Times letters: Jockeying for position at the Pope’s funeral
Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, Two months ago President Trump accused President Zelensky of showing disrespect by not wearing a suit when he visited the White House, but what could be more disrespectful than Trump wearing a shiny blue suit at Pope Francis’s funeral, without even a black tie? No wonder some mourners were infuriated. Another blunder demonstrating Trump’s unpredictable behaviour since returning to the White House. He would make an excellent Pope. Elizabeth LongriggOxfordSir, Your account
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 15:03 UTC
‘Schools have legal duty to provide single-sex toilets’, Court of Session rules
State schools across Scotland must provide single-sex toilets for pupils, a Scottish court has declared. Lady Ross KC issued the court order reminding schools of their legal duties under the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards) (Scotland) Regulations 1967 to ensure that there are an equal number of facilities for both girls and boys. ‘Common sense’Stratford and Hurley urged the council not to switch from single-sex to gender-neutral toilets during a £16.6 million building project to provide new premises for Earlston Primary School. Safety compromisedRosie Walker of law firm Gilson Grey, which is representing the parents, said: “The court order makes clear that the 1967 regulations apply to all state schools in Scotland. The meaning of the terms ‘sex’, ‘man’ and ‘woman’ in the EA 2010 is biological and not certificated sex.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 14:35 UTC
Football gossip, paper talk and transfer rumours: Man City targeting move for Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso
THE SUNManchester City's hopes of signing Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso have been boosted as the Serie A giants close in on a replacement. Wrexham are eyeing Premier League stars to help them take their final big step following promotion to the Championship. DAILY MIRRORWrexham's promotion to the Championship comes with an added financial bonus for their famous owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. THE SCOTTISH SUNA former Premier League player has tipped Russell Martin for the Rangers job instead of Barry Ferguson. Liam Kelly admits the Rangers squad can have no complaints if the axe falls this summer.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 14:33 UTC
Blickling Estate in Norfolk among UK's best National Trusts
The Blickling Estate near Aylsham has been named by The Times as the fourth-best location to visit in the UK. The estate is the birthplace of Anne Boleyn and royal connections - from King Harold to Catherine the Great - can be traced back from the hall. The Blickling Estate is a stone's throw from Aylsham (Image: Newsquest) The publication recommends that visitors "spend hours" poring over the 12,500 books, manuscripts, atlases and pamphlets in the ornate Long Gallery library, established in 1742. The article continues to recommend Holkham for a stroll on the beach and a stay at The Hoste Arms in nearby Burnham Market. Norfolk is home to four estates run by the charity including Felbrigg Hall and Oxburgh Hall.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 12:54 UTC
John Lithgow Says He Was Surprised by Backlash Over Joining ‘Harry Potter’ Series
John Lithgow is brushing aside concerns about his playing Albus Dumbledore in HBO‘s upcoming Harry Potter series despite anti-trans rhetoric made by author J.K. Rowling, who also serves as an executive producer on the show. “No one complained when I agreed to play Dahl, but I’ve received so many messages about J.K. Rowling,” he said. “Isn’t that odd?”When the Harry Potter series was announced in April 2023, the reaction was immediate, with outrage over Rowling’s involvement. “We are in the Harry Potter business. The TV show is new and exciting, but we’ve been in the Harry Potter business for 20 years; this isn’t a new decision.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:12 UTC
Revealed: Saudi Arabia's blueprint for a 'full takeover' of Times Square for historic night of boxing
It was in December when Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi royal adviser-turned kingmaker of professional boxing, first floated his latest brainchild: a ‘full takeover’ of Times Square for a historic fight night in New York. And the Times Square Alliance, which helps look after the pedestrian plazas and sky-scraping billboards. ‘Times Square is going to be open all the way through.’ The only difference? It does not require the sharpest business mind to foresee that working in Times Square will come with some logistical challenges. Funnily enough, there aren’t many places to fix guide ropes in Times Square.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:10 UTC
Donald Trump’s tariffs are set to drive down UK economic growth
Disruption to global trade and market uncertainty from President Trump’s tariff wars will drive down UK economic growth this year and next, according to new forecasts. The economy is predicted to grow 0.8 per cent this year, down from the 1 per cent forecast in February, before Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs, and the outlook for 2026 has also been cut to 0.9 per cent from 1.6 per cent by EY Item Club, a forecaster. Businesses and consumers are expected to become more cautious, and reduce their spending, during the second and third quarters of this year, after Trump imposed tariffs of 10 per cent on all British exports to the United States and 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and cars. The forecasts are weaker
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 11:02 UTC
Indian-origin man arrested for allegedly smashing windows of Pakistan high commission in London
File photo of members of the Indian community holding a protest condemning the Pahalgam terror attack outside the India High Commission, in London. No, not in this case Yes, alwaysTensions between India and Pakistan have now extended to London, where diaspora members of both countries are demonstrating against each other. Meanwhile, an Indian-origin man has been arrested for allegedly smashing windows of Pakistan's high commission in UK's capital.Following the horrific April 22 terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, the tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated.According to the Metropolitan police , 41-year-old Ankit Love was arrested and charged with criminal damage. The arrest came after police were informed of a man allegedly smashing windows of the diplomatic mission in the early hours of Sunday.Love is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. "Ankit Love, 41 (07.08.83) of no fixed address was charged with criminal damage on Sunday, 27 April," a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 09:55 UTC
Newspaper headlines: Election 'shake up' and 'deadly toll' from ultra-processed foods
The Times, external leads on a recommended pay rise for public sector workers, which it warns "piles pressure" on the chancellor. The government is expected to accept the proposals, according to the paper, but the report notes it still faces the prospect of industrial action. Sir Keir Starmer will announce plans to tighten legal migration laws, according to the Daily Telegraph, external. The Financial Times, external says US ports are beginning to report a sharp drop in cargo as a result of President Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports. All children who believe they are transgender will be tested by the NHS for autism, according to a report in the Daily Telegraph, external.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 09:30 UTC
UK's Deliveroo suspends share buyback after DoorDash buyout offer
Live EventsBritish meal delivery company Deliveroo suspended its £100 million ($133.13 million) share buyback program on Monday, days after it said it had received a proposal from US peer DoorDash On Friday, Deliveroo said it had received a £2.7 billion takeover proposal from DoorDash on April 5 and would likely recommend the 180 pence-per-share offer to shareholders, subject to agreement on other terms.The deal is expected to face no regulatory hurdles, as it provides DoorDash access to 10 new markets where it currently has no presence, creating a highly complementary footprint — other competitors might encounter more antitrust issues, a source told Reuters on Friday.On Monday, Deliveroo said its buyback was suspended with immediate effect and any recommencement of the programme will be announced to the market, and did not provide any other detail. ($1 = £0.7511)
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 07:07 UTC
Titanic survivor’s rare letter sells for record £300,000 at UK auction
What is written in the Prophetic Titanic letter that sold for a record £300,000A letter steeped in tragedy and survival120697181A historic record brokenA rare and chilling piece of Titanic history has fetched a record-breaking £300,000 at a UK auction. The letter, written by Colonel Archibald Gracie , a high-profile survivor of the 1912 maritime disaster, offers a haunting glimpse into the days before tragedy struck. Gracie's words, penned on Titanic letterhead from his first-class cabin, contain a prophetic note of caution about the ship's fate. The piece was written on a rare Titanic letter card, making it even more valuable to collectors and historians. The emotional weight of Gracie's prophetic words and the rarity of survivor correspondence combined to create intense bidding.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 06:17 UTC
Musk should consider resigning from UK Royal Society, new president says
Elon Musk’s “massive attacks” on publicly funded scientific research make his position as a member of Britain’s Royal Society increasingly difficult and he should consider resigning his fellowship, its incoming president has said. Sir Paul Nurse said the institution should not be afraid to criticise Musk, who was made a fellow for his work with SpaceX and Tesla. He added that the centuries-old society was in an unprecedented situation in having one of its own members “attacking the scientific community” in this way. which are destroying great universities in the US, destroying science, destroying people’s careers,” Nurse said. “He has behaved in ways that have really damaged the scientific endeavour in the United States.”Sir Paul Nurse said the institution should not be afraid to criticise Musk DAN KITWOOD/GETTY IMAGESNurse,
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 01:46 UTC
Scotland's best secondary schools ranked in 2025 league table as full list revealed
Scotland's best secondary schools ranked in 2025 league table as full list revealedOne school's relentless run has sparked calls for a review of school governance in ScotlandJordanhill School takes the top spot for the ninth consecutive year (Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images )Scotland's best secondary schools have been unveiled in the Times and Sunday Times Scotland High School League Table. Jordanhill School has been named the best high school in the country for the ninth year in a row, according to the ranking. Mearns Castle High School, East Renfrewshire3. Woodfarm High School, East Renfrewshire4. Williamwood High School, East Renfrewshire9.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 00:04 UTC
Mini drink driver who fled scene of B4355 accident banned
Ryan Mellings’ car suffered “significant damage” following the crash, which occurred in Knighton on April 6. The 21-year-old pleaded guilty to drink driving at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 22. Mellings, of Noble Court, Knighton, was not at the scene when police officers arrived, but witnesses confirmed he had been the person driving the Mini Cooper. Samples at the police station showed Mellings had 51 micrograms of alcohol in his system – the legal limit is 35mcgs. “He has not been in court before and is ashamed.”Magistrates banned Mellings from driving for 14 months – a ban he can reduce by completing a drink-driving awareness course.
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 23:57 UTC
Political parties enter final campaign push ahead of local elections
Voters will go to the polls in 23 areas across England on Thursday May 1 to choose new councillors. At the general election, Mr Amesbury won a clear majority for Labour over his closest opponent in the traditionally safe region for the party. The Government is already planning how to counter Reform in the aftermath of the elections, according to the Telegraph. Public sector pay review bodies are recommending pay rises of as much as 4% for teachers, and 3% for NHS workers, the newspaper reported. Schools and hospitals could be told to make cuts as a result of the pay increases, the Times said.
Source:The Times
April 27, 2025 23:17 UTC