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In the News
Daily dose of aspirin helps fight depression
Common drugs can reduce symptoms
Taking two painkillers a day can reduce the symptoms of depression, a study has suggested. The findings have prompted calls for trials on whether over-the-counter pills could be prescribed for mental health disorders. Scientists reviewed 26 previous studies to look at the effect of...Taking two painkillers a day can reduce the symptoms of depression, a study has suggested. The findings have prompted calls for trials on whether over-the-counter pills could be prescribed for mental health disorders. Scientists reviewed 26 previous studies to look at the effect of...Taking two painkillers a day can reduce the symptoms of depression, a study has suggested. The findings have prompted calls for...
Read the full storyJohnson will ditch Brexit bill in last bid for early poll
Boris Johnson will make one last effort today to send Britain to the polls before Christmas but could be thwarted by a squabble over the exact election date. The prime minister last night took up an offer by the Liberal Democrats and SNP of an early election in return for a promise to abandon efforts to get his Brexit deal through parliament.Boris Johnson will make one last effort today to send Britain to the polls before Christmas but could be thwarted by a squabble over the exact election date. The prime minister last night took up an offer by the Liberal Democrats and SNP of an early election in return for a promise to abandon efforts to get his Brexit deal through parliament.Boris Johnson will make one last effort today to send Britain to the polls before Christmas but could be thwarted by a squabble...
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A right royal lesson in Queen’s English – from the monarch herself
It is, after all, the Queen’s English. And who better to teach someone how to speak it than the Queen herself? Her Majesty’s dresser Angela Kelly has revealed how she is probably the only person to have received an elocution lesson from the Queen. The Henry Higgins moment is revealed in a new book in which Ms...It is, after all, the Queen’s English. And who better to teach someone how to speak it than...It is, after all, the Queen’s English. And who better to teach someone how to speak it than...
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Adoption order overturned after judge behaved badly
An adoption ruling has been overturned after the judge was accused of shouting and storming out of the court during a hearing. A lawyer and a guardian for the child complained about the behaviour of Judge Najma Mian, who was...An adoption ruling has been overturned after the judge was accused of shouting and storming out of the court during a hearing. A lawyer and a guardian for the child complained about the behaviour of Judge Najma Mian, who was...An adoption ruling has been overturned after the judge was accused of shouting and storming out of the court during a...
Read the full story‘No evidence’ cannabis can relieve mental disorders
Using medicinal cannabis to relieve the symptoms of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder cannot be justified by evidence, scientists say. Researchers looked at the results of...Using medicinal cannabis to relieve the symptoms of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder cannot be justified by evidence, scientists say. Researchers looked at the results of...Using medicinal cannabis to relieve the symptoms of mental health problems including depression, anxiety and...
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Civil war and walkouts hit campaign for People’s Vote
The campaign for a second referendum on EU membership descended into disarray yesterday amid a battle over who controls the organisation. Tom Baldwin, head of communications at People’s Vote, and the campaign director...The campaign for a second referendum on EU membership descended into disarray yesterday amid a battle over who controls the organisation. Tom Baldwin, head of communications at People’s Vote, and the campaign director...The campaign for a second referendum on EU membership descended into disarray yesterday amid a battle over who...
Read the full storyMay offered Johnson’s job to Davis
Theresa May offered Boris Johnson’s post of foreign secretary to David Davis in a last-ditch attempt to stop him resigning from the cabinet over Brexit, it has been revealed. When Mr Johnson quit as foreign secretary after Mr...Theresa May offered Boris Johnson’s post of foreign secretary to David Davis in a last-ditch attempt to stop him resigning from the cabinet over Brexit, it has been revealed. When Mr Johnson quit as foreign secretary after Mr...Theresa May offered Boris Johnson’s post of foreign secretary to David Davis in a last-ditch attempt to stop him...
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RED BOX | JOHN MCDONNELL
When it comes to public services, the people are on Labour’s side
RED BOX | Ishmael Hamoud
I was a child refugee rescued from the Jungle
RED BOX | MARIA CAULFIELD
Early intervention is the best way to enhance a person’s life chances
RED BOX | JAMES MORRIS
Labour needs to stop trying to do two dances to a single tune
RED BOX | Kieran Hodgson
We nearly didn’t have the budget for our TV Brexit
Day the Earth moved and let mankind venture out of Eden
Some 130,000 years ago the Earth wobbled on its axis and shifted in its orbit around the Sun. According to a new investigation of our origins, this celestial realignment allowed our forebears to venture beyond their “ancestral homeland” for the...Some 130,000 years ago the Earth wobbled on its axis and shifted in its orbit around the Sun.Some 130,000 years ago the Earth wobbled on its axis and shifted in its orbit around the Sun.
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Church casts aside 1,000 years of history
The Church of England has flabbergasted historically minded parishioners and clergy by knocking about a thousand...The Church of England has flabbergasted historically minded parishioners and clergy by knocking...The Church of England has flabbergasted historically minded parishioners and clergy by knocking...
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the times diary
Ta-ra to the Pooh-Bah
Boris Johnson was honoured at last night’s opening of the ENO’s The Mikado with a whole verse in the Lord High...Boris Johnson was honoured at last night’s opening of the ENO’s The Mikado with a whole verse in...Boris Johnson was honoured at last night’s opening of the ENO’s The Mikado with a whole verse in...
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Rivers feel strain of weekend downpour
Flooding returned to several areas of the country yesterday after rivers burst their banks following heavy rainfall. The Environment Agency issued 82 flood warnings and 117 alerts, with the Midlands worst affected by the wet weather. Trains were...Flooding returned to several areas of the country yesterday after rivers burst their banks...Flooding returned to several areas of the country yesterday after rivers burst their banks...
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Expert paid £2,000 a day to help hospital save cash
A management consultant is being paid almost £2,000 a day to find ways to cut costs at a struggling NHS health board in a deal that allows him to work one day a week from his home in Spain. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health...A management consultant is being paid almost £2,000 a day to find ways to cut costs at a struggling NHS health board in a deal that allows him to work one day a week from his home in Spain. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health...A management consultant is being paid almost £2,000 a day to find ways to cut costs at a struggling NHS health board...
Read the full storyReformed criminals keep teenagers out of trouble
A scheme that uses former offenders as mentors for teenage criminals has had a big impact in stopping them from being drawn into gangs. In a programme that will be replicated in other cities, teenagers in Glasgow involved in...A scheme that uses former offenders as mentors for teenage criminals has had a big impact in stopping them from being drawn into gangs. In a programme that will be replicated in other cities, teenagers in Glasgow involved in...A scheme that uses former offenders as mentors for teenage criminals has had a big impact in stopping them from being...
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Council beats new grammar school ban by allowing ‘satellite’ expansion
A leading selective boys’ school has announced plans for a “satellite” site for hundreds of pupils 15 miles away. There has been a ban on opening new grammar schools since 1998 but Kent county council has asked Tunbridge Wells...A leading selective boys’ school has announced plans for a “satellite” site for hundreds of pupils 15 miles away. There has been a ban on opening new grammar schools since 1998 but Kent county council has asked Tunbridge Wells...A leading selective boys’ school has announced plans for a “satellite” site for hundreds of pupils 15 miles away.
Read the full storyEx-ministers’ warning over smart motorways
Four former transport ministers are demanding an urgent reform of the smart motorway programme amid concerns that drivers’ lives are being put at risk. The cross-party group, including the minister in office when the scheme was...Four former transport ministers are demanding an urgent reform of the smart motorway programme amid concerns that drivers’ lives are being put at risk. The cross-party group, including the minister in office when the scheme was...Four former transport ministers are demanding an urgent reform of the smart motorway programme amid concerns that...
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News in pictures
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Al-Baghdadi death
US moves to finish off surviving Isis hierarchy
Two Islamic State fighters captured during the raid that led to the death of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, are in US custody, it was confirmed yesterday. Military planners have now turned their attention to eliminating the terrorist group’s hierarchy. President Trump continued to...Two Islamic State fighters captured during the raid that led to the death of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, are in US custody, it was confirmed yesterday. Military planners have now turned their attention to eliminating the terrorist group’s hierarchy. President Trump continued to...Two Islamic State fighters captured during the raid that led to the death of their leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, are in...
Read the full storyAl-Baghdadi death
Countries respond to president’s thanks
Russia The Russian defence ministry cast doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that the US had obtained permission for a “fly over”, saying it was unaware of having assisted US aircraft to fly over Idlib’s “de-escalation zone”, which Russia and Syria oversee. However, the Kremlin said that Russian troops had seen US planes and drones in the area...Russia The Russian defence ministry cast doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that the US had obtained permission for a “fly over”, saying it was unaware of having assisted US aircraft to fly over Idlib’s “de-escalation zone”, which Russia and Syria oversee. However, the Kremlin said that Russian troops had seen US planes and drones in the area...Russia The Russian defence ministry cast doubt on Donald Trump’s claim that the US had obtained permission for a “fly over”...
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Al-Baghdadi death
Raid raises hope of answers on aid worker’s fate
The parents of a US aid worker whose “heinous” rape by Islamic State’s leader prompted US officials to name the raid in Syria after her now hope intelligence gathered in the operation will shed new light on her captivity. Kayla Mueller’s family were hopeful that the special forces who spent two hours at Abu Bakr...The parents of a US aid worker whose “heinous” rape by Islamic State’s leader prompted US...The parents of a US aid worker whose “heinous” rape by Islamic State’s leader prompted US...
Read the full storyAl-Baghdadi death
Jihadists have chance to regroup under a new leader
‘Revenge porn’ brings down Democrat star
Until this month Katie Hill was one of the Democratic Party’s brightest young stars, with a landmark electoral victory to her credit, media prominence and a leadership position on Capitol Hill. Then came allegations, which she...Until this month Katie Hill was one of the Democratic Party’s brightest young stars, with a landmark electoral victory to her credit, media prominence and a leadership position on Capitol Hill. Then came allegations, which she...Until this month Katie Hill was one of the Democratic Party’s brightest young stars, with a landmark electoral...
Read the full storyBiden boosts his team for Super Tuesday
Joe Biden has boosted his presidential campaign staff in key states as he prepares for a long battle for the Democratic nomination and tries to plug a fundraising gap. The former vice-president, once the clear frontrunner but...Joe Biden has boosted his presidential campaign staff in key states as he prepares for a long battle for the Democratic nomination and tries to plug a fundraising gap. The former vice-president, once the clear frontrunner but...Joe Biden has boosted his presidential campaign staff in key states as he prepares for a long battle for the...
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video
LA’s celebrities given minutes to flee fire
A brush fire that rained smoke and ash on Los Angeles forced thousands of people to flee some of the city’s wealthiest neighbourhoods and closed part of the busiest freeway in the country. Arnold Schwarzenegger, 72, the actor and former governor...A brush fire that rained smoke and ash on Los Angeles forced thousands of people to flee some of...A brush fire that rained smoke and ash on Los Angeles forced thousands of people to flee some of...
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Dip in profits at Google owner as cloud costs rise
Google’s parent company Alphabet disappointed Wall Street last night with a dip in profits, despite strong growth in its lucrative online advertising. The results came shortly after reports that Google is considering buying Fitbit, the wearable technology company, which would give the search...Google’s parent company Alphabet disappointed Wall Street last night with a dip in profits, despite strong growth in its lucrative online advertising. The results came shortly after reports that Google is considering buying Fitbit, the wearable technology company, which would give the search...Google’s parent company Alphabet disappointed Wall Street last night with a dip in profits, despite strong growth in its...
Read the full storyHSBC to cut thousands of jobs after revenues fall
HSBC is set to make thousands of staff redundant and will shrink its businesses in Europe and the United States after the bank’s interim boss said that its financial performance was “not acceptable”. Noel Quinn, who was appointed interim chief executive in August in a boardroom shake-up that involved the ousting of John Flint, the bank’s...HSBC is set to make thousands of staff redundant and will shrink its businesses in Europe and the United States after the bank’s interim boss said that its financial performance was “not acceptable”. Noel Quinn, who was appointed interim chief executive in August in a boardroom shake-up that involved the ousting of John Flint, the bank’s...HSBC is set to make thousands of staff redundant and will shrink its businesses in Europe and the United States after the...
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Virgin Galactic to touch down at British spaceport
The government has shortlisted five sites for the first Virgin Galactic spaceport in Britain, Sir Richard Branson said yesterday, as the company made its stock market debut in New York. Shares in the first publicly traded human spaceflight company rose by as much as 9.5 per cent, giving it a market capitalisation of...The government has shortlisted five sites for the first Virgin Galactic spaceport in Britain, Sir...The government has shortlisted five sites for the first Virgin Galactic spaceport in Britain, Sir...
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Gupta forges single identity for steel and mine business
The steel production and mining interests of Sanjeev Gupta are to be consolidated into a single company that the tycoon claims will be the eighth largest in the industry outside China. Liberty Steel Group will be created as a...The steel production and mining interests of Sanjeev Gupta are to be consolidated into a single company that the tycoon claims will be the eighth largest in the industry outside China. Liberty Steel Group will be created as a...The steel production and mining interests of Sanjeev Gupta are to be consolidated into a single company that the...
Read the full storyReform ‘won’t free mortgage prisoners’
Thousands of homeowners will remain stuck on high mortgage repayments despite the financial regulator proposing reforms to help them to move to cheaper deals, campaigners have warned. There are about 140,000 so-called mortgage...Thousands of homeowners will remain stuck on high mortgage repayments despite the financial regulator proposing reforms to help them to move to cheaper deals, campaigners have warned. There are about 140,000 so-called mortgage...Thousands of homeowners will remain stuck on high mortgage repayments despite the financial regulator proposing...
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Business Commentary
Mirage of corporate transparency
Louis Vuitton owner looks to breakfast on Tiffany’s
The opening shot in what could prove to be a protracted takeover battle has been fired by LVMH with a $14.5 billion offer for Tiffany, the American jeweller. Tiffany said that the group owned by Bernard Arnault, the French tycoon who is Europe’s...The opening shot in what could prove to be a protracted takeover battle has been fired by LVMH...The opening shot in what could prove to be a protracted takeover battle has been fired by LVMH...
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Elliott forces AT&T into making series of big calls
AT&T will offload $10 billion of assets, pay off some of its huge debts and add two new directors to its board under an agreement with the world’s largest activist investor. The American media and telecoms group...AT&T will offload $10 billion of assets, pay off some of its huge debts and add two new directors to its board under an agreement with the world’s largest activist investor. The American media and telecoms group...AT&T will offload $10 billion of assets, pay off some of its huge debts and add two new directors to its board...
Read the full storyBonuses may be slashed at Hammerson
Hammerson executives could have their bonuses cut after the shopping centre owner launched a consultation on pay reforms in response to an investors’ revolt. The FTSE 250 owner of the Bullring in Birmingham, among other sites...Hammerson executives could have their bonuses cut after the shopping centre owner launched a consultation on pay reforms in response to an investors’ revolt. The FTSE 250 owner of the Bullring in Birmingham, among other sites...Hammerson executives could have their bonuses cut after the shopping centre owner launched a consultation on pay...
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market report
Aston Martin in the pits after analysts’ downgrade
Rugby World Cup | Sam Warburton
‘I’d be in so much pain I’d go upstairs on hands and knees’
Saturday
During the game you have no pain. You come off the pitch and there is just elation. The scenes in the dressing room would be amazing. There would be an optional beer there for a small celebration. Yes, drinking alcohol is detrimental to recovery but with seven days until the final...Saturday
During the game you have no pain. You come off the pitch and there is just elation. The scenes in the dressing room would be amazing. There would be an optional beer there for a small celebration. Yes, drinking alcohol is detrimental to recovery but with seven days until the final...Saturday
During the game you have no pain. You come off the pitch and there is just elation. The scenes in the dressing...
Rugby World Cup | Owen Slot
England must avoid trying to arm-wrestle with ‘the Beast’
“We know that they are going to come through the front door,” Eddie Jones said yesterday. “There are not many Springbok teams that don’t.” Therein he set the tone for World Cup final week. From the Springboks, in their Sunday semi-final against Wales, the message could hardly have come through any louder and clearer: we are going to do this...“We know that they are going to come through the front door,” Eddie Jones said yesterday. “There are not many Springbok teams that don’t.” Therein he set the tone for World Cup final week. From the Springboks, in their Sunday semi-final against Wales, the message could hardly have come through any louder and clearer: we are going to do this...“We know that they are going to come through the front door,” Eddie Jones said yesterday. “There are not many Springbok teams...
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Rugby World Cup | Owen Slot
Springboks’ deadly weapon infuriates even his own fans
So here are two curious things. It is size and strength that England have most to fear from South Africa in the World Cup final on Saturday— yet their biggest danger will be the smallest man on the pitch. This is Faf de Klerk, the Springbok scrum half. The other bit that England fans may struggle to get their heads...So here are two curious things. It is size and strength that England have most to fear from South...So here are two curious things. It is size and strength that England have most to fear from South...
Read the full storyFootball | Henry Winter
Xhaka a sad symbol of Arsenal’s weak leadership
Rugby World Cup
We won’t let nation down, vows Jones
rugby world cup
Cueto: In any other game that try is given
Premier League
Referees set to use screens for VAR calls
Premier League chairmen are “seriously considering” changing the policy on the use of pitchside monitors after a rash...Premier League chairmen are “seriously considering” changing the policy on the use of pitchside...Premier League chairmen are “seriously considering” changing the policy on the use of pitchside...
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premier league
Arsenal squad wants Xhaka to remain captain despite fan abuse
Arsenal’s players want Granit Xhaka to retain the club captaincy even after the midfielder appeared to swear at home...Arsenal’s players want Granit Xhaka to retain the club captaincy even after the midfielder...Arsenal’s players want Granit Xhaka to retain the club captaincy even after the midfielder...
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rugby world cup
How do they end up looking like this?
Rugby World Cup
Tearful Heinz staying in Japan to help Spencer
rugby world cup
What it’s like to be flattened by Vunipola
rugby world cup
Squad to get London parade if they win
rugby world cup
‘All Blacks lacking diversity’
premier league
Hasenhüttl: I understand the fans’ anger
Ralph Hasenhüttl says he understands why some Southampton fans are calling for him to be sacked after the team’s 9-0...Ralph Hasenhüttl says he understands why some Southampton fans are calling for him to be sacked...Ralph Hasenhüttl says he understands why some Southampton fans are calling for him to be sacked...
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Sky Bet Championship
Warburton fumes over Brentford penalty
Mark Warburton, the Queens Park Rangers manager, highlighted Brentford’s second-half penalty as the decisive moment...Mark Warburton, the Queens Park Rangers manager, highlighted Brentford’s second-half penalty as...Mark Warburton, the Queens Park Rangers manager, highlighted Brentford’s second-half penalty as...
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Golf
I’ll keep winning into my 50s, vows Woods
Back in July the signs were bleak for those who follow Tiger Woods with a near-religious zeal. Microphones heard him muttering: “No”, “f***k” and “Jesus Christ” on a single hole as both his game and body let him down at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. The amens have now trumped the omens, though, and he has again proved that nobody in golf is better at turning...Back in July the signs were bleak for those who follow Tiger Woods with a near-religious zeal.Back in July the signs were bleak for those who follow Tiger Woods with a near-religious zeal.
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Formula One
Hamilton: ‘Some drivers are silly . . . you have to give Max space or you get torpedoed’
Lewis Hamilton has said he always gives “silly” drivers like Max Verstappen more space when racing and wasn’t...Lewis Hamilton has said he always gives “silly” drivers like Max Verstappen more space when racing and wasn’t surprised to be “torpedoed” by him in Sunday’s race. The pair collided at the start of the Mexican Grand Prix, causing both to run off the track and dropped Hamilton to fifth from third. “I got torpedoed,”...Lewis Hamilton has said he always gives “silly” drivers like Max Verstappen more space when racing and wasn’t surprised to be...
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Admiral Sir Desmond Cassidi
Second sea lord who served in the wartime Arctic convoys and helped to prepare the naval task force to reclaim the Falklands in 1982
History records that in 1982 when news reached London that an Argentine invasion of the Falklands was imminent, Henry Leach, the first sea lord, went straight to see Margaret Thatcher and gave her “tremendous heart” by arguing the case for assembling a task force. However, this account does not tell the whole story. The second sea lord was Desmond Cassidi and it fell to...History records that in 1982 when news reached London that an Argentine invasion of the Falklands...History records that in 1982 when news reached London that an Argentine invasion of the Falklands...
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obituary
Elijah Cummings
Elijah Cummings was 11 in 1962 when he was among a group of black boys who jumped into an unofficially “whites only”...Elijah Cummings was 11 in 1962 when he was among a group of black boys who jumped into an unofficially “whites only” swimming pool in Baltimore. Their repeated visits drew enraged crowds who brandished placards with slogans such as “Keep our pool germ free”. They threw bottles and rocks at the children as police...Elijah Cummings was 11 in 1962 when he was among a group of black boys who jumped into an unofficially “whites only” swimming...
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weather eye
Weather outlook for a December election
The weather in December has become a political hot potato as speculations swirl around a possible general election before Christmas. There are, however, all sorts of popular myths surrounding typical British weather in December. Even though...The weather in December has become a political hot potato as speculations swirl around a possible...The weather in December has become a political hot potato as speculations swirl around a possible...
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HEALTH
How a young mindset makes you live longer
Scientists increasingly think that how old we feel is key to how well we age
BOOK EXTRACT | MAY AT 10
Anthony Seldon on Theresa May: The inside story of the Chequers Brexit showdown
What happened on the day May challenged her cabinet to back her deal or quit
Pain and glory: Will Bayley, the Paralympian on Strictly
Saturday’s show was missing the gold medal-winning Paralympian after an injury — but he has overcome a lifetime of physical difficulties
FIRST NIGHT | DANCE
The Future Bursts In — an unexpected gem
The lowdown
Hot Dracula
FIRST NIGHT | CONCERT
LSO/Gardiner review — chaotic cadences and a haunting encore fail to connect
FIRST NIGHT | CONCERT
Chromatics — synth‑pop favourites evoke a romantic aura of loneliness
FIRST NIGHT | COMEDY
Hannah Gadsby: Douglas — deceptively imaginative and beguilingly articulate
★★★★☆
In America, Hannah Gadsby tells us, she gets applause just for mentioning the name of her previous show. Yet...★★★★☆
In America, Hannah Gadsby tells us, she gets applause just for mentioning the name of...★★★★☆
In America, Hannah Gadsby tells us, she gets applause just for mentioning the name of...
FIRST NIGHTS | OPERA
Where the Wild Things Are — a lo-fi but uproarious production
★★★★☆
Big monsters met little monsters when Shadwell Opera invaded the elegantly distressed Victorian theatre...★★★★☆
Big monsters met little monsters when Shadwell Opera invaded the elegantly...★★★★☆
Big monsters met little monsters when Shadwell Opera invaded the elegantly...
VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on TV tonight
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THE TIMES FILM SHOW
Terminator: Dark Fate — reinvigorates a flagging franchise
PICK OF THE YEAR
The best books of 2019
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
Carles Puigdemont: My wife and daughters live 600 miles away. I doubt I’ll see my parents again
El Clasico should have been played on Saturday. The match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, one of the world’s great...El Clasico should have been played on Saturday. The match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, one...El Clasico should have been played on Saturday. The match between Barcelona and Real Madrid, one...
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Arts
Did you hear the one about the quantum physicist who finds God?
David Baddiel is not the first person you would think of to write a play about a quantum physicist who proves the...David Baddiel is not the first person you would think of to write a play about a quantum...David Baddiel is not the first person you would think of to write a play about a quantum...
Read the full storyWife of police officer denies murdering man after break-in
A police officer’s wife has gone on trial accused of murdering a man who she believed had broken into her home. Joanne Threshie, 36, is alleged to have conspired with another man to murder Frederick McGettigan, 51, who was stabbed to death after he had turned up at a police station claiming to...A police officer’s wife has gone on trial accused of murdering a man who she believed had broken into her home. Joanne Threshie, 36, is alleged to have conspired with another man to murder Frederick McGettigan, 51, who was stabbed to death after he had turned up at a police station claiming to...A police officer’s wife has gone on trial accused of murdering a man who she believed had broken into her home. Joanne Threshie...
Read the full storyBottle deposit scheme could worsen drinking
First it took radical steps to combat problem drinking and now the Scottish government is turning its sights on the environmental damage caused by bottles and cans. But industry experts have warned ministers against the law of unintended consequences and said that adding 20p to the cost of every container risks threatening Scotland’s...First it took radical steps to combat problem drinking and now the Scottish government is turning its sights on the environmental damage caused by bottles and cans. But industry experts have warned ministers against the law of unintended consequences and said that adding 20p to the cost of every container risks threatening Scotland’s...First it took radical steps to combat problem drinking and now the Scottish government is turning its sights on the...
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Labour MP pleads for campaigning help
A shortage of activists has forced the shadow Scottish secretary to ask friends and family to stuff envelopes and deliver Labour campaign material. Lesley Laird made the appeal on Facebook days before being reselected to contest the Kirkcaldy & Cowdenbeath constituency. The unanimous decision, in the seat...A shortage of activists has forced the shadow Scottish secretary to ask friends and family to...A shortage of activists has forced the shadow Scottish secretary to ask friends and family to...
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Chicken chain feels heat over foundation’s anti-LGBT cash
LGBT campaigners have called for a boycott of Scotland’s first Chick-fil-A fast food outlet because of its original founder’s support for gay and transgender conversion therapy. The chain’s American founders have donated...LGBT campaigners have called for a boycott of Scotland’s first Chick-fil-A fast food outlet because of its original founder’s support for gay and transgender conversion therapy. The chain’s American founders have donated...LGBT campaigners have called for a boycott of Scotland’s first Chick-fil-A fast food outlet because of its original...
Read the full storyAmerican aircrews cleared over stays at Trump resort
United States aircrews did not break government rules by staying at President Trump’s resort in Scotland, a US Air Force investigation has concluded. There was a furore when it emerged that they had used Trump Turnberry...United States aircrews did not break government rules by staying at President Trump’s resort in Scotland, a US Air Force investigation has concluded. There was a furore when it emerged that they had used Trump Turnberry...United States aircrews did not break government rules by staying at President Trump’s resort in Scotland, a US Air...
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news in brief
Data watchdog tells officials to remember laws
‘Mega rare’ thrush spotted in Shetland after a wrong turn
One of the rarest species of visiting birds to Britain has turned up on Shetland when it should have been on its way to South America. A Swainson’s thrush, classed as “mega rare” in the UK, landed at Lerwick on Sunday, having taken a wrong...One of the rarest species of visiting birds to Britain has turned up on Shetland when it should...One of the rarest species of visiting birds to Britain has turned up on Shetland when it should...
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business
Ruling on Cairn Energy’s tax dispute with India delayed until summer
Cairn Energy will have to wait until next year for a decision on its long-running $1.4 billion tax dispute with the Indian government. The oil explorer had hoped that the matter could be settled last year before revising its...Cairn Energy will have to wait until next year for a decision on its long-running $1.4 billion tax dispute with the Indian government. The oil explorer had hoped that the matter could be settled last year before revising its...Cairn Energy will have to wait until next year for a decision on its long-running $1.4 billion tax dispute with the...
Read the full storyCOMMENT
Defamation law is in desperate need of reform
Today the outdated and inadequate state of defamation law in Scotland takes centre stage as the £750,000 defamation action against Andy Wightman, a Scottish Green Party MSP kicks off in Edinburgh. This action, brought by...Today the outdated and inadequate state of defamation law in Scotland takes centre stage as the £750,000 defamation action against Andy Wightman, a Scottish Green Party MSP kicks off in Edinburgh. This action, brought by...Today the outdated and inadequate state of defamation law in Scotland takes centre stage as the £750,000 defamation...
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football
Forster might take pay cut to stay with Celtic
Fraser Forster has indicated that he would be prepared to take a pay cut to rejoin Celtic if the Scottish champions were to negotiate a fee with Southampton to make his current loan into a permanent transfer at the end of the season. He won three championships and two Scottish Cups during his first spell at Celtic, during which he also broke into the England national...Fraser Forster has indicated that he would be prepared to take a pay cut to rejoin Celtic if the...Fraser Forster has indicated that he would be prepared to take a pay cut to rejoin Celtic if the...
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football
‘I wouldn’t ban it but football needs to think what to do about heading’
The expert whose research confirmed that footballers are far more likely to suffer dementia in later life has...The expert whose research confirmed that footballers are far more likely to suffer dementia in later life has admitted he would not necessarily favour heading being outlawed from the game, even if further evidence confirms its links to brain injury. Dr Willie Stewart, the neuropathologist who heads the Glasgow Brain...The expert whose research confirmed that footballers are far more likely to suffer dementia in later life has admitted he would...
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Lorry driver ‘part of global smuggling ring’
A lorry driver accused of the manslaughter of 39 migrants was part of a “global ring” involved in smuggling large numbers of people into the UK, a court has been told. Maurice Robinson, 25, from Laurelvale in Co Armagh, was arrested after the bodies of eight women and 31 men were found in...A lorry driver accused of the manslaughter of 39 migrants was part of a “global ring” involved in smuggling large numbers of people into the UK, a court has been told. Maurice Robinson, 25, from Laurelvale in Co Armagh, was arrested after the bodies of eight women and 31 men were found in...A lorry driver accused of the manslaughter of 39 migrants was part of a “global ring” involved in smuggling large numbers of...
Read the full story‘Arson attack’ on TD who backed direct provision centre
A group opposed to 120 asylum seekers relocating to Ballinamore have condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the suspected arson attack carried out on a local TD’s car. The car of Martin Kenny, a Sinn Féin TD for Leitrim, was burnt out at his home in Aughavas, near Ballinamore, in the early hours of yesterday. Mr Kenny has said that he...A group opposed to 120 asylum seekers relocating to Ballinamore have condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the suspected arson attack carried out on a local TD’s car. The car of Martin Kenny, a Sinn Féin TD for Leitrim, was burnt out at his home in Aughavas, near Ballinamore, in the early hours of yesterday. Mr Kenny has said that he...A group opposed to 120 asylum seekers relocating to Ballinamore have condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the suspected...
Read the full storyCash-strapped RTÉ to spend €350,000 on hotels for stars
RTÉ is planning to spend €350,000 on upmarket hotel rooms for celebrities and contributors over the next two years. The cash-strapped state broadcaster paid for about 1,150 bookings at four and five-star hotels in 2018, during which it recorded a net deficit of €13 million. It is now seeking tenders from quality...RTÉ is planning to spend €350,000 on upmarket hotel rooms for celebrities and contributors over...RTÉ is planning to spend €350,000 on upmarket hotel rooms for celebrities and contributors over...
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Brexit fears mean businesses look closer to home for growth
Just 20 per cent of business leaders in Ireland anticipate opportunities for growth in the UK for 2020, according to a new survey. By comparison, the domestic market is seen as the largest opportunity for growth at 61 per cent, with the EU at 38...Just 20 per cent of business leaders in Ireland anticipate opportunities for growth in the UK for...Just 20 per cent of business leaders in Ireland anticipate opportunities for growth in the UK for...
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Comment
Corbyn likes protest, McDonnell wants power
Rachel Sylvester
Labour’s divisions increasingly show that it is the shadow chancellor who has the political intelligence for leadership
MELANIE PHILLIPS
Migrant law exists but it isn’t being used
HUGO RIFKIND
Just stop bickering and give us an election
GILES COREN
Wise oaks know life’s a marathon not a sprint
SARA TOR
More reasons than ever to mark VE Day
Angela Epstein
Let’s put scales in supermarkets to tackle obesity
There’s nothing like staying in a five-star hotel to lift the spirits. The particular highlights for me are the banqueting experience previously known as the breakfast buffet and having a bathroom fitted out like a private spa. On a trip to Tel...There’s nothing like staying in a five-star hotel to lift the spirits. The particular highlights...There’s nothing like staying in a five-star hotel to lift the spirits. The particular highlights...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
Irrational Rationing
Military charities that hoard vast reserves are letting down veterans who rely on their support and risk undermining the support of donors
Perils of Populism
Argentina succumbs again to the economics of wishful thinking
Forever Young
The evidence suggests we really are as old as we feel. Hurrah!
Readers’ poll
Should we end changing the clocks and stay on British summer time?
letters to the editor
Freedom of speech, intolerance and jazz hands
Sir, The growing influence of Beijing and its apologists on freedom of speech and academic freedom in our universities is well noted in your leading article (“Safer Spaces”, Oct 28). Freedom of speech is important in all settings but especially in...Sir, The growing influence of Beijing and its apologists on freedom of speech and academic...Sir, The growing influence of Beijing and its apologists on freedom of speech and academic...
Read the full storyDaily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Third-quarter results from BP, the global energy company; the Duke of Sussex attends the launch, in London, of Invictus Games 2020 The Hague, which take place in the Netherlands from May 9-16.
On this day
In 1929 a selling panic started on the New York stock exchange, known as Black Tuesday, precipitating the Depression. More than 16 million shares were traded in a single day; in 1959 Asterix first appeared in the French magazine Pilote under the title The Adventures of Asterix the Gaul. The comic strip was written by René Goscinny and illustrated by Albert Uderzo; in 1969 UCLA graduate Charley Kline gave the first demonstration of the concept that would become the internet. On the first attempt to remotely access the Stanford Research Institute computer the GIN of LOGIN was lost in transmission and the remaining LO crashed the institute’s system. The second attempt was successful; in 2009 the US emerged from recession, when GDP data showed an annual growth rate of 3.5 per cent in the third quarter of 2009.
Nature notes
Bramblings from the north are appearing in Britain, and are often found with the large chaffinch flocks that are also coming in now. If you espy a bird with a long white rump among a chaffinch flock that flies up from the ground, you have almost certainly found a brambling. Bramblings are also easily recognised if you get a front view of them sitting in a tree. Whereas the male chaffinches have a pink breast that extends all the way from their throat to beneath their tail, the bramblings have a small, bright orange apron, and are white beyond that. They are a mottled brown above. They feed largely on beechmast, and they seek it out ambitiously. In some winters there is a dramatic influx of them into places where the mast is abundant. However, one can sometimes find a little party of them feeding on a country roadside where there are just a clump of beech trees.
Derwent May
Birthdays today
Prof Peter Borriello, chief executive, Veterinary Medicines Directorate, 66; Diana Serra Cary, actress, silent-film star known as Baby Peggy, Playmates (1921), 101; Lee Child (James Grant), author, the Jack Reacher series, 65; George Davies, fashion retailer and founder of Next and George at Asda, 78; Angela Douglas, actress, the Carry On . . . film series, 79; Richard Dreyfuss, actor, Jaws (1975), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), 72; David Farr, writer, The Night Manager (2016), and director, associate director, RSC (2009-13), 50; Peter Green, guitarist, co-founder of Fleetwood Mac, Albatross (1968), 73; Matthew Hayden, cricketer, Australia (1994-2009), 48; Kate Jackson, actress, Charlie’s Angels (1976-81), 71; Michael Jayston, actor, Zulu Dawn (1979), 84; Denny Laine, singer and guitarist, Moody Blues (1964-66) and Wings (1971-81), 75; Yasmin Le Bon, model, 55; Alex Mahon, chief executive, Channel 4, the first female CEO of a leading UK broadcaster, 46; Sir Paul Mellars, professor emeritus, prehistory and human evolution, University of Cambridge, 80; Tiff Needell, racing driver and TV presenter, 68; Robert Parker, chief executive, Royal Society of Chemistry, 61; Emma Parry, co-founder (2007), Help for Heroes, 60; Matthew Pennycook, Labour MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, shadow minister for exiting the European Union (2016-Sept 2019), 37; Winona Ryder, actress, Black Swan (2010), 48; Frank Sedgman, tennis player, Wimbledon men’s singles champion (1952), 92; Rufus Sewell, actor, Victoria (2016), 52; Jack Shepherd, actor, Wycliffe (1994-98), 79; Michael Vaughan, cricketer, England (1999-2008), captain of the 2005 Ashes-winning team, 45; Galen Weston, chairman emeritus, Selfridges, 79.