The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
PM acknowledges downbeat mood across the country
Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that many in Britain find it “hard to think about the future” as a poll shows Labour falling behind the Tories on the economy. In a New Year’s Day message, the prime minister admitted that 2025 would have to be a “year of rebuilding” to restore prosperity, repair...Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that many in Britain find it “hard to think about the future” as a poll shows Labour falling behind the Tories on the economy. In a New Year’s Day message, the prime minister admitted that 2025 would have to be a “year of rebuilding” to restore prosperity, repair...Sir Keir Starmer has acknowledged that many in Britain find it “hard to think about the future” as a poll shows Labour falling...
A Labour pledge to recruit 6,500 extra teachers could cost £5 billion a year, research has found, amid warnings the government could fail to meet its target by the end of the current parliament. The government would have to raise teacher salaries by 10 per cent a year for the next two years to meet its recruitment target, according to a...A Labour pledge to recruit 6,500 extra teachers could cost £5 billion a year, research has found, amid warnings the government could fail to meet its target by the end of the current parliament. The government would have to raise teacher salaries by 10 per cent a year for the next two years to meet its recruitment target, according to a...A Labour pledge to recruit 6,500 extra teachers could cost £5 billion a year, research has found, amid warnings the government...
Earl Spencer’s wife of 13 years has claimed that she pieced together details of her husband’s “affair” during a Zoom call with the spouse of his “long-term mistress”. Karen Spencer is being sued by Charles Spencer’s girlfriend, Professor Catrine Jarman for the “misuse of private information”. Jarman, 42, a Norwegian...Earl Spencer’s wife of 13 years has claimed that she pieced together details of her husband’s...Earl Spencer’s wife of 13 years has claimed that she pieced together details of her husband’s...
Make 2025 the year you lose weight but also get strong and lean. Lose the moobs and the belly fat, the love handles...Make 2025 the year you lose weight but also get strong and lean. Lose the moobs and the belly fat...Make 2025 the year you lose weight but also get strong and lean. Lose the moobs and the belly fat...
A LIFE IN THE DAY
Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler was brought up in Skewen, a small village near Swansea. Her hits include Total Eclipse of...Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler was brought up in Skewen, a small village near Swansea. Her hits...Born Gaynor Hopkins, Tyler was brought up in Skewen, a small village near Swansea. Her hits...
Interview
What is dark matter made of? Does every subatomic particle have a mysterious twin? What are the missing pieces in the jigsaw that will help us understand how the universe fits together? The remarkable discovery of the Higgs boson by the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) — one of the most important breakthroughs in modern science — may only be the “tip of the iceberg” compared...What is dark matter made of? Does every subatomic particle have a mysterious twin? What are the...What is dark matter made of? Does every subatomic particle have a mysterious twin? What are the...
interview
If you live in Milton Keynes, Leeds, Northampton, Manchester, Bedford or Cambridge, the idea of a robot delivering...If you live in Milton Keynes, Leeds, Northampton, Manchester, Bedford or Cambridge, the idea of a robot delivering your shopping is not the future, it is here. Since 2018, trundling along British pavements have been the Starship robots, small four-wheeled autonomous vehicles that carry groceries from Co-op stores to...If you live in Milton Keynes, Leeds, Northampton, Manchester, Bedford or Cambridge, the idea of a robot delivering your...
the times diary
From new prime ministers to ex-MPs, from the glamorously frocked to the infamously defrocked, from EastEnders to West Enders, the Times Diary covered everyone across the length and breadth of high society and low politics during 2024. But how much...From new prime ministers to ex-MPs, from the glamorously frocked to the infamously defrocked...From new prime ministers to ex-MPs, from the glamorously frocked to the infamously defrocked...
Gabrielle Weiniger in Tel Aviv
With Hamas and Hezbollah in ruins, the IDF is ready to intensify its attacks on Iran’s last proxy
For a brief moment as Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire pact a little over a month ago, the Middle East appeared to have stepped away from the abyss of all-out war. Yet now Israel is weighing its next battle against Iran’s last proxy standing: the Houthi rebels of Yemen, who are in the firing...For a brief moment as Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire pact a little over a month ago, the Middle East appeared to have stepped away from the abyss of all-out war. Yet now Israel is weighing its next battle against Iran’s last proxy standing: the Houthi rebels of Yemen, who are in the firing...For a brief moment as Lebanon and Israel signed a ceasefire pact a little over a month ago, the Middle East appeared to have...
When a Marseilles grocer received a death threat with a demand for €250,000 from the city’s most feared criminal gang, he sought police protection, terrified for himself and his family, knowing he could never raise the money. The ultimatum came in a text message purportedly from the DZ Mafia, said to be the biggest crime syndicate in a city...When a Marseilles grocer received a death threat with a demand for €250,000 from the city’s most feared criminal gang, he sought police protection, terrified for himself and his family, knowing he could never raise the money. The ultimatum came in a text message purportedly from the DZ Mafia, said to be the biggest crime syndicate in a city...When a Marseilles grocer received a death threat with a demand for €250,000 from the city’s most feared criminal gang, he...
video
Ukrainian special forces have released a video of a naval drone shooting down a Russian military helicopter flying off the Crimean coast in the first successful sea-to-air engagement of its kind. Team “13” of Ukraine’s military intelligence, HUR, said that they had carried out a raid on Crimea on Tuesday morning...Ukrainian special forces have released a video of a naval drone shooting down a Russian military...Ukrainian special forces have released a video of a naval drone shooting down a Russian military...
When Elon Musk posted a photo of himself dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Day, one traditional aspect of the jolly old fellow was missing: the big round belly. “Ozempic Santa,” Musk wrote, a reference to one of the spectrum of weight-loss drugs that have transformed the debate over obesity treatment in America and elsewhere in the last few years. But the tech...When Elon Musk posted a photo of himself dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Day, one traditional...When Elon Musk posted a photo of himself dressed as Santa Claus on Christmas Day, one traditional...
Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has used his New Year’s Eve address to criticise Elon Musk for describing the...Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has used his New Year’s Eve address to criticise Elon Musk for describing the country’s president as an “anti-democratic tyrant”. Musk, the world’s richest person and an enthusiastic supporter of anti-establishment parties across the West, has spent much of the past fortnight...Olaf Scholz, the German chancellor, has used his New Year’s Eve address to criticise Elon Musk for describing the country’s...
President Macron has acknowledged for the first time that his decision to call snap parliamentary elections in the...President Macron has acknowledged for the first time that his decision to call snap parliamentary...President Macron has acknowledged for the first time that his decision to call snap parliamentary...
South Korea’s political crisis intensified on Tuesday as anti-corruption authorities obtained a warrant for the...South Korea’s political crisis intensified on Tuesday as anti-corruption authorities obtained a...South Korea’s political crisis intensified on Tuesday as anti-corruption authorities obtained a...
London’s blue-chip stocks rose 5.8 per cent over 2024, while S&P rose 23.8%
Britain’s blue-chip stocks rose in 2024 for a fourth year in a row — their best run since the 2000s, though their gains paled in comparison with those enjoyed on Wall Street. The FTSE 100 index of the UK’s leading companies rose 52.01 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 8,173.02 on a shortened day of...Britain’s blue-chip stocks rose in 2024 for a fourth year in a row — their best run since the 2000s, though their gains paled in comparison with those enjoyed on Wall Street. The FTSE 100 index of the UK’s leading companies rose 52.01 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 8,173.02 on a shortened day of...Britain’s blue-chip stocks rose in 2024 for a fourth year in a row — their best run since the 2000s, though their gains paled...
The King’s gunmaker is bullish about its future after increased turnover helped shrink annual losses. James Purdey & Sons reported an improvement in its financial performance for the latest year after a surge in demand across its core markets offset declining sales in other countries. The royal warrant holder reported a pre-tax loss of £3.9...The King’s gunmaker is bullish about its future after increased turnover helped shrink annual losses. James Purdey & Sons reported an improvement in its financial performance for the latest year after a surge in demand across its core markets offset declining sales in other countries. The royal warrant holder reported a pre-tax loss of £3.9...The King’s gunmaker is bullish about its future after increased turnover helped shrink annual losses. James Purdey & Sons...
Officials at the Bank of England have grown sceptical of the merits of creating a “digital pound”, throwing doubt over the launch of a central bank digital currency before the end of the decade. The Bank and the government are due to make a decision on whether to begin formal work on creating a digital pound in 2025...Officials at the Bank of England have grown sceptical of the merits of creating a “digital pound”...Officials at the Bank of England have grown sceptical of the merits of creating a “digital pound”...
China’s economy is on course to have grown by about 5 per cent in 2024, according to President Xi, who suggested that he would unleash more stimulus in the coming year. Xi said that the Chinese must “implement more proactive and effective...China’s economy is on course to have grown by about 5 per cent in 2024, according to President Xi...China’s economy is on course to have grown by about 5 per cent in 2024, according to President Xi...
A boom in deals for banks and other financial services businesses helped to drive a rebound in takeover activity in Britain last year. The total value of transactions involving UK companies climbed by a third to $324.2 billion...A boom in deals for banks and other financial services businesses helped to drive a rebound in takeover activity in Britain last year. The total value of transactions involving UK companies climbed by a third to $324.2 billion...A boom in deals for banks and other financial services businesses helped to drive a rebound in takeover activity in...
An electric battery and motor developer led by three former Tesla executives has become the latest company to announce plans to quit the London Stock Exchange, which has struggled to attract and retain technology companies. DG...An electric battery and motor developer led by three former Tesla executives has become the latest company to announce plans to quit the London Stock Exchange, which has struggled to attract and retain technology companies. DG...An electric battery and motor developer led by three former Tesla executives has become the latest company to...
WizzAir expects to return to growth in 2026 after striking a compensation deal with Pratt & Whitney following trouble with its engines which will see about 40 of the carrier’s planes grounded through the year. The FTSE 250 airline, which is based...WizzAir expects to return to growth in 2026 after striking a compensation deal with Pratt &...WizzAir expects to return to growth in 2026 after striking a compensation deal with Pratt &...
Nvidia was the most popular stock among investors this year, as hype around the artificial intelligence boom knocked...Nvidia was the most popular stock among investors this year, as hype around the artificial...Nvidia was the most popular stock among investors this year, as hype around the artificial...
comment
People usually mean what they do rather than what they say. That’s what immediately came into my head when a survey...People usually mean what they do rather than what they say. That’s what immediately came into my...People usually mean what they do rather than what they say. That’s what immediately came into my...
innovation
Cheap AI tools speed up marketing and save on software costs
technology
A Kent-based home shopping company using technology to offer a 24/7 TV channel at a fraction of the cost of a traditional operation
steve rigby
After a difficult 2024, we need to focus on growth and let businesses do their job of generating prosperity
HOW I MADE IT
Emma O’Brien, founder of Embridge, on how her memory of Leo has pushed her in new directions
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
Liverpool refuse to enter negotiations to sell right back but Real will now hold talks with the player about summer move when his deal expires
Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold permanently in January. The Spanish giants made their first official move in their pursuit of the Liverpool vice-captain by contacting the club’s hierarchy on New Year’s Eve, but an attempt to seal a cut-price deal was immediately rebuffed. The conversation did not even reach the stage...Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold permanently...Liverpool have rejected an approach from Real Madrid to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold permanently...
paul joyce
The conversation between Real Madrid and Liverpool did not get as far as crunching the numbers, but Trent...The conversation between Real Madrid and Liverpool did not get as far as crunching the numbers, but Trent Alexander-Arnold can no longer be in any doubt as to just how much the Spaniards value him. That Carlo Ancelotti’s side were prepared to shell out a transfer fee believed to be about £20million in January for...The conversation between Real Madrid and Liverpool did not get as far as crunching the numbers, but Trent Alexander-Arnold can...
matthew syed
When I think of the sumptuous viewing of 2024, my mind turns to my throat. The tingling, slightly raspy feeling after shouting myself almost hoarse as Tom Pidcock roared back into contention after a puncture at the Olympics, before — was it...When I think of the sumptuous viewing of 2024, my mind turns to my throat. The tingling, slightly...When I think of the sumptuous viewing of 2024, my mind turns to my throat. The tingling, slightly...
tony cascarino
God knows how Joshua Zirkzee gets through the abuse he suffered when he was substituted for Manchester United in the...God knows how Joshua Zirkzee gets through the abuse he suffered when he was substituted for...God knows how Joshua Zirkzee gets through the abuse he suffered when he was substituted for...
stephen jones
The news that Gerald — in Wales, no surname needed — has been knighted has been welcomed across the rugby world.The news that Gerald — in Wales, no surname needed — has been knighted has been welcomed across...The news that Gerald — in Wales, no surname needed — has been knighted has been welcomed across...
Times writers ring out the old by setting out their hopes and fears for the new year with all united in the opinion that there are simply too many games
I so admire the coaching of Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola that it would be heavenly if one of Fulham, Brentford or Bournemouth qualified for Europe and the real hope would be that in doing so they could cope with the extra workload and not find it a poisoned chalice. There is every chance all three of these managers will be poached in 2025 but wouldn’t it...I so admire the coaching of Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola that it would be heavenly...I so admire the coaching of Marco Silva, Thomas Frank and Andoni Iraola that it would be heavenly...
Mark Robins is set to be named the new Stoke City manager, only weeks after being sacked by Coventry City. Robins has...Mark Robins is set to be named the new Stoke City manager, only weeks after being sacked by Coventry City. Robins has emerged as the clear favourite to take over at Stoke after being interviewed for the position, along with the former Norwich City and Huddersfield Town manager David Wagner, and is now poised to be...Mark Robins is set to be named the new Stoke City manager, only weeks after being sacked by Coventry City. Robins has emerged...
2024 in review | stuart fraser
Knee surgery, Indian Wells defeats and the biggest victory of his life over Carlos Alcaraz – how Serb won Olympic gold in Paris
There was a great irony to Novak Djokovic’s 2024. In a season he described as one of the worst of his career came arguably his finest achievement, as a long bid for an Olympic gold medal finally came to an end on the clay courts of Paris. It is far from a first for the greatest tennis player of all time to peak at the right moment. One of the key traits of Djokovic’s...There was a great irony to Novak Djokovic’s 2024. In a season he described as one of the worst of...There was a great irony to Novak Djokovic’s 2024. In a season he described as one of the worst of...
Jack Willis will remain unavailable for England after signing a contract extension with the French champions Toulouse.Jack Willis will remain unavailable for England after signing a contract extension with the French champions Toulouse. Willis, 28, signed for Toulouse in 2022 after his club side Wasps fell into administration mid-season. Due to the exceptional circumstances, he was still eligible for England until the end of the...Jack Willis will remain unavailable for England after signing a contract extension with the French champions Toulouse. Willis...
times sport unseen
For me, last year was dominated by the Euros, a fantastic month and a half following England all the way to the final in Germany. After the loss to Spain, the two-day drive home from Berlin was lonely and sad as I wondered if I would ever get...For me, last year was dominated by the Euros, a fantastic month and a half following England all...For me, last year was dominated by the Euros, a fantastic month and a half following England all...
interview
How the actor best known as DS Arnott divides his time between family life in Las Vegas and work
Their marriage lasted two years — the wrangling over their separation lasted eight. It has been an epic as monumental as their Hollywood careers
fraser nelson
As Fraser Nelson joins The Times, he reveals what it’s like to be on the front line of British politics
Dieting alone is not the answer, here is our guide to toning up in 2025
Carol Midgley
Vitamins you can stick on, the new Botox alternative, divisive denim and the only vegetable worth Instagramming. We’re only one day into a new year, but it’s never too soon to get ahead on what’s cool for 2025. Will you be “double drenching” this...Vitamins you can stick on, the new Botox alternative, divisive denim and the only vegetable worth...Vitamins you can stick on, the new Botox alternative, divisive denim and the only vegetable worth...
There are some marquee art moments lined up for 2025, with the National Gallery’s redeveloped Sainsbury Wing...There are some marquee art moments lined up for 2025, with the National Gallery’s redeveloped...There are some marquee art moments lined up for 2025, with the National Gallery’s redeveloped...
video
Review
In a turbulent world there are few things that we can be certain of as we welcome in 2025: Donald Trump will once...In a turbulent world there are few things that we can be certain of as we welcome in 2025: Donald...In a turbulent world there are few things that we can be certain of as we welcome in 2025: Donald...
Do you need a streak of evil to win The Traitors? The clue’s in the name — the hit reality game show is built on skulduggery, with covert “Traitors” eliminating oblivious “Faithfuls” one by one while insisting they are Faithfuls themselves.Do you need a streak of evil to win The Traitors? The clue’s in the name — the hit reality...Do you need a streak of evil to win The Traitors? The clue’s in the name — the hit reality...
ask the experts
VIEWING GUIDE
TELEVISION
MindGames
1 The title of Graham Greene’s novel The Power and the Glory is derived from which prayer? 2 Which 15th-century...1 The title of Graham Greene’s novel The Power and the Glory is derived from which prayer? 2...1 The title of Graham Greene’s novel The Power and the Glory is derived from which prayer? 2...
Decapitating queens was a low point, but there are a few 16th-century traditions that are worth reviving
julia samuel
The psychotherapist addresses your dilemmas
Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney are just the latest crop of film stars to turn to wine production
Smudging, energy clearance, gong therapy, manifestation practices — how far will you go to try to ensure a top-notch 2025?
Nina Caplan spent the year drinking mostly champagne. Here is what she learnt
Our ultimate guide to America’s newest hotels, theme parks and museums from Alabama to Wyoming (plus Washington DC). These are the hottest spots you won’t want to miss
Make the most of shorter days and cold weather with a snug stay in one of these romantic bolt holes — complete with scenic walks and stylish restaurants nearby
A laid-back energy, medieval old town and plenty of museums — plus modern hotels and easy access to the Alps — make Bern a year-round weekend winner
From cruising through India in January to an unspoilt Indian Ocean island stay in December, this calendar of new trips will make travel planning for all budgets a breeze
It’s got Maldivian beaches, spectacular mountains, and a fascinating history — here’s where to see in Albaniathis dazzling country
If you assume cruises mean black-tie dinners, bridge contests and bland buffets, think again. Cruise lines are now...If you assume cruises mean black-tie dinners, bridge contests and bland buffets, think again.If you assume cruises mean black-tie dinners, bridge contests and bland buffets, think again.
interview
James Middleton, 37, is the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, and the founder of the dog food company James &...James Middleton, 37, is the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, and the founder of the dog...James Middleton, 37, is the younger brother of the Princess of Wales, and the founder of the dog...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
Nine miles southeast of this town’s seaside railway station, the grey seals are pupping — and I’ve brought a tripod and several cameras to photograph them. So why has my friend decided to pick me up in a 1960s Mini Cooper S? And why does he insist...Nine miles southeast of this town’s seaside railway station, the grey seals are pupping — and...Nine miles southeast of this town’s seaside railway station, the grey seals are pupping — and...
Obituary
DJ who helped to start Radio Caroline before joining the BBC in a career that spanned seven decades
obituary
Hard-scrummaging forward known as ‘Ripper’ who became the first Welsh player to be sent off in an international fixture
OBITUARY
Columbia-educated disco diva who sang some of the biggest dance hits of the 1970s and afterwards returned to teaching
obituary
As a teenager she fantasised about becoming a nun but instead became a sex symbol after starring in Zeffirelli’s celebrated 1968 film
obituary
Dogged, decent and unlikely leader of the free world who won a Nobel peace prize
MR RYAN K. PRESTON AND MISS FRANCESCA E. EASTON
The engagement is announced between Mr Ryan K. Preston and Miss F.MR RYAN K. PRESTON AND MISS FRANCESCA E. EASTON
The engagement is announced between Mr Ryan...MR RYAN K. PRESTON AND MISS FRANCESCA E. EASTON
The engagement is announced between Mr Ryan...
video
What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing the telephone...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...What have the Victorians ever done for us? Well, along with those familiar things like inventing...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
The Scottish Ambulance Service triggered 64 serious adverse event reviews in 2023 — up from 11 in 2019
Investigations into incidents which put patients at risk were launched at the rate of more than one a week by the Scottish Ambulance Service, figures reveal. A record 64 serious adverse event reviews (SAERs) were triggered in 2023 to learn lessons from near misses and cases where patients...Investigations into incidents which put patients at risk were launched at the rate of more than one a week by the Scottish Ambulance Service, figures reveal. A record 64 serious adverse event reviews (SAERs) were triggered in 2023 to learn lessons from near misses and cases where patients...Investigations into incidents which put patients at risk were launched at the rate of more than one a week by the Scottish...
Tourists have scrambled to find a way to welcome in the new year after the main Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled on Monday because of bad weather. The street party and fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle were cancelled owing to a Met Office yellow weather warning, which initially covered most of Scotland throughout Hogmanay before...Tourists have scrambled to find a way to welcome in the new year after the main Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled on Monday because of bad weather. The street party and fireworks display over Edinburgh Castle were cancelled owing to a Met Office yellow weather warning, which initially covered most of Scotland throughout Hogmanay before...Tourists have scrambled to find a way to welcome in the new year after the main Hogmanay celebrations were cancelled on Monday...
The Rangers manager Philippe Clement is prepared to take risks with the defence he cobbles together for the Old Firm clash with Celtic after a deepening injury crisis robbed him of his captain, James Tavernier. The central defenders John Souttar and Neraysho Kasanwirjo were already out and Leon Balogun has only a...The Rangers manager Philippe Clement is prepared to take risks with the defence he cobbles...The Rangers manager Philippe Clement is prepared to take risks with the defence he cobbles...
A landscape painting of the Scots capital by the artist JMW Turner will go on display in the city for the first time since it was painted over 200 years ago. Turner painted Edinburgh from below Arthur’s Seat during his first visit to the city in...A landscape painting of the Scots capital by the artist JMW Turner will go on display in the city...A landscape painting of the Scots capital by the artist JMW Turner will go on display in the city...
Officials in London are monitoring forecasts before fireworks
The new year will not start with a bang for some as New Year’s Eve celebrations have been cancelled across the country because of strong winds and heavy rain. Firework displays have been called off in Newcastle and Blackpool, while a New Year’s Eve event in the North Yorkshire cathedral city of Ripon and a sea dip at Lyme Regis on New Year’s Day have also been scrapped.The new year will not start with a bang for some as New Year’s Eve celebrations have been...The new year will not start with a bang for some as New Year’s Eve celebrations have been...
Quiz
Evidence of human habitation in Scotland dates back 12,000 years, towards the end of the last Ice Age. In the...Evidence of human habitation in Scotland dates back 12,000 years, towards the end of the last Ice Age. In the Neolithic period, significant structures were built, such as Skara Brae in Orkney and the magnificent standing stones of Callanish on Lewis. The prehistoric Bronze Age and Iron Age were followed by the Roman...Evidence of human habitation in Scotland dates back 12,000 years, towards the end of the last Ice Age. In the Neolithic period...
Comment
When politicians fail, the celebrities step in
James Kanagasooriam
Figures such as Martin Lewis and Jeremy Clarkson increasingly have more recognition, longevity and clout than MPs
ROGER BOYES
Trump can tackle Iran in ways Biden ducked
SARAH DITUM
At last, I’ve discovered the joy of the open road
TOM WHIPPLE | NOTEBOOK
Carter’s odd suggestion feels rather special now
JOHN DARLINGTON
It’s becoming too easy to demolish our old buildings
Leading Articles
Elon’s Lament
The world’s richest man has highlighted the deep flaws in Sir Keir Starmer’s approach to business. His fundamental critique is correct
The World in 2025
Donald Trump’s return to the White House will dictate geopolitics in the year ahead
Rising from the Ruins
Gisèle Pelicot has been an inspiration to victims of sexual violence worldwide
letters to the editor
Black marks on Labour’s education policy
Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, It’s difficult to explain the prime minister’s justification of VAT on private schools except in terms of wilful ignorance of very recent history (“VAT on private schools will help middle class, Starmer says”, Dec 31). Even the most openly socialist economies have never achieved their holy grail of improvements for all by...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, It’s difficult to explain the prime minister’s justification...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, It’s difficult to explain the prime minister’s justification...
TOMIWA OWOLADE | NOTEBOOK
Here’s a resolution for 2025: no more brain rot
Brain rot is the Oxford word of 2024. I am usually sceptical about using one word, or two, to capture a whole year...Brain rot is the Oxford word of 2024. I am usually sceptical about using one word, or two, to capture a whole year, but I think brain rot is a perfect choice for the year that has just ended: more than ever before the effect of technology and social media on the concentration spans of young people, in particular...Brain rot is the Oxford word of 2024. I am usually sceptical about using one word, or two, to capture a whole year, but I think...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The cap on bus fares in England rises from £2 to £3 and will remain in place until December.
Brussels: Poland assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union until June; the final stage of Bulgaria and Romania’s entry into the EU’s Schengen area takes effect, with EU citizens now able to travel without land border controls to and from the two countries.
On this day
In 1852 British anti-slavery efforts in Lagos (southern Nigeria) culminated in the signing of a treaty with the newly installed ruler, Akitoye, in exchange for protection from a rival. The agreement also stated that “no human being shall at any time be sacrificed … on account of religious or other ceremonies”; in 1962, after an audition, Decca Records rejected the Beatles. They were told that guitar groups were “on the way out”. Instead, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes were signed, a band based near the studios; in 2006 the Royal Mail monopoly over the UK’s postal service market to business and residential customers ended. In 1654 Oliver Cromwell had granted a monopoly to the Office of Postage and in 1660 Charles II officially established the General Post Office; in 2019 George, a 14-year-old Hawaiian tree snail, died. The last-known member of the species Achatinella apexfulva, George was born in a captive breeding facility and for more than a decade a search had been made for a mate. “I know it’s just a snail, but it represents a lot more,” a researcher said; in 2022 Laura and Jason Kenny, the Team GB cyclists who broke successive records at the Tokyo Olympics, became the first couple to be honoured with a damehood and knighthood at the same time.
Nature notes
Fancy a new hobby? “Nocturnal flight call” recording, or “nocmigging”, is a fast-growing activity beloved of keen ornithologists. Relatively inexpensive and simple to do, it involves setting up recording apparatus in the evening and then leaving it on all night. In the morning, you review what passed overhead. To keep together, birds constantly call to each other as they migrate, and the software identifies individual species by the sound patterns of this vocalising. It’s often surprising and rewarding to find out exactly what flew over as you slept. Even in apparently unpromising sites like city centres, the recording picks up everything from whimbrels to golden eagles, hawfinches to whooper swans, cranes to curlews. Moorhens are surprisingly frequent night flyers. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Altynai Asylmuratova, former prima ballerina with Kirov Ballet, 64; Dame Mary Beard, classics editor of TLS and writer, Emperor of Rome (2023), professor of classics, University of Cambridge (2004-22), 70; Alison Bevan, director, Royal West of England Academy (2013-24), 60; Tracy Borman, chief historian, Historic Royal Palaces, chancellor, Bishop Grosseteste University, and author, Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I (2023), 53; Lord (Nicholas) Bourne of Aberystwyth, minister for Wales (2017-19) and minister for faith (2016-19), 73; Jon Callard, rugby union player, England (1993-95), now coach, 59; Gia Coppola, film director, The Last Showgirl (2024), 38; Prof Sir Martin Evans, biologist, Nobel prizewinner (2007), first scientist to identify embryonic stem cells in mice, 84; John Fuller, poet and novelist, You’re Having Me On! (2014), and expert on WH Auden, 88; Trevor Grove, journalist, editor, The Sunday Telegraph (1989-92), 80; Jacky Ickx, Belgian racing driver, 80; Bill Jacklin, painter, 82; Stephen Kinnock, Labour MP for Aberafan Maesteg, minister for care, 55; Christine Lagarde, president, European Central Bank, managing director, International Monetary Fund (2011-19), 69; Paul Lawrie, golfer, winner of the Open (1999), 56; Michael Lynton, chairman, Snap (the Snapchat mobile app), chairman and chief executive, Sony Pictures Entertainment (2004-17), 65; Jimi Mistry, actor, Coronation Street (2013-15), 52; Prof Sir Anton Muscatelli, economist, principal and vice-chancellor, University of Glasgow, 63; Jonah Peretti, internet entrepreneur, co-founder of BuzzFeed and The Huffington Post, 51; Fiona Phillips, TV presenter, GMTV (1993-2010), 64; Joseph Saddler (Grandmaster Flash), hip-hop artist, 67; Georgina von Etzdorf, textile designer, 70; Jack Wilshere, footballer, England (2010-16), 33.