Five die attempting to cross Channel
updatedAt least five migrants have died after being crushed when smugglers crammed about 100 people onto a dinghy crossing the Channel, French officials said. The casualties were “inanimate” when taken ashore, officials said. The Maritime Prefecture said rescue services were alerted when several boats...At least five migrants have died after being crushed when smugglers crammed about 100 people onto a dinghy crossing the Channel, French officials said. The casualties were “inanimate” when taken ashore, officials said. The Maritime Prefecture said rescue services were alerted when several boats...At least five migrants have died after being crushed when smugglers crammed about 100 people onto a dinghy crossing the Channel...
video
Detention of migrants can start in days after Rwanda bill passes
updatedRishi Sunak has hailed the Rwanda legislation as a gamechanger for tackling illegal migration and vowed “nothing will stand in our way” of getting deportation flights off the ground by July. The Safety of Rwanda Bill is due to become law after a stand-off between MPs and peers ended shortly after midnight.
It paves the way for the detention...Rishi Sunak has hailed the Rwanda legislation as a gamechanger for tackling illegal migration and vowed “nothing will stand in our way” of getting deportation flights off the ground by July. The Safety of Rwanda Bill is due to become law after a stand-off between MPs and peers ended shortly after midnight.
It paves the way for the detention...Rishi Sunak has hailed the Rwanda legislation as a gamechanger for tackling illegal migration and vowed “nothing will stand in...
Gone in 55 words: the downfall of one of the BBC’s biggest stars
When BBC News staff were called to an impromptu meeting with their chief executive shortly before 2pm on Monday, the expectation was that it was about Huw Edwards. The newsreader, who joined the BBC as a trainee in 1984, had been suspended since July over allegations in The Sun that he paid a young person £35,000...When BBC News staff were called to an impromptu meeting with their chief executive shortly before...When BBC News staff were called to an impromptu meeting with their chief executive shortly before...
FIRST PERSON
I love my husband — that’s why I’m divorcing him
courtroom sketch
Donald the defendant looks tired, cold and ‘all alone’
Editor’s picks
interview
Blooming? The truth about pregnancy isn’t so rosy
When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers would have left the...When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers...When Emily Oster was an infant her mother noticed her talking to herself in her cot. Most mothers...
kathleen stock
Turn of the woke tide will leave many stranded
It is a cliché that when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold. Thankfully, when it comes to the phenomenon of...It is a cliché that when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold. Thankfully, when it comes to...It is a cliché that when the US sneezes, the world catches a cold. Thankfully, when it comes to...
Black Country student sounds bostin’ after actor donates voice
Eli Lane, a New York drama student who grew up in Walsall, is used to receiving jokes about his Black Country accent and will sometimes even adopt a new voice for auditions. However, for Daniel Challis, a fellow Midlander, Lane’s voice is exactly...Eli Lane, a New York drama student who grew up in Walsall, is used to receiving jokes about his...Eli Lane, a New York drama student who grew up in Walsall, is used to receiving jokes about his...
Cass author condemns ‘misinformation’ spread by trans lawyer
A transgender civil rights lawyer has been accused of spreading misinformation about the Cass review, in a post...A transgender civil rights lawyer has been accused of spreading misinformation about the Cass...A transgender civil rights lawyer has been accused of spreading misinformation about the Cass...
the times diary
Perks of being US president? Barack Obama on day the music died
You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business cards, but what Barack...You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business...You get a plane, some prime Washington real estate and “commander in chief” on your business...
The ultra-Orthodox battalion dividing US and Israel
A unit of school dropouts and religious ‘outlaws’ is accused of torture and unlawful killing
The wild Israeli soldiers from the “Haredi unit” were never punished for the death of the elderly Palestinian-American man they blindfolded, beat and left out in the winter cold. “They didn’t need to tie up an 80-year-old man, even if he comes at you and swears at you or you fear he will commit...The wild Israeli soldiers from the “Haredi unit” were never punished for the death of the elderly Palestinian-American man they blindfolded, beat and left out in the winter cold. “They didn’t need to tie up an 80-year-old man, even if he comes at you and swears at you or you fear he will commit...The wild Israeli soldiers from the “Haredi unit” were never punished for the death of the elderly Palestinian-American man they...
Israel offers no evidence for UN refugee agency terror claim
Israel has not provided any evidence to a review of the United Nations refugee agency in Gaza to substantiate claims that its staff took part in the October 7 attacks by Hamas. The independent review, commissioned by the UN and led by Catherine Colonna, the former French foreign minister, said that Israel “has yet to provide supporting...Israel has not provided any evidence to a review of the United Nations refugee agency in Gaza to substantiate claims that its staff took part in the October 7 attacks by Hamas. The independent review, commissioned by the UN and led by Catherine Colonna, the former French foreign minister, said that Israel “has yet to provide supporting...Israel has not provided any evidence to a review of the United Nations refugee agency in Gaza to substantiate claims that its...
Trump accused of ‘criminal scheme to corrupt 2016 election’
Donald Trump orchestrated a “criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 election”, a New York court heard on the opening day of his hush money trial. Trump, who said it was a “sad day for America” in an address to reporters, listened without expressing emotion on Monday as he was accused of falsifying business records to...Donald Trump orchestrated a “criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 election”, a New York court...Donald Trump orchestrated a “criminal scheme to corrupt the 2016 election”, a New York court...
INTERVIEW
‘Not implausible’: Civil War is more than a film to Texas nationalists
A power-hungry president addresses the nation. This civil war, he says, which has pitted neighbour against neighbour, turned a government against its people and made a scorched battlefield of the United States, can be swiftly ended. All it will...A power-hungry president addresses the nation. This civil war, he says, which has pitted...A power-hungry president addresses the nation. This civil war, he says, which has pitted...
Comedian defends ejecting breastfeeding mother over ‘gurgles’
The Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne is hardly a beer-stained bear pit where crowds inspire fear in seasoned stand-ups...The Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne is hardly a beer-stained bear pit where crowds inspire fear in...The Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne is hardly a beer-stained bear pit where crowds inspire fear in...
German MP ‘filmed taking cash from Kremlin propagandist’
A German MP for the hard-right AfD party was secretly filmed accepting cash from a pro-Russian propaganda network...A German MP for the hard-right AfD party was secretly filmed accepting cash from a pro-Russian...A German MP for the hard-right AfD party was secretly filmed accepting cash from a pro-Russian...
UK borrowing figures cast doubts over tax cuts
ONS estimates borrowing over the year rose to £120.7bn, above the £114.1bn projected by the Office for Budget Responsibility
newThe government borrowed £6.6 billion more than expected over the past year, casting doubt on Jeremy Hunt’s capacity to launch substantial tax cuts before an anticipated general election this year, official figures showed. The UK deficit hit £11.9 billion in March, down by £4.7 billion from the...The government borrowed £6.6 billion more than expected over the past year, casting doubt on Jeremy Hunt’s capacity to launch substantial tax cuts before an anticipated general election this year, official figures showed. The UK deficit hit £11.9 billion in March, down by £4.7 billion from the...The government borrowed £6.6 billion more than expected over the past year, casting doubt on Jeremy Hunt’s capacity to launch...
Bank of England rings alarm bell over private equity industry
Mounting pressure on the £6.5 trillion private equity industry raises the risk of a crunch that could cause big losses for banks and a crisis that spills over into the real economy, the Bank of England has warned. Regulators are stepping up scrutiny of the private equity market amid worries that sharp rises in interest rates in the past two...Mounting pressure on the £6.5 trillion private equity industry raises the risk of a crunch that could cause big losses for banks and a crisis that spills over into the real economy, the Bank of England has warned. Regulators are stepping up scrutiny of the private equity market amid worries that sharp rises in interest rates in the past two...Mounting pressure on the £6.5 trillion private equity industry raises the risk of a crunch that could cause big losses for...
Short sellers make billions as Magnificent 7 ride into trouble
Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called “Magnificent 7” American technology giants in recent days. The combined value of Alphabet, which is Google’s parent; Amazon; Apple; Meta Platforms, Facebook’s owner; Microsoft; Nvidia, the chipmaker; and Tesla dropped...Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called...Short sellers made billions of dollars from the tumble in the stock market value of the so-called...
business commentary
Hipgnosis suitor will need lot of bottle
Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has got itself two...Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has...Finally, a brass in pocket moment that doesn’t involve Chrissie Hynde. Hipgnosis Songs Fund has...
tempus
Schiehallion offers something different, if you dare…
Companies are staying private for longer. In 1980, the median age of a business at flotation was six years. Today it...Companies are staying private for longer. In 1980, the median age of a business at flotation was...Companies are staying private for longer. In 1980, the median age of a business at flotation was...
Threat to buy up all Hipgnosis songs signals an escalation in takeover battle
The takeover battle for Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the London-listed music rights investment company, intensified on Monday after its investment adviser threatened to use an option to buy up all the fund’s songs. The board of Hipgnosis, whose...The takeover battle for Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the London-listed music rights investment company...The takeover battle for Hipgnosis Songs Fund, the London-listed music rights investment company...
comment
Europe must learn from America if it wants its economy to catch up
For most of the past two years, Russia’s President Putin has helped heal rifts between western democracies. In 2022...For most of the past two years, Russia’s President Putin has helped heal rifts between western...For most of the past two years, Russia’s President Putin has helped heal rifts between western...
Investors pick up Rollins Inc chief’s enormous food bill
Shareholders paid for the billionaire executive of a pest control company to spend roughly $567 per day on dining...Shareholders paid for the billionaire executive of a pest control company to spend roughly $567...Shareholders paid for the billionaire executive of a pest control company to spend roughly $567...
Tesco under scrutiny over fees for suppliers
Tesco is being closely monitored by the UK’s supermarket regulator for its imposition of an “Amazon-style” fulfilment fee for online suppliers. The Grocery Code Adjudicator has been monitoring Britain’s largest supermarket chain and put in place...Tesco is being closely monitored by the UK’s supermarket regulator for its imposition of an...Tesco is being closely monitored by the UK’s supermarket regulator for its imposition of an...
martin SAMUEL
FA cannot let Clattenburg use his power to damage and reduce our game
If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee Stuart Attwell he should be ashamed. If he was not, he should achieve respectable distance by resigning his post as the club’s referee analyst. The fact he has not done so up to this point, the fact he...If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee Stuart Attwell he should be ashamed. If he was not, he should achieve respectable distance by resigning his post as the club’s referee analyst. The fact he has not done so up to this point, the fact he...If Mark Clattenburg was party to Nottingham Forest’s diabolical accusation against the referee Stuart Attwell he should be...
Forest face unprecedented action from Premier League over VAR outburst
Nottingham Forest are facing unprecedented action from the Premier League for questioning the integrity of the VAR Stuart Attwell as the controversy over the club’s position intensified. Forest have refused to back down in the face of twin disciplinary investigations by the league and FA, and instead called for the top flight to change its...Nottingham Forest are facing unprecedented action from the Premier League for questioning the integrity of the VAR Stuart Attwell as the controversy over the club’s position intensified. Forest have refused to back down in the face of twin disciplinary investigations by the league and FA, and instead called for the top flight to change its...Nottingham Forest are facing unprecedented action from the Premier League for questioning the integrity of the VAR Stuart...
The Times refereeing summit
How can VAR be improved? Our football experts have the solution
When The Times gathered a high-powered panel to discuss refereeing in English football, it was with the certain knowledge that the next controversy was imminent. Nottingham Forest’s extraordinary impugning of an official on Sunday has highlighted the need, and urgency, for serious debate about how to support officials.When The Times gathered a high-powered panel to discuss refereeing in English football, it was...When The Times gathered a high-powered panel to discuss refereeing in English football, it was...
gallagher premiership | Alex Lowe
Seven teams split by ten points: Premiership set for ‘royal rumble’ climax
COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP | Steve James
Glut of runs from county openers gives England rich new possibilities
new
MIKE ATHERTON
Counties gather for Hundred talks that could future-proof whole game
Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this newspaper that he was open...Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this...Ever since Richard Thompson’s first interview as chairman of ECB, when he admitted to this...
Mourinho: United still have players I wanted to ditch six years ago
José Mourinho has said there are still players at Manchester United that he wanted to get rid of six years ago. The...José Mourinho has said there are still players at Manchester United that he wanted to get rid of...José Mourinho has said there are still players at Manchester United that he wanted to get rid of...
Steve James | matthew mott interview
‘I can’t get a set team – I hardly see the players between tournaments’
sky bet championship | martin hardy
Summerville shines as Leeds overcome nerves and errors to stay in title race
game in numbers | BILL EDGAR
Wembley déjà vu for Robins means he can’t match Redknapp’s feat
The momentum of the newcomers continues. Wrexham and Notts County have encountered few difficulties after rising to the EFL last summer, which means that, still, every club new to the League since 1905 has avoided an immediate return to non-League...The momentum of the newcomers continues. Wrexham and Notts County have encountered few...The momentum of the newcomers continues. Wrexham and Notts County have encountered few...
FIRST PERSON
I love my husband — that’s why I’m divorcing him
From the outside Lisa Quinn’s 21-year marriage seemed strong — they loved and respected each other. So why did she make the decision to walk away?
The real stories behind the 16 greatest revenge songs
What Carly Simon started, Taylor Swift has taken to new heights. Pete Paphides decodes the best pieces of music about exes
EXPLAINER
How to protect your heart — the cardiologist’s guide
The number of people dying before 75 in England from heart and circulatory diseases has risen to a record high, Dr Amanda Varnava gives her advice
interview
Blooming? The truth about pregnancy isn’t so rosy
The economist Emily Oster uses data to explode parenting myths. Now she’s turned her attention to giving birth, she tells Helen Rumbelow
first night REVIEW
Fussy and revisionist, Expressionists at Tate Modern is a wasted opportunity
new‘Beginners start here” is a useful principle. Tell us who, tell us when, tell us where. Tell us how they came together and why they fell apart. Give us the nuts and bolts of history — before you put a revisionist spanner in the works. It’s hard to...‘Beginners start here” is a useful principle. Tell us who, tell us when, tell us where. Tell us...‘Beginners start here” is a useful principle. Tell us who, tell us when, tell us where. Tell us...
the lowdown
The latest ‘ugly’ shoe on the block
Why Montenegro is the hottest new luxury property spot
For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in 2006, it has been the quickest-growing tourism economy to 2019, with visitor numbers growing from 953,000 to 2.6 million. The beauty of the Adriatic...For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in...For Montenegro, it has always been life in the fast lane. Since becoming an independent state in...
First night reviews
Viewing GUide
What’s on TV and radio tonight
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which fictional builder has a blue pet cat named Pilchard? 3 Which area of high moorland in Devon was designated as a national park in 1951? 4 Which stringed instrument features in the logo of Ryanair? 5 Which US talk show host (1944-2023) was born in the London Underground’s Highgate...1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which...1 Known as “the rebel county”, Cork is the southernmost county of which country? 2 Which...
In case you missed it
video
Tales from the Atelier: Cédric Grolet’s pastries
Go behind the scenes with world famous pâtissier, and learn how is hyper-realistic treats are made
accessories
Claudia Winkleman: my top five accessories if money were no object
From bags to boots, these are the opulent extras that make life special
jewellery
Would you wear a pistol on your pinkie finger?
When jewellery designers let their imaginations run wild, these are the results
motoring
The SUV that comes with its own scatter cushions
With the Burford, Range Rover has created a car worthy of the most glamorous village in England
UK
The UK’s seven best cabins for birdwatching
A cosy lodge in the Lake District’s Eden Valley or cool digs on Essex marshland — these are the ideal spots from which to enjoy spring’s birdsong
travel ADVICE
Russian GPS jamming: which airlines and routes are affected?
Thousands of flights have been affected by suspected GPS jamming. Here’s what it means for air travel.
cruise
Ten of the best small-ship cruises
Not a fan of mega-ships? Our cruise expert has picked the best boutique sailings to keep things exclusive and adventurous
video
ITALY
This Italian town holds the key to a long life — I found out why
The region of Cilento is mostly ignored by Brits — but its food, atmosphere and friendly residents mean there are more centenarians here than anywhere else in Italy
video
City breaks
Forget Marrakesh — try this easy-going, coastal city
Find year-round sun, souks and surf in lively Agadir
KAthy lette | travel troubleshooter
‘My husband earns more than me — but insists we split holiday costs’
video
MY STORY
‘I drove from London to Lagos … in a Peugeot 107’
GREECE
An underrated Greek island holiday for just over £400 — here’s how
If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is available for just over...If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is...If you are a Greek-island snob you might not be surprised to hear that a week in Corfu is...
comment
I’ve travelled the world, but keep returning to this Spanish city
Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the extraordinary, the...Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the...Holidays are like relationships. Some offer the intense, intoxicating thrill of the new, the...
video
Cruise
What it’s really like sailing on the world’s biggest cruise ship
Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat. But with 7,600 passengers, does it all feel too much? Cathy Adams gets onboard to find out. Plus read more about Royal Caribbean’s other...Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat...Longer than the Shard and the Eiffel Tower are tall, Icon of the Seas is the largest ship afloat...
From the archive
French battlefield ghouls
Births, marriages and deaths
TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him...TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy...TRUST in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy...
Printable Puzzles
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Alcohol-related deaths rise 25% in three years
The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say the SNP’s approach to the health crisis is failing. Alcohol-specific deaths across the UK reached a record high of 10,048 people in 2022, according to data from the...The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say the SNP’s approach to the health crisis is failing. Alcohol-specific deaths across the UK reached a record high of 10,048 people in 2022, according to data from the...The number of alcohol-related deaths in Scotland has increased by 25 per cent in three years, new figures show, as critics say...
MSPs will be trained to evade cyberattacks and honeytraps
MSPs will receive online security training after a series of cyberattacks and honeytraps put politicians throughout the UK on high alert against threats. The briefing from a security services expert will take place on May 22, officials have confirmed. It will cover the use of electronic devices, both personal and parliamentary, as well as...MSPs will receive online security training after a series of cyberattacks and honeytraps put politicians throughout the UK on high alert against threats. The briefing from a security services expert will take place on May 22, officials have confirmed. It will cover the use of electronic devices, both personal and parliamentary, as well as...MSPs will receive online security training after a series of cyberattacks and honeytraps put politicians throughout the UK on...
gabriella bennett
In Ukraine I found the definition of resilience
In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of temporary houses cuts through green fields. Daria and Serhii’s home is halfway down the street: their two-bedroom cabin is clad in baby blue timber and has a pretty white veranda. I have come to interview the couple about their...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...In the heart of Kyiv oblast, near factories and petrol stations gutted by fire, a road of...
See the casket that may have led to ruin of Mary, Queen of Scots
An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone conservation work before it tours Scotland. It is thought the casket was given to Mary by her first husband, Francis II of France, and came to...An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone...An “extraordinary” silver casket believed to have belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots, has undergone...
SCOTTISH BUSINESS DIGEST
Green Volt project given go-ahead: 5 need-to-know business stories
Man killed ‘soulmate’ then left body in the bath
A man who murdered his partner and told police “I killed my soulmate” has been jailed for life. John-Paul McLaughlan...A man who murdered his partner and told police “I killed my soulmate” has been jailed for life.A man who murdered his partner and told police “I killed my soulmate” has been jailed for life.
JOHN STURROCK
Our leaders must put an end to corrosive blame culture
Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish Care, said that the...Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish...Giving evidence to the Scottish Covid inquiry, Donald Macaskill, the chief executive of Scottish...
Woman sentenced to 17 years for role in schoolgirl’s murder
A woman has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the murder of the schoolgirl Caroline Glachan. Donna Marie Brand, 44, was among those who left the 14-year-old to drown in the River Leven in West Dunbartonshire on August 25, 1996. Robert...A woman has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the murder of the schoolgirl Caroline Glachan.A woman has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the murder of the schoolgirl Caroline Glachan.
Editor's picks
Natasha Radmehr | HOME FRONT
Scotland is bulldozing buildings and we can’t do anything to stop it
There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has begun on the demolition...There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has...There she goes. Another piece of Glasgow’s heritage consigned to the knacker’s yard. Work has...
‘Is the culprit living among us?’ Inside the unsolved Aberfeldy murder
It is a bit surprising, admitted an Aberfeldy café owner, but from the moment it emerged that a local man had been...It is a bit surprising, admitted an Aberfeldy café owner, but from the moment it emerged that a...It is a bit surprising, admitted an Aberfeldy café owner, but from the moment it emerged that a...
Comment
Sadly, Truss’s world view is no laughing matter
William Hague
Short-lived PM is unlikely to return to power but her brand of revolutionary conservatism is gathering pace worldwide
hugo rifkind
Ban the marches and Jews will get the blame
kathleen stock
Turn of the woke tide will leave many stranded
giles coren | notebook
Cork it, wine bores: most rosé’s beyond the pale
Roderick Gilchrist
My prize to thank nurses should become the national model
susie goldsbrough | notebook
This Swiftie is delighted, but 31 songs is too many
They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most sensational releases of the year so far: Beyoncé’s 27-track (cross-) country bonanza, Cowboy Carter, and now Taylor Swift’s Tortured Poets Department...They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most...They call it “track creep”. The way that albums just keep getting longer. Take the two most...
Leading Articles
Offending by existing
Encounters between the Metropolitan Police and those opposing pro-Palestine marches suggest the force is gradually surrendering to anti-Jewish bias
Soap Bubbles
Labour has set out disappointingly thin proposals for Britain’s future foreign policy
Checks, Lies and Videotape
VAR’s lack of transparency is costing the Premier League the confidence of fans
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Policing of pro-Palestinian demonstrations
Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were probably well intentioned but the former could clearly do with a lesson in diplomacy (“Calls for Met chief to quit over ‘openly Jewish’ row”, Apr...Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were...Sir, The tactics of the Met police officer in confronting the Jewish man wearing a kippah were...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, begins a two-day trip to Poland. He is expected make a defence-related announcement during the trip; James Cleverly, the foreign secretary, visits Italy to discuss immigration.
World: The US Senate is to debate the legislative package passed last weekend by Congress that includes foreign aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Sport: Arsenal v Chelsea, Premier League (8pm)
On this day
In AD 303 Saint George died. This is the traditional date of the death of the man immortalised in the tale of Saint George and the Dragon, who has been patron saint of England since 1348; in 1564, although the date is not confirmed, it is widely believed that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon. He died on the same day in 1616; in 1819 the first soda fountain patent was granted to Samuel Fahnestock, enabling carbonated drinks to be sold by the glass. The strongest claim for creating the ice cream soda goes to Robert McCay Green in 1874, who had “Here lies the originator of the ice cream soda” on his tombstone; in 1851 Canada issued its first postage stamp, the Three-Pence Beaver, after Britain had transferred authority to the Province of Canada for its postal system. It was designed by engineer and inventor Sir Sandford Fleming, who had emigrated from Scotland aged 18; in 1928 Shirley Temple (Black) was born. Her starring role in Bright Eyes (1934) featured the song On the Good Ship Lollipop. She was awarded the first Juvenile Academy Award, served as US ambassador to Czechoslovakia (1989-1992) and died on February 10, 2014, aged 85 (obituary, February 12, 2014).
Nature notes
The jewel-like small tortoiseshell was once a common butterfly of parks and gardens, but numbers have fallen sharply since the mid-Seventies. Despite a small uptick in 2014 the downward trend has been accelerating and last year was their worst on record — particularly in southern Britain. Some blame Sturmia bella, a parasitic fly that arrived in 1998, assisted by climate change; its grubs parasitise small tortoiseshell caterpillars, whose life cycle happens to coincide perfectly with theirs, as well as those of peacocks and red admirals, and occasionally speckled woods. However, small torts were struggling well before Sturmia bella made landfall, so the fly may have been the last straw, tipping an already fragmented and weakened population into freefall. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Neville Brody, professor of visual communication, Royal College of Art (2011-18), 67; Alistair Brownlee, triathlete, two-time Olympic gold medallist, 36; Sir Akhlaq Choudhury, High Court judge, president of the Employment Appeals Tribunal, 57; Sir Paul Collier, professor of economics and public policy, Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, 75; Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, president, Royal Aeronautical Society (2017-18), 70; Judy Davis, actress, A Passage to India (1984), 69; Chuck Feeney, co-founder of the Duty Free Shoppers Group, 93; Victoria Glendinning, novelist, The Butcher’s Daughter (2018), 87; Bill Hagerty, chairman emeritus, British Journalism Review, 85; John Hannah, actor, Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994), 62; Steph Houghton, footballer, Manchester City and England women, 36; Ruth Jones, Labour MP for Newport West, shadow environment minister, 62; Prince Louis of Wales, 6; Bernadette McAliskey, civil rights activist, 77; Lee Majors, actor, The Six Million Dollar Man (1973-78), 85; Pierluigi Martini, Formula One driver (1984-95), 63; Michael Moore, documentary-maker, Bowling for Columbine (2002), 70; Sir Richard Mottram, chairman, Amey plc (2008-17), permanent secretary, Intelligence, Security and Resilience, Cabinet Office (2005-07), 78; Gianandrea Noseda, principal guest conductor, London Symphony Orchestra, music director, Teatro Regio, Turin, 60; Dev Patel, actor, Slumdog Millionaire (2008), 34; Sir Simon Picken, High Court judge, presiding judge, Wales Circuit (2018-21), 58; Shaun Spiers, executive director, Green Alliance think tank, 62; Dick Steele, chairman, Portmeirion Group, 69; Raffaele Trombetta, ambassador of Italy to the UK, 64; Ben van Beurden, chief executive, Shell (2014-22), 66; Tessa Wyatt, actress, Robin’s Nest (1977-81), 76.