video
Iran missile attack was ‘total failure’, says Cameron
Israel has approved plans for ‘offensive and defensive’ responses to the attack
liveLord Cameron, the foreign secretary, has described Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel as a “an almost total failure”, but continued to urge caution this morning as Israel has told the United Nations it had “every right to retaliate.” The barrage overnight on Saturday involved some 350 missiles...Lord Cameron, the foreign secretary, has described Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel as a “an almost total failure”, but continued to urge caution this morning as Israel has told the United Nations it had “every right to retaliate.” The barrage overnight on Saturday involved some 350 missiles...Lord Cameron, the foreign secretary, has described Iran’s unprecedented attack on Israel as a “an almost total failure”, but...
video
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
How Israel could hit back after Iran crosses red line
It was the second time in less than 24 hours that the war cabinet had gathered in an underground meeting room beneath the defence ministry compound in Tel Aviv. The previous meeting was held in the early hours of Sunday when hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles were heading for Israel. As news came in that nearly all of them were being...It was the second time in less than 24 hours that the war cabinet had gathered in an underground meeting room beneath the defence ministry compound in Tel Aviv. The previous meeting was held in the early hours of Sunday when hundreds of Iranian drones and missiles were heading for Israel. As news came in that nearly all of them were being...It was the second time in less than 24 hours that the war cabinet had gathered in an underground meeting room beneath the...
ROGER BOYES | COMMENT
Was Israel’s defence against Iranian barrage a success? Think again
The geopolitical cards have just been reshuffled. The long shadow war between Iran and Israel, characterised by deniable operations, sabotage and spookery, has come out in the open in a five-hour drone and missile barrage from Tehran to Jerusalem, with hate. Iran’s so-called axis of resistance can no longer be...The geopolitical cards have just been reshuffled. The long shadow war between Iran and Israel...The geopolitical cards have just been reshuffled. The long shadow war between Iran and Israel...
Editor's picks
The Masters | OWen Slot
Scheffler making Tiger Woods comparisons seem less far-fetched
THEATRE | INTERVIEW
Alex Kingston: People are too nervous to write for the opposite sex
Alex Kingston has had a long career playing earthy, forceful women. She started as a school bully in Grange Hill aged...Alex Kingston has had a long career playing earthy, forceful women. She started as a school bully...Alex Kingston has had a long career playing earthy, forceful women. She started as a school bully...
ask professor tanya byron
My family say I drink too much but I find it hard to cut down
Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a full-time, demanding...Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a...Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a...
Middle East crisis
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
RAF Typhoons down Iran suicide drones to help protect Israel
UK’s first ‘air-to-air combat mission’ since the Falklands conflict
SCIENCE
War, what is it good for? Scientists are trying to find out
When mongooses go to war, they take it seriously. “All hell breaks loose,” said Professor Michael Cant, from the University of Exeter. First, they form in battle lines, smearing each other in a pungent scent. Then “they do these co-ordinated...When mongooses go to war, they take it seriously. “All hell breaks loose,” said Professor Michael...When mongooses go to war, they take it seriously. “All hell breaks loose,” said Professor Michael...
Environment
Windermere is nursing a sewage timebomb, says Steve Coogan
Steve Coogan has accused a water company of creating a “timebomb” in Windermere by dumping untreated sewage in the lake’s catchment. The comedian joined a protest on Sunday at England’s largest lake against what he said was inaction by Tories...Steve Coogan has accused a water company of creating a “timebomb” in Windermere by dumping...Steve Coogan has accused a water company of creating a “timebomb” in Windermere by dumping...
UK NEWS
Writer who suggests Shakespeare was a woman sparks row at London Library
Debate has long raged over whether Shakespeare wrote all 38 plays attributed to him — to such an extent that Monty Python once joked that a 1970s suburban husband and wife team authored several of them. But now one of the country’s bastions of...Debate has long raged over whether Shakespeare wrote all 38 plays attributed to him — to such an...Debate has long raged over whether Shakespeare wrote all 38 plays attributed to him — to such an...
In case you missed it
interview
This Dutch woman is physically healthy — and choosing euthanasia at 33
The funeral invitation lies on the sideboard of a terraced house in North Brabant in the Netherlands. “Born from love...The funeral invitation lies on the sideboard of a terraced house in North Brabant in the...The funeral invitation lies on the sideboard of a terraced house in North Brabant in the...
NEWS REVIEW
The au pair industry’s collapsed — so what now for parents?
Jo Twumasi-Ankrah is in despair. “I’m just trying to work out how I’m going to keep on working,” she tells me...Jo Twumasi-Ankrah is in despair. “I’m just trying to work out how I’m going to keep on working,”...Jo Twumasi-Ankrah is in despair. “I’m just trying to work out how I’m going to keep on working,”...
photography
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
Sydney stabbing: Did the attacker deliberately target women?
updatedDetectives are investigating whether the Sydney knife attacker deliberately targeted women when he went on the rampage in a shopping centre. Five of the six people killed, and the majority of those being treated in hospital for injuries, were female and police confirmed that a gender-based...Detectives are investigating whether the Sydney knife attacker deliberately targeted women when he went on the rampage in a shopping centre. Five of the six people killed, and the majority of those being treated in hospital for injuries, were female and police confirmed that a gender-based...Detectives are investigating whether the Sydney knife attacker deliberately targeted women when he went on the rampage in a...
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Israel vows revenge against Iran as the world calls for calm
Israel vowed to retaliate at a time of its own choosing as world leaders urged restraint after an unprecedented attack by Iran using hundreds of drones and missiles. President Biden is reported to have told Binyamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, to “take the win” after Israel and its allies, including Britain and the United States...Israel vowed to retaliate at a time of its own choosing as world leaders urged restraint after an unprecedented attack by Iran using hundreds of drones and missiles. President Biden is reported to have told Binyamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, to “take the win” after Israel and its allies, including Britain and the United States...Israel vowed to retaliate at a time of its own choosing as world leaders urged restraint after an unprecedented attack by Iran...
video
Australia’s parliamentary ‘rapist’ Bruce Lehrmann loses libel trial
newAn Australian civil court has ruled that a claim that a woman was raped inside Parliament House by a political staffer was true. Bruce Lehrmann, 28, had denied having sex with Brittany Higgins and had sued the TV channel Network 10 and its presenter Lisa Wilkinson for defamation over a 2021 TV interview in which...An Australian civil court has ruled that a claim that a woman was raped inside Parliament House...An Australian civil court has ruled that a claim that a woman was raped inside Parliament House...
From our correspondent
Walking Raymond Chandler’s Los Angeles on the trail of noir
There’s a strong sense of period decadence in the lobby of what was the Bank of Italy building but which is now a five-star hotel. Standing at the grand elevators, with brass doors set in marble walls, it is easy to imagine Chandler, perhaps...
There’s a strong sense of period decadence in the lobby of what was the Bank of Italy building...
There’s a strong sense of period decadence in the lobby of what was the Bank of Italy building...
US election
Will Nikki Haley voters hand the 2024 election to Biden?
Like many of the large detached properties dotting Milwaukee’s well-heeled Republican-leaning suburbs, the immaculate...Like many of the large detached properties dotting Milwaukee’s well-heeled Republican-leaning...Like many of the large detached properties dotting Milwaukee’s well-heeled Republican-leaning...
gerard baker
Why’s Biden in trouble? It’s the prices, stupid
The thing that most irks the modern establishment, the highly educated, technocratically accomplished elites who toil...The thing that most irks the modern establishment, the highly educated, technocratically...The thing that most irks the modern establishment, the highly educated, technocratically...
Barclays followed charity’s failure with ‘trivial’ compensation offer
A 20-year-old children’s charity that shut down after an error by Barclays led to its account being closed was offered only £250 in compensation by the bank. JusB, which worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, initially was offered the sum along with an apology for a mistake that...A 20-year-old children’s charity that shut down after an error by Barclays led to its account being closed was offered only £250 in compensation by the bank. JusB, which worked with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, initially was offered the sum along with an apology for a mistake that...A 20-year-old children’s charity that shut down after an error by Barclays led to its account being closed was offered only...
Former owner of BHS ordered back to jail
The former owner of BHS, who was released from prison last year after serving half of a six-year sentence for tax evasion, has been sent back to jail for breaching his licence conditions. Dominic Chappell, who bought the chain of department stores chain for £1 in March 2015 from Sir Philip Green before it collapsed into administration a...The former owner of BHS, who was released from prison last year after serving half of a six-year sentence for tax evasion, has been sent back to jail for breaching his licence conditions. Dominic Chappell, who bought the chain of department stores chain for £1 in March 2015 from Sir Philip Green before it collapsed into administration a...The former owner of BHS, who was released from prison last year after serving half of a six-year sentence for tax evasion, has...
Death of the chairman: City switching to more inclusive ‘chairs’
An unexpected death has occurred in Britain’s biggest companies. The “chairman” has been killed off. Once a staple of company announcements, the word “chairman” has been eliminated from boardrooms across the City as the UK’s largest organisations look for a more inclusive way of referring to their most senior...An unexpected death has occurred in Britain’s biggest companies. The “chairman” has been killed off.An unexpected death has occurred in Britain’s biggest companies. The “chairman” has been killed off.
comment
Offshore tax havens must be forced to open public registers
Britain has long presided over a network of offshore tax havens. Whether closer to home like Jersey, Guernsey or the...Britain has long presided over a network of offshore tax havens. Whether closer to home like...Britain has long presided over a network of offshore tax havens. Whether closer to home like...
comment
Sure Start achieved its aims, then we threw it away
Good news. A government programme was rolled out on the basis of good evidence. It did what it set out to achieve. It...Good news. A government programme was rolled out on the basis of good evidence. It did what it...Good news. A government programme was rolled out on the basis of good evidence. It did what it...
Viking is ready to lead the fight against carbon emissions
The port town of Immingham in northeast Lincolnshire has been shaped by the evolution of Britain’s energy needs, first via the export of coal mined in Derbyshire and Yorkshire, then by the discovery of North Sea oil and gas. That kickstarted...The port town of Immingham in northeast Lincolnshire has been shaped by the evolution of...The port town of Immingham in northeast Lincolnshire has been shaped by the evolution of...
Proxy advisory groups under fire after AstraZeneca pay row
The chairman of AstraZeneca has attacked influential proxy advisory groups, claiming that they are causing “serious...The chairman of AstraZeneca has attacked influential proxy advisory groups, claiming that they...The chairman of AstraZeneca has attacked influential proxy advisory groups, claiming that they...
Body Shop plans deal to cut tax bill if it exits administration
The Body Shop is seeking approval for a plan to reduce its tax bill when it returns to profitability to provide extra...The Body Shop is seeking approval for a plan to reduce its tax bill when it returns to...The Body Shop is seeking approval for a plan to reduce its tax bill when it returns to...
recruitment
Student scholarships give an extra lift on to the career ladder
Gaining a degree is a key marker of success and social mobility, yet the cost of living crisis means that access to university is far from universal. According to statistics from the Student Loans Company, the number of students dropping out of their courses is at the highest level since its figures were first recorded. A record 41,914 undergraduate students quit in the...Gaining a degree is a key marker of success and social mobility, yet the cost of living crisis...Gaining a degree is a key marker of success and social mobility, yet the cost of living crisis...
recruitment: SIX FROM THE BEST
Here are the keys to opening up a world of possibilities
As Diageo’s chief marketing officer, Cristina Diezhandino oversees marketing for some of the world’s best-known...As Diageo’s chief marketing officer, Cristina Diezhandino oversees marketing for some of the world’s best-known brands, including Guinness, Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff. An 18-year veteran of the global drinks business and recently named Inspirational Marketing Leader of the Year, here are her tips for leading with a...As Diageo’s chief marketing officer, Cristina Diezhandino oversees marketing for some of the world’s best-known brands...
The Masters | OWen Slot
Scheffler making Tiger Woods comparisons seem less far-fetched
On a baking late Augusta afternoon, we are standing by the ropes on the 13th trying to work out if Scottie Scheffler has already killed off the 2024 Masters. Actually, is he killing off the opposition in 2024 for good? Or is the heart in Ludvig Aberg in the group ahead still beating strong? We have just seen the young Swede nail his birdie and cut Scheffler’s lead to two.On a baking late Augusta afternoon, we are standing by the ropes on the 13th trying to work out...On a baking late Augusta afternoon, we are standing by the ropes on the 13th trying to work out...
football | martin samuel
Put the cigars away, Manchester City haven’t won the title yet
The immediate reaction is to think of it as all over. Manchester City now sit two points clear with six games...The immediate reaction is to think of it as all over. Manchester City now sit two points clear with six games remaining, so keep winning and there is nothing the rest can do. And City, we know, just keep winning. All of Pep Guardiola’s five title wins have come at the end of enormous winning streaks, stretching over...The immediate reaction is to think of it as all over. Manchester City now sit two points clear with six games remaining, so...
THe Masters | Rick Broadbent
Peerless Scheffler surges clear to win second Masters title
Premier League | Alyson Rudd
Nightmare afternoon for Arsenal completes dream weekend for Man City
Football | James Gheerbrant
Leverkusen’s curse buried in ocean of joy as they win Bundesliga title
THE MASTERS | Owen Slot
As he struggled for respectability, it felt like the end for Tiger
premier league | paul joyce
Liverpool’s first home league defeat in 553 days dents title push
rugby union | stuart barnes
England can build World Cup team around precocious Baxter
Nothing summed up this Harlequins win for the ages in Bordeaux more than an incidental, almost irrelevant, moment in...Nothing summed up this Harlequins win for the ages in Bordeaux more than an incidental, almost...Nothing summed up this Harlequins win for the ages in Bordeaux more than an incidental, almost...
football | ian hawkey
Star at 16, Euro hero at 22 – but where now for declining Donnarumma?
Conflicting emotions for two goalkeepers touching down in Barcelona on Monday, all but certain they are there merely...Conflicting emotions for two goalkeepers touching down in Barcelona on Monday, all but certain...Conflicting emotions for two goalkeepers touching down in Barcelona on Monday, all but certain...
GAME IN NUMBERS | bill edgar
Why Silva could outdo Dalglish – and matching success for ex-Bury duo
Investec CHAMPIONS CUP | Alex Lowe
Gone in 600 seconds: Exeter blown away by brutal Toulouse spell
County Championship Round-up
Durham forced to follow on despite scoring 517 as runs keep flowing
football | women’s FA Cup semi-finals
Earps’ sublime stop from villain James ends another chapter for Hayes
premier league | Tom Allnutt
West Ham’s European hopes fade as they fail to lay finger on Pereira
football | Gregor Robertson
Predictable United forced to rely on Fernandes rescue act again
Perhaps, to the list of Manchester United’s faults this season, it is time to add “predictable”. Woeful first-half...Perhaps, to the list of Manchester United’s faults this season, it is time to add “predictable”.Perhaps, to the list of Manchester United’s faults this season, it is time to add “predictable”.
football
‘My players like life-or-death pressure. I can see it in their faces’
Bernardo Silva has fulfilled many roles during his seven-year stint at Manchester City. He has played as a winger, a...Bernardo Silva has fulfilled many roles during his seven-year stint at Manchester City. He has...Bernardo Silva has fulfilled many roles during his seven-year stint at Manchester City. He has...
kevin maher
10 things I’ve learnt about Liz Truss
Tory plotters, experts out to get her — and nearly puking on Sue Gray. The former PM’s new book proves she is as delusional as ever
law
Toilet politics and death threats: why transgender judge Victoria McCloud quit
She was the first trans woman on the judiciary, but after 18 years she says she has been driven out by hate
fashion
The US ambassador’s secret style mission
Jane Hartley holds the top foreign post, is pals with Obama and has a 1am online shopping habit
THEATRE | INTERVIEW
Alex Kingston: People are too nervous to write for the opposite sex
The former ER and Doctor Who star is about to play an Elizabethan matriarch in The Other Boleyn Girl — and wants more strong parts for women
Life
Young people, leave Britain now — the design guru has spoken
The Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has advised first-time buyers to look for a property abroad
Fashion
I’m wearing the It dress — it’s a nightie!
It’s slinky, sleeveless and comes in this season’s hot shade: red. A new £35 nightie from M&S is the item...It’s slinky, sleeveless and comes in this season’s hot shade: red. A new £35 nightie from M&S...It’s slinky, sleeveless and comes in this season’s hot shade: red. A new £35 nightie from M&S...
ask professor tanya byron
My family say I drink too much but I find it hard to cut down
Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a full-time, demanding...Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a...Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m told I drink too much. I am married, have three children and a...
First night reviews
first night | pop
Take That — a fabulous and unexpectedly funny first night of the tour
Two minutes into Take That’s latest tour and it looks as if the trio have lost the plot. While Lego-like steps shapeshift behind them, a wind machine worthy of Spinal Tap is turned on. Gary Barlow’s quiff goes crazy. Mark Owen’s frock coat flies up to his waist. Howard Donald’s huge flares flap so furiously that you fear he won’t be upright for long. Throughout, the...Two minutes into Take That’s latest tour and it looks as if the trio have lost the plot. While...Two minutes into Take That’s latest tour and it looks as if the trio have lost the plot. While...
first night | CLASSICAL
The CBSO has a ball with Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust
Plunging straight into the very deep end, the amateur enthusiasts of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s...Plunging straight into the very deep end, the amateur enthusiasts of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Chorus made their debut 50 years ago singing their way through the tumultuous epic of Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust. How fitting, then, that with Simon Halsey, their long-time director, they marked...Plunging straight into the very deep end, the amateur enthusiasts of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra’s Chorus made...
first night | theatre
Death stalks this high school reunion
first night | dance
Mehek is a fascinating south Asian take on May-December romance
first night | opera
Even first-rate singers can’t save Michael Tippett’s crazy last opera
What to watch: your TV and streaming guide
Viewing GUide
What’s on TV and radio tonight
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
What to watch now on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video and beyond
MINDGAMES
The Times Daily Quiz
1 According to JK Rowling’s website, what is “the best-selling book series in history”? 2 Which 18th-century US president is depicted on Mount Rushmore? 3 In 1950, who was born third in line to the British throne? 4 Sidney, Toots, Plug, Smiffy, Spotty and Danny are members of which group in The Beano? 5 Pimm’s No 1 is a fruit cup based on which alcoholic spirit? 6...1 According to JK Rowling’s website, what is “the best-selling book series in history”? 2 Which...1 According to JK Rowling’s website, what is “the best-selling book series in history”? 2 Which...
In case you missed it
video
fashion
How to wear denim to work and still look smart in the office
Once saved for the weekend, denim is now a workwear essential, but there’s more to it than just jeans
RELATIVE VALUES
Stig Abell: ‘Mum insisted she’d look after me whatever happened’
The broadcaster and his mum, Vera, on how he nearly died as a baby
MUSIC | interview
Chaka Khan: My wild nights with Prince and Joni Mitchell
At 71, the queen of funk opens up about addiction and crazy times with her famous friends John Belushi and Amy Winehouse
interview | Decca Aitkenhead
Bridgerton creator Shonda Rhimes: I never get impostor syndrome
The producer and screenwriter of Grey’s Anatomy is one of television’s most powerful people. How did she get here? Self-belief, she tells Decca Aitkenhead
relationships | FIRST PERSON
Will I ever date again? Life after divorce at 50
The Times Radio presenter Aasmah Mir is single for the first time in 20 years after a painful break-up. How will she meet someone now all the dating rules have changed?
sex counsel
My wife’s porn habit is a turn-off
Q. My wife has started getting into porn, which I’m not a fan of at all. She’s suggested watching it together or...Q. My wife has started getting into porn, which I’m not a fan of at all. She’s suggested watching...Q. My wife has started getting into porn, which I’m not a fan of at all. She’s suggested watching...
Johanna Noble | Money editor
The biggest pension mistake we all make (and it’s not saving too little)
We’re not saving enough for retirement, we are told again and again. Save more, start earlier, continue to boost your...We’re not saving enough for retirement, we are told again and again. Save more, start earlier...We’re not saving enough for retirement, we are told again and again. Save more, start earlier...
beauty
These are the best at home beauty gadgets
The tools that work their magic while you’re watching telly and eating toast
hotels
The desert town being transformed into beautiful hotels
In Al Ula, a quarter of a village has been turned into a boutique hotel, one of several cool new destinations popping up in Saudi Arabia
men’s style
How Instagram made brogues fashionable again
The classic leather shoe is making a comeback, aided by social media and vintage resale sites
video
motoring
An electric car that can really go the distance
The Audi e-tron GT is a sleek four-door saloon masquerading as a coupé; it just happens to be all-electric. That’s Audi’s philosophy when it comes to creating its new wave of petrol-free vehicles. The design is sophisticated and very modern, but...The Audi e-tron GT is a sleek four-door saloon masquerading as a coupé; it just happens to be...The Audi e-tron GT is a sleek four-door saloon masquerading as a coupé; it just happens to be...
video
city breaks
The laid-back French city with a Spanish vibe and all-year sunshine
Toulouse is known as La Ville Rose, and you may indeed feel like you’re wearing rose-tinted spectacles here. Expect tip-top pastries, pretty squares and a space museum
video
city breaks
This is America’s most fun city right now — here’s why
Sleep over at Elvis’s former home, devour barbecue and hang out with the Reverend Al Green in Memphis, the Deep South’s liveliest spot
What keeps us flying Ryanair and Wizz?
Customers might grumble about these low-cost carriers but their passenger numbers keep rising. Is it just the cheap seats that keep us coming back for more? Chris Haslam reports
Comment
Overtourism in the Canaries is our fault — we have no imagination
Residents in the Canary Islands are staging a protest against high numbers of visitors — but will this really put us off?
Rail journeys
My epic 30-hour rail journey through Turkey — with tickets from £10
The 800-mile Eastern Express route from Ankara to Kars careers through gorges and steppe — just don’t forget to book a seat
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Should I dump my girlfriend before or after our big trip?
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
Win a Tuscan break for two worth up to £3,000 at Hotel La Serena in Forte dei Marmi
video
VIDEO
The secret to finding affordable hotels in London
If you want to find a budget beautiful hotel in London for under £200, then look beyond zone one. Travel writer Emma Cooke takes us to three of her favourites, including a characterful pub in Balham with boutique rooms and weekly comedy nights; a...If you want to find a budget beautiful hotel in London for under £200, then look beyond zone one.If you want to find a budget beautiful hotel in London for under £200, then look beyond zone one.
from the archive
Ramsay MacDonald welcomes Bolshevists to Downing Street
announcements
Births, marriages and deaths
FOR I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I...FOR I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are...FOR I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are...
court circular
April 14, 2024
Balmoral Castle
14th April, 2024
Divine Service was held in Crathie Parish Church this morning.
The Reverend...Balmoral Castle
14th April, 2024
Divine Service was held in Crathie Parish Church this morning.Balmoral Castle
14th April, 2024
Divine Service was held in Crathie Parish Church this morning.
Ministers accused of trying to dodge scrutiny by overhauling survey
Key measure of trust in government dropped
Ministers have been accused of avoiding damaging feedback after a key measure of trust in government was dropped from national research. The SNP-Green administration was accused of “trying to dodge scrutiny” after the benchmark Scottish Household Survey was overhauled. A question that asks...Ministers have been accused of avoiding damaging feedback after a key measure of trust in government was dropped from national research. The SNP-Green administration was accused of “trying to dodge scrutiny” after the benchmark Scottish Household Survey was overhauled. A question that asks...Ministers have been accused of avoiding damaging feedback after a key measure of trust in government was dropped from national...
Gaelic television ‘at risk’ without safeguards enjoyed by Welsh
Politicians in Scotland have united in a fight for Gaelic language television to get the same legislative protections as services for Welsh speakers. One Conservative peer and former minister has warned that Gaelic broadcasting is facing an existential “crisis” because there are no guarantees of public funding. Lord Dunlop, a former adviser...Politicians in Scotland have united in a fight for Gaelic language television to get the same legislative protections as services for Welsh speakers. One Conservative peer and former minister has warned that Gaelic broadcasting is facing an existential “crisis” because there are no guarantees of public funding. Lord Dunlop, a former adviser...Politicians in Scotland have united in a fight for Gaelic language television to get the same legislative protections as...
Iain Macwhirter | Comment
Parents will not forgive Yousaf if he fails to ban puberty drugs
The landmark Cass report on the conduct of gender identity services may be the most significant intervention yet in the vexed transgender debate. But the Scottish government appears to have nothing sensible to say about it. Humza Yousaf remains tight-lipped, apparently on the grounds that this is an English report...The landmark Cass report on the conduct of gender identity services may be the most significant...The landmark Cass report on the conduct of gender identity services may be the most significant...
SCOTTISh PREMIERSHIP
Rangers shocked by Ross County to dent title hopes
Gloomy Scottish weather wipes smile off speed cameras’ faces
Council officials have been forced to replace a network of speed warning signs because solar-powered sensors cannot...Council officials have been forced to replace a network of speed warning signs because...Council officials have been forced to replace a network of speed warning signs because...
Ministers under fire for biomass boiler confusion
Ministers have been accused of implementing “shoddy legislation” after it emerged that new regulations effectively...Ministers have been accused of implementing “shoddy legislation” after it emerged that new...Ministers have been accused of implementing “shoddy legislation” after it emerged that new...
Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse tread the boards again
Three comedy greats meet in a theatre dressing room to discuss life and laughs but this is no joke. Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecambe and Bob Monkhouse are being brought back to life in a play which will make its world premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe...Three comedy greats meet in a theatre dressing room to discuss life and laughs but this is no joke.Three comedy greats meet in a theatre dressing room to discuss life and laughs but this is no joke.
first night | opera
Even first-rate singers can’t save Michael Tippett’s crazy last opera
Lord Dunlop | COMMENT
Gaelic TV is under threat while Welsh broadcasting thrives
Scottish wildcat population could get a Spanish boost
Scotland’s critically endangered wildcat population is due to be bolstered by using animals from Spain, it has been revealed. Preparations are being made to enable wildcats born in captivity in mainland Europe to become part of efforts to save the...Scotland’s critically endangered wildcat population is due to be bolstered by using animals from...Scotland’s critically endangered wildcat population is due to be bolstered by using animals from...
Comment
How steroids got a stranglehold on Britain
Will Lloyd
Instead of fretting over the use of drugs in our gyms, we should ask why so many turn to this punishing lifestyle
LIBBY PURVES
Employment law isn’t working for anyone
Tomiwa Owolade
Elitism is what makes a club worth joining
EMMA DUNCAN | NOTEBOOK
Good data is our most precious commodity
HARRY HUDSON
Latecomers to teaching can help energise education
Leading Articles
Gangsters in Tehran
Iran’s reckless attack on Israel will serve only to remind the world of Tehran’s malign agenda in the Middle East, and the imperative of safeguarding Israeli security
Minors Matter
A lower age limit for Meta’s instant messaging service is an open invitation to bullies
Shameful Record
The Horizon inquiry reveals a catalogue of malign official incompetence
letters to the editor
Diktats from European human rights judges
Sir, Your leading article “Mission Creep” (Apr 12) urges the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to “get back to basics” in its interpretation of the convention. I shall leave to those better qualified to criticise the ECHR’s ruling against...Sir, Your leading article “Mission Creep” (Apr 12) urges the European Court of Human...Sir, Your leading article “Mission Creep” (Apr 12) urges the European Court of Human...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Humza Yousaf, the Scottish first minister, speaks on the opening day of the Scottish Trades Union Congress in Dundee.
United States: About 36,000 runners take part in the Boston Marathon.
Greece: Annual Our Ocean conference to discuss climate issues facing the world’s oceans takes place in Athens.
On this day
In 1517 Tuman bay II, the last sultan of Egypt before Ottoman rule, died in his early 40s. A former domestic slave, his life ended by hanging in Constantinople. His body was taken down after three days, then buried; in 1802 the diary of Dorothy Wordsworth recorded a walk in the Ullswater area of the Lake District with her brother William (“never saw daffodils so beautiful”), which has been credited with inspiring his poem Daffodils; in 1945 British troops liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, erecting a sign the next month that stated: “10,000 unburied dead were found here, another 13,000 have since died”; in 2019 Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris was engulfed by fire, resulting in the collapse of the spire and roof of the 850-year-old building.
Nature notes
Huge grey birds, even bigger than storks, cranes were recorded in Britain as long ago as Anglo-Saxon times, but were driven to extinction in the 16th century. In 1979 a few returned to the Norfolk Broads, and bred. Thanks to conservation work and the protection of wetlands, UK numbers have reached 80 breeding pairs, along with many more juveniles who are not yet ready to pair up. Numbers are further swelled in winter by visiting birds, so that it’s now possible to see a good-sized flock of cranes together and hear their bugling calls. During courtship cranes perform elaborate dances, and once paired will stand up tall and call in unison with each other, something thought to strengthen their bond and declare their territory. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Lord (Jeffrey) Archer of Weston-super-Mare, novelist, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less (1976), 84; Lt-Gen Sir Ben Bathurst, UK military representative to Nato and the EU (2020-23), 60; Josh Bayliss, chief executive, Virgin Group, 51; King Philippe of Belgium, 64; Sir Kenneth Bloomfield, head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service (1984-91), 93; Sir Martin Broughton, chairman, Sports Investment Partners, British Airways (2004-14), 77; Cressida Cowell, author, How to Train Your Dragon (2003), and children’s laureate, 58; Mark Damazer,chairman, The Booker Prizes, 69; Eliza Doolittle, singer-songwriter, In Your Hands (2013), 36; Dave Edmunds, rock guitarist and singer, I Hear You Knocking (1970), 80; Luke Evans, actor, The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021), 45; Vigdis Finnbogadottir, president of Iceland (1980-96), the first woman elected president of a country, 94; Samantha Fox, singer and model, 58; Steve Hare, chief executive, Sage (software group), 63; John Lamont, Conservative MP for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire, 48; Sir Tim Lankester, economist, 82; Bruno Le Maire, French politician, economy and finance minister, 55; General Sir Gordon Messenger, DSO & Bar, constable, Tower of London, vice-chief of Defence Staff (2016-19), 62; Anthea Redfern, TV hostess, The Generation Game (1971-75), 76; Sir William Russell, financier, lord mayor of the City of London (2019-21), 59; Dame Emma Thompson, actress, Howards End (1992), Sense and Sensibility (1995), Love Actually (2003), 65; Karl Turner, Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull East, shadow solicitor-general, 53; Maj-Gen Nick Vaux, DSO, commanded 42 Commando during the Falklands conflict, 88; Sam Waley-Cohen, jockey, winner of the 2022 Grand National, founder and chief executive, Portman Group (dental group), 42; Emma Watson, actress, the Harry Potter films, Beauty and the Beast (2017), 34.