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10 Feb ' 08:23
NHS Cabinet chaos as ministers talk of disaster
Last updated February 10 2012 2:15PMThree Conservative Cabinet ministers have privately warned that the Government’s NHS reforms are a disaster, one of them comparing it to the poll tax debacle, according to the editor of an influential Tory website. Tim Montgomerie, who edits ConservativeHome, warned in a blog today that the health service overhaul has become so contentious that it is now “electorally fatal”. He urged that most of the plans be ditched. He claimed that he had been contacted by three Cabinet ministers in the last three days, each anxious that the Tories’ re-election chances were being damaged by the unfolding disaster. The Government swiftly responded with a counter blog on ConservativeHome from Baroness Warsi, a Cabinet minister and Tory Party co-chairman, defending the Bill and reminding MPs of their “duty” to support party policy. But during the morning the coalition Government suffered a fresh embarrassment as 12 Lib Dem MPs signed an early day motion tabled by Labour, demanding that the Government publish its private advice on the risks associated with the Bill. Mr Montgomerie wrote this morning: “Speaking to ConservativeHome, three Tory Cabinet ministers have now also rung the alarm bell. One was insistent the Bill must be dropped. Another said (Health Secretary) Andrew Lansley must be replaced. “Another likened the NHS reforms to the poll tax. The consensus is that the Prime Minister needs an external shock to wake him to t
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Harry Redknapp leaves the Tottenham training ground in ChigwellReuters1 of 5 -
Redknapp on England: It is flattering. It’s nice...I’d be lying if I said otherwiseSky2 of 5 -
On Terry: You’re trying to lose me the job before I’ve even got it!Sky News3 of 5 -
Redknapp arriving at the Tottenham Hotspur training groundReuters4 of 5 -
Harry Redknapp with Avram Grant at the Tottenham training groundReuters5 of 5
Redknapp: all or nothing with England
Syria violence spreads as Aleppo bombs kill 28
Syrian regime forces were tonight intensifying their military operation to crush opponents in Homs as a double-bombing in the second city of Aleppo pushed the country closer to all-out civil war. As tanks supported by troops and the feared government militia launched a “sweep” operation to crush opponents in Homs, two explosions near government buildings in the city of Aleppo killed a reported 28 and wounded 235. The Syrian Government blamed “armed terrorist gangs” for the Aleppo blasts, saying they offered proof that the Government faces violent opponents. Aleppo’s large business community has been a significant source of support to the regime during the 11 months of the uprising and local protests have remained infrequent. A significant Kurdish minority in the city, which has a population of two million, also refrained from opposition after
Last updated February 10 2012 3:11PMSaudi tweeter faces death for insult
A young journalist from Saudi Arabia who fled the country over comments made on Twitter about the Prophet Muhammad has been arrested in Malaysia and faces extradition back to the kingdom, where he could be executed. Hamza Kashgari, 23, has been on the run for a week since a series of tweets addressing the Prophet provoked a storm of protest and debate. Islamists and senior Saudi clerics have called for him to face the death penalty. Mr Kashgari was arrested on arrival at Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, in transit to New Zealand. His whereabouts are still unknown but he has not yet been granted access to a lawyer or contact with relatives. Saudi Arabia has no formal extradition treaty with Malaysia, but Riyadh will use all its influence as the pre-eminent nation in the Islamic world to bring Mr Kasgari back to the kingdom to face trial. Blasphemy is a crime punis
Updated 25 minutes ago- Prayer banned: judge rulesPraying before council meeting not sanctioned by law
- Euro-crisis live: Greek unrestFive day bailout deadline from EU sparks anger
- Rothschild: loses libel case‘Puppet-master’ claim over Lord Mandelson and Oleg Deripaska.
- Damilola killer back in prison: recalled after breaking release termsIt is second time he has been sent bacl
- Animation: the Capello eraMorten Morland sums up his reign in 45 seconds
- Murder suspect: hanged in prisonBarry Morrow accused of killing landlady and her mother
Chinese library computer teaches itself to flirt
Ask it whether it has a husband and it purrs back: “Just you, honey”
World Press Photo Awards: see the best of the best
Winning images from a year dominated by the Arab Spring
The Prime Minister is right about the lack of women in senior positions, but wrong to threaten quotas
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Professionally Fouled
English football needs more than a new manager. It needs new thinking
Judge bans prayer at formal council meetings
Lord Carey of Clifton warns of the ‘hollowing out’ of society after the National Secular Society wins the case on a point of law
Caught on CCTV: police cleaner’s instant coffee theft
Surveillance is usually used to track criminals such as drug dealers, but police used a spy camera to find out who was stealing their coffee
Comet to cut 450 jobs as repair shop shuts
The retailer said it is outsourcing its repair service and hopes the staff will find new roles with third-party companies
Banks fall short on SME lending
Phoenix abandons CVC takeover talks
The zombie insurance funds group said discussions with private equity group CVC ended because it wasn’t offering enough
Six Nations webchat with Mark Souster
Our rugby correspondent has been impressed by the regime of Stuart Lancaster as this year’s tournament begins to hot up
Giggs signs contract extension at Old Trafford
The Manchester United midfielder will continue playing into his fortieth year after agreeing to prolong his career
Sublime Rory McIlroy sets the pace in Dubai
World No 2 lived up to his star billing in Dubai today - but a hole-in-one from Martin Kaymer set up the prospect of another “Duel in the Sun”
Captain Brian Block, a spokesman for the Marine Corps, confirmed that several people in the photo were from the 1st Recon Battalion
In a state-run family planning camp, an Indian surgeon performs 53 operations by torchlight in five hours to make a fat profit
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10 Feb ' 02:12
PM faced with triple Cabinet rebellion on NHS reforms
Jenny BoothUpdated 43 minutes agoThree Conservative Cabinet ministers have privately warned that the Government’s NHS reforms are a disaster, one of them comparing it to the poll tax debacle, according to the editor of an influential Tory website. Tim Montgomerie, who edits ConservativeHome, warned in a blog today that the health service overhaul has become so contentious that it is now “electorally fatal”. He urged that most of the plans be ditched. He claimed that he had been contacted by three Cabinet ministers anxious about the unfolding disaster. In a blog, he wrote: “Speaking to ConservativeHome, three Tory Cabinet ministers have now also rung the alarm bell. One was insistent the Bill must be dropped. Another said (Health Secretary) Andrew Lansley must be replaced. “Another likened the NHS reforms to the poll tax. The consensus is that the Prime Minister needs an external shock to wake him to the scale of the problem.” He adds: “David Cameron’s greatest political achievement as leader of the opposition was to neutralise health as an issue. The greatest mistake of his time as Prime Minister has been to put it back at the centre of political debate.” He recommends that the Government swallow its pride, sit down with the chief critics of the Bill and deletes huge swaths of the legislation that are unnecessary or too controversial. The Government has already been forced to make more than 100 changes to the Health and Social Care Bill but
VIDEO: The aftermath of the mass sterilisation: women on the floor, medical waste strewn around and out-of-date drugsThe young women sterilised for profit
US Marines posed with Nazi flag in Afghanistan
The US Marine Corps has taken action against a group of its scout snipers in Afghanistan who posed for a photograph in front of a flag displaying the Nazi SS logo. The picture, which surfaced on a blog, was taken in September 2010 in Sangin and shows ten Marines in front of the Stars and Stripes and another flag bearing the symbol of the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary force that perpetrated the worst atrocities during the Second World War. Captain Brian Block, a spokesman for the Marine Corps, confirmed that several people in the photograph were from the 1st Recon Battalion, deployed in Afghanistan in 2010. “These Marines are no longer with the command,” he added. The Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a civil rights organisation that works on behalf of members of the US military, discovered the photo online and notified the Marine Corps T
Last updated February 10 2012 8:40Implant clinics profit from scandal
Cosmetic surgery clinics are cashing in on the PIP implant scandal by putting pressure on women to have two-in-one breast operations, a group of the country’s leading surgeons warns today. The procedures, which typically combine removal of the implants with a surgical breast uplift called a mastopexy, are condemned as risky and unethical by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), which represents about 250 plastic surgeons. Thousands of women have been seeking the removal of PIP implants, which were made from industrial-grade silicone and should not have been used medically. In many cases women are being offered add-on treatments as part of a sales technique that Baaps refers to as “cross-selling” or “up-selling” to exploit women at a time of stress. The removal of implants may be offered at cost price, but the extra surgery coul
- Cameron to consider Swedish system
- five-day deadlineEU refuses to back Greece’s austerity plan to unlock €130bn
- Livingstone pledges five-second gap
- Barclays: bonuses cut as profits dipBank posted worse than expected profits
- England: FA plays cagey game over RedknappMeeting to discuss how to appoint Spurs manager
- Iran:Plan to match neighbour ‘within weeks’ of bomb
- Exclusive: Syria peace missionTycoon’s attempt to make Assad back down
PM considers tax break to give mothers help at home
Well-off working mothers would be given tax breaks for employing cleaners, babysitters or gardeners under plans being considered
Livingstone pledges cyclist head-start at lights
Cyclists would have a five second head-start at dangerous junctions if Ken Livingstone is re-elected as Mayor of London
Barclays cuts bonuses as profits dip 2%
Short-term bonuses for the bank’s dozen most senior executives has been cut by an average 48 per cent as profits fell 2%
Markets live: Investors cautious over Greek deal
Rolling coverage from our Business and Foreign staff around the world on the market turmoil and latest on the debt crisis
Live: Shearer comes in to back Redknapp
Live: Shearer comes in to back Redknapp">
The clock is ticking as the FA looks for a new permanent England manager. We keep you updated with all the latest developments throughout the day.
A billionaire businessman sent a top British lawyer to Syria in an attempt to convince President Assad to end the bloodshed, The Times can reveal
Pakistan court throws out Gilani appeal
Pakistan’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by the Prime Minister in a contempt case and is set to charge him on Monday
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09 Feb ' 19:41
Clinics ‘push women into extra breast surgery’
Fay SchlesingerLast updated February 10 2012 12:01AMCosmetic surgery clinics are cashing in on the PIP implant scandal by putting pressure on women to have two-in-one breast operations, a group of the country’s leading surgeons warns today. The procedures, which typically combine removal of the implants with a surgical breast uplift called a mastopexy, are condemned as risky and unethical by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps), which represents about 250 plastic surgeons. Thousands of women have been seeking the removal of PIP implants, which were made from industrial-grade silicone and should not have been used medically. In many cases women are being offered add-on treatments as part of a sales technique that Baaps refers to as “cross-selling” or “up-selling” to exploit women at a time of stress. The removal of implants may be offered at cost price, but the extra surgery could help clinics to recoup losses or make a profit. In the case of ruptured or leaking PIP implants, the removal and uplift procedure can lead to an increased risk of complications, Baaps said. The NHS Medical Director last night described the claims as pointing to a “grubby” practice that should be stamped out. But it has led to heated debate among professionals, some of whom say women may be better off having one operation instead of two. Clinics known to offer the procedure to women with PIP implants include the Harley Medical Group, Surgicare, The Hospital Group, Transf
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These affectionate early pictures of the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal were taken by BBc photographer Kenneth ClaytonKenneth Clayton/Feature Press/SWNS.com1 of 3 -
Princess Elizabeth, aged 2, outside Balmoral Castle with her grandmother, Queen Mary, and her great-uncle, the Earl of AthloneThe Royal Collection2 of 3 -
The boy who will be king with his sister AnneKenneth Clayton/Feature Press/SWNS.com3 of 3
A warm hug for the two-year-old heir
Exclusive: Billionaire sends secret peace envoy to Syria
A billionaire businessman sent a top British lawyer to Syria in an attempt to convince President Assad to end the bloodshed and bring democratic reform, The Times can reveal. Wafic Said, a Saudi-Syrian citizen and a key adviser of the famous al-Yamamah arms deal, paid for Sir Jeffrey Jowell, QC, to make a privately arranged visit to Damascus in July, an attempt that ultimately failed to stop the Government’s violent suppression of its own people. The disclosure of the discussions came as David Cameron said that he was determined to make the “toughest possible response” to the slaughter in Syria despite the failure of the United Nations Security Council to agree a resolution. “It’s quite clear that this is a regime hellbent on killing, murdering and maiming its own citizens,” the Prime Minister said yesterday. “We will continue the pressure upon this regi
February 10 2012 12:01AMSaudi Arabia in nuclear threat
Saudi Arabia could acquire nuclear warheads within weeks of Iran developing atomic weapons as the threat from Tehran triggers an arms race across the Middle East. In the event of a successful Iranian nuclear test, Riyadh would immediately launch a twin-track nuclear weapons programme, The Times has learnt. Warheads would be purchased off the shelf from abroad, with work on a new ballistic missile platform getting under way to build an immediate deterrent, according to Saudi sources. At the same time, the kingdom would upgrade its planned civil nuclear programme to include a military dimension, beginning uranium enrichment to develop weapons-grade material in the long-term. Saudi officials emphasise that Riyadh has no military nuclear programme at present and will continue to lobby for nuclear disarmament across the region. But the Saudi Government accep
February 10 2012 12:01AM- Mothers’ tax break: relief for home helpCameron to consider Swedish model
- Euro-crisis: Five-day deadlineEU refuses to back Greece’s austerity plan to unlock €130 bn
- Cycle campaign: head start for ridersLivingstone pledges five-second gap to beat traffic
- Leveson: Dacre’s fearsMail Editor tells inquiry newspapers could become irrelevant
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Syria’s Assault
The West cannot stand by as a regime bathes in slaughter. The rebels must be armed
Give mothers home help tax break, Cameron told
Well-off working mothers would be given tax breaks for employing cleaners, babysitters or gardeners under plans being considered by David Cameron
Deaf girl was raped and ‘treated like a slave’ court told
A vulnerable girl trafficked into Britain as a child was forced to live in a cellar, raped and made to work as a slave for ten years, court heard
The Bank of England will pump tens of billions of pounds more into Britain’s economy to avoid a double dip recession
Shareholders line up to resist Glencore merger
Royal London Asset Management calls on other Xstrata shareholders to reject the deal unless Glencore increases its premium
Albanese waives £2 million bonus over failed deal
The chief of Rio Tinto has waived his bonus after the mining giant wrote off $9bn on the business acquired just before the credit crunch
Rolls keeps engine ticking over to ride out the storm
Manufacturing giant rides out the economic storm with rising sales and profits, as maintenance deals provide financial insulation
Redknapp is chosen one but FA plays cagey game
Executives will meet at Wembley today to discuss the best way of securing the Spurs manager’s appointment as national team manager
Khan secures rematch with Peterson
Las Vegas to host bout on May 19 after American takes Bolton boxer’s WBA and IBF light-welterweight titles in his home town of Washington DC
‘I know I am not hugely popular,’ says Judy Murray
Behind the exterior of the mother of British No 1 Andy and brother Jamie, there is a warm, caring woman so unlike public’s perception
Saudi Arabia will go nuclear if Iran gets atomic weapons
Saudi Arabia could acquire nuclear warheads within weeks of Iran developing atomic weapons, The Times has learnt.
Young women lined up and sterilised for profit
In a state-run family planning camp, an Indian surgeon performs 53 operations by torchlight in five hours to make a fat profit
Diving into trouble: plans to make horses plunge into pool
Plans to relaunch the Steel Pier High-Diving Horses, as part of a $100m revival, have met with outrage from animal welfare advocates
Brande flats for the young ‘renty-somethings’
Have a foot in each camp with a house halfway to paradise
Terrified of real country living? A stepping stone home can provide the perfect compromise between urban and rural
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09 Feb ' 13:36
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Syrian rebels in IdlibAP1 of 6 -
Anti-regime activists are urging the international community to actAP2 of 6 -
Fighters expressed fears that the government could resort to airstrikes AP3 of 6 -
Inside Homs residents warned that food and medicine were running outAP4 of 6
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Homs’ rebel districts were pounded to rubble by rockets, artillery, tanks and snipersLCC Syria/AFP/Getty Images5 of 6 -
A wounded Syrian woman in the town of Rastan in the central province of HomsYouTube/AFP/Getty Images6 of 6
Brutality attacked as shelling goes on
FA says foreign England manager still an option
David Bernstein left the door open to the appointment of another foreign manager as he came out fighting on the FA’s behalf today, arguing that the governing body had been right to strip John Terry of the England captaincy despite it resulting in Fabio Capello’s resignation. The FA chairman admitted that he was surprised when John Terry’s trial on charges of alleged racial abuse was delayed until after the European Championship finals, but said that he was unhappy the England manager had inflamed matters after the board decided to take the armband from the defender. Capello’s offer to resign was accepted at FA headquarters after it was decided that his £4.8 million-a-year job had become untenable. It has left England in a parlous position of being without a captain and a manager just four months before the start of the tournament in Ukraine and Pola
Last updated February 9 2012 1:57Editor: I won’t back down on Grant
The editor-in-chief of Associated Newspapers refused today to withdraw an allegation that Hugh Grant had used the Leveson Inquiry to spread “mendacious smears” against his newspapers unless the actor withdrew repeated accusations of phone hacking. Paul Dacre, who as Editor of the Daily Mail is Fleet Street’s longest serving editor, was recalled to testify over an article that appeared in the Mail on Sunday in February 2007 on Grant’s alleged relationship with a “plummy-voiced” film executive. Mr Dacre became the last of 184 witnesses to testify in person before Lord Justice Leveson, who is now to shift the focus of his inquiry to the relationship between journalists and the police. Forty-two others have submitted written evidence. Grant, the star of Four Weddings and a Funeral, appeared on the opening day of the inquiry last November, when he compla
Last updated February 9 2012 5:46PM- Ofsted: dawn raids planned for schoolsInspectors will march straight into classrooms
- Big freeze: man dies saving dogBody found in frozen pond
- EuroMillions: British £45m winners‘Dad, we’ve sort of won the lottery’
- ‘Fast Eddie’: fugitive held after 19 yearsEddie Maher, who disappeared after £1m security van robbery, is arrested in the US
- Women soldiers: Pentagon relaxes rulesMore frontline jobs opened up
FBI probe into Steve Jobs found him dishonest
Apple boss investigated after he applied to work for President Bush
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Golden Skirts
The Prime Minister is right to be concerned about the number of women in senior positions, but wrong to threaten quotas
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Professionally Fouled
English football needs more than a new manager. It needs new thinking
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Culture and the Crowds
Rarely have so many art exhibitions captured the public imagination at once
Let cyclists run some red lights - peers
Granting permission to cyclists to go through red lights in certain situations could cut fatalities and serious injuries, peers have been told
Deaf girl ‘treated like a slave’ court told
Vulnerable girl trafficked into Britain as a child forced to live in a cellar, raped and made to work as a virtual slave for ten years, court heard
Suárez will shake Evra’s hand, says Dalglish
The Liverpool manager is calling for the furore over the Luis Suárez-Patrice Evra race row to be consigned to the past
Injury fears over Taekwondo star Stevenson
The 28-year-old has undergone an operation to repair cruciate ligament damage raising fears she could miss the Games
Racing mourns the loss of a special friend
Josh Gifford, who died today at the age of 70, touched the lives of many, including Alan Lee, our Racing Correspondent, who pays tribute
Spain’s top judge convicted over wire-tapping
A senior Spanish judge who tried to extradite General Pinochet from London saw his career in ruins after he was suspended for 11 years
‘Fast Eddie’ held in US after 19 years on the run
The British fugitive known as ‘Fast Eddie’ after he disappeared in the wake of a million-pound security van robbery has been arrested in the US
Back to the future: sci-fi meets retro in the kitchen
Wall-hung “floating units” may be the latest look. But so too are those old-style hostess trolleys. . .
Branded flats for the ‘renty-somethings’
A social housing landlord is pioneering an initiative that it claims offers a long-term solution to private rental housing
A house halfway to paradise
Terrified of real country living? A stepping stone home can provide the perfect compromise
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09 Feb ' 07:21
Bank to spend £50bn in bid to prevent UK recession
The Bank of England will pump tens of billions of pounds into Britain’s economy in a desperate bid to avoid a double dip recession despite recent signs that it may be on the mend. The Bank’s rate setting Monetary Policy Committee voted to create another £50 billion of electronic money, which will be used to purchase bonds issued by the Treasury in the hope that this will stimulate spending and keep borrowing costs low. The Bank said that it would leave interest rates at the historic low of 0.5 per cent. Traders are now betting that the rate will not rise until 2013. Today’s announcement will take the total amount of asset purchases up to £325 billion and is in line with the expectations of City economists — several of whom downgraded their forecasts for Quantitative Easing this month from £75 billion to £50 billion in light of the better-than-expected PMI data. “Some recent business surveys have painted a more positive picture and asset prices have risen. But the pace of expansion in the United Kingdom’s main export markets has also slowed and concerns remain about the indebtedness and competitiveness of some euro-area countries,” the MPC said in a statement. “In the light of its most recent economic projections, the committee judged that the weak near-term growth outlook and associated downward pressure from economic slack meant that, without further monetary stimulus, it was more likely than not that inflation would
VIDEO REPORT: Richard Beeston, Foreign Editor of The Times, reports on the relative strengths of the two sides in the struggle for SyriaSyria: US looks to shift power balance
Live: Pearce takes charge of England for now
After yesterday’s dramatic developments involving Harry Redknapp and Fabio Capello, the clock is ticking as the FA scrambles to find a new England manager to take the team into the European Championship. The story is set to develop at pace today, so stay with The Times’s live coverage for the latest news and reaction. Here is what has been said so far: * Stuart Pearce in charge of next game against Holland * The next England manager will not definitely be English * David Bernstein defends the decision to strip Terry of captaincy * The next England manager will be able to appoint his own captain * Public opinion will count in the FA’s search * Fabio Capello thanks England 3.11pm: What’s the saying? Birds of an interim management status stick together? Er, not quite. Nonetheless, Stuart Lancaster has come out in support of Stuart Pearce this afternoon.
Last updated February 9 2012 12:42PMOfsted plans dawn raids on schools
More schools will be judged failing or in need of improvement under a new system of “dawn raid” inspections in which Ofsted teams will march straight into classrooms. Sir Michael Wilshaw, who took over as Ofsted’s chief inspector last month, accepted today that more strict inspections would mean more schools being put in special measures. But he said that labelling a school as not good enough could often galvanise leaders and governors into taking action to make changes that would raise standards. In a speech to head teachers, Sir Michael said that parents had a right to expect that all schools should be good or outstanding. “My view is that we have tolerated mediocrity for far too long ... it has settled into the system,” he said. He gave a detailed explanation of how Ofsted would conduct his system of no-notice inspections under new rules that give
44 minutes ago- Euro crisis: Greece dealWay cleared for €130bn bailout
- Hacking cost: $250m this yearNews Corp cannot estimate final total, says CEO
- ‘Ahmazing’ killer: jailedTeenage murderer given life sentence plus 30 years
- Santorum: success rewardedExtra $1m after three state nomination victories
- Councils: ‘wasting money’Minister attacks authorities that lift tax rates
- Microchips: plan for dogsNew laws to tackle Irresponsible owners
- Women bishops: in chargeSynod gives them sole authority for their diocese after 2014
ONLINE APP: read Times readers’ cycling stories
Explore 4,638 inspiring first hand accounts written by cyclists
The West cannot stand by as a regime bathes in slaughter. The rebels must be armed
Judge ruling to cause mental health revolution
Decision will force hospitals to properly protect all mental health patients, both those detained and those admitted voluntarily
Dog walker drowns saving pet from frozen pond
A man is believed to have drowned trying to rescue his dog from a pond, bringing to four the death toll from Britain’s the cold snap
We will soon be using smartphones like credit cards. How can mobile services providers benefit?
Greece reaches 11th-hour austerity deal
Leaders have agreed the next round of austerity measures, allowing EU finance ministers to endorse a bailout package
Markets rise on Greek bailout deal
Groupon fails to pay as debut disappoints
In its first quarter as a listed company the discount voucher website reported a net loss of $42.7m sending shares diving
The phone hacking scandal that closed the News of the World has already cost the tabloid’s parent company at least $250 million
FA: Foreign England manager still possible
David Bernstein has defended the governing body’s decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy as he went on the defensive today
National hero Josh Gifford dies aged 70
Trainer will always be remembered for the part that he played in the stirring triumph of Aldaniti and Bob Champion at Aintree in 1981
Lancaster names unchanged XV for Italy game
The interim coach will give his side time to gel despite their labouring performance against Scotland in Six Nations opener
Al-Qaeda bomber killed in US drone attack
The senior Pakistani militant believed to have bombed the US consulate in Karachi a decade ago has been killed in a drone attack
Ousted Maldives leader makes world appeal to avoid jail
The former President of the Maldives expects to be jailed within 24 hours two days after security services were said to have mounted a coup
Caught on camera: attempted kidnap of girl, 7
Brittney Baxter screamed, kicked and wriggled so determinedly that her would-be abductor set her back on her feet and fled
My Indian adventure with Judi and Maggie
Deborah Moggach on heading to India with Dames Maggie and Judi to make the film adaptation of her retirement tale
Billy Connolly joins cast of The Hobbit
The 69-year-old comedy veteran to complete the cast of Peter Jackson’s epic new two-part Tolkien adaptation
What’s your favourite Woody?
With Midnight in Paris up for an Oscar, we’re inviting you to tell us the best Woody Allen film and why for a chance to win classic films
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09 Feb ' 01:45
Tottenham strive to keep Redknapp
Updated 23 minutes agoTottenham Hotspur have claimed that the appointment of Harry Redknapp as England manager is “not a foregone conclusion” as they begin the battle to hold on to their prize asset. After Fabio Capello resigned from the position last night and Redknapp was cleared of tax evasion in what was described as a “perfect storm”, it has been widely assumed that the Spurs manager would take charge of the national team. But Sir Keith Mills, a non-executive director at White Hart Lane, suggested that the club are prepared to dig their heels in over the future of Redknapp and ruled out the possibility that he could “jobshare”. “Harry needs to make a decision whether he’d like the job or to stay at Tottenham,” Mills said. “I’m sure Harry won’t be the only candidate. Whether Harry’s approached or not is not a forgone conclusion.” Speaking about the possibility that R
Hacking costs News Corp $250m in a year
The phone hacking scandal which closed the News of the World has already cost the tabloid’s parent company at least $250 million (£157 million) in this tax year alone. That figure included lost revenue and the costs of closing the paper, said Tom Mockridge, chief executive of News International, but “it could not be estimated what the full-year cost of this would be”. Nine people settled their claims against News International over phone hacking yesterday. “The fallout in the UK from hacking and related issues will cost the company at least $250m this fiscal year in expenses and forgone revenue,” said Mr Mockridge in a statement to staff this morning. “News Corp (NI’s parent company) has not hesitated to step-up and fund this as part of its commitment to put the mistakes of the past right.” His statement followed the release last night of News Corpor
PM and Labour back #cyclesafe campaign
The Cities fit for cycling campaign won cross-party support yesterday, with the Prime Minister throwing his weight behind it and Labour endorsing calls to spend Highways Agency funds to build cycling infrastructure. In the week since The Times began the drive to improve cycle safety, 22,900 written pledges of support have been received and 1,100 of the 50,000 people who have visited the campaign page have written to their MPs. David Cameron, who used to cycle from his home in north Kensington to Westminster before moving to Downing Street, said: “As a keen cyclist, I congratulate The Times for drawing attention to this issue. We want to encourage cycling as a cheaper, greener, more healthy way of getting from place to place, and making people feel safe cycling on the roads is crucial to that.” The Shadow Transport team visited the junction in East Lond
Forget the Fat Duck: reviews of where we really eat
The author takes a look at Pizza Express, KFC, McDonalds and more
Women bishops to be in sole charge of dioceses
Archbishops of Canterbury and York suffer humiliating defeat as Synod rejects moves to create male ‘co-bishops’ to work alongside
Councils that put up tax ‘are just wasting money’
The Communities Secretary put pressure on local authorities aiming to raise council taxes in April by accusing them of wasting money
Greeks agree on ‘all but one point’
Yahoo! on verge of selling Alibaba stake
Shares in Alibaba have been suspended pending clarification of rumours that Yahoo! could be close to selling its stake
Europe proves the weak link for Vodafone
The mobile phone company said third-quarter results were disappointing with Europe dragging down strong results elsewhere
Plans in support of the opposition could include arming the rebels and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to protect civilians
Santorum success rewarded with extra $1m
Rick Santorum’s unexpected electoral breakthrough this week is rewarded with over $1m of donations for his resurgent campaign
‘Ahmazing’ teen killer sentenced to life plus 30 years
Parfumier goes on trial for ‘racist remark’
Jean-Paul Guerlain, creator of some of the world’s best-loved perfumes, goes on trial accused of racism for using the word ‘nègre’
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08 Feb ' 19:58
England expects as Fabio Capello quits
Oliver KayLast updated February 9 2012 12:01AMHarry Redknapp emerged as favourite to take the biggest job in English football on a dramatic day that began with his acquittal on tax evasion charges and ended with the angry resignation of Fabio Capello as national team coach. Redknapp, the Tottenham Hotspur manager, is tipped to take the job after a two-week criminal trial ended yesterday with him cleared of two accounts of evading tax. A guilty verdict would have severely damaged his hopes of succeeding Capello, but bookmakers have suspended betting on him becoming the next England manager. Capello’s offer to resign was accepted during a 75-minute meeting at Football Association headquarters at Wembley Stadium after his £4.8 million-a-year job had become untenable. The Italian felt undermined by the FA’s decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy while he awaits trial on charges of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand, of Quee
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Redknapp is favourite to take over as England boss after he was acquitted hours before Capello quitKi Price & Getty1 of 7 -
Fabio Capello was at the match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur on MondayTim Hales/AP2 of 7 -
Capello arriving on his first day at the FA on January 7, 20083 of 7 - The Italian felt undermined by the FA’s decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy4 of 7
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“It really has been a nightmare,” Redknapp said after he was clearedTimes photographer, Richard Pohle5 of 7
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Wellwishers greeted the Spurs manager as he left courtTimes photographer, Richard Pohle6 of 7 -
Hours later speculation began as the England coach's job became vacantTimes photographer, Richard Pohle7 of 7
Redknapp cleared
Harry Redknapp was cleared today of tax evasion. The verdict paves the way for him to become the next England manager. The jury took just five hours to reach not guilty verdicts on charges that the Tottenham Hotspur manager had received “bungs” totalling £192,000 from Milan Mandaric, his former boss at Portsmouth Football Club. Mandaric was also cleared of all charges. Mandaric and Redknapp embraced in the dock as the verdicts were read out at Southwark Crown Court. Outside court Redknapp’s son Jamie, who has attended every day of court, hugged him on the court steps. Mr Redknapp gave a speech thanking his supporters but criticised the prosecution, saying it was a case “that should never have come to court”. “Five years this thing has been hanging over [my family], and now I’m looking forward to going home and seeing my wife Sandra. It has been a night
US may give military aid to Syria rebels
The United States and its allies are studying the possibility of giving military aid to the Syrian rebels after Russia and China vetoed a UN peace plan to end President Assad’s brutal crackdown. A US official told The Times that the Pentagon had drawn up contingency plans for possible action in support of the opposition. Options could include arming the rebels and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to protect civilians. US officials said they were “scoping out” military options but insisted that the plans were as yet “academic”. A Whitehall source said that the British military was “monitoring and assessing” the situation in Syria, but had not gone so far as specific contingency planning. “That requirement will be decided by the political situation.” At an International Institute for Strategic Studies briefing on Monday, Brigadier Ben Barr
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08 Feb ' 13:45
Harry Redknapp was cleared today of tax evasion. The verdict paves the way for him to become the next England manager. The jury took just five hours to reach not guilty verdicts on charges that the Tottenham Hotspur manager had received “bungs” totalling £192,000 from Milan Mandaric, his former boss at Portsmouth Football Club. Mandaric was also cleared of all charges. Mandaric and Redknapp embraced in the dock as the verdicts were read out at Southwark Crown Court. Outside court Redknapp’s son Jamie, who has attended every day of court, hugged him on the court steps. Mr Redknapp gave a speech thanking his supporters but criticised the prosecution, saying it was a case “that should never have come to court”. “Five years this thing has been hanging over [my family], and now I’m looking forward to going home and seeing my wife Sandra. It has been a nightmare,” said Mr Redknapp. He praised fans who had believed in him. “The Wigan game last week was the most moving I have ever felt, for me personally, with fans singing my name throughout the game, I’ll never forget that,” he said. He thanked Daniel Levy, the chairman of Spurs, who had kept faith in him since he gave him the job as manager three years ago. “He knew it should never have come to court,” said Mr Redknapp. Earlier Mr Mandaric described his court ordeals as a “horrible dream”, but said he had never lost his faith in British justice. “I am delighted that
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Capello arrived at his meeting with the FA at Wembley in a determined moodMax Nash/AFP/Getty Images1 of 6 -
He quit over the FA not consulting him about removing his captain, TerryOwen Humphreys/PA2 of 6 -
Capello was hired four years ago on a £5 million-a-year contractMatt Dunham/AP3 of 6 - Capello's time in charge was hit by numerous scandals not of his makingDARREN STAPLES/REUTERS4 of 6
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He had a good record with England but failed at the 2010 World CupTimes photographer, Marc Aspland5 of 6 -
Redknapp, who was cleared of tax evasion today, is favourite to take over6 of 6
Capello quits as England manager
Last updated February 8 2012 1:49PMLast updated February 8 2012 1:35PM- RBS boss: quitting ‘self-indulgent’Stephen Hester speaks about his bonus decision
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08 Feb ' 08:44
Redknapp cleared of tax fraud ‘nightmare’
David BrownandJenny BoothLast updated February 8 2012 1:38PMHarry Redknapp was cleared today of tax evasion. The verdict paves the way for him to become the next England manager. The jury took just five hours to reach not guilty verdicts on charges that the Tottenham Hotspur manager had received “bungs” totalling £192,000 from Milan Mandaric, his former boss at Portsmouth Football Club. Mandaric was also cleared of all charges. Mandaric and Redknapp embraced in the dock as the verdicts were read out at Southwark Crown Court. Outside court Redknapp’s son Jamie, who has attended every day of court, hugged him on the court steps. Mr Redknapp gave a speech thanking his supporters but criticised the prosecution, saying it was a case “that should never have come to court”. “Five years this thing has been hanging over [my family], and now I’m looking forward to going home and seeing my wife Sandra. It has been a night
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The jury took just five hours to reach not guilty verdictsTimes photographer, Richard Pohle1 of 8 -
Mandaric and Redknapp embraced in the dock as the verdicts were read out2 of 8 -
Harry Redknapp signals his approval as he leaves courtTimes photographer, Richard Pohle3 of 8
- Redknapp said it was a case “that should never have come to court”Times photographer, Richard Pohle4 of 8
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Harry Redknapp arriving at Southwark Crown Court this morningTimes photographer, Richard Pohle5 of 8
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The Spurs manager was cleared of both charges levelled against himAFP/Getty6 of 8
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The case was the result of a five-year £8 million police investigationTimes photographer, Richard Pohle7 of 8 -
Milan Mandaric, who was also cleared, described his court ordeal as a "horrible dream"Times photographer, Richard Pohle8 of 8
PM appeals to King of Jordan on Abu Qatada
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‘Premature babies die’ in Syria attack
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self-indulgent to quit
The RBS chief executive said was in an ‘emotional bunker’ as he debated the political and media firestorm over his bonus
England manager is determined to go on the offensive when he meets the FA chairman for showdown talks today
Redknapp the obvious choice for FA
After the Tottenham Hotspur manager’s trial, there is nothing preventing him from taking over from Fabio Capello, writes Oliver Kay
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The contests in Missouri, Minnesota and Colorado left Mitt Romney with a bloody nose as Republicans backed Rick Santorum
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08 Feb ' 03:30
RBS chief: it would be
self-indulgent for me to quitStephen Hester, chief executive of Royal Bank of Scotland, admitted today that he considered resigning over the bonus row but concluded it would have been self-indulgent to quit. Mr Hester, who waived his near-£1 million bonus last week after coming under intense pressure from politicians, indicated that he had felt the strain of the affair. “I’m certainly not a robot,” he told the BBC Today programme when asked whether he had considered resigning, “And there’ve been some deeply depressing moments in the last three years. “In the intensity of it [the bonus row], I came to the conclusion it would have been indulgent for me to resign and I had to draw on the resources I have.” Mr Hester also said that accepting the bonus would have been “damaging” to RBS, which is 83 per cent owned by the taxpayer. Since David Cameron’s campaign against “excessive executive pay” throughout January, Mr Hester and six executive directors of Network Rail have waived their bonuses, infuriating businessmen, Tory MPs and Tory donors. Last night, George Osborne made a belated intervention in support of the City after the row over Mr Hester’s bonus. The Chancellor claimed that punishing a “few” bankers would not help to create jobs or growth. Mr Osborne, speaking at a dinner for the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Of course we need to reform our banking system — and nobody has done more than this Government to address the ‘too big to fail’ problem that so offends every taxpayer. “Of course rewar
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Mitt Romney at his Colorado caucus night rally in DenverGetty1 of 6 -
The results were humbling for the Republican frontrunner2 of 6 -
Rick Santorum won in Minnesota, Colorado and MissouriAP3 of 6 - He staged a vibrant rally in Missouri hailing his victory: “Wow!”AP4 of 6
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He declared: “Conservatism is alive and well”AP5 of 6 -
The results were also very poor for Newt Gingrich, who has slipped in the pollsReuters6 of 6
Romney humbled by Santorum wins
Businesswoman found frozen to death
A champion cheese-maker has been found frozen to death in a snowy garden, one of three people to die in northern England in the cold snap. Mandy Reed, a 47-year-old mother of two, failed to return home after a night out in the village of Scorton, on the edge of Yorkshire Dales, near Richmond. The award-winning businesswoman, whose market stall carried the slogan “the cheese lady”, was found dead in a neighbour’s garden early on Sunday, in sub-zero temperatures. North Yorkshire Police said today it had still not been established exactly how she died. News of her death emerged as Humberside Police revealed they were trying to identify a man believed to be in his 50s, who was found dead in a park in Hull. A dog walker found the man’s body in the park near Woodland Road on Monday morning, after a night in which temperatures plunged to minus 7C. And i
Last updated February 8 2012 9:17- PMQs LIVE: follow the show-down blow-by-blowTweets and live commentary from our political team
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