In the News
PM sacks most senior education official
newBoris Johnson has sacked the most senior civil servant at the Department for Education in the growing fallout from the exams fiasco and the U-turn over masks in schools. Jonathan Slater has been told by Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, that he is to leave his position by the end of the week.Boris Johnson has sacked the most senior civil servant at the Department for Education in the growing fallout from the exams fiasco and the U-turn over masks in schools. Jonathan Slater has been told by Sir Mark Sedwill, the cabinet secretary, that he is to leave his position by the end of the week.Boris Johnson has sacked the most senior civil servant at the Department for Education in the growing fallout from the exams...
Read the full storyGrowing number of Tory MPs ‘very worried’ by masks U-turn
Boris Johnson has been warned that Tory MPs are “very worried” after the government’s latest U-turn over masks in secondary schools. Sir Charles Walker, vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs, told Times Radio that the government “cannot just make this stuff up on the hoof”. He said: “Things now just seem to...Boris Johnson has been warned that Tory MPs are “very worried” after the government’s latest U-turn over masks in secondary schools. Sir Charles Walker, vice-chairman of the 1922 Committee of backbench Conservative MPs, told Times Radio that the government “cannot just make this stuff up on the hoof”. He said: “Things now just seem to...Boris Johnson has been warned that Tory MPs are “very worried” after the government’s latest U-turn over masks in secondary...
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Johnson hires celebrity trainer to lose weight
newWhile many Britons have relied on YouTube sessions with Joe Wicks to battle the bulge in lockdown, Boris Johnson has enlisted extra help. The prime minister has hired the renowned fitness instructor Harry Jameson to put him through his paces and help him to lose weight. Mr Jameson is an Instagram star whose clients...While many Britons have relied on YouTube sessions with Joe Wicks to battle the bulge in lockdown...While many Britons have relied on YouTube sessions with Joe Wicks to battle the bulge in lockdown...
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Coronavirus | Q&A
The do’s and don’ts of wearing a face covering
Coronavirus
Coronavirus cases in Turkey hit two-month high
Turkey has recorded its highest daily tally of new Covid-19 cases in more than two months, as doctors warn that the true number of infections is almost ten times more than official government figures. The health ministry reported last night that...Turkey has recorded its highest daily tally of new Covid-19 cases in more than two months, as...Turkey has recorded its highest daily tally of new Covid-19 cases in more than two months, as...
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Coronavirus
Army’s virus trackers called out to fight Spanish surge
Spain’s prime minister has called in the army to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus as the country recorded more than 7,000 new cases in a day. The 2,000 virus trackers from the military will be made available to any...Spain’s prime minister has called in the army to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus as the country recorded more than 7,000 new cases in a day. The 2,000 virus trackers from the military will be made available to any...Spain’s prime minister has called in the army to stop the rapid spread of the coronavirus as the country recorded...
Read the full storyCORONAVIRUS
Fast-track licences for flu jabs as NHS aims to vaccinate 30m
Ministers will ask the NHS to administer flu jabs not normally licensed for use in Britain as part of an expanded vaccination programme this winter. Health chiefs want to vaccinate half the population, twice as many as usual...Ministers will ask the NHS to administer flu jabs not normally licensed for use in Britain as part of an expanded vaccination programme this winter. Health chiefs want to vaccinate half the population, twice as many as usual...Ministers will ask the NHS to administer flu jabs not normally licensed for use in Britain as part of an expanded...
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coronavirus
Woman, 75, was first UK infection
coronavirus | around the world
Hong Kong eases restrictions as cases dwindle
coronavirus
Reinfections raise fears of new strain
Coronavirus
Amazonian city with no lockdown may have reached herd immunity
An unexplained sharp fall in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the Brazilian city of Manaus has led experts to consider whether a form of herd immunity has been achieved in the Amazonian capital. Manaus was once a symbol of the threat that the virus...An unexplained sharp fall in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the Brazilian city of Manaus has led...An unexplained sharp fall in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the Brazilian city of Manaus has led...
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‘Dangerous’ to scrap tanks in face of Russia threat
Mothballing the country’s tanks is a “very dangerous” idea when a resurgent Russia has built up its own heavy armoured forces, a former army chief says. General Lord Dannatt, previously chief of the general staff, spoke out...Mothballing the country’s tanks is a “very dangerous” idea when a resurgent Russia has built up its own heavy armoured forces, a former army chief says. General Lord Dannatt, previously chief of the general staff, spoke out...Mothballing the country’s tanks is a “very dangerous” idea when a resurgent Russia has built up its own heavy...
Read the full storyBritain may halve fighter jet purchases
Britain could buy only half its target of 138 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to sources close to the government’s defence review. The UK has agreed to buy 48 of the stealth multirole jets by the end of 2025 for £9.1...Britain could buy only half its target of 138 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to sources close to the government’s defence review. The UK has agreed to buy 48 of the stealth multirole jets by the end of 2025 for £9.1...Britain could buy only half its target of 138 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, according to sources close to the...
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RED BOX | PATRICK MAGUIRE
U-turn if you want to
UK given green light to send evidence on Isis Beatles
The UK will be allowed to send evidence on the Islamic State “Beatles” duo to the FBI, paving the way for a US trial of the alleged hostage takers. The Supreme Court this morning removed a block on the Home Office sending witness statements and...The UK will be allowed to send evidence on the Islamic State “Beatles” duo to the FBI, paving the...The UK will be allowed to send evidence on the Islamic State “Beatles” duo to the FBI, paving the...
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How to tell if a bird is happy? It’ll be singing jazz
Mention jazz and birds in the same sentence and music aficionados will probably think of the late, great saxophonist...Mention jazz and birds in the same sentence and music aficionados will probably think of the late...Mention jazz and birds in the same sentence and music aficionados will probably think of the late...
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THE TIMES DIARY
Putin a cause to shout about
This might shock you but it turns out that in private Donald Trump is not the meek and thoughtful fellow that he...This might shock you but it turns out that in private Donald Trump is not the meek and thoughtful...This might shock you but it turns out that in private Donald Trump is not the meek and thoughtful...
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video
Jagger relearns the art of acting
With slicked back hair and a refined accent, Sir Mick Jagger has returned to acting for the first time in almost 20 years as a menacing art dealer, but only after relearning some old tricks. The Rolling Stones singer, who appears alongside...With slicked back hair and a refined accent, Sir Mick Jagger has returned to acting for the first...With slicked back hair and a refined accent, Sir Mick Jagger has returned to acting for the first...
Read the full storySmartphones blamed as Britain tops league table for inactivity
Smartphones have led to a rapid rise in sedentary behaviour in Britain, researchers have warned, prompting health concerns. Sedentary behaviour, defined in the study as spending four and half hours or more a day sitting down...Smartphones have led to a rapid rise in sedentary behaviour in Britain, researchers have warned, prompting health concerns. Sedentary behaviour, defined in the study as spending four and half hours or more a day sitting down...Smartphones have led to a rapid rise in sedentary behaviour in Britain, researchers have warned, prompting health...
Read the full storyMet sued by own adviser for refusal to allow Black Lives Matter march
Scotland Yard faces a High Court challenge from one of its advisers on race over its decision to deny support to a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday. Organisers of the Million People March have been told that the event is...Scotland Yard faces a High Court challenge from one of its advisers on race over its decision to deny support to a Black Lives Matter march on Sunday. Organisers of the Million People March have been told that the event is...Scotland Yard faces a High Court challenge from one of its advisers on race over its decision to deny support to a...
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News in pictures
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video
Man shot dead in Wisconsin in third night of violence
Two people were shot dead and another injured last night as members of an armed militia clashed with angry crowds in the third night of violence following the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin. The incident appeared to have been sparked after armed men guarding a petrol station in...Two people were shot dead and another injured last night as members of an armed militia clashed with angry crowds in the third night of violence following the police shooting of a black man in Wisconsin. The incident appeared to have been sparked after armed men guarding a petrol station in...Two people were shot dead and another injured last night as members of an armed militia clashed with angry crowds in the third...
Read the full storyApplause in court for man who confronted Christchurch mosque killer
A man who rushed at a white supremacist as he massacred worshippers in a New Zealand mosque confronted the killer in a Christchurch court today. On the third day of Brenton Tarrant’s pre-sentencing hearing, Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah stared at the shackled gunman in the dock and introduced himself. “You know this face ... the one who chased...A man who rushed at a white supremacist as he massacred worshippers in a New Zealand mosque confronted the killer in a Christchurch court today. On the third day of Brenton Tarrant’s pre-sentencing hearing, Abdul Aziz Wahabzadah stared at the shackled gunman in the dock and introduced himself. “You know this face ... the one who chased...A man who rushed at a white supremacist as he massacred worshippers in a New Zealand mosque confronted the killer in a...
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Mediterranean countries step up naval exercises as dispute with Turkey deepens
newFrance, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are to hold joint military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean, the fourth round of drills in the crowded waters, amid a mounting dispute with Turkey over gas reserves. Florence Parly, the French armed forces minister, announced the move this morning, saying on Twitter that the...France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are to hold joint military exercises in the eastern...France, Italy, Greece and Cyprus are to hold joint military exercises in the eastern...
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Dead dolphins wash up on Mauritius beaches after Wakashio oil spill
Seventeen dead dolphins have washed up on the shores of Mauritius a month after a cargo ship struck coral reefs, spilling tonnes of oil into a protected marine reserve. The carcasses, and several other dolphins close to death, were discovered...Seventeen dead dolphins have washed up on the shores of Mauritius a month after a cargo ship...Seventeen dead dolphins have washed up on the shores of Mauritius a month after a cargo ship...
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Beijing up in arms over US spyplane sorties
newBeijing has accused the United States of “naked provocation” by sending a high-altitude surveillance plane to spy on exercises involving one of China’s aircraft carriers. China has officially complained about the “trespass” of...Beijing has accused the United States of “naked provocation” by sending a high-altitude surveillance plane to spy on exercises involving one of China’s aircraft carriers. China has officially complained about the “trespass” of...Beijing has accused the United States of “naked provocation” by sending a high-altitude surveillance plane to spy on...
Read the full storyREPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Loyalist sets a course for the White House
President Trump’s former ambassador to the UN has thrown down a marker in the contest to succeed him as party leader with a speech in which she defended his record on foreign policy, the economy and race relations. Nikki Haley...President Trump’s former ambassador to the UN has thrown down a marker in the contest to succeed him as party leader with a speech in which she defended his record on foreign policy, the economy and race relations. Nikki Haley...President Trump’s former ambassador to the UN has thrown down a marker in the contest to succeed him as party leader...
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video
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Pompeo hails Trump’s tough stance on China
video
REPUBLICAN CONVENTION
Melania Trump calls for unity after civil unrest
Israel launches air strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon
Israeli helicopters this morning struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon — an escalation that threatens new uncertainty in a country already reeling from a series of crises. The Israeli Defence Forces said it was retaliating after shots...Israeli helicopters this morning struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon — an escalation...Israeli helicopters this morning struck Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon — an escalation...
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Topless sunbathing row exposes divide in French culture
Feminists, socialists and right-wing nationalists joined a chorus of outrage yesterday after police asked topless...Feminists, socialists and right-wing nationalists joined a chorus of outrage yesterday after...Feminists, socialists and right-wing nationalists joined a chorus of outrage yesterday after...
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First West German leader ‘was probably spy for US’
As West Germany’s first head of state, Theodor Heuss was one of the most visible public faces of the fledgling...As West Germany’s first head of state, Theodor Heuss was one of the most visible public faces of...As West Germany’s first head of state, Theodor Heuss was one of the most visible public faces of...
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Indian lawyer faces prison over tweets
One of India’s most prominent lawyers could face jail over tweets that accused the country’s supreme court of undermining democracy in a case seen as a test for the independence of the judiciary. Prashant Bhushan, 63, a public...One of India’s most prominent lawyers could face jail over tweets that accused the country’s supreme court of undermining democracy in a case seen as a test for the independence of the judiciary. Prashant Bhushan, 63, a public...One of India’s most prominent lawyers could face jail over tweets that accused the country’s supreme court of...
Read the full storyLeading evangelical quits Christian college after sex claim
A prominent evangelical whose endorsement helped Donald Trump to secure the US presidency has resigned from the Christian university he ran amid revelations about his sex life. Jerry Falwell Jr left Liberty University, Virginia...A prominent evangelical whose endorsement helped Donald Trump to secure the US presidency has resigned from the Christian university he ran amid revelations about his sex life. Jerry Falwell Jr left Liberty University, Virginia...A prominent evangelical whose endorsement helped Donald Trump to secure the US presidency has resigned from the...
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Woman killed by bear while on the phone to her father
A Canadian woman was attacked and killed by a black bear in front of her two children, while speaking to her father by satellite telephone from outside the family’s remote cabin. The death of Stephanie Blais, 44, is the first fatal bear attack in...A Canadian woman was attacked and killed by a black bear in front of her two children, while...A Canadian woman was attacked and killed by a black bear in front of her two children, while...
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Pompeo criticises HSBC over Hong Kong stance
newHSBC faces mounting pressure over its stance on Hong Kong after the United States claimed the lender was helping China crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in the former British colony. Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, hit out at the London-based lender for its treatment of executives at...HSBC faces mounting pressure over its stance on Hong Kong after the United States claimed the lender was helping China crackdown on pro-democracy supporters in the former British colony. Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, hit out at the London-based lender for its treatment of executives at...HSBC faces mounting pressure over its stance on Hong Kong after the United States claimed the lender was helping China...
Read the full storyHuawei suffers defeat in Supreme Court
newThe Supreme Court has dealt another blow to Huawei’s prospects in Britain by ruling that the Chinese technology group infringed British patents. A panel of five judges at Britain’s highest court rejected Huawei’s appeal against two rulings ordering it to pay for the use of mobile technology that had been patented by two British companies.The Supreme Court has dealt another blow to Huawei’s prospects in Britain by ruling that the Chinese technology group infringed British patents. A panel of five judges at Britain’s highest court rejected Huawei’s appeal against two rulings ordering it to pay for the use of mobile technology that had been patented by two British companies.The Supreme Court has dealt another blow to Huawei’s prospects in Britain by ruling that the Chinese technology group infringed...
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The $64m question is how much more will greenback fall?
newIt’s a talking point, not just for central bankers and City traders, but for even the smallest businesses, not to mention British holidaymakers daring to contemplate a winter break in Florida. The slide in the US dollar of the past few months affects everyone, for good or ill. “It’s not been a disaster yet, but if...It’s a talking point, not just for central bankers and City traders, but for even the smallest...It’s a talking point, not just for central bankers and City traders, but for even the smallest...
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comment
Spotify-style learning subscriptions could be music to the ears of Pearson
newReviving Pearson will take more than a wave of a magic wand. It has spun a tale of woe for as long as its many...Reviving Pearson will take more than a wave of a magic wand. It has spun a tale of woe for as...Reviving Pearson will take more than a wave of a magic wand. It has spun a tale of woe for as...
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Judge hits out at City watchdog over London Capital & Finance delays
The City watchdog has come under fire from a former Court of Appeal judge after its failings delayed her...The City watchdog has come under fire from a former Court of Appeal judge after its failings...The City watchdog has come under fire from a former Court of Appeal judge after its failings...
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business commentary
Geek gobbledegook that makes sense
Everyone’s into “digital transformation”: online shopping, streaming stuff on the telly, chatting up Alexa. But Craig...Everyone’s into “digital transformation”: online shopping, streaming stuff on the telly, chatting...Everyone’s into “digital transformation”: online shopping, streaming stuff on the telly, chatting...
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comment
The GDP figures may look extreme but statisticians have done their sums
It is two weeks since the Office for National Statistics published a record-breaking estimate of a 20.4 per cent fall...It is two weeks since the Office for National Statistics published a record-breaking estimate of...It is two weeks since the Office for National Statistics published a record-breaking estimate of...
Read the full storyEgdon puts foot on the gas with North Sea deal
An energy industry minnow has completed a deal with one of the biggest players in the North Sea to appraise gas prospects off the coast of North Yorkshire. Shares in Egdon Resources rose by 7.1 per cent to 2¼p yesterday after it confirmed the...An energy industry minnow has completed a deal with one of the biggest players in the North Sea...An energy industry minnow has completed a deal with one of the biggest players in the North Sea...
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football
City ‘hopeful’ of signing Messi but face major financial hurdles
newManchester City have been working for more than a week to try to pull off the biggest transfer coup that English football has ever seen by signing Lionel Messi, according to sources. City are seen as being in pole position ahead of Inter Milan to sign the 33-year-old Argentinian after he informed...Manchester City have been working for more than a week to try to pull off the biggest transfer coup that English football has ever seen by signing Lionel Messi, according to sources. City are seen as being in pole position ahead of Inter Milan to sign the 33-year-old Argentinian after he informed...Manchester City have been working for more than a week to try to pull off the biggest transfer coup that English football has...
Read the full storyFootball
Suitors will have to pay £90m a year for Argentina star
newAny club seeking to sign Lionel Messi are likely to have to dig deep into their pockets and promise earnings of about £90 million a year to match the amount that Barcelona already fork out. According to documents obtained by the Football Leaks platform and published by several European media outlets, the four-year contract signed by Messi...Any club seeking to sign Lionel Messi are likely to have to dig deep into their pockets and promise earnings of about £90 million a year to match the amount that Barcelona already fork out. According to documents obtained by the Football Leaks platform and published by several European media outlets, the four-year contract signed by Messi...Any club seeking to sign Lionel Messi are likely to have to dig deep into their pockets and promise earnings of about £90...
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Cricket | Mike Atherton
Super-charged conference system seems best option for smaller counties
newA key debate is looming in English cricket on the future of the domestic first-class game. With the effects of coronavirus projecting a £100 million-plus shortfall in finances, county chiefs are grappling with how to navigate a precarious, uncertain future, with Colin Graves, the outgoing ECB chairman, having...A key debate is looming in English cricket on the future of the domestic first-class game. With...A key debate is looming in English cricket on the future of the domestic first-class game. With...
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football | henry winter
Chastening and humiliating for Maguire – and a warning to others
The trial may have been rushed and the appeal may throw more light on a dark night in Mykonos, but the unforgiving...The trial may have been rushed and the appeal may throw more light on a dark night in Mykonos...The trial may have been rushed and the appeal may throw more light on a dark night in Mykonos...
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cricket | mike atherton
Where Anderson ranks among my best five England fast bowlers
Taking the late 1970s as my starting point, which was when I began to watch England sides as a boy, and then through...Taking the late 1970s as my starting point, which was when I began to watch England sides as a...Taking the late 1970s as my starting point, which was when I began to watch England sides as a...
Read the full storyCricket | The Scorer
County cricket dissected: De Lange hits latest century from No 10
Despite the best efforts of inclement weather, the Bob Willis Trophy enjoyed four positive results in round four, with five matches waylaid by the elements. The counties take a week off from red-ball cricket as the T20 Blast takes off tomorrow...Despite the best efforts of inclement weather, the Bob Willis Trophy enjoyed four positive...Despite the best efforts of inclement weather, the Bob Willis Trophy enjoyed four positive...
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Matthew Syed
Congratulations owed to Michael Gough, a subtle master of his craft
I fully realised the quality of Michael Gough in the early stages of the third Test when Yasir Shah, the leg spinner...I fully realised the quality of Michael Gough in the early stages of the third Test when Yasir...I fully realised the quality of Michael Gough in the early stages of the third Test when Yasir...
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The Game Daily | Molly Hudson
Could return of English stars help WSL teams improve in Europe?
Back in 2018 there was something of an exodus of English women’s footballers. Perhaps the most talented of all, Lucy...Back in 2018 there was something of an exodus of English women’s footballers. Perhaps the most...Back in 2018 there was something of an exodus of English women’s footballers. Perhaps the most...
Read the full storyTennis
Murray ‘not happy’ after disappointing defeat by Raonic
Even with a metal hip, Andy Murray continues to hold himself to the highest standards, as was evident by how furious he was after a lacklustre third-round exit from the Western and Southern Open in New York last night. The three-times grand-slam...Even with a metal hip, Andy Murray continues to hold himself to the highest standards, as was...Even with a metal hip, Andy Murray continues to hold himself to the highest standards, as was...
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football | alyson rudd
The Son and Borat show (with toe-curling Kane cameos)
Cricket
Buttler 9, Burns 3: series ratings for England and Pakistan
ENGLAND JAMES ANDERSON: cut an unhappy figure in first Test but strong come-back in final match with four wickets in opening spell and seven in all. Hanging in there 7/10 JOFRA ARCHER: left on the margins until talks ahead of last match...ENGLAND JAMES ANDERSON: cut an unhappy figure in first Test but strong come-back in final...ENGLAND JAMES ANDERSON: cut an unhappy figure in first Test but strong come-back in final...
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cricket | mike atherton
Anderson has last word of this unique summer
cricket | steve james
Archer’s peppering shows his progress
Jofra Archer stood tall at the end of his run and motioned as if he was about to be blown backwards. It was indeed a...Jofra Archer stood tall at the end of his run and motioned as if he was about to be blown backwards.Jofra Archer stood tall at the end of his run and motioned as if he was about to be blown backwards.
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Cricket | Simon Wilde
How Anderson used data and technology to reach 600 Test wickets
James Anderson was transformed from a very good bowler into an ever-green champion through the assistance of data...James Anderson was transformed from a very good bowler into an ever-green champion through the...James Anderson was transformed from a very good bowler into an ever-green champion through the...
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gallagher premiership
Second-string Exeter side prove too much for Bristol
rugby union | Dan Norton interview
‘Losing sevens job was gutting – but Premiership chance is driving me’
Football
Bale’s lack of minutes at Real not a problem for now, Giggs says
Ryan Giggs has admitted that he will have to consider how often he plays Gareth Bale for Wales if the attacker continues to be sidelined at Real Madrid. Bale played only twice for a total of 100 minutes after football resumed in Spain and he is...Ryan Giggs has admitted that he will have to consider how often he plays Gareth Bale for Wales if...Ryan Giggs has admitted that he will have to consider how often he plays Gareth Bale for Wales if...
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The Game Daily | Bill Edgar
Where Premier League clubs buy their overseas stars
The five-day close season is upon us — Champions League final last Sunday, Community Shield on Saturday — and as...The five-day close season is upon us — Champions League final last Sunday, Community Shield on...The five-day close season is upon us — Champions League final last Sunday, Community Shield on...
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cricket
Root to play in Yorkshire’s T20s
Andrew Gale, Yorkshire’s first XI coach, has said that Joe Root will play for the county in their opening match of...Andrew Gale, Yorkshire’s first XI coach, has said that Joe Root will play for the county in their...Andrew Gale, Yorkshire’s first XI coach, has said that Joe Root will play for the county in their...
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obituary
Doreen Davies
Matriarch of Radio 1 in its Seventies heyday who chaired the infamous playlist committee and organised John Lennon’s final interview
Every Tuesday for much of the 1970s and 1980s, Doreen Davies would chair a meeting that would decree what music the nation’s youth would be listening to for the next week. The head of Radio 1 would moderate a fierce debate on the merits of that week’s new releases, all of which would be aggressively promoted by “pluggers” who would attempt to persuade, bribe and even...Every Tuesday for much of the 1970s and 1980s, Doreen Davies would chair a meeting that would...Every Tuesday for much of the 1970s and 1980s, Doreen Davies would chair a meeting that would...
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obituary
John Schaeffer
Of the many works with which John Schaeffer enriched the Art Gallery of New South Wales, his most recent gift was...Of the many works with which John Schaeffer enriched the Art Gallery of New South Wales, his most recent gift was Lord Leighton’s lifesized marble sculpture An Athlete Wrestling with a Python. It stands in the gallery’s John Schaeffer wing and is known among his friends as “John wrestling with his bank manager”.Of the many works with which John Schaeffer enriched the Art Gallery of New South Wales, his most recent gift was Lord...
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obituary
Alison Fiske
obituary
Colin Milner Smith, QC
obituary
Major-General Sir Desmond Rice
from the archive
Glastonbury musical festival
weather eye
Towering clouds that inspire writers
On Monday great heaps of mountainous clouds stretched out across the sky, their brilliant white peaks sparkling like snow-covered tops in the late afternoon sunshine. These were magnificent cumulus congestus clouds and were accompanied by wispy...On Monday great heaps of mountainous clouds stretched out across the sky, their brilliant white...On Monday great heaps of mountainous clouds stretched out across the sky, their brilliant white...
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FASHION
Why the fashion set have stopped buying clothes
Your wardrobe’s full to bursting but you’re bored with your clothes? Follow the style crowd and rent those one-season must-haves
THE TABLE
How we fell in love with food subscriptions
From bacon popping through our letterbox to gin left on our porch, regular delivery services are booming
new
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the ex-teacher who could topple a dictator
When her activist husband was blocked from running, she took his place in Belarus’s elections. She was acting on instinct, she explains
ANNA MURPHY
This summer it’s been all about sweatshirts
I’m usually a cardi girl, but this year I’ve switched
fashion
The new jacket — it’s a waistcoat
Wear it in the week and you’ll look smart on that Zoom call, then team with a T-shirt at the weekend
STAYING IN
The best live arts to stream this week
ARTS
Agatha Christie and the mystery of the missing playwright
Here comes another twist in the story of Agatha Christie. Forty-four years after the death of a writer who loved to...Here comes another twist in the story of Agatha Christie. Forty-four years after the death of a...Here comes another twist in the story of Agatha Christie. Forty-four years after the death of a...
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BOOK REVIEW
The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante — the My Brilliant Friend author returns
newUntil I was 16 years old I thought my older half-brother’s father had been married to my mother and that he had died...Until I was 16 years old I thought my older half-brother’s father had been married to my mother...Until I was 16 years old I thought my older half-brother’s father had been married to my mother...
Read the full storyfirst night | opera
HMS Pinafore — a cracking stripped-down skewering of the elites
★★★★☆
This summer Charles Court Opera (CCO) was supposed to collaborate with Opera Holland Park on an ambitious new Pirates of Penzance. Undaunted, CCO brought back Gilbert and Sullivan’s naval romp from storage and took it to St Albans’s...★★★★☆
This summer Charles Court Opera (CCO) was supposed to collaborate with Opera Holland Park...★★★★☆
This summer Charles Court Opera (CCO) was supposed to collaborate with Opera Holland Park...
VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on TV and radio tonight
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
HEALTH
How to make your arteries younger
Even if you look the picture of health in middle age, your insides may tell a different story. In most of us there...Even if you look the picture of health in middle age, your insides may tell a different story. In...Even if you look the picture of health in middle age, your insides may tell a different story. In...
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‘Is it common? It’s everywhere’: the middle-class cocaine habit
Shaun Bailey, the Tory candidate for London mayor, has condemned “polite” drug use by professionals. If Bailey wins...Shaun Bailey, the Tory candidate for London mayor, has condemned “polite” drug use by professionals.Shaun Bailey, the Tory candidate for London mayor, has condemned “polite” drug use by professionals.
Read the full storyCrown Office admits unlawful case against Rangers administrators
The former administrators of Rangers are in line for big compensation payments after the Crown Office admitted that it had brought a flawed case against them. David Whitehouse and Paul Clark, who both work for the accountancy firm Duff & Phelps, are suing the lord advocate and chief constable...The former administrators of Rangers are in line for big compensation payments after the Crown Office admitted that it had brought a flawed case against them. David Whitehouse and Paul Clark, who both work for the accountancy firm Duff & Phelps, are suing the lord advocate and chief constable...The former administrators of Rangers are in line for big compensation payments after the Crown Office admitted that it had...
Read the full storySpreadsheet error blamed for delaying £150m Sick Kids hospital
newThe opening of a major children’s hospital was delayed by safety fears due to a copy-and-paste error in a spreadsheet which was not spotted for years, according to a new report. The £150 million Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh was due to open in July 2019, but at the last minute it was discovered the ventilation in...The opening of a major children’s hospital was delayed by safety fears due to a copy-and-paste error in a spreadsheet which was not spotted for years, according to a new report. The £150 million Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh was due to open in July 2019, but at the last minute it was discovered the ventilation in...The opening of a major children’s hospital was delayed by safety fears due to a copy-and-paste error in a spreadsheet which was...
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You can’t have independence and be EU member, SNP told
Voters will not back the SNP’s vision of Scottish independence in the European Union because it would erect trade barriers with the rest of the UK, one of Nicola Sturgeon’s former ministers has claimed. Alex Neil, who served in Ms Sturgeon’s first cabinet and backed Brexit, said that joining the EU would mean...Voters will not back the SNP’s vision of Scottish independence in the European Union because it...Voters will not back the SNP’s vision of Scottish independence in the European Union because it...
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Veg farmers in raptures over role in Jay-Z video
An Aberdeenshire farming couple have revealed their “crazy” surprise after they featured in a music video by the rappers Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams. Michelle and Robert Sullivan, who grow vegetables for home delivery, are part of the promotional...An Aberdeenshire farming couple have revealed their “crazy” surprise after they featured in a...An Aberdeenshire farming couple have revealed their “crazy” surprise after they featured in a...
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Councillor’s home hit by £20,000 attack
An attack on a Conservative councillor’s home caused more than £20,000 worth of damage to his cars. Graeme Campbell...An attack on a Conservative councillor’s home caused more than £20,000 worth of damage to his cars.An attack on a Conservative councillor’s home caused more than £20,000 worth of damage to his cars.
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Abortions for over-40s at record high
The number of abortions carried out in Scotland reached the second highest on record last year with the number of...The number of abortions carried out in Scotland reached the second highest on record last year...The number of abortions carried out in Scotland reached the second highest on record last year...
Read the full storyFerries ordered from nationalised shipyard hit with more delays
The delivery of a pair of ferries being built at a nationalised shipyard has been delayed again. Fiona Hyslop, the economy secretary, told Holyrood that the shutdown of the Ferguson shipyard during the Covid-19 restrictions was to blame. The Port...The delivery of a pair of ferries being built at a nationalised shipyard has been delayed again.The delivery of a pair of ferries being built at a nationalised shipyard has been delayed again.
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business
Oil workers ready to renew careers in green energies
Nearly four out of five Scottish oil workers would be keen to retrain and work in the renewable energy sector, according to an industry survey. Oil and gas operators are looking at ways to reduce their carbon emissions as the North Sea sector...Nearly four out of five Scottish oil workers would be keen to retrain and work in the renewable...Nearly four out of five Scottish oil workers would be keen to retrain and work in the renewable...
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Defamation law offers more clarity
A defamation bill before the Scottish parliament will improve clarity on the law for journalists, MSPs have heard. The Defamation and Malicious Publications (Scotland) Bill will, if passed, bring in a “serious harm” threshold...A defamation bill before the Scottish parliament will improve clarity on the law for journalists, MSPs have heard. The Defamation and Malicious Publications (Scotland) Bill will, if passed, bring in a “serious harm” threshold...A defamation bill before the Scottish parliament will improve clarity on the law for journalists, MSPs have heard.
Read the full storybusiness comment
The debate about Scottish independence has not got easier or more dignified
Saturday morning’s Today programme on BBC Radio 4 squeezed in a discussion on the prospects of another referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future. The participants were Kevin Hague, chairman of These Islands and an...Saturday morning’s Today programme on BBC Radio 4 squeezed in a discussion on the prospects of another referendum on Scotland’s constitutional future. The participants were Kevin Hague, chairman of These Islands and an...Saturday morning’s Today programme on BBC Radio 4 squeezed in a discussion on the prospects of another referendum on...
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football
Lennon will block call-ups for his stars
Neil Lennon has warned that Celtic may be forced to withdraw players from upcoming international matches due to government quarantine rules in the wake of Covid-19. Principal striker Odsonne Édouard is expected to be involved in the French under-21s’ trip to Georgia and Azerbaijan early next month, while goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas could be involved with Greece in a...Neil Lennon has warned that Celtic may be forced to withdraw players from upcoming international...Neil Lennon has warned that Celtic may be forced to withdraw players from upcoming international...
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football
Respectful Lennon calls on Celtic to raise their game
Neil Lennon is quietly wary of facing Ferencvaros tonight with Celtic in Glasgow, and little wonder. Twelve months on...Neil Lennon is quietly wary of facing Ferencvaros tonight with Celtic in Glasgow, and little wonder. Twelve months on, the sting and pain of tumbling out of the Champions League wonderland to CFR Cluj — when Celtic shot themselves with a late 4-3 defeat at home — is all too vivid for Lennon. On a night when Lennon...Neil Lennon is quietly wary of facing Ferencvaros tonight with Celtic in Glasgow, and little wonder. Twelve months on, the...
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rugby union
South Africa pair dropped from Pro14
football | michael grant
Football deserves fairness, not fury
According to the latest figures there have been 7,545 Covid-19 tests in Scottish football over the past seven weeks...According to the latest figures there have been 7,545 Covid-19 tests in Scottish football over...According to the latest figures there have been 7,545 Covid-19 tests in Scottish football over...
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rugby union
Cockerill: British and Irish league would suit me
On the 25th anniversary of professionalism in rugby, Richard Cockerill, the Edinburgh head coach, has suggested that...On the 25th anniversary of professionalism in rugby, Richard Cockerill, the Edinburgh head coach...On the 25th anniversary of professionalism in rugby, Richard Cockerill, the Edinburgh head coach...
Read the full storycoronavirus
Hogan breached government’s Covid guidelines, say coalition leaders
Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, “clearly” breached government Covid-19 guidelines, the coalition government leaders said last night. In a joint statement Micheál Martin, the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the tánaiste, and Eamon Ryan, the Green Party leader, said: “It is clear that breaches of...Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, “clearly” breached government Covid-19 guidelines, the coalition government leaders said last night. In a joint statement Micheál Martin, the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the tánaiste, and Eamon Ryan, the Green Party leader, said: “It is clear that breaches of...Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, “clearly” breached government Covid-19 guidelines, the coalition government leaders said...
Read the full storycoronavirus
Commissioner’s report to EU contradicts past statements
Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, has published a timeline of his movements during a recent trip to Ireland, contradicting statements made by his spokesman last week. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, requested a “detailed report” of his actions in Ireland following calls for the commissioner to resign over his...Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, has published a timeline of his movements during a recent trip to Ireland, contradicting statements made by his spokesman last week. Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, requested a “detailed report” of his actions in Ireland following calls for the commissioner to resign over his...Phil Hogan, the EU trade commissioner, has published a timeline of his movements during a recent trip to Ireland, contradicting...
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It takes 15 years to save for a deposit in Dublin, says report
It can take up to 15 years to save a deposit for a mortgage in Dublin and other urban areas around Ireland, a report has found. The report, published yesterday by the Irish Home Builders Association (IHBA), also sets out a series of recommendations for the government to assist in the construction of homes. Using...It can take up to 15 years to save a deposit for a mortgage in Dublin and other urban areas...It can take up to 15 years to save a deposit for a mortgage in Dublin and other urban areas...
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Comment
British Museum shows us how to end culture wars
David Aaronovitch
newGERARD BAKER
Win or lose, Trump has redefined his party
newALICE THOMSON
It’s adults who are the real school snowflakes
OLIVER MOODY
Gods forgive me but what is the point of Wagner?
Libby Purves
Historian’s attack on TV industry misses the target
ROGER BOYES
Belarus rebels must act while Putin wavers
letters to the editor
Uproar over ditching Rule Britannia lyrics
DANIEL FINKELSTEIN
No 10 needs a message more than a messenger
Mike McCurry first realised he’d made a mistake when he noticed there were cameras over his shoulder. He began to...Mike McCurry first realised he’d made a mistake when he noticed there were cameras over his...Mike McCurry first realised he’d made a mistake when he noticed there were cameras over his...
Read the full storyHUGO RIFKIND
Are Gove and Galloway the Union’s best hope?
Will the people of Scotland listen to George Galloway? Assuming, that is, he unblocks them all on Twitter first?Will the people of Scotland listen to George Galloway? Assuming, that is, he unblocks them all on...Will the people of Scotland listen to George Galloway? Assuming, that is, he unblocks them all on...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
Changing the Channel
The BBC’s new director-general will have to grapple with difficult and often existential questions that his predecessor has failed to answer
Hard Labour
Sir Keir Starmer must move the party on from Jeremy Corbyn’s dismal era
Bowled Over
Jimmy Anderson’s 600th Test wicket has rescued a forgettable summer
Readers’ poll
Should the Proms drop Land of Hope and Glory?
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Schools in Leicestershire become the first to reopen after the summer break; yellow weather warning for gales and heavy rain; the winner of the International Booker prize for fiction is announced in an online ceremony.
On this day
In 55BC Roman legionaries led by Julius Caesar landed in Britain, on the coast of present-day Kent; in 1346 King Edward III, aided by his son the Black Prince, defeated the French at the Battle of Crécy; in 1839 the US navy seized the Cuban schooner Amistad off Long Island, New York, which led to a legal ruling upholding the right of illegally enslaved Africans to mutiny on board a slave ship; in 1936 the BBC transmitted the first high-definition television pictures, from Alexandra Palace; in 1959 the Mini went on sale. The car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis for the British Motor Corporation and was launched in two versions, the Austin Se7en and the Morris Mini-Minor.
Nature notes
The honeybees had formed a feral nest in the airbrick. All afternoon the busy insects came and went. Of the 270 bee species in the UK, only one is not wild: the honeybee. Frequently though, when room is scarce in the hive, they will make a bid for freedom. Often gorging themselves on honey in preparation for the journey, the escaping swarm makes off, searching for a new home: airbricks, trees, chimneys, even statues. Some feral nests become self-sustaining and can persist for years. An 8,000-year-old Spanish cave painting depicts a human climbing a vertiginous ladder to gather honey from a cliff nest. The climber is being pursued by angry bees.
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Very Rev Peter Atkinson, dean of Worcester, 68; Sally Beamish, composer, Spinal Chords (2012), 64; Jet Black, drummer, the Stranglers, 82; Chris Boardman, cyclist, Olympic gold medallist (1992) and Tour de France yellow jersey holder (1994, 1997, 1998), 52; Michael Cockerell, journalist and documentary-maker, Inside the Commons (2015), 80; Lt-Gen Sir Gary Coward, chairman, SSAFA, the armed forces charity, 65; Macaulay Culkin, actor, Home Alone (1990), 40; Prof Dame Anna Dominiczak, vice-principal and head, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, 66; Prof Marcus du Sautoy, mathematician and broadcaster, 55; Joe Engle, aeronautical engineer and Nasa astronaut, last surviving pilot of the X-15 rocket-powered aircraft, 88; Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, 76; Michael Gove, Conservative MP for Surrey Heath, chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster and minister for the Cabinet Office, 53; Paula Hawkins, author, The Girl on the Train (2015), 48; Desirèe Henry, sprinter, silver medallist, IAAF World Championships (2017), 25; Charlotte Hogg, chief executive of Visa Europe, 50; General David John Hurley, governor-general of Australia, 67; Lisa Keightley, cricketer, head coach, England women’s cricket team, 49; Branford Marsalis, jazz saxophonist and composer, 60; Prof Adrian Newland, president, Royal College of Pathologists (2005-08), 71; Boris Pahor, novelist, the oldest known living survivor of a Nazi concentration camp, 107; Prof Dame Judith Rees, president, Royal Geographical Society (2012-15), 76; Louise Shepherd, chief executive, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, 56; Alison Steadman, actress, Abigail’s Party (1977), 74; Moe Tucker, drummer, Velvet Underground, 76; Steve Wright, disc jockey, BBC Radio 2, 66.