In the News
Coronavirus victims gain immunity
Beating disease ‘as good as’ getting vaccine, say scientists
updatedContracting coronavirus gives “at least as good” an immune defence against future infections as a vaccine, according to the most comprehensive study into reinfection rates. Previous illness provided about 85 per cent protection against both asymptomatic and symptomatic reinfection, researchers...Contracting coronavirus gives “at least as good” an immune defence against future infections as a vaccine, according to the most comprehensive study into reinfection rates. Previous illness provided about 85 per cent protection against both asymptomatic and symptomatic reinfection, researchers...Contracting coronavirus gives “at least as good” an immune defence against future infections as a vaccine, according to the...
Read the full storyCoronavirus
Travel testing system delayed 24 hours before being introduced
newThe government faced criticism today after suddenly delaying the introduction of a new pre-flight testing system just over 24 hours before it was due to be come into force. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, announced late last night that the requirement to register a negative coronavirus result before entering the UK was being delayed...The government faced criticism today after suddenly delaying the introduction of a new pre-flight testing system just over 24 hours before it was due to be come into force. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, announced late last night that the requirement to register a negative coronavirus result before entering the UK was being delayed...The government faced criticism today after suddenly delaying the introduction of a new pre-flight testing system just over 24...
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Aid charities providing the ‘last safe haven’ for sexual predators
The sexual exploitation and abuse of refugee communities in disaster zones remains “a scourge on the aid sector” despite promises of reform in the wake of the Oxfam scandal, MPs say today. Three years after The Times exposed how Oxfam covered up serious sexual misconduct by staff in earthquake-hit Haiti...The sexual exploitation and abuse of refugee communities in disaster zones remains “a scourge on...The sexual exploitation and abuse of refugee communities in disaster zones remains “a scourge on...
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Teenage ballerina’s appeal for ‘on pointe’ prosthetic gets big lift
An aspiring ballerina who appealed on social media for a new prosthetic leg to allow her to dance “on pointe” says she has been amazed by the response. Pollyanna Hope, 15, from Hertfordshire, is determined to become a dancer...An aspiring ballerina who appealed on social media for a new prosthetic leg to allow her to dance “on pointe” says she has been amazed by the response. Pollyanna Hope, 15, from Hertfordshire, is determined to become a dancer...An aspiring ballerina who appealed on social media for a new prosthetic leg to allow her to dance “on pointe” says...
Read the full storycoronavirus
Hancock pressed for tighter rules on exercise
Boris Johnson intervened to save the exemption to lockdown rules that allow exercise outside with one other person from a different household, it has emerged. The prime minister resisted pressure from Matt Hancock, the...Boris Johnson intervened to save the exemption to lockdown rules that allow exercise outside with one other person from a different household, it has emerged. The prime minister resisted pressure from Matt Hancock, the...Boris Johnson intervened to save the exemption to lockdown rules that allow exercise outside with one other person...
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coronavirus | analysis
Our reward for beating Covid will be the return of flu
CORONAVIRUS
Tracking the spread in the UK
political sketch
PM run ragged by Rashford row
At 5.31pm they finally stopped bleating at him and Boris Johnson’s parliamentary day was done. An exhausted, amiable...At 5.31pm they finally stopped bleating at him and Boris Johnson’s parliamentary day was done. An...At 5.31pm they finally stopped bleating at him and Boris Johnson’s parliamentary day was done. An...
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The Times Diary
Fear of tower birds dropping
As if things weren’t bad enough, the ravens are leaving the Tower of London. Merlina, who had been at the tower since...As if things weren’t bad enough, the ravens are leaving the Tower of London. Merlina, who had...As if things weren’t bad enough, the ravens are leaving the Tower of London. Merlina, who had...
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Letters expose tragedy of officer who survived war against Napoleon
Regency-era letters revealing the colourful life of a young British officer who survived the Peninsular War only to...Regency-era letters revealing the colourful life of a young British officer who survived the...Regency-era letters revealing the colourful life of a young British officer who survived the...
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RED BOX| Patrick Maguire
Dangerous liaison forces PM to reveal his hand
newSelect committee chairmen are a funny breed. For decades they were renowned as the grand inquisitors of the Commons —...Select committee chairmen are a funny breed. For decades they were renowned as the grand...Select committee chairmen are a funny breed. For decades they were renowned as the grand...
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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
One 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
Hundreds 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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Circus in trouble over Nazi goats
Prosecutors in Russia are investigating a circus performance that featured a monkey in a Nazi uniform and two goats dressed in blankets decorated with swastikas over concerns that it may have broken laws on promoting fascism. The show was staged...Prosecutors in Russia are investigating a circus performance that featured a monkey in a Nazi...Prosecutors in Russia are investigating a circus performance that featured a monkey in a Nazi...
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Kremlin critic Navalny plans return to Russia on Sunday
Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin critic who almost died after being poisoned with the nerve agent novichok, has announced...Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin critic who almost died after being poisoned with the nerve agent...Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin critic who almost died after being poisoned with the nerve agent...
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US offered my wife bribe to leave me, says Maduro
President Maduro of Venezuela has claimed the US government attempted to bribe his wife to divorce him and leave the...President Maduro of Venezuela has claimed the US government attempted to bribe his wife to...President Maduro of Venezuela has claimed the US government attempted to bribe his wife to...
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Festive online sales surge adds £1bn to Tesco’s turnover
newA boom in demand for grocery deliveries added an extra £1 billion of online sales to Tesco’s festive trading after the supermarket delivered seven million orders in the six weeks before Christmas. Britain’s biggest supermarket reported that in its core UK supermarket business like-for-like sales rose by 8.1 per cent over the 6 weeks to January 9. UK like-for-like sales...A boom in demand for grocery deliveries added an extra £1 billion of online sales to Tesco’s...A boom in demand for grocery deliveries added an extra £1 billion of online sales to Tesco’s...
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morning briefing
Bumper Christmas for Tesco and Boohoo
newGood morning. Sales at Tesco’s core UK business rose 8.1 per cent in the six weeks to January 9 as shoppers...Good morning. Sales at Tesco’s core UK business rose 8.1 per cent in the six weeks to January 9 as shoppers splashed out on celebrations at home. The company reported a 14 per cent rise in sales of its Finest range products as “customers looked for more opportunities to treat themselves”. Over the 13 weeks...Good morning. Sales at Tesco’s core UK business rose 8.1 per cent in the six weeks to January 9 as shoppers splashed out...
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business commentary
Time to get a grip on pay excesses
In the early days of the pandemic, many chairmen did something that cut against the grain: they reduced salaries and...In the early days of the pandemic, many chairmen did something that cut against the grain: they...In the early days of the pandemic, many chairmen did something that cut against the grain: they...
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comment
The City should seize its chance to strike out alone and innovate
It 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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Just Eat Takeaway delivers big orders rise
The FTSE 100 food delivery operator created by the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com emphasised its position as one of the winners from the pandemic with a 57 per cent rise in fourth-quarter orders to 179.8 million. The increase reported...The FTSE 100 food delivery operator created by the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com emphasised...The FTSE 100 food delivery operator created by the merger of Just Eat and Takeaway.com emphasised...
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comment
We’re in a market bubble, but will it end with a bang or a whimper?
If there’s one thing that can be said of all stock market bubbles, it is that there is never much doubt when you’re...If there’s one thing that can be said of all stock market bubbles, it is that there is never much...If there’s one thing that can be said of all stock market bubbles, it is that there is never much...
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Need to know
Your three-minute digest
1 Boris Johnson has warned that the government would have “no hesitation” in taking unilateral action to protect...1 Boris Johnson has warned that the government would have “no hesitation” in taking unilateral...1 Boris Johnson has warned that the government would have “no hesitation” in taking unilateral...
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Take-Two reverse clears road for its Codemasters rival
The American video game publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series has dashed investor hopes that it will wage a bidding war for Codemasters by walking away from a takeover of the British developer. Take-Two Interactive, which had its bid for...The American video game publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series has dashed investor hopes...The American video game publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series has dashed investor hopes...
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Cricket | steve james
More misery for Mendis as England skittle poor Sri Lanka
newMuch talk about sleep deprivation as commentators, pundits and fans all had to rise at an ungodly hour here in the United Kingdom to watch the start of this series, but spare a thought now for the Sri Lankan batsman Kusal Mendis in his attempts to summon some slumber over the next night or two before a second innings in this match. Mendis made a second-ball duck on the...Much talk about sleep deprivation as commentators, pundits and fans all had to rise at an ungodly...Much talk about sleep deprivation as commentators, pundits and fans all had to rise at an ungodly...
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Sailing | Ben Ainslie interview
‘We were at rock bottom, we’ve got nothing to lose’
Anyone who has followed Ben Ainslie’s career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to...Anyone who has followed Ben Ainslie’s career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to come back from a seemingly hopeless position. The problem the 43-year-old faces now is that unlike many of his past fightbacks — notably in the Olympics — it is not only he who needs to improve, but a...Anyone who has followed Ben Ainslie’s career will know that among his most impressive qualities is his ability to come back...
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Premier League | Henry Winter
Cavaleiro pounces as Spurs let it slip again
Premier League
Foden firing City’s title resurgence
Premier League
Guardiola: Following Covid-19 protocols by not hugging is too tough for players
updated
Tony Cascarino | Gregor Robertson
Can euphoria of scoring a goal really be suppressed?
football | paul hirst
Pogba was a problem, then a linchpin – and now a dilemma
There have been many low points in Manchester United’s recent past, but the second week of last month takes some...There have been many low points in Manchester United’s recent past, but the second week of last...There have been many low points in Manchester United’s recent past, but the second week of last...
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cricket | Mike Atherton
Ignore the snitches, sledging can be barbed – but fans must not be abusive
There is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground in world cricket...There is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground...There is a delicious irony in the latest racism/abuse/sledging row emanating from the only ground...
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rugby union | Owen Slot
Rugby faces fight for a future . . . and must act swiftly
The Game Daily | James Gheerbrant
Who is the breakthrough player of the year so far?
Premier League
Parker: Mourinho will get no apology from me
Cycling
Cavendish: I’m not looking for a fairytale – but I know I’m still good
Mark Cavendish believes he can still make an impact in big races after signing for Deceuninck-Quick-Step, though he...Mark Cavendish believes he can still make an impact in big races after signing for...Mark Cavendish believes he can still make an impact in big races after signing for...
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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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racing
Rob Wright’s racing tips
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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How to get brainy in lockdown: The clever clogs’ guide to self-improvement
Lesson 1: start reading (and finish) War and Peace
After Daddy, what next for the Trump kids?
It’s only days until Donald has to go. Will his baggage hurt his children’s ambitions?
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
The mental effects of Covid? They will last for a decade
From alcoholism and marital problems to psychosis: the GP Gavin Francis has seen the ‘second pandemic’ up close
book review
Kamala’s Way: An American Life by Dan Morain — is Kamala Harris too much of an Establishment figure?
“Can you think of any laws that give the government powers to make decisions about the male body?” With that question on the forever war over abortion, Kamala Harris strode on to the national American political scene in 2018. It was the hearing...“Can you think of any laws that give the government powers to make decisions about the male...“Can you think of any laws that give the government powers to make decisions about the male...
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a question of health
How can I keep my hair in good condition?
THREE WAYS
How to treat shin splints
1. Check your footwear
“Shin splints” is an umbrella term for lower leg problems that fall into the medical...1. Check your footwear
“Shin splints” is an umbrella term for lower leg problems that fall...1. Check your footwear
“Shin splints” is an umbrella term for lower leg problems that fall...
The big interview
‘We’re an island nation of explorers – people can’t wait to travel again’
How has Covid-19 compared with other disasters you have faced, such as the ash cloud in 2010?
This has been...How has Covid-19 compared with other disasters you have faced, such as the ash cloud in 2010?
...How has Covid-19 compared with other disasters you have faced, such as the ash cloud in 2010?
...
MUSIC REVIEWS
The best new music: Sleaford Mods and John Mayall
Sleaford Mods
Spare Ribs
★★★★★
Having set out their stall as absurdist chroniclers of the British grotesque, Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn had their work cut out in 2020. The result is their best album yet, a cutting, witty and maudlin...Sleaford Mods
Spare Ribs
★★★★★
Having set out their stall as absurdist chroniclers of the...Sleaford Mods
Spare Ribs
★★★★★
Having set out their stall as absurdist chroniclers of the...
They’re back! Bring on the Sex and the City women
News that production on a rebooted version of Sex and the City is scheduled to begin in late spring has been met with a vast range of emotions — from wild enthusiasm to ageist derision via earnest concern that more “problematic” aspects of the...News that production on a rebooted version of Sex and the City is scheduled to begin in late...News that production on a rebooted version of Sex and the City is scheduled to begin in late...
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FASHION
The best boutiques to shop online
Annabelle
87 Crouch Street, Colchester, Essex CO3 3EZ (anna-belle.co.uk)
Brigitte Fraser describes her...Annabelle
87 Crouch Street, Colchester, Essex CO3 3EZ (anna-belle.co.uk)
Brigitte Fraser...Annabelle
87 Crouch Street, Colchester, Essex CO3 3EZ (anna-belle.co.uk)
Brigitte Fraser...
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...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...
Read the full storyOBITUARY
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. Last year 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 assets, the Daily Telegraph, the Ritz hotel, the mail order...Sir David Barclay was the elder, by a few minutes, of twin brothers who quietly, some said...Sir David Barclay was the elder, by a few minutes, of twin brothers who quietly, some said...
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obituary
Geoff Stephens
Geoff Stephens went into panic mode when he received a call from Johnnie Stewart, producer of Top of the Pops...Geoff Stephens went into panic mode when he received a call from Johnnie Stewart, producer of Top of the Pops, inviting his band to appear on the show. Stephens’s record Winchester Cathedral, credited to the New Vaudeville Band, was rapidly climbing the charts and to perform it on television in front of an...Geoff Stephens went into panic mode when he received a call from Johnnie Stewart, producer of Top of the Pops, inviting...
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obituary
Sheldon Adelson
from the archive
Live shell as door stopper
court circular
January 12 and 13, 2021
St James’s Palace
12th January, 2021
The Countess of Wessex this afternoon held a Meeting via video link with Ms...St James’s Palace
12th January, 2021
The Countess of Wessex this afternoon held a Meeting via...St James’s Palace
12th January, 2021
The Countess of Wessex this afternoon held a Meeting via...
law report
Principles when hearing application for revocation of placement order
Court of Appeal
Published January 14, 2021
In re C (Children) (Placement Order: Revocation)
Before Lord...Court of Appeal
Published January 14, 2021
In re C (Children) (Placement Order: Revocation)
...Court of Appeal
Published January 14, 2021
In re C (Children) (Placement Order: Revocation)
...
weather eye
Wartime ice storm turned UK into a strange frozen world
January 1940 was dreadfully cold. The Thames was frozen for several miles between Teddington and Sunbury, the sea froze along parts of the south coast, and the ports at Folkestone and Southampton froze solid. Then on January 27 something...January 1940 was dreadfully cold. The Thames was frozen for several miles between Teddington and...January 1940 was dreadfully cold. The Thames was frozen for several miles between Teddington and...
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Concise Sentencing Act gives greater clarity for judges
New, simpler legislation will save courts time and money and mean fewer errors
‘Radical’ plan for leasehold reform
A plan to grant easier lease extensions of 990 years with zero ground rent will change the way leaseholds work
Trump’s tweets turn focus to social media responsibility
Since Twitter banned Trump pressure is building for social media platforms to take responsibility for what they publish
Out of court
David Greene faces tribunal again
The cases, the chatter, the chaos: what’s really going on in the law
LAWYER OF THE WEEK
Lawyer of the week: Kristian Wood
in conversation | sue james
‘We need to see people’s homes as more than terms in a contract’
comment
Leasehold reform will ensnare tenants in vast entanglements
Government proposals for leasehold reform are far more radical than landlords expected. Included are the extension of...Government proposals for leasehold reform are far more radical than landlords expected. Included...Government proposals for leasehold reform are far more radical than landlords expected. Included...
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comment
UK is an attractive destination for shareholder litigation
Multinational public companies face an ever increasing risk of being subject to investor actions throughout the world...Multinational public companies face an ever increasing risk of being subject to investor actions...Multinational public companies face an ever increasing risk of being subject to investor actions...
Read the full storycomment
Deepfake technology’s next target is you
On Christmas Day people could watch two messages from the Queen, but only one was real. The use of so-called deepfake technology on Channel 4 to parody the Queen’s annual address has sparked hundreds of complaints to Ofcom. This is just the latest controversy involving deepfakes, fabricated videos or sound recordings that imitate the likeness of a person’s face, voice...On Christmas Day people could watch two messages from the Queen, but only one was real. The use...On Christmas Day people could watch two messages from the Queen, but only one was real. The use...
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comment
Remote hearings are no good for defendants
Being detained in police custody is a deeply stressful experience, but for many defendants in recent months that...Being detained in police custody is a deeply stressful experience, but for many defendants in recent months that stress has been prolonged because they have been deprived of their day in court. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, last spring makeshift court “annexes” were created in police custody and most...Being detained in police custody is a deeply stressful experience, but for many defendants in recent months that stress has...
Read the full storyCoronavirus
Young people could get vaccine by June if system runs on time
Mass vaccination to protect those aged under 50 in Scotland will start in June if distribution runs smoothly. Estimates suggest that once 75 per cent of the population is inoculated, lockdown restrictions could be lifted to allow people to lead more normal lives, according to officials. However, they said it was not yet clear whether the two available vaccines prevented...Mass vaccination to protect those aged under 50 in Scotland will start in June if distribution...Mass vaccination to protect those aged under 50 in Scotland will start in June if distribution...
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coronavirus
More confirmed deaths now in second wave than in the first
The second wave of coronavirus has now claimed more confirmed victims than the first wave, latest figures show. There...The second wave of coronavirus has now claimed more confirmed victims than the first wave, latest figures show. There were 2,487 deaths among people who tested positive for coronavirus registered in the year to July 5. Since then there have been 2,614 more deaths after a large post-Christmas surge — with 524 deaths...The second wave of coronavirus has now claimed more confirmed victims than the first wave, latest figures show. There were...
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Coronavirus
We must hunt down virus, says Rennie
Jodie Foster to star in online film festival
A film written by Irvine Welsh and another starring Jodie Foster are among those to debut at the 2021 Glasgow Film...A film written by Irvine Welsh and another starring Jodie Foster are among those to debut at the...A film written by Irvine Welsh and another starring Jodie Foster are among those to debut at the...
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holyrood sketch
For once, our politicians might just pull together
Sombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate line throughout this...Sombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate...Sombre stuff at first minister’s questions. The opposition leaders have had to walk a delicate...
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coronavirus | q&a
What are the new click and collect rules?
alex salmond inquiry
Salmond declines invitation to hearing during lockdown
alex salmond inquiry
MSPs ‘exploited’ complaints against former first minister
The behaviour of MSPs investigating the botched handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond has caused “significant distress” for the women who raised concerns. In a letter sent to a Holyrood inquiry into how the...The behaviour of MSPs investigating the botched handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond has caused “significant distress” for the women who raised concerns. In a letter sent to a Holyrood inquiry into how the...The behaviour of MSPs investigating the botched handling of harassment complaints against Alex Salmond has caused...
Read the full storyThunderer
Who is a woman in the government’s view?
As reported in this paper last week, the most important stage yet has been reached in a legal battle that deserves following. “This is an important case. It is a difficult case. I have got to the stage of understanding what the...As reported in this paper last week, the most important stage yet has been reached in a legal battle that deserves following. “This is an important case. It is a difficult case. I have got to the stage of understanding what the...As reported in this paper last week, the most important stage yet has been reached in a legal battle that deserves...
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obituary
The Most Rev Philip Tartaglia
Football
Lawwell: We apologise for Dubai trip
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has finally offered an apology six days after the team returned from a warm weather training camp in Dubai following a storm of criticism over the trip. But Lawwell, below, defended the club’s position and even suggested Celtic have been more affected by Covid-19 than any other Scottish side. The French defender Christopher Jullien...Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has finally offered an apology six days after the team...Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has finally offered an apology six days after the team...
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Football
Deans accuses decision-makers of unfairness and double standards
Falkirk have issued another scathing attack on Scottish football’s governing bodies, demanded urgent reform and...Falkirk have issued another scathing attack on Scottish football’s governing bodies, demanded urgent reform and offered to play a leading role in the process. In an angry statement by their chairman, Gary Deans, the League One club hit out at the decision to suspend football in the Scottish Professional Football...Falkirk have issued another scathing attack on Scottish football’s governing bodies, demanded urgent reform and offered to play...
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Rugby union | Alasdair Reid
Just where have all the Scottish fly halves gone?
When Richard Cockerill was asked last week about which position he would pay most to fill, it was surely only the proximity of WP Nel that led the Edinburgh coach to suggest that he would push the boat out furthest for a tight-head prop. But when...When Richard Cockerill was asked last week about which position he would pay most to fill, it was...When Richard Cockerill was asked last week about which position he would pay most to fill, it was...
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Mother and baby home report
Mother and baby homes that do not pay redress ‘should have assets taken’
Legislation should be introduced to secure assets from religious institutions if they do not contribute to the state’s scheme for survivors of mother and baby homes, Alan Kelly has said. The Labour leader made his comments after the taoiseach gave a full state apology to survivors for the “shame and stigma” to which they were subjected. He promised that the government...Legislation should be introduced to secure assets from religious institutions if they do not...Legislation should be introduced to secure assets from religious institutions if they do not...
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Mother and baby home report
Government apology to survivors ‘insulting’
The government’s apology to victims of mother and baby homes was “disappointing” and “insulting” to those who have...The government’s apology to victims of mother and baby homes was “disappointing” and “insulting” to those who have fought years for recognition and change, a survivor has said. Elizabeth Coppin, 71, said that Micheál Martin and Leo Varadkar’s statements in the Dáil yesterday were infuriating. “To hear them standing...The government’s apology to victims of mother and baby homes was “disappointing” and “insulting” to those who have fought years...
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Mother and baby home report
Bon Secours sisters apologise for deaths at Tuam home
coronavirus
Half of Ireland to be vaccinated by June
coronavirus
Controversial grammar school test axed over virus fears
A controversial academic selection test for primary school pupils in Northern Ireland has been cancelled amid coronavirus safety concerns. The test was scheduled to take place on February 27. AQE and PPTC, both private...A controversial academic selection test for primary school pupils in Northern Ireland has been cancelled amid coronavirus safety concerns. The test was scheduled to take place on February 27. AQE and PPTC, both private...A controversial academic selection test for primary school pupils in Northern Ireland has been cancelled amid...
Read the full storyRomanian gang used dozens of fake cards in Dublin newsagents
Two members of a Romanian organised crime gang made dozens of fake credit cards and used them in Dublin shops after a “deep” skim of UK bank customers’ details, a court has been told. Daniel Almajanu, 35, used a card reader and...Two members of a Romanian organised crime gang made dozens of fake credit cards and used them in Dublin shops after a “deep” skim of UK bank customers’ details, a court has been told. Daniel Almajanu, 35, used a card reader and...Two members of a Romanian organised crime gang made dozens of fake credit cards and used them in Dublin shops after a...
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Comment
This isn’t a moment for gloating and revenge
David Aaronovitch
Trump should be punished for inciting the Capitol violence but Democrats would be wise to prioritise national healing
Joanna Williams
Young lives have shrunk to the size of a screen
Iain Martin
Johnson can’t waste the chance to start again
Janice Turner | Notebook
Fun-suckers put Sex and the City in their sights
Jawad Iqbal
British lawyers shouldn’t get too close to Beijing
Letters to the Editor
Using private hospitals during the pandemic
Sir, Matthew Parris asks whether he would be wrong to have private knee surgery during this health crisis (My Week, Jan 13). Of course he would not be wrong. He is taking responsibility for himself and removing himself from an ever-growing...Sir, Matthew Parris asks whether he would be wrong to have private knee surgery during this...Sir, Matthew Parris asks whether he would be wrong to have private knee surgery during this...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
Final Act
The House vote to impeach Trump is unlikely to bring forward the imminent end of his presidency. America’s allies hope for a speedy restoration of stability
China Syndrome
Ministers are right to act against British firms profiteering from forced labour
Rallying Through
The success of new tennis star Francesca Jones is an inspiration
Readers’ poll
Was Donald Trump to blame for the Capitol riot?
Red Box | Andrea Leadsom
Enough dither and delay — let’s get started on restoring parliament
RED BOX | ADAM MCNICHOLAS
Starmer can beat the Tories with common sense, not ideology
Red Box | Nick Thomas-Symonds and John Healey
Commonwealth troops deserve better than to pay for citizenship twice
Red Box | Ben Thornton
Despite the pandemic, Britain in 2021 is a hopeful nation
Red Box | Aaron Bell & Marco Longhi
Don’t let the stamp duty holiday end — abolish this unfair tax for ever
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: NHS England releases statistics for November and December, along with quarterly waiting-time figures for A&E attendances and emergency admissions; Tesco, Britain’s biggest retailer, issues Christmas trading statement; Amber weather warning remains in place until 10am for heavy snow in Scotland and northeastern England, with a yellow alert also valid until 9pm for snow and ice in the Midlands and northwest.
France: European Court of Human Rights issues ruling in Strasbourg in a case brought by Ukraine over Russia’s actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
China: World Health Organisation experts due to arrive in China for an investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. Last week the team was denied entry to the country.
On this day
In 1907 more than 800 people were killed when an earthquake destroyed most of Kingston and Port Royal, Jamaica; in 1941 the Reconnaissance Corps of the British Army was formed, serving as the vanguard of infantry divisions. In 1944 it became part of the Royal Armoured Corps, and disbanded in August 1946; in 1969 the Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby announced that he would retire on April 26, FA Cup final day. He had managed the club since 1945, and returned for the second half of the 1970-71 season; in 1983 Metropolitan Police officers opened fire on Stephen Waldorf, believing him to be an escaped convict. He was later awarded £150,000 in compensation; in 1994 Katharine, Duchess of Kent, became the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism since Charles II on his deathbed in 1685.
Nature notes
The toad had been hibernating in the logs. When an armful was brought into the house, the torpid animal was carried in too. Laid in the basket, the toad was gradually woken by the heat of the house. Scrambling out, it crawled across the carpet. The gold of a toad’s eye takes you by surprise. George Orwell once noted that, seen up close, it has the glint of the gem chrysoberyl. For Orwell, it was the most beautiful eye of any living creature and his favourite sign of early spring, when toads wake from hibernation. Spring is still far away. The toad was carefully carried back outside to resume its torpor.
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Mark Addy, actor, The Full Monty (1997), 57; Phil Bentley, chief executive, Mitie facilities management group, 62; T Bone Burnett, record producer, musician and songwriter, 73; Prof Sir David Clary, theoretical chemist, president, Magdalen College, Oxford (2005-20), 68; Prof Iwan Davies, international commercial law expert, president and vice-chancellor, Bangor University, 63; Denzil Douglas, prime minister, St Kitts and Nevis (1995-2015), 68; Faye Dunaway, actress, Bonnie and Clyde (1967), 80; Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, cookery writer and broadcaster, 56; Maina Gielgud, former principal ballerina with London Festival Ballet, 76; Dave Grohl, musician, Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, 52; David Halls, director of music, Salisbury Cathedral, 58; LL Cool J, rapper, Radio (1985), 53; Jack Jones, jazz and pop singer, Wives and Lovers (1963), and actor, 83; Prof Simon Kay, plastic surgeon, led the team that performed the UK’s first double hand transplant (2016), 69; Mark Kent, UK ambassador to Argentina, 55; Rear-Admiral Jeremy Larken, DSO, commander of HMS Fearless during the Falklands conflict, 82; Andrew Manze, conductor and violinist, 56; Sir Declan Morgan, lord chief justice of Northern Ireland, 69; Sir Trevor Nunn, theatre director, artistic director, Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Royal Shakespeare Company (1968-86), Royal National Theatre (1997-2003), 81; Paul Pester, chief executive, TSB Bank (2013-18), 57; Sir Andrew Popplewell, lord justice of appeal, 62; Nick Smith, Labour MP for Blaenau Gwent, 61; Steven Soderbergh, film-maker, Sex, Lies, and Videotape (1989), 58; Sarah Staniforth, president emeritus, International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, director, museums and collections, National Trust (2011-14), 68; Edward St Aubyn, writer, the Patrick Melrose novels, 61; Emily Watson, actress, Breaking the Waves (1996), 54; Carl Weathers, actor, the first four Rocky films, 73; Mako Vunipola, rugby player, Saracens and England, 30.