hat Are you a journalist at this publication? Get listed
<
>

Most Followed

Most Active Today

John Rentoul

Political Columnist

Jane Merrick

Political Editor

Amol Rajan

Columnist

Rhodri Marsden

Technology Columnist

Jerome Taylor

News Reporter

Stephen Foley

Associate Business Editor

Simon Usborne

Features Writer

Andrew Keen

New Media Columnist

Archie Bland

Saturday Editor

Shaun Walker

Moscow Correspondent

Most Talked About Independent Stories

Fatal crashes are cyclists' fault, says Boris

independent.co.uk — He may be known as the "cycling Mayor" but Boris Johnson has caused outrage by accusing two-thirds of the cyclists killed and seriously injured in London of causing the crashes by breaking the laws of the road.
Jane Bradley Investigations Producer, BBC @jane__bradley
RT @KevinJRawlinson: Fatal crashes are cyclists' fault, says Boris http://t.co/gG17sExd @Independent

Where all the Lib Dems have gone

blogs.independent.co.uk — At the weekend we splashed on how 26 per cent of Tory voters would seriously consider voting for UKIP, after 10 per cent have already made the switch. I went back to ComRes to find out where the other parties vote has gone.
Daniel Knowles Political Columnist and Online Assistant Comments Editor, Telegraph @dlknowles
Fascinating from @MattChorley - where have the Lib Dems gone: http://t.co/4YWdaDHF
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
RT @Independent Where all the Lib Dems have gone | @MattChorley.. http://t.co/O4cgB6M2

Leading article: The Prime Minister has questions to answer, too

independent.co.uk — From the testimony of News Corp's top lobbyist to the Leveson Inquiry yesterday it is clearer than ever that Jeremy Hunt cannot defend his position in the Government. And the whiff of impropriety attached to his supposedly impartial review of the Murdochs' bid for BSkyB is drifting closer to the Prime Minister by the day.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Why Cameron has questions to answer after the revelations at #Leveson today: strong @independent / @indyvoices leader: http://t.co/aI78pIYS

Owen Jones: If socialists really did run the show, working people would benefit

independent.co.uk — Having just moved to north London, I was perturbed to be woken on Tuesday morning by a whirring sound in the distance. When I glanced at the Telegraph's front page later that day - which revealed that multi-millionaire Tory donor Adrian Beecroft had accused Vince Cable of being a socialist - I realised it must have been Karl Marx spinning violently in his Highgate Cemetery grave.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
The stupidity of those who use "socialist" as an insult - Beecroft, Heffer - is nailed by @owenjones84 at @indyvoices: http://t.co/qYGKvcBF

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg warned off Eurobonds in meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel

independent.co.uk — Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg was forced to temper his enthusiasm for Eurobonds during a visit to Germany today after being firmly warned off the subject in person by Chancellor Angela Merkel, the bonds' most outspoken opponent.
Faisal Islam Economics Editor, Channel 4 News @faisalislam
RT @EurAlmanac: UK Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg warned off Eurobonds in meeting with Angela Merkel http://t.co/2vEqHReu [IndependentUK]

Irritations of Modern Life

blogs.independent.co.uk — A new occasional series. 1. Buskers who interrupt their music to say "Thank you". 2. Notices on children's clothes that say "Keep Away from
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
"Train announcements telling you to take all your belongings as you leave." #irritationsofmodernlife from @normblog http://t.co/iAkbCrAV

Leveson Inquiry: Frederic Michel and Adam Smith

live.independent.co.uk — High Court hearings continue in the Leveson Inquiry today with evidence from Frederic Michel, former News Corporation head of public affairs in Europe, and Adam Smith, the former special adviser to Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
My esteemed colleague and #DialMforMurdoch author @martin_hickman is producing the best analysis of #Leveson live here: http://t.co/e3sdZV0R
John Hall Online News Editor, Independent @_JohnHall
.@martin_hickman and @amolrajan are live blogging Fred Michel at #Leveson for @independent. Follow the live blog here: http://t.co/4AAE6HuI
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
RT @Independent: Leveson Inquiry: Fred Michel and Adam Smith - see our live blog for updates: http://t.co/p8th2W1H #Leveson
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
I am live-blogging #Michel at #Leveson with #DialMforMurdoch author @martin_hickman for @independent here: http://t.co/e3sdZV0R

'I don't want it to be boring': Former circus producer reveals plans for Diamond Jubilee river parade

independent.co.uk — There was a time during his circus days when Adrian Evans was more than happy to test the boundaries of health and safety with a couple of chainsaws or a motorcycle wall of death. He needs to be a little more cautious now the Queen has been entrusted into his care.
Ian Burrell Media Editor, Independent @iburrell
The Circus man in charge of the Queen's Thames pageant. This going to be an extraordinary event. http://t.co/9CQTJTxk

One is nipping to Tesco: Jubilant Jubilee royals as seen by Alison Jackson

independent.co.uk — But these are not intimate portraits of the Queen going about her daily life. They are the latest in a series of royal spoofs by the artist Alison Jackson. Jackson presents imagined glimpses of the private goings on in the lives of her famous subjects.
Roger Highfield Editor, New Scientist @RogerHighfield
Gutted I cannot make the glittering launch of naughty @alisonjackson's Jubilee http://t.co/majjXVsT

EU urges Greece to stay in euro, but plans for possible exit

independent.co.uk — After nearly six hours of talks held during an informal dinner, leaders said they were committed to Greece remaining in the eurozone, but it had to stick to its side of the bargain too, a commitment that will mean a heavy cost for Greeks.
Chris Sieroty Business Reporter, Las Vegas Review-Journal @sierotyfeatures
EU urges Greece to stay in euro, but plans for possible exit http://t.co/0Qv3RA6b

You Write the Caption - 18/05/12

independent.co.uk — The winner will be contacted by personal message through whichever social networking site they used to comment. Terms and conditions apply. Competition closes on 24 May. The winner will be announced in Saturday's paper, 26 May. One entry per person. Our favourite answer will win a bottle of wine.
Jack Riley Technology Reporter, Independent @_JackRiley
Fair play to our @TheIndySport caption competition entrants on Obama/Beckham this week. Good work http://t.co/ViEV8d7w

Grammar schools, again

blogs.independent.co.uk — Michael Gove gave a "masterclass" in ministerial interviews, according to my excellent if unexpected colleague Steve Richards, on BBC Radio 4 World At One today. In particular, he dealt with the currently fashionable enthusiasm for a return to a grammar school system with remarkable tact and skill.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Grammar schools, again: Michael Gove gave a "masterclass" in ministerial interviews, according to my excellent i... http://t.co/RM7LwTh6

Ed Balls replies to Tony Blair

blogs.independent.co.uk — Ed Balls, in an interview with Matthew d'Ancona for GQ, has finally replied to the suggestion by Tony Blair in his memoir A Journey that the Shadow Chancellor does not "get" aspiration: I had a couple of conversations with Tony Blair where he would say he was worried that [a measure] would hit people with middle incomes and I would say: 'What do you think middle incomes are?'
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Ed Balls replies to Tony Blair: Ed Balls, in an interview with Matthew d'Ancona for GQ, has finally replied to t... http://t.co/r9Pn4sHL

In a Sudanese field, cluster bomb evidence proves just how deadly this war has become

independent.co.uk — The villagers of Angolo were gathered around the crater, mournfully staring at the bomb when we arrived. For over a month, the Russian-made cluster bomb has sat in the centre of this quiet farming village in Sudan's restive Nuba Mountains, its clutch of unexploded submunitions spilling from its belly into the red African soil.
Jerome Taylor News Reporter, Independent @JeromeTaylor
Significant and depressing - evidence that Sudan has been using Russian made cluster bombs in Nuba Mountains http://t.co/JYmpSjIj

Market Report: Glencore marks unhappy anniversary with new low

independent.co.uk — A much-hyped listing swiftly followed by the share price plummeting - sound familiar? As the fall-out from the Facebook IPO continues to rumble on, today marks the one-year anniversary of another debut that has not exactly lived up to expectations. After a massive float worth £37bn, official trading of shares in Glencore International began exactly 12 months ago.
Lucy P. Marcus Columnist, Reuters @lucymarcus
Glencore marks unhappy anniversary w/ new low: much-hyped listing swiftly followed by share price plummeting http://t.co/F0RtYNRB #mining
Toby Green Business Reporter, Independent @greentoby
Indy column on the one-year anniversary of Glencore's debut http://t.co/jcC32ASi

Michael Gove rejects demands for more grammar schools

independent.co.uk — Since the party's drubbing in the local elections earlier this month, Tory MPs having been pressing ministers to allow a return to a system of selective education in England as part of a distinctive Conservative policy agenda.
Chris Cook Education Correspondent, Financial Times @xtophercook
Michael Gove seems to be quoting the @ftdata blog a lot lately. http://t.co/HjAWktzu What topic can we move him onto now?

Amol Rajan: The Authors XI, a game at Wormsley, and two noble charities

independent.co.uk — Unlike most of its rivals and fellow travellers across the British press, this column feels no shame whatsoever in plugging the work of charities that need all the help they can get - including those with which your humble correspondent is tangentially associated.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Free on Sunday? Love cricket? Care about charity? My column for @theipaper on @williamfiennes @FirstStory @Chance2Shine http://t.co/7YIqC6BG

Fred Michel insists he had 'impression' that Jeremy Hunt was aware of BSkyB bid details

independent.co.uk — Mr Michel said he believed some of the "feedback" he was given by special adviser Adam Smith had been "discussed" with his boss Mr Hunt, the Culture Secretary. The comments came as Mr Michel gave evidence to the Leveson inquiry over News Corp's attempt to acquire the whole of BSkyB.
John Hall Online News Editor, Independent @_JohnHall
"Fred Michel insists he had 'impression' that Jeremy Hunt was aware of BSkyB bid details": http://t.co/AuSU87BY

The euro question Cameron won’t answer

blogs.independent.co.uk — I am baffled again as to what the Prime Minister's position on the euro actually is. He said several times, in answer to questions on his statement on the G8 in the Commons this afternoon, that the euro needs political union in order to work, which is why he was always against Britain's adopting it.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Updated blog post: The euro question Cameron won’t answer http://t.co/gSo6WYNd
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Nick Clegg's speech http://t.co/HMzA5FjN does at least provide part of an answer to my question of last night http://t.co/aHTFvKYu

Irritations of Modern Life

blogs.independent.co.uk — A new occasional series. 1. Buskers who interrupt their music to say "Thank you". 2. Notices on children's clothes that say "Keep Away from
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Irritations of Modern Life: A new occasional series. 1. Buskers who interrupt their music to say “Thank you”. 2.... http://t.co/cE4TvSCv

No room at the top in Everest rush hour

independent.co.uk — Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Bonita Norris's ascent of Mount Everest on Monday was not that she survived the deadly risks of extreme altitude and crippling cold, nor that, at the age of 22, she had become the youngest British woman to reach the roof of the world, but that, 18 months ago, the media-studies graduate had scaled nothing higher than the stairs at her Berkshire home.
Simon Usborne Features Writer, Independent @susborne
Bit late, but, re the Everest deaths this week, my piece from 2010 on the "ultimate tourist trail": http://t.co/pD5Pecgn

Amol Rajan: Help us to run up some funds for two great causes

independent.co.uk — Unlike most of its rivals and fellow travellers across the British press, this column feels no shame whatsoever in plugging the work of charities that need all the help they can get - including those with which your humble correspondent is tangentially associated.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
.@williamfiennes @FirstStory @Chance2Shine @theipaper @AuthorsCC here's the link. http://t.co/Trt9eTNG live-blogging #Leveson for now

Last Night's Viewing: Hitler's Children, BBC2

independent.co.uk — "Many people tell me I look like my father," said Monika in Hitler's Children, "but I'm not Amon... I have nothing in common with him either." Well, nothing but a big chunk of DNA, without which, one assumes, Monika would have found Schindler's List a far less troubling experience than she did.
David Aaronovitch Columnist, Times of London @DAaronovitch
RT @tds153: Worth catching on iPlayer. Remarkable documentary about the descendants of senior Nazis http://t.co/95Fp6sRP via @Independent

Welcome hosts to be given a regular slot at Heathrow

independent.co.uk — Andy Garner, of the BAA, told the Transport Select Committee that the campaign to recruit 1,000 volunteers for the Olympics has been so successful that the airport will continue to deploy unpaid staff at peak times such as Christmas, Easter and the school summer holidays.
Will Dean Assistant Features Editor, Independent @WillyDean
RT @mrdavidwhitley: What sort of desperate idiot would agree to work for BAA - 2011 profits, £1.13bn - for free? http://t.co/0coCY68F

Joanna Blythman: GM crop trials are needless and reckless

independent.co.uk — This Sunday, exasperated farmers and citizens will travel to a field near Harpenden to uproot a crop of genetically modified wheat. They have been denounced in purple prose by pro-GM commentators, as science haters, "Nazi book burners" and vandals.
Ella McSweeney Radio and TV Broadcaster, RTÉ @ellamcsweeney
"GM hasn't delivered on its promise of higher yields and less pesticide" Joanne Blythman on UK GM wheat trials http://t.co/WMwiIOs3

Torres secures guarantee to be new leader of Chelsea's attack

independent.co.uk — Fernando Torres was assured yesterday that he has won his battle to be Chelsea's lead striker next season when the club's chief executive said that - despite Torres' post-Champions League final outburst about his recent unhappiness - the £50m man would be at the centre of the Chelsea team.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Torres to lead Chelsea attack next year. My Chelsea mates are weeping with joy. Read @samwallaceindy for @theindysport http://t.co/ypbfW6BF

'We face a fight for the future of the web,' says Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt

independent.co.uk — Eric Schmidt, the current executive chairman of the Silicon Valley internet giant, said technology had the potential to be a "great leveller" which would empower the poor like never before. But he added that dictatorial regimes were increasingly looking to control who has access to the web by "filtering information they fear or prohibit."
Marilyn Terrell Chief Researcher, Writer for Intelligent Travel Blog @Marilyn_Res
'We face a fight for the future of the web,' says Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt t http://t.co/t1JAb2ra via @Independent
Jack Riley Technology Reporter, Independent @_JackRiley
'We face a fight for the future of the web,' says Google's executive chairman Eric Schmidt http://t.co/9VnYgj4B
Jerome Taylor News Reporter, Independent @JeromeTaylor
"We face a fight for the future of the web" - my report on Google chief Eric Schmidt's concerns about dictators up now http://t.co/molZvAjg

The Debate: Should brothels be legalised?

blogs.independent.co.uk — While some will hold the sex workers should be respected in their resistance to the upheaval, it is the argument surrounding the legalisation of prostitution that should come to the forefront of discussion with regards to the safety of sex workers.
Julie Bindel Reporter, Guardian @bindelj
The Debate: Should brothels be legalised? | | Independent Editor's choice Blogs http://t.co/aqcYMrTf

Smelly feet and the family Stone

independent.co.uk — Even so, bizarre news that Stone once suggested curing her eight-year-old son's smelly feet by having Botox injections administered is fuelling widespread concern about personal judgement of the veteran actress, and the wellbeing of her collection of adopted children.
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Sharon Stone sued by nanny? (http://t.co/eTzWqaui) Bring it on! Last time she was in court, this happened: http://t.co/a4HK2ZVs

Ben Chu: The only hope is to face facts about bank debt

independent.co.uk — The policy menu for last night's meal in Brussels was enough to turn the stomachs of most hardline German politicians and officials. Eurobonds, stimulus loans, an easing of spending cuts for the weakest: they are all liable to give monetary and fiscal hawks of Europe's pillar economy serious indigestion.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Superb analysis of #Eurozone by @benchu_ getting a lot of love online, not least from @tonymanwaring: http://t.co/04Vnbr4I via @Independent
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Our Economics Editor @BenChu_ is unmissable on Eurozone crisis for @indyvoices. Describes only way out http://t.co/04Vnbr4I via @Independent

Andreas Whittam Smith: Authenticity is a great asset in a leader. David Cameron lacks it

independent.co.uk — What is going wrong for the Prime Minister, David Cameron? His personal standing with the electorate has fallen precipitously, according to opinion polls. I found a small clue to what may be doing the damage in one of the pictures of world leaders attending a summit meeting at Camp David outside Washington last weekend.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Andreas Whittam Smith is scathing about Cameron's character flaws for @indyvoices today: http://t.co/gW9mGRkf via @Independent

Portugal 'sells' Ronaldo to Spain in £160m deal on national debt

independent.co.uk — Noon has passed, so check the date!Weighed down by debt, and reeling from the latest downgrading of their country's credit status, Portugal's finance ministry has secured the co-operation of football's highest-paid player in an audacious bid to draw the nation back from the brink of economic collapse.
Melissa Lyttle Photojournalist, Tampa Bay Times @melissalyttle
@gregkahn @bubbaprog did you guys read this? http://t.co/E1AN8yrJ crazy. soccer players as a commodity.
Ameera Butt City Reporter, Merced Sun-Star @meerabee
Hey countries w/ crippling debt! Check this out! "#Portugal 'sells' Ronaldo to #Spain in £160m deal on national debt:" http://t.co/r7vaoAjs

'Ungrateful little wretch': Piers Morgan responds to Jeremy Paxman's claim that he had taught him how to phone hack

independent.co.uk — Writing on his Twitter page, Mr Morgan said: "Right - that's the last time I'm inviting Jeremy Paxman to lunch. Ungrateful little wretch." The Leveson Inquiry had earlier today heard that Daily Mirror former editor Mr Morgan once told Jeremy Paxman how to access voicemail messages.
Margo Howard Syndicated Columnist @Margoandhow
Yoo-hoo, CNN ... "DAILY MIRROR EDITOR: Piers Morgan gave me hacking lesson..." http://t.co/TEHqBb6M

Society: The only way is Finland

independent.co.uk — America may once have been the Land of Opportunity, but thanks to its rising levels of inequality - not to mention the nightmarish visa restrictions - our political class now has another destination in mind. "If you want the American Dream," Ed Miliband says, "go to Finland."
David Mac Dougall Television Reporter, Associated Press @davidmacdougall
The Only Way Is #Finland? The @Independent article is rose-tinted, the comments are black & white http://t.co/RRBXHWVP
Jane Black Food Writer @jane_black
RT @trevorcorson: The view from abroad: 'To live the American dream today, you have to move to Finland.' http://t.co/BnqoSZGF

The euro question Cameron won’t answer

blogs.independent.co.uk — I am baffled again as to what the Prime Minister's position on the euro actually is. He said several times, in answer to questions on his statement on the G8 in the Commons this afternoon, that the euro needs political union in order to work, which is why he was always against Britain's adopting it.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
The euro question Cameron won’t answer: I am baffled again as to what the Prime Minister’s position on the euro ... http://t.co/bVRQuhdj

Gary Connery lands safely after 2,400 ft helicopter jump without parachute

independent.co.uk — Today the kites were keeping strange company. Gary Connery, 42, a veteran film stuntman, became the first man to leap out of a helicopter and land safely back on earth, without using a parachute.
Mark Colvin Presenter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio @Colvinius
RT @drng: "No one's ever done this before". Jumping out of a mile high helicopter. Without a parachute. http://t.co/iP8nxJb9 cc @Colvinius

Grace Dent: Personally, I'd fire bullying teens from a cannon and relocate the 'feral' kids to Chipping Norton

independent.co.uk — To the utter indifference of social nuisances UK-wide, Theresa May has announced changes to Britain's antisocial behaviour policies. Out with the Asbo, in with the Crimbo, the criminal behaviour order. Five individual complaints and you're offski. It's a chirpier, more festive sounding instrument of control.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Relocate da yoof dem to Chipping Norton! @gracedent is unmissably brilliant for @indyvoices today http://t.co/oeDvcXZb via @Independent
Alexis Petridis Arts Writer, Guardian @alexispetridis
The great Grace Dent calls for, among other things, a public holiday to enable people to listen to Throbbing Gristle: http://t.co/SHjj4VUt
Grace Dent Arts Writer, Guardian @gracedent
http://t.co/bo0gJL5s Crimbo Kids, my flawed Liberalism and my plans for Throbbing Gristle - a column.

Anti-corruption Met detective arrested

independent.co.uk — Two private investigators - who both previously served with the force - are also being held after raids at the London offices of Risc Management Ltd, it is understood. The 45-year-old detective constable is being questioned on suspicion of providing information about Nigerian fraudster James Ibori in return for cash.
Mark Colvin Presenter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio @Colvinius
RT @Independent: Anti-corruption Met detective arrested http://t.co/Mo94Jixw

Turkey foils Syrian plot to kidnap rebel leader Riad al-Assad

independent.co.uk — Authorities arrested three men in Turkey's southern Hatay province - one Syrian intelligence operative and two Turkish citizens - after the attempted attack last week and charged them with spying for Syria. Turkey is hosting officers from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) - a loose collection of armed rebels factions - as the Syrian regime continues its 15-month crackdown on dissent.
Ana Maria Luca Journalist, NOW Lebanon @aml1609
RT @edwardedark: Turkey foils Syrian plot to kidnap rebel leader Riad al-Assad - The Independent http://t.co/X35CKVMA via @Independent # ...

Queen tried to use state poverty fund to heat Buckingham Palace

independent.co.uk — Royal aides were told that the £60m worth of energy-saving grants were aimed at families on low incomes and if the money was given to Buckingham Palace instead of housing associations or hospitals it could lead to "adverse publicity" for the Queen and the Government.
Felix Salmon Finance Blogger, Reuters @felixsalmon
RT @MadameButcher: Little late on this, but Queen asked for poverty grant to heat Buckingham Palace. http://t.co/ZwJ1SlId

Steve Richards: The problem isn't that Plan A is a myth. It's that Plan B is too

independent.co.uk — Rigid plans for the economy are rarely formed and are never adhered to. Even in the best of times Chancellors seek to appear unyielding in their attachment to a plan, but it is the appearance that matters. In reality they cannot be as unswerving as they seem because they are never fully in control of events.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Call it Plan A, B, C or whatever. Just give us some growth! Read @steverichards14's column for @indyvoices here: http://t.co/EKaJdoje

Cameron seems to want to lose the next election

blogs.independent.co.uk — David Cameron is an instinctive politician. He didn't mean to call Ed Balls a "muttering idiot" at Prime Minister's Questions - David Wooding reports that he said to George Osborne immediately, "I can't help it", and Norman Lamont, his former boss, told BBC Radio 4 World At One: "He can be quite volatile.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Cameron seems to want to lose the next election: David Cameron is an instinctive politician. He didn’t mean to c... http://t.co/2nNl33zF

Piers Morgan gave me phone hack lesson, Jeremy Paxman tells Leveson Inquiry

independent.co.uk — Former Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan once told Jeremy Paxman how to access voicemail messages, the Leveson Inquiry heard today.
David Friend Editor of Creative Development, Vanity Fair @DavidMFriend1
Piers Morgan gave me phone hack lesson, Jeremy Paxman tells Leveson Inquiry - The Independent http://t.co/rvKd92yX via @Independent

No-parachute man Gary Connery lands safely after 2,400 ft jump

independent.co.uk — A stuntman has became the first person to jump out of a helicopter and land without using a parachute.
Grace Dent Arts Writer, Guardian @gracedent
gracedent humble pie alert RT @Independent: Wingsuit man Gary Connery lands safely after 2,400ft jump without parachute http://t.co/RKmra3Wn

Heathrow hits back at government in blame game over queues

independent.co.uk — Brian Moore, Director-General of the UK Border Force since March, has been called to appear before the Home Affairs Select Committee tomorrow. Last week the committee was told that queues for passport control at Heathrow, the busiest airport in Europe, were sometimes so long that they could not be measured.
Sara Clemence Travel Editor, Wall Street Journal @SaraClemence
RT @MalloryOnTravel: Heathrow hits back at government in blame game over queues http://t.co/MpAc4zqm #travel #ttot

The Bain of Mitt Romney's life?

independent.co.uk — Was this the moment Mitt Romney lost the election? At a campaign stop, he was assailed by workers from an office supplies manufacturer owned by Bain Capital, the private equity group where he made his $250m fortune.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
The Bain of Mitt Romney's life? Private equity past returns and returns to haunt GOP candidate http://t.co/qd9OLbuT via @Independent

Mark Steel: They can't license the Olympic spirit

independent.co.uk — With only a few weeks to go, we're at the point where it's almost illegal to not be excited about the Olympics. By the middle of June, local councils will order us all to meet in our local park at 6.30 each morning and say communally, "Oooh, it's only a month to the opening ceremony", and recite the competitors in the first heat of the 200m backstroke.
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
How to licence the #London2012 spirit - or not. I wish I could write funny as well as @mrmarksteel for @indyvoices: http://t.co/EWzSBatC

Trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby released

independent.co.uk — Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire, Luhrmann's take on F Scott Fitzgerald's seminal 1925 novel looks like a big budget affair, with lavish costumes and set design. Opening with glamorous visuals of New York's 1920s party scene, the trailer is soundtracked by Kanye West and Jay Z's song 'No Church in the Wild'.
John Hall Online News Editor, Independent @_JohnHall
Just wrote this for @independent "Trailer for Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby released" http://t.co/cPi5W834 #gatsby #luhrmann #dicaprio

Manal al-Sharif: 'They just messed with the wrong woman'

independent.co.uk — She was the plucky young woman who, in splendid defiance of one of the world's most repressive societies, steered a car through the streets of the city of Khobar, railing as she went against the misogyny of laws that make it illegal for women in Saudi Arabia to drive.
Frank Smyth Freelance Journalist @SmythFrank
RT @kyrah404 They messed w/ the wrong woman" http://t.co/L1AK7TBv - interview w/ Saudi woman who 1st defied driving ban
Patrick Baz Mideast Regional Photo Manager, AFP @Patrick_Baz
Manal al-Sharif: 'They just messed with the wrong woman' http://t.co/d7c0WtLh #Saudi
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
"They messed with the wrong woman"... My meeting with the fiormidable, car-driving Saudi feminist @manal_alsharif http://t.co/1my6jx7t

Mike Sheridan: Confessions of an Ofsted inspector

independent.co.uk — In a rare interview, one of the education standards watchdog's most senior inspectors has given The Independent an insight into the nature of his work, which under the regime of new head Sir Michael Wilshaw is about to become a whole lot tougher for schools.
Greg Hurst Education Editor, Times of London @GregHurstTimes
RT @Samfr: A day in the life of an Ofsted inspector... http://t.co/yjFhIiju

Dominic Lawson: Don't blame Germany for not wanting to call Europe's tune

independent.co.uk — For the increasing number of people who have been accusing the Germans of smugness and complacency over the eurozone crisis, the Champions League final defeat of Bayern Munich by the Russian protectorate known as Chelsea FC will have provided a certain amount of ... well, the only word is Schadenfreude.
Paul Geitner Brussels Bureau Chief, New York Times and International Herald Tribune, New York Times @pgeitner_iht
Don't blame Germany for not wanting to call Europe's tune - The Independent http://t.co/oqJKUYzT

Market Report: Hammerson back in the takeover bid spotlight

independent.co.uk — There has been no shortage of takeover chatter around Hammerson lately. The possibility of the developer - whose portfolio includes the Brent Cross and Bullring shopping centres in north London and Birmingham - being snapped up has caused much excitement, and the bid spotlight was switched back on yesterday.
Toby Green Business Reporter, Independent @greentoby
Indy column on latest bid rumours around Bullring-owner Hammerson, also Facebook and Bumi http://t.co/O55bHQX7 via @Independent

The Bain of Romney's life?

independent.co.uk — Was this the moment Mitt Romney lost the election? At a campaign stop, he was assailed by workers from an office supplies manufacturer owned by Bain Capital, the private equity group where he made his $250m fortune.
Stephen Foley Associate Business Editor, Independent @stephenfoley
RT @IndyWorld: The Bain of Romney's life? http://t.co/Il0qh1rw
Guy Adams LA Correspondent, Independent @guyadams
Very much enjoyed @stephenfoley 's number on Romney and Bain, in tomorrow's Indy http://t.co/1hU6fIIo

Brazil rocked by abortion for 9-year-old rape victim

independent.co.uk — Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, who heads the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, told reporters that although the girl fell pregnant after apparently being abused by her stepfather, her twins had, "the right to live, and could not be eliminated".
Nadine O'Regan Books and Arts Editor, Sunday Business Post @NadineORegan
RT @BocktheRobber: Raped 9-year-old has life-saving abortion. Catholic church excommunicates doctors. http://t.co/eByHR206

Charitable rape: Peacekeepers’ dirty little secrets

blogs.independent.co.uk — Last summer I travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help establish the first free legal advice centre in Kinshasa. I arrived with grand aspirations and bags of enthusiasm. But it was short lived.
Bilal Randeree Business Journalist, Al Jazeera English @bilalr
Charitable rape: Peacekeepers’ dirty little secrets http://t.co/QEtOhhlv v/ @AmaAkuamoah
Alex Needham Culture Editor, Guardian @alexneedham74
RT @Milky_Onions: http://t.co/rD1pXQ8r Please remember that we are a despicable species.

Tony Blair and George Bush's phone conversation a week before Iraq invasion 'must be released'

independent.co.uk — The Foreign Office has been ordered to release parts of the note detailing the conversation on 12 March 2003, a week before the invasion of Iraq began.
Sarah Vine Columnist and Beauty Writer, Times of London @SarahVine
RT @blairsupporter: That last threat against Tony Blair is here - http://t.co/OT5xxz6M - FAO #PCC #Independent #Met #Police This must NO ...

Batwoman, the red-headed lesbian, is unleashed at last

independent.co.uk — The publisher of Detective Comics, the iconic title which for 60 years has revolved around the recently-deceased Wayne, revealed this week that future editions of the comic book will star his long-standing female counterpart, whose real name is Kathy Kane.
Ryan Teague Beckwith Features Editor, Roll Call @ryanbeckwith
Spoiler 3: Batwoman is a lesbian. http://t.co/6uK7Ym8M

Jenni Murray: Robin Gibb didn't lose any 'battle'

independent.co.uk — Robin Gibb was the Bee Gee with the falsetto voice who, together with two of his brothers, provided the soundtrack to some of the most joyous moments of the youth of my generation. So it was sad to hear of his death.
Xeni Jardin Co-Editor, Boing Boing @xeni
Smart op-Ed on why “lost his/her battle w cancer” is not a phrase people w/cancer like. http://t.co/jgmoAiNt HT @stuartdhughes
Stuart Hughes World Affairs Producer, BBC @stuartdhughes
@xeni No more "battles against cancer" http://t.co/hHIuEoqa

Blair Rage: It’s Still There, You Know

blogs.independent.co.uk — The madness: it is still distorting reality, only the fever has abated somewhat and so it rumbles barely audibly like a malfunctioning subwoofer. Blair rage. I never really got to the bottom of the psychological trauma, and much of it has now been redirected towards other targets: the "extreme right-wing policies" of the Coalition Government; the disillusion with Barack Obama; the evils of capitalism and Rupert Murdoch.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Blair Rage: It’s Still There, You Know: The madness: it is still distorting reality, only the fever has abated s... http://t.co/JfUr7nbY

Journalists who stalked hacking MP still employed by Murdoch

independent.co.uk — While working for the News of the World in 2009 Mazher Mahmood, a reporter known as the "Fake Sheikh" for his undercover stings, and news editor James Mellor agreed that Tom Watson be tailed for days in the mistaken belief he was having an affair with a female politician.
Dan Sabbagh Head of Media and Tech, Guardian @dansabbagh
Has Tom Watson leaked his own evidence to Leveson? Unsure what judge will do; here are allegations in the Indy this am: http://t.co/2vuL94e8
Josh Halliday Media and Tech Reporter, Guardian @JoshHalliday
Looks like Indy's @martin_hickman has inside track on @tom_watson's #Leveson evidence: http://t.co/WIICV9AK #DialMforMurdoch
Mark Colvin Presenter, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio @Colvinius
Journalists who stalked phone hacking campaign MP @tom_watson still employed at News: http://t.co/RnMEtIth

Hollywood's former holiday destination of choice to vanish from tourist map

independent.co.uk — The huge - but slowly shrinking - inland lake south-east of Los Angeles faces the closure of its official recreation area, where generations of visitors have been able to camp, fish, picnic and relax on beaches, as part of budget-cutting measures due to take effect at the start of July.
Tom Petruno Freelance Journalist @tpetruno
U.K.'s Independent waxes sentimental about California's Salton Sea. Most Californians prob. couldn't find it on the map http://t.co/v122rMOI

Brazil rocked by abortion for 9-year-old rape victim

independent.co.uk — Cardinal Giovanni Batista Re, who heads the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, told reporters that although the girl fell pregnant after apparently being abused by her stepfather, her twins had, "the right to live, and could not be eliminated".
Bella Mackie Writer, Guardian @bellamackie
9 yr-old rape victim has abortion. Church excommunicates mother & Dr but not rapist http://t.co/mvGZhPtX via @CathElliott #nowords

Ian Burrell: What's next for Fleet Street? The brave new world of 'newsbrands'

independent.co.uk — This transition will be recognised by all but one of the national press companies today as their trade organisation, the Newspaper Marketing Agency (NMA), changes its title to Newsworks. The bold repositioning is an attempt to remind the public (and particularly the advertising industry) that the national press provides news on a variety of platforms and not just in print.
Ian Burrell Media Editor, Independent @iburrell
UK national press officially redefines itself: from "newspapers" to "newsbrands" http://t.co/CRpmda9B

Joe Strummer: The angry young man who grew up

independent.co.uk — How to remember Joe Strummer? It's a question being asked around the world, as the 10th anniversary of the singer's untimely death approaches. To his legion of devoted fans, the leader of the Clash was a rebel genius - the John Lennon of his generation, according to his front-page obituary in The Independent.
Ian Burrell Media Editor, Independent @iburrell
Interview with widow of late The Clash singer Joe Strummer from Independent on Sunday magazine http://t.co/cz0l3hXF

Draw a line in the sand over the ceiling

blogs.independent.co.uk — An American called Laura writes to say nice things about my Banned List book, and encloses a cutting from The Wall Street Journal: "Boehner drew a line in the sand over the debt ceiling." Delightful. Meanwhile, there are more things that I have to ban. "No sex, please, we're British".
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Draw a line in the sand over the ceiling: An American called Laura writes to say nice things about my Banned Lis... http://t.co/YK0Pm8TC

Gus O’Donnell is right

blogs.independent.co.uk — More work for the Rebuttal Service. My colleagues in the LBLM&C (London-based liberal media and culturati) will be excited in tomorrow's newspapers about Sir John Chilcot's exchange of correspondence with Sir Gus O'Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary (below), which the Iraq Inquiry published today.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
Gus O’Donnell was right not to publish Bush-Blair letters. Information tribunal has repeated its view; I'll repeat mine http://t.co/zgcnJC1d

Why it’s not all quiet on the ‘Western Fail’ front

blogs.independent.co.uk — Who'd be a newspaper editor in the age of Twitter eh? In the good old pre-digital era negative feedback on the morning splash would - if you've really upset people - start to filter in around lunchtime.
Ciaran Jenkins Reporter, Channel 4 News @ciaranjenkins
RT @bethanjenkins: Why it’s not all quiet on the ‘Western Fail’ front | Rob Williams | Independent Notebook - A selec.. http://t.co/yR3fJZKD

Philip Hensher: Will nobody mourn the death of classical music?

independent.co.uk — A couple of years ago, I arranged to meet a friend at Vauxhall Tube station. I was there a few minutes early. In the ticket hall, there was a pleasant and familiar sound. Surprisingly, London Underground seemed to have decided to play Beethoven's Seventh Symphony over the tannoys.
Neil Fisher Classical Music Critic and Deputy Arts Editor, Times of London @nfmusic
My 2 cents about this http://t.co/aksXCIcJ is that it is worth 2 cents. It's a piece about coverage of classical music, not classical music.

Amol Rajan: Ryanair - you pay your money and take your choice

independent.co.uk — There followed a graphic detailing "sky-high" charges - sky-high, geddit? - such as online bag check-ins, airport bag check-ins and credit card fees. "It will please boss Michael O'Leary and shareholders," the article gushed, "but the passengers who are forced to pay higher ticket prices on top of the airline's infamous swathe of extra charges will be less thrilled."
Amol Rajan Columnist, Independent @amolrajan
Peeved with record profits at Ryanair or capitalism generally? Then fly with someone else. Stop moaning @theipaper col: http://t.co/kExoApsV

Theresa May reveals 'community trigger' plans to replace ASBOs and target anti-social behaviour

independent.co.uk — Under the new plan, which aims to stop repeat victims suffering unnoticed by giving individuals and communities the power to make police take action, forces will be required to investigate any single incident reported by at least five people, or any three complaints made by the same person.
John Hall Online News Editor, Independent @_JohnHall
Me via @Independent: "Theresa May reveals 'community trigger' plans to replace ASBOs and target anti-social behaviour" http://t.co/FVWKd9l9

The Banned List: The next 50

blogs.independent.co.uk — A big and gratifying response to my Banned List top 100, of clichés, jargon and verbiage. Hundreds of pedants (it's a compliment) have nominated bugbears (see previous post) in the comments on the Independent article, the blog, by Twitter (#bannedlist) and email. I literally cannot believe that I missed some of these first time round.
John Rentoul Political Columnist, Independent @JohnRentoul
.@steve1981 "Staycation" was on the #BannedList http://t.co/OYhnHiUJ But I edited it out of the book, poss assuming that no one would use it

Life as a hermit: 'My life is a great adventure'

independent.co.uk — I always fancied being a hermit. There was a tradition in the 18th century to pay hermits to live on your grounds and entertain the guests; I would have liked that. I live alone in an old house in the Scottish wilderness, near Aberdeen.
Jerome Taylor News Reporter, Independent @JeromeTaylor
Great first person piece in today's @Independent by a man who has lived as a hermit in Scotland for three decades http://t.co/d6H42NRI

Sam Wallace: An amazing season of cats, dogs and fireworks

independent.co.uk — Avere il braccino: it is the Italian phrase that Roberto Mancini started using in interviews and press conferences around the turn of the year and it means, literally "the arm grows short". Or, in other words, it is the failure to seize the moment.
Sid Lowe Sports Reporter, Guardian @sidlowe
Excellent: Sam Wallace's wrap of the season: http://t.co/90KwfqS6 via @Independent

Email trail: How Tom Watson was stalked

independent.co.uk — From: Mazher MahmoodTo: James MellorCC: Ian EdmondsonTime: 10.05am, 26 September 2009 Tom Watson MP who is a close lackey of Gordon Brown (ex-whip, anti-Blair etc) is shagging a [redacted]. The pair are already in Brighton for the conference and he has been creeping into her hotel. [redacted].
Dan Sabbagh Head of Media and Tech, Guardian @dansabbagh
Here's the email trail discussing the NoW's survelliance of Tom Watson in Sept 09, in Indy this am: http://t.co/P1377G9M

Space, the financial frontier

independent.co.uk — On 8 December at 10.42am local time, a sleek white rocket with the word "SpaceX" emblazoned on its side blasted off from a US Air Force base in Florida with a payload of French cheese, circled the Earth twice and splashed back into the Pacific Ocean three hours later.
Jerome Taylor News Reporter, Independent @JeromeTaylor
For those interested in the Space-X rocket, here's a piece I wrote in 2011 on the privatisation of space travel http://t.co/wDmJcOwH

Rhodri Marsden: The name of the game is the name game... and it's really hard

independent.co.uk — Humans are terrible at naming things. For the few we get right (eg Twix) there are millions of examples of failure (eg Hemel Hempstead, Nissan Qashqai, Jermajesty Jackson). I'm no branding expert, but if well-resourced multinational companies are giving products names such as LE26C350D1WXXU, what chance do we stand of naming things properly?
Will Dean Assistant Features Editor, Independent @WillyDean
Lovely column by @rhodri on naming things poorly. http://t.co/6I0lEYq7 My worst naming of anything: the band Hatfield & the North.
Rhodri Marsden Technology Columnist, Independent @rhodri
I managed to get the words "paedophiles", "astrohenge" and "wankers" into today's Indy column, by the way. http://t.co/6iQNvKnT
Rhodri Marsden Technology Columnist, Independent @rhodri
Humans are bad at naming things. Businesses, bands, other humans. I explore this briefly in tomorrow's Indy column: http://t.co/M8F5kIrd

Double trouble at JP Morgan: trader's losses could exceed $7bn

independent.co.uk — The crisis at JP Morgan escalated yesterday as it emerged its trading losses in London could rise to as much as $7bn (£4.5bn) and the US bank cancelled a share buyback. Fears were growing that the losses could spiral from an initial $2bn, which was declared on 10 May, as JP Morgan struggles to unwind the massive bets made by the so-called "London Whale" trader Bruno Iksil.
Marcus Baram News Editor, Huffington Post @mbaram
WTF? @zerohedge: The number just grew again: Double trouble at JP Morgan: trader's losses could exceed $7B - http://t.co/93agELlo