The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
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Five people killed as flames rip through city and surrounding counties, as 60mph gusts predicted
liveOfficials issued air quality advisory notices to about 17 million people in southern California on Thursday morning after wildfires filled the air with smoke and ash. Parts of east and central Los Angeles had an air quality index rating as high as 364. The safe level is 50 or below. The South Coast Air Quality Management District advised residents to stay indoors where...Officials issued air quality advisory notices to about 17 million people in southern California...Officials issued air quality advisory notices to about 17 million people in southern California...
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Los Angeles wildfires have laid waste to almost 2,000 homes including those owned by many of Hollywood’s rich and...The Los Angeles wildfires have laid waste to almost 2,000 homes including those owned by many of Hollywood’s rich and famous. Sir Anthony Hopkins, John Goodman and Billy Crystal are among the celebrities to have lost their multimillion-dollar houses over the past two days. The largest blaze has consumed nearly...The Los Angeles wildfires have laid waste to almost 2,000 homes including those owned by many of Hollywood’s rich and famous.
In a break with palace tradition, a new picture of the Princess of Wales has been released to mark Kate’s 43rd birthday as her husband praised his “incredible” wife’s “remarkable” strength. In a personal message on social media, the Prince of...In a break with palace tradition, a new picture of the Princess of Wales has been released to...In a break with palace tradition, a new picture of the Princess of Wales has been released to...
It’s a rare thing for a woman to be caught drooling over another man under the nose of her partner but, in case it...It’s a rare thing for a woman to be caught drooling over another man under the nose of her...It’s a rare thing for a woman to be caught drooling over another man under the nose of her...
Australian Open
Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked whether he had any...Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked...Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked...
Sebastian Gorka says anyone who wants to be a friend of the US must show ‘commitment’
The former education secretary warns that the government’s bill will lead to a narrowing of horizons for working class children
Olaf Scholz and Jean-Noël Barrot warn US president-elect not to meddle in European politics
Concerns build over frontrunner tainted by inquiry into special forces killings
exclusive
video
The party adopted a controversial definition of Islamophobia from a group of MPs co-chaired by Wes Streeting
Not content with flying cars on their own, a Chinese company has unveiled a vehicle that has a helicopter-like aircraft stowed in the boot — allowing drivers to cruise through traffic, and then soar into the skies. The Land Aircraft Carrier...Not content with flying cars on their own, a Chinese company has unveiled a vehicle that has a...Not content with flying cars on their own, a Chinese company has unveiled a vehicle that has a...
Black members of staff at Harrods would leave the shop floor before Mohamed Al Fayed’s daily tours and HR was told...Black members of staff at Harrods would leave the shop floor before Mohamed Al Fayed’s daily...Black members of staff at Harrods would leave the shop floor before Mohamed Al Fayed’s daily...
Women, if you have a husband think carefully before you take a promotion. Will it make him sad? There’s a chance it...Women, if you have a husband think carefully before you take a promotion. Will it make him sad?Women, if you have a husband think carefully before you take a promotion. Will it make him sad?
Manchester airport was forced to close its runways for the third time in less than a week on Thursday morning after heavy snow blanketed the region. The airport said it had suspended operations at 9am because of “significant levels of snow” but...Manchester airport was forced to close its runways for the third time in less than a week on...Manchester airport was forced to close its runways for the third time in less than a week on...
explainer
Dozens of hospitals have declared critical incidents as they try to cope with rising cases of winter bugs, with some warning of 50-hour waits for care. The main culprit behind the chaos is flu. Cases rise every winter, and yet nearly every year...Dozens of hospitals have declared critical incidents as they try to cope with rising cases of...Dozens of hospitals have declared critical incidents as they try to cope with rising cases of...
The end of each school day would bring Nibyose Clarice a heartbreaking reminder that she had been given up as a...The end of each school day would bring Nibyose Clarice a heartbreaking reminder that she had been...The end of each school day would bring Nibyose Clarice a heartbreaking reminder that she had been...
THE TIMES DIARY
As we head into awards season, Tilda Swinton says it is important not to take the hoohah seriously — though Los...As we head into awards season, Tilda Swinton says it is important not to take the hoohah...As we head into awards season, Tilda Swinton says it is important not to take the hoohah...
PHOTOGRAPHY
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Dispatch
As the inferno threatened to consume his home in the Pacific Palisades, Anthony Deni’s neighbours fled from the flames, joining the columns of traffic escaping the coastal community. Deni, however, stayed behind. Armed with a garden hose, ventilation mask and electric bike, the 66-year-old...As the inferno threatened to consume his home in the Pacific Palisades, Anthony Deni’s neighbours fled from the flames, joining the columns of traffic escaping the coastal community. Deni, however, stayed behind. Armed with a garden hose, ventilation mask and electric bike, the 66-year-old...As the inferno threatened to consume his home in the Pacific Palisades, Anthony Deni’s neighbours fled from the flames, joining...
Russia has warned that it has its own strategic interests in the Arctic and that it is watching Donald Trump’s ambitions to acquire Greenland for the United States “very closely”. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has refused to rule out using military or economic action to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Arctic territory of...Russia has warned that it has its own strategic interests in the Arctic and that it is watching Donald Trump’s ambitions to acquire Greenland for the United States “very closely”. Trump, who takes office on January 20, has refused to rule out using military or economic action to take control of Greenland, an autonomous Arctic territory of...Russia has warned that it has its own strategic interests in the Arctic and that it is watching Donald Trump’s ambitions to...
Beuys, Bauhaus … Birkenstock? That is the question confronting judges at one of Germany’s highest courts as they prepare to rule on whether four lines of footwear from the sensible sandal-maker should be protected as works of art. There was a time when the Rhineland company, founded 251 years ago, was a family firm...Beuys, Bauhaus … Birkenstock? That is the question confronting judges at one of Germany’s highest...Beuys, Bauhaus … Birkenstock? That is the question confronting judges at one of Germany’s highest...
An energy crisis in a Russian-backed breakaway region of Moldova has left homes without heating and hot water and...An energy crisis in a Russian-backed breakaway region of Moldova has left homes without heating...An energy crisis in a Russian-backed breakaway region of Moldova has left homes without heating...
ANALYSIS
France has urged the EU to “wake up” and stop Elon Musk using his unmatched digital power to goad the continent’s...France has urged the EU to “wake up” and stop Elon Musk using his unmatched digital power to goad...France has urged the EU to “wake up” and stop Elon Musk using his unmatched digital power to goad...
PHOTOGRAPHY
Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires spread across California and Los Angeles declares a state of emergency. Off-duty firefighters have been called in to bolster the rescue efforts as roads became...Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires spread across...Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes as wildfires spread across...
Sterling has fallen by 2% in three days as investors flee to the dollar amid fears of a trade war
updatedThe government has rejected claims that its “economic plan is not working” as the pound headed for its biggest three-day slide in nearly two years amid a global bond sell-off centred on UK government debt.
David Lammy, the foreign secretary, defended Rachel Reeves’s stewardship of the economy and dismissed comparisons with the bond market turmoil after the Liz...The government has rejected claims that its “economic plan is not working” as the pound headed...The government has rejected claims that its “economic plan is not working” as the pound headed...
The retail sector experienced a widespread sell-off as two of the biggest chains raised concerns about slowing sales...The retail sector experienced a widespread sell-off as two of the biggest chains raised concerns about slowing sales growth and rising costs. Despite reporting bumper trading results over Christmas, Tesco and Marks & Spencer warned about mounting economic pressures, including inflation and government-imposed wage...The retail sector experienced a widespread sell-off as two of the biggest chains raised concerns about slowing sales growth and...
The boss of Britain’s biggest supermarket group warned that wage increases and rising costs will affect business this year, overshadowing “record” Christmas trading and its highest market share since 2016. Ken Murphy, chief executive of Tesco...The boss of Britain’s biggest supermarket group warned that wage increases and rising costs will...The boss of Britain’s biggest supermarket group warned that wage increases and rising costs will...
The sexual misconduct scandal that crippled the hedge fund founded by Crispin Odey and forced it to wind down its operations all but wiped out the profits earned by the firm last year. Odey Asset Management LLP was one of the best-known players in...The sexual misconduct scandal that crippled the hedge fund founded by Crispin Odey and forced it...The sexual misconduct scandal that crippled the hedge fund founded by Crispin Odey and forced it...
The founder of RBG Holdings has said the listed legal services group is “insolvent” and that he would consider suing its board for an allegedly “defamatory’’ statement made to the market as it ousted him from the company. In an...The founder of RBG Holdings has said the listed legal services group is “insolvent” and that he would consider suing its board for an allegedly “defamatory’’ statement made to the market as it ousted him from the company. In an...The founder of RBG Holdings has said the listed legal services group is “insolvent” and that he would consider suing...
Federal Reserve officials expect to take a “careful approach” in cutting interest rates further this year due to the rising risk that inflation will remain persistently higher than its 2 per cent target. Minutes from the...Federal Reserve officials expect to take a “careful approach” in cutting interest rates further this year due to the rising risk that inflation will remain persistently higher than its 2 per cent target. Minutes from the...Federal Reserve officials expect to take a “careful approach” in cutting interest rates further this year due to the...
Alistair osborne | Business commentary
patrick hosking
Ryan Bourne
A big challenge in writing about economics in Britain is the urge to analyse everything through a political lens.A big challenge in writing about economics in Britain is the urge to analyse everything through a...A big challenge in writing about economics in Britain is the urge to analyse everything through a...
tempus
Vodafone, one of the world’s biggest telecoms companies, has been a dismal investment over the past decade. The group...Vodafone, one of the world’s biggest telecoms companies, has been a dismal investment over the...Vodafone, one of the world’s biggest telecoms companies, has been a dismal investment over the...
food and drink
The Harry Potter star’s premium gin brand is expanding into new markets
hospitality
Siddhi Mittal, who set up the London-based start-up with Heinin Zhang in 2019, says Yhangry is pushing back against the consistently low pay for chefs
FLEXIBLE WORKING
International survey shows adoption of hybrid arrangements almost doubled in 2024
From the rise of AI agents to the end of the office wars, futurologist Julia Hobsbawm shares her predictions for the year ahead
Out with the old, in with the new way of working. From major corporates enforcing a “return to the office” mandate to the gradual dwindling of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, 2024 saw a number of major changes in the way we work, often pitting employees against employers. But with hiring declining and a far tougher economic outlook ahead, what does this...Out with the old, in with the new way of working. From major corporates enforcing a “return to...Out with the old, in with the new way of working. From major corporates enforcing a “return to...
recruitment
One in ten employees is looking for a new job this January. As managing director for UK and Ireland of Page Group...One in ten employees is looking for a new job this January. As managing director for UK and Ireland of Page Group, the FTSE 250 recruitment firm, Doug Rode has spent the past 25 years helping people land their dream jobs. Here he shares his advice on how companies can win the race for top talent.
1 Offer choice in...One in ten employees is looking for a new job this January. As managing director for UK and Ireland of Page Group, the FTSE 250...
Martyn Ziegler
The PFA is drawing up plans to oppose the Premier League introducing its first cap on spending from next season and has been in touch with the two Manchester clubs who are also against the “anchoring” scheme. The anchoring proposal would mean the top teams are restricted to spending five times...The PFA is drawing up plans to oppose the Premier League introducing its first cap on spending from next season and has been in touch with the two Manchester clubs who are also against the “anchoring” scheme. The anchoring proposal would mean the top teams are restricted to spending five times...The PFA is drawing up plans to oppose the Premier League introducing its first cap on spending from next season and has been in...
Australian Open
Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked whether he had any plans to return to tennis as a coach. “Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now,” Murray replied, before turning his attention back to the tee shot that awaited him. Half an hour later, Murray had an offer to...Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked whether he had any plans to return to tennis as a coach. “Honestly, I can’t think of anything worse to do right now,” Murray replied, before turning his attention back to the tee shot that awaited him. Half an hour later, Murray had an offer to...Andy Murray was on the 17th hole on the golf course in October when his playing partner asked whether he had any plans to...
Jaden Philogene is set for a medical at Ipswich Town after a £20million fee was agreed with Aston Villa for the winger. The 22-year-old should finalise a deal before the weekend, bringing an end to his brief second spell at Villa Park. He was signed by Unai Emery’s side in the summer from Hull City, having joined...Jaden Philogene is set for a medical at Ipswich Town after a £20million fee was agreed with Aston...Jaden Philogene is set for a medical at Ipswich Town after a £20million fee was agreed with Aston...
jonathan northcroft
Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order after he admitted...Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order...Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order...
Matthew SYED
Can I start by telling you about Denis Neale, a rugged, rough (I don’t think he’d mind me using this word), spiky...Can I start by telling you about Denis Neale, a rugged, rough (I don’t think he’d mind me using...Can I start by telling you about Denis Neale, a rugged, rough (I don’t think he’d mind me using...
fa cup
Family ties in the Young household will be stretched to breaking point on Thursday when Everton host League One’s Peterborough United — and a slice of history will also be in the offing. The teamsheets for the FA Cup third-round tie will raise the...Family ties in the Young household will be stretched to breaking point on Thursday when Everton...Family ties in the Young household will be stretched to breaking point on Thursday when Everton...
Bill Edgar’s FA Cup quiz
Ange Postecoglou has expressed his dismay at how quickly technology has been allowed to change football and why...Ange Postecoglou has expressed his dismay at how quickly technology has been allowed to change...Ange Postecoglou has expressed his dismay at how quickly technology has been allowed to change...
Graham Potter said he needs everyone at West Ham United to pull in the same direction after signing a 2½-year...Graham Potter said he needs everyone at West Ham United to pull in the same direction after...Graham Potter said he needs everyone at West Ham United to pull in the same direction after...
The crisis at the World Anti-Doping Agency has deepened significantly with the decision taken by the US government to...The crisis at the World Anti-Doping Agency has deepened significantly with the decision taken by...The crisis at the World Anti-Doping Agency has deepened significantly with the decision taken by...
One of Afghanistan’s first female Olympians has called on Keir Starmer to stop England’s one-day match against her...One of Afghanistan’s first female Olympians has called on Keir Starmer to stop England’s one-day...One of Afghanistan’s first female Olympians has called on Keir Starmer to stop England’s one-day...
Times Sport Unseen
Times photographers Marc Aspland and Bradley Ormesher pick their favourite images from guest contributors that were featured in last year’s galleries
Our Unseen guests have travelled the world to capture iconic and award-winning photographs (Marc writes). Colin Elsey’s iconic “Mud Man” image of Fran Cotton was taken in 1977 in Wellington, New Zealand, and Krystle Wright captured her Red Bull Illume award with a picture taken in Moab, Utah. Unseen has taken us on a journey encompassing the Tour de France and cricket...Our Unseen guests have travelled the world to capture iconic and award-winning photographs (Marc...Our Unseen guests have travelled the world to capture iconic and award-winning photographs (Marc...
Racecards Alshimali (12.15 Lingfield Park) A double at Lingfield yesterday took trainer Tony Carroll’s tally to seven...Racecards Alshimali (12.15 Lingfield Park) A double at Lingfield yesterday took trainer Tony Carroll’s tally to seven for the year on the all-weather and the Worcestershire handler can continue his red-hot form through Alshimali. Alshimali was campaigned over longer trips in four starts for former trainer Marcus...Racecards Alshimali (12.15 Lingfield Park) A double at Lingfield yesterday took trainer Tony Carroll’s tally to seven for the...
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, says the scientist Federica Amati. Here’s what she recommends we buy instead
first person
My midlife cancer recovery gave me fresh energy and passion — I hope the Princess of Wales feels the same, says Rosamund Dean
newMales need to be more interesting in bed. No, not in THAT way, says Charlie Gowans-Eglinton
The director and cast of the new Golden Globe-nominated film about the attack tell Ed Potton how it changed media for ever
FIRST PERSON
The Duchess of Sussex has posted a eulogy to her beagle on Instagram. I know exactly how she’s feeling
Meghan Markle speaks the truth. “You filled my life in ways you’ll never know,” she wrote on her farewell Instagram post to her beloved rescue beagle, Guy, who recently died. She thanked him too for “so many years of unconditional love” and charted their relationship, beginning with his adoption in 2015, one of constant companionship, care, worry, affection...Meghan Markle speaks the truth. “You filled my life in ways you’ll never know,” she wrote on her...Meghan Markle speaks the truth. “You filled my life in ways you’ll never know,” she wrote on her...
the big question
Cash Isas have never been so popular — in April 2024 we deposited £11.7 billion, the highest monthly total since the...Cash Isas have never been so popular — in April 2024 we deposited £11.7 billion, the highest monthly total since the accounts were created in 1999. But history shows that over time the average returns on cash are lower than on investments. So should we be pushed into being more adventurous? Sir Nigel Wilson, the...Cash Isas have never been so popular — in April 2024 we deposited £11.7 billion, the highest monthly total since the accounts...
The horticulturist praises the nation’s green-fingered ingenuity, which he saw first-hand for his new BBC series
‘British gardeners are blessed. We have fabulous weather. We never have too much rain, it’s never too hot, never too dry, never too cold. We just think it is. It is cold and it is hot, it is dry and it is wet, but the extremes are nothing compared to other countries,” says Monty Don, the horticulturalist, broadcaster and lead presenter on BBC2’s Gardeners’ World...‘British gardeners are blessed. We have fabulous weather. We never have too much rain, it’s never...‘British gardeners are blessed. We have fabulous weather. We never have too much rain, it’s never...
interview
The house I grew up in was the old vicarage in a village called Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey in Wiltshire. I don’t...The house I grew up in was the old vicarage in a village called Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey in Wiltshire. I don’t think we had any wallpaper — it was just very simple and classic. My parents moved to a Georgian townhouse in Bath when I was 16. That had my heart too because it felt romantic. It was quite...The house I grew up in was the old vicarage in a village called Milton Lilbourne, near Pewsey in Wiltshire. I don’t think we...
Customers worried about the reach of technology may have been alarmed to hear how the energy firm Eon broke into a...Customers worried about the reach of technology may have been alarmed to hear how the energy firm...Customers worried about the reach of technology may have been alarmed to hear how the energy firm...
I understand the inheritance tax rule is that any gift given to children while I am still alive will be subject to...I understand the inheritance tax rule is that any gift given to children while I am still alive...I understand the inheritance tax rule is that any gift given to children while I am still alive...
first night review
first night review
first night review
Viewing GUide
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 Which unit of distance derives its name from the Old English for “furrow” and “long”? 2 Which city is the largest settlement in Norfolk? 3 The Roman Republic was finally destroyed by the dictatorship of which general? 4 Michelangelo’s Pietà was carved from the Carrara type of which stone? 5 Which Scottish comedian had a 1975 No 1 with the parody song D.I.V.O.R.C.E.?1 Which unit of distance derives its name from the Old English for “furrow” and “long”? 2 Which...1 Which unit of distance derives its name from the Old English for “furrow” and “long”? 2 Which...
A fancy state-of-the-art table clock was once the ultimate status symbol, coveted by king and tycoons
From smart suitcases to classic trunks, these pieces of luxury luggage are the ultimate status symbol for jet-setters
In 2025 your travels could take you to space or to a remote location via sports car. You could also stay in the most glorious European hideaways
It can be French copper or steel hand-forged in Britain — but never non-stick
There is now an ebike for every sort of cyclist, from the urban traffic dodger to the alpine thrill-seeker
Take advantage of the quieter season with its cheaper flights and fewer crowds and you’ll find the likes of Amsterdam and Venice are at their most enchanting too
Five people have died as fierce forest blazes continue to impact neighbourhoods across Los Angeles with a state of emergency declared. Here’s what you need to know if you’re travelling soon
Our ski expert reveals the most affordable apartments, cut-price lessons and (almost) free lunches that make swishing around Val Thorens on a budget possible
Bardonecchia is a steal for skiers, Cape Town offers serious value and packages to Penang are absurdly cheap. These are the destinations where your pound will go further
Montreal’s cobbled streets, bagel joints and lively bars are the ideal introduction to the characterful province of Quebec
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
comment
One of my great travel achievements of last year was coming within touching distance of Silver status with British...One of my great travel achievements of last year was coming within touching distance of Silver...One of my great travel achievements of last year was coming within touching distance of Silver...
If your flight to or from the UK has been delayed for three hours or more, whether it’s due to strike action, air...If your flight to or from the UK has been delayed for three hours or more, whether it’s due to...If your flight to or from the UK has been delayed for three hours or more, whether it’s due to...
OBITUARY
Early female barrister with a blunt yet good-humoured style who went on to pave the way for pension-splitting on divorce
OBITUARY
Sanguine officer who was tasked as a 20-year-old with leading a team to clear the Normandy beaches on D-Day
OBITUARY
Satirist of townspeople’s attitude to the countryside who became an unexpected authority on big cats
OBITUARY
One of the trio whose mellifluous harmonies made Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind a civil rights anthem
Obituary
Controversial politician who built a following in some areas but whose antisemitism and xenophobia meant opponents on all sides united against him
FOR God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1.7 (AV)...FOR God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2...FOR God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2...
video
What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing the telephone...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
The Law Commission reports that the system lacks a cohesive framework to give parties fair and sufficiently certain outcomes
About four in ten marriages or civil partnerships in the UK end in divorce. More positively, most separating couples are able to agree how to split their property and other financial assets, care of their children and custody of pets. Some — mainly wealthy couples with assets worth arguing over and who can afford to instruct lawyers — need the help of the courts.About four in ten marriages or civil partnerships in the UK end in divorce. More positively, most...About four in ten marriages or civil partnerships in the UK end in divorce. More positively, most...
Sexual harassment and bullying at the Bar remain serious problems for younger female lawyers despite years of effort...Sexual harassment and bullying at the Bar remain serious problems for younger female lawyers despite years of effort by the profession’s leaders to eradicate the blight. That stark message comes from the latest in a line of Bar chiefs to highlight broader diversity issues as a core theme for their year at the top of...Sexual harassment and bullying at the Bar remain serious problems for younger female lawyers despite years of effort by the...
interview
An MP who took ex-offenders into the US embassy to repair diplomats’ phones is calling for the creation of a specific offence of domestic violence. Josh Babarinde, 31, the newly elected MP and Liberal Democrat justice spokesman, suffered abuse at...An MP who took ex-offenders into the US embassy to repair diplomats’ phones is calling for the...An MP who took ex-offenders into the US embassy to repair diplomats’ phones is calling for the...
People falling seriously ill in waiting rooms and ambulances queuing up to 15 hours
Patients waiting for hospital beds in Scotland have been kept in rooms usually used for viewing dead bodies, and doctors have described the worst conditions in A&E they have ever seen. One patient is said to have developed symptoms of hypothermia in an ambulance outside a Scottish hospital...Patients waiting for hospital beds in Scotland have been kept in rooms usually used for viewing dead bodies, and doctors have described the worst conditions in A&E they have ever seen. One patient is said to have developed symptoms of hypothermia in an ambulance outside a Scottish hospital...Patients waiting for hospital beds in Scotland have been kept in rooms usually used for viewing dead bodies, and doctors have...
A private sector culture led to lavish spending on meals and travel at Scotland’s water regulator, the auditor-general has said. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics) was thrown into chaos at the end of 2023 when an Audit Scotland report exposed payouts including a £400 meal, £100 gift cards given to staff as Christmas presents...A private sector culture led to lavish spending on meals and travel at Scotland’s water regulator, the auditor-general has said. The Water Industry Commission for Scotland (Wics) was thrown into chaos at the end of 2023 when an Audit Scotland report exposed payouts including a £400 meal, £100 gift cards given to staff as Christmas presents...A private sector culture led to lavish spending on meals and travel at Scotland’s water regulator, the auditor-general has said.
Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order after he admitted abusing his estranged wife over five years. The ex-international, who now plays in France, had pleaded guilty to a single charge of domestic abuse of his former partner, Gillian Hogg when he appeared at...Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order...Stuart Hogg, the former Scotland rugby captain, has been sentenced to a community payback order...
5 OF THE BEST | BEST OF 2024
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
food | Best of Alba
The American fugitive Nicholas Rossi is facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence after he rejected a plea...The American fugitive Nicholas Rossi is facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence after he...The American fugitive Nicholas Rossi is facing the prospect of a lengthy prison sentence after he...
Alex massie
White smoke over Bute House signals the end of the traditional pantomime season. There is a Scottish budget and it...White smoke over Bute House signals the end of the traditional pantomime season. There is a...White smoke over Bute House signals the end of the traditional pantomime season. There is a...
Best of Alba
There are several waymarked walks around the grounds of Overtoun House in West Dunbartonshire. The estate is a haven for wildlife — look out for otters, pine martens, ravens, owls and woodpeckers — and this lovely route explores the estate on...There are several waymarked walks around the grounds of Overtoun House in West Dunbartonshire.There are several waymarked walks around the grounds of Overtoun House in West Dunbartonshire.
Comment
Bond crisis leaves Rachel Reeves with nowhere to go
Juliet Samuel
Surging borrowing costs have put the chancellor in a precarious position and Trump policies may cause further trouble
hugo rifkind
Zuckerberg never really cared about the facts
sarah ditum
Parasitic paedophiles are lesson in trans debate
janice turner | notebook
Sorry, but I never fell for Love Story nonsense
Kevin craven
Universities should welcome defence firms onto campus
Leading Articles
Hard Place
Rising borrowing costs threaten Rachel Reeves with the politically fatal choice of breaking her promise not to raise taxes again, or slashing spending
Bottom of the Class
Bridget Phillipson’s war on educational excellence is both harmful and unnecessary
Mwah? Nah!
Air-kissing may not constitute sexual harassment, yet it remains deplorable
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Call for national inquiry into grooming gangs
Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, If there is to be an inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal (“Line of Inquiry”, leading article, Jan 7) it must examine the causes of child sexual exploitation. I have represented, over many years, victims...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, If there is to be an inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, If there is to be an inquiry into the grooming gangs scandal...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Sir Keir Starmer hosts President Macron of France at Chequers for talks and a working dinner. Discussions focus on Ukraine, UK-EU relations and the upcoming Franco-British summit; Steve Reed, the environment secretary, speaks at the Oxford Farming Conference.
On this day
In 1768 Philip Astley, a former cavalry sergeant-major, staged the first modern circus, in London, with a display of trick riding within a ring, which became Astley’s Amphitheatre in 1770. He set up a further 18 circuses across Europe and performed for Louis XV at Versailles; in 1816 the first trial of Sir Humphry Davy’s safety lamp with a wire mesh took place at Hebburn colliery, northeast England; in 1960 work began on the Aswan (High) Dam in Egypt. It was inaugurated in 1971, enabling control of the annual Nile flood, but reducing the natural fertility of farmland; in 1986 Michael Heseltine resigned as defence secretary after a row with the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, over the sale of the UK-owned Westland helicopter company; in 2023 the first attempt to launch satellites into orbit from British soil ended in a “painful” failure. The rocket made it into space but failed to reach the right altitude, with its multimillion-pound cargo of nine satellites left to break up in the atmosphere.
Nature notes
Four willows circle the little field pond. They are crack willows. Large and graceful, even the
gentlest of winds seems to make them dance. Their branches are a winter highlight. Caught in
the low sunlight, they glow orange. Spring has its blossom, summer its lush canopies and
autumn the reddening fall, but January gives us orange-fingered willows. These branches are
not just beautiful, but also highly functional. Breaking off easily, often with an audible crack,
they frequently drop into the river or stream on whose banks the crack willow loves to grow;
these boughs can then travel for many miles on the current. Once beached, or even just
becalmed in shallow water, the driftwood swiftly takes root, and becomes a new tree. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
The Princess of Wales, 43; Philip Aiken, chairman, Aveva Group (2012-22, information technology company), Balfour Beatty (2015-21, infrastructure group), 76; Dame Emma Arbuthnot (Lady Arbuthnot of Edrom), High Court judge, 66; Joan Baez, folk singer, Diamonds and Rust (1975), 84; Michel Barnier, prime minister of France (2024), European Union head of task force for UK relations (2019-21), chief Brexit negotiator (2016-19), 74; Alex Chesterman, founder of Cazoo (online used-car platform) and Zoopla (property website, now ZPG), 55; Baroness (Christine) Crawley, chairwoman, Women’s National Commission (1999-2002), 75; Nicholas Daniel, oboist and conductor, artistic director, Leicester International Music Festival, 63; Ann Firbank, actress, A Passage to India (1984), 92; Sergio García, Ryder Cup golfer, 45; Crystal Gayle, singer, Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue (1977), 74; Steve Gibson, businessman, chairman, Middlesbrough Football Club, 67; Philippa Gregory, novelist, The Other Boleyn Girl (2001), 71; Ray Houghton, footballer, Liverpool (1987-92) and Republic of Ireland (1986-97), 63; Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, minister of external affairs, India, 70; Prof Sir Alec Jeffreys, geneticist, inventor of DNA fingerprinting, 75; Robert Jenrick, Conservative MP for Newark, shadow justice secretary, 43; Katarina Johnson-Thompson, heptathlete, silver medallist, Olympics Games (2024), world heptathlon champion (2019, 2023), 32; Alexander Lacik, chief executive, Pandora (jewellers), 60; Rigoberta Menchú, human rights activist, Nobel peace prize recipient (1992), 66; Ben Page, chief executive, Ipsos Mori (global), 60; Jimmy Page, guitarist, Led Zeppelin, Stairway to Heaven (1971), 81; Joely Richardson, actress, The Patriot (2000), 60; Viscount (Nicholas) Ullswater, deputy speaker (Lords) (2010-20), private secretary to Princess Margaret (1998-2002), 83.