In the News
Coronavirus
‘Make virus tests routine for teachers and pupils’
The children’s commissioner set herself at odds with the government yesterday as she called for pupils and teachers to be routinely tested for coronavirus. Anne Longfield’s remarks were in sharp contrast to those of Nick Gibb, the schools minister, who said the present precautions were sufficient...The children’s commissioner set herself at odds with the government yesterday as she called for pupils and teachers to be routinely tested for coronavirus. Anne Longfield’s remarks were in sharp contrast to those of Nick Gibb, the schools minister, who said the present precautions were sufficient...The children’s commissioner set herself at odds with the government yesterday as she called for pupils and teachers to be...
Read the full storyWe do stop migrants, French claim, as Miliband criticises ‘push back’
France has defended its efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the Channel as it emerged that it wants another £30 million from Britain. Five times as many migrants had been stopped since January compared with the same period last year, according the French interior ministry. The total for last month was ten times that recorded in July...France has defended its efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the Channel as it emerged that it wants another £30 million from Britain. Five times as many migrants had been stopped since January compared with the same period last year, according the French interior ministry. The total for last month was ten times that recorded in July...France has defended its efforts to prevent migrants from crossing the Channel as it emerged that it wants another £30 million...
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Video
Glory be to Glyndebourne in the garden
The sun was bouncing off the brass section and a pair of wood pigeons squabbled in the wings as two singers had a socially distanced brawl. Commentary came in bleats from the sheep in a nearby field while on stage the lovers did as lovers must these days and put on gloves and visors to kiss. Such is opera in the age...The sun was bouncing off the brass section and a pair of wood pigeons squabbled in the wings as...The sun was bouncing off the brass section and a pair of wood pigeons squabbled in the wings as...
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coronavirus
Half of Preston cases in the under-30s
Paperwork stops social workers helping children
Social workers face so much paperwork that two thirds of the profession spend less than ten hours a week with vulnerable children and their parents. A government survey found that the volume of paperwork they must complete was...Social workers face so much paperwork that two thirds of the profession spend less than ten hours a week with vulnerable children and their parents. A government survey found that the volume of paperwork they must complete was...Social workers face so much paperwork that two thirds of the profession spend less than ten hours a week with...
Read the full storyBBC apologises for using racist slur in report
The BBC’s director-general apologised yesterday for a broadcast last month in which a white reporter used the n-word. More than 18,000 people complained after Fiona Lamdin, the social affairs correspondent, repeated the racist...The BBC’s director-general apologised yesterday for a broadcast last month in which a white reporter used the n-word. More than 18,000 people complained after Fiona Lamdin, the social affairs correspondent, repeated the racist...The BBC’s director-general apologised yesterday for a broadcast last month in which a white reporter used the n-word.
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Video
Lights, camera, animals — Netflix goes wild in natural history drama
Who needs human actors when you can cast ducklings and flying squirrels instead? Netflix has released television’s first ever “animal drama” — a blend of natural history and scripted entertainment that its creator hopes could represent the birth...Who needs human actors when you can cast ducklings and flying squirrels instead? Netflix has...Who needs human actors when you can cast ducklings and flying squirrels instead? Netflix has...
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A-LEVEL RESULTS
Don’t catastrophise bad exam results, parents told
Parents should prepare to fight for their children’s university places but are warned by experts not to “catastrophise” disastrous A-level results. Teachers should also not be blamed if students get a lower grade than expected on Thursday, The Good Schools Guide said. It added that schools would need to step up to fight universities on behalf of teenagers who...Parents should prepare to fight for their children’s university places but are warned by experts...Parents should prepare to fight for their children’s university places but are warned by experts...
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A-LEVEL RESULTS
Homeschoolers to be left without grades
Home-educated children will be left without qualifications this week because only schools can allocate A levels and...Home-educated children will be left without qualifications this week because only schools can allocate A levels and GCSEs, academics have warned. Those usually taught at home as a matter of course, rather than temporarily because of school closures, will suffer a “significantly detrimental” impact. Home-educated...Home-educated children will be left without qualifications this week because only schools can allocate A levels and GCSEs...
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A-LEVEL RESULTS
What to do if your A levels are better than expected
A-LEVEL RESULTS
How clearing can work for you
A-LEVEL RESULTS
Results day Q&A: admission tutors answer your questions
A-LEVEL RESULTS
What you need to know about loans and grants
coronavirus
Democrat anger at Trump relief bill
Coronavirus
It’s our job to party, say influencers
Coronavirus
Turkey has unofficial new surge, say doctors
CORONAVIRUS AROUND THE WORLD
Kiwis stop the spread for 100 days
Nash terrace of townhouses in need of renovation, yours for just £185m
Wanted: a “very, very wealthy” person to buy an entire terrace of London townhouses — in need of renovation — for £185 million. 1-18 York Terrace East is a row of white stucco houses overlooking Regent’s Park. It was designed by the renowned...Wanted: a “very, very wealthy” person to buy an entire terrace of London townhouses — in need of...Wanted: a “very, very wealthy” person to buy an entire terrace of London townhouses — in need of...
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Walking and cycling routes unlocked in plan to transform 100 miles of towpath
The biggest ever upgrade of canal towpaths is being planned to turn muddy, neglected routes into safe, good quality surfaces for walking and cycling. The Canal and River Trust has proposed 30 towpath improvement schemes for...The biggest ever upgrade of canal towpaths is being planned to turn muddy, neglected routes into safe, good quality surfaces for walking and cycling. The Canal and River Trust has proposed 30 towpath improvement schemes for...The biggest ever upgrade of canal towpaths is being planned to turn muddy, neglected routes into safe, good quality...
Read the full storyMP’s arrest over rape claim drives up helpline calls
The arrest of a Tory former minister for alleged rape and sexual assault has led to a surge in calls to a helpline for parliamentary staff. Downing Street insisted last night that Boris Johnson had full confidence in his chief...The arrest of a Tory former minister for alleged rape and sexual assault has led to a surge in calls to a helpline for parliamentary staff. Downing Street insisted last night that Boris Johnson had full confidence in his chief...The arrest of a Tory former minister for alleged rape and sexual assault has led to a surge in calls to a helpline...
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BEHIND THE SHOT
Calais refugee camp is a hostile environment for all
It was a smell that was familiar to me. That smell of firewood, sweating bodies and unwashed clothes that I knew from refugee camps around the world. I was not in some far-flung country but a small wood in a suburb of Calais, where migrants from...It was a smell that was familiar to me. That smell of firewood, sweating bodies and unwashed...It was a smell that was familiar to me. That smell of firewood, sweating bodies and unwashed...
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video
Hardline leader set to win 80% of vote after ‘absurd’ Belarus poll
Belarus was set for a tense stand-off last night after official exit polls suggested a landslide victory for its autocratic leader in presidential elections, despite an unprecedented rise in dissent and a high turnout. Armoured vehicles, water cannon and truckloads of police were brought into the capital, Minsk, before a state-backed pollster announced that it had...Belarus was set for a tense stand-off last night after official exit polls suggested a landslide...Belarus was set for a tense stand-off last night after official exit polls suggested a landslide...
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Beirut protesters push coalition to brink of collapse
Lebanon’s coalition government was starting to fragment this evening as sectarian animosities resurfaced in the wake...Lebanon’s coalition government was starting to fragment this evening as sectarian animosities resurfaced in the wake of last Tuesday’s devastating explosion at the port. For two days protesters wielding nooses bearing the names of national leaders have stormed Beirut’s city centre, from the parliament building...Lebanon’s coalition government was starting to fragment this evening as sectarian animosities resurfaced in the wake of last...
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Art show seeks rightful owners of Nazi loot
A 19th-century oil painting has gone on show in Verdun in the hope of tracing its rightful owners after it was returned by the son of the wartime German serviceman who stole it in France. The small bucolic scene by Nicolas...A 19th-century oil painting has gone on show in Verdun in the hope of tracing its rightful owners after it was returned by the son of the wartime German serviceman who stole it in France. The small bucolic scene by Nicolas...A 19th-century oil painting has gone on show in Verdun in the hope of tracing its rightful owners after it was...
Read the full storyKidnap gangs prey on women at one of world’s great beauty spots
Irene had a gun held to her head but was told that death would not come quickly, because the bullets were too expensive. Instead her kidnapper told her that she would be cut into pieces and forced to eat her own flesh as she...Irene had a gun held to her head but was told that death would not come quickly, because the bullets were too expensive. Instead her kidnapper told her that she would be cut into pieces and forced to eat her own flesh as she...Irene had a gun held to her head but was told that death would not come quickly, because the bullets were too expensive.
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from our correspondent
Children’s show revival recaptures some Iron Curtain magic
Twitter tries to gatecrash TikTok deal
Twitter has made an audacious attempt to gatecrash Microsoft’s talks to buy TikTok with a proposal to acquire the Chinese video-sharing app’s US operations. The micro-blogging network has held preliminary talks with TikTok, although it is regarded as a long shot to secure a deal given its market...Twitter has made an audacious attempt to gatecrash Microsoft’s talks to buy TikTok with a proposal to acquire the Chinese video-sharing app’s US operations. The micro-blogging network has held preliminary talks with TikTok, although it is regarded as a long shot to secure a deal given its market...Twitter has made an audacious attempt to gatecrash Microsoft’s talks to buy TikTok with a proposal to acquire the Chinese...
Read the full storyFinnish insurer backs pension giant
Pension Super Fund, a company trying to pioneer a gigantic consolidating vehicle for traditional pension funds, has received equity backing from Sampo, the Scandinavian insurer that last week agreed the takeover of Hastings Group, the car insurer. PSF has also assembled a group of business advisers including Martin Gilbert, the former...Pension Super Fund, a company trying to pioneer a gigantic consolidating vehicle for traditional pension funds, has received equity backing from Sampo, the Scandinavian insurer that last week agreed the takeover of Hastings Group, the car insurer. PSF has also assembled a group of business advisers including Martin Gilbert, the former...Pension Super Fund, a company trying to pioneer a gigantic consolidating vehicle for traditional pension funds, has received...
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Rate of recovery is slowing as the economy heads for recession
A lifting of lockdown restrictions helped business output rise for the third consecutive month in July but the pace of recovery is slowing as the economy prepares to enter recession. BDO’s index, which gives a snapshot of business output by analysing economic data from the main business surveys, rose by 6.7 points...A lifting of lockdown restrictions helped business output rise for the third consecutive month in...A lifting of lockdown restrictions helped business output rise for the third consecutive month in...
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comment
Contradictory policies are making this government look ridiculous
The first year of Boris Johnson’s premiership has been so extraordinary that it is difficult to discern its overall...The first year of Boris Johnson’s premiership has been so extraordinary that it is difficult to...The first year of Boris Johnson’s premiership has been so extraordinary that it is difficult to...
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comment
V may well mean victory but don’t be surprised if we go to L and back first
There’s been much debate about what shape the economic recovery from Covid-19 will take. Will the level of output...There’s been much debate about what shape the economic recovery from Covid-19 will take. Will the...There’s been much debate about what shape the economic recovery from Covid-19 will take. Will the...
Read the full storyZara property arm accused of bullying retailers for rent
The property arm of the Spanish billionaire founder of Zara has been accused of using bullying tactics by retailers in another sign of the tensions brewing with landlords in the pandemic. High street chains have complained that Pontegadea, the...The property arm of the Spanish billionaire founder of Zara has been accused of using bullying...The property arm of the Spanish billionaire founder of Zara has been accused of using bullying...
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need to know
Your three-minute digest
working life
Lloyds fraud victims accuse the bank of clamming up
As Lloyds Banking Group lurched from its latest misstep in the HBOS Reading affair, António Horta-Osório, its chief executive, decided it was time to finally get on top of the scandal. Last year Sir Ross Cranston, a retired High Court judge, told...As Lloyds Banking Group lurched from its latest misstep in the HBOS Reading affair, António...As Lloyds Banking Group lurched from its latest misstep in the HBOS Reading affair, António...
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Champions League
Record £120m payday if City rule in Europe
Manchester City are on course for a record Champions League payout if they win the tournament for the first time. Pep Guardiola’s City side, who face Lyons in the quarter-finals, are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy and under normal circumstances the Manchester club would stand to...Manchester City are on course for a record Champions League payout if they win the tournament for the first time. Pep Guardiola’s City side, who face Lyons in the quarter-finals, are the bookmakers’ favourites to lift the trophy and under normal circumstances the Manchester club would stand to...Manchester City are on course for a record Champions League payout if they win the tournament for the first time. Pep...
Read the full storycricket
Stokes will miss rest of Pakistan series for family reasons
Ben Stokes will miss the rest of the Test series against Pakistan after withdrawing from the squad for family reasons. The England all-rounder will travel to New Zealand to be with his parents this week. Ged, Stokes’s father, fell seriously ill while England were on tour in South Africa last Christmas and is understood to have been unwell...Ben Stokes will miss the rest of the Test series against Pakistan after withdrawing from the squad for family reasons. The England all-rounder will travel to New Zealand to be with his parents this week. Ged, Stokes’s father, fell seriously ill while England were on tour in South Africa last Christmas and is understood to have been unwell...Ben Stokes will miss the rest of the Test series against Pakistan after withdrawing from the squad for family reasons. The...
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golf
Morikawa magic denies Casey in championship thriller
It was worth the wait. Collin Morikawa emerged from the most congested of major packs to see off the challenge of Paul Casey and a phalanx of hopefuls to win an enthralling PGA Championship in San Francisco. His first misstep came when he raised the Wanamaker Trophy and the lid fell off, the only clanger dropped all...It was worth the wait. Collin Morikawa emerged from the most congested of major packs to see off...It was worth the wait. Collin Morikawa emerged from the most congested of major packs to see off...
Read the full storyCricket | Mike Atherton
This wasn’t just a victory – this was a psychology lesson
formula one
Verstappen adds final stroke to Red Bull’s tactical masterpiece
Lewis Hamilton’s podium finish in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone equalled Michael Schumacher’s all-time F1 record of 155. But he was not standing on the top step. That honour went to Max Verstappen, who took full advantage of a Red...Lewis Hamilton’s podium finish in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone equalled Michael...Lewis Hamilton’s podium finish in the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone equalled Michael...
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Football
Celtic can’t handle Kabamba
Rugby union | Stuart Barnes
Rugby must return with a new priority – to entertain
As the Premiership kicks back into life at the Stoop on Friday, New Zealand’s Super Rugby Aotearoa tournament comes to its riveting conclusion with the crowned champions, the Crusaders, away to their old rivals the Blues. The tournament has been a...As the Premiership kicks back into life at the Stoop on Friday, New Zealand’s Super Rugby...As the Premiership kicks back into life at the Stoop on Friday, New Zealand’s Super Rugby...
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CRICKET | SIMON WILDE
Woakes 9, Babar 6: how they rated at Old Trafford
England Rory Burns A tad unlucky to fall to two leg-before decisions that needed confirmation by review, but 14 runs...England Rory Burns A tad unlucky to fall to two leg-before decisions that needed confirmation by...England Rory Burns A tad unlucky to fall to two leg-before decisions that needed confirmation by...
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racing
Thunderer’s racing tips
Thunderer’s tips for Monday, August 10
Chester
4.25 Commonsensical
4.55 Cuban Breeze
5.30 Lincoln Park
6.00 ...Thunderer’s tips for Monday, August 10
Chester
4.25 Commonsensical
4.55 Cuban Breeze
5.30...Thunderer’s tips for Monday, August 10
Chester
4.25 Commonsensical
4.55 Cuban Breeze
5.30...
obituary
Lord Lester of Herne Hill
Leading human rights lawyer who championed freedom of speech, introduced equality legislation and was a fine watercolourist
Anthony Lester liked to recall that in the 1960s he had a simple test for discrimination. He would reply to a job advertisement with two fake applications from imaginary people with identical qualifications: one called Singh, the other Smith. Mr Singh was rarely offered an interview. Fifty years later, he doubted that much had changed. Lester, who was once described as...Anthony Lester liked to recall that in the 1960s he had a simple test for discrimination. He...Anthony Lester liked to recall that in the 1960s he had a simple test for discrimination. He...
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obituary
Rupert Hine
When Rupert Hine was producing the album that resurrected Tina Turner’s career, he made the mistake of asking her to...When Rupert Hine was producing the album that resurrected Tina Turner’s career, he made the mistake of asking her to do a second take. It was the first time he had worked with her and they were recording Turner’s 1984 comeback album Private Dancer, for which Hine had written the opening song I Might Have Been Queen...When Rupert Hine was producing the album that resurrected Tina Turner’s career, he made the mistake of asking her to do a...
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obituary
Connie Culp
weather eye
Pressure helps pets detect storms
from the archive
The nation’s debt of honour
From The Times, August 10, 1920 We commend to the attention of our readers the eloquent and moving appeal on behalf...From The Times, August 10, 1920 We commend to the attention of our readers the eloquent and...From The Times, August 10, 1920 We commend to the attention of our readers the eloquent and...
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law report
VAT exemption limit on special investment funds
Court of Justice of the European Union
Published August 10, 2020
Blackrock Investment Management (UK) Ltd v Revenue...Court of Justice of the European Union
Published August 10, 2020
Blackrock Investment...Court of Justice of the European Union
Published August 10, 2020
Blackrock Investment...
My A-list set were a poisoned chalice
His fashion designs and famous friends made Henry Holland a star — then it all fell apart. By Julia Llewellyn Smith
The day I told my Muslim father I was gay
An extract from Mohsin Zaidi’s coming-of-age memoir sheds light on what it was like to grow up gay in a strictly religious household
First night | Theatre
Ghost Light — a glimpse of how theatre feels and why it matters
★★★★☆
It’s a neat consolation prize of the coronavirus to have online versions of the plays you can no longer go to see, even if one medium sometimes struggles to translate to another. This half-hour film by Hope Dickson Leach for the...★★★★☆
It’s a neat consolation prize of the coronavirus to have online versions of the plays...★★★★☆
It’s a neat consolation prize of the coronavirus to have online versions of the plays...
first night | theatre
Watching Rosie — beautifully balanced socially distanced production
First night | theatre
Blindness — Exercise in suffering is as grim as it sounds
★★☆☆☆
If you thought you were having a tough year, be thankful you’re not a character in José Saramago’s novel Blindness...★★☆☆☆
If you thought you were having a tough year, be thankful you’re not a character in...★★☆☆☆
If you thought you were having a tough year, be thankful you’re not a character in...
The lowdown: Dirty Dancing — the sequel
Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Actually, that depends. Has she been to a country on the quarantine list? There is...Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Actually, that depends. Has she been to a country on...Nobody puts Baby in the corner!
Actually, that depends. Has she been to a country on...
WEEK SEVENTEEN
The Times Film Club — Dead Ringer
What did you think of Dead Ringer? Join Kevin Maher for a live chat about the film on Monday, August 10, from noon to 1.30pm. To submit your thoughts and questions in advance, post them in the comments below Dead Ringer (1964)
The inimitable...What did you think of Dead Ringer? Join Kevin Maher for a live chat about the film on...What did you think of Dead Ringer? Join Kevin Maher for a live chat about the film on...
VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on TV and radio tonight
Video games
10 video games that went big in 2020
Why this summer’s latest status symbol is a pond
Forget the clear azure depths of the pool at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, or the glassy-surfaced infinity version built into a Santorini cliff face. Among the A-list there is only one type of outdoor body of water that will do this summer — and both it and the planning permission it requires are a little murkier. Bob Geldof, who announced last week that he planned to...Forget the clear azure depths of the pool at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, or the glassy-surfaced...Forget the clear azure depths of the pool at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, or the glassy-surfaced...
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MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
1 According to legend, St Jerome removed a thorn from which animal’s injured paw? 2 Aged 93, June Brown quit which...1 According to legend, St Jerome removed a thorn from which animal’s injured paw? 2 Aged 93, June Brown quit which EastEnders role earlier this year? 3 What is the most commonly grown plant in the genus Nicotiana? 4 Which 1989 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical features the song Love Changes Everything? 5 What is...1 According to legend, St Jerome removed a thorn from which animal’s injured paw? 2 Aged 93, June Brown quit which EastEnders...
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Humiliated Swinney in bid to quell exams row
John Swinney is planning emergency measures to defuse the toxic row over school exam results that is threatening his position as Scotland’s education secretary. Pressure is mounting on Mr Swinney to resign after thousands of children across the country — many from deprived areas — were left disappointed last week when they found out their predicted grades submitted by...John Swinney is planning emergency measures to defuse the toxic row over school exam results that...John Swinney is planning emergency measures to defuse the toxic row over school exam results that...
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Coronavirus
Almost half of teachers say it’s still unsafe to reopen schools
Almost half of teachers questioned by a union in Scotland do not think it is safe for pupils to return. The NASUWT...Almost half of teachers questioned by a union in Scotland do not think it is safe for pupils to return. The NASUWT union questioned 780 teaching staff before the reopening of schools this week. The survey found teachers are anxious about going back to work and believe they have not been given enough information or...Almost half of teachers questioned by a union in Scotland do not think it is safe for pupils to return. The NASUWT union...
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Dock death ‘could have been avoided’
The death of a dockyard worker could have been avoided if a report into a similar near-miss five weeks earlier had...The death of a dockyard worker could have been avoided if a report into a similar near-miss five...The death of a dockyard worker could have been avoided if a report into a similar near-miss five...
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Child sexual abuse cases rise by nearly a third in five years
Sexual offences against children in Scotland have increased by almost a third over the past five years. Police...Sexual offences against children in Scotland have increased by almost a third over the past five...Sexual offences against children in Scotland have increased by almost a third over the past five...
Read the full storyRape victim tells of attacks by Children of God cultist
A woman has described how she was raped and repeatedly sexually molested by a “missionary member” of the Children of God cult in Scotland. Hope Bastine has revealed her ordeal after her abuser was jailed for more than 11 years...A woman has described how she was raped and repeatedly sexually molested by a “missionary member” of the Children of God cult in Scotland. Hope Bastine has revealed her ordeal after her abuser was jailed for more than 11 years...A woman has described how she was raped and repeatedly sexually molested by a “missionary member” of the Children of...
Read the full storyShort radiotherapy just as effective for cancer patients
Radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer patients are being cut from four weeks to five days. Researchers believe early-stage patients benefit just as much from a smaller number of larger doses. The shorter treatment schedules...Radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer patients are being cut from four weeks to five days. Researchers believe early-stage patients benefit just as much from a smaller number of larger doses. The shorter treatment schedules...Radiotherapy treatments for breast cancer patients are being cut from four weeks to five days. Researchers believe...
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Connery is the best Bond
Sean Connery has been voted the best ever James Bond. The Scottish actor saw off Daniel Craig, Roger Moore, Pierce...Sean Connery has been voted the best ever James Bond. The Scottish actor saw off Daniel Craig...Sean Connery has been voted the best ever James Bond. The Scottish actor saw off Daniel Craig...
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comment
Social enterprise must be at heart of wellbeing economy
The Covid-19 pandemic is exposing the inequalities of our global economic system, and threatening progress in some of...The Covid-19 pandemic is exposing the inequalities of our global economic system, and threatening...The Covid-19 pandemic is exposing the inequalities of our global economic system, and threatening...
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leading article
Harsh Lesson
comment | philip rodney
Forget about percentages, data, graphs and numbers but don’t stop believin’
Football
Lennon admits defender Jullien is rusty as Celtic drop points
Neil Lennon claimed Celtic were “not anywhere near our form” after Kilmarnock held the reigning Premiership champions...Neil Lennon claimed Celtic were “not anywhere near our form” after Kilmarnock held the reigning...Neil Lennon claimed Celtic were “not anywhere near our form” after Kilmarnock held the reigning...
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Football
Winnie: KR Reykjavik are no threat to Celtic
Celtic should have no concerns about facing KR Reykjavik in their first Champions League qualifying round at Parkhead...Celtic should have no concerns about facing KR Reykjavik in their first Champions League...Celtic should have no concerns about facing KR Reykjavik in their first Champions League...
Read the full storyCoronavirus
Aid for crisis-hit counties to be discussed tomorrow
The government will this week discuss specific financial support for Kildare, Offaly and Laois as they enter their first full week of regional lockdown after a spike in coronavirus cases. Three Fianna Fáil oireachtas members said they had been assured by Michael McGrath, the public expenditure minister, that the matter would be raised at the Covid-19 cabinet...The government will this week discuss specific financial support for Kildare, Offaly and Laois as...The government will this week discuss specific financial support for Kildare, Offaly and Laois as...
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Coronavirus
Meat plant chiefs to discuss ways to stop Covid-19 spread
A plan to stop the spread of Covid-19 in meat plants will be discussed by a union and industry representatives today...A plan to stop the spread of Covid-19 in meat plants will be discussed by a union and industry representatives today after a series of significant clusters in the midlands. Two meat-processing plants and one dog-food facility in the midlands will not open today in light of the outbreak in Laois, Offaly and Kildare...A plan to stop the spread of Covid-19 in meat plants will be discussed by a union and industry representatives today after a...
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Comment
Beware the march towards a Zoom dystopia
Clare Foges
Remote interactions are necessary during the pandemic but a permanent shift online is a lonely and troubling prospect
Trevor Phillips
World’s poor are crying out for democracy
LIBBY PURVES
A dose of opera can lift us out of the gloom
Benedict King
Good riddance to insanely expensive cathedral choirs
Max Hastings
Honour the forgotten army of the Far East
Leading Articles
Gesture Politics
The government’s call to adopt Australian ‘push-back’ tactics to halt the flow of migrants across the Channel lacks sense, vision or promise of success
Rebuilding Lebanon
The corrupt political elite must all go, to be replaced by a cabinet of technocrats
Arteries of Beauty
Britain’s canal network is a wonderful amenity. Time now to revive the towpaths
letters to the editor
Matthew Parris and the value of human life
Sir, It seems perfectly consistent to believe that “we have to make choices” about life, that although wars may be justified they are always ultimately a human failure, and that there are coherent differences as to when people think life begins...Sir, It seems perfectly consistent to believe that “we have to make choices” about life, that...Sir, It seems perfectly consistent to believe that “we have to make choices” about life, that...
Read the full storyReaders’ poll
Should schools reopen in September?
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: In Wales swimming pools, gyms and leisure centres reopen; in Northern Ireland masks become mandatory in enclosed spaces such as shops.
Saudi Arabia: Saudi Aramco, the oil and gas giant, publishes its results for the second quarter.
On this day
In 1675 John Flamsteed, the first astronomer royal, laid the foundation stone of the first part of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich; in 1895 Sir Henry Wood’s first promenade concert was held at the Queen’s Hall, Langham Place, London. The Proms were first held at the Royal Albert Hall in 1941, after the original venue was gutted during a Luftwaffe bombardment on May 10, 1941; in 1988 US President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act, providing a presidential apology and symbolic payment of $20,000 to the surviving internees, evacuees and persons of Japanese ancestry who lost liberty or property because of discriminatory action during the Second World War; in 2014 Recep Tayyip Erdogan was voted in as Turkey’s first directly elected president.
Nature Notes
The pink or pink-and-white striped circus tops of field bindweed are a cheerful sight in high summer — although perhaps not for farmers or the stricter kind of gardener, for this fast-growing, persistent, twining wildflower is considered a serious weed in 14 countries, including most of mainland Europe. Although its pretty blooms can be all white, it is easily distinguishable from the snowy trumpets of hedge bindweed by its smaller flowers and lower-growing habit; both are members of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae). Also known as creeping jenny, sheepbine, hedge bells and cornbind, field bindweed is a favourite with butterflies and is particularly common on waste ground and arable field margins.
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Haifaa al-Mansour, film director, Mary Shelley (2017), the first female film-maker in Saudi Arabia, 46; Ian Anderson, rock musician, Jethro Tull, 73; Rosanna Arquette, actress, Desperately Seeking Susan (1985), 61; Antonio Banderas, actor, Desperado (1995), 60; Nicolas Berggruen, investor, founder of the Berggruen Institute think tank, 59; Baroness (Elizabeth) Butler-Sloss, lady justice of appeal (1988-99), president of the family division (1999-2005), 87; Suzanne Collins, author, The Underland Chronicles and The Hunger Games trilogy, 58; Andy Cresswell-Davis, musician, Stackridge, the opening band at the first Glastonbury festival (1970), 71; Lawrence Dallaglio, rugby union player, England (1995-2007), founder, the Dallaglio RugbyWorks (2009), 48; Rhonda Fleming, actress, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), 97; Prof Alexander Goehr, composer, 88; Prof Adrian Harris, oncologist, specialist in breast cancer, 70; Edward Guinness, Earl of Iveagh, chairman, Elveden Farms, 51; Kylie Jenner, reality TV star, 23; Roy Keane, footballer and manager, 49; Susan Lewis, novelist, Home Truths (2019), 64; Anita Lonsbrough, swimmer, Olympic gold medallist (1960), 79; Jane Lush, chairwoman, Bafta (2016-18), 68; Shaun Murphy, snooker player, world champion (2005), 38; Ian Murray, Labour MP for Edinburgh South, shadow secretary of state for Scotland, 44; Sir Michael Pepper, physicist, 78; Chris Read, cricketer, England (1999-2007), 42; Tony Ross, illustrator, Pippi Longstocking, Horrid Henry, 82; Juan Manuel Santos, Nobel peace prize recipient (2016), president of Colombia (2010-18), 69; Ronnie Spector, singer, the Ronettes, Be My Baby (1963), 77; John Spencer, rugby union player, England (1969-71), president, Rugby Football Union (2017-18), 73; Justin Theroux, actor and screenwriter, 49; Koji Tsuruoka, ambassador of Japan to the UK (2016-19), 68; Dame Rosie Winterton, Labour MP for Doncaster Central, deputy speaker, 62.