Opinion | Keir Starmer Is Fading Away
Even with four years of his term to go, there’s a palpable feeling in the air that Mr. Starmer’s time may be coming to an end. Part of the issue, to be sure, is not of Mr. Starmer’s making. And the waning of Britain’s influence on the global stage, of course, long predates Mr. Starmer’s premiership. But Mr. Starmer is grappling with a more existential problem, about his purpose and ability as a political figure. Ironically, this comes from a point of principle: Mr. Starmer apparently despises the use of his personal life as a prop.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 14:23 UTC
Trump and Netanyahu meet at White House amid indirect ceasefire talks – as it happened
23.54 BST Netanyahu arrives at White HouseBenjamin Netanyahu has arrived at the White House for his scheduled talks with Donald Trump this evening. The Israeli prime minister met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff earlier this afternoon, the Associated Press reports, citing the prime minister’s office. The visit comes as indirect talks between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza continued for a second day on Monday. Hamas demands an Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu insists on Hamas disarming. The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu could give new urgency to the US ceasefire proposal, but whether it leads to a deal that ends the war is unclear.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 14:11 UTC
Two Norfolk beaches named among best in UK by Sunday Times
The Times and Sunday Times annual best beach guide for 2025 has recognised two of the UK's top 50 beaches as being in Norfolk. Brancaster, renowned for its golden sands, was the first beach named. (Image: Newsquest) Sea Palling, also ranked among the best of the best beaches in the country. The Sunday Times has previously called the coastal spot "a spotlessly clean beach of golden sand", complimenting its "nine gorgeously sheltered bays". (Image: Mark Bullimore) Overall, Skegness, in Lincolnshire, was named as the best beach in the East of England.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 14:08 UTC
Sussex beach crowned among the UK's best by The Sunday Times
The Times and The Sunday Times has revealed its best UK beaches list for 2025. It is described as the "definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches". Best UK Beaches for 2025 according to Tripadvisor RankingsSussex beach crowned among UK's best by The Sunday TimesThe Times and The Sunday Times Best UK Beaches list showcases the "unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside". Seven out of the 50 best were in South England, and one of these was Selsey in West Sussex. Recommended reading:It adds: "The wide-open expanse of Normans Bay beach is popular with fishermen, ramblers, and windsurfers.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 13:49 UTC
'Magnificent' beach in 'unapologetically cheap and cheerful' seaside town named region's best in Sunday Times list
Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Something went wrong, please try again later. The Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide says Skegness has "got what it takes in buckets and spades". "Unapologetically cheap and cheerful, with a magnificent beach and all the traditional ingredients, Skeggy’s got what it takes in buckets and spades.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 13:25 UTC
Walberswick beach named in The Times' UK top 50 beaches
Walberswick, across the River Blyth from Southwold, was named among the east of England's best alongside several Norfolk locations. The Times journalist, Chris Halsam, took on a tour of 5,583 miles to decide on the top 50. Walberswick made the list as the "better alternative" to Southwold for its "unspoilt sand and shingle beach". The unspoilt beach landed Walberswick in the top 50 (Image: Charlotte Bond) The east coast destination also earned points on the low dunes and grassy banks of the Dunwich River. The beach is no stranger to national recognition, as it was also named in The Telegraph's most beautiful beaches ranking at number six.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 13:14 UTC
The 5 Northern Ireland beaches named best in UK by The Times and Sunday Times
The 5 Northern Ireland beaches named best in UK by The Times and Sunday Times5 out of the 50 best beaches on the list are in Northern IrelandPortstewart Strand in Co Derry (Image: National Trust )Portstewart Strand has been named as the UK and Northern Ireland's beach of the year, according to The Times and The Sunday Times annual best UK beaches guide, published online today and in print on July 13. The 17th edition of the guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches. Co Down spot named best place to live in Northern Ireland by The Sunday Times READ MORE:Co Down spot named best place to stay in Northern Ireland by The Sunday Times READ MORE:In his description of Portstewart Strand in Co Derry, Chris Haslam said: “Yes, you can drive onto the beach, and will you look at the size of it? Article continues belowThe guide showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist. “Being allowed to drive onto the strand is an added bonus that makes all the difference for families and those less mobile.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 13:00 UTC
How the Erin Patterson mushroom trial caught the world's attention
The "mystery" of "what happened at Erin Patterson's dining table" in rural Australia on 29 July 2023 has "gripped the world" for two years, said the BBC. From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up'Lies caught up with her'The lunch was reportedly planned to "reconcile an increasingly fractured relationship" between Patterson and her estranged husband, Simon, said The Times, but he pulled out the day before. Patterson denied purposefully putting the deadly mushrooms in the food but "exposed herself to cross-examination" by choosing to take the witness stand. Patterson has been remanded in custody while awaiting a date for sentencing.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 12:31 UTC
Best beaches in Wales in the Times 2025 guide
Eight beaches in Wales are among the best in the UK, according to the Times' list for 2025. The publication rounds up the most stunning coastal landscapes, external each year and says it sent an expert on a 5,858-mile trip, inspecting 756 spots to "find the perfect swathe of sand". Top spot in the 17th edition of the guide was awarded to Portstewart Strand, Co Derry, Ireland. But several Welsh beauty spots were also featured, including regional winner Shell Island in Gwynedd.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 12:26 UTC
South Wales beaches among UK's best in The Times 2025 guide
See which Welsh beaches featured among the UK's best in the 2025 edition of The Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide. However, The Times recommends looking at Glamorgan’s Heritage Coast for the best beach - Dunraven Bay. One person, commenting about their experience at Dunraven Bay, said: "Beautiful bay and not too busy. (Image: Getty Images)Three Cliffs BayThree Cliffs Bay also featured in the 2025 edition of The Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide. Three Cliffs Bay Beach is also dog-friendly.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 11:59 UTC
6 beaches in Cornwall best in southwest: Sunday Times guide
The 17th edition of the guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches - and includes 6 in Cornwall named among the best in the southwest. Also included in the top beaches in the South West are six from Cornwall including our very own Swanpool, Podhu Cove, Harlyn Bay, Pedn Vounder and Watergate Bay. Best beaches in the Southwest of EnglandTHE SOUTHWEST OF ENGLAND'S BEACH OF THE YEAR:Bude, CornwallPanoramic view of the beach at the Cornish seaside resort of Bude. Lannacombe, DevonBantham, DevonSwanpool, CornwallSwanpool Beach is in the top ten (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)Swanpool Beach is a hidden gem between Falmouth's popular Gyllyngvase Beach and Maenporth. With a car park behind the beach, beach huts, a popular cafe and the newly opened Beachhouse seafood restaurant overlooking it.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 10:46 UTC
North Wales beaches among UK's best in The Times 2025 guide
Best-rated UK beaches for 2025 - Tripadvisor rankings"I’ve seen businesses struggling with rising costs, councils cutting budgets and water quality falling as infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population growth. See which Welsh beaches featured among the UK's best in the 2025 edition of The Times and Sunday Times Best Beaches Guide. Chris Haslam from The Times said: “I knew Shell Island was a winner when I parked up beside the dunes. "I could have spent a very happy week camping here.”There is plenty more to like about Shell Island, The Times added. In the southernmost corner of the Llyn beaches, you will find Aberdaron.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 10:41 UTC
County Derry beach crowned UK and Northern Ireland 'Beach of the Year'
County Derry's Portstewart Strand has been crowned UK’s and Northern Ireland beach of the year, according to The Times and The Sunday Times annual best UK beaches guide, published online today and in print on July 13. The 17th edition of the guide is the definitive and most comprehensive list of the UK's 50 best beaches. The guide showcases the unrivalled beauty of the UK seaside, evaluated through a rigorous 11-point inspection checklist. READ NEXT: County Derry seaside town named in Sunday Times best places to liveWith Portstewart Strand, Co Derry named as 'Beach of the Year', Cushendall, Ballycastle, Ballintoy and Runkerry (all Co Antrim) completed the top five best beaches in Northern Ireland. Chris Haslam said: “If beauty was all it took to win Beach of the Year then Ballycastle, Whitepark, Tyrella or almost any other Northern Irish beach could have taken the crown.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 10:36 UTC
Times & Star to publish special 'Last Class' supplement
Hundreds of children across West Cumbria will soon be enjoying a summer holiday before making the step up to secondary school. To mark the occasion the Times & Star has reached out to schools across the patch to send in 'last class' pictures of year sixes ready to move on. We were inundated with responses and now, on Thursday, parents will be able to pick up a special eight-page supplement featuring all of the pictures. If you cannot pick up a copy of the Times & Star visit https://shorturl.at/tHd6I to order a copy.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 09:07 UTC
Cullen and Spey Bay beaches are among top 50 in the UK, newly published Times guide reveals
Two Moray beaches have made the top 50 list of best UK beaches in a prestigious national guide. Taking pride of place in the 17th Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide are both Cullen and Spey Bay beaches. Cullen beach has been named as one of the top 50 beaches in the UK. He said: "We're absolutely delighted to see Cullen beach recognised as one of Scotland's best beaches. The sands of Spey Bay beach have been recognised as one of the best in the country.
Source:The Times
July 07, 2025 08:16 UTC