Thursday evening news briefing: Queen Consort appears to criticise Roald Dahl changes
Good evening. The Queen Consort has appeared to criticise the changes made to Roald Dahl books, urging authors to resist curbs on “freedom of expression”. In this newsletter, we also have tributes to the legendary football commentator John Motson, who has died aged 77.
Queen Consort tells authors to remain 'true' to calling
Speaking at a Clarence House reception to mark the second anniversary of her online book club, the Queen Consort told assembled authors: “Please remain true to your calling, unimpeded by those who may wish to curb the freedom of your expression or impose limits on your imagination.” Victoria Ward reports that Camilla looked up with a smile as she then said: “Enough said.” Her comments were greeted by cheers of “hear, hear.” You can watch a video of the comments here.
The Telegraph previously revealed that hundreds of changes have been made to Dahl's original texts, removing many descriptions relating to weight, mental health and gender. The changes have been made to the new editions of Dahl’s stories published by Puffin, with the approval of the Roald Dahl Story Company. Benedict Smith and Genevieve Holl-Allen write that sanitising Dahl has only cemented him as a cult figure – and made sales soar.
Asylum backlog hits new record, data reveals
The asylum backlog has risen to 160,000, its highest level on record, Home Office figures released today have revealed. The figures also show that Albanians have become the largest nationality claiming asylum in the UK for the first time after a surge in numbers crossing the Channel in small boats. Charles Hymas and Ben Butcher report that the news will increase pressure on Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman to stop the small boat crossings. It follows Wednesday’s announcement of plans to give 12,000 asylum seekers the right to live in the UK without face-to-face interviews to check their claims in an effort to slash the backlog.
Tributes paid to legendary commentator John Motson
John Motson, who has died aged 77, was the BBC’s voice of football for decades, first commentating on Match of the Day in 1971. Famed for his love of statistics, as much as for his warm and distinctive voice and trademark sheepskin coats, “Motty” covered more than 1,000 matches, including nine World Cups, nine European finals and 29 consecutive major cup finals. Oliver Brown writes that he achieved a level of stardom none of today’s commentators will ever enjoy. Telegraph readers have joined the rest of the football world in sharing their heartfelt tributes. For Motson’s army of fans, it was his irrepressible love of the game that set him apart from his rivals - you can read his full Telegraph obituary here.
Evening briefing: Today's essential headlines
Omagh police shooting | Three men have been arrested under the terrorism act after a senior police detective was shot multiple times in front of his son at a football training session. Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell was gunned down on Wednesday night at a sports complex in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Investigators have now arrested three men aged 38, 45 and 47 in connection with the attempted murder.
Labour | Starmer signals party already planning second term in power
Inquest | Nicola Bulley's body to be released for family funeral
London | Giant Ukrainian flag painted outside Russian Embassy
Robert Jenrick | Immigration minister convicted of speeding
Royal Mail | Russia-linked hackers release stolen data on dark web
Comment and analysis
David Miliband | International law's survival is at stake in Ukraine
Richard Dannatt | Ukraine can bring down Putin’s crumbling regime
Ben Marlow | The UK is hurtling towards the electric car cliff edge
Tom Stevenson | Investors have cause for optimism despite high rates
John Redwood | Hunt is putting Britain’s prosperity at risk
World news: China using Arctic spy buoys, says Canada
The Canadian military has discovered Chinese spy buoys in the Arctic which are monitoring US submarines and melting ice sheets, it has been reported. Such "activity is not new”, Canadian defence minister Anita Anand said in televised remarks, implying that China has been engaging in surveillance efforts in the region for some time. Officials described the objects as “dual-purpose technologies” but they have been reported in the Canadian media as buoys used for spying.
Interview of the day
Julie Hesmondhalgh: ‘Mums in TV drama tend to be frumpy. But that is not real life’
The Corrie alumna talks about her new drama You & Me, being woker than woke, and why she would never play transgender character Hayley now
Sport news: Watson named in England starting XV
Anthony Watson is set to make his first Six Nations start for two years, coming onto the wing to replace the injured Ollie Hassell-Collins against Wales on Saturday. Courtney Lawes, the former England captain, could also make his first appearance since he skippered the summer tour of Australia, as he was named among the replacements. Meanwhile, Warren Gatland made nine changes to the Wales team, which Charles Richardson writes is a huge gamble given the stakes this Saturday in Cardiff.
Editor's choice
TV | Rob Knox had a magical future in Harry Potter – until knife crime snuffed it out
Books | The woke-washing of children’s literature: after Dahl, who’s next?
Energy | How the bitter fracking debate forced Jim Ratcliffe to abandon Britain
Business news: Let them eat turnips, Coffey suggests
Shoppers should consider eating turnips, as a shortage of fruit and vegetables leaves supermarket shelves bare, a minister has suggested. Therese Coffey, the Environment Secretary, said people "would be eating turnips right now" if the UK was more focused on seasonal eating. Ms Coffey was responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons on ongoing food shortages of some items.
Reports from Ukraine: One year on from the invasion
Ukrainian soldiers training on German tanks say they’ve ‘swapped Ladas for Mercedes’ | Barely versed in tank battle, they are ‘hungry for knowledge’ and have five weeks to master the Leopard 2 before heading back to the front, reports Jorg Luyken.
Tonight starts now
Why getting a good night's sleep can add nearly five years to your life | Scientists at Harvard University have found that regular restful sleep may extend life by nearly five years for men, and more than two years for women - read more on the study here.
Three things for you
Review | Infinity Pool: an orgiastic, gore-soaked White Lotus trip
Property | Gambling on a tracker mortgage could save you £4,429
And finally... for this evening's downtime
Britain’s greatest scenic train journeys | The best ways to take in the wonderful landscapes of Britain from the comfort of a rail carriage.
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