The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
Explained
The different states’ rules on processing votes means it could take several days before Donald Trump or Kamala Harris is named president-elect
updated
video
investigation
in depth
Britain’s last coal-fired power station has spewed vapour from its massive towers for the last time. Its shutting...Britain’s last coal-fired power station has spewed vapour from its massive towers for the last time....Britain’s last coal-fired power station has spewed vapour from its massive towers for the last time....
dispatch FROM Sudzha
Galina had never given her country’s assault on Ukraine a second thought until it roared back across the border to...Galina had never given her country’s assault on Ukraine a second thought until it roared back...Galina had never given her country’s assault on Ukraine a second thought until it roared back...
Most flavoured vapes face a ban and e-cigarettes are set to be restricted to tobacco-style plain packaging under tougher new laws introduced on Tuesday. Shops will require a licence to sell both vapes and tobacco under new powers designed to stop children getting hooked on nicotine. All advertising for vapes will be banned and sponsorship of football and other sports...Most flavoured vapes face a ban and e-cigarettes are set to be restricted to tobacco-style plain...Most flavoured vapes face a ban and e-cigarettes are set to be restricted to tobacco-style plain...
How many non-smokers is it acceptable to get hooked on nicotine as the price of helping one smoker to quit?
This is...How many non-smokers is it acceptable to get hooked on nicotine as the price of helping one smoker to quit?
This is the trade-off that health officials have been grappling with over the past decade as vaping has surged in popularity. Initially, Britain took one of the most liberal approaches in the world. Bolstered...How many non-smokers is it acceptable to get hooked on nicotine as the price of helping one smoker to quit?
This is the...
When the wildlife ranger Anton Mzimba was killed by poachers in front of his wife and child, the Prince of Wales...When the wildlife ranger Anton Mzimba was killed by poachers in front of his wife and child, the...When the wildlife ranger Anton Mzimba was killed by poachers in front of his wife and child, the...
THE TIMES DIARY
Surprising your cast can be a useful tool for a film director but it only works once. Tom Hanks told Conan O’Brien’s...Surprising your cast can be a useful tool for a film director but it only works once. Tom Hanks...Surprising your cast can be a useful tool for a film director but it only works once. Tom Hanks...
The Israeli prime minister cited ‘significant differences in strategy’ with Yoav Gallant
updatedBinyamin Netanyahu has sacked Yoav Gallant as his defence minister, saying that trust had broken down after months of public disagreements. Although the Israeli prime minister said that he and Gallant had a “productive” relationship in the early months of the war against Hamas in Gaza...Binyamin Netanyahu has sacked Yoav Gallant as his defence minister, saying that trust had broken down after months of public disagreements. Although the Israeli prime minister said that he and Gallant had a “productive” relationship in the early months of the war against Hamas in Gaza...Binyamin Netanyahu has sacked Yoav Gallant as his defence minister, saying that trust had broken down after months of public...
A hard-right politician is among eight young men arrested in police raids across three countries for plotting a violent regional coup in eastern Germany to establish a dictatorship “modelled on Nazism”. A group of 15 to 20 right-wing extremists, who called themselves the “Saxon Separatists”, are alleged to have stockpiled military equipment...A hard-right politician is among eight young men arrested in police raids across three countries for plotting a violent regional coup in eastern Germany to establish a dictatorship “modelled on Nazism”. A group of 15 to 20 right-wing extremists, who called themselves the “Saxon Separatists”, are alleged to have stockpiled military equipment...A hard-right politician is among eight young men arrested in police raids across three countries for plotting a violent...
video
Francisco Furió, the parish priest of Aldaia, had hoped to say his first Mass since the flood, exactly a week after it devastated the town. Instead, he is conducting his first funeral for its victims. “The funeral is for a brother and sister who drowned in their house not a hundred metres away,” he says. After seven...Francisco Furió, the parish priest of Aldaia, had hoped to say his first Mass since the flood...Francisco Furió, the parish priest of Aldaia, had hoped to say his first Mass since the flood...
Russia is the most active threat to the stability of the US election and has tried to sow disinformation that puts officials at risk of violence, America’s top security agencies have said. “Russia is the most active threat,” the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said in a statement.Russia is the most active threat to the stability of the US election and has tried to sow...Russia is the most active threat to the stability of the US election and has tried to sow...
The election pitting Donald Trump against Kamala Harris was the costliest in American history. The Democrats and...The election pitting Donald Trump against Kamala Harris was the costliest in American history. The Democrats and Republicans spent a record-breaking $15.9 billion (£12.2 billion), according to data from OpenSecrets, a non-profit organisation that monitors campaign expenditures, surpassing the 2020 race’s $15.1...The election pitting Donald Trump against Kamala Harris was the costliest in American history. The Democrats and Republicans...
A Belgian man has said his grandmother is the subject of a 128-year-old painting by the impressionist Emile Claus. Claus, who died in 1924, was a leading figure of luminism, the Belgian wing of the impressionist movement, and is famous for his...A Belgian man has said his grandmother is the subject of a 128-year-old painting by the...A Belgian man has said his grandmother is the subject of a 128-year-old painting by the...
National Institute of Economic and Social Research warns of threat to job creation over coming years
newUnemployment will rise thanks to Rachel Reeves increasing employers’ national insurance contributions at the budget, experts have claimed. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), Britain’s oldest economic think tank, said the employers’ national insurance contributions...Unemployment will rise thanks to Rachel Reeves increasing employers’ national insurance contributions at the budget, experts have claimed. The National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), Britain’s oldest economic think tank, said the employers’ national insurance contributions...Unemployment will rise thanks to Rachel Reeves increasing employers’ national insurance contributions at the budget, experts...
Three bosses of a private equity group have each been sentenced to 22 months in prison after their “deliberate and planned flouting” of court orders imposed after they were accused of unlawfully “extracting” £13.7 million from Barclays bank accounts. Scott Dylan, David Antrobus and Jack Mason of Inc & Co were found to have committed...Three bosses of a private equity group have each been sentenced to 22 months in prison after their “deliberate and planned flouting” of court orders imposed after they were accused of unlawfully “extracting” £13.7 million from Barclays bank accounts. Scott Dylan, David Antrobus and Jack Mason of Inc & Co were found to have committed...Three bosses of a private equity group have each been sentenced to 22 months in prison after their “deliberate and planned...
More than £14 billion was wiped off the stock market value of AstraZeneca as investors were unnerved by reports in China of a widening investigation by the authorities. Shares in Britain’s biggest pharmaceuticals group closed down by 928p, or 8.4 per cent, to £101.14 on the London Stock Exchange, their lowest since...More than £14 billion was wiped off the stock market value of AstraZeneca as investors were...More than £14 billion was wiped off the stock market value of AstraZeneca as investors were...
alistair osborne | business commentary
Four into three mergers always set the alarm bells ringing. And not least among the competition wonks, who then...Four into three mergers always set the alarm bells ringing. And not least among the competition...Four into three mergers always set the alarm bells ringing. And not least among the competition...
katie prescott
In the centre of Cardiff, looking rather like a set of badly stacked brown and yellow boxes, sits Spark, or Sbarc, to...In the centre of Cardiff, looking rather like a set of badly stacked brown and yellow boxes, sits...In the centre of Cardiff, looking rather like a set of badly stacked brown and yellow boxes, sits...
david smith
Nearly 50 years ago, a book was published about the UK economy which made quite a splash. The book, Britain’s...Nearly 50 years ago, a book was published about the UK economy which made quite a splash. The...Nearly 50 years ago, a book was published about the UK economy which made quite a splash. The...
tempus
Is Premier Foods going to swallow other companies quickly enough to stop itself being taken over? That is the...Is Premier Foods going to swallow other companies quickly enough to stop itself being taken over?Is Premier Foods going to swallow other companies quickly enough to stop itself being taken over?
in depth
Subscription models are more typically associated with watching films on Netflix or streaming music on Spotify, but now one airline has brought the model to flying. Wizz Air, the low-cost carrier, launched its All You Can Fly scheme in an attempt...Subscription models are more typically associated with watching films on Netflix or streaming...Subscription models are more typically associated with watching films on Netflix or streaming...
Capital Gains Tax
HOW I MADE IT
Samantha Gilchrist, chief executive of The Gilchrist Collection, says a family bereavement gave her the courage to ‘do something I loved’
SIR MARTIN SORRELL
RECRUITMENT
The industry is seeing a surge in interest from graduates
The anti-obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may be shrinking the nation’s waistlines, but they have helped to expand the appeal of the pharma sector for new employees. The rise of the “pharma with purpose” career has resulted in the number of graduate scheme places jumping by 50 per cent on this time last year. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI)...The anti-obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may be shrinking the nation’s waistlines, but they have...The anti-obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may be shrinking the nation’s waistlines, but they have...
SIX FROM THE BEST
Working in construction since 1997, Angela Rushforth is one of the sector’s most high-profile leaders. As founder of...Working in construction since 1997, Angela Rushforth is one of the sector’s most high-profile leaders. As founder of the Construction Inclusion Coalition and managing director of Toolstation, she is dedicated to increasing numbers of female and ethnic minority background staff. Here she shares her expert advice on...Working in construction since 1997, Angela Rushforth is one of the sector’s most high-profile leaders. As founder of the...
champions league | paul hirst
Sporting 4 Man City 1
The triumphant tone in the voice of the stadium announcer was clear for all to hear as he asked the home fans for the scoreline. “Sporting?” he yelled. “Quatro!” came the reply. “City?” he inquired. “Um!” they responded. Manchester City’s first Champions League defeat in 90 minutes since May 2022 was not heralded only by the delighted home fans inside this atmospheric...The triumphant tone in the voice of the stadium announcer was clear for all to hear as he asked...The triumphant tone in the voice of the stadium announcer was clear for all to hear as he asked...
Bernardo Silva said that Manchester City are “in a dark place” after they were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon on a...Bernardo Silva said that Manchester City are “in a dark place” after they were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon on a memorable night for the incoming Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim. Amorim, who will take over as United manager on Monday, watched on with pride and joy as his Sporting team came from behind to...Bernardo Silva said that Manchester City are “in a dark place” after they were thrashed 4-1 by Sporting Lisbon on a memorable...
champions league | paul joyce
MARTIN SAMUEL
There is a reason pools companies want their clients to pick draws. Wins are too easy. Everyone thinks they can see a...There is a reason pools companies want their clients to pick draws. Wins are too easy. Everyone...There is a reason pools companies want their clients to pick draws. Wins are too easy. Everyone...
alex lowe
Steve Borthwick has named an unchanged starting XV to play Australia on Saturday but sought to fix the root cause of...Steve Borthwick has named an unchanged starting XV to play Australia on Saturday but sought to...Steve Borthwick has named an unchanged starting XV to play Australia on Saturday but sought to...
champions league
Mark Palmer
Condemnation is the natural — and obligatory — response when assessing Stuart Hogg’s conviction for a five-year campaign of domestic abuse towards his estranged wife, Gill. The behaviour detailed in Selkirk sheriff court on Monday — obsessive, controlling, intimidating — sent a shiver down the spine. The court was told that his drinking had left his former wife scared...Condemnation is the natural — and obligatory — response when assessing Stuart Hogg’s conviction...Condemnation is the natural — and obligatory — response when assessing Stuart Hogg’s conviction...
Scotland try hero Darcy Graham has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with South Africa due to a head injury, but his...Scotland try hero Darcy Graham has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with South Africa due to a head injury, but his fellow back-three man Kyle Rowe could still feature against the reigning world champions. Graham suffered the blow in the act of scoring his fourth try in last Saturday’s 57-17 win over Fiji and has...Scotland try hero Darcy Graham has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with South Africa due to a head injury, but his fellow...
STEVE JAMES | dewi lake interview
champions league | michael grant
times sport unseen
Mike Atherton writes: When I questioned Stu Forster of Getty Images recently about his marvellous photograph of Ben Stokes and the flying bat in Pakistan, he immediately listed all the things he didn’t like about the image. It confirmed what I...Mike Atherton writes: When I questioned Stu Forster of Getty Images recently about his marvellous...Mike Atherton writes: When I questioned Stu Forster of Getty Images recently about his marvellous...
danny care Book extracts
JAMES ANDERSON INTERVIEW | MIKE ATHERTON
first person
New research shows that you’re more likely to be depressed if your marriage has ended. Try splitting and staying under the same roof, says one writer
First person
The O-Man claims he can improve women’s sex lives. But does the earth move for Jane Mulkerrins?
Caitlin Moran
I’ve reached that tricky point in my marriage — trying to smarten up my husband
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sienna Miller have made it a look. But does it work in real life?
Tom Ford, the American fashion designer, has bought a house in Chelsea. For £80 million. It’s thought to be the UK’s...Tom Ford, the American fashion designer, has bought a house in Chelsea. For £80 million. It’s...Tom Ford, the American fashion designer, has bought a house in Chelsea. For £80 million. It’s...
Bored with biker boots? Never got corralled into cowboys? Leave both to your daughter now, if you like: the grown-ups...Bored with biker boots? Never got corralled into cowboys? Leave both to your daughter now, if you...Bored with biker boots? Never got corralled into cowboys? Leave both to your daughter now, if you...
review
The first series of The Old Man (Disney+) started marvellously as an autumnal portrait of, well, an old man — just one who happened to have once been a CIA dude (a dude? He’s played by Jeff Bridges). After stiffly putting on his socks, Dan Chase found his past come a-knocking and he was on the run, getting back in touch with his killer faculties (still on neck-cracking...The first series of The Old Man (Disney+) started marvellously as an autumnal portrait of, well...The first series of The Old Man (Disney+) started marvellously as an autumnal portrait of, well...
Is it possible to get to grips with America without trudging through a 900-page history book? Easy, just pick up a...Is it possible to get to grips with America without trudging through a 900-page history book? Easy, just pick up a novel. As we learn the outcome of the presidential election, we asked novelists, journalists and US experts to recommend great fiction about the States. You can buy these books from timesbookshop.co.uk...Is it possible to get to grips with America without trudging through a 900-page history book? Easy, just pick up a novel. As we...
A LIFE IN THE DAY
first night review
A critic must stand by her hyperbole and I would not dock a single one of the five stars I gave ,Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers, at the National Gallery. But I do have, as they say, some notes. Like all exhibitions it is rather hard on the back and the feet, and the new no-liquids rule means that there is little opportunity for refreshment. Wouldn’t it be nice to...A critic must stand by her hyperbole and I would not dock a single one of the five stars I gave...A critic must stand by her hyperbole and I would not dock a single one of the five stars I gave...
first night review
If you want to get a job done, hire a journeyman, not a genius. The trouble with a Leonardo or a Michelangelo is that...If you want to get a job done, hire a journeyman, not a genius. The trouble with a Leonardo or a Michelangelo is that everyone wanted a piece of them and they wanted to do their own thing. The Royal Academy’s Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael: Florence, c. 1504 is an exhibition about inspiration, competition...If you want to get a job done, hire a journeyman, not a genius. The trouble with a Leonardo or a Michelangelo is that everyone...
first night review
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
It’s never been easier to find great Spanish food in the UK, whether that’s restaurants serving traditional dishes, funky tapas bars or even Basque-Welsh fusion food at the brilliant Mountain. In Spain itself the restaurant scene is in the rudest of health. I’ve chosen my favourites, from inventive veggie dishes in the capital to Mediterranean specialities by the coast...It’s never been easier to find great Spanish food in the UK, whether that’s restaurants serving...It’s never been easier to find great Spanish food in the UK, whether that’s restaurants serving...
Thirty-six years ago Monika Linton returned to England after spending almost half a decade living and working in...Thirty-six years ago Monika Linton returned to England after spending almost half a decade living and working in Catalonia. It was time, she had decided, to introduce the British to the superior products she had come across there: creamy sheep’s cheeses, silky Ibérico hams, fat anchovies. Three decades ago, however...Thirty-six years ago Monika Linton returned to England after spending almost half a decade living and working in Catalonia. It...
comment
Last month we crowned the Elizabeth Line winner of the 2024 Riba Stirling prize — our annual accolade celebrating the...Last month we crowned the Elizabeth Line winner of the 2024 Riba Stirling prize — our annual...Last month we crowned the Elizabeth Line winner of the 2024 Riba Stirling prize — our annual...
The Big question
From April 2026 agricultural property relief will be capped at £1 million, although farmers will still be able to use...From April 2026 agricultural property relief will be capped at £1 million, although farmers will...From April 2026 agricultural property relief will be capped at £1 million, although farmers will...
MindGames
MINDGAMES
Viewing GUide
Television
first person
Former Elle editor Farrah Storr on what she’s learnt about not having children
interview
Hannah Neeleman, known to her nine million followers as Ballerina Farm, milks cows, gives birth without pain relief and breastfeeds at beauty pageants. Is this an empowering new model of womanhood — or a hammer blow for feminism?
No one expects you to clock up a four-minute mile, but how fast can you run 5km? It’s one of the ways you can assess your health relative to your peers
When their son died aged 25, his parents believed that his life had been a tragically lonely one — until hundreds of emails from strangers arrived
Long walks, adult sleepovers and avoiding takeaways: after four years as Style’s agony aunt the writer reveals the lessons she’s learnt
exclusive book extract
best places to live
Mary Sanderson talks to Solange Azagury-Partridge, the self-taught jewellery designer
julia samuel
The psychotherapist addresses your dilemmas
The luxury brand famous for its artisanal prowess has turned its talents to fashioning diamonds and gold
They have attractive treatment rooms, famous clients and know how to make your skin glow
video
recipe
Santiago Lastra first realised his love of cooking thanks to a packet of crackers. The Mexican-born chef, who was more interested in maths than anything else as a teenager, decided to try his hand at the basic crab dip that was listed on the back...Santiago Lastra first realised his love of cooking thanks to a packet of crackers. The...Santiago Lastra first realised his love of cooking thanks to a packet of crackers. The...
Our writer reveals what Americans from all walks of life taught him while he took solo bus trips around their country — and which parts he’d go back to in a heartbeat
Shrug off the elements in these swish city quarters, which elegantly shelter shoppers with architecture ranging from ornate Victorian sophistication to art nouveau
A historic old town, croissant museum and complete lack of crowds — medieval Poznan, in the country’s west, is made for long weekends
Some of the restaurant scene’s biggest names, from Michel Roux to Jose Pizarro, are now on board. These are the ship dining experiences you won’t want to miss
From a shared love of Chinese food in Philadelphia to moving moments at Uluru, nothing is as life-affirming as a trip with your grown-up kids
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
When Eskerne Falcon was living in New York, she thought she overheard some people speaking Basque. Now leading tours...When Eskerne Falcon was living in New York, she thought she overheard some people speaking Basque.When Eskerne Falcon was living in New York, she thought she overheard some people speaking Basque.
Holidays aren’t the same with part of the family left in kennels. Where I go, my pomeranian, Esme, goes too. We’ve...Holidays aren’t the same with part of the family left in kennels. Where I go, my pomeranian, Esme...Holidays aren’t the same with part of the family left in kennels. Where I go, my pomeranian, Esme...
video
In a new series, two Times Travel hotel experts explore London’s best addresses to assess seven key factors: vibe, space, design, amenities, little touches, bathrooms and views. Our experts have more than two decades experience in reviewing hotels...In a new series, two Times Travel hotel experts explore London’s best addresses to assess seven...In a new series, two Times Travel hotel experts explore London’s best addresses to assess seven...
OBITUARY
Business executive who formed HMRC and was an adviser to Gordon Brown
OBITUARY
Defiant civil rights activist who dedicated his career to the cause of equality
OBITUARy
Darkly handsome actor and idol who fell into a singing career by accident
video
The Times has been publishing life stories of the great and the good (and the not so good) for more than 170 years. Now the obituary is also becoming a podcast, explains Anna Temkin
Lives remembered
Buckingham Palace
5th November, 2024 His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani was received...Buckingham Palace
5th November, 2024 His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud...Buckingham Palace
5th November, 2024 His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud...
FOR if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their...FOR if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye...FOR if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
Children are speaking with American accents in Scotland because they spend so much time watching YouTube, the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has been told. Karen Flynn, area manager of Kirktonholme Childcare in central Scotland, told the first hearing to consider the impact of lockdown on education...Children are speaking with American accents in Scotland because they spend so much time watching YouTube, the Scottish Covid-19 Inquiry has been told. Karen Flynn, area manager of Kirktonholme Childcare in central Scotland, told the first hearing to consider the impact of lockdown on education...Children are speaking with American accents in Scotland because they spend so much time watching YouTube, the Scottish Covid-19...
Police used stop and search powers in parts of Edinburgh after emergency services came under attack from fireworks as Bonfire Night celebrations again erupted into serious disorder. Officers intensified their presence on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh on Tuesday in anticipation of groups aiming fireworks at vehicles. A helicopter was...Police used stop and search powers in parts of Edinburgh after emergency services came under attack from fireworks as Bonfire Night celebrations again erupted into serious disorder. Officers intensified their presence on the streets of Glasgow and Edinburgh on Tuesday in anticipation of groups aiming fireworks at vehicles. A helicopter was...Police used stop and search powers in parts of Edinburgh after emergency services came under attack from fireworks as Bonfire...
Tesco’s decision to defy Christian fundamentalists and open its Isle of Lewis branch on Sundays is tearing the community apart, church representatives have said. Stornoway community council has launched a last-ditch effort to persuade the supermarket giant to reconsider trading on the Sabbath and “restore harmony to...Tesco’s decision to defy Christian fundamentalists and open its Isle of Lewis branch on Sundays...Tesco’s decision to defy Christian fundamentalists and open its Isle of Lewis branch on Sundays...
Comment
Trump reveals ugly truth of today’s politics
Daniel Finkelstein
His contempt for democracy is shared by many voters either side of the Pond
ALICE THOMSON
Reeves’ unjust farm tax will punish us all
roger boyes
America needs a war leader. Has it got one?
matthew parris | notebook
Even toff talkers have gone off the stately ‘orf’
WILLIAM SHAWCROSS
Flawed Holocaust memorial will only help antisemites
Leading Articles
Missed Opportunity
A bill to create Britain’s first smoking-free generation is welcome. But ministers have failed to do enough to discourage youth vaping
Nest Eggs
The state-backed pension fund should not impose ethical choices on its members
Beyond Babel
Sensitive literary translation demands a human intelligence
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Inflation-linked rise in university tuition fees
Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, As a second-year history undergraduate at the University of Edinburgh, I share my peers’ discontent at the rise in tuition fees to as much as £10,680 by the end of this parliament (news, Nov 5). To pay...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, As a second-year history undergraduate at the University of...Write to letters@thetimes.co.uk Sir, As a second-year history undergraduate at the University of...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The chancellor Rachel Reeves appears before the Treasury select committee of MPs; first prime minister’s questions for the new Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch; National Institute for Economic and Social Research publishes quarterly forecast for the UK and global economies.
On this day
In 1794 Thomas Paine was released after ten months’ imprisonment in France for his political views, where he continued to work on his book The Age of Reason. He wrote Common Sense (1776), the first pamphlet advocating American independence, and was a founding father; in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th American president, in office from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865; in 1884 William Wells Brown, born into slavery, died. He wrote Clotel (1853), the first novel by an African-American, which was published in the UK, where he was a popular lecturer; in 1932, in Germany’s last election before Hitler seized power on January 30, 1933, the Nazi Party (National Socialist German Workers’ Party) lost 34 Reichstag seats.
Nature notes
Last winter all the conifers on this hillside were cut down. Sitka spruces, they were carted off to be made into wooden pallets for a Teesport warehouse. The unused branches and brushwood were left behind, making the hillside appear silver from the road below. But the land is already planning its next move. Hundreds, if not thousands, of foxgloves can be found growing on the slope. Next year, their floral spikes will pierce the brushwood and turn the hill mauve. Coils of brambles are appearing too: within five years they will be everywhere, fostering biodiversity. However, a future problem can be found in the single rhododendron bush already stirring in a hollow. Unchecked, this will choke out all other species within a few decades. Jonathan Tulloch
Jonathan Tulloch
Birthdays today
Emmanuelle Bercot, actress, Girls of the Sun (2018), film director and screenwriter, 57; John Bryant, chairman, Flutter Entertainment, 59; Kate Clanchy, poet, Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me (2019, 2020 Orwell prize), 59; Berlie Doherty, novelist, Dear Nobody (1991), 81; François Englert, theoretical physicist, Nobel prize in Physics (2013), 92; Sally Field, actress, Forrest Gump (1994), 78; Elliot Grainge, chief executive, Atlantic Music Group (part of Warner Music Group), 31; Nigel Havers, actor, Chariots of Fire (1981), 73; Ethan Hawke, actor, Training Day (2001), 54; Cath Kidston, designer and businesswoman, 66; The Rt Rev Paul Mason, Roman Catholic bishop of the Forces, 62; David Montgomery, newspaper executive, 76; Gerry Murphy, chairman, Tesco, Burberry, 69; Stuart Murphy, chief executive, English National Opera (2018-23), 53; Thandiwe Newton, actress, ER (2003-09), 52; Neil O’Brien, Tory MP for Harborough, Oadby & Wigston, shadow education minister, 46; Susie Orbach, psychotherapist and writer, Fat Is a Feminist Issue (1978), 78; John Penycate, correspondent, Panorama (1985-2002), 81; PJ Proby, singer-songwriter, Hold Me (1964), 86; Rebecca Romijn, actress, the X-Men film series, 52; Jim Rosenthal, sports presenter, ITV Sport (1980-2012), 77; Chrissie Rucker, founder, the White Company, 56; Arturo Sandoval, jazz trumpeter and composer, 75; Maria Shriver, American broadcaster and activist, 69; Lori Singer, actress, Footloose (1984), and musician, 67; Emma Stone, actress, The Help (2011), 36; Alexander (Xa) Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, 61; Dame Lucy Theis, High Court judge, vice-president of the Court of Protection, 64; Colson Whitehead, novelist, The Underground Railroad (2016, Pulitzer prize 2017), The Nickel Boys (2019, Pulitzer prize 2020), 55, Sir Peter Wood, businessman, founder of Direct Line and esure (insurance companies), 78.