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Stop calling Brexit a divorce from the EU, May tells MPs
newTheresa May today called on MPs to stop describing Brexit as a divorce because it suggested that the UK and European Union will be on bad terms after they split. The prime minister said she preferred not to use the word “divorce” to characterise proceedings with the EU because “very often when...Theresa May today called on MPs to stop describing Brexit as a divorce because it suggested that the UK and European Union will be on bad terms after they split. The prime minister said she preferred not to use the word “divorce” to characterise proceedings with the EU because “very often when...Theresa May today called on MPs to stop describing Brexit as a divorce because it suggested that the UK and European Union will...
Read the full storyCrisis at Bank as deputy governor quits over ‘conflict of interest’
updatedThe Bank of England has been plunged into crisis by the resignation of one of its most senior officials following withering criticism from MPs over a perceived conflict of interest concerning her brother. Charlotte Hogg, the chief operating officer and deputy governor, tendered her resignation for failing to comply with the Bank’s code of...The Bank of England has been plunged into crisis by the resignation of one of its most senior officials following withering criticism from MPs over a perceived conflict of interest concerning her brother. Charlotte Hogg, the chief operating officer and deputy governor, tendered her resignation for failing to comply with the Bank’s code of...The Bank of England has been plunged into crisis by the resignation of one of its most senior officials following withering...
Read the full storyPolice detention officers cleared of killing man in custody
The family of a man who died after police wrapped a thick belt across his face said that they felt “no sense of justice” yesterday after three detention officers were cleared of his manslaughter. Thomas Orchard, 32, a church caretaker who suffered with paranoid schizophrenia, died in October 2012 after he was locked...The family of a man who died after police wrapped a thick belt across his face said that they...The family of a man who died after police wrapped a thick belt across his face said that they...
Read the full storyGolf
Muirfield admits women members after 273 years in the cold
updatedMuirfield will return to the Open Championship rota following the decision of members of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers (HCEG), which owns the course, to end their centuries-old single-sex policy and open their doors to women. The...Muirfield will return to the Open Championship rota following the decision of members of the...Muirfield will return to the Open Championship rota following the decision of members of the...
Read the full storyCOMMENT
Stakes couldn’t be higher — and there can be only one winner
Theresa May is disappointed, aides say. She could be forgiven for being disorientated, distracted, diverted and...Theresa May is disappointed, aides say. She could be forgiven for being disorientated, distracted...Theresa May is disappointed, aides say. She could be forgiven for being disorientated, distracted...
Read the full storyChief inspector and sergeant accused of affair on duty
A police chief inspector and a sergeant are under investigation amid allegations that they had sex with one another...A police chief inspector and a sergeant are under investigation amid allegations that they had...A police chief inspector and a sergeant are under investigation amid allegations that they had...
Read the full storyvideo
Brexit faces fresh hurdles, leaked Whitehall papers reveal
Parliament will need to pass at least seven controversial bills to prepare Britain for life outside the European Union, according to a leaked list of legislation prepared by Whitehall. Each new law, covering immigration, tax...Parliament will need to pass at least seven controversial bills to prepare Britain for life outside the European Union, according to a leaked list of legislation prepared by Whitehall. Each new law, covering immigration, tax...Parliament will need to pass at least seven controversial bills to prepare Britain for life outside the European...
Read the full storyGambling problems for ‘1 in 4 young men’
A quarter of young men have a gambling problem and GPs should consider screening them for the addiction, researchers say. A University of Bristol study found that 25 per cent of men aged between 18 and 24 had gambling problems...A quarter of young men have a gambling problem and GPs should consider screening them for the addiction, researchers say. A University of Bristol study found that 25 per cent of men aged between 18 and 24 had gambling problems...A quarter of young men have a gambling problem and GPs should consider screening them for the addiction, researchers...
Read the full storyScottish independence
Obstacles old and new stand in way of Sturgeon’s promised land
Scottish Independence
With perfect timing, Sturgeon sets a trap for unwary unionists
Scottish independence
So who has the wizardry to lead the unionists?
SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE
Wales could demand vote
behind the story
Europe searches for new date in the diary
political sketch
Silky Starmer puts the case against Davis
World domination takes the biscuit
Dunking a digestive is about as British as rain on a bank holiday, but the company behind McVitie’s believes that...Dunking a digestive is about as British as rain on a bank holiday, but the company behind...Dunking a digestive is about as British as rain on a bank holiday, but the company behind...
Read the full storythe times diary
Next Speaker waits his turn
John Bercow survived an attempted coup last month, but the Speaker is being urged by MPs to stick to his plan to...John Bercow survived an attempted coup last month, but the Speaker is being urged by MPs to stick...John Bercow survived an attempted coup last month, but the Speaker is being urged by MPs to stick...
Read the full storyDementia sufferers held in care homes and hospitals illegally
Hundreds of thousands of people with dementia and learning difficulties are being detained in hospitals and care homes unlawfully, a legal watchdog has warned. The system of authorising the detention of people who cannot make...Hundreds of thousands of people with dementia and learning difficulties are being detained in hospitals and care homes unlawfully, a legal watchdog has warned. The system of authorising the detention of people who cannot make...Hundreds of thousands of people with dementia and learning difficulties are being detained in hospitals and care...
Read the full storyHackers target data for ransom from phones, watches and TV
Data from smartphones, watches, fitness trackers or even television sets is at increasing risk of being exploited by cybercriminals, security chiefs are warning. Ransom software can be used to target digital devices that...Data from smartphones, watches, fitness trackers or even television sets is at increasing risk of being exploited by cybercriminals, security chiefs are warning. Ransom software can be used to target digital devices that...Data from smartphones, watches, fitness trackers or even television sets is at increasing risk of being exploited by...
Read the full storyWhy bright ideas are the curse of politics
When Theresa May announced her plan to reform vocational education last month she described it as critical to “help ensure young people develop the skills they need to do the high-paid, high-skilled jobs of the future”. What she didn’t say was...When Theresa May announced her plan to reform vocational education last month she described it as...When Theresa May announced her plan to reform vocational education last month she described it as...
Read the full storyRED BOX: COMMENT
The answer to Scotland’s woes is not another divisive referendum
Red Box: comment
To be outside the UK and the EU would be the worst of all worlds
Russia sends special forces to help rebel general in Libya
newRussia has deployed special forces to an Egyptian base on the border with Libya, amid concerns that Moscow is backing a takeover by General Khalifa Haftar, an anti-government commander, in the country’s civil war. Russian special operations units and drones are now stationed at the Sidi Barrani...Russia has deployed special forces to an Egyptian base on the border with Libya, amid concerns that Moscow is backing a takeover by General Khalifa Haftar, an anti-government commander, in the country’s civil war. Russian special operations units and drones are now stationed at the Sidi Barrani...Russia has deployed special forces to an Egyptian base on the border with Libya, amid concerns that Moscow is backing a...
Read the full storyGandhi dynasty starts crumbling after humiliation at state polls
newIndia’s opposition Congress Party faces growing calls to ditch its leader after a dismal showing in key state elections revived speculation about the future of the most famous political dynasty in the country. The knives are out for Rahul Gandhi after his party suffered a crushing defeat by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)...India’s opposition Congress Party faces growing calls to ditch its leader after a dismal showing in key state elections revived speculation about the future of the most famous political dynasty in the country. The knives are out for Rahul Gandhi after his party suffered a crushing defeat by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)...India’s opposition Congress Party faces growing calls to ditch its leader after a dismal showing in key state elections revived...
Read the full storyChancellor takes BMW chief to White House showdown
Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to her first meeting with President Trump because it was better “talking together than about each other” after a long-distance war of words between the pair. Mrs Merkel, 62, will bring the head of BMW to the White House, a symbolic move after she was stung by Mr Trump’s...Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to her first meeting with President Trump because it...Angela Merkel said she was looking forward to her first meeting with President Trump because it...
Read the full storyChinese ready to ditch cash within five years
newChina was among the first cultures to use coins and invented paper money centuries later, but its next trick may be to abandon both entirely. Cashless transactions could be China’s primary means of payment in just five years’...China was among the first cultures to use coins and invented paper money centuries later, but its next trick may be to abandon both entirely. Cashless transactions could be China’s primary means of payment in just five years’...China was among the first cultures to use coins and invented paper money centuries later, but its next trick may be...
Read the full storyOusted South Korea president to face corruption inquiry
Prosecutors are preparing to summon the ousted South Korean president over the corruption scandal that has engulfed the country’s business and political elite. The move against Park Geun-hye, who lost immunity from criminal...Prosecutors are preparing to summon the ousted South Korean president over the corruption scandal that has engulfed the country’s business and political elite. The move against Park Geun-hye, who lost immunity from criminal...Prosecutors are preparing to summon the ousted South Korean president over the corruption scandal that has engulfed...
Read the full storyNewborn boy abandoned in car workshop
Mechanics at a garage in eastern China had a shock when they found a baby behind a car in a workshop. They had an...Mechanics at a garage in eastern China had a shock when they found a baby behind a car in a...Mechanics at a garage in eastern China had a shock when they found a baby behind a car in a...
Read the full storyPoachers kill rhino famed for its kiss
A rare black rhino that gained international fame in January has been killed by poachers who cut off his horn, ears...A rare black rhino that gained international fame in January has been killed by poachers who cut...A rare black rhino that gained international fame in January has been killed by poachers who cut...
Read the full storyMerger deals to hit $70bn in Brexit strategy boost
Britain is on track to record nearly $70 billion worth of deals in the first quarter, smashing last year’s total and signalling the possible start of another mergers and acquisitions bonanza. More than $67.2 billion of deals involving a UK company have been agreed this year, which is about $16...Britain is on track to record nearly $70 billion worth of deals in the first quarter, smashing last year’s total and signalling the possible start of another mergers and acquisitions bonanza. More than $67.2 billion of deals involving a UK company have been agreed this year, which is about $16...Britain is on track to record nearly $70 billion worth of deals in the first quarter, smashing last year’s total and signalling...
Read the full storyTraders may be profiting from leaked UK statistics
Financial experts have warned that unscrupulous traders could be making millions of pounds in profits from leaked information before the publication of economic information such as unemployment and inflation figures. Research published yesterday by The Wall Street Journal found that prices of gilt futures appeared to accurately predict...Financial experts have warned that unscrupulous traders could be making millions of pounds in profits from leaked information before the publication of economic information such as unemployment and inflation figures. Research published yesterday by The Wall Street Journal found that prices of gilt futures appeared to accurately predict...Financial experts have warned that unscrupulous traders could be making millions of pounds in profits from leaked information...
Read the full storyDrop in loans signals housing ladder with few on the move
newThere were fewer and smaller loans to movers in January as the lull in housebuying activity became entrenched. The number of loans taken out by movers in January fell to 23,000, down 7 per cent year on year and 27 per cent month on month. Existing owners borrowed £4.9 billion, down 4 per cent compared with last...There were fewer and smaller loans to movers in January as the lull in housebuying activity...There were fewer and smaller loans to movers in January as the lull in housebuying activity...
Read the full storyYum agrees £300m chicken takeaway
newThe American restaurant group behind the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands has agreed the estimated £300 million sale of most of its company-owned KFC stores in Britain as it shifts the emphasis to franchising. Yum Brands, which...The American restaurant group behind the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands has agreed the estimated £300 million sale of most of its company-owned KFC stores in Britain as it shifts the emphasis to franchising. Yum Brands, which...The American restaurant group behind the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell brands has agreed the estimated £300 million sale of...
Read the full storyAntofagasta bullish on copper market
Antofagasta, the FTSE 100 copper producer, predicted today that higher prices were here to stay as it reported improved annual profit and raised its dividend. The Chilean-based mining group has been one of the chief...Antofagasta, the FTSE 100 copper producer, predicted today that higher prices were here to stay as it reported improved annual profit and raised its dividend. The Chilean-based mining group has been one of the chief...Antofagasta, the FTSE 100 copper producer, predicted today that higher prices were here to stay as it reported...
Read the full storybusiness commentary
Advisers siphon off a barrel load of fees
Lloyds plan to shift 2,000 staff to IBM raises fears over security
Lloyds Banking Group is to shed almost 2,000 additional jobs as it prepares to contract out a large part of its information technology expertise to IBM, the American computing group. Some 1,961 employees and contractors would...Lloyds Banking Group is to shed almost 2,000 additional jobs as it prepares to contract out a large part of its information technology expertise to IBM, the American computing group. Some 1,961 employees and contractors would...Lloyds Banking Group is to shed almost 2,000 additional jobs as it prepares to contract out a large part of its...
Read the full storyBovis shares rise as Galliford talks keep door open to merger
Management at Bovis Homes and its rival Galliford Try are due to meet this week to discuss a potential merger between the two FTSE 250-listed builders amid cautious support from top investors. Talks over an all-share merger and...Management at Bovis Homes and its rival Galliford Try are due to meet this week to discuss a potential merger between the two FTSE 250-listed builders amid cautious support from top investors. Talks over an all-share merger and...Management at Bovis Homes and its rival Galliford Try are due to meet this week to discuss a potential merger between...
Read the full storyWood Group swallows Amec for £2.2bn
The oil services sector is to contract after the Aberdeen-based Wood Group made an agreed all-share offer for Amec Foster Wheeler, valuing it at £2.23 billion. Shares in Amec rose by 13 per cent yesterday after its board recommended the takeover to create a UK-based engineering group with operations around the world. Oil services companies have been streamlining costs...The oil services sector is to contract after the Aberdeen-based Wood Group made an agreed...The oil services sector is to contract after the Aberdeen-based Wood Group made an agreed...
Read the full storyAmec: Analysis
Chief who shot himself in the foot
One day details of the discussions between Samir Brikho, then chief executive of Amec, and chairman, John Connolly...One day details of the discussions between Samir Brikho, then chief executive of Amec, and chairman, John Connolly, in the late summer and autumn of 2014 may be published. Until then we will not know what levels of ego and hubris took Amec to the point where it is now being taken over by Wood Group, a business that...One day details of the discussions between Samir Brikho, then chief executive of Amec, and chairman, John Connolly, in the late...
Read the full storyPremier League
Lukaku stuns Everton by rejecting record contract
newRomelu Lukaku has stunned Everton by informing them he will not sign a new contract in a move which will spark a summer transfer scramble. The Belgium striker delivered the bombshell today that he has no intention of committing his future to the Goodison Park club. Lukaku, 23, has made no secret...Romelu Lukaku has stunned Everton by informing them he will not sign a new contract in a move which will spark a summer transfer scramble. The Belgium striker delivered the bombshell today that he has no intention of committing his future to the Goodison Park club. Lukaku, 23, has made no secret...Romelu Lukaku has stunned Everton by informing them he will not sign a new contract in a move which will spark a summer...
Read the full storyCycling
Team Sky previously bought couriered drug from nearby pharmacy
newThe drug that Team Sky couriered from Manchester to France to be administered to Sir Bradley Wiggins had previously been bought by the team at a Swiss pharmacy only three hours’ drive away. In a development which will intensify questions surrounding the Wiggins’ Jiffy bag controversy, Team Sky said it had previously bought Fluimucil from a...The drug that Team Sky couriered from Manchester to France to be administered to Sir Bradley Wiggins had previously been bought by the team at a Swiss pharmacy only three hours’ drive away. In a development which will intensify questions surrounding the Wiggins’ Jiffy bag controversy, Team Sky said it had previously bought Fluimucil from a...The drug that Team Sky couriered from Manchester to France to be administered to Sir Bradley Wiggins had previously been bought...
Read the full storychampions league
Shakespeare in search of another Leicester miracle
The man who will tonight become only the fifth Englishman to manage in the Champions League did not want to be a manager. In fact, initially, he didn’t even go into coaching at all. When his playing career ended at the turn of the century, Craig Shakespeare’s first job was as West Bromwich Albion’s football in the...The man who will tonight become only the fifth Englishman to manage in the Champions League did...The man who will tonight become only the fifth Englishman to manage in the Champions League did...
Read the full storyAlyson Rudd
Anguished anti-sexism vote does not prove that Muirfield deserves the Open
newOh, thank you very much, Muirfield, very gallant of you. Allow me a few minutes to calm my excitement before I crack...Oh, thank you very much, Muirfield, very gallant of you. Allow me a few minutes to calm my...Oh, thank you very much, Muirfield, very gallant of you. Allow me a few minutes to calm my...
Read the full storyowen slot
Schmidt and Jones prove scare tactics still bring success
We’ll start with the key card story, because that is where a lot of the Ireland players started too. At their Carton...We’ll start with the key card story, because that is where a lot of the Ireland players started too.We’ll start with the key card story, because that is where a lot of the Ireland players started too.
Read the full storyhenry winter
England men can learn from women
When Alex Scott, now a star with Arsenal and England, needed money to fund her burgeoning football career, she worked in the laundry room at Arsenal, washing the kit of Arsène Wenger’s players. Kelly Smith endured homesickness in the US while...When Alex Scott, now a star with Arsenal and England, needed money to fund her burgeoning...When Alex Scott, now a star with Arsenal and England, needed money to fund her burgeoning...
Read the full storysix nations
England deny mishandling Daly injury
matt dickinson
Mourinho hits back at fans who adored him
From the moment that José Mourinho took on the task of trying to restore Manchester United to former glories, a...From the moment that José Mourinho took on the task of trying to restore Manchester United to...From the moment that José Mourinho took on the task of trying to restore Manchester United to...
Read the full storymatt hughes
Twinkling Conte is the new Special One
Even Antonio Conte’s barbs are delivered with a twinkle in his eye. Sitting in exactly the same seat that José...Even Antonio Conte’s barbs are delivered with a twinkle in his eye. Sitting in exactly the same...Even Antonio Conte’s barbs are delivered with a twinkle in his eye. Sitting in exactly the same...
Read the full storymike atherton
Why joyful Cheltenham really is like nothing else
It can be freezing — the kind of chill that cuts to the marrow — and the view of the action can be terrible, unless you have entry to the posh blocks. The queues to some bars would test the patience of Job, and the behaviour of the punters is not always decorous, especially if a short-priced favourite from across the Irish Sea has failed to do the business. Still the...It can be freezing — the kind of chill that cuts to the marrow — and the view of the action can...It can be freezing — the kind of chill that cuts to the marrow — and the view of the action can...
Read the full storyRob Wright's tips
Yanworth looks just Champion as he seeks to extend winning sequence
Yanworth has been beaten just once in eight starts over jumps and can continue his fine record by landing the Stan...Yanworth has been beaten just once in eight starts over jumps and can continue his fine record by landing the Stan James Champion Hurdle (3.30), highlight of the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival. His sole defeat over hurdles came at this meeting a year ago, when finding only Yorkhill too good in the Neptune...Yanworth has been beaten just once in eight starts over jumps and can continue his fine record by landing the Stan James...
Read the full storyFestival guide
You can still make money betting on the week’s bankers
Festival guide
How to read a racecard
Racing
Rob Wright’s racing tips
Richard Johnson interview
‘I miss racing against AP – but it’s great for me that he retired’
Mark Souster
Former rugby player who found refuge in racing
The problems that face elite sportsmen after they retire are very real and an injury-enforced departure can mean no...The problems that face elite sportsmen after they retire are very real and an injury-enforced...The problems that face elite sportsmen after they retire are very real and an injury-enforced...
Read the full storySophie Fletcher
After 23 hours a day in his box, Politologue is raring to go
I don’t have a background in horses — in fact no one else in my family is at all interested in horses. Like many...I don’t have a background in horses — in fact no one else in my family is at all interested in...I don’t have a background in horses — in fact no one else in my family is at all interested in...
Read the full storyOBITUARY
Professor Mildred Dresselhaus
Mildred Dresselhaus was 86 when she starred in a television advert for General Electric that was aimed at getting more women into science. Viewers saw her being fawned over like a celebrity as hipsters stopped her in the street for selfies, little girls tore open boxes containing Millie Dresselhaus dolls, and a mural of her face appeared on the side of a building. The...Mildred Dresselhaus was 86 when she starred in a television advert for General Electric that was...Mildred Dresselhaus was 86 when she starred in a television advert for General Electric that was...
Read the full storyOBITUARY
Lou Duva
While Lou Duva’s own boxing career was brief and undistinguished, as a trainer he was sometimes unable to resist...While Lou Duva’s own boxing career was brief and undistinguished, as a trainer he was sometimes unable to resist getting back in the ring. In 1988 in Las Vegas, when he was the cornerman for Vinny Pazienza, he joined his man in trading blows with Roger Mayweather after the final bell, coming away with a cut on his...While Lou Duva’s own boxing career was brief and undistinguished, as a trainer he was sometimes unable to resist getting back...
Read the full storyMarch 14, 1917
The Russian food troubles
LAW REPORT
Effect of redevelopment works on rateable value of offices
Supreme Court Published: March 14, 2017 S J & J Monk (a Firm) v Newbigin (Valuation Officer) Before Lord...Supreme Court Published: March 14, 2017 S J & J Monk (a Firm) v Newbigin (Valuation Officer)...Supreme Court Published: March 14, 2017 S J & J Monk (a Firm) v Newbigin (Valuation Officer)...
Read the full storyCOURT CIRCULAR
March 13
Buckingham Palace
13th March, 2017
The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl of Wessex...Buckingham Palace
13th March, 2017
The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl...Buckingham Palace
13th March, 2017
The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh and The Earl...
Could a filthy home end the sex wars?
Men won’t do more housework so women should do less, the author of a new book tells Helen Rumbelow
20 coolest places to live in Britain
Day two of our series on the best places to live in the UK. Today, Laura Whateley on the trendiest property hotspots
BODY & SOUL
Is your workout pain but no gain?
If you slog at the gym but stay flabby, you may be a ‘non-responder’
Fashion
Anna Murphy: Economy of style
newIt’s the perennial tightrope walk of the fashion editor who also happens to be a real person, and who hangs out with other real people, and it’s a particularly vertiginous soft-shoe shuffle straight after the shows, when you have spent weeks...It’s the perennial tightrope walk of the fashion editor who also happens to be a real person, and...It’s the perennial tightrope walk of the fashion editor who also happens to be a real person, and...
Read the full storyFIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Theatre: A Dark Night in Dalston at the Park Theatre, N4
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Concert: Alison Balsom and Friends at the Royal Albert Hall
new★★★☆��
When Alison Balsom walked on to the darkened Royal Albert Hall stage, a lone lit figure holding only a...★★★☆☆
When Alison Balsom walked on to the darkened Royal Albert Hall stage, a lone lit...★★★☆☆
When Alison Balsom walked on to the darkened Royal Albert Hall stage, a lone lit...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Concert: La Damnation de Faust at Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
new★★★☆☆
The road to hell isn’t really paved with good intentions; at least, not the way Berlioz tells it in ...★★★☆☆
The road to hell isn’t really paved with good intentions; at least, not the way...★★★☆☆
The road to hell isn’t really paved with good intentions; at least, not the way...
first night review
Theatre: City of Glass at Home, Manchester
This adaptation has the dogged dedication of any hardboiled, hard-up gumshoe for hire but if the staging does not satisfy, the set is astonishing
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Pop: Country 2 Country at the O2 Arena, SE10
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Comedy: Russell Howard at the Royal Albert Hall
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Concert: BBCSO/ Simone Young at the Barbican
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Pop: Seth Lakeman at the Cadogan Hall, SW1
first night review
Imagine Moscow at the Design Museum, W8
★★★★☆
There’s always something especially tantalising about what might have been — as the popularity of the BBC’s SS-GB and Amazon’s The Man in the High Castle attest. In no field is this as true as architecture, where getting spades in the...★★★★☆
There’s always something especially tantalising about what might have been — as...★★★★☆
There’s always something especially tantalising about what might have been — as...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Opera: Die Meistersinger at Covent Garden
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
My Brilliant Friend, Parts 1 & 2 at the Rose Theatre, Kingston
TV REVIEW
Big Little Lies; Meet the Lords
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
The Times Film Show
Kong: Skull Island and Elle
Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week, Kate Muir and Ed Potton give their verdicts on Kong: Skull Island and Elle See the Times+ website for details of our year-round offer of 2-for-1 Odeon cinema ticketsWatch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week, Kate Muir and Ed Potton give their...Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week, Kate Muir and Ed Potton give their...
Read the full storySNP quick off mark with £1m referendum web appeal
The SNP leadership has been accused of arrogance after revealing a referendum fundraising website to generate £1 million in 100 days. A few hours after the first minister gave her Bute House speech yesterday, the campaign had already reached more than £90,000. The move showed that the...The SNP leadership has been accused of arrogance after revealing a referendum fundraising website to generate £1 million in 100 days. A few hours after the first minister gave her Bute House speech yesterday, the campaign had already reached more than £90,000. The move showed that the...The SNP leadership has been accused of arrogance after revealing a referendum fundraising website to generate £1 million in 100...
Read the full storyLeading article
Honest Brokers
Scottish voters may not warm to the prospect of another independence referendum, but they should not be surprised that there is to be one. The SNP’s manifesto, as Nicola Sturgeon pointed out yesterday, stated that if there were to be “a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken...Scottish voters may not warm to the prospect of another independence referendum, but they should not be surprised that there is to be one. The SNP’s manifesto, as Nicola Sturgeon pointed out yesterday, stated that if there were to be “a significant and material change in the circumstances that prevailed in 2014, such as Scotland being taken...Scottish voters may not warm to the prospect of another independence referendum, but they should not be surprised that there is...
Read the full storyRangers chairman broke City rules in takeover
The Rangers chairman Dave King has been judged to have breached financial rules when he seized control of the Glasgow football club. The South Africa-based businessman took over at Ibrox in March 2015 after a boardroom battle with representatives of Mike Ashley, the sportswear billionaire. The City of London’s...The Rangers chairman Dave King has been judged to have breached financial rules when he seized...The Rangers chairman Dave King has been judged to have breached financial rules when he seized...
Read the full storyWarrant to raid journalist’s home raises press freedom fears
Concerns over press freedom in Scotland have been raised after police were granted permission to raid a journalist’s home. Andrew Smith, a freelance news photographer, took images of an altercation outside Inverness sheriff...Concerns over press freedom in Scotland have been raised after police were granted permission to raid a journalist’s home. Andrew Smith, a freelance news photographer, took images of an altercation outside Inverness sheriff...Concerns over press freedom in Scotland have been raised after police were granted permission to raid a journalist’s...
Read the full storyCustomers to pay £70 more after SSE raises electricity prices
One of Scotland’s biggest energy suppliers has announced a significant rise in electricity prices that is expected to add about £70 a year to household bills. SSE has become the latest energy supplier to raise its prices this...One of Scotland’s biggest energy suppliers has announced a significant rise in electricity prices that is expected to add about £70 a year to household bills. SSE has become the latest energy supplier to raise its prices this...One of Scotland’s biggest energy suppliers has announced a significant rise in electricity prices that is expected to...
Read the full storySinn Féin echoes Sturgeon’s call to leave UK
Theresa May is preparing to reject Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a second referendum on Scottish independence within the next two years. Sinn Féin yesterday seized on the Scottish first minister’s shock announcement that she intends to hold a second referendum on independence by the spring of 2019...Theresa May is preparing to reject Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a second referendum on Scottish independence within the next two years. Sinn Féin yesterday seized on the Scottish first minister’s shock announcement that she intends to hold a second referendum on independence by the spring of 2019...Theresa May is preparing to reject Nicola Sturgeon’s demand for a second referendum on Scottish independence within the next...
Read the full storyNo deal with Sinn Féin, Martin says
Micheál Martin has again ruled out the prospects of a future coalition with Sinn Féin, claiming that Gerry Adam’s party was still controlled by the IRA. The Fianna Fáil leader also called Sinn Féin’s calls for a border poll “divisive and ridiculous” as he detailed his own party’s plans for a white paper on a united Ireland. Speaking on the...Micheál Martin has again ruled out the prospects of a future coalition with Sinn Féin, claiming that Gerry Adam’s party was still controlled by the IRA. The Fianna Fáil leader also called Sinn Féin’s calls for a border poll “divisive and ridiculous” as he detailed his own party’s plans for a white paper on a united Ireland. Speaking on the...Micheál Martin has again ruled out the prospects of a future coalition with Sinn Féin, claiming that Gerry Adam’s party was...
Read the full storyHelp-to-buy scheme could cost extra €40m
The government’s controversial mortgage rebate scheme for first-time buyers could cost up to €40 million more than anticipated in its first year, new figures reveal. The help-to-buy scheme offers first-time buyers a 5 per cent income tax rebate on the first €400,000 of a new home worth up to €500,000. The upper...The government’s controversial mortgage rebate scheme for first-time buyers could cost up to €40...The government’s controversial mortgage rebate scheme for first-time buyers could cost up to €40...
Read the full storyStorm forces taoiseach to call off engagements
Blizzards and snowfall have curtailed Enda Kenny’s intensive schedule in the United States. The taoiseach cancelled a series of meetings in Boston last night and cancelled plans to visit Providence, Massachusetts today for a significant...Blizzards and snowfall have curtailed Enda Kenny’s intensive schedule in the United States. The...Blizzards and snowfall have curtailed Enda Kenny’s intensive schedule in the United States. The...
Read the full storyConcern over Dublin student flat numbers
Dublin city council has expressed concern about the scale and quality of one of the largest student accommodation developments ever planned for the city in Stoneybatter. Planning officials have called on the developer to...Dublin city council has expressed concern about the scale and quality of one of the largest student accommodation developments ever planned for the city in Stoneybatter. Planning officials have called on the developer to...Dublin city council has expressed concern about the scale and quality of one of the largest student accommodation...
Read the full storySteroid usage spirals as doctors issue warning
The number of anabolic steroids seized by authorities in Ireland increased by 186 per cent last year, as a warning against purchasing medication online was issued to the public. The Heath Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)...The number of anabolic steroids seized by authorities in Ireland increased by 186 per cent last year, as a warning against purchasing medication online was issued to the public. The Heath Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA)...The number of anabolic steroids seized by authorities in Ireland increased by 186 per cent last year, as a warning...
Read the full storyTerror accused’s deportation challenge rejected
The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by a man with alleged links to Islamist terrorism against the state’s bid to deport him. The man, in his 50s, who has been living in Ireland for several years, claimed he would be at serious risk of...The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by a man with alleged links to Islamist...The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by a man with alleged links to Islamist...
Read the full storybusiness
Aryzta shares slump after results undercooked
Shares in Aryzta, the Swiss-Irish food group, slumped yesterday after the company’s half-year results showed that earnings plummeted by 31.3 per cent in the six months to the end of January. The company, which owns the Cuisine...Shares in Aryzta, the Swiss-Irish food group, slumped yesterday after the company’s half-year results showed that earnings plummeted by 31.3 per cent in the six months to the end of January. The company, which owns the Cuisine...Shares in Aryzta, the Swiss-Irish food group, slumped yesterday after the company’s half-year results showed that...
Read the full storyBusiness
Third of offices sold as equity firms take flight
Long-term Irish commercial property investors will be presented with ample investment opportunities in the coming years as private equity firms prepare to exit the market, research has indicated. Savills, the estate agent...Long-term Irish commercial property investors will be presented with ample investment opportunities in the coming years as private equity firms prepare to exit the market, research has indicated. Savills, the estate agent...Long-term Irish commercial property investors will be presented with ample investment opportunities in the coming...
Read the full storyleading article
Diaspora Dilemma
Rugby union
O’Mahony: we are not suddenly a bad team
As Ireland’s RBS Six Nations campaign stumbles to an anti-climactic close, the elation and expectation that followed November’s wins over New Zealand and Australia seem a distant memory. No wonder then that Peter O’Mahony, the Munster flanker, wore a pained expression through most of yesterday’s media briefing in the Ireland team hotel. Definitive answers were rare, but...As Ireland’s RBS Six Nations campaign stumbles to an anti-climactic close, the elation and...As Ireland’s RBS Six Nations campaign stumbles to an anti-climactic close, the elation and...
Read the full storyFootball
O’Neill has faith that McGeady can deliver at last
Martin O’Neill believes Aiden McGeady’s “feet belong in the Premier League”. The problem, it seems, is with the rest...Martin O’Neill believes Aiden McGeady’s “feet belong in the Premier League”. The problem, it seems, is with the rest of the Glaswegian’s body. In particular his head – which, sadly, has been susceptible to periods of self-doubt throughout his career, highlighted by the fact that at 30, he has been forced to slum it...Martin O’Neill believes Aiden McGeady’s “feet belong in the Premier League”. The problem, it seems, is with the rest of the...
Read the full story
Comment
Populist cults like Ukip always end in failure
Daniel Finkelstein
Parties that claim to be the voice of the people cannot tolerate dissent, which is why the departure of Arron Banks was inevitable
newRACHEL SYLVESTER
Hammond’s a Tin Man but May has a tin ear
Melanie Phillips
Justice is warped by hysteria over sex crimes
Hugo rifkind
There’ll be no winners in this neverendum
Alex Wild
It’s time to slash the subsidy we all pay to the unions
Ann Treneman
Crufts TV coverage was barking but unmissable
When you are a theatre critic it does feel absolutely decadent to have a night off slumped in front of the TV. This is how, last week, I found myself tuning in, by virtue of inertia, to coverage of Crufts on Channel 4. I felt as if I’d entered...When you are a theatre critic it does feel absolutely decadent to have a night off slumped in...When you are a theatre critic it does feel absolutely decadent to have a night off slumped in...
Read the full storyThe Red Box podcast
The political storm begins: was Sturgeon shrewd or boxed in?
Leading Articles
Scottish Spanner
Nicola Sturgeon’s invocation of Brexit to justify a second independence referendum is a wrecking tactic that could backfire on the whole country
Talking Turkey
Muzzling speakers at pro-Erdogan rallies in Europe betrays western values
Time for Tea
Dunking could be about to go global
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Fairness and the grammar school intake
Sir, Offering lower 11-plus pass marks to poorer children would introduce another kind of unfairness to the grammar school system (reports, Mar 11, and letters, Mar 13). It is not families with money who should be discriminated against, but the...Sir, Offering lower 11-plus pass marks to poorer children would introduce another kind of...Sir, Offering lower 11-plus pass marks to poorer children would introduce another kind of...
Read the full storyDaily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Royal Mail releases stamps featuring David Bowie; the four-day Cheltenham horse racing festival begins; Leicester City host Sevilla in the Uefa Champions League; Prudential, the international financial services group, publishes its full-year results; the London Book Fair opens.
Germany: Volkswagen announces its annual results.
On this day
In 1805 the House of Commons was adjourned to enable MPs to be on time to see Master William Betty, 14, who was known as the “Young Roscius”, play Hamlet on the London stage.
In 1885 The Mikado, by Gilbert and Sullivan, opened at the Savoy Theatre, London.
In 1891 the submarine Monarch completed the laying of a cross-Channel telephone cable in preparation for the first telephone link with Paris.
In 1915 the Royal Navy sank the German cruiser Dresden off Chile.
In 1961 the New English Bible (New Testament) was published.
In 1991 the Birmingham Six were released after their convictions for the murder of 21 people in two pub bombings were quashed by the Court of Appeal.
Nature notes
Creamy white flowers are opening in pairs or in small bunches on the blackthorn bushes. They sparkle against the blackish twigs and thorns. They have no rivalry from the leaves, which will not open until most of the flowers are out. By then the flowers will almost completely cover the bushes, so that they will look as though they are buried beneath snow drifts. Where they grow in farmland hedges, one will soon see from railway carriages broad white lines of blossom crisscrossing the fields to as far as the horizon. Pale yellow primroses, with their golden centres, are also appearing now, especially in the West Country. They have a rosette of crinkled, pale-green leaves at the base. They flourish in damp woods, often oak woods where the leaves will be late coming out. They also like damp banks, and can frequently be seen from the train on the steep sides of railway cuttings.
Derwent May
Birthdays today
Rushanara Ali, Labour MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, shadow education minister (2013-14), 42; Pam Ayres, poet and broadcaster, 70; Jamie Bell, actor, Billy Elliot (2000), Fantastic Four (2015), 31; Prof Sir Michael Berry, mathematical physicist, 76; Eleanor Bron, actress, Help! (1965), Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2003), 79; Liz Burnley, chief guide of Girlguiding UK (2006-11), 58; Sir Michael Caine, actor, Alfie (1966), The Italian Job (1969), Educating Rita (1983), 84; Jasper Carrott, comedian, The Detectives (1993-97), 72; Claire Clancy, chief executive, National Assembly for Wales, 59; Prof Sir Chris Clark, historian, The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 (2012), 57; Sir Christopher Clarke, Lord Justice of Appeal, 70; Billy Crystal, comedian and actor, When Harry Met Sally (1989), 69; Prof Sir Ian Diamond, principal and vice-chancellor, University of Aberdeen, 63; Charlie Elphicke, Conservative MP for Dover, government whip (2015-16), 46; Margaret Greenwood, Labour MP for Wirral West, shadow work and pensions minister, 58; the Earl of Halifax, 73; Quincy Jones, record producer, bandleader, composer, Ai No Corrida (1981), 84; Air Chief Marshal Sir Douglas Lowe, chief of defence procurement, Ministry of Defence (1982-83), 95; Kate Maberly, actress, Finding Neverland (2004), 35; Sean Mathias, theatre and film director, Bent (1997), and writer, 61; David Prout, director-general, High Speed Two, Department for Transport, 54; Prince Albert of Monaco, 59; Sacha Romanovitch, chief executive, Grant Thornton UK, 49; Tessa Sanderson, javelin thrower, Olympic gold medallist (1984), 61; Francine Stock, broadcaster, presenter, Front Row, BBC Radio 4 (1998-2004), 59; Sir John Temple, president, Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (2000-03), 75; Rita Tushingham, actress, Dr Zhivago (1965), In the Flesh (2013-14), 75; Phil Vickery, rugby player, England (1998-2010), 41.
First night review
A Dark Night in Dalston, at the Park Theatre, London
David Aaronovitch
President Trump is Mark Antony with a Twitter feed
Body & soul
Slog at the gym but still flabby? You may be a non-responder
First night review
Exhibition: Imagine Moscow at the Design Museum, W8
Robert Crampton
‘Nice’ means nothing, and I don’t want to be nice anyway