66 m. ago Sir Tom Hunter's guide to economic success in Scotland is a must read

It’s time to remove the dead hands of excessive regulation and taxation from the Scottish economy

Economics

67 m. ago What happens when the taps run dry? England is about to find out | Aditya Chakrabortty

It’s not just Tunbridge Wells – a country famous around the world for its rain is in danger of self-imposed droughtYou get up and go to the loo, only to find the flush doesn’t work. You try the shower, except nothing comes out. You want a glass of water, but on turning the tap there is not a drop. Your day stumbles on, stripped of its essentials: no washing hands, no cleaning up the baby, neither tea nor coffee, no easy way to do the dishes or the laundry. Dirt accumulates; tempers fray.The water company texts: we are so sorry; colleagues are working to restore connection; everything should soon be normal. You want to believe them, but the more it’s repeated, the more it becomes a kind of hold music. There’s no supply the next day, and the day after, and the day after that. Each morning brings with it the same chest-tightening question: what will happen today? Buckets and bottles don’t stop you feeling grubby and smelly, or from noticing the taint on your family and friends and neig...

Politics

67 m. ago Put your bird feeder in one part of your garden to encourage 'regular visits'

You may also want to stock up on some items at this time of year

Politics

1 hour ago Dog expert warns everyday item in house could be 'genuinely dangerous'

They may cause respiratory irritation, chemical burns, and even liver toxicity in pets

Events

2 h. ago ‘A split second of sheer terror – and we’re off’: Lucian Msamati on Waiting for Godot’s electrifying first night

The Gangs of London star returned to the stage alongside Ben Whishaw in a 2024 production of Samuel Beckett’s masterpiece. In this diary of the first preview, he describes passing the point of no returnI step into the wings and the state of it all hits me. The hum of a packed, expectant crowd ready for a show. I inch my way down along the short passage and there, standing in the cubbyhole space backstage like a beautiful lost waif, is Ben Whishaw. It hits me how different he looks in full costume. We lock eyes and hug. We hold each other for a few moments, trying to breathe in sync and to connect. We can both feel the adrenaline pumping and rushing through each other. A final squeeze and I turn away and walk back to the edge of the wings where we are to make our entrance.My breathing is steady, but my heart is pump-pump-pumping. This is as close as I get to full-on nervous. I am not afraid though. It’s excitement; anticipation; a sexy, knowing thrill. I know there will be a split se...

Events

7 h. ago Major retailers and online marketplaces are using ‘misleading’ claims to advertise weight

The watchdog has called for “better oversight” of the industry so regulators can crack down on these misleading listings

Politics

8 h. ago 'Gross Britain' as nearly half of Brits take part in filthy 'sharing' habit

Brits may be known for their prudish nature, but new research has found that we are more comfortable sharing our valuable items with others — even though we shouldn't

Politics

9 h. ago Barnes seals easy win against PSV but Newcastle face wait over Guimarães

There are many ways to self-destruct on a football pitch but PSV Eindhoven chose one of the more obvious methods.In opting to play out slowly from the back against high-pressing opponents possessing forwards blessed with the speed and skill of Yoane Wissa and Anthony Gordon, Peter Bosz’s team were always likely to come undone. Continue reading...

Politics

10 h. ago Mum who kept woman as slave for 25 years has 3 words for victim outside court

Amanda Wixon, who now faces a lengthy prison sentence, kept a woman with learning difficulties captive for 25 years, regularly beating her in horrifying conditions

Events

13 h. ago Mother of 10 found guilty of keeping ‘house slave’ for 25 years

Gloucester Crown Court heard the woman was regularly beaten and also hit with a broom handle by Amanda Wixon – knocking out her teeth.

Politics

14 h. ago From Ashes hangover to subcontinental scars as England bid to rewrite history

Harry Brook’s side begin Sri Lanka ODI series in poor form but confidence is needed ahead of crucial winter periodA subcontinental World Cup to close an Ashes winter? History tells us this does not end well for England. In 2014 a whitewash in Australia was followed by a group-stage exit at the World T20 with a 45-run defeat to the Netherlands in Chattogram. In 2011 the 50-over side – largely made up of Test regulars – was brutalised by Kevin O’Brien in Bengaluru before exiting with a 10-wicket quarter-final loss to Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Vic Marks, writing for the Observer, wondered beforehand if England had “anything left to give” after so many months on the road.And so to the Premadasa again, 15 years on, this time without the goodwill of a recent series victory in Australia. The first one-day international against Sri Lanka will begin just two weeks after Alex Carey struck the winning runs at the SCG, and open the second half of England’s winter, with thre...

Politics

14 h. ago From Ashes hangover to subcontinental scars as England aim to rewrite history

Harry Brook’s side begin Sri Lanka ODI series in poor form but confidence is needed ahead of crucial winter periodA subcontinental World Cup to close an Ashes winter? History tells us this does not end well for England. In 2014 a whitewash in Australia was followed by a group-stage exit at the World T20 with a 45-run defeat to the Netherlands in Chattogram. In 2011 the 50-over side – largely made up of Test regulars – were brutalised by Kevin O’Brien in Bengaluru before exiting with a 10-wicket quarter-final loss to Sri Lanka at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Vic Marks, writing for the Observer, wondered beforehand if England had “anything left to give” after so many months on the road.And so to the Premadasa again, 15 years on, this time without the goodwill of a recent series victory in Australia. The first one-day international against Sri Lanka will begin just two weeks after Alex Carey struck the winning runs at the SCG, and open the second half of England’s winter, wit...

Politics

14 h. ago Jason Statham says he no longer gets 'nervous' before action films as he reveals surprising London ‘shelter’ between roles

The British actor, 58, spoke with The Standard at the UK premiere for his new film, Shelter, where he was joined by long-time partner Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Politics

14 h. ago 'I tested John Lewis' most popular pram – it's worth the hype and approved by royals'

If you're after a stylish and versatile pushchair that looks great, is easy to use and has decent storage, then this model might be the one for you

Politics

15 h. ago Mercedes and Red Bull facing tough questions as storm brews over new F1 rules loopholes | Giles Richards

Compression ratios will be at the top of the FIA’s agenda in a meeting with F1 teams to head off growing fears before the 2026 season gets underwayUnveiling their new engine in Tokyo should have been a significant moment for Honda to celebrate but behind the scenes, the storied grand prix team – as well as plenty of their Formula One rivals – are worried that a looming row over new engine regulations is threatening to overshadow the opening of the 2026 season.So significant is the concern that it will be the key topic of discussion at a meeting between the FIA and the engine manufacturers set for Thursday before the first day of pre-season testing at Barcelona. Continue reading...

Events

15 h. ago Storm brews over new F1 rules loopholes as Mercedes and Red Bull gain advantage | Giles Richards

Compression ratios will be at the top of the FIA’s agenda in a meeting with F1 teams to head off growing fears before the 2026 season gets under wayUnveiling their new engine in Tokyo should have been a significant moment for Honda to celebrate but behind the scenes, the storied marque – as well as plenty of their Formula One rivals – are worried that a looming row over new engine regulations is threatening to overshadow the opening of the 2026 season.So significant is the concern that it will be the key topic of discussion at a meeting between the FIA and the engine manufacturers set for Thursday before the first day of pre-season testing at Barcelona. Continue reading...

Events

15 h. ago The ultimate gift guide to what women actually want this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day gifts have a habit of missing the mark (read: being terrible).

Politics

15 h. ago Bed bugs won't come home with you if you do one important hotel hack

Bedbugs are incredibly easy to pick up when travelling and near impossible to get rid of once home. A travel expert has shared one simple check you should do before unpacking

Society

15 h. ago Doctor issues warning to anyone who regularly uses portable heater when working

People have been warned against the practice by a doctor and Harvard Associate Professor

Events

16 h. ago TUI's travel experts reveal the easy 3 hacks that could save you up to £1,000 off holidays

Booking a trip abroad isn't always cheap, but there are three savvy ways that could help you save up to £1,000 off your next holiday - and it's just by making a few simple changes

Economics