy’s newest and...Hundreds of lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and defendants drew breath as they filed into Italy’s newest and largest courtroom today for the opening of the country’s biggest mafia trial in 30 years. “I’m impressed, it’s beautiful,” Leopoldo Marchese, a lawyer, said before adding: “Is there a smoking area? It’s...Hundreds of lawyers, prosecutors, police officers and defendants drew breath as they filed into Italy’s newest and largest...
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crisis america
Marriage of convenience brought to devastating end
video
CRISIS AMERICA
Trump’s name gouged on to endangered manatee
Crisis America
Twitter bans 70,000 accounts in QAnon purge
Twitter has announced a purge of 70,000 accounts dedicated to spreading the QAnon conspiracy theory in the latest...Twitter has announced a purge of 70,000 accounts dedicated to spreading the QAnon conspiracy...Twitter has announced a purge of 70,000 accounts dedicated to spreading the QAnon conspiracy...
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Crisis America
Republicans face corporates’ wrath over power grab
The Republican Party’s funding network is on the verge of collapse after a string of corporations declared that they...The Republican Party’s funding network is on the verge of collapse after a string of corporations...The Republican Party’s funding network is on the verge of collapse after a string of corporations...
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Russian navy captain stole ship’s 13-tonne propellers
The former commander of a Russian navy destroyer stole its 13-tonne bronze propellers and replaced them with ones made from a cheaper metal, investigators have said. The twin propellers, worth 39 million roubles (£388,000)...The former commander of a Russian navy destroyer stole its 13-tonne bronze propellers and replaced them with ones made from a cheaper metal, investigators have said. The twin propellers, worth 39 million roubles (£388,000)...The former commander of a Russian navy destroyer stole its 13-tonne bronze propellers and replaced them with ones...
Read the full storyIrish shame at 9,000 deaths in mother and baby homes
The Irish government will apologise today after a commission concluded that up to 9,000 children died in mother and baby homes overseen by the government and Catholic institutions where there was an “appalling level of infant...The Irish government will apologise today after a commission concluded that up to 9,000 children died in mother and baby homes overseen by the government and Catholic institutions where there was an “appalling level of infant...The Irish government will apologise today after a commission concluded that up to 9,000 children died in mother and...
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video
Record-breaking Russian swims under ice for 85 metres
A 40-year-old Russian woman has broken the world record for under-ice swimming, covering 85m in near-freezing waters in Siberia. Yekaterina Nekrasova wore only a bathing suit as she plunged into Lake Baikal, the world’s oldest and deepest...A 40-year-old Russian woman has broken the world record for under-ice swimming, covering 85m in...A 40-year-old Russian woman has broken the world record for under-ice swimming, covering 85m in...
Read the full storyEuropean Central Bank boss Lagarde calls for regulation of Bitcoin ‘funny business’
newBitcoin is a “funny business” asset that is used for money laundering and needs global regulation, the president of the European Central Bank has said. Speaking at a Reuters online event, Christine Lagarde was unequivocal in her criticism. “For those who had assumed it might turn into a currency...Bitcoin is a “funny business” asset that is used for money laundering and needs global regulation, the president of the European Central Bank has said. Speaking at a Reuters online event, Christine Lagarde was unequivocal in her criticism. “For those who had assumed it might turn into a currency...Bitcoin is a “funny business” asset that is used for money laundering and needs global regulation, the president of the...
Read the full storyBanks and businesses look to sever ties with Trump
President Trump is facing a growing corporate backlash in the wake of last week’s attack on the Capitol as his company’s largest lender seeks to sever ties. Deutsche Bank, which has $340 million of outstanding loans to the Trump Organization, will reportedly not deal in future with the outgoing president or his business empire. A spokesman...President Trump is facing a growing corporate backlash in the wake of last week’s attack on the Capitol as his company’s largest lender seeks to sever ties. Deutsche Bank, which has $340 million of outstanding loans to the Trump Organization, will reportedly not deal in future with the outgoing president or his business empire. A spokesman...President Trump is facing a growing corporate backlash in the wake of last week’s attack on the Capitol as his company’s...
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Persimmon boasts record order book as demand remains strong
Britain’s most profitable housebuilder has started the year with a £1.2 billion cash pile and a record order book as the pandemic fails to put a dent in buyer demand and construction productivity. Persimmon said that revenue in 2020 fell by less than 10 per cent despite the disruption caused by the first national...Britain’s most profitable housebuilder has started the year with a £1.2 billion cash pile and a...Britain’s most profitable housebuilder has started the year with a £1.2 billion cash pile and a...
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comment
The City should seize its chance to strike out alone and innovate
newIt may have been Sun Tzu, or possibly Michael Corleone, who said to “keep your friends close and your enemies closer”...It may have been Sun Tzu, or possibly Michael Corleone, who said to “keep your friends close and...It may have been Sun Tzu, or possibly Michael Corleone, who said to “keep your friends close and...
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Tempus
Veteran pits new ad plans against old
newIt’s not quite David and Goliath but there are plenty of similarities. On one side there is WPP, one of the...It’s not quite David and Goliath but there are plenty of similarities. On one side there is WPP...It’s not quite David and Goliath but there are plenty of similarities. On one side there is WPP...
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comment
Shaggy mutt signs up for Hut magic
Not bad for a “standard” listing. Even the Dulux dog has spotted that The Hut Group is turning into a rather palatial...Not bad for a “standard” listing. Even the Dulux dog has spotted that The Hut Group is turning...Not bad for a “standard” listing. Even the Dulux dog has spotted that The Hut Group is turning...
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comment
Buy British? It’s not as simple as it seems, for industry or the consumer
At this gloomy time, we need things to cheer us up and make us swell with pride. The successful development of the...At this gloomy time, we need things to cheer us up and make us swell with pride. The successful...At this gloomy time, we need things to cheer us up and make us swell with pride. The successful...
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comment
Hyundai’s slip offers a glimpse of Apple’s carmaking ambitions
If Hyundai wants to make a success of an electric car alliance with Apple, it will need to learn to play by the...If Hyundai wants to make a success of an electric car alliance with Apple, it will need to learn...If Hyundai wants to make a success of an electric car alliance with Apple, it will need to learn...
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Investors make play for Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Almost 1,500 retail jobs have been saved after the sale of Edinburgh Woollen Mill to a consortium of international...Almost 1,500 retail jobs have been saved after the sale of Edinburgh Woollen Mill to a consortium...Almost 1,500 retail jobs have been saved after the sale of Edinburgh Woollen Mill to a consortium...
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Sailing | Ben Ainslie interview
‘We were at rock bottom, we’ve got nothing to lose’
newAnyone who has followed Sir Ben Ainslie’s stellar career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to come back from an apparently hopeless position. The problem he now faces is that unlike many of his past fightbacks — notably in the Olympics — it is not just him that...Anyone who has followed Sir Ben Ainslie’s stellar career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to come back from an apparently hopeless position. The problem he now faces is that unlike many of his past fightbacks — notably in the Olympics — it is not just him that...Anyone who has followed Sir Ben Ainslie’s stellar career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to...
Read the full storycricket | Mike Atherton
Ignore the snitches, sledging can be barbed – but fans must not be abusive
newThere is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground in world cricket that has immortalised a spectator renowned for the persistence of his polemic. In even the most biosecure of bubbles, with no spectators present, one such sits at the Sydney Cricket Ground in permanent bronze, leaning forward...There is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground in world cricket that has immortalised a spectator renowned for the persistence of his polemic. In even the most biosecure of bubbles, with no spectators present, one such sits at the Sydney Cricket Ground in permanent bronze, leaning forward...There is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground in world cricket that has...
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Premier League
Clubs face sanctions if players continue to ignore Covid-19 protocols
updatedPlayers and coaching staff participating in tonight’s Premier League matches will be under intense scrutiny as the pressure grows for them to comply with upgraded Covid-19 protocols. The Premier League expects players to start observing the stricter guidelines when celebrating goals over the coming days, amid...Players and coaching staff participating in tonight’s Premier League matches will be under...Players and coaching staff participating in tonight’s Premier League matches will be under...
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The Game Daily | James Gheerbrant
Who is the breakthrough player of the year so far?
Football | Gregor Robertson
Punishing players for celebrating together is unrealistic and illogical
newI was not, to put it mildly, a prolific goalscorer — four in 360 professional games, to be precise. Yet I can recall...I was not, to put it mildly, a prolific goalscorer — four in 360 professional games, to be precise.I was not, to put it mildly, a prolific goalscorer — four in 360 professional games, to be precise.
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Golf | Matthew Syed
Golf has nerve to shun Trump while cosying up to tyrants
Mission Hills is — how shall we put this? — well integrated into the golfing community. The Chinese group owns...Mission Hills is — how shall we put this? — well integrated into the golfing community. The...Mission Hills is — how shall we put this? — well integrated into the golfing community. The...
Read the full storyNFL
‘Revenge game’ for Hunt as Browns face Chiefs
newWhen an NFL player faces his former team, it is sometimes called a “revenge game”. The Cleveland Browns against the Kansas City Chiefs, in the Divisional Round of the play-offs on Sunday, is one such encounter. Indeed, after Browns running back...When an NFL player faces his former team, it is sometimes called a “revenge game”. The Cleveland...When an NFL player faces his former team, it is sometimes called a “revenge game”. The Cleveland...
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Owen Slot | ann mckee interview
‘Rugby is ready to explode. Children should not be playing it’
Cricket | Mike Atherton
Sultry contest offers a beautiful distraction
There will be a wistful feeling for those looking on during the early, dark, dismal hours in England. The venue for...There will be a wistful feeling for those looking on during the early, dark, dismal hours in...There will be a wistful feeling for those looking on during the early, dark, dismal hours in...
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Formula One | Rebecca Clancy
F1 has adapted well – football could learn a thing or two
To the surprise of absolutely no one, Formula One has reshuffled this season’s calendar before it has even started.To the surprise of absolutely no one, Formula One has reshuffled this season’s calendar before it...To the surprise of absolutely no one, Formula One has reshuffled this season’s calendar before it...
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Premier League | Henry Winter
Pogba knocks Liverpool off their perch
Premier League
Ancelotti crafts ‘efficient’ win without striker
Premier League
Sullivan family can go to West Ham games
Cricket | Mike Atherton
Pitch invasion that marked dawning of Bradman era
There are still those alive who saw Don Bradman bat. The broadcaster Michael Parkinson is one: in 1948 he and his father cycled 30 miles from Barnsley to Headingley to watch the greatest run-getter the game has produced. The Don made 33 that day...There are still those alive who saw Don Bradman bat. The broadcaster Michael Parkinson is one: in...There are still those alive who saw Don Bradman bat. The broadcaster Michael Parkinson is one: in...
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Premier League
It is the perfect time to face Liverpool, says Solskjaer
Premier League
Mourinho tells Parker to stop his whingeing
Football | Matt Dickinson
Evocative reminder of when the FA Cup had it all
A side-effect of Covid-19 is heightened nostalgia — especially when a sift through The Times’ photographic archive unearthed a roll of film from one of the most famous FA Cup third-round upsets of them all. It is a mark of these challenging...A side-effect of Covid-19 is heightened nostalgia — especially when a sift through The Times...A side-effect of Covid-19 is heightened nostalgia — especially when a sift through The Times...
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Premier League
Villa want Everton match postponed
Sailing
‘Write Ainslie off at your peril. He’s the most decorated Olympic yachtsman ever’
Sir Ben Ainslie and Ineos Team UK should not be written off despite their struggles before the start of the Prada Cup challenger selection series this week, according to the chief executive of Team New Zealand. In an interview conducted before the final two practice races — in which the much-improved Britannia was beaten in two hard-fought heats by Italy’s Luna Rossa —...Sir Ben Ainslie and Ineos Team UK should not be written off despite their struggles before the...Sir Ben Ainslie and Ineos Team UK should not be written off despite their struggles before the...
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sailing
Ainslie and Ineos could have say in future of America’s Cup
Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Team UK could become the next Challenger of Record in the America’s Cup, giving them a much...Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Team UK could become the next Challenger of Record in the America’s Cup, giving them a much bigger say in how a future event is organised and where it is staged. The COR usually organises the challenger selection series — this year called the Prada Cup — in which Ainslie’s team will compete for...Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Team UK could become the next Challenger of Record in the America’s Cup, giving them a much bigger say in...
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Sports photography
Times Sport Unseen: FA Cup magic at Marine and history-making Price
Bradley says: There were records and hearts broken at the Marine Travel Arena on Sunday. I was one of the fortunate few to be present as Marine were beaten 5-0 by Tottenham Hotspur — eight tiers and 160 places above them in the football pyramid —...Bradley says: There were records and hearts broken at the Marine Travel Arena on Sunday. I was...Bradley says: There were records and hearts broken at the Marine Travel Arena on Sunday. I was...
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Sky Bet Championship
Austin powers QPR victory on his return
Sky Bet Championship
Bournemouth denied second spot by Smith’s instant impact
racing
Rob Wright’s racing tips
THE TABLE
Move over sourdough, it’s time to bring on the brie
Forget sourdough, in this lockdown Times writers wanted to make something different. For Phil Robinson, that was cheese. Plus, recipes for fermenting and curing at home
new
fashion
Is it really goodbye to high heels?
Stilettos are out and flats are in. Polly Vernon, who used to love a spike, asks if they’ll ever return
What a 7-mile bike ride can do for your fitness and health
The prime minister was spotted cycling that distance from home. Will it help him to get in shape?
This man says I smell and so does my house
If your home is getting you down there’s a reason for that, says the Oxford academic Charles Spence
ANNA MURPHY
The real problem with Vogue’s Kamala shoot
An innocuous powder-blue trouser suit. An even more innocuous get-up of relaxed black jacket, casual trousers and...An innocuous powder-blue trouser suit. An even more innocuous get-up of relaxed black jacket...An innocuous powder-blue trouser suit. An even more innocuous get-up of relaxed black jacket...
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FILM REVIEW
The Dig — emotionally piercing drama about the pull of the past
new★★★★★
The 1939 excavation of an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Suffolk (Sutton Hoo) is the ostensible subject of...★★★★★
The 1939 excavation of an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Suffolk (Sutton Hoo) is the...★★★★★
The 1939 excavation of an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Suffolk (Sutton Hoo) is the...
FASHION
The truth about working for Topshop’s top branch
This month news broke that Topshop’s flagship building was up for sale. On social media there was an outpouring, mourning the loss — but as a former employee I had mixed emotions. I worked for Topshop Oxford Circus (dubbed “214” in-house on...This month news broke that Topshop’s flagship building was up for sale. On social media there was...This month news broke that Topshop’s flagship building was up for sale. On social media there was...
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HOT TOPICS
Mega-basements: Has the trend for iceberg homes finally sunk?
newAbove ground London is famous for its majestic spires, towers and domes, but below the earth there is an underworld of extravagance and excess. Over the past decade the combined depth of all the basements carved out underneath the capital would...Above ground London is famous for its majestic spires, towers and domes, but below the earth...Above ground London is famous for its majestic spires, towers and domes, but below the earth...
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VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on TV and radio tonight
A LIFE IN THE DAY
Actor Rupert Grint on why he waded into the transgender debate
Grint, 32, was born in Essex and grew up in Watton-at-Stone, Hertfordshire. He was cast in the role of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at the age of 11, going on to appear in all eight Potter films between 2001 and 2011....Grint, 32, was born in Essex and grew up in Watton-at-Stone, Hertfordshire. He was cast in the...Grint, 32, was born in Essex and grew up in Watton-at-Stone, Hertfordshire. He was cast in the...
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OBITUARY
Sir David Barclay
Reclusive billionaire who, with his twin, owned The Telegraph Media Group and, until last year, the Ritz Hotel
Sir David Barclay was the elder, by a few minutes, of twin brothers who quietly, some said secretively, created one of Britain’s largest business empires. In 2020, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated their wealth at £7 billion. At one time they owned, to mention just a few of their better known...Sir David Barclay was the elder, by a few minutes, of twin brothers who quietly, some said secretively, created one of Britain’s largest business empires. In 2020, the Sunday Times Rich List estimated their wealth at £7 billion. At one time they owned, to mention just a few of their better known...Sir David Barclay was the elder, by a few minutes, of twin brothers who quietly, some said secretively, created one of...
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Sheldon Adelson
On May 14, 2018, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, Ivanka Trump unveiled the façade of the new US embassy in Jerusalem. Watching from his wheelchair in the front row was Sheldon Adelson, a big donor to President Trump and the Republican Party, who had offered to pay for the move. Along the Israel-Gaza...On May 14, 2018, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, Ivanka Trump unveiled the façade of the new US embassy in Jerusalem. Watching from his wheelchair in the front row was Sheldon Adelson, a big donor to President Trump and the Republican Party, who had offered to pay for the move. Along the Israel-Gaza...On May 14, 2018, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel, Ivanka Trump unveiled the façade of the...
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obituary
Harry Brind
In four decades of dealing with African dictators, the British diplomat Harry Brind was summoned to midnight meetings, watched his wife being grilled on British foreign policy, and fielded many queries on how to be a traditional English gentleman. As an interlocutor of Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, Idi Amin of Uganda...In four decades of dealing with African dictators, the British diplomat Harry Brind was summoned...In four decades of dealing with African dictators, the British diplomat Harry Brind was summoned...
Read the full storyobituary
Eve Branson
obituary
Audrey Slaughter
Roaring around London in her open-top Aston Martin DB 2/4, Audrey Slaughter was emblematic of the confident, proto-feminist young women she pioneered magazines for in the early 1960s. Once the vivid red speedster had screeched to a halt outside...Roaring around London in her open-top Aston Martin DB 2/4, Audrey Slaughter was emblematic of the...Roaring around London in her open-top Aston Martin DB 2/4, Audrey Slaughter was emblematic of the...
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weather eye
Reason to be cheerful in depths of winter
from the archive
French jewel thief’s confessions
court circular
January 12, 2021
Clarence House
12th January, 2021 The Prince of Wales this evening held a Meeting with Mr António...Clarence House
12th January, 2021 The Prince of Wales this evening held a Meeting with Mr...Clarence House
12th January, 2021 The Prince of Wales this evening held a Meeting with Mr...
law report
Discretion in valuing an interest in property for legal aid purposes
Queen’s Bench Division
Published January 13, 2021
Regina (GR) v Director of Legal Aid Casework
Before Mr...Queen’s Bench Division
Published January 13, 2021
Regina (GR) v Director of Legal Aid...Queen’s Bench Division
Published January 13, 2021
Regina (GR) v Director of Legal Aid...
coronavirus
No more alfresco drinking as lockdown rules tightened
newAlfresco drinking will be banned across Scotland with takeaways moved to delivery-only and click and collect restricted as lockdown rules were further tightened. Laws will also be strengthened to pressure businesses to ensure staff work from home where possible and to close a loophole in the...Alfresco drinking will be banned across Scotland with takeaways moved to delivery-only and click and collect restricted as lockdown rules were further tightened. Laws will also be strengthened to pressure businesses to ensure staff work from home where possible and to close a loophole in the...Alfresco drinking will be banned across Scotland with takeaways moved to delivery-only and click and collect restricted as...
Read the full storyholyrood sketch
For once, our politicians might just pull together
newSombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate line throughout this pandemic: their task is to highlight areas in which the government’s response has fallen short of what is necessary, but to do so without seeming small or petty or too much concerned with the scoring of party-political points.Sombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate line throughout this pandemic: their task is to highlight areas in which the government’s response has fallen short of what is necessary, but to do so without seeming small or petty or too much concerned with the scoring of party-political points.Sombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate line throughout this pandemic...
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Comment
Admit it, Dairy Milk is not an essential purchase
newPlease send help. Ten months of this pandemic is making me do crazy things. And not all of them are essential. It’s surely only a matter of time before someone reports me for going to the supermarket to buy a bar of Dairy Milk and nothing else. OK, OK, three bars of Dairy Milk. The thing is officer they are...Please send help. Ten months of this pandemic is making me do crazy things. And not all of them...Please send help. Ten months of this pandemic is making me do crazy things. And not all of them...
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Scotland top of list to rejoin EU, German expert claims
An independent Scotland could be “top of the list” to join the European Union, one expert has claimed. Barbara Lippert, director of research at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, said that Brexit had been a...An independent Scotland could be “top of the list” to join the European Union, one expert has...An independent Scotland could be “top of the list” to join the European Union, one expert has...
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coronavirus
Dose arrival contradicts SNP claims
coronavirus
Weeks until online class issues solved
alex salmond inquiry
Refusing to hand over files may have been a crime, Salmond says
business comment
Covid-inspired closure is the latest fiasco among so many at Ferguson Marine
So Ferguson Marine has shut down. According to the Scottish government-owned facility on the Lower Clyde, already at the heart of the protracted Calmac ferries fiasco, this week-long suspension of production at its Port Glasgow...So Ferguson Marine has shut down. According to the Scottish government-owned facility on the Lower Clyde, already at the heart of the protracted Calmac ferries fiasco, this week-long suspension of production at its Port Glasgow...So Ferguson Marine has shut down. According to the Scottish government-owned facility on the Lower Clyde, already at...
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John Menzies hit by fall in global demand for aviation
Revenue at John Menzies fell by more than a third in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the aviation sector — and there is little sign of a change in the near future, with the company warning yesterday that conditions are...Revenue at John Menzies fell by more than a third in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the aviation sector — and there is little sign of a change in the near future, with the company warning yesterday that conditions are...Revenue at John Menzies fell by more than a third in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the aviation sector —...
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business
Aggreko powers up with upgrade for Scottish site
The world’s largest supplier of temporary power is investing £4.5 million to upgrade its Scottish manufacturing centre. Aggreko said that the overhaul and expansion of its site in Dumbarton was part of its strategy to reach net-zero emissions by...The world’s largest supplier of temporary power is investing £4.5 million to upgrade its Scottish...The world’s largest supplier of temporary power is investing £4.5 million to upgrade its Scottish...
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football | michael grant
It’s alarming that slipping Celtic still don’t get it
rugby union
Nakarawa could be fit for derby
Football
Shankland salvages point for Dundee United
If there is a better goal in the Premiership this season than the strike with which Lawrence Shankland equalised last night, it will be a sight to behold. From just inside his opponents’ half, he caught the goalkeeper off his line with a first-time effort that earned Dundee United a valuable point at Tannadice. It was only Shankland’s fourth goal of the season, a modest...If there is a better goal in the Premiership this season than the strike with which Lawrence...If there is a better goal in the Premiership this season than the strike with which Lawrence...
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football
Martindale accepts things may get a whole lot worse
David Martindale, the Livingston manager, is prepared to accept another shutdown of the Premiership if that is deemed...David Martindale, the Livingston manager, is prepared to accept another shutdown of the Premiership if that is deemed appropriate. While he would rather avoid a repeat of last season’s chaotic curtailment, especially when his team have won all eight matches under his charge, he acknowledges it might come to that.David Martindale, the Livingston manager, is prepared to accept another shutdown of the Premiership if that is deemed appropriate.
Read the full storyHuman rights violations in mother and baby homes ‘should prompt criminal inquiry’
The level of infant mortality in mother and baby homes is “shocking to the extreme” and should prompt a criminal investigation, Amnesty International Ireland has said. Colm O’Gorman, its executive director, called for “full justice and reparations for survivors” including the introduction of the...The level of infant mortality in mother and baby homes is “shocking to the extreme” and should prompt a criminal investigation, Amnesty International Ireland has said. Colm O’Gorman, its executive director, called for “full justice and reparations for survivors” including the introduction of the...The level of infant mortality in mother and baby homes is “shocking to the extreme” and should prompt a criminal investigation...
Read the full storycoronavirus
Rise in deaths after ‘green light’ given to Christmas socialising
The impact of high levels of Christmas socialising became evident last night when 46 new Covid-19 deaths were confirmed by the health service. This is the fourth highest number of deaths reported in a 24-hour period since the start of the pandemic and the highest since April 28, when 59 were reported. The peak came on April 20 when 77...The impact of high levels of Christmas socialising became evident last night when 46 new Covid-19 deaths were confirmed by the health service. This is the fourth highest number of deaths reported in a 24-hour period since the start of the pandemic and the highest since April 28, when 59 were reported. The peak came on April 20 when 77...The impact of high levels of Christmas socialising became evident last night when 46 new Covid-19 deaths were confirmed by the...
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Taxi service withdrawn for Facebook moderators on late-night shifts
A company that employs content moderators for Facebook in Dublin has stopped providing a taxi service for employees who finish in the early hours of the morning. Facebook’s European headquarters, based in the capital, uses content moderators from the outsourcing company Covalen, which is mainly in Sandyford. It...A company that employs content moderators for Facebook in Dublin has stopped providing a taxi...A company that employs content moderators for Facebook in Dublin has stopped providing a taxi...
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coronavirus
Northern Ireland at crisis point of pandemic, warns chief medical officer
Northern Ireland faces the most serious moment of the pandemic to date, the region’s chief medical officer has said. Michael McBride said the health service faced significant challenges and called on the public to follow the “stay at home” message.Northern Ireland faces the most serious moment of the pandemic to date, the region’s chief...Northern Ireland faces the most serious moment of the pandemic to date, the region’s chief...
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Comment
Where should America draw the line in punishing Trump?
David Aaronovitch
newJoanna Williams
Young lives have shrunk to the size of a screen
newroger boyes
Biden shouldn’t waste time on a new Iran deal
Alice Thomson
We’ve all grown up since Sex and the City
matthew parris | notebook
Am I wrong to have a private op in this crisis?
Daniel Finkelstein
Why does the US fall for conspiracy theories?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Prioritising who gets the coronavirus vaccine
Roger Lewis
No one expects Richard III to be a real hunchback
The television dramatist Russell T Davies has been propounding a pious notion that only gay actors should play gay...The television dramatist Russell T Davies has been propounding a pious notion that only gay...The television dramatist Russell T Davies has been propounding a pious notion that only gay...
Read the full storyRED BOX | ROBERT BUCKLAND
It’s time for action on mental health in prisons
When Sir Simon Wessley delivered his landmark Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, he told the government...When Sir Simon Wessley delivered his landmark Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, he...When Sir Simon Wessley delivered his landmark Independent Review of the Mental Health Act, he...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
Antisocial Media
The role of tech giants in aiding extremism means they should be on a fast track to well-deserved regulation as publishers
Maximum Protection
Frontline hospital workers must be given their second vaccine doses
They Think It’s All Over
Restrained football celebrations are long overdue
red box | dehenna davison
Move the civil service north to help levelling up
red box | Taiwo Owatemi
Erasmus replacement does not fulfil promise of a truly international scheme
RED BOX | JIMMY McLOUGHLIN
Kwarteng’s promotion boosts hopes for a new era of business
Red Box | Liam Fox
Untethered from the EU, the UK must shape its place in the wider globe
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Boris Johnson expected to face questions from the Commons liaison committee on the government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit (3.30pm); education committee to ask Gavin Williamson, education secretary, about school closures and exam cancellations amid the pandemic; yellow weather warning for heavy snow in Scotland, parts of northern England and the east Midlands.
Italy: Biggest ever trial against ‘Ndrangheta crime group (355 defendants) opens in Calabria, southern Italy. The suspects face charges such as involvement with mafia-type organisations, international drug trafficking, usury, extortion and money laundering.
US: House of Representatives meets to consider articles of impeachment against President Trump for “inciting an insurrection”, regarding the attacks on the Capitol last Wednesday; Mike Pompeo, secretary of state, begins two-day trip to Brussels.
On this day
In 1898 a letter by Émile Zola, J’accuse, was published in support of Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French army falsely accused of treason. Zola fled to England; in 1964 more than 100 people died during rioting between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta, sparked from earlier reports of the theft of a relic of a holy hair in Srinagar. There were more than 7,000 arrests; in 1989 the Friday the 13th virus struck, deleting files in computers made by IBM and compatible machines; in 2001 a 7.6-magnitude earthquake off the coast of El Salvador left 844 people dead, followed on February 13 by a 6.1-magnitude quake that left 315 dead.
Nature notes
A cluster of velvet shank mushrooms is growing on a stump in the village woods. The shining, orange-brown caps have the look of buttered drop scones arranged on a tiered afternoon tea stand. They are even sticky to the touch. Much sought after by foragers, velvet shanks are one of the few fungi to show in January, for which they are also called winter fungus. They have a special place in Japanese cuisine where they are known as enokitake, and cultivated in bottles. Anyone wishing to gather wild velvet shank must be careful not to confuse them with the somewhat similar funeral bell, which is one of our most poisonous mushrooms.
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Bill Bailey, comedian, Strictly Come Dancing (2020, winner), 56; Richard Blackford, composer, Not In Our Time (2011), 67; Orlando Bloom, actor, the Lord of the Rings and Pirates of the Caribbean film series, 44; Sir Matthew Bourne, choreographer, 61; Tom Bradby, news anchor, ITV News at Ten, and novelist, 54; Carol Cleveland, actress and comedian, Monty Python’s Flying Circus (1969-74), 79; Dame Johannah Cutts, High Court judge, 57; Patrick Dempsey, actor, Grey’s Anatomy (2005-18), 55; Mary Glindon, Labour MP for North Tyneside, opposition whip, 64; Stephen Glover, editor, The Independent on Sunday (1990-91), 69; Sarah Gosling (née Webb), sailor, two-time Olympic gold medallist (2004, 2008), 44; Liam Hemsworth, actor, The Hunger Games film series, 31; Stephen Hendry, seven-time world snooker champion, 52; Anna Home, chairwoman, Children’s Media Foundation, head of BBC children’s programmes (1986-98), 83; Sir Harpal Kumar, chief executive, Cancer Research UK (2007-18), 56; Lord (David) Lloyd-Jones, justice of the Supreme Court, chairman, Law Commission (2012-15), 69; Prof Gordon McVie, chairman of Cancer Intelligence, 76; Mark O’Meara, golfer, the Open champion (1998), 64; Frances Morris, director, Tate Modern, 62; Shonda Rhimes, TV producer and screenwriter, creator of Grey’s Anatomy (2015-20), 51; Andrew Roberts, historian, Leadership in War: Essential Lessons from Those Who Made History (2019), 58; Suggs (Graham McPherson), singer, Madness, One Step Beyond (1979), 60; Very Rev Prof Sir Iain Torrance, dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and of the Thistle (2014-19), 72; Tim Warrillow, co-founder and chief executive, Fever-Tree plc, 46; Max Whitlock, gymnast, two-time Olympic gold medallist (2016), 28; Ruth Wilson, actress, His Dark Materials (2019-20), 39; Rear-Admiral Sir Robert Woodard, flag officer Royal Yachts (1990-95), 82.