Decades of failure and cover-up by the British state has been set out today as the infected blood inquiry publishes its final report into how tens of thousands of people contracted diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV through being given contaminated blood products. Rishi Sunak will respond to Sir Brian Langstaff’s report with an apology as ministers prepare to pay out...Decades of failure and cover-up by the British state has been set out today as the infected blood...Decades of failure and cover-up by the British state has been set out today as the infected blood...
The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed by the use of...The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed by the use of infected blood products on the NHS between 1970 and 1998. Sir Brian Langstaff’s inquiry concluded that this was a “calamity” which “could and should” have been avoided. His report highlights a culture of...The final infected blood inquiry report lays bare how tens of thousands of lives were destroyed by the use of infected blood...
flower show special
It touched me to hear that at 48, the TV presenter Ant McPartlin is a new father. His wife, Anne-Marie Corbett, who...It touched me to hear that at 48, the TV presenter Ant McPartlin is a new father. His wife...It touched me to hear that at 48, the TV presenter Ant McPartlin is a new father. His wife...
Q&A
The government is urging the public to watch out for Asian hornets and to report any sightings. Why is this invasive...The government is urging the public to watch out for Asian hornets and to report any sightings.The government is urging the public to watch out for Asian hornets and to report any sightings.
Labour’s plan to grant day-one protection to millions of employees could overwhelm employment tribunals, warns lawyer
Inflation could reach the Bank of England’s 2% target this week, boosting the chances of a rate cut in June
What if you could make cows less flatulent? And what if you could take greenhouse gases and turn them into diamonds?What if you could make cows less flatulent? And what if you could take greenhouse gases and turn...What if you could make cows less flatulent? And what if you could take greenhouse gases and turn...
A former IRA commander has claimed he was the mastermind behind the assassination of Earl Mountbatten of Burma, the...A former IRA commander has claimed he was the mastermind behind the assassination of Earl...A former IRA commander has claimed he was the mastermind behind the assassination of Earl...
A GP who was suspended for circumcising a baby without his mother’s consent will be the subject of a review after...A GP who was suspended for circumcising a baby without his mother’s consent will be the subject...A GP who was suspended for circumcising a baby without his mother’s consent will be the subject...
EXCLUSIVE
Dishonest and “greedy” barristers are cashing in on remote hearings by charging a full day’s fee despite wrapping up...Dishonest and “greedy” barristers are cashing in on remote hearings by charging a full day’s fee...Dishonest and “greedy” barristers are cashing in on remote hearings by charging a full day’s fee...
Shyam Rangeela shot to fame in India for his impersonations of the rhetoric and mannerisms of Narendra Modi, the country’s prime minister. But the prospect of the Modi mimic challenging the subject of his satire on the campaign trail may have proved too much for the country’s more humourless bureaucrats. The stand-up comedian’s nomination as an independent candidate in...Shyam Rangeela shot to fame in India for his impersonations of the rhetoric and mannerisms of...Shyam Rangeela shot to fame in India for his impersonations of the rhetoric and mannerisms of...
China has insisted that an independent Taiwan is “doomed to fail” as the island’s new president marked his...China has insisted that an independent Taiwan is “doomed to fail” as the island’s new president marked his inauguration by calling for Beijing to end its campaign of intimidation. In a speech after his swearing-in ceremony in Taipei, William Lai called for dialogue and co-operation across the Taiwan Strait, and...China has insisted that an independent Taiwan is “doomed to fail” as the island’s new president marked his inauguration by...
Mako and Aiko are first cousins, educated at Japan’s top schools and universities, but as young women their lives today could hardly be more different. Mako, 32, lives in New York as the wife of a Japanese corporate lawyer and enjoys a life of...Mako and Aiko are first cousins, educated at Japan’s top schools and universities, but as young...Mako and Aiko are first cousins, educated at Japan’s top schools and universities, but as young...
Poland has begun work on a £2 billion “great project” to make its borders with Russia and Belarus “impenetrable”, in...Poland has begun work on a £2 billion “great project” to make its borders with Russia and Belarus...Poland has begun work on a £2 billion “great project” to make its borders with Russia and Belarus...
Italy is the land of alfresco dining — an integral part of the local way of life in which tourists and visitors are...Italy is the land of alfresco dining — an integral part of the local way of life in which...Italy is the land of alfresco dining — an integral part of the local way of life in which...
Joanna Williams
video
French security forces smashed through dozens of makeshift barricades to clear a 40-mile road from the capital to the airport in New Caledonia after a violent insurrection in the French overseas territory. About a thousand gendarmes and police...French security forces smashed through dozens of makeshift barricades to clear a 40-mile road...French security forces smashed through dozens of makeshift barricades to clear a 40-mile road...
IN maps and CHARTS
video
Donald Trump pledged to defend the “God-given rights” of Americans to bear arms as he received the endorsement of the...Donald Trump pledged to defend the “God-given rights” of Americans to bear arms as he received...Donald Trump pledged to defend the “God-given rights” of Americans to bear arms as he received...
Justin Webb
The defendant appears to be asleep in court and occasionally breaks wind. His accusers portray him as a nasty piece...The defendant appears to be asleep in court and occasionally breaks wind. His accusers portray...The defendant appears to be asleep in court and occasionally breaks wind. His accusers portray...
Forty-one per cent decline since scheme began
The number of new apprenticeships has fallen by up to two fifths since the introduction of the government’s “broken” levy system, new research shows. There has been a 41 per cent decline in the number of apprenticeship starts for those under the age of 19 since the scheme came into force...The number of new apprenticeships has fallen by up to two fifths since the introduction of the government’s “broken” levy system, new research shows. There has been a 41 per cent decline in the number of apprenticeship starts for those under the age of 19 since the scheme came into force...The number of new apprenticeships has fallen by up to two fifths since the introduction of the government’s “broken” levy...
London’s leading share index rose this morning as gold hit a new high amid fresh uncertainty following the death of Iran’s president and foreign minister and concerns about the health of the Saudi king. The FTSE 100 rose 19.6 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 8,439.86, driven by investors piling into metal miners. The rise in gold and oil prices...London’s leading share index rose this morning as gold hit a new high amid fresh uncertainty following the death of Iran’s president and foreign minister and concerns about the health of the Saudi king. The FTSE 100 rose 19.6 points, or 0.2 per cent, to 8,439.86, driven by investors piling into metal miners. The rise in gold and oil prices...London’s leading share index rose this morning as gold hit a new high amid fresh uncertainty following the death of Iran’s...
Shares in Keywords Studios jumped by more than 60 per cent on Monday after it confirmed that it was in advanced takeover talks with one of the world’s largest private equity firms. EQT, a Swedish investor, is weighing up a cash offer of £25.50 per share for the computer games business, following four previously...Shares in Keywords Studios jumped by more than 60 per cent on Monday after it confirmed that it...Shares in Keywords Studios jumped by more than 60 per cent on Monday after it confirmed that it...
comment
What is the right interest rate for the UK economy? Economic commentary on this issue is almost entirely seen through...What is the right interest rate for the UK economy? Economic commentary on this issue is almost...What is the right interest rate for the UK economy? Economic commentary on this issue is almost...
comment
The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first quarter of the year...The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first...The British economy is showing renewed signs of life. Growth rebounded impressively in the first...
The government is opening a branch of its new AI Safety Institute in Silicon Valley this summer, in an attempt to be closer to the companies developing the technology. The plan builds on an existing partnership with the institute’s American...The government is opening a branch of its new AI Safety Institute in Silicon Valley this summer...The government is opening a branch of its new AI Safety Institute in Silicon Valley this summer...
Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of an electric Kia instead. Uber, the app-based taxi service, is to offer more than 35,000 of its drivers in London up to £22,000 in grants and...Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of...Londoners used to their Uber driver arriving in a Toyota Prius may soon find them at the wheel of...
the week ahead
Comment
Traditionally, the UK business community has been seen as aligned with the Conservative Party. For those of us...
Traditionally, the UK business community has been seen as aligned with the Conservative Party.
Traditionally, the UK business community has been seen as aligned with the Conservative Party.
need to know
1 Inflation could reach the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target this week, boosting the chances of an interest...1 Inflation could reach the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target this week, boosting the...1 Inflation could reach the Bank of England’s 2 per cent target this week, boosting the...
construction
Innovative approach to building labs for biotech and pharma is paying off for Tony and Kirsty Wells
Expert tips
how i made it
Amy Knight, co-founder of Must Have Ideas, on her career journey from law to entrepreneurship, and why she took her baby to a meeting with a private equity firm
Recruitment
In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of his government’s strategy for reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan was for hydrogen to supply up to 35 per cent of Britain’s energy needs, but was the promise a load of hot air? No, according to key players in the country’s burgeoning hydrogen industry. Already the...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...In 2021 Boris Johnson boldly declared that “Britain will become the Qatar of hydrogen” as part of...
Six from the Best
As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close range. Working Assumptions, her latest book, unpacks what employers and employees need to know about the post-Covid changes rippling through the modern workforce. Here she shares her...As an award-winning writer on the past, present and future of work, Julia Hobsbawm has observed thousands of companies at close...
Martin Samuel
Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son Heung-min went clear and missed. Arsenal’s six points surrendered to West Ham United and Fulham in December. Mikel Arteta settling for a stalemate at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, when Manchester City...Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son Heung-min went clear and missed. Arsenal’s six points surrendered to West Ham United and Fulham in December. Mikel Arteta settling for a stalemate at the Etihad Stadium on March 31, when Manchester City...Everyone will have their own idea of where the 2023-24 season was won and lost. The moment Son Heung-min went clear and missed.
Rick Broadbent
At the start of last week Tyson Fury sat down and discussed his long-term future. Sometimes when he does this you get the silly sod version, such as the time he said he was going to go on a bum-of-the-month world tour and be like Apollo Creed fighting the Rockys of China and Antarctica. This time, though, he was more serious. He looked at...At the start of last week Tyson Fury sat down and discussed his long-term future. Sometimes when he does this you get the silly sod version, such as the time he said he was going to go on a bum-of-the-month world tour and be like Apollo Creed fighting the Rockys of China and Antarctica. This time, though, he was more serious. He looked at...At the start of last week Tyson Fury sat down and discussed his long-term future. Sometimes when he does this you get the silly...
Mike atherton
Yorkshire’s members have been told that demutualisation — in essence converting the club from a community interest mutual society to a private company — is “essential” to secure its financial future. Colin Graves, who returned for a second stint as chairman in February, wrote to the members on Monday morning with an...Yorkshire’s members have been told that demutualisation — in essence converting the club from a...Yorkshire’s members have been told that demutualisation — in essence converting the club from a...
game in numbers
Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town produced by far the worst collective season of the promoted teams in the top flight since the league’s formation in 1888 (in terms of the average points per game, and assuming three points for a win...Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town produced by far the worst collective season of the...Sheffield United, Burnley and Luton Town produced by far the worst collective season of the...
Premier League
Premier League
For one last time, Jürgen Klopp treated Anfield to his trademark fist-pumps. They were directed to all four sides of...For one last time, Jürgen Klopp treated Anfield to his trademark fist-pumps. They were directed...For one last time, Jürgen Klopp treated Anfield to his trademark fist-pumps. They were directed...
OWEN SLOT
There are many who believe that boxing is a sport that has lost its nobility. There are plenty more whose interest...There are many who believe that boxing is a sport that has lost its nobility. There are plenty...There are many who believe that boxing is a sport that has lost its nobility. There are plenty...
emilia romagna grand prix
county championship
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
Emma Raducanu is set to miss out on the French Open barring a late reprieve after withdrawing from the qualifying event.Emma Raducanu is set to miss out on the French Open barring a late reprieve after withdrawing...Emma Raducanu is set to miss out on the French Open barring a late reprieve after withdrawing...
Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Bashful Boy (3.13 Newton Abbot)
This gelding had a productive time last year, winning...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Bashful Boy (3.13 Newton Abbot)
This gelding had a productive time...Racecards BET OF THE DAY
Bashful Boy (3.13 Newton Abbot)
This gelding had a productive time...
She won’t use the Zoe app, likes to add things to her diet — not restrict it — and dreams of owning a beehive
Natasha Poliszczuk says she’s the odd one out among her friends by sleeping with her husband
INTERVIEW
The composer is standing down after serving as Master of the Queen’s Music
As fees rise, one lawyer parent writes why she made the decision to give her son’s prep school place away
The TV presenter says his wife’s a ‘legend’ and he’s ‘a mess’ following the birth of their son
INTERVIEW
For Lady Zoe Warren, a childhood accident led to lifelong health issues
When Lady Zoe Warren was nine years old she was a slight, blonde, outdoorsy child who loved to play with her older siblings and her ponies, dogs and budgies. It was a long hot summer’s day in 1993 and she had just finished another afternoon of Pony Club at her paternal granny’s house in Suffolk. She had wandered off in the sunshine after the lesson when a runaway pony...When Lady Zoe Warren was nine years old she was a slight, blonde, outdoorsy child who loved to...When Lady Zoe Warren was nine years old she was a slight, blonde, outdoorsy child who loved to...
ask professor tanya byron
Q. I am 29 years old and have had enough of feeling out of control over my eating. I was brought up mostly by my...Q. I am 29 years old and have had enough of feeling out of control over my eating. I was brought up mostly by my grandparents, who were of the “eat everything on your plate” school, which means now I keep eating until I’m full to bursting. Then — and I am ashamed even writing this — I purge, and keep doing so until...Q. I am 29 years old and have had enough of feeling out of control over my eating. I was brought up mostly by my grandparents,...
Charlie Gowans-Eglinton
video
review
Rebus
BBC1 Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour
BBC2 Ian Rankin has said that the new adaptation of Rebus is terrific, and...Rebus
BBC1 Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour
BBC2 Ian Rankin has said that the new adaptation of Rebus...Rebus
BBC1 Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour
BBC2 Ian Rankin has said that the new adaptation of Rebus...
Ask the experts
Q: I have built up a large cash savings pot of £500,000 and have no mortgage and a second property generating...Q: I have built up a large cash savings pot of £500,000 and have no mortgage and a...Q: I have built up a large cash savings pot of £500,000 and have no mortgage and a...
first night REVIEW
first night review
first night review
MindGames
1 A ploughman’s lunch typically includes cheese, pickle and which baked food? 2 Which Latin term literally means...1 A ploughman’s lunch typically includes cheese, pickle and which baked food? 2 Which Latin term...1 A ploughman’s lunch typically includes cheese, pickle and which baked food? 2 Which Latin term...
Viewing GUide
TELEVISION
TELEVISION
television
Caitlin Moran
flower show special
Wage growth has beaten expectations this year and March was a record month for bonuses. But higher pay can be a...Wage growth has beaten expectations this year and March was a record month for bonuses. But...Wage growth has beaten expectations this year and March was a record month for bonuses. But...
In the early days of his career, Daniel Daggers was “ashamed” of his profession. “I’d be sitting at a table at dinner...In the early days of his career, Daniel Daggers was “ashamed” of his profession. “I’d be sitting...In the early days of his career, Daniel Daggers was “ashamed” of his profession. “I’d be sitting...
It features the King, the prime minister, inventors and industrialists, as well as some exciting new names, but what does the record fall in the number of billionaires mean for Britain?
video
Carinthia VII has a £2.6 million infinity pool, three staff for each guest — and a dark past
Some inherited their wealth, but most of Britain’s gilded youth have forged their own success in commerce, showbiz and sport
Lucrative government contracts have propelled Graham King onto this year’s Rich List for the first time
Welcome to the business of philanthropy. Plus: a searchable table of the top 100 Rich List givers
Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Are you dreaming of being the next Sir James Dyson, Sir James Ratcliffe or Sir Richard Branson? The Sunday Times 40 under 40, published alongside the Rich List, the UK’s leading wealth rankings...Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Are you dreaming of being the next Sir James...Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur? Are you dreaming of being the next Sir James...
Florist Poppy Sturley on her bold design for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, inspired by Netflix’s Bridgerton
Guy Ritchie is hosting a series of lavish outdoor dinner parties at his Wiltshire estate, with chefs from around the world. But will he be there himself?
Fountains, sculpture, exotic trees, bonkers topiary — why a lavish garden has always been the ultimate status symbol. By Dr Louisa McKenzie
Titouan Bernicot was 16 when the corals surrounding his Polynesian home turned white. Since then he has dedicated his life to revitalising reefs around the world
video
Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership of Lawrence Stroll. The latest is the new and improved Vantage, the entry-level sports car from the British manufacturer that is seeking greater...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...Aston Martin is surging ahead with several product launches and overhauls under the new ownership...
Once the preserve of explorers and Inuit hunters, Scoresby Sound in Greenland is jam-packed with icebergs, glaciers and — if you’re lucky — the aurora borealis
video
Tourism is big news for the kingdom, but lots of Brits would think twice about a visit. Our writer finds out for herself what it’s like
From hiking in Nepal to homestays in Sri Lanka, these are the ultimate trips to go at alone (and my tried-and-tested ideas for how to enjoy them)
WHERE WAS I? COMPETITION
The Sunday Times Where Was I? competition. Your chance to win a fantastic short break
interview
Actor brothers James and Oliver Phelps on getting private access to the Louvre, spotting the northern lights in Iceland and ruining a marriage proposal
kathy lette | travel troubleshooter
Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage, even though I have now...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...Q. My partner’s adult sons still see me as “the other woman” who split up his first marriage,...
video
It’s almost inconceivable, in this era of constant recommendations, Instagram influencers and Google Maps, that you...It’s almost inconceivable, in this era of constant recommendations, Instagram influencers and...It’s almost inconceivable, in this era of constant recommendations, Instagram influencers and...
video
Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively untrodden part of Florida. But what a shame: this city in the panhandle has empty beaches, a handsome downtown, and air shows, including November’s Blue...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...Pensacola is America’s first settlement, established in 1559 — but it remains a relatively...
THEN the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise...THEN the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly...THEN the day of Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly...
St James’s Palace
18th May, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church...St James’s Palace
18th May, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Lord High Commissioner to the...St James’s Palace
18th May, 2024
The Duke of Edinburgh, Lord High Commissioner to the...
MindGames and Brain Boost puzzles to print and solve at your leisure
The head of a support service for rape victims is under pressure to quit after the resignation of two board members implicated in a “heresy hunt” against a colleague who held “gender critical” beliefs. Critics say the position of Mridul Wadhwa, who identifies as a trans woman, as chief executive...The head of a support service for rape victims is under pressure to quit after the resignation of two board members implicated in a “heresy hunt” against a colleague who held “gender critical” beliefs. Critics say the position of Mridul Wadhwa, who identifies as a trans woman, as chief executive...The head of a support service for rape victims is under pressure to quit after the resignation of two board members implicated...
Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’ faltering fortunes, a new poll has found. The result would lead to a rout, with the SNP crashing to just 11 MPs were it to be repeated at the general election. In a further blow to the new first minister, most voters do...Labour has opened up a ten-point lead over the SNP in a sign that John Swinney is failing to turn around the nationalists’...
Iain Macwhirter | comment
Last week, the Scottish government passed what was effectively a vote of no confidence … in itself. It declared a housing emergency after having been in government for 17 years. But why stop there? Our new leader, Honest John Swinney, should surely be declaring emergencies across the public sector in Scotland. More...Last week, the Scottish government passed what was effectively a vote of no confidence … in itself.Last week, the Scottish government passed what was effectively a vote of no confidence … in itself.
Motorists in Edinburgh were hit with a record number of parking fines last year and faced penalties costing more than...Motorists in Edinburgh were hit with a record number of parking fines last year and faced...Motorists in Edinburgh were hit with a record number of parking fines last year and faced...
A ScotRail driver earned six figures last year in what is thought to be a first for the nationalised train operator.A ScotRail driver earned six figures last year in what is thought to be a first for the...A ScotRail driver earned six figures last year in what is thought to be a first for the...
Scotland’s kestrel population has fallen rapidly since 1995, according to a survey which implicates the use of rodenticides in their decline. The drop in numbers of the bird of prey is highlighted in the latest annual Breeding Bird Survey (BBS)...Scotland’s kestrel population has fallen rapidly since 1995, according to a survey which...Scotland’s kestrel population has fallen rapidly since 1995, according to a survey which...
Campaigners are calling for an Edinburgh-based firm to be excluded from future rounds of renewable leasing amid...Campaigners are calling for an Edinburgh-based firm to be excluded from future rounds of...Campaigners are calling for an Edinburgh-based firm to be excluded from future rounds of...
Murdo Fraser | Thunderer
Everyone seems to agree that, after 25 years, Holyrood isn’t working as well as it should. It hasn’t lived up to the...Everyone seems to agree that, after 25 years, Holyrood isn’t working as well as it should. It...Everyone seems to agree that, after 25 years, Holyrood isn’t working as well as it should. It...
Comment
Labour must not bow to public sector interests
Trevor Phillips
Few professionals enjoy being judged but teachers, doctors and others have to be assessed and held accountable
edward lucas
It’s high time rogue cyclists were humbled
libby purves
Meet society’s basic needs or discontent will grow
tom whipple | notebook
I need some parental guidance on Father Ted
Penelope Gibbs
Public access to courts is essential for justice system
Leading Articles
Freedom of Speech
New laws protecting the rights of teachers to criticise religion are to be introduced to prevent intimidation by activists accusing staff of blasphemy
Tunnel Vision
New border controls and long queues will deter passengers from using Eurostar
Say Cheese
Britain’s dairies and cheesemakers are smiling at record cheese consumption
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Pollution and the state of our water supply
Sir, When considering the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham (“Broken air valve let animal waste seep into Devon’s drinking water”, May 17), what happened in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1993 is relevant. Just as in Devon, first the farmers and...Sir, When considering the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham (“Broken air valve let animal...Sir, When considering the cryptosporidium outbreak in Brixham (“Broken air valve let animal...
Daily Universal Register
Briefing
UK: The infected blood inquiry publishes its final report; The King and Queen, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, attend RHS Chelsea Flower Show preview; Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, the foreign secretary, attends European scrutiny select committee session as part of its inquiry into the UK’s new relationship with the EU.
Japan: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia arrives in Tokyo.
On this day
In 1498 Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, arrived at Calicut, India, becoming the first European to open a sea-based trade route to India; in 1608 Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra was entered in the Stationers’ Register; in 1895 the American Supreme Court ruled that a national income tax passed by Congress in 1894 was unconstitutional; in 1913 the first RHS Chelsea Flower Show opened — called the Great Spring Show, it was a three-day event and was attended by Queen Alexandra with two of her children. The only gold medal to be awarded before the First World War was for a rock garden; in 1977 the original Orient Express started its final direct journey from Paris to Istanbul.
Nature notes
The longer a species has existed somewhere the more time it’s had to form associations with other species, which is why native species are considered more valuable to wildlife than those which have been recently introduced. In the UK there are no fewer than 149 species of invertebrates which live on hawthorn, including 25 moths that are completely reliant on it; only oak, willow and birch support more. The hawthorn leaf beetle is also specific to our May trees: though small, it is rather handsome, with black markings on its bronze wing cases. There are two generations per year; the first, which peaks around now, overwintered as a pupa in the soil. A second will peak in August and September. Melissa Harrison
Melissa Harrison
Birthdays today
Jeff Blackett, president of the Rugby Football Union (2020-22), judge advocate general of the Armed Forces (2004-20), 69; Sir Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West, chairman of the 1922 committee, deputy chairman, Centre for Policy Studies, 57; Colin Sutherland, Lord Carloway, lord justice general and lord president of the Court of Session (Scotland), 70; Cher, singer, If I Could Turn Back Time (1989), and actress, Mermaids (1990), 78; Flight Lieutenant JA (John Alexander) Cruickshank VC, the last living recipient to have been awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War, 104; Lynn Davies, long jump Olympic gold medallist (1964), president, UK Athletics (2002-15), 82; Greg Dyke, chairman, London Film School, Football Association (2013-16), British Film Institute (2008-16), director-general, BBC (2000-04), 77; Keith Fletcher, cricketer, England player (1968-82) and team manager (1993-95), 80; Chris Froome, cyclist, Tour de France winner (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017), 39; Sir John Hegarty, advertising director, chairman, Bartle Bogle Hegarty (1991-2012), 80; Lord (Clive) Hollick, chief executive, United Business Media (1996-2005), 79; Claire Horton, director-general, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and chief executive, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (2010-20), 62; Debbie Jevans, tennis player, chairwoman, All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, director of sport for Locog, organisers of the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (2006-12), 64; Cindy McCain, executive director, World Food Programme, 70; Dieter Rams, industrial designer, known for Braun consumer products, 92; Charles Spencer, Earl Spencer, custodian of Althorp and writer, A Very Private School: A Memoir (2024), 60; Louis Theroux, broadcaster, Louis Theroux Interviews… (since 2022), 54; Lord (Iain) Vallance of Tummel, chairman, BT (1987-2001), 81; Wei Jingsheng, Chinese human rights activist and dissident, 74.