In the News
New strain of virus feared to be driving up infections
Officials ‘deeply concerned’ over infection rate in capital
A new strain of coronavirus may be fuelling the rapid rise in infections in London and the southeast, the health secretary warned today as he placed the capital under the toughest level of restrictions. Matt Hancock told MPs that there was “not a moment to spare” as he put London, most of Essex and part of Hertfordshire in Tier 3, meaning hospitality businesses must...A new strain of coronavirus may be fuelling the rapid rise in infections in London and the...A new strain of coronavirus may be fuelling the rapid rise in infections in London and the...
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BREXIT
EU hints at tentative progress to level playing field
Britain and the EU now have the “architecture” in place for a deal on one of the most contentious areas of the Brexit...Britain and the EU now have the “architecture” in place for a deal on one of the most contentious areas of the Brexit negotiations, Ursula von der Leyen said today. Amid increasing hopes of a breakthrough, the European commission president suggested that there had been “movement” from the British side on...Britain and the EU now have the “architecture” in place for a deal on one of the most contentious areas of the Brexit...
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BREXIT
Banks close accounts in expat confusion
British banks are withdrawing mortgages, savings accounts and credit cards from expats in Europe in anticipation of...British banks are withdrawing mortgages, savings accounts and credit cards from expats in Europe...British banks are withdrawing mortgages, savings accounts and credit cards from expats in Europe...
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brexit | ANALYSIS
PM has ulterior motive in talking up risk of no-deal
One of the more striking things about yesterday’s announcement that Brexit talks would continue was just how gloomy...One of the more striking things about yesterday’s announcement that Brexit talks would continue...One of the more striking things about yesterday’s announcement that Brexit talks would continue...
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Coronavirus
GPs start to administer vaccine
coronavirus | around the world
Germany under pressure to approve vaccine
Bishop Derek Webley | Priti Patel
It is crucial that we go further to help those who need it
red box | esther webber
Do they know it’s Christmas time at all?
Boy’s plea for father drives Hamilton human rights pledge
Like many 11-year-old boys, Ahmed Ramadhan dreams of being a famous racing driver like his idol, Lewis Hamilton, and spends many hours sketching Formula One cars. A letter from the schoolboy has now inspired Hamilton to speak out on accusations of...Like many 11-year-old boys, Ahmed Ramadhan dreams of being a famous racing driver like his idol...Like many 11-year-old boys, Ahmed Ramadhan dreams of being a famous racing driver like his idol...
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Tory MP can return after rape case is dropped
Whips and parliamentary authorities are discussing how to help a Conservative MP accused of rape return to work after...Whips and parliamentary authorities are discussing how to help a Conservative MP accused of rape...Whips and parliamentary authorities are discussing how to help a Conservative MP accused of rape...
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MPs are paid too much, say two thirds of voters
Two thirds of voters think MPs should take a pay cut and one in six thinks they should have their income more than...Two thirds of voters think MPs should take a pay cut and one in six thinks they should have their...Two thirds of voters think MPs should take a pay cut and one in six thinks they should have their...
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BEHIND THE SHOT
Striking a pose for Marcus Rashford
CLEAN AIR FOR ALL
Air pollution monitors to boost fight against dirty school traffic
Gas boilers stay on market despite pledge
British Gas will continue to market and sell gas boilers despite government hopes to start phasing them out.British Gas will continue to market and sell gas boilers despite government hopes to start...British Gas will continue to market and sell gas boilers despite government hopes to start...
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Potholes are getting worse despite big drop in traffic
The UK’s pothole-strewn local roads have deteriorated over the past year despite a sharp drop in traffic levels...The UK’s pothole-strewn local roads have deteriorated over the past year despite a sharp drop in...The UK’s pothole-strewn local roads have deteriorated over the past year despite a sharp drop in...
Read the full storyNews in pictures
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‘Hit squad trailed Navalny for three years before poisoning him’
A specialist hit squad within Russia’s FSB security service trailed the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on dozens of trips over three years before poisoning him with a nerve agent, an investigation has claimed. Bellingcat, the British-based investigative journalism website, identified what it said...A specialist hit squad within Russia’s FSB security service trailed the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on dozens of trips over three years before poisoning him with a nerve agent, an investigation has claimed. Bellingcat, the British-based investigative journalism website, identified what it said...A specialist hit squad within Russia’s FSB security service trailed the Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny on dozens of trips over...
Read the full storyLast Bali bombing suspect captured after 18 years on the run
The last of the Bali bombers has been arrested in Indonesia, 18 years after the terrorist attack on the holiday island that killed 202 people, most of them western tourists. Indonesian police announced today that they had captured Aris Sumarsono, known by his alias Zulkarnaen, on the island of Sumatra. He was arrested without resistance...The last of the Bali bombers has been arrested in Indonesia, 18 years after the terrorist attack on the holiday island that killed 202 people, most of them western tourists. Indonesian police announced today that they had captured Aris Sumarsono, known by his alias Zulkarnaen, on the island of Sumatra. He was arrested without resistance...The last of the Bali bombers has been arrested in Indonesia, 18 years after the terrorist attack on the holiday island that...
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Girl, 15, is youngest Hong Kong resident to seek UK asylum
A 15-year old girl is believed to have fled Hong Kong to Britain, the youngest person so far to seek asylum from the Beijing government’s crackdown on the territory. The girl, known as Aurora, applied for asylum on arrival in London last week after reporting that she was being followed in Hong Kong, apparently by...A 15-year old girl is believed to have fled Hong Kong to Britain, the youngest person so far to...A 15-year old girl is believed to have fled Hong Kong to Britain, the youngest person so far to...
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Russia blamed for huge cyberattack against US Treasury
Hackers who appeared to be working for the Russian government broke into the computer networks of US government...Hackers who appeared to be working for the Russian government broke into the computer networks of...Hackers who appeared to be working for the Russian government broke into the computer networks of...
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Maduro makes power a family affair by promoting wife and son
In a sign of his growing confidence that the US and its allies have failed in their attempts to oust him from office...In a sign of his growing confidence that the US and its allies have failed in their attempts to...In a sign of his growing confidence that the US and its allies have failed in their attempts to...
Read the full storyFrom our Correspondent
Farmers surround Delhi and, for once, Modi looks scared
Sitting astride a crimson tractor, waving his arms, Balram Singh is hard to miss. Craning down from the driver’s seat, he summons me over, eager to talk. “These are such bad laws. They will ruin us,” he says, raising his voice over the clamour...Sitting astride a crimson tractor, waving his arms, Balram Singh is hard to miss. Craning down...Sitting astride a crimson tractor, waving his arms, Balram Singh is hard to miss. Craning down...
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‘Animals are essential’: Italians to create first pet-friendly city
The Tuscan city of Lucca is famed for its enviable quality of life, with its Renaissance walls and cobblestone streets. An EU-funded project aims to boost the wellbeing of residents even further by combining technology and town planning to make it...The Tuscan city of Lucca is famed for its enviable quality of life, with its Renaissance walls...The Tuscan city of Lucca is famed for its enviable quality of life, with its Renaissance walls...
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‘Phoney’ review leaves tied pubs with debts ‘they can never pay off’
The government has been accused of siding with pub landlords over their tenants and conducting a “phoney” review of rules governing the industry, leaving publicans “horribly exposed” to the Covid-19 crisis. Alok Sharma, the business secretary, has been warned that a recently concluded...The government has been accused of siding with pub landlords over their tenants and conducting a “phoney” review of rules governing the industry, leaving publicans “horribly exposed” to the Covid-19 crisis. Alok Sharma, the business secretary, has been warned that a recently concluded...The government has been accused of siding with pub landlords over their tenants and conducting a “phoney” review of rules...
Read the full storyPound edges up as Brexit talks continue
The pound climbed higher this morning after Britain and the European Union agreed to extend Brexit talks. The pound rose by 1.5 per cent against the dollar to $1.3428 and by 1.2 per cent against the euro to €1.1043 as investors showed their relief. It followed a tense week for sterling, when it fell 2 per cent against the euro and by nearly...The pound climbed higher this morning after Britain and the European Union agreed to extend Brexit talks. The pound rose by 1.5 per cent against the dollar to $1.3428 and by 1.2 per cent against the euro to €1.1043 as investors showed their relief. It followed a tense week for sterling, when it fell 2 per cent against the euro and by nearly...The pound climbed higher this morning after Britain and the European Union agreed to extend Brexit talks. The pound rose by 1.5...
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Analysts question Astrazeneca’s $39 billion takeover of Alexion
When Pascal Soriot unveiled Astrazeneca’s $39 billion takeover of Alexion to the City over the weekend the chief executive used an analogy of a gardener to explain why the acquisition of the American rare diseases specialist was being launched from a position of strength. Mr Soriot, 61, said management is like a...When Pascal Soriot unveiled Astrazeneca’s $39 billion takeover of Alexion to the City over the...When Pascal Soriot unveiled Astrazeneca’s $39 billion takeover of Alexion to the City over the...
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comment
Inflation is back on the menu — and not only because of Brexit
The cost of a home-cooked spaghetti bolognese is about to rocket if there is no trade deal. Irish beef mince, Spanish...The cost of a home-cooked spaghetti bolognese is about to rocket if there is no trade deal. Irish...The cost of a home-cooked spaghetti bolognese is about to rocket if there is no trade deal. Irish...
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comment
Firms are starting to learn that their twisted morality won’t wash
For a few moments last week, Sir Philip Green appeared to have a rival for his title as “the unacceptable face of...For a few moments last week, Sir Philip Green appeared to have a rival for his title as “the...For a few moments last week, Sir Philip Green appeared to have a rival for his title as “the...
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comment
We need tougher new laws to protect pension scheme members
Although the retail group Arcadia, owned by Sir Philip Green’s family, has gone bust, there is good news for its...Although the retail group Arcadia, owned by Sir Philip Green’s family, has gone bust, there is...Although the retail group Arcadia, owned by Sir Philip Green’s family, has gone bust, there is...
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comment
Crackdown on loans risks driving people into the arms of criminals
Judging by the crowded high streets in central London, most people seem determined to make the most of Christmas in...Judging by the crowded high streets in central London, most people seem determined to make the...Judging by the crowded high streets in central London, most people seem determined to make the...
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Champions League | James Gheerbrant
Atletico pose toughest test possible for Chelsea’s new attack
For Chelsea, the Champions League round-of-16 draw provided a reunion, and an examination. Atletico Madrid, two-times finalists of recent vintage, and one of Europe’s form teams this season, lie in wait, with a familiar face among their dogs of war. Diego Costa was the symbolic totem of Chelsea’s...For Chelsea, the Champions League round-of-16 draw provided a reunion, and an examination. Atletico Madrid, two-times finalists of recent vintage, and one of Europe’s form teams this season, lie in wait, with a familiar face among their dogs of war. Diego Costa was the symbolic totem of Chelsea’s...For Chelsea, the Champions League round-of-16 draw provided a reunion, and an examination. Atletico Madrid, two-times finalists...
Read the full storyRugby Union | Owen Slot
England get kind World Cup group draw – but path to final is treacherous
The two leading rugby nations who have been most affected by the world being turned upside down in the year of coronavirus are Japan and Argentina and they are the two leading rivals who England will face in the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023. The World Cup draw was made in Paris this morning. It is, of course, fairly preposterous to...The two leading rugby nations who have been most affected by the world being turned upside down in the year of coronavirus are Japan and Argentina and they are the two leading rivals who England will face in the Rugby World Cup in France in 2023. The World Cup draw was made in Paris this morning. It is, of course, fairly preposterous to...The two leading rugby nations who have been most affected by the world being turned upside down in the year of coronavirus are...
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Football | Phil Thompson
I was the abrasive Scouser, he was the educated Frenchman. It was a wonderful journey
Whenever I see that big flag on The Kop with the faces of the great Liverpool managers, the same thought comes to my mind. There is Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Kenny Dalglish, Rafa Benítez and now they have Jürgen Klopp on it, but I always felt Gérard Houllier’s face should have been there as well. He was...Whenever I see that big flag on The Kop with the faces of the great Liverpool managers, the same...Whenever I see that big flag on The Kop with the faces of the great Liverpool managers, the same...
Read the full storyDarts | Fallon Sherrock Interview
‘Getting this famous is scary – I was not ready for it’
Golf
Charlie Woods to offer glimpse of future when teeing off with Tiger
February 8, 2010 was the day Charlie turned one. A special day for his parents, you would have thought. Or at least it would have been if his father had been present. Unfortunately, Dad was in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at the time; to be precise...February 8, 2010 was the day Charlie turned one. A special day for his parents, you would have...February 8, 2010 was the day Charlie turned one. A special day for his parents, you would have...
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premier league
Own goal and red card add up to new low for Arteta
At least there were only 2,000 fans inside the Emirates Stadium this time. It meant Granit Xhaka was able to escape...At least there were only 2,000 fans inside the Emirates Stadium this time. It meant Granit Xhaka...At least there were only 2,000 fans inside the Emirates Stadium this time. It meant Granit Xhaka...
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rugby union | stuart barnes
Rusty Farrell lacks fixtures and finesse – Itoje must lead
‘When’s my next match? You tell me, I have not got a clue.” That was Owen Farrell in yesterday’s Sunday Times.‘When’s my next match? You tell me, I have not got a clue.” That was Owen Farrell in yesterday’s...‘When’s my next match? You tell me, I have not got a clue.” That was Owen Farrell in yesterday’s...
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Formula One
Verstappen’s statement of intent for next season
Max Verstappen’s victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may have no impact on this year’s championship but it is certainly a statement of intent for next season. The Red Bull driver started from pole position, led every lap and took a comfortable victory — his second of the season and tenth career win. With the Mercedes pair of Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton finishing...Max Verstappen’s victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may have no impact on this year’s...Max Verstappen’s victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix may have no impact on this year’s...
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formula one | Rebecca Clancy
End of season awards: Hamilton the best, Grosjean the luckiest and Norris the funniest
Driver of the year — Lewis Hamilton
It has to be, really. He won a record-equalling seventh world title with three...Driver of the year — Lewis Hamilton
It has to be, really. He won a record-equalling seventh world title with three races remaining. He has utterly dominated his team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who is driving the same machinery but cannot make it do things that the Briton can. Even allowing for him missing a grand prix...Driver of the year — Lewis Hamilton
It has to be, really. He won a record-equalling seventh world title with three races...
Premier League
Klopp: VAR got it wrong again
premier league | Tony cascarino
Stones and Maguire are England team-mates and friends – of course they can hug
Premier League
Cagey Spurs let points slip after Guaita heroics
premier league
Arteta: It was unacceptable – Xhaka sending-off cost us the game
Mikel Arteta described Granit Xhaka’s sending-off against Burnley last night as “even worse” than Nicolas Pépé’s red...Mikel Arteta described Granit Xhaka’s sending-off against Burnley last night as “even worse” than...Mikel Arteta described Granit Xhaka’s sending-off against Burnley last night as “even worse” than...
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Premier League
Southampton’s perfect Sunday piles more misery on Wilder
As Southampton supporters imagined the day when they might once again be able to watch their team in the flesh, they...As Southampton supporters imagined the day when they might once again be able to watch their team...As Southampton supporters imagined the day when they might once again be able to watch their team...
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champions cup
Beirne leads Munster past undisciplined Harlequins
Rugby union
Steep learning curve for Gloucester
Rugby Union
Ruthless Exeter pick up where they left off
Football | Lyndon Dykes interview
Aussie factory worker who fired Scotland to the Euros
Gregor Robertson | the journeyman
‘We’re a team here at Forest but we’re not friends’
Joe Worrall did not sugar coat it. It is time, the Nottingham Forest defender says, for some “home truths”. “We’ve...Joe Worrall did not sugar coat it. It is time, the Nottingham Forest defender says, for some...Joe Worrall did not sugar coat it. It is time, the Nottingham Forest defender says, for some...
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Football | Bill Edgar
United shut out in open play
This is the first time in Manchester United’s history that their only goals over five home league games have been...This is the first time in Manchester United’s history that their only goals over five home league...This is the first time in Manchester United’s history that their only goals over five home league...
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Premier League
Don’t rule out Everton in the race for Europe
Premier League
Rodgers hands Maddison the freedom to find best form
Premier League
Old pals’ act gives England hope
sports writing
The best sporting reads for Christmas
Premier League
Bruce has 103 million reasons to put on a show
Premier League | Tony Cascarino
Packed schedule taking its toll on managers too
As he reflected on Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, Jürgen Klopp was quick to point out that none of the teams...As he reflected on Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, Jürgen Klopp was quick to point out...As he reflected on Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, Jürgen Klopp was quick to point out...
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Football | George Lewis
How last week helped to restore my faith in football and its fans
The other day, I sat down with my family to watch the Christmas film, Elf, and it really got me down. Buddy the...The other day, I sat down with my family to watch the Christmas film, Elf, and it really got...The other day, I sat down with my family to watch the Christmas film, Elf, and it really got...
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women's football
Arsenal’s Beattie reveals she has breast cancer
John le Carré: The spy who was my dear friend
Ben Macintyre shares fond memories from his 20-year friendship with the great novelist, who has died at 89
Top 10 John le Carré novels
James Owen, thriller reviewer for The Times, ranks the great writer’s best books
What we rowed about in 2020 (when there was nowhere else to go)
Months stuck at home together isn’t a recipe for domestic bliss. Writers reveal the rows they’ve had
The Stones get the Crown treatment (every word is true!)
The team behind the Netflix hit are planning a Rolling Stones drama. Stuart Heritage peeks at the script
Arts
The British bookseller saving Barnes & Noble
Lately, the man hired to save America’s largest chain of bookstores has found himself trapped in a battle against a pitiless enemy, forsaken, surrounded and marvelling at the pointlessness of it all. He’s been reading Breakout at Stalingrad...Lately, the man hired to save America’s largest chain of bookstores has found himself trapped in...Lately, the man hired to save America’s largest chain of bookstores has found himself trapped in...
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COLUMNIST | BEAUTY
Emergency rescue: here’s how to fix dry winter lips
FIRST NIGHT | OPERA
Fidelio — less is more in this masterly version of Beethoven’s only opera
FIRST NIGHT | THEATRE
The Comeback — there’s plenty of charm, but don’t fall for the hype
FIRST NIGHT | THEATRE
Death Drop — this dinner party romp overstays its welcome
FIRST NIGHT | POP
Black Midi — completely different from anything that has come before
FIRST NIGHT | POP
Gorillaz — Damon Albarn and his mob shine in this virtual rave
FIRST NIGHT | THEATRE
Sh!t Actually — film’s weirdness laid bare by feminism and fun
★★★☆☆
What a strange film Love Actually is. I’m not sure I’d thought that before: in fact, after thinking that...★★★☆☆
What a strange film Love Actually is. I’m not sure I’d thought that before: in fact...★★★☆☆
What a strange film Love Actually is. I’m not sure I’d thought that before: in fact...
STAYING IN
The best live arts to stream this week
Opera: Fidelio
A glorious Beethoven celebration from Opera North in Leeds as the company’s orchestra and chorus...Opera: Fidelio
A glorious Beethoven celebration from Opera North in Leeds as the...Opera: Fidelio
A glorious Beethoven celebration from Opera North in Leeds as the...
THE DISH
Best wine for an online Christmas party
The Christmas gastronomic countdown is upon us, but this year is rather different. The usual whirlwind of office parties and family reunions has disappeared online, as many of us meet in spirit if not in person. But we’re still in need of...The Christmas gastronomic countdown is upon us, but this year is rather different. The usual...The Christmas gastronomic countdown is upon us, but this year is rather different. The usual...
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OBITUARY
Gérard Houllier
Managers of Liverpool Football Club believed in grandiose and, on occasion, bizarre proclamations. Bill Shankly declared that the game was more important than a matter of life and death. Gérard Houllier, one of his successors, told the media that 45,000 spectators at Anfield would be sated by victory. “But if we lose,” he added, “this not only affects them, it affects...Managers of Liverpool Football Club believed in grandiose and, on occasion, bizarre proclamations.Managers of Liverpool Football Club believed in grandiose and, on occasion, bizarre proclamations.
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OBITUARY
Luis Basualdo
Was Luis Basualdo a bounder, an adventurer, or merely a dissolute rake and, possibly, a procurer? “Call me what you...Was Luis Basualdo a bounder, an adventurer, or merely a dissolute rake and, possibly, a procurer? “Call me what you like,” he shrugged, waving a carefully preserved letter from the Prince of Wales on Sandringham notepaper. “I don’t care. The important thing is that I have avoided boredom, which is the greatest sin...Was Luis Basualdo a bounder, an adventurer, or merely a dissolute rake and, possibly, a procurer? “Call me what you like,” he...
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OBITUARY
Charley Pride
FROM THE ARCHIVE
Wireless telephone to Geneva
OBITUARY
Douglas Matthews
Regular commuters on the Lewes to London Victoria train might have noticed a fellow traveller with papers and cards...Regular commuters on the Lewes to London Victoria train might have noticed a fellow traveller...Regular commuters on the Lewes to London Victoria train might have noticed a fellow traveller...
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LAW REPORT
Challenge to the discretion of a coroner as to form of hearing
Queen’s Bench Division
Published December 14, 2020
Regina (Skelton and another) v Senior Coroner for West Sussex
...Queen’s Bench Division
Published December 14, 2020
Regina (Skelton and another) v Senior...Queen’s Bench Division
Published December 14, 2020
Regina (Skelton and another) v Senior...
WEATHER EYE
A Goldilocks year for sprouts
There is some uplifting news this Christmas, depending on your taste — Britain has a bumper crop of big, high-quality Brussels sprouts nearly ready for Christmas dinners. This has been something of a Goldilocks growing season, when the weather has...There is some uplifting news this Christmas, depending on your taste — Britain has a bumper crop...There is some uplifting news this Christmas, depending on your taste — Britain has a bumper crop...
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Edinburgh close to losing control of infections
Coronavirus risks running out of control in Edinburgh again after cases rose above the World Health Organisation danger zone last week. Six per cent of people tested in Edinburgh were found to have coronavirus, above the 5 per cent level set by the WHO as a warning for when cases are on the verge...Coronavirus risks running out of control in Edinburgh again after cases rose above the World Health Organisation danger zone last week. Six per cent of people tested in Edinburgh were found to have coronavirus, above the 5 per cent level set by the WHO as a warning for when cases are on the verge...Coronavirus risks running out of control in Edinburgh again after cases rose above the World Health Organisation danger zone...
Read the full storycoronavirus
Labour leader backs terminally ill man’s vaccine campaign
A father’s campaign for terminally ill patients to be given priority access to Covid-19 vaccines has been backed by the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Fred Banning, 38, a marketing executive, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February and told that without treatment he could expect to live just nine more months. Mr Banning, who...A father’s campaign for terminally ill patients to be given priority access to Covid-19 vaccines has been backed by the Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. Fred Banning, 38, a marketing executive, was diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February and told that without treatment he could expect to live just nine more months. Mr Banning, who...A father’s campaign for terminally ill patients to be given priority access to Covid-19 vaccines has been backed by the Labour...
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comment
Puberty blockers: are Scottish and English children that different?
At Holyrood last week there was a sighting of that rarest of birds: a good question. Jenny Marra, the Labour MSP, asked Nicola Sturgeon if the Scottish government still believes puberty-blocking drugs should be administered to children, some of them as young as 11, in Scotland. This followed a ruling in the High...At Holyrood last week there was a sighting of that rarest of birds: a good question. Jenny Marra...At Holyrood last week there was a sighting of that rarest of birds: a good question. Jenny Marra...
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Children watch as safari park’s lions kill monkey
A safari park has apologised after visiting families watched an escaped monkey being torn apart by a pride of lions. Children were said to have watched in horror as a barbary macaque broke out of its enclosure at Blair Drummond safari park...A safari park has apologised after visiting families watched an escaped monkey being torn apart...A safari park has apologised after visiting families watched an escaped monkey being torn apart...
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Taxes on rich too low, says quango
A new council tax band targeting Scotland’s most affluent people has been proposed by a government quango. Potential changes are being examined by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC). It also proposes increased levies for...A new council tax band targeting Scotland’s most affluent people has been proposed by a government quango. Potential changes are being examined by the Scottish Land Commission (SLC). It also proposes increased levies for...A new council tax band targeting Scotland’s most affluent people has been proposed by a government quango. Potential...
Read the full storyComment
Brexit fiasco offers SNP taste of things to come
‘Men make history and not the other way around . . . progress occurs when courageous, skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” Thus Harry S Truman. The haberdasher from Independence, Missouri who...‘Men make history and not the other way around . . . progress occurs when courageous, skilful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” Thus Harry S Truman. The haberdasher from Independence, Missouri who...‘Men make history and not the other way around . . . progress occurs when courageous, skilful leaders seize the...
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Football
Lennon’s men take another step in right direction
This is unchartered territory for Celtic in recent times: two wins on the trot. Neil Lennon’s team endured a nervy opening 45 minutes yesterday, in which their old stodgy bluntness returned, before re-emerging to create chance after chance against a Kilmarnock team which, under this onslaught, finally wilted. How much Celtic must have craved this win. Lennon said he...This is unchartered territory for Celtic in recent times: two wins on the trot. Neil Lennon’s...This is unchartered territory for Celtic in recent times: two wins on the trot. Neil Lennon’s...
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football
Gerrard: I didn’t see Morelos elbow
Steven Gerrard has come out in defence of his striker Alfredo Morelos who was accused of trying to elbow an opponent...Steven Gerrard has come out in defence of his striker Alfredo Morelos who was accused of trying to elbow an opponent in yesterday’s victory against Dundee United. The Colombian has improved his discipline this season, but a late challenge on Mark Connolly during the first half of Rangers’ win at Tannadice earned him...Steven Gerrard has come out in defence of his striker Alfredo Morelos who was accused of trying to elbow an opponent in...
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coronavirus
Effect of vaccine ‘won’t be seen for months’
Vaccines won’t have “any positive impact” on the trajectory of Covid-19 for months to come, the deputy chief medical officer has said. Ronan Glynn said: “Ireland is on the cusp of deploying at least two Covid-19 vaccines as part of a national vaccination programme. People should take great...Vaccines won’t have “any positive impact” on the trajectory of Covid-19 for months to come, the deputy chief medical officer has said. Ronan Glynn said: “Ireland is on the cusp of deploying at least two Covid-19 vaccines as part of a national vaccination programme. People should take great...Vaccines won’t have “any positive impact” on the trajectory of Covid-19 for months to come, the deputy chief medical officer...
Read the full storybrexit
Brexit talks entering crucial last mile, says Martin
The taoiseach late last night welcomed the decision by the UK and the EU to continue negotiations as time runs out before the UK leaves the bloc without a deal. Speaking in Cork, Micheál Martin said that the next few days were “crucial”. He said: “The real deadline, of course, is the end of the year when the British government and...The taoiseach late last night welcomed the decision by the UK and the EU to continue negotiations as time runs out before the UK leaves the bloc without a deal. Speaking in Cork, Micheál Martin said that the next few days were “crucial”. He said: “The real deadline, of course, is the end of the year when the British government and...The taoiseach late last night welcomed the decision by the UK and the EU to continue negotiations as time runs out before the...
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Inspector to be disciplined after ‘snorting’ powder in bar
A garda inspector who was recorded by CCTV appearing to snort lines of powder in a Limerick bar is to be disciplined by garda headquarters. A hearing into the officer’s conduct concluded that he breached garda regulations, although the Director of Public Prosecutions ruled that there was insufficient grounds to...A garda inspector who was recorded by CCTV appearing to snort lines of powder in a Limerick bar...A garda inspector who was recorded by CCTV appearing to snort lines of powder in a Limerick bar...
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Comment
Le Carré never forgot which side he was on
Hugo Rifkind
The bestselling author loved to skewer craven establishment figures but always remembered who the good guys were
GILES COREN
Left-wing comedians hide a dirty little secret
LIBBY PURVES
Tory bashers can’t have their cake and eat it
SATHNAM SANGHERA | NOTEBOOK
My Advent calendar didn’t even last a week
MAX HASTINGS
A brighter future can emerge from the gloom
TREVOR PHILLIPS
My old friend is still a shot in the arm at 91
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Gunboat diplomacy and Brexit true believers
PRAVINA RUDRA
We millennials are living proof that social media is toxic
Last week, two related news items appeared on the same day. First, that young people who are unhappy with their...Last week, two related news items appeared on the same day. First, that young people who are...Last week, two related news items appeared on the same day. First, that young people who are...
Read the full storyCORONAVIRUS | HAVE YOUR SAY
Has the pandemic inspired you to change your life?
Even with approved vaccinations and normality in sight, for many people life won’t be the same after the pandemic.Even with approved vaccinations and normality in sight, for many people life won’t be the same...Even with approved vaccinations and normality in sight, for many people life won’t be the same...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
Hearts and Minds
Deradicalisation programmes are no magic bullet in defeating terrorism. Those who seek to destroy western societies need constant vigilance and long imprisonment
Breath of Life
An advanced scheme to test for traffic fumes is a big step in improving air quality
Country Matters
After 70 years on air, the people of Ambridge are attracting competition
RED BOX | DEBORAH MATTINSON
Voters are loyal to Brexit but increasingly anxious about its terms
RED BOX | STUART ANDREW
Today we end the exclusion of gay couples from giving blood
RED BOX | MEGAN KENYON
Direct democracy raises more questions than answers
RED BOX | Lord Skidelsky
Find the new economy or a whole generation will suffer
Readers’ poll
Should the UK make concessions to achieve a trade deal with the EU?
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
US: Electoral College electors meet in their states to vote for president and vice-president on separate ballots and confirm the results of the American presidential election.
UK: Poultry and captive birds must be kept indoors or netted from today, with those responsible also asked to take new biosecurity measures, under new rules aimed at preventing the spread of avian flu after a series of outbreaks.
On this day
In 1542 Mary Stuart, at six days old, became queen of Scotland upon the death of James V, her father; in 1911 Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and four others were the first to reach the geographic South Pole, five weeks ahead of a British team; in 1918 women were entitled to vote in a general election for the first time, provided they were aged over 30 and that either they, or their husband, met a property rule; in 1946 the UN General Assembly voted to establish the UN headquarters in New York City. The first meeting of the assembly had taken place on January 10, 1946 in London.
Nature notes
Professor Yaffle was the name of the bird-shaped bookend in Bagpuss, and “yaffle” is an old country name for the green woodpecker — a perfectly onomatopoeic word for this big, handsome bird’s laughing alarm call. Until ring-necked parakeets became established here in the Seventies, green woodies were the brightest green bird to breed in Britain, though their plumage completely disappears when they are patrolling lawns, meadows or playing fields in search of ants, which they pull out of the soil with sticky, 10cm-long tongues. Their beaks are quite weak, in woodpecker terms, so they tend only to excavate nest holes in softwood trees, and rarely drum to communicate.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Matthew Ball, Royal Ballet principal dancer, 27; Sir Antony Beevor, historian and author, Arnhem: The Battle for the Bridges, 1944 (2018), 74; Koos Bekker, chairman of the technology group Naspers, 68; Theresa Bubbear, UK ambassador to Estonia, 58; Philip Bowman, chief executive, Smiths Group engineering company (2007-15), 68; Nigel Chapman, chairman, Nacro social justice charity, director, BBC World Service (2004-09), 65; James Comey, director of the FBI (2013-17), Saving Justice: Truth, Transparency, and Trust (January 2021), 60; Yuri Fedotov, executive director, UN Office on Drugs and Crime (2010-19), 73; Hartwig Fischer, director of the British Museum, 58; Michèle Flournoy, under-secretary of defence for policy to President Obama, 60; Miranda Hart, comedian and actress, Miranda (2009-15), 48; Stephen Hester, chief executive, RSA Insurance Group, Royal Bank of Scotland (2008-13), 60; Lord (Graham) Kirkham, founder, DFS Furniture, 76; Barbara Leigh-Hunt, actress, Billy Elliot (2000), 85; Lord (Thomas) McAvoy, Labour MP (1987-2010), deputy speaker and shadow chief whip (Lords), 77; Julian Metcalfe, founder, Itsu, and co-founder, Pret a Manger, 61; Yotam Ottolenghi, pictured, food writer and restaurateur, Ottolenghi Flavor: A Cookbook (2020), 52; Michael Ovitz, film executive, co-founder, Creative Artists Agency, president, the Walt Disney Company (1995-97), 74; Michael Owen, footballer, Liverpool (1996-2004), England (1998-2008), 41; Judith Palmer, director, Poetry Society, 55; Mike Scott, musician, founding member of the Waterboys, The Whole of the Moon (1985), 62; Stan Smith, tennis champion, Wimbledon men’s singles winner (1972), 74; Lord (Roger) Swinfen, founder, Swinfen Charitable Trust, 82; Helle Thorning-Schmidt, chief executive, Save the Children International (2017-19), prime minister of Denmark (2011-15), 54.