48 minutes ago Formidable Scotland stand in way of Wallabies’ rare shot at grand slam glory | Angus Fontaine

Australia are daring to dream after the rousing revival of the past fortnight but a tough test awaits in icy, sub-zero conditions at MurrayfieldFor the Wallabies, the Test against Scotland at Murrayfield is the biggest of 2024. Joe Schmidt’s men are resurgent after upsetting England and walloping Wales. They are playing high-speed, ultra-tough, adrenaline-charged rugby with style and a smile. Beat the boys in blue in Edinburgh and they get a golden shot at history, with only Ireland standing between them and Australia’s first grand slam in 40 years.This will be the 35th Test in a fiercely-contested 97-year history between the nations. In their last six clashes at this arena, each have three victories apiece, with the last two going to the wire – Scotland winning 15-13 in 2021, Australia...

Politics

48 minutes ago Rufus Wainwright: ‘I had a great party trick, but it once blew up in my face’

The singer-songwriter on his most memorable fan, his love of Chappell Roan, and his close friend and nemesis Jake ShearsGet our weekend culture and lifestyle emailIf you could have a sandwich named after you, what would be on it?I would have a really gross sandwich named after me that nobody would want to eat. The one time I tried to cook – many, many years ago, when I was in college – I decided to make all the things that I love and put them in one dish. And so it was brussels sprouts, macaroni and cheese, merguez sausages, extra blue cheese and broccoli. And it was literally grey. So yeah, it would be something revolting like that, between two pieces of cardboard. Continue reading...

Politics

62 minutes ago UK justice secretary attacks assisted dying bill as ‘state death service’

Shabana Mahmood has written to her constituents saying she is ‘profoundly concerned’ about Friday’s Commons voteMPs will be placing the country on a “slippery slope towards death on demand” if they back legislation on assisted dying in England and Wales this week, the lord chancellor and justice secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has said in a letter to constituents before a historic Commons vote on Friday.Mahmood has received numerous letters about the bill from people in her Birmingham Ladywood seat, which has a big Muslim population, and sent out replies saying that she was “profoundly concerned” about the legislation, not only for religious reasons but also because of what it would mean for the role of the state if one of its functions became helping people to die. Continue reading...

Events

98 minutes ago Jannik Sinner and Matteo Berrettini seal Italy’s return to Davis Cup final

Defending champions Italy will face the Netherlands for the title, after a 2-0 win over Australia

Politics

2 hours ago Jannik Sinner overpowers Alex de Minaur to put Italy into Davis Cup final

Italy beat Australia 2-0 in repeat of last year’s finalThey will face Netherlands, who beat Germany 2-0Italy moved into the Davis Cup final after a 2-0 win over Australia on Saturday as Jannik Sinner defeated Alex de Minaur in straight sets to follow up Matteo Berrettini’s victory over Thanasi Kokkinakis for the defending champions.A repeat of last year’s final ended with the same result and with Sinner, the world No 1, again seeing off De Minaur. That sent Italy into Sunday’s final where they will meet the Netherlands, who have reached the decider for the first time after a 2-0 win over Germany. Continue reading...

Politics

2 hours ago Starmer accused of ‘letting off’ City lawyers while stripping cash from pensioners in Budget

Calls for reform of tax paid by law, accountancy and private equity firms instead of controversial cuts to winter fuel payments

Economics

2 hours ago Storm Bert brings Scotland to a standstill as snow, wind and rain collide

Widespread disruption was felt throughout the country.

Events

2 hours ago Strictly star Tasha Ghouri cruelly taunted by bullies who mocked her disability

Tasha Ghouri, 26, is one of the leading favourites to win Strictly Come Dancing this year - and the talented star isn't going to let online trolls stand in her way

Politics

2 hours ago BBC Strictly Come Dancing Dianne Buswell's parents' incredible milestone after 'scary' cancer setback

The professional dancer's mum, Rina, and dad, Mark, have arrived to the UK from Australia to watch their daughter in the BBC dance show

Transport

3 hours ago Voices: It’s been more than twenty years – how is Wicked still defying gravity?

Call me the Wicked Witch of the West, but the last thing the world needs is yet another revival of the same tired musical, writes Emma Clarke. Can we not come up with new material instead?

Politics