UK to boost explosives production, reduce reliance on US arms, Times reports
This audio is created with AI assistanceThe United Kingdom will significantly ramp up domestic production of military-grade explosives to reduce its reliance on U.S. and French imports, the Times reported on April 20. Shipping containers will be deployed across the country to produce RDX explosives, which are a key ingredient in NATO-standard 155 mm artillery shells. BAE Systems, the U.K.’s largest defense contractor, also plans to construct three new production sites to increase resilience against potential attacks, according to the Times. The Times, which was briefed on current production volumes, reported that officials have withheld the exact number for national security reasons. Carney’s plan emphasizes Arctic security, increased spending on military infrastructure, and investments in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Source:The Times
April 21, 2025 09:49 UTC
British Airways crew member found dead during San Francisco stopover
Representative ImagePoll Should airlines provide additional training for staff on handling sudden losses? Upon his non-appearance, they were taken to his room, where he had reportedly remained undiscovered for two days. Investigations into the cause of death are ongoing.The cancellation affected numerous travellers, who received hotel accommodation and were subsequently rebooked on alternative flights.A source told The Sun: "There was no way the flight back from San Francisco could go ahead. The steward was a popular member of the team and this came as a bolt from the blue. "British Airways verified that the individual was their employee.
Source:The Times
April 21, 2025 05:58 UTC
Newspaper headlines: PM 'must break silence' on ruling and the 'spy who bugged me'
"UK boosts munitions to end dependence on US" is the lead headline for the Times. The paper quotes the Defence Secretary John Healey who calls it "an important step". The report says campaigners are calling on the government to speed up a ban on the import of animal trophies to the UK. And several papers feature the story of 12-year-old Cooper Worthington, who is reported to be the UK's youngest Elvis impersonator. The youngster from Devon says his "dream has come true" after being invited to perform at his hero's former home, Graceland, in August.
Source:The Times
April 21, 2025 05:11 UTC
Can Trump Really Negotiate Peace in Ukraine, Russians Wonder
Many Russians cheered President Trump’s election because they thought he could make a deal for a negotiated peace in Ukraine that would satisfy the Kremlin. Three months into Mr. Trump’s second term, the disappointment in Moscow is palpable. In interviews, people in the Kremlin’s orbit have revealed frustration both with Mr. Trump’s whirlwind approach to the talks and with President Vladimir V. Putin’s apparent inflexibility in the negotiations. With Mr. Trump and his top diplomat warning on Friday that the United States could walk away from the discussion, some of them fear that a collapse in talks could lead to a further escalation of the fighting. In the meantime, he said, Mr. Putin “is just fighting, he’s seizing the moment.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 23:35 UTC
Easter Monday 2025 supermarket opening times, including Tesco, Asda, Lidl and more
Easter Monday 2025 supermarket opening times, including Tesco, Asda, Lidl and moreSupermarket opening times can differ during bank holidaysSome supermarkets have reduced their opening hours on Easter Monday (Image: Oscar Wong via Getty Images )Easter Bank Holiday weekend is coming to close, and as always there are changes to supermarkets' opening hours. Many shops are shut on Easter Sunday, and as Easter Monday, April 21, is a bank holiday opening times can differ. So if you need to pick up any last minute bits, here is a list of the bank holiday opening times for major UK supermarkets, including Aldi, Tesco, and Asda. However, as always, it's best to check your local supermarket's opening times to be certain. AsdaAsda's opening times for the majority of their stores on Easter Monday will be between 7am to 7pm.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 23:15 UTC
How life expectancy in the UK fell into a Soviet-style slump
Dawn Forristal, 57, remembers when Barrow Island, a neighbourhood on the western edge of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, seemed full of potential. In the Sixties her parents moved into a coveted flat in one of the tenements built here for the region’s shipbuilders. “Back then, there were waiting lists.”Dawn Forristal, a newsagent in Barrow-in-Furness TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOPToday, the lists are gone and many of the flats are in disrepair. The next generation of Britain’s nuclear submarines are being built nearby, but Barrow Island has not recovered from the loss in the Nineties of thousands of shipyard jobs. One of the most deprived communities in the country, it is struggling in terms of income and educational attainment.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 23:04 UTC
The 50 best restaurants in Wales in 2025
The 50 best restaurants in Wales in 2025Wales' dining star continues to rise with Michelin eats, Good Food Guide accolades and AA Awards. The Powys restaurant with rooms is the only Welsh restaurant awarded two Michelin stars and the most highly-awarded restaurant in Wales. It was named Best Restaurant in the UK two years running in 2022 and 2023, and has received five AA rosettes. Paternoster Farm, PembrokeshireCornish skate and Angle asparagus (Image: Laura Clements/WalesOnline )This farm in Pembrokeshire produces some of the best food in Wales from the grounds of an old cow shed. It was awarded Best Restaurant in Wales last year according to the British Restaurant Awards and we caught up with Tommy shortly after.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 22:45 UTC
Sarah Palin’s defamation suit retrial against the New York Times raises first amendment concerns
When Sarah Palin arrived at a federal court on Monday, her appearance promised little in the way of legal fireworks. Palin was in downtown Manhattan for a retrial in her defamation lawsuit against the New York Times. The US second circuit court of appeals revamped Palin’s case in 2024, having determined that Judge Jed Rakoff wrongly intruded on jurors’ decision-making. Many of these lawsuits are unlikely to pass legal muster: public figures have a high burden in proving defamation. Asked about Palin’s claims, the Times said: “This case revolves around a passing reference to an event in an editorial that was not about Sarah Palin.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 21:22 UTC
I had a pint in tucked away Bristol pub where most visitors arrive by boat
Given the fact I’d been to Beeses Riverside Bar several times before, I couldn’t see a problem. Beeses riverside bar in BrislingtonOn the banks of the River Avon, it’s next to the Eastwood Farm nature reserve and looks across to the Conham River Park. Beeses riverside bar in BrislingtonPrices, as with most places, have risen again this year and my pint of Bristol Beer Factory Infinity Helles Lager set me back an eye-watering £6.10. The standard Beeses Burger is £18 for two beef patties, Monterey Jack cheese, smoked streaky bacon, green leaves, beef tomato, pickled gherkin, candied jalapeños and chef’s burger sauce. Article continues belowBeeses, Wyndham Crescent, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 4SX.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 20:18 UTC
Norris pays for Saudi qualifying crash as Verstappen takes pole
Welcome to our live coverage for third and final practice for the 2025 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit. McLaren were fastest in second practice under lights on Friday and that is important because it is the most representative practice session. In the end it was Lando Norris, championship leader, who was fastest, a little ahead of his team-mate Oscar Piastri. Piastri did not appear to fully maximise his qualifying simulation, mind you. Let us not forget that the circuit in Saudi Arabia has a tendency to bite drivers when they push in qualifying.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 11:16 UTC
Sunday Times letters: Saving Britain’s steelmaking industry
Write to letters@sunday-times.co.ukGovernment intervention at British Steel was hugely significant (“Navy on alert to escort fuel in steel crisis”, Apr 13). Cross-party recognition of the importance of the industry was a welcome first step — but now words must turn into action. We have seen steelmaking capability dwindle in the UK, with increasing import dependency that imperils national resilience. Globally the steel sector is in crisis, exacerbated by overcapacity and oversupply. Much of this has been driven by China, which produces and consumes more than half of the world’s steel but where demand has plummeted.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 10:10 UTC
Dish compared to 'middle class KFC' at top Bristol restaurant
Dish compared to 'middle class KFC' at top Bristol restaurantThe Sunday Times gave it a rare five-star reviewJan Ostle, co-founder of Wilsons Restaurant (Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC )A Bristol restaurant has received a rave review from the critic of The Sunday Times, who described it as ‘delightful’ but went on to compare one dish to a famous fast food staple. Writer Charlotte Ivers gave Michelin-starred restaurant Wilsons in Redland a rare five-star review in her weekly column. Wilsons recently gained a Michelin star, making it one of only two such restaurants in Bristol - the other being Bulrush in Cotham. Article continues belowShe praised every dish she tried, even describing the snacks of pheasant nuggets fried in buttermilk as ‘a wonderfully crunchy middle-class KFC’. The Sunday Times reviewer wrapped up her glowing review by saying: “Delightful is the word that keeps coming to mind.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 08:28 UTC
Who is Renaud Camus and why was the French writer banned in UK?
AP photoPoll Do you agree with the UK's decision to ban Renaud Camus from entering the country? No, it's a violation of free speech Yes, it's justifiedBanned from entering the UK: French author alarmed by immigration fears for free speech in BritainWho is Renaud Camus? Why was he banned? Renaud Camus , a French writer and philosopher known for his anti-immigration views, has been barred from entering the UK, British newspaper The Telegraph reported, noting that no official reason was provided for the ban.Camus had planned to visit the UK later this month for a speaking engagement. Some believe that misinformation surrounding immigration played a role in fuelling the 2024 summer riots that followed the Southport murders.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 06:35 UTC
Man Utd transfer news: Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins swap deal under consideration - Paper Talk
The top stories and transfer rumours from Sunday's newspapers...STAR ON SUNDAYManchester United are considering a shock swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins. Alan Shearer reckons he would be gobsmacked if Marcus Rashford still has a career left for him at Manchester United. SUNDAY EXPRESSAtletico Madrid are eager to seal a deal for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero ahead of the Club World Cup. SUNDAY MIRRORBournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is reportedly giving himself a month to decide on his future - but wants to stay in the Premier League next season. Arne Slot has hit back at suggestions that champions-elect Liverpool's success will be diminished because it has been a poor Premier League this season.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 05:03 UTC
What time does WrestleMania 41 Night 2 start? Full worldwide schedule for the live event this Sunday, April 20
WrestleMania 41 promises to be one of the best events in history. What time does WrestleMania 41 start? WrestleMania 41 takes place over two nights, each packed with important matches. Night 1 of WrestleMania 41, on Saturday, April 19, will feature a triple threat match with Roman Reigns, Seth Rollis, and CM Punk. WrestleMania 41 is expected to last 7 to 9 hours at most.
Source:The Times
April 20, 2025 03:27 UTC