The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Labour leader says PM’s solution to the migrant crisis is a ‘gimmick and waste of money’
newSir Keir Starmer said he would scrap Rwanda flights immediately after entering Downing Street but that a Labour government would not bring back migrants already deported to the African country. He said he had no doubt that Rishi Sunak would get flights off the ground before the general election...Sir Keir Starmer said he would scrap Rwanda flights immediately after entering Downing Street but that a Labour government would not bring back migrants already deported to the African country. He said he had no doubt that Rishi Sunak would get flights off the ground before the general election...Sir Keir Starmer said he would scrap Rwanda flights immediately after entering Downing Street but that a Labour government...
Parents working from home have contributed to an “unacceptable” rise in pupils skipping school on Fridays, the education secretary has said. Gillian Keegan said that 50,000 more pupils were absent at the end of the week compared with Mondays, with schools facing “major challenges” as parents pull their children out of class for holidays and...Parents working from home have contributed to an “unacceptable” rise in pupils skipping school on Fridays, the education secretary has said. Gillian Keegan said that 50,000 more pupils were absent at the end of the week compared with Mondays, with schools facing “major challenges” as parents pull their children out of class for holidays and...Parents working from home have contributed to an “unacceptable” rise in pupils skipping school on Fridays, the education...
The Duke of Sussex said it was “great” to be back in the UK as he rounded off his brief visit before heading to Nigeria, where he is being joined by the Duchess of Sussex. Prince Harry was in the country for a few days to attend a celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games, his Paralympics-style...The Duke of Sussex said it was “great” to be back in the UK as he rounded off his brief visit...The Duke of Sussex said it was “great” to be back in the UK as he rounded off his brief visit...
Tens of thousands of homeowners face huge increases in their mortgage payments and may be unable to sell their homes...Tens of thousands of homeowners face huge increases in their mortgage payments and may be unable...Tens of thousands of homeowners face huge increases in their mortgage payments and may be unable...
Obituary
When EL James published her bonkbuster Fifty Shades of Grey, Shirley Conran could not see what all the fuss was...When EL James published her bonkbuster Fifty Shades of Grey, Shirley Conran could not see...When EL James published her bonkbuster Fifty Shades of Grey, Shirley Conran could not see...
A Russian-owned castle on the Kent-Sussex border that had its diplomatic status removed this week is suspected of...A Russian-owned castle on the Kent-Sussex border that had its diplomatic status removed this week...A Russian-owned castle on the Kent-Sussex border that had its diplomatic status removed this week...
Teenagers will be told for the first time the actual A-level grades that universities accept for courses rather than...Teenagers will be told for the first time the actual A-level grades that universities accept for...Teenagers will be told for the first time the actual A-level grades that universities accept for...
Margaret Atwood, Sting and Coldplay are among more than a hundred cultural figures who have called for the death sentence on the Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi to be quashed and for his release from prison. A revolutionary court in Salehi’s home town of Isfahan sentenced him to be hanged for supporting anti-regime protests after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini...Margaret Atwood, Sting and Coldplay are among more than a hundred cultural figures who have...Margaret Atwood, Sting and Coldplay are among more than a hundred cultural figures who have...
DANIEL FINKELSTEIN
I am not a great fan of open letters and petitions. I almost never sign them. Almost every issue is more complicated...I am not a great fan of open letters and petitions. I almost never sign them. Almost every issue is more complicated than it seems at first, and I prefer to express myself in my own words, ones that allow for nuance and recognise the strength of alternative positions. But I was happy to join others in a statement...I am not a great fan of open letters and petitions. I almost never sign them. Almost every issue is more complicated than it...
The Comedy Pet Photography Awards have revealed the top contenders for 2024, from a cat’s misadventure in a wall to a dog striking a kung-fu pose. Founded by the photographers Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the competition celebrates the joy...The Comedy Pet Photography Awards have revealed the top contenders for 2024, from a cat’s...The Comedy Pet Photography Awards have revealed the top contenders for 2024, from a cat’s...
A watchdog has called for scandal-hit Wandsworth prison to be put into emergency measures amid concerns about failings in security and severe problems with overcrowding, drugs, violence and self-harm. Charlie Taylor, the chief...A watchdog has called for scandal-hit Wandsworth prison to be put into emergency measures amid concerns about failings in security and severe problems with overcrowding, drugs, violence and self-harm. Charlie Taylor, the chief...A watchdog has called for scandal-hit Wandsworth prison to be put into emergency measures amid concerns about...
Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since the October 7 attacks and the start of the Israel-Gaza war, the General Medical Council has said. Jewish doctors said they heard heard reports of some medics...Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since the October 7 attacks and the start of the Israel-Gaza war, the General Medical Council has said. Jewish doctors said they heard heard reports of some medics...Complaints of antisemitic abuse among doctors have surged since the October 7 attacks and the start of the...
THE TIMES DIARY
The porn actress Stormy Daniels acknowledged making money from her story of an alleged affair with Donald Trump, saying it was exactly what the former president would have done in her shoes. In lively exchanges on her second day of testimony, Daniels, 45, was accused of spending years profiting...The porn actress Stormy Daniels acknowledged making money from her story of an alleged affair with Donald Trump, saying it was exactly what the former president would have done in her shoes. In lively exchanges on her second day of testimony, Daniels, 45, was accused of spending years profiting...The porn actress Stormy Daniels acknowledged making money from her story of an alleged affair with Donald Trump, saying it was...
The Israeli military will not defeat Hamas by “smashing into Rafah”, the White House said as footage emerged of tanks amassing around the city in the Gaza Strip. While President Biden remains committed to helping Israel “inflict an enduring defeat” on the militant group, “there are better ways to go after what is left of Hamas … than a...The Israeli military will not defeat Hamas by “smashing into Rafah”, the White House said as footage emerged of tanks amassing around the city in the Gaza Strip. While President Biden remains committed to helping Israel “inflict an enduring defeat” on the militant group, “there are better ways to go after what is left of Hamas … than a...The Israeli military will not defeat Hamas by “smashing into Rafah”, the White House said as footage emerged of tanks amassing...
Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, says that his favourite author is Javier Cercas, who has gained international fame with his book Soldiers of Salamis. He may have cause to regret his endorsement now that Cercas, a fellow left-winger, has denounced his policies for Catalonia before the region’s elections...Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, says that his favourite author is Javier Cercas, who...Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, says that his favourite author is Javier Cercas, who...
At the back of the courtroom that is hosting the criminal trial of Donald Trump, there is a small holding cell with a bench. There are more downstairs, on the sixth and seventh floors of the Manhattan court, and in the basement. These are larger: some of them can hold up to 25 people. One of them could easily hold a former president of the United States. Eleven miles...At the back of the courtroom that is hosting the criminal trial of Donald Trump, there is a small...At the back of the courtroom that is hosting the criminal trial of Donald Trump, there is a small...
Barron Trump, the youngest child of the former president, has been named as a delegate at the Republican convention...Barron Trump, the youngest child of the former president, has been named as a delegate at the Republican convention in July when he will help to confirm his father as the party’s presidential nominee. Barron, who has so far been kept out of the political spotlight, turned 18 in March and will leave school this summer.Barron Trump, the youngest child of the former president, has been named as a delegate at the Republican convention in July...
Hunter Biden will go on trial next month after a federal appeals court dismissed his bid to throw out criminal...Hunter Biden will go on trial next month after a federal appeals court dismissed his bid to throw...Hunter Biden will go on trial next month after a federal appeals court dismissed his bid to throw...
A Miss USA and a Miss Teen USA winner have both handed back their crowns amid reports of bullying in the highest...A Miss USA and a Miss Teen USA winner have both handed back their crowns amid reports of bullying...A Miss USA and a Miss Teen USA winner have both handed back their crowns amid reports of bullying...
IN maps and CHARTS
gerard baker
It’s common to watch politicians, under the intense pressure of constant public scrutiny, commit unforced errors that...It’s common to watch politicians, under the intense pressure of constant public scrutiny, commit...It’s common to watch politicians, under the intense pressure of constant public scrutiny, commit...
JANE MULKERRINS
Stormy Daniels has lost a great deal by standing up to Donald Trump, including but not limited to: her personal...Stormy Daniels has lost a great deal by standing up to Donald Trump, including but not limited to...Stormy Daniels has lost a great deal by standing up to Donald Trump, including but not limited to...
The UK economy went “gangbusters’ at the start of 2024, growing at the fastest pace in two years and exiting a short recession, the Office for National Statistics said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the economy had “turned a corner” after output rose by 0.6 per cent in the first quarter, better...The UK economy went “gangbusters’ at the start of 2024, growing at the fastest pace in two years and exiting a short recession, the Office for National Statistics said. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the economy had “turned a corner” after output rose by 0.6 per cent in the first quarter, better...The UK economy went “gangbusters’ at the start of 2024, growing at the fastest pace in two years and exiting a short recession...
When Gordon Brown unveiled his plan to create individual savings accounts in 1997, the aim was to encourage thrift at a time when saving levels were low. “Half the adult population of our country hardly save at all,” Brown, then chancellor, warned in his inaugural budget. “Through the new Isa we intend to encourage the habit of saving among...When Gordon Brown unveiled his plan to create individual savings accounts in 1997, the aim was to encourage thrift at a time when saving levels were low. “Half the adult population of our country hardly save at all,” Brown, then chancellor, warned in his inaugural budget. “Through the new Isa we intend to encourage the habit of saving among...When Gordon Brown unveiled his plan to create individual savings accounts in 1997, the aim was to encourage thrift at a time...
Gordon Ramsay is betting on the continuing return of City workers to the office after announcing plans for the UK’s highest restaurant and bar at 22 Bishopsgate, London. The announcement of the 25,000 sq ft space, which will include an Asian-inspired Lucky Cat eaterie, came as the TV chef revealed that revenues at...Gordon Ramsay is betting on the continuing return of City workers to the office after announcing...Gordon Ramsay is betting on the continuing return of City workers to the office after announcing...
The Manifesto
Comment
Elphicke is symbol of Starmer’s new mantra
Patrick Maguire
Welcoming ex-Tory MP across the floor shows how far Labour’s leader is prepared to put the voter before his party
emma duncan
We need to axe red tape to get Britain building
gerard baker
Even the US right draws the line at shooting puppies
martin Samuel | notebook
Politics is spared the full Monty — for now
Sajid Javid
People with ME have been ignored for far too long
Leading Articles
Strange Bedfellows
Natalie Elphicke’s defection from the Conservatives to Labour is a strategic coup for Sir Keir Starmer, but his anxious MPs must be reassured it doesn’t come at a price
No Brainer
Ucas’s publication of actual A-level grades accepted by universities is welcome
Clinging to the Nest
Young people still living at home are being denied a rite of passage into adult life
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Starmer’s acceptance of renegade Tory
Sir, Charlie Elphicke’s misdeeds in office proved him to be unworthy of selection as an MP, and when his wife was “shunted in” to replace him my concerns were summarily dismissed by my local Conservative association. Despite this, I remained a...Sir, Charlie Elphicke’s misdeeds in office proved him to be unworthy of selection as an MP, and...Sir, Charlie Elphicke’s misdeeds in office proved him to be unworthy of selection as an MP, and...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: ONS publishes quarterly estimate of GDP for the UK, as well as index of production, overseas trade statistics and index of services; Duke of Edinburgh Scheme Gold Award reception is held at Buckingham Palace for young people who have achieved the gold standard; the Prince of Wales visits the Isles of Scilly; FA Youth Cup final takes place in Manchester.
France: Anti-Slavery Day marks the abolition of slavery in France and its former empire.
On this day
In 1940 Winston Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime minister. Chamberlain had been forced to resign over a disastrous military campaign in Norway; in 1941 Rudolf Hess, deputy leader of the Nazi Party, parachuted into Scotland in an apparent attempt to negotiate a peace deal, but was arrested and imprisoned. He died in 1987; in 1969 the ten-day Battle of Dong Ap Bia (Hamburger Hill) started during the Vietnam War. US and South Vietnamese forces launched an assault on Hill 937, held by the Viet Cong; in 1994 Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa after the victory of his African National Congress party. Mandela had spent 27 years as a political prisoner for his campaign to end white minority rule. He died on December 5, 2013; in 1998 members of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA, voted to accept the Good Friday peace agreement.
Nature notes
By UK standards, southern wood ants are huge. Queens can be 12mm long and workers 10mm. This large size led to them being known as horse ants. Often forming teeming colonies of up to half a million individuals, southern wood ant nests are gargantuan mounds of soil, leaves, twigs and conifer needles. Set in sunlit, woodland clearings, some nests are a few metres wide and over a metre high. The species has developed a useful arsenal against attacks from green woodpeckers and badgers. First, their huge mandibles deliver a nasty bite; second, they can spray formic acid into the eyes of assailants; third, they live in such vast numbers that they overcome predators by sheer dint of crawling numbers. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Dennis Bergkamp, footballer, Holland (1990-2000) and Arsenal (1995-2006), 55; Bono, singer, U2, The Joshua Tree (1987), 64; Barbara Taylor Bradford, author, A Woman of Substance (1979), 91; Edward Cadogan, Earl Cadogan, chairman, Cadogan Group (property portfolio focused on Chelsea and Knightsbridge, west London), 58; Sir Bill Cash, Conservative MP for Stone, shadow attorney-general (2001-03), 84; Donovan, singer-songwriter, Mellow Yellow (1966), 78; Jonathan Edwards, triple jump world record holder and Olympic gold medallist (2000), 58; Linda Evangelista, model, 59; John Fredriksen, oil tanker and shipping tycoon, 80; Diarmuid Gavin, garden designer, Chelsea Flower Show gold medal (2011), 60; Sir Christopher Gent, chief executive, Vodafone (1997-2003), chairman, GlaxoSmith-Kline (2005-15), 76; Lucinda Lambton, writer, Palaces for Pigs (2011), photographer and broadcaster, 81; Dame Maureen Lipman, actress, Educating Rita (1983), Coronation Street (2002, since 2018), 78; Chloë McCardel, holder of the record for the number of cross-Channel swims (44), 39; David Mackenzie, film director, Perfect Sense (2011), 58; Dave Mason, singer-songwriter and guitarist, Traffic, Feelin’ Alright (1968), 78; Anna Maxwell Martin, actress, Bleak House (2005), 47; Antonio Neri, president and chief executive, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, 57; Ellen Ochoa, astronaut, director of the Johnson Space Center (2013-18), 66; Baroness (Charlotte) Owen of Alderley Edge, special adviser to Boris Johnson (2021-22), 31; Sally Phillips, actress, Smack the Pony (1999-2001), 54; Wolfgang Porsche, chairman of the supervisory board, Porsche AG, 81; Miuccia Prada, fashion designer, 75; Roberto Quarta, chairman, WPP Group, 75; Jon Ronson, journalist and author, The Men Who Stare at Goats (2004), 57; Venetia Williams, racehorse trainer, 64; Debbie Wiseman, composer for the King’s coronation, 61.