32 h. ago A train from the UK to Italy? We've heard that one before, but I'm on board | Jonn Elledge

It’s a lot easier to tease new cross-Channel rail services than it is to actually start running trains. I’m crossing my fingers anywayBetween environmental breakdown, economic crisis and Donald Trump, it often feels like there’s precious little reason to feel hopeful these days. So how’s this for a reason to cheer up: Italian state railway company, Trenitalia, is planning to run trains through the Channel tunnel before the decade is out. It’s studying the option of direct trains from the UK to Italy, too. Eagle-eyed readers may note that those are two separate propositions.Trenitalia is no stranger to the British rail network: it already operates the C2C franchise, which connects London Fenchurch Street via south Essex to Southend. Last week the company announced a €1bn (£860m) plan to launch a new high-speed service connecting London and Paris by 2029, as a direct competitor to the long-established Eurostar. In addition, it’s reported to be “studying the possibility” of extending t...

Politics

6 d. ago King Charles makes moving toast to 'eternal friendship' between the UK and Italy as he and Camilla attend state banquet

The King and Queen beamed as they enjoyed a glitzy state banquet at the Palazzo Quirinale this evening - after a busy third day of their trip to Italy.

Politics

6 d. ago King Charles and Queen Camilla smile for the cameras as they attend glitzy state banquet in Italy

The King and Queen beamed as they enjoyed a glitzy state banquet at xx this evening - after a busy third day of their trip to Italy.

Politics

7 d. ago King enjoys Shakespeare performance in company of Italian actor Luca Zingaretti

He joked his ‘Italian was not good enough’ to follow the performance.

Politics

7 d. ago King and Queen watch Red Arrows over Rome during Italy state visit

King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoyed a Red Arrows display at Quirinale Palace and a red carpet welcome on their state visit to Italy.

Politics

8 d. ago Italy fines seven firms £17m for price fixing of tickets for Rome’s Colosseum

Ticketing company and six tour operators fined for using software bots to hoard tickets for sale at inflated pricesAn Italian ticketing company and six tour operators have been fined almost €20m (£17m) over illegal practices that made it difficult for regular visitors to access Rome’s Colosseum at the standard cost, including using software bots to hoard tickets and sell them at higher prices.Italy’s antitrust authority, AGCM, said the hoarding practice made it “essentially impossible” to buy tickets for the Roman amphitheatre online. Continue reading...

Economics

8 d. ago Main ticket seller and six tour companies fined £17m for Colosseum price

Illegal practices included use of bots to hoard tickets for attraction in Rome for resale at inflated pricesAn Italian ticketing company and six tour operators have been fined almost €20m (£17m) for illegal practices that made it difficult for regular visitors to access Rome’s Colosseum at the standard cost.Italy’s antitrust authority, AGCM, said the practices, including using software bots to hoard tickets and resell them at higher prices, made it “essentially impossible” to buy tickets online for site. Continue reading...

Economics

1 week ago First look images: Radiohead's Thom Yorke transforms Hamlet into electrifying rock theatre

Rehearsal photos reveal cast performing radical 'Hail to the Thief' choreography for Shakespeare reimagining

Politics

3 w. ago King Charles and Queen Camilla ring in spring during Belfast visit

King Charles and Queen Camilla appeared in high spirits today as they arrived in Belfast for a day trip to Northern Ireland .

Politics