SATURDAY

April 30 2022 | thetimes.co.uk | No 73771

£2.50 £1.75 to subscribers
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Fall of a What
champion
losing
half a
Boris Becker stone
does
jailed for to your
2½ years health
NEWS, PAGES 4-5 WEEKEND

British
Go now, Tories urge MP billionaire
in Commons porn row
6 Party fears sleaze will hurt it in local elections 6 I opened it by mistake, claims Neil Parish
bids £4bn
for Chelsea
Matt Dickinson Senior Sports Writer
TOM WREN/SWNS Matt Lawton
Oliver Wright Policy Editor “How do we explain this on the door-
Matt Chorley, Jack Malvern step? I couldn’t get people to go out with One of Britain’s richest men made a
Henry Zeffman, Steven Swinford all the party stuff, and now this.” last-minute move to buy Chelsea Foot-
Others called for “due process” to be ball Club yesterday with a bid that
A senior Conservative MP accused of followed and for the independent would total more than £4 billion.
watching pornography in the House parliamentary inquiries to “run [their] Sir Jim Ratcliffe made the offer to the
of Commons chamber has been urged course”. A senior female minister said: US investment bank that is handling
to resign to shield the party from sleaze “Part of the professionalism we need in the sale for Roman Abramovich, the
before next week’s local elections. Westminster is to avoid kneejerk reac- Russian owner who has been
Neil Parish, the chairman of the envi- tions and deal with allegations such as sanctioned over his alleged links to
ronment and rural affairs committee, these in a calm, professional manner, President Putin.
had the whip removed yesterday after just like you would in any workplace.” Ratcliffe, who owns Ineos, the petro-
two female MPs claimed he had The naming of Parish yesterday chemicals giant, was seeking to out-bid
watched adult material on his phone ended speculation about the identity of American consortiums with an offer
while sitting near them. the MP after allegations were made by that includes a pledge to invest £1.75 bil-
He apparently admitted looking at two of his colleagues at a meeting with lion over the next ten years as well as
pornography, but insisted that he senior party figures on Tuesday. matching Abramovich’s £2.5 billion
would not step down as MP for Tiver- It prompted further claims of sexist valuation.
ton & Honiton and reported himself to and inappropriate behaviour by politi- However, the move appeared to have
parliament’s standards commissioner. cians. Yesterday Anne-Marie Trevel- come too late, with a consortium led by
Speaking outside his house in Somer- yan, the international trade secretary, Todd Boehly, who co-owns the Los
set, he said it “was a complete mistake said she had been “pinned up against a Angeles Dodgers baseball team, select-
and I will man up to it, as they say”. wall” by a male MP who made sexual ed as the preferred bidder. The group,
When later asked by broadcasters if advances towards her. She said she had which is funded largely by the Califor-
he had opened something on his phone been at the “sharp end” of misogyny nia-based investment firm Clearlake
in error, Parish said: “I did, but let the from colleagues “many times over”. Capital, is on the verge of being put
inquiry look at that. I will await the In an interview with The Times, Car- forward for approval by the govern-
findings of the inquiry and then I will oline Nokes, Conservative chairwom- ment and Premier League.
consider my position. I will not remain an of the women and equalities com- Ratcliffe had hoped his bid, sub-
if I am found guilty. mittee, said the party was institutional- mitted after a shortlist of three Amer-
“I will co-operate fully with it and ly sexist and that she had been subject ican bidders had been drawn up, could
then be answerable to parliament.” to misogynistic smears and briefings for disrupt the process. The ultimate deci-
Some Tory MPs urged him to quit speaking about the case. sion will come down to Abramovich.
immediately, warning that the scandal “I know that male colleagues have “We are the only British bid,” Rat-
risked damaging the party before the been wandering the corridors of West- cliffe, who lives in Monaco, told The
critical local elections on Thursday. minster blaming me for leaking it, Times. “Our motives are to try and
“He’s got to go and if he doesn’t we’ve blaming me for speaking out as if this is create a very fine club in London. We
got to get rid of him,” one said. something that would best be brushed have no profit motive because we make
Another senior Conservative said: under the carpet,” she said. “By speak- our money in other ways.” If successful,
“There will be huge pressure on him to ing out about it we will be attacked, it would be the highest sum paid for a
go but as a party we have got to be seen briefed against and sniped about by col- football club.
to be following the correct procedures.” leagues. That’s the stark reality. That’s Boehly preferred buyer, Sport pullout
Parish is the subject of inquiries by what I’m facing at the moment.”
both Kathryn Stone, the Commons Parish is the third sitting Tory MP to
standards commissioner, and the Inde- have had the whip suspended for
pendent Complaints and Grievance inappropriate behaviour. Last year Rob
Scheme (ICGS). Possible sanctions Roberts was suspended after sending a
include a suspension or expulsion from junior woman a message asking her to
parliament.
One local party chairwoman said: Neil Parish, at his home yesterday, pledged to co-operate with an inquiry
“fool around with no strings”. This
Continued on page 2, col 5
y(7HB7E2*OTSNQN( |||+#!_
2 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News

Today’s highlights Lax parliament security ‘allows

8.20am Rachel Maclean, the minister for safeguarding
8.35am Bridget Phillipson, shadow secretary of state
for education
hostile states to influence MPs’
3.15pm Gus Unger-Hamilton, keyboardist and
vocalist with Mercury prizewinners Alt-J, on Oliver Wright, Fiona Hamilton focused on China. Sources said there on outside interests for funding and
their fourth album was “serious work going on behind the support makes them very easy to
4.45pm Lord Heseltine, the former deputy Hostile states are infiltrating parlia- scenes” to close down infiltration engage with,” she said.
prime minister ment and using MPs as an “attractive attempts but the system had “too many Hoyle told the committee: “I worry
6.05pm The former prime minister Tony Blair, and accessible target” for spies, accord- loopholes” that needed to be closed. that we are not joining up our security
right, 25 years after his landslide ing to a report being released today. In its report, the Commons sleaze and the threats that we have. These
victory with New Labour An investigation by the Commons watchdog said that all-party people are not our friends. Some are
standards committee found that parliamentary groups (APPGs) had the our friends, but they have intentions
parliamentary groups allow foreign potential to become “the next great and objectives, which worries me.”
governments unregulated access to scandal”, with commercial and foreign A security source said: “Elected offi-
DAB RADIO l ONLINE l SMART SPEAKER l APP Westminster with the potential for entities “effectively buying access to, cials are among the hostile state targets
“inappropriate influence” on MPs. and influence of, parliamentarians and that have been examined, but they are
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Commons decision makers”. by no means alone”, adding that anyone
Speaker, described the threat as “very It called for rules to be brought in to working in the military or technology
T O D AY ’ S E D I T I O N worrying”. He said: “Parliamentarians vet groups being set up and their arenas, scientific research or certain
tend to underestimate the extent to sources of funding, and said that export markets could be considered a
which they are of interest to foreign APPGs should be required to register potential target.
Legal action Zelensky ‘was HRT rationed to governments. Whether that is getting whether a foreign government or Chris Bryant, the chairman of the
access to MPs, effectively paying for re- organisation was the ultimate funder of standards committee, said that APPGs
against Priory nearly seized’ ease shortages ports to be written or trying to influence any benefit or benefit in kind that was could be “really useful” but “must never
The families of three Russians came “within Hormone replacement legislation, there is much more we need given to MPs. be a backdoor means of peddling influ-
patients who died at minutes” of seizing therapy will be limited to do to protect the integrity of the Alison Giles, the head of parliament- ence around the corridors of power or
hospitals run by the President Zelensky so women cannot be parliamentary system.” ary security, told the committee that pursuing a commercial interest”. He
Priory Group are shortly after the prescribed more than In January MI5 issued a security alert Lee had been “instrumental” in setting added: “The evidence we have gathered
taking legal action invasion of his country, three months of the over the activities of Christine Lee, a up an APPG on Chinese interests and is chilling and points towards an urgent
over the company’s according to interviews drugs at a time after UK-based Chinese lawyer. It said she sending money to the office of the need for the House to take action.”
alleged failure to care with Ukraine’s leader “shortage protocols” had infiltrated parliament on behalf of Labour MP who ran the group. Giles The committee will now consult on
for them. Page 11 and his staff. Page 14 were issued. Page 16 the Chinese government, funnelling said that APPGs were an “attractive its proposals for tightening up regula-
hundreds of thousands of pounds to a route of access to parliamentarians”. tions around APPGs before issuing a
shadow cabinet minister and an “The fact that they are relatively final report with recommendations for
Daughter faces Musk sells $8bn Rangnick’s informal parliamentary group that unregulated and, crucially, dependent the Commons to consider.
Isis gangsters of Tesla shares transfer fears
The daughter of a Elon Musk has sold Ralf Rangnick has continued from page 1
Briton killed by Isis
told the gang that held
shares worth
$8.5 billion in Tesla,
warned his successor
as Manchester United
Stay in office, civil servants MP porn allegations

him how much she whose market value manager, Erik ten Hag,
missed her father
before a US court gave
has fallen by more
than $150 billion after
that the club has fallen
behind as a favoured
urged in Rees-Mogg row month David Warburton had the whip
withdrawn after allegations were made
that he had sexually harassed three
one of them eight life the billionaire’s bid for destination for big women.
sentences. Page 42 Twitter. Page 47 stars. Sport, pullout Oliver Wright Policy Editor and government efficiency, saying the Both Labour and the Liberal Demo-
department was “proud” to be moving crats called for Parish to stand down as
Civil servants have been advised to away from the “outdated notion that an MP. “The Conservatives knew for
COMMENT 27 MONEY 57 TV & RADIO avoid visiting regional offices and hold- everything must be done in London”. days about the disgusting behaviour of
WEEKEND ESSAY 34 CROSSWORD 83 SATURDAY REVIEW ing meetings off site to meet Jacob He said: “With sites spread across the one of their MPs and tried to cover it
Rees-Mogg’s demand for officials to be UK, Abi works day in, day out with up,” Thangam Debbonaire, shadow
FOLLOW US at their desks in Whitehall. teams around the country delivering leader of the Commons, said.
thetimes timesandsundaytimes thetimes Ministers in some departments are vital services for the British public. Our The senior Labour MP Harriet Har-
understood to have told senior officials teams are working flat out to meet the man added: “This marks a new low for
to find ways of getting Rees-Mogg “off demand.” the Commons. Clearly he is not fit to be
WEEKEND SATURDAY REVIEW SPORT their backs” by increasing staff at their Dave Penman, general secretary of in parliament. He should accept that
Whitehall headquarters. Under the the FDA union, which represents and not drag the processes out.”
Cabinet Office’s measure of attendance senior civil servants, said the move to Lord Hague of Richmond, the former
only staff at each department’s main advise staff to avoid leaving the office Tory party leader, said the whip should
Whitehall office are counted. for visits was counterproductive. have acted to suspend Parish earlier
Matthew Rycroft, permanent secre- “This is inevitably where you end up and that the behaviour was “completely
tary at the Home Office, robustly after the political stunts that Jacob unacceptable” and “utterly depressing”.
defended the head of the Passport Rees-Mogg has been conducting over He added: “I think we will end up
Office after claims that she had been the last few weeks — decisions based on with MPs having to vacate their seats.
working some of the time from home. the political pressure for presenteeism There are going to be resignations from
Rycroft said that Abi Tierney was a and headcounts at desks, rather than parliament over this and the political
“hugely talented leader” and her work the effective delivery of public parties really have to clamp down on it.”
GROWING PAINS HISTORY NOTES STAR QUALITY location had “precisely zero bearing” services,” he said. “It’s all the more iron- Politics reports, pages 8-10
What parents need The roots of pop New York prepares on delays in issuing passports. ic given this government claims to be Watching porn in public should be
to know about go back further for biggest fight in He also implicitly attacked Rees- committed to levelling up and moving illegal, Janice Turner, page 29
talking to teens than you think women’s boxing Mogg, minister for Brexit opportunities jobs out of the capital.” Tory WhatsApp group, Our Week, page 40
PULLOUT PAGES 6-7 PULLOUT PAGES 8-9 PULLOUT PAGES 22-23

THE WEATHER © TIMES NEWSPAPERS LIMITED, 2022.

So what if Rayner joined drinks, says Starmer
Published in print and all other derivative
formats by Times Newspapers Ltd, 1 Sir Keir Starmer has said it makes “no looked into. Stark contrast between munications” but said they were not
London Bridge St, London, SE1 9GF, difference” whether Angela Rayner, his that and the goings-on at Downing investigating the matter at present.
telephone 020 7782 5000. Printed by: deputy, was present when he was seen Street where we know there were 50 The gathering, which included an
7
Newsprinters (Broxbourne) Ltd, drinking a beer with party workers dur- fines issued already and an investi- online Labour Party event, was on April
Great Cambridge Rd, Waltham Cross, ing Covid restrictions. gation still going on — so there’s abso- 30 last year. Non-essential retail and
31 EN8 8DY; Newsprinters (Knowsley) Ltd, The Labour leader said there was a lutely no comparison to be made here. outdoor venues including pub gardens
11 12 Kitling Rd, Prescot, Merseyside, L34 9HN; stark contrast between the gathering in “Obviously I do understand, with were open at the time but social-
Newsprinters (Eurocentral) Ltd, the Durham constituency office of the elections coming, why the Tories are distancing rules remained in place.
11
Byramsmuir Road, Holytown, Motherwell, local MP in April last year and the rule- trying to throw as much mud as they The Daily Mail said that when its
ML1 1NP; Associated Printing (Carn) Ltd,
11
15 breaking in Downing Street that led to possibly can, but the issue that I’m reporters approached Labour Party
Morton 2 Esky Drive, Carn Industial Estate,
16 Boris Johnson being fined by the police. utterly focused on is the cost-of-living officials in January, they had been told
Portadown, BT63 5YY; KP Services, La Rue
Martel, La Rue des Pres Trading Estate, St
Starmer is facing renewed scrutiny crisis, helping people with their energy Rayner was not present. However, after
15
Saviour, Jersey, JE2 7QR. For permission to
after Labour acknowledged that Ray- bills and calling the government out for it produced video evidence that she had
5
copy articles or headlines for internal ner was at the event, despite having pre- imposing even more tax on people.” joined Starmer at the gathering, they
information purposes contact Newspaper viously told journalists she had not Tory MPs have been pressing the admitted she had been there.
Licensing Agency at PO Box 101, Tunbridge been. A source insisted it was a “mistake police to reconsider their decision not A Labour source said: “There is sim-
Cloud and rain across the north and Wells, TN1 1WX, tel 01892 525274, e-mail made in good faith”. to investigate the Labour event follow- ply no comparison between standing in
west, hazy sunshine in southeast. [email protected]. For all other reproduction During a visit to Edinburgh, Starmer ing the fine issued to the prime minister a kitchen having something to eat
Full forecast, page 77 and licensing inquiries contact Licensing said: “Whether Angela Rayner was for attending a gathering in No 10 for between meetings, with multiple,
Department, 1 London Bridge St, London, there or not makes absolutely no differ- his 56th birthday in June 2020. flagrant rule-breaking drinks parties at
If a section of your Times is missing, please call 020-7711 1525 or e-mail SE1 9GF, telephone 020 7711 7888, ence — there was no breach of the Durham police confirmed that they the heart of government, dismissed by
[email protected] and we will send it to you, subject to availability.
e-mail [email protected] rules, the matter has already been had received “a number of further com- lies at the dispatch box.”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 2GM 3

News

How Miami Vice snared premier ALAMY

Hugh Tomlinson Washington

Facing an offer he could not refuse from
what he thought was a Mexican drug
cartel, the premier of the British Virgin
Islands pulled out a calculator to work
out his 12 per cent cut.
Andrew Fahie, 51, reckoned he would
get $7.8 million for allowing the traffick-
ers to smuggle cocaine through ports
on the islands in the British Overseas
Territory that he runs, the US author-
ities have alleged.
The leader of the Caribbean archipel-
ago, among the remnants of the British
Empire, was arrested by undercover
agents in a sting operation at Miami air-
port on Thursday and accused of trying
to smuggle drugs into the US.
When he met an informant masquer-
ading as a member of the powerful
Sinaloa drug cartel, he sought to justify
his actions by saying the “British didn’t
pay him much”, court documents say.
The sting began as a meeting
between the informant, who was work-
ing for the US Drug Enforcement
Agency (DEA), and men claiming to be
members of the Lebanese militant
group, Hezbollah, in October.
Over several meetings, the DEA op-
erative claimed that the cartel he Road Town on Tortola, the
worked for, previously run by the infa- capital of the British Virgin
mous Mexican drug lord Joaquín Guz- Islands. Left, Andrew Fahie
mán, known as “El Chapo”, wanted and his wife Sheila. Below,
Hezbollah’s assistance in using the BVI Oleanvine Maynard
as a staging post for smuggling cocaine
from Colombia to the United States.
The “self-proclaimed Lebanese
Hezbollah operatives . . . stated they had
business ties to south Florida” and
Drug sting a new blow alleged corruption in
contracts.
There has been dismay in
could introduce the informant to
“senior BVI officials”. The group said
the BVI government would offer pro-
for troubled paradise Whitehall that Fahie has
passed laws allowing the
commercial growing of
cannabis and
British Virgin Islands Behind the story to Joe Louis, the celebrated the The decriminalisation of the
Virgin heavyweight boxing role of govern- drug, and reform of

A
Gorda ndrew Fahie, champion. education ment gambling laws to allow
Tortola Beef who allegedly His rise to power started and culture asked Sir casinos.
Island used a calculator when he became minister minister, before Geoffrey Cox, a
Geoffrey He responded to the
2 miles
to work out his for education, culture and returning to opposition in serving Conservative MP order of an official
Puerto 12 per cent share youth affairs in 2000, 2011. who was attorney-general investigation with an
Rico of a drug deal, spent his before becoming a member In more recent years he until February 2020, to apparent threat to push for
Cuba early career as a of the opposition in 2003. was involved in a power represent it. independence.
mathematics teacher at a In the same year he was a struggle to lead his party. The dossier of allegations Fahie accused the
Caribbean Sea British Virgin Islands high member of Her Majesty’s By 2019 he had led the handed to Sir Gary governor last year of
100 miles
school (Will Humphries loyal opposition, he was party to victory in a Hickinbottom, a British improperly ordering the
writes). reported to be under general election on a judge heading the inquiry, inquiry based on “rumours
tection for the traffickers and help to By the age of 28 he was investigation in relation to pledge to clean up politics. included: and unfounded allegations”
launder the proceeds, for a price. elected member for the allegations of money He was sworn in as 6 £29 million of funds and of damaging the
One militant offered to set up a meet- First District of the BVI, a laundering. premier by Augustus intended for families islands’ international
ing with the head of security for Fahie. position he has held since Fahie has never denied Jaspert, then governor of struggling with the reputation.
He also claimed that he “owned” the 1999 general election. that such an investigation the British Overseas pandemic being given The premier suggested
Oleanvine Maynard, head of the terri- Now the territory’s took place but he has Territory. instead as cash handouts to that the islands could seek
tory’s ports authority. premier, aged 51, he is always contended that Two months after his political allies. full independence from the
The sting reached its climax on known as a charismatic no action was taken election, Fahie ordered a 6 Misuse of up to UK, saying: “This is
Thursday when Fahie and Maynard figure who plays the against him as a new official car — an £70 million of taxpayers’ important for our journey
were arrested by DEA agents on a pri- organ at his local result of it. £85,000 Cadillac Escalade money on infrastructure to self-determination.”
vate jet in Miami as they came to in- church. His He has referred — without going through and transport projects. The 2016 Panama Papers
spect designer shopping bags holding popularity with his to the allegations the normal tender process. 6 A £5.1 million grant given scandal exposed world
$700,000 in fake cash, a pay-off for stor- electorate, and his as “outdated, He said the previous vehicle to an airline for direct leaders and business giants
ing 3,000kg of cocaine in a BVI port ability to beat unproven, and had been “embarrassing” flights to the United States using the BVI to avoid tax
before the shipment could be smuggled anyone who has unsubstantiated.” and that he required a new that never flew. and conceal their wealth
into the US through Puerto Rico. As he challenged him, When his one for safety reasons. 6 £23 million excess and assets overseas.
was led away, according to the agents, earned him party Last year Jaspert spending on a pier for Russian oligarchs have
Fahie said: “Why am I getting arrested? the returned appointed a judge to cruise ships after contracts allegedly siphoned money
I don’t have any money or drugs.” nickname to power investigate corruption were awarded to political to the territory over recent
Fahie and Maynard, dressed in pris- “the Brown in 2007 claims and an alleged allies. weeks in an attempt to
on uniforms, appeared via Zoom in the Bomber”, he again culture of intimidation in 6 A wall at a high school sidestep sanctions over the
US court for the Southern District of a reference took up the islands. that cost £730,000 after war in Ukraine.
Florida yesterday, charged with drug
trafficking and money laundering. A
pretrial hearing was set for next ant to lead the party in prayer before governance of the territory. The in- trol of the BVI. Truss said Fahie’s arrest and claimed the government in
Wednesday. Maynard’s son, Kadeem, is they sat down to finalise the deal. quiry uncovered allegations of system- was “extremely concerning”. London wanted him removed from
also in custody, accused of helping to Despite its tiny size, the archipelago ic corruption and cronyism, including Fahie had been eager to be involved office, the court documents alleged.
negotiate the deal. In a recording, retains huge influence in the secretive widespread misuse of public funds. in the deal with the Mexican cartel, it is Fahie did suspect a sting, but the lure
secretly taped by the DEA, Kadeem and controversial world of offshore Yesterday it recommended that alleged. According to the court docu- of the money was too great. In one
allegedly claimed he had been traffick- finance. Hundreds of thousands of direct rule of the islands effectively be ments, Maynard told the informant at a exchange, outlined in the court papers,
ing drugs for 20 years. clandestine companies are registered returned to London, with the territory’s meeting in March: “I know the type of the premier asked the informant direct-
The day before his arrest, Fahie in the territory, controlling billions of constitution suspended for two years. person he is. If he sees an opportunity, ly if he was an undercover agent. The
confided to an undercover agent he dollars in assets from across the globe. Liz Truss, the foreign secretary, has he will take it. He is a little crook some- informant said no and sought to reas-
“believed in witches and magic and The sting has also run in parallel with sent Amanda Milling, a junior minister, times. He is not always straight.” sure Fahie. “First of all, you’re not
how to read lies in people”. At a meeting a commission of inquiry set up by the to the BVI on a “fact-finding mission”. The Maynards introduced the DEA touching anything,” the informant said,
in Miami with the DEA informant and BVI’s former governor, Augustus Jas- Milling will report back to Truss who source to Fahie on Tortola two weeks referring to the cocaine. “I will touch
an undercover officer on Wednesday pert, and overseen by the retired British will then make a decision on whether later, where the premier complained one thing,” Fahie allegedly replied, “the
evening, the premier asked the inform- judge Sir Gary Hickinbottom, into the the government should take direct con- that “the British didn’t pay him much” money.”
4 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
News Boris Becker

Becker loses career and freedom as

David Brown, Stewart Fraser £390,000 after his bankruptcy, includ- nine tennis trophies, such as those won saying: “I take into account what has
ing giving £28,000 to his former wife, at the 1985 and 1989 Wimbledon cham- been described as your fall from grace.
Boris Becker faces the prospect of never Barbara, 55, and a further £83,000 to his pionships, the 1991 and 1996 Australian You have lost your career and reputa-
working again after being jailed for two estranged second wife, Lilly, 45. None Open and the 1992 Olympics. tion and all of your property as a result
and a half years yesterday. of the money has been recovered. Rebecca Chalkley, for the prosecu- of your bankruptcy.
The three-times Wimbledon cham- He was jailed for 30 months for the tion, said the jury found he acted “delib- “You have not shown remorse, ac-
pion and BBC commentator was criti- offence and received concurrent sen- erately and dishonestly”, adding “even ceptance of your guilt and have sought
cised for showing no remorse as he was tences of 18 months for three charges of now, Mr Becker is still seeking to blame to distance yourself from your offend-
sentenced for concealing £2.5 million of failing to disclose property. These others when it was obviously his duty”. ing and your bankruptcy. While I ac-
assets to avoid paying debts. include a £1.3 million German home, a Becker was red faced as the sentence cept your humiliation as part of the pro-
Becker, 54, continued with his lavish £692,000 bank loan on the house was read out at Southwark crown court. ceedings, there has been no humility.”
lifestyle and carried on spending de- and £66,000 of shares in an artificial His girlfriend Lilian De Carvalho Mon- The judge said that Becker did “not
spite spiralling into £50 million of debt, intelligence company. teiro blew him a kiss as he was led away. heed the warning” he was given after
the court was told. The jury cleared him of all other Judge Deborah Taylor refused receiving a suspended jail sentence in
He was found guilty of spending charges, including failing to hand over Becker’s pleas for a suspended sentence, 2002 for tax evasion in Germany.
The British former tennis player
Andrew Castle told LBC he was “still
reeling from the news . . . I’m sad that his
life has come to this and I hope he’s able
to rebuild on the other side,” but, he
added: “If you don’t pay your creditors,
you pay the price.”
Becker wore his Wimbledon tie to
court but he now faces being stripped of
his membership of the All England
Club. Its board will discuss the status of
his honorary membership, which was
given to him at the age of 17 in 1985 after
he became the youngest man to win the
men’s singles title.
The 13-member board is led by the
chairman Ian Hewitt, and includes the
former players Tim Henman and Anne
Keothavong. There is thought to be no
precedent involving a star member in
the modern era.
Becker’s membership entitled him to
use the leisure facilities at the club,
including the tennis courts. In recent
years, however, he rarely played
because of an ankle problem.
Becker tried to avoid bankruptcy by
claiming he was entitled to diplomatic
immunity because the Central African
Republic appointed him as a sport and
culture attaché to the European Union
in 2018. The republic’s foreign minister
described the diplomatic passport as
fake and Becker dropped the defence.
In court he recalled the shock at
being declared bankrupt in 2017, days
before the start of the championship. “I
was all over world news, and I walked
through the gate of Wimbledon and
everyone knew,” he said. “I was embar-
rassed because I was bankrupt.”
Mark Ford, Becker’s joint bankruptcy
trustee, said: “We take no pleasure in
today’s sentencing. However, we do
hope that these criminal convictions
and the custodial sentence that Mr
Becker has received will serve as a
reminder to all bankrupts of the im-
portance of performing and complying
with their duties.”
Former tennis player is paying the price
for his deceit, leading article, page 31

‘His reputation is in tatters’

Boris Becker’s lawyer literally nothing and

told the sentencing there is nothing to show
hearing that the former for what was the most
tennis champion had glittering of sporting
lost everything after careers.
“the most glittering of “It is nothing short of
sporting careers”. a tragedy. It is not
Jonathan Laidlaw QC simply a fall from grace,
appealed for Becker to it is the public
receive a suspended jail humiliation of this man.
sentence for breaking It is a level that no other
bankruptcy law, saying: Jonathan Laidlaw said bankrupt in this country
“He was in desperate his client was desperate is ever likely to face.
financial straits. “These proceedings
“What in essence he moneys should be have destroyed his
has done is exercised applied. career and totally
his own choice as to “We are not ended any prospect of
which creditors to pay, concerned with the earning an income. His
choosing or preferring sort of case where reputation is in tatters.
to pay moneys to money is being spent He will not be able to
dependents rather than on a lavish lifestyle or find work and he will
allowing the joint wasted in other have to rely on the
[bankruptcy] trustees to respects. charity of others if he is
determine how those “Boris Becker has to survive.”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 5

News
News

judge criticises his lack of remorse NEIL MOCKFORD, BOB MARTIN/GETTY IMAGES; PRISCILLA COLEMAN/MB MEDIA

Star addicted
to high life
Behind the story

H
is trophies have been
auctioned or gone
missing and the
homes are on the
market, leaving Boris
Becker with little more than
memories of his glory days
(David Brown writes).
The scale of his financial
downfall was exposed yesterday
as it was revealed that he had
been made bankrupt with debts
of £50 million. So far his
bankruptcy trustees have
realised only £3,184,655 of assets,
including £687,000 from the sale
of the trophies and memorabilia
they were able to seize.
It is a tragedy of Becker’s
making. The arrogance that won
Boris Becker, wearing his Wimbledon tie, was accompanied him six grand slam tournament
by his girlfriend Lilian De Carvalho Monteiro at Southwark titles could not contemplate life
crown court, who blew him a kiss as he was led away. The outside the jet-set. Becker made
three-times Wimbledon champion faces being stripped of £30 million in prize money and
his All England Club membership, given to him aged 17 in sponsorship while playing but
1985 when he became the youngest man to win the title continued to enjoy a lavish
lifestyle on his salary as a
commentator for the BBC and
other broadcasters. His monthly
rent on a family home in
Wimbledon was £22,000.
There was also an “expensive
divorce” from Barbara Becker,
which included high
maintenance payments for their
two sons, along with payments
for a daughter conceived during
a fleeting encounter with a
model in the broom cupboard of
a London restaurant.
As the debts mounted Becker
remained confident that another
big payday was only months
away. He became involved in
business ventures including
gambling and sport sponsorships.
When the profits failed to
materialise he turned to lenders
who demanded a high interest
rate as he was considered a risk.
His bankruptcy resulted from a
£3.85 million loan from the
private bank Arbuthnot Latham
& Co in 2013, and £1.2 million the
following year from John
Caudwell, the billionaire founder
of Phones 4u. The former tennis
champion said bad publicity had
damaged “brand Becker”,

From Centre Court glory to rat-infested jail meaning he struggled to earn

enough to pay his debts. The
£4.6 million mortgage taken out
on his Mallorcan estate in 2014
David Brown 1999 and is now a prison chaplain. “It is not have to be a bad experience, even if in common with much of the prison had become £10 million by 2019.
a culture shock for everyone but I think it is difficult. He will find the milk of population — more than half the By 2017 Arbuthnot Latham had
When the door closed on Boris Becker’s someone of Boris Becker’s strength of human kindness flows abundantly in inmates are not British. Mental illness grown tired of Becker’s promises
cell yesterday, it would have marked the character and discipline will be able to prison. Do not try to be a tall poppy just is common. that he would be able to repay
start of the loneliest night of his life. cope.” because you think you are famous.” “Prison is full of somewhat unhinged the money soon and obtained a
The former tennis champion was As a high-profile inmate Becker will The biggest challenge for a man used people, and he will be approached by bankruptcy order. This meant
expected to begin his sentence at then probably be offered the chance of to the high life will be boredom. He will people who claim they can arrange for Becker was required to hand
Wandsworth, the Victorian-era jail being transferred to the vulnerable be locked in his cell for 16 to 18 hours a him to be ‘looked after for £100,000’ but control of his finances and his
only two miles from Centre Court at prisoners’ wing — where many inmates day during the week and for 23 hours at there really is no need,” Aitken, 79, said. assets to his bankruptcy trustees.
Wimbledon. are sex offenders — or into the “general weekends. There will be few opportuni- “A third of prisoners will be keen to ring Instead, within a day of the order
The Category B secure jail, which can population”. ties for any exercise. up tabloid newspapers to sell stories he started £390,000 of
accommodate more than 1,500 Aitken said: “There will be no special Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of about him. unauthorised spending, including
inmates, was described in a recent favours as a celebrity, everyone in a prisons, reported on Wandsworth in “Serving a prison sentence is mainly sending £28,000 to his first wife
inspection report as “crumbling, over- prison uniform is treated the same. He January: “There were not enough staff in your mind. The worst thing is realis- and £83,000 to his estranged
crowded, [and] vermin-infested”. will be surprised how young everyone to make sure prisoners received even ing you have been [an] idiot and have second wife, Lilly, 45. None of the
After swapping his designer suit for a is, many will be teenagers who have the most basic regime; for example, hurt the people who love you the most, money has been recovered.
uniform, Becker will have been given a never heard of him.” they sometimes had to choose between like your children. If you blame other Creditors have been paid back
brief introduction by prison officers Aitken advised Becker, 54, to ask to exercise, ordering from the kiosk and people you will have a miserable time.” £588,000 and are expected to
before being locked in his “first night be transferred to the general wing having a shower. As long as Becker behaves he could share a further £500,000 from
cell” to get used to life behind bars. where he may be given his own cell if “One group of prisoners . . . came soon be moved to “open conditions” the assets already received. The
“It will be one of the worst days of his officers appreciate he is not a typical blinking into the sunlight [and] told me where he can start planning for his trustees hope to receive a further
life but he just has to get through it,” prisoner. “My first words of advice that it was the first time they had been release. He will not be required to serve £9.1 million from the sale of the
said Jonathan Aitken, a former cabinet would be ‘don’t be afraid, you will get outside for more than a week.” more than half his 30-month sentence Mallorcan estate.
minister who was jailed for perjury in through this’,” Aitken said. “Prison does Becker will perhaps find something but could be out in less than a year.
6 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOP

Quintagram® No 1303
Solve all five clues using each
letter underneath once only
1 Weeps (4)

----
2 Empty (6)

------
3 Fancy (6)

------
4 Get (7)

-------
5 Brief (9)

---------
A A B C E E E E
E H I I L L N N
N O O O O R R R
S S S T T T V W
Solutions MindGames in Times2
Cryptic clues page 53 of Review

Ten pound Pom is back

The “ten pound Pom” scheme is
being reintroduced as a tourism
campaign to lure British
backpackers to Australia after the
pandemic. The South Australian
state government will limit the
offer to 200 young people, who
need a A$495 (£278) working
holiday visa first. British or Irish
citizens can then apply for a £10
return ticket as long as they also
pay for accommodation through
Trailfinders. Australia used a £10
A cut above Chris Crowder, head gardener at Levens Hall near Kendal, Cumbria, tends to the world’s oldest topiary garden before World Topiary Day on May 12 ticket to attract Britons after the
Second World War.

Johnson seeks to deport foreign Sewage legal action

The water industry regulator is
facing legal action over claims that
it failed to use its powers to stop

criminals with rights law reform

companies releasing raw sewage
into rivers. The environmental
group Wild Justice accused the
Water Services Regulation
Authority (Ofwat) of neglecting its
duty to ensure sewage treatment
Matt Dathan Home Affairs Editor sidered would be so narrow that it The move will ensure UK courts are the new legislation. Raab is understood to plants avoid releasing polluting
Jonathan Ames Legal Editor would allow criminals to remain only if ultimate arbiter of human rights laws. be prepared to lessen Britain’s obliga- discharge into watercourses.
a close relative were dying. Claimants could still take their case to tions under the ECHR as much as poss-
An overhaul of human rights law that The reform will be one of the flagship Strasbourg as long as Britain remains a ible without having to withdraw from Longer life with Oscar
will lead to the automatic deportation bills in the Queen’s Speech on May 10, signatory to the convention. the treaty altogether.
of serious foreign criminals in most to set out the government’s legislative Britain played a leading role when Leading lawyers have warned that Oscar winners do not receive a
cases will be put by Boris Johnson at the agenda for the next 12 months. the treaty was signed by the Council of the reforms will damage the UK’s repu- cash prize, but they do get a gold-
centre of next month’s Queen’s Speech. The Ministry of Justice says Article 8 Europe in 1950. The ECHR was en- tation. Stephanie Boyce, president of plated statuette, a goody bag and
In a move that some in government is used in about seven in ten successful shrined in UK law through the Human the Law Society of England and Wales, years added to their life
believe could lead to Britain leaving the challenges against deportation. More Rights Act in 1998. said: “Weakening rights for some would expectancy. Researchers at the
European Convention on Human than 11,000 foreign criminals have been The change will help to correct the weaken rights for everyone.” University of Toronto looked at
Rights (ECHR), ministers will curtail released from British prisons but not balance between free speech and priva- Lord Falconer of Thoroton, who was 934 nominated actors between
the ability of foreign criminals to avoid deported. The number deported fell be- cy, ministers believe, after a series of big lord chancellor from 2003 to 2007, said: 1929 and 2020 and found that
being removed from the UK low 3,000 last year, during the pan- cases, including the Duchess of Sussex’s “This government is sending the mes- winners died at an average age of
The reforms will allow criminals to demic, less than half the peak in 2016. victory over The Mail on Sunday last sage again and again that the UK can- 77.1 while the average age of
use only the “narrowest possible ex- Dominic Raab, the justice secretary, year, which Raab described as a “drift to- not be relied on to stick by the inter- nominees at death was 73.7.
emption” under Article 8 of the ECHR, has given the example of a man con- wards Continental-style privacy laws”. national agreements it has entered.
which protects the right to a family life, victed of domestic abuse who avoided A government source said the bill Our word is most certainly no longer Jail for wealthy Qatari
to avoid deportation. deportation by claiming that it would would also change the interpretation of our bond.”
Criminals with relatives in the UK infringe his right to a family life. human rights laws by allowing freedom Adam Wagner, a human rights bar- A Qatari media boss acted
have been able to remain by claiming Raab’s new bill will remove the re- of speech to be restricted in only the rister, said: “While Russia is acting with “completely without shame”
that deportation infringed their right to quirement for courts to “take account” “most exceptional of circumstances”. increasing aggression, this is the worst while treating a woman “as a
be close to their family. A government of judgments made by the European The threshold, to be decided over the possible time to pick a fight with the punching bag” at his £1.6 million
source said one exemption being con- Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. summer, will be clearly written into the European Court of Human Rights.” flat in Paddington, west London.
Saleh al-Mesallam, 32, was jailed
for seven years at Southwark

Rwanda? No, weather stopped migrants, say officials crown court for kicking and
stamping on his victim. He was
convicted of possessing class A
drugs but cleared of rape.
Matt Dathan Home Affairs Editor claim that the Rwanda policy, which people, do not tend to launch them dict that more than 65,000 will cross
was announced five days earlier, was when the waves reach heights of this year, dwarfing last year’s 28,526. Killer's move blocked
Border Force officials have dismissed deterring migrants from embarking on more than 30cm. Waves are expected Under the Rwanda deal some
suggestions that Priti Patel’s policy to the 21-mile journey. to reach four to five metres this migrants who enter the UK illegally will Dominic Raab, the justice
send illegal migrants to Rwanda was However, Border Force sources have weekend. be put on a one-way flight and offered secretary, has used new powers to
already having an impact after the dismissed the suggestion and attribut- Gaps of 16 and 13 days without cross- the opportunity to apply for asylum block the transfer of Garry
tenth day without crossings. ed the absence of crossings on the poor ings have already been recorded this there. The military has also taken re- Newlove’s killer to an open
Daily figures published by the Minis- weather and conditions in the Channel. year. There were only two days of cross- sponsibility for Channel crossings, de- prison. The Parole Board decided
try of Defence, which took over opera- “Anyone who knows about Channel ings recorded in February. ploying Navy patrol ships and drones. to move Adam Swellings, leader
tional responsibility for responding to crossings knows it’s about the weather, There has been a total of 6,690 Tony Smith, the former boss of Bor- of a gang who kicked Newlove to
migrants in the Channel this month, not Rwanda,” a source said. migrant crossings so far this year, more der Force, said that it was “too soon to death after he confronted them
shows that there have been no cross- People smugglers who facilitate the than triple the number of people who tell” if the Rwanda policy was curbing for vandalising his wife’s car.
ings detected since April 19. crossings, most of which are made in arrived by this time last year. Channel crossings but added that the Swellings was jailed for life in
It has led some in government to flimsy dinghies that carry about 30 Internal Home Office forecasts pre- “early signs are encouraging”. 2008, to serve at least 17 years.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 2GM S1 7

News

Noisy car show-offs face camera traps

Ben Clatworthy by the police and local authorities to cluding testing an older version of the traffic noise above 50 decibels, quieter [noise-related] stress to create things
Transport Correspondent issue £100 fines. Ministers hope the device in Meon Valley, Hampshire, for than human conversation, can increase like heart disease, it needs to be chronic
Rhys Blakely cameras and the threat of fines will stop three years. the risk of hypertension and heart dis- and not just an occasional thing,” he
motorists revving their engines unnec- The legal limit for noise from a ease. A study from Barts and the said. “They need to tackle that kind of
A national trial of roadside “noise essarily or using illegal exhausts. vehicle is 74 decibels, about the same as London School of Medicine found a general noise rather than the occasion-
cameras” is to be introduced to catch Shapps said: “For too long, rowdy flushing a lavatory. Police can fine link to type 2 diabetes. Noise pollution al boy racer.
and fine the antisocial drivers of exces- drivers have been able to get away with drivers but have needed to rely on their can also disrupt sleep. “If you do have a very noisy car, the
sively loud cars and motorbikes. disturbing our communities with illegal judgment. Noise cameras have already Trevor Cox, a professor of acoustic noise pollution goes a long way and it
Grant Shapps, the transport secre- noisy vehicles. It’s time we clamp down been installed by the council in Ken- engineering at the University of Sal- does disturb a lot of people. So, I
tary, will announce today that acoustic on this nuisance, banish the boy racer sington and Chelsea, Britain’s richest ford, welcomed measures that reduced wouldn’t say it’s a useless measure —
cameras to detect when cars, motor- and restore peace and quiet to local borough, where supercars are often noise nuisance but said most of the but it’s not tackling the main problem.”
bikes and other vehicles are breaking streets. driven late at night. The devices caught damage to health was linked to chronic In England, the annual social cost of
legal noise limits will be installed in four “We want those in Britain’s noisiest almost 10,000 cars between last June traffic noise, rather than one-off events. urban road noise was estimated to be up
areas of England and Wales. A search streets, who are kept up at night by and February, with 289 above 100 The noise detectors “could help with to £10 billion a decade ago, according to
will be held to find the noisiest streets unbearable revving engines and noisy decibels. A Lamborghini hit 112.9 deci- occasional sleep disturbance caused by the government. The figure represents
that will most benefit from pilot exhausts, to come forward with the bels, louder than a crowd at a football particularly noisy vehicles, but this is a the total economic cost of exposure to
schemes this summer. help of volunteer areas to test and per- match. very small percentage of the problem noise pollution, including lost produc-
The cameras record the vehicle’s fect the latest innovative technology.” Noise pollution can affect physical that traffic noise creates,” he said. tivity from sleep disturbance and
noise level and capture its registration, The Department for Transport has and mental health. Research from Im- Most health problems came from health costs from heart attacks, strokes
providing evidence that could be used been working on the technology, in- perial College London has found that living next to busy roads, he added. “For and dementia.

Craig swaps West Side. There’s even a chatty

prologue in which Michael Patrick
Thornton, arriving in his wheelchair,
warms up the audience like some laid-
his licence to back stand-up comic.
But the playfulness doesn’t disguise
the authentic aura of menace. Actors
kill for thrill use smoke machines and torches to
summon up barren landscapes, while
Jane Cox’s bravura lighting sometimes

of the boards casts Craig in a haunting silhouette.

Gaelynn Lea’s Celtic-flavoured music
adds to the ghostly atmosphere.
The killing of Duncan (given a
Theatre Clive Davis touch of antic senility by Paul Lazar) is
brutal. Blood spurts across the stage
when the two guards are dispatched
Macbeth on Broadway afterwards. We also glimpse Craig’s
masked face when Lady Macduff and
Longacre Theatre, New York her daughter are murdered. The fight
HHHHI with Macduff (Grantham Coleman)
finds both men floundering, exhausted
and bloodied. At the very end, the cast
If theatre needs someone to drum up slump in a communal line to sit and
publicity, who could be better than the sup, as if they have just passed through
former James Bond? As you’d expect, some mystic ritual.
top prices for Daniel Craig’s 15-week Over the course of nearly two and a
run are absurdly expensive (the best half hours there are bound to be some
seats are going for up to $500) unwelcome distractions. Gold keeps
although a thousand free tickets are the Porter scene in, and has him
set aside for high school and college played by the recently murdered
students. More to the point, Craig’s Duncan, who rises from his bed,
decision to take on the play sends out removes his gore-stained fake belly
the signal that the stage is still where and stands inside of the lowered stage
it’s at, assuming you can afford to go. curtain, chatting away like some
Sam Gold, the director, gives us an ancient vaudevillean. The doubling of
irrepressibly imaginative modern- roles, especially in this stripped-down
dress production that is constantly setting, is occasionally confusing too.
pushing the envelope. If the ensemble But it doesn’t matter in the end: this is
verse-speaking is relaxed, Craig’s king a sleepless realm where faces and
is slightly stiff, a tad self-conscious in Daniel Craig plays Shakespeare’s murderous thane as stiff, self-conscious and very English, impressing with sheer physicality illusions blur into one another.
his speech and very English. He’s The play is no preening star vehicle.
dressed smart-casual. His soliloquies It’s striking how much more presence. There’s no mistaking the excellent) and the young witches, It’s Craig’s name that will attract the
are blunt expressions of manhood and musicality and passion is to be found couple’s physical bond. Toppling on to stirring pots at a table on one side of crowds but he deserves praise for
ambition. This Macbeth impresses in the flowing Irish accent of his a sofa, they seem ready to rut. the starkly furnished stage, are a dead putting himself to the test in such a
with sheer physical power rather queen, superbly played by Ruth Negga. There’s lots to annoy traditionalists. ringer for the hipsters who serve over- gifted group of players.
than poetry. Petite and feline, she is a magnetic Banquo is a woman (Amber Gray is priced artisan coffee on the Upper To July 10, macbethbroadway.com

Rylance mesmerises in one of the best plays you will ever see
Theatre Dominic Maxwell sort of Chekhovian The sharp juxtapositions start corrupter of local youth and full-time earth, trees, live animals and bric-a-
tragicomedy in which straight away: an angelic teenager force of nature. brac dotted around feel like evidence
characters in one location (Eleanor Worthington-Cox) sings It’s an ensemble piece, full of of a life lived, and not to be let go
Jerusalem chat over the course of a day an exquisite a cappella rendition outsiders of all ages who come to lightly. He remains an ambiguous
— St George’s Day in the of the hymn Jerusalem that is Rooster looking for more: more fun, hero: would you want him near your
Apollo Theatre, W1 fictional village of Flintock in drowned out by a techno more focus, more freedom, more home, your children? And yet the key
HHHHH this instance — until, whoops- knees-up at the rusty drugs (Gerard Horan’s publican line comes as he spits at the council
a-daisy, the story is done caravan in the woods particularly). Yet it’s driven by a star officers, “What the f*** do you think
and everyone’s lives are of Johnny “Rooster” turn as great as anything you will an English forest is for?” and he
There is something magical going on changed for ever. Only Byron (Rylance). ever see. Rylance holds court and might as well be saying, what do they
in the Wiltshire woods as Jez Butterworth and his Today is the day growls, bullshits and bamboozles like think life is for? Not, surely, just for
Butterworth’s modern masterpiece reunited team (the the council is a man who won’t be contained by rules and regs.
returns in all its ragged glory. First director Ian Rickson, evicting this anyone else’s expectations. His Written long before Brexit,
seen in 2009, often fêted (including in the designer Ultz, and motorcycle morning regimen of hangover cures Jerusalem nails an English bloody-
The Times) as the play of the century, a fine cast, including daredevil and handstands in his water trough is mindedness, a need to be free.
with a larger-than-life lead turn by an excellent turned ruffian, pure music hall. And yet Rylance Rooster is too rich a character to be
Mark Rylance, its pricey, all-but-sold- Mackenzie Crook small-time makes all this extravagance feel flesh merely emblematic, though. He ends
out comeback begs to be cut down to and some of the drug-dealer, and blood. Now in his early sixties, he up hobbled, his situation hopeless, his
size. No show can be that good, can other original actors) part-time remains an imposing figure in his vest desires undimmed. And Rylance is
it? has found a way to and facial hair but also, this time, a mesmerising. It’s not the neatest play
Well, in its garrulous, unkempt, make that format Mark Rylance more paternal figure. you’ll ever see, but it is one of the best
warm-blooded way, it can. A vivid rather than returns as Rooster’s wild nature dictates the plays you’ll ever see.
thousand playwrights try to write the meandering. “Rooster” Byron shape of the show. Its realistic set of To Aug 7, jerusalemtheplay.co.uk
8 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
News Politics

It’s so stupid. He’s a good person,

Sue Parish says that commonplace. “If you were mad with

there are very few

every man who looked at pornography,
I think there would be very few men in
the world who have not had their wives
Ex-farmer
men who haven’t going on at them.
looked at pornography, “I don’t understand [the attraction of]
it. I’m a woman. Hence why the women
were so cross. It’s degrading. It’s
who had
Jack Malvern writes
Neil Parish was holding back tears as he
demeaning. But on the other hand it
takes two to tango. There must be
women posing for all this.”
big political
told his wife the bad news. “I’m sorry
you’ve married a f***ing idiot,” he said.
The MP for Tiverton & Honiton had
A chorister in the local choir, she said
that she worked for her husband two
days a week but was unsure for how
ambitions
left Sue, his partner of 40 years, at much longer that would continue. “I Profile
lunchtime without letting on that worked [there]. I suspect it’s in the past

O
allegations already circulating about an tense.” n Wednesday afternoon,
MP looking at pornography while in She suggested that their marriage after prime minister’s
parliament were about him. was strong enough to withstand the questions, Neil Parish
By the time he returned at about row, even if his career may not be. went for lunch with Sue,
5.30pm, she knew. She was speaking to “I think it would be a bit stupid [to let his wife of 40 years, in
a local reporter as her husband arrived. it come between us]. As I say, I’m fairly one of parliament’s many canteens
The mother of their two children tough. You’ve got to carry on, haven’t (Henry Zeffman writes).
recalled hearing the news that he had you? Where that leaves [his career] . . . Hours beforehand it had emerged
reported himself to the Parliamentary What’s going to happen? I’ve got no that a Conservative MP stood
Commissioner for Standards from the idea. It depends on what Chris Heaton- accused of watching pornography in
local BBC reporter. Harris [the Tory chief whip] says, I the House of Commons chamber
“It was all very embarrassing,” she suppose. I don’t think it’s going to carry and in a committee hearing.
said in the sitting room of their farm- on, is it? It’s so stupid. He’s such a good If Parish suspected that he might
house in Somerset. “My breath was MP. He’s such a good person.” be the MP in question, he gave little
taken away, frankly.” As she was speaking, a spokesman for indication of it at lunch, when
Asked if she was aware of her Heaton-Harris announced that Parish witnesses said he seemed unruffled
husband having done anything similar has been suspended from the Conserv- as he joked with colleagues in the
before, she said: “No. He’s quite a ative whip. queue for the Thai beef stir fry.
normal guy, really. He’s a lovely person. Parish said that he would continue to Nor was there any hint of Parish
It’s just so stupid.” serve his constituents and conduct being implicated in the scandal
Parish said that he had wanted to tell surgeries, even though the whip had later that day when he appeared on
his wife earlier but had been stuck at his been withdrawn. He has served as MP GB News. Asked if the porn claims
constituency surgery in Honiton and for the area since being elected in 2010 revealed a deeper cultural problem
his telephone battery went flat. He was and his most senior appointment was as in parliament, Parish replied: “If
then stuck in traffic on the M5. chairman of the environment commit- you’ve got 650 MPs in what is a
His official line is that he is referring tee. very intense area, you are going to
himself to the Parliamentary Commis- On his website, he describes his get people that step over the line. I
sioner for Standards and that he will co- support for charities such as the Guide don’t think there’s necessarily a
operate fully, but speaking outside his Dogs for the Blind Association. huge culture here but it does have
home he was apologetic. Earlier this week, Parish gave a to be dealt with and dealt with
“It was a complete mistake and I will television interview in which he said seriously. And I think that’s what
man up to it as they say. My main the whips’ office would undertake a the whips will do.”
concern at the moment is my very “thorough investigation” into the then Yesterday Parish’s prediction
supportive wife,” the MP said. unknown MP accused of watching came true and he was suspended by
He said that he had “no recollection” porn and said “we will wait and see that Chris Heaton-Harris, the
about the kind of pornography he had result”. government chief whip. He now
been watching and declined to Appearing on GB News, he was asked finds himself facing investigation by
comment on how many occasions he whether the accused should have the parliament’s sleaze watchdog.
had viewed it while in parliament. whip removed. The opprobrium now being
His wife said that she felt cross about He said: “I think the whips’ office will rained on Parish is his biggest brush
him looking at pornography and that do a thorough investigation and we will with fame in his 12 years in the
she understood why other women wait and see that result and I think you House of Commons.
would too. “People shouldn’t be looking know, from that, then the decision will The former farmer, 65, has
at pornography. He would never just sit have to be made.” focused determinedly on
there with people looking. He would Asked whether there was a cultural environmental issues since being
never just do that knowing [people problem in Westminster, Parish said elected for the safe Conservative
were looking]. These ladies were quite parliament was a “very intense” area. seat of Tiverton and Honiton in
right to be as cross as they were because “I mean, you are going to get people Devon in 2010.

Q& A
I was cross, too.” that step over the line,” he said. Weeks after coming to
The allegations first emerged earlier “I don’t think there’s necessarily a Westminster, Parish joined the the MP referred himself What are the
this week when two female Tory MPs huge culture here, but I think it does environment, food and rural affairs to the Commons sanctions?
said during a meeting of the 2022 group, have to be dealt with and dealt with se- select committee. If his interests in standards If Stone considers an
which aims to increase gender equality riously and I think, you know, that’s agriculture were not clear enough, commissioner. Heaton- offence requires more
in the party, that they had seen a what the whips will do in our he also became chairman of the all- Harris then made than an apology she
male colleague ue watching whips’ office.” party parliamentary group (APPG) What is Neil Parish Parish’s name public. will refer her findings to
pornography — both in Outside his house on animal welfare, and established accused of doing? the standards
the Commonss and yesterday
yesterday, the MP’s APPGs on beef and lamb, eggs, pigs Two female Tory MPs What is the committee, which can
during a labrado
labrador, Kitty, and poultry and dairy. said that they had seen independent recommend an MP be
committee hear- ar- sniffe
sniffed at In 2015 he was elected unopposed a Conservative MP complaints and suspended. This
ing. repo
reporters as as the select committee’s chairman, watching pornography grievance scheme? requires a Commons
“I’ve just no her owner a role he has held ever since, a on his phone in the It was set up in 2018 to vote. The expert panel
idea what sp
spoke to the period in which Brexit — which Commons chamber. create some semblance can also recommend
happens in pr
press. Parish opposed — meant that of a formal HR suspension.
these cir- Parish environmental issues rose up the What did the party do procedure for MPs,
cumstances,” to of his
told agenda. before yesterday? peers and their staff. Would Parish keep his
Sue Parish re
regrets as However, friends say that Parish Chris Heaton-Harris, the seat?
said yester- he stood on had initially hoped for more from chief whip, asked the How do the scheme’s The expert panel and
day. “I don’t th lawn by
the his parliamentary career. While female witnesses to inquiries work? standards committee
know whether his orchard. new to Westminster in 2010, he had refer the man to Investigators will report can each recommend
it’s ever hap- p- “I have an spent a decade as a member of the parliament’s to Kathryn Stone, the expulsion of an MP but
pened before.” apolo
apology to European Parliament, including independent parliamentary this last happened in
She said that she m ake but I will
make chairing its committee on complaints and commissioner for 1947. If a suspension of
did not understandrstand await th
the findings agriculture. “He was convinced he’d grievance scheme. standards. She can ask more than ten days is
the attraction of porno- of the standards come here and be farming minister an MP to apologise or imposed, an MP will
graphy but knew w that it was b oard,” he said. “I will co-
board,” immediately,” one source said. “He What happened refer a complaint to the face a recall petition. A
operate fully with it and
a then be didn’t really understand that you yesterday? Commons expert panel by-election is triggered
Sue Parish said she felt cross with her answerable to parliament.”
parliament ” had to do your time.” Heaton-Harris for more formal if more than 10 per cent
husband Neil for looking at Watching porn in public should be illegal, Rebelling against the government confronted Parish and sanctions. of constituents sign.
pornography and could understand Janice Turner, page 29 to vote for a referendum on Britain’s
why other women would be too Our Week, page 40
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 2GM 9

News
News

wife insists Tory party is run like an

Neil Parish is the
chairman of the
environment, food
and rural affairs
old boys club, claims MP
select committee Steven Swinford Political Editor their experiences. Anne-Marie Trevel- Tory watching porn. She added that
yan, the trade secretary, said a male MP Chris Heaton-Harris, the chief whip,
The Conservative Party is institution- pinned her “against a wall” and made was at the meeting.
ally sexist, a senior Tory MP has said as sexual advances. She said she had been She suggested that the Tory party
she revealed she has been subject to at the “sharp end” of misogyny from had suffered because it had not had a
misogynistic smears and poisonous colleagues “many times over”. Male female whip. An MP at the meeting told
briefings for speaking out. MPs should behave as if their daughter of her difficulty to get slipped, or
Caroline Nokes, the chairwoman of were in the room, she added. excused from attending a vote, while
the women and equalities committee, Nokes said the Conservative Party she was breastfeeding.
said there was a culture of “male enti- had to recognise that it had a problem. “I’ve no doubt the chief would hit
tlement” in the party. Nokes said she “I know that male colleagues have back and say that the purpose of the
had long been subject to “misogynistic been wandering the corridors of West- whips office is to make sure that the
nicknames and smears” from col- minster blaming me for leaking it, government’s business is secured,”
leagues and suggested that the party blaming me for speaking out as if this is Nokes said. “But you won’t secure the
was like an “old boys club”. something that would best be brushed government’s business long term if you
She told The Times: “I am as tough as under the carpet,” she said. “By speak- lose the goodwill of colleagues and if
they come. I genuinely do not care ing out we will be attacked. I absolutely you aren’t supporting new parents.”
when pathetic little men who want to think there is an institutional She said women in parliament faced
make themselves feel more important issue that needs to be constant “micro-aggression”. She told
. . . choose to use misogynistic nick- addressed. It is institutional how a colleague was compared to a
names and smears to damage me. sexism and many don’t prostitute for wearing a leather skirt.
“The thing that worries me is that it recognise it as a problem. She said: “These are micro-aggres-
would hurt, upset and damage a less “There’s a sense of sions. If you were to take them as indi-
robust individual. If it’s OK to women in parliament vidual incidents they don’t sound that
have a crack at me, the logic being tolerated rather big a deal. But when you start rolling
would be it’s also OK to level that than valued. There are them together the behaviour towards
smear and hideous belittling at women in the party female MPs is an ongoing problem.”
other colleagues.” who have amazing at- Analysis by Times Radio has found
Nokes said she had been tributes which get the Conservatives have put forward
briefed against for speaking ignored. It still very only eight female ministers for the
out after two women told a much feels like it’s run morning broadcast rounds since the
meeting of the 2022 group, by an old boys club.” start of the year. In the same period the
which campaigns for gender Nokes said that party has sent out 85 men.
equality in the Conservative women at the meet- Labour, by contrast, has put forward
Party, that they had seen a ing were horrified to 49 men and 45 women.
Tory MP watching porno- hear claims of the Several senior Tories — Priti Patel,
graphy on his phone in the the home secretary, Nadine Dorries,
Commons. Caroline Nokes said the culture secretary, and Suella Brav-
A succession of senior Tory she had been given erman, the attorney-general — have
women have spoken out about sexist nicknames not been offered for interview once.

Extreme porn on the Tube to work

Chris Smyth Whitehall Editor Bethell added, pointing out that fellow
Ban an ‘overreaction’ passengers had not intervened. “Lots of
A Tory peer said he intervened to stop people were seeing him doing it and just
a man watching “abusive, disgusting” Government insiders have thought it was like watching drama, but
pornography on the London Under- dismissed calls for a law banning watching pornography is not like
ground at 8am and urged the govern- the viewing of pornography in watching drama. It is a sexual act. And
ment to limit access to explicit material. public places as an overreaction the material itself is often extremely
Lord Bethell of Romford said that he (Matt Dathan writes). abusive.”
was “blown away” that the man seemed As the law stands it is not illegal Parliament is considering a bill which
surprised to be told he was doing to watch pornography in public the government argues will protect
anything wrong by watching hardcore unless doing so includes another children and vulnerable adults by
material in public. crime, such as causing a cracking down on illegal material. It
He said that ministers should consid- disturbance or harassing someone. also requires companies to have
er restricting pornography in its Online There are no plans to outlaw policies to deal with content that
Safety Bill, arguing that increasing people watching pornography in ministers judge “legal but harmful”.
EU membership in 2011 helped to with those of Heaton-Harris, the numbers of men were “ruining their public despite a crackdown on Bethell said the bill should consider
snuff out chances of rapid elevation, man who suspended him yesterday lives” through porn addiction. doing so in other settings. tightening rules on pornography. “We
although in 2014 he was appointed a and was the chief whip of the Tories Bethell, a former health minister, The Online Safety Bill will require really need to think very carefully
parliamentary private secretary, or in the European parliament. said that he was on his morning com- social media companies to ensure about access to this,” he said.
junior aide, to John Hayes, then a Parish’s political career began in mute on the Tube and saw a man two that no child on their platforms is “Online material is extremely addic-
junior transport minister. 1983, when he was elected a seats away who was “clearly watching exposed to pornography. tive. And a lot of people’s lives I think
Parish wielded significant councillor on Sedgemoor district pornography in front of everyone, New laws will also criminalise are being ruined, because they are
influence in Brussels, where he was council in Somerset. From 1989 to including a lot of school children”. people for so-called revenge porn, going down a path of addiction that is
at one point the only British 1995, he was the council’s deputy He told Today on BBC Radio 4: “I which has been used by jilted lovers going to damage their personal rela-
committee chairman. Contrary to leader and from 1989-93, he also sat leant over to him and said, ‘Excuse me, to seek retribution against former tionships . . . we need to look at this
his low profile in Westminster, on Somerset county council. mate, that’s really not cool.’ And we had partners by distributing or much, much more closely.”
Parish was seen as an enthusiastic Parish had left school at 16 to an exchange and he put his phone away. publishing nude footage of them. Paula Hall, a relationship therapist,
self-promoter in Brussels. work on the family farm until his And I was just blown away by this There is nothing in the legislation said that porn addiction was “getting
After it was claimed that MEPs political career began. Friends said moment, that he had no sense of or the government’s strategy to worse and worse and undoubtedly
produced 190,000 tonnes of carbon the claim would hit Sue especially boundaries about what he was doing. combat violence against women that’s because of technology”. She told
dioxide by decamping monthly to hard. They have a son, Jonathan, He’d lost all sense of what was and girls that seeks to stop people Today that “the more somebody gets
Strasbourg, Parish drove a hybrid and a daughter, Harriet, and two appropriate and inappropriate.” watching pornography on trains, caught up in the addictive compulsive
car there to campaign against the grandchildren. “They’re always seen Bethell said that he “wondered how buses or other public places. behaviours, the worse impulse control
Strasbourg sitting. When the together around parliament and at someone could be so unwell, and so In 2018, the women’s and becomes . . . we know that the part of the
government refused to launch an events,” a source said. addicted to that material that they got equalities committee called on the brain that’s responsible for impulse
inquiry into the foot-and-mouth Sue, a former teacher, is to that place” and argued that a report- government to impose a ban. control actually becomes weaker and
outbreak, Parish, despite significant employed as a secretary by Parish. ed rise in people watching pornography Margot James, who was the digital weaker as the pathways for addiction
opposition, set up a temporary In his maiden speech in 2010, in public was a symptom of the “mental minister, said she would consider it, become stronger and stronger”.
committee in the European Parish said: “I want to pay a quick health crisis in this country”. but along with other proposed laws There is often a “psychological lack
parliament to investigate instead. tribute to my wife, who is sitting up There are increasing numbers of it was shelved because of the of self-awareness”, she said. “I can
David Miliband, then Tony Blair’s in the gallery. Not only do I pay men who are “getting a sexual hit from parliamentary stalemate caused by imagine that man on the Tube just
environment secretary, is said to tribute to the fact that she has put watching pornography, and who have arguments over Brexit. thinking ‘Oh, gosh, yes, I suppose it is
have labelled Parish a rottweiler. up with me for almost 30 years, but become addicted to this horrible A government source said that inappropriate, isn’t it?’ And it just not
In a historical quirk, Parish’s ten I thank her for helping me through disgusting content and simply don’t there were no plans to revive the having crossed his mind that it is
years in Brussels, which came to an my political career, and I hope that know how to stop,” he said. idea. “It would be a rather knee jerk inappropriate, because so often with
end in 2009, overlapped exactly that will continue.” The ubiquity of pornography created response,” the source said. addictive behaviours, it just becomes
a “danger that it’s become normalised”, habitual, it just becomes what you do.”
10 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
News Politics

It’s grim down south for Johnson FINNBARR WEBSTER/GETTY IMAGES

Resurgent Lib Dems

and Jeremy Hunt are
among the local
election threats, write
Oliver Wright, Chris
Smyth, Steven Swinford
and Henry Zeffman
Last Saturday evening, somewhat
jet-lagged from his overnight flight
back from Delhi, Boris Johnson logged
on to a Zoom call from Chequers with
more than 80 of his MPs.
For the prime minister, who had
spent the previous 48 hours 4,000 miles
away, where he was still dogged by the
Downing Street parties scandal, the
meeting was something of a tonic.
In an hour-long discussion about the
local elections no one raised the scan-
dal directly with Johnson and the only
mention came from an MP who re-
assured him that they’d spent the
whole day campaigning and it had not
been raised on the doorstep even once.
“The mood was very upbeat,” an ally
of the prime minister said. “What we’re
hearing on the ground is very different
from all the noise in Westminster.”
Yet the noise in Westminster is hard
to ignore. In private MPs say that
although the party’s vote in Thursday’s
local elections is holding up in the
north and Midlands, the picture is
much grimmer in the southern heart- Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, on the campaign trail in Hampshire this week. His party’s resurgence in the south has the prime minister’s allies worried
lands. They expect to lose hundreds of

Q&A
councillors amid a resurgent threat er said: “The parliamentary party has
from the Liberal Democrats. directly elected mayors face an especially intense whether Conservative MPs moved into full campaign mode. There
Downing Street is privately bracing being chosen, in South backlash. leave Johnson in place as are several candidates asking for my
itself for new calls for the prime minis- Yorkshire, Croydon, The key comparison for their leader. support. The One Nationers are all be-
ter’s resignation after the polls close, Hackney, Lewisham, Johnson is not necessarily Conversely, Sir Keir hind Jeremy Hunt and as soon as the
with Jeremy Hunt, the former foreign Newham, Tower Hamlets when the seats were last Starmer must demonstrate results are in it will come into the open.”
secretary, said to be “on manoeuvres”. When are the local and Watford. contested, in 2018, or even to the Labour Party that its Another added: “Jeremy is the only
A senior minister loyal to Johnson elections? the 2019 general election — relatively positive polling serious candidate who hasn’t been
said: “Hunt hasn’t been very subtle. We On Thursday. The elections What will be a good result but the 2021 local elections, does indeed mean that tarnished by being in this government.”
know exactly what he’s up to.” being contested vary for the main parties? when the Conservatives some of the voters who Critics of Johnson play down the idea
MPs say the root of Johnson’s prob- depending on where you It can be difficult to impose were far ahead of Labour in abandoned the party in that only a “bloodbath” will prompt
lems is the coalition that gave him an live. There are 146 councils a national narrative on the national share of the recent years are returning action. A senior MP said: “I have had
80-seat majority in 2019 is beginning to in England holding elections results that are often highly vote and did especially well to the fold under his several people say they are waiting until
fracture. In the so-called red wall seats — unitary, metropolitan, localised. in places where they had leadership. after the local elections [to move
the Downing Street parties scandal has county, district and London That said, this will be the previously not had much of However, Labour against Johnson] but none saying they
boroughs. In some places first real opportunity to test a foothold. That showed strategists are concerned are waiting for the result.”
only one third of council whether the Downing Street that the red wall that expectations are sky- This Johnson critic acknowledged,
seats are being contested. parties have hurt the realignment process did high. Although they hope to however, that there “isn’t a central
In London, however, every Conservatives at the ballot not end in 2019. stride ahead of the guiding mind” co-ordinating efforts to
councillor in each of the box. Tory campaigners are However, if the Conservatives in vote share, oust the prime minister. “People are
32 boroughs is up for especially worried that the Conservatives go they do not believe that talking about it in the bubbles of people
election. announcement that Boris significantly backwards, they are likely to gain a they trust, although people whose
In Scotland and Wales Johnson and Rishi Sunak some in the party will draw large number of councillors views are not known do not want to talk
every council seat is being had been fined by the the conclusion that — which would risk the about it with people they do not trust.”
contested. In Northern Metropolitan Police came Johnson’s unique appeal story being that Starmer is One discontented member of the
Ireland the assembly’s just as postal votes were has been extinguished. The not making as much 2019 intake said that “even people with
90 seats are up for grabs. beginning to be delivered, results will therefore play a progress as his supporters majorities in five figures in Lib Dem-
Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson have There are also seven meaning that they might big role in determining would wish. facing seats are getting twitchy, which is
been tarnished by the parties scandal why they are talking up Jeremy Hunt
for leader because they think he’ll win
begun to recede as an issue and by and drive the more they care about party- ers at party headquarters yesterday, of Somerset, Labour are contesting them their seats”.
large the government is not getting the gate,” a minister said. officials played down prospects of a only 45 of the 110 seats available, The member added: “I do feel there is
blame for the rising cost of living. Campaigners are trying to distance successful night. After a slideshow on whereas the Lib Dems are going head to a groundswell now [against Johnson].
“People are still giving us the benefit themselves from the centre — concen- key battlegrounds, an official told the head with the Tories for almost all the The mood really changed last week as it
of the doubt,” one MP said. “They still trating on local issues — with varying advisers: “If you could design a battle- wards. In Cheltenham, where the became apparent that the party is not
like Boris and insofar as partygate degrees of success. Yet several southern ground that’s as good as possible for Tories hold the parliamentary seat with prepared to put themselves on the
comes up at all it is in the context of MPs sense a broader change in the Labour, it would be this.” a majority of only 981, Labour are con- record behind him. It needs bringing to
politicians being all the same.” political weather in their local patches, A source said: “Expectation manage- testing only 38 per cent of the seats. a head, so if it’s not after these results it
It is a very different picture in places with the re-emergence of the Liberal ment was the order of the day.” The fear among Johnson supporters will be after another fine.”
such as Wokingham, St Albans and Democrats as an electoral force after Tory problems have been com- is that such informal pacts will magnify Yet with Johnson determined to fight
Cheltenham, where Tory campaigners seven years in the wilderness and a pounded by what strategists see as a Conservative losses and increase polit- on, his supporters believe that the
are meeting a hostile reception. Labour Party without the millstone of pact by the two main opposition parties ical pressure on him if the results are rebellion can be seen off, not least
A cabinet minister who has been can- Jeremy Corbyn around its neck. to stand aside in favour of each other worse than expected. Bad results in the because there is no obvious successor.
vassing said Johnson “electrifies” voters “The glue that held the 2019 coalition where they have relative strengths. south, which still count for the majority “We know there will be people out on
in red wall seats but was far less popular together was Jeremy Corbyn,” a new Among the councils in the north of Tory seats, will unnerve many MPs Friday trying to destabilise the boss,”
among middle-class voters in the Tory MP said. “Now for Remainer where the Lib Dems are not putting up and make them question again whether one confidant said. “But we know who
southeast. “He faces questions of sub- Tories it’s not there. On middle-class a complete slate of candidates is Johnson is the right leader. they are and what they’re trying to do.
stance,” the minister said. “Keeping that doorsteps I am having to talk people Hartlepool, which returned a Tory MP As one red wall MP put it: “There are They’re contained — the vast majority
coalition [of seats in the red wall and the round.” Although council candidates for the first time last year. It is a similar a number of my colleagues in the south of MPs are on side.”
southeast] is going to be very difficult.” emphasise local issues, another MP story in Bury, where 51 council seats are who would be prepared to sacrifice a Others in the prime minister’s circle,
Here the parties scandal is still an joked: “The problem with the ‘bins not up for election. The Tories and Labour majority of 80 for a majority of 10 in however, are not so sure.
overriding issue, often among tradi- Boris’ argument is that Labour is going are again fielding an almost full com- their own image.” “I keep being told the rebels are just
tional Tory voters on whom the party to make it ‘do you trust Boris to empty plement but the Lib Dems have put in There is evidence in Westminster the usual suspects,” a senior govern-
used to be able to rely at election time. your bins?’” nomination papers for only 15 wards. that Johnson’s enemies are plotting for ment figure said. “Well there’s a lot of
“The rule is that the longer the gravel At a briefing for Conservative advis- Yet in the former Lib Dem heartland such a scenario. One senior backbench- usual suspects about.”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 11

News
Women scarred for life by unregulated facial ‘thread lifts’
Charlotte Wace Face, a national register of accredited “thread face lift” treatment to “freshen” added. “That was the worst part of it.”
practitioners who campaign for her look as she approached her 50th In England, providers offering thread
Increasing numbers of women are improved safety standards, complaints birthday. “I had seen it all over Insta- lifts carried out by healthcare profes-
reporting botched “thread lifts”, a about thread lift treatments rose to 213 gram and it just looked very straightfor- sionals must be registered with the
treatment popular with celebrities and last year, compared with 74 in 2020. ward,” she said. Care Quality Commission (CQC),
influencers. The organisation typically sees Five months later she was having which deems it a surgical procedure.
The procedure, which has been nick- victims fall into two groups. Older surgery under general anaesthetic to This does not apply for non-medics,
named the “lunchtime facelift”, women over 40 usually opt for “thread remove the threads and swathes of who can carry out the treatment
involves different types of threads used face lifts” to appear younger, while infected tissue from her face. The scars without regulation.
to lift any part of the face. women between 18 and 30 tend to are likely to remain for life. Dr Cormac Convery, a cosmetic doc-
The two main types are made of choose “fox eye lifts” in a bid for Neyland, from Swansea, who has tor who is also vice-chairman of the
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) or polydioxan- almond-shaped eyes. been supported by Save Face over the Complications in Medical Aesthetics
one (PDO) and may be smooth or have Experts are particularly concerned The actress Eva Mendes posted a last year, booked with what she thought Collaborative, said: “It is not a lunch-
barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to about a lack of restriction that allows picture of the procedure on Instagram was a reputable practitioner. After the time thing at all. It’s a mini-surgical pro-
reposition tissue. non-medics to carry it out following treatment, the right side of her face was cedure that has significant risks and
Sarah, Duchess of York, is said to training courses lasting only a day. faces” or occlusions, when blood flow is painful and swollen. Distressing boils problems that can be quite enduring.”
have had a form of the treatment, as Ashton Collins, director of Save Face, blocked. Threads that have been insert- formed within a month. The government says it intends to
have the actress Eva Mendes and the said it was a “frustration” that there had ed into women’s faces incorrectly are At one point she ended up in accident introduce a licensing regime for non-
make-up artist Huda Kattan. Goop, the been so little focus on the dangers. Her very difficult to remove without sur- and emergency, where “they just said surgical cosmetic procedures such as
lifestyle site founded by the actress organisation has seen “some horren- gery, leaving some women “perma- ‘we don’t know anything about this’ and Botox and fillers. A Department of
Gwyneth Paltrow, has endorsed thread dous complications” with “infections nently disfigured and scarred for life”. sent me home”, she recalled. “Because Health and Social Care spokesman said
lifts in the past. But according to Save that have been deep-rooted in people’s Samantha Neyland opted for a it’s on your face, you can’t hide it,” she this “aims” to include cogs and threads.

KRIS MEADEN/APEX

Farewell, old timer

Gallant, a tall ship
launched in 1916,
passing St Michael’s
Mount off Cornwall

Grieving families to sue the Priory company last summer warning of coroner, criticised staff for not search- menting previous threats of suicide, He was assessed several times by the
Katie Tarrant, Billy Kenber
action unless there were “rapid ing his room more thoroughly. She failing to give therapy and discharging Priory as high risk overall but with low
The families of three patients who died improvements” to its services. concluded that neglect had contributed him when he was a risk to himself and risk of suicide and self-harm. This was
at mental health hospitals run by the At least 30 Priory patients have died to his death. the family. despite records from his first week that
Priory Group are taking legal action over the past decade in cases where the Bower said the hospital, which has Khan’s brother Murt said: “In this he expressed a wish for “everything to
over the company’s alleged failure to company was criticised for its care. The twice been placed in special measures, kind of establishment, when there’s so be over”.
care for their loved ones. three families are taking legal action to was responsible for “one of the worst much money to be made, there’s not a His family believe he should never
Gary Mavin, 54, a father of three, hold the Priory accountable for failing examples of care provided to a vulnera- real personal touch. It’s all about have been allowed out. They claim that
Mustafa Khan, 40, a racehorse owner, to look after their loved ones. ble, mentally ill patient”. money-making: one in, one out.” he was high risk and should have been
and Benedict Thomas, 53, a landlord Deborah Coles, of Inquest, a charity An inspection by the care regulator The Priory said Khan’s consultant sectioned under the Mental Health Act
and father of four, died while being that supports bereaved families, said: six months later found no action had psychiatrist was responsible for his to restrict his movement.
treated at three Priory hospitals. “It’s like David and Goliath, fighting the been taken to reduce ligature risks. care. He denied that he had breached The Priory denied breaching its duty
The legal actions follow the Priory’s might of the Priory Group to expose the Lea Mavin, the patient’s wife, said: “It his duty in any way. of care over Thomas’s death. Robert
settlement of a lawsuit brought by the failings, in the hope that they’ll stop it feels like utter contempt and disrespect Jane Thomas left her husband Sowersby, the assistant coroner for
family of Stephen Bantoft, a millionaire happening to somebody else.” for not only Gary but for all of the Benedict at the Priory Hospital Bristol Avon, did not criticise the company and
businessman. Bantoft, 49, killed Mavin had no history of mental family, that six months later they still in November 2017. Five weeks later he concluded the incident “was one of
himself within hours of arriving at one health trouble until illness prompted hadn’t bothered to rectify these risks.” was dead. “I gave them my husband those awful tragic events”.
of its clinics in December 2015. bouts of depression. He hanged himself The case is at the pre-action stage but who was really ill and he never came The Priory said it could not comment
The Priory Group, the UK’s largest using a known ligature risk point three two other families have sued the Priory. back,” she said. on active legal cases. It added that it
private provider of mental healthcare, weeks after being admitted to Priory Khan’s relatives have filed a lawsuit Thomas left the hospital on “takes all patient complaints and claims
which earns 90 per cent of its revenues Hospital Arnold in Nottinghamshire. after he was discharged from the Priory unaccompanied leave on January 2, seriously and takes every opportunity
from contracts with the NHS and local Despite being on staff observation Hospital North London as a “low” 2018. He was due back in six hours but to implement improvements”. It said
authorities, is facing growing scrutiny. every 15 minutes he used materials that suicide risk but was found hanged in stood for three hours on a train that since the NHS letter last summer it
The Times disclosed yesterday that had previously been confiscated. woodland three days later. They believe platform less than a mile from the unit. had “carried out a comprehensive
the NHS had sent a letter to the Laurinda Bower, the Nottingham the hospital failed him by not docu- He stepped into the path of a train. quality review of all our sites”.
12 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
News War in Ukraine

Scars of shelling are everywhere

The might of Russian Prapor, smiling at the popular soldier’s
euphemism. “But until that day comes
artillery is proving hard it goes like this, an artillery war, the
infantryman’s waiting game.”
RUSSI A
to withstand, the donbas battle Izyum
LU HA
HA
ANS K
Anthony The new battle for the Donbas began
ten days ago when Russia, having shift-
Loyd writes ed most of the 190,000 troops it had UK RAI N E
Popasna

in Pisky committed to the war eastwards, began

its assault along a heavily defended Donbas
DONETS
DON
N ET
ETS K

region Pisky Luhansk

sk
300-mile front with an intensifying
border
The soldiers could do little but huddle barrage of artillery and missile strikes.
in their bunkers and endure as the The front line is in perpetual action.
ground along their trench line lurched Daily bombardments of areas such as Russian-held Donetsk
territory 50 miles
to the tune of Russian artillery. By- Pisky, a suburb of Donetsk, are de-
standers in a battle they had yet to join, signed to probe the Ukrainian line for
their fate lay in the hands of an enemy weaknesses, kill soldiers and erode de-
working distant war machines far be- fences. In other areas of the Donbas,
yond the range of their rifles. such as the fronts south of Izyum and
It was Tuesday morning. The bom- west of Popasna, ferocious shelling has
bardment of the area around Pisky vil- supported Russian tank advances. Less
lage began soon after 6am and was in well-equipped Ukrainian forces have
full flow for five hours. A Russian jet been pushed back along exposed flat-
made two bombing runs early in the lands from eastern towns and villages.
attack. Russian tanks moved to a tree Their retreats along open ground have
line 750 metres across the open fields of taken a heavy toll of dead and wounded,
no man’s land and fired, sending blasts exacted by long-range Russian artillery.
of white-hot metal into the Ukrainian Each side has played down its casual-
trenches. Mortars thumped along the ties and exaggerated enemy losses but
line, and Grad rockets cratered the Ukrainian military officials speaking
Donbas fields and pitted the roads. on condition of anonymity told The
Something caught fire and thick Times that two brigades had been rav-
black smoke billowed upwards. Then aged by Russian bombardment in Don-
suddenly it was over. The wave of noise bas in just over a week. They stressed
lifted and moved elsewhere. Ukrainian that Russian losses were even higher.
soldiers emerged from their bunkers in- After accompanying a Ukrainian
to the sunlight and at least three team of military paramedics as they
wounded were rushed away in field am- picked up a soldier wounded in the back
bulances. None had fired a bullet. by shrapnel, one soldier referred to a
Last week two others from the unit single incident in which dozens of his
were killed in a similar barrage. The comrades had been killed when the vil-
platoon had been briefed not to discuss lage they were in was hit. They showed
casualties but when I asked about the me pictures of rows of bodybags in a
only soldier I knew there from a previ- field waiting to be collected. “One
ous visit, a marine NCO with a broken village, in one day,” the soldier said.
heart, they told me he was already dead. Far to the rear, Russian missiles have
“It’s shit to have to wait these attacks struck at Ukrainian logistical hubs,
out like this, in shelter, unable to fight transport routes and fuel depots.
back as we would like,” a 26-year-old Predicted by western and Ukrainian
senior sergeant known by the nom-de- officers to last months rather than
guerre Prapor said as he stared out to weeks, the battle is setting the shape of
the tree line. “We know we’ll get our the war. Russia aims to capture the
chance to fight, but right now it’s an ar- whole of two administrative areas, the
tillery war. The guys in the trenches oblasts of Donetsk and Luhansk, which again if it wishes to pursue the war to its back on a successful footing or bring ed”, as Lloyd Austin, the secretary of de-
don’t have much to do except hold the comprise Donbas. Part of the region strategic advantage. Neither can them to what is essentially a defeat.” fence, said in Poland on Monday, that it
line and suck it up until the day comes.” has been held by pro-Russian separa- Ukraine absorb the annihilation of its was incapable of further aggression. Liz
He shrugged as his soldiers peered tists since 2014. In doing so, the Rus- best and most experienced forces if it is a war redefined Truss, the foreign secretary, echoed this
over the trench lip. They all smelt the sians also hope to encircle and destroy to win back lost territory. As much as a clash of armies, the start on Wednesday, calling for a “doubling
same; a tomcat mix of soil, stale sweat, the 40,000 troops of the Joint Forces “Donbas is decisive in that a compre- of battle for Donbas has also allowed down” of military support for Ukraine
gun oil and cigarettes. A cat prowled Operation, the cream of the Ukrainian hensive Russian victory there wouldn’t Putin to redefine the war. The Russian to help it push Russia out of the country,
along the duckboards in search of rats; forces who have been defending the give them any need to stop. If the price president has moved the narrative of including Crimea, annexed in 2014.
spring flowers grew among blast-burnt area since the conflict began. of that victory was low, they may think “denazification” to a conflict pitched as With negotiations between the two
bushes; there were even some larks in If Russia captures the whole Donbas, they could take Odesa too, or even push an existential defence of Russia against sides effectively dead as the Donbas
the sky, trilling carelessly, though the along with their earlier seizure of the on to Transnistria to cut Ukraine off the West; a long-term armed struggle battle intensifies, the lifespan of the war
sound of the guns continued elsewhere. southeastern coastline, it would hail it from the Black Sea, which would be a likely to last months and possibly years. has been dramatically extended too. As
“We look forward to the day of the as a key victory. Defeat could have cata- huge price for Ukraine to pay,” said Gen- The US has redefined its aims too. It the attritional fight for territory takes
battle for Donbas when we will actually strophic consequences for either side. eral Sir Richard Barrons, the former now wants to help Ukraine retake terri- shape in the east, the notion that Russia
see our enemy face to face, so we can The Kremlin, having decisively lost the head of the UK’s Joint Forces Com- tory lost in 2014 and has broadened the could somehow achieve a quick, sym-
make them all ‘good Russians’,” said battle for Kyiv, cannot afford to lose mand. “Donbas could put the Russians US strategy to make Russia “so weaken- bolic win in time for its May 9 Victory

Johnson flagship ‘delays navy vessel’ Promotion for Briton who led
Larisa Brown Defence Editor longer an in-service date. The vessel,
which forms part of the MoD’s Arctic
The surveillance vessel is designed to
protect underwater communications
intelligence on Russian plans
Defence officials fear the cost of Boris Strategy, is expected to be built event- infrastructure in the Atlantic, reflecting
Johnson’s £250 million national ually, but behind schedule. A source growing concerns over the threat of Larisa Brown, Michael Evans team of 5,000 military personnel and
flagship is delaying plans for a surveil- said: “We’re buying a bauble to promote sabotage by Russian submarines. civilians provided intelligence and ana-
lance vessel to guard critical trade over a vital piece of equipment In March last year, the government The British officer who led a unit that lysis on President Putin’s battle plan
infrastructure from Russia. that protects our trade from the threat said the vessel, with a crew of 15, would provided crucial intelligence on and with allies and other government
The Ministry of Defence announced of Russian aggression.” come into service by 2024. Russia’s plans to invade Ukraine has partners predicted his next moves. In
that it would build the multi-role ocean Tobias Ellwood, the chairman of the In November, Jeremy Quin, the pro- been promoted to one of the most an unprecedented step, they also
surveillance ship, to be in service by defence select committee, said: “This is curement minister, said options for the senior positions in the military. worked with the Americans to declassi-
2024, as part of the defence review last another example of how pressure on procurement strategy and the project Lieutenant General Sir Jim Hocken- fy much of the intelligence to expose
year. the defence budget is resulting in the were “under development, but no firm hull, chief of defence intelligence, will the Kremlin’s real aims.
A source said MoD officials had loss or delay of key capabilities being decisions have yet been made”. become the UK’s commander of strate- Hockenhull joined the Intelligence
warned in private that there was not introduced. As threat levels increase it’s “No precise date has yet been set for gic command, which oversees special Corps in 1986 and as a junior officer
enough money for both vessels. The clear our entire navy is already too the entry into service of the multi-role forces operations, cyber-operations spent his early years focused on Russia.
flagship, to come from the MoD budget, small to match current taskings.” ocean surveillance ship,” he said. and space. He will take over from Gen- Wallace said: “General Jim has had
is seen as a replacement for the Royal Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy The MoD denied that funding for the eral Sir Patrick Sanders, who will be- an extraordinary impact on defence,
Yacht Britannia, and will act as a “work- commander, said the fact the MoD had surveillance vessel had been held back. come the next head of the army. including vital work most recently in
ing trade ship”. to choose between the two assets in the It added: “The programme, which is in Hockenhull, 57, who is well liked by supporting the crisis in Ukraine.”
The plan for the surveillance vessel short term showed the “parlous state” its concept phase, progresses as Ben Wallace, the defence secretary, was Hockenhull said that he was “deeply
was published a year ago but there is no of defence spending. planned.” widely expected to get the post. His honoured” to be given the position.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 13

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News

in the battle Putin dare not lose SERHII NUZHNENKO/REUTERS; EVGENIY MALOLETKA/AP; EPA Bida had already experienced the
power of Russian weapons, surviving a
strike by an Iskander missile on a base
outside Kyiv. She emerged to find her
rockets destroyed. Twenty-six artil-
lerymen sheltering with her were hurt.
“We do our best, but we are out-
matched in range by Russian rockets,”
she said. “Our own Grads have a range
of just under 30km. Even the less
powerful Russian rocket systems have a
range of 40km. Their Tochka missiles
can strike us from 70km.”
A day after we spoke her battery was
on the move, this time in retreat as the
Russians moved to encircle Lyman.
Equally aggrieved by the mismatch
in weaponry was a 28-year-old tank
commander codenamed Almas. His
problem was not the range but the
numbers. In a recent tank battle in the
southern sector of Donbas his T-64 had
destroyed a Russian T-72 at 200 metres.
He had destroyed two armoured per-
sonnel carriers in the same fight. But his
tank took a strike on the turret that ru-
ined his optics and gun system, forcing
him to leap out and join the battle with
his short-barrel AKSU-74 assault rifle.
On the front lines “The Russians use their tanks like
in the battle for morons,” he reflected. “Their tactics are
Donbas, Ukraine’s rubbish and their gunnery weak. But
infantrymen face there are just so many of them. We de-
rolling artillery stroy some but others keep appearing.”
barrages from an This mismatch in Donbas has galva-
enemy far out of nised the West. Last week the US an-
sight. The scale of nounced its third package of $800 mil-
casualties, above, lion worth of weaponry, including 72
is kept secret but howitzers, 144,000 rounds of artillery
Ukrainian sources and 121 Phoenix Ghost tactical drones.
said that at least Britain is increasing its own supply, and
two brigades had 30 other nations are sending advanced
been devastated. new weaponry and armour, as well as
The defenders Soviet-era munitions, tanks and equip-
respond with ment from eastern Europe. President
rocket strikes from Biden plans a further $33 billion in
launchers, right, support, including weapons. Yet the
that then swiftly question has yet to be answered: can a
move position sustainable supply of weaponry reach
before Russia can Ukrainian forces in time to blunt and
locate them eventually push back Russia’s attack?
“This battle has already started,” Bar-
rons said. “But Ukraine doesn’t have the
offensive military capability to chuck
Day parade in Moscow has dis- pain. So there is no overlap for either A veteran of the battle for Kyiv, she the British-made Nlaw and US Javelins the Russians out. The race is to equip the
appeared. Analysts now predict that side in a negotiated settlement.” joined thousands of Ukrainian fighters which had destroyed so many Russian Ukrainian military with the indirect-
the conflict could continue indefinitely. sent eastwards to Donbas. As the artil- armoured vehicles in ambushes on fire systems that they need to break up,
“I see it lasting months, perhaps the weapons equation lery thundered around, she described tree-lined roads and urban streets. In disrupt and destroy these Russian
years,” said Colonel Liam Collins, the Roaring skywards in a flash of sound the speed with which her troops could the landscape of Donbas, characterised attacks before they get any traction.”
American former special forces officer and flame, 122mm Grad rockets fired drive to a firing point, fire salvoes of by isolated towns, fields, steppe and For the Ukrainian soldiers locked in
who served as the US senior military from Soviet-era BM-21 multiple-barrel rockets at the Russians, then move thin tree lines, it is artillery and tanks the battle, however, the complexities of
adviser to Ukraine in 2016-18. “The rocket launchers are the most dramatic away before Russian drones could call that dominate. This kind of war, with logistical supply and timing were re-
conflict began in the Donbas eight manifestation of Ukraine’s fight back in counter-battery fire. “We killed so these weapon systems, afford the Rus- duced with succinct short-term clarity.
years ago and that was never resolved. along the Donbas front. “Grads are the many of them that we know how badly sians a clear advantage. “The killer in “So long as I’ve got enough tank shells
With that in mind, Ukraine knows that fire of the gods,” smiled Bida, the nom they want to kill us,” she said cheerily. Donbas is artillery: rocket artillery,” I’ll keep blasting everything I see with a
it will never get any lost territory back de guerre of a 28-year-old artillery Unlike in Donbas, the fight in the for- Michael Jacobson, a US field artillery ‘Z’ on it,” said Almas, scratching his
in a negotiated agreement with Russia. commander as she sat on one of her ests around Kyiv had been dominated, expert and analyst, said. “Ukraine shaven head as the artillery rumbled to
So they won’t give up. At the same time launch trucks near the contested town in Ukrainian popular consciousness doesn’t have enough of what it needs, his east. “I’ll let St Peter sort them out.”
the Russians won’t be able to accept los- of Lyman. “We’ve made many Russian anyway, by different weapons systems: while the Russians have prolific artil- The bloodier it gets, the more careful our
ing. They have a huge ability to absorb soldiers ‘good Russians’ this way.” man-portable anti-tank rockets such as lery of all different range sweeps.” words should be, Matthew Parris, page 27

Ghost of Kyiv is killed ‘after shooting down 40 aircraft’

Larisa Brown Defence Editor Russian aircraft on the first day of the from Kharkiv National University of school, he would fly over the village and
invasion. “People call him the Ghost of the Air Force. He is survived by his wife, waggle the wings of his MiG-29 by way
A fighter pilot known as the Ghost of Kyiv. And rightly so — this UAF Olenia, and their son, Yarik, eight. of salute.
Kyiv died in an air battle last month [Ukrainian air force] ace dominates the Tarabalka was posthumously award- “At any opportunity, he would fly
after allegedly shooting down more skies over our capital and country, and ed Ukraine’s top medal for bravery in close to our house, do a little aerobatic
than 40 Russian aircraft. has already become a nightmare for combat, the Order of the Golden Star, trick. And everyone in the village, every
Major Stepan Tarabalka, 29, a father invading Russian aircraft,” it stated. with the title Hero of Ukraine. house and all the villages around would
of one, was killed when his MiG-29 was Ukrainians on social media have After his death, his parents gave an know that is Stepan flying”, she said.
shot down on March 13 while fighting hailed the pilot as a “hero” and a interview in which his mother, Nahta- His father, Evon, was a construction
“overwhelming” enemy forces, accord- “guardian angel” although his identity lia, described how he used to watch worker and his parents spent much of
ing to local reports. was kept secret. This led to speculation MiG jets swooping over his house and the year in Portugal trying to make a
Ukrainian sources yesterday con- that the story was a myth to bolster decided at a young age he wanted more living. Evon said the Ukrainian military
firmed the identity of the fighter pilot morale. However, Ukrainian sources than anything to be a fighter pilot. would not give them any details of his
and his death to The Times. They said remained adamant he was real. The pilot told the Russian invaders in “He would always watch the para- final flight or his death.
his helmet and goggles were expected On March 11, two days before Tara- a caption: “I’m coming for your soul!” troopers in their air exercises. And he He said: “We know he was flying on a
to go on sale at auction soon in London balka’s death, Ukraine’s general staff would run in their direction to try to see mission. And he completed the mission,
but gave no further details. published another picture of the Russians: “Hello, occupier, I’m coming where they landed. Since early child- his task. Then he didn’t return. That’s all
He achieved fame after the Ukraini- “Ghost” sitting in the cockpit of his for your soul!” hood, he always dreamt of the sky, the information we have, really.”
an government tweeted a video show- MiG-29, his face hidden by his visor, Tarabalka, from a working-class about flying higher than the clouds,” Ukraine has claimed in total to have
ing an artist’s impression of the pilot, helmet and oxygen mask. It was family, was born in the village of Korol- she said via a translator. destroyed 189 Russian aircraft, 155
claiming that he had shot down six captioned with a message to the ivka, western Ukraine. He graduated Once he made it through flight helicopters and 229 drones.
14 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
News War in Ukraine

Zelensky: I was
just minutes from
being captured
Russian strike teams mound of junkyard scrap more than a On the second night of the invasion,

Bloodied
fortification. he filmed a video message of himself
tried to storm the In order to piece together the story of
those first hours and to see the presi-
and his team wearing the drab green
army shirts that would become their
presidential compound
to seize Ukraine’s leader
dent’s daily routine, Shuster spent two
weeks with Zelensky and his team,
conducting interviews with him and
wartime clothes. “We’re all here,” said
the president. “Defending our inde-
pendence, our country.”
Briton is
in the first hours of war almost a dozen aides.
They told Shuster that, in violation of
Zelensky turned down offers from
the United States and Britain to send paraded on
Moscow TV
security protocols, friends and allies forces to extract him from Kyiv, telling
Russian commandos came “within had rushed to be with the president at officials in Washington in one secure
minutes” of seizing President Zelensky his compound on the morning of the call: “I need ammunition, not a ride.”
and his family shortly after the invasion invasion. In the early days at the compound,

A
of his country, according to new inter- Among them was Ruslan Stefan- when Russian artillery was still in range British man who was
views with the Ukrainian leader and his chuk, the speaker of parliament, who of Kyiv, Zelensky requested a briefing taken prisoner while
staff. would have to take command if Zelen- from his top general at about 5am; later fighting with foreign
Enemy gunfire was audible within sky were assassinated, meaning it was he put that back by two hours to have volunteers in Ukraine
the walls of Zelensky’s office at his advisable for him to shelter separately. time for a breakfast of eggs. has been paraded on
compound on Bankova Street in Kyiv “It wasn’t fear on his face,” Stefan- The president and his aides often Moscow television, as colleagues
after President Putin launched the war chuk said of the president. “It was a received news of bombings and atroci- and family appealed for the release
on February 24. question: How could this be? Maybe ties via posts on social media before the of two British aid workers also
Zelensky said that his memories of these words sound vague or pompous. military had briefed them. seized by Russian forces (Richard
that first day were a disjointed set of But we sensed the order of the world Zelensky told Shuster that certain Lloyd Parry writes).
images and sounds that existed “in a collapsing.” images lingered in his mind as symbols Andrew Hill was shown slumped
fragmented way”. As night fell on the first day, gunfights of the horror of the war. One was a in a chair with a bandaged head and
Before sunrise, he recalled, he and his broke out around the government photograph of the body of a woman left left arm, and blood on his right
wife, Olena Zelenska, went to tell their quarter. Zelensky, a former comedian mutilated by the blast when Russian hand. He mumbled answers to an
17-year-old daughter, Aleksandra, and and actor, was still there with his wife missiles hit a train station in the city of English-speaking male interrogator
nine-year-old son, Kiril, that the bomb- and children. Guards turned off lights Kramatorsk on April 8, killing at least off camera.
ing had started and to prepare them to and distributed bulletproof vests to the 50 people. The Russian announcer said that
flee their home. president and his staff. “She was wearing these bright, mem- he “laid down his arms and
“We woke them up,” Zelensky said. “It was an absolute madhouse,” Olek- orable clothes,” he said. The picture surrendered to the Russian military
“It was loud. There were explosions siy Arestovych, one of Zelensky’s senior stuck in his mind as he met Ursula von in the Mykolaiv region, after the
over there.” aides, told Shuster. “Automatics for der Leyen, president of the European group of mercenaries in which he
The Ukrainian military soon told everyone.” Commission, for key talks in Kyiv. fought was defeated and he himself
him that Russian strike teams had para- Arestovych said that Russian troops He struggled to gather his thoughts was injured”.
chuted into Kyiv to kill or capture him had made two attempts to storm the as he took the podium next to Von der Hill, from Plymouth, appeared on Andrew Hill mumbled answers to an
and his family. compound. It was not clear if Zelensky Leyen. “It was one of those times when television the day after the
The presidential offices were not the and his aides fired their weapons. your arms and legs are doing one thing, confirmation of the death of another set up in the early days of the war to
safest place to be, but Zelensky refused Shuster’s interviews suggest that, but your head does not listen,” he said. British member of the Ukraine recruit foreigners willing to fight
to leave, he told Simon Shuster, of Time while short on political experience, Zel- “Because your head is there at the sta- Foreign Legion, Scott Sibley. against the Russian invasion.
magazine. ensky and his team — many of whom tion, and you need to be present here.” Hill said that he had crossed into “I don’t have a rank, I don’t know
With Ukrainian troops fighting the were from the world of showbusiness Since Russian forces retreated from Ukraine from Poland alone to give the [name of] the regiment,” he
Russians in the streets, the presidential — sensed the need to reach out to the around Kyiv this month, Zelensky and aid to refugees and that he had then said. “I just know that the Foreign
guard tried to seal Zelensky’s com- people as the war progressed. his aides have been able to spend more been approached by someone to Legion said that I could help.
pound with whatever they could find. “You understand that they’re watch- time in their usual rooms rather than in “help further in Ukraine”. He said “I was on the border for a bit.
A gate at the rear entrance was ing,” Zelensky told Shuster. “You’re a bunkers underneath the compound. that he knew little about the They said if I wanted to help I could
blocked with a pile of police barricades symbol. You need to act the way the “What can we do?” one aide told Ukraine Foreign Legion, which was help further in-country so I went
and plywood boards, resembling a head of state must act.” Shuster. “We’ve got to keep working.”

Band of soldiers on Sheeran remix Young Olympic hopeful

Blanca Schofield section focuses on the need to hold on
to hope when separated from loved
of me and my wife — it describes my ex-
perience of the first day of the invasion
killed by Russian shelling
A Ukrainian rock band has teamed up ones during times of conflict. when she left with our kids and I stayed
with Ed Sheeran on a song inspired by The lyrics were written by the lead behind in Kyiv. I had no other option Joshua Thurston
the lead singer’s forced separation from singer, Taras Topolia, 34, who has not because I had to stay to fight for my
his wife. seen his wife, Olena Topolia, a popular country. The war has interrupted a lot A 14-year-old girl who was on course to
The band Antytila, whose members Ukrainian singer known as Alyosha — of unions like mine,” Topolia, who is represent Ukraine in weightlifting at
have been fighting in the Ukrainian re- since the first day of the Russian inva- now fighting and working as a para- the Olympics has died in the shelling of
sistance since the war started, posted a sion when Topolia helped her to leave medic in the Kharkiv region, said. Mariupol, according to the city council.
video on TikTok in their uniforms in late Kyiv before cycling to the nearest con- “In the song I say that although it is Alina Peregudova won gold at
March asking to take part in Sheeran’s scription point. The distance between difficult now and we are living through Ukraine’s national championship last
Concert for Ukraine. Though them has increased as Alyosha and the dramatic times, everything will pass, year and was a candidate for the
the band’s request was couple’s three young children everything will be fine and when it national weightlifting team. “She
declined by the event are now in New passes, we will dance and kiss again.” aspired to continue to win at the high-
organisers, who said the Jersey in the After an invitation from Sheeran’s est level. But the ‘Russian peace’ came,
concert at the Re- United States. manager asking them to collaborate on which ‘liberated’ her from this future,” Alina Peregudova won gold at the
sorts World Arena “The lyrics the remix, Topolia started jotting down Mariupol city council wrote on the national championship last year
in Birmingham on are about lyrics “while on the battlefield”. With messaging app Telegram. Her mother
March 29 had to the forced the help of his bandmates, he recorded was also killed in the attack. former captain of Ukraine’s national
avoid any asso- separation his vocals in a 30-minute session in a In September last year Alina was water polo team, Yevhen Obedinsky,
ciations with the studio in Hostomel — a town on the awarded a diploma of the National 39, died in Mariupol, his father, Olek-
military, Sheeran Antytila, outskirts of Kyiv that had only recently Olympic Committee in Donetsk region sandr, reported on Facebook.
is releasing a track led by Taras been re-captured by Ukrainians — for high achievements. “Mariupol and the world will never
with them which Topolia, who before going back to his duties. A video Russia’s invasion has claimed the forget Russia’s crimes against human-
comes out on recorded his filmed in Kyiv, Irpin and Kharkiv will lives of several athletes. This month ity. You will not hide or justify them.
Monday. The single is lyrics before accompany the remix. Profits from the Yegor Kigitov, 21, a member of Those who came to us with the war
a remix of his song returning video will go to charities helping Ukraine’s national shot-put team, was will be punished,” Mariupol city
2step and Antytila’s to duty Ukrainian refugee children. killed during a battle. On March 17 the council wrote.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 2GM 15

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News
EAST2WEST NEWS

back home to England or anything

like that?” His unseen interrogator
replied: “I cannot say now how long
it is going to take but you can rest
Kremlin turns to
submarines after
assured that nothing dangerous
[will happen to you].” He was told
that he would be taken to hospital.
Meanwhile an aid organisation
reported the capture of two other

loss of Moskva
British men who it said had fallen
into the hands of Russian troops
while working as humanitarian aid
volunteers.
Paul Urey and Dylan Healy were
captured early on Monday at a
checkpoint south of the city of Maxim Tucker, Michael Evans
Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Analysis
Ukraine, according to the charity Russia has announced that it is using

T
the Presidium Network. submarines to fire cruise missiles at here is no sign that
Urey, who was born in 1977 and is Ukrainian targets after the sinking of President Putin’s
from Manchester, and Healy, born its Black Sea flagship, the Moskva, in its determination to
in 2000 and from Cambridgeshire, first admission of such a manoeuvre. achieve his military
travelled to Ukraine independently, Yesterday the Russian Ministry of objectives is faltering
the group said. When they got into Defence said it had used a submarine to after 64 days of war. Nor is he
trouble they were driving to rescue strike Ukraine with Kalibr precision prepared to concede the losses
a mother and two children who missiles, releasing a video that it said his Russian forces have suffered
wanted to evacuate the area close to showed the attack. (Michael Evans writes).
the front line. Satellite images taken by the Maxar The warning by Liz Truss, the
“We want to tell the Russians space technology firm show a Kilo- foreign secretary, that the war in
basically that these aren’t spies,” class submarine in the Black Sea port of Ukraine could last for five years
said Dominik Byrne, of the Sevastopol, Crimea, being loaded with or more appears questionable.
Presidium Network. “These aren’t missiles thought to be Kalibrs. What is the intelligence analysis
The Russian Black Sea fleet has behind this statement? Is the
Paul Urey, from moved further off the coast after its West prepared and sufficiently
Manchester, was Atlant class missile cruiser sank on united to back Ukraine with
believed to have April 14, apparently struck by two military and economic aid for
been seized in Ukrainian Neptune rockets launched this length of time? Putin will be
southern Ukraine from Odesa. pondering the same questions.
It will be harder for Ukraine to retali- Looking at the war from the
ate against submarines than surface Kremlin point of view, there are
vessels and the move could help swing good reasons to conclude that it’s
military people. These are just the battle for control of the Black Sea in the interests of both Putin’s
humanitarian workers who got coast back in the Kremlin’s favour. survival as leader and the future
caught in a bad situation. Russia fired Kalibr missiles into the of Russia’s economy to grab a
He added: “We need to put centre of Kyiv on Thursday night while “victory” as quickly as possible
pressure on the government to take the head of the United Nations, Antó- and make the best of a botched
this case seriously, and try, through nio Guterres, was visiting the city. At and incompetent invasion.
their networks to verify this, but least one person died and ten more A five-year campaign of
also to . . . help us find these people. were injured when one hit flats. attritional warfare in a part of
“But also because I know Moscow is using more of its modern Ukraine which has suffered war
diplomatic channels are completely assets in Ukraine, deploying a new anti- since 2014 without a victory for
broken down, we use these tactics tank mine that pops up into the air to Moscow makes little sense.
to find people by having it very strike the top of the target’s turret, The Russian armed forces are
public and putting pressure publicly where the armour is more vulnerable. running out of precision weapons
on Russia to determine that they The new Russian PTKM-1R mines and each Kalibr cruise missile
have got these two people and that were discovered for the first time in costs about $1.5 million. Tank
interrogator. Dylan Healy, above left, is also thought to have been captured they’re safe and well.” Ukraine on April 26, according to Neil spares are low because of the
Urey’s mother, Linda, told Sky Gibson of Fenix Insight, an online western ban on the export of
with them. There were seven of us think about it. This doesn’t involve News that her son going missing munitions database. high-tech components to Russia.
in our group, but two of them I us.” He said that his father had died had been her worst nightmare. Ukraine’s use of advanced western Many of their elite battalion
didn’t know who they were. The on New Year’s Eve and that he did “I begged him not to because . . . technology is helping to level the play- tactical groups have been
information we got is very minimal, not have a relationship with his Russia’s bad,” she said. ing field, however. Russian fighter air- crippled by high casualty rates.
we didn’t get told very much at all, mother. Asked if there was She added: “I was on FaceTime craft and attack helicopter pilots are Putin will be hard-pressed to fill
if anything.” “anybody else who can care about with him up to 4am on Monday launching daily strike missions in east- the gaps with conscripts.
He was asked: “What would you you”, he replied, “My children. I morning and that was it, gone. ern Ukraine in a manner that shows General Philip Breedlove, the
like to say to other Englishmen who have four children, and I do have a Something’s wrong, they’ve got him, they are desperate to avoid western- former Nato supreme allied
decide to go to Ukraine?” partner who I’m dating now.” definitely. He would contact me if supplied anti-air missiles. commander for Europe, told
He replied: “They need to really He asked: “Will I be able to get he could and he can’t.” New video of Russia’s Ka-52 gunships The Times that he could not see
and low-flying Su-25 fighter jets under- how Putin could contemplate a
line the impact that US Stinger, UK long war in Ukraine, if only
Starstreak and Ukrainian missile sys- because of the manpower
ukraine in brief tems have had on the battlefield. A shortages.
Kamov-52 Alligator helicopter seen fly- Andrew Krepinevich, a US
Putin ‘could use Victory Journalist killed by missile China issues warning over ing over Pervomaisk in the Luhansk re- defence analyst and a former
gion is supposed to be one of the Rus- Pentagon official, said: “The
Parade to mobilise Russia’ A Russian missile strike has killed Zelensky’s G20 invitation sian air force’s most deadly gunships. betting is that Breedlove is right.
President Putin could announce the Vira Hyrych, a Ukrainian producer China has warned the G20 group of Yet the video shows it firing rockets into If the war drags on Putin faces
mass mobilisation of Russia on May 9 for the US-funded Radio Free Europe leading nations against “politicising the air without any obvious target. The the risk of the Russian economy
— the date of the annual Victory network. Her body was found and weaponising” their forthcoming rockets were unguided and likely to requiring years to recover, the
Parade celebrating the Russian defeat yesterday in the ruins of her block summit after President Zelensky was cause civilian casualties. military balance relative to Nato
of fascism in the Second World War of flats in the Shevchenkivskyi district invited to take part. Indonesia, which The Ukrainian military claims to continuing to worsen and
— according to Ben Wallace, the of Kyiv, which includes most of the is hosting the forum in Bali in have shot down or captured at least ten growing internal discontent.
defence secretary. He told LBC the city’s historical centre. She was 55. November, has invited both Zelensky of the two-seater Ka-52 helicopters. Putin has strong incentives to
Russian leader had failed in nearly all The missile attack took place as and President Putin. Wang Wenbin, a Dozens of other helicopters have been declare victory and end the war.
of his objectives and could use the António Guterres, the UN spokesman for China’s foreign shot down. “However,” he added, “if
significant date to declare “we are secretary-general, visited Kyiv for a ministry, suggested that it was Nato has warned that although the the alliance prioritises not
now at war with the world’s Nazis and meeting with President Zelensky. inappropriate to invite Zelensky, as, next few days and weeks will decide the provoking Putin, the conflict
we need to mass-mobilise the Russian unlike Russia, Ukraine was not a course of the war, it is likely to drag on could devolve into a low-level
people”. A western official said he member of the group. “The G20 for years. However, Mircea Geoana, extended war.”
believed Putin would have a desire to Former US Marine killed group should focus on its primary Nato deputy secretary-general, told the The Pentagon is cautious,
announce some sort of success on charge, avoid politicising and BBC: “But, in the end, probably this will despite announcing a $33 billion
that date and there was a “possibility A former US Marine was killed as he weaponising global economic and be fought and won, hopefully, by aid package. John Kirby, the
we see a greater call to arms”. fought alongside Ukrainian troops, financial co-operation, but make Ukraine on the battlefield.” Pentagon press secretary, said
However, he added that such a move his relatives told reporters, in the first positive contributions to promote the A man has been released in a prison- the war “can and should end
would require a shift in the narrative, known death of an American fighting stability and recovery of the global er swap negotiated by a deputy prime today should Mr Putin choose to
from one of calling the invasion of in Ukraine. Willy Joseph Cancel, 22, economy and perfect the global minister of Ukraine, Iryna Vereshchuk. do the right thing and remove his
Ukraine a “special operation” to from Tennessee was working for a economic governance,” Wang said. Nikita Horban, 31, told the BBC from forces”. He added: “It would be
admitting it was a war. “We are not military contracting company, his Since the war broke out, Beijing has his hospital bed that he had been tor- wrong to conclude that the
yet seeing indications of a change of mother, Rebecca Cabrera, told CNN. sided with Moscow’s security tured by Russian soldiers, who forced assistance in recent days, or that
narrative. That’s something we will His widow, Brittany Cancel, told Fox concerns and blamed the US and him to lie in a frozen field for three to come, reflects a certitude
watch over the next ten days or so,” News that he was a hero who leaves a Nato for making provocations at nights wearing boots filled with water. about the length of the war.”
he said. young son. the cost of Ukrainian lives. He said he had lost a toe to frostbite.
16 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News

HRT is rationed to ease shortages PETER BYRNE/PA

Lucy Bannerman
short supplies of HRT or
Eleanor Hayward Health Correspondent
Gabby Logan because they can’t afford it.
Hormone replacement therapy is to be
rationed so that women cannot be pre-
Comment One of the events that
changed things for me was
scribed more than three months of the interviewing Mariella

I
drugs at a time. t’s time to banish once Frostrup for my podcast The
Sajid Javid, the health secretary, is- and for all the idea that Mid Point. She talked to me
sued “serious shortage protocols” for HRT is some kind of about the huge relief she
three brands of HRT in short supply — luxury for middle-aged got from HRT and I began
Oestrogel, Ovestin and Premique — women. We are not to wonder if it would help
last night, to prevent hoarding. talking about a beauty me too. When I began using
Javid said: “I want to reassure women serum here. There’s a crass it I felt a dramatic change,
I have listened to their concerns and image of the menopause of within a few weeks. My
will not hesitate to take decisive action a woman having hot flushes sleep quality improved, as
to ensure they can access the HRT they or throwing a pan across did my mood and also my
need. We will leave no stone unturned the kitchen. But for many of libido. It wasn’t as if one day
in our national mission to boost supply us the symptoms are more you think, “Oh my libido
of HRT and this next step will ensure nuanced, but no less has dropped off a cliff ”. It’s
women across the UK will be able to re- debilitating, and they can be more gradual than that.
liably access this vital medication.” dramatically improved by When you do something
Women have been forced to resort to HRT. about it you realise it didn’t
desperate measures to access the medi- For me it was two years have to be that way.
cation, which can alleviate debilitating ago, at the age of 47, that I The good thing is that the
menopausal symptoms. began feeling that I was just conversation has changed.
For Vicky Saynor, this meant driving simply not myself. I felt There’s a new generation of
around 14 pharmacies across four fatigued, I was beginning to women willing to demand
counties before bagging a bottle of forget things. There were action. We must champion
Oestrogel. It was the last one left there. moments when I was on air the MP Carolyn Harris, who
Claire Johnson snapped up some and I would see a player’s has campaigned for a fixed
leftover patches from a friend. They face in my head but could annual payment for HRT
were a different brand from her own, not recall his name. I would prescriptions so everyone
and out of date but she “ripped into be forced to say something can afford it. There is now a
them like a crack addict”. more generic. My words petition, backed by the
Tanya Barrow plans to stop off on her were just not flowing in the Menopause Mandate,
way to a funeral, meeting a friend in a same way as they used to. I founded by a group of
car park so she can swap patches in got myself out of these fantastic campaigners, to
return for some gel to keep her debili- situations but began to get that speeded up.
tating symptoms at bay. wonder: was I getting past We must also demand
They are among the million women it? I was starting to not that the menopause is
in Britain who rely on hormone re- enjoy my job as much as I taught properly in medical
placement therapy (HRT) every day to had because I felt I wasn’t schools so doctors can give
function and they are appalled by na- performing as well as I better advice. And we need
tionwide shortages that they say have could. There was a bit of me HRT’s proven health
forced them to source medication thinking: maybe there is a benefits to be promoted
through informal networks instead. reason why you don’t see so over scaremongering about
Prescriptions for HRT have more many older women its risks. We need better
than doubled in England over the past broadcasters on TV? education in schools too, for
five years as awareness of its benefits I’ve always wanted my two both sexes, because men
has grown, but the demand appears to teenage children (they’re should be in this
have taken the government and phar- now 16) to see a positive conversation, too. I was on
maceutical companies by surprise, with mum who is dynamic and BBC Breakfast recently
the firm behind Oestrogel, one of the hardworking but I was talking about the
most common HRT products, strug- beginning to feel grouchy, menopause and my husband
gling to supply enough of the rub-on lacklustre, no longer brave had gone to a rugby match.
gel. This is having a knock-on effect on or willing to do something He sat down with two older
the availability of other HRT alterna- out of my comfort zone. For men in their sixties who
tives. Even if they find a suitable substi- someone who has always said: “We heard your wife
tute, women report that their GP sur- been a coper and a on the BBC, do you believe
geries are not changing their prescrip- multitasker, that was a in all that?” It was as if to
ough.
tions quickly enough. horrible
horrible, alien feeling. For Gabby Logan said that she had not realised what a difference HRT could make to her symptoms them the menopause is still
A black market rket many women, menopausal some kind of mythical
has emerged, with th symp
symptoms like this can my family, my work and I thought that I didn’t want to symptoms so crippling that creature. We have some way
reports of pre- be hard to describe didn’t want to complain. spend the next 30 years of they can’t get out of the to go to get over the image
scription-only be
because there isn’t an I would have felt stupid my life feeling like a house, who aren’t getting of the menopause that it’s
medication ob
obvious physical going to my doctor saying: sub-standard version of the help they need, either about middle-aged women
being sold on- m
manifestation. And I “I don’t want to waste your myself. because their GP doesn’t making a bit of a fuss.
line for six fe enormous
feel time but I don’t feel like me There are still so many know how to advise them, The Mid Point with Gabby
times its NHS gr
gratitude for my life, any more.” But equally I women out there, some with because of the issue with Logan is on Apple Podcasts
price.
Meta has re--
moved listings on tunn syndrome, I was suicidal.
tunnel are things we shouldn’t have to be fight- changes to prescriptions for a suitable ally quite difficult to work out the
Facebook Market- rket- o point, I even moved out of
At one ing tooth and nail for.” alternative when something is out of equivalent doses for different oestro-
veral in-
place in which several our family home and stayed in Saynor, 46, said she was glad to see stock, saying it would be a “gamechang- gen products, so people are potentially
dividuals in Englandland and Wales my mum’s spare bedroom.” women kicking up a fuss “because it er” for patients. going to be giving themselves too much
were attempting to sell bundles HRT has, literally, been a was something our parents and their Poorer women who could not afford or too little [when they change over]. If
of HRT products at up to £50. “lifesaver”, so when she ran out generation didn’t talk about. There’s an to buy HRT privately would suffer most GPs haven’t had much extra training on
The NHS prescription of Estradot patches, she felt inherent distrust of women’s under- from the disruption, said Claire Hat- menopause, it’s quite difficult for them
charge in England is £9.35. her only option was to con- standing of their own bodies.” trick, founder of ClipboardClaire, a to work out equivalent dosage as well.
Experts have urged tinue with an out-of-date She and her husband drove miles website offering menopause support, So I’m recommending patients to talk
women not to swap treat- packet from to a friend. around Hertfordshire, Cambridge- and author of Menopause: Before, Dur- to their doctor with the chart in their
ments. However, some “Of course, we’re not shire, Bedfordshire and Essex before ing, After, who suffered chronic joint hands.”
remain defiant. supposed to take other finding a bottle of Oestrogel in the 14th pain while raising her twins as a single Tanya Barrow, 52, a blogger from
“I think women should people’s medication, pharmacy they visited, just before clos- parent. Hampshire, said she was having to take
do whatever they bloody but we’ve got to do ing time, somewhere near St Neots. “When you’re already struggling to matters into her own hands as she
need to do because no- what we need to do to “The pharmacist at Tesco told me afford gas, electricity and food bills, it could not get a doctor’s appointment
body else is doing it for us,” survive.” they get 50 [bottles] in every two days, will be mum’s HRT that will be the first for another prescription until next
Claire Johnson, 47, a She is “proud” that but they had all gone within the first to go,” she said. month.
mother of four from Ketter- women are helping hour,” she said. Saynor found alterna- Dr Juliet Balfour, a Somerset-based “I am, very sadly, going to a friend’s
ing, said. each other. “But these tives to Oestrogel in various pharma- GP with specialist training in meno- funeral in south London and have ar-
She has suffered severe cies, but did not have the correct pre- pausal health, urged women to go to ranged to meet another friend in a car
menopausal symptoms Claire Hattrick, left, scription. When she tried her GP sur- their GPs armed with factsheets from park to get some Oestrogel first,” she
since having a hysterecto- had chronic joint pain. gery to change it, she was told her call the website of Women’s Health Con- said. “She’s found the patches have
my at 41. “Along with all Claire Johnson, above, “wasn’t deemed urgent”. cern, the patient arm of the British worked better before so we’re swap-
the joint pain, the memory was forced to use her Pharmacists have asked the govern- Menopause Society. ping.”
loss, tinnitus and carpal friend’s medication ment to allow them to make minor “There are other options but it’s actu- Additional reporting by Georgina Fuller
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 17

News

Rugby boy finds touch with a moving pep talk

Will Humphries smaller player puts his arm around his The video has drawn praise from by Roger Lupton, provost of Eton Col-
friend and leads him back into the rugby players, teams and fans from lege and chaplain to Kings Henry VII
“Everyone’s older than me, everyone’s action, the coach declares: “Best team- around the world, with England Rugby and Henry VIII.
bigger than me.” When a tearful young mate ever.” and the All Blacks saying that it Among notable alumni are Adam
player blurts out how he is struggling The school posted the video online represented the “spirit of rugby”. Sedgwick, an Anglican priest known as
on the rugby pitch one of his team- with the message: “We recently Many have commented online, say- the founder of modern geology.
mates comes to the rescue with a pep- captured this amazing moment, which ing they have been left in tears watch- Simon Beaufoy, the award-winning
talk that has inspired fans the world happened last month on our Easter ing the maturity and kindness shown screenwriter of The Full Monty and
over. rugby camp.” by the young boy. Slumdog Millionaire, and Will Carling,
The moving moment between two Graham Higginbotham, the coach One social media user said: “Whoev- the former England rugby captain,
young boys was captured by Sedbergh involved, said it was a “magic moment” er is the parents of this young man, you were also pupils at the school, which
School, a boarding school in Cumbria, between the boys, Bob and Jack, which should be so proud to have raised a lies on the boundary between the Lake
which was filming a training session left him “really emotional”. gorgeous human being.” District and Yorkshire Dales National
during an Easter rugby course. “Bob was being stretched in the The All Blacks said: “That is the spirit Parks.
During the exchange, the tearful boy session from a rugby point of view, of rugby.” England Rugby tweeted: Abbie Ward, another former pupil,
who finds tackling too tough is being which you need, and Jack recognised “Best. Teammate. Ever. We love this.” Right, give me a hug: The young plays rugby for Harlequin Ladies and
comforted by a coach when a smaller that and went and supported him so Sedbergh School was founded in 1525 player embraces his team-mate England.
player runs up to him. He places his well,” he said. “It’s phenomenal really,
hands on the boy’s shoulders and says: such a young person who came to help
“Listen to me. Trust me. Look at me, his team-mate, and bear in mind they
Bob. had only met two days before. They
“I am the shortest kid here, it doesn’t weren’t friends before the course.”
matter if you’re short, if you’re young. It Higginbotham said these kinds of
doesn’t matter if you’re tall, or if you are moments often happen on the rugby
fat here. You are a brilliant rugby player. pitch but are rarely captured on
Do you understand that? You are in- camera. “What I heard was really the
sane! You are actually insane for your core values of rugby and the course,
age. Right, give me a hug.” which we try to teach the children,” he
The two boys embrace and as the said.

TMS
[email protected] | @timesdiary

play will be set in a bookshop and

A nudge from feature just four suspects, like his
favourite Agatha Christie book,
Her Majesty? Cards on the Table. “I read it
recently and was bamboozled. I got
it completely wrong,” he says.
Ben Wallace, who has recently “What was remarkable was it’s the
topped popularity polls of the second time I’d read it.”
Tory grass roots, could become
the Queen’s 15th prime minister. If do look back in humour
he does, the defence secretary At a memorial service for John
may owe it all to HM. Robert Bryant, former deputy editor of
Hardman writes in his new royal The Times, Jeffrey Archer said his
biography that Wallace was a friend ran the London marathon
Scots Guards officer at the Palace. 24 times, with a personal best of
One day the Queen asked about 2hr 21min. They did it once
his ambitions. He said he wanted together, finishing in the less stellar
to go into politics but had been time of 5hr 26min but Bryant
rejected because he was too gallantly handicapped himself by
young. “They should think again,” running it all backwards. “I was out
the Queen murmured. To his of breath,” Archer said, “while he
surprise, Wallace was called by the managed to talk the whole time,
selection panel the next day, pointing out that we were about to
saying they were extending the be overtaken by a lady pushing a
shortlist. He became an MSP in pram, a caterpillar and a letterbox.”
1999. Wallace, below, wonders if
the Queen gave them a nudge. It’s Jack Davenport appeared in three
either that or she didn’t feel Pirates of the Caribbean films
confident being protected by him. before his son was born in 2010 and
likes to watch them together if only
Gordon Ramsay may have a tough to prove that he was young once.
reputation but Angela Hartnett, his “There’s a big fight in the second
former pupil, says he has a soft side, one which took for ever,” the 49-
unlike the other difficult chef she year-old actor says, “but I can show
worked with, Marcus Wareing. my son and say: “Look, Dad could
“Gordon has kind eyes,” she tells bend over without groaning.”
GQ. “When Gordon was bollocking
you, you always felt there was love creative writing
behind those eyes. Whereas with Posh schools like to curry favour
Marcus, I used to think there was a with influential parents but it can
chance he really might kill me.” go too far. Jonathan Aitken told the
Old Etonian Association this week
second time unlucky that one of his classmates was
The novelist Anthony Horowitz’s Crown Prince Birendra of Nepal,
next project is a murder mystery who was listed in the directory
play with the Icelandic crime with all his family’s royal titles. The
author Ragnar Jonasson. “I revere last of these upset the grand official
The Mousetrap and that’s where who had accompanied him.
we begin,” he said at the “This can’t be published,” he
launch of Jonasson’s said. “It means ‘son of God’.”
new book. “Nobody The boy’s housemaster did not
has done a murder bat an eyelid at this
mystery on stage as blasphemy. “My dear
entertainingly, as fellow, don’t worry,” he
cleverly and as said. “We have the sons
unguessably as of many distinguished
that.” You don’t need fathers at Eton.”
a huge cast to fox the
audience, he adds. Their patrick kidd
18 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News

After more than 20 years, city’s Deep underground

Rob Lewis plays his
composition to mark
the end of digging for
the Tideway Tunnel

super sewer is breath of fresh air

the cello in the vault-like acoustics of
Richard Morrison How it works Pumping
Shad
Abbey Mills
the tunnel, managing to include in his
London can breathe a little easier — station ten-minute piece the sounds of the river
Thames River Thames
animals, fish, birds and pets as well as Acton storm and the construction, as well as more
people. tanks melodious elements.
Digging has been completed for the Hammersmith LAM
MBET
ETH
H One mile To reach this unique performance,
city’s “super sewer”, the 16-mile CHELSE
CHELSE
SEA
A more than 200ft below the Thames just
CHI
H SWI
SW
W CK
Thames Tideway Tunnel running Heathwall east of Tower Bridge, a venturer must
under the river from Acton in the west Greenwich make a journey not to be recommended
to the Abbey Mills pumping station in BAT
A TER
TERSEA
SEA
A to anyone prone to vertigo or claustro-
the east, six years after construction Current phobia.
sewer
began and more than 20 years after the With an emergency oxygen supply,
system
project was first mooted. the explorer descends in a metal cage
Sir Neville Simms, chairman of the down a vast concrete shaft as wide as
Tideway group, said: “London is a giant River Thames the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral.
leap further towards a cleaner River 1 Once down in the tunnel one starts to
Thames.” 7.2m wide understand why the sewer is reckoned
The six huge tunnelling machines — main tunnel to be the largest infrastructure project
named after pioneering London in Europe. A subterranean building site
women — will be dismantled. The shaft 2 of massive dimensions appears, each
will be given its secondary lining before Sewer connections tunnel equipped with miles of pipes and
it is brought into operation in 2025, a Sewage fills the shaft cables and railway tracks on which
London bus Overflow
few months behind schedule, thanks to to scale and feeds via Up to trucks carry away the 5 million tonnes
Covid. The work will relieve pressure connecting pipes to the 65m deep Heavy rainfall of chalk slurry and clay that have been
on a sewer system that has essentially central Thames tunnel and sewage spill excavated. All that will be cleared away
remained unchanged since Sir Joseph 3 into newly in two years and the tunnel sealed to
Bazalgette built it in the middle of the constructed everything except sewage.
Victorian era, prompted by the Great Central Thames tunnel shafts The passage slopes imperceptibly
Sewage travels beneath
Stink in the summer of 1858. downwards at a gentle gradient of 1:70, buses driven down it side by side, should
the Thames until it
To celebrate the end of tunnelling Deep shafts
giving London’s monstrous flow of anyone wish.
reaches pumping
this week, probably the most surreal stations 4 Sewage travels
effluence just enough gravitational Yet when the capital is hit by a big
musical event of the year was held. A down into deep nudge to move eastwards towards the storm, creating a surge of rainwater, the
work specially written by Rob Lewis, a 5 shafts located sewage treatment works at Beckton, in entire system could be filled in a few
cellist and composer based in London, along the Newham. hours. In that case the entry shafts
was performed on a live stream and is Thames The excavation is on a huge scale — would act as storage tanks, preventing
still available on YouTube. Lewis played Source: Tideway Up to 30m wide wide enough to fit three double-decker the Beckton treatment works from
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 19

News
DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA

Vardy admits agent

may have leaked
stories on Rooney
Kieran Gair stand why the journalists would indi-
cate otherwise.”
The “Wagatha Christie” libel case, David Sherborne, Rooney’s barrister,
which has pitted the wives of two told the High Court yesterday that Var-
former England footballers against dy’s new statement “suggests Ms Watt
each other, took another twist yester- was the source of the leak but claims
day when Rebekah Vardy conceded that [Vardy] ‘did not authorise or con-
that her agent may have leaked stories done her’.” Despite the legal process
about Coleen Rooney to The Sun. having lasted almost three years, Sher-
Previously Vardy, the wife of Jamie borne said that it was only on Wednes-
Vardy, 35, the Leicester City striker, had day that Vardy conceded it was possible
denied being the source of leaks to the Watt had been the “source”.
newspaper. She is suing Rooney, the He said: “The collapse of Mrs Vardy’s
wife of Wayne Rooney, 36, England and case over the last day has been remark-
Manchester United’s record goalscorer, able. Mrs Vardy appears now to accept
for libel. Mrs Rooney’s case: that Caroline Watt
In October 2019, after a “sting opera- . . . was the conduit by which stories
tion”, Rooney, also 36, said Vardy, 40, from the defendant’s private Instagram
had been giving “false stories”about her account were leaked to The Sun
private life to the media. The quarrel through her access via Rebekah Vardy’s
earned Rooney the sobriquet “Wagat- account. It has become undeniably
ha Christie” — playing on the acronym obvious that Ms Watt is the source and
for footballers’ wives and girlfriends. Mrs Vardy, true to form, says ‘It wasn’t
Rooney’s lawyers claim that Vardy me . . . and I didn’t know anything about
used Caroline Watt, her friend and what was going on.’ ”
agent, for the leaks, “acting on her Hugh Tomlinson QC, for Vardy, told
being overwhelmed. When it is finished equivalent to a stomach-turning 8 bil- 8 million.” The Victorians built infra- instruction or with her approval”. the court that her new statement did
the super sewer will have cost about lion lavatory flushes a year. structure to last. Bazalgette’s sewers are In an updated witness statement, not contain “any change whatsoever in
£4.2 billion. “We shouldn’t blame Bazalgette for approaching their 150th birthday. Vardy said: “I have to accept that it is the pleaded case”. He said: “We simply
Most Londoners will consider that that,” Mousa Khalifeh, a senior project How long will the new super sewer possible that [the agent] may have had don’t know what the true position is in
money well spent if the tunnel does manager, said. “London had a popula- serve London’s ever-growing needs? some form of involvement that I don’t relation to Ms Watt. She’s not commu-
what is designed to do and stops tion of 2 million in his day. Khalifeh said: “It is guaranteed for 120 know about. I still find it hard to believe, nicating with anybody.”
untreated sewage from spilling into the “He built sewers with a capacity for years . . . but I hope it will last a lot longer given all her denials and her support to The hearing, before Mrs Justice
Thames. At present the overspills are 4 million. Now they have to cater for than that.” me during the case, but I can’t under- Steyn, continues.
20 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
Savers lose out while banks make most of higher rates
George Nixon Money Reporter rose from £1.28 billion in the first three Mortgage rate rises affect about Barclays still pays 0.01 per cent on its tander to 0.35 per cent, according to
months of last year to £1.34 billion in the 1.07 million borrowers who pay their standard easy-access account, having Savings Champion.
The biggest banks are cashing in on a same period this year. Lloyds’s figure bank’s standard rate. UK Finance, the not increased its rate since December. Although over the past ten years the
higher Bank of England base rate but rose from £2.67 billion to £2.94 billion, banking trade body, said borrowers The best easy-access account is 1.5 per big banks have never paid the best rates,
are not passing it on to savers. HSBC’s from £5.3 billion to £5.6 billion were paying 3.31 per cent on average at cent from JP Morgan’s smartphone savers in some cases are earning £25
Figures for the first three months of and Santander UK’s from £925 million the end of last year, making repayments bank Chase, which would pay £149 less a year on £10,000 of savings than
the year show that banks such as to £1,05 billion. of about £980 a month on a £200,000 more interest on £10,000 of savings. they were the last time the base rate
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and Santander Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, said this loan. That average will have increased HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest and Santan- went up to its present level.
have enjoyed larger margins between week that the base rate could rise to as three base rate rises feed through. der pay 0.1 per cent on their easy-access The best rate available from a major
what they charge on loans and what 2.5 per cent in the next year. Three quarters of mortgage borrow- accounts, having put them up from high street provider, 0.8 per cent from
they pay to their savings account cus- Barclays, Halifax, Nationwide, Nat- ers are on fixed rates and will be hit 0.01 per cent. Nationwide pays 0.11 per Nationwide Building Society on an
tomers. West and Santander have increased when their deals end, because rates cent, up from 0.01 per cent. All of them account that has a limit of three with-
The base rate, which has risen from their standard mortgage rates — which have risen since September. The lowest are still paying less than they were the drawals a year, is not even half the best
0.1 per cent in December to 0.75 per borrowers revert to when a fixed-rate two-year fixed mortgage rate is now last time the base rate was this high. rate available on the market.
cent, is good news for banks that earn deal ends — by the full 0.65 percentage double what it was in September, when When the base rate rose from 0.5 per Anna Bowes, a co-founder of Savings
more on deposits with the Bank of Eng- point base rate rise since December. inflation began to rise. Five-year fixed cent to 0.75 per cent in August 2018, Champion, said: “If you leave your
land. It leads to raised rates on mort- HSBC, which has raised its standard rates have nearly doubled. Barclays increased rates to 0.25 per savings with your bank, you are being
gages and loans but customers should variable rate by 0.25 percentage points, Savings rates at these banks are lower cent, HSBC to 0.15 per cent, Lloyds to robbed. It’s as simple as that.”
also benefit from higher savings rates. is the only big name not to have passed than the last time the base rate went up 0.2 per cent, Nationwide to 0.15 per Bank of England must not be afraid of
Barclays UK’s net interest income on the full rate rise to its customers. to 0.75 per cent, in August 2018. cent, NatWest to 0.2 per cent and San- robust action, leading article, page 31

Phone chaos at Passport Office Case study

P
eter French, 66, and his
wife Eileen, 67, from
Stratford in east London,

and BA putting holidays at risk spent Christmas with

their daughter and
grandchildren in New York,
flying from Heathrow to JFK
airport on Christmas Eve (David
Andrew Ellson, Ben Clatworthy, Byers and Andrew Ellson write).
David Byers, Katherine Denham On January 4, less than 24
hours before their departure
Travellers are having to spend weeks home, Eileen was told that she
battling to get through to call centres at had failed her pre-departure
British Airways and the Passport Office Covid-19 PCR test and so could
in desperate attempts to save their not board her BA return flight.
holidays. Customer service operations Peter, a retired engineer, said:
at both organisations have become “I spent more than five hours
overwhelmed, leaving thousands of trying and failing to get through
holidays under threat. on the phone in about ten tries to
People longing for their passports are tell BA that I wanted to rebook
having to wait two weeks for urgent her return flight.”
return calls from the Passport Office Eventually he booked a new
while BA is only answering one in 20 flight with BA, which cost £342 to
calls after cancelling hundreds of travel on January 24, compared
flights because of staff shortages. with £231 for her original one.
An employee who works at “Regardless of . . . the rights and
Teleperformance, the French company wrongs of the situation, I believe
that runs the Passport Office’s helpline, it’s my right, as a customer who
said that “terrible management” and has paid a considerable amount,
chronic staff shortages had resulted in to get some kind of response to
“countless” Britons missing holidays. tell me what is going on,” he said.
Passport applicants chasing their Peter said the only response he
documents or needing help wait hours had was on Twitter, where a
to get through or repeatedly have their tweet from the BA account told
calls cut off. Those that do get through him to contact his insurer
say that call centre staff are often un- because it would pay out to him.
able to help so they are promised return BA said it was in touch with
calls that take weeks to happen, if at all. the couple to resolve their issues.
The employee, who asked not to be Ferda Sadik, of London, said
named, said: “It’s a shambles. she had had a “very stressful”
Teleperformance iss miss- time after her passport was lost
ing all service level or stolen and the Passport Office
agreements and not did not replace it in time for a
by days, by weeks. s. holiday to Turkey to visit family.
The urgent callback Pet
Peter French spent over five hours trying to get through to BA after Eileen failed a pre-flight PCR test She completed her lost-or-
queues had a two- stolen application in
week wait when I When a reporter high demand for this service at the classic ‘lowest bidder winning the gov- mid-February through the Post
last worked it. Lost ca
called BA’s contact moment and the system is busy.” ernment contract then doing a bad job’ Office check and send service,
and stolen was ce
centre 20 times this The Teleperformance employee and government having no contractual but it did not arrive in time for
15,000 records w
week, on 19 occa- questioned the official explanation. He leverage to do a thing about it.” He her trip in April. She said she had
over its service sio a pre-recorded
sions said: “I think the story of a massive added: “Blame the civil service for con- regularly chased the service for
level agreement. me
message said “we are ramp-up of applications is a smoke tracting out in the first place, but it’s a updates but got no reply.
“Staff n’t
aren’t sorry we can’t take screen. The passports themselves are private company messing this part up.” She said: “For the last three
trained, they are your call right now”
your going through fine at about five weeks. The Passport Office said: “Our weeks, I called every day . . . but
thrown in and make before th
before the line cut out. On The problems aren’t with the process- extensive preparations have helped us the number was busy and not
countless errors, andd are con- th successfu
th
the successful connection, the ing but with the contact and reply when to handle more applications than ever accepting calls.
stantly being shifteded from depart- hold time was 33 m
hold minutes. problems arise with paperwork, miss- before, with more than one million “I logged a form online
ment to department. IIt’s ’ an absolute
b l O
One ffamilyil needing
di to get hold of the ing photos, name spelt wrong, etc.” processed in March. The Home Office requesting callbacks as I was
mess and customers are suffering. I’ve airline said they called 14 times and The disclosures come after MPs has raised concerns with getting so stressed, but I did not
made countless people cry by telling spent 15 hours on hold but never announced that a new ten-week target Teleperformance about its delivery. receive any calls back.”
them they are not going to get their managed to speak to a human. to process applications is being Teleperformance is urgently working She said she had eventually got
passport on time.” Passport applicants are facing similar repeatedly breached. In response, Boris to add extra staff and significantly through to someone days before
The Times has been bombarded with problems. This week, the Passport Johnson threatened to “privatise the improve current performance.” she was due to depart who said
complaints about BA, with travellers Office’s Twitter page was besieged with arse” off the Passport Office. However, BA says it is going on the biggest her passport would be sent to
struggling for weeks to get hold of more than 100 tweets an hour directed most problems appear to be in areas recruitment drive in its history to help printing that day or the next and
customer services after their flights at its account. One user posted a contracted out to private providers. deal with its problems after it shed TNT would pick it up for delivery.
were unexpectedly cancelled. Others screenshot showing that he had made One former employee who left the 13,000 staff during the pandemic. “It did not happen,” she said.
say they have been unable to use 55 call attempts but had not got Passport Office this year, said: “Almost Teleperformance and Sopra Steria “My seven-year-old daughter was
vouchers that were sent after flights through. all the delays [with processing] sit with did not offer a comment. inconsolable. She hasn’t seen her
were cancelled during the pandemic or Holidaymakers desperate for a Fast Sopra Steria which has been contracted family in three years due to
have had difficulties rebooking hotels Track appointment have also been let to receive, process and scan documents Covid restrictions.
through BA Holidays. This week BA down with the website either crashing sent in support of applications. That is money special “The stress and inconvenience
said that another 100 daily services or not taking bookings. Repeated visits partially Covid-related — its staff do Our national airline is struggling to cope caused is indescribable and I lost
would be cancelled to “build more to the service this week resulted in the have to be physically on site to handle and its customers are paying the price £760 on the holiday.”
resilience into our programme”. message: “Sorry, we’re experiencing the documents— but also it’s just a Pages 62-63
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 V2 21

News
DARREN BURTON/SOLENT NEWS & PHOTO AGENCY

Family cast doubt on expat

couple’s ‘murder-suicide’
David Brown money converting the house into holi-
Adam Sage Paris day accommodation, saying they were
simply refurbishing a guest room for
A British marathon champion beat his visiting friends and family. “They both
wife to death with a baseball bat and had work pensions and were not far off
strangled her before hanging himself in claiming their state pensions,” he said.
an outhouse, local French police say — “John never mentioned any money
but his family have dismissed the problems. I can’t imagine John killing
murder-suicide theory. Kath. They had a wonderful life in
The bodies of John Boyes, 63, and his France with many friends.”
wife Kathryn, 65, were found last week He became worried when he had not
at their home in the Pyrenees. They heard from his brother for two weeks.
had been dead for some time. Then last Sunday a friend who was due
The couple appeared to have a French police say that John Boyes to go cycling with Boyes found the
pleasant life in France, where they ran killed his wife with a baseball bat bodies. Robert said their three sisters
a retreat while Kathryn worked as an were devastated at the news.
artist. They enjoyed walking and tance runner in the 1980s. He com- Boyes’s account on the track site
cycling in the mountains and had bined his Royal Mail job with a running Strava showed he completed a 3.6-mile
friends in the community. career that included wins in the Miami, run on April 12. He described in the
French officials claim that behind an Maassluis and Glasgow marathons. book British Marathon Running Legends
idyllic façade the couple, originally He met Kathryn, who worked at of the 1980s how he began running aged
from Bournemouth, were experiencing Barclays bank in Southampton, during 12 and became a cross-country cham-
financial difficulties, explained in a a running camp on Lanzarote. They pion while serving with the Royal
suicide note written on a computer. moved to France in 2004 to run a Signals . “I was getting up at 4.15am and
However, the murder-suicide claim retreat specialising in activities for doing a hard physical day until 12pm. I
has been dismissed by Boyes’s brother, runners and cyclists in Saint-Laurent- was either cycling or walking,” he told
Robert, 60, who said that they spoke de-Nest. Guests included Steve Wray, the author Gabrielle Collison.
every Sunday. John had never men- the British 100km record-holder, and His wife had grown up in Barnsley,
tioned problems with money or his Chris Boardman, the Olympic gold- South Yorkshire, before moving to the
marriage, he said. medal winning cyclist. south coast. In France she worked as an
“When I first heard they had died I Robert Boyes said two years ago the artist, specialising in paintings of pets.
assumed they were victims of a robbery couple found maintaining the property, Christophe Amunzateguy, the local
because their house is in a remote area,” which has five acres of grounds, too prosecutor, said that Boyes had hit his
he added. “I want the police to carry out strenuous so decided to retire. They wife with a baseball bat, strangled her
a full investigation and not assume sold the retreat and bought a smaller and gone into an annexe and hanged
John killed Kath.” home ten miles away in Boudrac. He himself. A suicide note explained that
Boyes was a well-known long-dis- dismissed reports they had run out of the couple had run up debts, he added. Fowl play One of three newly hatched goslings in Basingstoke, Hampshire
24 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News
NIGEL HOWARD

All the Queen’s horses Members of the Household Cavalry practise ceremonial duties on Horse Guards Parade in central London as they prepare to play a role in celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee in June

The couple saving drug takers Cloud of

cow burps
from terrors of skunk psychosis can be seen
from space
A cannabis clinic that cing a first psychotic episode are young
men. When stories about her work
fold increase in the chances of develop-
ing the condition compared with non-
recently described to his therapist how
he had decided to smoke a joint to relax
cleans up delusional appear in the media she receives letters
from desperate parents. “We have not
users. Murray said the results suggest
that about 30 per cent of psychosis
before going to a job interview. “Of
course he didn’t get the job,” Di Forti
Tom Whipple Science Editor
users is struggling to been able to meet even the local de- cases seen by London’s overstretched said. “But rather than just telling him it Some burps are merely a minor indis-
mand for treatment,” she said. “Within mental health services could be pre- hadn’t been a good idea, the therapist cretion, covered by a delicate napkin to
meet growing demand, our local mental health trust we’ve only vented if high-potency cannabis were set up a little experiment.” The patient the mouth. Some catch you unawares,
been able to respond to a fifth of the re- no longer obtainable. smoked a joint and underwent a mock and can be politely hidden by a sudden
writes Rhys Blakely ferrals that we’ve been getting.” At the cannabis clinic they deal with job interview, with the session being coughing fit. But some are so big that
The creation of the clinic caps two the fallout. Treatment typically lasts for filmed. On another day he did the same they are visible from space.
Adam’s illness caused terrifying decades of research into the link about five months. Patients have week- while sober. He came to the conclusion So it was for the cows of California’s
hallucinations. “I would see imaginary between cannabis — or, more precisely, ly one-to-one sessions with therapists that “well, actually, I didn’t realise that San Joaquin Valley. On February 2, in
things that weren’t there. I would have the high-potency “skunk” form of the to help them wean themselves off when I’m intoxicated I don’t look that what is believed to be a world first, a
children that didn’t exist. I couldn’t feed drug — and psychosis. Much of it has skunk and to build a life without it. The great. I may be very relaxed and chilled satellite orbiting 300 miles above a
them. So they would starve to death in been overseen by Di Forti’s husband, techniques include “motivational in- but I don’t come across as very sharp,” group of windy cows recorded their
front of me, two or three times a day,” he Professor Sir Robin Murray, of King’s terviewing”, where the aim is to harness Di Forti said. burps.
said. “But now, I don’t see them — and College London. a patient’s own desire to change. Encouraging people to learn from Their methane emissions were spot-
that’s largely because I’ve quit weed.” In the early-2000s Murray contrib- There is also a weekly group session, experiences, rather than lecturing ted by GHGSat, an Earth monitoring
In the past year, Adam, 30, has uted to research that first illustrated a held on Zoom, where people can share them, seems to be working well. Of an satellite that uses spectroscopy to
attended the first NHS clinic to special- link between cannabis and mental ill- their experiences and hear from ex- initial intake of 20 patients, 17 complet- identify greenhouse gas emissions.
ise in the treatment of cannabis- ness in adolescents. Other studies perts. The patients set their own ed the course and 14 have completely Normally the satellite operator
induced psychosis. Research suggests have corroborated those findings. goals for cutting down. Assess- given up cannabis. The three others works with companies such as landfill
that the debilitating condition, which One, published by a team led by ments are made of how cannabis have sharply reduced their intake, operators and oil and gas companies to
often involves elaborate delusional Di Forti and Murray in The Lan- is affecting their mental health smoking just once a week. audit their emissions, as well as provid-
thoughts and extreme paranoia, is cet Psychiatry in 2019, found that and cognition as well as their fi- When they entered the treatment all ing methane data to the UN. But the
more prevalent in London than any- south London had the highest nances and vocational pros- were unemployed; nine have now detection of cow burps marks out a new
where in Europe. incidence of psychosis in pects. If they hit their targets, found a job and four are in education. market — and perhaps an additional
The clinic, based at the Maudsley Europe, with cannabis they can earn vouchers for Their psychotic symptoms have re- tool in tackling the problem.
Hospital in south London, has secured identified as the largest online retailers, worth up to duced dramatically. Livestock are estimated to account
permanent funding after a two-year contributing factor. £150 in total. Adam has not now smoked for seven for about 14 per cent of greenhouse
pilot study during which 80 per cent of Smoking skunk was Some have been pre- months — the longest he’s been with- emissions globally. Methane is many
the patients who completed their treat- found to be asso- scribed Sativex, a cannabis- out a joint since he started using canna- times more warming than carbon di-
ment gave up cannabis completely. All ciated with a five- derived drug that contains bis at 14. He gives 5 per cent of the credit oxide, although it is more rapidly re-
had been sectioned under the Mental THC — the compound that to his family for driving him to appoint- moved from the atmosphere. At this
Health Act because of their psychosis; Sir Robin Murray gets people high — to allevi- ments. “Fifteen per cent is on me for particular site, an intensive beef farm,
most now have a job or are in education. and his wife, Dr ate initial withdrawal crav- putting the work in,” he added. The about half a tonne of methane was
The psychiatrist who has led the Marta Di Forti, are ings. A few have found it remaining 80 per cent should go to the emitted per hour.
project, Dr Marta Di Forti, would like a at the forefront helpful to have urine sam- support he’s been given by Di Forti and Brody Wight, from GHGSat, said
similar approach to be adopted widely. of research ples tested for THC levels. her colleagues, he said. His life has been they were surprised by what they saw.
“Until now there had been services Separately, they will be pre- transformed. “I’ve read about 50 books. “It demonstrates a completely new ca-
looking at cannabis dependence and scribed antipsychotic medi- I’m able to focus again. I can watch a pability from space,” he said.
fantastic teams looking at people with cines by their community drama series on TV instead of just Scientists are trying to develop ways
psychosis — but nobody was looking at mental health team. watching cartoons,” he said. to help cattle digest food without pro-
the two together,” she said. The approach is tailored “I have plans — and there’s no poss- ducing methane. Satellite imagery
The group most at risk of experien- and pragmatic. One patient ible way I’ll achieve them if I’m stoned.” could be a way of auditing their efforts.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 25

News
News
DAVE M. BENETT/GETTY IMAGES

Playboy friend
joins Andrew
and heiress in sentence for sex
trafficking. Epstein killed
himself in jail aged 66

£40m fraud row while awaiting trial on

sex-trafficking charges.
Andrew, 62, was
stripped of royal duties
after a TV interview in
which he defended his
Dominic Kennedy, Charlotte Wace son Asset Management and authorised friendship with Epstein.
the transfer of the $30 million out of it. Hanson has been
Robert Hanson, the playboy friend of Hanson’s friends told The Times he had chairman or chief
the Duke of York, has been dragged into no involvement in Isbilen’s finances, executive of eight
a £40 million fraud case brought by a and never met her or spoke to her. Han- companies. He was an
Turkish heiress. son was registered with the Financial investment banker at NM
Nebahat Isbilen, an exile from polit- Conduct Authority but ceased to be a Rothschild & Sons and
ical persecution in Turkey, is suing Sel- director and shareholder of Hanson chairs Oberon
man Turk, 35, a trusted financier she Asset Management in August 2017. Investments Group, a
claims conned her out of her savings as Yet, according to court papers, Han- financial boutique.
she fled to safety in Britain. son himself received £25,000 on Febru- Andrew was a guest at
Hanson’s name has now emerged in ary 11, 2020, from an account in Isbilen’s Hanson’s 40th birthday
court filings because he was allegedly name at Swiss Global, a “purported L’Equipe Anglaise, a club
paid £25,000 from an account belong- asset management company” estab- in London’s Mayfair.
ing to Isbilen, 77. lished by Turk and a business partner. Hanson was once
Hanson’s business was also said in The payment had the reference engaged to the model
court papers to have handled tens of 60DAYPAY. Friends of Hanson told Sophie Anderton but
millions of pounds of the Turkish The Times that no such bank payment married Masha Markova,
woman’s money without her know- to him could be found. a Russian former model,
ledge or agreement as she sought to get Turk said he was not now the manag- with whom he has a son.
her fortune out of her homeland. er or a shareholder in Swiss Global, When Hanson was 34
Prince Andrew received more than although he had been on the board and he dated Anouska De
£1 million of the Turkish woman’s owned shares “for a little period of Georgiou, aged 17, who
money, most of which he has repaid, it time”. Court papers describe Hanson as went on to become a
had already emerged in court. an acquaintance of Turk. The Turkish model and actress. Aged
Turk was a known associate of the man told The Times that Hanson had 20, De Georgiou was
duke. The alleged conman won a prize been his business partner: “We did busi- introduced to Donald
at a contest for business start-ups, host- ness transactions with him in the past. Trump by Maxwell in
ed by Andrew at St James’ Palace, He was the owner of Hanson Asset New York, according to
shortly before allegedly persuading Management and I was banker. the Sunday Mirror in
Isbilen to give £750,000 as a wedding Obviously.” 1997, and the future
present to the duke’s daughter, Princess Hanson’s friends accepted that he president allegedly
Beatrice. Andrew repaid this sum after had met Turk socially but vigorously installed her in an
being contacted by Isbilen’s lawyers. denied they had been business partners apartment in Manhattan.
Hanson Asset Management, a busi- and insisted that he had never done any Robert Hanson De Georgiou told a New
ness co-founded by Hanson, 61, was transactions with the Turkish man in married Masha York court in 2019 that
handling Isbilen’s money from the early his role as a banker. Markova, a former she had been a victim of
days of her trying to flee Turkey, where Hanson was named in a witness model, and went abuse by Epstein.
her husband is a political prisoner. statement by Isbilen’s lawyers Peters & to parties with Hanson and Andrew
Turk, a former banker, began advising Peters as they sought a High Court Prince Andrew, top were such friends of the
her while she was still in Turkey. search order against Turk to discover Kazakh socialite Goga
Isbilen is complaining that $31 mil- where her assets had gone. arm (Dominic Kennedy Epstein, had 15 phone Ashkenazi that she sat
lion belonging to her was sent by Turk
to an account in her name at Hanson
The statement was by nature tenta-
tive as it raised questions about
Stalwart writes). Robert Hanson is
the son of Lord Hanson, a
numbers and two
addresses for Hanson in a
them on each side at her
30th birthday party in
Asset Management, where Hanson
was a director and shareholder, in
London in February 2017. She claims
unexplained transactions rather than
making specific accusations.
“At the very least, and without specu-
of an elite confidant of Margaret
Thatcher. The Old
Etonian heir to the
contacts book compiled
by his staff but Hanson’s
friends point out that the
2010. Ashkenazi was a
friend of the Libyan
dictator’s son Saif
she had no knowledge of the account.
Then, according to court papers,
lating as to the basis for this payment, it
is clear that Mr Hanson was associated
social set billionaire’s fortune was
part of a social set that
pair never met.
Hanson, Maxwell and
Gaddafi, to whom
Andrew played host at
$30 million from that account was with Mr Turk, and it is reasonable to included his predecessor Epstein were all guests at Buckingham Palace and
transferred to a fund related to Turk in infer that the payment was also made to Profile as the country’s most the Dance of the Windsor Castle. Her
April 2017. Mr Hanson at Mr Turk’s direction,” marriageable man, Decades, a ball hosted by partner Timur Kulibayev,

H
Turk said: “Hanson Asset Manage- Peters & Peters stated. e was long Prince Andrew. the Queen at Windsor son-in-law of the former
ment is an asset management com- The lawyers told the court they were regarded as Ghislaine Maxwell, 60, Castle in 2000 to president of Kazakhstan,
pany. Money doesn’t stay in an asset highlighting transactions from the Britain’s most the socialite, was a friend celebrate royal family bought Andrew’s home in
management company. They invest Swiss Global account “as further eligible of both, knowing Hanson birthdays including Sunninghill in 2007 for
into certain funds or asset classes.” grounds for suspicion as to the relation- bachelor, rarely seen from their Oxford days. Andrew’s 40th. Maxwell £3 million more than its
He claims in his court defence that ship between Mr Turk and Hanson As- without a model on his Her companion, Jeffrey is in prison awaiting £12 million asking price.
Isbilen knew about the account at Han- set Management.”

Homeless charity founder rejects claim he misused his power

Mark McLaughlin, Marc Horne Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio and the do so. As the charity has matured, it is day last year and a fifth quit soon after.
Duchess of Cambridge. Prince Harry only right that it becomes less reliant on Jane Bruce, Social Bite’s former chief
A celebrated entrepreneur has rejected and Meghan Markle served meals dur- its founder. executive officer for Scotland, invoked
accusations that he runs his homeless ing a visit to Social Bite in Edinburgh in “For the last few years I’ve been whistleblower protection before re-
charity like an “autocrat”, insisting that 2018. In December 2019 Littlejohn also working with our board to put in place signing in September 2020.
he has taken a back seat in recent years. launched The World’s Big Sleep Out. a new structure which allows me to Bruce has lodged formal complaints
Josh Littlejohn, the founder of Social However, a former Social Bite insider focus on my passion for developing new believed to centre on claims that Little-
Bite, is being investigated by the charity said there had been growing disquiet and innovative projects to help home- john established a powerful personal
regulator amid claims that he misused over Littlejohn’s “autocratic” style. less people.” hold over the charities, with trustees
his power. Littlejohn said in a statement Complaints about his charities have He resigned as a trustee in 2020 and left feeling unable to hold him to
that he had “grown and evolved” since been lodged with the Office of the Scot- the new structure was implemented in account.
he founded the charity a decade ago at tish Charity Regulator (OSCR). May last year. Social Bite employs more An OSCR spokesman said: “We
the age of 25. Littlejohn said: “As Social Bite has than 100 people and distributes about have received concerns about these
He has raised tens of millions of grown and evolved, so have I, and like 140,000 items of food to homeless and charities, which are being examined . . .
pounds, received a Pride of Britain any entrepreneur in a young, fast- George Clooney with the founders vulnerable people every year. according to our published policies.”
award, attracted the support of George growing organisation, will continue to Alice Thompson and Josh Littlejohn Four trustees resigned on the same Bruce declined to comment.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 27

Watching porn in public

should be illegal
Janice Turner
Page 29
Comment
Gung-ho Tories should stop the bidding war
A reckless auction of bellicosity is no way to conduct this undeclared leadership contest between Truss and Wallace
ROB PINNEY/PA
another invasion”. Truss, we report, “is “Words matter,” writes Sir Roderic tipped the balance in Putin’s mind,
Matthew pushing for Russia to pay reparations”. Lyne (for four years our ambassador surely misreads Putin’s mind. No
Parris Reparations? Good God. Like what in Moscow) in The Times on such balance existed. I can picture no
we did to Germany after the First Thursday. “[British ministers’ words] plausible alternative British policy
World War in the calamitous Treaty are gifts to Vladimir Putin and his towards assisting Ukraine that would
of Versailles? Rub the whole Russian propagandists.” Sir Roderic sees have stopped this despot.
population’s nose in it? In this ministerial rhetoric, and the strategy Besides, in history “Steady on!” has

‘W
e will keep going 21st-century bidding war the it implies, as driving iron into the not always been wrong. It would
further and faster,” competition is getting intense. Any soul of a nation . . . “[leaving] Europe’s have been wrong in the 1930s; right
snarls the foreign advance on reparations? You, sir, the largest country as a perpetual and before Suez; right before the Vietnam
secretary, Liz Truss, balding gentleman in the Ministry of embittered enemy”. But Lyne’s war; wrong before the first Gulf war;
in her Mansion Defence? No? No reparations? intelligent hesitation is lost in a wind right before the invasion of Iraq; and
House speech on Wednesday, “to push Going, going . . . gone! Reparations — that’s been blowing ever more
Russia out of the whole of Ukraine.”
Even Crimea? Yes indeed, growls
to the blonde lady in King Charles
Street.
strongly in recent weeks: a wind in
which there’s more than a whiff of
When geopolitics is
the defence secretary, Ben Wallace,
on Sky News a day later. Ukraine’s
This auction of bellicosity is no
way to conduct an undeclared Tory
belligerence.
I notice the birth of a new
tinder dry you should
territorial integrity “of course,
includes Crimea”.
leadership contest. Make no mistake,
that’s what we have here. Against the
orthodoxy: the hindsight-induced
belief that at the start of this war
put away the matches
Beat that, Truss. “The war in background of a hideous European virtue reposed in those who cried right before the Libyan intervention.
Ukraine is our war,” she woofs. war not far from our own island, a “Forward!” while those who cried If (for instance) you think it’s obvious
“Heavy weapons, tanks, aeroplanes war in which thousands have been “Steady on!” should now hang their that we should, or obvious that we
— digging deep into our inventories, killed, whole cities are being razed, heads in shame. Ben Wallace has should not, pile in to the defence of
ramping up production. We need to millions of refugees have fled, and attracted around himself a media Taiwan if China invades, then full
do all of this.” She then throws out a the sole culprit, Vladimir Putin, 70 and political circle, orbiting his Liz Truss is ramping up the rhetoric on marks for your certitude, but forgive
general invitation, to Georgia, Moldova this year, who may be mad, remains not-inconsiderable ego, who Nato expansion and war reparations the rest of us some hesitation.
and the western Balkans, to join Nato. promote, to his career advantage, Wallace should know better than to
Golly. Over to you, Ben? Wallace,
promising war-crimes tribunals, is
The bloodier things get that view. Examples are dug up of
parliamentary colleagues who
invasion would be inevitable and
almost instant. Re-read most
be upping the ante now. A steadying
hand can hardly be expected from
not to be outbid. To pre-empt
Russian attack, it would be
the more careful we resisted his proposals for urgently
arming Ukraine long before the
contemporaneous western
journalism, including most defence
Truss as her only hope of leading her
party is to maximise the support of
“legitimate under international law”
to hit targets within Russia itself.
should be in our words threat of Russian invasion became a
reality. Not to be left out, friends of
specialists’ commentaries, and you’ll
see that while that counsel of despair
the crazies on the Tory benches.
Anyone can bark of freedom and
And “Britain is assisting and finding in control of the world’s biggest Sir Michael Fallon, a previous was, in retrospect, wrong, it was not make speeches about standing tall in
artillery for Ukraine”. Losing his arsenal of nuclear weapons and has defence secretary, have been telling stupid, ignorant or cowardly to the world, and Truss barks for Britain.
nerve momentarily, he adds that at been cornered by his own idiocy into journalists that Fallon’s warnings suspect there was little we could Anyone can talk like a soldier and
present British-sourced weaponry is a position where he has little left to about Russia and Ukraine, too, were usefully do. win admiration for hot speech, and
“mainly” being used within Ukraine. lose . . . against this background, not acted upon. Friends of Wallace It is now being put about by the Wallace is well-placed to. But in
By now Truss is on fire. “There everybody should be treading on have been busier. Disgracefully, they “why didn’t they listen to Ben?” circumstances of mortal danger,
must be nowhere [sic] for Putin to eggshells in the language they use: have publicly blamed senior civil brigade that Moscow might never mature candidates for No 10 will
fund this appalling war,” she everybody, including columnists. servants and the intelligence services have invaded if it’d thought the free recognise a geopolitics that is tinder
continues at the Mansion House. I see now the aggression in columns for curbing Wallace’s attempts to world was readier to help President dry — and put away the matches.
“That means cutting off oil and gas I wrote when this invasion began, send more weaponry, earlier, to Kyiv. Zelensky. This vastly underestimates
imports once and for all.” and think my words, in retrospect, These stories may well be true. But Putin’s catastrophic ignorance of his
Once and for all? Lest there be careless. There is an instinct, as it’s so often the job of Whitehall and own armed forces’ incompetence, red box
doubt, she lets reporters know (The things get brutal, to become more of British intelligence to urge caution. and of the Ukrainians’ calibre and For the best analysis
Times, April 28) that “it is understood brutal in one’s language. The instinct At the time, it appeared to many that patriotism. The idea that if Wallace
that Truss is determined that any should be resisted. The bloodier Putin was very likely bluffing; and (or Fallon) had persuaded colleagues
and commentary on
settlement is agreed on unfavourable things get, the more carefully we that if he wasn’t, Ukraine’s collapse in somewhat to beef up British military the political landscape
terms to Russia in order to deter should tread in what we say. the face of a massive Russian assistance then this would have thetimes.co.uk

Carol Midgley Notebook

to these men to wonder why they’re
Pub drink moderation as the government
nags us to do and you get a
Pillow fright still single?
sauce on the side of the plate. Even
worse is when they smear it and you

‘H
fiscal spanking. Where’s the ow often wonder if a pigeon got in the kitchen
Wisdom of Delia
rip-offs? You incentive, eh? May as well get should you and unloaded mid-flight.

‘R
leathered. change your ecipes are ten a penny and I
Now I’m not completely bedsheets?” asks the couldn’t see any point in Ironing the carpet
don’t know stupid. I don’t expect a half
to cost exactly half that of
a pint because glasses
BBC website. Ooh, I
like this question
because I can swear,
spending my life trying to
think of more,” said Delia Smith,
explaining why she retired. She has I
did a double-take upon reading
that “insurance claims for carpet
burns are down” due to working
the half of it must still be washed,
bartenders paid, tables
wiped, etc. But this kind
in all honesty, that it’s
once a week. But
that’s not because I’m
said the same about endless TV
cookery shows. Preach it, Delia,
though at least you don’t have to
from home. Blimey, do copulating
couples really expect Aviva to
compensate them for friction injuries

I
wish to report that I have been of mark-up is blatant Martha Stewart review all this terrible TV food porn to the knees? But, no, it meant claims
the victim of outrageous prejudice. Consuming less houseproud, merely like someone I know. In my view she for iron burns to the carpet which
discrimination. I am feeling is so often penalised, my that after six days the should have got a damehood purely have plummeted because fewer
“othered”. Why? Because I drink favourite example being bed has become a for saying that modern cooking is workers get dressed for the office
halves of lager, that’s why. At a that an XS cashmere forest of dog and cat too “poncey and cheffy”. Hear, hear, now. Hold on. Do people iron their
bar the men ordered foaming pints jumper costs the same as hair and I fear divorce and hallelujah. I had a “tasting” meal clothes on the carpet? Do they iron
of Estrella at £5.60 each. Then came an XXL despite using a papers might be served. (so little food, so dragged out) in their actual carpets? I’m confused.
halves of the same beverage which fraction of the wool. As a Pet-free friends tell me which one course was literally one Still, I can promise my insurance
cost, bafflingly, £3.40 each. They student I used to drink they change sheets cherry tomato sliced in half dabbed company that I’ll never make such a
charged £6.80 for two halves — a pints. Maybe I should fortnightly. with a drop of “jus” in the middle of claim. I never iron anything and
full £1.20 more than if exactly the again to avoid what my The BBC says that a big plate. On the upside it was haven’t switched mine on since about
same amount of fluid had been friend calls a “lady’s drink “nearly half of single hilarious. The squirt of washing-up 2017, filing it under “Life’s too short”.
poured into one pint glass. This rip- tax” (I know men drink halves, men” admit they don’t wash liquid required to clean it probably
off — sorry, “adjustment” — applied too. Don’t cancel me). Pint bedding for four months, often cost more. Delia has also railed
to all beers. So try to drink in please, with an extra glass. longer. Do you think it ever occurs against those pretentious six dots of @carolmidgley
28 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Comment

Jubilee joy is Roland Rat in a Reliant Robin

Britain has a world-class collection of moth-eaten glove puppets, along with enough rubbish cars to fill a royal tow-past
there would be BMXers doing guest for this great day, but for the the hearts of teenage girls the
Giles wheelies on their funny little 1980s likes of Sooty and Sweep, Emu, length and breadth of the capital,
Coren bicycles, a moving oak tree with flags Orville and Gordon the Gopher, who has surely come. Or they could just
coming out of it and “a dragon bigger will surely dance alongside Basil on fly his one over Woking, to be on
than a bus”. the day, because this great nation of the safe side.
“Have no fear for the coming ours is about more than just one Then will come Gok Wan from
years, your Majesty,” Churchill would moth-eaten TV glove puppet, surely? How To Look Good Naked, with a

W
hen Princess have been able to say to the young It is, at the very least, about all of thousand dancing fatties in the buff
Elizabeth became Queen, if he had seen the them. Which is to say, if Roland Rat cavorting behind him — oh,
Queen, on top of a magnificent plans revealed this week isn’t involved, you can forget it. England, my England! — and if that
tree on that glorious for the Platinum Jubilee pageant of (Yeeeeeh, rat fans! Am I right or am I is considered suitable, then a phalanx
Kenyan morning in “national treasures” on June 5. right? Yeeeeeh.”) of oiled Love Island veterans
1952, her father having succumbed to “Because at the end there will be not Similarly, the C5 will surely not be shagging along to Jerusalem would be
lung cancer and the pressure of only broad, sunlit uplands, but a C5, the sole representative of our glorious a lovely extra touch. And somebody
leading the world’s greatest country some Bond cars and an appearance Queendom’s long history of rubbish dressed as the not-at-all-spooky Rolf
through a terrible war against the from Bill Bailey, that bald comedian car manufacture. I expect and Harris-headed kangaroo. Plus, of
worst kind of perfidy, little could she who won Bake Off.” anticipate a fleet of Morris Marinas, course, to celebrate our invention of
have dreamt that, 70 years on, her “Well, that is very consoling, too. Along with serried ranks of parliamentary democracy and,
mighty reign would be celebrated by Winston,” the Queen would have said, Austin Allegros, Reliant Robins, indeed, the mother of all parliaments,
a 100ft zeppelin of her face floating forgetting for a moment her worries Vauxhall Vectras and, of course, a row of middle-aged men in suits
over the Mall, serenaded by a chubby about the crumbling of Empire, the DeLoreans. The only problem is that leafing through copies of Razzle.
little ginger pop singer from Halifax march of communism, smog, Mosley the Mall is quite long. Few of the My only worry in all this is what
and his glove puppet lookalike, and declining public support for the “Boom boom” Basil Brush has swept above could be expected to make it all they can then possibly do with Tom
Basil Brush. monarchy. “But it wasn’t Bake Orf he aside competition from Sooty and Emu the way in one go. But drive-pasts are Cruise, who is slated to head up the
If only she had known, as she flew won. It was Strictly.” a bit Putinesque anyway. What price coverage on television. I guess he’ll
home to attend the King’s funeral, “My mistake, your Majesty,” Winston, I had best brace myself to a grand coronation tow-past, ideally just have to jump up and down on
riven with grief for the daddy who Churchill would have said. “But if it my duty and so bear myself that if in the rain? That would properly sum the sofa, shouting about how much
named her Lilibet, that it would all the British Empire and its up 70 years of British motoring. As he loves the Queen, like he did about
be OK because, after serving as the
English monarch for longer than
I’ll be lining the streets Commonwealth last for a thousand
years, men will still say, ‘Ed Sheeran
would a fleet of caravans. And some
National Front skinheads in vintage
Katie Holmes that totally normal
time on Oprah.
anyone in the 1,000-year history of
our island nation, there would be an
with polythene poncho was the best bit’.”
And he may well be. For Sheeran,
Fred Perry tearing up a motorway
service station in Derby.
Not that I’m saying Cruise is a bad
choice of figurehead for the
appearance by Gok Wan himself at
her Platinum Jubilee, not to mention
and Thermos of Bovril the stubbled crooner best known for
his endless planning battles with
And why stop at a giant helium
balloon of the Queen’s face? (I
proceedings. After all, as a
scientologist who believes that
Cliff Richard and the Daleks helps, I can also confirm that Tom East Suffolk council over weirdly assume they got the idea from the Xemu, the dictator of the “Galactic
(presumably because the Shadows Cruise himself has been lined up to shaped swimming pools and giant, very popular Donald Trump one a Confederacy”, brought billions of his
will be otherwise engaged). take part.” inappropriate mausoleums, has while back.) Shouldn’t we have giant people to Earth (then known as
As she sat nervously waiting for “Wait, what? Tom ektual Cruise? certainly been presented as the most balloons of the whole royal family, “Teegeeack”) in DC8-like spacecraft
that first audience with her prime At my little old Plettinum Jubilee? exciting feature of the pageant. bobbing above the capital all day? 75 million years ago, stacked them
minister, Winston Churchill, scourge You’re hevving me orn?” But for me — and I will certainly It’ll remind everyone of that around volcanoes, and killed them
of the recently defeated Nazis, to “It’s 90 per cent confirmed, your be lining the streets from dawn in a previous peak of monarchal self- with hydrogen bombs, Tom is at least
discuss how best to rally national Majesty. He’ll be in London anyway, polythene poncho with my Thermos congratulation, It’s A Royal Knockout. in no position to call the worship of a
morale in the face of Soviet Russia’s filming Mission Impossible 12, so his of Bovril — I think the highlight will And I think Prince Andrew has national queen, chosen by God, and
increasing militarism, how consoling agent thinks it’s on.” be Basil Brush. Not so much for the done his time, don’t you? The born to rule without election, question
it would have been to think that, “Oh well then,” Queen Elizabeth hand-up-the-bum fox himself, who moment for his 100ft bonce to float or accountability, anything but really
when England eventually prevailed, would have said. “In that case, seems quite a random choice of down the Thames, striking fear into quite sane, rational and progressive.

Miriam Darlington Nature Notebook

I found my A hill of bluebells and garlic lay to
our left but, ignoring them, down and
down we went, toward the watery
liqueurs, such as bilberry gin and
crème de myrtille.
I was once told there is not a child
this one on Dartmoor, but also
heaths and moorland, as well as
warm sheltered chalk downs and

heart-red roar that silvered its way through the

gorge. The glades closed in as the
slopes steepened, replaced by a
in Finland who isn’t brought up on
bilberries and porridge for breakfast.
Return in July and August, with the
valleys all over the UK, where nectar
sources are easily available.
Radiant attraction
thrill on broken open forest of slim oaks, some berries warmed and ripened to their

T
felled, some sprouting tall. Beneath full thunder-cloud blue, and there he male hairstreak perches in a
them, as the gradient of the path will be mouthfuls of the sharp- prominent position, in this case

bilberry hill wound through this new section, a

bright carpet rose and the forest floor
shone with a shimmer of new green.
tasting fruits that explode on the
tongue — more than enough for a
pie or two, or some bilberry jam, or
a topmost bilberry leaf, but also
loves scrubby hedgerows with
blossom such as hawthorn. Attracted

S
unlight splashed through The velvety, acid-green woodland some such mouth-watering delight. to rock rose, bird’s-foot trefoil and
new leaves as we rambled floor was undulating with a mini- There’s something about bilberries broom as well as gorse, you can see it
among the many pathways forest within a forest, its deepening that fills my heart with hope. And Bilberry bushes provide food for birds, feeding from April to June. Territorial
of Hembury Woods on shades and shadows beneath the oaks here was the promise of many, many insects, humans and other mammals males alight high on favourite shrubs
Dartmoor. The scent of making a city of delicate little shrubs. bilberries, enough for everyone; for and wait for passing females to chase.
loamy soil in my nose, the grass They came in at the height of a deer’s the birds, mammals and insects and gorging on bilberry tarts — this While they wait, they regulate their
starred with dog violets and bright nose, or just about calf-height. whoever else would feed on them. emerald gift was something else: a body temperature by tilting their
yellow gorse, I was beguiled by the Bilberries! Putting my face in, and It’s been a tough year, with green hairstreak, left, Callophrys rubi. wings to catch the sun, and a
sloping flanks of the high hillfort lower still, I found each was be-rubied awfulness crashing about our ears: Always settling with its leaflike distinctive dotted white line or
and its glades dotted with rowan with tiny blooms; not fruit but the hard news, difficult times at work, wings closed, displaying its dainty “hairstreak” can confirm the ID.
and holly. promise of it. The berries were not heartbreaks and grief at home, but green undersides and faint white Close up, the exquisite green
My collie chose which track we yet formed but the berry-like here at least was a scattered surprise dotted wing-streak, this iridescent underwing is edged with gold, and
would take, trotting with one flowers, so similar to the fruit, to be happy about — not berries but creature is dazzling. Its special the downy body tipped with large
aim in his nose: to get into the hinted at them. pre-berries: frail, heart-red and optical effect is produced by the eyes and long-clubbed, gold-tipped
clear rushing water of the Bilberries grow all over shivering in the wind. structure of its wing scales, and the stripy antennae. The thrill of radiant
river Dart far below. What northern Europe vivid green colouring, part of its green, intense in its iridescence, is
did he care about the and a special Bright green gem display, is presumably to combine mingled with shimmering tones of

A
inevitable uphill climb comb is used in mong the host of pollinators camouflage with attracting females. green-blue and, all around it, a
after the highlight of his France and flitting over the berry blooms, Experts tell us that if the wings are smouldering edge of gold.
day? So we hurtled Scandinavia to unidentifiable as dust-motes, a moistened the green vanishes. No
downward, me tottering harvest the tiny wild leaf that was not a leaf twinkled. true green pigment exists in British Miriam Darlington’s latest book is
on dodgy knees, he with berries in their Deftly concealed in the varied greens butterflies, although it does in Owl Sense
one desire for that wet- thousands to make of its habitat was a butterfly as green emerald moths. The green hairstreak
fur-shake that would soak tarts and jams, or as a jewel. I could easily have missed is widespread and local colonies
my face. even delicious boozy it. But when I saw it I forgot all about inhabit sunny scrub and hillsides like @mimdarling
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 29

Comment

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Watching porn in public should be illegal

It’s astonishing that men have so lost their sexual bearings they think it’s OK to view hardcore films on trains and in parliament
porn,” he notes, “is like having a believes it should only count as TfL tells women to report users, committee. The bigger question is
Janice small erotic snack to tide me over sexual harassment if the MP was but that requires you to get off the how some men become so
Turner before the big decadent meal at watching porn with the intention of train, rake through CCTV, and for desensitised that they lose their
home.” If other passengers could upsetting a colleague. If women what? If flashing isn’t taken seriously sexual bearings, and can’t last five
stink up a compartment eating a accidentally saw the images, it was — just 594 prosecutions out of 10,775 minutes without an “erotic snack”.
tuna sandwich, why shouldn’t he get merely an ethical misstep. When reports of indecent exposure cases in Young women have long reported
off on Hot Teenage Asians? three judges were sacked in 2015 for 2020 — why would we expect any being expected to comply with acts
@victoriapeckham He has a point about private accessing porn through their judicial action on public porn? It comes into like choking, hair-pulling or
selfishness contaminating the public IT accounts, the Guardian columnist that expanding category of new smacking, which their partners have

I
t was an off-peak afternoon train sphere. People now clip fingernails or Owen Jones wrote flippantly that a sexual offences where virtual and picked up in porn. But young men
and as I passed by looking for a apply full make-up on trains, eat hot “tense judge seeking a quick bit of real worlds collide: from “upskirting”, too are starting to understand how
quiet seat, I assumed this young food or text in cinemas. Without that relief will concentrate better”. sending unwanted nudes and their libidos are being hijacked by
guy dressed for the office, eating old-fashioned notion, propriety, what Men who regard pornography as “revenge porn”, to the strangulation obsessive consumption. On Reddit is
sandwiches and swigging Fanta, is to stop anyone doing what the hell “empowering” are oblivious to how a “no-fapping” forum for men trying
was poring over Excel spreadsheets.
Instead I got a glimpse of thrashing
they like? The portability of our lives
— all our work, fun, connections,
offensive, upsetting and
dehumanising women find sitting
Westminster shows to wean themselves off porn. Many
find they can’t enjoy real intimacy
bodies on his laptop screen, and
hastily moved on.
desires squidged into a six-inch
plastic phone case — has muddied
next to a stranger watching rough
sex. Or how girls hate school bus
how online porn has because partners’ bodies don’t live up
to plasticised porn stars, who are
How did watching porn in public
become so banal that barely a
any division between being at home
and out in the world.
journeys with boys perving over
PornHub: “That’s you, that is.” On a
seeped into reality neither instantly orgasmic nor
utterly biddable. “No fap” posters are
woman I know hasn’t sat beside a train, how do you know if a porn-user of women by men mimicking mocked and damned as incels. But
guy flicking through hardcore? On a
bus or a plane, in GP waiting rooms,
It is offensive to sit is targeting you or demonstrating his
utter impunity, getting a kick from
extreme images.
It’s debatable whether public porn
Gail Dines, feminist author of
Pornland, reports that desperate guys
cafés, libraries, beaches, parks. From
builders on a fag break, train drivers
next to a stranger smashing the boundaries of everyone
around him, from old ladies to kids.
use is even illegal. It should be. The
best hope for a prosecution currently
come to her for help whenever she
lectures in American colleges: they
and a charity worker at the NSPCC,
to MPs in parliament, porn has
watching rough sex Few women make a fuss. (I didn’t
grass up the young man to the guard.)
looks to be as an “offence against
public decency”. But what an archaic
long to cut free of the cold,
industrialised travesty of sex which is
flooded the workplace. Besides, unfettered access to porn It’s embarrassing, and we know to notion that sounds now. If the wrecking their lives.
How strange that it has become is not just advocated by the free- fear entitled, angry men in confined government wants to retrieve any In Westminster we are seeing just
untethered from its presumed speech right but the libertarian left. spaces. Transport for London has credibility from this debacle it could another example of how the
purpose. While some public porn- Feminists who critique the inherent launched a campaign against staring order a legal review: can old laws be unfettered pornified online world
users are, overtly or covertly, misogyny of the porn industry, how it and, sure, the unwanted gaze of a repurposed or is new legislation has seeped into reality. Neil Parish,
masturbating, most consume their normalises sexual violence, writes the man who may get off at your stop is required? the MP in question, should lose his
clips dead-eyed, just as the rest of us script for abuse, are accused of being intimidating. But why is there no Instead ministers make excuses, seat, not just for the sake of his
catch up on Masterchef or zone out religious moralisers, uptight prudes. “Put it away, lads: porn is not OK with Ben Wallace blaming “long disgusted female colleagues but as a
to YouTube videos of cats. Why? The For the sex-positive movement, here” poster campaign to make it hours, drink and pressure”. As if an statement of what is intolerable in
best explanation I found was from a porn is freedom. The academic João clear that those who watch it in exhausted female MP fires up every office, on any bus, in every
“sex positive” American writer. “Bus Florêncio, author of Bareback Porn, public have crossed a line? RedTube in a parliamentary public place.
30 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Letters to the Editor should be sent to

Letters to the Editor [email protected] or by post to
1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF

GP appointments, arthritis and mental health Dinner-party musts

Sir, Your archive article (“Essentials of
Sir, I read with interest your report increase in demand for GP refuse, or make difficult, the a successful dinner party”, Apr 27)
that a quarter of GP appointments are appointments. I typically have 50-plus prescribing of pain relief when it may suggested that “the three
now less than five minutes (Apr 29). patient contacts per day, and then be the only sensible option to support indispensable features for a pleasant
In the same edition I note that the admin, and like all GPs I get through a patient seems harsh. To refuse dinner were a cabinet minister, a
government is consulting on fixed it as efficiently as possible. It can specialist referral for joint duchess and a beautiful woman”. In
fees to reduce costs in clinical sometimes feel as if the blame for replacement, when that may be the PG Wodehouse’s The Mating Season
negligence cases. Would it be NHS failures in the media is directed only realistic intervention to improve Bertie Wooster, referring to his old
Girls and maths unreasonable to speculate that the squarely at primary care. Why not quality of life, could be viewed as a friend Gussie Fink-Nottle, thinks
solution to both issues lies in better look at hospital waiting lists? There is mechanism to reduce the that “the first essential for an
Sir, It is unfortunate in the extreme funding of frontline NHS services? little incentive for hospital consultants frighteningly long waiting lists for enjoyable dinner party is for Gussie
that the government’s social mobility John De Bono QC to get through the lists quickly when such procedures. not to be at it”.
tsar appears wedded to opinions that Serjeants’ Inn, London EC4 they can earn extra for operating on Roger Calvert Peter Lowthian
are old fashioned, ill informed and the same patients on waiting-list Smeeton Westerby, Leics Marlow, Bucks
damaging (“Girls shun physics A-level Sir, Occasionally five minutes with a initiatives, and in private hospitals.
as they dislike ‘hard maths’, says healthcare professional is adequate: a Dr Jonny Hobman Sir, The Times is to be congratulated
social mobility head”, news, Apr 28).
Such views enforce gender
quick blood test, a simple medication
review, a triage appointment. Most of
Street Lane Practice, Leeds on its Priory Group investigation
(“Patients died after catalogue of
Empire successes
stereotypes and perpetuate broader the time a longer appointment is Sir, Dr Jennifer Jones (letter, Apr 27) errors by mental health chain”, Apr Sir, Alexander Downer (letter, Apr 29)
perceptions that mathematics and required, particularly for patients with suggests that the foundation of the 29). Good mental health services in might have added the United States
sciences are difficult and unappealing. complex health needs. This is NHS in 1948 should be celebrated by the NHS are in short supply relative to his list of great nations formed by
Tackling these misconceptions, reflected in latest general practice a public holiday. With more than six to demand. Successive governments empire.
valuing maths properly as a society consultation data, with 39 per cent of million people on the waiting list in have not invested sufficient resources Peter Davies
and funding it accordingly, and patients seen for more than ten England, a national day of mourning in mental health since the closure of West Kirby, Wirral
encouraging more students to study minutes. People are living longer and would perhaps be more appropriate. the Victorian psychiatric hospitals in
maths at every level of education, increasingly with multiple physical Dr Chris Storer the 1980s and 1990s. We are captive to
must be prioritised. This would
benefit the UK enormously: maths
and mental health problems. GPs
need more time with these patients.
Portishead, Somerset the present providers unless we can
incentivise others to enter the market.
Birds of a feather
enables today’s most exciting and The Royal College of GPs thinks Sir, The National Institute for Health However, the shortcomings Sir, We always referred to sparrows as
urgent technological developments 15-minute appointments should be and Care Excellence once again states exposed are as nothing compared spyugs (Nature Notes, Apr 27, and
and the mathematical sciences are standard but that means we need what was common knowledge to with what is happening in our prisons. letters, Apr 28 & 29). Other names
estimated to add more than more GPs, and more members of the most medical professionals (“Stop Official statistics for England and commonly used by us when children
£200 billion to the economy, almost practice team to look after those taking painkillers for arthritis, Wales show that in the 12 months to were stuckies for starlings, peezies for
10 per cent of our GDP. The study of patients who do not necessarily need patients told”, Apr 29). Exercise is December there were 371 deaths in peewits, craws for rooks and jennies
the mathematical sciences has also care from a doctor. beneficial to those with early and prison custody. This was a 17 per cent for wrens.
been shown to boost graduate Professor Martin Marshall moderate arthritis of joints. However, increase over the previous 12 months. Alan G Shearer
earnings and opens up opportunities Chairman, Royal College of GPs is it realistic to expect health carers to Of those deaths 86 were self-inflicted, Glasgow
for a wide range of exciting careers change the ingrained behaviour of a 28 per cent increase. Each year
including those at the forefront of Sir, Your article draws attention to GP those with the condition? Many there are more than 50,000 incidents Sir, In the West of Scotland in my
artificial intelligence, national appointments lasting less than five sufferers have never been accustomed of self-harm. As I recall, the NHS is youth, the following ditty was
security, driverless cars and the minutes. ’Twas ever thus. Some last to taking regular exercise or eating responsible for prison health services. recited: “Twa birdies sat on a barra:/
development of quantum computers. five minutes, and some 15. For balance sufficient food to maintain a healthy Lord Warner One was a speug, the other a sparra.”
Professor Ulrike Tillmann, president no mention is made of the colossal weight. To expect health carers to House of Lords I can’t vouch for the spelling since I
of the London Mathematical Society; have never seen it written down.
Professor Sylvia Richardson, Margaret LB Anderson
president of the Royal Statistical exponent of ballet. I have long been be an effective tool in the pursuit of Canterbury
Society; Professor Alison Etheridge, Russia and the war mystified by the love of ballet in a victory and peace.
chairwoman of the Council for the country with a reputation for Thomas Fairley
Mathematical Sciences; Professor
Rachel Norman, president of the
Sir, I have to take exception to Alan
Orbell’s characterisation of Russians
savagery and would be delighted to
read a plausible explanation of this
Cambridge Well-kept lawns
Edinburgh Mathematical Society; never being “on a similar wavelength seeming paradox. Sir, Anybody who likes to keep a
Professor Paul Glendinning,
president of the Institute of
to Europeans” and implicitly inferior
because of their “casual savagery”
Christopher Treves Brown
Radlett, Herts
Starmer’s beer snooker-table lawn surface might be
offended by your leading article
Mathematics and its Applications; (letter, Apr 29). My experience of Sir, It is surprising to learn that Ben (Apr 29) advising them to hang back
Gavin Blackett, executive director of more than five years working in Sir, I don’t agree with Sir Roderic Wallace, the defence secretary, has for a few weeks to let the wild flowers
the Operational Research Society Russia was one where, far more often Lyne (letter, Apr 28) that it’s wrong involved himself in arguments over flourish. This implies their nurtured
than not, I was treated very politely, for the US and UK to attack Russia lockdown parties (“Starmer escapes lawn is not just grass.
Sir, The issue isn’t whether A-level sometimes as an exotic curiosity but over the airwaves. It’s a question of fine for office beer”, Apr 29) when the Roger Foord
maths is too difficult for girls but usually with genuine warmth and timing. He’s right that with Germany message from Boris Johnson’s camp Chorleywood, Herts
whether they think it is. The fact that kindness, and frequently an having been defeated in 1945, the US until now has been all about
nearly 75 per cent of A-level further embarrassing level of deference. Treasury secretary should not have trivialising the issue and how people
maths pupils are male suggests that
perceived difficulty and suitability
I could not always say that of the
Europeans he puts on a pedestal.
proposed further attacks on its
economic recovery. But when the war
in Britain are far more concerned
about the cost of living and Ukraine.
Rocky history
might be strong factors determining Demonise the regime certainly, but was still raging, it was absolutely His intervention only serves to fuel Sir, The first time I heard the name
A-level choice. It is pointless to please not the people. essential for our leaders to mobilise the suspicion that the party of law Rocky Marciano (letters, Apr 27, 28 &
speculate about why there is so much John Brehcist the English language and send it into and order believes that two wrongs 29) was in the mid-1950s when I was
gender bias in choosing further Belfast battle against the enemy. It may be can make a right. about eight years old. I returned home
mathematics and physics; it is an unfashionable but belligerent Graham Davies for the holidays from a government
empirical question, necessitating Sir, Russia is a, perhaps the, leading communication used judiciously can Shoreham by Sea, W Sussex boarding school in Lusaka, Northern
psychological and educational Rhodesia (now Zambia), and when
research. We can only do something asked by my father how I was getting
about the gender imbalance once we
know the reasons for it. MURDER BY Richard C M Harbord, BD, Murragh
Rectory, Church of Ireland. The
harness a horse to a car in the shed.
While engaged in this he was shot
on, I replied that I was being teased by
the other boys, who were mostly older
Trevor Harley
Emeritus professor of psychology, NIGHT IN rectory is situated about one mile
east of Enniskean. Robert Howe,
dead. He had the reputation of being
a fine athlete and was physically
and tougher. My father asked why
and I told him that it was because I
University of Dundee
CO CORK married, aged about 60, farmer,
residing about half a mile west of
very strong. Later accounts from the
district state that other houses also
wore underpants. Apparently tough
boys didn’t. My father instructed me
Castletown Kinneigh. Robert Nagle, were visited, and inquiries made for to return to school the next term and
Letters to The Times must be exclusive single, aged about 18, of McCurtain some of the occupants who, by one point out to my opponents that Rocky
and may be edited. Please include a full from the times april 30, 1922 Hill, Clonakilty, son of Thomas subterfuge or another, were Marciano wore underpants. As
address and daytime telephone number. Nagle, summons and process server, fortunate enough to escape. memory serves, I found it less risky to
The murder of three men at sheriff’s officer, and caretaker of the Our Dublin Correspondent give up underpants, and follow the
Dunmanway, West County Cork, has Masonic lodge, Clonakilty, which telegraphed yesterday: The murder crowd.
Corrections and been followed by another night of was burned some time ago. Robert of three Protestant citizens at The Rev Robin Hungerford
clarifications murder in the same area, in which Nagle was a Post Office employee. Dunmanway, Co Cork, has caused Heytesbury, Wilts
five more men were killed in their The shootings took place during the deep anxiety among all classes and
own homes. All were Protestants. early hours of the morning, and in creeds in Dublin. The circumstances Sir, Rocky Marciano was the greatest
The Times takes As far as can be ascertained the each case it would appear that of the murders are obscure, and their heavyweight of his generation. David
complaints following are dead: Gerald Peyton, armed men visited the homes of the motive is unknown, but the fact that Simons wants to know (letter, Apr 28)
about editorial single, aged about 20, of Ballineen. men and shot them. One account of all the victims were Protestants what Marciano’s fight plan might have
content seriously. We are committed to This young man, a native of the the shooting of John Chinnery states suggests that the murders may have been at 5ft 10in and 13st 2lb against
abiding by the Independent Press district, had been away for some that in the middle of the night the been in the nature of sectarian Tyson Fury at 6ft 9in and 19 stone. As
Standards Organisation (“IPSO”) rules years and returned last July. John occupants were awakened by a loud reprisals for the outrages on Roman a boxing writer at The Sun for more
and regulations and the Editors’ Code of Chinnery, single, aged 32. a farmer, knocking at the door, and the farmer Catholics in Belfast. than 50 years I have the solution: he
Practice that IPSO enforces. Requests
for corrections or clarifications should residing at his farm about one mile himself came down to see what was would have had to grow 11 inches and
be sent to [email protected] or on the Ballineen side of Castletown the matter. He was ordered out to put on six stone.
by post to Feedback, The Times, 1 Kinneigh. The son of the Rev the yard, and there commanded to thetimes.co.uk/archive Colin Hart
London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF Harrow, Middlesex
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 31

Leading articles

Daily Universal Register

UK: Coronavirus test sites in Scotland close
from today; World Snooker Championship
semi-finals at the Crucible, Sheffield; Army v
Navy rugby match at Twickenham.

Birthdays today
Lord (Kim) Darroch of
Kew, pictured, UK
ambassador to the US
Necessary Medicine
(2016-19), prime
minister’s national The economy is slowing even as inflation continues to rise. But that should not deter
security adviser (2012-15),
68; Jacques Audiard, the Bank of England from taking robust action to avert a looming wage-price spiral
film-maker, Paris, 13th
District (2021), 70; John Boyne, novelist, The The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Commit- fuelling fears the economy may be sliding into wage-price spiral. Already there has been a sharp
Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2006), 51; tee will meet next week to decide whether or not recession. Those concerns were heightened by rise in industrial action by unions refusing to
Jonathan Brownlee, triathlete, six-time world to raise interest rates. The answer appears to be a data showing the US economy shrank by 1.4 per accept pay awards below inflation. And with un-
champion, Olympic gold medallist (2020, foregone conclusion. The markets expect a cent in the first quarter this year. employment back to a pre-pandemic low of 3.9 per
mixed team relay), 32; Jane Campion, film- 0.25 percentage point rise in bank rate to 1 per cent, There’s no question that a rapid rise in interest cent and job vacancies at a record high amid post-
maker, first female film director to win the though some committee members may push for a rates will increase the risk of recession, deepening pandemic and post-Brexit labour shortages, em-
Palme d’Or, The Piano (1983), 68; Andrew 0.5 percentage point rise. Inflation is already at the cost-of-living crisis for households already ployees have considerable bargaining power.
Carwood, director of music, St Paul’s 6.2 per cent, driven by a nasty cocktail of post- struggling. Indeed, Rishi Sunak, the chancellor, The reality is that the Bank cannot afford to be
Cathedral, 57; Sir Geoffrey Cox QC, pandemic supply chain disruptions and energy will have struck fear in the hearts of many home- complacent about this risk of a wage-price spiral.
Conservative MP for Torridge and West and commodity price rises driven by the war in owners when he warned that interest rates are As the experience of the 1970s showed and the
Devon, attorney-general (2018-20), 62; Ukraine. It is forecast to reach a 40-year high of likely to rise to 2.5 per cent over the next year, public is rediscovering, high inflation is deeply
Dickie Davies, presenter, World of Sport well above 8 per cent this year. Having been which would add £700 per annum to the cost of an corrosive to living standards. It also acts as a strong
(1968-85), 89; Kirsten Dunst, actress, the proved wrong in its assessment that high inflation average mortgage. Businesses too, already hit by disincentive to investment as firms find it impossi-
Spider-Man trilogy (2002-07), 40; Rev Paul would be short-lived, the Bank has little option but more costs and reduced demand, would face ble to plan ahead. And the longer higher inflation
Fiddes, professor of systematic theology, to act decisively now. The bigger question is how higher borrowing costs, increasing the risk of job persists, the stronger the monetary and fiscal
University of Oxford, 75; Gal Gadot, actress, far and how fast interest rates will need to rise to losses. Recession fears are taking their toll on the medicine needed to cure it. It took a series of deep
Wonder Woman (2017), 37; King Carl XVI bring inflation back to its 2 per cent target. pound, which has suffered its biggest fall against recessions and prolonged periods of high unem-
Gustaf of Sweden, 76; António Guterres, That question has certainly got harder amid the dollar since 2016. ployment in the seventies, eighties and early nine-
secretary-general of the United Nations, UN grim economic data over the past few weeks, Yet the Bank will need to weigh this risk against ties to cure Britain of its inflationary disease.
high commissioner for refugees (2005-15), which show the economy slowing even as prices the consequences of not acting decisively to quell We can only hope such painful remedies will not
prime minister of Portugal (1995-2002), 73; continue to rise. The latest surveys reveal con- the inflationary threat. The real danger is that be needed this time. The key remains the credibili-
Sheldon Harnick, lyricist, Fiddler on the Roof sumer confidence in April sank to its second low- while inflation may have been driven by a series of ty of the Bank and public confidence in its ability
(1964), and songwriter, 98; Stephen Harper, est level on record, while for those on basic in- one-off shocks, which should prove short-lived, to bring inflation back to its target, thereby limit-
prime minister of Canada (2006-15), 63; Lars comes, confidence has fallen even below levels in the persistence of higher inflation could become ing the cost-of-living crisis. That credibility has
von Trier, film director, Melancholia (2011), the depths of the global financial crisis. Household embedded in expectations of what will happen in taken a knock with its missteps over the past year.
66; Sarah Tynan, opera singer, 46. expectations of their financial situation have simi- the future. That will make it more likely that Next week’s meeting is an opportunity to claw it
larly fallen to record lows. Retails sales are falling, employees will push for pay rises, triggering a back.
Birthdays tomorrow
Dame Joanna Lumley,
pictured, actress,
Absolutely Fabulous
Losing the Licence
(1992-2012, film 2016),
and Gurkha campaigner, The BBC needs to slim down and adopt a different funding model
76; Wes Anderson, film-
maker, Isle of Dogs When Nadine Dorries, the culture secretary, ration. Because everyone who watches TV has to viewers to pay a subscription. But that would un-
(2018), 53; Alan Belfield, indicated in January that the BBC licence fee pay, the BBC has sought to be all things to all doubtedly impact its annual income of £5 billion
chairman, Arup Group (engineering would in time be abolished, the BBC presenter people, and in the process only satisfied some. A and could damage its role as a public service
company), 66; Prof Sir Richard Blundell, Dan Walker posted on social media the words recent YouGov poll indicated that only 5 per cent broadcaster. Introducing such a change needs to
economist, 70; Sir Nigel Carrington, “43p a day”. His non sequitur exemplifies the of those aged 18-30 watched any live BBC pro- be done carefully, as the debate over the planned
chairman, Henry Moore Foundation, 66; obstacles to rational discussion of the BBC, one of gramming. It has instead become attractive, and privatisation of Channel 4 suggests. There is a less
Steve Cauthen, jockey, three-time British Britain’s great institutions yet one that needs its then only in part, to a mainly middle-aged and pressing case for this measure, as Channel 4 re-
champion jockey (1984, 1985, 1987), 62; Lady content and funding reformed. The issue is not the elderly audience. The price of this quest for view- ceives no public funding and has actively reinvest-
Sarah Chatto, artist, vice-president, the cost of the licence fee but whether a compulsory ing figures has been to make programmes often ed its profits in mainly British production compa-
Royal Ballet, 58; Judy Collins, singer, Send in levy for watching or listening to programmes is an indistinguishable from those available on com- nies, than for abolishing the BBC licence fee.
the Clowns (1975), and songwriter, 83; Rita appropriate funding model in the digital age. mercial and streaming services. A populist strate- For the BBC a hybrid model may be appropriate
Coolidge, singer, (Your Love Has Lifted Me) A government white paper this week said there gy that is not popular is the worst of all worlds. It in which its public-service output would be funded
Higher and Higher (1977), 77; Alex were “clear challenges on the horizon to the sus- is also a recipe for discontent to compel young by subscription and possibly by government
Cunningham, Labour MP for Stockton tainability of the licence fee”. The government is people to subsidise the viewing habits of their grants. Similarly the BBC World Service should be
North, shadow justice minister, 67; Jamie right to plan to change the way the corporation is parents and grandparents. paid for from the foreign aid budget. It is a valuable
Dornan, actor, the Fifty Shades film series funded after 2027, when the royal charter finishes. A sensible strategy would be to slim down con- vehicle for “soft power” given its reputation for
(2015-18), 40; Fiona Gilbert, radiologist, The licence fee, enforceable by law, is an anachro- tent, do fewer things and do them better, and reliable reporting set against the disinformation
professor of radiology, University of nism that imposes arbitrary costs on people who abandon a rearguard defence of the licence fee. peddled by autocratic regimes. That type of fund-
Cambridge, 66; Sir Gordon Greenidge, may never watch its programmes. There is no reason why alternative funding mod- ing model sustains Voice of America, which is paid
cricketer, West Indies (1974-91), 71; Sir The days when television comprised three or els should cause a decline in quality. The notion of for by the US government but is editorially inde-
Nicholas Hilliard, High Court judge, four terrestrial channels are long gone. Now there commercial funding is in fact consistent with the pendent. The BBC is a historic institution but no
Recorder of London (2015-19), 63; Kim are multiple channels, some free to air and some BBC’s traditions; in its earliest days it was funded longer a monopoly. Forcing it to earn revenues by
Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, charging subscriptions, and many producing qual- by public subscription and paid a fixed dividend. attracting viewers, rather than forcing everyone to
46; Keith Leslie, chairman, Samaritans, 64; ity content that surpasses the output of the corpo- The most equitable model would be to entice pay for it, is overdue.
Sir Kim Lewison, lord justice of appeal, 70;
Julian Mitchell, writer, Another Country
(1984), 87; Peter Phillips, chief executive,
Cambridge University Press & Assessment,
60; Paul Walsh, chairman, McLaren Group
(automotive, motorsport and technology),
The Other Boris
Compass Group (2014-20), 67; Antony
Worrall Thompson, TV chef, 71. The former tennis champion is paying the price for his deceit
Boris Becker gave pleasure to millions, both as a Sensation is an overused word, especially in making secret payments the very day after declar-
On this day vibrant young athlete and an engaging middle- sport, but that is what Boris Becker became when ing bankruptcy, the behaviour of a man who had
aged broadcaster. His exalted status as the he won Wimbledon in 1985 at the absurdly young come to believe the normal rules and laws did not
In 1975 Saigon fell to North Vietnamese Eighties wunderkind of tennis could not, however, age of 17, the youngest man to win the prestigious apply to him.
forces and was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. protect him from a jail sentence yesterday. Nor title. He featured in five of the next six singles Becker made £35 million over his career and
should it have done. This month Becker was found finals in SW19, winning two more titles. The club spent it all, plus some. He had a particular weak-
guilty of four charges under the Insolvency Act of tie he wore to court yesterday was well merited. ness for Harrods, popping in the day before his
The last word concealing assets from his bankruptcy trustees in Both the British public and popular press took sentencing, still looking like an overgrown kid in a
2017. That conviction followed a heavy fine and Becker to their hearts, thrilled by his prowess on sweetshop. While his many fans would echo his
“Mankind is so fallen that no man can be suspended sentence for tax evasion in his native court and rockstar lifestyle off it. Fame and wealth elderly mother’s verdict that he is “a decent boy
trusted with unchecked power over his Germany. In the business of living beyond his certainly seemed to go to his head. Plainly, he had overall” neither his affability, talent nor celebrity
fellows.” CS Lewis, author, scholar, essayist, means, and lying about his finances to do so, too much, too young, which led to him having not shielded him from facing the consequences of
Equality (1943) Becker had form. enough when he was no longer young. He began his crimes.
32 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Write to Feedback by emailing

Comment [email protected] or by post to
1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF

Unlucky Karens
among women to whom this term you could say that a fourth was from Teddington, Middlesex, “We
might be applied. outstanding, in its way. Anyway, I are all Dickensians!”
Our correspondent Karen was, feel sure the reference was not “In the same way that there’s a
therefore, right to say that “Karen” is intended as a putdown. Semper’s Beatles song or a Punch cartoon for
a derogatory term but she had, I own career demonstrated that a every occasion, there’s a Dickens

have been turned think, misunderstood the sense in

which it appeared in the Times2
article. In writing about the HRT
shortage, Anna Maxted was
parodying the response of ignorant
fourth was no bar to future success
in life. Oxford — the only university
which gave them — phased them out
in the 1970s but, as several readers of
the obituary pointed out, other
character to personify every human
virtue or folly. You might consider
Rees-Mogg Gradgrindian, but
perhaps he’s behaving with the
charitable magnanimity of the

into a bossy cliché and unsympathetic doctors to the

menopause — “oh, boohoo, the
Karens have run out of moisturiser,
they’ll just have to put up with dry
distinguished holders of fourth-class
degrees include the 19th-century
Tory prime minister Robert Cecil,
the cricketer and author CB Fry,
Cheeryble brothers. Who is the more
Dickensian? Uriah Heep or Sam
Weller? Magwitch or Micawber?
Miss Havisham or Madame Defarge?
skin and dry vaginas and being Gerald Gardiner QC, a lord And is a Dickensian Christmas a riot
entitlement and enthusiasm for hysterical and unhinged for a bit; calm chancellor, and Colin Cowdrey. of Pickwickian good cheer or a
Rose complaining — the definitive Karen down ladies, untwist your knickers”. Semper was a postwar grammar miserable Scroogian nightmare?”
Wild catchphrase being “Let me speak to Maxted may have been over- schoolboy, and therefore not the I think the Scroogian nightmare is
Feedback the manager”. The term comes from egging it — I’d like to meet the typical hooray who regarded a fourth what Dorries had in mind, but the
the US, where it is thought to have doctor brave enough to tell an HRT- as the “gentleman’s degree”. In dictionary does give two definitions
originated in the African-American deprived woman to calm down — Brideshead Revisited, Charles Ryder’s for “Dickensian”, which are
tradition of giving nicknames to but that’s the nature of satire. And I older cousin Jasper advises him on alternatives to that grim vision —
@timesfeedback stereotypical meddling and racist wonder if there isn’t something just a his arrival at Oxford: “You want “characterised by jollity and
white women. It was propelled into tiny bit Karenish about emails which either a first or a fourth. There’s no conviviality” and “grotesquely

A
Karen has written to (all too) common usage in 2020 after end “Do better, please”, or “Shame value in anything in between. Time comic”. Sounds just like life in 10
complain about the use of two highly publicised incidents when on you”, or even “I expect better”. spent on a good second is time Downing Street.
“Karen” in a Times2 white women wrongly accused black thrown away.”
article on Wednesday. men of theft and threatening Semper primus By the same token, I would guess Bottoms up

J H
“Why,” she asks, “do you behaviour. ohn Brooke wrote to ask, “Why that second and third-class degrees ugh Duncan took me to task
allow the name Karen to be used in a No sooner had the bossy white was it necessary in the obituary rarely, if ever, get a mention in on a nautical point. “In regard
derogatory manner? Karen is my Karen become embedded in public of the Very Reverend Colin obituaries. And, of course, with the to the meaning of ‘careen’, I
name, a name that my mother and consciousness than a number of Semper, canon of Westminster present grade inflation, a fourth 60 don’t think it is necessary to actually
father chose for me 67 years ago, a female journalists and academics, Abbey and head of BBC religious years ago equates to a 2:2 today. turn a ship ‘upside down’ to clean its
name that I have always been proud quite probably bossy but not broadcasting, to add ‘attaining a bottom. In my source of all naval
to have. Why is using my name (and necessarily called Karen, began fourth-class degree’ after saying that All life is here knowledge, the novels of Patrick

W
that of many others) in an insulting pointing out that using this term to he read theology at Keble College, e reported that Nadine O’Brian, careening was done by
manner acceptable? I expect better demonise a group of people was Oxford. Was this a compliment or Dorries, the culture passing a cable under the ship to
from you.” sexist, misogynistic, racist, ageist and something of a putdown? It read as secretary, had accused scrape its underside. I imagine that
“Karen”, in case anyone is feeling classist — in short, just another way the latter. I see no need for such Jacob Rees-Mogg of being turning, say, HMS Victory upside
mystified, is current slang for white of telling women to get back in their additional information unless the “Dickensian” in his crusade against down would have presented
women of a certain age who are seen boxes and keep quiet. This, I believe, degree was of an outstanding nature, civil servants being allowed to work considerable problems.”
to be over-endowed with feelings of is the current consensus, at least a double first for example.” I suppose at home. But, writes, Philip Downer, Yes, I can see that. Point taken.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 33

Comment

Y No idea for
ou know the government drivers of some of the most unsafe millions on their summer holidays start showing more repeats. Instead
has run out of ideas, as well cars will be dead, so won’t need to eat. this year, as backlogs at the Passport of broadcasting every new attack on
as steam and scruples, when Child’s play Boris Johnson wants Office mean they won’t be able to go the BBC by Nadine Dorries, they can
the prime minister turns a
cabinet meeting into a radio
phone-in. “We’ve got Thérèse next,
to do something about the cost of
childcare, with a particular emphasis
on those with an indeterminate
saving money abroad. The government is, though,
offering free flights to Rwanda.
Hot stuff Stay warm without
just rerun one of her old ones.
Postcode lottery Find that nice
woman who has given away half her
long-time listener, first-time speaker
. . . how do you think we can save
money without spending money?”
number of children and who are
unable to supplement their income
by writing Telegraph columns. At
is a bad one. turning on the heating thanks to a
shortage of HRT, which means hot
flushes will be available to millions.
Euromillions win to help people
worse off. Failing that, send a
begging letter to Rishi Sunak’s wife.
As the cost-of-living crisis bites,
especially for those really struggling
least for the next couple of months.
No laughing matter Earn some
Unless it’s one Pity the fuel After Oliver
Dowden, the Tory party
Office politics Save millions on
stationery by stopping Jacob Rees-
after giving up their green card and
non-dom status, no idea is a bad
idea. Unless it’s one of Nadine’s, obvs.
money on the side by writing jokes
for Keir Starmer, so he can throw
away his Big Book Of Topical
of Nadine’s, chairman, boasted that Boris
Johnson would remain PM
and still has “plenty of fuel in
Mogg from leaving “sorry I missed
you” notes on desks like he’s
Whitehall’s Avon lady. This week he
So here are the collective thoughts of
the cabinet’s tiny brainstorm:
Really motoring This government
Political Jokes 2003 edition, which
this week at PMQs brought us such
rib-ticklers as “he’s the Comical Ali
obviously the tank”, maybe he could
share some of it with people
who can’t afford to fill up.
warned civil servants that if they
didn’t come back to their offices he
would sell off the offices they don’t
will get the country moving — of the cost-of-living crisis”, “he’s an Matt Chorley Dr No GPs’ surgeries to want to come back to. You can’t
mainly by getting DVLA staff off ostrich” and “his big idea makes the cut all doctors and instead compete with that remorseless logic.
their sofas and into their office to cones hotline sound visionary and ensure receptionists have Hard times Crack the productivity
start opening two years’ worth of inspirational”. That 30-year-old sufficient resources and puzzle and get MPs working in
post. MoT’s will become biennial cones hotline material will no doubt Listen to Matt Chorley training to tell every patient overdrive by removing all
instead of annual. This will help to bang on the TikToks. every Monday to Friday, there are no appointments. distractions, including alcohol, legs
bring down food bills because the Vacant vacations Families will save 10am to 1pm Anti-Auntie The BBC to and superfast broadband.

Duke of jazz who captivated the Queen

The young Elizabeth developed a deep appreciation for the composer who gave voice to the African-American struggle
ALAMY
responded. “For a long time, social
Ben protest and pride in black culture
Macintyre and history have been the most
significant themes in what we’ve
done.”
It was all in the music, which gave
voice to the black American
@benmacintyre1 experience, creating a sound that
embodied the moods, inflections and

W
e know little about rhythms of black culture and
the Queen’s cultural religion. He rejected the terms
tastes, and even less “swing” and “jazz”, simply describing
about her political his music as African-American.
views. She enjoys Black, Brown and Beige was an
musicals and show tunes; she is extended composition for orchestra,
thought to read the horseracing crime mixing violins and spirituals, African
novels of Dick Francis; she is not rhythms and the blues. It was first
keen on independence for Scotland played at Carnegie Hall in 1943 to an
and would not, we can safely assume, audience that included Eleanor
have relished the prospect of Jeremy Roosevelt, Count Basie and Frank
Corbyn as prime minister. Sinatra. Telling the story of black
Beyond that, her cultural interests Americans from slavery onwards,
are a blank slate, her politics either Ellington called this, his first
carefully hidden or non-existent. We symphony, “a parallel to the history
have no idea what she really likes to of the American Negro”. It was also a
read or watch, which painters,
playwrights or actors she admires,
what theatre she enjoys and the
Ellington was a bridge
music she listens to in private. This is
central to the mystery of majesty:
Duke Ellington’s music had a role in the civil rights movement and got the Queen and Prince Philip, below, on to the dancefloor between classical and
since she displays no artistic or
political tastes, she cannot be
African-Americans as equals, and
still less as supremely gifted artists.
Washington DC. For five years in the
1920s his orchestra played at the
jazz, black and white
criticised for them. The Duke ruled over jazz for half a Cotton Club, a mafia-owned bridge between classical and jazz,
But in her 97th year, the Queen has century, and changed for ever the speakeasy decked out in plantation past and present, white and black.
been revealed to be a lifelong and cultural landscape of America and style for a wealthy whites-only The Queen may not have been
hitherto almost wholly secret devotee the world. clientele. Black musicians entered fully aware of Ellington’s role in the
of the jazz genius Duke Ellington. In his definitive biography, Harvey through a back door. civil rights movement when she
This week Gary Crosby, a double- G Cohen writes: “Through Ellington, Without obvious fanfare, Ellington danced to it, but she cannot have
bass player who became the first jazz the black experience, replete with stood up for black rights, performing been oblivious to what his music
musician awarded the Queen’s Medal humanity, history, and artistry, for the National Association for the meant in black America.
for Music in 2018, told Radio 2 that filtered into millions of American Advancement of Colored People and In 1972 a group of famous black
he was left “floored” by the Queen’s homes.” Remarkably, it also filtered holding concerts to raise money for jazz musicians gathered at Yale
knowledge and appreciation of into the palaces of the royal family, the Scottsboro Boys, black University to raise money for an
Ellington’s music. and captivated the Queen. adolescents falsely accused of rape in African-American music
She met Ellington in 1958 at an Elizabeth II’s embrace of Duke 1931. Touring Britain in 1933, department. There was a bomb
arts festival in Yorkshire, where he Ellington reveals not just discerning Ellington’s band had to find threat.
“politely flirted with Her Majesty”. musical taste but at least a hint of alternative accommodation in Charles Mingus refused to leave.
She treasured her father’s collection political engagement. For Ellington London when grand hotels turned “Racism ain’t strong enough to kill
of Ellington’s records. As newlyweds, was also an important if subtle figure them away. “I started my own civil this music,” he told the police. “If I’m
Princess Elizabeth and her husband, was regarded as the preserve of in the American civil rights rights movement in the Thirties,” he going to die, I’m ready. But I’m going
Prince Philip, danced to Ellington’s white Europeans; he opened the way movement, fusing art and political said. “I went down south without out playing Sophisticated Lady.”
Take the A Train. for African-American culture, and activism. Even someone as distant federal troops.” Ellington stood outside with a
Ellington, who died in 1974, has a above all jazz, to be seen as lasting from popular culture as the Queen From 1961, he had a clause in his smile on his face, listening to his own
good claim to be the most influential and important. His music was always cannot have been unaware of the contracts ensuring he never played composition played as a civil rights
musician-performer of the 20th far more than an accompaniment to message in the music: by appreciating to another segregated audience. He protest anthem.
century. An indefatigable creative dance; like a classical symphony, it is Duke Ellington she was also, by was a close friend of Martin Luther It is tempting to imagine that had
force, a composer, pianist and band high art demanding the audience’s association, embracing the cause of King. At a time of violent protests Queen Elizabeth been there (then in
leader, as well as poet, playwright full attention. racial equality and social justice. and sit-ins, some civil rights the 20th year of her reign) she might
and painter, he produced more than Ellington composed at a time Ellington defied racism all his life. campaigners accused Ellington of have relished the moment too: the
2,000 works. when white American society, in He was 20 when violent race riots insufficient militancy. “They’ve not Duke and the Queen, jazz royalty,
Before “the Duke”, serious music both the north and south, did not see exploded in his home city of been listening to our music,” he together in the music.
34 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Comment

weekend essay

Reparations
for slavery are
just a cynical
shakedown
As the royals face more demonstrations and demands for
apologies, Douglas Murray argues that every civilisation
in history has engaged in this wicked trade and Britain
should feel proud of the role it played in stamping it out

T
his week it was the turn of the Wessexes, coastal towns of England and European countries and
poor things. Edward and Sophie, the Earl sold them into slavery. More than a million Europeans
and Countess of Wessex, arrived in St Lucia were stolen in this way.
to a reception that was initially warm. But Like everything else that benefits the anti-western
very soon they were met by protesters. The narrative of our day, slavery is presented as though it
signs included one saying: “We want reparations now. was a vice indulged in only by white westerners.
The Queen of England needs to apologise for slavery.” Whereas it was of course a wickedness engaged in by
Another said “Queen say sorry” while drums and every civilisation in history. And, as Voltaire said,
chanting went on. There was a similar scene in St perhaps the only thing worse than what the Europeans
Vincent and the Grenadines, where protesters held did in buying Africans and sending them across ss the
signs saying “compensation now” and “Britain your oceans was what the Africans did to their fellow w
debt is outstanding”. Africans in stealing them and selling them, nott just to
The Wessexes are just the latest royals to step into the Europeans, Americans and Arabs but to other her
this particular mess. Last month it was the Africans. The few memoirs of slaves that have
Cambridges. During their tour of the Caribbean come down to us, such as those of the remarkable ble
Prince William and his wife, Kate, faced calls for the Olaudah Equiano, bear testament to this. The
monarchy itself to pay reparations for the slave trade. people who did the people-stealing were African. n.
So great was the pressure felt to be that William None of this is what-a-boutery. Neither
concluded the tour by giving a speech at a dinner in does it diminish the horror of the European Ab
Abolition is estimated to have cost just under
Jamaica where he expressed his “profound sorrow” for and transatlantic slave trade. But it is 2p per cent of national income. That was the
the slave trade, saying it “should never have context which is necessary, given that the ca
case each year for 60 years (from 1808 to
happened” and that it “for ever stains our history”. re-eruption of a debate about reparations is 18
1867). Factoring in the principal costs and
Nothing could be more absurd. It is simply a shame so completely context-free. th
the secondary costs, such as the higher
that the royal family should have become enmeshed in Those who call for apologies seem to p
prices of goods the British had to pay
one of the great shakedown attempts of our time. think that no apologies have been th
throughout this period, Britain’s abolition
It is hardly surprising that officials and others in the forthcoming before. Never mind demanding an
and suppression of the Atlantic slave trade
Caribbean, as in parts of Africa, find the issue of action from the Cambridges or Wessexes, m
may actually have equalled any financial
reparations such a perennial interest. They know it to this country’s laws putting an end to the be
benefits accrued to the nation during the
be one of the most cost-free exercises they can indulge slave trade were signed by King George III. pe
period of the trade. Britain’s actions have
in. In the best-case scenario their guests might actually Those who pretend that the Crown has never righ
rightly been described by historians as “the
pay up. The worst-case scenario is they just put every apologised for the slave trade or are overdue mos
most expensive example” of international
visitor from any western country on the back foot and for an apology must simply be ignorant or mora
moral action “recorded in modern history”.
pretend that any continuing problems in the country mendacious. They cannot know, for instance, The costs were not only financial. In the years
are not to do with misgovernance or corruption but to that Prince Albert spoke at a meeting in London don tthat
hat the West Africa Squadron patrolled the seas,
a trade that ceased more than 200 years ago. dedicated to the extinction of the slave trade in tthey
hey captured
cap as many as 1,600 slave ships and
They rely, of course, on western ignorance, which is 1840. During his remarks, the consort to Queen en ffreed
reed 150,000
150,0 African slaves. This led to significant
indeed magnificent. In America as in Britain and the Victoria not only apologised for the slave trade de but loss of British
Britis lives. During the decades after 1808,
rest of the West, there was a time when the history of described it as having been “the blackest stain n upon more than 1,500 1 men of the Royal Navy were killed in
empire and slavery may have been taught only in one civilised Europe”. Why was Albert still speaking ng about action fighting
fighti ships from countries such as Brazil,
light. But those days are generations past. Today, the slave trade in 1840? Because although Britain tain had whose trade in slaves continued until the 1880s. Do
slavery is taught as though the transatlantic slave by then long abolished slavery, other countries in the The Duchess of Cambridge these lives not count for anything? Does the heroism of
trade was the only slave trade that existed. The far world had not. What made Britain remarkable was not shaking hands with these seamen, chasing ships across the oceans,
larger trading of Africans east to the Arabs during the just that we were the first to stop taking part in the children during a visit to boarding vessels and fighting for the lives of slaves
same period is utterly unknown. Where are their wicked trade ourselves, but that having stopped doing Trench Town in Jamaica stowed away in the hold, count for nothing?
descendants? They didn’t have any. Because the Arabs so we then went on to do everything we could to end last month. Top right, a Apparently so. Activists are so desperate to pretend
who transported perhaps as many as 18 million it in the rest of the world as well. protest in St Lucia during the Royal Navy did no such thing that they have even
Africans to their lands castrated all the males to After abolishing the trade in 1807, this country chose the royal tour by the attempted to smear Britain’s greatest naval hero,
Wessexes this week.
ensure there were no more black Africans. I would be to send the Royal Navy around the world, establishing Admiral Lord Nelson, by claiming he was a supporter
Above, Prince Albert
surprised if one in a million schoolchildren knows the West Africa Squadron based at Freetown, and grew apologised for slavery in
of the trade. In 2020 activists called for Nelson’s
anything about this. For there is very little scholarship the fleet until a sixth of the ships and seamen of the 1840 and spoke out Column in Trafalgar Square to be removed. Searching
on the subject outside the French-speaking world. Royal Navy were employed in the fight against the against it, more than 30 for evidence after they had already reached their
Also ignored is the trade in white Europeans which slave trade. The cost to Britain of this highly unusual years after Britain conclusion, they cited the existence of a “letter”
happened in the same period. In that process the decision was significant. Scholars who have done the abolished the trade showing Nelson’s ardent support for the trade. What
Barbary pirates and others stole Europeans from the maths have produced some sobering conclusions. they did not realise (it was proved to much less fanfare
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 35

Comment
CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY IMAGES; JOSH PAYNE/PA

the past to people who may look like people to whom h

a wrong was done. How on earth is restitution to be
made on such terms?
In America there is a fierce debate over whether it is
“racist” to expect voters to show ID when they
exercise their franchise at the polls. Democrats insist
that black Americans will be put off voting if they are
expected to prove their identity. So how easy does
anybody think it will be to persuade black Americans
to do the necessary DNA tests to work out who comes
from slaves and who does not? After all, black people
in the US who have arrived in the past 150 years can
hardly be expected to be beneficiaries of this largesse.
And what are we to do about people who are
descended from slaves and slavers, slaves and slave-
stealers? Should African countries, residents of the
Caribbean and other places where people benefited
from the selling of slaves be asked to chip in to the
great reparations pot? It would be an unpopular
suggestion to make.
Whenever the UN discusses such issues African
leaders and others have a disagreement between those
who would like the money to be paid directly into their
own bank accounts and those who think some other
system might work. In reality, the whole system will not
just be a way of encouraging mass fraud and
corruption, but will also detonate race relations in
America in the name of healing them. A more fractious
and divisive idea could hardly be invented.

W
orse is that there would be no
guarantee any such payment would be
a one-off. How do we know? Because,
shortly afterwards by Nelson scholars) was that these slaver. His statues have been torn down by activists deliberately or otherwise, memories

“
activists had cited a letter which was a forgery. and also pre-emptively removed by local governments. are short. How many people
Specifically, it was a forgery created by the anti- All of this has coincided with renewed calls for demanding the latest bouts of apologies from the
abolitionist movement when the slavery debate in reparations. The writer Ta-Nehisi Coates kicked off the royals know that the family dealt with this matter 200
England was still current to posthumously pretend he latest round of this debate in 2014 with a piece in The They are a years ago? How many people who think America
would have been on their side. So much for truth. Atlantic magazine making “the case for reparations”. In never addressed the issue of slavery understand that
The reparations debate involving Britain is in some it, Coates argued that African-Americans might look familiar type, the country almost fell to pieces fighting about that
ways just a spin-off of a much more brutal debate going
on in America, on steroids and with megaphones. In
for a precedent to the money paid to Israel by postwar
Germany. This argument caught on in record time. By these people. very issue 200 years ago? Any payments would open a
demand for cheques that will never end.
the US almost everything in the country’s history has
been put up for grabs and then spun through the same
the 2020 Democratic primaries, all candidates for the
presidency professed some support for the idea of
They are So long as American blacks underperform, more
reparations will be demanded. The fact that other
remorselessly hostile spin-cycle of racism, slavery and
original sin. Three years ago The New York Times,
reparations, and several were ardent advocates. One of
the first things the Biden administration did was to
people who ethnic minorities, such as Asian-Americans,
outperform whites will always be ignored as just
once the country’s paper of record, began a project
which set out with the purpose of resetting the
look at setting up a commission to investigate the
possibility of paying reparations.
tear at wounds another of those too-difficult facts in a mono-
explanational world. As in America, so it will be here.
founding date of America. The date they chose was
1619, the first year slaves were brought into America.
What any such commissions will someday have to
confront are the deep problems that everybody in
long since Just as no apology will be enough, no payments will
ever be enough. For there will always be a country
Of course the republic itself wasn’t even founded yet,
but the NYT’s project sets out to make slavery the
America as in Britain would like to avoid. First is the
fact that this demand is not as new as it sounds. The
healed and that needs more money. There will always be those
who see people prepared to prostrate themselves for
original, founding sin of America. A sin that is seen in case for reparations has been made for 200 years and then cry about wrongs they did not do. And there will always be a
America as unique, unprecedented and ineradicable. with every year that passes it becomes ever less smiling politician eager to explain an easy way to
Of course, nobody would deny that the legacy of justifiable. Who today has actually suffered for the their pain absolve yourself of your sin.
slavery in America has been long. But it is hardly as crimes of slavery? Who today has actually perpetrated I feel sorry for the royals but the answer is easy. No
though the country has failed to address the issue. The the crime? As it happens there are estimated to be one alive did the sin. No one alive suffered the
US fought a long and bloody civil war over it two about 40 million slaves in the world today. I have met consequences. History has moved on. Some former
centuries ago that almost tore the country apart. But some on my travels. Indeed there estimated to be colonies did well. Others did not. Only those who
today, just as the Founding Fathers are condemned, more slaves today than there were in the 19th century. don’t know anything about history are inclined to
and are currently being removed from their plinths by But nobody is very interested in that. They are think otherwise or think slavery is still a root issue.
activists and authorities alike, so both sides of the civil interested in past wrongs, not present ones. They are a familiar type, these people. They are people
war are treated in the same manner. It is So the demand for cash continues. But here is the who tear at wounds long since healed and then cry
understandable that people might not lament the problem. Today we are not even talking about a about their pain. It is an insult to our history, as well as
removal of remaining statues to commanders of the wealth transfer from perpetrators to victims. We are a demonstration of ignorance and cowardice, to
southern forces. But in recent years the heroes of the not even talking about a wealth transfer from the pretend that such people should get what they
north have come under equal attack. Even Abraham descendants of perpetrators to the descendants of demand. We owe them nothing. The debt is paid.
Lincoln, the man who saved the Union and freed the victims. We are talking about a wealth transfer from
slaves, is now attacked as though he himself were a people who may look like people who did a wrong in Douglas Murray is the author of The War on the West
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 37

News

Erotic novelist
who posed as
UN ambassador
still owes £1.5m Danison, who lives in a £1.1 million
A self-styled knight has sentence in 2019 for hiding his assets, he
has continued to pose as an inter-
home in Carmarthenshire, is a prolific
writer of works such as Karmic Love
continued his life of national diplomat, in an apparent at-
tempt to secure business from those
luxury even after his who trust him with their money.
His consultancy ranges from crypto-
scam led to a jail term, currency to investment advice and ap-
pears to echo the scam he was jailed for
Neil Johnston writes a decade ago.
Bizarrely, as well as writing books
With a knighthood, a UN ambassador- claiming to be a financial guru, and pro-
ship and a role sentencing international fessing to be the inventor of Contracts
criminals, it is a wonder Sir Patrick for Difference, a complex but popular
Bijou has found the time to write a form of trading which sees billions
series of racy novels. change hands daily, Danison has be-
In fact, his prolific output of Jilly come a prolific erotic novelist.
Cooper-style fiction is the only thing One book, Wildflower, appears to be
that is real about the self-styled knight his own take on the Twilight film saga
who introduces himself as “His and promises to be a “thrilling horror
Excellency”. romance and steamy adventure” in-
While his books including Karmic volving the “intricacies of how were-
Love and Undying Lust can be ordered wolves and vampires satisfy their emo-
through Amazon and Waterstones, tional and sensual needs”. Another,
Bijou, 63, is not an international diplo- Paranormal Club, is “a naughty and
mat, but a conman who owes millions saucy” romance set in a ghost hunting
to the British taxpayer while living a life club while Offence and Justice follows
of luxury. the story of “love, lust, sex, and a
Eric Fitzpatrick Danison, as he is complicated marriage relationship of
actually named, who is originally from an attorney couple”.
London, was jailed for 11 years in 2010 On his website, Danison has a picture
for a £14 million property scam as he of himself sitting in front of a mock-up
operated under the guise of bogus com- of the Oval Office and has gone as far as
panies to trick investors into handing to produce online discussions in front
over large sums. The CPS only recov- of a computer-generated audience of
ered £450,000 from Danison, but he realistic looking Zoom listeners, where
has now been found to have been he boasted about meeting “prime min-
shielding nearly £2 million of assets isters and presidents”.
while hiding out in a bolthole in rural He has also produced a series of fake
Wales and will face jail again unless he certificates to support his claims. He
pays back £1.5 million. has remained more private at home,
This week The Times tracked Dani- however, with neighbours describing
son down to his spectacular mansion in the conman as “secretive” and odd.
His mansion is shielded by woodland
and only a long winding driveway is vis-
ible from the main road where passers
by are blocked by gates and three signs
warning of “private road”, “CCTV” and
“beware of the dog”, which on social
media appears to be an affable black
labrador.
Danison’s past has been painstaking-
ly hidden from his neighbours who say
Eric Fitzpatrick Danison at his arrest they have never seen him during his
in 2010, left, and as he appears now ownership of the house. “Do you know
what, in all this time I have never seen
Llanarthney, Carmarthenshire, which anyone from that house. I’ve never
he purchased for £1.1 million as a cash even seen any cars coming or going,”
buyer in 2016 under his new name, im- one farmer, who owns land adjoining
mediately after being released from the property, said.
prison having served half his sentence. “We used to see the previous owner
Described as “magical” by the up- all the time when she lived there and to
market estate agent which sold the say ‘hello’ or whatever but I’ve never
property, it features 50 acres of seen the current owner. It’s like he’s
grounds, an annexe, woodland and two being very secretive. I’ve heard
lakes. With £500,000 in the bank and a rumours that he’s a bit dodgy and might
fleet of luxury cars including a £70,000 have been inside but I didn’t know
Alfa Romeo Giulia, a £60,000 Range what for.”
Rover and a classic Daimler, Danison When informed that his neighbour
had no intention of paying back the tax- had been ordered to repay £1.5 million
payer until a whistleblower told police or return to prison, the farmer said:
of his whereabouts. “That house is worth £1.5 million easy.
The property is five minutes’ drive It comes with quite a bit of land.”
from the National Botanic Gardens of Another woman living nearby added:
Wales and has a tributary of the River “I’ve never seen anyone coming from
Towy, famous for its wild salmon and that house. It’s very intriguing.”
sea trout, running through the grounds. Danison did not answer questions,
Danison adopted a new persona, but said: “You can say what the f*** you
claiming to be a high-profile invest- like. You better be careful. You do not
ment banker, fund manager and knight know who you are dealing with. In
who was a UN ambassador and a other words, f*** off.”
“senior redemption judge” at the He must hand over £1.48 million by
International Court of Justice. the summer or will face a sentence of
Despite a tip-off leading to a brief jail more than eight years.
38 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

News Saturday interview

‘I suspect Harry is led by the nose

Jonathan Dimbleby, a friend of Charles, is scathing close to her are the right people?” he
says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
supposed to be? That is the
wickedness of it: it allows you to
about the duke’s behaviour — and he’s no fan of “Thank you very much. I mean, your
wisdom, Harry, is well worth it, I have
speculate. You rule out the Queen,
you rule out the Duke of Edinburgh.
Boris Johnson either, he tells Damian Whitworth no doubt. And now you’re zooming So who would it be?” Dimbleby says.
out again.” “And why do you make such a smear?

J
onathan Dimbleby has known healing. After the Duke and Duchess Dimbleby says that the claims in I thought that interview was, to put it
the Prince of Wales since he of Sussex made a flying visit to see the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah kindly, the most ghastly error of
coaxed a confession of the Queen, Harry said that he was Winfrey, that a member of the royal judgment on their part.”
adultery out of him three “making sure she’s protected and has family had “concerns” about how He is not privy to the details of the
decades ago. Today he is an got the right people around her.” dark their baby’s skin might be, were rift between Harry and his father, but
ardent supporter and staunch Dimbleby is scathing of this in a way unfair. The Sussexes made it clear Charles “would have been extremely
defender and has particularly robust no palace courtier could dare to be in through Winfrey that neither the frustrated and saddened and possibly
views on the Duke of Sussex, whose public. “So you’ve swanned in to Queen nor Prince Philip made the angry at the thought that either he or
rift with his father shows no sign of check that the people who are very comment. “Who the hell was it Meghan would believe that he in any
way had a racist attitude.
“I know the man. I have known
him for 30 years. You go into the
streets of any inner city in this
country with the Prince of Wales, the
first people to greet him really
warmly are young black people,
because they have experienced the
consequences of the work that has
been done through the Prince’s Trust.
So it is an unspeakable libel, actually.”
The former Any Questions
presenter met Harry when he made
his 1994 film about the Prince of
Wales that included the famous
interview. “I suspect that Harry is led
by the nose by Meghan Markle. He’s
entering a sort of vortex in which
they will become less and less
significant as a couple. As she gets
older, as he gets older, they will
matter less because the celebrity on
which they trade will become less
valuable. And it’s a very great shame
because when I met him, he was
absolutely charming; a lovely, lovely
young guy. Not the brightest in the
world but filled with generosity of
spirit.”
Is the Prince of Wales a friend?
“Yes,” he says, then pauses to consider.
“I am chary of the ‘friend’ label. But
do I rate him highly and do I have
affection for him? Very much so. I’m a
monarchist by default. I think it’s a
prison. I’d loath to live in it.”
Dimbleby has fiercely defended
Charles over allegations of a cash-for-
honours scandal at the Prince’s
Foundation. A Scotland Yard
investigation is centred on the role of
Michael Fawcett, his former valet,
who quit as chief executive last year
after claims that a Saudi billionaire
who donated £1.5 million was
promised help in securing a
knighthood. Norman Baker, a former Jonathan Dimbleby at his home in
Liberal Democrat minister, said it was
“inconceivable” that Charles was not sensitive territory. And I was
aware of the arrangement. absolutely torn. If I ask it, what would
“I bet you that there will have to be he say? And would I have to press the
an apology given for that inference. It point? If I don’t ask, I’ll be attacked
is to me inconceivable that he did for wimping out. I frankly wished I
know about it. He’s at the apex of a didn’t have to do it. I never regarded
system which relies on people going that as a scoop. The only scoop that I
through proper processes,” he says. believe I really had was to uncover a
famine in 1973 in Ethiopia.”

S
o does Charles sometimes The year after the prince
have the wrong people around programme, the Princess of Wales
him? “Who’s to judge what is gave her own TV interview to Martin
right, and what is wrong, Bashir, whose lies to secure the
except with the wonderful interview were detailed in a report by
benefit of hindsight.” Lord Dyson last year that also found
Their association began with the BBC had covered up his deceit.
Charles: The Private Man, the Public “He clearly lied and cheated his
Role, filmed over two years and way to the interview and that was
accompanied by a biography written disgraceful .”
by Dimbleby. The prince told him he The Dyson report documented how
was faithful in his marriage to the Diana’s brother, Earl Spencer, was
Princess of Wales “until it became told by Bashir that his sister was being
irretrievably broken down”. betrayed by friends, bugged and
That scoop, which is still constantly tracked. Among Bashir’s “evidence”
referenced three decades on, will were forged bank statements and one
almost certainly be mentioned in the of the wild claims he made to Spencer
first paragraph of his obituary. “That was that Dimbleby had paid Richard
for me, if there is an afterlife, which I Aylard, Charles’s private secretary.
doubt, will be the most tiresome and Two years after the interview the
boring fact.” princess, unsure who to trust and
He found the business of asking outside the protective royal bubble,
about the prince’s private life died in a Paris car crash. The Duke of
distasteful. “I knew it was extremely Cambridge said after the Dyson
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 39

Saturday interview News

by Meghan. He’s not the brightest’ PHILIP HARTLEY

travels in Russia and saw bodies of
Jonathan Dimbleby Russian soldiers returning from
Afghanistan and its effect on public
Curriculum vitae brother of the presenter David opinion, believes that the mounting
Born July 31, 1944 Dimbleby. Married to Jessica Ray, with death toll in Ukraine could be a
whom he has two children. Has two danger to Putin. “The body bags have
Educated Farm management at the
other children from his first marriage the potential to undermine support.”
Royal Agricultural College, philosophy to the journalist Bel Mooney.
at University College London. Britain has been doing the right
things to support Ukraine, says
Career Started out at BBC Bristol in Quick fire Dimbleby, but he is a passionate
1969 then joined The World at One as Boris or Keir? Keir. He is genuinely an Remainer, and is convinced we would
a reporter. Reported for six years on “honourable” member have had more clout if we were still in
the ITV current affairs programme the EU. “We think Boris Johnson
This Week. Won the Richard Dimbleby Journalist or historian? Both
Piers Morgan or Donald Trump? going to Kyiv is a big deal. And of
award for contribution to factual course, the president [of Ukraine] is
television for coverage of Ethiopia’s Piers Morgan
going to say he is a wonderful friend.
famine. From 1995 to 2006 he The Crown or Anatomy of A But we aren’t as important as what
presented his own political Scandal? Succession, left the EU decides.”
programme on ITV and Gossipy lunch or spot of In Ukraine, though, Johnson
anchored its election gardening? Gossipy lunch already has a street named after him.
coverage. Hosted BBC “I hope Boris Johnson is running out
Radio 4’s Any Questions Royal biography or the
latest Lee Child? Lee Child of road rapidly,” Dimbleby says.
until 2019. What does this former BBC and
— my lockdown discovery
Family Son of the BBC war ITV broadcaster think of Nadine
correspondent Richard Instagram or Twitter? Dorries? “She’s the secretary of state
Dimbleby and younger Twitter but less and less for culture, media and sport. Beyond
that my mouth is wide open in
astonishment.”
report was published that the deceit Bristol. He lives here with his second Selling off Channel 4 is “bizarre,
contributed to his mother’s isolation wife, Jessica, a teacher, and their two unless it’s a kind of dog-whistle policy
and paranoia and Harry said she lost daughters, aged 14 and 12. He has two to satisfy backbenchers on the right”.
her life because of the ripple effect of grown-up children from his first The days are numbered for the
a culture of exploitation. marriage, to the journalist Bel BBC licence fee in its current form
“You could argue that there is a Mooney, and four grandchildren. and he suggests it should be linked to
direct link between Bashir and her We are talking in the study on the council tax bands, an idea that his
death,” Dimbleby says. first floor which is adorned with brother, David, has championed.
It was “a sorry period for the BBC original cartoons, including one from The veteran television executive
and the individuals involved” but he Punch of his father, Richard Lord Grade of Yarmouth, 79, who has
has little affection for Spencer. “Why Dimbleby, the BBC’s correspondent in been appointed chairman of Ofcom,
did he take such a long time to deliver the Second World War. In this room, the broadcasting regulator, is “a very
these body blows against the BBC?” with views over a bucolic communal capable person. He’s my generation,
he says. He won’t expand on this, but garden, he is writing his fourth book so he has to be! He’s older than I am.”
adds: “Would I like to be in a lifeboat about that war. Dimbleby is 77 and plays tennis often.
with him when we’re running out of It is hard to imagine Piers Morgan

T
food? No, he’s bigger than I am.” he most recent book, being his cup of tea, but he likes his
Would he tell royals not to do Barbarossa: How Hitler Lost “chutzpah. He makes me laugh and
interviews with someone like him? “I the War, is an account of the he’s brilliant at what he does.”
would be very, very chary about doing Nazis’ doomed invasion of On the coffee table is a list, written
interviews if I were a senior member Russia that is full of out by his daughters, of things he
of the royal family.” resonances — unspeakable horrors, could do once his third book was
“Ridiculous” is how he describes unwilling conscripts, purged generals written. These range from playing a
The Crown, which he no longer — right now. In Ukraine, where game with them, to the slightly brutal:
watches because he found much of it Russian troops were ordered to dig “Have fun and enjoy life.”
unbelievable, including a scene where trenches in radioactive soil, Putin When his older children were
the Queen went to the suburban shows the same disregard for his own growing up he was constantly
home of her husband’s adulterous troops as Stalin, the tyrant he travelling. “I just hope that hasn’t
private secretary and they talked admires. “Putin’s operation is made me too inadequate as a father.
about marriage. “I don’t have patience minuscule by comparison with Stalin’s I’m forgiven a lot by my children.”
with that kind of garbage.” battles in the Second World War, but Barbarossa: How Hitler Lost the War
A few years ago he moved from an the attitude is similar.” by Jonathan Dimbleby is out in
organic farm in Devon to a large Dimbleby, who presented a TV paperback on May 12, published by
Bristol, where he is writing a resonant book about the Nazi invasion of Russia townhouse in the Clifton area of series and wrote a book about his Penguin Books, £9.99
40 prril 30 2022 | the times
Saturdayy April
Ap

News

Our Week The Conservative Whip

Pornography WhatsApp Action Group*
Monday What news? Has anybody come Some is. You don’t always need a Chief whip Whip 2
Chief whip forward yet? credit card. Honestly, I’m still not sure you guys Actually we’ve had some positive
OK gang. We’ve got a problem. Whip 3 Suella Braverman are taking this seriously enough. sex campaigners get in touch, too.
Apparently an MP has been watching A few people are worried it might be And I think people are behaving like According to our female colleagues Chief whip
pornography in the Commons! We them but not sure. animals. this is an endemic culture of Not sure I know what one of those is.
need to get on top of this. Chief whip Whip 2 disrespect towards women that Whip 2
Whip 1 How does that work? Oh, you’ve seen it? extends to other parties, too. Young lady who works in the adult
Was the honourable member Whip 3 Whip 5 Whip 1 industry. Performer. Very interested
upstanding? Well. A couple of people say they I went to a museum in Amsterdam Well that’s a relief. As long as it’s not in getting involved. Says she’s always
Whip 2 were watching Basic Instinct. To once. Astonishing. just us. watching the House of Commons on
Did it happen during oral questions? understand the Angela Rayner Chief whip Whip 2 her phone at work.
Whip 3 thing. It’s just incredibly disrespectful to There’s shocking stuff from Labour. Chief whip
I hope nobody grabbed the mace! Chief whip women. Apparently one of their Welsh Labour That’s completely disgusting.
Whip 4 Never seen it actually. Whip 5 MPs was told she was a “secret Whip 2
This would never happen in a hung Whip 2 And animals. weapon” because men would want to I think she’s been here before. Said
parliament. I’ve got it on my phone. I’ll bring it Chief whip sleep with her. she’d known Big Ben intimately for
Whip 5 over at PMQs. And it’s a real shame no big names Whip 4 years.
Was he watching an early day have called on the perpetrator to Which one? Whip 2
motion? Wednesday resign, yet. Whip 2 Although she might have meant a
Whip 1 Chief whip Chief whip I don’t know. Although from their different one.
Wait. What does that one even mean? OK the story is out. And the PM is Except for thingy. Whore from the photos I’ve narrowed it down to about Whip 2
Whip 3 furious. He says this could really Northern Ireland Committee. five. Anyway, she’s begging for me to take
I got it. Wipe your search history affect the party’s reputation, Whip 1 her up the Strangers’ Gallery.
immediately. particularly with women. Um, boss? Friday Chief whip
Chief whip Whip 4 Chief whip Chief whip Dear God, man.
Chaps, come on. We need to take this What, seriously? Simon Hoare. That’s the one. Sorry. OK, we’ve got him. But that doesn’t Whip 2
seriously. Chief whip Autocorrect. mean this is over. I’ve spoken to the Sorry. I see what you mean now.
Whip 1 Humour him. Also, a few other PM, and he agrees that the things Chief whip
Are you sure? Is it even our job? cabinet ministers have asked to join Thursday we’ve learnt about the House of Anyway, no. Completely
Whip 2 this group, because they’re concerned, Chief whip Commons this week should spark a inappropriate. Can you imagine what
Somebody google “whips”. too. OK, we’re decided. They should mass debate. it would be like if somebody like that
Chief whip Nadine Dorries definitely lose the whip. Whip 1 was seen with a whip?
For God’s sake, don’t. That’s how this We should privatise porn. Whip 2 Can’t believe you just said that. Whip 2
all started. Whip 1 Depends where they lose it, I suppose. Chief whip Don’t have to, boss. She sent me a
Hello Nadine. I don’t think it’s Could be horrendous. Blast. That’s the problem with this video.
Tuesday actually public. Whip 5 stuff. It corrupts the mind. Everything
Chief whip Whip 5 In my day it was a feather duster. just sounds filthy. *According to Hugo Rifkind
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 41

News

Growth in property prices starts to fade

Tom Howard finances over the next 12 months has The latest price rise means it has people to borrow more money than
dropped to levels last seen during the Cost of average house never been harder to get on the proper- they would have done previously.
House prices rose for a ninth depths of the global financial crisis £000 300
ty ladder. Historically, on average, The Bank of England is expected to

Source: Nationwide
consecutive month in April but growth more than a decade ago.” house prices have equated to about four keep raising interest rates, making
250
appears to have peaked. Mortgage approvals continued to and a half times annual household mortgage repayments more expensive,
Prices increased by 0.3 per cent run above pre-Covid levels, with 200 income and fell below three times in the which, along with rising inflation, is
between March and April to an average demand supported by “robust labour 150 mid-1990s. The surge in house prices why Nationwide believes that the
of £267,620, according to the market conditions”, he said. 100 over the past two years means that housing market will “slow in the quar-
Nationwide house price index, which Since the start of the pandemic, 50 house prices now work out to almost ters ahead”.
showed demand among would-be house prices across the country have 0 seven times the average household’s Capital Economics predicted this
movers is still strong. jumped by more than 21 per cent. In 1995 00 05 10 15 20 annual income. “This is important as it week that house prices are set to fall by
Compared with this time a year ago, March 2020 the average value of a UK means it’s more difficult to raise a 5 per cent in 2023 and 2024.
prices are up 12.1 per cent and have home was less than £220,000. properties that are on the market. More deposit,” Gardner said. “A 10 per cent With the consultancy expecting
never been higher. Prices have been pushed higher by an than a third of 3,000 people polled by deposit on a typical first-time buyer interest rates to hit 3 per cent in 2023,
The increase marks a fall in annual imbalance between supply and Nationwide said that they were either property is at nearly 60 per cent of gross Andrew Wishart, senior property
price growth from the 14.3 per cent seen demand. Lockdowns forced people to in the process of moving or looking to annual income — a record high.” economist, is forecasting the sharpest
in March, which was the biggest year- rethink how and where they wanted to do so. Most want to move to “less urban He said that housing affordability rise in mortgage rates since 1990 to 3.6
on-year rise since 2004. live, with many wanting more office environments”, while a quarter were had deteriorated because house price per cent from 1.8 per cent.
Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief and garden space. Some also brought looking for bigger homes. growth had been outstripping income “The first signs that the market is on
economist, said: “It is surprising that forward planned moves to take advan- “The survey results suggest that growth by a significant margin over the the turn are already appearing,” Wish-
conditions have remained so buoyant, tage of the stamp duty holiday, which shifts in housing preferences as a result past two years, while borrowing costs art wrote, citing Google data showing
given mounting pressure on household saved buyers as much as £15,000. Estate of the pandemic are continuing to have increased though they remain low that visits to property websites had
budgets, which has severely dented agents have been complaining for support housing market activity, by historic standards. dropped to their lowest level since May
consumer confidence. Consumers’ months that not enough houses are for though to less of an extent than at this Cheap mortgage rates have played 2020.
expectations of their own personal sale, leading to bidding wars for time last year,” Gardner said. their part in inflating prices by allowing Mortgage crunch time, Money, page 57
ANDRE CAMARA FOR THE TIMES

How it works
FloodSafe
housing
estate 1 Fixed
bollard sensors
around the estate
first detect water
2 A signal is sent to the
central control station
House
3 Variable lifts up at
sensors under the same speed as
house detect water rising water
and trigger the levels
control panel
to activate
the flood

Smart house rises to jack system

cheat the floodwater 4 Six fully galvanised legs lift the steel-
structured house, keeping it 15cm above the water

I
n a vast Oxfordshire house above 50cm-deep managing director.
laboratory a water, while scientists “Flood land is cheaper Turning the tide
seemingly ordinary monitored how it than normal land, so
three-bedroom reacted to waves, wind when you put the two Floods are a growing
house stands on and debris crashing into together, it’s cost- concern for many
stilts in a giant test pool one of the stilts. effective for the builder.” homeowners and new
(Martina Lees writes). The team behind the The group has raised technology is emerging
As waves begin to “one of a kind” design £362 million to build around the world to
build, the whole building believes it allows homes 400 homes across the guard against extreme
starts rising, being to be safely built on land northwest in the next weather events.
gently lifted by six jacks at risk of flooding three years. The first five
to a point where the without expensive are due to go up in Britain
water cannot touch it. communal defences. Burnley by autumn. Sir Jim Ratcliffe won a
Then the wind turbines Flooding costs Britain Parker faced “a lot of planning battle in 2020
fire up and a simulated £1.3 billion a year. One scepticism” in the 12 to build a £6m home
log hits one of the stilts in six homes — and years since he first came on stilts in the gardens
at 40mph. Still it stands 27 per cent of new up with his invention. of his estate in New
safe and dry. homes — are in flood “I’ve been thrown out of Forest National Park.
This is Britain’s first zones, with more than many places and taken a
mass-produced home on 10,000 built in them last lot of knocks. But we’re Ireland
rising stilts — ready to year alone, Environment nearly there . . . If people Dam Easy, an Irish
go on sale to avoid Agency and housing A FloodSafe house costs “They came back after added the flood jacks see a real house going company, has invented
devastation from floods. ministry data shows. £165,000 and can rise 12 months to find mould underneath its standard up and down . . . they a portable, watertight
The FloodSafe house Climate change makes 1.5 metres off the ground. and damp in the three-bedroom design. start believing it.” flood barrier. A
normally sits on the flooding from storms 59 Andrew Parker, the building, so had to move Made up of six pods that In 2020 Boris Johnson pneumatic pump
ground, but in a flood its per cent likelier, Oxford inventor, says people are back out again. Luckily, are delivered on the made his “build, build, inflates a barrier in a
water sensors University and the Royal starting to in 2007, he was insured. backs of lorries, the build” speech on doorway to create a
automatically prompt Meteorological Institute believe now In 2009, he was not so 93 sq m house can be economic recovery from watertight seal.
mechanical jacks to have found. they can lucky. With no assembled on site within the pandemic in front of
raise it up to 1.5m within Andrew Parker, a see it in insurance, he lost a day. Fully fitted out an earlier version of The Netherlands
15 minutes. The system former builder, invented action absolutely everything.” with a kitchen and a Parker’s design. Residents can live in an
then tracks the flood the jack system after The house does not bathroom, the FloodSafe The inventor expects amphibious building on
level, keeping the home metre-deep flooding just protect the house costs £165,000, his flood jacks to be a platform that can
15cm above water until it damaged a inhabitants from excluding land and commercially available float if necessary. The
is safe to return it to the friend’s small flooding. If services are foundations, which is “very quickly” and plans buildings rise as the
ground. terraced home cut off, which often about £35,000 more eventually to retrofit water level rises,
The University of near Sheffield happens in a flood, a than the same modular them to existing homes.
Liverpool, which helped in 2007 and built-in home battery, home without the flood LABC, which Australia
to develop the again in 2009. radiant electric heaters avoidance system. represents local A technique called
technology, has tested “In the 2007 and water tank mean “But it’s the property authority building “wet floodproofing”
the house in a giant floods, he and owners can survive off- with the view. People control teams and lets part of a house
basin at HR his family had grid for three days. will pay more for the provides ten-year flood. Vents installed in
Wallingford, a to move Hadley Group, a steel house . . . with the warranties on new the foundations allow
hydraulics research [while repairs manufacturer that unobstructed view of the homes, has approved the the water to pass
centre in Oxfordshire. were made],” builds modular homes at river that might flood,” FloodSafe house in through the house.
Its jacks raised the Parker said. its Midlands factory, said Ben Towe, Hadley’s principle.
42 2GM Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

World
Isis ‘Beatle’ given
eight life sentences
for Syria murders execution that followed of our innocent
United States Band of jihadists son and the children of the families
David Charter Alexandria
here today, used for political leverage
The 11-year-old daughter of a British 6 Mohammed Emwazi, who died in by people they never knew, never hurt,
man beheaded by Islamic State told two a US drone strike in November 2015 a pawn in a war of terror. They were not
members of the gang that imprisoned aged 27, was known as “Jihadi John”, soldiers or a threat to anyone in any
him how much she missed her father leader of the Isis Beatles. He was way and died in the most incomprehen-
before a US court handed down eight born in Kuwait but his family moved sible way.”
life sentences to one of them yesterday. to west London when he was six. David Haines’s elder daughter,
“My mum is trying hard, but I can Emwazi graduated in computing Bethany, 24, told the court how her life
often see that she is sad,” Athea Haines, from Westminster University in had been wrecked by grief, causing her
daughter of the aid worker David 2009. He went to Syria in 2013. to drop out of college and be unable to
Haines, told the court in Alexandria, Emwazi was identified by his voice embark on a career. “The toll that the
Virginia, as Alexanda Kotey, 38, and El as the knife-wielding killer showing actions of these men have taken on my
Shafee Elsheikh, 33, sat yards away with only his eyes in beheading videos. family is immense,” she said. “My
their legal teams. With Mohammed grandparents died of grief and could
Emwazi they formed a brutal Isis cell 6 El Shafee Elsheikh, 33, was born in never get over the loss of their son. I
known as the Beatles by their hostages Sudan and his family came to west have since been diagnosed with com-
because of their British accents. London as refugees. He supported plex post-traumatic stress disorder, de-
Kotey, who admitted five charges of Queens Park Rangers and worked pression and anxiety. My whole life has
hostage-taking and three terrorist con- as a fairground mechanic. His been turned upside down.”
mother, Maha Elgizouli, told The She wanted her father to celebrate
Washington Post that her three birthdays with her and her son “but in-
“kids were perfect” until they were stead he is in a mass grave in the hills of
suddenly radicalised. Elsheikh’s Raqqa. He hasn’t been laid to rest, he
younger brother Mahmoud died was dumped like a bag of rubbish”.
fighting in Iraq. She said she could not forgive his
torturers while they made no apology.
6 Alexanda Kotey, 38, was born in “Neither of these men have expressed
Westminster, London, to a Ghanaian one ounce of remorse for their actions.”
father and Greek Cypriot mother. He At the end she approached Kotey as he
converted to Islam in his twenties. was about to be taken away and said: “I
Kotey attended a mosque in west hope you go rot in hell.”
El Shafee Elsheikh, left, and Alexanda London with Emwazi and was Lucy Henning, daughter of the Brit-
Kotey sat yards from victims’ relatives arrested with Elsheikh in London in ish aid worker Alan Henning, told the
2011 after taking part in a court that she came across the behead-
spiracy charges, was sentenced yester- demonstration on the tenth ing video of her father on Instagram.
day. He looked at his victim’s daughter anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Struggling against her emotions, she
as she spoke with remarkable compo- said she kept blaming herself and “if I
sure. Elsheikh, who was found guilty by 6 Aine Davis, 38, born in wasn’t such a moody daughter perhaps
a jury two weeks ago, stared down or Hammersmith, west London, was he wouldn’t have gone” to Syria in 2014.
closed his eyes. nicknamed “Paul” by one of the Paula Kassig, mother of Peter Kassig,
“I wasn’t even three years old last hostages because of his British an American aid worker who converted
time I saw him. I miss him so much,” accent but it emerged during to Islam and was beheaded aged 26,
Athea said, speaking into a microphone Elsheikh’s trial that he was not said that “due to the actions of the Isis
during a series of pre-sentence state- considered a Beatle. He went to cell nicknamed the Beatles my husband
ments for victims of the Isis terrorists fight for Isis in Syria in 2013 and was and I were both forced to retire early
who grew up in London but have been arrested by Turkish forces in 2015. from professions we loved, teaching
stripped of their British citizenship. Davis was jailed in Turkey in 2017. and nursing.” She added: “Knowing
“Sometimes I get sad when I see my that the man I rocked to sleep as an

Two popes
friends from school and club laughing infant and whose hand I held when he his predecessor as a “wise
and playing with their dads,” she said. don’t close your eyes, leave them open was fearful as a child was being starved, grandfather” whose presence and
“It is not easy to be that kid in school and look at me. Yes — you have to.” beaten, tortured and threatened with advice were a blessing. Benedict,
whose dad was killed by terrorists.”
Kotey was told by Judge Thomas
Elsheikh, wearing green prison over-
alls and a black pandemic facemask,
death every day for over a year while I
was not able to help him at all was openly hostile now 95, treated Francis, 85, with
deference, insisting there was only
Ellis that he would spend his whole life
behind bars for “egregious, violent and
inhumane conduct” for his role in the
was sitting next to two court-appointed
lawyers, one of whom dabbed his eyes
with a tissue during the statements.
beyond my ability to cope.”
Judge Ellis appeared to choke up with
emotion twice during his sentencing as
to each other, one Pope and he would assist him
by becoming invisible and silent.
The slow deterioration of this
kidnap, torture and death of four Amer-
icans, two Britons and others held in
Sotloff described the torture of all the
families who for many months did not
he praised the victims and their rela-
tives. He declined a request from claims book relationship and its consequences
for the church are the subject of a
Syria. know what was happening to their Kotey’s defence team to recommend new book by Massimo Franco, of

A
He will be eligible for transfer to a loved ones, only to witness their grue- that he not serve his sentence in the converted monastery in the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
British prison in 15 years under the some deaths in Isis propaganda videos ADX Florence “supermax” prison the Vatican gardens is Franco describes the breakdown,
terms of his plea agreement, although and continue to suffer sleepless nights where inmates are held in solitary con- the tranquil haven to which has led to open hostilities
the final decision remains with the Brit- and trauma eight years later. finement and allowed out for only an which Pope Benedict between the two papal courts.
ish authorities. She continued: “Steven’s death was hour a day. The US Bureau of Prisons XVI retired nine years “As long as Jorge Mario
The men appeared in court together like a global worldwide horror movie will now decide where he is held. ago, but it has also become the Bergoglio [Francis] felt strong and
to spare the victims’ relatives from that was witnessed live and continues “Countries celebrate heroes. We centre of an ideological battle that confident of controlling the course
having to repeat the exercise when to be replayed with the click of a button should celebrate these individuals,” he has undermined the papacy of his of his visionary and rather chaotic
Elsheikh is sentenced in August. for millions to see. This replays in our said in reference to the victims. “They successor and split the Catholic reforms, Benedict was invited to
Shirley Sotloff, mother of Steven Sot- families’ heads every single day. The demonstrated courage, purpose and Church (Philip Willan writes). speak, to be present at the most
loff, one of the murdered Americans, orange jumpsuit, shaved head, sicken- compassion in the most difficult cir- After Benedict became the first important ceremonies; in effect to
reprimanded Elsheikh several times as ing vision of our son being held at knife- cumstances.” He added he was proud pontiff in six centuries to relinquish provide a joint management of the
he closed his eyes when she spoke to the point was the first we had seen his that the two terrorists received a prof- his office, Pope Francis described papacy,” Franco writes. Joseph
court, telling him: “Elsheikh, please image in a year and a half. The brutal essional defence team and a fair trial.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 2GM 43

Pistorius claims victim’s Wearing a bikini? Get

parents are delaying rock, paper, scissors justice
his parole hearing Page 46
Page 45

VATICAN MEDIA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Pope Francis hailed

Pope Benedict XVI as
a “wise grandfather”
but relations have
Populists in retreat
as eastern Europe
steadily deteriorated

embraces centrists
Slovenia Relations. Corruption has also been a
common factor in undermining popu-
Tim Gosling Prague
lists. Many gained power by leveraging
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is helping anger over corrupt mainstream parties,
to push back an illiberal tide in central only for their stewardships to be blight-
and eastern Europe and encouraging a ed by scandals, often involving abuse of
realignment along centrist lines. EU funds. The ousted populist leaders
The heavy election defeat of Janez in Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and
Jansa, prime minister three times Slovakia all face criminal charges.
already, last weekend in Slovenia was Dr Alem Maksuti, a political analyst,
the latest setback for populist politics. suggested that corruption had also ex-
Despite only being formed in Janu- panded under Jansa. “Wherever you
ary, Robert Golob’s liberal, green Free- look in Slovenia you can see evidence of
dom Movement won 41 of the 90 seats dirty business,” he said.
in the Slovenian parliament. Voters Orban is also widely accused of cor-
weary of Jansa’s authoritarianism left ruption. However, his tighter grip on
his Slovenian Democratic Party with 27 the levers of Hungarian democracy
seats. helped him to win another land-
other
Jansa’s loss is also another slide in elections this month.
setback for Viktor Orban, an, Desp having cultivated
Despite
the Hungarian primee ro as an icon for the
a role
minister, and his rad
radical right globally,
dream of building an he is starting to look
illiberal bloc able to is
isolated as his allies
change the course of a
around the region fall.
the European Union. E
Even Poland, which
President Putin has ha worked with Hun-
has
sought to encourage gar for years to repel
gary
this effort as part of a the efforts of the EU to
push to destabilise the force the two countries to
force
West, analysts say. The 2008 respect democratic stan-
rant wave
financial crisis and migrant dards, is pull
dards, pulling away. Orban’s ties
ulist and radical-
of 2015 also helped populist with Putin have le led to an all-time low in
right parties take power in many coun- relations with the nationalist conserva-
tries of the region. tive Law and Justice government in
However, voters have been backing Warsaw. The European Commission
away from extremist and anti-estab- hopes to take advantage of the schism
lishment parties as governance stan- to rein in Orban. Talks with Poland over
dards have failed to improve. The pan- a compromise that would unlock frozen
demic helped to push many towards the funds are under way.
mainstream and centrist parties have With support for anti-establishment
worked together to oust populists. parties still strong in many countries,
Before Jansa’s defeat, populists had analysts warn that there is a long way to
lost their footing in Bulgaria, the Czech go. “The building narrative that popu-
Republic and Slovakia. The invasion of lism is done in central and eastern
Ukraine has accelerated the trend. “A Europe will get its real test at the next
real realignment has been under way Polish election in 2023,” Nic said.
since the start of the war in Ukraine,”
said Milan Nic, an expert on the region Robert Golob’s victory in Slovenia put
at the German Council on Foreign the incumbent populist out of power

Anything to declare? Just

Ratzinger [Benedict], renowned for
his intellectual rigour, would
of his papacy. Things went from bad
to worse when it emerged the
described his removal as “a blow
against Benedict, more than against
the bomb in our baggage
provide the theological legitimacy Vatican’s head of communications myself ”. He described a climate in
that Francis lacked and reassure had doctored photographs to the Vatican where loyal priests were Israel
anxious conservatives. eliminate words revealing arbitrarily dismissed on the basis of
Anchal Vohra
However, as conservatives and Benedict’s displeasure. Francis anonymous letters.
progressives diverged over Francis’s reluctantly accepted the resignation Robert Mickens, editor of La Israel’s main international airport was
modernisation programme, of Monsignor Dario Vigano, the Croix International, a Catholic evacuated after an American family
Benedict began to be seen “almost man responsible for the fiasco and newspaper, said Benedict had tried to board a flight with an
as a counterweight to the doctrine one of his most trusted aides. attempted to tie his successor’s unexploded artillery shell they had
of the Argentine Pope”, eventually Further doctrinal differences hands by appointments made in the found on a visit to the Golan Heights.
becoming a beacon of resistance for emerged when Benedict co-wrote a closing days of his papacy, including Passengers screamed, ducked under
his successor’s traditionalist book with a Francis critic, insisting Muller’s. “Ratzinger is a polarising tables and ran for cover after an emer-
enemies. on the need for priests to remain figure, he always has been. He gency announcement to vacate the The shell was picked up at the Golan
Franco traces the rift to a bungled celibate as Francis was debating the allowed people to rally around him check-in area of Ben Gurion airport in Heights and caused panic at security
attempt to secure Benedict’s possibility of ordaining married who didn’t like Francis,” Mickens Tel Aviv.
endorsement for an 11-volume men to respond to a shortage of said. “He chose a path of At least one man was injured after being interviewed by security officials.
collection of books intended to vocations in the Amazon region. self-imposed silence, which he falling over a luggage conveyor belt as “When they arrived to check their
bolster Francis’s standing as a Conflict over doctrine had already decided all on his own, but he broke he tried to escape. He was taken to hos- luggage, they showed the piece of the
theologian. The initiative in 2018, emerged in 2017 when Francis the rule almost immediately.” pital, according to local authorities. shell to security,” the Israel Airports
five years into the pontificate, dismissed Cardinal Gerhard Muller An experienced Vatican watcher, The family were on holiday in Israel Authority said. “Since it was a shell, the
backfired when Benedict refused to as head of the Vatican’s doctrinal who asked not to be named, said: and had visited the Golan Heights evacuation of the area was announced.”
write an introduction, irritated that watchdog. “These are two popes who can’t where one of the children picked up the The departure terminal was reopened
some of the authors had been critics Appointed by Benedict, Muller stand one another.” shell as a souvenir. They were event- after security ruled out any danger and
ually allowed to board their flight after passengers were able to board flights.
44 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

World
JOHNNY FIDELIN/ICON SPORT/GETTY IMAGES

Call for action after

3,000 refugees die
Switzerland More than 3,000
people trying to reach Europe
died or went missing in the
Mediterranean or Atlantic last
year, double the number in 2020,
the United Nations said. The UN
refugee agency called for urgent
action to reduce the rising toll.
The report found that 3,077
people were lost trying to reach
Europe last year, up from 1,544 in
2020. A total of 1,924 people were
believed to have died in the
Mediterranean while the rest
perished trying to reach the
Canary Islands. Shabia Mantoo, a
UN official, said: “Most of the sea
crossings took place in packed,
unseaworthy inflatable boats,
many of which capsized.” (AFP)

Zuma ‘let his cronies

plunder state assets’
South Africa Jacob Zuma, South
Africa’s former president, let
cronies help themselves to the
money and assets of the people, a
corruption inquiry has found. The
Gupta family enrolled Zuma in a
looting plot as his “character was
such they could use him against
the people”, Raymond Zondo, the
chief justice, found. Hundreds of
testimonies were heard. A final
report is due in June.

Turkish and Greek spat

over airspace violation
Race day Kitefoilers compete during French Olympic Week at Hyères on the Mediterranean. The sport will be included in the Olympics for the first time at Paris 2024 Turkey The security forces said
Greek warplanes violated Turkish
airspace over the Aegean Sea

South Korean army captain Hong Kong’s 30 times in 72 hours. Tanju Bilgic,
the foreign ministry spokesman,
accused Greece of “provocative

next leader flights in close proximity to the

Turkish coast” violating airspace.

accused of spying for Kim talks tough

He said Turkey had reciprocated,
which Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the
Greek prime minister, referred to
as “overflying dangerously”. (AFP)

South Korea the orders of the North Korean agent. (ICBM), the Hwasong-17, and a recently Hong Kong Missing Japanese tour
He was allegedly paid about $600,000 tested hypersonic missile. Vowing to
Gavin Blair Tokyo
worth of cryptocurrency after meeting ramp up the nation’s nuclear weapons Didi Tang Beijing boat found on seabed
A South Korean army captain and a the agent six years ago. The army cap- development programme, Kim said Hong Kong’s next leader has vowed to Japan The hull of a tour boat was
businessman have been accused of tain had allegedly received less than that the display demonstrated the enact a controversial security law that located by underwater cameras
stealing military secrets for North $38,000. “modernity, heroism and radical devel- would introduce even stricter rules on on the seabed off northern Japan
Korea. According to Seoul police, the North opment of the armed forces of the the territory. six days after an accident that
The pair, arrested in Seoul yesterday, Korean spy recruited the businessman Republic and their matchless military John Lee, 64, a former top police killed at least 14 people. The
are alleged to have been working via an online cryptocurrency commu- and technological superiority”, accord- officer and security chief, presented his Kazu I went missing on Saturday,
together and paid in cryptocurrency by nity and the two communicated on Tel- ing to the state news agency KCNA. 44-page campaign manifesto yester- several hours after departing for a
a North Korean agent. egram, the secure messaging platform. North Korea says it opposes war and day. tour. The 26 on board included
Seoul police said it was the first time This week Kim Jong-un, the North that its weapons are for self-defence but He is expected to be appointed Hong two children and two crew.
that a “civilian and an active-duty mili- Korean leader, called on his country’s at Monday’s parade Kim said the Kong’s chief executive by a committee Fourteen bodies were recovered,
tary captain were caught trying to military to “bolster up their strength in mission of its nuclear force went of 1,500 Beijing loyalists next month — the coastguard said, and the rest
obtain military secrets at the behest of every way to annihilate the enemy”, as beyond deterrence to defending the he is the only candidate. were unaccounted for. (Reuters)
a North Korean agent”. satellite imagery showed increased nation’s “fundamental interests”. Lee said his manifesto would guide
The army captain, 29, is accused of preparations for a possible nuclear test. Last month North Korea resumed his attempt to restore Hong Kong’s Warlord acquitted of
handing over log-in details for South Kim made the remarks after a mas- testing its largest ICBMs and there are sheen when he takes over from Carrie
Korea’s Joint Command and Control sive military parade marking the 90th signs that it could soon test a nuclear Lam, 64, on July 1, the 25th anniversary atrocities in Liberia
System, an internal military communi- anniversary of the army’s founding. weapon for the first time since 2017. of the city’s handover to China by Brit- Finland A warlord has been
cations network, while the business- Photos released by state media Analysts and South Korean and US ain. Despite his campaign slogan of acquitted of atrocities in Liberia’s
man, 38, is suspected of obtaining a showed him perched on a white horse officials believe the North could be “starting a new chapter for Hong Kong second civil war, including rape,
hacking device called “Poison Tap” to and wearing a white, military-style restoring Tunnel No 3 at its Punggye-ri together”, Lee’s policies suggest little ritual murder and recruiting child
access the same network. tunic with gold trim as he reviewed the nuclear test site. This was used for change from the Beijing-directed soldiers. Gibril Massaquoi, 52,
The businessman is said to have troops. Monday’s parade featured the underground nuclear blasts before course. who moved to Finland in 2008
given the captain a watch with a hidden North’s latest missiles, including its being closed in 2018 amid denuclearisa- He was a key figure in the suppres- and was arrested in 2020, said
camera for intelligence gathering on largest intercontinental ballistic missile tion talks with America and the South. sion of democracy protests and is he was not in Liberia at the
among 11 senior Hong Kong and Bei- relevant time. The Pirkanmaa
jing officials sanctioned by the United court ruled that the prosecution

China and Iran strengthen military ties States. He vowed that a host of national
security crimes would be created via
local legislation, known as Article 23,
bolstering the sweeping law Beijing im-
had not proven its case “with
sufficient certainty”. (AFP)

Paris removes electric

media has said that both countries face ambassador to Iran, told the party-run posed on Hong Kong in 2020 to quash
China
“intensifying hostility” from the US. Global Times that China and Iran were dissent. buses after second fire
Didi Tang
China, the world’s second-largest becoming closer because of the US. The national security law bans the France Paris transport officials
China has reinforced its military ties economy, views America as the biggest “Both China and Iran are targets of US crimes of subversion, separation, ter- have suspended 149 electric
with Iran in preparation for a possible obstacle to its rise as a superpower. It hegemony,” Hua said. “I think this is the rorism and collusion with foreign buses, almost a third of the city’s
showdown with the United States. has allied with Russia while building most important common language forces. The local security law would fleet, after the second fire in a
The countries agreed to closer mili- partnerships in Latin America and between the two countries.” He called cover treason, state secrets and political month. In the latest incident, the
tary co-operation on Wednesday when seeking a bigger role in the Middle East. China’s military co-operation with Iran activities by local and foreign entities. driver evacuated the bus and the
Wei Fenghe, the Chinese defence min- This year it and the Gulf countries unprecedented. Li Weijian, vice-presi- Article 23 legislation has long been un- fire brigade put out the flames.
ister, met President Raisi in Tehran. agreed to establish a strategic partner- dent of the Chinese Association of Mid- popular with Hong Kong residents, Witnesses reported thick black
Wei is the highest-ranking Chinese ship and work on a free-trade deal. It dle East Studies, told the newspaper who in 2003 demonstrated against an smoke and the smell of burning
official to visit Iran since the two sides also announced plans to mediate that Wei’s visit came as the US con- effort by Tung Chee-hwa, Hong Kong’s plastic but no one was hurt. The
signed a 25-year agreement last year to between Iran and the Gulf nations. tinued to instigate regional tensions first chief executive after the 1997 hand- suspended models are Bluebus
improve bilateral ties. China’s state Hua Liming, a former Chinese such as the Ukraine crisis. over, to introduce such a law. 5SEs made by Bolloré. (AFP)
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 45

World

Pistorius claims some still stained with

lipstick and sweat.
The first project by
Kolade’s Buzigahill brand

victim’s parents
is to counter the sense of
“oppression” caused by
more than eight out of
ten garments bought in
Uganda having come

are delaying his

from donation bins
in rich countries.
He has a ten-
year plan to
build factories

parole hearing
to repurpose
used clothing
— “since I can
see no end to
that flow”.
Pieces
South Africa process,” Knight said, adding that he cleaned, cut
would apply to court to compel the pris- and sewn at
Jane Flanagan Cape Town
on authorities to convene a parole his studio
Oscar Pistorius’s parole is being hearing. “Oscar Pistorius has a range in price
“unfairly” stalled by the failure of his squeaky-clean prison record and meets from £170 for a
victim’s parents to meet him face to face all the requirements for parole,” he said. hoodie to £420
in what could be a “deliberate attempt Steenkamp, 29, died when Pistorius, for a coat.
to punish him and frustrate the now 35, fired four times through a Most garments
process”, his lawyer said. locked bathroom door at his home in donated in the
The Olympian and Paralympian Pretoria in the early hours of Valen- West are packed in
sprinter has served more than half of a tine’s Day. He testified that he had mis- bundles weighing
13-year sentence for the fatal shooting taken her for an intruder. up to 90kg and sent to
of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in He was found guilty of manslaughter Africa. Traders pay up
2013 and is eligible for early release with in 2014 and sentenced to six years in to £200 for a parcel,
conditions set by the prison authorities. prison. A year later, on appeal, his con- taking a gamble on
In November he was moved 750 viction was upgraded to murder with a what they get. With
miles to a maximum-security jail close term of 13 years and five months. no recycling systems
to Barry and June Steenkamp for a “vic- While the Steenkamps’ views are in place, an estimated
taken into consideration by the parole 40 per cent of clothes
board, they are not a deciding factor are discarded,
and a victim-offender dialogue is not choking rivers,
mandatory. Parole is not something a waste ground and
prisoner applies for; the board reviews landfill sites.
recommendations by a social worker, Unable to
prison bosses and a psychologist. compete at that
Tania Koen, the Steenkamps’ lawyer, price, local textile
has questioned whether the court’s cal- Bobby Kolade’s industries have
culations were correct and whether designs use collapsed.
Pistorius was even eligible to be consid- clothes donated The United
ered for release. She confirmed to The in the West and Nations says the
June and Barry Steenkamp’s daughter Times that “the Steenkamps are shipped to Africa. UK is the second-
Reeva was killed by Pistorius in 2013 still seeking a meeting” with He wants to largest exporter
their daughter’s killer. Knight highlight a of used clothes.
tim-offender dialogue” that said he had last spoken to Pis- process that has A survey found
precedes a parole hearing. torius a fortnight ago and killed Uganda’s that a garment in Britain
Five months later they there was “an understanda- textile industry was worn an average of
have still to agree on an ar- ble element of frustration”. only seven times.
rangement, Julian The St Albans correc- writes). The Return To looking quite different, In 2016 Uganda and
Knight, the athlete’s
lawyer, said.
tional centre in Gqe-
berha, where he has
Uganda sells Sender collection is made
from clothing donated to
with a Ugandan identity
that showcases our
three other east African
countries said they would
“My client has
been taken away
been kept since
November, is far
charity shop charity shops in Britain
and elsewhere, and was
creativity and skills.”
Kolade, 35, began
ban imports of used
clothing. In response,
from his support
structures to
rougher than Atte-
ridgeville prison in
clothes back inspired by western
consumers’ love of fast
upcycling hand-me-downs
after discovering that the
America threatened to
suspend access to a
accommodate the
Steenkamps but
Pretoria, which
only takes prisoners
to the West fashion, which has killed
African textile industries.
country had only two
remaining textile mills.
preferential trade
agreement. Uganda,

A
has been met by serving light terms. new fashion Bobby Kolade is a Uganda was once one of Kenya and Tanzania
one delay after An exception was range from designer on a mission to Africa’s biggest producers backed down but Rwanda
another. The ques- made for Pistorius, Uganda may revive textile production of cotton but is now held firm. Since cast-off
tion can be asked who grew up near by. look rather in Uganda. “We’re drowning in tonnes of imports were banned its
whether this is being Last year inmates at familiar to its sending the clothes back cast-offs, including textile and garment
done to punish my St Albans staged a intended customers in to where they came designer fakes, skiwear sector has grown in value
client, to deliberately three-day hunger the West (Jane Flanagan from,” he said. “But and hen-night T-shirts — by more than 80 per cent.
frustrate the parole strike over conditions.

Search for soldiers entombed in tunnel 3D printer gives wounded

Germany
David Crossland Berlin
should remind the living to make peace
. . . We must learn from history.”
nothing happened for years. However,
officials in France and Germany were
toucan clean bill of health
During an initial dig in April 2021 spurred into action by an illegal dig at
Engineers plan to explore a long-hid- archaeologists found a coat bearing the the site in 2019 by Malinowski’s son, Brazil However, vets had to wait until it was
den tunnel in northeastern France next regimental number 111 and a narrow- Pierre, a former Foreign Legion soldier fully grown before they could act.
Lianne Kolirin
week in an attempt to locate the gauge rail track known to have led into who had made headlines earlier that Images obtained from Brazil’s envi-
remains of more than 250 German sol- the tunnel but were thwarted by the year by discovering the remains of Vets in Brazil have given a wounded ronment ministry show the toucan
diers who died after being trapped sandy ground and the discovery of Charles-Étienne Gudin, a Napoleonic toucan a new lease of life after restoring looking forlorn lying on a table with a
there during the First World War. munitions. general, under a disco in Smolensk. its beak using a 3D printer.
nter. chun of its beak missing.
large chunk
The Volksbund war graves commis- The German soldiers were killed “We want to try everything we can,” The young bird arrived
ed at Lu
Dr Lucas Cazati, from the
sion and its French counterpart believe after a French shell exploded at the Diane Tempel-Bornett, a spokes- ta-
a wild animal rehabilita- Cent for Rehabilitation
Centre
they have found the Winterberg tunnel entrance to the tunnel, detonating woman for the Volksbund, said. “We tion centre in Mato o W Animals, fitted
of Wild
where men from the 111st Reserve munitions and entombing them. want to give them a dignified resting Grosso do Sul, in west- th bird with the spe-
the
Infantry Regiment from the southern The location was forgotten until place, and that means a place that has central Brazil, with a ci
cially made prosthesis.
region of Baden suffocated during the Alain Malinowski, a local historian, been consecrated.” badly dented upper He said it was now
Second Battle of the Aisne in 1917. came across a French map of the tunnel She said engineers would use a new beak. e
eating well and was
“Why do we look for war dead who and established its likely location in a method to drill into the tunnel. “Then The injury meant b
being cared for at the
lost their lives in the First World War, wooded slope close to the village of we hope to be able to insert a camera the male bird was un- ce
centre. “In situations
more than 100 years ago, when people Craonne near the Chemin des Dames, into the cavity and examine it,” she said. able to feed properly. lik this, even if the
like
have been dying for weeks in the war in a ridge held by German forces for much The drilling is to take place next week anim cannot return to
animal
Ukraine, soldiers and civilians alike?’’ of the war. In 2010, he wrote to Angela and if successful could quickly lead to a The bird had to be fully
y natur we offer it quality of
nature
the Volksbund said. “The dead of wars Merkel, the German chancellor, but wider excavation. tion
grown before its operation life,” he said.
life,”
46 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

World

Wearing a bikini?
A game of rock, paper,
scissors took place after
three uniformed men
from a sheriff’s office
pulled up alongside a

Get rock, paper, boat, apparently to issue

a ticket to its bikini-clad
occupants. A video
of the incident has
attracted more than

scissors justice 18 million views

United States match, as she lost the first round. But it

was a best of three and in the next two
Will Pavia New York
rounds she threw scissors to his paper,
In one boat stood three young women and then paper to his rock, and her
in bikinis. In the other were three uni- companions on the boat erupted in
formed men from a sheriff’s office who cheers.
had pulled up in their patrol craft, A caption on the video, which attract-
apparently to issue a ticket. ed 18 million views, claimed: “We got
After drawing alongside the boat and out of feloney with rock, paper, scissors.”
inspecting its occupants, the officers Most commentators were sceptical
decided to take a broader view of the that officers of the law would overlook
unknown infraction. According to a an offence — whatever it was — as seri- tator claimed that she had been let off in them in a game of rock, paper, scissors. appeared, sporadically since them,
video of the encounter, they agreed to ous as a felony, after losing a game typi- a similar fashion after “a good game of Randy Dixon, chief of the Cameron including in a legal case in Florida
settle the matter with a game of rock, cally used to resolve playground dis- heads or tails”. police department, said at the time the where an exasperated judge made two
paper, scissors. putes. It was also noted that the author, Nor was it the first time that rock, officer had decided that he would let lawyers play rock, paper, scissors to
In the video, one of the women could who appeared to be based in Florida, paper, scissors had been used by officers her off and ask her to leave the festival settle a dispute.
be seen leaning over the gunwale and spelt felony as if it were a pasta dish. “Is of the law. In 2013 three police officers if she won the game and “he was going There was also the case of Sting and
flattening her hand into the shape of that [the] drunk tense?” asked one. in Texas were disciplined after a video to make sure she won”. He felt the Peter Gabriel, who played 21 venues in
paper, while an officer, clutching some Others suggested causes for their emerged showing them allowing a matter had been “blown out of propor- North America in 2016 in what they
paperwork in his other hand, threw a lenient treatment. “Don’t try this when woman who was only a few weeks tion”, although he did not think the called their Rock Paper Scissors tour. It
pair of scissors. it’s all dudes on the boat,” one said. under the legal drinking age of 21 to game had any place in American polic- did not directly involve American law
“Oh my god,” said a man on the “Results may vary on skin colour,” said avoid a ticket for consuming alcohol at ing. It was not a “good way to do busi- enforcement, but one of them was a
women’s boat, who was filming the another; though at least one commen- a music festival, after she beat one of ness”, he said. Nevertheless it has former member of The Police.

No love lost in Everglades for spring’s

least welcome but most amorous bug
tens of millions of Plecia Twice annually, it falls to the larvae feed on decaying
Jacqui nearctica Hardy — known as Professor Norman Leppla — an organic material, then pupate
lovebugs — emerge from their entomologist at the University of for a week or so before the adult
Goddard larval stage, swarm communities Florida, in Gainesville — to emerges, looking to spend its
and couple up for an aerial defend their reputation as four-day lifespan in romantic
mating extravaganza. disgusted residents call to pursuit.
MIAMI Also known as honeymoon bugs, complain about the swarms of Males will swarm, wait for a
airline bugs or two-headed bugs, copulating critters. “The car female to emerge from the grass
they can stay attached to one wash people certainly love them. below then swoop in and fight

A
t any time of year in another for up to 56 hours or I get no complaints from car for her attention; the larger and
Florida there is until they are rudely interrupted wash people,” he says. “But after heavier the female, the keener
wildlife to be by being smashed on journalists who want to their efforts — lovebugs like
admired, feared or vehicle windscreens,ns, learn ab about them, most their ladies on the hefty side.
loathed. There are headlights and of the calls I get are Once they win approval, they
Burmese pythons that slither radiator grills — com
complaints. People couple up tail to tail and ride the
through the Everglades causing whichever comes wa to know
want breeze together in an unabashed
havoc with native species, tegu soonest. w
what are they, sex fest.
lizards from Argentina that help They are w
what are they Lovebugs came to America
themselves to crops, venomous attracted to d
doing, how long from Mexico in the 1920s via
lionfish from the Indo-Pacific white or yellow w
will they be here, Texas, and gradually spread into
ravaging coral reefs and green surfaces and to ho
how do I keep several of the southern states
iguanas from Central America exhaust fumes the
them out of my over the next half-century.
that drop comatose from trees from vehicles and hou
house? People say, “’What’s the point of them?’ — I
on to passers-by when it gets too gas-powered gadgets ets ‘‘II wan
want them gone get asked that a lot,” Leppla
cold and 1.2 million pointy- such as chainsaws and b ut the pest control
but says. “Aside from getting people
toothed alligators statewide. lawnmowers. Theirr people won’t
won spray them,’ all riled up, they’re just a part of
Yet it is a harmless, squashed innards splatter — and good
good, bec because they nature . . . they came as invaders
half-centimetre long fly fixated windscreens and obscure shouldn’t. and became part of our native
on sex that is perhaps the most drivers’ visions, or clog radiators Lovebugs are non-destructive culture . . . People come here
commonly dreaded fauna — and cause engines to overheat. and do not bite, sting or spread from the north and the first year
and, for the next few weeks, Unless cleaned off promptly, the disease. From October to April, they want to know how to get
residents and visitors may find residue from their corpses and rid of all these insects. I say, ‘You
them hard to avoid. Twice a egg masses can turn acidic Lovebugs can stay attached to know what — you moved here.
year, in May and September, enough to strip paint off cars. one another for up to 56 hours Just enjoy them.’”

Turing’s enigmatic life made into an opera

Will Pavia Theatre next year. It charts his life from considered Turing as a subject for a
boarding school to academia to Bletch- one-act play, about “a guy sitting in his
In the ten years since the centenary of ley Park, leading the effort to crack kitchen, getting ready to kill himself”.
his birth, the mathematician Alan Germany’s Enigma code, to his prose- But the more he thought about it, the
Turing has received a posthumous cution for “gross indecency” in 1952 and larger the story seemed.
royal pardon, been the subject of a big- his death two years later. The coroner’s “He was born in the Edwardian age
budget biopic and had his face put on a verdict was suicide — he was thought to and he created the cyber-age,” he said.
£50 note. Now he is to leap into an even have laced an apple with cyanide and “He was ‘out’ as a gay man in the 1930s,
grander sphere. Turing’s life is about to taken a bite, in keeping with a pre-occu- when we weren’t out. He couldn’t div-
become an opera. pation with the story of Snow White. orce his intelligence from his sensuali-
The Life and Death(s) of Alan Turing, Viewers of the opera will be offered ty.” Simpatico saw a mythic quality in
by the librettist David Simpatico and Alan Turing’s life had other possibilities: that his death was an Turing’s life, alongside an intimately
the composer Justine Chen, will have a mythic quality, say accident or that he was murdered by personal one: “I said, ‘This is not a play,
its premiere at the Chicago Opera the opera’s writers government agents. Simpatico initially it’s an opera.’ ”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 K1 47

Business
world markets (Change on the day) commodities currencies
FTSE 100 Dow Jones Gold Brent crude (6pm) £/$ £/€
7,544.55 (+35.36) 32,977.21 (-939.18) $1,909.07 (+23.13) $ $109.65 (+2.40) $ 1.2568 (+0.0124) $ €1.1917 (+0.0070) ¤
8,000 38,000 2,200 140 1.350 1.225

7,500 36,000 2,000 120 1.300 1.200

7,000 34,000 1,800 100 1.250 1.175

6,500 32,000 1,600 80 1.200 1.150

Mar 29 Apr 6 14 26 Mar 30 Apr 7 16 26 Mar 30 Apr 6 14 26 Mar 30 Apr 7 16 26 Mar 26 Apr 6 14 26 Mar 26 Apr 6 14 26

HSBC needs to break itself up, warns biggest shareholder

Ben Martin Banking Editor when it gradually started buying between the West and China are weigh- law two years ago. This has raised con- chief, said at the lender’s first-quarter
shares. ing on its valuation. cerns in the West about civil liberties in results on Tuesday that management
A Chinese insurer, the biggest share- It told HSBC’s bosses in private dis- The bank was founded in Hong Kong Hong Kong and has prompted criticism did not support the idea of a split: “We
holder in HSBC, has urged the cussions recently that it believed the in 1865 and, although based in London, of HSBC in the UK after the bank don’t think a break-up of the bank
Asia-focused British bank to pursue a bank’s Asian operations would attract a the former British colony is its single backed the security law. makes any sense at all.”
break-up. much higher stock market rating if they biggest market. It emerged last weekend that a lead- The bank said: “HSBC has a regular
The move by Ping An, which owns were split off from the rest of the group Quinn is tilting the bank even further ing HSBC shareholder believed the programme of engagement with all our
9.2 per cent of the FTSE 100 lender, is a into a separate company that is listed towards Asia and has moved top bank should consider a break-up. The investors and is committed to maximis-
blow to Noel Quinn, the HSBC chief and headquartered in Hong Kong. bankers to Hong Kong. Yet his strategy identity of the investor remained a ing value for all our shareholders. We
executive, and Mark Tucker, its chair- It is understood that Ping An thinks has coincided with a clampdown on the mystery until yesterday, when it believe we’ve got the right strategy and
man. The Shenzhen-based insurer has the risks that HSBC faces from being territory by Beijing through the imposi- became clear it was Ping An. are focused on executing it.”
been an investor in the bank since 2016, stuck in the middle of rising tensions tion of a draconian national security Ewen Stevenson, the HSBC finance Ping An declined to comment.

Tesla value drops $150bn Talk grows

of Johnson
Matthey bid
after Musk’s Twitter raid Robert Lea Industrial Editor

City traders are betting that one of

Britain’s leading players in the green
Billionaire sells 5% stake in carmaker to fund deal industrial revolution could fall to an
American takeover, pushing its shares
Tom Howard, Martin Strydom up by nearly 20 per cent.
It was revealed yesterday that
Elon Musk has sold shares worth Tesla
T
Tesla on slide Standard Industries, a privately owned
$8.5 billion in Tesla, whose market Impact of takeover on carmaker worries investors American conglomerate, had taken a
value has fallen by more than $150 bil- 5.2 per cent, £180 million stake in
lion after the billionaire’s bid for Johnson Matthey, one of the UK’s most
Twitter. $1,200 venerable companies that until last
The giant social media group agreed December was a member of the elite
to a $44 billion takeover by the world’s FTSE 100 share index.
richest man on Monday. Johnson Matthey’s expertise in the
Musk
Filings show that Musk, 50, has sold chemicals industry has given it a
offers
9.6 million shares this week, about 1,100 leading role in cleaning up automotive
to buy
5.6 per of his stake in the carmaker. It is vehicles’ pollution and emissions with
Twitter
the first time the tycoon has sold any its materials for catalytic converters.
shares since the end of last year, when The industrial technology company
he polled his Twitter followers about has pitched itself as a big player in the
whether he should offload 10 per cent of 1,000 hunt for technologies to enable alter-
his stake. He said in a tweet that no native fuels to replace petrol and diesel.
further Tesla sales were planned after After the declaration of Standard
yesterday. Industries’s stake, there was no dis-
Musk did not say what the sales were Twitter
i closure about whether it was a strategic
for or for how long he would hold off on accepts
e Musk's investment in a poorly performing
900
disposals. However, it is likely to be part 4 offer
$44bn London-listed stock or something
of his plan to finance the purchase of more serious — a precursor to stake-
Twitter in one of the world’s largest building and an eventual bid for
leveraged buyouts. Questions have Johnson Matthey.
been raised about how he will finance 800 Traders took one look at Standard
the deal and the market is still to be Industries’s recent form and imme-
convinced that his takeover will suc- diately alighted upon the bid scenario.
ceed. Twitter shares closed at $49.02 This time last year Standard Industries
last night, some way shy of the $54.20 announced the $7 billion takeover in
that Musk is offering. 2021
2 2022 cash of WR Grace, another specialist in
700
Musk has committed to providing Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr Source: Refinitiv
catalysts.
$21 billion in equity financing to buy Johnson Matthey shares have been
Twitter. A further $12.5 billion of debt close to 12-year lows after investors
has been committed via a margin loan value. Last night it stood at about appeared to lose faith following a
secured by Musk against Tesla shares. US markets suffer big falls $902 billion. U-turn in its mission to make high-per-
He is understood to be looking for The wider technology sector also has formance batteries for the next genera-
partners to share some of the costs, Two of America’s seen as a barometer of average fell 2.8 per cent fallen in recent weeks, although Tesla tion of electric cars.
although reports have cast doubt over biggest stock markets US corporate health, to 32,977.21, for an April has suffered more than most. Apple The company had spent more than a
whether anyone will want to join him. endured their worst closed down 155.57 slide of 4.9 per cent. shares are down 6 per cent in April, decade and hundreds of millions of
Tesla investors have been unnerved April since 1970, driven points, or 3.6 per cent, The technology-biased Meta, the Facebook owner, has slipped pounds in research and development of
by the prospect of Musk having to sell down by mixed at 4,131.93 last night; it Nasdaq shed 536.89 by 7 per cent, while Amazon has fallen its much-vaunted eLNO technology
part of his holding in the electric car- corporate results and fell 8.8 per cent in April points to 12,334.64, its by 11 per cent. using electric-lithium nickel oxide
maker he runs in order to finance his fears about growth and for its worst month worst April since 2000 Tesla shares yesterday ended their materials. It had got to the point that it
buyout of Twitter. This month, Tesla a rapid rise in interest since March 2020. The and a monthly drop of worst week’s performance since Janu- was prepared to invest in two assembly
shares have fallen by 20 per cent, wip- rates. The S&P 500, Dow Jones industrial 13.3 per cent. ary by falling a further $6.75, or 0.8 per plants in continental Europe before
ing $175 billion off its stock market Continued on page 48, col 5 Continued on page 50, col 5
48 K1 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Business

Need to know
1
The biggest high street banks
are cashing in as the Bank of
England base rate has risen
Impact of China’s
from 0.1 per cent in December to
0.75 per cent by refusing to pass it
on to savers. Banks including
Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds and
Santander have enjoyed larger
margins between what they
Covid lockdowns
being felt in West
charge on loans and what they pay
to customers on savings accounts,
figures for the first three months
of this year show. Page 20

2
House prices rose for a ninth
consecutive month in April,
but growth appears to have
peaked. Prices increased by 0.3 per
Makers of cars and have seen drops in the volumes leaving
the port. We’ve still got goods flowing
cent between March and April to
an average of £267,620, according
mobile phones are out, but the factories that are producing
those goods are now in lockdown.”
to the Nationwide house price suffering with parts in Stamer believes that Europe could
index, which showed demand experience 6 per cent fewer goods
among would-be movers remains short supply, reports arriving from China as a result. “We will
strong at the moment. Page 41 definitely see some goods that will be
Abigail Townsend missing. We have inventories in Europe

3
Elon Musk has sold shares that we can draw down, but at some
worth $8.5 billion in Tesla, For the residents of Shanghai, lock- point there will be goods missing —
whose market value has fallen down conditions verge on the brutal. maybe that cellphone you wanted is no
by more than $150 billion after the Unable to leave their homes, even for longer available, or will take longer to
billionaire’s bid for Twitter. The food, residents in China’s largest city arrive.”
social media giant agreed to a who test positive for Covid-19 are Further complicating the supply
$44 billion takeover by the world’s removed to isolation centres. Drones chain is the war in Ukraine. Europe
richest man on Monday. Filings order people off balconies and back depends on Russia, Belarus and
show that Musk, 50, has sold indoors. Only when there are no cases Ukraine for energy, chemicals, iron
9.6 million shares this week, about for 14 consecutive days are residential and steel, palladium and nickel, among
5.6 per of his stake in the compounds released. other things. As Berenberg, the
carmaker. Page 47 Yet the cost of China’s strict zero- German bank, acknowledged in a
Covid policy is not merely personal. recent note: “A sustained recovery in

4
Ping An, a Chinese insurer The province of Shanghai is a vast Buildings in China are disinfected, with global supply seems unlikely until these
that is the biggest investor in manufacturing hub, home to 25 million their residents under strict lockdown two obstacles fade materially.
HSBC with a 9.2 per cent people and with GDP similar to “Computer chips, fossil fuels, paper,
stake in the FTSE 100 lender, has Poland’s. Such is its contribution to weeks. The plant is Tesla’s largest and plastic and metal — virtually all con-
urged the Asia-focused British global trade that most sectors and produces thousands of cars for export sumer durables and machine goods
bank to pursue a break-up. Page 47 markets are likely to experience delays worldwide. Even before the shutdown, require at least one of these inputs at
or shortages in the months to come as Musk acknowledged that the quarter some point in their manufacturing and

5
City traders are betting that factories are closed and workers are had been “exceptionally difficult” distribution chain.”
Johnson Matthey, one of confined to home. Arguably those hit because of supply interruptions and Last week, the Society of Motor
Britain’s leading players in the hardest will be the myriad industries China’s zero-Covid policy. Second- Manufacturers and Traders reported a
green industrial revolution, could that use semiconductors. quarter production is expected to be 32.4 per cent decline in UK car pro-
fall to a takeover by Standard On Thursday, Apple revealed its largely flat. duction in the first quarter, much of
Industries, a privately owned strongest ever start to the year, with Other companies — such as Semi- which was attributed to the global chip
American conglomerate, pushing sales ahead by 8.6 per cent at $97.3 bil- conductor Manufacturing Inter- shortage. Onsemi, an American chip-
its shares up by nearly 20 per cent. lion and net income up 5.8 per cent at national Corp, China’s largest chip maker that supplies some of the world’s
Page 47 $25 billion. Yet shares in the giant producer — are operating as closed biggest car companies, including Ford There are shortages of food in many
technology group fell after it said that it loops, where workers live on site. This and Audi, has had to close its Shanghai

6
The pound is on course for its could take a hit of between $4 billion allows production to continue, but can- distribution centre temporarily. tronics, because of the massive shorta-
worst month in six years amid and $8 billion in the second quarter, not compensate for disrupted supply While the rest of the world shifts to ges of chips; that precedes the lock-
fears of a recession in Britain substantially more than it had expected lines or transport delays. living with Covid, Beijing looks wedded down but has been exacerbated by it.
and under pressure from a previously, because of Covid-related Shanghai is also the world’s largest to a policy of zero tolerance. As a result, The international supply chain is under
resurgent dollar pushed up by disruptions, including supply shortages port. It has stayed open, also operating rolling lockdowns are likely to continue real stress.”
higher interest rates in the United and factory shutdowns in Shanghai. as a closed loop, but logjams are build- throughout the year. In the longer term, Forgione expects
States. Sterling has fallen 4.2 per Foxconn, one of Apple’s biggest ing and volumes are falling. According According to Marco Forgione, the present crisis to prompt companies
cent against the dollar this month suppliers, has had to close factories, to research by Vincent Stamer, an director-general at the Institute of to reassess their logistics. “Having an
to $1.25, its biggest monthly decline while recent analysis by Nikkei Asia analyst at the Kiel Institute for the Export and International Trade: over-reliance on just one country, or
since October 2016. found that half of the American com- World Economy in Germany, cargo “We’re seeing shortages now, but if you on a just-in-time model, is going to
pany’s top 200 suppliers had facilities in volumes are 30 per cent below expected look forward, Christmas orders are not have to shift. But that’s not a short-term

7
Alvarez & Marsal, the joint or around Shanghai. levels. “At the beginning of the lock- far away and if rolling lockdowns solution.”
administrator of NMC Health, Tesla, Elon Musk’s electric car manu- down, we were told that Shanghai port continue, there will be implications. Until then, delays and shortages look
has filed a claim of at least facturer, shut its Shanghai factory at was operational and goods were flow- “One of the guaranteed sectors that inevitable — and could leave British
$2.5 billion in the High Court the end of March for nearly three ing through,” he said, “but since then we will face difficulties is consumer elec- shelves a little less full this Christmas.
against EY, the former auditor of
the collapsed private healthcare
continued from page 47
company.
Pound has worst month in six years Tesla value plummets

8
Pascal Soriot, the chief
executive of AstraZeneca, cent, to close at $870.76 in New York.
believes that the drugs Mehreen Khan sumer confidence falling to a point that once this year. The Fed, meanwhile, has They were above $1,000 at the end of
company’s Covid vaccine still has would suggest a recession. signalled a further six rate rises in 2022, last week.
an important global role, despite The pound is on course for its worst “Growth ultimately is key for pushing the dollar this week to 20-year Most of Musk’s net worth — $268 bil-
expecting a decline in sales and month in six years amid fears of a reces- sterling,” Bruna Skarica, an economist highs against other currencies. lion, according to Forbes — is tied up in
worldwide “oversupply” as the sion in Britain and under pressure from at Morgan Stanley, the investment Markets are pricing in a 0.25 percent- the shares of companies he is involved
pandemic wanes. Page 50 a resurgent dollar pushed up by higher bank, said. “A hawkish Bank of age-point interest rise from the Bank with. He is chief executive of Tesla and
interest rates in the United States. England, determined to lean aggres- next week, lifting the main rate to 1 per SpaceX, founder of The Boring Com-

9
The pandemic pushed the rate Sterling has fallen 4.2 per cent against sively against inflation, could further cent. Ruth Gregory, at Capital Econo- pany and co-founder of Neuralink.
of sickness absence among the dollar this month to $1.25, its biggest stoke recession fears, which would mics, the consultancy, said she expect- Dan Ives, at Wedbush Securities, be-
workers last year to its highest monthly decline since October 2016. again be a dampener on the currency. A ed rates to rise as high as 3 per cent next lieves the market is concerned Musk
level since 2010. The Office for Investors have sold the pound despite different policy mix of tight monetary year. Capital Economics expects the will be “pulled in too many directions”
National Statistics said that the expectations that the Bank of England and loose fiscal policy potentially pound to weaken to $1.22 by December. if he adds Twitter to his list of ventures.
rate had risen to 2.2 per cent, up will raise interest rates next week. would benefit sterling, but at the Next week the Bank also will produce “Musk is the heart and lungs of the
from 1.8 per cent in 2020. Page 51 Higher interest rates should support moment the Treasury seems keen not its first set of growth and inflation pro- Tesla story and the Twitter saga now
the currency, but there is a growing gap to add to the inflation problem.” jections since the war began in Ukraine. unfortunately becomes an overhang

10 Nick Varney is to retire as

chief executive of Merlin
Entertainments after 23
years running the theme parks
and visitor attractions group,
between the aggressive rate rises
signalled by the US Federal Reserve
and messages from the Bank after the
outbreak of war in Ukraine. This has
supercharged the value of the dollar
The pound has fallen by more than
7 per cent against the dollar this year
and is at its weakest since July 2020. It
has remained flat against the euro in
2022 as the eurozone’s economy is
Sanjay Raja, an economist at Deutsche
Bank, said that Andrew Bailey, the
Bank’s governor, was likely to move
away from talk of monetary policy
“normalisation” after the end of pan-
for Tesla shares in the near-term,” the
analyst said.
“The Twitter deal brings another X
variable into the mix for Musk.”
Yesterday it was reported that Musk
which operates Legoland and against most global currencies. more heavily exposed to the war in demic restrictions and instead would may sharply cut board and executive
Madame Tussauds. Page 53 Investors are also concerned about Ukraine. The European Central Bank is “highlight the intensifying trade-off pay at Twitter in an effort to cut costs at
Britain’s growth prospects, with con- expected to raise interest rates only between growth and inflation”. the social media group.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 K1 49

Business
KEVIN FRAYER/GETTY IMAGES
lockdown, I began to stockpile on rice,
flour, cooking oil, pasta and canned
food. A friend of mine even bought a
Economists
freezer to store enough food.
I’ve got my booster shot and I know
the chances are slim that it would do
doubt GDP
much harm to my health if I should
get infected, but in Beijing the
coronavirus is the state’s No 1 enemy
target can
and that means containing it trumps
everything else.
A single positive case can send an
be achieved
entire residential building into a full
lockdown and the risks are real that I Mehreen Khan Economics Editor
could be separated from my small
children when faceless officials, The return of China’s “zero Covid”
hidden behind masks and suits of lockdown policy could not have come
PPE, haul me away to an isolation at a more perilous time for the global
centre. It would be a nightmare if my economy. As Russian tanks rolled into
children were to be infected and Ukraine, some of China’s biggest cities
taken away from me. were suffering their worst outbreaks of
Just as I was reasoning with myself Covid-19 since the pandemic began.
that the worst was unlikely to happen, China responded by reimposing
there was bad news. My domestic draconian social and economic restric-
helper, who picks up my children tions that jeopardise Beijing’s target of
from nursery in the afternoon and 5.5 per cent annual growth this year.
cooks them a meal while I am at Yesterday Beijing promised to “step
work, is getting alerts. Beijing was up policy support, work hard to achieve
sealing off three and a half square economic growth and maintain growth
miles of blocks several metro stops within a reasonable range”, but did not
from my home, and that’s where she signal an end to regional lockdown
lives. The alerts urged her to go home measures.
immediately and stay there until Economists expect China to miss its
further notice. She was nervous about GDP target this year as lockdowns
the lockdown, and I dreaded losing prevent workers from leaving their
her help. homes, businesses operate at reduced
My phone started to buzz with capacity and the war in Ukraine
alerts from my grocery shopping app, increases commodity prices. Maggie
informing me that it actually did not Wei, of Goldman Sachs, expects Chi-
have eggs or most of the leafy nese growth to slow to 4.5 per cent this
vegetables I had already paid for. The year, despite the stimulus promised by
delivery guy came with a small bag of the government.
potatoes, three heads of tiny baby China’s economy rebounded im-
cabbages and a jar of chilli pepper. pressively last year as exports surged.
The next day, strong winds blew Its GDP expanded by 8.1 per cent in
away the city’s air pollutants and my 2021 but that rate slowed to 4.8 per cent
mood was lifted when the city in the first quarter of this year. The
government did not impose further International Monetary Fund forecasts
restrictions. Local markets were again 4.4 per cent growth in 2022.
full of vegetables and fruits and there Official economic data may not
were people in the streets, though the “accurately reflect the reality on the
traffic was much thinner. I met two ground”, Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior
friends at a coffee shop and we were China economist at Capital Economics,
the only customers. We exchanged warned, adding that key metrics such as
stories of panic buying and joked that consumer spending and export
it would be a huge disappointment if demand suggested that the economy
a lockdown did not materialise. had been stagnant since late 2021. “The
shops in Beijing amid new lockdown rules. Some residents, sealed behind barriers, have had to receive emergency supplies On Wednesday, schools in a nearby authorities will most likely publish
district were ordered to go online and GDP figures showing them meeting

‘It would be a nightmare if my district of Chaoyang tested three

times in five days.
It marked the first time that I was
subject to mandatory mass testing
parents in Chaoyang could not help
but believe we would be the next.
On Thursday morning, the school
sent an emergency notice via a group
their annual growth target on paper,
but the reality will be a lot less rosy. We
expect the economy to expand by only
2 per cent this year,” he said.
my kids were taken away’ since the pandemic began more than
two years ago and I knew the
situation could get worse after
chat about the closure. I could hear
fellow parents groan through my
phone.
Beijing’s central bank has provided
modest cuts to interest rates and has
warned against a falling currency. The
alarming reports from Shanghai, once When I told my children about the yuan is on course for its worst month

I
t started on Monday morning, also ran out of fresh produce. A third a model in fighting the pandemic with school closure, they immediately against the US dollar. A weakening cur-
when I tried to order my daily app claimed it still had leafy greens, minimum disruption to daily life but knew the reason — the only reason rency raises the risks of large capital
supply of leafy vegetables and potatoes and eggs, so I swiftly placed which had failed to contain the the school has had to close from time outflows as inventors dump Chinese
fresh fruits on my usual grocery the order and hit the pay button. Omicron variant. to time in their two years of going to assets. Craig Botham, of Pantheon
shopping app (Didi Tang writes It was the morning after Beijing I was not unprepared, either. After nursery. Macroeconomics, said this was one of
in Beijing). They were sold out. I reported 24 infections and announced my friends in Shanghai complained of At the age of five, they are fluent in the factors preventing the bank from
switched to a lesser-known app, but it plans to get the 3.5 million people in a lack of food during their extended the pandemic lingo. cutting rates too drastically.

EY sued over audits of NMC Health Rising rates spur NatWest

Alex Ralph said in May 2020 that it was looking at
EY’s audit of NMC’s financial state-
2019. Unsecured creditors, including
Barclays, are owed an estimated
towards surprise profit jump
The joint administrator of NMC Health ments for the year to the end of 2018. $7.2 billion and are expected to receive
has filed a claim of at least $2.5 billion in A spokesman for EY said yesterday: 15.5 per cent of the debt, or $1.1 billion, Ben Martin Banking Editor growth across its businesses, with net
the High Court against EY, the former “We are aware a claim has been sub- according to previous administration lending rising by £6.6 billion to
auditor of the collapsed private health- mitted to the court by the administra- filings. Returns could rise as the NatWest has shrugged off worries £365.3 billion.
care company. tors of NMC Health Plc. We will defend administrator tests the validity of the about soaring inflation to announce a Banks have been squeezed in recent
Alvarez & Marsal said yesterday that the claim vigorously.” debt claims. surprise jump in first-quarter profits. years by interest rates being kept at
as “part of our wide-ranging investi- NMC was founded by Bavaguthu Last month, numerous operating Buoyed by rising interest rates, pre- historically low levels by central banks.
gation into the situation, we have Raghuram Shetty, 79, in the 1970s and companies of NMC exited administra- tax operating profits at the FTSE 100 However, rate increases in recent
looked at the role of the auditors and became the largest private healthcare tion in the UAE and continue to trade. bank, which remains 48 per cent- months to tackle rampant inflation are
have now launched formal legal pro- provider in the United Arab Emirates, The former NMC plc is in administra- owned by the taxpayer after its bailout boosting lenders, especially NatWest,
ceedings against EY in the UK for audit operating in 19 countries, including tion in London as Alvarez & Marsal during the financial crisis, rose by 41 per which is sensitive to changing rates.
negligence with regards to its work with Britain, where it was floated in 2012. It pursues claims. cent to £1.25 billion, from £885 million a Despite the encouraging profits, Nat-
the company between 2012 and 2018. descended into crisis seven years later It emerged in November 2020 that year earlier. City analysts had expected West’s shares fell by 5p, or 2.2 per cent,
“As administrators, we have an after Muddy Waters, a San Francisco- Alvarez & Marsal was pursuing a them to decline to £755 million. to below 218p after the bank told City
obligation to maximise returns for based short-seller, published a damn- lawsuit against EY and had issued a Revenues were up 17 per cent at analysts during a presentation that the
creditors and this action is part of those ing report. preliminary notice of potential claim. £3 billion, helped by a 10 per cent rise in spread between the rates it was offering
wider efforts.” An investigation in 2020 by Freeh The formal filing of the High Court net interest income — the difference customers for mortgages and the rate it
Alvarez & Marsal was appointed in Group, a management firm commis- legal claim this week was first reported between the interest earned on loans paid for its own funding had narrowed.
April 2020 after an accounting scandal sioned by NMC, led to the discovery of by Sky News. Alvarez & Marsal and the interest paid on deposits — to There was also market speculation that
at NMC. The Financial Reporting $6.6 billion in debt, almost triple the previously sent letters before action to more than £2 billion. The boost from the government might be preparing to
Council, the accountancy watchdog, figure the company reported in June 12 former NMC directors. rising rates came as NatWest enjoyed sell more shares.
550 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Business
PATRICK MCMULLAN/GETTY IMAGES

If we don’t both agree,

David and Elizabeth
Winter, left, and
David and Jennifer
Talk grows
we don’t do it: how
Millstone have kept
Standard Industries
as a family concern
of Johnson
‘brothers’ do business Matthey bid
Behind the story with The New York Continued from page 47
Times, Winter said suddenly deciding that the costs

T
hey are both he and Millstone involved would be a poor return on
called David, they were “as close as investment and that the company
both married a brothers”. would be a loser in competition with
daughter of the Millstone comes low-cost Chinese and South Korean
boss and, as co- from a family of rivals. The volte-face was accompanied
chief executives, they now lawyers, studied by news of the departure of Robert
both run the company law at Harvard MacLeod as chief executive.
(Robert Lea writes). after mathematics That was the catalyst to send shares
In their forties and and philosophy at in the company into freefall, extending
routinely clad in blue jeans Yale and spent declines over a 12-month period to the
and pale shirts, David time at Bear point that it had lost nearly half of its
Millstone and David Stearns, the value, leading to its ejection from mem-
Winter inherited the investment bank, bership of the FTSE 100. The company
operation controls of the before joining his closed trading on Thursday valued at
privately held Standard father-in-law’s £3.45 billion, yet by yesterday’s close it
Industries when in 2009 businesses. was valued at more than £4.1 billion
their father-in-law Samuel Winter comes thanks to an 18.9 per cent rise in the
Heyman, one of that legion from a wealthy, shares to a five-month high of £22.25,
of American corporate property-owning up 353½p on the session. At one stage
raiders of the 1980s, died. family whose real during the day the shares were 33 per
Unsure how the estate interests run cent ahead.
management of the group’s to many billions of MacLeod was replaced by Liam
businesses should be dollars. He studied Condon, 54, a former executive of
carved up, Winter told the politics and economics Bayer, the German chemicals group,
Financial Times in a 2019 at the University of who has been conducting a review of
interview: “We very Pennsylvania. and plans to unveil a new strategy for
quickly made the decision Their part to date in the the business at its annual results late
that dividing up the world green industrial revolution next month.
was probably not a great is diversifying Standard Standard Industries has taken its
model for the next chapter Industries’ GAF roofing stake in Johnson Matthey through its
of our lives. That’s when we giant into roof-mounted Standard Investments unit and that
decided to just jump off the solar panelling. division’s Standard Latitude Master
cliff together and be 50-50 Heyman made his Fund.
partners in every way. money in property before The company is the creation of
“If we don’t both agree, becoming involved in Samuel Heyman, one of Wall Street’s
we don’t do it, which leads corporate raiding, legendary corporate raiders of the
to us hashing it out until including a short-lived tilt 1980s. Standard Industries was created
we come to some cohesive at the London Stock after Heyman took control of GAF, an
decision.” Exchange. He ran his own American roofing company. The con-
In a separate interview hedge fund in later life. glomerate’s businesses employ 20,000
people around the world.

Covid vaccine continues to Higher prices ease pain of

declining sales at Reckitt
boost AstraZeneca revenue Ashley Armstrong Retail Editor
The maker of Dettol and Durex has
formula brands down during the first
quarter because its supplies were in
demand after Abbott Laboratories, a
Alex Ralph importance of T-cell stimulation and in on the jab, its finances, share price and become the latest company to pass on rival, was forced to recall its own
terms of the long-term protection the prospects have been transformed in the rising costs to consumers, helping to product amid safety concerns. Reckitt
The chief executive of AstraZeneca vaccine offers, but also the broad pro- past decade by the successful develop- cushion it from falling sales of cleaning said that its baby formula sales had
believes that the drugs company’s tection against severe disease,” he said. ment and launch of a series of new products. risen by 30 per cent, although it
Covid vaccine still has an important AstraZeneca, which has delivered drugs, particularly cancer treatments. Reckitt Benckiser increased its prices expected to increase prices as the
global role, despite expecting a decline 2.9 billion doses globally, has started to Sales of oncology drugs rose by 25 per by 5.3 per cent during its first quarter, market normalised.
in sales and worldwide “oversupply” as sell the vaccine commercially, having cent in the first quarter, although the boosting like-for-like sales by 5.6 per The Slough-based company is in the
the pandemic wanes. initially sold it at cost. It will continue pandemic has hindered cancer cent, significantly above the 1.5 per cent process of offloading its baby milk
The Cambridge-based FTSE 100 selling to low-income countries on a diagnosis and treatment. Soriot said he growth forecast by City analysts. division, the maker of Enfamil, which
drugs group yesterday revealed first- non-profit basis. believed that “things will normalise In doing so, the FTSE 100 company would fully unwind the $16.6 billion
quarter revenue of $1.1 billion for Evusheld generated sales of over the next few months”. has followed Unilever and Nestlé, its Mead Johnson takeover agreed by
Vaxzevria, the vaccine developed with $469 million in the first quarter. Biopharmaceutical revenues rose by rivals, which also are raising prices to Rakesh Kapoor, Narasimhan’s pre-
Oxford University, helping to drive up Soriot said the British government 18 per cent, with Farxiga, a bestselling cope with inflationary pressures from decessor, in 2017. The Reckitt boss
total group revenue by 60 per cent to had not yet placed an order for diabetes treatment, generating sales of higher raw materials, freight, transport declined to comment on what he called
$11.4 billion, ahead of City forecasts. $1 billion in the quarter. Revenues from and energy costs. speculation, but last year he wrote
However, the majority of revenues rare diseases increased by 7 per cent, Laxman Narasimhan, Reckitt’s chief down the value of the asset by £10 bil-
for Vaxzevria this year are set to come
from initial contracts earlier in the
pandemic and AstraZeneca expects
total Covid-19 medicines to decline
by a percentage in the “low-to-mid-
$1.1bn
First-quarter revenue from Vaxzevria
vaccine, out of group total $11.4 billion
after last year’s $39 billion acquisition of
Alexion in the largest deal since the
drugs group was created in 1999
through the merger of Astra, of Swe-
den, and Zeneca, the British group.
executive, said the business expected
inflation to be in the “high teens” rather
than the “low teens” it had suggested in
February. He added that 80 per cent of
the inflationary pressures Reckitt faced
lion and sold its Chinese division.
The group’s health business
increased sales by 20.6 per cent during
the quarter, while its hygiene unit
suffered a 9 per cent decline as demand
twenties” this year. Growth in sales of Alongside yesterday’s trading update came from higher raw materials costs fell for its Lysol disinfectant. Stripping
Evusheld, its antibody treatment, are Evusheld and was one of the “very rare” and before its annual shareholder and 20 per cent from commodities such out the brand, Reckitt’s hygiene divi-
set to partially offset weaker Vaxzevria developed countries not to have done meeting later in the day, AstraZeneca as fuel. Products more exposed to sion grew by 3.9 per cent, thanks to
sales. so. “It’s a sad situation, quite frankly, announced plans to lease a new energy or metal costs, such as canned strong sales of its Mucinex and Strepsils
Pascal Soriot, chief executive of because people who are immunocom- research and development centre and a goods, faced high inflation. cold products. Narasimhan said Lysol
AstraZeneca since 2012, said it was promised are really suffering from the corporate headquarters for Alexion at Narasimhan said despite analysts’ sales had fallen by 30 per cent in the
difficult to predict demand for Covid Covid crisis,” he said. Kendall Square in Cambridge, concerns that the soaring cost of living quarter, after growing by 70 per cent
jabs as “we are no longer in a period of In the United States, where Evusheld Massachusetts, a life sciences hub. The would prompt more shoppers to switch over the same period last year, but that
scarcity”. Numerous companies have has been authorised and is being sold, site, scheduled for completion in 2026, to cheaper own-label brands, “we sales were still 40 per cent higher than
successfully launched vaccines, espe- access has been curtailed by logistical will bring together 1,500 research, com- haven’t had an issue passing on any they were pre-pandemic.
cially Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. issues, with some patients struggling to mercial and corporate employees. higher prices”. Sales volumes at Reckitt Two weeks ago Reckitt said that it
Soriot, 62, said that his company’s locate an institution or hospital offering AstraZeneca reiterated its full-year have continued to rise, by 0.3 per cent in would transfer its Russian business
vaccine was a “very strong booster” and the treatment. guidance for the year, including total its first quarter. Reckitt does expect after the invasion of Ukraine. Unilever
there was increasing recognition of AstraZeneca is one of the world’s revenue growth at a “high-teens per- operating margins to be flat this year. has continued to sell personal hygiene
ensuring that vaccines elicit a strong largest drugs companies and has be- centage”. Shares in the company, which Narasimhan added that Reckitt had products and ice cream in Russia.
T-cells response. “There are now more come a household name through the hit new highs this month, closed up by made the “responsible” move of keep- The shares closed up 32p, or 0.5 per
and more people talking about the success of its vaccine. Despite the focus 103p, or 1 per cent, at £106.65. ing the prices of its American baby cent, at £62.40 last night.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 51

Business

Dominic O’Connell Pandemic

drives work
Services are Britain’s great strength, but that absences to

‘‘
doesn’t mean governments can boost them 12-year high
Ben Martin
If you find yourself football games can’t get enough of
in the West British-made products. The pandemic pushed the rate of sick-
Midlands, I highly That doesn’t answer the question of ness absence among workers last year
recommend making how to make more of it, or make it to its highest level since 2010.
time for a pilgrimage better. Services are an elusive, even The Office for National Statistics
to the Soho Foundry. It’s in unpopular thing to grasp, something said that the rate had risen to 2.2 per
Smethwick, just off the A41 on the that politicians intuitively know. There cent, up from 1.8 per cent in 2020. Two
northwestern outskirts of are more votes in a photo opportunity years ago it had reached an all-time low
Birmingham. Spoiler alert: you’ll featuring hard hats or giant aircraft after the widespread shift to home
probably be disappointed. There isn’t engines than the trading floor of a working.
much left to see — just the old bank or the offices of a video games The end of the furlough scheme last
foundry gateway flanked by some developer. Trade negotiations focus on year, workers returning to offices and a
elegant pillars and some workers’ goods rather than services and while fall in the number of vulnerable people
cottages behind. the post-Brexit trade arrangements for shielding meant there was a rise in
It is an underwhelming monument the former are hardly ideal and have people calling in sick. New variants of
to one of the most important led to a sharp decline in trade, there the virus also contributed to the rise.
industrial sites in Britain, if not the was almost nothing for services. An estimated 149.3 million working
world. Even the blue plaque, put up by By coincidence, this week there was days were lost in 2021 to illness or
the Smethwick Local History Society, an opportunity for ministers to show injury, or 4.6 days per worker, the statis-
undersells it: “Bolton & Watt’s Soho how they have grasped the issue in
Foundry, established in 1796 for the one booming sector, broadcasting.
6 Britons on average have £16 a
production of their renowned steam Such has been the surge in demand
week less to spend on non-essentials
engines.” for content from the likes of Netflix
than they did a year ago, a measure
Matthew Boulton and James Watt’s that Britain now has more studio
of consumer spending power
engines were the wonder of the day, space than Hollywood, according to
suggests. In March households
but what made the Soho Foundry so the British Film Institute.
suffered the biggest monthly fall in
important was the way they went The broadcasting white paper
discretionary purchasing power
about making them. It was the first should have been an opportunity to
since at least 2008, according to the
modern factory, with specialisation of catch this rising tide, but it was a very
latest Asda Income Tracker index.
labour, standardised parts, production mixed bag. Changes to public sector
After essentials including mortgage
lines, proper accounting and even remits for big channels made sense, as
payments, families have £231 a week
management development did the retention of production tax
left for discretionary spending, down
programmes. In short, most of the reliefs, but the privatisation of
by 6.5 per cent on March 2021.
things we attribute to Henry Ford Channel 4 and an unsubtle threat to
more than a century before he got the BBC licence fee make no sense. It’s
going in Detroit. It is, therefore, a become a dangerous distraction, some areas adjacent to our best-performing right to be suspicious of public sector tics office said. Covid accounted for
reminder that for a couple of centuries economists think. A report this week specialities — is compelling. A return organisations that are in competition 24 per cent of all sickness absence, up
Britain was the world’s pre-eminent by the Resolution Foundation (in to an economy where manufacturing with the private sector, but Channel 4 from 13.9 per cent in 2020.
manufacturer, harnessing ideas and collaboration with the the Centre for is a quarter of the economy is fighting and the BBC have fostered the The rise in the 2021 absence rate was
technology to labour and capital and Economic Performance at the London the tide of history. Mass manufacture cultural exports boom, not hindered it. driven by increases between last
in the process completely changing School of Economics) makes the case has departed to where energy and If the government were to set up a October and December.
how people lived and worked. that government policy should focus labour is cheaper and governments corporation to invest in manufacturing The furlough scheme was gradually
That dominance has been whittled on what we are good at — and what more accommodating, and it is not it would be praised; Channel 4 and the wound down between the beginning of
away in the past 150 years, with we are good at now is services. coming back any time soon. BBC, via their nurturing of talent and July and the end of September, which is
America and then Asia becoming top In 2019, Britain was the fourth- What is harder to work out is how support of independent production expected to have contributed to the rise
dog. Yet as recently as 1970 making largest exporter of the Organisation to make services bigger and better. houses, have done that job in their in days off due to illness.
things accounted for a quarter of gross for Economic Co-operation and Quite why Britain is so good at this sector — and should be left alone to In addition, while 200,000 people on
domestic product. It has fallen to a Development countries, ranking kind of export is a “mystery”, Gregory keep doing it. average were at home shielding
shade under 10 per cent and behind Japan, Germany and the Thwaites, one of the report’s authors, Their success reveals an between July 2020 and December
successive administrations have United States. What makes us cheerfully told me on Times Radio inconvenient truth about government 2020, this number had fallen to 173,000
strained wind and limb to drive that different is the proportion of exports this week. It was a slightly tongue-in- interventions to try to foster between January last year and June,
number up. Michael (now Lord) taken by services — just over 45 per cheek comment, as there are some particular industries: there are few before dropping to “negligible” levels

’’
Heseltine promised to intervene cent, about twice the OECD average. obvious reasons. Language is the big successful examples and they often afterwards, the statistics office said.
before breakfast, lunch and tea to It is not a new phenomenon. one; it helps a great deal to be able to happen by accident. Perhaps ministers “This group of people would normally
promote industry; Peter (now Lord) Services have dominated since the sell to large markets with a shared should concentrate on things that have a higher sickness absence rate
Mandelson spoke of “industrial 1980s, before manufacturing began its language and shared customs. There reliably produce results — decent than those not shielding,” it added.
activism”; George (now banker) steep slide, and the areas that were the are also some happy accidents of schools, top-quality universities and The end of shielding coincided with a
Osborne coined the phrase “the top exports then still are now. history. The City has hundreds of excellent more general reduction in working
march of the makers”. All hankered Business services (financial, insurance, years of being a global hub for finance, infrastructure. Get remotely in the wider workforce.
for Britain to be more like Germany, a law) are the real stars, taking more just as the British courts and legal those right and “Home working may have allowed
modern European nation with a big than double the share of exports in system are a convenient and respected hopefully businesses people to work when they were a little
industrial sector, rather than a post- other comparable countries. venue for refereeing international will do the rest. unwell,” the office said. “They might
industrial economy with a dangerous The authors’ conclusion — that we disputes. That helping hand of history not have travelled to a workplace to
reliance on financial services. should concentrate on services and extends into cultural exports; buyers Dominic O’Connell is business work but felt well enough to work
This focus on manufacturing could look to develop new industries in of films, books, music and televised presenter for Times Radio from home”.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 53

Business
MADAME TUSSAUDS

Merlin wizard
Varney to retire
23 years after
taking charge
Emily Gosden birthday was approaching and Merlin
had opened several new attractions, in-
Nick Varney is to retire as chief cluding “two of the biggest ever capital
executive of Merlin Entertainments projects the company undertook, Lego-
after 23 years running the theme parks land New York and Legoland Korea”.
and visitor attractions group. He joined the industry as marketing
The Legoland and Madame Tus- director of Alton Towers in 1990 after
sauds operator said it was beginning a stints at Rowntree and Reckitt, then
search for a replacement for Varney, joined Vardon Attractions in 1995
who turns 60 in November and will before the management buyout. Merlin
serve a 12-month notice period. Entertainments was bought by Black-
Varney has run the group since 1999, stone, the private equity group, in 2005
when he led the management buyout of and expanded through the acquisitions
Vardon Attractions, then a small, UK- of Legoland and then The Tussauds
focused company that owned the Sea Group, which owned Alton Towers.
Life aquariums and the London and Merlin was listed in 2013 but was
York dungeons. He has transformed taken private again in 2019 in a £6 bil-
the business into one of the world’s lion deal by Blackstone, Kirkbi, which
biggest entertainment groups with 140 owns the Lego toy empire, and the
attractions, 23 hotels and half-a-dozen Canada Pension Plan Investment
holiday villages. Merlin Entertain- Board. Varney said he had found “the
ments’ underlying earnings rose from public markets were becoming increas- Merlin Entertainments acquired the Tussauds Group after being bought by Blackstone in 2005. Below, Nick Varney in 2009
£7 million when the group was formed ingly short-term” in focus. “For a com-
to £569 million before the pandemic. pany like Merlin that does undertake
Varney’s record was marred by the long-term, capital-intensive projects, Profile Wednesday this week I
crash at the Smiler rollercoaster at the public market in the end wasn’t the was at Thorpe Park,

W
Alton Towers in 2015, which resulted in right place to be.” He reinvested in the hen Nick marching around the
five people being seriously injured — business after it was taken private but Varney was park, dragging the team
including two young women who each declined to disclose his stake. approached on to rides to see whether
had to have a leg amputated. Merlin Varney said the “terrible accident” at about we were delivering the
Entertainments was fined £5 million Alton Towers had been “a very difficult becoming Alton Towers’ experience we should be.
over “catastrophic” safety failings time for me and the company”. He was marketing director in I love that element of it.”
ahead of the accident. thrust into the public eye and faced 1990, he was about to Yet with his 60th
More recently the company had to calls to resign. “I think we handled it as move to Italy with birthday looming he
weather the impact of the pandemic, well as we possibly could: we took Reckitt, the company decided it was time to
which forced the closure of most of its responsibility and liability early on, best known for its retire from his “pretty
sites and prompted it to warn of apologised, did what we said we would cleaning products (Emily full-on” role and spend
uncertainty over its future. After falling do with regard to the people that were Gosden writes). “My more time with his
to a loss in 2020, last year it bounced injured,” he said. then-new wife was family, including looking
back to a £376 million underlying profit. Varney is preparing to take up a non- thinking life in Milan was after sheep and donkeys
“Merlin has been my life for most of executive role at Marston’s, the brewing beckoning. We ended up on their smallholding in
my career,” Varney said yesterday. “I and pubs company, and serves as a non- in the Midlands.” customer is actually i tto th
delivering them . . . Dorset. “It’s 32 years [in
love the people, the attractions, the executive of Bath Rugby. For Varney, trading immersed in the brand, From the very first day the industry] and 23 years
visitors and the industry and I am He may also make time to go back to Windolene for theme you can see your the industry was in my chief executive, which I
proud to have played my part as we some of his favourite Merlin attrac- parks was an easier sell. customers coming down blood.” reckon is a pretty good
built Merlin into an incredible tions. “I love going through things like “I’d been to Disney as a the street, coming in on More than three innings. I promised my
business.” the London Dungeon shows. Nemesis kid . . . and just the the monorail as it was at decades later Varney says wife I’d retire at 55. I’m
He said he had decided the time was at Alton Towers, which I launched as a thought of working in the Alton Towers, see the his passion is not sure I’d survive
right to retire as the group was “recov- callow marketing director back in 1994, environment where your experience that you’re undiminished. “Even on leaving it beyond 60.”
ering well” from the pandemic, his 60th is still one of my favourite rides,” he said.

Setbacks take heavy toll on AO World Construction suppliers warn

Ashley Armstrong Retail Editor AO World share price
containers and drivers. Higher freight,
fuel, energy and wage costs are adding
inflation pressure is building
A third profit warning in six months, a 500p
to the pressures of the business.
delay in publishing its results and The Bolton-based company said that Robert Lea Industrial Editor reported revenues in the first quarter of
notice that its founder would start 400 the complexities surrounding a review the year of £625 million, a like-for-like
selling shares delivered a triple blow to of its German business meant that it Suppliers to the construction industry increase of 25 per cent. It said that there
AO World and its investors yesterday. 300 would be delaying its final results by six are passing sharp rises in the cost of raw had been “further increases [in infla-
Shares in the online electricals to eight weeks. AO World said in materials on to customers, but while tion] in early 2022 as our suppliers have
200
retailer tumbled by more than 20 per January that, after years of trying to demand remains robust the City fears passed on steeply increasing energy
Source: Refinitiv

cent at one stage before closing down 100 crack Europe’s largest economy, it that a pushback on price from buyers costs in manufacturing.”
13 per cent, or 11½p, at 76p, valuing a would now consider exiting the could lead to a downturn in the sector. Kingspan, the cladding company,
company that floated at £1.2 billion in 0 German market. It pulled out of the Yesterday Travis Perkins, the build- said its sales were up 31 per cent on an
2014 at about £364 million. The shares 2015 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Netherlands in 2019. ers’ merchant, indicated that cost infla- underlying basis in the first quarter of
have lost three quarters of their value in It also surprised investors by tion was at 12 per cent year-on-year as the year, but by 47 per cent accounting
the past year. of living for consumers, we remain announcing that John Roberts, 48, its it announced revenues up nearly 18 per for inflation.
AO World, which sells laptops, cautious about our revenue and profit founder and chief executive, had “now cent for the first quarter of the year. Peel Hunt, the broker, said the
fridges and washing machines, warned outlook in the near term,” it said. decided that he will dispose of a small “The group’s forecast for materials industry was having a tough ride from
that its revenues and profits would be The company added that it had portion of his equity holding on an price inflation, originally expected to investors, with housebuilders’ stocks
lower, with adjusted earnings this year already been hit by customers cancel- annual basis”. It is unusual for directors ease into the second half of the year, is down 26 per cent in the past three
expected to be £8 million, compared ling warranty policies — a significant to trail planned share sales. Roberts, now more uncertain, with pricing likely months, materials suppliers 16 per cent
with the range of £10 million to £20 mil- profit driver for the business — in who owns a 22.3 per cent stake in the to form a higher proportion of sales off and builders merchants 22 per cent
lion that it had forecast in November. response to the soaring cost of living. retailer, is expected to dispose of £5 mil- growth across the year than previously down against a fall in the all-share
“In view of the volatile market condi- The retailer was already struggling lion of shares this financial year, about thought,” the company said. index of just 1 per cent. “Trading across
tions, inflationary cost pressures and with availability issues caused by lock- 5 per cent of his total holding. It is SIG, the roofing and insulation the sector is still robust, but the market
logistical challenges in the supply downs and jams at ports in Asia and- understood that he wants to diversify group, indicated that inflation on its is discounting a slowdown we are not
chain, together with the escalating cost Britain owing to a shortage of shipping his investments. goods was running at 19 per cent as it seeing yet,” Peel Hunt said.
554 K1 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Business

Smurfit Kappa offers the ideal Inflation and supply

pain at Computacenter
Computacenter joined the chorus
of companies noting the effects of
rising pay and disrupted supply

package for practical investors JASON ALDEN/BLOOMBERG/GETTY IMAGES

chains yesterday. In a trading
update, the IT services provider
said that adjusted profit before
tax at the end of the first half of
its financial year was likely to be
behind the same period last year,
but added: “We will still be
operating in line with the
Jessica Newman Market report historical seasonality of our
business, which gives us the
confidence for the full year.” In

P
aper and packaging may while earnings before interest, tax its first-quarter trading update for
lack the glamour of the and other charges hit €514 million. the three months to the end of
biggest technology The group’s solid first quarter “sets a March, the FTSE 250 company
companies and the strong foundation for 2022 and said it was facing wage inflation
heavyweight miners, but, beyond”, it said. and supply shortages, but added
in an era of increased online Smurfit, whose shares closed up that the strength of its balance
shopping, it’s a sector whose star is 142p, or 4.3 per cent, at £34.13, sheet “gives us confidence for the
rising. A stellar example was triggered a rally among London’s future”. It is scheduled to publish
Smurfit Kappa, whose latest trading largest packaging groups. Mondi its half-year results in September.
update showed there’s never been a rose 49p, or 3.4 per cent, to £15.10, Computacenter said that the
better time to be in cardboard. while DS Smith, which expects to “substantial removal” of
Despite the war in Ukraine report higher annual profits as it, lockdown measures in countries
causing further problems in its too, said sales growth and higher in which it operates “has meant a
supply chains, Smurfit reported no prices had offset cost inflation, return to a more normal, and
impact to robust demand for its picked up a further 5¼p, or 1.6 per more sustainable, post-Covid cost
boxes as customers sought to get cent, to 331p. base”. Shares in Computacenter
their hands on a sufficient amount Investors were as enthusiastic fell back by 60p, or 2.2 per cent,
of packaging. about the rest of the market as they to £26.78.
As a result, revenue jumped by were about its packaging groups as
33 per to just over €3 billion in the another round of updates lifted the Rotork ‘encouraged’
three months to the end of March, FTSE 100 by 35.36 points, or 0.5 per Smurfit Kappa has not noticed any drop-off in demand for its packaging products
by growth in orders
cent, to 7,544.55. That meant that shares rose 14¾p, or 1.9 per cent, to Rotork, the industrial equipment
over the week the index rose by 785¾p after a 7 per cent rise in first- manufacturer, said that trading in
15.6 points, or 0.2 per cent. The quarter sales. the first quarter of the year had
more domestically focused Investors were most disappointed been broadly in line with its
FTSE 250 added 89.09 points, or with Hikma Pharmaceuticals, expectations, with “encouraging”
0.4 per cent, to 20,708.71, but since which fell to the bottom of the City order intake growth. The Bath-
Monday it has fallen back by leaderboard. The drugs group lost based company said yesterday
150.77 points, or 0.7 per cent. 145½p, or 7.2 per cent, to close at revenue was down by mid-single-
Among the top risers were Aveva, £18.83½ after it revealed a slow start digits against the previous year
which recovered another 121p, or to its generics division amid a owing to continued component
5.9 per cent, to £21.75 after its sharp challenging pricing environment availability shortages, the
drop earlier in the week. It was a and increased competition. stoppage of deliveries to Russia
similar tale for J Sainsbury, which Investors dumped Cranswick, and reduced deliveries from a
clawed back 4½p, or 2 per cent, to too, after Peel Hunt urged its clients Shanghai facility, which is in a
233¼p. to stop buying the meat producer’s lockdown area but is expected to
Bargain-hunters swooped on stock because, it warned, the open again shortly. Rotork
Ocado, finally breaking its five-day company was likely to need to raise stopped deliveries to Russia at the
losing streak, as the shares ticked start of March and is suspending
up 13p, or 1.4 per cent, to 924p. its sales and services operations
Johnson Matthey climbed to the in the country. The Russia,
top of the mid-cap index, jumping Wall Street report Ukraine and Belarus region
353½p, or 18.9 per cent, to £22.25 contributed about 3 per cent to
after the investment division of Disappointment in results and sales in 2021. Rotork said it was
Standard Industries, the New York- forecasts from both Amazon and continuing to suffer higher
based industrial conglomerate, built Apple weighed on markets, with materials costs, adding that it was
a 5.2 per cent stake in the chemicals the Dow Jones industrial average managing this inflation through
group. tumbling 939.18 points, or 2.8 per more frequent price rises and cost
A revival in the fortunes of cent, to 32,977.21 and a 4.9 per reductions. Shares in Rotork
American technology companies cent decline throughout April. closed down 9½p, or 3.1 per cent,
breathed some life back into at 292¾p.
London’s investors in the sector,
with Scottish Mortgage Investment its prices more to reflect the higher Shell triples renewable
Trust, whose top holdings include cost of production. The shares slid
Amazon and Netflix, closing up 264p, or 7.7 per cent, to £31.78. capacity in $1.6bn deal
27¾p, or 3.1 per cent, to 914p. On the flip side, M&C Saatchi’s Shell has struck a $1.6 billion deal
Shares in China-focused funds stock settled at a four-month high to buy Sprng Energy, an Indian
rose after Beijing indicated that it after the advertising group not only renewable power producer and
would ease its campaign against reported better profits last year than developer, from Actis, a private
technology companies as it looks to had been expected in the City, but equity group. The oil and gas
provide more support for the also announced the reinstatement major said that Sprng’s portfolio
economy. Fidelity China Special of its dividend this year and of wind and solar farms, with
Situations rose 11½p, or 4.8 per cent, outlined further profit growth. The 2.1 gigawatts of plants up and
to 250½p, while Baillie Gifford company, which has given running, would triple its
China Growth, which has holdings AdvancedAdvT another nine days operational renewables capacity,
in Alibaba and Tencent, jumped to hammer out a better takeover helping it to deliver its strategy of
18½p, or 6.9 per cent, to 289½p. offer for the business, said it cutting its carbon emissions to
Pearson ticked all the boxes as its expected to make £31 million of net zero by 2050. Wael Sawan,
trading update underscored profit this year and £41 million a Shell’s director for integrated gas
confidence in the education group year later. The promising update and renewables, said the deal
after it rejected three takeover sent the shares higher by 16p, or would “enable Shell to become a
offers from Apollo Global. The 8.9 per cent, to 195p. leader across the power value
chain in a rapidly growing
The day’s biggest movers market, where electrification on a
massive scale and strong demand
Company Change for renewables are driving the
Johnson Matthey American industrial conglomerate builds stake 18.9% energy transition”. The
Aveva Continues to bounce back after Wednesday’s nosedive 5.9% announcement came as Shell
Biffa Extends gains 5.3% prepared to report its first-
Chemring Analyst raises target price 4.9% quarter results next week.
Fidelity China Special Situations China may ease crackdown on technology companies 4.8% Analysts believe that profits could
Currys Souring sentiment for retailer after AO World’s results -3.5%
hit a record high of $8.7 billion, up
Vodafone Positive sentiment dries up -4.3%
Indivior Profit-taking -5.3% from $3.2 billion in the same
Hikma Pharmaceuticals Disappointing trading statement -7.2% period of last year. Shares in Shell
Cranswick Analyst’s downgrade -7.7% fell 12p, or 0.6 per cent, to £21.73.
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 55

The Manifesto Business

Briffa has a new partner in aircraft

chartering and isn’t about to fly away PETER TARRY FOR THE TIMES

Wheels Up has plans

for European expansion
after its takeover of a
London-listed rival,
reports Robert Lea

L
ong-time residents of the
East Sussex villages of
Rottingdean and Saltdean
might recall that in the early
1980s they were served, if
not by Ernie and his famous fastest
milk cart in the West, then by an 18-
year-old milkman with similar
ambitions.
Having grown up in nearby
Woodingdean and left school with
some CSEs but no O or A levels, the
young Mark Briffa took a job as a
motor mechanic. But, fed up with the
grime and dirt, he had his head
turned by a job at the Unigate dairy. Partner as Wheels Up in
They gave him a round with the Europe will be better able to buy
worst debt in the area. He cleaned forward capacity, which it does from
that up and increased sales, helped by management companies that look
getting technicians in the dairy to after aircraft typically owned by
power up his electric milk float to see corporates and the wealthy, who let
just how fast it could go from nought their jets like people would a holiday
to 20mph. “We had to rope all the home when they are not using it.
milk in to stop it flying all over the The business will be busy around
place. It was great fun.” the Queen’s jubilee celebration this
He was given more responsibility in summer. The Monaco Formula One
the dairy, but by the age of 22 had set motor racing grand prix is also
off for a job in baggage handling at always a firm fixture in the charter
Gatwick airport. “I thought I’d died calendar.
and gone to heaven. We were meeting The challenges ahead are
up with all the cabin crews, having technological, digitalising an
loads of parties. It was hilarious.” industry to optimise capacity where
A similar story unfolded. He rose in the past it involved personal
quickly to become an airport traffic relationship broking; and the future
officer, spicing up the job by of what private jet travel will be in a
experimenting with how to line up his world changed by intercontinental
vehicles decanting passengers and video meetings. Decarbonisation
baggage, asking: “How fast do you pressures mean that flying electric
reckon we can do all this’?” Mark Briffa is looking to bright new horizons with Wheels Up in Europe after the takeover of Air Partner, the charter group taxis will change the landscape,
Rather than get sucked into airport though Briffa concedes it is way too

Q&A CV
operations, he went into sales with PPE and helping freight-forwarders to early to understand how.
Air 2000 and Owners Abroad until people get round supply chain dislocation) Staying on with Wheels Up after
he was approached by Air London to Does money motivate and group charters. The latter the Air Partner deal was always the
become an aircraft charter broker. you? It is a motivator, previously had relied on big corporate plan: “I walked in the door at Air
Surprised at the offer, “I said, ‘All but job satisfaction and and exhibition events. Lost to the Partner 26 years ago without a pot to
right, let’s give it a go.’ making a difference are pandemic, it offset that with sports piss in quite frankly. I couldn’t believe
“I couldn’t believe the Who is your mentor? more important Age: 57 teams preferring for health security the opportunities in front of me and
opportunities. I was different to The late, former Air What is your favourite Education: Greater reasons to charter aircraft than take took them and progressed
everyone there. It was full of Partner chairman Peter television programme? Brighton Metropolitan alternative means of transport. Air accordingly.
university types. I had an airline and Saunders, who taught Kirstie and Phil’s Love It College Partner works for the Wales football “I am a very loyal individual. I look
baggage-handling background. I me a lot about brand or List It, below Career: 1989: various team and has been used by the likes back to where I came from and look
knew the costs of airlines. I was and customers How do you relax? commercial roles at Air of Manchester City, Manchester at what this business has given me.
teaching them that you can buy for Who do you most Cycling 2000, All Leisure and United, Chelsea and Real Madrid. I’ve met some good people and some
this and sell for that and how much admire? Jürgen Klopp, Air Partner; executive The World Cup in Qatar this winter not so good.
risk you could take.” Sir Dave Brailsford, Toto roles at Air Partner; will be busy as the company ferries “I feel duty-bound to our people to
Again, he rose through the ranks, Wolff 1999: commercial both teams and their supporters. see this journey through. I am not
but this time he stayed around to the What was the most manager, UK; 2001: UK Fancy a smart six-seater from going to walk away. That’s not what I
point that the company, by now listed important event in managing director; Farnborough to Doha? That probably signed up for. Stay loyal to the people
on the stock market and called Air your working life? 2006: chief operating would be £70,000 each way at present who have stayed loyal to you. That’s
Partner, asked him to take the top job. Being appointed officer; 2010: chief quotes. really important.” That may be an
So . . . Mark Briffa. South coast chief executive of executive; 2022: The company also works for the old-fashioned virtue, but “I was
milkman to jet-setting international Air Partner president, British and other governments, as brought up that way. There are values
company chief executive in less than What does international charter well as corporates getting people into in life.”
three decades. And now, after 12 years leadership mean and services, Wheels and out of places in an emergency. It The Briffa name comes from his
in charge and at the age of 57, he is to you? Leading by Up; also non-executive has been as busy during the Ukraine Maltese grandfather. “I was one of
taking on another challenge. example, making director, Flylogix war as it was at the beginning the five brought up in a council house.
Realising that Air Partner was sure you are fully Family: Married, one pandemic getting stranded My mum left when I was seven. My
running out of runway as an engaged with your daughter passengers back from cruise ships. dad died when I was 18.”
independent in a fast-consolidating More controversially, it also helps in He says loyalty to people is a trait
aircraft charter market, Briffa was the deporting of individuals to Africa that he shares with his late father.
part of a board that recently acceded service, a Netflix model, if you like, or been retained to spearhead that and the Caribbean, a business that “He loved aviation and it is a sad
to an £84 million takeover by Wheels an aeronautical version of Zipcar car- European drive. hasn’t slowed down during the thing he didn’t see our success. He
Up, the coming operator in the sharing. And it has acquired Air Air Partner’s chartering businesses pandemic. was a bus driver, then worked in
American private jet market that, Partner to launch an assault on the are split equally between private jets “The deal gives Wheels Up a great removals, then at Watney’s brewery.
until a recent market sell-off, was European market as competition hots (where it does more leisure than opportunity to expand beyond private He was a fantastic people person.
valued at $1 billion on the New York up with other key private jet charter executive business and has attracted jets,” Briffa said. “It was always going People loved working with him.
Stock Exchange. players such as VistaJet and the wealthy wanting to avoid to be a challenge for a company our “I love working with people. For me
Wheels Up and its entrepreneurial Directional Aviation. In reality, shutdown or cluttered airports), size to scale up and motor on beyond it’s natural. I come from a normal
founder Kenny Dichter see the future Wheels Up is getting something more freighters (in which it has had a good where we are.” background. I’ve just been fortunate
of private jets as an on-demand in the Air Partner deal and Briffa has pandemic, ferrying in vaccines and As a better-funded company, Air in where I have got to.”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 57

My boss owes me

Money
a tenner. Why
can’t I ask for it?
Jessie Hewitson,
Page 58

‘I earn £150k, but company to block the

DWP’s deductions from

the DWP thinks

her pay.
However, on February
8 she had another letter

I’m a benefit cheat’

from DWP Debt
Management, telling
I was threatened her: “We may ask a debt
collection agency to
with debt collectors.
D
ebra Bloom earns quickly. It allowed collect this money on
more than identity checks to be our behalf.”
£150,000 a year processed online rather It has been an Bloom wrote back to
as a buying director for than face to face and absolute shambles explain but nearly three
a fashion retailer (David took some information months later her case
Byers writes). So it was a on trust, including the still isn’t settled. She
surprise when she cost of an applicant’s describes the experience
received a letter from rent and their salary. as “an absolute
the Department for The department shambles, both stressful
Work and Pensions estimates that and upsetting”.
(DWP) on January 31 £8.4 billion was lost to After The Times
telling her she had fraud and error on contacted the DWP, it
wrongly claimed £1,600 universal credit said: “The repayment
in benefits, which would payments in 2020-21, has been cancelled
be taken from her wage compared with because it appears to be
packet. £4.6 billion lost the year a case of stolen ID.”
Bloom, 55, who lives before. Bloom, however, said
in Hertfordshire, had It took Bloom five the department had not
become one of the many calls to get through to contacted her. “I am
victims of identity fraud the DWP’s helpline and very happy and relieved
caught out during the after waiting on hold for to hear that the case has
pandemic when the more than two hours, been cancelled, but they
DWP relaxed checks so she was told the matter haven’t written to
that benefits could be was being resolved. inform me, which surely
distributed more She instructed her is a basic courtesy.”

It’s mortgage crunch time

There is only one way that rates are heading, and it is not down. It’s time to fix a new deal now, if you can, says George Nixon

A
record £328 billion worth lowest five-year fixed rate at 60 per cent favourite remortgage. Many lenders
of fixed-rate mortgages LTV was 1.7 per cent from Barclays, ac- Mortgage rates now offer five-year deals cheaper than
will come to an end this cording to Moneyfacts. Now it is 2.11 per their two-year ones, so they are defi-
year, leaving homeowners cent from Cumberland Building Maximum 60% loan-to-value 2 Year fixed 5 Year fixed nitely worth considering.
facing big rises in their Society. This works out at an extra £476 2.6% If you do not think you are likely to
repayments. a year on a £200,000 loan. 2.4 move soon or if you want to move
It has been years since anyone with It’s even worse for borrowers about to somewhere that would not require a
plenty of equity in their home has had hit the end of a short deal. 2.2 larger mortgage, a five-year fix is prob-
to pay more when getting a new deal In April 2020 the lowest two-year 2.0 ably your best option to protect you
because interest rates had been on a fixed rate was 1.14 per cent from Leeds from rising rates over the next few years
downward slide since 2008. Building Society. It is now 2.18 per cent 1.8 as the economy, hopefully, gets back on
But, amid a backdrop of soaring infla- from Cumberland Building Society — 1.6
track.
tion, mortgage rates have been higher than the lowest five-year Even longer deals are now attractive-
rising since the end of last fix. That would add £1,186 a 1.4 ly priced.
year. The Bank of England year to a £200,000 mort- Jan Apr Jul Oct Jan Apr Jul Oct Jan Apr Strutt said: “Lots of people are wor-
2020 2021 2022

2.35%
base rate, having been gage. Source: Moneyfacts ried about rates going up so they have
below 1 per cent since Rates were down as been locking into longer-term fixes. If
March 2009, has gone low as 1.09 per cent by borrowers on variable and tracker deals Halifax is putting up its remortgage you are looking for payment security
up three times since the end of 2020, so that are linked to the base rate. rates by up to 0.4 percentage points on there are some great deals . Barclays has
December and is now anyone coming off a Aaron Strutt from the mortgage bro- Tuesday. a 2.26 per cent seven-year fix that is
0.75 per cent. The two-year deal in ker Trinity Financial said: “Borrowers David Hollingworth from the mort- cheaper than the bank’s five-year fix.
chancellor, Rishi Sun- the average two- December is in for a will be even more concerned about gage broker L&C said: “Every time the “If you are reasonably sure you will
ak, warns that there year fixed rate on bigger shock. rates going up when they see the chan- base rate decision happens we see activ- stay in your property for the foreseea-
could be seven more April 1 First-time buyer cellor’s comments. Many have signed ity around that, so our focus is very ble future then it makes sense to lock
rises to take it to 2.5 per loans have not gone up up for large mortgages to get the prop- much on Thursday. into a longer-term fix, but make sure
cent by the end of the year. much yet, with the average erties they want, often taking on debt of “People are aware of rising costs, you understand how much it will cost to
Last October the average two-year fixed rate at 95 per 5.5 times their salary at a time when they’re aware that rates are on the rise, get out of the loan.”
two-year fixed-rate available cent up from 3.06 per cent in rates were at rock bottom.” and our phone traffic is going up steadi- You should check with a lender
to borrowers with 60 per January to 3.19 per cent this There has been a rush to remortgage ly, with particular bumps at base rate before you apply about whether it
cent loan-to-value (LTV) month. this year as homeowners seek to lock in decision times.” would waive an early repayment

1.43%
in their homes was The base rate could low rates before they start to climb. You If you have a fixed rate ending this charge if your circumstances changed,
1.43 per cent, according go up again as soon as can usually secure a new deal up to six year you should start looking around for example if you get divorced or lose
to the data company next week when the months before yours expires. now. There is almost no chance that your job.
Moneyfacts, and the Bank of England’s Nearly 95,000 remortgages were ap- mortgage rates will fall again this year, Fixing for a long time might also not
average five-year Monetary Policy proved in the first two months of this and because of the pace at which they be a good idea for those with smaller
fixed rate was 1.65 per Committee meets to year, according to the Bank of England. are rising it is best to act as soon as deposits who cannot get the cheapest
cent. the average try to tame inflation, The 48,210 approved in February was possible. However, you should consider loans but who, as their property in-
At the start of this two-year fixed rate which hit a 30-year the highest monthly total for two years. paying an early repayment charge to creases in value over time, could be eli-
month the average two- in October high of 7 per cent in the Deals are being pulled from the get out of a deal only when you know gible for cheaper deals at a lower LTV.
year fix was 2.35 per cent 12 months to March. market at very short notice and mort- for sure that you will make that charge If you’re on a tracker deal and not in
and the average five-year fix If the base rate does rise to gage brokers have reported working back from lower repayments on the the middle of moving or close to paying
was 2.46 per cent. 2.5 per cent this year it would be long hours and submitting applications new one. off your loan then it is worth looking at
Those coming to the end of a five- the highest level since November 2008. late at night as they try to grab deals for What you do next depends on your fixing. Otherwise your payments will
year fix will struggle to get a deal as This would have an immediate im- clients before they disappear. They ex- future plans. Over the past five years get steadily more expensive in the next
good as their last one. In April 2017 the pact for the 1.87 million mortgage pect more business next Thursday. the five-year fix has become Britain’s few months — and possibly years.

Follow us on twitter @timesmoney | @jimconey | @jessiehewitson | @davidbyers26 | @AlihussainST | @katjdenham | @davidbrenchley | @imogent_ | @George_Nixon97
558 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money

My boss owes
written by a man who lent £3,000 to
his sister two years ago to set up her
business. She promised to pay it back
within six months.
He had lent her money previously
and she had always paid up promptly.

me £10. Why
But this time, she didn’t.
She didn’t start the business, got
engaged, had a kid and is planning
her wedding. Money is still tight for
her, and she keeps promising to pay
back the loan but adds that as her

is it so hard to
brother is an excellent saver and he
doesn’t have a spouse or kids, he
doesn’t need the money right now.
But he is moving soon and the money
would come in handy because
otherwise he will have to dip into h

ask for it back?

is savings.
He doesn’t want to put her in a
tough spot if he asks for the money,
but he needs it. So, the question is:
will he be the asshole to ask for it?
The response was near unanimous:
he was Not The Asshole (or NTA to
use the site’s terminology). I suspect

Home Economics he knew this all along, but having the

Jessie Hewitson
I really think that he

I
gave my boss a £10 note a few strapped for cash. It’s not about
weeks ago when he needed to him, though, it’s me.
take someone for a cup of coffee The whole area provokes has forgotten all about
and realised that he had Woody Allen-levels of it. But I haven’t
forgotten his wallet. introspection. Should I not just
For a few days afterwards he made be more generous and give up
great shows of looking in his wallet on small sums that are owed? internet validate his position gave him
and, not having a tenner, promising to Should money matter less? the push he needed.
give it back to me next time. But at the same time: why I sometimes wonder if people
“I’d forgotten all about it,” I would can’t everyone remember all the younger than me have fewer
graciously half-lie. money they owe all the time, hang-ups about asking for money.
Now we’re a few weeks on don t have
so I don’t ha to have They’re certainly much more
and I really do think that an awkw
awkward forthright about everything else,
he has forgotten — but conve
conversation — is from sex to their political opinions.
I haven’t. The that too much to chase. They are not going to think too The lessons I will be teaching my
problem is, I don’t ask
ask? to find that these only hard about the morality of it all, children are not to worry about
know what to do Then again nine increase. People may feel the need to because empathy is too expensive a asking for money back from friends.
about it. ti
times out of ten I call time on debts they had previously commodity right now. Don’t feel bad, and definitely don’t
I’m very bad at le
leave it too long to pushed to the back of their minds; Individuals will continue to agonise think twice about asking for it from a
saying those six aask and then it’s arguments over wills will become over the ethics, though. On the company that owes you, but always
little words: “Can I to
too awkward to (even) more common, arguments discussion website Reddit there is a be polite.
have my tenner br
bring up. over how the money in the joint forum called Am I the Asshole?. You But also: be as generous as you’re
back?” I don’t think you account is spent will intensify. give the details of a dilemma you have able, and people will be generous
How did it get to hav
have to be Freud to It’s not just individuals either. experienced, telling both sides of the back. Life is short and while you don’t
this? I have no idea see that
th I overthink Companies that have had to be story, and readers act as judge and want to be the person always getting
why it is so hard for me the who
the whole thing, but I’m patient in collecting debts during jury, deciding if you’re in the right or a round in, having a constant ledger
to say that sentence. Here I not alone iin finding it Covid are not going to be patient for are the one at fault. in your head of what everyone owes
rown-up
am, a fully fledged grown-up complicated. An And things are much longer. Energy companies will An increasing number of posts is no way to live either.
with two kids. I can speak directly only going to get mo more difficult as the find that more customers are lately have concerned lending money And always, always, ask for that
and confidently when needed, and cost of living means that we need all struggling to afford their bills — and — my bête noire. Either someone has tenner back from your boss.
yet, when it comes to requesting that our tenners to give to our energy their solution to this is to move them lent money and it hasn’t been repaid Postscript: after she filed this
any money owed to me is returned, providers. on to more expensive prepaid meters, or they have refused to give someone column, Jessie’s boss made an online
all those skills escape me. My boss Friends or families who already so that they cannot run up debt that a loan and that has caused offence. transfer for the £10 he owed her,
and I get on well and it’s not as if he’s have tensions over money are going the poor energy firm will have to One of the more popular posts was along with profuse apologies.

Ignoring complaints doesn’t make them go away IN THE

SUNDAY TIMES
Comment go through the whole process again. shouting “la la la” so that they
This ludicrous system is don’t hear bad news. You can
to explain. Bad customer service is
a business model for some firms. TOMORROW
presumably in place because the rarely get through on the phone, They put in enough friction to deter
travel assistance department was online queries aren’t answered, time-wasters from getting in touch
James once being bombarded with calls and heaven help you if you dare to — lots of companies do this very
and emails from local taxpayers want to spend a voucher for a effectively; it’s called sludge
Coney whose cases were not being dealt cancelled trip. economics.
Money with and it wanted to find a
way to manage them
It is exasperating. Recently I
flew to Venice and needed
But I don’t believe BA has done
this on purpose, and councils that
editor
32%
better. to check part of my provide vital services to taxpayers
In essence, its booking, but every certainly should not. Rather I
answer to bad attempt to contact suspect they are just inept, running

I
had to contact my local council service was simply BA resulted in me under-resourced service
travel assistance department last to give taxpayers being quoted a departments, often with decrepit
week about an urgent matter less opportunity to generic (and technology.
regarding a disabled relative. complain. This of energy irrelevant) bit of By refusing to pick up the phone
There is no phone number, just a “service spiral” customers are advice. In the end I and answer emails promptly they’re
generic email address which seems to be the unhappy with their had to chance it at actually cutting off the very people special report
bounces back with a reply that it is thing among bad supplier the airport. that provide the lifeline to keep
dealing with high volumes of
communication and can take 15
businesses and local
authorities at the
The rot started
more than a decade ago.
their businesses going. It takes a
poor kind of management to
How Facebook
days to resolve issues. It’s been like
this for almost a year.
moment.
All that happens is that
I remember the day The
Times contacted its press office
believe that is sustainable.
They need to start from the
became a friend
It is extraordinarily frustrating
and there is very little you can do
complaints don’t go away, they just
drag on. It always makes things
with a routine query about a
passenger’s problem, only to be told
beginning and ask: what does good
customer service look like? And
of fraudsters
about it. When a reply comes, worse. Just look at British Airways. it would no longer be answering then develop a system that helps plus
quite often your specific query has For a while now it has felt as individual complaints from our them to deliver that, not one that
been unanswered or is though BA has acted like a child readers. “But they’re your shuts customers off altogether. No jobs, big debt: meet
misunderstood, and you have to putting its hands over its ears and customers too,” I remember trying @jimconey
the class of 2020
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 59

Money

The sickening day I lost £125k

Britain’s biggest advice b
before he joined SJP in 2012. He took
m on as an SJP client and I trusted him
me
firm is investigating c
completely.”
When Westbrook was posted a copy
claims that a 64-year- o a suitability report by Regentia, she
of
n
noticed the document said she was
old investor was misled, m
married, when she had been a widow
f 11 years. The firm said this was a
for
reports Ali Hussain t
typographical error.
Westbrook says a further error was

W
hen Geraldine West- t
that she had no dependants when she
brook discovered that h two children at university, but the
had
the £160,000 she had f
firm says that just because she had
put into a high-risk children at university does not mean
investment scheme they were dependent.
was now worth just £35,000 her finan- The document lists an adviser fee of
cial adviser gave her flowers and took £6,838, a “provider charge” of £4,103 to
her out for a steak lunch at the Ivy. Octopus and other annual charges to
That did not stop Westbrook from the adviser and Octopus. Westbrook
feeling sick at the fact that a substantial claims she has no recollection of agree-
chunk of her retirement money had Geraldine Westbrook felt that ing to these.
been lost. She said: “I have been unable her adviser, SJP, did not explain the Records held by the City regulator,
to function properly for months. Even investment risks she was taking on the Financial Conduct Authority, show
now it makes me so depressed.” that Jonathan Smith was registered as
Westbrook became suspicious about Westbrook made clear that Smith was an adviser for Regentia between No-
her losses when she started asking how her adviser. They say that she had been vember 2014 and August 2015. He
she had ended up in a single high-risk sent documents that allowed her to stopped being regulated in April 2016,
unregulated investment scheme that raise any concerns with the advice that according to the FCA.
ploughed her money into a solar farm she had received. She did not do so. Octopus confirmed that Westbrook’s
in Italy. Westbrook had also been sent docu- investment was signed off by Smith. It
Westbrook’s adviser, Michael Baker, ments from Octopus that indicated does not have Baker on its records.
is a partner at Regency Wealth Man- that her adviser was Jonathan Smith In January, Westbrook wrote to Wal-
agement, part of St James’s Place, Brit- and which asked her to check whether ton at Regentia to complain about
ain’s biggest financial advice business. the details were correct. Michael Baker. She said: “I believed
He told Westbrook that he was not at Westbrook first discovered that her everything Michael said and genuinely
fault and even helped her to write a investment had failed in April last year. believed he had my best interests at
complaint to the investment firm Baker and a representative of Octopus heart. He knew I was lonely and vulner-
Octopus, which had set up the Enter- went to her home in Leeds to explain. able, having raised two children on my
prise Investment Scheme (EIS) in The next day Baker sent a large own after my husband died while they
which her money was locked away. bouquet and a card saying: “To Gerald- were young in 2004. The investment
EIS’s are tax-efficient schemes ine, thank you for being my favourite was totally inappropriate for me, given
designed for sophisticated investors, client”. He later invited her to the Ivy in my circumstances. I wanted to manage
usually after they have run out of other my money so that I could fund my re-
tax breaks such as pensions. ther to pursue a complaint with the Westbrook was shocked. She claims tirement and support my two children.”
Westbrook, 64, said Baker told her to ombudsman. to have never heard of Jonathan Smith Westbrook has asked Walton to re-
include a line in the letter saying that At Christmas last year, Westbrook or Regentia. She later discovered that fund her loss and all charges she paid to
her complaint was not about the advice decided to go through the suitability re- Regentia is owned by Daniel Walton, SJP. She wants the company to ensure
she received, but rather about the port she had received outlining the rea- 41, who also owns Regency Wealth she is never again contacted by Baker.
investment performance. sons for the advice, but she could not Management. The companies are The investment was Walton said his firm has 8,000 clients
Octopus rejected the complaint. find it. This official document, required based at the same address in Wakefield. and a complaints rate of 0.01 per cent.
Westbrook claims Baker also advised by regulation, contains the reasons for “I can categorically say I have never totally inappropriate for He said Regentia took the allegations
her not to go to the Financial Ombuds- the advice and recommendations made heard or met anyone called Jonathan me. I feel so depressed very seriously and had responded to
man Service (FOS), which would have by an adviser. The document must Smith and had never heard of Regentia Westbrook after her initial complaint
investigated the entire sales process signed by the client before any invest- or Gilruth until that point,” Westbrook following a full investigation. It said she
and the suitability of the investment ment is made. said. Leeds and said she could order any- had been told she could take her com-
plan. Westbrook asked Baker for a copy. Regentia and Regency Wealth Man- thing she liked. They both had steak. plaint to the Financial Ombudsman
Regency denies this and says that He emailed back on January 12, saying: agement are both owned by Walton, Westbrook is still mystified over the Service.
Octopus had received similar com- “As you may remember, this wasn’t a but only the latter is part of the SJP net- link to the second adviser because she St James’s Place said: “This is an exist-
plaints about this type of investment, product that I had available to me so I work. SJP advisers own their business- keeps a meticulous diary and has no ing complaint that we are already in the
but that they had been rejected. It says introduced you to Jonathan Smith from es and are known as partners. They are record of meeting Smith. “I have never process of looking into. It is only appro-
that while Baker had helped her write a Gilruth independent advisors (now only able to sell SJP products or third- had a financial adviser other than priate that we complete our review,
complaint to Octopus it would have Regentia) and he provided the advice party investments approved by SJP. Michael Baker and I have known him based on a full assessment of the facts,
been up to Westbrook to decide whe- on this occasion.” Regency says that documents sent to since he worked as an adviser at Halifax before providing a final response.”

Shell worst for broadband service Watch out for extra hassles
S
hell Energy has won the title of
most-complained about broad-
band company in Britain. Fifteen
start of the pandemic. Virgin Media had
33 complaints per 100,000 customers in
the first three months of last year but
when you file your taxes
T
customers for every 100,000 com- that fell to 13 by December. Ofcom said axpayers who used the Verify have to register with the Gateway
plained about Shell Energy in the final broadband complaints in general fell to scheme to confirm their identity system to submit tax returns online.
three months of last year, according to an all-time low between October and online have been left in the lurch HMRC said that Verify works only
the regulator Ofcom. December. after the tax office ditched it early with individuals rather than companies
The energy company, which took Martyn James from the complaints because of security concerns. or accountants, and it made the switch
over the Post Office’s 450,000 broad- website Resolver said: “These figures The £200 million Verify system was early because it has the more advanced
band customers in March last year, of- don’t tell the full story. Complaint vol- set up to allow users of all 22 gov.uk Gateway authentication system.
fers broadband for between £17.99 and ume only shows which firm registered website services to log in with the same There are 9 million Verify users over-

450,000
£49.99 a month at speeds of up to 920 the most complaints, but not which is password. This included HM Revenue all, and 16 million users of Government
megabytes. Ofcom said the main com- the best at dealing with them is. So a & Customs and sites for your state pen- Gateway. To set up a Government
plaints about Shell were over faults and firm that encourages people to get in sion, driving licence and other services. Gateway account you need two forms
service issues, how complaints were touch and makes it easy to do so can Taxpayers had two options for of ID: a UK passport, a recent payslip or
handled and billing and charges. Broadband customers moved to Shell conversely look like the worst on paper. identity checks: Verify, which allows P60, or a tax credit statement. You can
TalkTalk was the subject of 14 com- Energy from Post Office in March 2021 “That’s why we would like to see busi- you to confirm identity via the Post use a driving licence as ID only in
plaints for every 100,000 customers, nesses compared based on how they Office or Experian using your driving Northern Ireland, because the DVLA is
and Vodafone and Virgin Media both Between April and June, after taking handle complaints and whether they licence or credit records; and the yet to grant permission for HMRC to
had 13 per 100,000 customers. The in- on Post Office customers, complaints did a good job. Sadly, we are hearing Government Gateway service, which access driver records from England,
dustry average was nine. about Shell Energy were 13 per 100,000 from thousands of people every month takes longer. Wales and Scotland.
Shell Energy was also named the broadband customers, 17 per 100,000 who can’t even speak to a business, There were complaints about Verify HMRC said: “Our withdrawal from
second most-complained about com- between July and September, and then never mind register a complaint.” malfunctioning and being too exposed Verify was not unexpected. We under-
pany for landline problems, with nine 15 in the last three months of last year. Shell said: “We are investing in new to fraudsters. The government said last took various forms of communication
complaints per 100,000 customers. Complaints have fallen at most other ways to provide the best possible expe- year that it would ditch Verify by April beforehand to help inform those who
TalkTalk was the worst with ten, and broadband companies, despite the in- rience for every customer.” 2023 but HMRC pulled the plug at the use Verify for HMRC services of this.”
the industry average was six. crease in working from home since the George Nixon start of this month. Taxpayers now David Byers
60 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money

Are we already in the middle

O Trouble looms . . .
n March 10, 2000, a US “I’ll be frank, by the time we got to- lost. How many investors are wonder-
The bursting of the stock market index largely wards the end of 2002 I was kind of ing if the current stock market is on the
dotcom bubble actually composed of fast-growing
technology stocks hit a
thinking, ‘Do I want to become a fire-
man or something?’,” said the fund
same trajectory?
“Two years of stock markets grinding
2000-2002
happened over two record high that it would
not better for 15 years.
manager David Coombs.
Stock market gains had accelerated
down was absolutely soul-destroying.
There were days when you just didn’t
years. Are we now The Nasdaq Composite peaked at rapidly as the technology, media and want to go into work because it was so
5,048.62 points a few weeks into the telecommunications revolution gained grim,” said Coombs, who was then
going through it again, new millennium. traction at the tail end of the 20th working for the investment bank Bar-
By the end of 2000, the dotcom bub- century. The Nasdaq went above 1,000 ings.
asks David Brenchley ble had begun to burst and the index points in July 1995 and rocketed fivefold Ten of the 20 largest one-day falls in
had almost halved, closing at 2,470.52 over the course of the next five years. the Nasdaq index over the past three
on Friday, December 29. By October 9, Sixteen months later, though, and decades were registered between 2000
2002, it had plummeted to 1,114. seven years’ worth of gains had been and 2002. Those falls ranged from
5.99 per cent to 9.67 per cent.
When you look at the recent per-
formance of the stock market you can
see why some investors are concerned.

Is it happening again?
The Nasdaq hit its most recent record
high of 16,212 in November 2021, up
threefold in five years. Since then, the
index has fallen 23 per cent.
The stocks that have taken the brunt
of the pain have been largely techno-
logy-related lockdown winners. Zoom,
Peloton and Moderna, for instance,
have lost 65 per cent to 85 per cent of
their value since their most recent
share price highs. Enron
These companies are under pressure
because their revenues and hoped-for collapse
profits are expected years into the
future, and present levels of inflation
threaten to erode the value of those Bear market signs
sales and profits.
“This does feel like a bear market,” Nasdaq Composite, points
16,000
Coombs, now with Rathbone Invest-
ment Management, said. “It is really
starting to feel like that [2000-2002] 12,000
period. Will it last two years? None of us
knows. It could be over tomorrow.” 8,000
Coombs suspects we might be in for a
tricky summer. But while he sees simi-
larities between both periods – hyped- 4,000
up non-profitable companies in sectors
linked to the internet, and valuations 0
pushed up by private equity, for exam- 2000 05 10 15 2020
ple – it was more extreme back then. Source: Morningstar Direct
What proved so toxic for many inves-
tors during the end of the dotcom bub- there’s no reason to think we’re at a
ble was that there was no one single fall trough. It’s very difficult to be optimis-
that acted as a sell signal. A number of tic. I’m prepared for more gloom before
smaller tech firms failed, then a seem- we come out of this,” Coombs said.
ingly unrelated string of events all hit Of course, we are in a different
confidence in stocks — including the environment for technology compa-
9/11 terror attacks, the Enron scandal nies today. Whereas Amazon, Apple
and the collapse of Equitable Life. and the like were at the start of their
The stock market is not so heavily journey in 2000, today they are very
valued as it was then. The American much established and profitable.
stock market, for instance, ended last Richard Hunter from Interactive In-
year on a cyclically adjusted price to vestor, the platform, said that despite
earnings (Cape) ratio, a popular valua- recent share price falls, investors ignore
tion method, of 39. At the height of the the tech giants at their peril. “Many of
dotcom bubble, it was close to 50. them have dominant and, in some
The Cape ratio is calculated by taking cases, unassailable positions in their
the price of an index or stock and divid- market,” Hunter said. “They are prime
ing it by its average earnings, adjusted examples of what Warren Buffett
for inflation, over the past ten years. would describe as having a ‘moat’
The Nasdaq plunged 3.95 per cent on around the business, namely a compet-
Tuesday, its biggest one-day fall since itive advantage that allows the com-
the coronavirus sent it down 7.29 per pany to maintain both pricing power
cent on March 9, 2020. It bounced back and higher profit margins.”
3 per cent on Thursday. Christopher Rossbach from J Stern,
The NYSE Fang+ Index, which tracks the fund house, thinks that there are
a basket of the most popular shares in more parallels between now and the
the American market, is down 27 per aftermath of the tech burst. Rossbach
cent in 2022. Twitter is bucking the said: “Investors were hand-wringing
trend, up 15 per cent. The rest of the over inflation and interest rate rises as
constituents have suffered declines of we emerged from the dotcom crash,
between 10 per cent (Apple) and 9/11 and the subsequent recession.
66.8 per cent (Netflix). “They were not paying nearly
After Netflix disappointed investors enough attention to the strength of the
last week by losing subscribers in the underlying economy, the positive busi-
first three months of the year, a slew of ness fundamentals and the potential
tech giants reported results this week. for many companies to create tremen-
The results ranged from better than ex- dous long-term value.”
pected (Facebook) to disappointing
(Amazon) and contributed to stock
market volatility. What should you do?
It seems likely that things will get As has been pointed out already, it is
worse before they get better. “Markets impossible to time markets. The Nas-
are still not particularly cheap, so daq is flitting in and out of bear market
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 61

Money

of a crash? By all means dabble in

REUTERS; GETTY IMAGES

shares — but use an Isa

Get rich slowly
owly
David
Brenchley

W
hen Josh Paradise
decided to start
investing, in
December 2020, his
first action was to
open a general investment account Beyond Meat is tipped as fast-growing, but its shares are down 38 per cent in 2022
with Freetrade, an investing app. It
wasn’t until last year that he learnt firm FE fundinfo. If the investment Interactive Investor said that since
about, and opened, a stocks and was held outside of an Isa, any further the start of 2020, customers with only
shares Isa. Paradise is 26. gains over your investment life would a general investment account had
Plenty of people my age do the be reduced because of CGT. made an average return of 7.3 per cent
same. They go to Freetrade, open an As it’s the beginning of the tax year, compared with an 11.7 per cent return
account, invest their money and don’t my top tip for anyone starting out is for customers who only held an Isa.
think too hard, or at all, about what to not just spend time pondering Paradise’s investments are down
type of account they have and about whether there is more room for about 20 per cent since he set up his
whether it saves them tax. About one the Tesla share price to grow, but to Isa. He is mainly invested in
9/11 spooks Equitable in six customers of Hargreaves take the time instead to understand supposedly fast-growing shares such
the markets Life scandal Lansdown, the UK’s biggest
investment platform, have one of
the tax benefits of a good old-
fashioned stocks and shares Isa.
as the electric carmakers Tesla and
Nio; the hydrogen firms ITM Power
Hargreaves’s “fund and shares” That includes exploring other Isas, and Plug Power; and plant-based food
territory, which is defined as a 20 per Crighton from the research firm Stifel. accounts (the firm’s version of a including the Lifetime Isa (Lisa), producers such as Beyond Meat and
cent fall from a recent high, and the Laith Khalaf from AJ Bell, the plat- general investment account) — but which is aimed at helping young Tattooed Chef. These companies are
more balanced S&P 500 is 10.6 per cent form, said that in what looks like a not a stocks and shares Isa. people to save for either a house under pressure because their
lower than in January. Selling now tough environment for investors it was Paradise’s investment account is purchase or their retirement. You can revenues and hoped-for profits are
would merely lock in losses, or at best as important as it has ever been to di- worth £1,500, so he has got a fair way invest up to £4,000 a year in a Lisa expected years into the future and
lower your losses. Continue drip-feed- versify your portfolio. This includes to go until he will have to pay any and get a 25 per cent bonus (free current levels of inflation threaten to
ing your cash into your favourite invest- holding equities, but also some bonds, capital gains tax on any returns. You money) from the government on top. erode their value.
ments on a monthly basis. This way, by gold and even cash. This should give pay between 10 per cent and 20 per You can have as many Isas as you like Things will hopefully turn around
buying high and low, you average out you “a portfolio that isn’t facing all in cent on any investment gains above and put money into one of each kind for the rookie investor, who works as
the price that you pay for those invest- the same direction”. Diversification al- your annual £12,300 capital gains — cash, stocks and shares or Lifetime an insurance underwriter for
ments. “You’re also trying to account so includes holding different styles of tax (CGT) allowance. Dividends — up to a total of £20,000 a year. Newbury Building Society, and he’ll
for the fact that we simply don’t know stocks or investment funds within your gained above the £2,000 allowance My investment journey has been start making share price gains.
when the tide will change,” said Dan equity bucket. are taxed at between 8.75 per cent far from perfect — for starters, I Last year he learnt the error of his
Lane from the investment app Freet- “The extremely hot performance of and 39.35 per cent. You pay no tax on should have begun it much earlier ways and opened an Isa with tracker
rade. “If you wait until everything is US tech might mean investors are any investment gains or dividend than I did (I started working for an funds following the FTSE 100 and
back to normal and the market is heavily exposed, and it might be a payments you get through an Isa. investment platform aged 24, became S&P 500 as well as commodity ethical
riding high, that precious time good time for some rebalan- So Paradise may think he has a a financial journalist aged 28, but only funds. It’s hard to change habits —

23%
that could have been spent cing,” Khalaf said. “You long time to wait before he has to started investing at the age of 33), but once you’re in an investment account
in the market and those might find some old eco- worry about tax, but a small amount the one thing my career has taught you can’t transfer them to your Isa.
likely lower prices will nomy stocks that offer invested today can soon rack up into me is that Isas should be the first port Instead you have to cash them in and
have gone to waste.” dividends that are well something substantial tomorrow, of call for newbie investors. start again. Start with an Isa and then,
One thing that lower covered by earnings, which is the beauty of investing. If I hadn’t been working in this if you’re lucky enough to have any
share prices do provide providing a buffer Paradise’s £1,500 could turn into a industry but still started investing, money left over, move from there.
is the chance to build Fall in the tech- against recession.” six-figure sum in 20 years’ time, and I might have gone down the same That is the golden rule.
the portfolio you have heavy US Nasdaq Khalaf said that the his future self will be very happy if he route as Paradise. But that does not
always wanted, said index since last banking giant Lloyds, thinks about tax breaks now. mean you cannot change tack.
Coombs. “If Apple’s the November the insurer Legal & Gen- If you had invested £500 every Of those investors that joined Online
stock you’ve always wanted eral and the cigarette maker month for the past six years into the Hargreaves in 2020 and 2021 by Follow David Brenchley’s
to own but it’s been too expen- British American Tobacco of- L&G International Index Trust fund, initially opening a fund and shares investments as he
sive, perhaps this is the time.” fered dividend yields of between 5 per you would be sitting on a profit of account, one in ten went on to open makes his changes
After recent sharp falls, technology cent and 8 per cent. Those prospective nearly £16,000, according to the data an Isa within 90 days. thetimes.co.uk/getrichslowly
stocks look cheaper than they have payments are also well covered by the
been for a long time. Allianz Techno- earnings generated by the businesses.
logy Trust, for instance, is down Jason Hollands from Bestinvest, the
32.5 per cent since November. At wealth manager, agreed that it might be
249.5p, the trust’s shares are 15 per cent time for investors to opt for funds with
below the 294p value of its portfolio of greater emphasis on the valuations paid
Dash for cash on the Isles of Scilly
T
companies. The average price to earn- for companies and a focus on resilient he post office on the Isles of Scilly boat trip from the isles to Penzance
ings ratio of the companies that the dividend generators. has applied to install a cash costs £139.20 — and the ferry does not
trust holds is 26 times — much cheaper For those who prefer to invest in machine after the closure of the run between December and February,
than the 46 times it was at the end of funds over individual shares, Hollands archipelago’s last remaining bank meaning a flight is the only option.
2020. Both of these factors make the suggested TB Evenlode Global In- branch on Monday. Flights start at £127 for a day return.
trust an attractive investment, said Will come, Threadneedle UK Equity In- A planning application for the ATM Steve Sims, the Isles of Scilly council-
come, BlackRock UK Income and has been submitted to the council and lor for tourism and the economy, said
Temple Bar Investment Trust. will be decided on June 3. If it is accept- that replacing the bank ATM was a dif-
The 2000 spike v now For those keen to look away from ed, the Post Office said the machine ficult prospect, “because you need to
equities, some investment trusts are fo- would be installed within weeks. find somewhere to fit it”.
Stock market valuations
50 cused on preserving wealth, essentially Lloyds shut its branch on St Mary’s, The planning application was made
protecting your cash when stock the largest of the five inhabited islands, The last remaning bank branch on by Lindsay Rodger, the postmistress
40 markets are falling. These will invest because it said only 33 of the 2,300 the Scilly Isles was closed on April 25 who has run the St Mary’s post office for
MSCI USA across assets that move differently to people living on the Isles of Scilly used 11 years. She said: “Local businesses
30 each other and to broader asset classes. it regularly, and 71 per cent of its cus- Customers can take out cash over the need tourists to be able to withdraw
Lane suggested Ruffer Investment tomers also used other branches, on- counter at the St Mary’s post office, but cash, 24 hours a day and for free.
20 Company and RIT Capital Partners. line and phone banking. Lloyds has it closes at 3pm on weekdays and “I hope that we’re successful with the
“Both are diversified and make use of pledged to keep the branch’s cash ma- 12.15pm on Saturdays. It is shut all day planning application for a brand-new
10 assets like private equity funds and chine in operation until the islands get Sunday. ATM becuase that will reassure the —
MSCI UK
options normal investors wouldn’t have a replacement. If you need to make a cash withdraw- islanders that at least there remains
0
2000 05 10 15 2020 access to. They also rotate the portfolio The nearest bank branch is now 44 al outside of post office opening times, somewhere cash can be withdrawn for
Cyclically adjusted price/earnings ratios on your behalf so you don’t need to keep miles away in Penzance — which re- the nearest freeATM is in the wall of a free.”
Source: Barclays, Datastream on top of those spinning plates.” quires a boat trip of almost three hours. Tesco Express in Penzance. A return George Nixon
62 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money

Phones unanswered,
complaints ignored
and no refunds:
welcome to
BA customer
service
Our national airline
can’t cope and it is the
‘I couldn’t find support centre,’” she
said.
While in Geneva,
she felt she had no
other option than to
request vouchers for

customers who are any way to get Rutland was

surprised to find that
the return flight.
BA eventually sent

a refund’
BA had kept her Julie a written
paying the price, report booked on to her response after she
return flight, even had returned home to
Katherine Denham though it had say that it had issued
and David Byers
J
ulie Rutland, 53, flight from Gatwick cancelled her her with vouchers
her husband with easyJet that left outbound one. worth £750 — the
Michael, 55, and on February 21 for She tried ringing cost of her return

J
essica and Charlie booked a daughter Lily, 15, £1,000. BA’s call centre. trip.
holiday to Cyprus with their were due to fly from Because BA had “I either got an “I immediately
son Max, then four, in June last Heathrow to Geneva cancelled their automated message wrote back saying
year. It was their first overseas with British Airways outbound flight, the at the beginning of I wanted a full refund.
trip with Max, and they chose on February 21 for a family should have the call saying that I had not requested
British Airways because they trusted five-day skiing been able to claim a the contact centre vouchers for the
the company and thought it was holiday (David Byers refund, but Julie, a was too busy to take outward part of the
worth paying more for its customer writes). businesswoman from calls, or I got through, flight and had only
service. The day before the Torquay, could not waited for an hour requested a voucher
But in December Jessica, who lives in flight they were told find any way to and then was cut off.” for the return flight in
Chichester, West Sussex, had a text that it had been request one online. Rutland also desperation.”
from BA Holidays saying that the cancelled and there “I kept getting the submitted a written After a call from
flights had been cancelled and advising were no alternatives same message when I complaint, but had no The Times, BA has
her to rebook. for two days. In haste, pressed the tab: response. given Julie a full
The link that the company sent they booked a return ‘Please contact BA Eventually she said refund.
should have allowed her to select new
flights online, but it did not.
This was the beginning of three and the huge increase in the price of holidaymakers are venturing abroad that is suffering. The dispute service amid complaints that it was refusing to
months of chasing the airline and flights means that the same holiday again. Since the start of the year it has Resolver had 3,243 complaints about give refunds for flights and forcing
getting nowhere. would cost close to £4,300 now, Jessica added 500 call handlers and employed airlines in April 2022, up from 819 in the customers to accept vouchers for future
Jessica called British Airways 14 said. another 6,000 people for other roles as same month in 2021. The most travel instead. Since the criticisms it has
times and was either cut off or told to The airline continues to cancel part of the biggest recruitment drive in common complaints were in relation to extended the expiry date on many of
send emails that no one replied to. hundreds of flights because of Covid- the airline’s history. airline fees and cancellations. these vouchers to ensure that custom-
She said she spent about 15 hours on related staff shortages and problems Paul Charles from the travel consult- There have been reports of airlines ers have a chance to use them.
the phone in total but only once got ancy the PC Agency said that it used to removing their phone numbers from As the world’s skies have reopened
through to a human, who told her to take about four weeks for airport staff the “contact us” page on their websites. though, passengers have been hit
send an email. to get a security pass, but now takes Airlines were among the worst-hit with repeated flight cancellations
“It doesn’t matter when I call or what double that because government businesses during the pandemic and delays.
number, I am on hold for absolutely departments have been so slow to carry Passengers have to be delayed by at

£2.9bn
ages – often longer than an hour,” said out security checks. Charles said that least two hours for short-haul flights,
Jessica, who works in finance. It doesn’t matter what civil servants working from home have three hours for medium-haul or four
“Each time I got a recorded message found it difficult to process applications hours for long-haul before airlines have
telling me that BA was too busy time I call, I am on at speed. to provide food and drink.
and to call back at a later date and then hold for absolutely ages “So while BA has found people Losses of International Airline Group When travellers have to wait over-
the line automatically cut out. It’s so to hire, they have been held up from (the owner of BA) in 2021 night for a replacement flight, airlines
stressful not being able to get through being employed because they haven’t should foot the hotel bill too.
to anyone.” are expected to continue until Septem- got their security clearance through,” because of the ban on international This week MPs called for the indus-
Unable to rebook flights for their ber. It has removed many popular he said. travel. They have also had to help pas- try watchdog, the Civil Aviation
holiday in June and conscious that routes to scale back its timetables and IT failures in February and March sengers stay up to date with constantly Authority, to be given stronger powers
prices were increasing, she cancelled this week said that another 100 daily also caused a string of cancellations changing rules about travel to different to fine airlines for failing to refund
the holiday this month. services would be cancelled because of and left passengers stranded at airports. countries, often at very short notice. customers when they are required to by
BA has refunded her £200 deposit for staff shortages. All of this has caused even the most However, some airlines seem to have law. MPs said passengers should be
the packaged deal and she doesn’t want BA has cut 10,000 jobs since the pan- loyal BA customers to question their fared much better than others. granted automatic compensation.
to rebook because prices have gone up demic started and has struggled to re- choice of airline. British Airways ran into particular David Josephs, 47, who works in
so much. The original cost was £1,500 hire the staff needed to cope now that But BA is not the only company criticism at the start of the pandemic advertising, had been collecting Avios
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 63

Money
PRESS ASSOCIATION
days he spent about 15 hours trying to
speak to someone. How to claim from your airline
“I checked online and watched seats

220
become available before disappearing. I 6 If your airline cancels less than 1,500km, you refusing to pay refunds and which all airlines must sign
am unable to book anything because no your trip, it must offer a should get £220. If the offering vouchers instead, up to. Find the one your
one ever picks up the phone,” said refund and has to pay it distance was between or making it difficult for airline uses by searching on
Josephs, who lives in London. within seven days of the 1,500km and 3,500km you passengers to find refund the Civil Aviation Authority
He said that without the voucher he date of your flight. If your get £350, and if the delay buttons on websites. If you website: caa.co.uk.
would not be able to afford the £3,000 flight is cancelled by a was four hours or more for feel you have been badly
BA flights cancelled cost of four standard return flights from package holiday operator, a distance of more than treated, write a formal 6 If you’re still not happy,
from Heathrow Cape Town. then it has 14 days to 3,500km you get £520. For letter to your airline (or the CAA, the industry’s
on Thursday and Ian Townsend, from Milton Keynes, process refund payments. delays of two to three fill in an online form). How watchdog, is the last line of
Friday had booked a holiday for him and his hours, you should get free long the airline has to deal resort, although beware
wife to Antigua for £4,150. Townsend 6 If your flight from the UK food and drink. If the delay with this depends on its that this body has no power
said BA cancelled his holiday. BA said or your arrival flight to the is less than two hours, you complaints procedure. to force airlines to pay out
that he cancelled. UK with a UK or EU carrier get nothing. and must drag the carrier
He was given a voucher for the full is delayed, you may be 6 If you’re not happy with through the courts to make
amount and followed the company’s owed compensation. 6 During the months of how the airline deals with it pay passengers — a
instructions to try to redeem it, but it If your plane is between cancellations in the this complaint, request process that can be hugely
did not work so he emailed BA again. three and four hours late pandemic, many airlines mediation from an official costly and take years.
He had a response seven weeks later and the trip’s distance was began to break the rules by dispute resolution service, David Byers
saying that he could not use this vouch-
er against this holiday because it was
not a new booking.
Townsend said: “When I try to call I
am cut off because I am not travelling
immediately. I have no way of querying
the decision.”
BA has since apologised for acciden-
tally deleting Townsend’s original
email and has applied the £4,150 vouch-
er to his new booking.
It has also allowed Josephs to redeem
his voucher.
British Airways Holidays said: “Our
contact centres are extremely busy
at the moment and we’re working hard
behind the scenes to address this
issue and improve our customers’
experience.
“We are prioritising customer service
calls so we can assist individuals with
existing bookings or those who need
our help urgently. We value the loyalty
of our customers and we appreciate
their patience as our teams work
points on his BA American Express around the clock to help them.”
card. This had earned him a companion Martyn James from Resolver said the
voucher that allowed him to book a problems with contacting airlines were
flight for his partner. bad enough when booking a trip, but far
He planned to use it for a holiday to worse if you are having a problem at the
South Africa at the end of this year, but airport. “I’ve always been of the school
could redeem it only by calling BA, of thought that you shouldn’t sell things
which proved impossible because he if you don’t have the staff available to
could never get through. Over three solve problems,” he said.

‘You don’t get even the

bare minimum of service’
A
lan and Eventually on
Patricia Wood March 15, more than
are almost a week after their
£500 out of pocket return to the UK, the
after taking their first Woods finally had an
holiday in more than email from BA telling
two years (David them that as they had
Byers writes). failed to attend their
The retired couple outbound flight, their
from Swindon paid inbound one had
£208 for a BA flight been cancelled
from Heathrow to automatically.
Venice in February. As compensation
Their return flight for inconvenience,
cost £261. The day BA agreed to give
before their outbound them £100 worth of
flight, every short- After hours on the Avios — the airline’s
haul BA flight out of phone unable to get air miles. They have
Terminal 5 was through, the couple not been refunded for
cancelled because of decided to book an the Venice to
an IT problem so alternative flight with Heathrow flight that
they were naturally the budget airline they were bumped
worried about flights easyJet, which cost off. Alan wrote back
for the next day. them £228. While in to say that this was
They tried to call Italy, Alan went to unacceptable. “You
BA to find out if their check in for their pay hundreds of
flight would be return flight on pounds and don’t get
cancelled too — but March 9, but found even bare minimum
could not get any sort that this flight had customer service. If
of answer. “If the now disappeared we had managed to
flight was changed, from his online reach BA on February
we would have missed account. Again he 26, none of this would
our three-hour tried to contact the have happened — it is
transfer from Venice airline by phone and disrespectful to long-
to the resort, which email, before giving standing customers.”
would have cost us up and booking a new BA said: “We’re in
hundreds more BA flight back to contact with our
pounds to rearrange,” Heathrow which cost customers directly to
Alan said. a further £261. resolve their issues.”
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 65

Money

02 charged £178 to move . . . to 02

Times Money vides the mobile network service and
sends the monthly bill, Think

Mentor Comms manages and supports the

customers.

Troubleshooter
You said that you had signed up to
the O2 contract online and, given
that all your bills were from O2 and
paid by direct debit, you had no rea-
Katherine son to believe that you had entered
into a contract with any company
Denham other than O2.
The good news is that O2 agreed to
refund the £178.04 fee.
It said: “We are glad our customer
has found a new contract with O2
that she is happy with and as a ges-

I
am writing to ask if you could ture of goodwill we are happy to clear
intervene on an issue I am having the charges on this occasion.”
with O2 concerning the transfer You said you welcomed the good-
of my mobile phone contract will gesture, but thought it should
from a business account to a consum- have been offered much sooner and
er one. without the need for my assistance.
My business has closed, so I
thought a consumer account would
be more appropriate. If you would like us to investigate
After a series of phone calls, my old a consumer problem, write to
contract was disconnected in Octo- Troubleshooter, Times Money,
1 London Bridge Street,
ber and my number transferred to a London SE1 9GF or
new account. Then, in November I [email protected].
had an invoice from O2 asking me to Please include a phone number
pay a £178.04 termination charge.
It only became clear that a finan-
cial penalty was likely to be applied have to pay this fee for not reaching
when I was trying to get my number the minimum term, or whether it had
transferred. Money Mentor buried this in the small print.
I contacted O2 to ask why I should Online When I spoke to O2, it said: “We’ve
pay this amount when I was still an Find out how to reduce looked into this one and the terms
O2 customer. Eventually I was told your phone bill and conditions the customer signed
that I should contact O2’s partner thetimes.co.uk/money-mentor make clear that early closure of the
company, Think Comms Ltd. contract would cause a term fee to be
I am very confused as to why Think contract in February last year, but applied.”
Comms are involved when my wanted to swap to a new contract When I asked if its staff had
payments go to O2. I also think the eight months later. As you were stay- warned you about the fee when
termination charge is unreasonable ing with O2 I can see why you took speaking to you on the phone about
and unfair business practice. issue with the company charging you the new contract, it simply said: “All
Jocelyn an exit fee, though it is common for proper processes were followed dur-
Address supplied phone companies to charge fees to ing this case.”
cancel a contract mid-term. I then asked about Think Comms,
Troubleshooter says With that said, I still wondered if which works with O2 to distribute its
You took out a 24-month phone O2 had made it clear that you would business contracts. While O2 pro-

My Swift transfer was anything but

I am having a nightmare getting details, but Revolut said it didn’t
Revolut to process a bank get this amendment. Both
transfer of €10,725 (£9,000). The companies blamed each other for
company prides itself on having your ordeal.
slick fully automated systems and After I got involved, Revolut
most of the time these work well. eventually sent the money back
However, I sold some shares on to your Saxo account. so you are
the SaxoTraderGo platform in now back at square one, but at
October and attempted to send least your money is no longer
the cash to my Revolut euro missing.
account, but the money never Saxo said: “We’re sorry to hear
arrived. For weeks I followed up that Jeremy had so much trouble
with the online helpdesk, but it transferring funds from Saxo to
seemed powerless to do anything. Revolut and we fully understand
No one took responsibility and it and appreciate the distress
was impossible to escalate the missing funds can cause.”
problem. They said they were It has now changed the Iban in
working hard to resolve it, but its system to avoid these delays in
there was never a clear statement Saxo uses a system known as the future, so you shouldn’t have
about what was wrong or how Swift, a kind of international a problem resending the funds. If
long it would take to fix. messaging service to move you do have a problem, I want to
Months later Revolut then told money around the world, to know about it.
me that the transfer had been process your transaction. We Revolut said: “The customer
processed and the funds would be have heard a lot about Swift was underserved by several
in my account soon, but I still recently in light of the ban on institutions, including Revolut, in
have no clear idea of when. Russian banks. terms of response times and
Jeremy Johnston For transactions to be communications. We recognise
Shropshire processed using this system, an the frustration caused by the
International Bank Account time it took to resolve and
Troubleshooter says Number (Iban) is needed. This apologise for the inconvenience.”
Transferring money between number verifies your account Revolut refunded your annual
financial companies should take number, bank, country and other account fees, giving you £120
a matter of days and yet your information. compensation. I asked it to
€10,000 was in limbo for months. The problem was that Saxo review this and it increased that
Revolut is a UK-based financial hadn’t provided an Iban. Instead compensation to £520.
technology company known for it sent the money with your UK Saxo gave you €50 and left you
being a low-cost way to exchange account number and sort code. feeling that you were a bit of a
currencies, while Saxo is a Danish You tried to sort the problem nuisance. You are still annoyed
bank and trading platform. out by getting Saxo to amend the — and I don't blame you.
66 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money
Unit trust and open-ended investment company prices

Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld
Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- %

ALLIANZ GLOBAL INVESTORS FIDELITY INTERNATIONAL UK Sml Cos Eqty Acc ‡@ 1593.29 … -26.10 … UK Irsh Sm Co Fd A Acc ‡@ 742.50 … +6.60 … M & G SECURITIES Hi Inc Bond A Ac ‡@ 241.10 … -1.60 4.24
Inv Serv: 020 7065 1400 Helpline: 0800 317 573 Private Clnts 0800 414161 Broker Dlgs 0800 414181 UK Sml Cos Gwth ‡@ 82.54 … -1.65 … UK Property A Acc @ 264.95 278.15 +0.38 2.63 Enq: 0800 390 390 Dealing Line: 0800 328 3196 Hi Inc Bond A Inc ‡@ 74.95 … -0.50 4.33
Gilt Yield A ‡@ 206.01 … -0.62 1.05 Amer Spec Sits ‡@ 2346.00 … -27.00 … UK Property A Inc @ 105.80 111.07 +0.15 2.68 Authorised Inv Funds Hi Res A Acc ‡@ 381.50 … -5.70 3.65
Strategic Bond Fund ‡@ 174.53 … +0.95 0.12 American ‡@ 5275.00 … +12.00 … US Growth Fund A Acc ‡@ 1787.00 … +4.00 … Charifund Inc ‡ 1579.73 … -9.01 … Hi Res A Inc ‡@ 122.90 … -1.90 3.74
UK Corp Bond C ‡@ 104.79 … -0.77 3.87 Euro Opps ‡@ 545.50 … -5.70 … Safety Plus A Acc ‡@ 40.49 … -0.14 …
UK Eqty C ‡@ 6317.26 … +49.77 3.28 European ‡@ 3134.00 … -9.00 0.33 Strat Inc A Acc ‡@ 205.50 … -2.80 …
UK Eqty Inc A ‡@ 336.98 … -2.64 3.90 Extra Income ‡@ 25.60 … -0.11 4.31 Sterling Class A Investment Funds 1 Strat Inc A Inc ‡@ 92.97 … -1.31 2.21
UK Gwth A ‡@ 8194.28 … -127.02 1.48 Glob Spec Sits ‡@ 5587.00 … -31.00 … UK Gwth A Acc ‡@ 192.30 … -4.50 …
INVESTEC FUND MGRS Euro Smlr Cos Acc ‡ 525.29 … +6.31 … UK Sel Gwth A Acc ‡@ 2209.00 … -22.00 2.33
UK Index A Inc ‡@ 1423.81 … -10.08 … Global Focus ‡@ 2883.00 … -29.00 … Euro Smlr Cos Inc ‡ 462.50 … +5.55 …
UK Mid Cap A ‡@ 4950.67 … -29.55 0.06 International ‡@ 149.50 … +1.10 0.08 Broker Support and Dealing: 020 7597 1900
JP MORGAN ASSET MGMT
Japan ‡@ 517.70 … +14.50 0.52
OEIC Series i,ii,iii, & iv
Moneybldr Bal ‡@ 47.20 … +0.18 3.42 OEIC Sterling Class A Investment Funds 2
Moneybldr Glob 327.60 327.60 -1.90 0.21 American A Acc ‡@ 633.95 … -3.13 …
Moneybldr Gwth ‡@ 76.12 … +0.20 … Asia A Acc ‡@ 264.00 … +12.10 … Extra Income Inc ‡ 743.81 … +3.28 …
Asia ex Japan A Acc ‡@ 751.83 … +27.11 … OEIC B Class
Moneybldr Inc ‡@ 33.74 … +0.01 3.70 Emerging Mkts ‡@ 257.80 … +9.50 … Gilt & Fxd Int Inc ‡ 91.45 … +1.12 0.85
Capital Accumulator A Acc ‡@ 231.48 … +8.50 … Tracker and Specialist Investment Funds
ARTEMIS FUND MGRS LTD Moneybldr UK Ind ‡@ 125.53 … -0.86 2.91 Eur Dyn (ex-UK) A Acc ‡@ 271.00 … -2.60 0.45 Gl Hi Yd Bd Inc ‡ 42.87 … -0.47 4.85
Cautious Managed A Acc ‡@ 393.84 … -2.96 … Index Linked Bd Inc ‡ 154.20 … +0.09 … UK Trkr B Acc ‡@ 405.90 … -6.10 …
0800 092 2051 Special Sits ‡@ 4327.00 … -61.00 1.29 Euro Smllr Cos ‡@ 934.00 … -8.00 …
Cautious Managed A Inc ‡@ 251.61 … -1.89 … Index Trckr Inc ‡ 77.40 … -0.60 … UK Trkr B Inc ‡@ 187.10 … -2.90 2.92
Authorised Inv Funds Wealthbuilder 69.75 72.18 -0.11 0.44 Europe A Acc ‡@ 1744.00 … -13.00 1.27
Diversified Growth A Acc ‡@ 132.40 … +0.79 … Short Dated Corp Bd Inc ‡ 25.33 … … …
Capital R Acc ‡@ 2029.07 … -24.07 2.19 Diversified Growth A Inc ‡@ 141.05 … +0.84 … Gbl Hi Yld Bd A Acc ‡@ 121.80 … -1.10 4.52
UK Select A Inc ‡ 2949.41 … -29.16 2.11
Euro Opps R Acc ‡@ 91.26 … +1.71 1.29 Diversified Income A Acc ‡@ 324.68 … -1.94 … Gbl Hi Yld Bd A Inc ‡@ 32.94 … -0.32 4.66
Euro Opps R Inc ‡@ 85.36 … +1.59 1.30 Diversified Income A Inc ‡@ 71.70 … -0.43 … Gl ex-UK Bd A Acc ‡@ 266.90 … +0.30 …
European Growth R Acc ‡@ 358.72 … -7.35 1.90 HALIFAX INVESTMENT FUND MGRS LTD Emerging Mkts Blended Debt A Acc ‡@ 112.48 … -0.66 3.85 Gl ex-UK Bd A Inc ‡@ 204.30 … +0.20 …
Sterling Class A Investment Funds 3 UK and Income Investment Funds
Global Energy R Acc ‡@ 38.87 … +0.58 1.47 01296 386 386 Emerging Mkts Blended Debt A Acc Gross ‡@ 125.82 … +0.06 … Glb Fins A Acc ‡@ 1077.00 … +12.00 1.03
Global Growth R Acc ‡@ 352.08 … +0.08 … Authorised Inv Funds Global A Acc ‡@ 2043.00 … +29.00 … Corp Bd A Inc ‡ 37.01 … +0.09 2.64 Corp Bond B Acc ‡@ 370.70 … +0.40 …
Emerging Mkts Blended Debt A Inc ‡@ 68.63 … -0.41 5.77
Global Income R Acc ‡@ 160.15 … -1.32 2.48 Share Class `C Japan A Acc ‡@ 513.00 … -0.20 … Dividend Inc ‡ 55.78 … -0.43 4.51 Corp Bond B Inc ‡@ 136.30 … +0.10 …
Emerging Mkts Equity A Acc ‡@ 163.36 … +2.83 0.22
Global Income R Inc ‡@ 105.15 … -0.86 2.56 Multi-Man Tst A Acc ‡@ 1317.00 … -15.00 0.53 Recovery A Inc ‡ 114.22 … -1.63 2.01 UK Gwth B Acc ‡@ 205.60 … -0.60 1.79
Corporate Bond ‡@ 36.28 … +0.02 … Emrg Mkts Local Curr Debt A Acc ‡@ 171.82 … -0.16 4.35
Global Select R Acc ‡@ 158.10 … +0.84 … Multi-Man Tst A Inc ‡@ 1170.00 … -14.00 0.54 Sml Cos Inc ‡ 383.38 … -4.87 1.86 UK Sel Gwth B Acc ‡@ 2481.00 … +8.00 1.09
Ethical ‡@ 115.10 … -0.50 … Emrg Mkts Local Curr Debt A Inc ‡@ 71.11 … -0.07 6.10
High Income R Inc ‡@ 67.94 … -0.74 4.95 European ‡@ 105.00 … -0.90 … Emrg Mkts Local Curr Debt Gross I Acc ‡@ 220.49 … -1.26 5.42 Nat Resources ‡@ 960.70 … -1.70 2.43
Income R Acc ‡@ 499.26 … -6.57 3.54 Far Eastern ‡ 119.90 … +2.20 … Enhanced Natural Resources A Acc ‡@ 134.24 … -4.54 … New Europe A ‡@ 155.70 … -73.10 2.11
Income R Inc ‡@ 228.01 … -3.00 3.64 Sterling Class A Investment Funds 4
Fund of Inv Tst ‡@ 138.00 … -1.30 … Global Bond A Acc ‡@ 139.30 … +5.98 0.82 Portfolio ‡@ 314.60 … -3.90 1.07
Monthly Dist R Inc ‡@ 70.50 … -0.56 … Intl Gwth ‡ 127.20 … +0.70 0.63 Global Bond A Inc ‡@ 109.33 … +4.52 0.82 Stg Corp Bd A Acc ‡@ 94.26 … +0.08 1.13 Episode Allocation A Inc ‡@ 138.70 … -0.46 …
Strategic Assets R Acc ‡ 76.39 … +0.25 … Japanese ‡ 66.02 … +0.83 … Stg Corp Bd A Inc ‡@ 53.45 … +0.04 1.11
Global Bond I Gross Inc ‡@ 1167.00 … +46.14 1.25 OEIC C Class
Strategic Bond R M Acc ‡@99.73 … -0.51 2.03 North Amer ‡ 152.00 … +0.80 0.28 UK Act 350 A Acc ‡@ 199.00 … -1.30 …
Global Dynamic A Acc ‡@ 198.83 … -1.40 0.41 UK and Income Investment Funds
Strategic Bond R M Inc ‡@ 53.88 … -0.28 2.05 Smaller Cos ‡@ 115.70 … -0.90 0.46 UK Dynamic Acc ‡@ 212.80 … -3.80 1.64 MARKS & SPENCER UNIT TRUST LTD
Global Energy A Acc ‡@ 170.97 … -4.81 … UK Gth C Inc ‡@ 127.70 … -3.00 3.71
Strategic Bond R Q Acc ‡@ 99.56 … -0.50 2.12 Special Sits ‡@ 47.79 … -0.07 1.45 UK Dynamic Inc ‡@ 154.30 … -2.70 1.59 0808 005 5555
Global Equity A Acc ‡@ 226.83 … -0.65 0.42 UK Sel Gwth C Acc ‡@ 2598.00 … +8.00 1.29
Strategic Bond R Q Inc ‡@ 53.95 … -0.28 2.15 UK Equity Inc ‡@ 88.89 … -0.99 … UK Equity A Acc ‡@ 401.90 … -4.70 3.45 High Income 97.00 97.00 -0.39 4.28
Global Franchise A Acc ‡@ 307.94 … +2.30 …
UK Growth R Acc ‡@ 677.07 … -12.92 1.15 UK FTSE 100 IT ‡@ 67.36 … -0.46 … UK Equity A Inc ‡@ 46.44 … -0.54 … High Income Acc 260.20 260.20 -1.10 …
Global Free Enterprise A Acc ‡@ 1219.94 … -8.35 …
UK Smaller Cos R Acc ‡@ 1909.91 … -28.22 0.84 UK FTSE All-S IT ‡@ 77.27 … -0.60 … UK 100 Comp Acc @ 439.60 439.60 -4.40 …
Global Gold A Acc ‡@ 217.00 … -6.76 0.42 UK Eqy & Bd Inc Acc ‡@ 167.10 … +2.30 3.41
UK Special Sits R Acc ‡@ 663.96 … -11.19 1.05 UK Growth ‡@ 81.05 … -1.11 … UK 100 Cos @ 222.70 222.70 -2.30 2.98
Global Special Situations A Acc ‡@ 291.82 … -1.26 … UK Eqy & Bd Inc Inc ‡@ 90.29 … +0.88 3.50
Global Special Situations A Inc ‡@ 225.72 … -0.98 … UK Higher Inc A Acc ‡@ 1132.00 … +12.00 … UK Select Pflo @ 334.10 334.10 -5.30 2.61
Managed Growth A Acc ‡@ 284.44 … +5.55 … UK Higher Inc A Inc ‡ 531.30 … +4.30 … UK Selection Port Acc @ 669.00 669.00 -10.60 … STANDARD LIFE INVESTMENTS
Monthly High Income A Acc ‡@ 243.45 … +2.02 3.54 UK Sm Cos A Acc ‡@ 637.70 … -26.20 0.28 Worldwide Mgd Acc @ 966.50 966.50 -8.70 … 0845 279 3003
HSBC GLOBAL ASSET MGMT (UK) LTD UK Str Eq Inc A Acc ‡@ 202.50 … -3.40 2.49 Wwide Mgd @ 573.00 573.00 -5.10 0.80 Investment Funds (OEIC) - Retail Shares
Monthly High Income A Inc ‡@ 63.17 … +0.42 5.01
Enq: 0845 745 6123 Dlg: 0845 745 6126 Mon-Fri 8-6 Multi-Asset Protector A Acc ‡@ 168.82 … -0.40 … UK Str Eq Inc A Inc ‡@ 104.70 … -1.80 2.46 AAA Inc CAT Acc ‡@ 94.55 … +0.45 0.97
AXA FRAMLINGTON UNIT MGMT LTD
HSBC Index Tracker Investment Funds (OEIC) Strategic Bond A Acc ‡@ 244.54 … +0.50 1.96 US A Acc ‡@ 1036.00 … +14.00 … AAA Inc CAT Inc ‡@ 53.75 … +0.26 0.97
Dling: 0845 602 1952 Priv Clients: 0845 777 5511
Amer Ind Acc ‡@ 931.44 … +1.42 0.90 Strategic Bond A Inc ‡@ 119.47 … +0.23 3.32 US Sm Cos A Acc ‡@ 916.80 … -11.60 … MORGAN STANLEY INVESTMENT MGMT LTD AAA Income Acc ‡@ 102.60 … +0.50 1.38
Equity Inc ‡@ 572.40 … -2.10 4.43 Enquires: 0800 0961 962 Amer Eq Gth Acc ‡@ 217.20 … +0.10 …
Amer Ind Inc ‡@ 755.85 … +1.15 0.87
Gilt Acc @ 201.30 211.80 -1.50 1.08 The Morgan Stanley Funds (UK) Corp Bond Acc ‡@ 170.70 … … 2.69
Euro Ind Acc ‡@ 1098.17 … -9.23 1.77
Gilt Inc @ 74.35 78.24 -1.00 1.09 Class A Shares Corp Bond Inc ‡@ 58.52 … +0.01 2.71
Euro Ind Inc ‡@ 719.44 … -6.05 1.72
Health Acc ‡@ 2882.00 … -71.00 … Equity Euro Eq Gth Acc ‡@ 237.50 … +1.70 0.27
FTSE 100 Ind Acc ‡@ 265.48 … -1.77 …
Jap Smlr Co Ac @ 62.56 66.09 -0.93 0.30 Glb Advtg CAT Acc ‡@ 153.30 … +0.70 0.68
FTSE 100 Ind Inc ‡@ 124.63 … -0.82 … Dev Opp Fund F Acc ‡@ 751.54 … +13.68 …
Managed Inc ‡@ 138.30 … -0.70 4.20 Glob Advtg Acc ‡@ 202.50 … +0.90 0.65
FTSE 250 Ind Acc ‡@ 301.56 … -3.41 1.53 Dev Opp Fund I Acc ‡@ 748.91 … +13.60 …
Monthly Inc Inc ‡@ 251.70 … -3.50 4.25 Glob Eq Uncstrd Acc ‡@ 155.60 … +1.60 …
FTSE 250 Ind Inc ‡@ 190.60 … -2.16 … Glob Bal Inc F F Acc ‡@ 959.18 … +2.90 …
UK Growth Inc ‡@ 230.90 … -3.90 0.47 Higher Inc Acc ‡@ 146.00 … -2.00 4.04
FTSE All-S Acc ‡@ 689.80 … -0.81 … Glob Bal Inc F F Inc ‡@ 925.52 … +2.79 …
UK Select Opps Inc ‡@ 2027.00 … -24.00 0.66 Higher Inc Inc ‡@ 47.11 … -0.62 …
FTSE All-S Inc ‡@ 360.36 … -0.42 2.88 Glob Bal Inc F I Acc ‡@ 958.52 … +2.89 …
UK Sml Cos Inc ‡@ 330.30 … -8.70 … Japan Eq Gth Acc ‡@ 127.40 … -0.30 …
Jap Ind Acc ‡@ 135.92 … +3.73 1.54 Glob Bal Inc F I Inc ‡@ 924.82 … +2.78 …
Jap Ind Inc ‡@ 108.40 … +2.98 1.53 Glob Bal Sust F F Acc ‡@ 952.82 … +7.06 … Managed Acc ‡@ 360.20 … +3.70 0.29
Pac Ind Acc ‡@ 520.83 … +3.88 1.99 Glob Bal Sust F F Inc ‡@ 946.86 … +7.01 … Select Inc Acc ‡@ 93.47 … -0.52 2.16
Pac Ind Inc ‡@ 336.50 … +2.51 … Glob Bal Sust F I Acc ‡@ 952.15 … +7.04 … Select Inc Inc ‡@ 52.92 … -0.30 2.16
Glob Bal Sust F I Inc ‡@ 946.73 … +7.00 … UK Eq Gth Acc ‡@ 359.00 … -2.90 1.88
Glob Br Eq Inc Fund F Inc ‡@ 1350.43 … +8.04 3.75 UK Eq Hi Alpha ‡@ 221.50 … -1.80 3.03
AXA FUND MANAGERS LTD
Glob Br Eq Inc Fund I Acc ‡@ 1810.42 … +10.69 3.74 UK Eq Hi Inc Acc ‡@ 267.50 … -2.00 …
Admin & Enq 0117 989 0808
HSBC Investment Funds (OEIC) - Retail Share Class Glob Br Eq Inc Fund I Inc ‡@ 1449.37 … +8.56 3.83 UK Eq Hi Inc Inc ‡@ 75.80 … -0.54 …
AXA Trusts
Glob Br Fund I Acc (PH) ‡@ 1609.66 … -25.00 0.85 UK Ethical Acc ‡@ 203.60 … -4.40 1.32
Gen Acc ‡@ 2101.00 … -53.00 2.64 Balanced Acc ‡@ 250.08 … -0.58 0.53 UK Opps Acc ‡@ 264.80 … -11.40 0.05
Glob Br Fund I Acc (PH) ‡@ 13548.46 … +76.48 0.82
Gen Inc ‡@ 1079.00 … -32.00 … Balanced Inc ‡@ 151.95 … +3.09 … UK Opps Inc ‡@ 240.60 … -10.40 0.05
Glob Br Fund I Inc (PH) ‡@ 1547.43 … -24.15 0.85
Corp Bd Acc ‡@ 289.28 … +0.09 2.68 UK Smlr Cos Acc ‡@ 929.10 … -40.40 …
Glob Br Fund I Inc (PH) ‡@ 3736.33 … +21.09 …
Corp Bd Inc ‡@ 115.02 … +0.03 2.72
Glob Ins Fund F Acc ‡@ 585.21 … -9.84 …
Gilt & Fd Int Acc ‡@ 497.78 … +7.06 1.19
Glob Ins Fund F Inc ‡@ 585.20 … -9.85 …
Gilt & Fd Int Inc ‡@ 74.17 … +1.05 1.58
Glob Ins Fund I Acc ‡@ 583.76 … -9.85 …
Income Acc ‡@ 681.86 … -5.93 …
Glob Ins Fund I Inc ‡@ 583.76 … -9.85 …
UK/Global Investment Companies Income Inc ‡@ 292.41 … -2.55 …
Glob Sust Fund F Acc (PH) ‡@ 1197.88 … -28.18 0.56 SVS BROWN SHIPLEY FUNDS
Euro Acc A ‡@ 234.70 … +0.10 1.18 Monthly Inc Acc ‡@ 313.41 … -1.33 …
Glob Sust Fund F Inc ‡@ 1257.28 … -1.92 0.54 Enquiries: 0141 222 1151
Extra Inc Inc B ‡@ 86.74 … -1.81 … Monthly Inc Inc ‡@ 132.55 … -0.68 …
Glob Sust Fund I Acc ‡@ 1268.38 … -1.98 0.36
Global Gwth Acc R ‡@ 292.20 … -1.20 0.46 UK Grth & Inc Ret B Acc ‡@ 139.95 … -1.08 3.34 Balanced A Acc ‡@ 140.36 … -1.19 0.84
Glob Sust Fund I Acc (PH) ‡@ 1198.87 … -28.23 0.38
Japan Acc A ‡@ 159.00 … +3.90 … UK Grth & Inc Ret B Inc ‡@64.50 … -0.50 3.43 Balanced A Inc ‡@ 126.32 … -1.06 0.84
Glob Sustain Fund F Acc ‡@ 1273.56 … -1.94 0.54
Pac Gwth Acc A ‡@ 527.50 … +7.90 … UK Gth & Inc Acc ‡@ 139.95 … -1.08 3.34 Cautious A Acc ‡@ 115.74 … -0.48 1.34
Stg Corp Bond F F Acc ‡@ 129.25 … -0.05 2.53
UK Gth & Inc Inc ‡@ 64.50 … -0.50 3.43 Cautious A Inc ‡@ 101.39 … -0.42 1.33
Stg Corp Bond F F Inc ‡@ 104.85 … -0.05 2.57
Dynamic A Acc ‡@ 340.74 … -3.71 …
Stg Corp Bond F I Acc ‡@ 2752.03 … -1.22 …
Dynamic A Inc ‡@ 308.51 … -3.36 0.66
Stg Corp Bond F I Inc ‡@1480.13 … -0.65 3.01
Growth A Acc ‡@ 351.54 … -3.01 0.72
Sust Fixed Inc Opps F F Acc ‡@ 947.74 … -2.69 1.68
HSBC Specialist Investment Funds (OEIC) Income A Acc ‡@ 256.82 … -1.94 …
Sust Fixed Inc Opps F F Inc ‡@ 928.09 … -2.64 1.70
CIS UNIT MANAGERS LTD Sterling Bond Acc ‡@ 242.37 … +1.39 3.52
American Index Retail Acc ‡@ 931.44 … +1.42 0.90 Sust Fixed Inc Opps F I Acc ‡@ 945.12 … -2.72 1.48
08457 46 46 46 Sterling Bond Inc ‡@ 97.00 … +0.54 3.61
American Index Retail Inc ‡@ 755.85 … +1.15 0.87 Sust Fixed Inc Opps F I Inc ‡@ 927.90 … -2.67 1.50
European Gwth ‡@ 195.10 … -1.60 … Asian Gth Acc ‡@ 147.77 … -0.67 … US Adv F F Acc ‡@ 1655.23 … -15.39 …
Sus Leaders ‡@ 794.60 … +1.10 0.76 Asian Gth Inc ‡@ 130.99 … -0.59 … US Adv F F Acc (PH) ‡@ 980.34 … -36.29 …
UK Growth ‡@ 633.10 … -7.10 1.54 Chinese Eq Acc ‡@ 513.81 … -13.85 0.40 US Adv F I Acc ‡@ 1765.36 … -16.52 …
UK Income ‡@ 219.70 … -0.60 4.23 Chinese Eq Inc ‡@ 434.76 … -11.72 0.34 US Adv F I Acc (PH) ‡@ 1029.24 … -37.84 …
Euro Gth Acc ‡@ 973.97 … -10.00 … THREADNEEDLE INVESTMENTS
Euro Gth Inc ‡@ 817.05 … -8.39 … Client Serv: 0800 0683000
SANTANDER UNIT TST MGRS Intermediary Serv: 0800 0684000
08457 413002 Institutional Shares (Class 2) (163500,000 min)
Bal Pfolio Inc ‡@ 110.50 … … 2.41 UK Oseas Earns ‡@ 122.40 … -0.37 0.94
CLOSE FUND MANAGEMENT LTD IGNIS ASSET MGMT Bal Port Gwth Acc ‡@ 236.80 … -0.30 1.35
0870 606 6402 Dlg: 0141 222 8282 Equity Inc Inc ‡@ 218.40 … -6.60 …
Beacon Inv ‡ 84.88 … +0.45 0.01 American Gth Inc @ 322.55 340.42 +1.71 … N&P UK Gwth Inc ‡@ 182.80 … +6.00 3.09
Balanced Growth @ 262.17 276.69 -1.59 1.52 Target Return A Acc ‡@ 102.03 … +0.39 0.82 JUPITER UT MGRS LTD Stkmkt 100 Tkr @ 250.70 250.70 -3.90 …
Balanced Growth Acc @ 393.13 414.92 -2.40 … Target Return A Inc ‡@ 87.63 … -0.07 0.87 020 7581 3020 UK Growth Acc ‡@ 472.30 … -18.70 3.15
Managed Funds
Corporate Bond ‡@ 99.69 … -1.17 4.77 UK Alpha A Acc ‡@ 2641.38 … -12.60 1.21 UK Growth Inc ‡@ 257.60 … -10.20 3.22
European Growth @ 403.88 426.26 -1.19 … Absolute Return ‡@ 37.54 … -0.55 … Def Eqty & Bd Acc @ 128.00 128.00 +1.40 …
UK Blue Chip A Acc ‡@ 770.11 … +5.67 … Eqty & Bd Acc @ 179.90 179.90 +3.30 …
European Growth Acc @ 475.71 502.07 -1.47 2.24 Distribution and Growth ‡@ 99.83 … +0.54 …
Dealing: 020 7426 6232 UK Smaller Companies A Acc ‡@ 5837.00 … -148.78 … SCOTTISH MUTUAL INV MNGRS LTD Mgd Income @ 77.80 77.80 +1.83 …
Glob Gwth @ 331.53 349.90 +2.16 0.12 Emg Euro Opps ‡@ 145.34 … -72.04 4.19
UK Smaller Companies A Inc ‡@ 5235.43 … -133.45 … 0141 248 6100
Winchester ‡ 3617.63 … -42.43 0.28 Higher Yield @ 83.98 88.64 +0.86 4.43 Euro Special Sits ‡@ 445.30 … -4.19 …
Higher Yield Acc @ 275.04 290.28 +2.83 4.32 UK Special Situations A Acc ‡@ 1247.72 … -20.89 0.35 European Inc 1777.00 1873.48 +12.14 0.78
European ‡@ 2836.34 … -1.86 …
Japan @ 49.06 51.78 -2.35 … UK Special Situations A Inc ‡@ 456.47 … -7.64 0.35 Financial Opps ‡@ 747.92 … -3.96 0.44 Far Eastern Inc 584.69 617.09 +3.79 1.42
Managed @ 130.89 138.15 +0.95 0.66 Income Trust ‡@ 497.04 … -7.45 3.66 Intl Growth Inc 380.56 400.59 -0.13 0.75
Managed Trust @ 71.96 76.96 +1.59 … Merlin Bal (Acc) ‡@ 227.48 … -3.99 1.87 Japanese Inc 41.85 41.85 +0.57 0.56 Retail Shares (Class 1)
Mngd Pfolio Inc @ 95.54 100.84 +0.63 0.58 Merlin Gwth (Acc) ‡ 532.38 … -6.89 … Mutual European 2762.93 2908.99 -73.67 1.11 Threadneedle HY Bd Rtl Inc ‡@ 38.67 … -0.58 3.70
EDENTREE INV MGMT LTD Pacific Grth @ 498.71 526.34 -0.26 1.34 Mutual Far Eastern 962.96 1016.32 +24.12 0.58
Merlin Inc (Acc) ‡ 347.01 … -4.09 2.28 Threadneedle Mthly Etr Inc Rtl Inc ‡@ 81.78 … -0.21 3.08
0800 358 3010 Smaller Comp @ 756.24 798.14 -8.40 0.15 Mutual North Am 1983.00 2092.88 +19.24 0.24
Merlin Wwide (Inc) ‡ 378.28 … -5.48 … Threadneedle SterlingCorpBd Ins Inc ‡@ 59.36 … -0.08 1.76
Amity European A ‡ 301.30 … -6.00 1.42 Smaller Cos @ 628.94 663.79 -6.93 0.21 Mutual UK Eq 1377.13 1453.44 -8.02 … Threadneedle SterlingCorpBd Rtl Inc ‡@ 59.26 … -0.08 1.41
For ISIS Asset Mgmt see F&C Fd Mgmt Ltd (OEICS) UK Growth ‡@ 252.43 … +1.05 …
Amity International A ‡ 328.20 … -0.80 0.07 UK Special Sits (Inc) ‡@ 196.55 … -2.62 1.45 Nth American Inc 1227.65 1295.67 +29.21 … Threadneedle Stg Bd Ret Inc ‡@ 54.27 … +0.65 0.73
Amity Sterling Bond A ‡ 95.15 … -0.12 3.39 JANUS HENDERSON INVESTORS UK Equity Inc 586.54 619.04 -3.42 … Threadneedle Strat Bd Ret ‡@ 44.39 … -0.37 2.22
Amity UK A Inc ‡ 232.90 … -2.70 0.88 Threadneedle UK Eq Inc Rtl Inc ‡@ 98.63 … -0.44 3.15
Higher Income A ‡ 132.40 … -0.70 4.48 INSIGHT INVESTMENT FDS MANAGEMENT LTD Investors Serv: 0800 832 832 Dlng: 0845 946 4646
Threadneedle UK Growth & Inc Rtl Inc ‡@ 92.39 … -0.21 2.46
UK Equity Growth A ‡ 290.80 … -8.40 0.78 Client Servs: 0207 163 4000 SCOTTISH WIDOWS UNIT TRUST MGRS Threadneedle UK Insti Rtl ‡@ 178.77 … -0.62 1.32
Insight Investment Multi-Manager Funds All Stks Credit A Inc ‡@ 127.50 … +0.20 1.54 0845 300 2244 Threadneedle UK Mthly Inc Rtl Inc ‡@ 69.67 … -0.34 3.69
Asian Div Inc U Trst Inc ‡@90.49 … +0.89 7.01 Authorised Inv Funds (OEICs) Threadneedle UK Rtl Inc ‡@ 132.97 … +0.47 1.00
Well Bldr Bal Acc ‡@ 96.05 … +0.24 …
Well Bldr Gwth Acc ‡@ 93.79 … -0.32 … Cautious Man Fd A Acc ‡@ 291.10 … -1.10 … LEGAL & GENERAL (UT MGRS) LTD OEIC A Class Threadneedle UK Smaller Coms Rtl Inc ‡@ 406.79 … -6.56 …
Cautious Man Fd A Inc ‡@ 147.70 … -0.60 … Managed Investment Funds
Enquiries: 0870 050 0955 Dealing: 0870 050 0956
China Opp Fund A Acc ‡@ 1299.00 … +69.00 … Bal Port A Acc ‡@ 237.60 … -0.10 …
F & C FUND MANAGEMENT LTD (OEICS) Caut Port A Acc ‡@ 207.10 … +0.30 0.43
Emg Mkts Opps Fd A Acc ‡@ 207.50 … +5.20 … Equity Acc @ 2616.00 2639.00 +17.00 …
Enqs: 0870 601 6183 Dealing: 0870 601 6083 Caut Port A Inc ‡@ 152.00 … +0.30 0.60
INVESCO FUND MGRS LTD Erpn Grth Fund A Acc ‡@ 278.90 … -1.80 … Equity Dist @ 893.80 902.00 +5.60 …
Share Class 1 - Retail Opps Port A Acc ‡@ 280.20 … -0.70 …
Dling: 0800 085 8571 Inv Serv: 0800 085 8677 Euro Ind Acc ‡@ 484.90 … -4.50 1.35 For Resolution see Ignis
Corporate Bd ‡@ 54.47 … -0.06 1.65 Erpn Sel Opps Fd A Acc ‡@ 2089.00 … -5.00 0.29
Brkr Serv: 0800 028 2121 Euro Ind Inc ‡@ 325.50 … -3.00 1.37 Prog Port A Acc ‡@ 266.60 … -0.50 … TU FUND MANAGERS LIMITED
Emerging Mkts ‡@ 127.70 … +3.00 … INVESCO Funds Fix Int Mnthly Inc Fd Acc ‡@ 31.01 … -0.26 4.09
Fixed Int Acc ‡@ 144.00 … … 1.60 British 873.60 873.60 -3.90 …
Euro Gwth & Inc 1 ‡@ 1142.00 … +13.00 … Global Equity Fund Acc ‡@ 4519.00 … +42.00 …
UK Str Inc N/Trl ‡@ 323.57 … -2.78 7.05 Fixed Int Dist ‡@ 68.74 … +0.01 1.62 European 210.70 219.40 +3.90 …
Extra Inc Bond ‡@ 45.85 … -0.33 1.71 Global Equity Income A Inc ‡@ 65.95 … +0.47 2.97 Overseas Growth Investment Funds
Glob Gwth Acc @ 243.90 243.90 +0.60 1.15
FTSE All-Shr Track ‡@ 429.70 … -3.30 … Global Tech A Acc ‡@ 3010.00 … +72.00 … Eur Sel Gth A Acc ‡@ 3357.00 … -78.00 …
Glob Health Acc ‡@ 107.60 … -0.70 0.69
Global Gwth SC1 ‡@ 306.90 … +2.20 … This list contains unit trusts and Oeics widely held
Instl UK Idx Opps A Acc ‡@ 111.31 … -0.91 2.55 Glob Tech Acc ‡@ 90.95 … -1.43 0.08
High Inc Trst @ 11.87 12.51 … 5.38 by private investors. The weekly price change is
Max Inc Bond ‡@ 45.40 … -0.62 2.46 INVESCO PERPETUAL Funds M-Asset Abs Ret A Acc ‡@ 164.60 … -0.30 … Gwth Tst Acc @ 106.00 106.50 -2.10 0.17 based on a Friday-to-Thursday trading period.*
High Inc Acc ‡@ 129.70 … -1.60 5.06 Tracker and Specialist Investment Funds Yield expressed as CAR (Compound Annual
Multi Man Caut ‡@ 70.41 … +0.79 3.18 Childrens Acc ‡@ 475.73 … -2.43 … M-Man Active Fd A Acc ‡@ 262.90 … -0.70 …
Japan Ind Acc ‡@ 65.64 … +0.72 1.41 UK Trkr A Acc ‡@ 367.90 … -5.60 … Return); † Ex dividend; ‡ Middle price; . . . No sig-
Multi Man Distr ‡@ 60.44 … +0.45 3.37 Corp Bond Acc ‡@ 209.91 … +0.08 2.22 M-Man Inc Grth A Inc ‡@ 154.70 … -0.80 … nificant data. # Periodic charge deducted from cap-
North Amer ‡@ 852.30 … +3.90 … High Income Inc ‡@ 321.75 … -2.61 2.45 Pacific Ind Acc ‡@ 208.50 … +1.60 2.22 UK Trkr A Inc ‡@ 188.30 … -2.80 2.58
M-Man Inc Grth Fd A Acc ‡@ 193.60 … -1.00 … ital; @ Exit charge
Pacific Gwth ‡@ 499.60 … +16.40 … Income & Grth Inc ‡@ 430.06 … +0.24 1.26 UK 100 Ind Acc @ 180.90 180.90 +7.60 …
Sterling Bond U Trst Acc ‡@ 225.30 … +0.40 1.18
Strategic Bd ‡@ 200.70 … -1.30 0.64 Income Inc ‡@ 1255.16 … -9.98 2.75 UK Active Opps Acc @ 249.90 252.90 +1.80 …
Sterling Bond U Trst Inc ‡@ 62.33 … +0.11 1.19 UK and Income Investment Funds
Data as shown is
UK Equity ‡@ 3364.00 … +16.00 … Money Acc ‡@ 90.82 … +0.02 … UK Index Acc ‡@ 337.00 … -2.50 2.69
Strategic Bond A Inc ‡@ 114.60 … -0.30 3.15 for information
UK Gwth & Inc Acc 1 ‡@ 658.50 … +2.90 … Monthly Inc Plus Inc ‡@ 100.24 … -0.57 4.76 UK Index Dist ‡@ 165.60 … -1.30 2.75 Corp Bond A Acc ‡@ 316.90 … -2.20 1.31
UK Gwth & Inc Dist ‡@ 234.70 … +1.00 … UK Aggressive Inc ‡@ 154.28 … +0.90 … UK Abs Ret Fd A Acc ‡@ 165.40 … +0.60 … US Ind Acc ‡@ 816.90 … -14.60 0.61 Corp Bond A Inc ‡@ 119.90 … -0.80 1.32
purposes only. No offer is made by
UK Smaller Cos ‡@ 1114.00 … -10.00 … UK Growth Acc ‡@ 856.52 … -10.58 … UK Alpha Fund A Acc ‡@ 148.70 … -4.40 0.31 Worldwide Acc ‡@ 344.80 … -2.50 0.49 Envir Invtr A Acc ‡ 378.10 … -0.50 1.34 Morningstar or this publication
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 67

Money

Best buys Data supplied by

Savings Mortgages Personal loans

Easy access (without introductory bonus) First-time buyer mortgages Fixed monthly repayment on £10,000 for 5 years
Provider Contact Account Min AER Redmptn
Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee Charge Rep Amount per Total
Chase via website The Chase Saver £1 1.50%
Rate LTV Until Provider Contact APR month repaid
Aldermore via website Double Access 1 £1,000 1.25% Barclays Mortgage 0333 202 7580 2.67%F to 31.5.24 95% - To 31.5.24 Tesco Bank via website 2.8% £178.64 £10,718.40
Zopa via website Smart Saver £1 1.20% Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.89%F for 2 years 95% - 1st 2 yrs TSB 0345 835 3861 2.8% £178.64 £10,718.40
Tandem Bank via website Instant Saver £1 1.10% Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.74%F for 3 years 95% £999 1st 3 yrs MBNA Ltd via website 2.8% £178.64 £10,718.40
Al Rayan Bank A via website Everyday Saver (2) £2,500 1.10% Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.89%F for 3 years 95% - 1st 3 yrs Santander via website 2.8% £178.64 £10,718.40
Long-term fixed rates first direct 0800 482448 2.94%F for 5 years 95% - 1st 5 yrs Borrowing rates and availability of products are subject to individual credit ratings.

Provider Contact Account Min AER Remortgages

Oxbury Bank via website Bond - 4 (5 yr) £1,000 2.60% F
Redmptn Credit cards
Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee charge
PCF Bank via website Term Deposit 28 (5 yr) £1,000 2.60% F Rate LTV until Introductory rate for balance transfers
United Trust Bank via website UTB 5 Year Bond £5,000 2.60% F Barclays Mortgage 0333 202 7580 2.48% F to 31.5.24 75% - To 31.5.24 Bal trans Purch
Oxbury Bank via website Bond - 4 (4 yr) £1,000 2.55% F Cambridge BS 0345 601 3344 2.49% F for 2 years 80% - 1st 2 yrs Provider Contact Product name Transfer fee APR
United Trust Bank via website UTB 4 Year Bond £5,000 2.55% F Yorkshire BS 0345 120 0874 2.48% F to 31.7.25 75% £495 To 31.7.25 Virgin Money 0800 389 2875 Balance Transfer CC MC 0% 1st 34 mths 2.70% 21.9%
Santander 0800 912 3123 Everyday Long Term MA 0% 1st 33 mths 2.65% 21.9%
Easy access cash Isas Cumberland BS 01228 403141 2.37% F to 1.8.27 85% £999 To 1.8.27
first direct 0800 482448 2.69% V for term 75% £490 None HSBC 0345 7404 404 Balance Transfer CC V 0% 1st 33 mths 2.70% 21.9%
Provider Contact Account Min AER
Cynergy Bank via website Online Isa (22) £1 1.05% Short-term fixed-rate mortgages Sainsbury's Bank 08085 40 50 60 Balance Transfer CC MC 0% 1st 33 mths 2.89% 21.9%
M&S Bank 0800 997996 Transfer Plus Offer MC 0% 1st 32 mths 1.99% 21.9%
Marcus by Goldman Sachs® via website Cash Isa £1 1.00% B Redmptn
Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee Charge
SAGA via website Saga Cash Isa £1 1.00% B
Rate LTV Until Introductory rate for purchases
Al Rayan Bank A via website Instant Access Isa (3) £50 1.00% first direct 0800 482448 2.29% for 2 years 60% £490 1st 2 yrs Introductory Purch
Shawbrook Bank via website Easy Access Isa - 20 £1,000 0.92% first direct 0800 482448 2.29% for 2 years 75% £490 1st 2 yrs Provider Contact Product name Term APR

Fixed-cash Isas first direct 0800 482448 2.49% for 2 years 90% £490 1st 2 yrs Barclaycard 0800 151 0900 Platinum All-Rounder Visa 0% 1st 24 mths 21.9%
Yorkshire BS 0345 120 0874 2.54% to 31.7.25 75% - To 31.7.25 Sainsbury's Bank 0808 540 5060 Dual Offer CC MC 0% 1st 24 mths 21.9%
Provider Contact Account Min AER
Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.44% for 3 years 90% £999 1st 3 yrs M&S Bank 0800 997 996 Shopping Plus Offer MC 0% 1st 24 mths 21.9%
Skipton BS via website Fixed Isa (5 yr) £500 2.10% F
Tesco Bank 0345 300 4278 Clubcard CC Purchases MC 0% 1st 23 mths 20.9%
Gatehouse Bank A via website Woodland Isa (5 yr) £1,000 2.10% F Long-term fixed-rate mortgages
HSBC 0345 7404 404 Purchase Plus CC Visa 0% 1st 23 mths 22.9%
Hampshire Trust Bank via website Isa Bond (3) (3 yr) £1 2.05% F Redmptn
United Trust Bank via post Isa Bond (7 yr) £15,000 2.05% F Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee Charge
Coventry BS via website Isa (173) (30.9.26) £1 2.00% F
Rate LTV Until Cashback credit card
first direct 0800 482448 2.34% 1st 5 years 75% £490 1st 5 yrs
Purchase
Lifetime cash Isas Cumberland BS 01228 403 141 2.37% to 1.8.27 85% £999 To 1.8.27 Provider Contact Product name APR Cashback
Provider Contact Account Min AER first direct 0800 482448 2.64% 1st 5 years 90% £490 1st 5 yrs American Express 0800 917 8047 Platinum Cashback 30.0% 0.75% - 1.25% standard
Moneybox via website Cash Lifetime Isa £1 0.85% B Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.24% for 10 years 60% £999 1st 10 yrs Intro 5%/3mth (max £125)
Nationwide BS 0800 302010 2.49% for 10 years 75% £999 1st 10 yrs American Express 0800 917 8047 Plat Cashback Everyday 24.7% 0.50% - 1.00% standard
Beehive Money via website Homebuyer Lifetime Isa £1 0.80%
Intro 5%/3mth (max £100)
Beehive Money via website Retirement Lifetime Isa £1 0.80% Variable-rate mortgages Halifax 0345 944 4555 Cashback CC MC 19.9% Standard 0.25% - 0.50%
Paragon Bank via website Cash Lifetime Isa (3) £1 0.70% Redmptn on spend over £1 a year
Skipton BS via website Online Lifetime Isa 4 £1 0.50% Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee Charge Lloyds Bank 0345 602 1997 Cashback CC MC 19.9% Standard 0.25% - 0.50%
Rate LTV Until on spend over £1 a year
Regular savings accounts first direct 0800 482448 2.69% term 75% £490 None Barclaycard 0800 151 0900 Rewards Visa 22.9% Standard 0.25% on
Provider Contact Account Min AER first direct 0800 482448 2.84% term 75% - None spend over £1 per year
Mntly
first direct 0800 482448 3.14% term 80% £490 None Borrowing rates and products are subject to credit ratings. Terms apply to all cashback
NatWest via website Digital Regular Saver £0 3.30% V
Bank of China (UK) 0800 389 5566 3.24% term 80% £1,295 1st yr
Royal Bank of Scotland via website Digital Regular Saver £0 3.30% V
first direct 0800 482448 3.79% term 90% £490 None Current accounts
Nationwide BS via website Flex Regular Saver £0 2.50% V
Melton BS via branch Regular Saver 1 £0 2.00% V Buy-to-let Mortgages Credit interest
Saffron BS via website Small Saver (3) £1 2.00% F Redmptn Account
Provider Contact Initial Period Max Fee Charge Provider Contact Account name Fee AER
Pension annuities Rate LTV Until Halifax 0345 720 3040 Reward Current Account None £5 pm C
Principality BS 0330 333 4002 1.80% D to 31.8.24 75% - To 31.8.24 TSB 0345 975 8758 Spend & Save None £5 pm B
Single life Mansfield BS 01623 676345 2.54% D for 3 years 75% £1,499 1st 3 yrs Virgin Money 0800 678 3654 M Plus Account None 2.02%
Provider Contact Age 60 Age 65 Age 70 Leeds BS 0345 045 4049 2.15% F to 31.7.24 60% £999 To 31.7.24 Nationwide BS 0800 30 20 10 FlexDirect None 2% B
Canada Life 0345 300 3199 £2,356.68 £2,700.60 £3,138.36 Virgin Money 0330 057 1701 2.20% F to 1.8.25 75% £1,995 To 1.8.25 The Co-op Bank 0345 721 2212 Current Everyday Rewards None £1 pm C
Legal & General 0345 765 4465 £2,351.28 £2,660.16 £3,063.72 Barclays Mortgage 0800 197 1081 2.32% F to 31.5.27 75% £1,295 To 31.5.27
Aviva 0800 015 5064 £2,170.90 £2,621.42 £2,960.07 The selections above are based on a combination of initial rate, fee and incentive available. Arranged overdrafts
Just 0345 302 2287 £2,233.80 £2,594.04 £2,958.72 Account 0% OD
National Savings & investments Provider Contact Account name Fee EAR Limit
Starling Bank via website Current Account None 15% £0
Notice or Min AER Interest
Joint life Term Paid first direct 0345 600 2424 1st Account None 39.9% £250
Provider Contact Male: Age 60 Age 65 Age 70 Accounts and bonds Virgin Money 0800 678 3654 M Plus Account None 19.9% £0
Female: Age 55 Age 60 Age 65
Green Bonds 2 3 Yr Bnd £100 1.30% Yearly Lloyds Bank 0800 015 4000 Club Lloyds £3pm 27.5% £50
Canada Life 0345 300 3199 £2,029.56 £2,241.48 £2,553.60
Direct Saver None £1 0.50% Yearly TSB 0345 975 8758 Spend & Save Plus £3pm 39.9% £100
Legal & General 0345 765 4465 £1,950.24 £2,183.04 £2,400.36 Current account interest rates paid up to a specified level, terms may apply to qualify for
Income Bonds None £500 0.50% Monthly rates shown. A = Provider operates under Islamic finance principles, rate shown is expected
Aviva 0800 015 5064 £1,746.31 £2,035.95 £2,238.65
profit rate. B =Introductory rate. C = Paid net of income tax. F = Fixed rate. D = Discounted
Just 0345 302 2287 £1,793.40 £2,007.96 £2,244.00 Tax free products variable rate. V = Variable rate. All savings rates are shown as AER variable unless otherwise
stated. Methods of opening and operating accounts will vary. All rates and terms are subject
Junior Isa Age 18 £1 1.50% Yearly to change without notice. No liability accepted for any loss arising from the use of, or reliance
Based on a pension pot of £50,000 Direct Isa None £1 0.35% Yearly upon, this information. Readers who are not financial professionals should seek expert advice.
Visit moneyfacts.co.uk for full details
68 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money
Dividend yields Please note dividend yields are 12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price
supplied by Morningstar. The yield is the sum of a High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E

company’s trailing 12-month dividend payments 37K 30Y LMS Capital 35N … 2.5 15.3 5352W 3670 Berkeley 4080 + 32 0.2 10.6 1418 842K Safestore 1260 – 18 1.6 7.1 420 288 Castings 322 – 1 4.7 15.5
divided by the last month’s ending share price 8504 6370 Lond Stk Ex Gp‡ 7916 + 44 0.9 80.9 1724 1194 Big Yellow Group 1430 – 27 2.3 9.4 1450 1051 Savills‡ 1083 – 12 1.5 13.9 13O 4N Chamberlinv 4O … … -0.3
12 month high and low Please note the 12 month high 248K 178N M&G 214V – V 8.5 66.9 334 196 Billington Hldgsv 233 … 1.8 18.9 7K 5N Secure Propertyv 6N … … 16.5 66 36K Checkitv 36K – 1K … -4.4
and low figures for shares supplied by Morningstar are 243K 161V Man‡ 235 + 2 3.5 9.4 340 258 Boot (Henry) 324 … 1.7 17.3 1436K 989W Segro‡ 1342K – 18K 1.6 3.9 678 449K Cohortv 544 … 2.0 48.3
based on intra-day figures, not closing prices. 9N 7N Manx Finv 8K … 2.0 4.3 556W 463 Br Land 517O + 8O 2.9 70.9
63K 33 SIG 41K + 4O … … 2710 1275 Dewhurstv 1385 – 5 0.9 15.9
113 70K SigmaRocv 75 + 1K … … 380 271 Dialight 360 – 10 … …
4K 1V Marechale Capv 3 … … 1.4 152K 110 Caledonian Tstv 142K – 5 … 36.5
12 month Price 12 month Price 144 94 Sirius Real Estate 121W + 2O 2.6 9.4 2018X 1132W Electrolux 'B' 1230 – 55V 5.3 9.3
14365K 10674O Marsh McLn 13280 – 396X 1.1 29.3 186N 149O Cap & Count Prop 165W + 2X 0.3 48.6
High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E
161K 122K Smart (J) 160K … 2.0 6.1
892K 700 Mattioli Woodsv 735 … 2.8 … 91N 54 Cap & Regnl 57 – 1 … -0.5 1N K Feedbackv X … … -3.6
61 26 Steppe Cementv 35 … 10.8 8.0
Automobiles & parts 59K
X
53 Downing ONE VCT
W Drumzv
58K
X
…
…
4.2
… -8.7
7.9 32K 17O Metal Tigerv 19 – K … 4.4 2170 1850 Cardiff Prop 2170 + 40 0.8 23.6
182Y 124O Taylor Wimpey‡ 126Y – X 6.5 8.3
1550

3935
842 Gooch Hsegov

2800 Goodwin
842

3350
…

– 135
0.5 62.3

3.0 18.5
133 79V Metro Bank 88V + 1X … -0.7 40 22O Carecapitalv 24 + K … -2.8
176O 103O EFG-Hermes Hldg 160O – 16 … 10.3 164 120 Town Centre 154K + K 2.2 …
2201 758V Aston Martin Lag 853W + 2K … -5.1 3216 2217 Halma 2475 + 20 0.7 35.8
435 251 EPE Special Oppsv 251 … … 14.0 1911V 1448X Nat Aust Bk 1846Y + 24Y 2.6 18.3 183 118K Clarke T‡ 149 + 3 2.9 16.7
1900N 1219 Travis Perkins‡ 1228K – 38K 0.9 11.9
908O 640O FBD‡ 852O … … 3.7 1902 1214 Hill & Smith 1384 – 2 1.9 54.7
Banking & finance
253K 189N NWG‡ 218 – 4Y 2.7 9.5 262 185V CLS Hldgs‡ 205 … 3.6 7.0
249 188O Tritax Big Box REIT Plc243O – 2K 2.6 5.7
90 67K Fiskev 72K … … 12.9 125 41K Holders Techv 125 … 0.4 …
398 238 Numisv 250K – 23K 4.7 5.1 571K 238 Countryside Prop 251W + 5V … 18.3
83K 50N Frenkel Toppingv 76K … 1.7 44.4 124 95Y TRITAX EUROBOX PLC 101O – 2V … …
4N 1O Image Scanv 2 – W … 12.3
299 179 abrdn‡ 189N + 1Y 7.7 4.1 725 458K Georgia Capital 608 + 1 … 0.9 599 418O Onesavings Bank‡ 561K + 1K 2.5 9.0 76N 17X Craven Housev 19 … … -0.4 507 276 Tyman‡ 276 + 2K 1.4 10.6
3688 2439 Admiral 2524 + 1 6.0 12.8 1005 765 Gresham Housev 945 … 0.6 37.9 1838 1273 IMI‡ 1355 + 5 1.6 18.5
N … Origo Partnersv# … … … -0.2 4002 2910K CRH‡ 3217K + 39K 2.6 13.3 1346K 836 Vistry Group‡ 836K – 5K 2.3 8.8
88K 53 ADVFNv 70 + 4 2.1 12.2
360 244 H&T Groupv 350 – 2K 2.4 11.2 … … Inspirit Energyv … … … -4.1
444 249K AJ Bell 249K – W 2.8 23.3 741 522 PayPoint 579 – 5 5.5 18.1 3802 2883 Derwent London‡ 3016 – 28 2.4 65.4 176O 132V Warehouse REITv 160W – 3 3.8 3.7
26818K 18231W Aon Corpn 23781Y – 1502V 0.6 58.0 65 45K Hansard Global 48 + N 9.2 16.5
8640 5740 Judges Scientificv 6700 – 20 0.8 33.8
41 21K Appreciate Groupv 25O … 3.8 11.2 1772 917V Hargreaves L 917V – 20V 4.2 16.3 24 8N PCF Groupv# 8K … … -4.0 4K 3N Dolphin Capitalv 3K + V … -2.4 971 604K Workspace Grp 667 – 1K 2.6 -9.9
1155 820 Arbuthnot Bkgv‡ 1000 … … 57.4 80K 57K LPAv 73 … … …
195 142K Helios Underv 181 + 3K 1.6 … 752 581O Phoenix Gp‡ 609 + 4K 7.9 -7.0 35K 28K First Propv 35 + K 1.2 … 750 605 Wynnstay Propsv 665 – 5 3.1 4.8
26K 14 Arden Partnersv 15K – K … 3.8 567V 359O HSBC 501N + 7N 3.2 10.9 839V 397 Meggitt 775 + 2 … …
21 14 Argo Groupv 14 … … 6.4 381K 210K Provident‡ 256O + 3V … -5.9 52K 32K Fletcher Kingv 47K – 5 … …

Consumer goods
945 717 IG Group 815K + K 5.3 8.3
412 218V Ashmore Gp 222O + 2V 7.5 7.6 195O 109N Melrose‡ 118 + 1X 0.7 …
1482 745 Impaxv 871 + 38 1.1 28.7 1579N 981 Prudential‡ 1010 + 4K 1.1 16.4 63 31 Foxtons Group 42V + O … …
1679X 1411X Aus New Z 1545N + 11Y 3.6 14.0
412K 280K Morgan Advanced‡ 282K – 5K 1.9 18.7
458V 370Y Aviva 433N + 2 4.9 57.0 2379 1385 Intermed Cap 1547K + 23 3.6 8.8 3O Y Quantum Blockchain techv2X … … … 206V 120K Galliford Try 175 … 2.6 38.8
300K 214K Banco Santander‡ 232Y … 2.7 6.3 155W 90 IPF‡ 96 – 1O 2.2 6.7 6O 4N Agriterrav 6 … … -0.7 647 416 Mpacv 495 – 7 … 23.8
1670 986 Bank of Georgia 1228 – 28 … 3.8 168Y 114K Quilter PLC 131O + 1N 4.0 94.1 801 434 Genuit Group‡ 452 + 7 1.0 29.1
174W 155X Intl Public Pntshp‡ 167 + 5 4.4 21.4 35 25 Aireav 28 … … 12.4 300 145 MS Intlv 297 – 3 1.1 42.4
217 140K Barclays 148V + 1Y 2.0 3.6
536O 270K Investec 473 + 3X 2.7 11.8 188 141 Randall & Quilterv 154K … 2.5 … 900 576 Gleeson (MJ) 600 – 16 2.5 9.3
K … Blue Star Capitalv N … … 6.7 926 562 Anglo-Eastern 876 + 16 … 8.0 200 101K Northbrdg Indv 190K + 1K … …
359 288 BP Marsh&Ptnrsv 294 … 0.8 8.1 316 281 Investment Co 304 – 2 0.3 10.9 2210 1518 Rathbone Grp‡ 2100 + 20 3.4 26.2 1412 953 Grafton Gp Uts‡ 979O – 1V 3.6 11.3
79 11O Braveheart Invv 14K – 1N … 0.3 155V 79 IP Group 83W – 1 1.2 3.1 420 270 Animalcarev 322K … 1.2 … 2680 1760 Oxford Inst 2330 + 60 0.7 31.8
517 266 Brewin Dolphin 513 … 2.8 28.0 2V 1 RiverFort Global Oppsv 1V … 1.6 3.5 335 269O Grainger 296K – 6V 1.8 18.4
365 213K Jarvis Securitiesv 225 – 10 6.0 16.1 2369 1548K AB Foods 1606K – 8K 0.3 26.5 4063Y 2067 Philips El nv 2100X + 44K 3.4 37.3
569 266K Bridgepoint‡ 306V + 2O … …
298V 178V Jupiter Fund Mgmt‡ 178V + N 9.6 6.6 … … Rockwood Realisation … … … … 741 629 Gr Portland 684K – 8 1.8 -8.5
90 53 Cenkos Secsv 69 … 5.0 14.0 140V 103W Bakkavor Group‡ 105O – 1V 6.2 11.0 36K 5X PipeHawkv 21K + K … 45.7
111W 75K Just Group‡ 85 + 1N … -5.9
317 256K Chesnara‡ 288K + 4K 7.6 9.5 2950 2200 S & U 2370 – 100 3.8 11.1 44N 28Y Hammerson‡ 28Y + V 1.3 -1.6 582 466 Barr (AG) 581 + 8 … 20.6
725 346K Lancashire Hdgs 424V + K 2.7 … 101K 63K Pressure Techv 94 … … -7.8
76 46K City of Lon Gpv 49 – 2 … -3.3
3N 1X Sancus Lending Grpv 1X … … -0.4 191 126K Harworth Gp 168 + 8 1.0 6.2 5X 1X Bidstack Groupv 3V … … -2.6
560 400 City Lon Inv Gp 469 + 6K 7.0 11.0 307O 238Y Legal & Gen‡ 252 + 1Y 7.0 7.7 6265 3704 Renishaw 4254 + 116 1.5 24.2
1645 1072 Close Bros 1110 + 6 5.4 8.3 53798W 502X Liberty Group 502X – 2X … 26.7 60O 44 Schroder REIT 57N – 1V 4.4 6.1 600 350 Heath (Samuel)v 600 … 1.1 12.4 200 69 Brand Architektsv 69 … … -2.8 34 19K Renoldv 26O … … 9.5
505 219K CMC Markets 290 + 10 10.5 8.8
2485 1090 Liontrust 1170 + 22 4.0 14.6
778K 425K Commerzbk 527O + 7V … -2.8 3871 2817 Schroders‡ 2840 – 2 4.0 14.3 497 374 Helical PLC 438 – 2 2.3 10.5 3439 2512K Brit Amer Tob‡ 3352 + 22 6.4 11.3
147W 82W Rolls-Royce 83N … … 56.6
1222X 751Y Deutsche Bk 808O + N … 10.3 62 42 Livermore Invsv 50V … 7.0 3.2
2735 1732 Schroders N/V‡ 2365 + 30 4.8 11.9 1005 825 Highcroft Invs‡ 945 … 5.4 6.3 1006 741 Britvic 857 + 2 3.2 22.2
316W 250Y Direct Line Ins‡ 253X – 2O 8.7 9.6 55V 41N Lloyds Bkg Gp‡ 45Y – W 2.7 6.1 3O 1K Ross Gp 1K … … -3.6
2264 1525K Burberry Grp 1591 + 18 2.6 13.6
373W 285V Rotork‡ 292O – 9W 3.4 26.6

Investment companies 298

15W
178N C&C Grp

7 Capital Metalsv
209

7Y
–

…
K …

… -2.1
…
217 137K SDI Groupv 149 – 1 … 24.5

181 101Y Senior 128 + K … 22.3

12 month Price Yld Dis(-) 12 month Price Yld Dis(-) 167K 136 Carr's Grp‡ 146 + 2N 3.3 18.0
High Low Company (p) +/- % or Pm High Low Company (p) +/- % or Pm 82K 62 Severfield 67K + V 4.2 12.0
705 465 Character Grpv 585 … 1.5 10.4
16K 11N Six Hundredv 15K … … 90.6
1477 1069 3I Group 1325 + 7K 3.2 6.6 395 298 Invesco Asia Tr 332K + 4K 4.3 -11.1 2025 1300 Churchill Chinav 1475 … … …
1905O 1185K SKF B 1320W – 1V 4.1 9.9
368K 248O 3i Infrastructure 351K + 2 3.5 22.2 200 157 Invesco BondInc 175 – 2 5.9 -1.0
2784 1460K Coca Cola HBC 1637K + 8K 3.2 13.0
104K 93V Abrdn Div I&G 101K + K 4.6 -15.7 176 154 IPST Bal 157K – 2K … -6.5 270 175 Slingsby (HC)v 175 … … 2.9
1622O 1134 Aberforth Smlr 1350 + 2 2.2 -13.1 250 210 IPST Gbl Eq 228 … 2.8 -7.1 705 470 Colefaxv 675 + 15 … 11.9
104Y 96 IPST Managed 98 – 1 0.9 -8.2 1635 1355K Smiths‡ 1477K + 18 2.5 23.4
1084Y 867O Alliance 973 + 3 1.7 -7.7 4148 3178 Cranswick 3178 – 264 2.2 16.7
540 403N Asia Dragon Tr 441K + 13K 1.2 -10.7 199Y 168 IPST UK Eq 176 – 2 3.3 -9.2 1405 860 Solid Statev 1120 – 25 1.4 26.9
260 210 Athelney Trust 225 … 3.5 -14.6 664 453 IP UKSmallerCos 514 … … -14.3 228K 179W Devro 210 + K 7.2 12.8
1118 169 AVI Global Trust 193V + 1W 1.5 -10.3 788 618V JPM American 747 – 14 0.8 -2.4 598 415 Somero Enterv‡ 435 – 5 4.9 10.9
4103K 3190 Diageo 4018K + 29 1.8 30.9
506 257K Baillie Gifford Ch Gr 289K + 19 2.2 -6.9 513 350 JPM Asia 368 + 2 4.5 -9.3 4083 2458 Spectris 2950 + 38 2.3 9.7
171 90 Baillie Gifford Eu Gr 97 + 2 0.3 -10.7 731 295K JPM Chinese 350K + 21 5.9 -3.8 2O 1V Distilv 1X … … 41.2
1109K 747N Baillie Gifford Jpn Tr 768 – 2 0.7 -4.0 952 610N JPM Claverhs 723 + 10 4.1 -0.8 17135 10985 Spirax-Sarco‡ 12150 – 10 0.9 43.6
1085 672 Evans (M.P.)v‡ 944 + 22 2.9 8.1
269V 146V Baillie Gifford SN 150W – K … -3.4 105 99 JPM Elect Mg C 101O … 0.2 -0.9
68K 37 Surface Trsfmsv 53 … … …
257 161Y Baillie Gifford UK Gr 174V + 1 1.2 -12.2 1115N 911K JPM Elect Mg G 1005 + 10 1.6 -3.4 102 66K Finsbury Foodv 72 … 3.3 8.5
150K 96 Bankers 105O – V 1.9 -7.1 111 92K JPM Elect Mg I 103K … 4.3 -3.0 2Y 1K Tanfieldv 2 … … -5.5
12220 6365 Games Workshop‡ 7410 + 115 3.4 20.4
4540 3200 BH Macro 4250 – 35 … 11.2 140N 98W JPM Em Mkts 109 + 2V 1.0 -11.3
1289N 856W Glanbia‡ 966N + 32O 2.4 23.8 520 378 Thorpe FWv 467K + 5 1.2 32.5
1484 843Y Biotech Growth 846 … … -8.3 588 369 JPM Euro disc 434 + 5 1.2 -16.3
140N 85 BlckRck Com Inc 130 + 1K 3.2 -1.5 155 118K JPM GEMI 129K + O 3.3 -12.5 6V 2N TP Groupv 2K … … -3.8
170O 113K Greencore 114K … … 22.9
140 112O BlckRck Fro Inv 135K – 2K 3.6 -9.3 475 405 JPM GG&I 457 + 3K 3.5 0.1
865 686 JPM Indian 800 + 4 … -20.4 536 330 Headlam 363 – 7 0.5 21.3 122K 67 Transense Techv 71 … … 52.2
732 436N BlckRck Grt Euro 505 + 2 1.1 -3.4
200 160 BlckRck Inc & Gwth 187 … 3.5 -9.8 568W 334Y JPM Jap Sml Co 348 – 1K 5.4 -5.0 3370 2004 Ultra Electrncs 3264 + 44 2.9 23.9
1250 1004 Hilton Food 1218 – 2 1.8 25.4
453 310 BlckRck Latin Am 405K + 9 4.2 -7.8 732 458K JPM Japan# 468 + 3 0.9 -6.2
1585V 885 JPM Mid Cap 1026 + 18 2.4 -13.3 59 32K Hornbyv 35 … … … 590 318 Vesuvius‡ 323W + 1V 5.3 14.2
213 177 BlckRck Sustain Amer 210 – K 4.6 -5.0
2230N 1412N BlckRck Smlr 1552 – 2 1.8 -13.2 110N 95V JPM Multi-asset G&I 102K + K 4.7 -1.9 1615 1060 Vitec‡ 1242 + 22 1.2 22.7
1818K 1470 Imperial Brands 1666 + 22K 8.2 5.5
894 76 JPM Russian 107K – N 108.3 123.0
1046 621O BlckRck Throgmorton 654 … 1.4 -6.3
478W 267 JPM Smllr Co 315 + 1K 1.5 -13.6 1Y Y J Lewis Hfordv 1K … … 9.4 493K 237 Volexv 260 – K 1.2 14.1
804Y 492 BlckRck Wld Min 723 + 22 5.6 -2.3
375 195K Keystone IT 228K + 4K 3.1 -11.2
31 12N Blue Plan Int Fn# 15K … 2.5 -10.8 10939K 8006 Kerry Gp‡ 8789V + 63 0.8 24.3 1988 1429 Weir‡ 1559 + 9 0.7 26.3
829 700 Law Debenture 796 + 5 3.6 1.3
341 269K BMO Cap&Inc 319 + K 3.6 -0.1
145 110 Lowland 132 + 2K 5.4 -5.3 94 33 McBride 36K + 1N … -6.5 5690 3185 XP Power 3220 + 40 2.8 17.2
118O 78 BMO Comm Prop 118V + 3W 3.2 -20.2
253V 180 Majedie 195 – 1K 4.5 -20.4
175V 138W BMO Glbl Smaller 156V + 1V 1.0 -11.3 407 200 Mulberry Groupv 295 + 15 … 12.2 195 138 Zytronicv 180 + 2K … 60.0
437 303 M Currie Port 325 + 4K 1.2 -2.6
520 364 BMO Priv Eq Ord 462 + 4 2.9 -27.4
130 105 Marwyn Val In 117 … 5.1 -33.0 1640 1105 Nicholsv‡ 1350 + 45 1.3 …
101 68V BMO Real Estate 96O – V 3.0 -24.3
101
108
77 BMO UK HIT
79 BMO UK HIT B
88K
90K
…
…
5.6
…
-4.8
-2.6
294K
591
185V Mercantile IT
485 Merchants
207
569
+
–
1K
2
2.7
4.8
-13.9
1.4 1731K 1180 St James Place‡ 1298 + 19K 3.8 34.3 239V 154 Ibstock‡ 189K + 3Y 2.1 24.6
341 240 Norcros 240 – 3 3.4 7.5
Health
870 679W Mid Wynd 770 + 2 0.8 0.4 350O 277N Origin Entsv 348X … 2.6 11.0
408 310N BMO UK HIT UNIT 348 … 4.1 -6.4 580O 410 Stand Chart‡ 551O + 4V 1.6 12.3
1482 969 Monks Inv Tst 1051 + 16 0.1 -8.5 314 229 James Halsteadv 248 + 8 3.3 25.9
1535 1090 Brown Advsr US Smlr1215 – 2K … -13.0 72 49 Pittardsv 59K – K … 63.3 1750 1171 Abcamv 1250 + 22 … …
226Y 129 Montanaro Eur Sml 147O + O 0.5 -6.7 18K 12 Starvestv 12K … … -2.0
1135 929V Brunner 1025 + 5 1.7 -12.1 1028 706 Keller 846 + 12 6.7 11.6
959K 738 Murray Income Trust 882 + 2 3.7 -5.4 37 25 STM Groupv 25 – 1 5.6 9.6 710 532 Portmeirionv‡ 560 – 5 … 23.9 341 256K AdvancedMedicalv 280K + 4K 0.6 44.1
4075 2960Y Caledonia Inv 3710 + 30 1.2 -26.9
1286 1038 Murray Int 1250 + 6 4.2 -4.1 9045O 6235X Kingspan Group‡ 7449O + 13W 0.4 29.2
200 157 Invesco BondInc 175 – 2 5.9 -1.0 4622 3897K Sun Life Can 4026K – 7W 3.3 10.3 1 X Provexisv O … … 0.4 38K 20K Allergy Therapv 23N … … …
98X 86 Nb Global Floating 86O – 1 4.9 -3.5
425O 363N City of Lon IT 416 + 2K 4.7 1.2 813V 653V Land Sec 752K + 7K 4.5 …
376 286N Pacific Assets 335 + 1 0.6 -10.3 6K 2W Tavistock Invv 5O … 0.8 0.9 269 182O PZ Cussons 205 – 1K 2.9 23.6 139 75 Anglev 103 + 1 … …
123K 97 Crystal Amber Fd 119K + K 8.3 -27.9
371N 253 Pantheon Int 316 + 4 … -28.1
534 336 Dunedin Entp 520 … 5.6 -6.1 1656 901 TBC Bank Group 1262 + 24 2.8 4.1 105 98N LIFE SCIENCE REITv 102N + N … … 200K 50 REA 170K – 4 … …
3125 2365 Pershing Sq 2760 + 5 0.7 -31.8 715 465 Anpariov 525 … 1.5 27.6
653K 547 Edinburgh IT 633 + 7 4.2 -8.4 30N 9Y Ternv 14 – X … …
51166 45560 Personal Assets 50300 + 450 1.1 -0.1 25 11 Lon & Assoc 22 … … -2.9 3W 1K Real Gd Fdv 1O … … 0.1 … … Aqua Bounty … … … …
367K 187X Edin Wwide 196K + 2 … -13.3
2760Y 1952 Polar Cap Tech 2040 + 15 … -15.6 31O 20 Time Financev 23K … … 14.3
313N 271 EP Global Opp 291K + 1K 1.8 -15.5 285V 223 London Metric Prop 269K – O 3.2 5.7 665 355 Tandemv 367K … 2.3 5.0
203 150 Prem Glb & Inf 191O + 4N 3.3 -11.5 10930 7398 AstraZeneca 10688 + 126 1.9 …
152 94V European Assets 107 + 1N 6.8 -4.5 1500 1070 Volverev 1070 – 20 … … 1315 900 Treatt 1058 + 2 0.5 42.4
140K 122Y Renewables Inf 135 + V 5.7 12.5 70K 40 Macau Prop Op 43Y … … -5.7
891 641 European Opp Tr 733 + 11 0.2 -15.0 46 28 Circassia Groupv 35W + Y … -7.3
3635N 2205O RIT Cap Ptnr 2530 + 80 … -8.3 58K 42 WH Irelandv 42 … … 23.6
945K 549 F&C Investment Tr 839 + 7 1.3 -12.6 5O 2K Ukrproduct Gpv 2O … … -1.8
688 289X Riverstone 680 + 54 … -45.0 841N 570Y Marshalls 612K + 12K 0.7 25.8 134 54 Creighton 60 + 1 1.9 11.5
510 406V Fidlty Asian Val 455 + 8 1.7 -11.8 36K 27K Walker Crips Grp 33 … 2.2 94.2
528 410 Schroder TotRt 434K + 10K 1.5 -4.6 670 35 Unbound Group plcv 39K … … 0.2
446 211K Fidelity China Sp 250K + 11K 1.6 -5.4 302 208 McKay Secs 282 + 2 2.9 18.6 5405 3506 Dechra Pharma 3638 + 64 1.1 54.3
640 485K Schrd Asia Pac 525 + 10 1.6 -12.1 4747O 3356V Wells Fargo 3566X – 31 1.2 9.7
947 610 Fdlty Emer Mkts 656Y + 12Y 1.7 -14.2 5097 4010 Unilever (NV) 4427 + 79 3.2 22.7
323 271O Schrod Inc Gwth 306 + 4 4.0 -3.5 1532N 1146X Westpac 1351 + 15O 3.5 18.3 148K 108 Michelmershv 119K … 2.0 16.7 1O 1V Deltex Medicalv 1N … … -9.8
384N 256K Fidlty Euro Val 298 … 2.0 -8.7 231 185Y Schrod Jap Gwth 198N – N 1.9 -10.8 4360 3328 Unilever 3719 + 44 3.8 19.0
268W 154K Fidlty Jap Tru 163O + N … -7.6 31X 26X Worsley Investors Ltd 28K … … 89.3 2685 2000 Morgan Sindall‡ 2175 – 15 3.2 10.6 48W 20K e-Therapeuticsv 26X + X … …
809 489 Schrod UKMid 577 + 1 2.1 -15.4
312 247 Fidlty Spec Val 282K + 1 2.3 -2.4 1210 640 Victoriav 640 + 30 … …
37 22N Schroder UK PP Tr 25N … … -34.3 38144K 29357V Zurich Fincl 36589O + 287V 4.4 14.3 395 127K Eco Animal Hlthv 145 – 5 0.6 17.6
928 746 Fins Gwth & Inc 834 + 5 2.8 -7.1 14750 11600 Mountview 13500 … 3.1 16.8
546 437O Scot American 503 + 2 2.5 -0.7

Engineering
140N 94K GCP Infrastructure 118V – V 6.3 4.4 933 725 Scot IT 880 + 9 2.5 -6.1 85 34N EKF Diagnosticsv 35 + X 2.8 9.9

Construction &
105 71O NewRiver REIT 88V – X 3.4 -3.0
62K 37K Gldn Prosp Prc Mtl 47 + 1K … -18.5 1568K 816V Scot Mtge 914 + 27O 0.3 -4.8 60W 24X Futura Medicalv 32 + N … …

property
160K 126W Greencoat UK Wind 159Y + 1Y 5.4 5.4 240 202 Secs Tst Scot 237K + K 2.4 -1.7 297 230 Palace Capital 277 – 4 3.9 13.2
248 184 Hansa Investment 197 – 5 1.0 -36.1 114K 91 Sequoia Eco 98X … 6.3 -0.7 6070 2516 Genus 2516 – 24 1.2 44.7
315 235 Panther Securitiesv 290 – 15 4.1 2.6 … … Ass Br Eng# 15 … … -3.5
238 186 Hansa Inv Co 'A' 191 … 1.0 -38.0 1279N 992 Temple Bar 1122 + 4 3.3 -6.5
3318 916 Avon Rubber 1062 + 32 2.7 … 1797 1329K GlaxoSmKline 1797 – 13W 4.4 20.7
2860 1980 Hbrvest Glbl Pt Eq 2555 … … -30.1 208O 137V Tplton Emg Mkt 147V + 3W 2.1 -14.2
277K 182K Alumascv 185 – 1K 5.1 9.3 3238 2076 Persimmon 2100 + 10 11.1 8.5
168O 120O Hend Euro Foc 142 + 3 2.0 -15.4 X V Tiger Royal and Invv N … … 38.8 2 X Gunsyndv O … … 1.7
380V 255Y Babcock 306W + 1O … -1.8
189K 149K Hend High Inc 177N + 1 5.6 0.3 526 339Y TR Property 443 – 4K 2.9 -5.6 24Y 14N Aseana Props 14N – 1V … -7.1 13N 4X Pires Investmentsv 5Y … … …
771K 497Y BAE Sys‡ 740 + 8W 5.0 13.4 2690 1825 Hikma Pharms 1883K – 145K 2.0 14.1
1378 868 Hend Smlr 941 + 2 2.1 -13.2 83 67O Troy Inc&Gth 76W + W 1.9 -2.6 79O 59K Assura Grp 65Y – K 4.4 13.1 425 20 Plaza Cent 65 … … -0.1
2670 1634 Herald 1792 + 24 … -22.4 286O 214O Utilico Ord 238 + 2 2.1 -34.4 2400 1850 Braime A N/Vv 1850 … 0.6 20.8 624 232 Hutchmed Chinav 245K – K … …
2N 1W Aukett Swankev 1K … … -3.6
457K 320 HgCapital Trust 426 – 2 2.3 -2.2 229 196K Utilico Emerging Mkt 225K + 4K 3.1 -14.3 169K 131 Primary Hlth‡ 144X – 1X 4.2 14.7
184Y 160K HICL Infra 177 + 3V 5.3 11.4 2600 1780 Braime Groupv 1780 – 20 0.6 20.0 380 255 Immunodiag Sysv 378 … 0.5 …
144N 137 UtilFin RdZDP 2022 143K … … 0.7 319V 215K Balfour Beatty 242O – 3W 0.6 26.6
286 228 Highbridge Tactical 256 … … 6.3 783 627 Vietnam Ent Inv 747 + 5 … -18.6 42O 36N Real Estate Invsv‡ 39 … 9.6 5.1 9W 5 ImmuPharmav 6N … … -1.9
781V 490K Barratt Devs‡ 494K + 1W 5.9 7.7 600 400 Caffyns 550 + 25 … 7.9
1300 1020 ICG Ent Tr 1114 – 2 1.2 -31.7 324O 203 Witan 221 + K 2.2 -10.1
3689 2432 Bellway 2438 – 12 3.4 7.7 718O 517 Redrow 528 + 7K 4.6 6.5 9 4V Cap XX Ldv 4O – V … … 336O 142Y Indivior 313V – 17W … 21.1
584K 370Y Impax Env Mkts 442K + 2K 0.6 … 3925 2915 Ww Health 3200 + 40 0.6 -8.4
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 69

Money
12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price 12 month Price
High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E High Low Company (p) +/- Yld% P/E

150 96K Inspiration Healthv 110 … 0.5 17.0 741O 543K Auto Trader 634O + 1O 0.7 31.3 11N 5K China Nonferr Goldv 6V … … … 77 42 Serabi Goldv 42K + 1 … 5.8 872 594 Renew Hldgsv 699 + 4 1.8 17.2 2925 1378 First Derivtsv 2365 + 40 … …

104 34 IXICOv 39K … … 12.6 427K 293 Bloomsbury Pub 401 + 5K 2.2 16.5 418K 113 Serica Energyv 351K – 5 1.0 … 840 481K Renewi 690 + 13 … 14.6 952K 507K GB Groupv 583K + 7 1.1 44.5
W V Clontarf Energyv W … … -8.2
386K 275O Mediclinic Int 371W – 6W … 23.2 183 149 GreshamTech‡ 164K … 0.4 …
16 5K Bonhill Groupv 7 … … … 52K 28 Condor Gldv 29O – N … … 17 6O Shanta Goldv 10N … 0.9 6.4 636V 444K Rentokil Itl‡ 550 + 2W 0.9 39.7
234W 105 Ilikav 107W – K … …
10N 2V N4 Pharmav 3 … … -3.6 2228 1339 Shell PLC 2173 – 12 2.7 11.4 518 380 Restorev 445 – 8 0.5 52.9
74 37 Catalyst Mediav 72 … … -9.5 2V 1 Corcelv 1W … … -1.4
102 63K Ingentav 85 – 3K 1.7 49.7
88.07 72.84 Novartis CHF86.51 – 0.38 3.4 9.0 490 358 Ricardo 364 + 4 1.8 32.5
2K V Catenaev# N … … -0.5 8773 66V DRD Gold 66V + 1V 5.7 7.8 2O 1N Sound Energyv 2W … … -1.2
117K 50 Intercedev 51 … … 17.5
84 3X Omega Diagsv 4N … … -1.6 862 542 Robert Walters‡ 620 – 18 2.6 14.1
1146 269 Daily Mail‡ 270 – 2K 8.9 10.3 2 1 ECR Mineralsv 1N … … -6.6 N … Sunrise Resourcesv … … … … 291 140 Iomartv 181 + 2 3.9 19.8
22K 9K Ovoca Biov 11K – K … -3.2
195 137K DCD Mediav 195 … … 9.7 W V Tertiary Mineralsv V … … -4.3 20 10 Roebuck Food Grpv 17K … … 2.6 59 29N IQEv 30 – V … …
39 18 Edenville Energyv 20N … … -1.3
1634 534 Oxford Biomedica 570 + 25 … 25.6
1V W Thor Miningv O … … -4.8 130 88 RPS Group‡ 103K + 1 … 34.1 217 150 K3 Business Tchv 152K … … -2.6
71K 47 Ebiquityv 69K … … … 11O 2W Empyrean Energyv 2W – V … …
7V 4 Physiomicsv 4V … … …
4430O 2873Y Total Eng SE 4179K + 176Y 5.4 9.5 65 24 RTC Groupv 24 … … 6.3 2894 1784V LG Electronics‡ 1784V – 159N … 4.7
1108 829 Euromoney In Inv 993 + 5 1.1 … 36K 16W EnQuest 32K + W … -3.5
9Y 3W Proteome Sciesv 4 … … 31.5 O V Location Sciencesv N … … -1.5
K V Tower Resourcesv N … … -4.9 687 342 RWS Hldgsv 440 + 19W 2.1 40.3
3910 2180 Future 2218 + 18 … 38.1
6624 5391 Reckitt Benck‡ 6240 + 32 2.8 … 36K 7 Eurasia Miningv 8 … … … 547 333 Micro Focus Intl 379X + 1O 4.7 -4.0
64Y 40N Tullow Oil 56N + … 5.6 490 345 Science Groupv 415 … 1.4 17.8
1660 1205 GlobalDatav‡ 1242K … 1.4 61.5 O
164K 46K RUA Life Sciencesv 46K … … -4.4 3K 1 Europa Oil&Gasv 2W … … … 88 46 MTI Wirelessv 61 … 3.0 20.3
152 121V Serco Gp 152 + O 1.4 6.2
152 46O Hyve Group 76K + 2O … … N … UK Oil & Gasv … … … -0.4
457K 111N Sareum Hldgsv 220 … … … 501 116 Ferrexpo 165N – 1W 8.6 1.2 32K 17 Nanoco Gp 28K – V … …
45W 32N Smiths News 34K … 1.4 3.3
604 59K IG Design Grpv 67O + 2O 12.8 9.9 535 135 URU Metalsv 360 – 40 … 11.6 88 52 Netcallv 65 + 2K 0.5 89.0
1592K 1179 Smith & Neph‡ 1303 – 9 2.0 29.5
986O 622W Fresnillo‡ 775W + 10W 2.3 12.9 4305 2920 Smurfit Kappa‡ 3413 + 142 4.9 17.4
254K 188W Spire Hcare 216 – 3K … … 25 11Y Immedia Grpv 20N … … -5.2 9O N Vast Resv N … … … 72K 51 Northamberv 52K … 1.1 42.3
… … G3 Exploration# 28 … … -2.6 92O 41W Staffline Gpv 55O + 1V … …
6V 2O Victoria Oil&Gasv# 3O … … -1.8 62 26K Online Blockchainv 29K … … …
212K 18W Synairgenv 26K + 2Y … -1.1 624 464W Informa 574K – O … …
43 21 Galantas Goldv 36 – K … -6.1 602 346 SThree 367K + 1K 2.1 11.8 126K 89 Oxford Metricsv 89 – 3 2.0 38.7
X N Tissue Regenixv K … … -6.2 132K 72K ITV‡ 74N + Y … 8.2 9O 2V W Resourcesv# 2X … … -0.3
8V 4 GCM Resourcesv 4X … … -3.9 137K 90 Synecticsv‡ 120 + 5 … … 10W 6N Parityv 7 … … …
46X 30O Totallyv 45N – 2N 1.1 71.8 16K 8O Jaywingv 9K … … … 15N 4N Westmount Engyv 4N … … -5.9
78W 44V Gem Diamonds 59V – 1Y 3.0 4.2 34N 17N Thruvision Groupv 34 – K … … 45 26 Pennant Intlv 35K … … …
660 292 Tristelv‡ 310 … 2.1 63.9 285V 151 Wood Grp (J) 223W + 5K … -9.1
12N 3 Live Company Gpv 11N + K … -2.3 770 351 Playtech 524 + 14 … 5.5
37 18K Getechv 32O + O … -7.8 110 84 Tribalv 94 + 1 1.1 28.4
55N 17O ValiRxv 26O – N … … 7X 3X Woodboisv 6 + V … 23.2
… … Mediazestv … … … -9.0 356 243 QinetiQ 342 + 4 3.3 26.7
117K 73K Vianetv 90 … … …
535K 295V Glencore 497N + 13Y 1.7 18.2 7 3V Xtract Resourcesv 6W … … … 255 127K RM‡ 137 + 6 3.4 27.4
Industrials
72K 41 Merit Grpv 47K … … …
1060 820 Vp 965 + 25 2.5 23.7
Y W Global Petrolv K … … -0.8 7O 2X Zephyr Energyv 5Y – V … -7.5 853O 622W Sage Gp 737W – V 2.3 28.2
82K 52K Miradav 52K – 5 … -2.3
6V 2V Westminsterv 2N … … -2.7
127177X 1096 Gold Fields 1096 + 21V 2.0 14.2 12 6O Seeing Machinesv 7X + N … …
88K 46 Mission Groupv 58K … 2.6 62.9
188 140 Accsys Techv 145N + 4N … …
276O 167Y Moneysupermarket‡ 175 + 2X 6.6 17.8
8N 6X Goldplatv 8 … … 6.0 Professional & Retailing
215 74 Shearwater Grpv 134 + 1K … 83.0

support services
5982 4123 BASF 4235O – 33K 6.5 8.3 182K 65V Smartspace S'warev 72K + K … -7.5
14N 7O Goldstone Resv 9K … … …
5725Y 3741N Bayer DM50 5285N + 76W 3.1 61.7 2221Y 1611O News Corp A 1625X – O 0.9 26.5 2240 1397 Softcat‡ 1416 – 12 1.4 27.7
22 12K Greatld Gldv 13N … … …
505 187K Biome Techv 210 … … -5.1 2086 1625X News Corp B 1625X – 4O 0.9 26.5 280O 76 AO World 76 – 11W … … 300V 215W Spirent Comms‡ 231V + 3 1.8 24.0
3170 2250 4imprint Grp‡ 2730 – 50 … …
1458 834 Next 15 Commsv 1328 + 76 0.5 … 149 80 Griffin Miningv 111 … … 12.2 644 490V B&M European 490V + W 3.5 11.4 48K 30 SRT Marinev 33K … … -9.9
7K 2X Byotrolv 2Y … … …
580 457 Andrews Sykesv 505 … 4.6 16.1
259 143 Gulf Keystone 243 – 2 3.4 15.2 77O 27 Brown (N)v 29V + 1V … 8.5 954O 628Y Tele. Ericsson 645N + 3V 2.8 11.7
7N 5K Camb Gbl Timberv 6O … … -9.0 869W 571O Pearson‡ 785O + 14O 2.4 21.3
6450 4173 Ashtead 4179 + 11 1.0 20.3 92K 70 Touchstarv 72K … … …
81W 56W Coats Grp‡ 71 + 3 1.9 15.8 78O 56N Photo-Me‡ 71W + 1W 11.8 8.0 530 310 Harbour Energy‡ 504V + 4K … … 95K 41X Card Factory 58K + 2 … …
74 24N Asimilar Groupv 24K – 1 … 1.5 1100 765 Tracsisv‡ 1052K … … …
10410 6490 Croda 7804 + 30 1.2 34.0 5 3N Primorus Invv 3O … … 6.8 40 12O Harland & Wolff Group Holdingsv18 … … 1.4 2770 1580 CVS Groupv 1800 + 17 0.3 50.4
2300 1250 AssetCov 1335 … … 8.2 27 14K Trakm8v 17K … … …
1575 1100 Cropper (James)v 1150 … … 35.0 175K 74K Quarto 174 … … 9.6 204V 100 Hochschild 118 + 3V 3.8 13.5 300 157 DFS Furn‡ 168 + 8 4.4 8.9
165 95 Triad Grp 127K … 1.5 14.0
53K 35 Avisenv 42K … … …
161X 98O Elementis 121Y – 1W … … 1551 956 Dunelm 981 + 16 3.5 13.2
420 145K Reach 162K + 1 4.3 … 11V 5O Horizonte Minrlsv 7O – V … … 470 247 Wandiscov 276 – 2 … -5.0
42 27K Hardidev 32K … … -6.2 148K 100 Begbies Traynorv‡ 118 + 7Y 2.5 …
813K 512 Frasers Group 679 … … 30.1 1340 780 Water Intelv 780 – 10 … 42.9
3X 1N REACT Grpv 1N … … 33.1 23Y 10Y Hummingbird Resv 13X + W … …
3278 1721 Johnson Math 2225 + 353K 3.1 28.0 290 196K Blancco Techv 218 … … 78.1
3416 2206 Greggs 2350 + 22 … 28.0 273 145 Xaar 248 – K … …
2449 1813 Relx‡ 2393 – 32 1.9 31.5 44N 12O IGas Energyv 36 + 1 … -1.8
2068 1309 Mondi‡ 1510 + 49 5.1 14.6 3163 2251 Bunzl 3103 + 20 1.7 23.5 16O 7O Yourgenev 7O – Y … -5.4
435 221W Halfords 226W + 1K 2.2 7.5
800W 569V Rightmove‡ 618W + 4 0.7 35.0 1 N Independ Resv K … … -0.5
150 75 Robinsonv 80 + 2K 10.6 … 52O 20V Capita 23Y + 1 … 1.5 975K 730O Howden Join‡ 761W – 16 1.7 14.3 151 96W Zoo Digitalv 118K + 2K … …
16K 9N SpaceandPeoplev 15 + 1 … -2.6 250 214 Indus Gasv 243 … … 25.2
462N 295X Smith (DS)‡ 330Y + 5N 3.6 18.8 51K 32K CEPSv 40K … … -9.1 933 647 Inchcape 714K + 6 1.8 24.1
656X 416W Swire Pacific 455O – 3K 3.4 …
377K

467
305 STV Group‡

215 System1 Groupv

325K –

260 –
1

10
1.8 7.8

… 12.4
1N K Ironveldv O … … …
136 89 Christie Groupv 115 … … 48.9 9N 4 IQ-AI 4N … … … Telecoms
28 15 Symph Environv 19N + N … … 526K 228 ITM Powerv 331W + 19O … … 1820K 1407K Compass 1702 + 1K … 85.1 234 130 JD Sports 133W … 0.2 16.1
564 252W Synthomer 305K + 4V 5.6 6.3 3537 2768K 21st Cent Fox Inc A 2879N – 31 1.2 15.7 315 157 AdEPT Technologyv 194 + 4 … …
21Y 13X Jubilee Metalsv 15V + V … 12.6 540 233 CPPGroupv‡ 248 + 1 10.0 -8.7 376W 248O Kingfisher 253N + 1 3.2 6.4
2340O 1848X Takeda Pharm 2312K + 36V 4.9 12.9 3231X 2590V 21st Cent Fox Inc B 2676V – 25W 1.3 14.6 205K 135V BT Group 177N – 1Y … 17.2
5V 2 Karel Diamd Resv 3V … … … 93K 66 Croma Securityv 79 … 2.5 11.3 101 56W Lookers 83K + X … 4.6
13K 4 Velocysv 5X … … -7.1 6V … Vela Techv … … … 10.3 143 84W Currys plc 93N – 3N … 4.4
2V X KEFI Gold and Copperv O … … -3.3 6486 5500 DCC 6078 + 62 2.6 20.0 256Y 131K Marks Spencer 137O – 1V … …
2335 1196 Gamma Commsv 1196 – 22 1.0 21.6
2706 1763 Victrex 1828 + 12 3.2 21.7 262 191 Wilmington 257 … 2.3 16.3
526 403 Kenmare Res‡ 472K – 18K 1.5 13.8 201 101K De La Rue 111 – K … 14.6 … … Morrison (W) … … … … 189 110V Helios Towers 112 + K … …
629 432K Wynnstay Groupv‡ 610 – 5 2.4 14.0 1224 909O WPP 1005 + 12O 2.3 25.5
67Y 24O Lamprell 26O + V … -2.3 3460 2420 Diploma 2758 + 34 1.5 49.3 19X 8V Mothercarev 8O … … -5.5 7495 2032K Just Eat T'away 2210K + 73 … -4.7
494 290 Zotefoams 340 + 15 1.8 20.4 123K 57K Zinc Mediav 117K … … -1.7
36K 20N Landore Resv 23N + K … -5.2 1262 704 Discoverie PLC 764 + 5 1.3 62.6 879 329O Naked Winesv 363W + 5V … … X V Mobile Streamsv N … … -4.2

Leisure 68K 27 Driver Groupv 27 … 5.5 12.8 8426 5770 Next 6026 + 44 … 13.2 4W O Mobile Tornadov 1 … … -6.4

Natural resources
O W Lansdowne O&Gv K … … …
1662 1010 Telecom Plus 1662 + 26 3.4 42.6
29K 17K Leeds Groupv 17K – 1 … -2.8 1255 868 Electrocompnts 1055 + 14 2.4 26.7 2185 924 Ocado Gp 924 + 13 … …
142W 106Y Vodafone Gp 121K – 5K 6.3 …
357 251 Essentra‡ 314K – 5K 1.0 53.3 28O 15N Pendragon 22V … … 6.9
478 184K 888 Hldgs 190K … 5.1 61.2 5Y 2W Lexington Goldv 2K … … -6.0
4 X ADM Energyv X … … …

Transport
3667 2580 Experian 2792 – 22 1.2 35.8 519 293V Pets at Home 310O + 2 2.5 12.6
992 590 Accesso Techv 742 – 12 … … 10N 4X MC Miningv 9N + 1 … -1.9
5N V Advance Energyv V … … -0.1
3400 370 Best of the Bestv 415 … 1.2 4.6 13305 9090 Ferguson‡ 10140 + 60 1.7 14.9 456 223K Saga 225 – 7 … …
2K 1V Metals Explornv 1V … … 2.0
67K 30X AFC Energyv 33Y + 2 … …
1865W 1092V Carnival 1286K + 37 … -2.0 265 210 FIH Groupv 235 … … … 340 233N Sainsbury J 233N + 4K 4.5 19.6
X N Nostra Terrav X … … -3.8 310 201 Braemar Ship 265 … 1.8 8.7
… … Afentra PLC … … … …
137K 95 Celticv 137K + 2K … 13.6 272 69K Gattacav 70K + K … 12.8 1902K 1311 Smith WH 1455K – 41 … … 921Y 439K easyJet 561 + 2K … -3.5
N V Alba Mineral Resv V … … -4.2 15 4 Nostrum O&G 5 … … …
96X 27K Cineworld 31 + Y … -0.3 6O 4V Grafeniav 5W … … -4.0 36 19K Sosandarv 25O – O … … 36Y 9X Esken Limited 10V + K … -0.4
1V K Alien Metalsv O … … … 261X 206W Oil Search 218Y – 5W 0.1 60.3
465V 346 Domino's Pizza‡ 347K – 1W 3.4 17.7 610 345 Hargeaves Servv 592 + 4 1.2 6.2 3N 1O Stanley Gbbnsv 1O … … -1.7 116 73 FirstGroup 112O – X … 26.8
130O 87N Alumina 102W + K 4.0 34.6 N V Oilexv V … … -4.4 1052 289K Fisher (James) 393K + 6K 2.0 -4.0
2377 1392K Entain 1518K + 27 … 33.9 1094 608K Homeserve 983 – 7 2.6 88.5 315 103 Studio Retail Group# 115 – 2K … 2.4

15890 7922 Flutter Ent 8130 + 90 … … 1V K Aminex O … … -6.9 1 N Oriole Resourcesv N … … -2.9 213V 116V Intl Cons Air 143Y – K … -2.9
520 280 Impellam Grpv 449 + 1 … 25.5 212W 80N Ted Baker 146W – W … …
3Y 1 Amur Mins Corpv 1X … … … 1V X Ormonde Miningv O … … -3.1 415 262N Irish Cont Uts 304N + N … …
45 22K Gaming Realmsv 30K – 1 … … 303W 219Y Tesco 272 – N 3.6 20.7
81 20 Ince Gv 25 + 3 … 14.2
1564K 938K Jet2v 1240K + 3 … -6.6
400 290 Heavitreev 290 … … … 1262229V 8836K Anglo Amer Plat 8836K + 338O 5.5 6.3 24K 8O Orosur Miningv 11O + 1N … … 75K 53 Topps Tiles 56 … … 10.1
6190 4735 Intertek 5008 – 40 2.1 28.1 313V 192K Natl Express 248O – V … -5.3
250 170 Heavitree Av 170 – 10 … … 4170K 2470K Ang Am 3586 + 132K 4.9 7.1 24 15V Pan African Resv 21O – W 3.8 7.1
380 232W IWG 244 + 1Y … -9.3 1135 875 Ocean Wilson 965 – 10 8.2 4.9
145 90 Hermes Pacificv 145 … … … 160 90K Anglo Asian Mngv 93K – K 6.1 8.1 149K 27N Pantheon Resv 123V – 2K … …
180W 105 Johnson Srvcev 110 + 2V … 68.7
Technology 606W 324N Royal Mail 344K – 1O 2.9 3.9
5338 4399 Intercont Htls‡ 5172 – 28 … 48.4 1925 1227 Antofagasta‡ 1551 + 18K 2.5 20.5 60Y 34W Parkmead Grpv 54Y – 1X … -4.7 137K 99 Journeov 120 – 1 … 41.5 106V 65K Stagecoach 105 … … 14.8
1W Y Minoan Gpv 1N … … -9.0 156K 104K Access Intellv 108 … … …
6W 2N Arc Mineralsv 4K + N … 3.3 Y W Pathfinder Minsv K … … -4.7 27K 21 Sutton Harbourv 21 … … …
133 71O Kier Gp 79N + 2 … 7.7
332V 211 Mitch & Butlers 228 + 2V … … 169 133K Aferian plcv 142K – K 2.0 25.5 470 304 Wincanton 408K – K 2.5 11.1
5N 3W Ariana Resv 4V … … 5.6 134 60K Petra Diamonds 125 … … 4.1 1365 980 Latham (J)v 1240 – 15 1.7 6.7
432 203K On The Beach 230 + 8 … … 213 115 Alfa Financial 182 + 2 0.5 25.6 5398 2496 Wizz Air Hldgs 3175 – 81 … -7.2
1 K Arkle Resourcesv X … … -2.4 2Y 1W Petrel Resourcesv 2V + V … … 1085 620 Lok'n Storev 1025 + 22K 1.3 92.3
1750 1274 PPHE Hotels 1565 … … … 26 17 Allied Minds 17 – 1 … -1.5

Utilities
6N 3W Armadale Capv 4N + V … … 8K 2K Petro Matadv 4W … … …
203 107W Rank Grp 108 – O … 14.5 3800 2220 Lon Securityv 3800 … 2.1 20.9
710 290 Aptitude Software 335 – 5 1.6 25.3
3 2 Asiamet Rsrcsv 2V … … …
139K 61 Restaurant Gp 62 – K … 6.5 163O 83K Petrofac 135 + 2 … -3.4 490 340 LSL Prop Services‡ 390 + 7 … 10.8
645W 434K Avast 564 – 4 2.0 27.8
448 270 Atalaya Minev 377K + K 7.7 4.7
36 21K Rotalav‡ 32 … … 28.0 4K Y Petroneft Resv 1N … … -4.0 145 110 Macfarlane 120 + 2 2.1 14.2 84K 45W Centrica 79W – Y … 8.0
4220 1924 Aveva Gp 2175 + 121 1.7 …
… … Baron Oilv … … … … 385 272 Maintel Hldgsv 330 … … 15.4 201K 178 ContourGlobal 192V + 3W 6.3 …
40V 28K Sportechv 36 + N … … 26O 1K Petropavlovsk 2 – V … 2.9
229 175 Bangov 181K + 1 … …
336 214N SSP Group 237N + 1K … -4.6 17K 3X Beowulf Miningv 6N … … … N … Malvern Intlv … … … -1.2 831K 393O Drax Group‡ 808 – 1K 2.2 59.8
6 3K Phoenix Globalv 4K + V … -1.1 98V 44K BATM Adv Coms 45V – W … 13.7
W … Bezant Resv V … … -3.1 627K 522K Jersey Electricity 590 … 2.8 11.1
7Y 4K Tastyv 4K … … -1.4 224 179K Mears Group 199 – 1 … 45.9
17N 4W Plexus Holdingsv 4O … … -1.1 34K 8O Berkeley Res 24N – 1N … …
1226 884K Natl Grid 1194 – 31K 4.1 27.8
305 40 Tintra PLCv 160 … … -2.8 3019 1835V BHP Group 2725 + 23K … 11.9 603 255 Menzies (John) 596 + 2 … …
1729 92 Polymetal Intl 248 – 8Y 39.3 … 40 15W Blackbirdv 16O … … … 18O 6N OPG Powerv 6Y … … 4.5
304K 181N TUI 230N + O … -2.4 3Y K Border & Sthn Petv 3X – N … … 77N 46W Mitie Gp 54V + K … 27.1
772 548 Porvair‡ 590 … 0.8 22.6 1Y 1 CloudCoCo Groupv 1W … … -3.3 1827 992 Pennon 1112 + 1 2.9 80.5
5 2 Webis Holdingsv 3V … … … 50K 17 Bougainville 37N + N … … 45 7O MobilityOnev 10 + O … 7.4 O W Rurelecv K … … -0.4
6N 1W Prospex Energyv 4W … … -5.8 3030 2404 Computacenter 2678 – 60 1.8 16.8
1391 718K Wetherspoon JD 735K + 5K … -6.8 4O 2O BowLevenv 3 … … -4.1 65 25 Newmark Secv 25K … … -6.3 103 72K Concurrent Techv 92K + 3211 2419 Severn Trent 3146 – 22 3.2 …
32O 10K Proton Motor Power Sv 14K … … -2.6 K 2.7 21.9
3438 2436 Whitbread 2817 – 58 … … 417V 278W BP 391K + 3K 4.0 14.2 10N 5X Norm Broadbentv 6O … … … 1868K 1434K SSE 1868K + 12K 4.3 7.3
4 2N Providence Resv 2N … … 20.5 14K 8Y Corerov 14 … … …
1675 1325 Young & Co - Av 1386 – 54 … … 1176K 947W Utd Utilities 1151 – 13K 3.7 …
31 15V Cadence Minv 16X – N … 1.6 66K 47 Northern Bearv 62K … … 6.3 2830 1600 Cranewarev 1712K … 1.6 78.1
982 648 Young & Co - N/Vv 737 + 17 … … 6N 1W Quadrise Fuels Intlv 2N … … -8.9
5K 2N Cadogan Petrol 3N … … 45.8 230 187 NWF Grpv‡ 215 – 2 3.3 … 3Y 2 Crimson Tidev 2W … … 16.0
60K 17O Rambler Met&Minv 28 … … 0.8 uAIM company; # Price at suspension;
Media
1250 854 Caledonia Miningv‡ 1160 + 15 2.9 11.3 680K 432V PageGroup 491W + 2W … 45.5 27O 6K CyanConn Hldgsv 15K + V … … † Ex dividend; ‡ Ex scrip; s Ex rights issue;
O … Reabold Resourcesv N … … -6.2 t Ex all; § Ex capital distribution; * figures
227V 125K Capricorn Energy 206V + 2O … … 117K 53K PCI-PALv 69 – 4 … … 400 230 D4t4 Solutionsv 287K + 25K 0.9 34.0
Y W Red Rock Resv W … … -2.0
or report awaited; . . . No significant data.
5 2V Caspian Sunrisev 2X … … 79.4 13 9O Petardsv 11N … … 20.4 1Y V DeepMatter Gpv V … … -0.5 Companies in bold are constituents of the
1N N 7digital Gpv N … … -2.6 FTSE 100 Index. Investment Cos sector Nav
7644K 4977W Rio Tinto Ltd 6386K + 1X 7.8 6.6
121K 80X Centamin 91K + 2V 7.1 10.4 26 14 PHSCv 25 – K 4.0 45.4 24K 19 Dillistone Groupv 21K … … -6.2 Dis or Prm supplied by Morningstar.
78K 28K Aeorema Commsv 68 … … 18.8
6658 4375K Rio Tinto 5706 + 78 8.8 5.9
55V 23K Altitude Groupv 30K – 1K … … 293 200K Cent Asia Metalsv 268 – 2 5.1 11.9 6K 2W PowerHouse Egyv 2W – V … -4.3 1Y X EQTECv Y … … …
Data as shown is
45 34Y San Leon Energyv# 40O + 3W … 15.2
175 73K Arcontech Grpv 79 … 3.4 10.9 28O 14O Chaarat Goldv 16Y – X … … 102 65V Record 71W … 3.2 19.6 1362 830 FDM Group 1018 – 26 4.5 36.8 for information
1O W Scirocco Energyv K … … … purposes only. No offer is made by
454W 306 Ascential 318V – 1O … … 23Y 5 Chariot Oil & Gasv 22K + K … … 443 345 Redde Northgate 397 + 4 3.8 9.9 12O 8O Filtronicv 11V … … 30.0
Morningstar or this publication
70 K1 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Money
Wall Street Major indices Eurotop 100 FTSE volumes (000s)

Apr 29 wkly Apr 29 wkly Apr 29 wkly Close +/- 12mthhigh 12mthlow Yield P/E 3i 1,394 ITV 10,461
close +/- close +/- close +/- New York
abrdn 8,321 JD Sports 8,788
Dow Jones 32977.21 (-939.18) RWE AG 39.78 -0.52 41.83 28.42 2.14 37.21
3M 144.22 -4.95 Eaton 145.02 -1.02 Newmont Mining 72.85 -1.67 Admiral 574 Kingfisher 7,602
Nasdaq Composite 12334.64 (-536.89) Swatch Group AG 254.50 +5.10 333.90 223.80 1.36 17.45 Ang Am 3,526 Land Sec 4,850
Abbott Labs 113.50 -6.14 eBay 51.92 -1.25 NextEra Energy 71.02 -2.93
AbbVie 146.88 -8.11 Ecolab 169.34 -5.86 Nike 124.70 -4.37
S&P 500 4131.93 (-155.57) AP Moller-Maersk A Dn Kr 20200.00 +680.00 23160.00 13990.00 1.68 3.29 Antofagasta 1,144 Legal & Gen 10,440
Ashtead 2,250 Lloyds Bkg Gp 223,451
Accenture 300.36 -10.44 Edison Intl 68.79 -2.83 Norfolk Sthn 257.88 -0.71 Tokyo AP Moller-Maersk B Dn Kr 20680.00 +690.00 24070.00 14795.00 1.64 3.37
AB Foods 1,597 Lond Stk Ex Gp 512
Activision Blizzard 75.60 -3.01 Edwards Life 105.78 -12.60 Northern Trust 103.05 -3.14 ABB Ltd S SF 29.60 +0.71 35.30 27.54 2.58 14.37
Nikkei 225 26847.90 n/a AstraZeneca 2,412 M&G 17,859
Adobe Sys 395.95 -12.72 Electronic Arts 118.05 -10.04 Northrop Grum 439.40 -8.00 Air Liquide Fr ¤ 165.34 +1.70 166.12 136.04 1.66 30.53 Auto Trader 1,931 Meggitt 3,276
Aflac 57.28 -6.09 Eli Lilly 292.13 +13.40 Nucor 154.78 -6.27 Hong Kong Avast 4,973 Melrose 13,306
Airbus Fr ¤ 105.54 +2.20 121.00 90.24 19.36
Agilent Tech 119.27 -2.05 Emerson Elec 90.18 -3.42 Nvidia 185.47 -9.68 Hang Seng 21089.39 (+813.22) Aveva Gp 1,103 Mondi 1,684
Air Prods & Chm 234.07 -8.85 Entergy 118.85 -4.49 Occidental Petr 55.09 -1.53 Allianz G ¤ 216.20 +1.85 232.50 178.30 4.44 13.67
Aviva 5,896 Natl Grid 8,534
Albemarle Corp 192.83 -7.81 EOG Res 116.76 +0.64 ONEOK 63.33 -5.95 Amsterdam Anglo American UK p 3586.00 +132.50 4996.80 2350.00 4.97 7.10 B&M European 2,857 NWG 28,926
Alexion Pharmas 182.50 Equifax 203.52 -0.08 Oracle 73.40 -2.81 AEX Index 710.98 (+5.05) Anheuser-Busch InBev B ¤ 55.40 +0.94 65.86 46.66 0.96 27.65 BAE Sys 8,679 Next 278
Allergan 193.02 Equinix 719.08 -26.33 O'Reilly 606.55 -101.22 Arcelor Mittal 28.12 +0.37 31.31 22.83 0.91 2.37 Barclays 72,828 Ocado Gp 1,895
Allstate 126.54 -5.53 Equity Res 81.50 -9.65 Paccar 83.05 -2.64 Sydney ASML Holding Nl ¤ 548.00 -0.70 777.50 492.15 0.61 38.24 Barratt Devs 8,559 Pearson 1,966
Altria 55.57 +0.04 Essex Property 329.27 -22.26 Parker-Hannifin 270.82 -6.25 AO 7724.80 (+82.40) Berkeley 883 Pershing Sq 107
AstraZeneca UK p 10684.00 +122.00 11000.00 6499.80 1.94 1809.69
Amazon 2485.63 -401.37 Estee Lauder 264.06 +0.02 Paychex 126.73 -4.62 BP 58,325 Persimmon 882
Amer Elec Pwr 99.11 -1.14 Evrsurce Engy 87.40 -4.60 Paypal Hldngs 87.93 +1.90 Frankfurt Atlas Copco A Sw Kr 451.90 +5.50 631.00 427.60 1.62 30.35 Brit Amer Tob 2,992 Phoenix Gp 1,467
Amer Express 174.71 -5.83 Exelon 46.78 -1.87 PepsiCo 171.71 -0.44 DAX 14097.88 (+118.04) Atlas Copco B Sw Kr 394.10 +5.50 534.40 373.70 1.86 26.47 Br Land 2,605 Prudential 6,019
Amer Tower 241.02 -20.88 Expedia 174.75 -6.90 Pfizer 49.07 +0.94 AXA Fr ¤ 25.46 -0.23 29.09 20.78 5.74 10.74 BT Group 22,918 Reckitt Benck 1,328
Ameren Corp 92.90 -3.98 Express Scripts 92.33 PG&E 12.65 +0.52 Singapore Banco Santander Es ¤ 2.82 +0.06 3.51 2.49 2.70 6.46 Bunzl 873 Relx 2,800
American Int 58.51 -1.93 Extra Space Stor 190.00 -22.56 Philip Morris Intl 100.00 -2.69 Straits 3356.90 (+21.81) Burberry Grp 1,019 Rentokil Itl 5,783
BBVA Es ¤ 5.06 +0.31 6.29 4.38 1.19 8.99
American Wtr W 154.08 -10.12 Exxon Mobil 85.25 +0.12 Phillips66 86.76 +3.14 Coca Cola HBC 575 Rightmove 1,826
Brussels Barclays UK p 148.08 +1.78 217.63 140.06 2.02 3.60 Compass 2,837 Rio Tinto 2,680
Ameriprise 265.49 -14.59 Facebook 200.47 +16.36 Pioneer Ntrl Rscs 232.47 -3.77
AmerisrceBerg 151.29 -7.71 Fastenal 55.31 -1.64 PNC Finl 166.10 -7.15 BEL20 4106.37 (+13.65) BASF G ¤ 50.41 -0.40 71.99 47.23 6.54 8.35 CRH 794 Rolls-Royce 32,021
Bayer G ¤ 62.90 +0.91 67.99 43.91 3.18 61.72 Croda 257 Royal Mail 2,703
Ametek 126.26 -0.91 Fedex 198.74 -6.47 PPG Inds 127.99 -4.86
Paris BHP Group UK p 2725.00 +23.50 3040.00 1774.56 11.92
DCC 282 Sage Gp 1,607
Amgen 233.19 -17.16 Fifth Third 37.53 -0.90 PPL 28.31 -1.58
CAC-40 6533.77 (+25.63) Dechra Pharma 162 Sainsbury J 11,149
Amphenol 71.50 +2.06 FirstEnergy 43.31 -2.70 Price T Rowe 123.04 -11.21 BMW G ¤ 78.51 +0.71 97.60 67.58 2.42 4.19 Diageo 4,353 Schroders 575
Anadarko Petrlm 72.77 FIS 99.15 -0.82 Priceline.com 1905.64 +20.64 BNP Paribas Fr ¤ 49.71 +0.25 68.07 43.07 5.47 7.28
Zurich Electrocompnts 698 Scot Mtge 2,119
Analog Devices 154.38 -0.87 Fiserv 97.92 +0.56 Procter & Gmbl 160.55 -0.70 Entain 2,518 Segro 2,665
SMI Index 12128.76 (+60.35) BP UK p 390.59 +2.54 419.15 275.85
Anthem 501.93 -0.70 Ford Motor 14.16 -0.97 Progressive Cp 107.36 -0.98 Experian 1,189 Severn Trent 551
DJ Euro Stoxx 50 3802.86 (+25.84) British Am Tob UK p 3342.12 +12.12 3456.50 2507.50 6.43 11.34
Aon Corp 287.99 -33.65 Freeport-Mcm 40.55 -1.36 Prologis 160.29 -8.44 Ferguson 730 Shell PLC 15,896
Apple 157.65 -4.14 Garmin 109.74 -0.76 Prudential Finl 108.51 -7.32 BT Group UK p 176.65 -2.65 206.70 134.85 17.22
London Flutter Ent 432 Smith & Neph 3,761
Applied Mats 110.35 -2.45 Gen Dynamics 236.53 -2.26 Public Serv Ent 69.66 -4.22 Centrica UK p 80.06 -0.34 84.78 45.21 8.03 Fresnillo 1,077 Smith (DS) 3,843
FTSE 100 7544.55 (+35.36)
Archer Daniels 89.56 -2.62 Gen Electric 74.55 -14.52 Public Storage 371.50 -30.86 Christian Dior Fr ¤ 590.00 +5.00 733.50 513.00 1.04 26.79 GlaxoSmKline 9,746 Smiths 2,032
Arthur J. Gallagher168.49 -9.54 General Mills 70.73 -1.77 Qualcomm 139.69 +6.88 FTSE 250 20708.71 (+89.09) Glencore 39,829 Smurfit Kappa 483
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain 56.41 +1.21 67.63 45.80 2.39 13.58
AT&T 18.86 -0.66 General Mtrs 37.91 -1.93 Realty Income 69.36 -4.18 FTSE 350 4216.64 (+19.51) Halma 543 Spirax-Sarco 106
CS Group S SF 6.72 +0.35 10.18 6.21 1.47
Auto Data Proc 218.18 -5.34 Gilead Sciences 59.34 -2.91 Regeneron Pharm 659.11 -28.97 FTSE Eurotop 100 3411.61 (+25.92) Hargreaves L 2,195 SSE 2,556
Mercedes-Benz Group AG 67.10 +0.59 91.63 48.05 2.01 6.72 Hikma Pharms 1,475 St James Place 1,335
Autodesk 189.28 +1.97 Global Payments 136.98 +2.54 Regions Financial 20.72 -0.65 FTSE All-Shares 4185.12 (+19.23)
Autozone 1955.47 -204.80 Goldman Sachs 305.49 -14.28 Republic Serv 134.27 +1.87 Danone Fr ¤ 57.64 +0.73 65.30 46.48 3.36 19.62 Howden Join 1,678 Stand Chart 9,949
FTSE Non Financials 5133.17 (+20.33)
AvalonBay 227.48 -23.37 Google Class A 2282.19 -110.52 Rockwell Auto 252.67 -7.86 Deutsche Bank G ¤ 9.63 14.64 8.16 10.36 HSBC 34,798 Taylor Wimpey 34,262
techMARK 100 6052.14 (+56.41) Imperial Brands 2,843 Tesco 17,207
Baker Hughes 57.68 Google Class C CS 2299.33 -92.95 Rockwell Collins 141.04 Deutsche Telekom G ¤ 17.57 -0.14 18.92 14.47 3.41 20.21
Ball Corp 81.16 -5.29 Grainger (WW) 500.03 +0.69 Roper Inds 469.92 +15.84
Bargains n/a Informa 3,572 Unilever 4,510
Diageo UK p 4003.50 +14.00 4364.10 3167.50 1.81 30.91
Bank NY Mellon 42.06 -2.15 Halliburton 35.62 -2.07 Ross Stores 99.77 -3.69 US$ 1.2602 (+0.0139) Intercont Htls 514 Utd Utilities 2,498
EON G ¤ 9.93 -0.16 12.54 9.51 4.73 5.52 Intermed Cap 2,247 Vodafone Gp 98,763
Bank of America 35.68 -1.88 Harris 189.13 -8.09 RylCaribbean 77.73 -3.99 Euro 1.1923 (+0.0059)
EDF Fr ¤ 8.68 -0.09 12.67 6.64 5.61 6.68 Intl Cons Air 16,383 Whitbread 811
Bard (CR) 331.24 Hartford Financial 69.93 -1.58 Salesforce.com 175.94 +4.51 £:SDR 0.98 (+0.00)
Enel It ¤ 6.22 8.43 5.29 5.89 28.95 Intertek 281 WPP 3,155
Baxter Intl 71.06 -2.02 HCA Hldngs 214.55 +3.91 Schlumberger 39.01 -2.64 Exchange Index 79.95 (-0.27)

European money
BB&T 54.24 -0.48 Hershey 225.77 +1.63 Schwab (Charles) 66.33 -3.99 Engie (FR) 11.32 -0.02 14.61 9.79 4.68 7.98
Bank of England official close (4pm)
Becton Dickinsn 247.19 -7.85 Hess 103.07 -3.38 Sempra Energy 161.36 -6.88 ENI It ¤ 13.39 +0.23 14.85 9.33 5.12 32.73
CPI 117.09 Mar (2015 = 100)
Berkshire Hath
Best Buy
322.83 -12.73
89.93 -1.35
Home Depot
Honeywell Intl
300.40 +0.29
193.51 +2.88
Sherwin-Williams 274.96 +30.04
Simon Prop 118.00 -7.88 RPI 323.50 Mar (Jan 1987 = 100)
Fresenius Medical Care Ag & Co
GlaxoSmKline UK p
73.67
1797.00
-0.85
-13.40
83.15
1817.00
63.51
1215.83
1.94
4.45
20.87
20.75
deposits %
Biogen Idec 207.44 -2.55 Hormel Foods 52.39 -1.19 Southern Co 73.39 -2.52 RPIX 290.10 Jun (Jan 1987 = 100)
Glencre Xstrata 496.87 +13.47 540.20 289.65 1.78 18.20 Currency
Blackrock 624.68 -38.26 HP Ent 15.41 -0.34 S&P Global 376.50 -3.16 Morningstar Long Commodity 677.16 (+5.72)
Heineken NV Nl ¤ 93.40 +0.22 103.80 77.50 1.05 16.20 1mth 3mth 6mth 12mth
Boeing 148.84 -28.08 HP Inc 36.63 -0.16 Spectra Engy 82.76 -4.86 Morningstar Long/Short Commod 4703.45 (+27.75) Dollar
Boston Sci 42.11 -1.79 Humana 444.56 +0.08 Stan Blk & Dkr 120.15 -21.34 Henkel KGaA G ¤ 60.60 -2.00 84.30 56.55 3.02 16.13 0.13 0.20 0.29 0.55

Commodities
Bristol-Myrs Sq 75.27 -0.48 IBM 132.21 -6.04 Starbucks 74.64 -3.28 Henkel KGaA Pref G ¤ 61.36 -1.82 97.18 56.56 2.98 16.33 Sterling
Broadcom Ord 554.39 -32.56 ICE Group 115.81 -1.44 State Street 66.97 -3.90 Hermes Intl SCA Fr ¤ 1186.50 -2.00 1678.00 1029.00 0.39 54.78 0.94 1.21 1.66 0.81
Brown-Forman- B 67.44 +0.45 IFF 121.30 -3.31 Sthwest Airlines 46.72 -0.13
Euro
HSBC UK p 501.30 +7.25 567.20 329.55 3.22 10.95 0.10 0.15 0.20 0.50
Capital One Fin 124.62 -10.66 Illinois Tool 197.11 -6.24 Stryker 241.26 -7.05 ICIS pricing (London 7.30pm)
Iberdrola Es ¤ 11.01 -0.09 11.57 8.47 3.83 18.90
Caterpillar
Celgene
210.54 -5.76
108.24
Illumina
Intel
296.65 -26.02
43.59 -2.95
SunTrust Banks
Sysco
70.13
85.48 -3.32
Imperial Tobacco UK p 1666.00 +22.50 1822.00 1434.23 8.29 5.57 Gold/precious
metals
Crude Oils ($/barrel FOB) Inditex Es ¤ 20.10 -0.04 32.85 18.55 1.10 21.21
Centene 80.55 -3.86 Intuit 418.75 -24.54 Target 228.65 -13.03
CenterPoint Egy 30.61 -1.22 Intuitive Surg 239.30 -13.04 TE Connectivity 124.78 +1.90 Brent Physical 106.08 +0.25 ING Nl ¤ 9.10 +0.10 14.00 7.90 6.59 7.40
Cerner 93.64 -0.06 Johnsn & Johnsn 180.46 -1.08 Texas Insts 170.25 -3.06 BFOE(Apr) 109.34 +1.75 Intesa Sanpaolo It ¤ 1.95 +0.03 2.92 1.68 1.87 60.63
BFOE(May) 107.29 -0.14 Because of a technical issue, the gold fix
CF Industries 96.83 -0.11 Johnson Controls 59.87 -3.06 TheKraftHeinz 42.63 -0.55 Linde G ¤ 301.45 +8.00 306.00 235.25 1.24 46.87
WTI(Apr) 104.69 -0.67 prices are from Thursday.
Chevron 156.67 -4.28 JP Morgan Chase 119.36 -7.45 Thermo Fisher 552.92 -8.36 WTI(May) 102.94 -0.53 Lloyds Bkg Gp UK p 45.88 -0.43 54.50 38.10 2.70 6.12
Chipotle Mex Gr 1455.61 -25.24 Kansas City 293.59 TJX 61.28 -1.43 Bullion: Open $1895.63
L'Oreal Fr ¤ 348.90 +1.60 433.65 322.50 1.17 46.78
Church & Dwight 97.56 -5.23 Kellogg 68.50 -0.83 Tractor Supply Co 201.45 -5.20 Close $1908.96-1909.18 High $1919.37
Cigna Corp 246.78 -8.28 Kimberly-Clark 138.83 +0.32 Transdigm Group 594.81 -29.20 Products ($/MT) LVMH Fr ¤ 619.50 +2.30 741.60 543.90 1.13 25.95 Low $1894.91
Cincinnati Fin 122.66 -14.00 Kinder Morgan 18.15 -1.00 Travelers 171.06 -2.05 Munich Re G ¤ 227.30 -13.90 282.25 205.15 4.41 13.71 AM $1890.00 PM $1888.50
Spot CIF NW Europe (prompt delivery)
Cintas 397.26 -10.73 KLA-Tencor 319.26 -5.02 TSYS 133.27 Natl Grid UK p 1194.60 -30.90 1235.49 880.60 4.12 27.83 Krugerrand $1889.00-1991.00 (£1503.05-1584.21)
Cisco Systems 48.98 -2.38 Kroger 53.96 -3.04 Tyson Foods 93.16 -1.76 Premium Unld 1115.00 1117.00 +42.00 Nestle S SF 126.94 +0.56 128.94 107.82 Platinum $946.00 (£752.72)
Citigroup 48.21 -3.02 Lab Corp Amer 240.28 -28.24 Ulta Salon 396.80 -9.71 Gasoil EEC 1220.00 1222.00 +36.50 Novartis S SF 86.51 -0.38 88.07 73.01 3.45 9.05 Silver $23.03 (£18.33)
CME 219.34 -3.58 Lam Research 465.76 +2.63 Union Pacific 234.29 -0.01 3.5 Fuel Oil 587.00 588.00 +23.00
Naphtha 935.00 937.00 +18.00 Orange 11.32 11.39 8.93 6.32 33.57 Palladium $2315.00 (£1842.01)
CMS Energy 68.69 -3.07 Lennar 76.49 -0.49 Untd Rentls 316.52 +1.85

Dollar rates
Coca-Cola 64.61 -0.64 Level 3 Coms 53.63 +0.43 UPS 179.98 -7.17 Pernod Ricard NV Fr ¤ 197.65 +4.15 214.50 169.30 1.58 29.86
Cognizant Tech 80.90 -2.26 Lockheed Martin 432.12 -13.67 US Bancorp 48.56 -2.27 Philips Elect Nl ¤ 25.00 +0.53 48.53 23.94 3.40 37.34
ICE Futures
Colgate-Palm 77.05 -4.05 Lowes Cos 197.73 +0.67 Utd Health 508.55 -12.39 Prudential UK p 1010.50 +5.00 1592.27 967.40 1.17 16.40
Australia 1.4098-1.4100
Comcast 39.76 -5.62 LyondellBasell 106.03 -0.64 Utd Tech 86.01 -18.63 Gas Oil Reckitt Benckiser UK p 6498.00 +6.00 8020.00 5782.00 2.69 Canada 1.2815-1.2816
ConocoPhillips 95.52 -0.49 Marathon Petrol 87.26 +0.18 Valero Energy 111.48 +8.43 May 1232.00-1230.25 Aug 1048.00-1046.00 Richemont S SF 115.50 +2.40 146.10 92.40 1.67 26.51 Denmark 7.0549-7.0559
Consd Edison 92.74 -3.75 Marriott Intl 177.52 -1.97 Ventas 55.55 -2.94 Jun 1172.50-1172.00 Sep 1015.50-1010.75 Euro 0.9485-0.9485
Rio Tinto UK p 5706.00 +78.00 6876.26 4354.00 8.80 5.97
Constellation Brs 246.09 -4.87 Marsh & McLenn 161.70 -9.13 VeriSign 178.69 -27.16 Jul 1105.75-1105.25 Volume: 559879 Hong Kong 7.8462-7.8468
Corning 35.19 +1.39 MartinMarietta 354.22 -0.61 Verisk Analyt CS 204.05 -6.55 Roche Hldgs S SF 392.80 +0.40 439.20 314.40 2.21 25.33 Japan 129.81-129.82
Costco Whole 531.72 -39.98 MasterCard 363.38 +12.20 Verizon Comm 46.30 -5.61 Brent (9.00pm) Rolls-Royce UK p 82.91 -0.40 161.91 82.11 56.66 Malaysia 4.3600-4.3650
Crown Castle Int 185.21 -8.93 McCormick 100.57 -1.71 Vertex Pharma 273.22 +2.80 Royal Bank Scot UK p 120.90 -0.45 265.00 100.34 4.96 5.28 Norway 9.3394-9.3454
Jun 109.59-106.00 Sep 104.98-104.90 Singapore 1.3823-1.3824
CSX 34.34 -0.18 McDonald's 249.16 -1.01 VF Corp 52.00 -2.58 July 108.68-108.66 Oct 103.21-102.00 Shell 2173.00 -12.00 2259.50 1282.78 2.79 11.45
Aug 106.92-106.89 Volume: 1675587 Sweden 9.7998-9.8023
Cummins 189.19 -10.01 McKesson 309.61 -8.57 Visa 213.13 +4.96 Sanofi-Aventis Fr ¤ 101.18 -1.22 106.66 80.95 3.16 20.47 Switzerland 0.9724-0.9725
CVS Caremark 96.13 -5.55 Medtronic 104.36 -3.44 Vulcan Mats 172.29 +1.21
SAP G ¤ 97.56 +0.80 129.74 93.86 1.89 21.89
Other Sterling
Danaher 251.13 -13.43 Merck & Co 88.69 +4.10 Walgreens Boots 42.40 -3.14 LIFFE
Schneider Electric Fr ¤ 137.70 -0.22 173.78 121.60 1.93 25.91
Deere&Co 377.55 -26.02 Metlife 65.68 -3.88 Wal-Mart 152.99 -3.87
Delta Air Lines 43.03 -0.66 Microchip 65.20 -0.87 Walt Disney 111.63 -6.64 Cocoa Siemens G ¤ 117.78 +1.52 156.98 105.92 2.97 17.73
Devon Energy 58.17 +0.10 Micron 68.19 -1.22 Waste Mgt 164.44 +6.93 May 1760-1740 Jul 1825-1776 Standard Chartered UK p 551.80 +4.20 590.00 406.20 1.61 12.37 Argentina peso 144.92-144.93
Digital Realty Tr. 146.12 -3.64 Microsoft 277.52 +3.49 WEC Engy 100.05 -3.93 Jul 1806-1805 Sep 1821-1768 Swatch Gp BR S SF 254.50 +5.10 333.90 223.80 1.36 17.45 Australia dollar 1.7718-1.7720
Sep 1813-1805 Dec 1798-1770
Discover Financial 112.46 +0.09 Mondelez 64.48 -0.58 Wells Fargo 43.63 -2.71 Swiss Re AG S SF 80.32 -0.58 102.20 72.44 7.27 18.68 Bahrain dinar 0.4706-0.4778
Dec 1839-1819
Dollar General 237.53 -11.28 Monster Bvrge 85.68 +0.03 Welltower 52.22 -2.58 Mar 1830-1801 Telefonica Es ¤ 4.63 -0.07 5.00 3.59 7.46 3.38 Brazil real 6.1957-6.1995
Dollar Tree 162.45 -5.04 Moodys 316.48 -5.94 Weyerhaeuser 41.22 -0.30 May 1829-1781 Volume: 80107
Tenaris SA It ¤ 14.81 +0.74 15.35 8.04 1.25 23.63 Euro 1.1916-1.1922
Dominion Res 81.64 -3.25 Morgan Stanley 80.59 -4.15 Williams Cos 34.29 -0.81
Dow Chemical 66.50 -2.00 Mosaic 62.42 -4.35 Xcel Energy 73.26 -1.04 RobustaCoffee Tesco UK p 272.56 +0.26 304.10 219.40 3.68 20.76 Hong Kong dollar 9.8607-9.8629
D.R. Horton 69.59 -1.76 Motorola Sols 213.69 -11.24 Xilinx 194.92 TotalEnergies 39.69 +0.87 42.19 24.51 6.63 7.83
May 2199-2103 Jan 2128-2011 India rupee 96.174-96.175
Dr Pepper Snap 123.66 -0.02 M&T Bank Corp 166.64 -5.77 Yum Brands 117.01 -5.39 Jul 2106-2104 Mar 2052-1995 UBS AG S SF 16.72 +0.14 19.90 13.10 3.97 8.72
DTE Energy 131.04 -5.77 Nasdaq OMX 157.37 -9.48 Zimmer 120.75 -4.95 Sep 2111-2100 Indonesia rupiah 18254-18260
Unilever NV Nl ¤ 44.27 +0.79 51.05 39.36 3.24 22.73
Duke Energy 110.16 -4.12 Netflix 190.36 -25.16 Zoetis 177.25 -4.70 Nov 2113-2074 Volume: 16424 Kuwait dinar KD 0.3840-0.3864
Vinci Fr ¤ 92.84 -0.12 103.74 80.74 2.90 20.60
Vivendi Fr ¤ 10.96 -0.11 12.16 5.45 5.59 10.22 Malaysia ringgit 5.4705-5.4768
White Sugar (FOB)
London Financial Futures Reuters Mar 514.90-513.40 Vodafone Group UK p
Volkswagen G ¤
121.54
209.20
-5.50
-0.70
142.74
314.00
106.30
180.10
6.36
2.29 7.08
New Zealand dollar
Singapore dollar
1.9433-1.9437
1.7371-1.7373
May 508.00-504.90
Period Open High Low Sett Vol Open Int Aug 529.40-528.80 Aug 499.80-498.00 Volvo B Sw Kr 158.44 +1.00 230.00 151.66 3.80 9.80 S Africa rand 19.826-19.833
Long Gilt Jun 22 119.06 119.34 118.35 118.44 279803 672273 Oct 520.70-518.50 Oct 520.70-518.50
Dec 517.40-515.10 Volume: 55152 Zurich Fin S SF 445.90 +3.50 461.70 352.80 4.44 14.30 U A E dirham 4.6076-4.6084
Sep 22 124.10 124.10 124.10 118.06 2 2
3-Mth Sterling Jun 22
Sep 22
99.025
98.885
99.045
98.890
99.015
98.860
99.026
98.866
10377
3885
232459
301735
London Grain Futures Money rates % Exchange rates
LIFFE Wheat (close £/t)
Dec 22 98.820 98.825 98.790 98.806 7310 347378 Base Rates Clearing Banks 0.75 ECB Refi -0.50 US Fed Fd 0.00-0.25 Bid Change
Mar 23 98.785 98.795 98.755 98.771 8310 229855 May 332.50 Jul unq Nov 299.25 Australia $ 1.767 +0.01
Jan unq Mar unq Volume: 926 Halifax Mortgage Rate 3.59
Jun 23 Canada $ 1.605 +0.01
3-Mth Euribor Jun 22 100.26 100.27 100.23 100.24 85302 477097 Denmark Kr 8.853 +0.05
London Metal Exchange Treasury Bills (Dis) Buy: 1 mth 1.000; 3 mth 1.100. Sell: 1 mth 0.550; 3 mth 0.700 Euro ¤ 1.190 +0.01
Sep 22 99.800 99.820 99.740 99.745 86535 509087
(Official) Hong Kong $ 9.851 +0.09
Dec 22 99.380 99.395 99.285 99.290 128880 534577
Hungary 450.142 +3.75
Mar 23 98.945 98.965 98.825 98.845 94106 454611 Cash 3mth Dec 22 1 mth 2 mth 3 mth 6 mth 12 mth
Indonesia 18200.879 +167.32
Jun 23 98.585 98.610 98.470 98.495 109292 415458 Interbank Rates 0.9438 0.0000 1.2072 1.6578 0.0000 Israel Shk 4.195 +0.06
Copper Gde A ($/tonne)
3-Mth Euroswiss Jun 22 100.71 100.72 100.70 100.71 925 29152 Eurodollar Deps 0.88-1.13 1.16-1.41 1.33-1.58 1.77-2.02 2.71-2.78 Japan Yen 162.662 -0.31
Sep 22 100.68 100.68 100.67 100.68 710 31355 9820.0-9820.5 9821.0-9822.0 9775.0-9785.0 New Zealand $ 1.934 +0.01
Dec 22 100.61 100.62 100.59 100.62 488 22748 Lead ($/tonne) Sterling spot and forward rates Norway Kr
Poland
11.697
5.571 +0.02
Mar 23 2278.5-2279.0 2273.0-2274.0 2235.0-2240.0 Russia 88.920 -0.96
FTSE100 Jun 22 7519.0 7557.5 7480.0 7513.0 106691 599124 Mkt Rates for Range Close 1 month 3 month
S Africa Rd 19.857 -0.15
Sep 22 7500.0 7500.0 7500.0 7466.0 1 570 Zinc Spec Hi Gde ($/tonne) Copenhagen 8.8248-8.8729 8.8660-8.8678 122ds 394ds Sweden Kr 12.295 +0.06
FTSEurofirst 80 Jun 22 5243.5 4211.0-4212.0 4163.0-4164.0 3573.0-3578.0 Euro 1.1927-1.1862 1.1921-1.1921 12pr 38pr Switzerland Fr 1.219 +0.01
Sep 22 5232.0 Montreal 1.5938-1.6119 1.6106-1.6107 0pr 12pr Turkey Lira 18.652 +0.26
Alum Hi Gde ($/tonne)
New York 1.2464-1.2583 1.2567-1.2568 0pr 5pr USA $ 1.255 +0.01
3038.0-3039.0 3043.0-3044.0 2932.0-2937.0
© 2022 Tradeweb Markets LLC. All rights reserved. Oslo 11.615-11.750 11.738-11.742 9ds 15ds Rates supplied by Morningstar
The Tradeweb FTSE Gilt Closing Prices information contained Nickel ($/tonne) Stockholm 12.228-12.327 12.317-12.320 97ds 289ds
herein is proprietary to Tradeweb; may not be copied or 32420.0-32430.0 32500.0-32525.0 32505.0-32555.0 Tokyo 162.52-163.97 163.15-163.17 17ds 61ds Data as shown is
re-distributed; is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely; and does not constitute for information
investment advice. Tradeweb is not responsible for any loss or damage that might result Tin ($/tonne) 15mth Zurich 1.2110-1.2226 1.2221-1.2223 20ds 61ds
purposes only. No offer is made by
from the use of this information. 40795.0-40800.0 40350.0-40400.0 39665.0-39715.0 Premium = pr Discount = ds Morningstar or this publication
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 71

Money
Unit-linked insurance investments
Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld Weekly Yld
Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- % Sell Buy +/- %

ABBEY LIFE CLERICAL MEDICAL INVESTMENT GROUP International 618.60 651.10 -5.30 … Oseas Equity Ord 1817.30 1912.90 -36.40 … Gilts & Fxd Int 591.50 622.60 +5.10 … Squirrel 28.56 30.06 … …
01202 292373 Narrow Plain,, Bristol BS2 0JH 0117 9290566 Japan 299.80 315.50 +2.10 … Property Init 298.00 313.70 -1.70 … Growth Fund 857.50 902.60 -5.20 … Stag 94.69 99.67 -0.92 …
80 Holdenhurst Road,, Bournemouth Life Funds North Amer 4137.30 4355.00 -45.50 … Property Ord 1071.10 1127.40 -5.40 … International Fd 1223.30 1287.70 -15.50 … Pensions
BH8 8AL Cash 294.88 310.40 -0.02 … Perpetual 468.00 492.60 -1.30 … North American 2246.50 2364.80 -42.70 …
Schroders 1479.10 1556.90 +14.40 … Opportunity Fd 837.70 881.80 -7.80 … Bear 116.20 122.30 -0.20 …
American Ser 4 3886.90 4091.50 +72.70 … Dist Acc S2 220.91 220.91 -1.11 … NPI Bull 120.20 126.50 +0.40 …
Custodian S4 596.50 627.90 +0.10 … Fidelity Bal 1187.31 1249.80 -12.00 … Select Mgd 147.80 155.60 -0.30 … 020 7477 5567 Safety Fund 647.30 681.30 +5.90 …
UK Eqty Inc 1540.30 1621.30 -39.50 … UK Equity 940.10 989.50 -16.80 … Deposit 34.56 36.38 … …
Equity Ser 4 762.20 802.30 -8.30 … Gilt & Fixed Int 543.64 572.26 +1.57 … 55 Moorgate, London EC2 Gilt Edged 69.50 73.16 +0.76 …
Ethical S4 412.30 434.00 -0.20 … Non Eqty 427.04 449.52 +0.34 … UK Equity Gwth 2183.50 2298.40 -20.50 …
UK Fxd Int 597.10 628.50 +4.50 … Americas 2592.20 2728.70 +33.70 … Owl 138.90 146.20 -2.00 …
European S4 901.60 949.00 -5.20 … Nth American 2996.54 3154.25 -9.89 … Deposit 358.20 377.10 … … SCOTTISH PROVIDENT INSTITUTION
0131 556 9181 Squirrel 46.19 48.63 … …
Fixed Int Ser 4 917.20 965.50 +7.70 … Property 816.26 859.22 -0.74 … Far East 1659.10 1746.50 +11.60 … Stag 155.20 163.40 -1.60 …
High Inc Ser 4 2549.70 2683.90 -24.10 … UK Gwth 1287.97 1355.76 -28.38 … Pension Fixed Interest 1033.30 1087.70 +2.50 … 6 St Andrews Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YA
International S4 796.50 838.40 +7.50 … With Prof Bd S2 121.80 121.80 … … Aggressive Mgd 4 1003.20 1055.90 -3.70 … Cash 299.60 315.40 … … Pre 1982 Series
Indexed Gilt 893.80 940.90 -8.60 …
Japan Ser 4 500.90 527.30 +3.40 … With Profits Flex 127.60 127.60 … … Balanced Mgd 3 3810.10 4010.60 -18.80 … Managed 1693.10 1782.30 +19.40 … Equity 895.50 942.60 -18.10 … 3-Way Fund 3028.30 3028.30 +8.00 …
Man Ser 4 2313.10 2434.90 +8.70 … With Profits Reg 395.30 416.20 +0.10 … Cautious Mgd 2 815.90 858.80 -3.90 … Overseas Equity 2322.40 2444.70 +25.10 … Fixed Interest 750.40 789.90 +3.00 …
Money Ser 4 526.10 553.80 … … Gresham
European 1258.50 1324.70 -28.10 … UK Equity 2412.40 2539.40 +51.80 … Index Linked 639.40 673.10 +4.70 …
Prop Fd Ser 4 1081.40 1138.30 +0.50 … Pension Funds Far Eastern 2802.10 2949.50 -5.80 … International 1022.60 1076.40 -12.20 … American & Genrl 4777.30 5028.70 +96.60 …
Protected Gth S4 213.80 225.00 … … Cash 334.42 352.02 +0.01 … Framlington 258.10 271.70 +0.80 … Managed 883.10 929.60 -5.50 … Capital Fund 2489.90 2620.90 -35.00 …
PEARL Equity Fund 2836.50 2985.80 -39.90 …
European 1949.38 2051.98 -42.81 … Green 975.60 1026.90 -12.80 … The Pearl Centre,, Lynch
y Wood,, Peterboroughg Property 664.00 698.90 +0.30 …
Fomerly Hill Samuel Life Assurance Ltd Gilt & Fixed Int 626.97 659.97 +2.55 … International 912.10 960.10 -9.60 … Fixed Interest 718.20 756.00 +6.30 …
PE2 6FY 01733 470 470 Income 976.40 1027.80 -13.70 …
Halifax 142.88 150.40 … … Japan 376.90 396.70 +2.80 … Formerly Prolific
Equity Fund 2860.20 3026.70 +61.00 … North Amer 11967.80 12597.60 -162.50 … Inv Equity 5694.80 5994.60 -24.90 … International Gth 3877.20 4081.30 +28.00 …
European Fund 4708.90 4982.90 +65.20 … Nth American 4568.34 4808.78 -31.88 … Adventurous Mg 849.00 893.70 -7.20 …
PP Bal Pens 1197.68 1260.72 -14.81 … Perpetual 566.20 595.90 -1.90 … Inv Managed 3842.30 4044.60 +14.60 … Japan & General 579.80 610.30 +4.60 …
Fixed Intl 1017.80 1077.00 +4.30 … Schroders 2846.70 2996.50 +33.90 … Inv Prop Ac Grs 853.30 898.30 … … Bal Gwth Mngd 2681.10 2822.30 -16.80 … Managed Bond 3352.60 3529.00 +8.70 …
Income Fund 3179.30 3364.40 +72.80 … PP Caut Pens 393.44 414.14 -4.85 … Cash Fund 542.50 571.10 … …
PP UK Gth Pens 1124.48 1183.66 -29.65 … Select Mgd 158.90 167.30 -0.30 … Inv Prop Dist 270.00 284.30 … … Money Fund 525.40 553.00 … …
International 2148.00 2273.10 +50.30 … UK Eqty Gwth 3874.80 4078.70 -45.70 … Ret Managed 4580.20 4821.30 +20.60 … Cautious Mngd 402.80 424.00 +3.40 … Property Fund 1387.60 1460.70 +0.70 …
Managed Series A 2172.20 2298.60 +34.50 … PP UK Prop Pens 876.37 922.50 -0.65 … Equity Fund 3582.10 3770.70 -47.20 …
With Profits Reg 707.40 744.70 +0.60 … UK Eqty Inc 2512.60 2644.80 -64.20 … Recovery Fund 2732.40 2876.20 -26.20 …
Managed Units 3953.60 4161.70 +62.90 … UK Fxd Int 1273.30 1340.30 +9.80 … Equity Inc Dist 158.30 166.70 -1.00 …
Money Series A 477.20 504.90 … … With Profits Spec 700.80 737.70 +0.50 … PHOENIX LIFE LTD European 780.10 821.20 -17.30 … WINTERTHUR LIFE UK LIMITED
Money Units 672.20 707.60 … … Edward Pavilion,, Liverpool
p L3 4SL 0151 239 3000 Extra Income Fd 1433.90 1509.40 -7.50 … 01256 470707
Property Series A 1488.40 1575.10 +0.70 … COUNTRYWIDE ASSURED LLOYDS TSB LIFE LTD For further fund p
prices p
please ring:
g 0800 731 2031 Far East 2103.80 2214.60 +5.20 … Winterthur Way, y, Basingstoke
g RG21 6SZ
Harbour House,, Portway,y, Preston,, Lancs 01634 834000 For further fund prices
p please
p ringg 0800 731 2031 Formerly Colonial
Property Units 2740.30 2884.50 +1.50 … Fxd Interest Fund 1279.00 1346.40 +11.10 …
PR2 2PR Mountbatten Hse,, Chatham,, Kent Broker Life Funds Cash ‡ 285.70 … … …
Smaller Cos 3265.00 3455.00 -49.80 … High Income 2990.80 3148.30 -20.10 …
CA Funds 0800 262536 Life Funds Moneyhill Grth 510.43 537.29 +2.58 … International 1227.60 1292.30 -15.40 … Cash Inv Pens ‡ 532.70 … -0.10 …
Deposit Life 220.00 231.50 … … Equity 1631.30 1717.10 -22.70 … Managed Dist 141.50 149.00 -1.20 … Cash Pens ‡ 146.40 … -0.10 …
Formerly Target Life Assurance Co Ltd Equity ‡ 1403.90 … -0.30 …
Deposit Pen 307.50 323.60 … … Managed 3685.30 3685.30 -31.90 … Lifestyle Bond Funds (Post 29/1/01) North American 3722.00 3917.90 -70.90 …
Deposit 355.40 374.10 -0.10 … Intl Life 958.00 1008.40 -10.20 … Income 3230.70 3400.70 -92.20 … Property Fund 1001.80 1054.60 +0.50 … Equity Inv Pens 8854.10 9320.10 -196.00 …
Financial Ser 1 250.80 264.00 +3.10 … Intl Pen 1331.20 1401.20 -17.20 … Managed Inv 1921.40 2022.50 -16.80 … Cautious Mgd 257.10 257.10 +0.20 … Technology 6668.80 7019.80 -195.60 … Equity Pens Cap 2315.00 2436.80 -52.80 …
Fixed Interest 680.60 716.40 +5.80 … Mgd Life 800.10 842.20 -7.30 … Deposit 150.20 150.20 … … UK Mid Cap 3547.60 3734.40 -84.20 … Fxd Int ‡ 1003.90 … -7.20 …
Managed 2145.10 2258.00 +10.30 … Mgd Pen 1195.50 1258.40 -13.50 … Equity 260.00 260.00 -3.70 … Fxd Int Inv Pens ‡ 2451.20 … -12.30 …
Mngd Growth 788.10 829.50 +6.60 … Life Funds-Series Two-Current Series Equity Inc 289.30 289.30 -3.00 …
UK Eqty Life 814.00 856.80 -12.20 … Henderson Investment Bonds Fxd Int Pens Cap ‡ 677.60 … -3.30 …
Property 880.90 927.30 +0.30 … UK Eqty Pen 1049.60 1104.80 -19.40 … American 3260.00 3431.60 -31.90 … European 328.30 328.30 -5.60 … Idx Lk Inv Pens ‡ 1479.60 … … …
TSB Intl 1524.50 1604.70 +14.40 … Balanced 2449.20 2578.10 -69.30 … Eurotech 90.10 90.10 -0.20 … Deposit Fund 368.60 388.00 … … Idx Lk Pens Cap ‡ 408.40 … -0.40 …
CWA Series Funds 0870 600 0014 Cash 412.20 433.90 -0.10 … Far East 413.00 413.00 +8.20 … European Fund 1279.70 1347.10 -28.30 … Key ‡ … … -6.80 …
European Gth 829.80 873.50 -15.70 … Fixed Int 223.90 223.90 +1.70 … Far East Fund 2067.30 2176.20 +5.10 … Managed 1339.30 1409.80 -18.70 …
AEGON SCOTTISH EQUITABLE
Q Equity Fd 1712.70 1802.80 -43.10 … Fixed Interest 863.30 908.70 +9.30 … FTSE All Share Tkr 283.40 283.40 -4.70 … Fixed Interest 62.10 65.40 +0.50 …
08456 100010 Mngd Inv Pens 3645.30 3837.10 -57.80 …
Glob Cash 362.50 381.60 … … German Growth 1504.20 1583.40 -39.40 … Income Dist I 118.00 118.00 -0.70 … Global Managed 1543.10 1624.40 -9.60 … Mngd Pens Cap 953.80 1004.00 -15.80 …
Edinburgh Park, Edinburgh EH12 9SE Glob Eqty 3360.20 3537.10 -59.20 … Income 2990.60 3148.00 -85.50 … Income Dist II 116.10 116.10 -0.60 … North America 1658.80 1746.20 -31.50 … Pacemaker ‡ … … -13.20 …
American 2135.48 2247.88 -33.89 … Glob Fxd Int 1472.90 1550.40 +10.20 … Japan Growth 306.30 322.40 +3.20 … International 304.30 304.30 +2.60 … UK Equity Fd 936.10 985.40 -16.20 …
Cash 276.28 290.82 -0.02 … Glob Mgd 2387.10 2512.70 -27.20 … Managed Inv 2085.70 2195.50 -18.20 … Japan Grth 191.00 191.00 +1.60 … ZURICH ASSURANCE LTD
Distribution 101.12 106.44 -0.68 … Glob Prop 924.00 972.60 +0.10 … Managed 277.50 277.50 -0.70 … 0845 300 2332
Pacific Basin 1425.00 1500.00 -1.80 … SCOTTISH WIDOWS GROUP UK Life Centre,, Swindon SN1 1EL
Ethical 679.52 715.28 -24.70 … Managed Fd 2983.10 3140.10 -33.90 … Property 1864.30 1962.40 -0.40 … North America 482.30 482.30 +9.60 … PO Box 902, Edinburgh EH16 5BU
European 1256.88 1323.03 -25.65 … Property Fd 759.60 799.60 +0.10 … Pacific Grth 658.10 658.10 +16.10 … Life Funds
Smllr Cos Recov 5124.10 5393.70 -89.40 … Cash Fund 359.80 378.80 … …
Fixed Interest 538.71 567.06 +5.19 … Worldwide Gth 2005.70 2111.30 -26.70 … Property 380.10 380.10 +0.20 … Equity 10465.90 11016.70 -142.70 …
Global 373.70 393.37 -5.66 … FRIENDS PROVIDENT UK Leader 267.80 267.80 -3.80 … Equity Fund 2343.40 2466.80 -68.80 … Managed (1) 1114.00 1172.60 -6.70 …
International 1125.48 1184.72 -15.70 … 01722 413366 UK Smlr Cos 321.70 321.70 -10.40 … Fixed Interest Fd 1058.80 1114.50 +11.60 … Managed (2) 846.40 891.00 -5.10 …
Castle Street, Salisbury, Wilts SP1 3SH Pension Funds Indexed Stock Fd 827.90 871.50 +8.80 …
Japan 428.74 451.30 +6.97 … With Profits 151.86 151.86 +0.10 … Managed (3) ‡ 654.20 … -3.80 …
Mixed 970.53 1021.62 -10.13 … American Pens 1985.60 2090.10 -25.50 … International Fd 2376.40 2501.50 -17.30 … Mangd Gen 4 159.50 167.90 -0.90 …
Cash 321.60 338.50 … … Inv Cash 546.20 574.90 +0.10 …
Pacific 1596.25 1680.26 +5.03 … European 1496.80 1575.50 -29.00 … Cash Pen 309.90 326.20 … … Property 2176.20 2290.70 +19.80 …
European Pen 1532.00 1612.70 -36.20 … Other Life & Pension Funds Inv Pol 1 5299.60 5299.60 +14.80 …
Technology 4669.16 4914.90 -74.38 … Fixed Inter Life 740.50 779.40 +4.80 … Property (1) 457.70 481.80 +4.10 …
UK Equity 939.69 989.14 -22.74 … Far East Pen 611.10 643.20 -1.10 … Pens Unit W Prof 237.27 249.76 +0.20 … Inv Pol 2 4497.50 4734.20 +12.10 … Property (2) ‡ 493.40 … +4.50 …
Index Linked 687.40 723.50 -8.10 … Inv Pol 3 3726.40 3922.50 +9.30 …
Managed 1171.10 1232.80 -17.80 … Fixed Int Pen 632.60 665.90 +8.50 … With Profits Bd 185.77 185.77 +0.12 …
FTSE 100 374.20 393.90 -10.20 … Mixed Fund 1970.90 2074.60 -17.30 … Pension
ALBA LIFE North American 1220.10 1284.30 -20.00 … Property Fund 1130.80 1190.30 -1.00 …
Overseas Equity 1738.00 1829.50 -33.60 … Managed Pen 1021.30 1075.10 -14.80 … Pensions Solution Funds (Post 6/4/2001) Managed (1) 1596.40 1680.50 -8.50 …
50 Bothwell St,, Glasgow
g G2 6HR Property Pen 1163.40 1224.60 -0.90 … Equity Acc 29270.80 30811.40 -471.50 …
0141 248 2000 Pacific Basin 563.20 592.80 -4.80 … Balanced Grth 291.10 291.10 +0.30 …
Property 755.40 795.20 +0.20 … UK Equity Pen 763.50 803.70 -22.80 … SKANDIA LIFE ASSURANCE CO LTD Managed Acc 17092.40 17992.00 -123.70 …
Formerly y Britannia Cash Deposit 159.30 159.30 … … 01703 334411 Property (1) 843.30 887.70 +7.90 …
Life Stewardship 1685.40 1774.10 -30.30 … Equity 266.70 266.70 -4.60 …
UK Equity 1691.50 1780.50 -37.30 … LONDON LIFE Skandia House,, Portland Terrace Property (2) ‡ 887.60 … +8.50 …
European 1506.00 1585.20 -32.00 … Equity Inc 298.30 298.30 -3.50 … Southampton SO9 7BX Property Acc 10028.20 10556.00 +93.80 …
0117 984 7777 European 384.80 384.80 -8.20 …
Far East 616.30 648.70 +1.50 … Formerly London & Manchester Assurance Spectrum, Bond Street, Bristol, BS1 3AL Balanced Acc 947.70 997.50 +4.90 … With Profs (5) ‡ 234.50 … +0.10 …
Fixed Interest 882.20 928.70 +4.50 … Eurotech 173.80 173.80 +4.40 … With Profs (6) ‡ 206.00 … +0.10 …
Deposit 506.20 506.20 … … Far East 505.70 505.70 +11.40 … Equity Acc 2107.30 2218.20 -53.50 …
International 1368.70 1440.80 -17.00 … Equity Ex Cap ‡ … … -7.80 …
Deposit A 290.60 305.90 … … Fixed Int 261.10 261.10 +2.60 … Global Acc 812.50 855.20 -1.20 … Share Class 1 - Retail
Japan 656.30 690.90 +3.40 … Equity Life ‡ … … -40.30 …
Deposit P 647.10 647.10 … … FTSE All Share Tkr 317.70 317.70 -6.20 … Property 580.30 610.80 +0.40 … Managed (2) ‡ 825.80 … -4.20 …
Managed Fund 1494.90 1573.50 -9.70 … Fixed Interest ‡ … … +4.90 …
Money Market 399.60 420.60 … … Fxd Int Ex Cap ‡ … … +0.80 … Equity 3999.70 3999.70 -3.30 … Index Linked 367.00 367.00 -0.10 …
North America
Property
1411.70 1486.00
1113.40 1172.00
-26.70
+0.70
…
…
Gtd Dep Ex Cap ‡
Guaranteed Deposit ‡
…
…
…
…
…
+0.10
…
…
Equity A
Equity P
Fixed Int A
890.50

536.70
937.40
3510.90 3510.90
565.00
-0.70
-3.40
+3.40
…
…
…
International
Managed Grth
Pens Protector
369.20
307.00
305.90
369.20
307.00
305.90
+3.30
-0.90
+5.10
…
…
…
STANDARD LIFE ASSURANCE CO
Standard Life House,, 30 Lothian Road,,
Edinburgh EH1 2DH 0131 225 2552
British funds
UK Equity 2573.10 2708.50 -38.50 … Inter Life ‡ … … -33.50 …
Intl Ex Cap ‡ … … -6.70 … Fixed Int P 2000.90 2000.90 +16.30 … Property 498.30 498.30 +0.30 … Cash ‡ 435.40 … … … Stock Price Wkly Int Yld Grs rd
Prop Ex Cap ‡ … … -0.10 … Fixed Interest 1260.60 1260.60 +8.10 … UK Leader 290.40 290.40 -5.00 … Equity ‡ 4446.20 … -157.50 … Outstanding(£) Stock (£) +/– % yld
Pensions Prop Life ‡ … … +0.10 … Index Stock A 696.70 733.40 -0.40 … Unitised W Prof 199.55 199.55 +0.19 … European ‡ 920.50 … -1.50 … Index-linked
Equity 1805.40 1900.50 -31.10 … Index Stock P 1301.00 1301.00 -0.90 … Far East ‡ 521.20 … -12.20 … 109.44 106.12 Tr IL 1Y% 22 107.17 – .05 1.80 –10.39
European 1896.40 1996.30 -50.50 … FP Life Assurance ex NM Indexed Stock 927.10 927.10 -0.50 … PRUDENTIAL INDIVIDUAL LIFE FUNDS Fixed Interest ‡ 1135.90 … -2.50 … 378.51 354.43 Tr IL 2K% 24 * 373.85 + .75 1.45 –3.82
Far Eastern 504.20 530.70 +1.10 … International 1433.60 1433.60 +1.70 … 0345 601601 Index Linked ‡ 849.80 … +10.90 … 111.98 107.52 Tr IL 0V% 24 109.78 + .12 … –4.77
American 3282.20 3455.00 -54.00 … International A 859.60 904.90 +1.00 … 120.56 112.54 Tr IL 0V% 26 114.13 + .29 … –3.26
Fixed Interest 926.70 975.50 +6.20 … Deposit 539.50 567.90 … … 55 King's Road, Reading, RG1 3AH International ‡ 2779.30 … -34.50 …
International 1183.70 1246.00 -18.70 … International P 1900.20 1900.20 +2.10 … Managed ‡ 3052.30 … -36.50 … 135.63 124.73 Tr IL 1N% 27 125.81 + .45 1.09 –2.99
European 3651.60 3843.80 -69.20 … Mixed 2378.40 2378.40 +6.90 … Euro Fund 1629.80 1715.50 -23.90 … 130.64 119.28 Tr IL 0V% 28 120.56 + .52 … –2.85
Japan 330.10 347.50 +1.30 … Fixed Interest 1548.60 1630.10 +9.90 … N American Fd 1989.20 2093.90 -14.00 … Nth American ‡ 1085.30 … -11.10 …
Mixed A 750.20 789.70 +2.20 … 132.52 120.15 Tr IL 0V% 29 121.58 + .56 … –2.70
Managed 1058.90 1114.60 -8.60 … Income Acc 3907.60 4113.30 -117.60 … Strategic Fund 644.30 678.20 -11.00 … Property ‡ 967.10 … +0.50 … 141.65 125.98 Tr IL 0V% 31 128.16 + .66 … –2.55
Money Market 471.40 496.20 … … Mixed P 2381.90 2381.90 +12.00 …
Income Dist 709.80 747.20 -21.40 … Property 774.20 774.20 … … 402.06 366.57 Tr IL 4V% 30 * 379.15 +1.83 1.70 –2.51
North America 2087.20 2197.10 -49.30 … International 1724.50 1815.20 -34.70 … Pensions (Series 4) 161.90 142.05 Tr IL 1N% 32 144.31 + .59 0.87 –2.41
Property 1008.70 1061.80 +0.60 … Property A 332.50 350.00 … … Scottish Amicable Life Fds (First Series) 160.29 138.88 Tr IL 0O% 34 140.76 + .24 … –2.23
Managed 2623.30 2761.40 -39.90 … Property P 594.40 594.40 … … Cash ‡ 133.30 … … …
Mixed 1776.00 1869.50 -17.90 … Cash Fund 530.20 558.10 … … 324.74 285.49 Tr IL 2% 35 * 291.50 + .20 0.84 –2.04
Equity ‡ 245.60 … -2.60 … 161.43 136.68 Tr IL 0V% 36 137.58 – .21 … –2.07
AXA SUN LIFE Property 2131.50 2243.70 +0.50 … Equity Fund 6353.60 6688.00 -133.70 … European ‡ 276.90 … +2.50 …
MERCHANT INVESTORS ASSURANCE CO LTD Fixed Interest 1422.00 1496.90 +19.60 … 186.89 157.08 Tr IL 1V% 37 158.00 – .35 0.75 –2.03
PO Box 1810,, Bristol BS99 5SN Singapore & Mal 1272.50 1339.40 -21.90 … Far East ‡ 275.60 … -7.30 … 169.23 140.17 Tr IL 0V% 39 140.69 – .55 … –1.91
Tokyo Fund 1075.30 1131.90 +10.40 … St Bartholomews House,, Lewins Mead Intl Fund 2704.10 2846.40 -15.40 …
AXA Assurance - 02476 235500 Bristol BS1 2NH Fixed Interest ‡ 247.70 … -2.90 … 186.19 152.74 Tr IL 0X% 40 153.22 – .72 … –1.87
Sun Life - 0117 989 3000 UK Equity 2344.00 2467.30 -51.70 … Managed Fund 3305.80 3479.80 -12.00 … Index Linked ‡ 335.60 … +4.70 … 180.53 145.32 Tr IL 0V% 41 145.77 – .81 … –1.84
AXA Equity
q y & Law - 02476 235400 Far East 765.20 805.50 +16.70 … Property Fund 1273.30 1340.30 -0.10 … International ‡ 346.80 … -6.30 … 199.86 159.82 Tr IL 0X% 42 160.25 – .96 0.39 –1.79
Life Assnce - AXA Equity & Law Series 6. 1% AMC Friends Prov (London & Manchester) Ass Ltd Fd Gilt Edged 1571.50 1654.20 +20.90 … Managed ‡ 282.50 … -3.20 … 188.86 148.06 Tr IL 0V% 44 148.58 –1.03 … –1.70
Balced Ser 6 2630.80 2769.30 -29.00 … Capital Gth Acc ‡ … … +10.90 … Interest Fund 560.90 590.40 -0.10 … PRUDENTIAL LIFE FUNDS Nth American ‡ 413.00 … -5.00 … 196.96 151.51 Tr IL 0V% 46 151.68 –1.29 … –1.63
Distribution Ser 6 99.90 105.10 -0.80 … Flexible Acc ‡ … … -26.50 … Intl Equity 2091.50 2201.60 +2.60 … 01786 448844 Property ‡ 307.20 … … … 229.64 174.81 Tr IL 0O% 47 175.07 –1.54 0.44 –1.61
Managed Fd 1280.00 1347.40 -1.10 … PO Box 14962,, Craigforth,
g , Stirling,
g, FK9 4ZD Stock Exchange ‡ 352.80 … -5.20 … 209.00 155.99 Tr IL 0V% 48 156.14 –1.57 … –1.59
Europe Ser 6 1931.70 2033.40 -36.00 … Flexible Cap ‡ … … -5.30 … 232.71 172.48 Tr IL 0K% 50 172.58 –1.76 … –1.57
Higher Inc Ser 6 4890.20 5147.50 -93.60 … Inv Trust Acc ‡ … … -137.20 … North American 810.40 853.10 -12.60 … Others
Property 1474.70 1552.30 +7.00 … 231.36 167.46 Tr IL 0N% 52 167.46 –1.85 … –1.52
Property Ser 6 1858.20 1956.00 -0.40 … Inv Trust Cap ‡ … … -26.00 … BonusBond 251.20 264.40 -3.40 … SUN LIFE OF CANADA 306.14 219.52 Tr IL 1N% 55 219.52 –2.44 0.63 –1.49
UK Equities Ser 6 3929.00 4135.80 -71.80 … Moneymaker Acc ‡ … … +3.00 … UK Equity 1085.10 1142.20 -25.70 …
Cap Gteed Bd 390.40 410.90 +1.20 … Basingview,
g , Basingstoke,
g , Hants RG21 2DZ 248.27 171.41 Tr IL 0V% 56 171.41 –2.25 … –1.46
Prud Inher Bd (Cap) ‡ … … -0.80 … Dealing: 01256 841414 256.47 174.61 Tr IL 0V% 58 174.61 –2.38 … –1.45
GUARDIAN MGM ASSURANCE Prud Inher Bd (Inc) ‡ … … +0.20 … 297.03 196.11 Tr IL 0W% 62 196.39 –2.75 … –1.42
Life Funds - Sun Life (inc Birmingham Midshires)& AXA Assurance 1% AMC MGM House,, Heene Road,, Worthing g Equity Account 7294.60 7294.60 -68.40 … 309.47 194.65 Tr IL 0V% 65 195.67 –3.12 … –1.44
01253 733151 Equity Fund Acc 2762.30 2907.60 -26.10 …
Cash Acc 469.00 493.70 -0.10 … Ballam Rd, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire FY8 4JZ BN11 2DY 01903 836000 335.00 205.60 Tr IL 0V% 68 206.39 –3.47 … –1.48
Scottish Amicable Life Fds (First Series) Equity II 6467.80 6808.20 -62.40 … 395.45 228.98 Tr IL 0V% 73 232.32 –3.87 … –1.57
Deffrd Dist 723.90 762.00 -6.50 … Deposit 114.48 120.50 -0.08 …
Deposit 433.60 456.40 … … Cash 371.40 390.90 … … Fixed Int Fd Acc 883.10 929.50 +6.80 …
Distribution Fund 372.50 392.10 -3.30 … Deposit Acc 368.79 388.20 +0.02 … Longs (Over 15 years)
Equity Life 4557.20 4797.00 -65.20 … Equity 2471.30 2601.30 -51.80 … Growth Acc 8658.80 8658.80 -81.10 …
Equity Acc 5745.90 6048.30 -105.10 … Fixed Interest 387.54 407.93 -3.32 … 147.98 125.00 Tr 4N% 36 126.17 – .58 3.37 2.07
European 689.70 726.00 +8.10 … Fixed Interest 1042.20 1097.10 +14.40 … Indx-Lnkd Scs Acc 778.40 819.30 +1.70 …
European 912.30 960.30 -17.00 … Fixed Interest Acc 1218.77 1282.92 -0.17 … 113.52 94.16 Tr 1O% 37 95.29 – .51 … 2.11
Fixed Interest 1833.30 1929.80 +8.60 … Index-Linked 773.10 813.80 +4.90 … Managed Account ‡ … … -15.80 …
Far Eastern Acc 2272.90 2392.50 +18.80 … Managed 483.36 508.80 -9.19 … 163.31 136.03 Tr 4O% 38 137.45 – .72 3.46 2.07
Index Linked 692.60 729.10 +3.30 … International 1928.20 2029.70 -10.90 … Managed IV 3996.10 4206.40 -15.40 …
Fixed Int Acc 1037.70 1092.30 +3.00 … Managed Acc 1592.17 1675.97 +4.03 … 103.54 84.77 Tr 1V% 39 86.02 – .52 … 2.12
Inter Life 2756.20 2901.30 +32.20 … Managed 2019.40 2125.70 -7.20 … Mngd Fund Acc 1736.00 1827.30 -6.40 … 156.78 129.82 Tr 4N% 39 131.26 – .71 3.24 2.09
Global Eqty Acc 2552.30 2686.60 -26.40 … Property 250.17 263.34 -0.42 …
Managed Life 2735.20 2879.10 +7.10 … Property 1258.10 1324.30 +0.30 … Money Fund Acc 337.70 355.40 -0.10 … 159.73 131.36 Tr 4N% 40 132.78 – .77 … 2.11
Japan Acc 359.50 378.40 +4.90 … Property Acc 966.51 1017.37 +4.32 …
North American 1416.30 1490.80 +16.60 … Pens Equity 1810.90 1906.20 -21.80 … 106.42 84.88 Tr 1N% 41 86.16 – .59 … 2.12
Managed Acc 3223.90 3393.60 -35.50 …
Pacific 855.00 900.00 +10.00 … Pens Fixed Int 1135.20 1194.90 +8.70 … 147.71 118.01 Tr 3N% 44 119.59 – .77 … 2.12
North Amer Acc 3085.50 3247.90 -23.70 … The M & G Series
Prop Life 1039.20 1093.90 +2.70 … NAT WEST LIFE ASSCE LTD Pens Guarantee 1447.60 1523.70 +1.40 … 169.96 138.12 Tr 4K% 42 139.76 – .86 3.22 2.11
Pacific Acc 1737.10 1828.60 +8.50 …
PO Box 886, Trinity Quay, Bristol BS99 5LJ Amer Bond Acc 1351.10 1418.80 -21.40 … Pens Indx-Lnkd 990.20 1042.30 +2.20 … 154.93 123.27 Tr 3K% 45 124.86 – .85 … 2.12
Property Acc 1418.30 1493.00 -0.30 … 175.82 138.94 Tr 4N% 46 141.02 – .97 3.01 2.10
HALIFAX LIFE LTD Growth Mgd Pens 570.09 600.10 -9.32 … Deposit Bond Acc 522.20 548.40 -0.10 … Pens Intl 1307.40 1376.20 -13.90 …
PO Box 285,, York YO1 1YB 01904 611110 Equity Bond Acc 5064.30 5317.70 -103.30 … Pens Mngd Acct 4533.10 4771.60 -22.20 … 99.79 75.78 Tr 0Y% 46 77.18 – .64 … 2.10
BARCLAYS LIFE ASSURANCE CO LTD Life Funds Pens Money 431.40 454.10 … … 114.76 87.08 Tr 1K% 47 88.68 – .72 … 2.08
NORWICH UNION LIFE INSURANCE Euro Smlr Cos 209.30 219.90 -21.90 … 122.26 91.92 Tr 1O% 49 93.71 – .79 … 2.06
0845 603 5000 Balanced 99.31 104.54 -1.02 … European Bd Acc 1915.80 2011.70 -25.90 … Pens Property 2000.00 2105.20 +15.60 …
Level 12, 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP SOCIETY - Ex NUAM Funds 185.65 143.34 Tr 4N% 49 145.74 –1.08 2.92 2.07
Deposit 36.08 37.98 … … Extra Yld Bd Acc 4444.20 4666.50 -36.40 … Pers Pens Acct ‡ … … -47.90 … 95.59 68.31 Tr 0X% 50 69.94 – .69 … 2.02
PO Box 140,, Norwich NR3 1PP Prop Fund Acc 1569.40 1652.00 +12.10 …
500 Accum 1420.86 1495.64 -32.14 … Foundation 103.38 108.82 -1.01 … 01603 622200 Gbl Basics Bd Acc 1161.30 1219.40 +16.90 … 220.50 160.65 Tr 0V% 51 160.66 –1.73 … –1.54
America Acc 2781.83 2928.24 -55.04 … Opportunity 117.46 123.64 -1.52 … Gilt Bond Acc 1133.70 1190.50 +15.60 … 111.21 80.74 Tr 1N% 51 82.56 – .80 … 2.05
Comb Inc Acc 2690.93 2832.56 -23.72 … Deposit Fund 604.20 636.00 +0.02 … High Yield Bond 483.80 508.10 -3.60 … TESCO PERSONAL FINANCIAL LIFE LTD 180.27 136.06 Tr 3O% 52 138.68 –1.11 … 2.03
Equity Acc 3799.57 3999.55 -86.21 … Eqity Fund 15387.03 16196.87 -350.97 … Index-Lnkd Gt Bd 375.60 394.40 -6.10 … 0845 845 5555 120.44 86.45 Tr 1K% 53 88.56 – .85 … 1.99
Pension Funds
Far East Gwth 1281.15 1348.57 -18.30 … Fixed Int Fd 1876.84 1975.62 +21.93 … International Bd 5528.40 5805.00 -33.80 … PO Box 23042, Edinburgh EH3 8YG 124.61 88.94 Tr 1X% 54 91.25 – .87 … 1.99
Gilt 2 Init 252.24 265.51 +2.46 … Balanced S2 101.60 106.95 -1.32 … Higher Inc Plus 228.41 240.43 -1.64 … Japan Bond Acc 437.90 459.90 +4.40 … 205.69 152.32 Tr 4N% 55 155.57 –1.25 2.73 1.98
Deposit S2 41.68 43.87 … … Intl Fund 1262.60 1329.05 -25.21 … Balanced Growth 291.10 291.10 -4.80 … 132.79 92.22 Tr 1O% 57 94.86 – .92 … 1.95
Gilt Edged Acc 989.46 1041.54 +10.30 … Japan Sm Cos Acc 235.80 247.70 -3.80 … Intl Growth 437.60 437.60 -3.50 …
Foundation S2 103.18 108.61 -1.27 … Managed Fund 6360.10 6694.85 -90.91 … 213.01 151.95 Tr 4% 60 155.76 –1.38 … 1.92
Inter 2 Init 484.82 510.33 -8.60 … Managed Bond Acc 3672.70 3856.40 -13.50 … UK Growth 272.30 272.30 -7.20 … 96.16 59.31 Tr 0K% 61 61.71 – .79 … 1.88
International Acc 1900.50 2000.53 -32.42 … Opportunity S2 117.26 123.43 -1.83 … Property Fd 2699.53 2841.61 -13.56 … Prop Bond Acc 1766.20 1854.60 +0.30 … 173.16 114.86 Tr 2K% 65 118.65 –1.23 … 1.87
Japan Acc 426.89 449.36 +2.32 … Rec Bond Acc 3271.40 3435.10 -104.00 … 219.03 145.61 Tr 3K% 68 150.45 –1.47 … 1.87
INVESCO FUNDS MGMT LTD Formerly Commercial Union S East Asia Bd Acc 1300.20 1365.30 -20.40 … WINDSOR LIFE ASSUR CO LTD
Managed 2 Init 568.93 598.88 -5.40 … 01952 292929 149.85 90.25 Tr 1X% 71 94.08 –1.13 … 1.81
Managed Acc 2222.71 2339.70 -19.59 … Alban Gate,, 14th Flr,, 125 London Wall,, Lond
EC2Y 5AS 020 7710 4567 Cash 307.40 323.60 … … Windsor House,, Telford,, Shropshire
p Mediums (5-15 years)
Managed Alpha 1624.33 1709.82 -36.75 … Fxd Int 596.60 628.00 +6.90 … PRUDENTIAL PENSION FUNDS Formerly y AEtna
Money Acc 429.39 451.99 -0.02 … Formerly GT Global Fund Mgmt Ltd 101.62 98.95 Tr 0O% 23 99.11 – .06 … 1.49
Index-Lnkd 728.70 767.00 +7.30 … Scottish Amicable Non Series A 1982 Series 105.18 100.79 Tr 2N% 23 100.92 – .09 … 1.56
Prop 2 Init 274.39 288.83 -0.06 … Plan Far East 554.30 583.40 … … Int Equity 1394.70 1468.20 -28.00 … 100.03 97.17 Tr 0V% 24 – .09 … 1.63
100% Safeguard 155.80 164.00 … … Cash Deposit 327.10 344.30 … … 97.41
Property Acc 1069.70 1125.99 +0.51 … Plan Wwide 924.50 973.20 -0.10 … Managed 1457.20 1533.90 -21.00 … 102.69 98.61 Tr 1% 24 98.86 – .11 … 1.59
UK Growth Acc 1199.57 1262.70 -27.19 … 95% Safeguard 171.90 180.90 +1.80 … Far East Equity 1678.10 1766.40 -2.50 …
Property 921.00 969.50 -4.70 … 108.76 102.33 Tr 2O% 24 102.56 – .15 … 1.63
Univ Tech Acc 829.58 873.24 -14.15 … LEGAL & GENERAL INVESTMENT MGMT Fixed 764.10 804.30 +6.70 … 118.47 108.84 Tr 5% 25 109.08 – .21 4.58 1.72
UK Equity 1873.70 1972.30 -42.90 … Index-Linked Fd 774.50 815.30 -0.50 …
0203 1243000 Var Ann (5) ‡ … … +4.90 … SAVE & PROSPER INSURANCE AND PENSIONS 101.82 96.61 Tr 0X% 25 97.01 – .16 … 1.62
One Coleman Street, EC2R 5AA St James's House,, 27-43 Eastern Rd,, Romford Managed 1498.80 1577.70 +3.80 … 107.77 100.83 Tr 2% 25 101.20 – .21 … 1.63
& AXA Assurance 1% AM Var Ann Acc (5) ‡ … … +49.40 … N Amer Equity 2399.40 2525.70 +48.40 …
B Soc Lnkd Init 136.20 143.40 … … RM1 3NH 99.56 94.12 Tr 0V% 26 94.52 – .21 … 1.64
Equity 2 Init 966.62 1017.50 -22.60 … Brit Opps Int 221.20 232.80 -3.70 … Customer Helpline: 0845 3000144 Property 591.20 622.30 +0.30 … 106.30 98.98 Tr 1K% 26 99.38 – .25 … 1.65
Formerly General Accident Special Opp 2076.70 2186.00 -20.00 … 105.60 97.45 Tr 1N% 27 97.88 – .28 … 1.68
British Opp 777.40 818.30 -13.20 … Bal Inv Fund 356.20 374.90 -3.20 … 124.68 112.98 Tr 4N% 27 113.39 – .35 3.75 1.73
Building Soc Linked 283.40 298.30 … … American 1475.20 1552.80 -36.00 … UK Equity 1590.80 1674.50 -22.30 …
CANADA LIFE Deposit Fund (2) 640.50 674.20 … … 98.46 90.89 Tr 0V% 28 91.35 – .24 … 1.71
01707 651122 Cash 438.00 461.00 … … Cash Deposit 260.50 274.20 … … Gilt Fund 1584.60 1668.00 +11.40 … 108.94 99.03 Tr 1X% 28 99.52 – .31 … 1.70
2-6 High Street, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 5BA Cash Initial 119.10 125.40 -0.30 … Conv Life 431.60 454.20 … … Global Equity Fd 1594.50 1678.40 -16.80 … Formerly AEGON Life 140.50 126.01 Tr 6% 28 126.45 – .40 4.74 1.74
Equity 4716.00 4964.20 -90.00 … European 1048.60 1103.70 -12.70 … Property Fund (46) 336.10 353.80 +0.10 … Balanced 2090.10 2211.70 +5.40 … 99.77 91.32 Tr 0K% 29 91.82 – .26 … 1.79
Cash 320.20 337.00 -0.10 … Fixed Int 501.10 527.40 +5.90 …
Equity Initial 1073.10 1129.60 -14.50 … Fixed Interest 708.60 749.90 +6.20 … 103.32 93.11 Tr 0Y% 29 93.72 – .28 … 1.78
CLife Euro Mgd 1684.00 1772.00 -44.00 … Index-Linked 707.40 744.70 +7.00 … 98.50 88.17 Tr 0W% 30 88.77 – .29 … 1.81
CLife Intl Fd 1662.00 1749.00 -16.00 … Fixed Initial 463.80 488.20 +3.70 … SCOTTISH LIFE INVESTMENTS International 2403.60 2543.50 +17.30 …
Fixed Interest 1540.30 1621.30 +16.80 … International 884.60 931.20 -5.40 … Money 394.50 417.40 … … 138.58 122.84 Tr 4O% 30 123.45 – .40 3.85 1.79
Deposit Fund 514.90 542.00 … … Japan 389.50 410.00 +1.40 … 0131 225 2211 96.58 85.48 Tr 0N% 31 86.08 – .31 … 1.90
Equity 1174.00 1235.00 -17.00 … Index Linked Gilt 821.40 864.60 -3.70 … 19 St Andrews Square, Edinburgh EH2 1YE Property 1489.20 1575.90 +0.70 …
Japan Smllr Cos 398.40 419.40 +1.40 … 102.46 91.06 Tr 1% 32 91.67 – .34 … 1.94
Equity Fund 2968.00 3124.00 -55.00 … Index Lkd 270.30 284.50 +0.60 … UK Equity 2632.00 2785.20 -37.10 … 138.01 120.73 Tr 4N% 32 121.35 – .46 3.50 1.91
International 2397.50 2523.70 -32.40 … Managed 736.50 775.20 -10.60 … American 1794.60 1889.10 -17.40 …
European 1738.00 1829.00 -33.00 … Pacific Fund 1025.40 1079.30 -17.20 … Deposit 310.80 327.20 … … 101.40 88.19 Tr 0Y% 33 88.91 – .39 … 1.98
Fixed Interest 1170.00 1231.00 +16.00 … Intl Initial 537.00 565.30 -6.40 … Formerly Crown 147.21 126.03 Tr 4K% 34 126.94 – .56 3.54 2.02
Life Property 1625.50 1711.10 +0.60 … Property 668.70 703.90 -3.40 … European 2648.10 2787.50 -47.00 …
Gilt & Fxd Int 631.20 664.40 +5.30 … 97.55 82.18 Tr 0X% 35 83.13 – .40 … 2.09
Managed 3113.70 3277.60 -21.90 … UK Equity 1072.70 1129.10 -24.60 … Fixed Interest 762.60 802.80 +5.60 … Life Equity Acc 4001.90 4212.50 -56.10 …
Gilt Edged Fd 1433.00 1508.00 +20.00 … Unitised Profit 400.30 421.30 +0.30 … Global Mgd 1431.80 1507.20 -17.40 … Life Fxd Int Acc 895.20 942.40 +7.80 … Shorts (under 5 years)
International 2562.00 2696.00 -46.00 … Managed Initial 770.70 811.30 -3.70 …
Property Initial 349.80 368.20 -0.60 … Index Linked 854.10 899.10 +4.20 … Life High Inc Acc 3250.90 3422.00 -39.70 … 117.13 108.58 Tr 3O% 21 115.83 – .08 … 1.24
Intl Mgd 3455.00 3636.00 -62.00 … Managed 1358.20 1429.70 -10.60 … Life Intl Acc 2910.30 3063.50 +21.10 … 142.92 135.65 Tr 8% 21 141.44 – .10 5.66 1.19
Investment Fd 1466.00 1539.00 -25.00 … Formerly Provident Mutual
Pacific 1133.50 1193.20 +5.40 … Life Inv Tst Acc 3664.60 3857.40 +9.40 … 100.62 99.88 Tr 0K% 22 99.90 + … … 0.95
Japanese 362.70 381.70 +7.40 … LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP Deposit Initial 88.90 93.60 … … 102.34 100.27 Tr 1O% 22 100.27 – .01 … 0.96
Barnett Way, y, Barnwood,, Gloucester GL4 3RZ Pen Worldwide 505.80 532.50 -5.60 … Life Managed Acc 2653.30 2792.90 +6.70 …
Managed 1291.00 1358.00 -9.00 … Deposit Ord 320.50 337.40 … … Property 1086.50 1143.70 +4.50 … Life Money Acc 471.40 496.20 … … 100.19 98.87 Tr 0V% 23 99.06 – .02 … 1.40
Managed Fund 2709.00 2851.00 -28.00 … 01452 371371 For further prices
p 0800 7315139 Equity Init 764.30 804.50 -17.90 … 100.26 95.75 Tr 0N% 25 96.12 – .14 … 1.70
Life UK Equity 1690.30 1779.30 -46.00 … Life Property Acc 875.20 921.30 +0.40 … 100.41 93.76 Tr 0W% 26 94.20 – .25 … 1.73
ML Intl Fxd Int 697.00 733.60 -0.30 … Equity Ord 2797.00 2944.20 -64.00 … Worldwide 439.30 462.50 -4.50 …
Money 530.20 558.10 -0.10 … Aggressive Mgd 4 719.00 756.80 -2.20 … Fixed Int Init 210.10 221.10 +2.30 … * maturities having an eight-month indexation lag.
Multiple Inv 3436.00 3616.00 -40.00 … Balanced Mgd 3 1680.10 1768.50 -5.90 … Fixed Int Ord 755.50 795.30 +8.80 … Life Funds
North Amer 2304.00 2425.00 -51.00 … Cautious Mgd 2 490.90 516.70 -1.90 … I-Linked Gilt Init 269.10 283.30 +2.50 … SCOTTISH MUTUAL ASSURANCE Bear 67.57 71.13 -0.11 …
Property 1020.00 1073.00 +2.00 … European 809.70 852.30 -15.10 … I-Linked Gilt Ord 889.00 935.70 +8.90 … 0141 248 6321 Bull 76.64 80.67 +0.19 … Data as shown is
Property Fund 2070.00 2178.00 -1.00 … Far Eastern 1762.50 1855.20 -3.10 … Managed Initial 479.00 504.20 -7.20 … 301 St Vincent Street, Glasgow G2 5HN Deposit 21.78 22.92 … … for information
UK Equity 4512.00 4749.00 -101.00 … Framlington 215.60 227.00 +0.40 … Managed Ord 1734.40 1825.70 -24.90 … Cash Fund 282.90 297.80 … … Gilt Edged 42.26 44.49 +0.36 … purposes only. No
UK Property 1482.00 1559.00 … … Green 612.90 645.10 -6.70 … Oseas Equity Init 474.20 499.20 -9.80 … European Fund 2015.10 2121.10 -42.30 … Owl 91.14 95.94 -1.14 … offer is made by Morningstar or this publication
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 77

Weather
Today Cloud and rain across northern and western areas, hazy sunshine in the southeast. Max 18C (64F), min 2C (36F) Weather Eye
Paul Simons
Around Britain Five days ahead Wind speed Sea state Orkney
ney Shetland
Sh
Key: b=bright, c=cloud, d=drizzle, pc=partly cloudy Bright or sunny spells, 34 Calm
du=dull, f=fair, fg=fog, h=hail, m=mist, r=rain, (mph) 19 8
sh=showers, sl=sleet, sn=snow, s=sun, t=thunder but cloud will build at Slight 18
*=previous day **=data not available times to bring the risk of Temperature Moderate
Rough
Temp C Rain mm Sun hr* a few showers 28 (degrees C)
8
midday yesterday 24 hrs to 5pm yesterday
7 11
15 PC 0.2 5.6
Tomorrow Flood alerts and warnings
Aberdeen
Rather cloudy across much of England
Aberporth 11 S 0.0 3.8
and Wales with patchy rain or showers At 17:00 on Friday there were no flood 11
Anglesey 13 PC 0.0 2.2 in places. Generally brighter in alerts or warnings in England, Wales 7
Aviemore 14 PC 0.0 2.3 Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a or Scotland.
31

T
few isolated showers.
Barnstaple 14
9
S
PC
0.0
0.0
**
**
For further information and updates Aberdeen
C F he weather over the bank
Bedford Max 15C, min 3C 35 95
Belfast 11 S 0.0 6.3
in England visit flood-warning-
30 86
holiday weekend is best
information.service.gov.uk, for Wales
Birmingham 9 PC 0.0 **
naturalresources.wales/flooding and 25 77 summed up as cloudy with
Bournemouth 13 PC 0.0 0.5 15 NORTH some sunny intervals. There
11 S 0.0 **
for Scotland SEPA.org.uk 20 68
Bridlington SEA 15 59 is some good news for
Bristol 12 PC 0.0 0.6
Camborne 13 PC 0.0 2.8 9 10 50
gardeners and farmers, with some
12 Edinburgh
Cardiff 12 PC 0.0 1.1
13
33 Glasgow 5 41
rain in places as a weather front
Edinburgh 14 PC 0.0 1.1 0 32
Eskdalemuir 14 S 0.0 5.1
11 11 -5 23 spreads from the northwest, although
Glasgow 15 S 0.0 2.3
13
-10 14 that rain will tend to weaken by the
Hereford 10 PC 0.0 **
Herstmonceux 13 S 0.0 0.3 ATLANTIC
Londonderry -15 5 time it reaches much of England and
Ipswich 8 PC 0.0 1.2
Newcastle Wales, and whether it makes much
OCEAN Carlisle
Isle of Man 11 S 0.0 3.4
Monday Belfast difference to parched gardens and
Isle of Wight 14 S 0.0 ** 15
Jersey 14 S 0.0 0.3 A mixture of sunny spells, patchy 11 13 fields remains to be seen.
cloud and a few scattered showers. 11
Keswick 13 S 0.0 **
Max 18C, min 2C Yorkk Rain in May is needed, as an old
Kinloss 13 C 0.0 8.4 Scottish saying goes: “A wet May
11
Leeds 10 S 0.0 **
Lerwick 9 PC 0.0 0.6 Manchester Hull
and a winnie / Makes a fu’ stackyard
Leuchars 14 PC 0.0 2.6 ooo
Liverpool 17 and a finnie.”
Lincoln 10 S 0.0 0.0 Galway IRISH 5
13
The saying suggests that rain in
Liverpool 12 M 0.0 ** SEA 15 Sheffield
London 10 PC 0.0 0.9 Dublin
LLlandudno
May and “winnie” (wind) afterwards
Lyneham 11 PC 0.0 0.3 makes crops grow well, with a
Manchester 12 PC 0.0 0.0
Margate ** ** 0.0 0.0
15 11
Shrewsbury
Nottingham “finnie” good-quality grain judged
16 by the feel of the grain in the hand,
Milford Haven 13 PC 0.0 **
i h
Norwich
Newcastle 12 S 0.0 ** 10 13 and “fu’ stackyard”, a full yard
Nottingham 10 S 0.0 0.0 Birmingham
Orkney 10 PC 0.0 2.1 16
Cork
Cambridge where grain was stacked ready for
Oxford 9 PC 0.0 ** 12 threshing.
Swansea Oxford 16
Plymouth 15 S 0.0 ** In fact, much of April has been in
Portland 12 S 0.0 ** Cardiff
Scilly, St Mary’s 13 S 0.0 **
Tuesday Channel Islands CELTIC 8
18 the grip of high pressure that has
Shoreham 11 PC 0.0 0.8 Bright or sunny spells, but areas of
SEA Bristol London left most of the country dry and at
cloud will bring scattered showers,
Shrewsbury 11 S 0.0 0.0 15
Snowdonia 11 S 0.0 **
some heavy and slow-moving.
Southampton
Holbeach in Lincolnshire just 7mm
Max 18C, min 2C 4
14 of rain — barely a trickle — had
Southend 9 PC 0.0 2.1 Exeterr
South Uist 13 S 0.0 ** 14 Plymouth Brighton fallen by yesterday. And yet despite
Stornoway 10 C 0.0 1.5
Tiree 12 S 0.0 10.7
the lack of rain, temperatures across
Whitehaven 11 S 0.0 0.7 11
14 the UK have been unremarkable, to
CHANNEL 15
Wick 9 PC 0.4 ** 9 say the least.
Yeovilton 13 S 0.0 0.9
Even though much of this bank
14
16 General situation: Dry in southern and ncrease to brin
cloud will increase bring some rain N Ireland, Republic of Ireland: Cloudy holiday weekend is expected to be
The world eastern Britain, but generally cloudy in places during the afternoon. Light with outbreaks of rain, perhaps drier dominated by clouds, conditions are
All readings local midday yesterday
with rain in the north and west. to moderate south or southwesterly in southwest Munster. Light to fresh largely calm and some sunny spells
Alicante 20 PC Madeira 19 PC 15 E Anglia, London, Channel Is, winds. Maximum 16C (61F), southwesterly winds, strongest in
Amsterdam 11 PC Madrid 19 PC
could break through and lift
Cen S Eng, SE Eng: Largely dry with minimum 4C (39F). the northwest. Maximum 15C (59F),
Athens 20 PC Malaga 20 PC
spells of hazy sunshine, some patchy Scotland: Much of the mainland and minimum 7C (45F). temperatures. In fact, Monday may
Auckland 20 PC Mallorca 24 PC
cloud developing with the small risk Northern Isles will be dry initially SW Eng, Midlands, E Eng, S Wales: turn out to be the best day for
Bahrain 28 PC Malta 20 PC Wednesday
Bangkok 33 PC Melbourne 20 PC Another day of sunny spells and a
of a shower. Winds light to moderate, with some hazy sunshine, but cloud Mainly dry with sunny spells, but cloud England and Wales, with a chance of
Barbados 28 SH Mexico City 25 PC scattering of showers, some heavy variable in direction. Maximum will increase as rain over the Hebrides will steadily increase from the west brighter, milder conditions.
and slow-moving. 18C (64F), minimum 5C (41F). spreads across most areas. Perhaps with perhaps a few spots of light rain
Barcelona 21 PC Miami 30 PC
Max 18C, min 1C N Wales, NW Eng, Cen N Eng, NE drier in Shetland. Winds light to strong late in the day. Winds will generally be
But beyond Bank Holiday Monday
Beijing 18 PC Milan 20 PC
Beirut 29 PC Mombasa 29 PC Eng, Lake District, IoM: Dry during south or southeasterly. Maximum light and variable. Maximum 18C (64F), a danger lurks to the north of the
Belgrade 17 PC Montreal 8 PC the morning with hazy sunshine, but 14C (57F), minimum 2C (36F). minimum 5C (41F). UK as a large bulge of cold air slips
Berlin 17 PC Moscow 9 PC southwards from the Arctic.
Bermuda 22 PC Mumbai 33 S 13
Bordeaux 20 PC Munich 17 PC Tides Noon today Whether this polar cold air actually
LOW
Brussels 13 PC Nairobi 23 PC Tidal predictions. arrives here is uncertain, and some
Heights in metres 1016
Bucharest 15 PC Naples 22 PC
14 LOW forecasts are optimistic that the cold
Budapest 18 PC New Orleans 27 PC Today Ht Ht HIGH HIGH
Buenos Aires 16 PC New York 14 PC 17 Aberdeen 01:58 4.0 14:03 4.2 1008 air will fail to reach the UK and
Cairo 34 PC Nice 19 PC Avonmouth 07:53 13.2 20:12 13.2
1024
temperatures will remain
Calcutta 36 S Nicosia 27 PC Belfast 11:54 3.4 00:15 3.3 reasonably mild. But if the cold air
Canberra 21 PC Oslo 9 PC 17 07:45 12.2 20:01 12.1
Cardiff
Cape Town 16 PC Paris 17 PC 06:22 5.4 18:44 5.3
1024 HIGH
LOW does arrive it will bring another
Devonport 1016
Chicago 8 C Perth 20 PC
Dover 12:03 6.5 00:15 6.7 chilly spell next week and the threat
Copenhagen 11 PC Prague 15 PC of the return of frost in places. But
Thursday Dublin 00:19 3.8 12:26 3.9
Corfu 24 PC Reykjavik 11 PC LOW HIGH
Delhi 42 S Riga 9 PC Some bright spells, but large amounts Falmouth 05:47 5.0 18:07 5.0 1024 one thing is agreed: high pressure is
of cloud with the chance of a few Greenock 01:02 3.2 13:15 3.4
Dubai 40 PC Rio de Janeiro 32 PC
showers or patchy rain. LOW 1016 Cold front close by, and that means it will be
12 PC 26 PC Harwich 12:32 4.0 00:43 3.9
Dublin
Faro 19 PC
Riyadh
Rome 21 PC
Max 19C, min 3C Holyhead 10:57 5.5 23:21 5.4 1008 Warm front largely dry but with some showers
LOW
Florence 21 PC San Francisco 16 PC Hull 07:06 7.1 19:04 7.5 1024 Occluded front in northern parts.
Frankfurt 20 PC Santiago 15 PC Leith 03:12 5.3 15:21 5.4 Trough
Geneva 20 PC São Paulo 28 PC Liverpool 11:47 9.2 00:10 9.0
Gibraltar 18 PC Seoul 15 PC 14 London Bridge 02:23 6.9 14:47 6.9
Synoptic situation Highs and lows Hours of darkness
Helsinki 6 SN Seychelles 32 PC Lowestoft 10:20 2.4 22:12 2.5 24hrs to 5pm yesterday Aberdeen 21:19-04:49
Hong Kong 30 PC Singapore 31 PC Milford Haven 06:52 6.9 19:10 6.8 High pressure will keep Belfast 21:25-05:14
Honolulu 29 PC St Petersburg 4 PC southern and eastern Britain Warmest: Glasgow, 18.4C
15 Morecambe 11:58 9.1 00:20 9.0 Coldest: Shap, Cumbria, -4.5C Birmingham 21:01-05:05
Istanbul 19 PC Stockholm 7 PC largely dry with hazy sunshine, Wettest: Frittenden,
17 Newhaven 11:53 6.5 00:10 6.6 Cardiff 21:03-05:14
Jerusalem 30 PC Sydney 24 PC but an area of low pressure will Kent, 2.4mm
Newquay 05:43 6.8 18:01 6.7 Exeter 21:02-05:18
Johannesburg 19 PC Tel Aviv 30 PC approach from the Atlantic, Sunniest: Tiree,
Oban 06:21 3.9 18:33 3.8 Inner Hebrides, 10.7hrs* Glasgow 21:23-05:03
Kuala Lumpur 33 PC Tenerife 23 PC the associated fronts bringing
17 Penzance 05:16 5.4 17:35 5.3 Liverpool 21:09-05:07
Kyiv ** ** Tokyo 15 R cloud and outbreaks of rain
24 PC 11 PC Portsmouth 12:00 4.4 00:27 4.6 Sun and moon London 20:51-05:02
Lanzarote Vancouver across northern and western For Greenwich Manchester 21:06-05:03
Las Palmas 22 PC Venice 20 PC Shoreham 12:07 6.1 00:25 6.3 Sun rises: 05.33
The Times weather Southampton 01:28 4.5 13:52 4.3
areas. This will continue to Newcastle 21:09-04:56
Lima 17 PC Vienna 17 PC Sun sets: 20.20
drift southwards overnight and Moon rises: 05.37 Norwich 20:49-04:52
Lisbon 24 PC Warsaw 15 PC page is provided Swansea 07:00 9.3 19:15 9.3
during Sunday, with the first Moon sets: 20.06 Penzance 21:09-05:27
Los Angeles 18 PC Washington 13 PC Tees 04:21 5.3 16:25 5.4
38 S 17 PC
by Weatherquest rain in weeks for some places. First quarter: May 9 Sheffield 21:02-05:01
Luxor Zurich Weymouth 07:27 2.1 19:48 2.1
78 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Register
Obituaries

Elliott Leyton
World-leading criminal psychologist who studied Britain’s murder rates
The British actor Anthony Hopkins code of civility and politeness that then became a research fellow at
won plaudits for his creepy portrayal of could be traced to the end of the Queen’s University, Belfast, where he
the serial killer Hannibal Lecter in the 13th century, when foreign travellers taught sociology. Latterly, he was pro-
1991 film The Silence of the Lambs, but noted how safe England was, still played fessor of anthropology at the Memorial
the world’s leading authority on mass a part in a culture that denigrates open University of Newfoundland.
murderers walked out of the cinema in displays of aggression. “England began He loved fieldwork most of all, em-
disgust. abrogating violence from an early stage. bedding with Protestant and Catholic
The Canadian criminal psychologist A better form of mediation was provid- communities in Northern Ireland and
Elliott Leyton abhorred the glamorisa- ed by the courts,” wrote Leyton, who among Newfoundland miners dying of
tion of serial killers in Hollywood and was himself a man of courtly manners. silicosis. This appetite ended after
made it his mission to demystify them; The English were still influenced by a several months of field work research-
without exception they lacked guile and traditional role model of the “heroic ing his book The Myth of Delinquency:
cleverness, he claimed. The vast major- adventurer who is brave, capable and An Anatomy of Juvenile Nihilism. “I
ity could not hide behind a cloak of in- lethal but restrained by an essential found the price of field work too high. I
sanity either, and had chosen to be evil. decency”, he added. was too abused and ripped off by people
“The view of orthodox psychology at And while such lingering values did I worked with and it became too painful
that time was that the people who not deter relatively modern phenome- to process, so I resolved to do no more
committed these kinds of killings were na such as football hooligans or lager field work.”
clearly victims of complex mental dis- louts, “very few of them get into homi- Leyton’s research on homicide was
orders, and that their actions could only cide”, said Leyton, who found that Brit- all the more remarkable for the fact that
be explained on those terms,” Leyton ain’s murder rate was 50 times lower he never met a serial killer, but im-
told The Sunday Telegraph in 1994. than it was in the Middle Ages and half mersed himself in diaries, confessions
“Everything I found out pointed to the rate of the Georgian era. The vast and psychiatric interviews. He was
them being small-minded, socially in- majority of modern homicides were the often called by detectives from the FBI
adequate goons, whose grudges against preserve of less than 100 hardened or Scotland Yard in search of insights.
the rest of us could only be redeemed criminals, he added. “The techniques I devised to help police
through murder.” Often they came “England has the same problems or nail them quicker have had some
from chaotic homes, had been abused worse than any other developed coun- success.”
as children, had drink and drug prob- try,” said Leyton, who even claimed that For himself, Leyton owned his “nega-
lems, were unemployed and largely the English were less likely to murder tive, obstructive emotions”. To achieve

Yvonne Blenkinsop
constituted “alienated men uninterest- CHRIS HAMMOND/MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY the inner calm and serenity that he re-
ed in continuing the dull lives in which quired to write, he would spend an hour
they feel trapped”. of “violent exercise” in his gym at home
Leyton’s fascination with serial so that “the rage that’s in me begins to
killers began in 1980 when his wife come up. When I step out of the shower
brought home a book on Ted Bundy, it’s Elliott Leyton the writer.” Such
who kidnapped, raped and murdered
30 young women and girls between
Zen-like calm came in handy when he
appeared on the late-night Channel 4
The last of Hull’s ‘headscarf revolutionaries’
1974 and 1978. He borrowed it and be-
came so absorbed in the subject that he
discussion programme After Dark with who campaigned for tighter safety laws at sea
visited his local library and discovered He viewed serial killers
there were hardly any books on serial As they boarded the 7.55am train from their lives since 1835 — the equivalent of
killers. He realised that it had never as socially inadequate Hull to London “the headscarf a death a week.
been recognised as an academic subject revolutionaries” were jostled by a hive One such fisherman was Eddie
and decided to fill the gap. goons with grudges of journalists and TV crews. Yet when Horsefield, Blenkinsop’s father, who
Six years later he published Hunting they arrived at King’s Cross station it had died in 1963 after a heart attack on
Humans: The Rise of the Modern Multiple a drunken Oliver Reed, who asked him was eerily quiet. They asked the guard board the Loch Melfort, for which he
Murderer, analysing six American serial insolently, “Are you a Jew? You look like where everybody was. “We’ve had to had received no medical assistance.
killers (David “Son of Sam” Berkowitz, one.” pull them back off the platform because “He needed someone who knew what
the “Boston Strangler” Albert DeSalvo, However, Leyton was forthright in it was dangerously overcrowded,” he they were doing. The skipper wasn’t a
Bundy, Edmund Kemper, Mark Essex expressing how uncomfortable he felt explained. “So we’ve put barriers up doctor. I could have still had my dad.”
and Charles Starkweather). The book about the glamorisation of serial killers there to hold them back. We only do Five years later, when Blenkinsop
would become a bestseller and a as an artistic resource, a form of mass that for the Queen.” heard that St Romanus had sunk in the
standard text for homicide detectives, Leyton was also a black belt in karate entertainment and a way of “scaring Yvonne Blenkinsop, with Lillian North Sea, she was determined to do
establishing Leyton as arguably the ourselves silly”. After 15 years research- Bilocca, Christine Smallbone and Mary something. There had been no radio on
world’s leading authority on the subject. someone than the Scots or Welsh. “It ing murder he declared that “I’m tired Denness, had become a media sensa- board, which was fully legal, and all 20
For a later book on British murder suffers from social inequality, a high of being Dr Death”, but later subjects tion virtually overnight. In February crew members died. Just over two
rates, Leyton was given an office in divorce rate, racial tensions . . . and a were not without their morbidity. His 1968 the papers revelled in the head- weeks later the second trawler, the
Scotland Yard and unprecedented lack of family adhesion. Logically the study of the Rwandan genocide led to scarved and high-heeled women who Kingston Peridot, went down after a
access to British police records for homicide rate should be comparable to his 1998 book, Touched By Fire: Doctors were, amid vicious vitriol, doggedly storm off Skagagrunn on the Icelandic
every murder committed between 1982 that of the US. The public has been led Without Borders in a Third World Crisis. campaigning for better safety laws in coast, also killing everyone on board.
and 1992, which confirmed his earlier to the conclusion that civilisation is Living in a clifftop seaside home in the fishing industry. Blenkinsop couldn’t sleep. She scribbled
theory that most violent killers collapsing. That the centre cannot hold. Newfoundland, Leyton was an out- The campaign had started the previ- down ideas for 27 measures that she
conform to a predictable pattern: “Look The facts just don’t bear that out. You doorsy man who enjoyed shooting and ous month after three deep-sea trawl- thought essential to the men’s safety.
at Dennis Nilsen — a pathetic little don’t have anything like the romantic kayaking. He is survived by his wife ers — St Romanus, Kingston Peridot Unbeknown to her, three other
bore. The cleverest thing the Yorkshire worshipful attachment to violence that Bonnie, a sculptor whom he married at and Ross Cleveland — set off from the women from Hull were doing the same.
Ripper did was to persuade the world exists in the US.” 18, and by their sons Marco and Jack. port of Kingston upon Hull (the first Led by Bilocca, a cod-skinner whose
that he was mad. These people aren’t Whether he reconsidered his view as At the last lecture before his retire- two on January 10 and the third on Jan- father, husband and son were all trawl-
geniuses; they are evil, angry morons areas of Britain’s inner cities were ment in 2005, he warned his students of uary 20). All three ships would be blast- ermen, the group started a petition,
who can’t find any other way to express increasingly engulfed by a wave of a forthcoming wave of violence and ed by fierce storms and sank within which became known as the Fisher-
themselves,” said Leyton, a short and murderous knife crime and drug-related homicide in the US, based on the weeks of each other, in what became man’s Charter. By knocking on doors
stocky man who, as a black belt in kara- violence is not known, but the statistics theory that when a country is engaged known as the Triple Trawler Tragedy. with a clipboard they received 10,000
te, was more than capable of looking Leyton cited in the 1990s had not largely in a war overseas, the homicide rate in- In Hull, huddles of wives, daughters signatures within ten days.
after himself. changed. In the last UN study in 2018 the creases radically at home. America was and sisters had gathered in trepidation. Joined by 500 other housewives and
Yet for all the gory exposure of such UK murder rate was found to be 1.2 per pursuing a war in Iraq at the time: “We They were terrified but they were also fish-factory workers, the four women
crimes on these shores in Men of Blood 100,000. He called it “one of the great can expect as Iraq groans on and on angry. In the 1960s Hull was the most assembled at Victoria Hall and made
(1995), Leyton was fascinated by cultural oddities of the modern age”. people become more desensitised to powerful maritime city in the world; stirring speeches to the local press. Blen-
Britain’s low murder rate being just over Elliott Leyton was born in 1939 in the violence and more brutalised and that each year 150 trawlers brought home up kinsop, a mother of three and cabaret
1 per 100,000 people — compared with town of Leader in the Canadian region everyone will begin to kill again.” to a quarter of a million tonnes of fish singer, was a natural orator, so she took
10 in 100,000 people in the US by some of Saskatchewan. His father was a (then about 25 per cent of the UK’s total to the stage first. With a beehive of plati-
estimates. doctor. He studied English at the Elliott Leyton, criminal psychologist, was catch) but in an age of rudimentary num blonde hair, a fur coat and a girlish
While not denying that violence and University of British Columbia and born on August 21, 1939. He died of safety laws they did so at immense smile, Blenkinsop perhaps seemed an
antisocial behaviour were on the rise, went on to do a PhD in anthropology at undisclosed causes on February 14, personal risk. More than 6,000 men unlikely candidate to defend the rights
Leyton claimed that an ancient British the University of Toronto in 1972 and 2022, aged 82 from the tight-knit community had lost of the burly fishermen, but the anguish
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 79

‘We met on our first

day of university’
Marriages and engagements
HICKES/MIRRORPIX/GETTY IMAGES; PETER HARBOUR/MEN MEDIA

Page 80

Dr Jim Appleyard
Outspoken president of the World Medical
Association and champion of junior doctors
In the late 1960s Jim Appleyard, a Yet there was also a softer, more
British junior doctor, completed a year’s diplomatic side to Jim Appleyard. A
paediatric training at the Children’s radiologist colleague, Stuart Field, re-
Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. This called how Appleyard would ask for a
experience, his friends reckoned, left radiological “opinion” rather than
him “an angry young man”. It also led “ordering an X-ray”.
to him becoming one of the most William James Appleyard, always
influential and outspoken doctors of known as Jim, was born in 1935, the son
his generation. of Rollo, a lawyer, and his wife, Maud.
The training scheme for junior doc- He had three brothers. The family lived
tors that he encountered in the US was in the West Country. Young Jim attend-
highly structured: the one he had expe- ed Canford School and studied
rienced in the UK had been exploitative medicine at Exeter College, Oxford,
and chaotic. Juniors had routinely and Guy’s Hospital, London, where he
worked up to 120-hour weeks, endan- met his wife, Liz, a fellow student who
gering patients and themselves. They became a dentist. Within a short time of
had been, moreover, left to work on meeting him, she recognised his ex-
their own while their consultant bosses traordinary dedication. He stopped re-
were in other hospitals or tending to vising to go to a dance to ask her out for
private patients. Returning home to the first time, returning immediately to
Britain, Appleyard demanded: “Why his books as soon as she had said yes.
haven’t we got what the US has got?” They had three children: Suzanne, a
He became chairman of the UK neuroscientist in the US; Richard, the
Junior Hospital Doctors national com- chief information officer at Oregon
mittee. But what set him apart from his State Police, and Lisa, who is training to
colleagues was that he publicly accused
NHS consultants of exploitation. This
Yvonne Blenkinsop, with Lillian Bilocca, left, speaks to the press during the campaign to make fishing safer in Hull in 1968; could have destroyed his career.
below, the reformer in 2018 after becoming only the third woman in 130 years to be granted the freedom of the port city Consultants were regarded as a race
apart and determined which juniors got
of losing a father had galvanised her Ross Cleveland sank while sheltering measures took shape a vessel called the which jobs. But passion rendered Ap-
and she was stubborn and steely. “The from a storm in an Icelandic fjord, bring- Orsino was loaded with new medical pleyard fearless. He also had charisma
very first thing I said to the ladies was: ing the total death toll to 58. and meteorological equipment and and a winning way with words, as he
‘All of you out there. Many of you know John Prescott, a trade unionist and the designated “the mothership” that demonstrated when he became chair-
me and you know all my family and I future deputy prime minister, drove would accompany trawlers through man of the powerful Representative
know what it’s like when you have lost three of the women to the Houses of dangerous waters. “We had it in no time Body of the British Medical Association
a husband, a daddy at sea. Let’s get it Parliament (Smallbone, whose brother at all,” said Blenkinsop. “I was flabber- and led the NHS consultant contract
stopped now,’ ” she said. had died in the third trawler, stayed in gasted we got it so quickly.” negotiations with the government.
At dawn the next day 200 of the pro- Hull). Prescott helped them to build a Yvonne Marie Blenkinsop was born He sat on the General Medical be a Montessori teacher after working
testers marched to St Andrew’s Dock, giant cardboard cod, smeared in red on Hessle Road, Hull, in 1938. Violet, her Council, the profession’s regulatory at the Kent Law Clinic for 20 years.
where they stormed the trawlers’ paint, which they wheeled around mother, had a nervous breakdown after body, for 19 years, only to become one of As the president of the International
offices and blockaded the harbour. The London. It read: “It’s not the fish you’re the war and after Blenkinsop’s father its fiercest critics. Writing in The Lancet College of Person-Centred Medicine,
rest were frightened off by the prospect buying, it’s men’s lives.” died she shouldered much of the medical journal, he declared: “The Appleyard challenged the practice of
of marching into trawler terrain, tradi- The prime minister, Harold Wilson, responsibility for looking after her five GMC is no longer the custodian of the referring to patients as, for example,
tionally a no-go area for women. who was in America at the time, told the siblings. She began performing in night- medical profession’s conscience. Radi- “cardiac patients”, insisting that this
Their concerns were well-founded. fisheries minister Fred Peart to look clubs after her first husband, Brian, died cal revision is required . . . A physician’s dehumanised “the person” with a health
The trawler owners branded the women after the women and “try and see things of polio when she was 19, leaving behind conduct should be judged by an inde- problem in the minds of healthcare pro-
“hysterical” and said they would only from their point of view”. The women sat two children: Yvette and Brian, who pendent barrister instead of the current fessionals. And as president of the World
deal with the fishermen, who were in a circle with Peart and the trade works in the care industry. She remar- politically correct ‘star chamber’.” Medical Association in 2003, he
embarrassed and felt they were being minister Joseph Mallalieu and discussed ried, to John, who predeceased her in As a consultant himself at the Kent oversaw revisions to the Declaration of
ridiculed by crews from nearby ports for their raft of demands. “I asked Mallalieu, 2004. They had two daughters: and Canterbury Hospital from 1971, he Helsinki, the set of ethical principles
“hiding behind women’s skirts”. The ‘Are you actually going to do something, Jonmarie, a florist, and Colette, a house- defied the aloof, arrogant consultant governing medical research. For six
campaign was unpopular because of the petal?’ ” Blenkinsop recalled. “He said, wife. stereotype, joining demonstrations years he was president of the
economic fallout from grounding the ‘Yes, my dear, we are.’ ” When the headscarf revolutionaries against NHS cuts in a flat cap, a placard International Association of Medical
fleet of trawlers, which the government All 88 of the demands were granted, returned from London they were unfair- in one hand and a microphone in the Colleges, which sets out to maintain
had enacted in the interim period. including installing radios, a “mother- ly cast as the scapegoats for the decline other. He had gone to Canterbury uniform standards in medical schools
Through gritted teeth, skippers watched ship” with medical facilities, more of an industry that was being corroded because he wanted the opportunity to throughout the world.
as Icelandic vessels brought in prime modern equipment, a ban on fishing in by the cod wars of the 1970s. Blenkinsop shape local paediatric services. He A dedicated teacher, Appleyard
catches and sold them at high prices to bad weather, restrictions on inexperi- returned to singing until a car accident detested hierarchal organisations and helped to establish the Kent Institute of
traders in the UK. enced deckies and safety checks before forced her to retire from the limelight. In had an uncompromising commitment Medicine and Health Science, the fore-
The women received death threats vessels left the port. Even before the 2018, as the last surviving headscarf to team-based healthcare. runner of the Kent and Medway
and one man punched Blenkinsop when revolutionary, she became the third He quickly put his stamp on the Kent Medical School, which opened in 2020.
she was out with her husband. “They woman in 130 years to be awarded the hospital, overseeing the opening in 1972 He sponsored an annual essay prize on
didn’t want women messing in their freedom of the city of Hull. of the Mary Sheridan Centre for child- person-centred medicine at the
business — they should be at home, Through executing in just 26 days ren with disabilities. The first such school, presenting the inaugural prize
looking after the kids, cooking, one of the most successful civil disobe- centre outside London, it united under in December.
cleaning,” she said. Blenkin- dience campaigns of the 20th century, one roof different specialities such as Students and trainees were bemused
sop persevered. “The cam- Blenkinsop helped to save thousands speech and language therapy and physi- by Appleyard’s demands they should
paign took over my of lives. “Every time someone comes otherapy. In 1973 the hospital’s one-cot kneel during his clinics. At 6ft 2in tall,
days”, she said. “I even home from sea safely, it’s because of neonatal unit “in a cupboard” was trans- he was aware of the risk of towering
forgot about my hus- them,” said Dr Brian W Lavery, formed into one of the first special care over his young patients. It was, he in-
band and daughter’s author of The Headscarf Revolu- neonatal units outside London. sisted, vital “to listen to them at their
birthdays, which I would tionaries. “In a few days they Despite his controversial stand eye level”.
never normally do. I was achieved more than the politi- against juniors’ long working hours, As a colleague commented: “Very
so engrossed.” cians, the unions and the indus- Appleyard was renowned in Canter- un-consultant-like. Very Appleyard.”
The campaign gathered try had done in 100 years.” bury for the hours he put in himself.
so much momentum that After spending time at the BMA in Dr Jim Appleyard, paediatrician, was born
the Labour government de- Yvonne Blenkinsop, fishing London, he would return to Canter- on October 23, 1935. He died of colon
cided to hold an inquiry and safety campaigner, was born bury for late-night ward rounds. A cancer on January 29, 2022, aged 86
the women were invited to on May 19, 1938. She died of paediatric nurse told how Appleyard,
Downing Street. On the even- undisclosed causes on after being up all night, ate her packed
ing of their trip to London, the April 24, 2022, aged 83 lunch at 5am — as his breakfast. Email: [email protected]
80 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

Readers’ Lives
Marriages and engagements New readers

‘We met on our first day of university’

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHY

Lise Watkins, 34, an accounts

manager at Full Production,
which works with the entertainment
industry, and Andrew Biggs, 34, Emily Ffion Ralph was born on
group head of risk and liquidity at a September 21, 2021, at St Richard’s
financial services company, were Hospital in Chichester to Gemma, 41,
married on February 11, 2022, at and Alex Ralph, 36
Hedsor House, in Buckinghamshire
Emily was,
unusually, born
After saying goodbye to her parents exactly on her
on her first day at university, Lise due date. But the
rallied her new flatmate to knock on build-up to the
doors in their hall of residence and labour wasn’t
make some introductions. They were straightforward;
on the fourth floor and methodically Gemma broke
started at Flat 1a. her foot a few
Andy answered the door. “I thought days before the
she was very attractive,” he says. “And birth and had to wear a protective boot
very bubbly and outgoing. My initial to the hospital and for some time
impression was, wow, university is afterwards. Alex, who is The Times’s
going to be fantastic if everyone is business correspondent, enjoyed the
this friendly.” He had been to opportunity to roll up his sleeves and
Australia on his gap year and grown play a more prominent role at home
his hair long. “The men all loved it,” while Gemma was sofa-bound. Emily
she says. “The girls not so much.” is far more serene than her bubbly
Lise and Andy were part of a older brother, Lawrie, who is, at four
friendship group at Imperial College and a half years old, already fiercely
London, where she studied zoology protective over his gentle little sister.
and he was a chemistry student. After Emily’s middle name Ffion is a nod
graduating, they occasionally saw to Gemma’s Welsh roots. Since
each other socially. “We always had a Gemma’s cast has come off they have
really good time together and he enjoyed taking Emily around
made me laugh,” she says. “I do National Trust sites and gardens. Alex
remember thinking ‘oh good, he’s cut says: “Emily is a delight and we’re
his hair’.” enjoying watching her grow.”
In 2015, Lise invited a friend from
university for supper at her house in Helier Suilven Willis Jones was born
Maidenhead. He arrived with his on April 19, 2022, at the Royal United
girlfriend and invited Andy to make it Hospital in Bath to Kim Willis, 39,
a double date. Having known each and Gareth Iwan Jones, 40
other for nine years, that evening was Lise and Andy were part of the same friendship group at Imperial College London. Nine years later, they got together
a turning point. Within three months, Kim was eager
Andy had moved in. “It just felt right,” arrange to meet friends at the end of a America. Andy grew up in Torquay sway that required no preparation. for her first
he says. local walk in May 2021. Lise wondered and met his best man playing for Afterwards, Lise changed into a pair pregnancy to be
He is a night owl and she is an early why they weren’t taking the most Torbay Hockey Club. of sparkly trainers. smooth so did
riser. “If we are in the mood, we are direct route. Then Andy went down on He was excited by the The next morning, guests gathered 10,000 steps
huge social butterflies,” she says. “If one knee with a ring by a large oak photographer’s idea for a drone to for breakfast and a dog walk. Lise and every day right
we’re really not in the mood, we can tree. Their friends were waiting for film him arriving at Hedsor House in Andy went skiing in Switzerland for up until the day
be hermits.” He admires her them as it started to rain with a bottle his Aston Martin Vantage, along with their honeymoon. A fortnight later, of labour. But
intelligence. “She is committed to of English sparkling wine to celebrate. his groomsman in his Ferrari. Lise’s they went skiing again, this time with when it turned
anything she puts her mind to,” he They wanted guests to be able to instructions were clear: “I don’t want her parents as a thank you for their out that Helier
says. stay at their wedding venue and chose it to be a car video with a little bit of help with the wedding. was positioned 180 degrees backwards
Andy got Lise into cycling and they a Friday in February to ensure wedding in it.” The bridal suite was “Not only is Andy my partner but she was rushed to have a forceps
have both completed triathlons. She availability. Lise’s parents live in open house for female guests. he is my friend who brings out my delivery. “It was a complicated
used to compete at showjumping until Beaconsfield and she had driven past Lise wore a pair of electric blue best qualities while at the same time procedure which could only be
a few years ago. In 2016, he took part Hedsor House, an impressive Louboutin heels under her Pronovias making me cry with laughter,” says performed by the most skilled
in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon Georgian mansion in dress. She felt relaxed all morning Lise. “It’s still quite fun to refer to him surgeon,” Kim explains.
in San Francisco. Buckinghamshire. Designed by Sir until walking into the ceremony on as my husband. It feels a bit like Before the pregnancy Kim and
They bought a house in a village William Chambers, who also the arm of her father in front of 50 impostor syndrome.” Gareth attempted to climb Mount
outside Maidenhead in 2016. Getting designed Somerset House, it was once guests. “I found it really stressful,” she Suilven in Scotland but were turned
their dog, a working cocker spaniel the home of George III’s mother and says. “Everyone is staring at you.” back by bad weather. They hope
called Indy (after Indiana Jones), felt is now a film location. Andy struggled not to cry. “It was an If you would like to feature a that Helier’s middle name might
like a significant commitment for Lise had two bridesmaids: her sister unforgettable moment.” wedding or engagement or the instil in him the same love of the
Andy. “That was the proposal,” he says. and a friend from Houston, Texas, The wedding breakfast, served at a birth of a child on these pages, call outdoors and they would like to
He struggled to choose an engagement where she lived as a teenager. She was long banquet table, was followed by 020 7782 5583, Mon-Fri, to discuss master the mountain with Helier
ring. Then Lise’s younger sister got born in France (her mother is the newlyweds’ first dance to Nicklas some day. Kim’s family is from Jersey
engaged, followed by her older brother. French). Her father’s work in oil Sahl’s New Eyes. They had heard him
the content and cost, or email: and the name Helier, which means
“Andy dragged his feet,” she says. exploration took them to Australia, perform at a company dinner in [email protected] “cheerful” in Latin, is a nod to the
He proposed after planning to Scotland, England, Brazil and Copenhagen and agreed on a slow thetimes.co.uk/static/terms-and-conditions capital of the island.

The perfect gift ‘She has her father’s eyes

and face shape but her
for new parents mother’s lips and nose’
PIPPA SUZANNE DRACOTT WAS BORN ON MAY 28, 2020,
Celebrate the arrival of AT BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL IN CHELMSFORD, ESSEX,
a newborn in Readers’ TO CLAIRE, 30, AND GARY DRACOTT, 30
Lives, a service in

50%
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discount for
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Call 020 7782 5583 or email
[email protected]
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 81

Readers’ Lives
Remembering loved ones

Wigan-born
controversial process at the time” as a
colleague described it. Nearly 60
years on, the pipelines remain in
existence and explosion-free as a
tribute to the work of the team.
In 1967 Les joined the modernist-

engineer at
looking engineering research station
in Killingworth, Newcastle, now a
grade II listed building, to research,
build and test high-pressure gas
transmission pipelines, becoming
director in 1978.

forefront of
By 1984 he was president of the
Institution of Gas Engineers. A year
later he was made a fellow of the
Royal Academy of Engineering and in
1992 Les became president of the
Institute of Metals, responsible for

nuclear power
changing its name to the Institute of
Materials to reflect the increasing use
of plastic in gas pipelines.
Born in 1932 in Wigan, Les spent
his childhood showing early
inclinations for engineering.
Supported by his father, Edward, who
fuel in nuclear reactors. In October had risen from a junior role in a coal
Dr Les Mercer, 89 1956 he was part of the team who distribution company to become its
built the world’s first nuclear power director, and his mother, Louisa,
One Sunday evening in the late 1950s station to produce electricity for known as Lulu, Les engrossed himself
the General Electric Company domestic use at Calder Hall, Cumbria. in making Meccano models and balsa
metallurgist and engineer Les Mercer Les was awarded patents for the wood aircraft and building
received a call from the office asking metal casings used in the first motorbikes from pieces brought home
him to get from his home in Didcot, generation of Magnox reactors and in a sack.
Oxfordshire, to Sellafield in Cumbria. the success of Calder Hall led to the In his early teens he constructed a
Les calmly replied that he would be building of several power stations TV receiver that picked up pictures
there in the morning, but it was around the country as well as in from the inaugural BBC broadcasts
insisted, not without a degree of Japan and Canada. from Alexandra Palace and at 17
panic, that he pack his bags In 1959 Les was sent by the was the proud owner of a BSA Gold
immediately — a car would be company to Australia to test metal Star motorbike to ride over the
arriving in ten minutes. irradiation at its first nuclear reactor Lancashire Fells.
At Sellafield Les discovered that his at Lucas Heights in Sydney. It was After Wigan Grammar School Les
experiment involving rods of uranium Les’s first trip abroad — his read chemistry at Leeds University
inside their metal casings had honeymoon had been spent on the and completed his PhD in two years
overheated, expanded and were stuck Isle of Man — and he flew in a Bristol rather than the usual three. In Leeds
in the reactor wall. It took him about Britannia that landed and refuelled he met Barbara Platt, who was at
30 minutes to wrestle them out eight times before reaching Sydney. teacher training college, and they
and deactivate them. Little The journey, married in 1954. They raised two
thought was given to the effects of known as the sons: Andrew, a telecommunications
radiation poisoning. kangaroo route, software engineer for British Telecom,
In the immediate postwar years the took almost and Geoffrey, a retired fireman.
race for countries to develop atomic 50 hours and the Les Mercer was part of the team who Barbara predeceased him in 2016.
energy was urgent and technology first-class ticket built the first nuclear power station to Les had time for everyone and
was advancing at breakneck speed. was the produce electricity for domestic use at kept an eye on promoting those who
Falling behind the US and the Soviet equivalent of Calder Hall, Cumbria. Left, with his he thought deserved to go further.
Union, Britain did not test an atomic 65 per cent of his son Andrew in Aberdovey in 1990 Proud of his roots — he was a
device until 1952, when Operation annual salary. “true Lancastrian” — he exhibited
Hurricane, a plutonium implosion In Sydney the second time before the age of 35, join the characteristics that the region
device, was detonated on islands off Australians a scientific field in its infancy. Natural prides itself on: honesty, calmness,
the northwest coast of Australia. greeted Les gas had recently been discovered off fairness, a firm opinion and an ability
For Les, who had just completed a excitedly and he the coast of Norfolk and he was to work hard.
doctorate on the use of radioisotopes was promptly tasked with producing the 36in-wide
to study diffusion in metallic alloys, interviewed by high-pressure pipelines to deliver the
nuclear power was an area to which the ABC and gas around the country.
he could contribute. In the metallurgy headlined the A specialist in fracture mechanics
If you would like to commemorate
division of the Atomic Energy news that evening. Among the diverse nuclear
l powered, and why Japanese and non-destructive testing, he led the life of a relative, friend or
Research Establishment at Harwell, questions he fielded was whether steel knives were not sharp. the team in exploring how to weld the colleague, call 020 7782 5583 to
Oxfordshire, the 24-year-old got to nuclear bombs could be used to build In 1965 Les left the GEC to work pipes made from high-tensile steel discuss the content and cost, or
work on zirconium-magnesium alloy a canal from the north of Australia to for British Gas in a career that would that would not crack and cause gas email: [email protected].
casings used to house the uranium Sydney, whether submarines could be span the next 28 years and, for the explosions, a “critical and somewhat thetimes.co.uk/static/terms-and-conditions

Opera-loving chief executive who sailed to Stockholm and back

was born in 1936 in Burma (now school, and on to Trinity College, on the Great Lakes. With Suzy he
Colin Webster, 85 Myanmar), where his father, George, Oxford, to read PPE. For his National sailed to Stockholm through the Göta
was a district commissioner with the Service he served two years with the Canal and back again.
When National Power was formed Indian civil service. His mother was 3rd Battalion Coldstream Guards in Based latterly in Standlake,
after the privatisation of electricity in Daphne (née Bisset) and he had a Krefeld, Germany. Oxfordshire, he was on the board of
1990, Colin Webster — a personable, younger sister, Diana. After the In 1965, when he was working for the Welsh National Opera and when
astute and strategic figure — stepped Japanese invasion of 1941, the family BP North America in New York, he the company came to Oxford, he and
into the role of commercial director. left for Calcutta so quickly that they met Suzy Scarff, an editor at Random Suzy hosted friends for the week of
With 30 years’ experience at BP left the Christmas presents behind. House. They had been asked to the performances. For his 80th birthday
behind him, he helped to smooth the Until the age of eight, when Colin same party and Suzy needed help his family organised an opera singer
transition into the private sector and boarded at Claremont, a prep school getting an armchair out of the car. to perform at home.
implement a fairer pricing system. By in East Sussex, he and his sister Despite a back injury from skiing, Colin was chairman of Opportunity
1996 he was chief executive. divided their time between their Colin duly obliged and they were International, a microfinancing
Almost all that Colin had learnt in parents, who had divorced and were engaged two months later and organisation, and travelled on its
the energy business had been with based respectively in Poona and married the same year. They raised behalf with Suzy to India, Russia
BP, where he started as a graduate Colin Webster, with his family in 1985, Simla, India. three children: Vanessa, a company and Nicaragua.
trainee in 1959. Over the 1970s and taught his children how to ski and sail Both parents remarried and had director; Alex, an entrepreneur in He was known as a warm,
1980s he rose to be managing director two children each, and Daphne’s New Zealand; and Ben, an IT director charming figure, and around him
of BP Denmark in Copenhagen and work as director of Nato’s petroleum second husband, a military attaché, in the Cayman Islands. Suzy laughter and intelligent conversation
of BP Gas International and he was planning committee. had posts in Austria and Hungary. predeceased Colin in 2018. were the norm. Where he disagreed,
latterly executive vice-president of BP It may have appeared to be a George moved between Jamaica and After the disruption of his own it would be with a smile and a first-
America in Cleveland, Ohio, straightforward career progression for Britain and in the holidays paid an upbringing Colin set store by family rate explanation. A “born leader” was
responsible for the copper, mining the Oxford-educated former aunt to care for Colin and Diana. life. He never brought a briefcase how his brother-in-law described him,
and materials businesses. In 1982 Coldstream Guard but his success did Colin went to Wellington College in home and taught his children to ski “whether in the boardroom, on the
he was appointed OBE for his not spring from a robust start. Colin Berkshire, where he was head of and to sail, including in Denmark and poop deck or opening the batting”.
82 Saturday April 30 2022 | the times

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newsukadvertising.co.uk 6 020 7782 7553
Births, Marriages and Deaths

TRUST in the LORD with all your heart MR J. W. HARGREAVES PRAIN Virginia Anne (née Wedgwood)
How to be a pacifist and
AND MISS C. J. M. LEIGHTON

support defence of Ukraine

and lean not on your own understanding; died on 16th April 2022, aged 82. Beloved
in all your ways submit to him, and he will The engagement is announced between husband of Graham, loving mother of
make your paths straight. James (Jamie), younger son of Mr Christopher and Susannah, grandmother of
Proverbs 3.5-6 (NIV) Michael Hargreaves and the late Mrs Hester, Otto, Theodora and Harold. She
Barbara Hargreaves of Sutton Coldfield, bore her disabilities for over 25 years with
Bible verses are provided by the and Claudia, daughter of Mr Barry enormous courage, good cheer and
Bible Society Leighton and the late Mrs Susanna dignity. Private cremation to be followed
Leighton of London. later by church service. Cheque donations options are very limited: flee the 1990s to build peace in
if desired to Parkinson’s UK, c/o Michael
Miller & Partners, 27a High Street, Credo or be harmed. Yet there are a Russia and neighbouring
Births MR B. MILLER
Petersfield, GU32 3JR. Oliver surprisingly large number of countries. In recent years it
PRIESTLEY Margery Orme (Bunny) (née situations, even in wartime, has supported work in both
BOWRING AND LADY T. MEADE
The engagement is announced McCombe) died peacefully on 16th April
Robertson when non-violent responses Russia and Ukraine using the
on 13th February 2022 to Carys Louise 2022, aged 97. Beloved wife of the late
Natasha Bowring (née Bingham) and
between Bradley, only son of Mr Ian
Derek, mother of Clare and Jamie and
are available, and work. The Alternatives to Violence
Miller of Guildford, Surrey, and Mrs
George Robert Bowring, a son, Tricks
Suzanne Miller of Guildford, Surrey, grandmother of Christophe, Tom, Louis, people of Slavutych in Project (AVP), which trains
Charles Robert Bowring, born in the
British overseas territory of Bermuda.
and Tamara, eldest daughter of the Max and Madeleine. Funeral to be held at northern Ukraine, who people “to deal with
Earl of Clanwilliam and Mrs Serena St John the Baptist Church, 176 Holland
Jopling of Cirencester, Road, London W14 8AH on Tuesday May gathered in huge numbers to potentially violent situations

H
STANSFELD on 5th April 2022 to Gloucestershire. 17th at 11am. Family flowers only but if ow can you be a demand successfully that in new and creative ways”.
Alexandra (née Fuggle) and James, a desired donations should be made to St
daughter, Amelia Charlotte, sister to Hugh. John the Baptist or All Saints Church,
pacifist at a time Russian soldiers release their AVP Ukraine, based in Odesa
Deaths Dummer, Hampshire. like this? Does a mayor and leave their town. and Kharkiv, worked
WIDGERY on 16th April 2022 to Clemmie CLARK Charles Graham OBE (Graham) — church like the The phone calls to ordinary extensively in 2014-15 with
(née Ashton) and Andrew, a daughter, former governor, HMP Wandsworth. RYAN Mary flautist, see Gillham
Martha Olivia Grace, sister to Hebe, Matilda Passed away on 20th April 2022 at
Religious Society Russians, giving them the many internally displaced
and Hugo. Culverhayes Nursing Home, Bath. Born 11th SMITH of Friends, the Quakers, have alternatives to the news from people fleeing the conflict
VON WULFFEN-REID on 20th April
July 1937 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Patrick Joseph Bradshaw died anything useful to say to the their government, as a way to zone in eastern Ukraine.
Husband of Dorothy, father of John
2022 to Olivia von Wulffen and Rupert (deceased 2019), Robert, David (deceased
peacefully at home in Bath on 28th horror that is the war in inform and change public Whenever there is a war,
April 2022, aged 83. He will be greatly
Oldham-Reid, a son, Peregrine Yorck
Oldham, brother to Otto the dog.
2001) and Mary. Grandfather to ten missed by his wife Frances, sons Ukraine? opinion. The Ukrainian especially one where right
beloved grandchildren and one great-
grandchild. Funeral 2pm on 8th July, St.
Michael and Paul, daughter-in-law Ever since the early 17th officials allowing Russian and wrong seems particularly
Charlotte, grandchildren Maddy and
Forthcoming Marriages Stephen’s Church, Landsdown, Bath. Sam, and all who knew him. A private
century, Quakers corporately PoWs to call home, clear, there are Quakers who
CAPTAIN H. D. M. DIXON
Inquiries to Clarkson’s (01225) 426822. family funeral will be followed by a have been against war. As our reaffirming the humanity of struggle with what to do in
AND MISS N. S. L. BOTT COLLINS David Arthur TD on 20th April
memorial service in the summer. short booklet of spiritual both captors and prisoners. the face of evil, and some
The engagement is announced between 2022, aged 86. Beloved husband of the late guidance, Advices & Queries, The role for those of us in a decide that they must fight.
Henry, son of Tony and Cathryn Dixon of Louise. Much-loved brother of Jane and SWAN Joanna Mary (née Rowlatt) passed puts it: “We are called to live position of safety may be to Indeed, Quaker Faith &
Easterton, Wiltshire, and Natasha, middle uncle to Phil, Suzy, Carol and Gail. Senior away peacefully with family at her side on
daughter of Charlie and Lulu Bott of Past Master of Worshipful Company of 16th April 2022, aged 91 years. Funeral at ‘in the virtue of that life and share these stories, to inform Practice, the collection of
London. Fanmakers and former director of A. J.
Collins & Co. Funeral to be held at Chelsea
West Herts Crematorium, WD25 0JS, on power that takes away the or inspire others. Quaker belief, wisdom and
7th May 2022 at 1pm.
MR T. J. S. MACPHERSON Old Church at 11am on Friday 20th May. occasion of all wars’. Do you Quakers often talk about spiritual insight, has a whole
AND MISS A. E. W. BURKE-SMITH faithfully maintain our “that of God in everyone”. It section on “dilemmas of the
EDWARDS Joy died on 22nd April 2022, WALKER-ARNOTT Richard died
The engagement is announced
aged 95, as gracefully as she had lived, at suddenly on 4th April 2022. Devoted and
testimony that war and the means that everyone has the pacifist stand”. Quakers who
between Thomas, eldest son of
Angus and Valerie Macpherson of home on her 72nd wedding anniversary. loving husband of Debby. A dear father to preparation for war are potential for goodness, for do take up arms recognise
Biallid, Newtonmore, Scotland, and Much-loved widow of Brian, mother of Charles and Harriet, father-in-law to Katya inconsistent with the spirit of being close to God. It’s this that there will need to be
Julian, Simon, Caroline and Mark, and grandfather to Lev. He will be sadly
Alexandra, daughter of Andrew
and Katrin Burke-Smith, of grandmother and great-grandmother. missed by all his wider family. Private Christ? Search out whatever spirit that has led Quakers to work afterwards to rebuild
Chelsea, London. Funeral at 2pm on Tuesday 17th May at funeral service. A service of thanksgiving in your own way of life may work with prisoners, support peace, and that this should
St Mary Magdalene, Bildeston, IP7 7SB. will be held on Monday 18th July at 3.30pm
at St Mary-le-Bow, London. All welcome. contain the seeds of war. refugee rights and help to have at least as much
MR D. J. WANNELL EVANS Gwyneth Mary died peacefully on Stand firm in our testimony, build cross-community links attention, effort and resources
AND MISS C. E. CASEMAN 4th April 2022, aged 79. Former healthcare WATERS Antony John (Tim). Beloved even when others commit or after conflict. It’s why as making war.
The engagement is announced between chaplain, Royal Free Hospital, London husband of Ann, dearly loved father of
Duncan, son of Mr and Mrs Martin Wannell (1979-89); hospital/hospice chaplain, Sally, Lucy and Susannah, loving prepare to commit acts of Quakers across Europe are Already we can see that,
of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, and Salisbury Health Care NHS Trust (1989-01). grandfather and great-grandfather. Died violence, yet always responding to both short-term however the war ends, there
Catherine, daughter of Mr Michael Hon canon, Sarum Cathedral from 1996. peacefully at home on April 18th 2022,
Caseman-Jones of Towcester, Funeral at Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday aged 96 years. Inquiries to Ian Hazel remember that they too are needs (housing, etc) and long- will be a legacy of
Northamptonshire, and Mrs Patricia 5th May at 10am. Followed by private Funerals, tel: 0121 308 7777. children of God.” term ones (psychological care displacement and trauma to
Caseman of Murcia, Spain. cremation. No flowers. Donations in lieu to There’s a lot in that short and childcare) of refugees deal with. We need to answer
British Heart Foundation and Arthritis Birthdays
Research. I. N. Newman Ltd, Griffin House, paragraph. The vision of the from the war in Ukraine. the question: “What is
MR. F. J. M. ISAAC 55 Winchester Street, Salisbury, SP1 1HL. LOUISE CHAMBERLAIN: 50 TODAY world that we want to see. Quaker connections with needed so that Russia’s
AND MISS A. H. DOHERTY Tel: 01722 413136. Wishing you a very happy birthday! Lots of
The engagement is announced between love, Mum, Dad, Lizzie, Tina, Andy and all The recognition that our Russia are centuries-old: it neighbours do not see it as a
Frederick, elder son of Mr and Mrs David GANZONI The Hon Jill died on April 21st your family. xxx connections and possessions was a Quaker, Thomas threat?” Fail to answer that,
Isaac of East Finchley, London, and Mrs 2022, aged 91, much-loved sister of the late can implicate us in future Dimsdale, who vaccinated or answer it badly, and we will
Helen Lewis of Cheltenham and Mr John John, Lord Belstead. Funeral service at St
Doherty of Cheltenham. Mary’s Church, Woodbridge, at 11am on conflicts, something that Catherine the Great against see Europe militarised for
Thursday May 12th. No flowers, please. countries and companies smallpox; Daniel Wheeler years to come. Answer it well
MR S. H. NISELL Donations, if wished, to the Suffolk Historic
AND MISS O. L. A. EVERIST Churches Trust may be sent to Farthing trying to extricate themselves and family drained the and we could see enemies
The engagement is announced between Funeral Service, Deben House, 650 from Russian money and marshes around St become friends and allies,
Samuel, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Ralph Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PW.
Nisell of Stockholm, Sweden, and Olivia,
Join us for breakfast fossil fuels are waking up to. Petersburg in the 19th working together for a better,
eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs Giles GILLHAM Felicity Mary (née Ryan) on Listen to Aasmah Mir and The recognition of the century. In the present day, more peaceful world.
Everist of Monxton, Hampshire, and 16th April 2022, aged 92. Musician, widow Stig Abell on Times Radio, sacredness of all human life. Friends House Moscow, with
Pollença, Mallorca, previously of Perth, of Ronald, beloved mother of Frances,
Western Australia. Catherine and Alexandra, much-loved Monday to Thursday at 6am If you forswear violence, the help of Quakers in the Oliver Robertson is head of witness
grandmother and great-grandmother. there are times when your UK and US, has worked since and worship at Quakers in Britain
DR J. D. WYLDE Funeral service will be held at St Michael
AND DR A. L. HEYLEN and All Angels Church, Bedford Park, on
26th May at 11.30am. Donations to the
The engagement is announced Royal Society of Musicians. Inquiries:
between John Douglas, second son of [email protected] Court Circular
Dr and Mrs Richard J. Wylde of
Churchwood, Fittleworth, West HOVIL Richard Guy died peacefully on
Sussex, and Anna Leontine, daughter 26th April 2022, aged 93. A service of
of Mr and Mrs Thomas A. Heylen of by The Queen via video link and Kensington Palace Parade at Sir John Moore Barracks,
thanksgiving is to be held on Saturday
Shalford, Surrey. afternoon, 14th May, at St Michael’s, presented the Letters of Recall of 29th April, 2022 Andover Road, Winchester, and
Monkton Combe. his predecessor and his own Letters The Duke of Cambridge, Joint was received by Her Majesty’s
of Commission as High Patron, the Royal Foundation of Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire
Commissioner for the Republic of The Duke and Duchess of (Mr Nigel Atkinson).
The simple way to place your IVANOVIC Andrija died on 28th April Rwanda in London. Cambridge, this morning held a
announcement in The Times. 2022. Much-loved brother of Bozo, Mrs Phoebe Murerwa was also Meeting at Kensington Palace for Kensington Palace
brother-in-law of Kay and uncle of Lara,
Available 24 hours a day, Misha and Theo. Contact family for details. received by Her Majesty. the Earthshot Prize. 29th April, 2022
seven days a week. Ms Juliet Chua (Director The Duchess of Gloucester, Patron,
Windsor Castle General for Finance and Corporate, St James’s Palace Friends of St Paul’s Cathedral, this
newsukadvertising.co.uk LERMON Lisa died at home on 21st April Foreign, Commonwealth and 29th April, 2022 afternoon attended Evensong in St
2022, aged 44. A much-loved daughter and 29th April, 2022
sister, devoted to her two nephews. Her His Excellency Dr Emmanuel Development Office) was present. The Earl and Countess of Wessex Paul’s Cathedral, London EC4, to
family are being sustained by the warm Mallia was received in audience by this morning arrived at Gatwick commemorate the Seventieth
and loving testimonies of her many The Queen today via video link Clarence House Airport, London, from St Lucia. Anniversary of the Friends.
Legal Notices friends. Funeral private. and presented the Letters of Recall 29th April, 2022 Captain Andrew Aspden, RN
of his predecessor and his own The Prince of Wales, Marshal of and Mrs Angus Galletley were in St James’s Palace
PATTERSON Harry. Relatives and 29th April, 2022
friends wishing to attend the funeral Letters of Commission as High the Royal Air Force, this morning attendance.
service for Harry are invited to meet at the Commissioner for the Republic of attended a College Combined The Duke of Kent, Chancellor,
Parish Church of St Brelade, St Brelade, Malta in London. Parade at Royal Air Force College St James’s Palace University of Surrey, this afternoon
Jersey, on Wednesday 11th May 2022 at Mrs Mallia was also received by Cranwell, Sleaford, and was 29th April, 2022 presided at the Post Graduate
1pm, followed by a private cremation. The Princess Royal this morning Degree Ceremony for the Faculty of
Flowers are welcome and should arrive at Her Majesty. received by Her Majesty’s
the offices of Pitcher & Le Quesne Funeral His Excellency Mr Johnston Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire attended the Army Training Engineering and Physical Sciences,
Directors, 59 Kensington Place, St Helier, Busingye was received in audience (Mr Tony Dennis). Regiment Winchester Pass Off in Guildford Cathedral, Surrey.
Jersey, JE2 3PA, no later than 5pm on
Tuesday 10th May 2022. Donations in lieu
of flowers in Harry’s memory can be made
to: Dementia Jersey, c/o The Treasurer, De
Carteret House, Hilgrove Street, St Helier, Pianist who blazed a trail for
JE2 4SL (Cheques made payable to
Dementia Jersey, please). All inquiries to
Pitcher & Le Quesne, Funeral Directors,
telephone 01534 733330 or email
Readers’ 50%
British performers in Europe
ROSEMARIE WRIGHT, WHO

Lives
[email protected] discount for
subscribers DIED AGED 88, WAS FEATURED
PIEGROME Daphne Alice on 19th April IN THE TIMES ON JULY 18, 2020
2022, peacefully in hospital in Kent. She
was much loved and will be greatly missed
by her brother, sisters, nieces and nephews
and their families, and by many friends in Call 020 7782 5583 or email Commemorate the life of a friend or relative in
the UK and the US. A life well lived. Private [email protected] Readers’ Lives, a service in contracted tributes
family ceremony, inquiries to Co-op
Funeralcare, Canterbury: 01227 463067
the times | Saturday April 30 2022 83

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The Times Saturday Quiz Olav Bjortomt O Tempora! Crossword CCCXLIII by Basil
A weekly crossword for the classically minded
GETTY IMAGES

1 Robbie Williams was the youngest of

the original five members of which
boy band?
20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Clues, which may
be straight or
mildly cryptic,
always lead to
8 9 10

2 The Baltimore oriole is the official

bird of which US state?
answers in Latin

The strontian process is an obsolete

3 chemical method to recover which
sweet-tasting substance from molasses?
11 12

Ferrite is a body-centred cubic form 13 14 15 16

4 of which metal?
17

Which ingredient is “shirred” or

5 “baked” in the English name of the
dish “oeufs en cocotte”?
18 19

William Bateson founded and

6 named which science of biological
inheritance?
20 21

22 23
The “Achilles of England” was a
7 sobriquet of which Dublin-born
prime minister (1769-1852)? Across 23 Maxime quatio, turbo; I thoroughly
1 “____ odi….apparatus” Horace Od disturb (8)
Which Soviet cosmonaut is the
8 only woman to have flown solo
in space?
three-time British prime minister?
19 In 1983, which South African
golfer’s son Marc founded Black
1.38.1: can’t stand kit from the East
(8)
5 Sharp, fierce, violent (4)
Down
1 Antiquae; women of former times
(7)
Which Italian mathematician Knight International to represent his

9 A transmitter of Lyme disease,

Ixodes ricinus is the castor bean
14 analysed various problems in
algebra in his 1225 work Flos?
business interests?
8 Ad illum locum quem indico (5)
9 Something suitable, fitting (7)
11 On this side (prep + acc); prefix
2 With wheels; in your chariot (5)
3 Oratio Ciceronis (63 BC) contra rei
publicae hostem, ut putabat (2,9)
species of which parasitic arachnid?

Closed in 2012, the station 15 Which heavy and durable

glass was developed by George
20 Which Irish island, off the coast
of County Kerry, is pictured?
contrasting with trans (eg Alps) (3)
12 Let them be dragged (pres subj) (9)
4 Fat, rich, abundant: “divitiae,
suntne ____?” Plautus Capt 2.2.31 (6)
10 RAF Lyneham was located
about six miles from Chippenham in
Ravenscroft c 1675? Answers below right
13 Out of the hall; a palatii atrio (2,4)
15 Mercury “Iove ____ ab ipso” sent by
Jupiter himself Aen 4.356 and 377
6 Made, fashioned, born; Mercury is
“Maia … ____” Ovid Met 11.303 (7)
7 Fama; sometimes dubious: “multa
which county? Launching her eponymous

Roger Ebert described Roman

16 label in 2018, which Jordanian-
Romanian shoemaker is known for
Last week’s O Tempora! solution
(6)
18 Pugil quidam, Cassius quondam,
____ affingebat” Caesar BC 1.53 (5)
10 A little speech or prayer;
11 Polanski’s film adaptation of
which Shakespeare tragedy as “full of
her Ami pumps?
postea Alius, rogabat “Quid est ____
____?” (4,5)
19 Aliquid quod bibas, ex ubere vaccae
mentioned by Cicero (ad Att 15.3.2)
but not his speciality (11)
14 Aves maximae, Iovi sacrae; etiam
sound and fury”? Ward 81 (1979) and Falkland Road

Which 1990s sitcom was set

17 (1981) are books by which female
American photographer?
vel caprae extractum (3)
20 Avis Veneri sacra (7)
legionis signa (7)
16 Clam; advb, lit in a place separated
12 in the studios of Globelink
News TV? Named after the player
21 All the way, continually; Juvenal
10.1-2 “a Gadibus ____ | Auroram”
from others (7)
17 Aliquid immensum, immite,
18 God Shammgod, the
“Shammgod” is a dribbling move
from West to East (5)
22 Prodigium, quod 18a in ultima
saevum (6)
18 In ara animalia interficio ut deos
13 Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, was
originally named after which in which sport?
parte monstrat (4) laudem; M Cato turbatur! (5)
19 To speak (deponent infin) (5)

Times Crossword No 28,278 Suko No 3477

Times Crossword No 28,278
1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 Across 25 Illustrious companion, a pilot,
runs off (8)
1 One taking pleasure from attack 26 Figures showing one ton in
on Georgia lawman? (8) quarters (6)
9 10 5 Standard flash measurement used 27 Worked on material, irritated
in astronomy (6) after satirist cleared out (8)
11 9 Catholic keeps backing
Republican supporter, one joining Down
12 13 in conflict (3,5)
10 Refrain from song unavailable 1 Group’s leader had dressed
(3,3) formally (6)
12 Musical quartet has worried about 2 Head of state in Irish parliament
14 15 retiring (5) to go off line (6)
13 Again water dry earth, ground 3 Marine fish, a food not fully
16 17 close to hedge (9) digested in Hebridean isle (9)
14 Lots of wives knocked down here? 4 Drawing attention to consequence
18 (5,7) of batsman’s poor form? (12)
18 Moving camera with metal casing 6 A minor charge for allotment (5)
19 20 fell over (4,1,7) 7 Irregular cops uneasy about
21 Finished next, penning a note to organised raid (8) Place the numbers 1 to 9 in the spaces so
21 22 23 increase demands (2,3,4) 8 Face fine when brewing stimulant that the number in each circle is equal to
23 Unbecoming pressure on N (8) the sum of the four surrounding spaces,
America to sever relations (5) 11 Support at Covent Garden for and each colour total is correct.
24 Mean devil entering lift (6) Shaw’s play? (3,5,4) Solution MindGames in Saturday Review
24 25 15 Crackling relating to small hole in Quiz answers 1 Take That. 2 Maryland.
humbug (9) 3 Sugar. 4 Iron. 5 Eggs. 6 Genetics.
16 Doomed defendant brought about 7 Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of
lawyer’s end (8) Wellington. 8 Valentina Tereshkova.
17 Broadcasting session unstarted 9 Tick. 10 Wiltshire. 11 Macbeth. 12 Drop
26 27
after the speaker keeled over (8) the Dead Donkey. 13 Robert Gascoyne-
19 Exile elected to office rising in Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. Harare
A £20 Waterstones gift voucher will be awarded to the senders of the first five correct solutions party (6) was called Fort Salisbury on its founding
opened on Thursday. Enter by post to: Times Crossword No 28,278, PO Box 2164, Colchester, Essex in 1890. 14 Fibonacci or Leonardo of Pisa.
CO2 8LJ, or by email to: [email protected], with “Crossword 28278” in the subject line. Open 20 Impassive detective much taken
15 Flint glass or crystal or lead crystal.
to 18+, UK & ROI residents only. Winners and solutions will appear on Monday week. aback (6) 16 Amina Muaddi. 17 Mary Ellen Mark.
22 Climbing record broken by 18 Basketball. 19 Gary Player. 20 Skellig
Name/Address ................................................................................................................................................... unknown resident abroad (5) Michael.
............................................................................................................................................................................... Concise Quintagram answers 1 Sobs
............................................................................................................................................................................... 2 Hollow 3 Ornate 4 Receive 5 Transient.
...............................................................................................................................................................................*