Revealed: Tory MP allegedly demanded campaign cash to pay ‘bad people’
exclusiveA Tory MP is under investigation over allegations that he misused campaign funds and abused his position after making a late-night phone call saying he’d been locked up by “bad people” who were demanding thousands of pounds, The Times can reveal. Mark Menzies, the Conservative MP for Fylde and a government trade envoy, rang an elderly local party volunteer at 3.15am in...A Tory MP is under investigation over allegations that he misused campaign funds and abused his...A Tory MP is under investigation over allegations that he misused campaign funds and abused his...
UK NEWS
Inflation falling more slowly than expected in blow to Sunak
Rishi Sunak’s hopes of significant interest rate cuts ahead of the election suffered a blow yesterday after new...Rishi Sunak’s hopes of significant interest rate cuts ahead of the election suffered a blow yesterday after new figures showed inflation falling more slowly than expected. Ministers had been banking on up to three interest rate cuts in the run-up to a potential November election, helping more than 1.5 million people...Rishi Sunak’s hopes of significant interest rate cuts ahead of the election suffered a blow yesterday after new figures showed...
Editor's picks
FIRST PERSON
Why I decided to stop smacking my children
newDoctors called on the government this week to make it illegal for parents to smack their children. It is banned in...Doctors called on the government this week to make it illegal for parents to smack their children.Doctors called on the government this week to make it illegal for parents to smack their children.
champions league | paul joyce
City lose nerve from spot as Real extinguish Treble tilt
The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will not be in the...The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will...The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will...
Politics
video
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Netanyahu rebuffs Cameron’s call for restraint over Iran
UK NEWS
Wild swimmers versus children’s home in war over brownfield site
newBy all appearances, a drab 14-acre former Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest is an unlikely location for a planning battle that could determine the future of the up-and-coming area. On one side are the Department for Education and an umbrella...By all appearances, a drab 14-acre former Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest is an unlikely...By all appearances, a drab 14-acre former Thames Water depot in Waltham Forest is an unlikely...
uk news
Grandmother’s ‘blood-spattered’ coffin at Hull funeral home
newA grandmother’s coffin was spattered with blood and covered in thick black mould at the Hull funeral home being investigated by police, her grandson has alleged. The family of Jessie Stockdale, who was 89 when she died in...A grandmother’s coffin was spattered with blood and covered in thick black mould at the Hull funeral home being investigated by police, her grandson has alleged. The family of Jessie Stockdale, who was 89 when she died in...A grandmother’s coffin was spattered with blood and covered in thick black mould at the Hull funeral home being...
UK NEWS
Man and woman arrested over ‘burnt body’ found at house
Police have started a murder investigation after a man’s “burnt body” was found in the garden of a home where a “highly reclusive” family live in a quiet cul-de-sac. Officers from West Yorkshire police were called to a property...Police have started a murder investigation after a man’s “burnt body” was found in the garden of a home where a “highly reclusive” family live in a quiet cul-de-sac. Officers from West Yorkshire police were called to a property...Police have started a murder investigation after a man’s “burnt body” was found in the garden of a home where a...
uk news
Prince Harry may have to drop The Sun claim after Hugh Grant settlement
The Duke of Sussex may be forced to drop his privacy claim against The Sun, it was suggested on Wednesday after the actor Hugh Grant agreed a settlement, claiming he would have faced a £10 million legal bill even if he had won. Harry claims he was...The Duke of Sussex may be forced to drop his privacy claim against The Sun, it was suggested on...The Duke of Sussex may be forced to drop his privacy claim against The Sun, it was suggested on...
video
Georgian protester numbers swell amid ‘pro-Kremlin’ law crisis
Thousands of protesters in Georgia had a stand-off with riot police on Wednesday night amid a political crisis that could wreck their country’s hopes of joining the European Union and bring it back under the Kremlin’s control.
Waving Georgian and EU flags, an estimated 20,000 people — up...Thousands of protesters in Georgia had a stand-off with riot police on Wednesday night amid a political crisis that could wreck their country’s hopes of joining the European Union and bring it back under the Kremlin’s control.
Waving Georgian and EU flags, an estimated 20,000 people — up...Thousands of protesters in Georgia had a stand-off with riot police on Wednesday night amid a political crisis that could wreck...
Don’t vote for a billionaire, Biden urges workers in his home state
President Biden and Donald Trump are in a bidding war to win over blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania, a state that has for decades held the keys to the White House. Having already visited his home state eight times this year, on Wednesday Biden doubled down on efforts to court the working class there. “I’m president because of you guys,”...President Biden and Donald Trump are in a bidding war to win over blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania, a state that has for decades held the keys to the White House. Having already visited his home state eight times this year, on Wednesday Biden doubled down on efforts to court the working class there. “I’m president because of you guys,”...President Biden and Donald Trump are in a bidding war to win over blue-collar workers in Pennsylvania, a state that has for...
Macron TV drama tells love story of pupil and his première dame
newBrigitte Macron’s romance with the teenage pupil who became the youngest president of France will be turned into a television series. The affair that began in 1992 when the 15-year-old Emmanuel Macron fell for Brigitte Auzière, the married drama teacher 24 years his senior, is to be the focus of Brigitte, une femme...Brigitte Macron’s romance with the teenage pupil who became the youngest president of France will...Brigitte Macron’s romance with the teenage pupil who became the youngest president of France will...
Police close in on ‘gang behind biggest gold heist in Canadian history’
Nine suspects have been identified a year after one of the biggest gold heists in history at a Canadian airport. About C$22.5 million (£13.1 million, or US$16.3 million) of gold bars and cash was taken from Toronto Pearson international on April...Nine suspects have been identified a year after one of the biggest gold heists in history at a...Nine suspects have been identified a year after one of the biggest gold heists in history at a...
I am appalled by antisemitism, Columbia University head tells hearing
newThe president of Columbia University has said she was “appalled” by a professor’s alleged antisemitic comments as she...The president of Columbia University has said she was “appalled” by a professor’s alleged...The president of Columbia University has said she was “appalled” by a professor’s alleged...
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Iranian leader says ‘tiniest invasion’ by Israel would bring huge response
Iran’s president has warned Israel of a “massive and harsh response” if it attacks the country in retaliation for...Iran’s president has warned Israel of a “massive and harsh response” if it attacks the country in...Iran’s president has warned Israel of a “massive and harsh response” if it attacks the country in...
MIDDLE EAST CRISIS
Can allies rein in protagonists in Israel-Iran crisis?
As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri for a long-scheduled G7 meeting, they face a knotty challenge to their position in the world order. Who among them has influence or leverage over...As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri...As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri...
‘I met Madeleine McCann suspect on site used by paedophiles’
A former girlfriend of the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case told a German court on Wednesday that she had...A former girlfriend of the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case told a German court on...A former girlfriend of the prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case told a German court on...
The Richard Beeston Bursary 2024
Applications are invited for the Richard Beeston Bursary 2024, offered in association with The Times. Richard was a...Applications are invited for the Richard Beeston Bursary 2024, offered in association with The...Applications are invited for the Richard Beeston Bursary 2024, offered in association with The...
US election
Democrats dismiss Republican attempt to remove Biden’s border chief
updatedThe US Senate has dismissed impeachment charges against Alejandro Mayorkas, ending a Republican attempt to remove...The US Senate has dismissed impeachment charges against Alejandro Mayorkas, ending a Republican...The US Senate has dismissed impeachment charges against Alejandro Mayorkas, ending a Republican...
Who is Judge Juan Merchan — and can he give Trump a fair trial?
Posting a screenshot of what appeared to be Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter calling for Donald Trump to be locked up...Posting a screenshot of what appeared to be Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter calling for Donald...Posting a screenshot of what appeared to be Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter calling for Donald...
Czech billionaire considers bid for Royal Mail
Biggest shareholder in Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services considers options after initial approach is rebuffed
The Labour Party is open to the prospect of a takeover of the owner of Royal Mail by the struggling postal group’s Czech billionaire investor, which is considering a renewed approach. EP Group, a conglomerate controlled by Daniel Kretinsky, revealed on Tuesday that it had made a “non-binding...The Labour Party is open to the prospect of a takeover of the owner of Royal Mail by the struggling postal group’s Czech billionaire investor, which is considering a renewed approach. EP Group, a conglomerate controlled by Daniel Kretinsky, revealed on Tuesday that it had made a “non-binding...The Labour Party is open to the prospect of a takeover of the owner of Royal Mail by the struggling postal group’s Czech...
Inflation fall to 3% disappoints as hopes fade for rate cuts
Inflation fell more slowly than expected last month due in part to higher fuel prices, increasing the chances that the Bank of England will delay cutting interest rates until much later this year. The pace of consumer price growth in the UK economy fell to 3.2 per cent in March from 3.4 per cent in the previous month, the lowest level in...Inflation fell more slowly than expected last month due in part to higher fuel prices, increasing the chances that the Bank of England will delay cutting interest rates until much later this year. The pace of consumer price growth in the UK economy fell to 3.2 per cent in March from 3.4 per cent in the previous month, the lowest level in...Inflation fell more slowly than expected last month due in part to higher fuel prices, increasing the chances that the Bank of...
National insurance cut risks worsening debt burden, IMF tells Britain
The government’s £20 billion national insurance tax cut risks worsening the country’s public finances, the International Monetary Fund has said, as it projected an increase in the UK’s debt burden over the next five years. In its latest assessment of debt levels across the world economy, the IMF said the UK’s public...The government’s £20 billion national insurance tax cut risks worsening the country’s public...The government’s £20 billion national insurance tax cut risks worsening the country’s public...
Daniel Kretinsky puts stamp on Royal Mail takeover
Since the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky first revealed a stake in the London-listed parent company of Royal Mail, speculation over the intentions of the “Czech Sphinx” and the future of the 508-year-old former state-owned postal service have...Since the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky first revealed a stake in the London-listed parent...Since the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky first revealed a stake in the London-listed parent...
Business Commentary
Dr Martens needs a boot, not a marketing redesign
It was a dismal day yesterday for the Class of 2021, the group of companies that were floated in the London market...It was a dismal day yesterday for the Class of 2021, the group of companies that were floated in...It was a dismal day yesterday for the Class of 2021, the group of companies that were floated in...
comment
Your digital wallet can do much more than pay for your shopping
Phone, wallet, keys. We mutter it each time we leave the house. Increasingly though, we are reliant on our “digital...Phone, wallet, keys. We mutter it each time we leave the house. Increasingly though, we are...Phone, wallet, keys. We mutter it each time we leave the house. Increasingly though, we are...
comment
After the productivity puzzle, now we have the inactivity puzzle
For a decade and a half, economists and politicians have been debating what came to be known as the productivity...
For a decade and a half, economists and politicians have been debating what came to be known as...
For a decade and a half, economists and politicians have been debating what came to be known as...
market report
Severfield building up as it ends year with record high in orders
As the company behind the steel structures that went into the London Olympic stadium, Severfield recognises what...As the company behind the steel structures that went into the London Olympic stadium, Severfield...As the company behind the steel structures that went into the London Olympic stadium, Severfield...
Artificial Intelligence
AI ready for promotion from everyday tasks to chief of staff
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...
champions league | paul joyce
City lose nerve from spot as Real extinguish Treble tilt
Man City 1 Real Madrid 1 (4-4 on agg, Real win 4-3 on pens)
The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will not be in the Champions League. For the first time in 2,037 days, City ended up tasting defeat in a European match on home soil and the effort Real Madrid were forced to expend in snapping that sequence said everything. City, for whom Kevin De Bruyne had cancelled out...The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will...The road to Wembley remains in sight for Manchester City. Alas, for Pep Guardiola’s side, it will...
champions league | James Gheerbrant
Arsenal up for fight but fail to take chance to put doubters on mute
In the end, it was the team making a last stand who overcame the one trying to take the first, hardest step. Bayern...In the end, it was the team making a last stand who overcame the one trying to take the first, hardest step. Bayern Munich, smarting from the loss of their Bundesliga crown, raging against the weakening of their grandeur and their grip, enduring a season so bad that their manager Thomas Tuchel is already done for...In the end, it was the team making a last stand who overcame the one trying to take the first, hardest step. Bayern Munich...
Matthew syed
Why won’t sports minister explain insulting U-turn over Russians?
A year ago this week, Lucy Frazer set out the government’s policy towards Russian participation at the Olympic Games.A year ago this week, Lucy Frazer set out the government’s policy towards Russian participation...A year ago this week, Lucy Frazer set out the government’s policy towards Russian participation...
cricket | mike atherton
Gloucestershire’s £1.2m losses are tip of iceberg as county game drowns in debt
It was a pleasant enough day at Bristol last Friday, with some warmth on the bones and decent cricket to enjoy at a...It was a pleasant enough day at Bristol last Friday, with some warmth on the bones and decent...It was a pleasant enough day at Bristol last Friday, with some warmth on the bones and decent...
rugby union | Ken Owens Interview
‘I’m struggling to pick up my one-year-old’ – Wales hooker Owens retires
exclusiveProfessional sport can be the cruellest of occupations. For all its glamour and glory, it cuts down its participants in the prime of their lives, suddenly decreeing that they can no longer do something they love and into which hitherto they have poured all their professional energies and emotions. And often it leaves them in a bewildering state of physical disrepair. “I...Professional sport can be the cruellest of occupations. For all its glamour and glory, it cuts...Professional sport can be the cruellest of occupations. For all its glamour and glory, it cuts...
tennis
Nadal comeback runs out of steam in straight-sets defeat
Rafael Nadal’s return at the Barcelona Open has been brought to an end after two matches. The 37-year-old Spaniard...Rafael Nadal’s return at the Barcelona Open has been brought to an end after two matches. The 37-year-old Spaniard battled hard against Alex de Minaur but ultimately did not have enough in the tank to prevail in this clay-court encounter against the world No 11 from Australia. This was a tougher test than his first...Rafael Nadal’s return at the Barcelona Open has been brought to an end after two matches. The 37-year-old Spaniard battled hard...
Women’s super league
Chelsea thrash Villa to go top – but James a doubt for Barcelona clash
THE TREND | HAMZAH KHALIQUE-LOONAT
The mathematician using data to pick the manager and set style of play
formula 1 | molly hudson
‘Car was built using Excel’ – how Wolff protégé is fixing shambolic Williams
Gallagher Premiership | Matt Cotton
Bath in a panic, Saracens eye redemption – and can Falcons end 526-day rut?
Saracens v Gloucester
3pm
After a two-week European holiday, the Gallagher Premiership is back and it means business. Only five points separate third from eighth with four rounds left to play, but eight must go into four as far as the play-offs are concerned. We start at the home of the champions. Saracens will be happy to get back to the StoneX Stadium off the back...Saracens v Gloucester
3pm
After a two-week European holiday, the Gallagher Premiership is back...Saracens v Gloucester
3pm
After a two-week European holiday, the Gallagher Premiership is back...
rugby union | Will kelleher
In tightest title race, ‘significant’ Russell injury could be crucial
After confirmation that Finn Russell has suffered a “significant” groin injury, his season hangs in the balance —...After confirmation that Finn Russell has suffered a “significant” groin injury, his season hangs in the balance — which could have significant repercussions for Bath’s Gallagher Premiership title challenge. It is a tantalisingly tight league campaign: five points separate Harlequins in fourth and Sale Sharks in eighth.After confirmation that Finn Russell has suffered a “significant” groin injury, his season hangs in the balance — which could...
cycling | La Flèche Wallonne
Williams beats snow, hail and odds to become first Briton to win La Flèche
champions league | Ian Hawkey
Barcelona’s ‘worst signing’ returns to expose their mismanagement
football | MIchael Grant
From Arsenal to prison – the downfall of a troubled prodigy
HMP Addiewell is reckoned to be one of the toughest prisons in Scotland. To be locked up there is to be in with murderers and top-tier organised crime men. In its most recent assessment the chief inspector of prisons described the jail, situated between Glasgow and Edinburgh, as delivering the worst findings she had encountered during her years in the job. Prisoners...HMP Addiewell is reckoned to be one of the toughest prisons in Scotland. To be locked up there is...HMP Addiewell is reckoned to be one of the toughest prisons in Scotland. To be locked up there is...
martin samuel
Where were Chelsea’s glory hunters when there was a pressure penalty?
Dele Alli did not look entirely comfortable in the Sky studio on Monday night — awkward, as his team lost 6-0 — but...Dele Alli did not look entirely comfortable in the Sky studio on Monday night — awkward, as his team lost 6-0 — but on the Chelsea penalty debacle, he was dead right. “In that last big game, when the pressure was on, I didn’t see them all fighting to take it then,” he said. “It’s all right when it’s 4-0 and you want...Dele Alli did not look entirely comfortable in the Sky studio on Monday night — awkward, as his team lost 6-0 — but on the...
Bill edgar’s premier league quiz
Who are the only team to beat Pep before semi-finals in FA Cup?
football | tony cascarino
I never let anyone take penalties off me . . . except Jean-Pierre Papin
There is a Dr Hook song from the late Seventies that goes: “When you’re in love with a beautiful woman . . . you...There is a Dr Hook song from the late Seventies that goes: “When you’re in love with a beautiful...There is a Dr Hook song from the late Seventies that goes: “When you’re in love with a beautiful...
cricket | Steve James
Why Lyon’s presence in county game should be celebrated, not scrutinised
The scene was a favoured watering hole then of Glamorgan cricketers, and indeed opponents, on the Cathedral Road near...The scene was a favoured watering hole then of Glamorgan cricketers, and indeed opponents, on the...The scene was a favoured watering hole then of Glamorgan cricketers, and indeed opponents, on the...
county championship | the scorer
Nine games, nine draws – and mammoth total of 10,666 runs
A peculiar feeling comes over me as I read the results of the County Championship. No longer in control of my fingers, they take me to an online bookshop and hover over “add to cart”. I have never heard of the author, Lee J Ames, as close as this American artist’s name is to a great Kent wicketkeeper, but absent of agency I buy his book: Draw Draw Draw: An Introduction...A peculiar feeling comes over me as I read the results of the County Championship. No longer in...A peculiar feeling comes over me as I read the results of the County Championship. No longer in...
cricket
Buttler smashes 55-ball IPL century but says he ‘struggled for rhythm’
Jos Buttler crunched his second century in three matches to help Rajasthan Royals to a record-equalling IPL chase of...Jos Buttler crunched his second century in three matches to help Rajasthan Royals to a record-equalling IPL chase of 224 and bring to an end a year-long slump in form. The England white-ball captain batted through for an unbeaten 107 off 60 balls to overhaul Kolkata Knight Riders’ 223 off the final ball of the...Jos Buttler crunched his second century in three matches to help Rajasthan Royals to a record-equalling IPL chase of 224 and...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
Capturing thrills and spills of Grand National in black and white
Marc writes Bradley and I have covered perhaps more than three decades of Grand National meetings at Aintree racecourse and we both thoroughly enjoyed our three days together at the most famous steeplechase in the world last week. I have converted...Marc writes Bradley and I have covered perhaps more than three decades of Grand National meetings...Marc writes Bradley and I have covered perhaps more than three decades of Grand National meetings...
food
Is French food dead? Oui, top chefs think so
Macron’s government wants France’s young chefs to hone their craft overseas. Tony Turnbull asks the experts if the country’s cuisine has gone off the boil
interview
Eddie Marsan: Mitch Winehouse, Michael Douglas and me
Fresh from playing the singer’s father in Back to Black, the actor talks to Ed Potton about his new role as an American president
boOK REVIEW
Liz Truss’s memoir is as readable as the back of a crisp packet
The former PM’s 300-page self-justification of her disastrous premiership is whingey, wooden and baffling
HILARY ROSE
Cheers to Posh at 50: Victoria Beckham is the ultimate grafter
She’s been plugging away since Wannabe was a hit when she was 18 and enters her sixth decade as a wife, mother of four, businesswoman and pop star. Hats off
first person
Cathy Newman: I was a victim of deepfake porn
When the broadcaster set out to investigate the abuse of women through AI images online, she didn’t expect to see her own face
giles coren
Twenty Eight restaurant review: ‘What a place. What a vibe’
“Hey, Siri!” “Mm hm.” “Show me a brand new restaurant where two people can lunch royally on innovative world cooking with a strong street food vibe but beautiful table service for no more than fifteen quid a head, within two or three minutes of an hour-long circular post-lunch walk with gorgeous rooftop views of castles, parks and world-class Roman ruins.” “In London?“Hey, Siri!” “Mm hm.” “Show me a brand new restaurant where two people can lunch royally on...“Hey, Siri!” “Mm hm.” “Show me a brand new restaurant where two people can lunch royally on...
WINE | WILL LYONS
Six bordeaux wine bargains
Bordeaux does hype well and this week the world’s largest fine wine region goes into overdrive as it opens its doors...Bordeaux does hype well and this week the world’s largest fine wine region goes into overdrive as it opens its doors to journalists, merchants and brokers to sip and slurp their way through barrel samples of the new maturing vintage. The 2023 will be sold as futures this summer — a practice known as en primeur —...Bordeaux does hype well and this week the world’s largest fine wine region goes into overdrive as it opens its doors to...
RELATIVE VALUES
Jonathan Ross: ‘I irritate the hell out of my family’
ALBUM REVIEW
Jazz album of the week: a five-star recording of the inimitable Art Tatum
Art Tatum was one of the most influential jazz musicians, but you rarely see an overt recreation of his work as you...Art Tatum was one of the most influential jazz musicians, but you rarely see an overt recreation...Art Tatum was one of the most influential jazz musicians, but you rarely see an overt recreation...
ALBUM REVIEW
Classical album of the week: Yunchan Lim plays Chopin Études with panache
The first thing you notice is that the artist’s booklet photos appear to have been taken during last week’s total...The first thing you notice is that the artist’s booklet photos appear to have been taken during...The first thing you notice is that the artist’s booklet photos appear to have been taken during...
FILM | INTERVIEW
Jay-Z, Jesus and me — the Brit behind The Book of Clarence
‘We’ve never, ever in the history of Hollywood had a movie like The Book of Clarence,” says Jeymes Samuel, writer and director of said movie. We’re certainly not inundated with New Testament comedy-dramas in which the Jews are played by...‘We’ve never, ever in the history of Hollywood had a movie like The Book of Clarence,”...‘We’ve never, ever in the history of Hollywood had a movie like The Book of Clarence,”...
video
TV review
Tom Hollander is mesmeric in Feud: Capote vs the Swans
Troubleshooter
‘Scammer left me with £23,000 Monzo loan’
OVERSEAS
Where to buy property in Nice
house guest
Why it takes so long to build new homes
First night reviews
FIRST NIGHT | comedy
Jonathan Pie has glints of genius, but this show doesn’t stack up
FIRST NIGHT | Classical
These Marriner birthday performances would have delighted the conductor
FIRST NIGHT | VISUAL ART
The British Pavilion at Venice Biennale is a jumble of gibberish
ARTS
The best musical, dance and theatre shows to book now
updatedOur critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so have the inside track. Here is our guide to the best productions and where to watch them — ordered by when they end. Feel free to get involved in...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so...Our critics travel up and down the country reviewing the latest theatre, musicals and dance, so...
What to watch: your TV and streaming guide
MINDGAMES
The Times Daily Quiz
1 Which German fashion designer designed the Karlbox writing set for the company Faber-Castell? 2 The AI-powered assistant Copilot is new for the 11th edition of which Microsoft operating system? 3 No Quarter is a 1994 live album by Jimmy Page and which Led Zeppelin vocalist? 4 After marrying Prince Charles in 2005, Camilla Parker Bowles became known as the Duchess of...1 Which German fashion designer designed the Karlbox writing set for the company Faber-Castell? 2...1 Which German fashion designer designed the Karlbox writing set for the company Faber-Castell? 2...
Beauty
Spring’s most seductive new scents
It’s not just about florals this season. The latest fragrances are sexy too
fashion
The myth of the fairytale wardrobe
There is no such thing as the perfect white shirt or pair of jeans, or any item of clothing
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
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
UK
My exhilarating trip on the world’s fastest zip line — in north Wales
Our writer discovers why this corner near Conwy is fast becoming a centre for adrenaline-seekers of all ages
thailand
Thailand’s incredible nature reserve — where a trip costs just £7
This national park is easy to get to from Bangkok and home to a dizzying array of wildlife including leopards, sun bears and elephants
uk
Seven of the UK’s best secret beaches
These under-the-radar spots in Cornwall, Anglesey, the Highlands and more are big on head space and low on tourists
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
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?
spain
Get a fortnight on the Spanish coast for £362
Spain’s Costa Dorada stretches along the Catalan shore for more than 100 miles from Barcelona’s southern suburbs to...Spain’s Costa Dorada stretches along the Catalan shore for more than 100 miles from Barcelona’s...Spain’s Costa Dorada stretches along the Catalan shore for more than 100 miles from Barcelona’s...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
Win a Tuscan break for two worth up to £3,000 at Hotel La Serena in Forte dei Marmi
So here we are at a famous landmark, wondering what it symbolises. “The nation’s indomitable spirit?” my friend...So here we are at a famous landmark, wondering what it symbolises. “The nation’s indomitable...So here we are at a famous landmark, wondering what it symbolises. “The nation’s indomitable...
video
UK
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 — find the full list here. Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us...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
Cambridge rugby tour of France
announcements
Births, marriages and deaths
WHAT David said are really the words of Jesus, “I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be afraid with him at...WHAT David said are really the words of Jesus, “I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be...WHAT David said are really the words of Jesus, “I always see the Lord near me, and I will not be...
court circular
April 16, 2024
Buckingham Palace
16th April, 2024
Admiral Sir Benjamin Key (First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff) was...Buckingham Palace
16th April, 2024
Admiral Sir Benjamin Key (First Sea Lord and Chief of the...Buckingham Palace
16th April, 2024
Admiral Sir Benjamin Key (First Sea Lord and Chief of the...
Printable Puzzles
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Ministers to water down climate change goals
Scottish ministers are to backtrack on climate change targets after a damaging report warned that they are “no longer credible” and cannot be met. In a significant climbdown that is likely to create fresh tensions with the Scottish Greens, Màiri McAllan, the SNP’s net-zero secretary, is expected...Scottish ministers are to backtrack on climate change targets after a damaging report warned that they are “no longer credible” and cannot be met. In a significant climbdown that is likely to create fresh tensions with the Scottish Greens, Màiri McAllan, the SNP’s net-zero secretary, is expected...Scottish ministers are to backtrack on climate change targets after a damaging report warned that they are “no longer credible”...
Labour candidate suspended over ‘racist’ posts is investigated by trade union employer
A Labour candidate who was suspended over “racist” online posts is now being investigated by her trade union employer over complaints made about her social media activity. Wilma Brown is facing two investigations into her conduct: one by the party that means she is unlikely to be able to stand as the MP candidate for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath...A Labour candidate who was suspended over “racist” online posts is now being investigated by her trade union employer over complaints made about her social media activity. Wilma Brown is facing two investigations into her conduct: one by the party that means she is unlikely to be able to stand as the MP candidate for Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath...A Labour candidate who was suspended over “racist” online posts is now being investigated by her trade union employer over...
Alex Massie | comment
Why must Scotland always be different?
Imagine this scenario: for more than a decade children in Scotland have been subjected to medical treatment for which there is no good empirical evidence. Medical practitioners have operated as though they are crusaders for some fashionable idea of “social justice”. In doing so, they have put children on to a...Imagine this scenario: for more than a decade children in Scotland have been subjected to medical...Imagine this scenario: for more than a decade children in Scotland have been subjected to medical...
football | MIchael Grant
From Arsenal to prison – the downfall of a troubled prodigy
travel
Five of the best places to take children in Scotland
Large drive-through reserve run by the Royal Zoological Society with wandering herds of deer, bison and pens of other animals. Some in habitats, but also cages. Cute, vicious little wildcats and other northern creatures including snow leopards and...Large drive-through reserve run by the Royal Zoological Society with wandering herds of deer...Large drive-through reserve run by the Royal Zoological Society with wandering herds of deer...
Kenny Farquharson | comment
Labour’s new deal for workers is SNP’s biggest headache
On Monday I went to the STUC congress in Dundee to check on Scotland’s trade union movement. On the Caird Hall stage...On Monday I went to the STUC congress in Dundee to check on Scotland’s trade union movement. On...On Monday I went to the STUC congress in Dundee to check on Scotland’s trade union movement. On...
Uber driver killed father in hit-and-run
An Uber driver has admitted killing a passenger in a hit-and-run. Kunathilinghan Mohanthas, 48, fatally struck...An Uber driver has admitted killing a passenger in a hit-and-run. Kunathilinghan Mohanthas, 48...An Uber driver has admitted killing a passenger in a hit-and-run. Kunathilinghan Mohanthas, 48...
interview
Fern Brady: ‘I won’t water myself down for the Taskmaster crowd’
The Bathgate-born comedian Fern Brady’s memoir, Strong Female Character, was a Sunday Times bestseller and winner of the non-fiction category at the Nero Book Awards in 2023. What’s your earliest memory?
Looking around a soft play area thinking...The Bathgate-born comedian Fern Brady’s memoir, Strong Female Character, was a Sunday Times...The Bathgate-born comedian Fern Brady’s memoir, Strong Female Character, was a Sunday Times...
Comment
We need to stop infantilising young adults
James Marriott
Over-protectiveness may be well meant but it stifles the dynamism that this country needs
KATY BALLS
Sunak’s next target is teens and smartphones
IAIN MARTIN
Blair understood our enemies — why don’t we?
JANICE TURNER | NOTEBOOK
Getting help from the NHS is like going to war
Jawad Iqbal
Stop giving visas to trouble-making clerics from Tehran
Leading Articles
Delayed Gratification
The falling inflation rate is due, at least in part, to the economic competence of Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt. But for the government the reward may come too late
Spare the Rod
The time has come to stop smacking children
Pig Out
Lab-cultivated pork sausages may finally be cutting the mustard
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Protection of whistleblowers in the NHS
Sir, Dr David Ward and Professor Jane Somerville (letter, Apr 15; news, Apr 12) raise an important issue with regard to whistleblower protection in the NHS but the presence or absence of such protection is unlikely to be a major cause of...Sir, Dr David Ward and Professor Jane Somerville (letter, Apr 15; news, Apr 12) raise...Sir, Dr David Ward and Professor Jane Somerville (letter, Apr 15; news, Apr 12) raise...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: National Union of Students national conference begins in Blackpool; home affairs select committee holds evidence session on abuse of retail workers.
Italy: Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister, hosts his G7 counterparts on Capri. Discussions focus on Ukraine, war in the Middle East, and Haiti, as well as global issues including climate change, artificial intelligence, development finance and public health.
US: Senate committee hearing examining Boeing’s “broken safety culture”.
On this day
In 1534 Sir Thomas More was imprisoned in the Tower of London. After being convicted of treason he was sentenced to death, and executed on Tower Hill on July 6, 1535; in 1956 Harold Macmillan announced the introduction of Premium Bonds on budget day, with the catchphrase “saving with a thrill”. On June 1, 1957, the first winner was selected by Ernie, a computer invented by former Bletchley Park codebreaker Tommy Flowers; in 1969 the voting age for UK parliamentary elections was reduced from 21 to 18 when the Representation of the People Act was given royal assent; in 1986 John McCarthy, a British journalist, was kidnapped in Beirut. He was released from captivity on August 8, 1991; in 2018 Barbara Bush, the former US first lady, died aged 92 (obituary, April 18, 2018). Wife of President George HW Bush, she became the second woman, after Abigail Adams, to have been the wife and mother of US presidents.
Nature notes
Underneath the still leafless oaks, something was glinting in the spring sunshine. Investigation revealed a partially buried milk bottle. Dug out, the bottle was seen to bear the words Co-op Dairy, York Road, Doncaster. The milk had long since been drunk, Doncaster dairy closed decades ago, but the glass container had taken on a new life. Packed with black soil, moss and a tenacious writhe of roots, the bottle had been colonised by a wood sorrel plant. A number of light green, trefoil leaves shone inside the glass, while a single white flower rose to where a straw, or human lips had once sipped. Dropped during some long-ago picnic, the bottle had become a vase for one of spring’s loveliest flowers. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
John Barrett, former tennis player, BBC tennis commentator (1971-2006) and author, 93; Sean Bean, actor, Sharpe (1993-97), Game of Thrones (2011), Time (2021), 65; Victoria Beckham, fashion designer and singer, Spice Girls, 50; David Bradley, actor, Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films (2001-11), 82; Lord (Andrew) Burrows, justice of the Supreme Court, 67; Peter Doig, painter, White Canoe (1991), The Architect’s Home in the Ravine (1991), 65; Clare Francis, author, Unforgotten (2008) and yachtswoman, 78; Bella Freud, fashion designer, 63; Jennifer Garner, actress, Alias (2001-06), Dallas Buyers Club (2013), 52; Prof John Gray, political philosopher, Straw Dogs (2002), Feline Philosophy: Cats and the Meaning of Life (2020), 76; Nick Hornby, author, High Fidelity (1995), About a Boy (1998), Funny Girl (2014), 67; Olivia Hussey, actress, Romeo and Juliet (1968), 73; Low Tuck Kwong, businessman, founder and president-director of Bayan Resources (coal mining), 76; Dame Julia Macur, lady justice of appeal, 67; Rosie Millard, chairwoman, BBC Children in Need, vice-chairwoman, Opera North, 59; Emad Mostaque, co-founder and chief executive (2019-Mar 2024), Stability AI, 41; Roger Muirhead, former Royal Army Service Corps captain and holder of four Second World War campaign medals, 103; Muttiah Muralitharan, cricketer, Sri Lanka (1992-2010), 52; Paul Nicholls, 13-time National Hunt champion racehorse trainer, Grand National win (2012), four Cheltenham Gold Cups wins (1999, 2007, 2008, 2009), 62; Rungano Nyoni, writer and director, I Am Not a Witch (2017; 2018 Bafta award), 42; Leonie Schroder, a director at Schroders (asset management) and director and trustee, Schroder Charity Trust, 50; Prof Mike Stroud, physician and explorer, 69; Lord (Colin) Tyre, a senator of the College of Justice in Scotland, 68.