The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Conservative groups raise prospect of ‘de facto parallel province’
newThe Church of England could be forced to create a new archbishop to cater to conservatives if efforts to prevent a split over the blessing of same-sex partnerships fails. The Rev Canon John Dunnett, director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), an influential conservative group...The Church of England could be forced to create a new archbishop to cater to conservatives if efforts to prevent a split over the blessing of same-sex partnerships fails. The Rev Canon John Dunnett, director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC), an influential conservative group...The Church of England could be forced to create a new archbishop to cater to conservatives if efforts to prevent a split over...
More than 10,000 serving sailors, soldiers and aviators cannot go to war because they have been declared medically unfit, it can be revealed. In addition, nearly 15,000 troops can only be deployed if the mission meets certain criteria, such as the weather is not too hot or too cold and they are not exposed to noise. Overall, one fifth of...More than 10,000 serving sailors, soldiers and aviators cannot go to war because they have been declared medically unfit, it can be revealed. In addition, nearly 15,000 troops can only be deployed if the mission meets certain criteria, such as the weather is not too hot or too cold and they are not exposed to noise. Overall, one fifth of...More than 10,000 serving sailors, soldiers and aviators cannot go to war because they have been declared medically unfit, it...
Given that Christopher Nolan already has half of Hollywood waiting to work on his projects, it is just as well that his next film should have enough roles to satisfy stars of all shapes and sizes. There’ll be cannibalistic Laestrygonians, a witch-goddess called Circe … and keep an eye out for who gets cast as a...Given that Christopher Nolan already has half of Hollywood waiting to work on his projects, it is...Given that Christopher Nolan already has half of Hollywood waiting to work on his projects, it is...
FIRST PERSON
My mother had me when she was 42 years old. It was 1999, and the average age of a first-time mother was 26. Growing...My mother had me when she was 42 years old. It was 1999, and the average age of a first-time...My mother had me when she was 42 years old. It was 1999, and the average age of a first-time...
The traditional Christmas is under dire threat from Gen Z, the cohort aged between 12 and 27. Just about every...The traditional Christmas is under dire threat from Gen Z, the cohort aged between 12 and 27.The traditional Christmas is under dire threat from Gen Z, the cohort aged between 12 and 27.
photography
Fifty years ago, a year of economic, social and political turbulence was drawing to an end. Two general elections, a hung parliament, three-day weeks, the miners’ strike, high inflation and energy shortages were not the ideal preparation for a...Fifty years ago, a year of economic, social and political turbulence was drawing to an end. Two...Fifty years ago, a year of economic, social and political turbulence was drawing to an end. Two...
The new Tory leader says she will not rush out policies and urges voters to trust her
The prime minister agrees with Zelensky that ‘refining’ the offer of training is important as the embattled country struggles to recruit fighters
Campaigners warn that Islamophobia is being ‘deployed as a strategic manoeuvre’ to reintroduce prohibitions that were abolished more than a decade ago
Women’s charities have warned Sir Keir Starmer that the rise in employers’ contributions will have ‘dire consequences’ for their services
Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok will be encouraged to use “highly accurate” facial recognition checks to...Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok will be encouraged to use “highly accurate” facial...Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok will be encouraged to use “highly accurate” facial...
The human brain processes thoughts millions of times more slowly than the rate information is transmitted over the...The human brain processes thoughts millions of times more slowly than the rate information is...The human brain processes thoughts millions of times more slowly than the rate information is...
A generation of children are at risk of losing their connection to British culture, a BBC programming chief has warned. Patricia Hidalgo, director of children’s and education at the BBC, has raised concerns about the decline in programming for...A generation of children are at risk of losing their connection to British culture, a BBC...A generation of children are at risk of losing their connection to British culture, a BBC...
Kim Jong-un also planning to send more troops, says South Korea
North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers and weapons to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, military officials in Seoul said on Monday. Pyongyang has already sent rocket-launchers and howitzers, but it is preparing to produce more kamikaze “suicide” drones for Russia after Kim Jong-un...North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers and weapons to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, military officials in Seoul said on Monday. Pyongyang has already sent rocket-launchers and howitzers, but it is preparing to produce more kamikaze “suicide” drones for Russia after Kim Jong-un...North Korea is preparing to send more soldiers and weapons to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine, military officials in...
Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s first choice for attorney-general, “regularly” paid multiple women for sex, including a minor, and purchased drugs illegally, according to a report by congressional investigators. The former congressman from Florida paid $90,000 to 12 different women for sex and drugs, the House of Representatives ethics committee...Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s first choice for attorney-general, “regularly” paid multiple women for sex, including a minor, and purchased drugs illegally, according to a report by congressional investigators. The former congressman from Florida paid $90,000 to 12 different women for sex and drugs, the House of Representatives ethics committee...Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump’s first choice for attorney-general, “regularly” paid multiple women for sex, including a minor, and...
DISPATCH FROM IDLIB
After three years of looking for hidden explosives in Syria, Lama al-Haj Kadour doesn’t even flinch when the explosion reverberates around Arbaeen Mountain. About ten miles south of the city of Idlib, the mother of three has been called to attend to the legacy of Bashar al-Assad’s brutal rule in what was once a...After three years of looking for hidden explosives in Syria, Lama al-Haj Kadour doesn’t even...After three years of looking for hidden explosives in Syria, Lama al-Haj Kadour doesn’t even...
video
Polling puts party’s Alice Weidel as favourite for chancellorship
The leader of the German radical right has called for a “time of reckoning” as her party sought to capitalise on the Magdeburg Christmas market attack with a mass rally outside the city’s cathedral. Last Friday evening a man identified by the authorities as Taleb Jawad al-Abdulmohsen, 50, a psychiatrist from Saudi Arabia, drove a rented BMW X5 4×4 into a crowd largely...The leader of the German radical right has called for a “time of reckoning” as her party sought...The leader of the German radical right has called for a “time of reckoning” as her party sought...
The German authorities are under pressure to explain why a doctor accused of murdering a child and four women with a...The German authorities are under pressure to explain why a doctor accused of murdering a child and four women with a car at a Christmas market was not stopped despite being well known to police. Taleb al-Abdulmohsen’s criminal record, including a 2013 conviction for threatening acts of violence, recent online...The German authorities are under pressure to explain why a doctor accused of murdering a child and four women with a car at a...
When a young American professor named Eugene Parker theorised in 1958 that the sun emitted a solar wind, peers scoffed that it was “utter nonsense” and suggested that he went to a library to improve his knowledge. On Tuesday, 66 years after he was...When a young American professor named Eugene Parker theorised in 1958 that the sun emitted a...When a young American professor named Eugene Parker theorised in 1958 that the sun emitted a...
President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row, sparing them from...President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row...President Biden has commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row...
A Texas congresswoman who has been absent from Capitol Hill over recent months has been tracked down at a care home...A Texas congresswoman who has been absent from Capitol Hill over recent months has been tracked...A Texas congresswoman who has been absent from Capitol Hill over recent months has been tracked...
In March 1962 John F Kennedy, seeking refuge from the rigours of the presidency, took a break at Bing Crosby’s home in the California desert. While the first lady, Jackie, was on an ambassadorial holiday in India and Pakistan, JFK, a statesman...In March 1962 John F Kennedy, seeking refuge from the rigours of the presidency, took a break at...In March 1962 John F Kennedy, seeking refuge from the rigours of the presidency, took a break at...
Housebuilder’s shares drop sharply on last day of trading before Christmas after delays knock £50m off guidance for annual profits
Vistry, the embattled FTSE 250 housebuilder, has issued its third profit warning in three months, blaming delays to transactions and the completion of homes. The builder said it now expected 2024 adjusted pre-tax profit to be £50 million lower than previously guided at £250 million. Shares in the...Vistry, the embattled FTSE 250 housebuilder, has issued its third profit warning in three months, blaming delays to transactions and the completion of homes. The builder said it now expected 2024 adjusted pre-tax profit to be £50 million lower than previously guided at £250 million. Shares in the...Vistry, the embattled FTSE 250 housebuilder, has issued its third profit warning in three months, blaming delays to...
Windward, the maritime analytics company chaired by the former BP boss Lord Browne of Madingley, has become the latest Aim-listed company to leave London. It has been sold for £216 million to an American private equity-owned fund that values the shares at 215p each, a 47 per cent premium to the closing price on Monday and 39 per cent above...Windward, the maritime analytics company chaired by the former BP boss Lord Browne of Madingley, has become the latest Aim-listed company to leave London. It has been sold for £216 million to an American private equity-owned fund that values the shares at 215p each, a 47 per cent premium to the closing price on Monday and 39 per cent above...Windward, the maritime analytics company chaired by the former BP boss Lord Browne of Madingley, has become the latest...
Retailers in Britain have warned of price rises and shop closures after enduring “disastrous” Christmas trading as households battle with cost of living pressures, data suggests. Early evidence of the performance of UK retail in the final full week of trading before Christmas shows that retail footfall was down 11.4...Retailers in Britain have warned of price rises and shop closures after enduring “disastrous”...Retailers in Britain have warned of price rises and shop closures after enduring “disastrous”...
MEHREEN KHAN
It has been a year of electoral anti-incumbency, revolutions, war and a global economy that survived a few market...It has been a year of electoral anti-incumbency, revolutions, war and a global economy that...It has been a year of electoral anti-incumbency, revolutions, war and a global economy that...
Carlos Ghosn, the fugitive former boss of Nissan, has said the car manufacturer’s pursuit of a deal with Honda shows...Carlos Ghosn, the fugitive former boss of Nissan, has said the car manufacturer’s pursuit of a...Carlos Ghosn, the fugitive former boss of Nissan, has said the car manufacturer’s pursuit of a...
Management
Trading Conditions
Entrepreneurs on the Times/Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses programme discuss the challenges of trading with Europe and the impact of Brexit
Comment
Brands can use TikTok to reach millions of shoppers during the holidays, but they need to do it right
how i made it
Tom Whittle’s company puts on events for beers, spirits and energy drinks — but it had to pivot when Covid hit
Sustainability
RECRUITMENT
With a 33% growth in the past year, the demand for corporate investigators is soaring. Here’s how to get into the industry
Saying you’re employed as an “investigator” conjures up images of sleuths lurking in the shadows, but the new breed of corporate investigator is one of the UK’s fastest-growing professional careers. The incoming 2025 introduction of the new “failure to prevent fraud” offence — which will hold large firms to account if they profit from fraud committed by their employees...Saying you’re employed as an “investigator” conjures up images of sleuths lurking in the shadows...Saying you’re employed as an “investigator” conjures up images of sleuths lurking in the shadows...
SIX FROM THE BEST
It’s the busiest week of the year for jewellery sales. Anna Blackburn, managing director of the family-owned retailer...It’s the busiest week of the year for jewellery sales. Anna Blackburn, managing director of the family-owned retailer Beaverbrooks, began her career on the shopfloor at its Trafford Centre store in Manchester 26 years ago and is the first female, non-family member to lead the chain. Here, she shares her pearls of...It’s the busiest week of the year for jewellery sales. Anna Blackburn, managing director of the family-owned retailer...
The club are on course to record their worst Premier League finish, the eighth place they came under Erik ten Hag in May
newRuben Amorim thinks that Manchester United are facing one of the “lowest moments” in their history as he attempts to revive his faltering club. United face a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day after a disastrous home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday left them 13th in the Premier League.Ruben Amorim thinks that Manchester United are facing one of the “lowest moments” in their history as he attempts to revive his faltering club. United face a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day after a disastrous home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday left them 13th in the Premier League.Ruben Amorim thinks that Manchester United are facing one of the “lowest moments” in their history as he attempts to revive his...
Ange Postecoglou insisted that his Tottenham Hotspur players still believe in his attacking playing style and said his detractors simply want to “poke the bear” with their criticism of him. Tottenham have conceded 13 goals in their last three home matches and, with the team dealing with significant defensive injuries, Postecoglou has faced...Ange Postecoglou insisted that his Tottenham Hotspur players still believe in his attacking playing style and said his detractors simply want to “poke the bear” with their criticism of him. Tottenham have conceded 13 goals in their last three home matches and, with the team dealing with significant defensive injuries, Postecoglou has faced...Ange Postecoglou insisted that his Tottenham Hotspur players still believe in his attacking playing style and said his...
INTERVIEW
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso cannot quite comprehend what has happened to him in 2024 either. “It’s been the best year of my life. Unbelievable,” the 22-year-old Exeter Chiefs wing says. “I don’t know how it’s going to be topped.” He is more assured than when he catapulted himself into the public consciousness during the...Immanuel Feyi-Waboso cannot quite comprehend what has happened to him in 2024 either. “It’s been...Immanuel Feyi-Waboso cannot quite comprehend what has happened to him in 2024 either. “It’s been...
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior figures at Manchester United will leave the decision over Marcus Rashford’s future at the club completely in the hands of the head coach Ruben Amorim. The England forward was left out of United’s match-day squad for the third consecutive game as they suffered a shock 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth on Sunday. Amorim insisted before...Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior figures at Manchester United will leave the decision over...Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior figures at Manchester United will leave the decision over...
Manchester United’s problems are mounting off the pitch after mice droppings were found at Old Trafford by a hygiene...Manchester United’s problems are mounting off the pitch after mice droppings were found at Old Trafford by a hygiene inspector. A routine inspection at the stadium found the animal droppings last month, which has resulted in their hygiene rating plummeting from four stars to two. A year ago United proudly boasted...Manchester United’s problems are mounting off the pitch after mice droppings were found at Old Trafford by a hygiene inspector.
ian hawkey
Fingers crossed in the Kane household over the festive period. As long as Erling Haaland stays lonely and unserved by...Fingers crossed in the Kane household over the festive period. As long as Erling Haaland stays...Fingers crossed in the Kane household over the festive period. As long as Erling Haaland stays...
Women’s ashes
The 20-year-old Surrey seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay has been handed a maiden call-up for the Ashes, which has drawn...The 20-year-old Surrey seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay has been handed a maiden call-up for the Ashes...The 20-year-old Surrey seamer Ryana MacDonald-Gay has been handed a maiden call-up for the Ashes...
World Darts Championship
The first half of the World Darts Championship is complete. All 96 players have come and in many cases gone before Christmas. When the field returns from December 27 for the third round, they will whittle themselves down to a champion over the...The first half of the World Darts Championship is complete. All 96 players have come and in many...The first half of the World Darts Championship is complete. All 96 players have come and in many...
2024 in review
The history books will show Lewis Hamilton’s final grand prix victory for Mercedes was in Belgium. That win — his 84th for the team — may count as Hamilton’s, but he did not stand on the top step of the podium and proudly hold the trophy aloft.The history books will show Lewis Hamilton’s final grand prix victory for Mercedes was in Belgium.The history books will show Lewis Hamilton’s final grand prix victory for Mercedes was in Belgium.
Devoted husband, feminist, former porn addict … the actor accused by Blake Lively of ungallant conduct struck Andrew Billen as protesting too much
FIRST PERSON
Having an older parent is a gift, but it also means facing their mortality sooner
review
They were the antithesis of toxic masculinity and had no problem saying they loved each other
The young folk are abandoning age-old rituals and foods in favour of their own ways of celebrating
CHRISTMAS VIEWING GUIDE
The number of truly great movies this year — from Anora to The Zone of Interest — was as high as anyone could wish for.The number of truly great movies this year — from Anora to The Zone of Interest — was as high as...The number of truly great movies this year — from Anora to The Zone of Interest — was as high as...
It’s 7pm on a Thursday night in Soho and there is a queue of at least 50 people waiting in the dark on the corner of...It’s 7pm on a Thursday night in Soho and there is a queue of at least 50 people waiting in the...It’s 7pm on a Thursday night in Soho and there is a queue of at least 50 people waiting in the...
review | Folklore
It’s sad when traditions disappear. Especially the Christmas traditions. I mean, whatever happened to Bloody Lucy, who, according to folklore, flies from house to house on December 13 at the head of a cavalcade of ghosts, devouring the food left...It’s sad when traditions disappear. Especially the Christmas traditions. I mean, whatever...It’s sad when traditions disappear. Especially the Christmas traditions. I mean, whatever...
first night review
your money matters
VIEWING GUIDE
It’s the most wonderful time of the year for television, but with so much in the schedules this 14-day guide is an essential companion. Every day we have the best shows, an expanded film selection, great streaming choices and the finest radio and...It’s the most wonderful time of the year for television, but with so much in the schedules this...It’s the most wonderful time of the year for television, but with so much in the schedules this...
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 Which bank holiday is five days before New Year’s Eve? 2 A popular drink in Argentina, fernet con coca combines Fernet-Branca with which soft drink? 3 Which Asian country uses the internet domain name .pk? 4 Charles I and his sons, Charles II and James II, ruled Britain in which century? 5 Lancashire comedian George Formby was known for performing with his “little …”...1 Which bank holiday is five days before New Year’s Eve? 2 A popular drink in Argentina, fernet...1 Which bank holiday is five days before New Year’s Eve? 2 A popular drink in Argentina, fernet...
Not participating in any chores is harder than it looks, but lazy guru Chiara Brown has some tips
These kitchen maestros have ingenious ways of making yesterday’s bird today’s culinary masterpiece
The best loungewear sets to shop for the holiday season, featuring the chicest elasticated bottoms that were practically made for post-Christmas dinner chilling
Ingenious contraptions for making fine wine last longer, a premium whisky tasting, and of course some lovely bottles
Add some cheer to the post-festive gloom with a cosy weekend stay somewhere snug, chic and affordable
If you’ve got an upcoming sailing but are nervous about feeling unwell on board, don’t panic. Sue Bryant has you covered with her guide to the remedies that work
Less travelled than its neighbours Costa Rica and Colombia, Panama’s popularity is on the up, with surf hotels, beach bars and hideaways in the hilly coffee region
While scars from the natural disaster still linger, this beautiful, resilient country has become a thriving tourist destination once again. Chris Haslam reports
Buzzy bars, drag brunches and cool music clubs — historic Boston, Massachusetts, is constantly reinventing itself, making it a great city break — over and over again
comment
Airlines lost my checked baggage twice this year. Luckily, that was one less than 2023, and both vanished on the...Airlines lost my checked baggage twice this year. Luckily, that was one less than 2023, and both...Airlines lost my checked baggage twice this year. Luckily, that was one less than 2023, and both...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
“This is a dreary line to take,” my friend exclaims with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Surely there’s more to this...“This is a dreary line to take,” my friend exclaims with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Surely...“This is a dreary line to take,” my friend exclaims with a mischievous glint in his eye. “Surely...
When is the weather ever too bad for a winter beach walk? If it’s blowing a hooley you might want to stay off the cliff paths, but otherwise there’s no wind too strong, no rain too horizontal and no surf too high to spoil a bad day at the beach —...When is the weather ever too bad for a winter beach walk? If it’s blowing a hooley you might want...When is the weather ever too bad for a winter beach walk? If it’s blowing a hooley you might want...
Obituary
Cambridge-educated metallurgist who became fundamental to the prime minister and tried to instil a market-based approach to R&D funding
OBITUARY
Medic who set up a clinic within the NHS for women with fertility problems
OBITUARY
Performer known as ‘una chica Almodóvar’ whose career blossomed in post-Franco Spain
obituary
Member of England’s 1966 World Cup squad who won a High Court battle that made it easier for players to move to other clubs
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
Lives remembered
John McNaught DL writes: As Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Maurice Johnston (obituary, December 14) was head of...John McNaught DL writes: As Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Maurice Johnston (obituary,...John McNaught DL writes: As Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Maurice Johnston (obituary,...
AN angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the...AN angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were...AN angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Two thirds of people eligible for a jab to protect against the common winter virus have still yet to get one
Scotland’s flu vaccine uptake has fallen behind last year’s programme as new figures revealed that hospitalisations from the infection nearly doubled last week. Public health officials have warned that two out of three people eligible for a jab to protect against the common winter virus had still...Scotland’s flu vaccine uptake has fallen behind last year’s programme as new figures revealed that hospitalisations from the infection nearly doubled last week. Public health officials have warned that two out of three people eligible for a jab to protect against the common winter virus had still...Scotland’s flu vaccine uptake has fallen behind last year’s programme as new figures revealed that hospitalisations from the...
An estimated 2,000 patients have died unnecessarily in Scottish hospitals this year because of long waiting times in A&E departments. The number of people waiting more than eight hours for attention in emergency departments rose by 25 per cent between January and October this year compared with the same period in 2023, official...An estimated 2,000 patients have died unnecessarily in Scottish hospitals this year because of long waiting times in A&E departments. The number of people waiting more than eight hours for attention in emergency departments rose by 25 per cent between January and October this year compared with the same period in 2023, official...An estimated 2,000 patients have died unnecessarily in Scottish hospitals this year because of long waiting times in A...
Magnus Linklater
Reflecting on a turbulent year on Christmas Day in 1666, Samuel Pepys, the great diarist, did what most of us would like to do, and slept in late. “Lay pretty long in bed, and then rose, leaving my wife desirous to sleep, having sat up till four this morning seeing her mayds make mince pies. “I to church, where our...Reflecting on a turbulent year on Christmas Day in 1666, Samuel Pepys, the great diarist, did...Reflecting on a turbulent year on Christmas Day in 1666, Samuel Pepys, the great diarist, did...
Scotland’s most senior law officer has criticised the police investigation into a disgraced surgeon who left dozens...Scotland’s most senior law officer has criticised the police investigation into a disgraced...Scotland’s most senior law officer has criticised the police investigation into a disgraced...
A cat breed made popular by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran could be banned in Britain after a government report found it...A cat breed made popular by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran could be banned in Britain after a...A cat breed made popular by Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran could be banned in Britain after a...
restaurant review | best of 2024
Saturday night and I’m in a taxi to an old galvaniser’s yard and warehouses that once serviced the Clyde. Now they house the galvanising 21st-century stuff: gigs, clubs, pop-ups, studios, exhibitions, workshops, and — I can hold back no longer —...Saturday night and I’m in a taxi to an old galvaniser’s yard and warehouses that once serviced...Saturday night and I’m in a taxi to an old galvaniser’s yard and warehouses that once serviced...
Comment
The destruction of nature is harming us all
William Hague
Studies show benefits of the natural world to our health, happiness and very survival yet the devastation continues
MELANIE PHILLIPS
Slow Horses’ brilliant losers could only be British
James Marriott
Forget centrist dads, real doubt can be radical
Giles Coren | notebook
In the bleak midwinter, sparkling wit made poem
TOM TUGENDHAT
Starmer’s approach to China is reckless and incoherent
Leading Articles
Must Do Better
The end of year prize for the minister promoting the most destructive policies goes to Bridget Phillipson, an education secretary who appears to disdain real education
Seen To Be Done
Judicial anonymity undermines transparency and trust in the legal system
Bursting the Bubble
Quaffers fleeing high champagne prices can find perfectly acceptable alternatives
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Economic outlook and hope of festive cheer
Write to [email protected] Sir, It is no surprise that the popularity of the government is falling (“Economic outlook is frustrating, says Labour”, Dec 23). It has given a textbook example of how to conduct shambolic first six months...Write to [email protected] Sir, It is no surprise that the popularity of the government is...Write to [email protected] Sir, It is no surprise that the popularity of the government is...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Sir Keir Starmer is expected to deliver his Christmas message; Christmas Eve carol service at Canterbury Cathedral; Westminster Cathedral to hold midnight Mass.
On this day
In 1904 the 2,939-seat London Coliseum, the largest theatre in the West End, opened with a variety bill. It was one of the first theatres to have electric lighting, and is now home to the English National Opera; in 1922 the British Broadcasting Company (Corporation from 1926) presented The Truth About Father Christmas by Phillis M Twigg, one of the first radio drama broadcasts; in 1951 Libya became independent, having been under Italian rule since 1911. King Idris ruled until he was deposed in a 1969 coup d’etat by Muammar Gaddafi; in 1974 the former Labour Party minister John Stonehouse, feared drowned while swimming in the US on November 20, was found living under a false name in Australia with his secretary. After a 68-day trial in the UK he was sentenced to seven years in prison for theft, fraud and deception; in 1979 the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in support of the communist government against Islamic fundamentalist groups. Russian troops finally withdrew in mid-February 1989.
Nature notes
It is usually possible to find a few native plants in bloom in the depths of winter, whether they are autumn bloomers that have somehow carried on, or spring flowers that have got going too early, but as our autumns become warmer and wetter, with later and fewer frosts, plants do seem to be adapting their behaviour. The Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland’s New Year Plant Hunt asks volunteers to plan a walk between December 29 and January 1, count any flowering wild or naturalised species they see, and submit their records to help botanists and scientists understand how climate change is affecting plants — and everything that relies on them. Find out how to take part at bsbi.org/new-year-plant-hunt. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison’
Birthdays today
Alastair Adams, artist, president, Royal Society of Portrait Painters (2008-14), 55; Mary Barra, chairwoman and chief executive, General Motors, 63; Lyse Doucet, journalist, BBC chief international correspondent, 66; Anthony Fauci, infectious diseases expert, director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (1984-22), adviser to seven US presidents, 84; Peter Fox, Conservative MS for Monmouth, 63; John Pakington, Lord Hampton, teacher and photographer, 60; Adam Haslett, author, Union Atlantic (2010), Imagine Me Gone (2016), 54; Hamid Karzai, president of Afghanistan (2004-14), 67; Nick Kent, rock critic and musician, Apathy For the Devil: A 1970s Memoir (2010), 73; Irene Khan, UN special rapporteur for freedom of expression and opinion, secretary-general, Amnesty International (2001-09), 68; Lord (John) Kilclooney, Ulster Unionist Party MP for Strangford (1983-2001), 87; Sir Ivan Lawrence KC, Conservative MP (1974-97), 88; Ricky Martin, singer, Livin’ la Vida Loca (1999), 53; Suzy Menkes, journalist and fashion critic, editor, Vogue International, Condé Nast International, (2014-20), 81; Stephenie Meyer, author of the Twilight series, 51; Ed Miliband, energy security and net zero secretary, MP for Doncaster North, leader of the Labour Party and the opposition (2010-15), 55; Jeff Sessions, politician, US attorney-general (2017-18), 78; Jeff Smith, head of music at Radio 2 and 6Music, 64; Louis Tomlinson, singer-songwriter, One Direction, 33; Carol Vorderman, TV presenter, Countdown (1982-2008), 64; Lord (Simon) Woolley of Woodford, co-founder (1996), founding director of Operation Black Vote, 63; Andrew Wyllie, chief executive, Costain Group (2005-19), president, Institution of Civil Engineers (2018-19), 62.