The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Ex-soldier previously denied killing the three women using a crossbow and butcher’s knife
liveShortly after the deaths of Carol, Hannah and Louise, John Hunt and his surviving eldest daughter, Amy, said they had struggled to articulate their grief. “The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words,” they said in a statement. “We would like to thank people for their kind...Shortly after the deaths of Carol, Hannah and Louise, John Hunt and his surviving eldest daughter, Amy, said they had struggled to articulate their grief. “The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words,” they said in a statement. “We would like to thank people for their kind...Shortly after the deaths of Carol, Hannah and Louise, John Hunt and his surviving eldest daughter, Amy, said they had struggled...
Anyone buying a knife online will have to submit ID and a video recording of themselves to prove their age as part of plans to combat under-age sales after the Southport attack. All online retailers will be required to introduce a two-stage verification process as part of stricter checks for customers purchasing knives. Buyers would be...Anyone buying a knife online will have to submit ID and a video recording of themselves to prove their age as part of plans to combat under-age sales after the Southport attack. All online retailers will be required to introduce a two-stage verification process as part of stricter checks for customers purchasing knives. Buyers would be...Anyone buying a knife online will have to submit ID and a video recording of themselves to prove their age as part of plans to...
Lines are open for the first Times and Sunday Times phone-in day. Readers can call a selection of journalists, columnists, radio presenters and celebrity ambassadors to donate to our charity appeal. The phone number is 0800 0281 978 and lines will remain open until 6pm, with various guests manning the phones across...Lines are open for the first Times and Sunday Times phone-in day. Readers can call a selection of...Lines are open for the first Times and Sunday Times phone-in day. Readers can call a selection of...
Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely to follow. They term...Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely...Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely...
first person
The worst bit was sitting by my grandmother’s bedside in the hospital. Some days she seemed to rally. A gentle...The worst bit was sitting by my grandmother’s bedside in the hospital. Some days she seemed to...The worst bit was sitting by my grandmother’s bedside in the hospital. Some days she seemed to...
video
President demands apology for her ‘inappropriate statements’ after he is urged to show tolerance
new
MAPS AND CHARTS
The new US president hasn’t ruled out using the military to regain control of the 51-mile waterway. This is why it matters so much
The US president’s youngest son will focus on building high-end properties and golf courses in Utah, Arizona and Idaho
Ceding the territory is calamitous and jeopardises US-UK ties, says aide to president
The US president’s deal will allow the Kremlin to rebuild and collude with a “new axis of aggressors”, a senior military official has said
Entrepreneurs will compete for the largest cash prize in UK television history in House of Unicorns
The BrewDog co-founder James Watt has announced a new reality TV show that will see entrepreneurs compete for £2 million — the largest cash prize in UK television history. Watt, who stepped down as chief executive of the craft beer firm last year, has partnered with Sony and Whisper Productions for the show, House of Unicorns, which is expected to air this year. He...The BrewDog co-founder James Watt has announced a new reality TV show that will see entrepreneurs...The BrewDog co-founder James Watt has announced a new reality TV show that will see entrepreneurs...
A teenager living in the UK says she fears for her safety because the British government has offered her only minimal...A teenager living in the UK says she fears for her safety because the British government has offered her only minimal protection after Hong Kong’s ruling executive put a bounty of HK$1 million (£102,000) on her head. Chloe Cheung, 19, became the youngest pro-democracy activist to be placed on Hong Kong’s wanted list...A teenager living in the UK says she fears for her safety because the British government has offered her only minimal...
Foreign nationals are being wrongly denied entry to the UK after a faltering start to plans to digitise the immigration system. They have struggled to board flights to Britain, despite having legal residence status, as their...Foreign nationals are being wrongly denied entry to the UK after a faltering start to plans to digitise the immigration system. They have struggled to board flights to Britain, despite having legal residence status, as their...Foreign nationals are being wrongly denied entry to the UK after a faltering start to plans to digitise the...
MPs have accused HM Revenue & Customs of deliberately failing to answer the phone and “degrading” its service after levels of performance reached an all-time low. The Commons public accounts committee (PAC) said that the...MPs have accused HM Revenue & Customs of deliberately failing to answer the phone and “degrading” its service after levels of performance reached an all-time low. The Commons public accounts committee (PAC) said that the...MPs have accused HM Revenue & Customs of deliberately failing to answer the phone and “degrading” its service after...
Dog owners are “not always happier and healthier” than those without a canine, according to a study that has found looking after a four-legged friend is not always a walk in the park. Researchers set out to test whether there is a “generalisable...Dog owners are “not always happier and healthier” than those without a canine, according to a...Dog owners are “not always happier and healthier” than those without a canine, according to a...
The British passport is to be made available on smartphones by 2027, paving the way for it to be accepted for...The British passport is to be made available on smartphones by 2027, paving the way for it to be...The British passport is to be made available on smartphones by 2027, paving the way for it to be...
the times diary
It is sad to report the death of El Gato, one of Jeremy Corbyn’s closest allies. The white and black cat was often...It is sad to report the death of El Gato, one of Jeremy Corbyn’s closest allies. The white and...It is sad to report the death of El Gato, one of Jeremy Corbyn’s closest allies. The white and...
video
Kaja Kallas backs Trump’s call to boost defence spending
newEurope must raise spending on defence to ensure that it is ready to fight a war with Russia, the European Union’s foreign policy chief has said. Kaja Kallas said she agreed with President Trump that European countries were not investing enough in their armed forces. “Russia poses an existential...Europe must raise spending on defence to ensure that it is ready to fight a war with Russia, the European Union’s foreign policy chief has said. Kaja Kallas said she agreed with President Trump that European countries were not investing enough in their armed forces. “Russia poses an existential...Europe must raise spending on defence to ensure that it is ready to fight a war with Russia, the European Union’s foreign...
in depth
The last time Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory at rigged presidential elections, the former Soviet republic erupted in protests that threatened to end the Belarusian dictator’s long and brutal rule. Led by a trio of charismatic female opposition leaders, demonstrators waving red and white opposition flags packed the streets of Minsk...The last time Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory at rigged presidential elections, the former Soviet republic erupted in protests that threatened to end the Belarusian dictator’s long and brutal rule. Led by a trio of charismatic female opposition leaders, demonstrators waving red and white opposition flags packed the streets of Minsk...The last time Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory at rigged presidential elections, the former Soviet republic erupted in...
President Trump has defended his decision to pardon individuals linked to the January 6 riots, calling them people “who actually love our country”. “I thought their sentences were ridiculous and excessive,” he told a press conference at the White House on Tuesday night. “I thought it was very excessive. At least the...President Trump has defended his decision to pardon individuals linked to the January 6 riots...President Trump has defended his decision to pardon individuals linked to the January 6 riots...
President Trump has announced fresh investment worth hundreds of billions of dollars in America’s artificial...President Trump has announced fresh investment worth hundreds of billions of dollars in America’s...President Trump has announced fresh investment worth hundreds of billions of dollars in America’s...
President Trump has threatened to double taxes on foreign nationals and companies in the United States as part of his...President Trump has threatened to double taxes on foreign nationals and companies in the United...President Trump has threatened to double taxes on foreign nationals and companies in the United...
Three people have died as a powerful winter storm smothered swathes of the southern United States in snow, sleet and ice, and caused travel chaos. The Arctic blast of freezing air covered parts of Florida, Louisiana and Texas that rarely receive...Three people have died as a powerful winter storm smothered swathes of the southern United States...Three people have died as a powerful winter storm smothered swathes of the southern United States...
The government borrowed £17.8bn in December, above the OBR’s forecast and market expectations
newThe government borrowed £3.2 billion more than official forecasters expected last month due to higher spending on benefits and pay rises for public sector workers. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the government borrowed £17.8 billion in December, up from £11.8 billion in...The government borrowed £3.2 billion more than official forecasters expected last month due to higher spending on benefits and pay rises for public sector workers. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the government borrowed £17.8 billion in December, up from £11.8 billion in...The government borrowed £3.2 billion more than official forecasters expected last month due to higher spending on benefits and...
Quarterly losses in the run-up to Christmas and new year have been cut at easyJet but the airline still remained £61 million in the red for the three months. Britain’s busiest short-haul airline also warned that the need to keep fares lower to get people flying was hitting revenues. However, easyJet confirmed that booking volumes ahead to...Quarterly losses in the run-up to Christmas and new year have been cut at easyJet but the airline still remained £61 million in the red for the three months. Britain’s busiest short-haul airline also warned that the need to keep fares lower to get people flying was hitting revenues. However, easyJet confirmed that booking volumes ahead to...Quarterly losses in the run-up to Christmas and new year have been cut at easyJet but the airline still remained £61 million in...
The interim boss of the competition regulator “shares the mission and the strategic direction of the government”, the chancellor has claimed. The Department for Business and Trade announced the departure of Marcus Bokkerink as chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on Tuesday after the government...The interim boss of the competition regulator “shares the mission and the strategic direction of...The interim boss of the competition regulator “shares the mission and the strategic direction of...
ALISTAIR OSBORNE | business commentary
Proving growth is your “No 1 mission” can tax some politicians. Take Rachel Reeves, whose budget brought none...Proving growth is your “No 1 mission” can tax some politicians. Take Rachel Reeves, whose budget...Proving growth is your “No 1 mission” can tax some politicians. Take Rachel Reeves, whose budget...
DAVID SMITH
It is rare that a policy as technical as quantitative tightening (QT) — the mirror image of the more familiar...It is rare that a policy as technical as quantitative tightening (QT) — the mirror image of the...It is rare that a policy as technical as quantitative tightening (QT) — the mirror image of the...
The prospect of a government intervention in the mounting motor finance scandal has fuelled investor hopes the car loan industry will avoid paying out tens of billions of pounds in compensation. The Treasury is seeking permission to raise its...The prospect of a government intervention in the mounting motor finance scandal has fuelled...The prospect of a government intervention in the mounting motor finance scandal has fuelled...
LOUISA CLARENCE-SMITH
When Donald Trump headlined at the Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last summer, I spoke to many ordinary...When Donald Trump headlined at the Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last summer, I...When Donald Trump headlined at the Bitcoin conference in Nashville, Tennessee, last summer, I...
lauren almeida | tempus
Sainsbury’s claimed that it had its best ever Christmas last month, but its shares ended 2024 on a sour note, with...Sainsbury’s claimed that it had its best ever Christmas last month, but its shares ended 2024 on...Sainsbury’s claimed that it had its best ever Christmas last month, but its shares ended 2024 on...
Finance
State-backed economic development agency talks up its success on backing companies, creating jobs and getting a sizeable return on public money
Venture Capital
Royal Academy of Engineering joins Imperial College London and the Department for Science to give backers the skills to assess new ventures
recruitment
Interest in pre-loved goods is giving rise to new career paths and a new sector
Second-hand is no longer second choice. One in ten Christmas gifts was bought pre-loved in the UK over the festive season at an estimated cost of £2.05 billion, moving vintage shopping firmly from cult status to mainstream. Initiatives such as “Second Hand September” where shoppers are encouraged to buy only used items and Primark’s “Swap Shop”, which sees customers...Second-hand is no longer second choice. One in ten Christmas gifts was bought pre-loved in the UK...Second-hand is no longer second choice. One in ten Christmas gifts was bought pre-loved in the UK...
recruitment
Known as “Blue Monday”, January 20 is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but as chief executive of the...
Known as “Blue Monday”, January 20 is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but as chief executive of the award-winning B-Corp platform Neighbourly, which matches company funds and volunteers with local good causes, Steve Butterworth’s career is focused on building happier communities. Here he shares his...
Known as “Blue Monday”, January 20 is said to be the most depressing day of the year, but as chief executive of the...
Stuart Fraser
The No2 seed was impressive again but benefited from flaw in rules as she beat Emma Navarro to set up meeting with Madison Keys
Iga Swiatek has produced one of the great runs to the Australian Open semi-finals, but it was yet another double-bounce controversy in tennis that everyone was talking about afterwards. The five-times grand-slam singles champion from Poland benefited from the combination of an umpiring error and a flaw in the rules to claim a crucial service hold en route to victory...Iga Swiatek has produced one of the great runs to the Australian Open semi-finals, but it was yet...Iga Swiatek has produced one of the great runs to the Australian Open semi-finals, but it was yet...
Ruben Amorim damaged a television in the dressing room during a rant against his players after Manchester United’s...Ruben Amorim damaged a television in the dressing room during a rant against his players after Manchester United’s embarrassing 3-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The Portuguese head coach tore into the squad after he lost his seventh match since succeeding Erik ten Hag in November. During the tirade...Ruben Amorim damaged a television in the dressing room during a rant against his players after Manchester United’s embarrassing...
PAUL HIRST
Erling Haaland is confident that Manchester City will be cleared of the more than 115 charges against them and...Erling Haaland is confident that Manchester City will be cleared of the more than 115 charges...Erling Haaland is confident that Manchester City will be cleared of the more than 115 charges...
champions league
Mikel Arteta cranked up a samba beat in training on Tuesday to try to get a tune from his Arsenal stars. He set up...Mikel Arteta cranked up a samba beat in training on Tuesday to try to get a tune from his Arsenal...Mikel Arteta cranked up a samba beat in training on Tuesday to try to get a tune from his Arsenal...
Last year, Tony Mowbray collapsed on to his kitchen floor twice. He lost 4½ stone. He was too weak to stand up in the...Last year, Tony Mowbray collapsed on to his kitchen floor twice. He lost 4½ stone. He was too...Last year, Tony Mowbray collapsed on to his kitchen floor twice. He lost 4½ stone. He was too...
Jos Buttler did not know Brendon McCullum personally when England were mauled by New Zealand at the 2015 World Cup...Jos Buttler did not know Brendon McCullum personally when England were mauled by New Zealand at...Jos Buttler did not know Brendon McCullum personally when England were mauled by New Zealand at...
Times Sport Unseen
Marc Aspland travelled to St Albans to capture Old Albanian Romans RFC’s friendly match against Southend IIs, while in the Investec Champions Cup Bradley Ormesher photographed a decisive Sale victory against Toulon in our rugby-themed Unseen...Marc Aspland travelled to St Albans to capture Old Albanian Romans RFC’s friendly match against...Marc Aspland travelled to St Albans to capture Old Albanian Romans RFC’s friendly match against...
All eyes were on Jeff Bezos’s partner at Trump’s inauguration, says Helen Rumbelow
first person
At 16 James Bloodworth moved in with his grandmother; during Covid, he looked after her. When she died, the sense of loss overwhelmed him
Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and more stepped out to show allegiance to the new president. Who are they and what does their presence at the inauguration mean?
The world’s biggest Alpha male love-in has a seedy side — it also has a weird one
Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely to follow. They term...Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely...Research in Japan has evidently revealed that when one chimpanzee takes a pee, others are likely...
A LIFE IN THE DAY
Holland was born in Blackheath, southeast London. In his teens he joined the post punk band Squeeze, whose hit...Holland was born in Blackheath, southeast London. In his teens he joined the post punk band...Holland was born in Blackheath, southeast London. In his teens he joined the post punk band...
Introducing the 12-month jacket, the jacket that — should you be up for making a wardrobe-transforming purchase this very minute — can be put into service the second you get your hands on it, and that you will probably be able to wear come August too. Depending on what you wear under it, the bouclé tweed jacket is warm enough for a wintry day but also, in this country...Introducing the 12-month jacket, the jacket that — should you be up for making a...Introducing the 12-month jacket, the jacket that — should you be up for making a...
It’s only January, but is it already time to plan a trip to the seaside? If you want excellent cooking from one of...It’s only January, but is it already time to plan a trip to the seaside? If you want excellent cooking from one of the country’s finest chefs, the answer is yes. This month Matthew Harris is swapping west London, where he spent nearly three decades at the two Michelin-starred Bibendum, for East Sussex where he...It’s only January, but is it already time to plan a trip to the seaside? If you want excellent cooking from one of the...
It’s always painful when you realise that you are a stereotype. It’s even worse when you realise that you fit...It’s always painful when you realise that you are a stereotype. It’s even worse when you realise...It’s always painful when you realise that you are a stereotype. It’s even worse when you realise...
Santander, one of Britain’s largest high street banks, is said to be considering leaving the country. The bank has...Santander, one of Britain’s largest high street banks, is said to be considering leaving the...Santander, one of Britain’s largest high street banks, is said to be considering leaving the...
Wayland Barn sits in 2.5 acres of tranquil Norfolk countryside and has a detached two-bedroom annexe, and several unconverted farm buildings perfect for development. The property is largely open plan, and the ground floor has a lounge...Wayland Barn sits in 2.5 acres of tranquil Norfolk countryside and has a detached two-bedroom...Wayland Barn sits in 2.5 acres of tranquil Norfolk countryside and has a detached two-bedroom...
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
Television
TELEVISION
Television
television
MindGames
Fifteen questions to get you thinking
1 Brisket is often used to make the corned type of which meat? 2 Ego-surfing is the activity of searching the internet for mentions of what? 3 On which date is a Burns Supper traditionally eaten? 4 Rudolf Besier’s play The Barretts of Wimpole Street tells of the romance between Elizabeth Barrett and which poet? 5 Nife is a term for the Earth’s core, thought to be...1 Brisket is often used to make the corned type of which meat? 2 Ego-surfing is the activity of...1 Brisket is often used to make the corned type of which meat? 2 Ego-surfing is the activity of...
Most of us are aware that the build-up of visceral fat stored around internal organs is linked to metabolic disease...Most of us are aware that the build-up of visceral fat stored around internal organs is linked to...Most of us are aware that the build-up of visceral fat stored around internal organs is linked to...
I like to consider myself a mild-mannered man but this morning I am ashamed to admit that I shouted at my family. I...I like to consider myself a mild-mannered man but this morning I am ashamed to admit that I...I like to consider myself a mild-mannered man but this morning I am ashamed to admit that I...
Gloves and goggles so fancy they’ll surely keep track of them. Surely.
Jessica Diamond watches Dior’s leading women come together in a show that matches high jewellery with couture
All her life Anna Murphy had been hunting for a fashionable, functional raincoat. And then she found the Norwegian Rain Raincho
The city’s most celebrated tailors are overwhelmed. Their customers’ bespoke suits and shirts are suddenly baggy and require drastic readjustment
Chelsea Barracks’ latest development is a six-bedroom house expertly decorated and furnished with rare antiques
video
recipe
kate reardon
Too much technology had put strain on one dad’s relationship with his 12-year-old daughter. This was the adventure break that brought them back together
Head underneath Green Park in Mayfair to Dover Street — a station hidden within a station — and you’ll see the capital in a totally new light
The hotelier Olga Polizzi tells Chris Haslam how tax and visa changes have hit the UK hospitality industry and may lead to closures
Albania is more than a low-cost beach break — it’s reinventing itself as a high-end destination (with lower prices than Greece). These are its trendiest spots
Science labs, graffiti classes and even dog sledding excursions … these cruise lines are a dream for children of all ages (and frazzled parents too)
There comes a point on most longer ski trips when someone in the group would rather lounge on the sofa eating...There comes a point on most longer ski trips when someone in the group would rather lounge on the...There comes a point on most longer ski trips when someone in the group would rather lounge on the...
The sheer variety of landscapes Lake Garda offers is astounding and never ceases to amaze me. To the south are...The sheer variety of landscapes Lake Garda offers is astounding and never ceases to amaze me. To...The sheer variety of landscapes Lake Garda offers is astounding and never ceases to amaze me. To...
obituary
No-nonsense detective known as ‘Mr 100 Per Cent’ because he solved all his cases as head of CID at West Yorkshire police
OBITUARY
Billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist whose assets were swallowed when a trust he set up for his children backfired
obituary
Sporting all-rounder who followed a match in the second row for Edinburgh with a heavyweight boxing title victory the same day
OBITUARY
Provocative film-maker who worked on pop videos for the Pet Shop Boys and persuaded Dalí to give him unparalleled access to his life in New York City
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
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Public Health Scotland warns that tax income and donations to MPs warp Westminster’s view
Scotland’s health agency has claimed that “complex vested interests” at Westminster are impeding efforts to tackle problem gambling. Tax revenues flowing into the public coffers and betting industry donations to MPs have created conflicts of interest which “stifle research capacity” into gambling...Scotland’s health agency has claimed that “complex vested interests” at Westminster are impeding efforts to tackle problem gambling. Tax revenues flowing into the public coffers and betting industry donations to MPs have created conflicts of interest which “stifle research capacity” into gambling...Scotland’s health agency has claimed that “complex vested interests” at Westminster are impeding efforts to tackle problem...
The Scottish National Party is set to overhaul its senior leadership team following the departure of four of its most senior figures in recent months. The party has advertised for a new chief executive and a new head of finance after it was revealed that the interim chief executive, appointed in October, is to step down shortly, and the...The Scottish National Party is set to overhaul its senior leadership team following the departure of four of its most senior figures in recent months. The party has advertised for a new chief executive and a new head of finance after it was revealed that the interim chief executive, appointed in October, is to step down shortly, and the...The Scottish National Party is set to overhaul its senior leadership team following the departure of four of its most senior...
kenny farquharson
You could be forgiven for thinking Scottish politics was peopled by Montagues and Capulets from Romeo and Juliet or, if you prefer, the Jets and the Sharks from West Side Story. Two street gangs, two irreconcilable families, divided by views on Scottish independence. To rewrite Sondheim: “When you’re a Yes you’re...You could be forgiven for thinking Scottish politics was peopled by Montagues and Capulets from...You could be forgiven for thinking Scottish politics was peopled by Montagues and Capulets from...
scottish business digest
Scotland’s Italian connection stretches back generations, from much-loved gelaterias in Glasgow and Largs to family-run restaurants dotted across the country — with pizza and pasta on the menu, and Italy still firmly in their hearts. Here are five...Scotland’s Italian connection stretches back generations, from much-loved gelaterias in Glasgow...Scotland’s Italian connection stretches back generations, from much-loved gelaterias in Glasgow...
Comment
Key to Middle East peace is accepting the past
Daniel Finkelstein
Progress sometimes requires the dispossessed to drop historical grievances, as my family history shows all too well
ALICE THOMSON
The RFK diet is just what America needs
ROGER BOYES
Forget Mars, next space race is closer to home
MATTHEW PARRIS | NOTEBOOK
Even on the south coast, you can feel presidential
Jawad Iqbal
Britain should give Hong Kong teen a passport now
harriet walker | notebook
Pitchforks poised as The Traitors turns up heat on professionals
I hesitated before bringing my obsession with the reality TV show The Traitors to these pages, but — as the best of both high and low culture always does — its well-edited microcosm speaks to what’s going on beyond the castle walls too. At this...I hesitated before bringing my obsession with the reality TV show The Traitors to these pages...I hesitated before bringing my obsession with the reality TV show The Traitors to these pages...
Leading Articles
Missed Opportunities
An inquiry into the Southport stabbings must explore systemic failures of the state. Ministers must also explain why terrorist connections were not revealed earlier
One Law For Him?
The attorney-general should come clean about a potential conflict of interest
Burning Issue
Householders who own woodburning stoves should not feel ashamed of themselves
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Omissions in President Trump’s to-do list
Write to [email protected] Sir, William Hague rightly highlights the omissions in President Trump’s first-day blitz (“It’s what Trump won’t do that is worrying”, Jan 20). The most egregious is climate change. There is a bizarre reference...Write to [email protected] Sir, William Hague rightly highlights the omissions in President...Write to [email protected] Sir, William Hague rightly highlights the omissions in President...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
Switzerland: Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, participates in events at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos.
Europe: The Uefa Champions League continues, with Paris Saint Germain hosting Manchester City and Arsenal hosting Dinamo Zagreb.
India: The opening fixture of England and India’s International T20 series takes place.
Ireland: The Dail reconvenes for the first time this year and TDs are expected to formally appoint the new government.
On this day
In 1905 troops fired on protesting workers in St Petersburg, Russia, killing more than 500 marchers. Known as the Bloody Sunday Massacre; in 1915 James M Spangler, whose portable vacuum cleaner revolutionised household carpet cleaning and also helped to relieve his severe asthma, died aged 66. He showed his invention to his cousin, Susan, whose husband William H Hoover bought Spangler’s patent in 1908. Hoover employed door-to-door salesmen to demonstrate an improved version. Spangler died the night before his first holiday; in 1970 a Boeing 747 (Pan Am Flight Two) made the aircraft’s first commercial flight between New York and Heathrow airport. It was seven hours late because of technical issues; in 2008 the actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment after taking an accidental prescription drug overdose. He won a posthumous Oscar for playing the Joker in The Dark Knight.
Nature notes
Sometimes numbers aren’t enough to demonstrate just how much wildlife we’ve lost over the decades. To give us a proper idea of the size of this decline, literature can often be more effective. The Bloomsbury Group writer Virginia Woolf might not be known as a nature writer, but her novel The Years is packed with the kind of birds that Londoners saw in casual abundance less than a century ago. Sparrows chirp from every tree and practically bounce their way into St Paul’s Cathedral. Song thrushes fill the parks with their trills. Starlings roost not only in the eaves of St Martin-in-the-Fields but gather on the statues of Parliament Square. Unidentified flocks of waders fly high over Charing Cross station. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
John Barclay, cricketer, president, Marylebone Cricket Club (2009-10), 71; Nigel Benn, boxer, world middleweight (1990) and super-middleweight (1992) champion, 61; Lord (Paul) Bew, historian, professor of Irish politics, Queen’s University Belfast (1991-2014), Churchill and Ireland (2016), 75; Linda Blair, actress, The Exorcist (1973), 66; Air Marshal Sir Simon Bollom, chairman, SSAFA, chief executive, defence equipment and support, Ministry of Defence (2018-22), 65; Stan Collymore, footballer, Liverpool (1995-97), England (1995-97), and pundit, 54; Dan Conway, chief executive, Publishers Association, 38; Sir Jan du Plessis, chairman, Financial Reporting Council, 71; Jody Ford, chief executive, Trainline, 50; Colin Graves, founder, Costcutter, 77; Alan Grieve, chairman emeritus, Jerwood Foundation, 97; Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party MSP for Glasgow (region), 43; David Hepher, artist, 90; Russell Hobby, chief executive, Teach First, 53; Rt Rev Richard Jackson, bishop of Hereford, 64; Graham Kerr, chef, The Galloping Gourmet (1968-73), 91; Ben Lake, Plaid Cymru MP for Ceredigion Preseli, 32; Frank Leboeuf, footballer, Chelsea (1996-2001), France (1995-2002); Daniel Lee, chief creative officer, Burberry Group, 39; Gilbert Levine, conductor, 77; Aditya Mittal, chief executive, ArcelorMittal, 49; John Morton, writer and director for TV and radio, W1A (2014-20) 68; Steve Perry, rock musician, Journey, 76; Baroness (Gillian) Shephard of Northwold, secretary of state for education (1994-97), 85; Lizzie Simmonds, swimmer, chairwoman, British Olympic Association’s Athletes’ Commission, 34; David M Solomon, investment banker, chairman and chief executive, Goldman Sachs, 63; Francis Wheen, author and journalist, former deputy editor of Private Eye, 68; Lady (Morag) Wise, senator of the College of Justice in Scotland and president, Scottish Tribunals, 62.