Satisfaction with the NHS falls to record low
Satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to a historic low, with only a quarter of the British public believing that the health service is working. Experts said people felt trapped in a “toxic relationship” with the NHS, supporting the institution on principle but increasingly fed up, sick and...Satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to a historic low, with only a quarter of the British public believing that the health service is working. Experts said people felt trapped in a “toxic relationship” with the NHS, supporting the institution on principle but increasingly fed up, sick and...Satisfaction with the NHS has fallen to a historic low, with only a quarter of the British public believing that the health...
Daniel Finkelstein
Can it get worse for the Tories? Oh yes it can
If the Tories lose the next election, who do you think will be the next leader? At almost every speech I give, and in many broadcast interviews, this is among the early questions, very often the first one. And it’s a question I’m never able to respond to with an answer that satisfies my interlocutor. It requires me to speculate on the size...If the Tories lose the next election, who do you think will be the next leader? At almost every speech I give, and in many broadcast interviews, this is among the early questions, very often the first one. And it’s a question I’m never able to respond to with an answer that satisfies my interlocutor. It requires me to speculate on the size...If the Tories lose the next election, who do you think will be the next leader? At almost every speech I give, and in many...
WORLD NEWS
Six construction workers presumed dead after Baltimore bridge crash
updatedSix construction workers are presumed dead after being sent plunging into a river when a huge container ship destroyed a major road bridge in Baltimore. The Coast Guard said that it had suspended its search and rescue operation just before midnight British time on Tuesday and that they planned to begin a search and...Six construction workers are presumed dead after being sent plunging into a river when a huge...Six construction workers are presumed dead after being sent plunging into a river when a huge...
POLITICAL SKETCH
Is Rishi Sunak the world’s worst dinner guest? No comment
Editor's picks
cyberbullying
After I read my daughter’s phone, I felt sick
Obituary
Peter McAleese, ex-SAS mercenary who tried to kill Pablo Escobar
Tasked with killing Pablo Escobar, Peter McAleese dared and was supremely confident he would win. The former SAS...Tasked with killing Pablo Escobar, Peter McAleese dared and was supremely confident he would win.Tasked with killing Pablo Escobar, Peter McAleese dared and was supremely confident he would win.
Football | henry winter
Bellingham rescues England but Stones limps off on bruising night
Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against an excellent, well-...Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against...Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against...
Photography
Dockyard that helped Britannia rule the waves is shipshape again
Few places have connections to both the Battle of Trafalgar and the funeral of Winston Churchill. It is perhaps a mark of the quiet role that Chatham Dockyard played in our nation’s history that it can claim to be such a place. For 400 years the...Few places have connections to both the Battle of Trafalgar and the funeral of Winston Churchill.Few places have connections to both the Battle of Trafalgar and the funeral of Winston Churchill.
MUSIC
Springsteen is first non-British songwriter to become Ivors Academy fellow
Bruce Springsteen will become first international songwriter to be awarded an Ivors Academy fellowship. The American singer-songwriter, dubbed the Boss, will become the 27th person to receive the academy’s highest honour during a ceremony at...Bruce Springsteen will become first international songwriter to be awarded an Ivors Academy...Bruce Springsteen will become first international songwriter to be awarded an Ivors Academy...
housing
Mortgage deal for first-time buyers with a 1% deposit
First-time buyers will be able to get on the property ladder with as little as a 1 per cent deposit under a new type...First-time buyers will be able to get on the property ladder with as little as a 1 per cent...First-time buyers will be able to get on the property ladder with as little as a 1 per cent...
the times diary
Tony Blair’s knowing you, Alan Partridge? Er, no
The last time Labour were heading into government, they knew which heavy hitter they wanted to grill their leader.The last time Labour were heading into government, they knew which heavy hitter they wanted to...The last time Labour were heading into government, they knew which heavy hitter they wanted to...
Russia’s FSB signs up spies among Odesa’s ‘silent minority’
The young woman who decided to go for a walk in the countryside beyond Odesa and watch military aircraft flying overhead last summer carefully made a note of what she saw on her phone’s Google Maps app. She would go on to do the same on other walks, next to railway lines and near air defence...The young woman who decided to go for a walk in the countryside beyond Odesa and watch military aircraft flying overhead last summer carefully made a note of what she saw on her phone’s Google Maps app. She would go on to do the same on other walks, next to railway lines and near air defence...The young woman who decided to go for a walk in the countryside beyond Odesa and watch military aircraft flying overhead last...
Zelensky dismisses head of security council
President Zelensky has dismissed the head of the Ukrainian national security council and replaced him with a foreign intelligence chief in Kyiv’s latest shake-up of senior officials. Oleksiy Danilov was appointed in 2019, shortly after Zelensky came to power. He is known for being outspoken, including on western failures to provide Ukraine...President Zelensky has dismissed the head of the Ukrainian national security council and replaced him with a foreign intelligence chief in Kyiv’s latest shake-up of senior officials. Oleksiy Danilov was appointed in 2019, shortly after Zelensky came to power. He is known for being outspoken, including on western failures to provide Ukraine...President Zelensky has dismissed the head of the Ukrainian national security council and replaced him with a foreign...
Trump turns Bible seller as shares bring respite from cash woes
He’s put his name on everything from casinos to cufflinks. And in his latest marketing venture, Donald Trump directed his supporters on Tuesday to buy copies of the God Bless the USA Bible for $59.99. A video message posted to the former president’s social media platform Truth Social announced that he was partnering...He’s put his name on everything from casinos to cufflinks. And in his latest marketing venture...He’s put his name on everything from casinos to cufflinks. And in his latest marketing venture...
Meloni’s love-in with EU opens fault line with Le Pen
An attempt by the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, to become the standard bearer for Europe’s surging...An attempt by the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, to become the standard bearer for...An attempt by the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, to become the standard bearer for...
Anne Hathaway: I had a miscarriage while in a play about childbirth
Anne Hathaway has revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in 2015 — while having to give birth on stage every night...Anne Hathaway has revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in 2015 — while having to give birth...Anne Hathaway has revealed that she suffered a miscarriage in 2015 — while having to give birth...
Sagrada Familia ready by 2034 if new stairway approved
The cranes still loom over Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona but an end is in sight for its 140 years of building work. Or is it? The head of the body in charge of the church’s construction has said that it could be completed in...The cranes still loom over Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona but an end is in...The cranes still loom over Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona but an end is in...
Canadian, 18, to help unlock secrets of her rare ‘super-memory’
A Canadian teenager nicknamed “Wikipedia” by her family has become the youngest person known to have a rare...A Canadian teenager nicknamed “Wikipedia” by her family has become the youngest person known to...A Canadian teenager nicknamed “Wikipedia” by her family has become the youngest person known to...
Maison de Lagerfeld in Paris sold for €10 million
The futuristic flat in Paris where Karl Lagerfeld, the late fashion designer, lived and worked has been sold at...The futuristic flat in Paris where Karl Lagerfeld, the late fashion designer, lived and worked...The futuristic flat in Paris where Karl Lagerfeld, the late fashion designer, lived and worked...
Bidding war is on the cards at DS Smith
Packaging giant in talks with US rival despite agreeing ‘in principle’ to merge with Mondi
A multibillion-pound bidding war for Britain’s leading cardboard packaging company was triggered on Tuesday night after DS Smith confirmed it was in talks with a rival in the United States. It had said earlier that it had an “agreement in principle” to merge with Mondi, its fellow FTSE 100...A multibillion-pound bidding war for Britain’s leading cardboard packaging company was triggered on Tuesday night after DS Smith confirmed it was in talks with a rival in the United States. It had said earlier that it had an “agreement in principle” to merge with Mondi, its fellow FTSE 100...A multibillion-pound bidding war for Britain’s leading cardboard packaging company was triggered on Tuesday night after DS...
GLOBAL ECONOMY
Larry Fink warns of ‘snowballing’ US government debt
The boss of the world’s biggest investment group has warned that “snowballing” US government debt has reached “very dangerous” levels. Larry Fink, the chairman and chief executive of BlackRock, raised the alarm in his annual letter to investors, saying that “in America, the situation is more urgent than I can ever remember”. The federal...The boss of the world’s biggest investment group has warned that “snowballing” US government debt has reached “very dangerous” levels. Larry Fink, the chairman and chief executive of BlackRock, raised the alarm in his annual letter to investors, saying that “in America, the situation is more urgent than I can ever remember”. The federal...The boss of the world’s biggest investment group has warned that “snowballing” US government debt has reached “very dangerous”...
Fevertree shakes it up as ‘world’s biggest ginger beer brand’
Fevertree Drinks may be best known for its posh tonic, but the company now claims that it is also the world’s biggest ginger beer brand. As well as being a key ingredient in a Moscow mule, along with vodka and lime juice, ginger beer is also being sold by Fevertree, widely known as Fever-Tree, as part of its adult...Fevertree Drinks may be best known for its posh tonic, but the company now claims that it is also...Fevertree Drinks may be best known for its posh tonic, but the company now claims that it is also...
Business commentary
Flutter knows where the big money lies
National champions aren’t always popular. Maybe it’s not everyone’s cause for celebration that one of ours is a...National champions aren’t always popular. Maybe it’s not everyone’s cause for celebration that...National champions aren’t always popular. Maybe it’s not everyone’s cause for celebration that...
COMMENT
Rishi Sunak got it right with the furlough scheme
It is four years since Rishi Sunak, only a few weeks after being made chancellor, launched a new and very different...It is four years since Rishi Sunak, only a few weeks after being made chancellor, launched a new...It is four years since Rishi Sunak, only a few weeks after being made chancellor, launched a new...
Tempus
Apple has no more markets left to conquer
Apple is one of the world’s highest-quality businesses. Its smartphones are the most popular on the market and in the...Apple is one of the world’s highest-quality businesses. Its smartphones are the most popular on...Apple is one of the world’s highest-quality businesses. Its smartphones are the most popular on...
market report
Hazard warning light flashes at AutoTrader
Britain’s second-hand car dealers are in for a tough year, analysts at JP Morgan reckon, which is likely to have...Britain’s second-hand car dealers are in for a tough year, analysts at JP Morgan reckon, which is...Britain’s second-hand car dealers are in for a tough year, analysts at JP Morgan reckon, which is...
Food inflation slows but households are still struggling
Food prices inflation has slowed to its lowest pace in more than two years, but nearly a quarter of households are still struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, figures from Kantar show. The rate of prices growth for groceries dropped...Food prices inflation has slowed to its lowest pace in more than two years, but nearly a quarter...Food prices inflation has slowed to its lowest pace in more than two years, but nearly a quarter...
comment
Signs of life in the European IPO market
There was much hand-wringing last year about the dearth of initial public offerings in the UK. Yet 2023 was hardly a...There was much hand-wringing last year about the dearth of initial public offerings in the UK.There was much hand-wringing last year about the dearth of initial public offerings in the UK.
Need to know
Your three-minute digest
1 Rishi Sunak has told the public sector that he is not asking for anything “heroic” in demanding 5 per cent...1 Rishi Sunak has told the public sector that he is not asking for anything “heroic” in demanding...1 Rishi Sunak has told the public sector that he is not asking for anything “heroic” in demanding...
RECRUITMENT
Religious jobs are a broad church — there’s more than just clergy
As perhaps the ultimate job with purpose, careers in the church are enjoying a second coming. In a world of zero-hours contracts and corporate greed, doing God’s work is an increasingly attractive option for those seeking a meaningful role making a difference to communities locally and worldwide. Two factors have combined to resurrect interest in church employment.As perhaps the ultimate job with purpose, careers in the church are enjoying a second coming. In...As perhaps the ultimate job with purpose, careers in the church are enjoying a second coming. In...
RECRUITMENT: SIX FROM THE BEST
Inspire your team by being your true self at work
Lee Gilbert is chief marketing officer of Nourish Care, the UK’s largest provider of software for the adult care...Lee Gilbert is chief marketing officer of Nourish Care, the UK’s largest provider of software for the adult care sector, and one of the few trans women in UK C-suite roles. Before International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, Gilbert shares her advice for being truly you through your career. Be authentic....Lee Gilbert is chief marketing officer of Nourish Care, the UK’s largest provider of software for the adult care sector, and...
Football | henry winter
Bellingham rescues England but Stones limps off on bruising night
England 2 Belgium 2
Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against an excellent, well- organised Belgian team, Jude Bellingham never gave up. Even in a friendly, his immense competitive instinct, a trait that makes the application of his myriad technical and physical strengths even more formidable, never stopped coursing through the...Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against...Many England fans had left well before the end, but out on the field in the teeming rain, against...
FOOTBALL | MARTIN SAMUEL
The future? Mainoo is Rice’s best partner right now
This was it. This was the performance we wanted. Old enough, good enough, seen enough. Kobbie Mainoo, if he continues...This was it. This was the performance we wanted. Old enough, good enough, seen enough. Kobbie Mainoo, if he continues on this rocket-fuelled trajectory, could be a starter for England at Euro 2024. It would be an escalation born of circumstance, but football is like that. No teenage prodigy is getting in ahead of...This was it. This was the performance we wanted. Old enough, good enough, seen enough. Kobbie Mainoo, if he continues on this...
football | ian hAwkey
Rich clubs and nations want him – so what is Zidane waiting for?
golf | HUGHES NORTON INTERVIEW
‘I earned Tiger and Greg millions – but they cut me loose like last week’s bread’
euro 2024 play-off
Wales miss out on Euro 2024 after shoot-out heartache
football | paul joyce
Defensive reserves were unable to step up after Stones injury
football | martin samuel
Why do we decry Wembley? Other nations recognise its sacred magic
The long bar at the old Wembley contained a very important piece of football memorabilia. Despite the fact that on...The long bar at the old Wembley contained a very important piece of football memorabilia. Despite...The long bar at the old Wembley contained a very important piece of football memorabilia. Despite...
TENNIS | STUART FRASER
Murray should give French Open a miss and target grass-court return
Andy Murray arrived back in London from Miami on Tuesday, ready to formulate a plan that he hopes will ensure he gets...Andy Murray arrived back in London from Miami on Tuesday, ready to formulate a plan that he hopes...Andy Murray arrived back in London from Miami on Tuesday, ready to formulate a plan that he hopes...
OLYMPICS | elgan alderman
Can anyone spur new Olympic movement 100 years after Flying Finn?
Chariots of Fire turned the running and religion of Paris 1924 into a best picture Oscar, transporting Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams to Hollywood. Their story was ripe for a retelling 57 years later, but neither athlete was the Olympic star of...Chariots of Fire turned the running and religion of Paris 1924 into a best picture Oscar...Chariots of Fire turned the running and religion of Paris 1924 into a best picture Oscar...
football | HUGO LLORIS INTERVIEW
‘Spurs were too focused on new stadium – now they care about the team’
TImes Sport Unseen
A packed boat race captured by drone and Sven’s special day
fashion
Trench plus ballet pumps: the très chic combo
It’s a style code the French live by and the easiest way to look modern, says Harriet Walker
cyberbullying
After I read my daughter’s phone, I felt sick
1 in 5 adolescents in England has been cyberbullied, a report has found. But, says the parent of one 11-year-old, being frozen out by peers is arguably crueller
fashion
How to find the perfect pair of trousers
From the correct waist height to the perfect length, Anna Murphy has everything you need to know this year
shane watson
Sorry Kirstie, I wouldn’t trust my man to buy a chair, let alone a house
The presenter says her partner, Ben Andersen, he has bought three houses without asking her advice. Trust should have limits
FIRST PERSON
Those who judge Caroline March have no right. She lost too much
The talented horse rider died by assisted suicide, two years after being paralysed. I empathised with every word she wrote about her decision, says Melanie Reid
fashion
A Generation Xer’s verdict on the status scrunchie
One thing that I like to think keeps me young is that I happen to work with a lot of people half my age: 30-odd or...One thing that I like to think keeps me young is that I happen to work with a lot of people half...One thing that I like to think keeps me young is that I happen to work with a lot of people half...
the lowdown
Lily’s mortifying case of mistaken identity
She’s the British pop star and actress who you’d think was a household name in most circles. But even Lily Allen has...She’s the British pop star and actress who you’d think was a household name in most circles. But...She’s the British pop star and actress who you’d think was a household name in most circles. But...
MUSIC
We’re not ashamed! Times writers reveal their secret pop crushes
Once a band or singer gets the “cringe” stamp it’s near impossible to shake it off — they become people’s guilty secret. Take the Canadian rock band Nickelback, the subject of a new documentary, Hate to Love: Nickelback, in cinemas this week.Once a band or singer gets the “cringe” stamp it’s near impossible to shake it off — they become...Once a band or singer gets the “cringe” stamp it’s near impossible to shake it off — they become...
SAVE & SPLURGE
The 17 best Easter decorations to buy for your table
CRIME books OF THE YEAR
10 best crime books of 2024 (so far)
HOUSE GUEST
Estate agents won’t be respected by the public until they are regulated
There is a perception that the House of Lords is made up of a bunch of old duffers, fast asleep wrapped in ermine robes.There is a perception that the House of Lords is made up of a bunch of old duffers, fast asleep...There is a perception that the House of Lords is made up of a bunch of old duffers, fast asleep...
Music
The 15 best classical, jazz and Latin festivals to book
The sun is shining, the violins are tuning up, you have a glass of crémant in your hand … there’s little that beats...The sun is shining, the violins are tuning up, you have a glass of crémant in your hand … there’s...The sun is shining, the violins are tuning up, you have a glass of crémant in your hand … there’s...
First night reviews
first night | theatre
Our verdict on Opening Night — Sheridan Smith shines in a bizarre drama
FIRST NIGHT | DANCE
Sydney Dance Company put on a dispiriting display
first night | POP
Madison Beer’s riotous tour shows why Justin Bieber is a fan
first night | pop
The bassist Thundercat delivers a mesmerising set
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 Draig is a Welsh word for which fire-breathing mythical creature? 2 “Diglossia” is the coexistence of how many varieties of the same language throughout a speech community? 3 The 2000 Broadway musical of which Charlotte Bronte novel features the songs Forgiveness and Sweet Liberty? 4 The male rough collie Pal (1940-1958) was the first of several dogs to play...1 Draig is a Welsh word for which fire-breathing mythical creature? 2 “Diglossia” is the...1 Draig is a Welsh word for which fire-breathing mythical creature? 2 “Diglossia” is the...
What to watch: your TV and streaming guide
TV REVIEW
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story — this moving final act packed a punch
Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story
ITV1 In the run-up to Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, the TV presenter made it clear that she hadn’t planned to do a third documentary about her family’s difficult situation — that it had been her husband’s idea.Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story
ITV1 In the run-up to Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, the TV...Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story
ITV1 In the run-up to Kate Garraway: Derek’s Story, the TV...
In case you missed it
parenting | INTERVIEW
Kate Silverton on ADHD: ‘I think there’s a lot of misdiagnosis’
video
Motoring
The ultimate bespoke motorbikes are coming to auction
Deus Ex Machina creates one-off bikes that are more like works of art than road hogs, and now nine are going on sale
video
trend
Where luxury meets ASMR
Whether it’s the sound of a Mason Pearson hairbrush gliding through hair or a Hermès Kelly bag clipping shut
superfood
The world’s most expensive honey and the sweet taste of success
In the remote Turkish mountains lie beehives whose produce is more precious than gold
US
The coolest city in Texas? It’s no longer Austin
Chic new hotels, a thriving creative scene and great restaurants are turning sunny Fort Worth into the state’s latest hotspot. Now is the time to visit ‘Panther City’
video
Inspiration
Easter markets are on the rise in European cities — here’s why
Gorgeous markets with festive decorations and great food aren’t just for Christmas — Easter’s getting in on the act too. From Vienna to Berlin, these are the ones to visit
UK
Seven of the UK’s best small independent music festivals
If you haven’t got a ticket for Glastonbury, try these mini versions — complete with holistic healing, local crafts and great food
video
mexico
My Mexican adventure that all solo 30-somethings should experience
Olivia Petter goes out of her comfort zone in the Yucatan Peninsula on a road trip with an unconventional start-up that has all of the ingredients for disaster — and fun
city breaks
This is the cheaper alternative to Amsterdam — without the crowds
With its calm canals, trendy bars, and gorgeous medieval town, Utrecht is the cool weekend away you didn’t know you needed. Here’s why
Travel advice
Seven of the biggest travel scams (and how to avoid them)
The very definition of holiday hell is arriving at the address of the bargain villa you booked online only to...The very definition of holiday hell is arriving at the address of the bargain villa you booked...The very definition of holiday hell is arriving at the address of the bargain villa you booked...
Travel advice
What happens when a passenger falls overboard on a cruise ship?
It’s the one announcement you don’t want to hear on a cruise — “Code Oscar”. If it’s broadcast from the bridge over...It’s the one announcement you don’t want to hear on a cruise — “Code Oscar”. If it’s broadcast...It’s the one announcement you don’t want to hear on a cruise — “Code Oscar”. If it’s broadcast...
advice
Boeing 737 Max: which airlines use the planes and how dangerous are they?
The president and chief executive of Boeing, Dave Calhoun, is to step down at the end of the year, following a series of incidents at the American planemaker. A management reshuffle is underway at the company, which is battling the fallout of...The president and chief executive of Boeing, Dave Calhoun, is to step down at the end of the year...The president and chief executive of Boeing, Dave Calhoun, is to step down at the end of the year...
Obituary | Video
Comment
Can it get worse for the Tories? Oh yes it can
Daniel Finkelstein
Rebels will surely come gunning for Rishi Sunak in May — they will only succeed in damaging the party further
Joanna Williams
Universities have forgotten their true purpose
Roger BOYES
Moscow attack shows Putin’s grip is slipping
MATTHEW PARRIS | NOTEBOOK
The cave home is floored but we’re scaling up
Jawad Iqbal
Mercer’s primary duty as a minister is to tell the truth
Leading Articles
Year Zero
Labour’s plan to decarbonise energy generation in Britain by 2030 is hubristic and unrealistic. The party must push back its target to ensure future security of supply
Capital Flight
London’s stock exchange is declining rapidly and efforts to revive it are too sluggish
The Wrong Trousers
North Korea is disgusted by Alan Titchmarsh, but only from the waist down
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Disputed compensation for Waspi women
Sir, William Hague tries to wriggle his — and the government’s — way out of the Waspi women’s claim for compensation in his article “Sorry, Waspi women, we gave you fair warning” (Mar 26). Does he really think that busy women in the 1970s...Sir, William Hague tries to wriggle his — and the government’s — way out of the Waspi women’s...Sir, William Hague tries to wriggle his — and the government’s — way out of the Waspi women’s...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Bank of England’s financial policy committee meeting — summary and record published; Environment Agency publishes annual statistics on storm overflows.
On this day
In 1790 Harvey Kennedy, an Englishman, took out a patent for the aglet (the sheath at each end of a shoelace); in 1794 the US president George Washington signed the Naval Act of 1794 into law. The US navy was created in response to attacks and enslavement of US citizens by Barbary pirates from north Africa; in 1916 the College of Nursing was founded with 34 members. It was granted a royal charter in 1928 but, because of opposition from other nursing groups, was not allowed to use “royal” in the title until it was approved by King George VI in 1939. The Royal College of Nursing has a membership of more than half a million nurses, midwives, nursing support workers and students; in 1984 the musical Starlight Express had its premiere at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, London, and closed in 2002 after 7,409 performances; in 2004 the decommissioned frigate HMS Scylla was scuttled to create an artificial reef in Whitsand Bay in Cornwall.
Nature notes
A strange music rang out over the Howardian Hills. Sounding like the tooting of bugles, it was the cries of a flock of whooper swans starting their long migration home. After a winter spent feeding in the British stubble and wheatfields, they were on their way back to their breeding grounds in Iceland. Virtually the entire population of Icelandic whooper swans overwinter in Britain and Ireland. The flock was no more than 20 strong, and consisted of an extended family. Very little is known about the whooper swan’s migratory journey. It used to be thought that they flew at exceptionally high altitudes, but now experts think that they travel at very low heights, and often land on the sea for a rest. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Ade Adepitan, wheelchair basketball Paralympian and TV presenter, 51; Ashley Almanza, executive chairman, G4S (security company, part of Allied Universal), 61; Tony Banks, founding member and keyboard player, Genesis, 74; Mariah Carey, pop singer, Vision of Love (1990), 55; David Coulthard, Formula One racing driver (1994-2008), now a commentator, 53; Stephen Dillane, actor, The Hours (2002), 67; Anna Feuchtwang, chief executive, National Children’s Bureau, 60; Julian Glover, actor, For Your Eyes Only (1981), 89; Michel Guérard, chef, 91; Ellery Hanley, rugby league player, Great Britain (1984-93), 63; Dame Pippa Harris, film and TV producer, Call the Midwife (2012-24), chairwoman, Bafta (2018-20), 57; Peter Howson, painter, official British war artist in Bosnia (1993-95), 66; Jessie J, singer, Bang Bang (2014), 36; Brian Jones, co-piloted the first successful nonstop balloon circumnavigation of the world (1999), 77; Prof Dennis Kavanagh, political analyst, 83; Patrick McCabe, playwright and novelist, 69; Prof Heather McGregor, provost and vice-principal, Heriot-Watt University Dubai, 62; Brian McNamara, chief executive, Haleon (health company), 58; Eleanor Maguire, professor of cognitive neuroscience, University College London, 54; Dame Jil Matheson, national statistician (2009-14), 71; G Mark Mickelson, businessman, chairman, Bristow (civil helicopter operator), and US politician, 58; John O’Farrell, writer, 62; Mariano Rajoy, prime minister of Spain (2011-18), 69; Admiral Sir Jock Slater, first sea lord and chief of the naval staff (1995-98), president, Royal Marines Association Concert Band, 86; Quentin Tarantino, film director, 61; Lars Tharp, historian and broadcaster, Antiques Roadshow (since 1986), 70; Daphne Todd, portrait painter, president, Royal Society of Portrait Painters (1994-2000), 77; Terry Yorath, footballer, Wales (1969-81) and manager, Wales (1988-93), 74; Michael York, actor, Cabaret (1972), 82.