Nations call for immediate end to 'horrific' Sudan war
"We simply cannot look away," the UK's foreign minister David Lammy said as he opened the talks among counterparts from around 15 countries, denouncing what he called "a lack of political will" to end the fighting. "There can be no military solution in Sudan, only an immediate, unconditional secession of hostilities," said the African Union's commissioner for political affairs, Bankole Adeoye. "This, we believe, must be followed by an all-inclusive dialogue to end the war. "How can we forget the world's largest humanitarian crisis?" Those fighters and the Gulf state deny the charges.In a statement Tuesday, the UAE issued "an urgent call for peace" and accused both sides of "committing atrocities".
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 12:16 UTC
Seven of the UK’s loveliest coastal villages — without the crowds
Even if you think you know it like the back of your hand, chances are there are plenty of coastal spots you have yet to discover. We’ve rounded up seven of our favourite seaside villages here. While not necessarily undiscovered, they are at least a little off the beaten track — and perfect for visiting this spring, before the summer crowds descend. But little Coverack, on the Lizard’s east coast, is far enough from the county’s big-ticket sights that it stays relatively sleepy, even during the summer. The Bay Hotel in Coverack occupies a prime position on the harbourfront and offers smart, simple rooms with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 12:14 UTC
Catch22 Responds to The Times Crime and Justice Commission Report
Catch22 Responds to The Times Crime and Justice Commission ReportYesterday, The Times newspaper has released its Crime and Justice Commission report – an in-depth exploration of the future of policing, courts, sentencing, and prisons in the UK, accompanied by proposals for reform. Committed to building stronger communities and supporting people at every stage of the justice system, we are pleased to see that many of the themes raised reflect what we have long advocated for. The role of technology in justice reformWhile technological advancement poses these significant risks, the report also rightly recognises its role in modernising the justice system, stating that “the justice system needs to enter the digital age”. Public attitudesFinally, one of the most positive takeaways from the report for Catch22 is the clear indication that public attitudes toward criminal justice are evolving. We were pleased to see this report bring much-needed attention to the challenges and opportunities within our justice system and especially welcome its shift in focus from punishment to prevention.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 11:42 UTC
Cockermouth: WWII knife fetches £1,800 at Mitchells auction
A Fairbairn-Sykes double-edged fighting knife, crafted circa 1940 by Wilkinson Sword, and designed for combat use by early Commando units during the war, sold for £1,800. Beretta 687EELL 12 bore overunder shotgun (Image: Supplied) A Beretta 687EELL 12-bore over/under shotgun, complete with seven chokes in its original box and a brown leatherette motor case, sold for £1,450. Those wishing to consign items for sale are encouraged to contact James Moore on 01900 827800. Mitchells offers free valuations by appointment at their Cockermouth saleroom and also conducts home visits by arrangement, including in the South Lakes and Furness areas. To arrange a free valuation, people are urged to contact Mitchells on 01900 827800.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 10:40 UTC
JD Vance: US-UK trade deal likely as Trump loves Britain
President Trump’s affection for Britain means there is a good chance of a “great” trade deal JD Vance, the vice-president, has said. “The president really loves the United Kingdom. The vice-president’s comments are likely to be greeted with optimism by British negotiators pushing for a deal to ease levies in the wake of Trump’s “liberation day” tariffs. The UK is attempting to reduce the 25 per cent tariffs that Trump imposed on cars, steel and aluminium. JD Vance has criticised Europe for being too reliant on US support ANDREW HARNIK/GETTY IMAGESTrump and Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle in 2018 TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD POHLE“We’re certainly working very hard with Keir Starmer’s government” on a trade deal, Vance told UnHerd, a news and opinion website.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 08:29 UTC
London hosts talks to find 'pathway' to end Sudan war
"This conference will bring together the international community to agree a pathway to end the suffering," said the UK's foreign minister David Lammy , who is expected to host counterparts and high-level representatives. "Instability must not spread -- it drives migration from Sudan and the wider region, and a safe and stable Sudan is vital for our national security. "The UK will not let Sudan be forgotten," Lammy vowed, as he unveiled 120 million pounds ($158 million) in new aid for the country. "The brutal war in Sudan has devastated the lives of millions and yet much of the world continues to look away. "The external support and flow of weapons must end," Guterres said without blaming any specific country in a statement issued a day before the third anniversary of the start of the war.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 07:30 UTC
India at 12th position globally lagging behind others in public investment in quantum tech initiatives
In contrast, China leads with investments of $15.3 billion so far.In terms of quantum science and technology (QST) startups globally, India is, however, at the 6th position with 53 startups. The strategy report, unveiled by PSA Ajay Kumar Sood, shows the US has received approximately $6.9 billion in quantum funding. This represents more than 4.5 times the investment of the next biggest investment destination, the UK, which received $1.44 billion. In contrast, India received only $30 million of private investment.The strategy report marks a significant step toward articulating India’s outward-facing strategy in Quantum Science, Technology, and Innovation (QSTI). "We need to be an active player in defining the global standards for Quantum Tech.
Source:The Times
April 15, 2025 07:29 UTC
The bad news for UK and Ireland in smallprint of Trump’s tariffs
President Trump’s shift to sector tariffs that target semiconductors and pharmaceuticals is bad news for British and Irish exporters. Not even an announcement by Nvidia that it will build its AI supercomputers entirely in the US rather than Taiwan is going to dissuade Trump from the ambitious new phase of his tariff agenda. Quite the reverse — the computing giant’s plans to for more than a million sq ft of manufacturing space for microchips in Arizona and AI supercomputers in Texas appear to have encouraged him. “All I have to do is impose a tariff. The higher I do it, the faster they come,” Trump said in the Oval Office, apparently relishing the power he has in his hands to re-order global trade and manufacturing.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 23:07 UTC
Newspaper headlines: Perry in space and Birmingham bin strikes
The Daily Telegraph, external leads with a warning that bin workers across the country could be poised to go on strike. The headline on the front of the Daily Mail, external is "Bin strike grinds on as Labour humiliated". It says Unite's members in Birmingham rejected an improved pay offer despite a plea by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner for them to accept. The Guardian, external reports that senior Labour figures are urging the government to review Chinese investment in Britain in the wake of the British Steel episode. A Labour peer, Helena Kennedy, tells the paper "this fiasco shows the risks".
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 21:56 UTC
Labour backed Chinese investment in critical UK infrastructure
Ed Miliband encouraged Chinese involvement in key parts of the UK’s critical infrastructure less than a month before the government wrested control of British Steel from its Beijing shareholders. The energy secretary heralded how “two-way trade and investment can bring mutually beneficial results” and signed an agreement promising “close co-operation” with Beijing in sectors including battery energy storage and offshore wind power during a visit to the country last month, The Times can reveal. Miliband signed a memorandum of understanding on a “clean energy partnership”, the first update to the agreement since the golden era of relations between China and Britain a decade ago. It outlined co-operation in key areas including the power grid, battery storage and offshore wind power. Ministers have taken direct control of British Steel’s Scunthorpe site ADAM VAUGHAN/EPAFresh doubts have been cast
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 20:27 UTC
This UK hospital is offering towels and blankets to patients instead of pillows
A physiotherapist admitted to the claim that the hospital offered a makeshift pillow during her stay.Claire Sapwell, a 53-year-old physiotherapist from Cromer, was admitted twice in recent weeks. During her stay, on both occasions, she was given two towels stuffed into a pillowcase as a substitute.According to an EDP 24 report, Sapwell said it was utterly ridiculous that there were no pillows available. Previously in 2022, patients were given rolled blankets after they were left without a pillow. However, because of strict rules, these are not always accepted.A: The hospital has acknowledged that pillows often go missing and are frequently re-ordered. In the meantime, staff are providing makeshift alternatives to ensure some comfort for patients.A: While some have suggested donations, the hospital has stated this is unnecessary.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 20:00 UTC
Mehul Choksi held in Belgium, but return a challenge
Mehul ChoksiPoll Should international courts prioritize human rights issues over extraditing fugitives? In Bhandari's case, the UK court had accepted his argument about torture and inhuman treatment in Indian prisons, as also the fact of trials being an inordinately long process. The UK HC also refused the Indian govt's plea for filing an appeal in the Supreme Court there. "This can become the SOP of the defence for all fugitives who have escaped to Europe or the Caribbean islands. They all will cite human rights violations and poor conditions of Indian prisons to escape deportation and face trial in India," a senior official tracking the case said.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 19:13 UTC
Drastic times need drastic action: breaking the 50-year tax taboo
Among those steps, announced that Tuesday in 1975, was an increase in the basic rate of income tax. Mr Healey also raised almost all the other, multiple, rates of income tax. Only the top 83 per cent rate was left unchanged. More and more people have been dragged into higher rates of income tax. It is there because effective tax rates on, and tax takes from, high earners and corporate profits are at record levels.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 19:10 UTC
Tory leaders among 15 charged in UK poll row: How scandals are shaping future of political betting
UKGC began probe after poll announcementLive EventsParty spokesperson says charged staffers suspendedA tricky time for political betting? Meanwhile, a spokesperson of Conservative Party confirmed that charged staffers of the party were suspended. They added that the party, which is now under new leadership, is cooperating with the Gambling Commission.The UK betting scandal has spotlighted the ethical minefield of political betting, the SBC report stated. The incident has raised debate on whether political betting should be permitted at all and if such markets could remain credible given the volume of sensitive information available to insiders.On the contrary, political betting has been prohibited across all US states. A person found guilty could face two-year prison time or a fineUSA states outlaw political betting to discourage manipulation and ethical dilemmas.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 18:33 UTC
China urges UK to avoid 'politicising' trade after British Steel spat
Beijing warned Britain on Monday against "politicising" an unfolding spat over the future of Chinese-owned British Steel after legislation was approved to prevent the shutdown of the last British factory that can make steel from scratch. A spokesman for China's foreign ministry urged the British government on Monday to "avoid politicising trade cooperation or linking it to security issues, so as not to impact the confidence of Chinese enterprises in going to the UK". BEIJING: Beijing warned Britain on Monday against "politicising" an unfolding spat over the future of Chinese-owned British Steel after legislation was approved to prevent the shutdown of the last British factory that can make steel from scratch.The UK government rushed urgent legislation through parliament on Saturday to stop the blast furnaces at British Steel's plant in the northern English town of Scunthorpe from being turned off.The move came after owners Jingye said it was no longer financially viable to keep them burning.Britain's Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds later said London had been "naive" to let the Chinese firm take over part of the sensitive steel industry.A spokesman for China's foreign ministry urged the British government on Monday to "avoid politicising trade cooperation or linking it to security issues, so as not to impact the confidence of Chinese enterprises in going to the UK". "When it comes to the operational difficulties currently faced by British Steel, the two sides should negotiate a solution on the basis of mutual benefit," Lin Jian told a regular news briefing in Beijing.Beijing hopes London will "treat Chinese businesses that have invested and operate in the UK fairly and justly, (and) protect their legitimate and lawful rights and interests".Jingye, one of the world's biggest steel firms, is "a Chinese private enterprise that has undertaken cooperation with the British side based on market principles", Lin said.The company bought British Steel in 2020 and says it has invested more than £1.2 billion ($1.6 billion) to maintain operations but was losing around £700,000 a day.
Source:The Times
April 14, 2025 16:44 UTC