Scottish coalition collapses as Yousaf abandons Greens
SNP is taking control, says first minister
updatedHumza Yousaf has insisted he is “taking control” and showing strong leadership after ending the SNP’s coalition government with the Scottish Greens in an emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday morning. The first minister had already sacked Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, the Green co-leaders, as...Humza Yousaf has insisted he is “taking control” and showing strong leadership after ending the SNP’s coalition government with the Scottish Greens in an emergency cabinet meeting on Thursday morning. The first minister had already sacked Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, the Green co-leaders, as...Humza Yousaf has insisted he is “taking control” and showing strong leadership after ending the SNP’s coalition government with...
Shoplifting hits highest level in at least 20 years
newShoplifting offences logged by the police have hit their highest level since comparable records began 21 years ago. A total of 430,104 offences were recorded in England and Wales last year, up 37 per cent on the 315,040 in the previous 12 months. It is the highest number since present recording practices began in the year to March 2003...Shoplifting offences logged by the police have hit their highest level since comparable records began 21 years ago. A total of 430,104 offences were recorded in England and Wales last year, up 37 per cent on the 315,040 in the previous 12 months. It is the highest number since present recording practices began in the year to March 2003...Shoplifting offences logged by the police have hit their highest level since comparable records began 21 years ago. A total of...
I apologise but I did my best, Post Office executive tells inquiry
newA former senior executive at the Post Office has said didn’t “knowingly do anything wrong” but has apologised for the “devastation” caused by the Horizon scandal. Angela van den Bogerd, who worked in various roles at the organisation over more than three decades, has been described as the person in the organisation...A former senior executive at the Post Office has said didn’t “knowingly do anything wrong” but...A former senior executive at the Post Office has said didn’t “knowingly do anything wrong” but...
Editor's picks
first person
I’ve lost three stone taking Ozempic. But am I at risk?
When the financial analyst Emily Field was commissioned by Barclays to predict the likely economic implications of...When the financial analyst Emily Field was commissioned by Barclays to predict the likely...When the financial analyst Emily Field was commissioned by Barclays to predict the likely...
Matthew syed
Why Declan Rice is becoming my favourite sportsman
In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West Ham United. The...In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West...In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West...
Politics
Labour will be more pro-business than Blair, says Reeves
Mission to make UK the fastest-growing G7 economy
115,000 asylum seekers will be in limbo after Rwanda bill
Migrants to cost British taxpayers £17m per day, report reveals
political sketch
Rayner and Dowden provide a surreal marriage of two minds
Angela Rayner and Oliver Dowden entered the chamber for their special guest PMQs session in a unison so perfect it felt like it had been choreographed. The house cheered as one, a sound so rarely heard as to be almost unsettling. Then the two of...Angela Rayner and Oliver Dowden entered the chamber for their special guest PMQs session in a...Angela Rayner and Oliver Dowden entered the chamber for their special guest PMQs session in a...
‘Priory clinic where four women died must be investigated’
The father of a fitness instructor who died after being exposed to serious failings at a Priory Group hospital has...The father of a fitness instructor who died after being exposed to serious failings at a Priory...The father of a fitness instructor who died after being exposed to serious failings at a Priory...
THE TIMES DIARY
Sticking to European time? Not on Frank Field’s watch
Unlike many in his party, the Labour MP Frank Field, who has died at 81, favoured Brexit. But he was prepared to stay...Unlike many in his party, the Labour MP Frank Field, who has died at 81, favoured Brexit. But he...Unlike many in his party, the Labour MP Frank Field, who has died at 81, favoured Brexit. But he...
Beijing’s spy satellites pose threat to Taiwan, warn space chiefs
China has a new fleet of spy satellites that could be used to target American and allied warships during a potential war over Taiwan, according to space chiefs from the United States. Beijing has tripled the number of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites in orbit to 350 in...China has a new fleet of spy satellites that could be used to target American and allied warships during a potential war over Taiwan, according to space chiefs from the United States. Beijing has tripled the number of its intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites in orbit to 350 in...China has a new fleet of spy satellites that could be used to target American and allied warships during a potential war over...
Biden says $95bn aid bill for allies ‘will make world safer’
President Biden has said the US will start sending aid to Ukraine within hours after signing into law a $95 billion package to support allies. The measure, which includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, had been delayed for months by Republicans in Congress amid a bitter debate over Washington’s involvement in overseas wars.President Biden has said the US will start sending aid to Ukraine within hours after signing into law a $95 billion package to support allies. The measure, which includes assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, had been delayed for months by Republicans in Congress amid a bitter debate over Washington’s involvement in overseas wars.President Biden has said the US will start sending aid to Ukraine within hours after signing into law a $95 billion package to...
How US students can make $70,000 a year by booking restaurants
Some people can try for years to get a reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants. Alex Eisler will make several a day and does not plan on keeping any of them. Eisler is one of an army of scalpers who have helped to create an underground market for securing tables at some of the most sought-after spots in town.Some people can try for years to get a reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants. Alex Eisler...Some people can try for years to get a reservation at New York’s hottest restaurants. Alex Eisler...
analysis
Will the aid package be enough for Ukraine to win the war?
A newly approved US military aid package for Kyiv worth $61 billion will not fix all of Ukraine’s problems at the...A newly approved US military aid package for Kyiv worth $61 billion will not fix all of Ukraine’s...A newly approved US military aid package for Kyiv worth $61 billion will not fix all of Ukraine’s...
French towns impose curfews to counter youth violence
The southern French cities of Nice and Béziers are imposing night-time curfews for children under 13 amid rising...The southern French cities of Nice and Béziers are imposing night-time curfews for children under...The southern French cities of Nice and Béziers are imposing night-time curfews for children under...
BHP proposes Anglo American takeover to create world’s biggest copper miner
BHP, the world’s largest miner, has tabled a mooted all-share offer for the FTSE 100 Anglo American, a deal that would create the world’s biggest copper miner producing an estimated 10 per cent of global output. In a brief statement Anglo American confirmed that it had received an “unsolicited...BHP, the world’s largest miner, has tabled a mooted all-share offer for the FTSE 100 Anglo American, a deal that would create the world’s biggest copper miner producing an estimated 10 per cent of global output. In a brief statement Anglo American confirmed that it had received an “unsolicited...BHP, the world’s largest miner, has tabled a mooted all-share offer for the FTSE 100 Anglo American, a deal that would create...
London’s big firms ‘could double valuations with New York switch’
Some of London’s largest listed companies could see their valuations as much as double by moving to New York, according to a new analysis, underscoring the appeal for companies considering switching their listings away from the UK. Shell, Diageo and British American Tobacco could see their market capitalisations jump if their shares were...Some of London’s largest listed companies could see their valuations as much as double by moving to New York, according to a new analysis, underscoring the appeal for companies considering switching their listings away from the UK. Shell, Diageo and British American Tobacco could see their market capitalisations jump if their shares were...Some of London’s largest listed companies could see their valuations as much as double by moving to New York, according to a...
John Barnes banned from company directorships over unpaid taxes
The former England footballer John Barnes has been banned from acting as a company director after his media firm failed to pay tax on income of more than £400,000. Barnes, 60, who earned 79 caps for England and played for a host of top-flight clubs including Liverpool and Newcastle United, has been disqualified from...The former England footballer John Barnes has been banned from acting as a company director after...The former England footballer John Barnes has been banned from acting as a company director after...
BUSINESS COMMENTARY
Heathrow’s new chief enjoys a flying start
Flights of fancy can waste a lot of time. Take Heathrow’s third runway: something Britain has been failing to build...Flights of fancy can waste a lot of time. Take Heathrow’s third runway: something Britain has...Flights of fancy can waste a lot of time. Take Heathrow’s third runway: something Britain has...
patrick hosking | comment
The coming battle over companies’ pension billions
By any measure, it’s a fair-sized wad of money, £359 billion. That’s one official estimate of the aggregate net...By any measure, it’s a fair-sized wad of money, £359 billion. That’s one official estimate of the...By any measure, it’s a fair-sized wad of money, £359 billion. That’s one official estimate of the...
PZ Cussons to sell self-tanning brand St Tropez to simplify business
PZ Cussons is to sell its self-tanning St Tropez brand, which is popular among celebrities including Salma Hayek and Ashley Graham, as the healthcare and consumer goods company seeks to simplify its business. The decision to sell the brand follows...PZ Cussons is to sell its self-tanning St Tropez brand, which is popular among celebrities...PZ Cussons is to sell its self-tanning St Tropez brand, which is popular among celebrities...
Concord ups offer in Hipgnosis bidding battle
Concord Chorus, the American music rights investor, last night raised its offer for Hipgnosis Songs Fund, to more than $1.5 billion in a battle to beat Blackstone, a rival suitor. In an announcement after the London Stock Exchange closed Concord...Concord Chorus, the American music rights investor, last night raised its offer for Hipgnosis...Concord Chorus, the American music rights investor, last night raised its offer for Hipgnosis...
comment
Back off, regulators: Big Tech buying into AI isn’t a bad thing
“When I look at AI, I see only monopolies. Nothing else.” These extraordinary words from Andreas Mundt, head of the...“When I look at AI, I see only monopolies. Nothing else.” These extraordinary words from Andreas...“When I look at AI, I see only monopolies. Nothing else.” These extraordinary words from Andreas...
tempus
Streamer’s struggle with high notes
Spotify is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, and in its first quarter of 2024 posted a record...Spotify is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, and in its first quarter of...Spotify is one of the world’s most popular music streaming services, and in its first quarter of...
PAUL JOYCE
Misfiring Núñez, ailing Salah and Trent’s future – problems pile up for Slot
newThe brochure outlined to Arne Slot did not look like this. It would have been instructive to have offered Liverpool’s new manager-in-waiting a penny for his thoughts as he presumably interrupted preparations for Feyenoord’s Eredivisie clash with Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night to keep abreast...The brochure outlined to Arne Slot did not look like this. It would have been instructive to have offered Liverpool’s new manager-in-waiting a penny for his thoughts as he presumably interrupted preparations for Feyenoord’s Eredivisie clash with Go Ahead Eagles on Thursday night to keep abreast...The brochure outlined to Arne Slot did not look like this. It would have been instructive to have offered Liverpool’s new...
Pochettino’s future in balance with Europe key to his survival
Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea future is hanging in the balance after Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat by Arsenal, with European qualification believed to be a key factor in whether he will keep his job for next season. An unbeaten run of eight Premier League games had offered reason for optimism at Stamford Bridge but the FA Cup semi-final defeat by...Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea future is hanging in the balance after Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat by Arsenal, with European qualification believed to be a key factor in whether he will keep his job for next season. An unbeaten run of eight Premier League games had offered reason for optimism at Stamford Bridge but the FA Cup semi-final defeat by...Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea future is hanging in the balance after Tuesday’s 5-0 defeat by Arsenal, with European...
McIlroy’s latest U-turn comes as golf’s sums spiral further out of control
newRory McIlroy provided a blunt and depressing assessment of the ethos of the modern golf star when asked to address the size of the equity awards being promised to “loyal” PGA Tour players. The four-times major winner, who is on the verge of a shock return to the PGA Tour board, is in line to get one of the biggest...Rory McIlroy provided a blunt and depressing assessment of the ethos of the modern golf star when...Rory McIlroy provided a blunt and depressing assessment of the ethos of the modern golf star when...
premier league | paul joyce
Neighbours delight in ending naive and abject Liverpool’s title dream
county championship
Clarke looks ‘every inch an England batsman’ – and he keeps wicket
Matthew syed
Why Declan Rice is becoming my favourite sportsman
In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West Ham United. The...In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West...In the spring of 2013, a group of teenagers were going through their paces during a trial at West...
mIKE ATHERTON
Gulf between bat and ball in IPL is slippery slope for cricket
Increasingly, it is clear that first-class cricket and T20 cricket are two completely different games, as contrasting...Increasingly, it is clear that first-class cricket and T20 cricket are two completely different...Increasingly, it is clear that first-class cricket and T20 cricket are two completely different...
Sander Westerveld
Arne is my golf buddy – he’s a perfectionist and ideal fit for Liverpool
I not only remember Arne, but he still uses me as his golf buddy because I am the only one of his friends that doesn’t have a “job”. Whenever he has a day off, he phones me, “Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?” We play golf together, so we see each...I not only remember Arne, but he still uses me as his golf buddy because I am the only one of his...I not only remember Arne, but he still uses me as his golf buddy because I am the only one of his...
Curtis Langdon interview
Nine clubs and ‘mad as a box of frogs’ – Saints hooker ready for England recall
rugby union | Premiership guide
Bath bid to end 20-year wait against Saracens while Tigers fight to survive
Premier League
Terroriser-in-chief Eze shows he is worth Euros chance
United will lead opposition to hard salary cap in Premier League
Manchester United will strongly oppose moves to introduce the first hard salary cap to the Premier League when new...Manchester United will strongly oppose moves to introduce the first hard salary cap to the...Manchester United will strongly oppose moves to introduce the first hard salary cap to the...
Liverpool open talks with Feyenoord over making Slot Klopp’s successor
Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord in a bid to make Arne Slot Jürgen Klopp’s successor as manager. The...Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord in a bid to make Arne Slot Jürgen Klopp’s...Liverpool have opened negotiations with Feyenoord in a bid to make Arne Slot Jürgen Klopp’s...
TIMES SPORT UNSEEN
Bellingham and Ederson’s cuddle and a bad day for golf
The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and Bradley were both in London all weekend for the semi-finals — Manchester City against Chelsea on Saturday before a thriller between Coventry City and...The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and...The main event this week is all about Wembley and the FA Cup for our photographers. Marc and...
first person
I’ve lost three stone taking Ozempic. But am I at risk?
Johann Hari took Ozempic. Then he talked to scientists about its possible impact on the brain
Anne Hathaway’s ‘chemistry test’ is the tip of the iceberg — ask Sharon Stone
The actress recently revealed that she had to kiss ten men to satisfy casting directors
JANE MACQUITTY
War of the rosés: the best 12 wines to buy
The French are appalled that pink ‘plonk’ has flooded the market — but it’s not all bad
deborah ross
Don’t say ‘back in your day’ to me or I will see you in court
You can’t say something wholly valid to someone’s face and expect to get away with it
DAISY GOODWIN
I’m sick of middle-aged mansplaining on podcasts
From The Rest is History to the Today podcast, why is it that women can barely get a word in edgeways?
CAITLIN MORAN’S CELEBRITY WATCH
What’s behind the salmon sperm trend? Horny fish and a canny farmer
interview
‘There is a softer, more Gareth Southgate way to be a man’
James Graham can point to two moments in his childhood where his life might have turned out differently. A shy working-class kid in Mansfield, north of Nottingham, he was among the geeks at his comprehensive school when a popular girl asked him out.James Graham can point to two moments in his childhood where his life might have turned out...James Graham can point to two moments in his childhood where his life might have turned out...
what i’ve learnt
Zandra Rhodes: ‘I was given six months to live — four years ago’
Fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, 83, grew up in Kent before studying at the Royal College of Art. Since she...Fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, 83, grew up in Kent before studying at the Royal College of...Fashion designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, 83, grew up in Kent before studying at the Royal College of...
‘Not Davos again!’ The new billionaire retreats
When you’re a tech bro you get used to making key decisions before breakfast. For one British executive in the...When you’re a tech bro you get used to making key decisions before breakfast. For one British...When you’re a tech bro you get used to making key decisions before breakfast. For one British...
First night reviews
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Testmatch — too much slogging and sloganising by the end
newToo much ideology and not enough drama: that’s the fate of many of the plays that have emerged as a response to the Black Lives Matter movement and, sadly, Kate Attwell’s two-part study on a cricketing theme is no different. It starts promisingly...Too much ideology and not enough drama: that’s the fate of many of the plays that have emerged as...Too much ideology and not enough drama: that’s the fate of many of the plays that have emerged as...
How far can your electric car really go? Our editor tests the range
It’s a sunny morning and I’m bowling along the M25 with a bootful of clobber including folding chairs and a tent, plus three passengers. I’m also driving in bare feet. I’m not on my way to a hippy festival, but I am trying to prove that green is...It’s a sunny morning and I’m bowling along the M25 with a bootful of clobber including folding...It’s a sunny morning and I’m bowling along the M25 with a bootful of clobber including folding...
Comment
Bond between rich world and the rest is broken
Ed Conway
‘Vaccine apartheid’ pointed to developing nations being left behind: the effects will be felt in migration and terrorism
james marriott
Ripley reflects our world of lies and deceit
IAIN MARTIN
Frank Field showed us the best an MP can be
MAX HASTINGS | NOTEBOOK
Westminster Abbey tour was happy and glorious
FIONA HAMILTON
Police watchdog must investigate Calocane failings
Leading Articles
Silent Alliance
Anglo-German co-operation in the defence of Europe is essential. But London and Berlin too often appear to be at odds in their policies towards the war in Ukraine
Uphill Battle
British army veterans who suffered the side-effects of Lariam must receive justice
Honourable Member
Frank Field represented the best of his parish, party and parliament
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Putting the defence budget on a war footing
Sir, The prime minister’s commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030 is welcome, not as a solution to our national security challenges but as a statement of intent (news, Apr 24). Three per cent should remain the...Sir, The prime minister’s commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030...Sir, The prime minister’s commitment to raising defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by 2030...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Annual services of commemoration and thanksgiving to mark Anzac Day take place at Hyde Park Corner, the Cenotaph and Westminster Abbey; Home Office publishes statistics on incidents and fires attended by fire and rescue services for the year ending December 2023.
France: President Macron delivers major address on Europe.
International: World Health Organisation marks World Malaria Day to raise awareness of the disease and highlight the need for investment in prevention and control.
On this day
In 1944 the United Negro College Fund was established to provide scholarships. Prominent alumni include the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, the film-maker Spike Lee, the actor Samuel L Jackson and General Chappie James, the United States air force’s first black four-star general. Since 2008 the organisation has only used its initials, UNCF. It supports 37 historically black colleges and universities and is known for the motto: “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”; in 1956 Elvis Presley signed a film contract with Hal Wallis and Paramount Pictures, with a six-film option; in 1974 the Carnation Revolution took place in Lisbon, Portugal, when the authoritarian Estado Novo government was overthrown in a military coup. More than four decades of fascism ended and on April 25, 1976, the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic became effective; in 2016 the department store British Homes Stores, which employed 11,000 people, filed for administration. The final 22 stores closed in August 2016, ending 88 years on the high street.
Nature notes
The mandarin duck must surely be one of the world’s most eye-catching birds. The males have a green and purple crest, an orange ruff, a small red beak and a broad white eye stripe. Their chest is also purple, while their flanks are apricot. As well as being visually stunning, mandarins have a startling habit of nesting high up in trees, making them one of the UK’s few “perching duck” species. Natives of east Asia, mandarins were brought to Britain to stock wildfowl collections; in the 1930s escapees started breeding in the wild. Once common in eastern Russia and China, their numbers have badly fallen in their native range, making our 7,000 mandarins a valuable “reservoir population”.
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
John Apthorp, businessman, chairman, Majestic Wine Warehouses (1989-2005), founder of the Bejam frozen food chain (1968), 89; Hank Azaria, actor, The Simpsons (since 1989), 60; Andy Bell, singer-songwriter, Erasure, A Little Respect (1988), 60; Lord (Christopher) Bellamy, KC, justice minister, 78; Melvin Burgess, author, Junk (1996), 70; Fiona Bruce, broadcaster, host of Question Time and presenter of Antiques Roadshow, 60; Lord (Tony) Christopher, trade unionist and the last living British parliamentarian to have served in the Second World War, 99; Edward F Crawford, US ambassador to Ireland (2019-21), 86; Tim Davie, director-general of the BBC, 57; Dame Jennifer Dixon, chief executive, the Health Foundation (charity), 64; James Fenton, poet, Yellow Tulips: Poems 1968-2011 (2012), professor of poetry, University of Oxford (1994-99), 75; Misha Glenny, journalist and author, McMafia (2008), 66; Sir Francis Graham-Smith, astronomer royal (1982-90), 101; Nick Hampton, chief executive, Tate & Lyle, 57; Lord (Robin) Hodgson of Astley Abbotts, deputy chairman, Conservative Party (1998-2000), 82; Sir Moir Lockhead, deputy chairman and chief executive, FirstGroup (1995-2010), 79; Felipe Massa, Formula One racing driver, 43; David Moyes, football manager, West Ham United, Manchester United (2013-14), 61; Prof Sir Stephen Nickell, economist, warden, Nuffield College, Oxford (2006-12), 80; John Nunn, three-time world champion in chess problem solving, 69; Al Pacino, actor, The Godfather (1972), 84; Robert Peston, political editor, ITV News, 64; William Roache, actor, Coronation Street (since 1960; the longest-serving male TV star in the same role), 92; Lord (Robert) Skidelsky, professor emeritus of political economy, University of Warwick, 85; Dominique Strauss-Kahn, managing director, International Monetary Fund (2007-11), 75; Renée Zellweger, actress, the Bridget Jones film series, 55.