U.K. Secretly Spent $3.2 Million to Stop Journalists From Reporting on Data Breach
The British government spent $3.2 million on a secret legal order preventing journalists from reporting a data breach that put almost 19,000 Afghans and their families at risk, according to records obtained by The New York Times. The breach, which happened in 2022, exposed the personal details of thousands of Afghans who had worked with British forces before the Taliban takeover in 2021. Journalists were also prevented from reporting on the existence of the court order itself. The government’s legal action began in August 2023, when journalists first asked the Ministry of Defense about the breach, and continued until the order was lifted last month. It cost the British government 2.4 million pounds, or over $3.2 million, according to information disclosed in response to a Freedom of Information request.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 20:57 UTC
UK court of appeal refuses to increase sentence of boy who killed Bhim Kohli
He died later in hospital.The sentencing was enhanced due to aggravating factors which included the boy calling Kohli a “Paki”. Kohli was born in Punjab, India.Bhatia argued that calling Kohli a “Paki” was at the lower end of the scale of racism and the addition to the sentence was excessive. The court heard the boy’s sentence was half what an adult would get.Lady Justice Macur said: “We understand that not only his family but the public too were shocked at the lenient sentence of 7 years. The court must bear in mind the principle is to prevent offending and the welfare of the child. We do not find the sentence unduly lenient.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 19:58 UTC
A ham-fisted inheritance tax grab on the middle class would end in tears
• Britain pays record £5bn in inheritance taxThe grief caused by the threat of inheritance tax is also never recognised in the stats. HM Revenue & Customs this week also confirmed that even the pensions of those who die before retirement will be liable for inheritance tax. Finally, our 40 per cent rate of inheritance tax is one of the highest in the world. The inheritance tax regime doesn’t need toughening up. An opportunistic tax grab on family money would be economically unwise and a giant political folly.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 19:54 UTC
Money latest: 'Insufferable p*****' - Renowned restaurateur hits out at modern customers
'Diners have become insufferable pricks': Restaurant owner fumes over customers' bad manners causing 'death of hospitality'Too many diners are becoming "insufferable pricks", the owner of a renowned London restaurant has said. When did an unbearable percentage of the general dining public become such insufferable, entitled, unforgiving pricks? Last-minute cancellations, complaints, unrealistic allergy demands and "loudness" were just some of the gripes that made up his list of issues with customers. If something comes up and some can't make it, let the restaurant know. It's rude, it's inconsiderate, it's financially damaging, and frankly, it'll be the death of hospitality," he added.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 17:36 UTC
Vance visits US troops during UK trip
US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday took another detour from his high-profile holiday in the UK to visit American forces stationed in the country and praise their "courage". Speaking after taking part in calls with European leaders and US President Donald Trump about the war in Ukraine, Vance said the US troops' presence was essential to helping to end the fighting. You guys are the reason why we can go into a negotiation with strength," Vance said. Vance arrived in the UK on August 8 with his wife and three children, only to be met by protests from residents in the Cotswolds countryside. On Wednesday, Vance reportedly had breakfast with Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigrant Reform UK party, which is topping the current electoral polls.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 17:29 UTC
Lorton Fest is back with huge weekend of free live music
Lorton Festival will run from tomorrow (Friday, August 15) until Sunday, August 17, at The Wheatsheaf Inn in Low Lorton. The free event will involve ‘live music, great local beers, street food, and a fantastic community atmosphere.’(Image: Lorton Fest) Mark Cockbain, owner of The Wheatsheaf Inn and the Lorton Fest organiser, said: "We absolutely cannot wait to welcome everyone back to The Wheatsheaf for this year's Lorton Fest. READ MORE: Taste of the Sea 'bigger and better' than ever as thousands enjoy the weekend(Image: Lorton Fest) A line-up of local and regional artists is planned across the whole weekend. Sunday will see live music from 11 am with performances from Tom Ellis and Phoenix, among others. (Image: Lorton Fest) There will be various street food vendors on site throughout the weekend and a wide range of local beers and gins.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 16:37 UTC
US and Russia suggest ‘West Bank-style occupation of Ukraine’
Read our Privacy noticeThe U.S. and Russia are set to suggest a “West Bank-style” occupation of Ukraine as a way of ending the war, according to The London Times. According to the proposal, Ukraine’s borders would remain officially unchanged, similar to the borders of the West Bank, even as Israel controls the territory. “It’ll just be like Israel occupies the West Bank,” the source told The Times. But it’ll still be Ukraine, because … Ukraine will never give up its sovereignty. Everything else comes after the bloodshed has been halted.”The International Court of Justice has ruled that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 16:32 UTC
JD Vance Meets Nigel Farage, Another Right Wing Populist, on Trip to UK
Vice President JD Vance began his family vacation in England last Friday with a lightning round of carp fishing. On Wednesday morning, it was the turn of Nigel Farage, the leader of the insurgent, anti-immigrant party Reform U.K. He sat down with Mr. Vance, according to an official familiar with the vice president’s schedule, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he said this was a personal trip. Mr. Farage confirmed the meeting, saying in a statement: “Good to catch up with my old friend JD Vance this morning. Everything we discussed remains confidential.”Earlier, the official said, Mr. Vance met Robert Jenrick, a Conservative lawmaker who is viewed a rising force on the right flank of the Conservative Party.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 15:28 UTC
Britain plans scaled-back ‘reassurance force’ in Ukraine
Act now to keep your subscriptionWe've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 15:16 UTC
Why the founder of British Indian empire slit his own throat
It was 1744, and the Company was still a trading business, not yet an empire. In this chaos, Clive’s boldness, cunning, and skill for planning found their place.By 1751, the French-backed Chanda Sahib threatened British influence in southern India. After the “Black Hole” incident, where many British captives died, Clive set out to retake the city.On 23 June 1757, at Plassey, Clive faced 50,000 men with only 3,000. But the real battle had been fought in secret, key Nawabi commanders, including Mir Jafar, had already been promised British gold and power. He bought estates, secured a seat in Parliament, and in 1762 was made Baron Clive of Plassey.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 13:57 UTC
FASTSIGNS UK: Moving Fast with the Times
Supporting CommunitiesAccording to the company, the typical FASTSIGNS centre ranges between 2,000 and 2,500sq ft. with around 796 FASTSIGNS locations across nine countries. By working closely with our franchisees, we’re able to foster strong connections with customers throughout the UK. Davies highlights people like Melanie Martinez from FASTSIGNS Crawley and Andy Simpson from FASTSIGNS Leeds who have grown alongside the company. FASTSIGNS work with many clients in the education and healthcare sectors meaning that it is necessary it helps those businesses meet environmental goals. Statistics23 – FASTSIGNS has 23 centres nationwide1985 – FASTSIGNS was established by its founders in the USA1995 – The brand entered the UK market£450,000 – Average yearly turnover for centres is £450,000
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 11:29 UTC
Cambridgeshire Poundland closure dubbed ‘sign of the times’
More infoLocal councillors have voiced their disappointment at the confirmed closure of the Poundland store at Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough. Poundland took over from Wilko in unit 19 at Ortongate Shopping Centre in 2023. The Ortongate store will close on August 24, leaving just Poundland stores in Peterborough at the Hereward Cross Shopping Centre, the Bretton Centre, and the Brotherhood Retail Park. Speaking about the Ortongate Shopping Centre as a whole, Cllr Knight felt the "wrong shops" were going in. Ortongate Shopping Centre was approached for comment.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 11:10 UTC
Times letters: Demands on older drivers to give up their cars
Act now to keep your subscriptionWe've tried to contact you several times as we haven't been able to take payment. You must update your payment details via My Account or by clicking update payment details to keep your subscription.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 11:10 UTC
'Everything here is great' The Times' glowing review of Wales 'world beating' restaurant scene
'Everything here is great' The Times' glowing review of Wales 'world beating' restaurant sceneTimes columnist and food writer Giles Coren has once again visited Wales to heap praise on our "world-beating restaurant scene." Times columnist and food writer Giles Coren heaped praise on Black Bear Inn in Monmouthshire (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne)The Times columnist and food writer Giles Coren has once again visited Wales to sample our "world-beating restaurant scene." Since then, the small venue has garnered huge success and has become one of the best gastropub offerings in Wales. The Shed has won acclaim from Sunday Times writer Giles Coren (Image: Instagram / @theshedporthgain)Article continues belowGiles still had time to revisit the Shed in Porthgain, which is "still going full bongos". To read the full review from Giles Coren, visit The Times website.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 11:03 UTC
The mortgage lender that lets first-time buyers borrow 5.5 times their income – and you don’t need a huge deposit
The change to rules will make it easier for aspiring home owners to get on the property ladderHOUSE THAT The mortgage lender that lets first-time buyers borrow 5.5 times their income – and you don’t need a huge depositA MAJOR mortgage lender is allowing first-time buyers to borrow up to 5.5 times their income to help them get on the housing ladder. 1 First-time buyers could borrow 5.5 times their income under the change Credit: GettyUnder the new rules, Santander customers earning less than £45,000 will be able to borrow 4.45 times their income. Santander customers earning £100,000 or more can borrow 5.5 times their income on mortgages up to 90% LTV. It comes after mortgage rates fell for millions last week after the Bank of England cut interest rates for the fifth time since 2020. How to get the best deal on a mortgage There are different factors that go into getting the best mortgage rate.
Source:The Times
August 13, 2025 10:36 UTC