video
Israel ‘strikes targets inside Iran’
updatedIsrael is reported to have conducted airstrikes inside Iran early this morning, hitting targets in several cities, but Tehran quickly denied it had been attacked. The attacks are yet to be confirmed by Israel or the US, but Iranian air defences were said to have opened fire over the cities of...Israel is reported to have conducted airstrikes inside Iran early this morning, hitting targets in several cities, but Tehran quickly denied it had been attacked. The attacks are yet to be confirmed by Israel or the US, but Iranian air defences were said to have opened fire over the cities of...Israel is reported to have conducted airstrikes inside Iran early this morning, hitting targets in several cities, but Tehran...
health
Sunak to strip GPs of right to sign people off sick
Rishi Sunak is vowing to end Britain’s “sick-note culture” and says that over-medicalising common anxieties is driving a rise in the number of people off work with mental health problems. GPs face being stripped of the right to issue sick notes, as the prime minister says doctors are too readily writing people off as unfit for work.Rishi Sunak is vowing to end Britain’s “sick-note culture” and says that over-medicalising common anxieties is driving a rise in the number of people off work with mental health problems. GPs face being stripped of the right to issue sick notes, as the prime minister says doctors are too readily writing people off as unfit for work.Rishi Sunak is vowing to end Britain’s “sick-note culture” and says that over-medicalising common anxieties is driving a rise...
Anthony Loyd in Kyiv
I’m fighting so my children don’t have to: a Ukrainian mother at war
newMariana Zhaglo has never kept a war diary. She once said she did not want her children to read the details of what she has seen and done. She would not wish its pages to describe how the original 100 volunteers in her infantry company were whittled down to ten survivors; how the Ukrainian dead lie unclaimed among...Mariana Zhaglo has never kept a war diary. She once said she did not want her children to read...Mariana Zhaglo has never kept a war diary. She once said she did not want her children to read...
Editor's picks
market watch
How to sell your house in a cut-throat spring market
Property owners trying to sell a home worth more than £1.5 million this spring may be inclined to agree with TS Eliot...Property owners trying to sell a home worth more than £1.5 million this spring may be inclined to...Property owners trying to sell a home worth more than £1.5 million this spring may be inclined to...
FOOD & drink
I tried Britain’s most expensive coffee — at £265 a cup
If you’ve ever balked at the rising cost of your daily cappuccino, you may want to steer clear of a speciality coffee...If you’ve ever balked at the rising cost of your daily cappuccino, you may want to steer clear of...If you’ve ever balked at the rising cost of your daily cappuccino, you may want to steer clear of...
UK NEWS
Water firms painted as the bad guy, Southern Water director complains
Campaigners have criticised a senior Southern Water executive after he complained that water companies are unfairly being painted with a “bad guy narrative”. George Eykyn, the company’s new corporate affairs director, said the negative portrayal...Campaigners have criticised a senior Southern Water executive after he complained that water...Campaigners have criticised a senior Southern Water executive after he complained that water...
POST OFFICE INQUIRY
Post Office response to IT bugs could seem like cover-up, chief admits
PHOTOGRAPHY
The world’s best pictures: from the American wilderness to Maya beekeepers
The Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2024 runs from April 19 to May 6 at Somerset House, London, WC2R 1LA
The Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2024 runs from April 19 to May 6 at Somerset House...The Sony World Photography Awards Exhibition 2024 runs from April 19 to May 6 at Somerset House...
MEDIA
BBC faces sex bias claim from presenter off air for a year
The BBC News presenter Martine Croxall is taking the broadcaster to a tribunal amid age and sex discrimination claims...The BBC News presenter Martine Croxall is taking the broadcaster to a tribunal amid age and sex...The BBC News presenter Martine Croxall is taking the broadcaster to a tribunal amid age and sex...
THE TIMES DIARY
London Marathon’s MPs have eyes on the finish line
British politicians stand for their legislature, Americans run. Except on Sunday when a record 18 MPs, 14 of them...British politicians stand for their legislature, Americans run. Except on Sunday when a record 18...British politicians stand for their legislature, Americans run. Except on Sunday when a record 18...
video
royal family
William: I promise I’ll look after Kate
The Prince of Wales promised a well-wisher that he would “take care” of his wife as he undertook his first public engagement since the princess announced her cancer diagnosis. Prince William, 41, helped to deliver groceries and prepare meals at...The Prince of Wales promised a well-wisher that he would “take care” of his wife as he undertook...The Prince of Wales promised a well-wisher that he would “take care” of his wife as he undertook...
I’ll make Florence flourish again, vows ex-Uffizi boss
newWhen Eike Schmidt gave Georgia Meloni a tour of Florence’s Uffizi gallery two years ago, they clearly made an impression on each other. He was the first German director of the Italian museum and was busy boosting ticket sales through bold exhibitions. She was fighting a campaign in an election...When Eike Schmidt gave Georgia Meloni a tour of Florence’s Uffizi gallery two years ago, they clearly made an impression on each other. He was the first German director of the Italian museum and was busy boosting ticket sales through bold exhibitions. She was fighting a campaign in an election...When Eike Schmidt gave Georgia Meloni a tour of Florence’s Uffizi gallery two years ago, they clearly made an impression on...
Poland arrests suspect in ‘plot to assassinate Zelensky’
A plot to assassinate President Zelensky in Poland has been foiled by the arrest of a spy for Russian military intelligence, the authorities in Warsaw have said. The man, a Polish citizen identified only as Pawel K, had contacted Russia’s intelligence agency, the GRU, and offered to help them kill the Ukrainian leader, the Polish state...A plot to assassinate President Zelensky in Poland has been foiled by the arrest of a spy for Russian military intelligence, the authorities in Warsaw have said. The man, a Polish citizen identified only as Pawel K, had contacted Russia’s intelligence agency, the GRU, and offered to help them kill the Ukrainian leader, the Polish state...A plot to assassinate President Zelensky in Poland has been foiled by the arrest of a spy for Russian military intelligence...
film
Leonardo DiCaprio is tipped to play Frank Sinatra. Can he sing?
Martin Scorsese is working on a new Frank Sinatra biopic with Leonardo DiCaprio set to play Ol’ Blue Eyes, it has been reported. The 81-year-old director, whose parents — like Sinatra’s — were first-generation Sicilian Americans, has made no secret of his decades-long wish to tell Sinatra’s story. Scorsese is now...Martin Scorsese is working on a new Frank Sinatra biopic with Leonardo DiCaprio set to play Ol’...Martin Scorsese is working on a new Frank Sinatra biopic with Leonardo DiCaprio set to play Ol’...
Can Russia and China cool the Middle East crisis?
As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri for a long-scheduled G7 meeting, they face a knotty challenge to their position in the world order. Who among them has influence or leverage over...As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri...As foreign ministers from the world’s leading democracies gather on the Italian island of Capri...
video
US ELECTION
Trump’s jury selected after one member is dismissed for ‘lying’
The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after an earlier setback...The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after...The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after...
Venice is crumbling from the bottom up, warns St Mark’s architect
Venice’s ancient palazzos are in danger of collapsing thanks to rising damp and the rusting of iron rods buried in...Venice’s ancient palazzos are in danger of collapsing thanks to rising damp and the rusting of...Venice’s ancient palazzos are in danger of collapsing thanks to rising damp and the rusting of...
Joe Biden’s tale of war pilot uncle and the cannibals in dispute
President Biden’s claim that his uncle’s body was not recovered during the Second World War because of the risk of cannibals is disputed by the agency responsible for registering those missing in action. During two speeches in Pennsylvania this...President Biden’s claim that his uncle’s body was not recovered during the Second World War...President Biden’s claim that his uncle’s body was not recovered during the Second World War...
video
Indonesian volcano erupts forcing thousands to evacuate
Thousands of people are being evacuated, flights have been cancelled and the authorities have warned of potential tsunamis as an island volcano in eastern Indonesia continues to erupt, sending out fiery lava and clouds of ash miles into the air.Thousands of people are being evacuated, flights have been cancelled and the authorities have...Thousands of people are being evacuated, flights have been cancelled and the authorities have...
US election
gerard baker
In truth, this is the week that parody died
In case you missed it, parody died this week. It had been ailing for some time, steadily enfeebled by the growing...In case you missed it, parody died this week. It had been ailing for some time, steadily...In case you missed it, parody died this week. It had been ailing for some time, steadily...
video
US ELECTION
Trump’s jury selected after one member is dismissed for ‘lying’
The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after an earlier setback...The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after...The 12 members of the jury for Donald Trump’s criminal trial in New York have been seated, after...
Electric car sales stall in Germany
Take-up falls by 29 per cent
Sales of electric cars have fallen sharply in Germany as concerns mount across the Continent about the take-up of zero-emission vehicles. According to the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, the trade body, sales of electric cars in Germany, Europe’s largest market, fell by 29 per cent year-on-year in March. Throughout the European Union...Sales of electric cars have fallen sharply in Germany as concerns mount across the Continent...Sales of electric cars have fallen sharply in Germany as concerns mount across the Continent...
business
PM’s wife in line for multimillion-pound Infosys payout
The wife of the prime minister is due another multimillion-pound payment related to her holding in Infosys, the IT...The wife of the prime minister is due another multimillion-pound payment related to her holding in Infosys, the IT multinational co-founded by her father. Akshata Murty owns a 0.94 per cent stake, worth about £650 million, in the outsourcing group that was set up in 1981 by a group that included NR Narayana Murthy...The wife of the prime minister is due another multimillion-pound payment related to her holding in Infosys, the IT...
BUSINESS COMMENTARY
Investors should buckle up, flights could get bumpy
Airline stocks including those of IAG and easyJet have failed to regain altitude since they were battered by the...Airline stocks including those of IAG and easyJet have failed to regain altitude since they were...Airline stocks including those of IAG and easyJet have failed to regain altitude since they were...
MARKET REPORT
American dream is proving elusive for Rentokil
For a business whose role in life is to calm nerves and remove nasty pests and irritants, Rentokil wasn’t exactly...For a business whose role in life is to calm nerves and remove nasty pests and irritants...For a business whose role in life is to calm nerves and remove nasty pests and irritants...
Comment
Can Labour turn tide on battered English coast?
Patrick Maguire
Seaside towns have long struggled for economic purpose but they are the missing link in Keir Starmer’s growth plan
gerard baker
In truth, this is the week that parody died
emma duncan
Birbalsingh is right – make schools secular
martin samuel | notebook
I love the Olympics but is it all Greek to Parisians?
peter wanless
A smartphone ban would let tech firms off the hook
Leading Articles
Bear Hug
Georgia, supposedly an aspiring member of the EU, is slipping towards authoritarian rule, and with it the possibility of reabsorption into Russia’s sphere of influence
Undue Influence
The growing reach of the Chinese government in UK universities must be resisted
Confected Outrage
Nestlé was right to oppose the demands of activists who scoff at unhealthy treats
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
U-turn over Russian athletes at Olympics
Sir, Matthew Syed has shone a brilliant light on the government’s decision to support the inclusion of Russian athletes at the Olympic Games, and I agree with every word of his piece (“Why silence over insulting U-turn?”, sport, Apr 18). We...Sir, Matthew Syed has shone a brilliant light on the government’s decision to support the...Sir, Matthew Syed has shone a brilliant light on the government’s decision to support the...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Sutton Trust, an education charity, publishes a survey showing a sharp increase in school leaders reporting spending cuts, with three quarters of primary school heads saying they have had to reduce the number of teaching assistants this year; the House of Commons public accounts committee releases its report on the government’s work to manage risk from extreme weather events.
US: The singer-songwriter Taylor Swift releases a new album, The Tortured Poets Department; the Nato-Ukraine Council to discuss Ukraine’s request for supplies of air defence systems and ammunition. President Zelensky and Nato defence ministers will attend.
On this day
In 1927 the actress Mae West was convicted of obscenity for writing (as Jane Mast), producing and directing the Broadway play Sex. She was released from her ten-day sentence early, “the first time I ever got anything for good behaviour”. Negative reviews (“crude and inept play”) did not deter 325,000 people from attending the show; in 1956 Prince Rainier III of Monaco married the actress Grace Kelly. The religious ceremony followed the required civil ceremony the previous day; in 1971 the Soviet Union launched Salyut I, the first space station; in 1994 Rodney King was awarded $3.8 million damages in a civil lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles. The 1992 acquittal of four police officers accused of violating his civil rights (captured on video beating him during an arrest in 1991) provoked race riots; in 2009 the British writer JG Ballard died aged 78. His novels included Crash, High Rise and Empire of the Sun.
Nature notes
When did it begin, this deep and bitter prejudice against dandelions? Some gardeners experience a wave of irritation when they see these little sun flowers daring to bloom on their perfect lawns. Toxic weed killers, constant mowing, fertilisers, specially designed grab tools and even mini flame throwers are used to prevent them from growing. Yet dandelions are strikingly beautiful, and bring life to countless pollinators, birds and mammals. Attitudes are slowly changing though. A decade ago, typing “dandelions” into a web browser would have brought pages listing endless ways to eradicate them; now the same search yields the Royal Horticultural Society advising us that welcoming these flowers into our gardens is a great way to boost local biodiversity. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Mukesh Ambani, chairman and managing director, Reliance Industries, 67; Dame Geraldine Andrews, lady justice of appeal, 65; Sue Barker, tennis player, broadcaster, A Question of Sport (1997-2021), 68; Dickie Bird, cricket umpire, 66 Tests (1973-96), 91; Baroness (Jane) Campbell of Surbiton, disability rights campaigner, commissioner, Equality and Human Rights Commission (2006-09), 65; Dame Julia Cleverdon, social justice campaigner, chairwoman, National Literacy Trust (2014-22), 74; Tim Curry, actor, The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), 78; James Franco, actor, 127 Hours (2010), and director, 46; Sonia Friedman, theatre producer, producer of the year, Stage awards (2015-17, 2019), 59; Larry Gagosian, owner, Gagosian Gallery chain of art galleries, 79; Prof Dame Anne Glover, biologist, president, Royal Scottish Geographical Society, 68; Lady Pamela Hicks (née Mountbatten), bridesmaid and lady-in-waiting to Elizabeth II, 95; Dame Kelly Holmes, middle-distance athlete, double Olympic gold medallist (2004), 54; Kate Hudson, actress, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), Bride Wars (2009), 45; Friedrich Joussen, chief executive, TUI Group (2013-22), 61; Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s minister of foreign affairs, 43; Gina Miller, entrepreneur who won a High Court case over the government’s handling of Brexit, 59; Prof Hugh Pennington, bacteriologist, chairman of inquiries into E. coli outbreaks in Scotland (1996) and south Wales (2005), 86; Paloma Picasso, fashion and jewellery designer, 75; Maria Sharapova, pictured, tennis player, five-time grand-slam singles champion, 37; Beth Shriever, BMX racer, Olympic gold medallist (2020) and world champion (2021, 2023), 25; Ruby Wax, actress and comedian, 71.