Vast crowds for funeral of Pope Francis, described as a ‘shining witness’
“Pope Francis was a shining witness of a Church that bends with tenderness towards those who are wounded and heals with the balm of mercy. The Vatican said that a further 250,000 had earlier waited up to four hours to file past the open coffin in St Peter’s Basilica from 23 to 25 April. “He was a Pope among the people, with an open heart towards everyone — a Pope attentive to the signs of the times and what the Holy Spirit was awakening in the Church,” Cardinal Re said. “Rich in human warmth and deeply sensitive to today’s challenges, Pope Francis truly shared the anxieties, sufferings, and hopes of this time of globalisation. Asked about fears that the Church risked “going backwards” under a more conservative Pope, Cardinal Nichols said that the conclave would be choosing “the successor to St Peter, not solely to Pope Francis”.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 23:34 UTC
Rumoured 3% pay rise proposed for nurses for 2025-26
The NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) has recommended a pay rise of around 3% for nurses and other Agenda for Change staff for this year, according to reports. It follows an announcement earlier this month that the NHS PRB had sent its report to governments in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Ms Galbraith-Marten also called for any 2025-26 NHS pay award to be “fully funded”, warning that taking away resources from frontline services was “unfair on staff and bad for patients”. “That means a decent pay rise that will encourage experienced staff to stay and persuade new recruits to join. A government spokesperson said: “The department has received the NHS Pay Review Body recommendations for 2025-26 – regarding pay for Agenda for Change staff like nurses, paramedics and healthcare support workers.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 22:39 UTC
UK risks Trump’s ire with EU partnership agreement
Britain will risk angering President Trump next month by signing up to a statement of shared “geopolitical values” with the European Union that cuts across many of the US leader’s key international policies. In a draft preamble to a new strategic partnership between the UK and EU, due to be unveiled at a summit on May 19, the two sides emphasise support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, the Paris climate agreement and open and free trade. The statement could be seen in Washington as an overt signal that Sir Keir Starmer’s government is aligning itself with Brussels, with nervousness in Whitehall about how the reset will be viewed by Trump and his key officials. Ministers are hoping to seal a trade deal with the United States,
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 22:16 UTC
India 5th largest military spender; expenditure 9 times more than Pakistan
File photoTaliban Wants To Help India Fight Pakistan? Stunning Move After Islamabad 'Runs To' China | PahalgamNEW DELHI: India is the fifth-largest military spender globally, spending almost nine times more than Pakistan. We must cater for both," a senior Indian military officer told TOI.SIPRI said the 10 largest military spenders are US ($997 billion), China ($314 billion), Russia ($149 billion), Germany ($88 billion), India ($86 billion), UK ($82 billion), Saudi Arabia ($80 billion), Ukraine ($65 billion), France ($65 billion) and Japan ($55 billion). "China, the world's second-largest military spender, allocated an estimated $314 billion to its military in 2024, up by 7% from 2023. This was the largest year-on-year percentage increase in China's military spending since 2015," SIPRI said.China "unveiled" several improved military capabilities in 2024, including new stealth combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and uncrewed underwater vehicles.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 22:01 UTC
Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero: Start time, undercard and how to watch fight
Read our Privacy noticeThis Friday, Ryan Garcia returns from his drug-related ban to box Rolly Romero in New York City – in Times Square, no less, as part of a stacked card and unique event. Garcia was hit with a one-year ban, but that suspension is now up, and he returns to action this week. Garcia vs Romero will take place on Friday 2 May in Times Square, New York City. In any case, Garcia vs Romero is expected to headline the card. Full fight cardClockwise from left: Teofimo Lopez, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney ( Getty Images )Ryan Garcia vs Rolly Romero (welterweight)Devin Haney vs Jose Ramirez (welterweight)Teofimo Lopez (champion) vs Arnold Barboza Jr (WBO super-lightweight title)OddsGarcia – 1/9; Romero – 11/2; draw – 20/1Haney – 1/12; Ramirez – 13/1; draw – 18/1Lopez – 4/9; Barboza Jr –15/8 ; draw – 16/1Via Betway.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 21:57 UTC
Lidl plans new stores in Powys towns in £500m investment
The budget-friendly chain has listed Welshpool and Builth Wells/Llandrindod Wells as sites in Mid Wales where it feels new stores are required. Brecon and Ystradgynlais also make the list of 48 sites across Mid and South Wales which form the company's 2025 site requirements brochure. It is part of a fuller strategy for new stores and replacement stores across the UK. Mr Taylor added: “Our latest site requirements brochure reinforces the scale of our ambition for the future. “New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers, and continued investment into local economies.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 21:40 UTC
Licence extension granted for distillery's 'premium' whisky tasting sessions - The Shetland Times
Lerwick Distillery has been granted a licence extension to host whisky tasting sessions. Depute convener Bryan Peterson proposed the application be granted, saying it seemed to be the “sensible thing to do”. Mr Peterson suggested the proposed extension, which will grant alcohol to be served until 9pm, rather 7pm as the current licence permits. The application said the extension would enable the distillery to offer “closed door, personal, premium sessions”. Shetland Central member Catherine Hughson seconded the motion, saying it was good to see the business “begin to thrive”.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 21:11 UTC
Ultra-processed foods ‘contribute to 18,000 early deaths a year’
Thousands of middle-aged people in Britain are dying prematurely every year as a result of ultra-processed foods, a study has suggested. Researchers analysed the diets of eight countries then estimated the number of deaths linked to an over-reliance on foods such as ready meals, confectionery, fizzy drinks and processed meat. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, said that about 18,000 deaths in people aged 30 to 69 could be prevented each year in Britain if people ate less ultra-processed foods (UPFs). The term refers to mass-produced foods with multiple ingredients and additives that could not be created in a home kitchen. Diets high in UPF have been linked to an
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 19:02 UTC
Strike threats loom if ministers reject NHS and teacher pay rises
Millions of public sector workers including teachers and nurses should be given pay rises of as much as 4 per cent, ministers have been told in a move that will put further pressure on Rachel Reeves. The Times has been told that the independent pay review body representing 514,000 teachers has recommended a pay rise of close to 4 per cent, while the one for 1.38 million NHS workers has recommended closer to 3 per cent. The pay rises, for England, are significantly more than the 2.8 per cent that the government budgeted for and are likely to place further strain on public finances. Schools and hospitals will be told to find efficiency savings to help meet some of the costs. Other public sector workers
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 18:10 UTC
Ministers face above projected teacher and NHS pay deals
The government has ruled out any extra cash for pay rises after review bodies recommended new deals for teachers and NHS staff above the amount budgeted for by ministers, Downing Street has said. The pay review body for teachers in England has recommended a pay rise of about 4% this year, while its NHS equivalent has recommended about 3%, according to figures first reported by The Times. Both figures are higher than the 2.8% the government had budgeted for in their proposals to the pay bodies, and are likely to place further strain on public finances. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government would look at the pay proposals "and respond in due course".
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 18:07 UTC
ISB ranks 23rd in the World on Carbon Footprint by Financial Times
Financial Times, UK has ranked ISB an impressive 23rd in the world, and the best in India on this parameter. With a team of qualified ESG experts, InCorp Advisory measured Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, and some targeted detailed Scope 3 categories. InCorp Advisory is a proud partner for ISB on their strategic roadmap towards their decarbonisation targets." About Indian School of BusinessThe Indian School of Business (ISB) is India's highest-ranked business school and features in the top league of several global business school rankings. InCorp Advisory offers consulting services across Investment Banking, Managed Services, Risk Advisory, Sustainability, Taxation and Compliance.
Source:The Times
April 28, 2025 15:32 UTC
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