Latest Stories
-
The healing power of bridges and tunnels
Have bridges and tunnels saved more lives than medicine? Yesterday a formal feasibility study was launched into Boris Johnson’s dream of a fixed link between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
-
Two hours that rocked the UK’s ship of state
Will the Queen be “Elizabeth the last”? Britain has plunged into its most serious debate about the purpose, rights and future of the monarchy since the abdication of Edward VIII in 1936.
-
Quiet authority that made this woman a star
Are women better leaders than men? As the world celebrates International Women’s Day today, one very modern feminist icon hopes her new dance song will promote a message of diversity.
-
The young poet whose words are a joy for ever
Are we too obsessed with youthful genius? John Keats died 200 years ago today at the age of 25, having written some of the most beautiful and influential poems in the English language.
-
Expert casts doubt on ‘post-truth’ claims
Does democracy REALLY depend on truth? Many people claim democratic systems only work when everyone agrees on basic truths – but others think this is a recipe for dictatorship.
-
A golden age of discovery starting right now
Are we on the brink of another scientific golden age? Hopes are rising that significant advances in clean energy, farming and medicine will end hunger and disease and stop climate change.
-
Nazi aide, 95, charged over teenage crimes
Should Irmgard F stand trial? At a Nazi death camp in 1944 a secretary helped send 10,000 Jews to their death. Because she was under 21 at the time she will now be tried in a juvenile court.
-
Polar vortex puts world into deep freeze
Will there be another ice age? Many believe the answer is yes – but scientists say that global warming caused by human activity may have delayed it by over 50,000 years.
-
Britain opens its doors to 5m Hongkongers
Do Western democracies need a dose of Hong Kong’s energy? It is a city known for its unique and vibrant spirit. And today a new visa gives 70% of its citizens the right to live in the UK.
-
Time to get rid of all borders, experts say
Should we get rid of all borders? As countries bicker over vaccine distribution, some thinkers dream of a world without boundaries. But others believe borders are integral to order.
-
EU threatens to cut off vaccine supplies
Are coronavirus jabs the new currency of power? In the past, empires rose and fell on the back of salt, gold and oil. Now some argue it will be vaccines that reshape global politics.
-
Jewish leaders stand up for Uighur Muslims
Is hope made stronger through tragedy? On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the plight of the Uighurs and a new musical both remind us that genocide is more than a historical threat.
-
Virus brings a return of the Dunkirk spirit
Is it a good comparison? With tens of thousands of people volunteering to help with Britain’s vaccination programme, some see a parallel with the greatest rescue operation of World War Two.
-
You’re fired! Trump flounces out of top job
Did Donald Trump teach us a valuable lesson? Many will rejoice when Trump finally leaves the White House later today, but others warn that we must learn the lessons of his presidency.
-
Global outcry as Putin critic Navalny jailed
Can one brave individual defeat a powerful state? By returning to Russia and risking imprisonment after an attempt on his life, Alexei Navalny has thrown down the gauntlet to Putin.