The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Lord Blunkett warns that plans to add national insurance to employers’ pension contributions are ‘very worrying’ in a letter to The Times
Rachel Reeves has been warned by the Labour grandee Lord Blunkett that imposing national insurance on employers’ pension contributions risks damaging people’s standard of living in their retirement. The chancellor is expected to use her budget on October 30 to announce plans to impose national...Rachel Reeves has been warned by the Labour grandee Lord Blunkett that imposing national insurance on employers’ pension contributions risks damaging people’s standard of living in their retirement. The chancellor is expected to use her budget on October 30 to announce plans to impose national...Rachel Reeves has been warned by the Labour grandee Lord Blunkett that imposing national insurance on employers’ pension...
No 10 and ministers are backing away from plans to ban smoking in public spaces in response to fears that it will cause “serious economic harm” to the hospitality industry. Downing Street is said to have significant concerns about the policy after warnings that it could lead to job losses and pub closures. The Times disclosed last month...No 10 and ministers are backing away from plans to ban smoking in public spaces in response to fears that it will cause “serious economic harm” to the hospitality industry. Downing Street is said to have significant concerns about the policy after warnings that it could lead to job losses and pub closures. The Times disclosed last month...No 10 and ministers are backing away from plans to ban smoking in public spaces in response to fears that it will cause...
Investigation
In the hours after a young inmate killed himself at HMP Wandsworth, the prison officers’ WhatsApp group began to light up. “He died in custody. Stopped breathing,” an officer wrote about the 21-year-old prisoner, who was awaiting sentencing for drug offences. “Ligatured in cell,” another added. And then the mockery...In the hours after a young inmate killed himself at HMP Wandsworth, the prison officers’ WhatsApp...In the hours after a young inmate killed himself at HMP Wandsworth, the prison officers’ WhatsApp...
Critics of the monarchy say the institution is stuck in the past, but the Queen takes it one step further by eschewing the latest gadgets in favour of a Nokia “brick” phone. For reasons of national security, little is known about the mobile phones that the royal family use. However, the Queen’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, has revealed that his mother still uses an...Critics of the monarchy say the institution is stuck in the past, but the Queen takes it one step...Critics of the monarchy say the institution is stuck in the past, but the Queen takes it one step...
The King is expected to use his historic first speech as head of the Commonwealth to pledge to “discuss the most...The King is expected to use his historic first speech as head of the Commonwealth to pledge to “discuss the most challenging issues with openness and respect”. Amid growing calls for reparations over slavery, Charles will tell representatives from the 56 Commonwealth states that all members must recognise and...The King is expected to use his historic first speech as head of the Commonwealth to pledge to “discuss the most challenging...
First person
investigation
The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to spare second-home owners and landlords from an increase in capital...The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to spare second-home owners and landlords from an...The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is expected to spare second-home owners and landlords from an...
interview
In Tim Burton’s 2016 film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children the eponymous Miss Peregrine tells us that...In Tim Burton’s 2016 film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children the eponymous Miss...In Tim Burton’s 2016 film Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children the eponymous Miss...
Policy aims to loosen Beijing’s grip on the market and encourage importers from the Commonwealth
newCampaigners fear cheap rechargeable vapes will be treated by consumers like single-use e-cigarettes and skirt government ban
Sara Sharif used a hijab to hide bruises on her face which were reported to social workers five months before she was...Sara Sharif used a hijab to hide bruises on her face which were reported to social workers five...Sara Sharif used a hijab to hide bruises on her face which were reported to social workers five...
Sally Rooney, Arundhati Roy and Percival Everett are among almost 400 authors preparing to call for a boycott of...Sally Rooney, Arundhati Roy and Percival Everett are among almost 400 authors preparing to call...Sally Rooney, Arundhati Roy and Percival Everett are among almost 400 authors preparing to call...
photography
The Dog Photography Awards is an annual contest that exhibits exceptional images of dogs from across the globe. The competition was founded by Audrey Bellot and Claudio Piccoli, professional photographers driven by their passion for man’s best...The Dog Photography Awards is an annual contest that exhibits exceptional images of dogs from...The Dog Photography Awards is an annual contest that exhibits exceptional images of dogs from...
A woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the deaths of three people at a care home in Swanage, Dorset, has...A woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the deaths of three people at a care home in...A woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the deaths of three people at a care home in...
THE TIMES DIARY
The former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has never trusted lists of the world’s most powerful people since she...The former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has never trusted lists of the world’s most...The former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has never trusted lists of the world’s most...
PHOTOGRAPHY
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President Putin of Russia has said that he welcomed Donald Trump’s pledge to end the war in Ukraine if the Republican returns to the White House, adding he believed it was sincere. Trump had “recently” spoken of “his aspiration to do everything he could to end the conflict in Ukraine”, said Putin...President Putin of Russia has said that he welcomed Donald Trump’s pledge to end the war in Ukraine if the Republican returns to the White House, adding he believed it was sincere. Trump had “recently” spoken of “his aspiration to do everything he could to end the conflict in Ukraine”, said Putin...President Putin of Russia has said that he welcomed Donald Trump’s pledge to end the war in Ukraine if the Republican returns...
Israel has delayed its retaliatory strike against Iran because of a leak last week of potentially sensitive military information from the US. The leak revealed Israel’s well-advanced plans to respond to a salvo of nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles fired against it earlier this month, which was a retaliation by Tehran for Israel’s...Israel has delayed its retaliatory strike against Iran because of a leak last week of potentially sensitive military information from the US. The leak revealed Israel’s well-advanced plans to respond to a salvo of nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles fired against it earlier this month, which was a retaliation by Tehran for Israel’s...Israel has delayed its retaliatory strike against Iran because of a leak last week of potentially sensitive military...
A Miss France contestant of north African origin has hit back at “a wave of racist hate” on social media after she was chosen to represent the northern Calais region in the beauty pageant. Sabah Aib, 18, a second-year law student, called the attacks against her “nothing more than a reflection of ignorance and...A Miss France contestant of north African origin has hit back at “a wave of racist hate” on...A Miss France contestant of north African origin has hit back at “a wave of racist hate” on...
david charter analysis
Dispatch
Turning Point USA’s doorstep offensive may turn off moderates
IN maps and CHARTS
Venice is to ramp up its pioneering ticket entry scheme next year, increasing the days it will charge tourists to visit and doubling the price for late bookings. As it fights “overtourism”, the city will push the number of ticketed days from 29...Venice is to ramp up its pioneering ticket entry scheme next year, increasing the days it will...Venice is to ramp up its pioneering ticket entry scheme next year, increasing the days it will...
The chief British prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has denied claims that he harassed a junior colleague, adding that the claims have caused him “deep sadness”. Karim Khan KC, the lawyer leading an attempt to have...The chief British prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has denied claims that he harassed a junior colleague, adding that the claims have caused him “deep sadness”. Karim Khan KC, the lawyer leading an attempt to have...The chief British prosecutor at the International Criminal Court has denied claims that he harassed a junior...
South Korea may supply weapons to Ukraine in retaliation for North Korea deploying troops to support the Russian invasion. Yoon Suk-yeol, the South Korean president, said his government would “never sit by idly” in the face of...South Korea may supply weapons to Ukraine in retaliation for North Korea deploying troops to support the Russian invasion. Yoon Suk-yeol, the South Korean president, said his government would “never sit by idly” in the face of...South Korea may supply weapons to Ukraine in retaliation for North Korea deploying troops to support the Russian...
The retail tycoon Mike Ashley has launched a bold attempt to become chief executive of Boohoo as he pushes for a possible merger between the troubled fast-fashion retailer and its rival Asos. The proposal by Ashley’s Frasers Group would reshape the online fashion retail landscape, aiming to...The retail tycoon Mike Ashley has launched a bold attempt to become chief executive of Boohoo as he pushes for a possible merger between the troubled fast-fashion retailer and its rival Asos. The proposal by Ashley’s Frasers Group would reshape the online fashion retail landscape, aiming to...The retail tycoon Mike Ashley has launched a bold attempt to become chief executive of Boohoo as he pushes for a possible...
Thames Water is approaching an agreement with a group of creditors over a financing package of up to £3 billion as the embattled water supplier races to restructure its debt. The group, which comprises bondholders with hundreds of millions of higher-risk “B” notes, has put forward a rival plan to one proposed by holders of more senior...Thames Water is approaching an agreement with a group of creditors over a financing package of up to £3 billion as the embattled water supplier races to restructure its debt. The group, which comprises bondholders with hundreds of millions of higher-risk “B” notes, has put forward a rival plan to one proposed by holders of more senior...Thames Water is approaching an agreement with a group of creditors over a financing package of up to £3 billion as the...
There has been a rise in reported incidents of bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of misconduct at City firms, according to a wide-ranging survey by the financial regulator that sheds light on the culture of the sector. Data gathered by the Financial Conduct Authority from 984 firms involved in banking...There has been a rise in reported incidents of bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of...There has been a rise in reported incidents of bullying, sexual harassment and other forms of...
British pension funds must not be “strong-armed” by the government into buying UK assets, the boss of Abrdn has warned. Jason Windsor said proposals to force retirement funds to allocate minimum levels of investment into the UK...British pension funds must not be “strong-armed” by the government into buying UK assets, the boss of Abrdn has warned. Jason Windsor said proposals to force retirement funds to allocate minimum levels of investment into the UK...British pension funds must not be “strong-armed” by the government into buying UK assets, the boss of Abrdn has warned.
Consumers became more despondent in October as anxieties about Rachel Reeves’s first budget next week outweighed optimism over falling inflation falling, according to a survey. GfK’s consumer confidence index, which has been...Consumers became more despondent in October as anxieties about Rachel Reeves’s first budget next week outweighed optimism over falling inflation falling, according to a survey. GfK’s consumer confidence index, which has been...Consumers became more despondent in October as anxieties about Rachel Reeves’s first budget next week outweighed...
Alistair Osborne | Business Commentary
Crispin Odey has rejoined the remnants of his eponymous hedge-fund firm that imploded when he was accused of sexual...Crispin Odey has rejoined the remnants of his eponymous hedge-fund firm that imploded when he was...Crispin Odey has rejoined the remnants of his eponymous hedge-fund firm that imploded when he was...
tempus
It has been a rocky year for Tesla Motors. The world’s most valuable carmaker saw its profits fall in the first two...It has been a rocky year for Tesla Motors. The world’s most valuable carmaker saw its profits...It has been a rocky year for Tesla Motors. The world’s most valuable carmaker saw its profits...
Legal & General has bought a “material” equity stake in a US real estate investment group and handed it $200 million...Legal & General has bought a “material” equity stake in a US real estate investment group and...Legal & General has bought a “material” equity stake in a US real estate investment group and...
The retail operations of the Barclay family reported a decline in annual revenues as clothing and sports sales slipped.The retail operations of the Barclay family reported a decline in annual revenues as clothing and...The retail operations of the Barclay family reported a decline in annual revenues as clothing and...
europa league | paul hirst
Fenerbahce 1 Man United 1
José Mourinho experienced varying emotions on his reunion with Manchester United. First came anger after seeing his Fenerbahce team go behind to a wonderful goal. Then came eye-popping disbelief at watching André Onana pull off two remarkable saves. Joy arrived for the Portuguese when Fenerbahce equalised, but then came the return of anger, this time in spades after he...José Mourinho experienced varying emotions on his reunion with Manchester United. First came...José Mourinho experienced varying emotions on his reunion with Manchester United. First came...
Mike atherton
Two years ago on this ground, on the first day of the series, England scored more than 500 runs in 75 overs, with Ben...Two years ago on this ground, on the first day of the series, England scored more than 500 runs in 75 overs, with Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook all making sizzling hundreds. This time, in conditions where they did not have it all their own way, the four made fewer than a hundred runs between...Two years ago on this ground, on the first day of the series, England scored more than 500 runs in 75 overs, with Ben Duckett...
martin samuel meets harry and jamie redknapp
James Gheerbrant
To win a league title, and then to still be representing the same team in the top flight a full ten seasons later, is...To win a league title, and then to still be representing the same team in the top flight a full...To win a league title, and then to still be representing the same team in the top flight a full...
simon wilde
This was the tenth day of the Test series and the first on which Jamie Smith, England’s newish wicketkeeper-batsman...This was the tenth day of the Test series and the first on which Jamie Smith, England’s newish...This was the tenth day of the Test series and the first on which Jamie Smith, England’s newish...
molly hudson
When Sergio Pérez lines up on the grid for his home Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, millions of passionate fans will be hoping he can reach the podium, gripped as he launches off the line. Helping to ensure that goes as smoothly as possible is...When Sergio Pérez lines up on the grid for his home Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, millions of...When Sergio Pérez lines up on the grid for his home Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday, millions of...
conference league | Gregor Robertson
Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori against Liverpool this weekend but Mikel Arteta will be relieved that the...Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori against Liverpool this weekend but Mikel Arteta will...Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori against Liverpool this weekend but Mikel Arteta will...
stuart barnes
Warren Gatland has got himself something of a problem. Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh Hathaway, Max Llewellyn...Warren Gatland has got himself something of a problem. Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh...Warren Gatland has got himself something of a problem. Gareth Anscombe, Tomos Williams, Josh...
The head of English cricket has warned the government that a major project to revive the sport among state school pupils could die if promised funding is withdrawn. The Conservative government announced a £35million investment in grass-roots...The head of English cricket has warned the government that a major project to revive the sport...The head of English cricket has warned the government that a major project to revive the sport...
champions league | ian hawkey
Europa League
first person
In Nicole Kidman’s new film, Babygirl, she plays the older woman who has an affair with her office intern
interview
The Oscar-winning director talks about nightmares, dating Monica Bellucci and why Halloween is a ‘year-round state of mind’
First person
When Arabella Byrne was a child she knew her mother Julia Hamilton drank too much, and soon she did too. They reveal the depths of their addiction
They’re quick, cheap and can be jazzed up with much more than just cheese and beans
First person
A mother of three, Maria Lopiano, 51, felt frustrated and undesired for years. Here’s how she finally changed her life
interview
Three years ago Jacques Audiard had an idea. The award-winning French director of the prison drama A Prophet decided to make a musical. It wouldn’t be a traditional musical, though, because he didn’t like them. It would be more of an opera, of...Three years ago Jacques Audiard had an idea. The award-winning French director of the prison...Three years ago Jacques Audiard had an idea. The award-winning French director of the prison...
Richard Morrison
video
review
Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez and Karla Sofía Gascón wow in Jacques Audiard’s audacious mobster tale
video
REVIEW
The star who showed so much promise in Bronson and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy plays a blank-eyed meathead
video
Review
The French director Mati Diop imagines the inner life of a statue being returned from Paris to Benin in a topical but repetitive documentary
video
REVIEW
Haunting visions and a creepy kid make for an all too familiar time-jumping horror show
video
review
This documentary charts Stewart’s extraordinary life, from teenage model to stockbroker to culinary queen to jailbird
first night review
As part of that generation who have fond memories of Floella Benjamin as a TV pioneer — once upon a time she was one of the very few non-white faces — it gives me no pleasure to report that the musical show based on her autobiography is disappointingly thin. Young children who are the modern descendants of the Play School audience may find the mix of songs and narrative...As part of that generation who have fond memories of Floella Benjamin as a TV pioneer — once upon...As part of that generation who have fond memories of Floella Benjamin as a TV pioneer — once upon...
first night review
Billed as “the French tap dance sensation”, this slick, hard-edged and somewhat soft-brained show from the RB Dance...Billed as “the French tap dance sensation”, this slick, hard-edged and somewhat soft-brained show from the RB Dance Company had its premiere in 2020 at the Casino de Paris. It feels right at home in the Peacock Theatre, the more overtly commercial and crowd-pleasing venue programmed by Sadler’s Wells. Stories was...Billed as “the French tap dance sensation”, this slick, hard-edged and somewhat soft-brained show from the RB Dance Company had...
TELEVISION
Television
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
video
review
Rock biopics, especially those overseen by the rockers themselves, are always in danger of feeling like sanitised marketing exercises — a compilation of DVD extras with little insight and a lengthy run time. There are elements of this in the...Rock biopics, especially those overseen by the rockers themselves, are always in danger of...Rock biopics, especially those overseen by the rockers themselves, are always in danger of...
The Domecq family have opened up their extraordinary 18th-century Palacio in Spain for small groups to enjoy the region’s cultural highlights
From mycelium panels to silvered-glass tables, Nick Vinson reports on the best pieces on show during Paris’s design extravaganza
Simon de Burton reports from the ultimate auction of clapped-out classic cars
Port Ellen is the island’s most recent maker to be revived with delicious results. Plus five delectable English wines
Angels Costumes is a magical warehouse, beloved by actors and Elton John
video
Bentley’s Heritage collection is a remarkable fleet of vehicles showcasing the British manufacturer’s evolution. Every significant model from over a century of producing cars is represented. The three featured cars illustrate important milestones...Bentley’s Heritage collection is a remarkable fleet of vehicles showcasing the British...Bentley’s Heritage collection is a remarkable fleet of vehicles showcasing the British...
A new documentary about the singer shines the spotlight on the once gritty, now glossy seaside town of Asbury Park, near New York, but Hannah Summers has long been a fan
A dose of warm weather is the ultimate antidote to rain and dark mornings — and you don’t need to jet to Mexico to find it. These are the trips to know about
The secret is out — local favourite Athenian Riviera is the hot ticket for autumn stays, with a swish new glamping resort and retro-styled swim club
For a shot of sunshine at sea, there’s no better way to discover the Med’s glamorous rivieras than by classic tall ship — and this luxury sailing packs in the hits
The 800-year-old pilgrimage to Caravaca de la Cruz in Murcia is perennially warm, much less crowded than the famed Santiago path and surrounded by beautiful vineyards
video
After 30 years of swooshing and sliding up and down the slopes of over 170 resorts, our ski expert finally settled on his favourite. Just a few miles from Val d’Isere is Haute Maurienne, whose empty slopes, pristine snow and complete lack of...After 30 years of swooshing and sliding up and down the slopes of over 170 resorts, our ski...After 30 years of swooshing and sliding up and down the slopes of over 170 resorts, our ski...
SUPPOSE a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also...SUPPOSE a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in...SUPPOSE a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in...
24th October, 2024 The King and Queen this morning drove to the National University of Samoa, Apia, Upolu, Samoa, and...24th October, 2024 The King and Queen this morning drove to the National University of Samoa...24th October, 2024 The King and Queen this morning drove to the National University of Samoa...
investigation
Watch the housing secretary accuse landlords groups of ‘scare tactics’ and having ‘vested interests who don’t want to see any change’
interview
The actress and comedian Jessica Regan has written a play about her renting odyssey in London
With more homes for sale than buyers, sellers must be savvy to make their property stand out
For every landlord fleeing the rental sector, there are plenty of first-timers waiting at the foot of the ladder
First Person
Lorraine Jimenez left a frustrating leaseholder’s life behind and headed to Suffolk
The Portuguese beach towns of Comporta and Melides do not have the international fame of the southern Algarve coast, but that may be about to change with rumours that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are interested in buying a holiday home there. Harry and Meghan’s property deal may already be done — although a source denied this when speaking to The Times recently — but...The Portuguese beach towns of Comporta and Melides do not have the international fame of the...The Portuguese beach towns of Comporta and Melides do not have the international fame of the...
Q&A
Q. I am waiting for planning permission to build a new structure on my property. As a result of repeated delays, the...Q. I am waiting for planning permission to build a new structure on my property. As a result of repeated delays, the roof has partially collapsed. Do I have recourse to complain about the council and, if necessary, sue it for slow or obstructive behaviour? A. Anyone who applies for planning permission can appeal...Q. I am waiting for planning permission to build a new structure on my property. As a result of repeated delays, the roof has...
Decision made ‘to best serve the women and girls that need our support’
Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) is embroiled in fresh controversy over its trans-inclusive policies after one of its largest centres withdrew from the network citing its commitment to an “all-female workforce”. The board of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) said its approach of providing...Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) is embroiled in fresh controversy over its trans-inclusive policies after one of its largest centres withdrew from the network citing its commitment to an “all-female workforce”. The board of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC) said its approach of providing...Rape Crisis Scotland (RCS) is embroiled in fresh controversy over its trans-inclusive policies after one of its largest centres...
Taxpayers paid nearly £25,000 to send SNP ministers and staffers to Germany to watch the Euros this summer. At the opening game against Germany in Munich, the first minister John Swinney was accompanied by six officials, including a special adviser, at a total cost of £12,415.07. Angus Robertson, the culture secretary, and Maree Todd, the...Taxpayers paid nearly £25,000 to send SNP ministers and staffers to Germany to watch the Euros this summer. At the opening game against Germany in Munich, the first minister John Swinney was accompanied by six officials, including a special adviser, at a total cost of £12,415.07. Angus Robertson, the culture secretary, and Maree Todd, the...Taxpayers paid nearly £25,000 to send SNP ministers and staffers to Germany to watch the Euros this summer. At the opening game...
A couple who made malicious claims of child abuse and drug dealing against neighbours will have to move away from their home in Scotland’s most sought-after town after being punished with a banning order. David and Jacqueline Aston recorded nearby residents in North Berwick, which was named by The Sunday Times as...A couple who made malicious claims of child abuse and drug dealing against neighbours will have...A couple who made malicious claims of child abuse and drug dealing against neighbours will have...
FIRST PERSON
It was when my pal, Andrew Roache, turned pale and started to swear that I knew things were serious. Both keen hill-walkers, we had driven up to Kintail in July for our annual weekend in the Highlands. This year’s target was the Five Sisters ridge...It was when my pal, Andrew Roache, turned pale and started to swear that I knew things were serious.It was when my pal, Andrew Roache, turned pale and started to swear that I knew things were serious.
Europa League
Champions League
Uefa Conference League
Neil Critchley’s sure-footed start as Hearts boss continued after a comfortable 2-0 home win over Omonia Nicosia...Neil Critchley’s sure-footed start as Hearts boss continued after a comfortable 2-0 home win over...Neil Critchley’s sure-footed start as Hearts boss continued after a comfortable 2-0 home win over...
Scottish business digest
Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland. 1. A subsea...Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.Hello and welcome to our daily digest of business, financial and economic news from around Scotland.
The lands of the Luss Estates Company have been in Patrick Colquhoun and his family’s ownership for more than 800 years. They comprise about 50,000 acres of hills, forests and farming on the western shore of Loch Lomond. He has no plans to sell...The lands of the Luss Estates Company have been in Patrick Colquhoun and his family’s ownership...The lands of the Luss Estates Company have been in Patrick Colquhoun and his family’s ownership...
Comment
Trade unions could yet turn against Starmer
Patrick Maguire
New workers’ rights have empowered organised labour — and a change of guard at the top might hurt the government
gerard baker
Is Trump a fascist? He’s too lazy, for a start
emma duncan
Special needs bills are bankrupting councils
martin samuel | notebook
Banning boy bands won’t end the thirst for fame
Sean O’Neill
Cooper must have urgent rethink on police anonymity
Leading Articles
Defence of the Realm
John Healey, the defence secretary, says our forces are not ready for war. Yet the government won’t commit the resources necessary to rebuild them
Old Wounds, New Problems
Demands for slavery reparations must not impede Commonwealth co-operation
Blight Night
Halloween is now the biggest single-use plastic event of the year
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Concerns about tax changes in the budget
Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, The widespread reporting of a possible extension of employers’ national insurance in next week’s budget is very worrying (news, Oct 23 & 24). It is one thing to increase the rate of national insurance, and...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, The widespread reporting of a possible extension of...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, The widespread reporting of a possible extension of...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The High Court hands down a judgment in a judicial review brought by two men and Friends of the Earth, who are suing the government over climate change; the US secretary of state Antony Blinken holds talks in the British capital with Arab counterparts following travel to the Middle East.
US: Donald Trump delivers remarks on border security and migrant crime in Texas; Barack Obama holds a campaign rally for vice-president Kamala Harris in North Carolina.
On this day
In 1916 the German fighter pilot Rudolf von Eschwege claimed his first combat success. He had 20 confirmed victories. He died on November 21, 1917, aged 22, after a booby-trapped British observation balloon exploded. His coffin was carried by six British aviators and buried with full military honours; in 1971 the United Nations voted to expel the Nationalist Chinese government of Taiwan and admit the communist People’s Republic of China; in 1976 Queen Elizabeth officially opened the National Theatre on London’s South Bank, having laid a foundation stone in 1951; in 1984 the European Economic Community released emergency aid to help combat a famine in war-torn Ethiopia that claimed about one million of an estimated eight million lives at risk.
Nature notes
Perhaps we love the idea of bird migration because it acts like a calendar. In spring, songbirds arrive from Africa to make the sunny days even more welcome; in autumn the wild ducks and geese arrive from the far north, brightening our darker days with their flocks and calls. But there’s a surprising exception to the itineraries of our migratory wild duck and geese species in the UK. The garganey does the opposite to all the others. Come autumn it heads to the tropics of Africa, only returning to our shores in April. This reverse migration is a fascinating mystery. You’ll be very lucky to see a garganey because there are only about 100 breeding pairs of this small dabbling duck in the UK. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Jon Anderson, singer-songwriter, co-founder of Yes, Owner of a Lonely Heart (1983), 80; Phil Daniels, actor, Quadrophenia (1979), 66; Sir Ciarán Devane, chairman, Clore Social Leadership, 62; Dominic Dromgoole, artistic director, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre (2006-16), and producer, Benjamin (2018), 61; Robin Eubanks, jazz trombonist, 69; Reanne Evans, snooker player, 12-time world women’s snooker champion, 39; Midori Goto, violinist, 53; Dame Wendy Hall, executive director, Web Science Institute, regius professor of computer science, University of Southampton, 72; Nick Hancock, comedian and TV presenter, They Think It’s All Over (1995-2004), 62; Steve Hodge, footballer, England (1986-91), 62; Lord (Bernard) Hogan-Howe, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police (2011-17), 67; Ulrich Körner, chief executive of Credit Suisse, 62; Stephen Leather, author, the Dan “Spider” Shepherd series, 68; Lord (Edward) Udny-Lister, chief strategic adviser to Boris Johnson (2019-21), 75; Donal O’Donnell, chief justice, Supreme Court of Ireland, 67; Ciara Parkes, chairwoman of Public Eye Communications, 60; Phoebe Philo, fashion designer, 51; Ian Peters, chairman, UK Health Security Agency, 66; Anita Rani, radio and TV presenter, Countryfile, and chancellor of the University of Bradford, 47; Rusty Schweickart, astronaut, lunar module pilot for Apollo 9 (1969), 89; Charles Sebag-Montefiore, art historian, 75; Elif Shafak, novelist, There Are Rivers in the Sky (2024), 53; AC Smith, cricketer, England (1962-63), 88; Zadie Smith, novelist, The Fraud (2023), 49; Myriam Spiteri Debono, president of Malta, 72; Richard Thompson, chairman, England and Wales Cricket Board, 58; Glenn Tipton, rock musician, Judas Priest, 77; Anne Tyler, novelist, French Braid (2022), 83; Valerie Vaughan-Dick, chief executive, Royal Institute of British Architects, 64; Willie Walsh, director-general, International Air Transport Association, 63.