From Rachael Blackmore to Steve Bruce: The best soundbites of 2021
Some words of wisdom – and some not so wise – from the world of sport
Johnson demotes Raab and sacks three cabinet ministers in reshuffle
Liz Truss takes over at foreign office while Buckland, Jenrick and former education secretary Williamson are ousted
UK government announces end of classroom bubbles in England
Education secretary says system is causing disruption to children; teachers’ unions criticise move
British academia criticises state proposals on funding and free speech
Ministers not ‘cancel culture’ biggest threat to campus, University and College Union says
Brexit identity politics and English nationalism will destroy the UK
If English nationalists do not belong in the EU they do not belong in any kind of political union. That includes the UK
Bad leaders the world over hope vaccine will mitigate political damage
The vainglorious will see vaccine success as an easy way to recover their standing
Brexit: Significant gaps remain as talks may continue over weekend
Johnson still intends on Monday to restore to Internal Market Bill the treaty-breaking clauses that were removed by House of Lords
Fauci slams UK drugs regulator for speedy approval of Pfizer vaccine
US government’s top infectious-disease specialist claims data was not scrutinised
European shares lower after vaccine shots dull Covid economic pain
But markets keep watch on Brexit trade deal talks
Senior Tories pass the buck over children’s food voucher row
Sunak clashes with Williamson as issue ‘cuts through’ with voters to damage Tories
Boris Johnson defends Covid record after summer of U-turns
Figures fail to back up prime minister’s claim that people are returning to work in offices ‘in huge numbers’
The Irish Times view on the UK exams row: The latest scapegoats
Although there will be little public sympathy for the mandarins, the remorseless driving out by the Tories’ current leadership of competent people from both the civil service and cabinet will only make government more dysfunctional than it already is
Senior Tories express anger over Boris Johnson policy U-turns
UK government has changed course 12 times in major policy areas during pandemic
British government defends U-turn on mask-wearing in schools
Face coverings to be mandatory in English schools in areas placed under local lockdown
Calls for UK exams regulator to be scrapped after grades U-turn
Senior MP says Ofqual ‘not fit for purpose’ as Gavin Williamson defends grades U-turn
British government conducts humiliating U-turn on A-level results
Grades for thousands of students in England will now be based on teachers’ assessments
Coronavirus: Bubbles, capsules, masks – how schools are reopening around the world
Countries have adopted a range of strategies amid the pandemic to get students back into classrooms
Johnson to stress social distancing rules as pubs and restaurants prepare to open
The prime minister will point to Leicester as a reminder that coronavirus is still a threat in Britain
Britain to permit opening of non-essential shops from Monday
Zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas to open amid concerns for toll taken on pupils
Coronavirus: UK death toll passes 16,000
Gove confirms Boris Johnson missed five Cobra meetings as crisis gathered pace
Risky strategy makes Britain an outlier in the fight against coronavirus
Failure to close schools or cancel mass gatherings has been widely criticised
Brexit: MPs reject Johnson’s third attempt to force early general election
Labour abstains from vote which failed to reach necessary two thirds majority
DUP fires warning after EU and UK agree to intensify Brexit talks
Donald Tusk says hopes of agreement have risen but that positive signs can be ‘political tricks’
North’s politicians wonder if Boris Johnson will be a ‘statesman or showman’
Election of new Tory leader raises prospect of Michael Gove becoming Northern Secretary
Irish security services ‘appraising’ suspected Russian fake news
Tánaiste says claims of disinformation on North and Brexit came from ‘reputable’ body
UK minister to apologise to Ivanka Trump for diplomat’s memos
Trump says US will ‘no longer deal’ with UK ambassador after leaks on his ‘inept’ administration
Russians used fake Foster email for disinformation – researchers
Forged email to Barnier purports to show DUP leader’s support for EU’s Brexit position
Russians suspected of spreading fake news about Northern Ireland
Disinformation campaign believed to be first co-ordinated effort targeting Irish divisions
Boris Johnson: The UK’s deeply polarising next prime minister
Cherished by older Conservatives, he is viewed by others as a liar and opportunist
Tory leadership contenders: Who could replace Theresa May?
Runners and riders: With pressure on PM to announce departure date, who is jostling for position?
May’s government postpones publication of withdrawal agreement bill
Decision to postpone bill comes as May is due to meet 1922 Committee chairman and amid mounting pressure for her to resign
Tory battle to replace May threatens Labour talks on Brexit – McDonnell
May’s initiative with opposition to have ‘fatal’ consequences, says former defence secretary
Theresa May rejects calls to refer former defence secretary to police
Gavin Williamson fired by prime minister over alleged leak of NSC discussion to media
UK defence secretary sacked after Huawei leak inquiry
Gavin Williamson ‘strenously’ denies responsibility for leak from National Security Council meeting
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