Think times are tough now? Just wait til Labour’s ‘unexploded bomb’ detonates & causes REAL pain
SO, after all the days of spin and expectation management, what is the verdict on the Chancellor’s Spring Statement? Spring Statement - key points KEY announcements from the Spring Statement: No new tax rises : The Chancellor ruled out further tax hikes and pledged to crack down on tax avoidance, aiming to raise an extra £1bn. And firms were not given any concessions in the Spring Statement either, despite their pleading. What is the Spring Statement? By Ryan Sabey, Deputy Political Editor: Rachel Reeves is delivering the Spring Statement - nearly fifty years after the first such "mini-Budget" was delivered.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 21:17 UTC
Trowbridge's town centre's new benches spotted on continent
Some of the street furniture, the backless benches in particular, have been hit with criticism and inspired bemused reactions, with some online likening them to ‘cheese graters’. Wiltshire Council has previously confirmed the benches were provided by two British companies: the backless Zadig benches by All Urban, and the more traditional, backed benches by Artform Urban Furniture. A Google Street view shot from May 2019 shows the benches installed on the Rue du Midi, occupied by several pedestrians. Google Street View shot of the benches from May 2019. SEE ALSO: Controversial street furniture in Trowbridge cost £55k“The shape is rendered in steel while the motif pattern accentuates the aesthetics of the design.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 20:14 UTC
Estelle Manor among Oxfordshire hotels named best in the UK
The trio are among 100 places named in the annual 'Best Places to Stay in the UK' list by The Times, which is put together by a team of 'experienced reviewers' who stay at 'hundreds of properties' across the country. The Bull in Burford, which opened in 2023, won 'best romantic hotel'. The Bull in Charlbury was ranked fifth in the list, described as 'like the pitch for a bromance movie'. The Bull in Charlbury (Image: The Bull Charlbury) Estelle Manor outside of Oxford, which opened in 2023, was ranked sixth. The Times said whittling down the 'long list' is 'always tough' and the high standards this year 'caused some headaches' in the decision-making.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 19:02 UTC
UK University Gets Record Fine Over Free Speech on Campus
British authorities issued a record fine against one of the country’s universities on Wednesday for issues including failing to “uphold the freedom of speech and academic freedom” in a policy statement on transgender equality, an escalation in the debate over student and staff rights on campus. The Office for Students, the regulator for higher education in England, imposed a penalty of 585,000 pounds, more than $755,000, on the University of Sussex. The fine from the regulator, the Office for Students, comes amid fraught conversations about both trans rights and free speech on campuses in the United States and Britain, with many universities trying to balance the right of free expression with preventing hate speech. Dr. Stock quit in 2021 after she was accused of being transphobic by students and activists for arguing that transgender women were not women. She said she faced a campaign of harassment, bullying and character assassination before quitting.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 18:22 UTC
“Technology wasn’t at fault - the human use of it was” – Cyber security expert explains how easily human mistakes can undermine even the best technical safeguards
The security leak involving some of America’s most senior officials and their military plans, shocked the world earlier this week. Professor Oli Buckley, an expert in cyber security whose research has a strong focus on the human aspects of security, explains how even the most secure technology can’t protect against user error. However, even the most secure tool can’t protect against user error, like adding the wrong participant to a sensitive conversation. “The real risk here is not about Signal’s encryption, but about how easily human mistakes can undermine even the best technical safeguards. It’s a powerful reminder that security isn’t just technical, it’s procedural, cultural, and deeply human.”To arrange an interview with Professor Buckley, email publicrelations@lboro.ac.uk.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 18:21 UTC
Rachel Reeves delivers spring statement 2025 — as it happened
Rachel Reeves said the government’s view on the digital services tax has not changed after speculation the levy may be dropped to avoid Trump tariffs. She told a press conference on Wednesday: “We believe that companies should pay tax in the countries in which they operate, which is why we introduced a digital services tax in the first place — and our views on that have not changed.”Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform, told Times Radio’s John Pienaar that the numbers that Labour produced it its spring statement are “delusional” and that the UK is “heading towards a recession”. Citing his experience as a businessman, he added that the numbers “are ludicrous”. The former chairman of Reform also dismissed mental health issues
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 18:21 UTC
Regional media ‘vital role to play in these uncertain times’, says King
“A free media is one that will and does make mistakes” but at its best “it is a cornerstone of our democracy”, Charles said in a statement ahead of a reception for regional UK media workers at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday. The King and Queen will host 400 guests from various UK news organisations to show support for local journalism. “Your reporting, and the work of all those who support you, helps amplify and reaffirm the rights and responsibilities we all share. “It shines a light in dark corners, exposing injustice and wrongdoing.”He added: “Above all, it helps strengthen our communities, in times of joy and at moments of sorrow. A free media is one that will and does make mistakes.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 18:16 UTC
U.K. Boosts Military Spending and Cuts Welfare in ‘Uncertain World’
Last month, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that military spending would rise to 2.5 percent of gross domestic product by 2027, which would be paid for by cutting overseas aid. On Wednesday, Ms. Reeves reiterated recently announced reductions to the benefits system, alongside a few other changes, that would save about £5 billion by 2030. The changes come as President Trump’s economic policies have disrupted the global economy, putting more demands on the British government’s already stretched budget. Like many other European countries, Britain has pledged to spend more on defense to support Ukraine in its war with Russia. At the same time, the threat of a global trade war is lurking and interest rates have increased, pushing up government borrowing costs.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 17:57 UTC
Top UK college, Benilde partner for academic exchange
St Mary’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Chief Financial Officer Richard Solomon and Benilde Vice-Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson. Founded in 1850, St Mary's is known for its student-centered, career-focused approach, and a diverse community of more than 5,500 learners. Solomon, accompanied by Project Manager for Partnership Development Joey Oliva, underscored the cohesive moral standards and educational principles of St Mary's and Benilde. Benilde Vice-Chancellor for Academics Angelo Marco Lacson said, "This isn't just a formality. Benilde and St Mary's will embark on a journey of academic collaboration that transcends borders.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 17:34 UTC
TOWIE's Lauren Goodger sparks rumours she’s back with ex Charles Drury as they reunite on TikTok - three years after assault drama
Lauren Goodger sparked rumours of a reunion with her ex Charles Drury on TikTok on Tuesday - three years after their assault drama. The former couple, who share four-year-old daughter Larose, both joined a TikTok Live along with TOWIE co-stars Junaid Ahmed and Joe Blackman as they all chatted away. Last year Lauren opened up about the struggles she's faced co-parenting with Charles. Charles was then charged with assault and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards Lauren, which he has denied. 'I've got Larose and obviously thank god I've got her, she's my little best friend but I also need someone to lean on.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 17:24 UTC
Ashok Leyland EV subsidiary Switch likely to stop manufacturing in UK
CHENNAI: Ashok Leyland subsidiary Switch Mobility UK is considering ceasing production at its Sherburn UK facility due to sluggish sales. Instead, Switch will “double down on India” where it is doing very well.It will also focus more on production from India and the UAE to cater to the UK and European markets in the future. This seems to be the right time to cut down losses in the UK market.”On the other hand, the EV bus market in India is doing exceptionally well. The current cash flow requirements of Switch UK will be borne out of the 45 million pound equity infusion already approved by the board of Ashok Leyland in February this year.”Switch India “is doing much better than expected and should not require significant equity infusion in near future. On an overall basis the value accretion from Switch EV business is expected to be much more than the investments made in these entities,” he explained.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 16:37 UTC
Russia and Ukraine Agree to Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions
Ceasefire Agreement ReachedIn a significant development, Russia and Ukraine have agreed to halt military operations in the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe navigation and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes. ConclusionWhile the Black Sea ceasefire represents a step toward de-escalation, its success hinges on the fulfillment of conditions and the genuine commitment of both Russia and Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine agree to ‘eliminate the use of force’ in Black Sea. Black Sea ceasefire agreed but Russia’s price is lifting of some sanctions. Russia, Ukraine agree to sea, energy truce; Washington seeks easing of sanctions.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 16:35 UTC
Why MLB season openers start at unusual times including bizarre first pitch in Toronto
The 2025 Major League Baseball season is upon us as the marathon to make the World Series starts. Why are MLB season openers at odd times? Not a single one of the MLB season-opening games is set to start either on the hour, half past, quarter past or quarter to the hour. After claiming victory in the 2024 World Series, the Dodgers have been invited to the White House by Donald Trump. "To my understanding, every World Series champion gets that honour, so it’s a great honour for all of us.”
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 16:12 UTC
Times letters: Free school meals and the state of education
Write to letters@thetimes.co.ukSir, The crude banding of children according to family income and the means testing for eligibility for free school meals is scandalous (“Free school meals for all younger pupils face the chop”, Mar 24; letter, Mar 25). It pays no heed to the huge number of families in the middle category whose incomes sit fractionally above the poverty line and way below the ability to pay for a school lunch. Parents of these families, by and large modestly paid and hard-working, will now be compelled to suffer an additional strain on their weekly bills by having to pay for a school lunch, often their children’s only hot meal of the day, or provide a packed lunch, inevitably resorting to
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 12:59 UTC
70 week average wait for neuro-diversity referral as waiting times to be published
It’s important to note that these waiting times are estimates and predicting exact waiting times can be difficult as they can fluctuate due to a range of factors, including: the number of people needing services from CFHD; the number of available staff and growing demand for services.
Source:The Times
March 26, 2025 12:44 UTC