Jaw-dropping £9BILLION plan for UK’s longest motorway tunnel that will cut journey times in half is unveiled in pics
The Lower Thames Crossing includes 14.3 miles of new road and Britain’s longest road tunnelDIGGING DEEP Jaw-dropping £9BILLION plan for UK’s longest motorway tunnel that will cut journey times in half is unveiled in picsJAW-dropping new images showcasing the plans for the upcoming Lower Thames Crossing have been released. The UK government is planning to build the huge, motorway-style tunnel in a project that would cost some £9 billion. First planned back in 2009, the Lower Thames Crossing would reportedly see 13 million vehicles redirected away from the heavily congested Dartford Crossing. The building of the Lower Thames Crossing would also have a positive impact on motorists; journey times at the Dartford Crossing would likely improve by around 30% and increase to 46% between Kent and Essex. The use of gantries will reduce steel and concrete to help cut carbon, while maintaining strength and durability, helping build a more sustainable Lower Thames Crossing.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 14:19 UTC
Packer still has role to play for England, says Hunter
Sarah Hunter believes Marlie Packer still has an important role to play in England’s World Cup campaign. Despite her reduced role, former skipper Hunter, who now works as England's defence coach, believes there is a place for her in the squad. “Marlie Packer had a bit of change in role from captaincy, now vice-captain,” Hunter explained. Her work in the defence means she will work closely with Packer, who Hunter believes will fulfil any duty asked of her. “She will do anything she can, she will play the role that she needs to for whatever game that is.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 14:07 UTC
NHS England approach to doctors’ strike ‘seriously risky’, BMA warns
During previous rounds of industrial action in 2023 and 2024, NHS England told trusts to cancel large volumes of non-urgent care so that consultants could step in to cover emergency services. But under the leadership of new NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey, hospitals have now been instructed to cancel non-urgent work only in “exceptional circumstances” – and only with prior approval. The BMA argues this new approach risks spreading non-striking doctors too thinly, with Dr Runswick warning: “Senior doctors are needed to be freed up in order to provide urgency and critical care. “Strikes by doctors do not have to be risky,” she said. However, the BMA says real-terms pay has still fallen by around 20% since 2008, and is pushing for full “pay restoration”.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 13:08 UTC
UK retailers demand return of tax-free shopping for tourists
UK retailers are renewing efforts to persuade Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to bring back tax-free shopping for tourists , as the government prepares to set out its plan to boost the so-called visitor economy.Making purchases exempt from VAT could result in £3.65 billion ($4.9 billion) of additional spending by visitors from the European Union, the Association of International Retail said in a submission to ministers published Tuesday. That’s on top of about £1.5 billion of spending by non-EU visitors the lobby group said was diverted from the UK when it scrapped tax-free shopping in 2021.The report sent to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is the latest salvo in a long tussle between retailers and the government. Then Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak used the UK’s exit from the EU as a chance to end a system that let travelers reclaim the 20% VAT sales tax on their purchases.Since then, Conservative and Labour governments — with the exception of the short-lived administration of former Prime Minister Liz Truss — agreed with Sunak’s assessment that the policy cost the Treasury more than it gained. Subsequent analysis by the Office for Budget Responsibility backed that view.Reeves faces a fiscal shortfall heading into this year’s autumn budget, after expensive U-turns on welfare cuts and amid reduced prospects for growth. It also cited figures showing visitor spending in the UK was 92% of 2019 levels last year, compared with 106% in Spain and 110% in France.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 12:57 UTC
‘Saiyaara’ becomes Mohit Suri’s 2nd biggest hit, set to surpass Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor’s Ek Villain as his career-best
Mohit Suri's 'Saiyaara,' starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has grossed Rs 83 crore in its opening weekend, surpassing 'Aashiqui 2.' The romantic drama is poised to become Suri's biggest hit, potentially exceeding 'Ek Villain's' Rs 105.76 crore. With positive reviews and no major competition, 'Saiyaara' could mark a career-defining moment for Suri, reaffirming his strength in heartfelt, music-driven love stories.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 12:47 UTC
The worst airline seats to book - experts give their views
One seat in particular is the subject of some controversy - seat 11A. Julianna Marshall, a travel expert, says that seat 11A (along with 11F) is often the worst on UK flights. These window seats might seem appealing at first glance; however, they come with disadvantages that most travellers overlook." No window accessIn certain models of aircraft, seats 11A and 11F might lack a window entirely, leading to a claustrophobic experience. Read reviewsOnline forums and travel review sites offer insights from previous passengers about the benefits and downsides of specific seats on various aircraft.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 06:44 UTC
Manchester City offers record fee for 22-year-old defender
Highlight the phrase and press Ctrl+Enter Highlight the phrase and press Like 0 Dislike 0News » Sport » Manchester City offers record fee for 22-year-old defenderOne of Europe's strongest clubs, Manchester City, may soon sign a new player. The main name in focus is Tino Livramento.Originally a product of Chelsea's academy and later professionally developed at Southampton, this defender currently plays for Newcastle United. The 22-year-old is considered a good fit for Guardiola’s schemes due to his physical fitness, speed, and versatility.According to reports, Manchester City is ready to spend 75 million euros for this transfer. He continues to fight for a permanent place in Newcastle’s starting eleven and showed good performance last season. Therefore, the interest in his potential transfer is high.Meanwhile, Manchester City continues to build its squad for the new season.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 06:28 UTC
British F-35B stuck in Thiruvananthapuram: Stranded UK fighter jet finally departs Kerala after month-long stay - watch
NEW DELHI: The British F-35B Lightning fighter jet that made an emergency landing in Kerala over a month ago has finally taken off. With repairs complete, the jet was rolled out of the hangar and flew back on Tuesday.The maintenance crew will return separately, news agency PTI reported.The aircraft was kept under tight security by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a British crew since its unscheduled landing. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities. "A team of 25 engineers from the UK Royal Air Force had flown in aboard a military Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft to undertake the repairs. The team brought specialist equipment to address a suspected hydraulic issue, after earlier repair attempts by HMS Prince of Wales engineers failed.The jet, known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, was repaired under an arrangement between the UK and Indian authorities.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 05:37 UTC
2 sixes and OUT! Vaibhav Suryavanshi fails to fire again in second Youth Test vs England
Vaibhav SuryavanshiMajor Update on Rishabh Pant's Injury | All Set for 4th Test? Opening the innings with skipper Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi smashed 20 off just 14 balls, including one boundary and two towering sixes. Resuming on his overnight score of 66, Singh went on to score a fluent 117 off 155 balls, laced with 14 fours and three sixes. He was the last wicket to fall, caught by Rahul Kumar off Vihaan Malhotra.Singh’s innings was instrumental in pushing England past 300. Only 28.3 overs were possible on Day 2 due to overnight and morning rain, followed by multiple interruptions throughout the day.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 05:34 UTC
Warning to track your pet amid more missing and stolen
With pets more likely to go missing or be reported stolen during the summer, new research by pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws, has revealed that pet owners are now taking matters into their own hands to keep them safe. Specialist research by the insurer found that almost a quarter (24%) of UK dog owners and one in five (19%) cat owners now use tags or trackers to help locate their furry friends if they go missing. When a pet goes missing, it’s wise to check any outbuildings and sheds thoroughly, while also checking in with neighbours first. All cat owners in England must have ensured that their cat was microchipped from June 2024. Andrew Simpson, head of pet at Insure Your Paws, said: “Losing a beloved pet is incredibly distressing, and it’s important to act quickly.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 04:52 UTC
New UK Immigration rules from July 22: What’s changing and how it matters
Skills thresholds are risingSalary thresholds are increasing tooWhat employers should do nowMore changes are comingThe UK government has published a sweeping Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, due to take effect from 22 July 2025, marking the first wave of reforms from the government’s landmark immigration white paper. Build an immigration system that supports economic growth while drastically reducing net migration and UK businesses' reliance on overseas labour.While the broader white paper outlines systemic changes, the rules rolling out primarily target the Skilled Worker route, which is the pathway for migrant professionals. For employers and licensed sponsors, these changes will likely have a significant impact on hiring strategies, visa processing, and long-term workforce planning.So what exactly is changing? And what can employers do to prepare?Read more: Visa-free isn’t always free: Countries that still charge entry fees and travel taxesFrom 22 July, the minimum skills threshold for Skilled Worker roles will increase substantially. The cost of inaction could mean losing access to key talent, or worse, falling foul of new immigration regulations.
Source:The Times
July 22, 2025 00:33 UTC
British Business Bank returns to profit amid further investments
The UK’s economic development bank recorded a pre-tax profit of £144 million in the year to March, swinging a £122 million loss a year earlier. In its latest set of annual accounts, the British Business Bank said its investments and funding activities are expected to have created around 38,000 additional jobs. It said this included £1.2 billion worth of its public funding, £2.6 billion of guaranteed lending and a further £3 billion of private capital. The return to profitability and increased funding agreements come amid efforts from the Government to accelerate economic growth across the UK. Louis Taylor, chief executive of the British Business Bank, said: “In a busy and productive 2024/25, the British Business Bank amplified its role, delivering significant impact in driving economic growth and innovation and playing its part in the economic transformation of the UK’s Nations and regions.
Source:The Times
July 21, 2025 23:46 UTC
Palestine Action terror ban made UK ‘international outlier’, High Court told
The ban means that membership of, or support for, the direct action group is now a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Previously, Ben Watson KC, for the Home Office, said Palestine Action could challenge the Home Secretary’s decision at the Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission (POAC), a specialist tribunal, rather than at the High Court. Sir James Eadie KC, representing the department on Monday, said that an “exceptional case” would be needed for it to go to the High Court, rather than the POAC. “That is an absurd position.”In written submissions, Sir James said that by causing serious damage to property, Palestine Action was “squarely” within part of the terrorism laws used in proscription. The hearing before Mr Justice Chamberlain concluded on Monday, with the judge saying he would give his decision on July 30.
Source:The Times
July 21, 2025 22:52 UTC
UK and ChatGPT maker OpenAI sign new strategic partnership
Britain and ChatGPT maker OpenAI have signed a new strategic partnership to deepen collaboration on AI security research and explore investing in British AI infrastructure, such as data centres, the government said on Monday. "AI will be fundamental in driving the change we need to see across the country - whether that's in fixing the NHS (National Health Service), breaking down barriers to opportunity or driving economic growth," Peter Kyle, secretary of state for technology, said in a statement. "This can't be achieved without companies like OpenAI, who are driving this revolution forward internationally. This partnership will see more of their work taking place in the UK. "The government has set out plans to invest 1 billion pounds in computing infrastructure for AI development, hoping to increase public compute capacity 20 fold over the next five years.The United States, China and India are emerging as front runners in the race to develop AI, putting pressure on Europe to catch up.The partnership with OpenAI, whose tie-up with Microsoft once drew the scrutiny of Britain's competition regulator, will see the company possibly increase the size of its London office, and explore where it can deploy AI in areas such as justice, defence, security and education technology.In the same statement, OpenAI head Sam Altman praised the government for being the first to recognise the technology's potential through its " AI Opportunities Action Plan " - an initiative by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to turn the UK into an artificial intelligence superpower.The Labour government, which has struggled to increase economic growth meaningfully in its first year in power and has since fallen behind in polls, has said that the technology could increase productivity by 1.5% a year, worth an extra 47 billion pounds ($63.37 billion) annually over a decade.
Source:The Times
July 21, 2025 19:04 UTC
Iran to Hold Nuclear Talks With France, Germany and U.K. After Sanctions Threat
The European governments hoped that the threat of renewing the sanctions, which were lifted 10 years ago, would bring Iran to the negotiating table. foreign policy chief. Mr. Araghchi added that the Europeans did not have any “moral and legal ground” to reapply the U.N. sanctions. If the sanctions were reinstated, Mr. Memarian said, Tehran would face severe economic pressure and an increasingly precarious security situation. The foreign ministries of the three European governments did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Source:The Times
July 21, 2025 18:43 UTC