People wishing to change gender will be given a two-year cooling off period
Labour will make it easier for people to legally transition by removing the need for them to prove they have lived as their preferred gender for two years. Under existing rules, transgender people wishing to have their new gender legally recognised must obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC).Labour will make it easier for people to legally transition by removing the need for them to prove they have lived as their preferred gender for two years. Under existing rules, transgender people wishing to have their new gender legally recognised must obtain a gender recognition certificate (GRC).Labour will make it easier for people to legally transition by removing the need for them to prove they have lived as their...
The gambling watchdog’s investigation into the Conservative Party betting ring has been widened to look into hundreds of suspicious bets, The Times has learnt. A dossier containing details of all bets that stood to win more than £199 has been passed to the Gambling Commission by betting companies. Investigators are sifting through a...The gambling watchdog’s investigation into the Conservative Party betting ring has been widened to look into hundreds of suspicious bets, The Times has learnt. A dossier containing details of all bets that stood to win more than £199 has been passed to the Gambling Commission by betting companies. Investigators are sifting through a...The gambling watchdog’s investigation into the Conservative Party betting ring has been widened to look into hundreds of...
Western leaders should hold peace talks with President Putin to break the “stalemate” in Ukraine, Nigel Farage has said. The Reform UK leader has courted criticism from across the political spectrum after claiming that the West provoked Russia into war by expanding the European Union and Nato further east. In...Western leaders should hold peace talks with President Putin to break the “stalemate” in Ukraine...Western leaders should hold peace talks with President Putin to break the “stalemate” in Ukraine...
Dispatch from Donetsk
KEVIN MAHER
I see the trolls are out again. Poor old Prince William decides to unleash a few freestyle moves at the weekend...I see the trolls are out again. Poor old Prince William decides to unleash a few freestyle moves...I see the trolls are out again. Poor old Prince William decides to unleash a few freestyle moves...
The designer vintage shop owner Bridget Hutchcroft was not impressed the first time she spoke to Ekaterina Barrett, a...The designer vintage shop owner Bridget Hutchcroft was not impressed the first time she spoke to...The designer vintage shop owner Bridget Hutchcroft was not impressed the first time she spoke to...
euro 2024 | james gheerbrant
Euro 2024 | David Moyes
EURO 2024 | MARTIN SAMUEL
DISPATCH | robert crampton
Postal workers have been left “running for their lives” in a Cornish market town due to territorial seagulls...Postal workers have been left “running for their lives” in a Cornish market town due to...Postal workers have been left “running for their lives” in a Cornish market town due to...
A stag made famous on social media has had to be put down after it was fed croissants and sweet snacks by tourists.A stag made famous on social media has had to be put down after it was fed croissants and sweet...A stag made famous on social media has had to be put down after it was fed croissants and sweet...
To Marine Le Pen and many of her supporters the Muslim faith is an existential threat to the French identity. Banning headscarves in public spaces, halting the construction of new mosques, and prohibiting the ritual slaughter of animals are all policies floated by her National Rally in recent years.To Marine Le Pen and many of her supporters the Muslim faith is an existential threat to the French identity. Banning headscarves in public spaces, halting the construction of new mosques, and prohibiting the ritual slaughter of animals are all policies floated by her National Rally in recent years.To Marine Le Pen and many of her supporters the Muslim faith is an existential threat to the French identity. Banning...
Marine Le Pen has defended supporters of her populist right National Rally who are facing allegations of racism after they were filmed telling their black neighbour to “go in the kennel”. The French politician denied the remark was racist and claimed the incident was being exploited by opponents of her party before the first round of French...Marine Le Pen has defended supporters of her populist right National Rally who are facing allegations of racism after they were filmed telling their black neighbour to “go in the kennel”. The French politician denied the remark was racist and claimed the incident was being exploited by opponents of her party before the first round of French...Marine Le Pen has defended supporters of her populist right National Rally who are facing allegations of racism after they were...
The Vatican will renew a controversial agreement with China despite concerns from senior Catholics and campaigners that it forces the Church to remain silent on human rights abuses. The pact was introduced in 2018 and the decision to extend it for a third time was announced last week by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the...The Vatican will renew a controversial agreement with China despite concerns from senior...The Vatican will renew a controversial agreement with China despite concerns from senior...
The crew of a superyacht who let off fireworks over the popular holiday island of Hydra causing a wildfire that razed the island’s only pine forest have been charged with criminal damage. A Greek prosecutor brought charges on Sunday against 13...The crew of a superyacht who let off fireworks over the popular holiday island of Hydra causing a...The crew of a superyacht who let off fireworks over the popular holiday island of Hydra causing a...
IN maps and CHARTS
The US election will pit two presidents against each other — but the familiarity of the likely candidates is doing...The US election will pit two presidents against each other — but the familiarity of the likely...The US election will pit two presidents against each other — but the familiarity of the likely...
President Biden and his Republican predecessor Donald Trump have agreed to two primetime televised debates before...President Biden and his Republican predecessor Donald Trump have agreed to two primetime...President Biden and his Republican predecessor Donald Trump have agreed to two primetime...
Britain could emerge as an ‘island of stability’, analysts say, with sterling expected to break out from its post-Brexit weakness
The pound and UK government bonds stand to benefit from rising political uncertainty in France and a “non-event” British election next month, according to investors. Analysts have said that UK assets such as the pound are on course to strengthen against the euro and other big currencies in an...The pound and UK government bonds stand to benefit from rising political uncertainty in France and a “non-event” British election next month, according to investors. Analysts have said that UK assets such as the pound are on course to strengthen against the euro and other big currencies in an...The pound and UK government bonds stand to benefit from rising political uncertainty in France and a “non-event” British...
Prudential has announced that it will buy back shares worth $2 billion as the group expresses confidence in achieving its financial objectives for the next three years. Yesterday the insurance company said it would hold a share buyback programme to be completed over the next two years and that more value could be returned to shareholders as...Prudential has announced that it will buy back shares worth $2 billion as the group expresses confidence in achieving its financial objectives for the next three years. Yesterday the insurance company said it would hold a share buyback programme to be completed over the next two years and that more value could be returned to shareholders as...Prudential has announced that it will buy back shares worth $2 billion as the group expresses confidence in achieving its...
The company formerly known as Pendragon is heading for its fifth consecutive year of shareholder revolts over its chief executive’s pay. Pendragon is now known as Pinewood Technologies following the sale of its nationwide chain of motor dealers in the UK to the American company Lithia. The remaining business is now...The company formerly known as Pendragon is heading for its fifth consecutive year of shareholder...The company formerly known as Pendragon is heading for its fifth consecutive year of shareholder...
comment
The parties’ manifestos — or in the case of Reform UK their contract — are all out. The campaigns are entering the...The parties’ manifestos — or in the case of Reform UK their contract — are all out. The campaigns...The parties’ manifestos — or in the case of Reform UK their contract — are all out. The campaigns...
First-time buyers’ monthly mortgage repayments have jumped by 61 per cent over the past five years because of...First-time buyers’ monthly mortgage repayments have jumped by 61 per cent over the past five...First-time buyers’ monthly mortgage repayments have jumped by 61 per cent over the past five...
If Labour wins the election, it will attempt something incredibly ambitious: so ambitious that some energy experts believe it cannot be done. In only six years it will try to transform Britain’s electricity grid from one reliant on gas to one...If Labour wins the election, it will attempt something incredibly ambitious: so ambitious that...If Labour wins the election, it will attempt something incredibly ambitious: so ambitious that...
the week ahead
business failures
Three entrepreneurs share their experiences of closing down their businesses, from a failed crowdfunding campaign to a missed shipment of wine
newRECRUITMENT
Elon Musk, the Space X and Tesla mogul, describes engineering as “magic made real”, so why are women finding the sector somewhat less than spellbinding? While the number of engineering posts continues to climb year-on-year, figures from EngineeringUK show that the proportion of women working in the sector has fallen in the past 12 months from 16.5 per cent to 15.7 per...Elon Musk, the Space X and Tesla mogul, describes engineering as “magic made real”, so why are...Elon Musk, the Space X and Tesla mogul, describes engineering as “magic made real”, so why are...
recruitment | six from the best
In a world of mergers and takeovers, employee ownership remains a favoured model for staff. This Sunday is Employee...In a world of mergers and takeovers, employee ownership remains a favoured model for staff. This Sunday is Employee Ownership Day and Sue Craven, executive chairwoman of Parkhouse Bell, the executive talent research firm, explains her leadership reasons for moving to a fully employee-owned model. 1 Create an...In a world of mergers and takeovers, employee ownership remains a favoured model for staff. This Sunday is Employee Ownership...
Euro 2024
Harry Kane believes that Gary Lineker and the army of former England players-turned-pundits should be more responsible with their comments as he offered a pointed reminder that they did not win a major tournament in their own international careers. The England captain called on them to...Harry Kane believes that Gary Lineker and the army of former England players-turned-pundits should be more responsible with their comments as he offered a pointed reminder that they did not win a major tournament in their own international careers. The England captain called on them to...Harry Kane believes that Gary Lineker and the army of former England players-turned-pundits should be more responsible with...
EURO 2024 | MARTIN SAMUEL
The game is played where the players are. Sounds daft, doesn’t it? Sounds like gobbledegook. What’s with a statement like that? What does it mean? Actually, it’s a phrase used by football men. You know, old football men, real football men. The types that roll their eyes a little at talk of xG and xP, and may grimace at the size of the new...The game is played where the players are. Sounds daft, doesn’t it? Sounds like gobbledegook. What’s with a statement like that? What does it mean? Actually, it’s a phrase used by football men. You know, old football men, real football men. The types that roll their eyes a little at talk of xG and xP, and may grimace at the size of the new...The game is played where the players are. Sounds daft, doesn’t it? Sounds like gobbledegook. What’s with a statement like that?
T20 World Cup | Mike Atherton
It is often said that cricket is a team game but England’s win against USA was fashioned on the back of three remarkable individual performances, from Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan. Between them, they helped England to negotiate a potentially tricky day and become the first team to claim a semi-final...It is often said that cricket is a team game but England’s win against USA was fashioned on the...It is often said that cricket is a team game but England’s win against USA was fashioned on the...
SPANISH GRAND PRIX | Molly hudson
Euro 2024 | Paul Joyce
Alex Lowe
Maro Itoje will fly from Tokyo to Auckland on Monday and land in the middle of anniversary season. The England lock...Maro Itoje will fly from Tokyo to Auckland on Monday and land in the middle of anniversary season.Maro Itoje will fly from Tokyo to Auckland on Monday and land in the middle of anniversary season.
Will Kelleher
It turns out that Richard Hill had it right all along. Several years ago, the 2003 World Cup-winning flanker was the...It turns out that Richard Hill had it right all along. Several years ago, the 2003 World...It turns out that Richard Hill had it right all along. Several years ago, the 2003 World...
T20 WORLD CUP | simon wilde
Chris Jordan had the sort of day that rarely comes to cricketers and makes up for the occasions when things go less well — and, let’s be honest, the bad stuff tends to outweigh the good in such a fickle sphere as professional sport. Not so long ago, Jordan, a veteran of ten years’ standing, appeared surplus to England’s T20 requirements. He was not even in the squad...Chris Jordan had the sort of day that rarely comes to cricketers and makes up for the occasions...Chris Jordan had the sort of day that rarely comes to cricketers and makes up for the occasions...
county championship
Having not been back to New Road for a championship match since they clinched the Division One title on this ground...Having not been back to New Road for a championship match since they clinched the Division One title on this ground in 2018, Surrey marked their return with a convincing batting display after being put in. In doing so, they ensured no repeat of their collapses in their last match when they were twice skittled by...Having not been back to New Road for a championship match since they clinched the Division One title on this ground in 2018...
euro 2024 | james gheerbrant
Euro 2024 | David Moyes
It has been a really good tournament so far. From now the matches get serious and it will be interesting to see if...It has been a really good tournament so far. From now the matches get serious and it will be...It has been a really good tournament so far. From now the matches get serious and it will be...
Stuart Fraser
It is a challenging year to predict the Wimbledon singles champions. The usual men’s favourite, Novak Djokovic...It is a challenging year to predict the Wimbledon singles champions. The usual men’s favourite...It is a challenging year to predict the Wimbledon singles champions. The usual men’s favourite...
STEVE JAMES
It was not the masochistic mauling that many feared but it was hardly a performance from Wales that blessed them with an abundance of hope and expectation as they prepare to fly to Australia on Wednesday for two Tests and a match against Queensland Reds. Of course, there were some of those clichéd positives that all sportspeople like to touch upon, in public at least...It was not the masochistic mauling that many feared but it was hardly a performance from Wales...It was not the masochistic mauling that many feared but it was hardly a performance from Wales...
Marcus Smith will be backed by Steve Borthwick to run England’s attack from fly half against the All Blacks after his...Marcus Smith will be backed by Steve Borthwick to run England’s attack from fly half against the All Blacks after his confident display against Japan. Borthwick, the head coach, is prioritising continuity on this summer tour, as he tries to forge a fresh-looking England team. Smith, who is the senior fly half in an...Marcus Smith will be backed by Steve Borthwick to run England’s attack from fly half against the All Blacks after his confident...
wimbledon
We are fast approaching the nation’s favourite two weeks of tennis at SW19, home of Wimbledon. The best players from all across the globe travel to compete on the pristine grass that over the decades has defined careers, and broken hearts. Centre Court can be classed as the world’s best tennis arena, underneath the retractable roof that ensures British rain can’t keep...We are fast approaching the nation’s favourite two weeks of tennis at SW19, home of Wimbledon.We are fast approaching the nation’s favourite two weeks of tennis at SW19, home of Wimbledon.
Racecards
BET OF THE DAY
Equity Law (7.10 Windsor)
This gelding is bred for speed and he can defy a 4lb rise in...Racecards
BET OF THE DAY
Equity Law (7.10 Windsor)
This gelding is bred for speed and he can defy a 4lb rise in the weights for his latest success at Sandown Park. He has had just six starts and has run well on four of them, with the two below-par runs coming on much softer ground. His Sandown win came in a...Racecards
BET OF THE DAY
Equity Law (7.10 Windsor)
This gelding is bred for speed and he can defy a 4lb rise in the weights...
euro 2024 | MARTIN SAMUEL
EURO 2024 | WAYNE ROONEY
Watching England play at this tournament I see Manchester City. But not the City who have just reeled off four consecutive Premier League titles with their brilliant football. They’re like City, except without the timing. And without the pressing...Watching England play at this tournament I see Manchester City. But not the City who have just...Watching England play at this tournament I see Manchester City. But not the City who have just...
interview
At 65 the novelist spends winters in Miami with his third wife, isn’t totally clean-living — and still enjoys an argument, he tells Janice Turner
FIRST PERSON
Katie Glass was told her rescue dog was a lab. Why wouldn’t he stop growing? She decided to find out
When Bridget Hutchcroft lent Ekaterina Barrett £1.3 million for a divorce she could not have known it would lead to an epic court battle
As Gen Z will tell you, invisible socks, hidden within trainers, are deeply passé
KEVIN MAHER
The trolls have it all wrong — Prince William was cutting quite a rug at Taylor Swift’s concert
Ask Professor Tanya Byron
Q. Our bright three-and-a-half-year-old son is causing increasing stress to my wife and me. I struggle to write this...Q. Our bright three-and-a-half-year-old son is causing increasing stress to my wife and me. I...Q. Our bright three-and-a-half-year-old son is causing increasing stress to my wife and me. I...
review
The term “witch trials” is well known to most people, but in Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch Trials (Channel 4)...The term “witch trials” is well known to most people, but in Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch...The term “witch trials” is well known to most people, but in Suranne Jones: Investigating Witch...
This is the year of elections. From Europe to India, the UK to the US, there’s no shortage of democracy today — but whether it is of any quality is an open question. According to a report from the Centre of the Future of Democracy at the...This is the year of elections. From Europe to India, the UK to the US, there’s no shortage of...This is the year of elections. From Europe to India, the UK to the US, there’s no shortage of...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
MindGames
1 Which US state’s Space Coast is “72 miles of paradise only 45 miles from Orlando”? 2 The three main ingredients of...1 Which US state’s Space Coast is “72 miles of paradise only 45 miles from Orlando”? 2 The three...1 Which US state’s Space Coast is “72 miles of paradise only 45 miles from Orlando”? 2 The three...
Viewing GUide
eXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
I first meet Keir Starmer in March, on the platform of Harlow station in Essex. We’re heading to Purford Green Primary School, where the Labour leader will emphasise his desire to unleash a “generation of creativity” in schools. Team Starmer...I first meet Keir Starmer in March, on the platform of Harlow station in Essex. We’re heading to...I first meet Keir Starmer in March, on the platform of Harlow station in Essex. We’re heading to...
Chelsea’s Treasure House Fair offers a fascinating and eclectic array of objects d’art
Where to get the most showstopping blooms for your big day
A new generation of sleek and effective IPL devices have transformed the way we depilate
Ferretti makes some of the world’s most iconic yachts. Now it has branched out into private jets
video
Head to lesser-known Montenegro to visit the pristine coastline and stunning crowd-free mountains before huge investment, new flights and EU membership sees visitors pour in
From beach clean-ups to socially responsible expeditions, these are the exciting initiatives you can get involved with at sea
video
Unique gastronomy, cooler weather and art to rival the Prado are among the reasons our writer looks north, to a provincial escape from the capital with a medieval core
interview
The actor recalls childhood trips to Paris, Ottawa and Quebec and alternate Christmases abroad to see his father Donald, who died this week
video
Sicily has been popularised by The White Lotus — but there are many sides, including cooler temperatures, to this wild, volcanic island during an out-of-season week exploring
KAthy Lette | Travel Troubleshooter
Q. Next month my wife and I are going on holiday to a gîte in Normandy with another couple. We absolutely adore them,...Q. Next month my wife and I are going on holiday to a gîte in Normandy with another couple. We...Q. Next month my wife and I are going on holiday to a gîte in Normandy with another couple. We...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
My friend is in an indulgent mood. And no wonder — because I’ve reluctantly agreed to spend an evening with him at a...My friend is in an indulgent mood. And no wonder — because I’ve reluctantly agreed to spend an...My friend is in an indulgent mood. And no wonder — because I’ve reluctantly agreed to spend an...
video
Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places — and one of its most thrilling. While on expedition in this northern Norwegian archipelago, Will Bolsover, the founder & CEO of Natural World Safaris, explains how to prepare for the...Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places — and one of its most thrilling.Svalbard is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places — and one of its most thrilling.
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
I HAVE told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the...I HAVE told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help...I HAVE told you these things while I am still with you. But the Holy Spirit will come and help...
Windsor Castle
22nd June, 2024
The King and Queen honoured Ascot Races with their presence today.
St James’s Palace...Windsor Castle
22nd June, 2024
The King and Queen honoured Ascot Races with their presence today.Windsor Castle
22nd June, 2024
The King and Queen honoured Ascot Races with their presence today.
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
A prestigious independent school at the centre of a historical abuse scandal has been forced to take out a £4 million loan to cover the cost of compensation claims. Police launched a series of investigations into Edinburgh Academy after more than 20 former teachers and staff members at the school...A prestigious independent school at the centre of a historical abuse scandal has been forced to take out a £4 million loan to cover the cost of compensation claims. Police launched a series of investigations into Edinburgh Academy after more than 20 former teachers and staff members at the school...A prestigious independent school at the centre of a historical abuse scandal has been forced to take out a £4 million loan to...
The chairman of Scotland’s troubled water regulator failed to declare his former boss was in a senior role at the organisation he was monitoring. Donald MacRae has been the chairman at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics) since 2018 after joining as a non-executive director two years earlier. Previously MacRae was the chief...The chairman of Scotland’s troubled water regulator failed to declare his former boss was in a senior role at the organisation he was monitoring. Donald MacRae has been the chairman at the Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics) since 2018 after joining as a non-executive director two years earlier. Previously MacRae was the chief...The chairman of Scotland’s troubled water regulator failed to declare his former boss was in a senior role at the organisation...
COMMENT | IAIN MACWHIRTER
One can imagine the reaction in Scottish Conservative HQ when Rishi Sunak offered to come north to give them a boost at Monday’s manifesto launch in Edinburgh. Er, yes prime minister, that would be, well, wonderful — but are you quite sure you can fit it into your tight schedule? Indeed, the Scottish Tories need the...One can imagine the reaction in Scottish Conservative HQ when Rishi Sunak offered to come north...One can imagine the reaction in Scottish Conservative HQ when Rishi Sunak offered to come north...
EURO 2024 | Jonathan Northcroft
The pair sat in Scotland shirts on the train to Stuttgart but were speaking in German so I had to find out their story. It turned out Maciej was from Poland, came to London, but bumped into some Scots and was hooked. And Lars, a German from Bochum, was taken to Stirling on holiday as a child. “From then I am like this for Scotland,” he announced, conveying his addiction...The pair sat in Scotland shirts on the train to Stuttgart but were speaking in German so I had to...The pair sat in Scotland shirts on the train to Stuttgart but were speaking in German so I had to...
euro 2024
The dejected Scotland head coach Steve Clarke angrily criticised the Argentinian referee Facundo Tello for refusing...The dejected Scotland head coach Steve Clarke angrily criticised the Argentinian referee Facundo Tello for refusing to give a penalty when Stuart Armstrong was challenged in the box. Armstrong was played in by Scott McTominay and went down after a tangle with the defender Willi Orban but neither Tello nor the...The dejected Scotland head coach Steve Clarke angrily criticised the Argentinian referee Facundo Tello for refusing to give a...
John Swinney has dismissed claims that the SNP used public funds earmarked for parliamentary work to fund its general...John Swinney has dismissed claims that the SNP used public funds earmarked for parliamentary work...John Swinney has dismissed claims that the SNP used public funds earmarked for parliamentary work...
Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, has predicted that voters north of the border who opt for Nigel...Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, has predicted that voters north of the border who...Douglas Ross, the Scottish Conservative leader, has predicted that voters north of the border who...
Scots do not trust oil and gas companies to cut their output to meet net-zero targets unless they are forced to do so by governments. A poll suggests scepticism about the green credentials of fossil fuel producers — many of which are rebranding as...Scots do not trust oil and gas companies to cut their output to meet net-zero targets unless they...Scots do not trust oil and gas companies to cut their output to meet net-zero targets unless they...
Mark Palmer
Deep in the bowels of Loftus Versfeld roughly an hour after full-time, a succession of Glasgow Warriors players emerged from their dressing room in various states of undress, swept along by a tide of euphoria as a more literal one, formed of beer and champagne remnants, followed them out of the door. To a man, these guys told me that it was the greatest night of their...Deep in the bowels of Loftus Versfeld roughly an hour after full-time, a succession of Glasgow...Deep in the bowels of Loftus Versfeld roughly an hour after full-time, a succession of Glasgow...
It may end up being a ‘see you later’ rather than a proper ‘goodbye’ but whatever happens a year from now, what a way...It may end up being a ‘see you later’ rather than a proper ‘goodbye’ but whatever happens a year from now, what a way for George Turner to sign off his Scotstoun stint. A stalwart of the side under Dave Rennie, Danny Wilson and Franco Smith since moving across from Edinburgh — where he had been criminally...It may end up being a ‘see you later’ rather than a proper ‘goodbye’ but whatever happens a year from now, what a way for...
Comment
Nature the loser from Labour’s growth drive
Jenni Russell
Party has neglected to spell out how it will balance mass building projects with their devastating effect on biodiversity
Tomiwa OwoladE
These activists are posers, not persuaders
SARAH DITUM
Hamilton’s triumph is now full of foreboding
Sathnam Sanghera | Notebook
Book festival circuit needs to begin a new chapter
Dominic Norrish
Small independent schools should be exempt from VAT
Leading Articles
Luxury Beliefs
Sir Keir Starmer is fuelling confusion about Labour’s stance on the trans issue. His failure to clearly champion the right of women to enjoy their own spaces is an insult
Computer Games
The hacking of NHS records shows how serious a threat Russia is in the cyber realm
Singles or Doubles?
Heavy drinking is as much a part of Wimbledon fortnight as tennis
letters to the editor
Farage’s criticism of Nato and praise for Putin
Sir, Nigel Farage is not alone in contending that Nato expansion had a role in the war in Ukraine (“West gave Putin pretext to invade, says Farage”, June 22). In 1997 the veteran US diplomat and Kremlin expert George Kennan argued that...Sir, Nigel Farage is not alone in contending that Nato expansion had a role in the war in Ukraine...Sir, Nigel Farage is not alone in contending that Nato expansion had a role in the war in Ukraine...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Flag-raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day (June 29) at City Hall, London, attended by Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and representatives of the army, navy and RAF.
Belgium: European Space Forum 2024 begins, a two-day annual conference in Brussels to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the space sector in Europe.
France: President Macron hosts King Abdullah of Jordan at the Élysée Palace for a working lunch, and also holds talks with Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of Nato.
On this day
In 1314 Robert Bruce’s forces defeated the English under Edward II at Bannockburn, near Stirling; in 1948 Soviet forces imposed a blockade between Allied-controlled Berlin and the West, which lasted until May 12, 1949; in 1971 the Kingsway (Wallasey) tunnel under the River Mersey was opened by Elizabeth II, who named it in honour of her father, George VI; in 2016 David Cameron announced that he would resign as prime minister the morning after the EU in/out referendum, which returned a majority “Leave” vote. He left office on July 13, 2016; in 2018 England recorded their biggest victory at a Fifa World Cup by beating Panama 6-1 in Russia. Gareth Southgate’s team progressed to the semi-finals, where they were knockout by Croatia.
Nature notes
The spotted flycatcher is a bird of summer villages and dappled woods. With us in numbers from May to September, it is drawn here by the annual explosion of insect numbers in our warmer months — an explosion that is becoming more muted every year, a loss reflected in the bird’s steep and ongoing decline in numbers and consequent appearance on the UK’s Red List of birds of conservation concern. What this small, dun bird lacks in impressive plumage it more than makes up for in charm: they’ll choose a perch — often on an overhead cable — from which they will dive and swoop, catching insects in mid-air, and returning to the same place, a habit that makes them easy to identify, and to observe.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Stuart Broad, pictured, cricketer, Nottinghamshire (2008-23) and England (2006-23), 38; Lady Elish Angiolini, LT KC, chairwoman of the public inquiry into the murder of Sarah Everard, lord clerk register of Scotland, principal, St Hugh’s College, Oxford, 64; Christian Day, rugby union player, general secretary, Rugby Players Association, 41; Anita Desai, novelist, In Custody (1984), 87; Mick Fleetwood, drummer and co-founder, Fleetwood Mac, Rumours (1977), 77; Lord (David) Freud, minister for welfare reform (2015-16), 74; Dame Anita Frew, chairwoman, Rolls-Royce, Croda (2015-Apr 2024), 67; Juliet Gardiner, historian and author, The Blitz: The British Under Attack (2010), 81; Iain Glen, actor, Game of Thrones (2011-19), 63; Sir Anthony Hayden, High Court judge, 63; Anne-Marie Imafidon, mathematician, president of the British Science Association (2022-23), 34; Betty Jackson, fashion designer, 75; Lionel Messi, footballer, captain of Inter Miami and Argentina, 37; Sir Bob Neill, Conservative MP for Bromley and Chislehurst (2006-May 2024), 72; Baroness (Kate) Parminter, chief executive, Campaign to Protect Rural England (1998-2004), 60; Owen Paterson, Conservative MP for North Shropshire (1997-2021), secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs (2012-14), 68; Nelson Peltz, businessman and activist investor, co-founder of Trian Partners, 82; Ian Ritchie, architect, 77; Nathalie Roos, chief executive, Liptons, 59; Levi Roots, chef, musician and businessman (Reggae Reggae brand food products), 66; Lucinda Russell, horse trainer, two-time Grand National winning trainer, 58; Claudia Sheinbaum, president-elect of Mexico, 62; Curt Smith, singer, Tears for Fears, Mad World (1983), 63; Betty Stöve, tennis player, Wimbledon finalist (1977), 79; Charles Sturridge, screenwriter, stage and TV director, Brideshead Revisited (1981), 73; John Tutte, chairman, Bellway (housebuilder), Redrow (2019-21, property developer), 68.