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Firms must block child ‘sexting’
●Hunt: epidemic of explicit images causing mental illness ● Pressure on mobile companies and social media to act
Social media giants should block children from sharing explicit images to help to curb Britain’s “sexting” crisis, the health secretary has said. Jeremy Hunt also heaped pressure on tech and mobile phone companies to tackle sexting among under-18s. Technology existed to allow social media...Social media giants should block children from sharing explicit images to help to curb Britain’s “sexting” crisis, the health secretary has said. Jeremy Hunt also heaped pressure on tech and mobile phone companies to tackle sexting among under-18s. Technology existed to allow social media...Social media giants should block children from sharing explicit images to help to curb Britain’s “sexting” crisis, the health...
Read the full storyEurope will need the City after Brexit, says Bank chief
newThe EU will continue to need the City of London after Brexit, Mark Carney said today, as he warned Brussels against seeking to damage the UK’s financial sector. The Bank of England governor, who incurred the wrath of Brexit campaigners for spelling out the potential negative consequences to the economy of leaving the bloc, said that it was...The EU will continue to need the City of London after Brexit, Mark Carney said today, as he warned Brussels against seeking to damage the UK’s financial sector. The Bank of England governor, who incurred the wrath of Brexit campaigners for spelling out the potential negative consequences to the economy of leaving the bloc, said that it was...The EU will continue to need the City of London after Brexit, Mark Carney said today, as he warned Brussels against seeking to...
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Thousands of National Lottery accounts breached by hackers
newThe accounts of 26,500 National Lottery players have been hacked, its operator admitted today. Camelot’s own servers weren’t compromised. Instead, it said hackers had used login details stolen elsewhere that worked because some people use the same password for multiple accounts. In a statement the company said: “We...The accounts of 26,500 National Lottery players have been hacked, its operator admitted today.The accounts of 26,500 National Lottery players have been hacked, its operator admitted today.
Read the full storyVideo
Football fans united by grief as dream of glory ends in tragedy
One of football’s most unlikely success stories ended in tragedy when nearly every member of a little-known Brazilian team was killed in an air crash in Colombia. Six of the 77 passengers and crew survived when the British Aerospace 146 plane came...One of football’s most unlikely success stories ended in tragedy when nearly every member of a...One of football’s most unlikely success stories ended in tragedy when nearly every member of a...
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Free psychotherapy will be offered to women who suffer severe PMS
Women will be offered psychological therapy on the NHS to cope with premenstrual syndrome under new guidelines.Women will be offered psychological therapy on the NHS to cope with premenstrual syndrome under...Women will be offered psychological therapy on the NHS to cope with premenstrual syndrome under...
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The Times Diary
There’s always a bad apple
It is the time of year when MPs send whisky by the caseload to their party leader. Not as a present or a bribe but so...It is the time of year when MPs send whisky by the caseload to their party leader. Not as a...It is the time of year when MPs send whisky by the caseload to their party leader. Not as a...
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Colombia crash
Weather and fuel may be crash factors
SamCam’s new label will put her personal style in vogue
The worst-kept secret in fashion is out: Samantha Cameron, wife of the former prime minister, is launching her own fashion label. It will be called Cefinn, and the first 40 pieces will be on sale soon at Selfridges and Net-a-Porter. Mrs Cameron is seeking to cast off her image as political spouse and heiress in much the same way as Victoria Beckham reinvented herself as...The worst-kept secret in fashion is out: Samantha Cameron, wife of the former prime minister, is...The worst-kept secret in fashion is out: Samantha Cameron, wife of the former prime minister, is...
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Analysis
A first lady masterclass in matchy-matchy chic
It was only a matter of time before the woman who pulled off contemporary first-lady chic so consummately should...It was only a matter of time before the woman who pulled off contemporary first-lady chic so consummately should package it up and sell it on to the rest of us. Fashion and commerce flow in Samantha Cameron’s veins alongside the blue blood that comes with being the daughter of a baronet. She has spent her career...It was only a matter of time before the woman who pulled off contemporary first-lady chic so consummately should package it up...
Read the full storyBlunder stops return of Polish prisoners
More than 100 Polish prisoners jailed in England and Wales have avoided being sent home to serve their sentence after a blunder by a government official. The Whitehall civil servant misinterpreted a deal which meant some Polish...More than 100 Polish prisoners jailed in England and Wales have avoided being sent home to serve their sentence after a blunder by a government official. The Whitehall civil servant misinterpreted a deal which meant some Polish...More than 100 Polish prisoners jailed in England and Wales have avoided being sent home to serve their sentence after...
Read the full storyGeorge Michael heads star cast in war on internet puppy gangs
George Michael is leading a group of celebrity pet owners calling for a clampdown on the unlicensed pet trade. The singer is helping Blue Cross, the pet charity, to draw attention to the scale of the problem and the huge...George Michael is leading a group of celebrity pet owners calling for a clampdown on the unlicensed pet trade. The singer is helping Blue Cross, the pet charity, to draw attention to the scale of the problem and the huge...George Michael is leading a group of celebrity pet owners calling for a clampdown on the unlicensed pet trade. The...
Read the full storyChristmas appeal
‘We hoped Sox would be like a magic wand to help Toby . . . and he was’
Sox does not, if one is completely honest, have the efficient air of a working dog trained to bring order to a household. In fact, he has a pink sandal in his mouth and an apparent unwillingness to leave his basket, and he stirs only when someone accidentally says the word “ball”. Yet the Turner family are adamant that Sox has changed their lives — in particular that of...Sox does not, if one is completely honest, have the efficient air of a working dog trained to...Sox does not, if one is completely honest, have the efficient air of a working dog trained to...
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Letter from the Editor
Your chance to make lives better at home and abroad
The long war in Syria is entering a critical phase, one no less bloody than the horrors to date. Regime and Russian...The long war in Syria is entering a critical phase, one no less bloody than the horrors to date. Regime and Russian forces are crushing rebels in Aleppo, sending yet more innocent civilians into flight. More than 400,000 people are thought to have lost their lives in the conflict, with five million fleeing their...The long war in Syria is entering a critical phase, one no less bloody than the horrors to date. Regime and Russian forces are...
Read the full storyBeethoven expert given an earful after manuscript row scuppers sale
Sotheby’s has accused a Beethoven scholar of irresponsible behaviour after an argument broadcast live on radio yesterday morning appeared to scare away bidders for a musical manuscript. The auction house said that doubts raised by Barry Cooper, professor of music at the University of Manchester, had a “direct impact” on bidding for Allegretto in B Minor, a short...Sotheby’s has accused a Beethoven scholar of irresponsible behaviour after an argument broadcast...Sotheby’s has accused a Beethoven scholar of irresponsible behaviour after an argument broadcast...
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Handwritten Mahler symphony sells for world-record £4.5m
Bidders broke the world record for a musical manuscript less than an hour after rejecting a disputed Beethoven work...Bidders broke the world record for a musical manuscript less than an hour after rejecting a disputed Beethoven work when a complete manuscript by Gustav Mahler sold for £4.5 million. Mahler’s handwritten version of his Second Symphony, known as The Resurrection, was billed by Sotheby’s as “the greatest musical...Bidders broke the world record for a musical manuscript less than an hour after rejecting a disputed Beethoven work when a...
Read the full storyRed Box: Comment
Football should care more about its fans
Football is our national sport, we invented the modern game and have the most popular league in the world, viewed by millions around the globe. I grew up playing and watching the game and loved every minute. I still play and...Football is our national sport, we invented the modern game and have the most popular league in the world, viewed by millions around the globe. I grew up playing and watching the game and loved every minute. I still play and...Football is our national sport, we invented the modern game and have the most popular league in the world, viewed by...
Read the full storyRED BOX: COMMENT
We’re missing a trick if we don’t help forgotten young women into work
Statistics published last week show that 285,000 young women are economically inactive and not in education or training - far outnumbering young men. A Young Women’s Trust report released today shows that the overwhelming...Statistics published last week show that 285,000 young women are economically inactive and not in education or training - far outnumbering young men. A Young Women’s Trust report released today shows that the overwhelming...Statistics published last week show that 285,000 young women are economically inactive and not in education or...
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RED BOX
No mention of the F-word
To boldly go? Nasa seeks a solution for its wee problem
Mankind’s road to Mars is fraught with perils and unanswered questions. What will the pioneers do for food? Will they go mad? Will their bodies slowly unravel under the onslaught of cosmic radiation? To these quandaries, one thoughtful soul at...Mankind’s road to Mars is fraught with perils and unanswered questions. What will the pioneers do...Mankind’s road to Mars is fraught with perils and unanswered questions. What will the pioneers do...
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Video
Assad revenge squads stalk Aleppo refugees
Even as they fled the front line, the residents of Aleppo were not safe: at least 25 were killed by a single barrel bomb dropped from above, the White Helmets rescue group said yesterday. Many of the men who chose to stay in their homes as their neighbourhood was overrun by regime forces were taken to the suburb of Jibreen and a nearby air base for interrogation...Even as they fled the front line, the residents of Aleppo were not safe: at least 25 were killed...Even as they fled the front line, the residents of Aleppo were not safe: at least 25 were killed...
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Jets can’t take off from Putin’s only aircraft carrier
The majority of the planes on Russia’s only aircraft carrier have been flown to a base in Syria after they had...The majority of the planes on Russia’s only aircraft carrier have been flown to a base in Syria after they had difficulties launching at sea, a defence source said yesterday. The lack of a catapult system on board the Admiral Kuznetsov has hampered the ability of pilots to operate at sea, forcing them to carry fewer...The majority of the planes on Russia’s only aircraft carrier have been flown to a base in Syria after they had difficulties...
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CIA chief warns Trump over ‘folly’ of scrapping Iran deal
The outgoing director of the CIA has warned Donald Trump that any move by the United States to scrap a landmark...The outgoing director of the CIA has warned Donald Trump that any move by the United States to...The outgoing director of the CIA has warned Donald Trump that any move by the United States to...
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Fears over Russian hack attack on German election
Angela Merkel said yesterday that cyberattacks originating in Russia were becoming part of everyday life, and her spy...Angela Merkel said yesterday that cyberattacks originating in Russia were becoming part of...Angela Merkel said yesterday that cyberattacks originating in Russia were becoming part of...
Read the full storyTrump fights to impose order in Republican battle over Romney
Donald Trump embarks on a victory tour tomorrow of the battleground states that propelled him to his election win — even as his top aides feud in public over who he should appoint as his secretary of state. The president-elect was due to dine...Donald Trump embarks on a victory tour tomorrow of the battleground states that propelled him to...Donald Trump embarks on a victory tour tomorrow of the battleground states that propelled him to...
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Zuma clings on in face of cabinet revolt
President Zuma survived another attempt to oust him at the weekend, but he faces continuing challenges as he attempts...President Zuma survived another attempt to oust him at the weekend, but he faces continuing...President Zuma survived another attempt to oust him at the weekend, but he faces continuing...
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Scandal-hit South Korean president offers to step down
President Park of South Korea will step down if parliament can work out a way for her to leave office without causing...President Park of South Korea will step down if parliament can work out a way for her to leave...President Park of South Korea will step down if parliament can work out a way for her to leave...
Read the full storyFiat heir ‘faked own kidnap for cocaine and sex binge’ with transgender prostitute
An heir to the Italian Fiat fortune has been arrested in New York on allegations that he faked his own kidnapping to pay for a two-day cocaine binge with a transgender prostitute. Lapo Elkann, 39, grandson of the late Fiat CEO Gianni Agnelli...An heir to the Italian Fiat fortune has been arrested in New York on allegations that he faked...An heir to the Italian Fiat fortune has been arrested in New York on allegations that he faked...
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News in brief
Netherlands approves partial ban on burkas
Taxpayer-owned RBS fails bank stress tests
Royal Bank of Scotland has given warning that it would be unable to handle a new financial crash after failing the latest round of Bank of England stress tests designed to assess the strength of the UK’s largest lenders. The taxpayer-backed bank flunked the exercise; the Bank said that even after RBS triggered a host of safety measures put in place in the wake of the...Royal Bank of Scotland has given warning that it would be unable to handle a new financial crash...Royal Bank of Scotland has given warning that it would be unable to handle a new financial crash...
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Bank warns of higher rates if foreigner investors pull out
updatedBritain will face higher interest rates and escalating inflation if foreign investors desert the country over fears...Britain will face higher interest rates and escalating inflation if foreign investors desert the country over fears about the economy’s long-term potential after Brexit, the Bank of England has warned. The referendum may still take a damaging toll on prospects if overseas investors give up on the country or decide...Britain will face higher interest rates and escalating inflation if foreign investors desert the country over fears about the...
Read the full storyMore trouble emerges out of Africa for Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto faces an inquiry by American authorities over a multibillion-dollar writedown of a site in Mozambique in 2013. The US Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into the writedown triggered by a disastrous...Rio Tinto faces an inquiry by American authorities over a multibillion-dollar writedown of a site in Mozambique in 2013. The US Securities and Exchange Commission is looking into the writedown triggered by a disastrous...Rio Tinto faces an inquiry by American authorities over a multibillion-dollar writedown of a site in Mozambique in 2013.
Read the full storyLenders face crackdown on high-cost loans
Providers of high-cost credit, ranging from catalogue credit to pawnbroking, could be forced to cut their prices in a drive by the financial regulator to protect vulnerable consumers. About 400,000 people use high-cost credit...Providers of high-cost credit, ranging from catalogue credit to pawnbroking, could be forced to cut their prices in a drive by the financial regulator to protect vulnerable consumers. About 400,000 people use high-cost credit...Providers of high-cost credit, ranging from catalogue credit to pawnbroking, could be forced to cut their prices in a...
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business commentary
Bad broadband? Blame the OAPs
Uber’s fight to avoid licensing and safety rules is heard by top court
Uber tried to put years of regulatory rows and protests from established taxi companies behind it yesterday as it defended its business model in Europe’s highest court. The ride-hailing company appeared in the European Court of...Uber tried to put years of regulatory rows and protests from established taxi companies behind it yesterday as it defended its business model in Europe’s highest court. The ride-hailing company appeared in the European Court of...Uber tried to put years of regulatory rows and protests from established taxi companies behind it yesterday as it...
Read the full storyOverseas investors see gilt-edged opportunity
Foreign investors are showing no sign of losing faith in the British economy since the Brexit vote, having piled into UK government debt in September and October. According to figures from the Bank of England, overseas...Foreign investors are showing no sign of losing faith in the British economy since the Brexit vote, having piled into UK government debt in September and October. According to figures from the Bank of England, overseas...Foreign investors are showing no sign of losing faith in the British economy since the Brexit vote, having piled into...
Read the full storythe game webchat replayed
Oliver Kay tackled United, the League Cup and SPOTY
Football
Chelsea sex abuse payout
Club made secret compensation payment to former player who accused coach
Chelsea were dragged into football’s child abuse scandal last night after it emerged that the club recently made a secret compensation payment to a former player who said he had been assaulted by their chief scout in the 1970s. The club announced that they have appointed independent lawyers to...Chelsea were dragged into football’s child abuse scandal last night after it emerged that the club recently made a secret compensation payment to a former player who said he had been assaulted by their chief scout in the 1970s. The club announced that they have appointed independent lawyers to...Chelsea were dragged into football’s child abuse scandal last night after it emerged that the club recently made a secret...
Read the full storycricket
Dawson and Jennings called into Test squad to replace Hameed and Ansari
newKeaton Jennings and Liam Dawson, both uncapped at Test level, have been called into the England squad for the final two Tests against India as replacements for the injured Haseeb Hameed and Zafar Ansari. Jennings comes in for Hameed, who is set to return home for surgery on his badly broken little finger on his left hand, and Dawson takes...Keaton Jennings and Liam Dawson, both uncapped at Test level, have been called into the England squad for the final two Tests against India as replacements for the injured Haseeb Hameed and Zafar Ansari. Jennings comes in for Hameed, who is set to return home for surgery on his badly broken little finger on his left hand, and Dawson takes...Keaton Jennings and Liam Dawson, both uncapped at Test level, have been called into the England squad for the final two Tests...
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rugby union
Six Nations to introduce bonus points for 2017
newBonus points will be awarded in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship, to encourage teams to play more attacking rugby. Under the new system, winning teams will be awarded four points, with a fifth point awarded if they score four or more tries. Losing teams will receive one bonus point for either scoring four...Bonus points will be awarded in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship, to encourage teams to...Bonus points will be awarded in this season’s RBS 6 Nations Championship, to encourage teams to...
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rugby union
Yarde and Hughes set to step into fray
Matthew Syed
BBC award is devalued by absence of true giant Froome
There are many moments that evoke the singular character of Chris Froome. The hair-raising descent of the Col de Peyresourde in the eighth stage of this summer’s Tour de France, the blistering attack on La Pierre St Martin in 2015, the iconic win at fabled Mont Ventoux in 2013. But when I think of Froome, who failed to make the 16-strong shortlist for the BBC Sports...There are many moments that evoke the singular character of Chris Froome. The hair-raising...There are many moments that evoke the singular character of Chris Froome. The hair-raising...
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Times writers
Spoty 2016: I can’t believe they left out . . .
Chris Froome
Matt Dickinson, chief sports writer: If you set aside my vow never to get wound up by something as...Chris Froome
Matt Dickinson, chief sports writer: If you set aside my vow never to get wound up by something as silly as Spoty — there are enough trophies for actually winning stuff — ignoring the only man to have defended the Tour de France in 20-odd years seems perverse. Though I’m sure Chris Froome can live...Chris Froome
Matt Dickinson, chief sports writer: If you set aside my vow never to get wound up by something as silly as Spoty...
Henry Winter
Woodburn takes chance to make Liverpool history
Tony Cascarino
Persistence pays off for Origi
Mike Atherton
England have gone downhill since first Test
Cricket
How England rated in the third Test
Alastair Cook Poor Test from the captain, scoring 39 runs. Looked lost in the field for large parts of India’s first...Alastair Cook Poor Test from the captain, scoring 39 runs. Looked lost in the field for large...Alastair Cook Poor Test from the captain, scoring 39 runs. Looked lost in the field for large...
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rugby union
England’s fastest wing proved to be a slow learner in the scrum
Jonny May has been the butt of all jokes in the England camp this week over his comical attempts to fill in at...Jonny May has been the butt of all jokes in the England camp this week over his comical attempts...Jonny May has been the butt of all jokes in the England camp this week over his comical attempts...
Read the full storyrugby union
Year of transition leaves Australia playing catch-up
At the game’s grand global party last year, Australia were the great entertainers. Clad in gold and led by a coach who made his millions in the fashion industry, they may not have been consistently brilliant, but they were the team you dared not take your eyes off. They stayed until the end of the party, too, beaten only in the World Cup final at Twickenham by New Zealand.At the game’s grand global party last year, Australia were the great entertainers. Clad in gold...At the game’s grand global party last year, Australia were the great entertainers. Clad in gold...
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Video highlights
Owen Slot’s tries of the week
Olly Woodburn
Exeter Chiefs v Worcester
This looks far too easy, but a length of the field try with so many hands...Olly Woodburn
Exeter Chiefs v Worcester
This looks far too easy, but a length of the field try with so many hands is always fair on the eye. The good work is done by Ian Whitten, who receives the pass from Thomas Waldrom in front of the Chiefs’ posts. The gaping hole in front of Whitten is simply too inviting...Olly Woodburn
Exeter Chiefs v Worcester
This looks far too easy, but a length of the field try with so many hands is always...
Obituary
Mark Taimanov
Mark Taimanov was in Hastings to take part in the 1975 international chess congress. Before a single pawn was moved he had two tasks to complete: the first was to send a telegram to his wife in Leningrad saying “tseluyu” (I kiss you); the second was to give a dazzling display of Chopin’s music on the piano. Only then did he sit down and show his virtuosity with...Mark Taimanov was in Hastings to take part in the 1975 international chess congress. Before a...Mark Taimanov was in Hastings to take part in the 1975 international chess congress. Before a...
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Obituary
Arthur Poore
Arthur Poore was one of the elite Lancaster bomber pilots of 617 Squadron who, after the celebrated “Dambusters” raid...Arthur Poore was one of the elite Lancaster bomber pilots of 617 Squadron who, after the celebrated “Dambusters” raid of May 1943, carried out still more sophisticated precision attacks on German installations, including V-1 flying bomb dumps; launch sites for the V-2 ballistic missile; and the concrete-covered...Arthur Poore was one of the elite Lancaster bomber pilots of 617 Squadron who, after the celebrated “Dambusters” raid of May...
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Obituary
Paul Cowan
Obituary
Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II
Obituary
Richard Selzer
Court Circular
November 29
Calls to the Bar
Gray’s Inn and Middle Temple
WEATHER EYE
Blame it on the vortex
Good news: although our present cold and frosty weather could carry on for much of this winter, there’s a chance conditions could turn much milder towards the end of the season. The recent Met Office outlook puts a large part of the blame for the...Good news: although our present cold and frosty weather could carry on for much of this winter...Good news: although our present cold and frosty weather could carry on for much of this winter...
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NOVEMBER 30, 1916
The admiralty changes
A week of rumours was ended by Mr Balfour’s announcement in the House of Commons yesterday. After two years’ incessant vigil in the North Sea, Sir John Jellicoe comes to London as First Sea Lord of the Admiralty. His successor in command of the...A week of rumours was ended by Mr Balfour’s announcement in the House of Commons yesterday. After...A week of rumours was ended by Mr Balfour’s announcement in the House of Commons yesterday. After...
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fashion
The man who knows what women want
Johnny Coca is a master of desirable arm candy. He explains how he reinvented the It bag
FASHION
Anna Murphy: The jumper dress that won me over
As long as they’re slinky and striped, I’m loving the new sweater dresses
Fashion
The joy of faking it in winter
It’s cold out, but faux fur will warm you in style provided you follow the rules, says Hilary Rose
ARTS
Mary or Liz? Let’s flip for it
Each night a coin decides the queen that Lia Williams plays, she tells Dominic Maxwell
the Wednesday column
Carol Midgley: How to have your cake and eat it — my handy guide
dinner tonight
Lindsey Bareham’s chicken and leek pies
MindGames
The Times Daily Quiz
The lowdown
Wearable sleeping bags
first night review
After October at Finborough Theatre, SW10
new★★☆☆☆
He’s probably best known now for his later play Absolute Hell, but in this 1936 work Rodney Ackland offers a self-portrait of the artist as a young man. It’s an affectionate, rose-tinted picture of boho life, written with warmth, some wit...★★☆☆☆
He’s probably best known now for his later play Absolute Hell, but in this 1936 work...★★☆☆☆
He’s probably best known now for his later play Absolute Hell, but in this 1936 work...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Concert: BBCSO / Gamba at the Barbican
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Opera: Alice’s Adventures Under Ground at the Barbican
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Concert: North by Northwest Live at the London Coliseum
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Visual art: Robert Rauschenberg at Tate Modern
first night review
Pop: Katie Melua at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane
★★★★☆
Not for the first time in her 13-year career as one of syrupy pop’s biggest sellers, Katie Melua is attempting a reinvention. After a foray into electronica in 2010 with The House (produced by William Orbit) and the orchestral Secret...★★★★☆
Not for the first time in her 13-year career as one of syrupy pop’s biggest sellers...★★★★☆
Not for the first time in her 13-year career as one of syrupy pop’s biggest sellers...
VIEWING GUIDE
What’s on tonight and when
BEAUTY
Five of the best: Perfume oils
No Chemicals Roll-on, £45 for 15ml, Couverture (couvetureandthegarbstore.com)
They say A natural perfume oil that...No Chemicals Roll-on, £45 for 15ml, Couverture (couvetureandthegarbstore.com)
They say A...No Chemicals Roll-on, £45 for 15ml, Couverture (couvetureandthegarbstore.com)
They say A...
THE TIMES FILM SHOW
A United Kingdom and Paterson
Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — A United Kingdom and Paterson See the Times+ website for...Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — A United Kingdom and Paterson See the...Watch our critics discuss the big new releases. This week — A United Kingdom and Paterson See the...
Read the full storySupport for independence sinks
Support for Scottish independence has slumped below the 45 per cent achieved by Yes campaigners in the referendum and now stands at its lowest point since September 2014, according to a new poll for The Times. The research comes at the end of the SNP’s national survey, in which Nicola Sturgeon...Support for Scottish independence has slumped below the 45 per cent achieved by Yes campaigners in the referendum and now stands at its lowest point since September 2014, according to a new poll for The Times. The research comes at the end of the SNP’s national survey, in which Nicola Sturgeon...Support for Scottish independence has slumped below the 45 per cent achieved by Yes campaigners in the referendum and now...
Read the full storyPoll shows most Scots doubt SNP’s ability to keep country in EU
Almost two thirds of Scots do not believe that SNP ministers will be able to keep Scotland in the EU after Brexit while the UK remains intact, according to a poll. While a significant proportion of voters — 42 per cent — would like Scotland to try to remain in the bloc in such a scenario, only 22 per cent of them think that it would be...Almost two thirds of Scots do not believe that SNP ministers will be able to keep Scotland in the EU after Brexit while the UK remains intact, according to a poll. While a significant proportion of voters — 42 per cent — would like Scotland to try to remain in the bloc in such a scenario, only 22 per cent of them think that it would be...Almost two thirds of Scots do not believe that SNP ministers will be able to keep Scotland in the EU after Brexit while the UK...
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All change! Rail bosses given list of improvements
Scotland’s railway managers have been told to make almost 250 changes to the way they operate, from putting up more fencing to improving signalling, to make sure more trains run on time. The changes were included in an improvement plan agreed by ministers, designed to prevent the delays and cancellations that have...Scotland’s railway managers have been told to make almost 250 changes to the way they operate...Scotland’s railway managers have been told to make almost 250 changes to the way they operate...
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No need to wait six months after miscarriage
Women who suffer a miscarriage need not wait before trying to have a baby again, according to a study which...Women who suffer a miscarriage need not wait before trying to have a baby again, according to a...Women who suffer a miscarriage need not wait before trying to have a baby again, according to a...
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World’s End killer ‘also murdered bakery worker’
The World’s End murderer was also responsible for the death of a Glasgow baker, former detectives have claimed.The World’s End murderer was also responsible for the death of a Glasgow baker, former detectives...The World’s End murderer was also responsible for the death of a Glasgow baker, former detectives...
Read the full storyAvalanches triggered by people hit record high in deadly winter
A record number of avalanches were triggered by climbers and walkers in Scotland last winter, a new report has revealed. There were 205 avalanches, involving a total of 109 people, between last December and April this year. The Scottish Avalanche...A record number of avalanches were triggered by climbers and walkers in Scotland last winter, a...A record number of avalanches were triggered by climbers and walkers in Scotland last winter, a...
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Locals want their roads to be less travelled by event cyclists
The organisers of Scotland’s premier cycling event have caused fresh controversy after planning to close an extra 30 miles of roads to extend the course. The Etape Caledonia, held in Highland Perthshire, has been described by Chris Boardman, the...The organisers of Scotland’s premier cycling event have caused fresh controversy after planning...The organisers of Scotland’s premier cycling event have caused fresh controversy after planning...
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Michael Grant
What’s the hurry, Robbie? Hearts job has more to offer
Just as the question was once “why Bolton?” and then “why Rotherham?”, it is now “why MK Dons?” A cursory study of the new and often unloved magpie club from Milton Keynes shows there is no lack of ambition and plenty of room for growth in...Just as the question was once “why Bolton?” and then “why Rotherham?”, it is now “why MK Dons?” A...Just as the question was once “why Bolton?” and then “why Rotherham?”, it is now “why MK Dons?” A...
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Reliance on corporation tax risks new crash
Ireland’s budgetary watchdog has accused the government of repeating the mistakes that led the country to financial ruin by relying on volatile tax revenues to fuel spending increases. John McHale, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council chairman, warned the government against relying on unpredictable...Ireland’s budgetary watchdog has accused the government of repeating the mistakes that led the country to financial ruin by relying on volatile tax revenues to fuel spending increases. John McHale, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council chairman, warned the government against relying on unpredictable...Ireland’s budgetary watchdog has accused the government of repeating the mistakes that led the country to financial ruin by...
Read the full storyScrap water charges, report recommends
Refunds will not be given to those who paid water charges despite a top-level report recommending the fees be consigned to history. The expert commission on water charges delivered its 64-page report yesterday said that the normal domestic use of water should be paid for through the taxation system. The eight-member group chaired by Kevin...Refunds will not be given to those who paid water charges despite a top-level report recommending the fees be consigned to history. The expert commission on water charges delivered its 64-page report yesterday said that the normal domestic use of water should be paid for through the taxation system. The eight-member group chaired by Kevin...Refunds will not be given to those who paid water charges despite a top-level report recommending the fees be consigned to...
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GP ‘gave disabled daughter sedative overdose’
An Offaly GP gave her 11-year-old disabled daughter a toxic level of a sedative before taking an overdose herself, a court has heard. Bernadette Scully, 58, is charged with the manslaughter of Emily Barut at their home at Emvale, Bachelor’s Walk, Tullamore. Ms Scully is accused of gross negligence by giving her...An Offaly GP gave her 11-year-old disabled daughter a toxic level of a sedative before taking an...An Offaly GP gave her 11-year-old disabled daughter a toxic level of a sedative before taking an...
Read the full storyIreland makes maths top ten
Irish maths students have been ranked ninth in the world in a comprehensive study released yesterday. The figures show an improvement from 2011, when the same cohort of children came 17th out of 50 countries. Richard Bruton, the education minister...Irish maths students have been ranked ninth in the world in a comprehensive study released...Irish maths students have been ranked ninth in the world in a comprehensive study released...
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Row over email naming Brian Stack suspects
The taoiseach has urged Gerry Adams to explain a “contradiction” over his correspondence to the garda commissioner about a Provisional IRA murder in 1983. Brian Stack, the chief prison officer of Portlaoise prison, died after...The taoiseach has urged Gerry Adams to explain a “contradiction” over his correspondence to the garda commissioner about a Provisional IRA murder in 1983. Brian Stack, the chief prison officer of Portlaoise prison, died after...The taoiseach has urged Gerry Adams to explain a “contradiction” over his correspondence to the garda commissioner...
Read the full storyRoss compromises on judicial appointments
Shane Ross has agreed to allow new judges to be appointed in exchange for the government speeding up a judicial reform bill. The Independent Alliance transport minister had been blocking the appointments until he had secured...Shane Ross has agreed to allow new judges to be appointed in exchange for the government speeding up a judicial reform bill. The Independent Alliance transport minister had been blocking the appointments until he had secured...Shane Ross has agreed to allow new judges to be appointed in exchange for the government speeding up a judicial...
Read the full storyCrackdown on unregulated Dublin rickshaws
Rickshaw drivers in Dublin will need to be licensed, insured and undergo background checks under new regulations tabled by Fianna Fail. Jack Chambers, the Dublin West TD, said that order needed to be brought to the operation of rickshaws in the...Rickshaw drivers in Dublin will need to be licensed, insured and undergo background checks under...Rickshaw drivers in Dublin will need to be licensed, insured and undergo background checks under...
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Juncker plan ‘a missed opportunity for Ireland’
The European Investment Bank is set to step up its engagement with the Irish economy after it opens an office in Dublin next month. A senior Fine Gael source told The Times that the government has not taken full advantage of...The European Investment Bank is set to step up its engagement with the Irish economy after it opens an office in Dublin next month. A senior Fine Gael source told The Times that the government has not taken full advantage of...The European Investment Bank is set to step up its engagement with the Irish economy after it opens an office in...
Read the full storyExpanding Voxpro eyes stock market float
An Irish business outsourcing firm is on track to complete a stock market flotation in the next three years as it closes in on its revenue target of $100 million a year next year. Dan Kiely, who co-founded Voxpro with his wife...An Irish business outsourcing firm is on track to complete a stock market flotation in the next three years as it closes in on its revenue target of $100 million a year next year. Dan Kiely, who co-founded Voxpro with his wife...An Irish business outsourcing firm is on track to complete a stock market flotation in the next three years as it...
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Leading article
Comment
We’re heading for a trade war and we’ll all lose
Daniel Finkelstein
The rising tide of economic nationalism on the right and left is illiterate, even if it seems to make political sense
Roger Boyes
Europe could do with its own populist revolt
Alice Thomson
Unlock the cells and throw away the key
Matthew Parris
Mr Gorilla should be free to swim the Thames
Frank Field
Labour has no idea how to stop the Ukip juggernaut
Rachel Sylvester
Closing hospitals can help us save the NHS
‘You can declare war more peacefully than you can reform a healthcare system,” writes Ken Clarke in his memoir Kind of Blue. According to the former health secretary, hospital closures always provoke the bitterest battles. As soon as he...‘You can declare war more peacefully than you can reform a healthcare system,” writes Ken Clarke...‘You can declare war more peacefully than you can reform a healthcare system,” writes Ken Clarke...
Read the full storyLeading Articles
A Time for Giving
The Times is appealing for donations to three causes over the Christmas period. We believe these charities deserve support for changing lives, and saving them
Need for Speed
BT and Openreach are to be forced further apart. About time too
Write Wing
Perhaps the government should communicate via scribbles on notepads
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Transparency and publishing directors’ pay
Sir, I read your report “Publish directors’ pay, private companies told” (Nov 29) with interest. Good businesses drive good social and economic outcomes; what we have seen over the years is a reckless minority acting without due regard for their...Sir, I read your report “Publish directors’ pay, private companies told” (Nov 29) with interest.Sir, I read your report “Publish directors’ pay, private companies told” (Nov 29) with interest.
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Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The Bank of England publishes its biannual financial stability report; the winner of the 24th annual Bad Sex in Fiction award is announced; the Duke of Cambridge visits the Rolls-Royce Learning and Development Centre in Derby; Court of Appeal rules in the case brought by four tobacco companies — British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco, Tann UK and Japan Tobacco — against laws to introduce plain standardised packaging on all tobacco products.
Barbados: Prince Harry continues his 15-day tour of the Caribbean where he attends events in honour of the country’s 50th anniversary, including a concert featuring Rihanna.
France: The annual Victoria’s Secret fashion show takes place in Paris, including performances from Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga and the Weeknd.
On this day
In 1016 Edmund II, known as Edmund Ironside, died, ending a seven-month reign;
In 1872 the first international association football match took place between Scotland and England, drawing 0-0, in Partick, Glasgow;
In 1936 the Crystal Palace, which had been moved to Sydenham Hill, southeast London, from its original location in Hyde Park, was destroyed by a fire;
In 1968 the Trade Descriptions Act, prohibiting misleading descriptions of goods and services, came into force;
In 1982 a letter bomb sent by animal rights activists exploded at 10 Downing Street, injuring a member of staff;
In 1994 almost 1,000 people are forced to abandon the cruise ship Achille Lauro after it catches fire in the Indian Ocean;
In 1995 Bill Clinton became the first US president to visit Northern Ireland.
Nature notes
On icy mornings, small birds protect themselves against the cold by puffing out their feathers, and round-shaped birds like robins especially can look very fat. Otherwise they try to live normally, but blackbirds and thrushes find it much more difficult when the ground is frozen hard and they cannot get at earthworms. They scuffle about in the dead leaves under hedges and bushes in search of beetles and other small creatures, or quarrel with each over ivy and mistletoe berries. Bird feeders become more crowded, and water that is deliberately kept unfrozen in a garden is very welcome to them. On frozen lakes, ducks seek any unfrozen water under overhanging trees, but some of them, such as teals, are quick to fly off elsewhere in search of it. Coots join moorhens on the banks. Crows and magpies walk out on to the ice for food that was formerly floating in the water. Herons and kingfishers will often go down to the sea.
Derwent May
Birthdays today
Nigel Adams, Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty, 50; Baroness (Hilary) Armstrong of Hill Top, Labour MP (1987-2010), minister for the Cabinet Office and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (2006-07), 71; John Bishop, comedian, 50; Semyon Bychkov, conductor, Klemperer chair of conducting, Royal Academy of Music, 64; Magnus Carlsen, chess grandmaster, reigning world champion, 26; Tsai Chin, actress, The Joy Luck Club (1993), 80; Joan Ganz Cooney, TV producer, co-creator of children’s TV show Sesame Street (1969), 87; Des’ree, pop and soul singer, Feel So High (1991), 48; Lord (David) Evans of Watford, chairman, Senate Publishing, 74; George Duffield, flat race jockey, major racing wins (1983-99), 70; Roger Glover, bassist, Deep Purple and Rainbow, 71; George Graham, footballer, Arsenal (1966-72), and manager, 72; Professor Veronica Hope-Hailey, dean and head of the school of management at the University of Bath, 60; Alan Hutton, footballer, Aston Villa, Scotland (2007-16), 32; Billy Idol, rock singer, White Wedding (1982), Rebel Yell (1983), 61; Frank Ifield, singer, I Remember You (1962), 79; Laurent Jalabert, road racing cyclist, 48; Dan Jarvis, Labour MP for Barnsley Central, shadow justice Minister (2013-15), 44; Lorraine Kelly, TV presenter, Lorraine (2010-), GMTV (1993-2010), 57; David Laws, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil (2001-15), minister for schools and the Cabinet Office (2012-15), 51; Josh Lewsey, rugby union player, England (1998-2008), and Welsh Rugby Union’s head of rugby (2013-Jan 2016), 40; Gary Lineker, presenter, Match of the Day, and England footballer (1984-92), 56; Sir Timothy Lloyd, lord justice of appeal (2005-13), 70; Radu Lupu, concert pianist, 71; Terrence Malick, film director, Badlands (1973), The Tree of Life (2011), Knight of Cups (2015), 73; David Mamet, playwright and scriptwriter, Glengarry Glen Ross (1983), The Untouchables (1987), Speed-the-Plow (1988), Hannibal (2001), 69; Professor Ian McKeever, artist, 70; Sir Patrick McLoughlin, MP for the Derbyshire Dales, Conservative party chairman and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, 59; David Nicholls, novelist, One Day (2009), Us (2014), 50; Mandy Patinkin, actor, Homeland (since 2011), 64; Sir Ridley Scott, film director, Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), The Martian (2015), 79; Ben Stiller, actor and director, Night at the Museum (2006), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), 51; Hugo Swire, Conservative MP for East Devon, Foreign Office minister (2012-Jul 16), 57; Stan Sulzmann, jazz saxophonist, 68; Lord (Graham) Tope, Liberal Democrat MP (1972-74), 73; Jonathan Weatherby, chairman, horse-racing specialist Weatherbys and Ascot Racecourse, 57.