Evening Standard - Home

Flame lights up countdown to Games

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:09 BST

The Olympic Flame has arrived in the UK ahead of a 70-day tour of the country.

£630m for Facebook's Zuckerberg

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:08 BST

Facebook co-creator Mark Zuckerberg has pocketed more than a billion US dollars after one of the biggest US stock market flotations.

Cameron in tax warning to Hollande

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:07 BST

David Cameron has issued a blunt warning to French President Francois Hollande that Britain would not accept a Europe-wide financial transaction tax, insisting it was not "a sensible measure".

Merkel 'suggested Greece euro vote'

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:06 BST

Germany's chancellor has apparently waded into Greece's choppy political waters, with Athens saying Angela Merkel suggested that the country should hold a referendum on the euro together with next month's national elections.

Controversy over royal event guests

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:05 BST

The Royal Family have hosted heads of state from around the world amidst controversy over their choice of guests.

Body found in search for fishermen

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:04 BST

A body believed to be that of one of three fishermen missing since Thursday morning has been recovered from the sea, police said.

Warsi condemns sex scandal Muslims

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:03 BST

Muslim cabinet minister Baroness Warsi has hit out at the "small minority" of Pakistani men who see white girls as "fair game".

Two bailed over attack on pensioner

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:02 BST

Two people arrested in connection with an attack on a 93-year-old pensioner who was severely beaten in her own home have been released on bail.

Five charged with terror offences

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:01 BST

Five men have been charged with serious dissident republican offences in Northern Ireland following an intelligence operation by the police and MI5.

Special Award for Moffat at Baftas

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:10:00 BST

The man behind hit shows Doctor Who and Sherlock will be honoured at next week's TV Baftas.

Abu Qatada given bail hearing date

Fri, 18 May 2012 23:30:00 BST

Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada could be freed on bail by the end of the month.

Strauss ton puts England in control

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss has silenced his detractors with his first Test century in 26 attempts, spread over the past 18 months.

Olympic Flame lands in UK

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:08 BST

The Olympic Flame has arrived in the UK ahead of a 70-day tour of the country.

Rodgers rejects Liverpool approach

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:07 BST

Swansea have confirmed that manager Brendan Rodgers has rejected an approach from Liverpool to discuss the managerial vacancy at Anfield.

Di Matteo vows Blues will rule Europe

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:06 BST

After eight managers, an outlay of £700million in transfer fees and an estimated £2billion overall, Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo has promised Roman Abramovich his Champions League odyssey will eventually reach its glorious destination.

Solskjaer opens 'informal' Villa talks

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:05 BST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed he has held talks with Aston Villa owner Randy Lerner about becoming the club's next manager.

Norwich reject Holt transfer request

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:04 BST

Norwich have turned down a transfer request from striker Grant Holt, Press Association Sport understands.

WBC back UK board Haye-Chisora stance

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:03 BST

David Haye's controversial heavyweight showdown with Dereck Chisora has come under more pressure with the World Boxing Council backing the British Boxing Board of Control's hardline stance on the bout.

Wigan romp to victory at Huddersfield

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:02 BST

Wigan pulled two points clear at the top of Stobart Super League with an emphatic 32-12 defeat of previous leaders Huddersfield at a soggy Galpharm Stadium.

Cavendish takes third stage win

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:01 BST

Great Britain's Mark Cavendish took his third stage win of this year's Giro d'Italia on stage 13 to Cervere.

Hunt adviser to appear at inquiry

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:01 BST

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's former special adviser Adam Smith will give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry next week.

Rose ends Clarke challenge

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:40:00 BST

Justin Rose piled on the agony for Darren Clarke with a 6&4 drubbing at the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain.

Wigan romp to victory at Huddersfield

Fri, 18 May 2012 22:20:02 BST

Wigan pulled two points clear at the top of Stobart Super League with an emphatic 32-12 defeat of previous leaders Huddersfield at a soggy Galpharm Stadium.

Barry George in compensation case

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:50:03 BST

Barry George, who spent eight years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the murder of TV presenter Jill Dando, is to fight a test case for compensation.

Ainslie takes gold on curtailed day

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:50:02 BST

Three-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie secured a historic sixth Finn world title albeit in frustrating circumstances.

Solskjaer in talks with Villa

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:10:05 BST

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has officially opened talks with Aston Villa about becoming the club's new manager.

Drogba aims for starring role

Fri, 18 May 2012 20:00:04 BST

Didier Drogba has been forced to deny he is an "actor" as he prepared for what could be his Chelsea curtain call on the biggest stage of all.

PM: Hacking clues must be followed

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:40:02 BST

Police investigating the phone-hacking scandal must act on the evidence "wherever it leads", David Cameron has insisted in the wake of charges against former News International chief executive Rebekah Brooks.

Pick me for Games on merit - Beckham

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:40:02 BST

David Beckham wants to compete at the Olympics on merit and nothing else.

Heynckes backs Di Matteo for Chelsea job

Fri, 18 May 2012 19:00:05 BST

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes believes Roberto Di Matteo should be given the Chelsea job full-time, regardless of the outcome of Saturday's Champions League final.

Strauss celebrates Test ton

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss completed a Test century on Friday, an achievement which had eluded him in his previous 25 attempts over the past 18 months.

Falcons swoop for Lawson

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:20:00 BST

Newcastle have signed Scotland scrum-half Rory Lawson on a two-year deal.

Poulter and Lewis progress

Fri, 18 May 2012 18:10:01 BST

Holder Ian Poulter recorded his second win in the Volvo Match Play Championship in Spain - but 21-year-old Tom Lewis, the man he beat, is also through to the last 16.

Mixed emotions for Walton

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:50:02 BST

Great Britain defender Sally Walton admits it was difficult to balance the joy of her first Olympic call-up with the disappointment of her team-mates who were not selected.

Strauss closing in on century

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:40:09 BST

Andrew Strauss edged ever nearer a Test century on Friday afternoon, an achievement which has eluded him in his last 25 attempts over the past 18 months.

David Cameron addicted to Fruit Ninja ... he should try these killer apps too

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:17:23 BST

Fruit Ninja? Slashing perfectly edible grapefruits and water melons to shreds in the age of austerity?

Chainrai bids to buy back Pompey

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:00:05 BST

Portsmouth's former owner Balram Chainrai has made an offer to buy back the stricken club.

Facebook flotation: Mark Zuckerberg becomes 29th richest person on the planet

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:45:22 BST

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg today entered the world’s exclusive super rich league becoming the 29th wealthiest person on Earth.

Davies stays on as Bolton release 12

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:40:05 BST

Bolton striker Kevin Davies has signed a new one-year contract at the club but Wanderers' relegation from the Barclays Premier League is being felt with 12 players on their way out.

Victim's relatives angry over 9/11 museum construction delay

Bo Wilson — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:07:59 BST

Relatives of 9/11 victims expressed dismay today over new delays to a museum due to be built alongside the Ground Zero memorial.

Liverpool embarrassed over 'misunderstood' tweets asking fans who should be new manager

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:07:56 BST

Liverpool were forced to clarify matters today after they turned to Twitter to ask supporters for help in finding a new manager after Swansea's Brendan Rodgers rejected an approach to discuss replacing the sacked Kenny Dalglish.

Boss jailed over £2bn China crime racket

Alexa Olesen — Fri, 18 May 2012 16:01:18 BST

A crime boss who was once China’s most-wanted fugitive was jailed for life today over a $3.3 billion (£2.1 billion) smuggling and bribery racket.

Solid Strauss leads England reply

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:50:09 BST

Andrew Strauss made a convincing start as England replied to West Indies' first-innings 243 all out at Lord's.

London bank worker Sophia Brown who went on Big Brother three years ago dies aged just 30

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:46:03 BST

A former Big Brother contestant from London is reported to have died aged 30.

Gallery: Kim Kardashian pops into Debenhams to meet fans for launch of new perfume

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:05:09 BST

Hundreds of Kim Kardashian fans queued at on Oxford Street today for the launch of her new fragrance.

Zara Martin shares her perfect weekend in London

Kate Lough — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:44:39 BST

SATURDAY

My first stop is Ten Pilates in Ladbroke Grove for some ‘Cardiolates’ action - I normally can’t move for two days afterwards but I’m told it’s good for me...

Ten Pilates Notting Hill, 2-4 Exmoor Street, W10 6BD, tenpilates.com

Asparagus al forno with cherry tomatoes & basil

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:44:03 BST

Asparagus al forno with cherry tomatoes & basil from Arthur Potts Dawson, author of the new book Eat Your Veg (Mitchell Beazley, £25, out now)

Christian youths in the Philippines try to stop Lady Gaga concert

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:40:41 BST

Christian youths in the Philippines chanted “Stop the Lady Gaga concerts” at a rally calling for the singer’s shows in Manila next week to be cancelled.

PM defends free parenting classes

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:40:00 BST

Free parenting classes are not a "nanny state" policy, David Cameron insisted as he unveiled a number of initiatives aimed at helping families.

Jupp: Keep Roberto di Matteo

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:35:13 BST

Bayern Munich boss Jupp Heynckes today insisted Roberto di Matteo should be given the Chelsea job full time, regardless of the outcome of the final.

Success in the city is leading top women to drink too much

Nicholas Cecil — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:33:54 BST

High-flying women drink far more than those in more routine jobs, official figures reveal today.

Olympic Flame to arrive in UK

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:03 BST

The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on Friday night after it was handed over at a ceremony in Athens.

Six charged over trafficking woman

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:02 BST

Six people, including a butcher and an optician, have been charged in connection with trafficking an Indian woman, Scotland Yard said.

Dewani co-accused to deny guilt

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 BST

Two of the men accused of killing honeymoon bride Anni Dewani intend pleading not guilty when their trial starts in July in the Western Cape High Court.

CafeDirect Sao Tome instant drinking chocolate

Katie Law — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:26:32 BST

What: CafeDirect SaoTome instant drinking chocolate

Ryan Giggs settles his phone hacking claim

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:25:58 BST

Footballer Ryan Giggs has settled his phone-hacking damages claim against News Group Newspapers for an undisclosed sum.

Rooftop dining: London's best restaurants with a view

Natasha Culzac — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:16:04 BST

London’s skyline is one of the most recognisable and celebrated in the world. Appreciating this city’s horizon can be done from many viewpoints, high and low, but what can be better than absorbing the sights with a glass of Sancerre in one hand and a fork to attack a three-course meal in the other. Here’s our pick of the capital’s best restaurants with spectacular views…

10 minutes with Joanna Lumley

Hannah Nathanson — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:14:57 BST

There are rumours that Maggie Smith might leave Downton Abbey, would you replace her?

I’d love it! I could be an old grouch of a woman. It would be gorgeous.

Rhod Gilbert's diary

Rhod Gilbert — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:11:59 BST

I moved back to London a few months ago. For the past five years I’ve been in Cardiff but I was missing the buzz of the big city. In London I am pretty anonymous, which I like. Cardiff is so small that on a night out I tend to get a lot of people asking to have their photo taken with me. It’s quite nice for me but it’s pretty miserable for my friends. I have a mate who takes a black cloth out with him now, like an old-fashioned photographer. When anyone approaches us, he immediately chucks the cloth over his head and holds his hand out for their camera. It’s pretty funny, but even that joke wears thin. It reached a point where I had to move to London.

Radical cleric Abu Qatada could be freed on bail this month

Fri, 18 May 2012 14:05:25 BST

Jordanian terror suspect Abu Qatada could be freed on bail by the end of the month.

Trayvon Martin shot in heart at point-blank range

Bo Wilson — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:01:54 BST

Trayvon Martin, the teenager whose killing divided America, was shot in the heart at point-blank range.

Chelsea fans face booze bans as 30,000 head to Champions League final

Alan Hall in Berlin and Jonathan Prynn — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:45:30 BST

Chelsea fans are facing a drink ban in Munich for tomorrow night’s Champions League final.

Vieira: Gunners need to act fast

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:40:04 BST

Arsenal should have tied up Robin van Persie on a new deal long ago but do still have time to keep the sought-after forward, according to former Gunners captain Patrick Vieira.

Maria Elia's chef's table

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:19:22 BST

Maria Elia, author of 'Full of Flavour' and 'The Modern Vegetarian' (both published by Kyle).

Lynne Featherstone... or is it Honeycomb? Ben and Jerry's names tub in minister's honour

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:14:52 BST

It’s an accolade that could go to a minister’s hips, if not her head.

Success in the city is leading top women to drink too much

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:11:14 BST

High-flying women drink far more than those in more routine jobs, official figures reveal today.

‘Tyrant’ defies protest to lunch with the Queen

Ross Lydall — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:10:07 BST

The king of Bahrain was today defying protests about his regime’s brutality and having lunch with the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Hayley is a beach belle at Cannes

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:08:02 BST

Lucky Hayley Atwell to be on the beach. The Captain America actress, attending the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival, has had another career boost. She’s just been cast as the lead actress in a new film 10 Things I Hate About Life, directed by Gil Junger, a sequel to his 1999 adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You.

Critics' choice: five best exhibitions

Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:52 BST

ISLAND STORIES: 50 YEARS OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN BRITAIN

V&A, SW7 (020 7942 2000, vam.ac.uk)

A tantalisingly small visual documentary of British life that tells engrossing tales of time and place.

Only a brand new airport can keep Britain in the game

Norman Foster — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:59:40 BST

You only get one first impression. What message does Heathrow send out to its millions of business visitors and tourists? Nothing can disguise the fact that it has grown from a series of compromises. From its roots as a military airfield, it has been converted and expanded on a piecemeal basis. Now, bursting at the seams, with no room to expand, it faces unbeatable competition from purpose-built European hubs.

Rodgers knocks back Liverpool approach

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:50:08 BST

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has turned down the opportunity to hold talks with Liverpool over the managerial vacancy at Anfield, Press Association Sport understands.

Big Soho players lose after police's hard work pays off

Simon Freeman — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:43:42 BST

When detectives opened her diamante-studded white shoulder bag and found it stuffed with more than £1,000, the suspect — code-named Breaststroke — claimed she’d been lucky at the casino.

Police blitz 16 cocaine and heroin dealers in Soho after undercover operation

Simon Freeman and Justin Davenport — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:42:47 BST

Undercover police have swooped on Soho’s most wanted drug dealers in a pre-Olympics blitz on the street trade in heroin and crack cocaine.

Murray hopes to shake off back problem

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:40:01 BST

Andy Murray hopes not to be troubled by a niggling back problem by the time the French Open begins next weekend.

Children's memorial plaque stolen

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:40:00 BST

A memorial to two children killed in an IRA bomb has been stolen from a town centre by suspected metal thieves.

Shares keep tumbling as Eurozone panic grows

Nicholas Cecil and Simon English — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:39:53 BST

London shares kept tumbling today as investor panic over the Eurozone grew and the German finance minister warned that the turmoil could continue for two years.

I’m a one-woman personification of Greece

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:38:43 BST

There isn’t much sympathy for Greece just now. The Germans, especially, like to talk about them having had this crisis coming, what with Greeks retiring at 50 from public service and awarding themselves 40 per cent extra wages in the eight years after joining the euro. I’m not inclined to take a censorious view. In fact, you could say I’m the very personification of Greece, or at least an object lesson in the costs of easy credit.

Tickets for 20 events go on sale

Mark Blunden and Michael Howie — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:35:17 BST

Tickets for more than 20 Olympic sports are likely to be available next week after a last-minute scramble for seats, it was revealed today.

Barry George, wrongly convicted of Jill Dando murder, in fight for compensation

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:28:08 BST

The man, who spent eight years in prison after being wrongly convicted of the murder of the TV presenter Jill Dando, is to fight a test case for compensation.

'Not from the same species': North London park stalker Ali Koc was raging after having benefit cut off

Paul Cheston — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:26:13 BST

A double killer was jailed for a minimum of 35 years today for a month-long orgy of random violence just weeks after having his benefits stopped.

Baroness Warsi: Some Pakistani men think young white girls are "fair game" for sex abuse

Joe Murphy — Fri, 18 May 2012 12:04:11 BST

Some Pakistani men believe “white girls are fair game” for sexual abuse, the Cabinet Minister and Tory co-chairman Baroness Warsi says today.

London 2012 Olympics: Games will inspire generations to enjoy sports, says David Beckham

Matthew Beard — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:54:18 BST

David Beckham predicted that the Olympics would “inspire generations” as the torch made its way to Britain today.

David Attenborough: The BBC has lost confidence in programming - and women are key to the planet's future

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:41:36 BST

For his latest film, Sir David Attenborough has returned home. The Kingdom of Plants, for Sky 3D, finds the 86-year-old naturalist ranging around Kew Gardens, amid orchids and water lilies, as their fecundity explodes from the screen.

Gallery: Fashion's wild child Jim Lee swings back into town

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:24:24 BST

Images from London’s “original wild child of fashion photography” have gone on show in the capital.

Can you tell what it is yet? New Hayward show reveals... not very much

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:16:54 BST

This new conceptual art exhibition will provide a field day for critics who label it pretentious.

"Prince of Darkness" Lord Mandleson to appear before the Leveson Inquiry next week

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:16:38 BST

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt's former special adviser Adam Smith will give evidence to the Leveson Inquiry next week, it was announced today.

The Google guestlist: Who's heading to the Zeitgeist?

Fri, 18 May 2012 11:02:09 BST

Those who wonder where real power resides in today’s internet age should head to The Grove hotel in Hertfordshire’s rolling green hills next Monday and Tuesday.

Parking tickets soar as Camden council removes a mile of yellow lines and replaces them with signs

Mark Blunden and Kit Fowler — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:42:54 BST

Hundreds of drivers are being caught by “a naked street parking con” after nearly a mile of double yellow lines were removed in central London.

Stars come out to celebrate women in film in Cannes

Fri, 18 May 2012 09:37:46 BST

Last night saw the stars attend a Calvin Klein party in Cannes to celebrate women in film.

London's hip new villages, uncovered

Interviews by Dipal Acharya — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:32:12 BST

WARRINGTON VILLAGE W9

Not quite Maida Vale, not quite Warwick Avenue, this triangle between the two finally has an epicentre in the new Everyman cinema. Now you can happily spend an entire day sipping flat whites, watching foreign films and mooching from Clifton Nurseries to The Warrington pub along the stuccoed crescents

Grace and Flavour: Pitt Cue Co

Grace Dent — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:17:19 BST

In times of supposed austerity, restaurants such as Pitt Cue, or ‘Pitt Queue’ as lolsters are calling it, shouldn’t apologise for being busy. Pitt Cue is as hectic now as it was six months back when word spread of this teensy-tiny basement BBQ joint flinging tin trays of oozing pulled pork and beef brisket, slaws and pickles at keen diners.

Interview: Slash's second coming

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:07:29 BST

If you looked up the word “contentment” in the dictionary, chances are there wouldn’t be a picture of Slash. Sitting somewhere beneath giant shades and shaggy black curls, with his nose ring, arms littered with tattoos and a black T-shirt that has pretty much all the swearwords printed on it, the former Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver guitarist looks like the same rock ’n’ roll hellraiser he always was. But this is not the case.

How the heck is Natasha Bedingfield worth more than our Jessie J?

Craig McLean — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:56:47 BST

It was no shocker that Adele topped the recent British musicians under 30 rich list. With a personal fortune estimated at £20 million, the 21 record-breaker was a mansion or two ahead of her nearest rivals Cheryl Cole and Leona Lewis, both of whom are apparently worth £12m. But aside from the lack of men in the top ten – only Craig David and Paolo Nutini made it – the most surprising entrant must be the woman lurking at number ten: Natasha Bedingfield. Isn’t she a bit, like, Noughties?