The Times & The Sunday Times Homepage
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Starmer continues tour of the UK as prime minister
liveRachel Reeves, the chancellor, has made her first speech in the Treasury this morning as the new Labour government outlines how it will boost growth. Meanwhile, dozens of Labour MPs from around the country will travel to Westminster for the first time since winning their seats. Rachel Reeves has...Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has made her first speech in the Treasury this morning as the new Labour government outlines how it will boost growth. Meanwhile, dozens of Labour MPs from around the country will travel to Westminster for the first time since winning their seats. Rachel Reeves has...Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, has made her first speech in the Treasury this morning as the new Labour government outlines how...
A frantic scramble is under way in France to find a new government after Sunday’s election resulted in a hung parliament. The left-wing alliance, which emerged as the biggest bloc, said it had the right to form the new cabinet and to implement its radical tax-and-spend programme. But with no camp securing an absolutely majority...A frantic scramble is under way in France to find a new government after Sunday’s election resulted in a hung parliament. The left-wing alliance, which emerged as the biggest bloc, said it had the right to form the new cabinet and to implement its radical tax-and-spend programme. But with no camp securing an absolutely majority...A frantic scramble is under way in France to find a new government after Sunday’s election resulted in a hung parliament. The...
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Dozens of people were killed across Ukraine on Monday as Russian missiles slammed into a children’s hospital and a medical facility in Kyiv, bringing international condemnation. The Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine’s biggest children’s medical facility, suffered extensive damage after what officials...Dozens of people were killed across Ukraine on Monday as Russian missiles slammed into a...Dozens of people were killed across Ukraine on Monday as Russian missiles slammed into a...
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the quarter-final against...Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the...Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the...
POLLY VERNON
Within 24 hours of Keir Starmer’s cabinet being announced, the social mobility charity the Sutton Trust had...Within 24 hours of Keir Starmer’s cabinet being announced, the social mobility charity the Sutton...Within 24 hours of Keir Starmer’s cabinet being announced, the social mobility charity the Sutton...
The party faces many of the same old problems that have bedevilled the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with Brussels
A violent misogynist who planned to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby is a danger to society who should be...A violent misogynist who planned to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby is a danger to...A violent misogynist who planned to kidnap, rape and murder Holly Willoughby is a danger to...
A former special operations general has been charged with sexual assault. Major General James Roddis, 52, will appear...A former special operations general has been charged with sexual assault. Major General James...A former special operations general has been charged with sexual assault. Major General James...
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France has been plunged into political chaos after the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) won parliamentary elections but fell short of an absolute majority. The surprise outcome brought claims that the country could be ungovernable, with no parties able to pass legislation, only two weeks before...France has been plunged into political chaos after the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) won parliamentary elections but fell short of an absolute majority. The surprise outcome brought claims that the country could be ungovernable, with no parties able to pass legislation, only two weeks before...France has been plunged into political chaos after the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) won parliamentary elections but fell...
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France has entered uncharted waters 66 years after it designed the Fifth Republic to ensure stable parliamentary government under a strong presidency. Not since General Charles de Gaulle was appointed to the system that was tailor-made for him has the country found itself after an election with so little idea of who will run the country.France has entered uncharted waters 66 years after it designed the Fifth Republic to ensure stable parliamentary government under a strong presidency. Not since General Charles de Gaulle was appointed to the system that was tailor-made for him has the country found itself after an election with so little idea of who will run the country.France has entered uncharted waters 66 years after it designed the Fifth Republic to ensure stable parliamentary government...
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At least four senior Democrats have told colleagues they want President Biden to step aside as their candidate for the White House, as he tries to convince the party that he can win a second term. The Democratic Party leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, hosted a call of members of Congress on...At least four senior Democrats have told colleagues they want President Biden to step aside as...At least four senior Democrats have told colleagues they want President Biden to step aside as...
from our correspondent
Tourists are being offered the chance to visit the Colosseum in the cool of the evening as an alternative to the heat and the crowds that swarm around one of Italy’s most popular tourist sites during the day. Temperatures in Rome reached 40C on...Tourists are being offered the chance to visit the Colosseum in the cool of the evening as an...Tourists are being offered the chance to visit the Colosseum in the cool of the evening as an...
IN maps and CHARTS
Flashing a presidential smile intended to contrast with the slack-jawed vacancy he had shown in last month’s debate...Flashing a presidential smile intended to contrast with the slack-jawed vacancy he had shown in...Flashing a presidential smile intended to contrast with the slack-jawed vacancy he had shown in...
louise callaghan in michigan
When Gretchen Whitmer was the opposition leader in the Michigan Senate she would spend her days in pitched battle...When Gretchen Whitmer was the opposition leader in the Michigan Senate she would spend her days...When Gretchen Whitmer was the opposition leader in the Michigan Senate she would spend her days...
Danish brewer is offering £13.15 a share, including a 25p-a-share special dividend for Britvic shareholders
Britvic, the FTSE 250 maker of Robinsons Fruit Shoot and J2O, has recommended a sweetened £3.3 billion takeover by Carlsberg, the Danish brewer. The brewer is offering £13.15 a share, which includes a 25p-a-share special dividend for Britvic shareholders. Last month Britvic rejected a second...Britvic, the FTSE 250 maker of Robinsons Fruit Shoot and J2O, has recommended a sweetened £3.3 billion takeover by Carlsberg, the Danish brewer. The brewer is offering £13.15 a share, which includes a 25p-a-share special dividend for Britvic shareholders. Last month Britvic rejected a second...Britvic, the FTSE 250 maker of Robinsons Fruit Shoot and J2O, has recommended a sweetened £3.3 billion takeover by Carlsberg...
French shares and bonds and the euro strengthened modestly this morning as traders reacted with initial relief to the absence of a victory by the hard right in Sunday’s elections. Concerns about likely political paralysis and gains by the far left appeared to be offset by relief that the right-wing National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen...French shares and bonds and the euro strengthened modestly this morning as traders reacted with initial relief to the absence of a victory by the hard right in Sunday’s elections. Concerns about likely political paralysis and gains by the far left appeared to be offset by relief that the right-wing National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen...French shares and bonds and the euro strengthened modestly this morning as traders reacted with initial relief to the absence...
in depth
As the new government scans the scale of industrial crises stacking up after the past 14 years, from the railways to the steel sector to Royal Mail, the most immediate and pressing is the state of privatised water. Indeed, Ofwat has four days to save a water industry that is in danger of collapsing against a...As the new government scans the scale of industrial crises stacking up after the past 14 years...As the new government scans the scale of industrial crises stacking up after the past 14 years...
Britain’s biggest asset manager has made the case for higher executive pay in the UK, warning that a gap between the bosses of British and American companies risks a flight of talent to the United States. Schroders, the...Britain’s biggest asset manager has made the case for higher executive pay in the UK, warning that a gap between the bosses of British and American companies risks a flight of talent to the United States. Schroders, the...Britain’s biggest asset manager has made the case for higher executive pay in the UK, warning that a gap between the...
The Labour government could unlock as much as £20 billion by targeting a different measure of public debt, generating cash to use to prevent austerity-style spending cuts, experts have suggested. They argue that Sir Keir...The Labour government could unlock as much as £20 billion by targeting a different measure of public debt, generating cash to use to prevent austerity-style spending cuts, experts have suggested. They argue that Sir Keir...The Labour government could unlock as much as £20 billion by targeting a different measure of public debt, generating...
The new business secretary has expressed concerns about a tax “loophole” being exploited by Shein. Jonathan Reynolds told Times Radio that if the Chinese fast-fashion retailer committed to a listing on the London Stock Exchange, it would be...The new business secretary has expressed concerns about a tax “loophole” being exploited by Shein.The new business secretary has expressed concerns about a tax “loophole” being exploited by Shein.
recruitment
For whoever collects the keys to No 10 on Friday, overhauling the UK’s sclerotic industrial strategy will be top of the in-tray. All the major parties’ manifestos covered new uses for AI, but there was scant mention of the technology most likely to boost our vital manufacturing sector — robotics. While basic robots have been used on manufacturing lines since the early...For whoever collects the keys to No 10 on Friday, overhauling the UK’s sclerotic industrial...For whoever collects the keys to No 10 on Friday, overhauling the UK’s sclerotic industrial...
recruitment | SIX FROM THE BEST
While many politicians are divisive, Baroness Verma brings communities together. After a successful business career...While many politicians are divisive, Baroness Verma brings communities together. After a successful business career, she was appointed as an international development minister, then as Ministerial Champion for Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Overseas. Now chairing Empower, the gender equality campaign, and...While many politicians are divisive, Baroness Verma brings communities together. After a successful business career, she was...
euro 2024
The referee for England’s European Championship semi-final against Holland served a six-month ban for match-fixing — and was once accused of being corrupt by Jude Bellingham. Uefa has been asked to explain how the German official Felix Zwayer, who was found to have accepted a €300 bribe...The referee for England’s European Championship semi-final against Holland served a six-month ban for match-fixing — and was once accused of being corrupt by Jude Bellingham. Uefa has been asked to explain how the German official Felix Zwayer, who was found to have accepted a €300 bribe...The referee for England’s European Championship semi-final against Holland served a six-month ban for match-fixing — and was...
stuart fraser
January 24, 2022. I am on the 15th hole of the Holey Moley Golf Club, Melbourne, in a perilous position. In a group of six players, I am in last place, two shots behind my nearest rival as I desperately try to avoid the forfeit that comes with finishing bottom of the leaderboard. Standing beside me is fifth-placed Andy Murray, eyeing up the...January 24, 2022. I am on the 15th hole of the Holey Moley Golf Club, Melbourne, in a perilous position. In a group of six players, I am in last place, two shots behind my nearest rival as I desperately try to avoid the forfeit that comes with finishing bottom of the leaderboard. Standing beside me is fifth-placed Andy Murray, eyeing up the...January 24, 2022. I am on the 15th hole of the Holey Moley Golf Club, Melbourne, in a perilous position. In a group of six...
will kelleher
Making a debut away from home against the All Blacks, and then lining up for a first start at Eden Park, looks a daunting prospect for a green front-row forward. Yet speak to those who know Fin Baxter, who looks likely to replace the injured Joe Marler for England’s second Test in Auckland on Saturday, and they are...Making a debut away from home against the All Blacks, and then lining up for a first start at...Making a debut away from home against the All Blacks, and then lining up for a first start at...
bill edgar | euros in numbers
british grand prix
mike atherton
On a makeshift jetty, which consists of two planks of wood heading out into the black water, dinner is being prepared. A woman skins stringy-looking meat into a bowl and guts the fish, sending its entrails into the river. Piranha is the dish of...On a makeshift jetty, which consists of two planks of wood heading out into the black water...On a makeshift jetty, which consists of two planks of wood heading out into the black water...
EURO 2024 | jonathan northcroft
euro 2024 | MARTIN SAMUEL
Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday. But anyone who has been following the Arsenal winger’s career will not have been the least bit surprised by his precision finish. Saka may only be 22 but he has already scored more England goals than anyone else in Gareth Southgate’s...Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the...Bukayo Saka sprung to England’s rescue when they desperately needed an equaliser in the...
EURO 2024
Gareth Southgate has said that the hate and ridicule to which he has been subjected is merely fuelling his...Gareth Southgate has said that the hate and ridicule to which he has been subjected is merely fuelling his determination to lead England to silverware at Euro 2024. Enthused by the penalty shoot-out success over Switzerland, which has set up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown with Holland on Wednesday, the England...Gareth Southgate has said that the hate and ridicule to which he has been subjected is merely fuelling his determination to...
tour de france | DAVID WALSH
WIMBLEDON | alyson rudd
STEVE JAMES
Dan Biggar was spot on. Speaking in the Sky Sports studio before the game, the former Wales fly half dismissed all...Dan Biggar was spot on. Speaking in the Sky Sports studio before the game, the former Wales fly...Dan Biggar was spot on. Speaking in the Sky Sports studio before the game, the former Wales fly...
Racecards Struth (4.05 Ayr)
This son of Derby winner Australia finished a good third in a valuable handicap at...Racecards Struth (4.05 Ayr)
This son of Derby winner Australia finished a good third in a...Racecards Struth (4.05 Ayr)
This son of Derby winner Australia finished a good third in a...
From asking for your own special menu to treating everyone as if they’re ripping you off, don’t be one of those people when you go on holiday, says Shane Watson
Clare Hornby built Me+Em into a brand loved by royals, film stars and Labour’s elite. By Charlie Gowans-Eglinton
interview
Despite writing a bestseller turned TV series, the 48-year-old writer obsesses over her financial security, she tells Julia Llewellyn Smith
interview
As Roy Williams’s three acclaimed dramas come to the West End, he talks about the genesis of the trilogy — and how Muhammad Ali has inspired his next play
ask Professor Tanya Byron
I have a friend who is generally very sensible, holds down a job, says she has loyal friends and is devoted to her...I have a friend who is generally very sensible, holds down a job, says she has loyal friends and...I have a friend who is generally very sensible, holds down a job, says she has loyal friends and...
First person
How easy it is to be wise after the event. To kick your shins. Bang your forehead. Call yourself names. You stupid...How easy it is to be wise after the event. To kick your shins. Bang your forehead. Call yourself...How easy it is to be wise after the event. To kick your shins. Bang your forehead. Call yourself...
review | books
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
Operatic life would be much duller without the music of Michael Tippett and the work of Birmingham Opera Company. In this show the two bring out the best in each other. Leaving reality, you enter a circus tent in Birmingham city centre and enter...Operatic life would be much duller without the music of Michael Tippett and the work of...Operatic life would be much duller without the music of Michael Tippett and the work of...
first night review
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
FIRST NIGHT REVIEW
As if the seismic shift in Westminster wasn’t enough Nineties nostalgia for one day, over in Hyde Park there was an arguably even more era-defining event: a concert celebrating 30 years of the tireless Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. Perhaps not tireless; the 65-year-old classical crossover supremo spent about half of the concert backstage, which was odd considering that...As if the seismic shift in Westminster wasn’t enough Nineties nostalgia for one day, over in Hyde...As if the seismic shift in Westminster wasn’t enough Nineties nostalgia for one day, over in Hyde...
Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll also...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll also point out when you can catch up with further performances or on-demand streams of these events. Feel free to join in the conversation in the comment section at the end with your own recommendations. At a...Here are some of the best concerts and opera performances our critics have seen in the past few weeks. We’ll also point out...
Viewing GUide
tELEVISION | STREAMING GUIDE
MINDGAMES
1 First produced by Rowntree’s, which sweet is known as “the mint with the hole”? 2 In 2016, Zac Goldsmith resigned as a Tory MP over government backing for which airport’s third runway? 3 Which male Shakespearean title character features in the Nato phonetic alphabet? 4 William Blake painted The Number of the Beast is … what? 5 Which Heston Blumenthal restaurant earned...1 First produced by Rowntree’s, which sweet is known as “the mint with the hole”? 2 In 2016, Zac...1 First produced by Rowntree’s, which sweet is known as “the mint with the hole”? 2 In 2016, Zac...
The self-confessed “building bore” Judith Leary-Joyce has lived in a three-bedroom end-of-terrace house in an...The self-confessed “building bore” Judith Leary-Joyce has lived in a three-bedroom end-of-terrace...The self-confessed “building bore” Judith Leary-Joyce has lived in a three-bedroom end-of-terrace...
In a maroon-carpeted conference room at a suburban Frankfurt hotel, 80 people are on their feet, clapping and swaying...In a maroon-carpeted conference room at a suburban Frankfurt hotel, 80 people are on their feet...In a maroon-carpeted conference room at a suburban Frankfurt hotel, 80 people are on their feet...
In the 1970s you could pick up the model for £33, but a recent surge in popularity has resulted in a brand-new bespoke version of the classic toy. Simon de Burton reports
Creative directors and chief executives select their highlights
This high-end destination has all the latest longevity tech. Alice B-B gets an exclusive health MOT at Surrenne
Lisa Grainger steps inside a 420-year-old nunnery resurrected as Nice’s most heavenly hotel
video
Corsica’s coastal capital of Ajaccio offers both Californian beachy vibes and a crash course in European history
A classic journey along a stretch of the Rhine — from Amsterdam to Basel — has been revitalised thanks to a new ship and exciting excursions
These intrepid parents share their secrets on tackling big outdoor challenges as a family — and reveal how getting back to nature bonded them in the process
Here’s how to cycle, hike, tour arty towns or hit the beach during a week in southern Portugal for just £435
KATHY LETTE | TRAVEL TROUBLESHOOTER
Kathy Lette on how soon after having a baby you should go on a family holiday — and how to deal with a travel know-it-all
“Taliotis? Are you related to Dr Yiannnakis, who later became our mayor?” “Yes.” “The former actor, Neophytos?”...“Taliotis? Are you related to Dr Yiannnakis, who later became our mayor?” “Yes.” “The former...“Taliotis? Are you related to Dr Yiannnakis, who later became our mayor?” “Yes.” “The former...
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
No wonder my friend is grumpy. Time is short, and I want to visit an Elizabethan manor house before it shuts at 4pm —...No wonder my friend is grumpy. Time is short, and I want to visit an Elizabethan manor house...No wonder my friend is grumpy. Time is short, and I want to visit an Elizabethan manor house...
video
We’re lucky as travel writers — we have had the chance to experience some of the world’s best places to stay. But it’s not all champagne on arrival and expensive marble bathrooms. From spirit-sapping admin at check-in to absentee kettles and...We’re lucky as travel writers — we have had the chance to experience some of the world’s best...We’re lucky as travel writers — we have had the chance to experience some of the world’s best...
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
FAVOUR is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the...FAVOUR is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.FAVOUR is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Buckingham Palace
6th July, 2024
The King held a Council at 9.45am. There were present: the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer...Buckingham Palace
6th July, 2024
The King held a Council at 9.45am. There were present: the Rt...Buckingham Palace
6th July, 2024
The King held a Council at 9.45am. There were present: the Rt...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
video
We can work together, says Swinney after Bute House meeting
Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make saving jobs at Grangemouth a top priority as Scotland’s oil refinery faces closure. The facility, which employs 500 of the 2,000 people who work at the wider complex, plans to become solely a distribution hub early next year with the expected loss of 400 jobs.Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make saving jobs at Grangemouth a top priority as Scotland’s oil refinery faces closure. The facility, which employs 500 of the 2,000 people who work at the wider complex, plans to become solely a distribution hub early next year with the expected loss of 400 jobs.Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to make saving jobs at Grangemouth a top priority as Scotland’s oil refinery faces closure. The...
Magnanimity is so much easier in victory’s bright glow. It is always easier to aspire to a warm and constructive relationship with an opponent one has so roundly vanquished. So it was on Sunday when Sir Keir Starmer, the new prime minister, had his first meeting with John Swinney, first minister of Scotland. It wouldn’t have been surprising...Magnanimity is so much easier in victory’s bright glow. It is always easier to aspire to a warm and constructive relationship with an opponent one has so roundly vanquished. So it was on Sunday when Sir Keir Starmer, the new prime minister, had his first meeting with John Swinney, first minister of Scotland. It wouldn’t have been surprising...Magnanimity is so much easier in victory’s bright glow. It is always easier to aspire to a warm and constructive relationship...
IAIN MACWHIRTER
This column has received an exclusive transcript of the Bute House encounter between the new prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and John Swinney. FM: Congratulations, prime minister, on winning fewer votes than Jeremy Corbyn. Ha ha. Just my little joke. But seriously: how about that special Scottish immigration visa...This column has received an exclusive transcript of the Bute House encounter between the new...This column has received an exclusive transcript of the Bute House encounter between the new...
The Scottish Conservatives risk “political extinction” if the party establishment imposes a “continuity” replacement...The Scottish Conservatives risk “political extinction” if the party establishment imposes a...The Scottish Conservatives risk “political extinction” if the party establishment imposes a...
MELANIE REID | NOTEBOOK
It’s the fate of every new prime minister to endure analysis by armchair psychologists. I imagine Sir Keir Starmer, a...It’s the fate of every new prime minister to endure analysis by armchair psychologists. I imagine...It’s the fate of every new prime minister to endure analysis by armchair psychologists. I imagine...
Andy Murray’s team were given a different reason for Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from Wimbledon’s mixed doubles from the excuse given in her public statement, sources have claimed. The game, which had been due to take place on Saturday night, was...Andy Murray’s team were given a different reason for Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from Wimbledon’s...Andy Murray’s team were given a different reason for Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from Wimbledon’s...
weather eye
In Glasgow the weather in summer is summed up as “taps aff” or “taps oan”, meaning it is either hot enough to take...In Glasgow the weather in summer is summed up as “taps aff” or “taps oan”, meaning it is either...In Glasgow the weather in summer is summed up as “taps aff” or “taps oan”, meaning it is either...
Gregor Townsend has revealed that he is considering fielding an entirely changed starting XV in Friday’s second...Gregor Townsend has revealed that he is considering fielding an entirely changed starting XV in...Gregor Townsend has revealed that he is considering fielding an entirely changed starting XV in...
Comment
Our corrupt planning system needs rebuilding
Rohan Silva
A stifling regime is deadening architecture and putting housebuilding in the hands of unscrupulous decision-makers
LIBBY PURVES
James Timpson’s a man who gets things done
tomiwa owolade
Sometimes success comes down to timing
emma duncan | notebook
Tory tale is a tragedy the Greeks could have written
rufus norris
Our world-leading creativity needs nurturing at source
Leading Articles
Reeling in Scotland
Labour’s triumph in winning back so many seats from the Scottish National Party is a devastating blow to the Holyrood government’s fixation on independence
A Glimmer in Iran?
The vote for a moderate as president raises hopes, but he has little room for reform
Court Champion
On retiring, Andy Murray can claim to be one of Britain’s greatest sportsmen
letters to the editor
Tory leadership race and future of the party
Sir, Lord Hague of Richmond, with experienced and timely advice, cautions against rushing into the choice of a new Conservative leader (“Party’s next move will lead to recovery or extinction”, Jul 6). This seems paramount as we need the...Sir, Lord Hague of Richmond, with experienced and timely advice, cautions against rushing into...Sir, Lord Hague of Richmond, with experienced and timely advice, cautions against rushing into...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: Sir Keir Starmer visits Northern Ireland and Wales on his four nations tour; Kew the Music outdoor summer festival at Kew Gardens begins, until Sunday.
US: Lloyd Austin, the US defence secretary, hosts the Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg for talks before this week’s Nato summit.
Russia: Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, is due to visit Russia for talks with President Putin on his first foreign visit since beginning his third term.
Nature notes
Water boatmen are common insects of ponds, ditches and the stiller parts of rivers and streams, easy to identify by the long oar-like hind legs by which they swim around. Once roughly divided into “greater” and “lesser” types, greater water boatmen (which very widely in size) are often now called “backswimmers” as they swim on their backs whereas all the members of the lesser group swim on their fronts. As they can all fly, a good wildlife pond will often attract them quite quickly; look for them hanging near the surface waiting for prey to fall in. The larger backswimmers will also eat tadpoles, spawn and even small fish, injecting them with toxic saliva and then sucking out their innards. Melissa Harrison
On this day
In 1853 Commodore Matthew Perry, of the US navy, led his four ships into Tokyo Bay, seeking to re-establish regular trade with the western world; in 1898 Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith II, a con artist and gangster, died aged 37 in a gunfight in Alaska. Using sleight of hand, one racket was to sell bars of soap, some with prize money hidden inside — but were “won” by members of his gang among a crowd. During the Klondike gold rush he plied his “trade” at Skagway, including setting up a fake telegraph office — that only sent messages as far as the office wall. On Friday, July 15, the Skaguay News led with the story “Soapy Smith’s Last Bluff”. He was buried outside the town’s cemetery; in 1923 Virginia Woolf finished typesetting the first English edition of TS Eliot’s The Waste Land for the Hogarth Press; in 1965 Ronald Biggs, a 1963 Great Train Robber, escaped from Wandsworth prison, London. After living as a fugitive until 2001, he returned to the UK and was imprisoned until 2009, when he was released on compassionate grounds (obituary, December 19, 2013); in 1994 Kim Il-sung, the first leader of North Korea, died, having ruled the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea since it was established in 1948.
The Times
Birthdays today
Dame Ellen MacArthur, round-the-world sailor, 48; Ayman Asfari, chief executive, Petrofac (2002-20, oilfield service company), 66; Kevin Bacon, actor, Mystic River (2003), 66; Prof Dinesh Bhugra, president, British Medical Association (2018-19), World Psychiatric Association (2014-17), 72; Sir Alan Campbell, parliamentary secretary to the Treasury (chief whip), Labour MP for Tynemouth, 67; Martin Carver, archaeologist, emeritus professor, University of York, 83; John Clark, founder (1976) and chairman, John Clark Motor Group, 77; Jamie Cook, guitarist, Arctic Monkeys, 39; Claire Coutinho, Conservative MP for East Surrey, secretary of state for energy security and net zero (2019-July 2024), 39; Monty Don, TV presenter, Gardeners’ World, and gardening writer, 69; Giuseppe Eskenazi, Oriental art dealer, 85; Sir Douglas Flint, chairman, abrdn (formerly Standard Life Aberdeen), group chairman, HSBC Holdings plc (2010-17), 69; Sourav Ganguly, cricketer, India (1996-2008), 52; James Graham, playwright, Dear England (2023), 42; Benjamin Grosvenor, classical pianist, 32; Guto Harri, director of communications, 10 Downing Street (2022), 58; John Heaps, chairman, Yorkshire Building Society (2015-23), 71; Anjelica Huston, actress, Prizzi’s Honor (1985), 73; Polly James, actress, The Liver Birds (1969-74, 1996), 83; Sarah Kennedy, broadcaster, The Dawn Patrol (1993-2010, BBC Radio 2), 74; Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco, businessman, chief executive, Grupo México (mining), 83; Katherine Parkinson, actress, The IT Crowd (2006-13), 47; Pauline Quirke, actress, Birds of a Feather (1989-2017), 65; Lord (Chris) Rennard, chief executive, Liberal Democrats (2003-09), 64; Dame Jo Williams, chairwoman, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, chief executive, Mencap (2002-08), 76; Valerii Zaluzhnyi, ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, commander-in-chief, armed forces of Ukraine (2021-Feb 2024), 51.