Head’s husband contacted police over gun licence before ‘murder-suicide’
Concerned Emma Pattison called relative shortly before her death
The husband of Epsom College’s headmistress was in contact with police last week before he is believed to have shot his wife and daughter and turned the weapon on himself, The Times has learnt. Surrey police referred itself to the independent watchdog over the triple shooting of Emma Pattison, 45, her husband George, 39, and daughter Lettie, seven, in the early hours of...The husband of Epsom College’s headmistress was in contact with police last week before he is...The husband of Epsom College’s headmistress was in contact with police last week before he is...
POLITICS
Sunak defends shake-up of top team
liveRishi Sunak today claimed that his reshuffle of ministers and the government departments they run would allow him to...Rishi Sunak today claimed that his reshuffle of ministers and the government departments they run would allow him to deliver on his pledges to turn around the UK economy (writes Oliver Wright). In his first comments since this morning’s shake-up, the prime minister said the new Department for Energy Security and Net...Rishi Sunak today claimed that his reshuffle of ministers and the government departments they run would allow him to deliver on...
exhibition review
Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum — a once in a lifetime experience
UK NEWS
Guitarist’s wife sparks Pink Floyd row over accusations of antisemitism
The wife of Pink Floyd’s guitarist has put another brick in the wall of preventing the influential band’s reunion –...The wife of Pink Floyd’s guitarist has put another brick in the wall of preventing the...The wife of Pink Floyd’s guitarist has put another brick in the wall of preventing the...
COMMENT
I used to like flying budget. Now it feels like theft
It used to be funny. Remember the outrage in 2009 when the Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the airline was looking...It used to be funny. Remember the outrage in 2009 when the Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the...It used to be funny. Remember the outrage in 2009 when the Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said the...
POLITICS
‘Self-indulgent’ gender law puts independence in peril, warns Salmond
Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish independence campaigning over “self-indulgent nonsense” with plans to change the law on gender...Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish independence campaigning over “self-indulgent nonsense” with plans to change the law on gender...Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish...
uk news
Households told energy bills will fall this summer
Consumers will start to see their energy bills fall this summer, two leading economic analysts have said, helping to bring down inflation and reduce pressures on the cost of living. The Resolution Foundation said it expected...Consumers will start to see their energy bills fall this summer, two leading economic analysts have said, helping to bring down inflation and reduce pressures on the cost of living. The Resolution Foundation said it expected...Consumers will start to see their energy bills fall this summer, two leading economic analysts have said, helping to...
TECHNOLOGY
Banks urged to fix online security flaws
video
politics
I will fight on for lower taxes, says Truss
political sketch
Ignorance wasn’t bliss admits plodding Liz
ENTERTAINMENT
BBC apologises for mistaking Beyoncé for Viola Davis
HEALTH
Mobile response teams ease pressure on A&E units
The Royal London hospital in Whitechapel has been experimenting with two alternative models of emergency medicine, in...The Royal London hospital in Whitechapel has been experimenting with two alternative models of...The Royal London hospital in Whitechapel has been experimenting with two alternative models of...
UK NEWS
Imam ‘spread extremism while funded by Prevent’
A charity led by an imam who once voiced support for the Taliban and received nearly £200,000 in Prevent funding will...A charity led by an imam who once voiced support for the Taliban and received nearly £200,000 in...A charity led by an imam who once voiced support for the Taliban and received nearly £200,000 in...
Photography
Sony World Photography Awards
The Sony World Photography Awards has been running for 16 years. Made up of four competitions (professional, open, student and youth), all entries are free and the top prize is $25,000.The Sony World Photography Awards has been running for 16 years. Made up of four competitions...The Sony World Photography Awards has been running for 16 years. Made up of four competitions...
TRANSPORT
Rail fares to fluctuate under airline-style dynamic-pricing trial
Rail fares will fluctuate based on demand, in a similar way to airline tickets, under a trial to be announced by Mark Harper, the transport secretary. Tickets on some London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services will be more or...Rail fares will fluctuate based on demand, in a similar way to airline tickets, under a trial to be announced by Mark Harper, the transport secretary. Tickets on some London North Eastern Railway (LNER) services will be more or...Rail fares will fluctuate based on demand, in a similar way to airline tickets, under a trial to be announced by Mark...
politics
Blunder of bank details published alongside tax returns
SNP officials accidentally revealed Nicola Sturgeon’s bank details as they published her tax returns. Six years of returns going back to 2014 were released on the party website as the first minister urged Rishi Sunak and...SNP officials accidentally revealed Nicola Sturgeon’s bank details as they published her tax returns. Six years of returns going back to 2014 were released on the party website as the first minister urged Rishi Sunak and...SNP officials accidentally revealed Nicola Sturgeon’s bank details as they published her tax returns. Six years of...
the times diary
Feargal stands up for Delilah
PHOTOGRAPHY
News in pictures
For more pictures from The Times follow us on InstagramFor more pictures from The Times follow us on InstagramFor more pictures from The Times follow us on Instagram
EARTHQUAKE
Quake shatters cities built in a hurry during economic boom
The first Majed Abdelnoor knew that something unusual was happening was when his pet canary began banging its head against its cage on Sunday night. It was the bird’s premonition of disaster. More than 5,000 people were killed and 15,000 injured after a 7.8-magnitude earthquake shattered apartment blocks in cities across southern Turkey and northern Syria. Thousands...The first Majed Abdelnoor knew that something unusual was happening was when his pet canary began...The first Majed Abdelnoor knew that something unusual was happening was when his pet canary began...
‘This is a suicide mission’ — the dissident helping Russian soldiers expose war crimes
As Vladimir Osechkin speaks, plain-clothes police officers stand guard, watchful and wary. The Russian dissident has...As Vladimir Osechkin speaks, plain-clothes police officers stand guard, watchful and wary. The Russian dissident has made powerful enemies in Moscow, and he is under no illusions about what would await him if he were seized by Kremlin agents. “They wouldn’t even arrest me. They would just take me immediately to a...As Vladimir Osechkin speaks, plain-clothes police officers stand guard, watchful and wary. The Russian dissident has made...
Swedish police demand tools to fight ‘unprecedented’ gang crime
Swedish police chiefs have warned that crime is hitting “extremely serious and unprecedented” levels after 19 shootings in Stockholm and the surrounding towns since Christmas. Gun violence between gangs competing over the increasingly lucrative...Swedish police chiefs have warned that crime is hitting “extremely serious and unprecedented”...Swedish police chiefs have warned that crime is hitting “extremely serious and unprecedented”...
I drugged and robbed people but I am no killer, insists the Serpent
The French murderer nicknamed the Serpent has admitted to drugging and robbing his victims but denied being a serial...The French murderer nicknamed the Serpent has admitted to drugging and robbing his victims but...The French murderer nicknamed the Serpent has admitted to drugging and robbing his victims but...
Hong Kong Simpsons fans can’t watch China episode
After Marge Simpson decides she wants to buy a “Pedalon” exercise bike, she is delighted to learn that it will let...After Marge Simpson decides she wants to buy a “Pedalon” exercise bike, she is delighted to learn...After Marge Simpson decides she wants to buy a “Pedalon” exercise bike, she is delighted to learn...
ENERGY
Backlash after BP cuts climate targets despite record $28bn profits
BP was at the centre of a political storm after announcing it was scaling back climate change targets despite doubling annual profits to a record $28 billion. The oil giant generated underlying profits of $4.8 billion in the final three months of last year. The figure fell slightly short of...BP was at the centre of a political storm after announcing it was scaling back climate change targets despite doubling annual profits to a record $28 billion. The oil giant generated underlying profits of $4.8 billion in the final three months of last year. The figure fell slightly short of...BP was at the centre of a political storm after announcing it was scaling back climate change targets despite doubling annual...
House prices stabilise after four-month slump
The decline in house prices slowed to a crawl at the start of the year, but a significant correction in the average price of a home is still expected as borrowing costs mount. The typical UK property now costs £281,684, down by just £29 from £281,713 last month, according to figures published by Halifax, Britain’s biggest mortgage lender.The decline in house prices slowed to a crawl at the start of the year, but a significant correction in the average price of a home is still expected as borrowing costs mount. The typical UK property now costs £281,684, down by just £29 from £281,713 last month, according to figures published by Halifax, Britain’s biggest mortgage lender.The decline in house prices slowed to a crawl at the start of the year, but a significant correction in the average price of a...
MPs blast bank bosses for putting profits before savers
The bosses of Britain’s four biggest high street banks have come under fire from MPs for putting their profits before savers by failing to pass on higher interest rates. Senior executives at Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group and NatWest were forced to defend the rates they are paying on deposits during what was...The bosses of Britain’s four biggest high street banks have come under fire from MPs for putting...The bosses of Britain’s four biggest high street banks have come under fire from MPs for putting...
Natural resources
Miner takes $17bn golden shot at buying back Australian business
business commentary
Gigafactory rescuer needs a recharge
Some deals look underpowered. The preferred bidder for the conked-out Britishvolt is another start-up: Australian...Some deals look underpowered. The preferred bidder for the conked-out Britishvolt is another...Some deals look underpowered. The preferred bidder for the conked-out Britishvolt is another...
tempus
Howden wins with joined-up thinking
People usually revamp their homes when they feel confident about their finances and credit conditions are loose. With...People usually revamp their homes when they feel confident about their finances and credit...People usually revamp their homes when they feel confident about their finances and credit...
Sunderland may lose out, Nissan warns
High energy costs and an eroding automotive supply chain in Britain are making Nissan Sunderland, the country’s largest car plant, uncompetitive, the carmaker has admitted. Speaking at the formal unveiling of a reborn alliance between the Japanese company and its longstanding partner, Renault, the French carmaker, executives at Nissan said the Sunderland plant needed...High energy costs and an eroding automotive supply chain in Britain are making Nissan Sunderland...High energy costs and an eroding automotive supply chain in Britain are making Nissan Sunderland...
motoring
Petrolheads give sales of new cars a real jump start
The recovery in the new car market appears to be gaining momentum after the horrors of 2022, when registrations...The recovery in the new car market appears to be gaining momentum after the horrors of 2022, when registrations slumped to a 40-year low. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, new registrations for January totalled 131,000 vehicles, a year-on-year rise of 15 per cent and the sixth...The recovery in the new car market appears to be gaining momentum after the horrors of 2022, when registrations slumped to a...
technology
Vesuvius steps up security after hack
Bankng & finance
Rothschild family moves to take bank private
comment
Liz Truss got a lot wrong, but is right that LDIs amplified market turmoil
The 44-day Liz Truss premiership, the shortest in Downing Street history, is back in the spotlight, and not just...The 44-day Liz Truss premiership, the shortest in Downing Street history, is back in the...The 44-day Liz Truss premiership, the shortest in Downing Street history, is back in the...
comment
Central bankers fail to get message as liquidity flows into stock markets
Last week was book-ended by two stories that dominated the headlines: the International Monetary Fund slashed its...Last week was book-ended by two stories that dominated the headlines: the International Monetary...Last week was book-ended by two stories that dominated the headlines: the International Monetary...
technology
Amazon has big plans for Alexa: is it all talk?
Ask Amazon’s voice assistant what her name is and you get the rap response: “My name is Alexa, and I have to say, I’m the baddest AI in the cloud today. Your responses are fast, but mine are faster. Sucker speech engines, they call me the master.” Baddest AI speech engine she may be, but when Amazon said a job-cutting programme was starting in November last year, 2,000...Ask Amazon’s voice assistant what her name is and you get the rap response: “My name is Alexa...Ask Amazon’s voice assistant what her name is and you get the rap response: “My name is Alexa...
technology
Twitter coming out of red, says Musk
Twitter is on course to come out of the red, Elon Musk has claimed, after the social media group cut thousands of...Twitter is on course to come out of the red, Elon Musk has claimed, after the social media group cut thousands of jobs in an effort to stave off bankruptcy. In an update posted on its platform, the billionaire said the business was “trending to breakeven”, but provided no further details of its financial performance.Twitter is on course to come out of the red, Elon Musk has claimed, after the social media group cut thousands of jobs in an...
technology
Australian start-up named top bidder for Britishvolt
EY is hopeful of completing the sale of Britishvolt, the failed project to build a gigafactory on the Northumbrian...EY is hopeful of completing the sale of Britishvolt, the failed project to build a gigafactory on...EY is hopeful of completing the sale of Britishvolt, the failed project to build a gigafactory on...
MORNING BRIEFING
Ferrexpo firm’s bank accounts frozen
Good morning: The oil giant BP has reported record annual profits of $27.6 billion, boosted by rising oil and gas...Good morning: The oil giant BP has reported record annual profits of $27.6 billion, boosted by...Good morning: The oil giant BP has reported record annual profits of $27.6 billion, boosted by...
CBI leads delegation into India trade talks
The CBI is leading its first delegation to India as it seeks to deepen relations ahead of a trade agreement between the British and Indian governments. The three-day trip began yesterday and involves companies including HSBC, Tide, the mobile...The CBI is leading its first delegation to India as it seeks to deepen relations ahead of a trade...The CBI is leading its first delegation to India as it seeks to deepen relations ahead of a trade...
need to know
Your three-minute digest
football
Threat of sanctions could stop star players joining City
newManchester City’s plans for the summer transfer window could be derailed by the threat of sanctions. The Premier League charged the club with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules on Monday. Sources have told The Times that those charges and their potential repercussions have sparked concern...Manchester City’s plans for the summer transfer window could be derailed by the threat of sanctions. The Premier League charged the club with 115 alleged breaches of financial rules on Monday. Sources have told The Times that those charges and their potential repercussions have sparked concern...Manchester City’s plans for the summer transfer window could be derailed by the threat of sanctions. The Premier League charged...
Rugby union
Borthwick raids Leicester for more England coaches
newEngland have raided the Leicester Tigers coaching set-up again, with Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters to join Steve Borthwick’s management team before the World Cup. England confirmed on Tuesday that Richard Cockerill, the forwards coach, would be leaving the RFU after the Six Nations to take up a position with Montpellier, the French...England have raided the Leicester Tigers coaching set-up again, with Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters to join Steve Borthwick’s management team before the World Cup. England confirmed on Tuesday that Richard Cockerill, the forwards coach, would be leaving the RFU after the Six Nations to take up a position with Montpellier, the French...England have raided the Leicester Tigers coaching set-up again, with Richard Wigglesworth and Aled Walters to join Steve...
CRICKET
Vaughan will be only person charged to appear at racism hearing
Michael Vaughan is the only one of seven individuals charged over the Yorkshire racism scandal who will appear in person at a disciplinary hearing next month after Richard Pyrah, the county’s former assistant coach, became the latest to withdraw. The former players Tim Bresnan and Matthew Hoggard and the former...Michael Vaughan is the only one of seven individuals charged over the Yorkshire racism scandal...Michael Vaughan is the only one of seven individuals charged over the Yorkshire racism scandal...
Cricket | Mike Atherton
Leach: I used to worry but I’m having too much fun now to get ill
SIX NATIONS | stephen jones
To hell with team ethic – individuals like Russell should be lionised
Finn Russell had the Calcutta Cup match on a piece of string at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday. He was consummate...Finn Russell had the Calcutta Cup match on a piece of string at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.Finn Russell had the Calcutta Cup match on a piece of string at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday.
Football | Henry Winter
If City are found guilty, league must make an example of them
Once more unto the breaches, m’learned friends. Time to lawyer up again. Manchester City’s spiky 79-word retort to...Once more unto the breaches, m’learned friends. Time to lawyer up again. Manchester City’s spiky...Once more unto the breaches, m’learned friends. Time to lawyer up again. Manchester City’s spiky...
football | Paul Hirst
Guardiola exit could be just the start in doomsday scenario
Matt Dickinson | Mark Cavendish interview
‘We are at that point when I can stand alone from Merckx’
Super Bowl | Nat Coombs
How Hurts went from college cast-off to Super Bowl star
Six Nations | The Monday Maul
Muddled messages and poor game management – what Borthwick must improve
football
Spurs will not sell Kane to Premier League rival this summer
Harry Kane will need to continue his quest to become the Premier League’s record goalscorer at Tottenham Hotspur as...Harry Kane will need to continue his quest to become the Premier League’s record goalscorer at...Harry Kane will need to continue his quest to become the Premier League’s record goalscorer at...
rugby union | Alex Lowe
England continue to wilt under pressure when it matters
Just as Steve Borthwick was starting to feel like some of his urgent repair work was going to deliver a victory for...Just as Steve Borthwick was starting to feel like some of his urgent repair work was going to...Just as Steve Borthwick was starting to feel like some of his urgent repair work was going to...
football | Martin Hardy
Marsch was given time – but he could never escape Bielsa’s shadow
If it is a show of respect you are after, Angus Kinnear, Leeds’s managing director, and Victor Orta, the sporting director, drove to the training ground on Monday morning to tell Jesse Marsch his time as head coach was over. The powers that be at Leeds United did not want Marsch, 49, to fail, but the meekness of the side’s second-half showing in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat by...If it is a show of respect you are after, Angus Kinnear, Leeds’s managing director, and Victor...If it is a show of respect you are after, Angus Kinnear, Leeds’s managing director, and Victor...
Football
Missing spark and Meslier’s struggles — where things went wrong for Marsch
With the quality in the Premier League, even the worst-performing teams do not appear particularly bad, but Jesse...With the quality in the Premier League, even the worst-performing teams do not appear particularly bad, but Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United never looked particularly good either. Apart from a few brief periods, Marsch’s Leeds typically conceded better quality chances than they created. Leeds are not unique in this, but...With the quality in the Premier League, even the worst-performing teams do not appear particularly bad, but Jesse Marsch’s...
Super Bowl | Paddy von Behr
How surprise keg of beer put Kelce brothers on Super Bowl collision course
rugby union
‘We must stare down the barrel to see how we went wrong’
If Steve Borthwick inherited an England team that “weren’t good at anything”, as he said after Saturday’s defeat by...If Steve Borthwick inherited an England team that “weren’t good at anything”, as he said after...If Steve Borthwick inherited an England team that “weren’t good at anything”, as he said after...
Football | Martin Samuel
Too clever by half? Sometimes, but at least Pep does it his way
This may seem a strange time to come with praise for Pep Guardiola. After all, he blew it. Well, first Arsenal blew...This may seem a strange time to come with praise for Pep Guardiola. After all, he blew it. Well...This may seem a strange time to come with praise for Pep Guardiola. After all, he blew it. Well...
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
Times Sport Unseen: From Newbold on Avon to Twickenham and a special day for Kane
I have enjoyed the many miles while covering the very top and bottom of our sporting pyramid for Unseen. From Maldon & Tiptree FC, playing in the Isthmian League North, to Manchester City against Arsenal in the FA Cup, and also history being...I have enjoyed the many miles while covering the very top and bottom of our sporting pyramid for...I have enjoyed the many miles while covering the very top and bottom of our sporting pyramid for...
HEALTH
Ditch the treadmill — do this instead
Working up a sweat is good for you, but if you then pamper yourself, the benefits are even greater. By Peta Bee
RELATIONSHIPS
Why I’d use the ‘TripAdvisor for online dating’
Shocked by the Facebook group Are We Dating the Same Guy? Don’t be — it’s great for women. By Olivia Petter
HEALTH
Which household task burns the most calories?
New research has shown just how much exercise domestic chores involve. Here’s where to start
DR MARK PORTER
Boost your sex drive with kisspeptin? There’s more to it than that
Tackling low libido isn’t solely about medication, even a Viagra-type blockbuster
HEALTH
I tried the new test for long Covid
Francesca Steele suffered fatigue and flu symptoms for a year after she had coronavirus. Now she’s taken a new private blood test, what would her diagnosis be?
exhibition review
Vermeer at the Rijksmuseum — a once in a lifetime experience
interview | Simone Ashley
‘We did all our Bridgerton sex scenes in one week. It’s a lot…’
MUSIC
Who runs the world? Still Beyoncé
It was a big moment, despite being announced by James Corden. “This is an honour,” Corden said, turning the...It was a big moment, despite being announced by James Corden. “This is an honour,” Corden said...It was a big moment, despite being announced by James Corden. “This is an honour,” Corden said...
ROBERT CRAMPTON
Avocado rotation is not a bad idea — just don’t get a servant to do it for you
I’m glad that Hazel Settas, former housekeeper to the Tory MP Jonathan Djanogly, got her £886 in unpaid wages after...I’m glad that Hazel Settas, former housekeeper to the Tory MP Jonathan Djanogly, got her £886 in...I’m glad that Hazel Settas, former housekeeper to the Tory MP Jonathan Djanogly, got her £886 in...
first night | pop
Mogwai — my ears are still ringing
Garage, N5
★★★★☆
Well, this was one way to blow off the February cobwebs: a room of intense middle-aged men watching five other intense middle-aged men cranking out super-heavy distorted instrumentals like workers operating industrial machinery. At their fiercest Mogwai made Jesus and Mary Chain, their fellow Glaswegian noise merchants, sound like the Carpenters. On songs such...★★★★☆
Well, this was one way to blow off the February cobwebs: a room of intense middle-aged...★★★★☆
Well, this was one way to blow off the February cobwebs: a room of intense middle-aged...
first night | theatre
Linck and Mülhahn — love, trans rights and punk in 18th-century Saxony
★★☆☆☆
We’re passing through a phase where dramatists addressing the question of gender identity seem to place...★★☆☆☆
We’re passing through a phase where dramatists addressing the question of gender identity seem to place uplift above all else. This is not a healthy trend. Fist-clenching activists may be happy enough; the rest of us are left starved of subtlety and insight. The last time the young writer and actress...★★☆☆☆
We’re passing through a phase where dramatists addressing the question of gender identity seem to place uplift above...
FIRST LOOK | GAMING
Hogwarts Legacy — long-awaited Potter game doesn’t cast a spell
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
★★☆☆☆
Fans who grew up with the Harry Potter franchise will have spent their younger years imagining what it would be like to run wild in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But despite dominating the literary and cinematic landscapes, the Potter universe has never quite translated to the gaming arena, where titles have failed to capture the desire of fans...★★☆☆☆
Fans who grew up with the Harry Potter franchise will have spent their younger...★★☆☆☆
Fans who grew up with the Harry Potter franchise will have spent their younger...
critics' choice
The best classical concerts and opera: our reviews
updatedHere are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll update...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll update the list each Tuesday, so make sure you save this page. We’ll also point out when you can catch up with further performances or on-demand streams of these events. Feel free to join in the conversation...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll update the list...
FIRST NIGHT | WORLD MUSIC
Jerusalem Orchestra East & West — a rich Israeli blend
★★★★☆
In the four decades that the Barbican has mounted shows, its concert stage can rarely have hosted such a...★★★★☆
In the four decades that the Barbican has mounted shows, its concert stage can rarely...★★★★☆
In the four decades that the Barbican has mounted shows, its concert stage can rarely...
first night | dance
Swan Lake — a classic production with a tender heroine
★★★★☆
Death and undying love are at the forefront of the veteran British choreographer Peter Wright’s enduring...★★★★☆
Death and undying love are at the forefront of the veteran British choreographer...★★★★☆
Death and undying love are at the forefront of the veteran British choreographer...
Julia Samuel
Dear Julia: how do I deal with impostor syndrome?
The psychotherapist addresses your dilemmas
Fashion
Loro Piana’s waterproof cashmere
Anna Murphy is completely sold on the brand’s latest functional fashion
Jewellery
The rare beauty of a heart-shaped gem
It is the trickiest shape to cut, but when it is done well, nothing can beat this ultimate love token
Caribbean
The most heavenly beach spa in St Barts
The Eden Rock hotel has been hosting beautiful people since the Fifties, and now its spa has had a facelift too
FILM
Are these the best 40 horror films ever made?
Everyone loves a good scare — and the power to visualise nightmares is one of the distinctive strengths of cinema. Film-makers have many ways to give us the heebie-jeebies — from subtle spookiness to grisly violence (and not forgetting that old...Everyone loves a good scare — and the power to visualise nightmares is one of the distinctive...Everyone loves a good scare — and the power to visualise nightmares is one of the distinctive...
Muck, mayhem and ding-dongs with the locals — Clarkson’s Farm returns
There’s a chill in the Cotswolds air as Jeremy Clarkson steers his Range Rover slowly along a rutted track on his...There’s a chill in the Cotswolds air as Jeremy Clarkson steers his Range Rover slowly along a...There’s a chill in the Cotswolds air as Jeremy Clarkson steers his Range Rover slowly along a...
HEALTH
Britain’s teen mental health crisis: diary of a psychiatric nurse
Jack, the introverted, unusually sweet-mannered son of teachers, shrugs a signature shrug and says nothing. But is...Jack, the introverted, unusually sweet-mannered son of teachers, shrugs a signature shrug and...Jack, the introverted, unusually sweet-mannered son of teachers, shrugs a signature shrug and...
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
1 How many months of the year have 30 days? 2 Which zodiac sign is represented by the ram? 3 In 1971, East Pakistan became which independent nation, whose name means “country of Bengal”? 4 Which 1960s TV show featured the character Brains aka...1 How many months of the year have 30 days? 2 Which zodiac sign is represented by the ram? 3 In...1 How many months of the year have 30 days? 2 Which zodiac sign is represented by the ram? 3 In...
USA
The unexpected arty side to Las Vegas
Forget the slots and blackjack tables, the art scene in ‘Sin City’ is as arresting as its bright lights
USA
Forget New York — is this America’s best-value city break?
With excellent museums and new budget flights, this US city on the east coast is giving the Big Apple a run for its money
COMMENT
I used to like flying budget. Now it feels like theft
As airlines reveal record revenue from extras such as baggage fees and seat selection, we ask: is the golden era of cheap flights over?
BIG WEEKEND
Sarajevo city guide: the ultimate weekend
Sasha Nugara finds history and hope in the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Down’s syndrome didn’t stop my sister from travelling – she’s inspired me to volunteer
Travelling with a group of adults with additional needs on a trip to Provence, our writer finds there’s as much in it for the volunteers as the guests
Aviation
The hacks you need to know to beat the baggage tax
Booking a holiday should be a joyful occasion, but every experienced traveller dreads the “checkout” stage of buying...Booking a holiday should be a joyful occasion, but every experienced traveller dreads the...Booking a holiday should be a joyful occasion, but every experienced traveller dreads the...
FRANCE
Why Hôtel Dame des Arts is causing a stir in Paris
exclusiveHotels don’t normally come with health warnings — but the people at Hôtel Dame des Arts, the new arrival on Paris’s...Hotels don’t normally come with health warnings — but the people at Hôtel Dame des Arts, the new...Hotels don’t normally come with health warnings — but the people at Hôtel Dame des Arts, the new...
from the archive
Evidence of a youthful pharaoh in ancient Egypt
announcements
Births, marriages and deaths
SARAH said, “God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with me.” Then she added...SARAH said, “God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with...SARAH said, “God has brought me joy and laughter. Everyone who hears about it will laugh with...
Court Circular
February 6, 2023
St James’s Palace
6th February, 2023
The Earl of Wessex, President, and The Countess of Wessex, Royal Vice...St James’s Palace
6th February, 2023
The Earl of Wessex, President, and The Countess of...St James’s Palace
6th February, 2023
The Earl of Wessex, President, and The Countess of...
Your weekday brain boost
Every Monday to Thursday, a printable page of extra puzzles
POLITICS
‘Self-indulgent’ gender law puts independence in peril, warns Salmond
Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish independence campaigning over “self-indulgent nonsense” with plans to change the law on gender self-identification. His criticism comes as Scotland’s first minister described the...Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish independence campaigning over “self-indulgent nonsense” with plans to change the law on gender self-identification. His criticism comes as Scotland’s first minister described the...Alex Salmond, the former Scottish first minister, has accused Nicola Sturgeon of “throwing away” 30 years of Scottish...
Union confirms strike action stretching up to pupils’ exams
updatedSchool pupils’ qualifications are under threat after Scotland’s biggest teaching union confirmed an escalation of strike action right up to exam time. The Educational Institute of Scotland has announced another 20 days of rolling strike action ending April 21, on top of the two national strikes on February 28 and March 1. Additional...School pupils’ qualifications are under threat after Scotland’s biggest teaching union confirmed an escalation of strike action right up to exam time. The Educational Institute of Scotland has announced another 20 days of rolling strike action ending April 21, on top of the two national strikes on February 28 and March 1. Additional...School pupils’ qualifications are under threat after Scotland’s biggest teaching union confirmed an escalation of strike action...
Leave singing to the actors, audience at hit musical told
Rowdy theatre-goers have been interrupting performances of the hit musical The Bodyguard by attempting to “outsing” professionals on stage. The King’s Theatre in Glasgow issued a strongly worded statement in an attempt to crack down on antisocial behaviour in the audience. It hosted a series of shows based on the...Rowdy theatre-goers have been interrupting performances of the hit musical The Bodyguard by...Rowdy theatre-goers have been interrupting performances of the hit musical The Bodyguard by...
leading article
Rough Measures
The problem with a government that has no close links to the business world is that it loses touch with economic...The problem with a government that has no close links to the business world is that it loses...The problem with a government that has no close links to the business world is that it loses...
david cabrelli | comment
Wage erosion is the forgotten factor in cost of living crisis
In the discussion of Britain’s cost of living crisis, the impact of long-term pay erosion in the UK has been largely...In the discussion of Britain’s cost of living crisis, the impact of long-term pay erosion in the...In the discussion of Britain’s cost of living crisis, the impact of long-term pay erosion in the...
Football
Wilder linked to Aberdeen job but Robson is safe pair of hands for now
newIt is now just over a fortnight since Dave Cormack, the Aberdeen chairman, announced that Jim Goodwin was keeping his job in the wake of the Darvel debacle. This preposterously precarious state of affairs held until tea-time on the Saturday, when Goodwin was seen scurrying out of Easter Road after a 6-0 drubbing by Hibernian. With Barry Robson already on the premises...It is now just over a fortnight since Dave Cormack, the Aberdeen chairman, announced that Jim...It is now just over a fortnight since Dave Cormack, the Aberdeen chairman, announced that Jim...
Football
Rangers reaping benefits of their marriage made in heaven
It didn’t take a genius to work out that Rangers would be better with Connor Goldson back in the side. After he was...It didn’t take a genius to work out that Rangers would be better with Connor Goldson back in the side. After he was injured against Liverpool in October, the centre half missed 10 matches, only half of which they won. It cost Giovanni van Bronckhorst his job, and it has probably cost them the Premiership title. A...It didn’t take a genius to work out that Rangers would be better with Connor Goldson back in the side. After he was injured...
Rugby Union
Brown’s joy after history repeats itself
Football
Former Scotland goalkeeper Thomson dies aged 64
Billy Thomson was tall, blond and seemingly ageless. The remarkable longevity of his career as a goalkeeper and then a specialist coach said it all about his talent, professionalism and dedication, and the reaction yesterday to the announcement of...Billy Thomson was tall, blond and seemingly ageless. The remarkable longevity of his career as a...Billy Thomson was tall, blond and seemingly ageless. The remarkable longevity of his career as a...
Comment
Johnson and Truss should fess up to failure
William Hague
Leaders who deny any culpability in their own downfall have a corrosive effect on their party and the wider electorate
Hugo Rifkind
Raab may be unpleasant, but so what?
giles coren
If Trevelyan finds another £10k, I’ll keep shtoom
Theodore Agnew and Margaret Hodge
We must hit back against oligarchs
SARA TOR
I was in Turkey when the earthquake struck — the mental aftershock will be felt by all of us
Melanie Phillips
Spielberg knows a child needs two parents
In her campaign to highlight the importance of early childhood, the Princess of Wales has been stressing how problems such as addiction, poor mental health and homelessness can be traced back to very young children’s experiences. These are crucial...In her campaign to highlight the importance of early childhood, the Princess of Wales has been...In her campaign to highlight the importance of early childhood, the Princess of Wales has been...
Leading Articles
Healthy Alternatives
Giving in to pay demands by striking workers would undermine the fight against inflation and do little to help restore the NHS to fitness
Good Sports
The Premier League has shown that football can regulate itself
Deep Water
The decline of the local swimming pool is a source of civic concern
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Artificial intelligence and the future of jobs
Sir, Tom Whipple’s weekend essay “The future is AI — but will it allow humans to play a part?” and your news story “We’re in an arms race with AI, says Cambridge education chief“ (Feb 4) must be the impetus government needs to take AI far...Sir, Tom Whipple’s weekend essay “The future is AI — but will it allow humans to play a part?...Sir, Tom Whipple’s weekend essay “The future is AI — but will it allow humans to play a part?...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: RCN nurses strike in England; National Institute of Economic and Social Research publishes quarterly forecast for the UK and global economies; BP publishes results.
On this day
In 1845 a drunken visitor smashed the prized Portland vase (a Roman two-handled glass amphora) on display in the British Museum. The vase was restored; in 1863 HMS Orpheus was wrecked off the coast of New Zealand with the loss of 189 lives, during the New Zealand Wars; in 1878 Pope Pius IX died aged 85, after the longest verified papal reign (from June 16, 1846). The dogma of papal infallibility (1870) is a key milestone; in 1940 Walt Disney’s film Pinocchio premiered in New York City. Only after re-release in 1945 did the Oscar-winning film make a profit; in 1964 the Beatles arrived in New York City at the start of their first US tour, greeted by 3,000 screaming fans.
Nature Notes
In the lowest, wettest corner of a low, wet field, a pair of curlews were hunting for worms. Their large, beautifully patterned bodies seemed to float on long legs, their downcurved beaks held ready to strike. They might have been UK residents, though our curlew numbers are swelled in winter by birds arriving from Scandinavia to escape harsh conditions there. Having suffered steep declines, curlews are now on the Red List of the UK’s Birds of Conservation Concern, their haunting, bubbling cries no longer a familiar sound on upland landscapes in summer, where they go to breed.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Garth Brooks, country musician, 61; Stuart Burrows, tenor, best known for singing Mozartian opera, 90; Nicholas Collon, conductor, founder and principal conductor, Aurora Orchestra, 40; Steph Cook, pentathlete, Olympic gold medallist (2000), 51; Kevin Crossley-Holland, poet and children’s fiction writer, the Arthurian trilogy (2000-03), 82; Gerald Davies, rugby union player, Wales (1966-78), president, Welsh Rugby Union, 78; Prof Martin Daunton, economic historian, master, Trinity Hall, Cambridge (2004-14), 74; Karen Joy Fowler, novelist, We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves (2013), Booth (2022), 73; Pierre Gasly, racing driver, Formula One team Alpine, 27; Sir Donald Insall, conservation architect, 97; Eddie Izzard, entertainer, writer and fundraising marathon runner, 61; Peter Jay, broadcaster, economics editor, The Times (1967-77), ambassador to the US (1977-79), 86; Cliff Jones, footballer, Tottenham Hotspur (1958-68) and Wales (1954-69), 88; Ashton Kutcher, actor, No Strings Attached (2011), Two and A Half Men (2011-15), 45; Terry Marsh, boxer, an undefeated world champion in the light-welterweight division, 65; Ray Mears, explorer, bushcraft expert, broadcaster, Wild Australia with Ray Mears (2016), 59; Kristin Otto, swimmer, six-time Olympic gold medallist (1988), 57; Brian Patten, Liverpudlian poet, co-author of The Mersey Sound (1967), 77; David Pipe, racehorse trainer, 50; Matt Ridley, Viscount Ridley, author, Viral: The Search for the Origin of Covid-19 (2021, co-authored), and Times columnist, 65; Chris Rock, comedian and actor, 58; James Spader, actor, Stargate (1994), The Blacklist (2013-22), 63; Crispin Truman, chief executive, The Rayne Foundation, Campaign to Protect Rural England (2017-22), 59; Pippa Wilson, sailor, Olympic gold medallist (2008), 37; Oliver Zipse, chairman, BMW Group, 59.