Daily Motoring News From Vertar

180hp Abarth 695 Maserati Edition revealed

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Maserati gets its own Tributo, and it has a convertible roof - in your face Ferrari!

Driven: Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Ferrari is well known for branding up any old bit of merchandise it thinks it can flog to its fans, Abarth 500s included

You Know You Want To: Manby Motorplex for sale

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fancy buying your own track? Manby Motorplex is on the market and needs a saviour...

PH Fleet: Lotus Elise Sport 135

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Rain stops play and instead inspires musings on how much trust we place in reviews and reviewers

Gazoo shows 320hp GT 86

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

"Put a turbo on it!" has been the cry and Gazoo has ... and a supercharger too for good measure

Lola enters administration

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Economic downturn and tax troubles tip racing car constructor over the edge

Le Mans T-shirts now on sale!

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When in Le Mans, dress with style in a PH shirt

Chris Harris video: GT-R Track Pack vs 911 Turbo

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Track Pack equipped Nissan GT-R gives Harris the perfect excuse to pitch it against its 911 Turbo nemesis

Nurburgring 24 hours: back, and as varied as ever

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It's time once again to celebrate the race where GT3 cars share circuit space with mk3 Golfs

770hp and 94mpg for Porsche 918 Spyder

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

And you thought BMW's swirly camouflage looked funky?

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power gears up for 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

CPoP is back, and for 2012 it's bigger and better than ever

You Know You Want To: AC Cobra Mark II 289

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

How to commemorate the passing of Carroll Shelby in the way he'd have approved of ... for a cost

BMW: spec geekery beckons!

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Buying a Beemer? There's a ton of new stuff lurking in the spec sheets across the model range...

Driven: Prindiville Land Rover Defender

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

G63 AMG gone a bit Hollywood glitz for you? Fly the flag for the British alternative!

PH Le Mans 24 stickers are GO!

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you are heading to the 24 you'll need some of these....

Chocolate tuner Aventador promises 777hp

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Wispa it, but we think it's actually rather tasty...

PH Blog: let's talk about SPECS

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Harris ponders how to get along with the ever-present SPECS camera and - almost - finds peace

PistonHeads Friday Service in Le Mans

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It's a Sunday Service but with a French twist, which means it's not actually on a Sunday...

Spotted: Subaru XT

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A cross between a sci-fi prop and a car, this weirdo coupe proves that two-door Subarus are nothing new.

PistonHeads track day at Rockingham

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You can't stop The Rock....

Driven: Mercedes G63 AMG

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As quantifiably bad as it is extremely cool, the 'new' twin-turbo G63 proves life really isn't fair, but Harris loves it all the same

Lotus Evora GT4 evolves into GTC

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

More power, less weight for Lotus's latest racer

BMW 3 Series Touring revealed

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

BMW adds practicality to F30 3 Series with new wagon version

Time for tea? Another retro Skyline 'moment'

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Another example of why we need to be aware the Skyline story started long before Gran Turismo and twin-turbo madness

Mini John Cooper Works GP returns

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hardcore limited-edition Mini makes a comeback - and this time it's the fastest Mini ever

The Queen's amphibious car

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:56:05 GMT

Aquatic tour of Liverpool docks as the monarch and the Duke take to a Duck.

Shell Eco-marathon: mega miles per gallon

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:24:22 GMT

Teams of students compete to find out who can design and build a car to travel the farthest on one litre of fuel.

Cars built in Britain

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:37:39 GMT

Following Vauxhall's commitment to Ellesmere Port, we examine the other car makers with plants in the UK.

Driven: Porsche 911 Carrera S

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:50:38 GMT

Porsche's latest 911 Carrera S is more of an all-rounder than ever before.

Porsche's 94mpg supercar

Thu, 17 May 2012 05:30:13 GMT

In pictures: the latest images of Porsche's incredible 918 Spyder supercar.

Chevrolet Trax set for Paris debut

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:26:23 GMT

Chevrolet's take on a small SUV, the Trax, will make its debut at September's Paris motor show.

The best cars of 2012 so far

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:29:46 GMT

Don't buy a new car without seeing our round-up of all the best new models we've tested so far this year.

General Motors to keep Vauxhall Ellesmere Port factory open

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:30:15 GMT

General Motors delivers economic boost to UK by announcing that it is keeping its Ellesmere Port plant.

Diesel versus petrol

Wed, 16 May 2012 05:30:33 GMT

Once upon a time, picking the right fuel for your motoring needs was relatively easy. Now the decision is much harder.

Castle Combe circuit's classics and sports car action day

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:44:41 GMT

All historic road, race and rally cars will be welcomed to Wiltshire, with plenty of track action guaranteed.

Lamborghini driver suffers embarrassing accident at traffic lights

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:02:05 GMT

In the suburbs of Chicago a Lamborghini driver speeds away from the lights before losing control of his vehicle and ending up wedged between two cars.

A business proposal: Peugeot's 508 RXH

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:58:36 GMT

The Peugeot 508 RXH is an affordable luxury for executive drivers, says Neil Lyndon.

Metro love: your cars

Tue, 15 May 2012 05:30:40 GMT

Readers' images of their cherished Austin and Rover Metros - with the odd Rover 100 thrown in for good measure.

Driven: Seat Leon FR+ Supercopa

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:44:42 GMT

Can Seat's latest diesel hot hatch, the Leon FR+ Supercopa, justify its £22,500 price?

Toddler falls to his death 'under grandmother's moving car'

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:58:10 GMT

A two-year-old boy has died after apparently unclipping his own seatbelt and falling out of his grandmother's moving car.

F1 diary: Spanish grand prix

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:53:39 GMT

Our Formula One diarist reports from the Circuit de Catalunya, where Williams driver Pastor Maldonado had an eventful weekend.

Rolls-Royce Phantom in pictures

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:18:45 GMT

Images of the revised Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon, Coupé and Drophead.

Rolls-Royce Phantom II review

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:26:42 GMT

The updated Rolls-Royce Phantom is such a fine machine that you can forgive it some minor flaws.

Tribute to Carroll Shelby

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:55:38 GMT

Goodwood's Lord March pays tribute to the racing legend.

The connected car: coming to your street soon

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:30:01 GMT

Intel is investing in 'connected cars', which are the logical precursor to self-driving models. Matt Warman looks at the ways tech is getting into the car.

Google brings driverless cars to the road

Sat, 12 May 2012 06:30:00 GMT

As Google gets the green light for driverless cars, Matt Warman takes to the road, digital fluffy dice at the ready.

Which other Hondas might replace a Honda Jazz?

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:07:47 GMT

Honest John advises on alernatives to a much-loved Honda Jazz.

Should I buy a full-sized spare wheel?

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:04:29 GMT

Honest John sees no reason why a space-saver spare should not be replaced by a full-sized item.

Replacing noisy tyres

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:00:43 GMT

Honest John suggests more relaxing rubber for a Ford Mondeo.

Auto gearbox specialist 'a credit to the industry'

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:58:04 GMT

Credit where it's due - Honest John regularly recommends an excellent transmission repair service in Epsom.

First drive review: Skoda Citigo 1.0 MPI 60 SE

Thu, 17 May 2012 15:26:34 +0100

Entry-level Skoda city car is competent and practical, but needs a keener price to stand out

Hot new VW Polo WRC Street gets 217bhp

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:37:36 +0100

New VW hot hatch celebrates WRC entry – and previews an upcoming full-blown Polo R model

First drive review: Volvo V60 D6 Plug-in hybrid

Thu, 17 May 2012 13:00:44 +0100

Volvo’s decision to make the first plug-in diesel hybrid a range-topping high-performance model is a bold one, but doesn't quite pay off

Fiat Punto

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:19:52 +0100

Decently spacious for a supermini, with a good range of engines, but the Punto's driving dynamics are less-than beguiling

Ellesmere Port's future secured

Thu, 17 May 2012 07:52:55 +0100

Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant will remain open, securing the jobs of 2100 workers and creating up to 700 new roles

La Dolce Vita

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:32:12 +0100

Sometimes modern car companies try a little bit too hard to capture the spirit of another era, as I discovered on a recent visit to Italy

New Mercedes-Benz CLA spied

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:27:00 +0100

A prototype version of the new Mercedes-Benz CLA compact four-door saloon has been spied testing

Lola's problems are sad news

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:27:01 +0100

Today’s news about Lola Cars International entering administration is pretty depressing for followers of motor sport

Renault Twizy Colour

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:50:34 +0100

Renault Twizy makes for an entertaining and novel EV, but its impracticalities (especially in Britain) may leave you feeling short changed

All-new Range Rover sheds camo

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:43:09 +0100

Latest fourth-generation Range Rover prototype gives clearest hints yet at new car's styling

Aston turns to new Lagonda SUV for China boost

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:15 +0100

Aston's DBS flagship sports car is in a market segment that shows little sign of significant growth. That’s why the firm has explored the launch...

Lola Cars to enter administration

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:37:09 +0100

One of Britain's best-known motor sport firms, Lola Cars International, has confirmed that it intends to enter administration

New look for autocar.co.uk

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:35:22 +0100

Emphasis on delivering world leading car reviews, news, photography, video and opinion, as well as a dedicated forum for car-related chat.

Porsche 918 Spyder 'meets expectations'

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:31:16 +0100

Development of the Porsche 918 Spyder is on track, the firm claiming 759bhp and 94mpg from the car is plausible

Rally-bred Skoda Citigo shown

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:50:54 +0100

Special Rally version of the Skoda Citigo previewed ahead of Worthersee

Audi A3 2.0 TDI Sport S tronic

Tue, 15 May 2012 19:43:06 +0100

First drive review: All-new Audi A3 is one of the most rounded cars in this class

Hot Seat Mii FR previewed

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:04:39 +0100

Proposed FR version of the Seat Mii is previewed at the Worthersee festival in Austria

New variants for BMW 3-series

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:51:08 +0100

Latest additions to 3-series line-up include 316i, 320i xDrive, 320i EfficientDynamics, 330d and M Sport variants

The second leg of a Mini adventure

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:45:50 +0100

After almost 1800 miles in our long-term Mini over the weekend, I’ve learned much more about the little two-seater

Paris motor show 2012: Chevrolet Trax

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:42:57 +0100

Vauxhall Mokka lends its underpinnings to Chevrolet's new compact SUV, the Chevrolet Trax

Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II EWB

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:28:17 +0100

Revised Phantom gets small tweaks to keep it at the pinnacle of luxury travel

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:06:52 +0100

This veteran off-roader from Mercedes gets more power than it could ever need

New DBS leads Aston revamp

Mon, 14 May 2012 17:10:41 +0100

A new 550bhp Aston Martin DBS replacement will spearhead a significant revamp of  the company’s model range

Renault Clio Renaultsport

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:17:46 +0100

The Renault Clio Renaultsport is a fine car, even if competence replaces the usual impishness of a hot Clio

Hot BMW M135i: full details and pics

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0100

BMW is planning hot hatch supremacy with its racy 316bhp M135i

Three-door BMW 1-series uncovered

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:20:00 +0100

The M135i ushers in the second generation of BMW’s three-door 1-series

The Autocar road test

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:55:30 +0100

The M135i ushers in the second generation of BMW’s three-door 1-series

New BMW 3-series Touring revealed

Mon, 14 May 2012 10:35:00 +0100

BMW has revealed its fifth-generation 3-series Touring — Munich’s rival to the A4 Avant

Williams takes surprise F1 victory

Sun, 13 May 2012 16:25:02 +0100

Williams secured its first F1 victory for seven-and-a-half seasons when Pastor Maldonado stormed to a shock win in the Spanish Grand Prix

Fastest ever Mini revealed

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:00 +0100

Mini John Cooper Works GP powered by a 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine

Carroll Shelby 1923-2012

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Race and performance car legend Carroll Shelby has died

What's your favourite (boring) road?

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:22:10 +0100

I spent some quality time on the M25 last weekend. It wasn’t that busy, even when I came across those roadworks on the northern section which are...

London to Paul Ricard in a Mini Coupe, via Reims

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:12:22 +0100

I'm writing from the passenger seat of our long-term Mini Coupe JCW as we cruise south through France towards Paul Ricard.

Porsche 918 Spyder scooped

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:15:00 +0100

First spy pics of Porsche's mega new 202mph hypercar

Peugeot 308

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:34:07 +0100

The Peugeot 308 is refined and inexpensive, but it is also pricey and lacks dynamic excellence

Ferrari 599 GTO

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:03:45 +0100

The Ferrari 599 GTO is ultimate incarnation of the Ferrari flagship. It is one of the finest hypercars ever made

Renault Clio

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:14:08 +0100

The Renault Clio is more sensible than ever, but not necessarily better for it

Mercedes-Benz M-class

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:53:39 +0100

The Mercedes M-class is luxurious and well-equipped. Shame the chassis lets it down on ordinary B-roads

Next-gen Zafira 'to be built by PSA'

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:46:00 +0100

GM is studying a plan that would see the next generation Zafira be conceived and developed by PSA

Porsche Macan spied testing

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:45:00 +0100

The most production-representative Porsche Macan mule yet has been spied testing

Mercedes-Benz C-class coup�

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:36:15 +0100

The Mercedes C-class coupé is a strong contender with a character of its own

What�s your favourite car photograph?

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:15:52 +0100

Taking pictures of cars is a very long way from being my forte in life, but this hasn’t stopped me from taking the odd half-usable photo.

Mini Roadster

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:17:51 +0100

The Mini Roadster is punchy, practical and fun, but no match for a proper sporting roadster

Toyota GT 86 automatic

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:00:00 +0100

The wide-spaced upper ratios of the automatic transmission underline the engine’s torque shortfall despite quick-shifts

'We won't sell Lotus' says new owner

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:30:00 +0100

Lotus’s new owner “is not thinking about a sale” according to sources

BMW 3-series Coupe

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:05:30 +0100

The BMW 3-series Coupe is stylish, recently updated and has an unrivalled blend of performance and economy

Infiniti FX 50S Premium

Wed, 9 May 2012 18:50:00 +0100

The Infiniti FX50 S Premium is an SUV that claims to be a sports car. It has its flaws, but remains a quirky alternative

Vettel's Infiniti FX50 to cost �100k

Wed, 9 May 2012 18:30:00 +0100

Sebastian Vettel’s special edition Infiniti FX50 S will cost in excess of £100,000

Merc engines for Infiniti G-series

Wed, 9 May 2012 18:17:00 +0100

The all-new Infiniti G-series saloon will be offered with Mercedes diesel and petrol engines

A range-extending weekend

Wed, 9 May 2012 17:02:11 +0100

It’s been a long and winding route for the new Bus for London project. Today, there are just three prototype versions of the finished object running...

Risks for Britain with Greece on the brink

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:47:04 BST

The most telling aspect of the eurozone crisis is not the rhetoric of politicians but realities on the ground: in the City, dealers are preparing for drachma dealing and Greek depositors are pulling billions out of the banks.

Facebook float: Is this the bubble that shows no sign of bursting?

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:43:01 BST

When an unknown Russian investment firm sank $200 million into Facebook three years ago, more seasoned technology financiers snorted with derision.

Why don�t we start privatising the police?

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:42:01 BST

So Home Secretary Theresa May is “destroying” the police — at least that’s what the Police Federation claimed yesterday. But the real problem is not that May’s reforms to pay and working conditions are too radical, it’s that they are nowhere near radical enough.

We are busting our guts to keep our jobs

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:26:38 BST

Happy days! The Conservatives have cracked it. It’s taken two years, but the Tories have finally worked out how our nation will be dragged out of the financial fug and popped back on the path to economic Arcadia.

Charles Saatchi: Is it only perverts who download sex filth onto their computers?

Thu, 17 May 2012 08:54:00 BST

Some of my primmer friends are blithe about enjoying porn movies, but I have only ever viewed a few particularly sordid scenes; it put me completely off anything to do with sex for some time, possibly as long as an hour.

Forget about sexism � we�re all victims now

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:38:35 BST

MEN! Are you the victim of sexism? Ever been made to feel bad by a so-called feminist? Perhaps you weren’t even aware you were being discriminated against, says philosophy professor David Benatar. He makes his pitch in a new book, The Second Sexism: Discrimination Against Men and Boys — and it’s a pretty compelling one.

This ban on insults is a gag on free speech

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:15:07 BST

It is a remarkable issue that can unite gay rights groups, the Christian Institute, the National Secular Society and civil liberties organisations, but Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986 manages to do just that. This is the provision which bans “insulting words or behaviour”: it has been invoked to suppress an astonishing variety of views, from the student who called a police horse “gay” to Christians or Muslims saying homosexual activity is a sin, or gay rights groups protesting at religiously grounded opposition to homosexuality.

Can David Cameron limit the fallout from his friend Rebekah Brooks's woes?

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:09:26 BST

Among the many pitiless realities of political life is this: the potential flipside of any advantageous alliance is guilt by association. In politics, you are lashed to the mast of the friends you choose. And that is why, unjustly but inescapably, the charges brought against Rebekah and Charlie Brooks yesterday (and vehemently denied by them) are a problem for David Cameron — potentially a big problem.

No BBC boss should be flying political colours

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:57:29 BST

Has triumph gone to the Mayor’s mop so soon? Boris Johnson thinks the BBC’s new director-general should be a full-blooded Tory. This will avoid the corporation remaining in the hands of a motley crew who are “‘statist, corporatist, defeatist, anti-business, Europhile and overwhelmingly biased to the Left”.

Mr Cameron needs to re-establish his grip

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:15:23 BST

The opinion polls suggest no end yet to the Coalition’s bad patch. The latest poll from YouGov has Labour on 45 per cent and the Conservatives on 31: by comparison, in 1997’s landslide, Labour polled 44.4 per cent to the Tories 31.4 per cent. The same poll suggests that more people now think Labour would manage the economy better. Meanwhile, David Cameron’s previously impregnable personal ratings are sliding, with a rise in Labour leader Ed Miliband’s fortunes. How worried should the PM be?

Monarchy is the solution not the problem

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:08:46 BST

A sunny weekend at last and I got around to seeing the refurbished Kensington Palace public rooms. The £15 ticket is not cheap but visitors — mostly foreign tourists — were not put off. We crowded into the imaginatively restored rooms, fully blown history but with a playful touch. It is the Hilary Mantel-isation of British royalty that is our great national asset.

Delaying same-sex marriage is a way of crushing it

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:32 BST

After the local elections, a string of Tory MPs, mostly paid-up members of the Colonel Bufton-Tufton brigade, came out on parade to pronounce that the reason voters had turned against them so spectacularly was the Government’s espousal of same-sex marriage and Lords reform. To be frank, and to speak in their own language, this was nothing but tosh, bunkum and codswallop.

Council houses are homes for the poor, not assets for the rich

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:40:17 BST

When Octavia Hill launched the social housing movement in London she defined it briskly as “to provide better homes for the poor”. Today that would read “better homes for those lucky enough to get one”. That might cover Bob Crow, the boss of the train drivers’ union, or the former head of Camden council, Frank Dobson. It might mean an acquaintance of mine whose family contrived to inherit two sizeable flats next to Tower Bridge, and asked for my help to get a second council garage for their business.

End this Tory backbench fairground freak show

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:11:49 BST

I saw Shakespeare’s Richard II at the Donmar Theatre recently. It was a great production and well received by the critics. The play is about kingship, high politics and revenge. It’s all very Shakespearean in its grandeur.

Do we have the will to give our poorest children a leg up?

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:56:26 BST

Six years ago I spent several days trying to persuade a bright, shy 17-year-old from north London that she really shouldn’t drop out of school. Shelley, as we might call her, had a grim home life. She lived with her mother, a chaotic, uneducated alcoholic. The house was frequently raided by police. Shelley had many younger siblings whom she had to feed and look after when her mother was off her head.

We urgently need a new airports strategy

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:19:33 BST

Today's comments on Heathrow from Colin Matthews, chief executive of airport owner BAA, will add to the pressure on ministers to come up with a new airports strategy. He warns that Heathrow may in 15 years be a “branch line” while the limited number of routes it serves is at odds with the Government’s ambition for UK expansion into new markets, including China.

Parenting lessons are just a perk for the middle class

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:31:21 BST

There comes a time in every government’s life when it reaches for an eye-catching initiative. For John Major’s faltering administration, it was the Cones Hotline. For this one, it may turn out to be CAN Parent — a pilot scheme whereby parents of under-fives can pick up vouchers for £100 worth of free parenting lessons from Boots.

Dole out Asbos to badly behaved theatregoers

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:07:51 BST

Felicity Kendal has spoken about the narrowness of the cultural class which visits the theatre and ballet. Only the rich can afford to go to the theatre these days, she implies. Her thoughts echo Kevin Spacey, artistic director of the Old Vic, who said ticket prices risk alienating an entire generation of future audiences. He likened Broadway and the West End to an exclusive club.

Breaking the grip of the public schools

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:23:13 BST

Michael Gove’s bold speech yesterday on the grip on power of public schoolboys comes at a sensitive moment for the Tories. The aftermath of the Budget and poor local election results have brought accusations that ministers are out of touch, most memorably Nadine Dorries MP’s branding of David Cameron and George Osborne as “arrogant rich boys”. Last night there were angry exchanges on the theme at a meeting of the party’s 1922 Committee. Mr Gove’s intervention is far more considered.

Ivan Massow: David Cameron has betrayed gays to appease the Right

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:14:04 BST

They said it was short and sweet. Well, it was short but not so sweet — at least not for anyone expecting a bill to legalise gay marriage.

I think it's right that I'm racially profiled at airports

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:55:01 BST

Far from ending prejudice, political correctness has expanded the pool of people discriminated against: it now includes everyone. That, at least, seems to be one result of the chaos of lengthening immigration queues: white passengers have been detained by officials at Gatwick simply because of their colour.

Dads too can be asked to juggle work and kids

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:33:34 BST

Well done, Nick Clegg. That can’t be a phrase the Deputy Prime Minister hears often now, but in pushing to end what he once dubbed our “Edwardian” system of parental leave (where Mama is expected to do 80 per cent of the nappy-changing and Bugaboo-pushing), he has done both sexes a favour. The Queen’s Speech confirmed yesterday that mothers and fathers will be able to split postpartum responsibilities more evenly come 2015.

Before you send that compromising text, count to 10

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:05:30 BST

Connoisseurs of the lame excuse are living through a golden age. A new biography of David Cameron claims the PM sent former News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks a text, as the hacking scandal engulfed the paper and the Murdoch empire, apologising for his “sudden coldness”. Ed Miliband, he suggested, would pounce on any display of public support, like a terrier on a rat.

Humble pie is on the menu with the AGM sandwiches

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:33:15 BST

There was a time not so long ago when the tradition of the annual general meeting was threatening to wither and die.

Public sector strikers must face reality

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:31:05 BST

Today's public sector 24-hour strikes are undeniably less damaging than those last November which involved 30 unions — but they still have their intended effect of inconveniencing the public. And for those members of the public who are not among the six million people who work directly for the state, the strikers’ case is no more sympathetic now than it was last year.

Learning to drive changed my city view

Wed, 09 May 2012 12:02:59 BST

Learning to drive is proving to be mind-expanding in ways that I could never have imagined. Not only can I now execute a three-point turn in a Vauxhall Astra on a slight incline; I feel as if I’ve shifted the gears in my very consciousness.

Coalition sets course through the storm

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:57:49 BST

Today's Queen’s Speech is constrained by two factors: the political compromises required by coalition and the dire state of the economy. Still, the programme does manage to cover a good deal of ground, from reforms of the courts and banking system to a radical reworking of adoption practice and flexible maternity leave.

Dissident Tories must wake up to the world as it is

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:56:04 BST

Treasonable as it may be to say as much in a jubilee year, today’s Queen’s Speech is a political sideshow. Whatever else it lacks, the Coalition is not afflicted by a legislative deficit. In private, its most senior figures concede that its fate depends upon the implementation of measures already passed, rather than the passage through Parliament of yet another batch. Of the many lessons to be drawn from last week’s elections, one is surely uncontroversial: as far as the public is concerned, good intentions are no longer enough.

Merkel � so austere she handwashes her undies

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:52:10 BST

In the grand pantomime of recession-struck Europe, Angela Merkel is Dame Nein: a rigid nay-sayer to the new breed of Keynesians who believe the answer to the continent’s problems lies in digging holes and building bridges to escape the recessionary bust.

Eurozone in crisis: there is no Plan B

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:22 BST

There is, as they say, no Plan B. The notion on the back of which the electors of France and Greece appear to have voted, that it is possible to have a viable eurozone, market credibility, more growth and less austerity, is one for the birds. No government in Europe, including our own, has embraced austerity for its own sake. They are trying to contain state deficits because they have to.

Enough inertia � now Boris must show who�s boss

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:54:15 BST

Boris Johnson celebrated his victory in the London mayoral election last week in the way he knows best. He ripped up Hyde Park Corner. He closed half Knightsbridge. He narrowed Cromwell Road and denied vehicle access to Paddington station. He ensured maximum disruption across London for the bank holiday in a frenzy of digging.

Greece will leave the euro � now look to Spain

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:59:55 BST

The Greek poll on Sunday has been overshadowed by the French Socialists’ triumph but has the same message, and is crucial to the future — or lack of it — of the euro. Ruling politicians of whatever country are finding it harder and harder to retain office while promoting anti-austerity measures. In Greece the crisis has been longer and the reaction more extreme. Centre-Left party Pasok and Centre-Right New Democracy, which for the past 30 years have presided over corruption and the debt bubble, polled abysmally, with New Democracy, the largest party, receiving just 19 per cent of ballots.

It�s a hearts and minds battle for �Camborne�

Tue, 08 May 2012 10:55:18 BST

After the Chancellor confronted on television the depths of his Government’s unpopularity, a political commentator tweeted with distaste that Osborne, like Cameron, looked very well on the country’s misfortune.

Would your boss care if you didn�t turn up to work?

Fri, 04 May 2012 13:10:58 BST

Would your boss notice, or even care, if you didn’t turn up to work for seven days? The MI6 spy Gareth Williams was missing from work for a week before the security services alerted the police. Given his work as a spy, it does seem inconceivable that nobody bothered to raise the alarm. Inconceivable, insulting and not exactly confidence- inspiring.

Why I doubt Leonardo Da Vinci painted this picture

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:29:49 BST

Londoners interested in the visual arts are fortunate enough to live in a constant whirl of exhibitions. We have only to consider the first few months of this year — the great Leonardo show at the National Gallery, old Zoffanys and brave new Hockneys at the Royal Academy, a melancholy farewell to Freud at the National Portrait Gallery, Picasso at Tate Britain and the British Museum, Damien Hirst at Tate Modern, Mondrian at the Courtauld, Canaletto in Greenwich, Indian drawings in Dulwich, Turner and Claude replacing Leonardo in Trafalgar Square and Leonardo reappearing as an anatomist at Buckingham Palace — to realise how rich and fortunate we are to experience so much and such variety.

A good night for Labour � and Boris

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:23:45 BST

Last night’s election results will give cheer to Labour, with one exception: London. For while nationally the opposition has made impressive gains in council seats, all the signs are that in London, Ken Livingstone is set to lose to Boris Johnson. Nevertheless, Mr Johnson’s likely victory may prove problematic in the long term, fuelling some Tories’ search for a different kind of Conservatism. The results will also further call into question just what the Liberal Democrats gain from coalition government.

This is a bittersweet day for us London Lefties

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:10:07 BST

For Leftie Londoners today is bitter-sweet. Last night’s council elections were a stinging slap in the face for the Coalition: the Tories down well over 300 seats so far, Lib-Dems down 180, and Labour set to pick up more than 700 seats nationally.

London needs a mayor who thinks globally

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:45:53 BST

Take a walk through central London this evening and note what you see. Bars with people spilling onto the pavement; buzzy restaurants turning away diners; theatres with sold-out runs.

This mayoralty has proved its importance

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:44:08 BST

The polling stations are open until 10pm tonight — so there is every opportunity to vote in the mayoral and London Assembly elections. We hope our readers will do so: whoever wins deserves a strong mandate. The mayoral campaign has had its lively spats but it has been a useful exercise that has gone a long way to clarifying the differences between the candidates. This paper’s mayoral debate was notable for audience engagement; the issues of policing, public transport and fares really mattered.

Ken jump-started this city � Boris should steer it

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:35:45 BST

Against worldwide trends, London has proved remarkably resilient. It is growing, reinforcing its position as the world’s most inclusive, buoyant and liveable metropolis.

Ban the navy knickers and let girls get fit

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:08:30 BST

Rosamund consistently tries to do as little exercise as possible,” my school report declared when I was 14. This particular member of the Tyrants-In-Tracksuits brigade (distinguishing characteristic: a desire to punish young women by forcing them to run around in navy knickers) had been annoyed by my — I thought rational, she thought recalcitrant —behaviour in gym and dance classes.

The Games� new stars � paranoia and machismo

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:56:47 BST

They are priming the artillery in Waltham Forest. Armed forces in Bow have been positioning surface-to-air missile batteries on the roofs of ordinary homes. Across the capital, 7,500 troops are cleaning their semi-automatics.

Murdoch report was blunted by MPs

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:53:13 BST

The markets have had their say on Rupert Murdoch —and it’s a thumbs-up. The same day six members of the Commons culture, media and sport committee declared that he was not “a fit person” to run a big international business, shares in News Corporation rose. Moreover, results from BSkyB showed an underlying profit of £908 million in nine months, up a quarter over the same period a year before. This is not in itself proof that BSkyB is a “fit and proper” holder of a broadcasting licence — but it is a reminder of Mr Murdoch’s achievement in making the most of the company’s potential.

Why Tories both need � and fear � a Boris Johnson victory

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:49:12 BST

If Boris Johnson wins a second term tomorrow, I shall look back on one moment above all as the symbolic deal-clincher. Not his ferocious confrontation in a lift with Ken Livingstone on April 3, galvanic as that undoubtedly was. Not the Labour challenger’s breach with London’s Jewish community. Not even the kamikaze lunacy of his attack on Boris’s tax arrangements — the craziest instance of political self-harm since the Democrat presidential contender, Gary Hart, invited the press corps in 1987 to “follow me around” in search of evidence of his womanising, leading them straight to his antics on a yacht unimprovably named Monkey Business.

Louboutin�s six-inchers are every woman�s dream

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:33:38 BST

Does Christian Louboutin deserve an entire exhibition of his vertiginous red-soled shoes? Some sniffy souls have suggested that the show cannot merit a place in the Design Museum’s hall of fame. But if design is inventiveness, allied to a flash of genius, then Mr Louboutin is only getting his just deserts. For what kind of world is it that gives pride of place to a Dyson vacuum cleaner but fails to see the extraordinary feat (or feet) of combining balance and beauty in a jewelled stiletto?

The capital needs more social mobility

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:54:58 BST

Today's damning Commons report on social mobility has special significance for London. MPs from an all-party group conclude that Britain suffers limited social mobility between classes compared with other developed nations: half of British children’s prospects in life are predictable entirely from their parents’ own social position. This is a worrying situation for Britain: it represents a squandering of talent and risks entrenching inequality. But London, which prides itself on the opportunities it offers to all, must address the problem with particular urgency.

On balance, Boris deserves to stay in office � just

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:46:55 BST

Thursday’s mayoral election in London is a rerun of that of 2008, and the poorer for it. All three main parties could find no one else to stand, a sad comment on the capital’s leadership talent. Not one borough leader, not one metropolitan MP, has stepped forward. London is for once overshadowed by mayoralty contests or ballots in Birmingham, Liverpool, Bristol and elsewhere. The only spark of originality has been from the lively but inexperienced independent, Siobhan Benita.

Slapstick will keep Johnson safe from hubris

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:12:01 BST

London has been described as New York, Washington and LA rolled into one, distancing it further from the rest of the country. It has the energy and multicultural cool of New York, the political clout of Washington, and the glamour of LA.

Heathrow�s mess is a sign of London�s popularity

Tue, 01 May 2012 11:06:15 BST

Anyone who complains about the lines at Heathrow should remember that it is only because London is desirable. Millions of people want to visit. If all you want is a short line at immigration, Harare would be delighted to have you.

Labour already rues the day it let Ken run for Mayor

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 13:03:50 BST

This mayoral contest should have been Labour’s to win. The economy is tanking, the austerity strategy is clearly failing, and every big political story since the Budget has made the Government look either incompetent, heartless, craven or possibly corrupt. Lurching from granny tax to cash-for-Cameron, petrol hoarding to cosy communications with Rupert Murdoch’s men, the Conservatives have abruptly lost much of the public’s trust. Last week their poll ratings tumbled to just 29 per cent, 11 points behind Labour, a record low. But those ratings aren’t reflected in London’s mayoral race, where Boris Johnson has consistently remained in the lead. In the past 10 days that lead has varied from two to eight points. Today’s Standard poll by YouGov has him leading by four points including second-preference votes.

Boris Johnson: The right choice for London

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:59:56 BST

Commentary: This Thursday’s mayoral election is crucial for London. Our city has so far led the economic recovery. But many Londoners face hard times.

Continuing chaos at Heathrow must end

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:50:14 BST

The head of the UK Border Agency’s Heathrow operation, Marc Owen, is presiding over three-hour queues in the arrivals hall. Yet when BAA, the airport operator, issued leaflets to passengers apologising for delays and advising them how to complain to the Home Office, Mr Owen warned them off, saying it would “increase tensions”. He mistakes cause and effect: it is the huge queues, not BAA’s leaflets, that make passengers furious.

Prosperity is trickling down to precious few

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:17:42 BST

At last some stirrings of life in the UK economy: average incomes may have fallen by 1.8 per cent but according to the Sunday Times, the 1,000 richest people in the country are 4.7 per cent wealthier than last year.

Why ethnic Londoners need to be backing Boris

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:59:03 BST

Britain’s ethnic minorities don’t like the Conservatives — at least according to a big new study commissioned by Lord Ashcroft. Just four per cent of black voters and seven per cent of Asians said they identify with the Tories. It’s true that ethnic minorities have long-standing loyalty to Labour. But at this week’s mayoral election, they should instead should express their long-repressed Tory natures.

No place in our city for electoral fraud

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:44:08 BST

The British electoral system is remarkable for its integrity and freedom from corruption. That makes it all the more important that we take seriously threats to that integrity. In a closely fought election, such as next week’s mayoral vote, it is particularly important that the outcome should not be compromised by vote rigging or fraud of any kind.

People power is the new force changing London

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:04 BST

There was a moment on Wednesday night when the eyes of the three leading candidates for London’s mayoralty simultaneously went moist. Barbara, a 34-year-old cleaner of Polish descent who lives in Wood Green, was describing her working day for the Hilton Hotel chain. She gets a net income of £3 for each room that she does and has to clean more than 17 rooms a day with no pay for overtime if she cannot finish. She survives on just £5 a day for food, clothes and all the basics. “I can’t afford to have children,” she told a rapt audience, “but a Living Wage would change my life.”

Streatham is the grit in this city�s oyster

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:21:30 BST

Some parts of London are necessary and others are contingent, said Dame Iris Murdoch. I’m not sure Streatham is a “shithole”, as Jo Brand described it on a recent edition of Have I Got News for You, but I would certainly describe it as contingent. I will not lose any sleep if I never visit the south London ’burb ever again.

I�ve worked for Ken and Boris � I�m backing Ken

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:03:43 BST

The choice of who is to run the city has never been more critical. We need a Mayor who is visionary and decisive, who understands the needs and aspirations of ordinary Londoners. We want a Mayor who understands the need for a better distribution of wealth and who will help protect the vulnerable from the Government’s slash-and-burn economics.

The Mayor can boost London�s economy

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:12:01 BST

The latest poll in the mayoral contest puts Boris Johnson ahead of Ken Livingstone by a short head, though by a larger margin than the YouGov poll earlier this week. The interesting aspect of it is why. What emerges from the findings is that Mr Johnson is trusted on the economy: those surveyed favour him in a recession.

Confidence is the key to rising out of this double dip

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:54:49 BST

It was probably around early February that hopes rose that Britain would dodge a double-dip recession.

Londoners on the Left do not have to vote for Ken

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:29:08 BST

I understand why many voters on the progressive wing of politics are struggling with voting for Ken Livingstone. His campaign has been sad, desperate and divisive. He has just one big idea — a seven per cent cut in Tube fares. It’s a perfectly decent policy at a time when fares have risen for years on end but the problem is he can’t do it and he knows it.

Lucy�s a heroine for women who don�t want kids

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:54:29 BST

A funny thing happens if you say you don’t want children. Distant rellies/colleagues/people you have only just met think it is acceptable to reply, “Oh, you’ll change your mind,” accompanied by a knowing look, as though they think they can shine a spotlight on your soul and see maternal impulses unknown to you.

BSkyB�s hard lessons for ministers

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:21:08 BST

The “quasi-judicial” role that the Culture Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, occupied in respect of the Murdoch bid for BSkyB was not quite the same as that of a judge in court but it should still have been dispassionate and neutral. His position in determining the future of the bid is certainly difficult to square with the emails now in the public domain that suggest that there was a continuous flow of information from Mr Hunt’s office to the Murdoch camp.

Housing is our city�s pride and greatest shame

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:05:33 BST

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a steel tower on the Olympics site. Peter Crouch is a talismanic footballer who plays for Stoke City. Both are ungainly 377ft monuments with a loosely sporting theme but they are not interchangeable. If you move 500 families 167 miles from the base of one to the base of the other, they are probably going to feel the difference.

Why it matters how women look on television

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:58:21 BST

Never mind the gladiators — Mary Beard versus AA Gill is the kind of rumble at the Colosseum any self-respecting Roman would rush to see. The professor and the provocateur are worthy foes. Mr Gill is a newspaper critic who was uncharmed by the sight of Ms Beard discussing goings-on in the ancient world without having submitted to the diktats of BBC makeover.

Murdoch�s revenge exposes Britain�s out-of-touch elite

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:48:49 BST

When Jeremy Hunt spoke to the Prime Minister yesterday, he was mightily relieved by the level of support offered to him by his boss. The Culture Secretary is presently slated to appear before the Leveson Inquiry at the end of next month. Understandably, he would like to bring forward that appointment so he can — he hopes —clear his name speedily, and quash the wilder speculation triggered by James Mur-doch’s testimony and the extraordinary 163-page dossier of emails released by the inquiry yesterday afternoon.

It�s never been so easy for the rich to get richer

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:18:22 BST

They looked so bedraggled. I have never seen such a desolate demo as the Occupy protest outside St Paul’s cathedral last autumn. As I stumbled through the damp encampment, I could hear no what-do-we-want chant. As with all the protests against the bankers’ bonuses and the festering inequality in Britain, you felt that you were hearing an expiring whimper of impotence rather than witnessing the start of a giant protest movement.

Mr Osborne�s big week on the economy

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:48:36 BST

Today's March public borrowing figures will be some relief to the Chancellor: while higher than expected, they mean he just hit his overall borrowing target of £126 billion for the last financial year. The bigger test comes with tomorrow’s economic growth figures for the first quarter of 2012. They will be at best low; if the economy shrank, it will mean we are officially in recession again. Bank of England figures yesterday showing a collapse in banks’ lending to businesses do not bode well. The growth figures could not come at a more delicate time for the Government, after weeks of post-Budget wobbles and with key local and mayoral elections next week.

The City should beware the changing eurozone

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:06:18 BST

For the first time since European monetary union in 1999, France may end up with a Socialist government, following Sunday’s first-round victory for François Hollande.

The traditional cast of politics is breaking down

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:32:05 BST

The relationship between Ken Livingstone and the Evening Standard has had its tense moments in the past, so we were determined to be more generous with the coverage this time around. It has been an open race.

Evening Standard comment: Our mayoral race is a national test too

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:46:19 BST

The latest mayoral opinion poll shows that despite Boris Johnson’s recent poll leads, this remains an extremely close contest: the Mayor’s two per cent lead is within the margin of error. It also proves that, with no sign of an end to the Government’s woes, this London mayoral election is the most crucial yet for the national political scene.

Now is not the time to tamper with the Lords

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:41:23 BST

It is madness. Britain is still balanced on the edge of recession.The conversations I have with people I know are all edged with a deep anxiety about how to afford their lives and pay for their homes. How is the Government responding to these profound concerns? Why, by announcing its intentions to engage in a battle to reform the House of Lords. As a demonstration of supreme political detachment from reality it would be hard to beat.

Leveson�s legacy must be to keep our press free

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:55:00 BST

Last week I was in Ethiopia, where I saw how a free press can be intimidated by a state that is willing to use the law to stop journalists holding the powerful to account.

Pulitzer pullout seems almost a masterstroke

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:55:00 BST

Every time a lousy book becomes a massive bestseller, we’re told to rejoice because it Gets People Reading. That’s daft. Once you’ve acquired basic literacy there’s no reason to suppose mouthing along to The Da Vinci Code is any more improving than watching CBeebies, playing football or dabbing poster-paint on your own forehead with half a potato cut into the shape of a triangle.

Popular, cool and dancing ... Hillary is now on a roll

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:39:13 BST

Everybody seems to have had a good time during and before President Obama’s recent trip to Colombia, except the President himself. The Secret Service, we learn, thought up a way of testing security (their mission) by inviting 20 or so prostitutes to their hotel rooms — rooms which were left awash with whisky and cocaine. This kind of thing, insulting to any president, must be particularly galling to Obama: it seems to show his men do not take him seriously — for reasons we might venture to guess at.

All aboard the Queen�s jubilee bandwagon

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:36:06 BST

On your marks, get set, go! No, I am not talking about the Olympics but preparations for the Diamond Jubilee. The nation cannot contain its excitement as June 3 looms with its myriad pageants, street parties, flotillas and concerts. It seems we are all monarchists now.

We must avert this needless Tube strike

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:05:31 BST

Recent rows over Tube workers’ Olympic bonuses have obscured a more immediate threat: the strike that now looks set to disrupt the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines for much of next week. Maintenance workers on those lines work for Tube Lines, once a private consortium although — since its collapse in 2010 — a wholly owned subsidiary of Transport for London. As a result of that odd corporate history, they do not enjoy the same pension rights as other TfL employees, the cause of this strike; TfL insists they have good pension rights. Talks between the RMT union and TfL broke down yesterday.

Boris and Ken�s plans for London are so parochial

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:54:27 BST

Here is an admission for an incurable election addict: I am beginning to wish the mayoral race was already run. True, the candidates have shown a talent for arguing, swearing and crying. But the calibre of ideas that London’s savvy electorate is being asked to vote for remains dire.

Now Tesco has to win its customers� hearts and minds

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:07:10 BST

There are certain ingredients required when a company issues its annual financial statement. Profits are always good, preferably rising. Turnover also going in the same direction is handy. And if the company has done well enough to pass money to its shareholders in the form of a dividend payment, all the better.

Show your best smug face to the online world

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:44 BST

It was the tale of the toddler turd that did it. A friend (loosely defined, as most Facebook friends are) posted an update on the site, revealing that little Charlie had managed his first potty poo unaided — a declaration that the phrase “too much information” was born for, as was the de-friend button. Scatological over-sharing aside, it was the showing off — however silly — that irritated.

Qatada fiasco foils Mrs May�s careful plan

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:39:57 BST

Ministers will no doubt argue over the precise details of the farce surrounding Abu Qatada’s appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. Home Secretary Theresa May insists she sought this week’s fresh deportation order after the ECHR’s appeal deadline; the Court says Qatada got his appeal in just in time. Either way, though, a new round of appeals by the notorious terror suspect was always highly likely.

Don�t let the philistines destroy London�s arts, David

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:34:47 BST

This is a worrying time for arts and culture in London. The Government has cut funding for the Arts Council by 30 per cent, hitting valuable cultural organisations big and small across the capital.

Abu Qatada has put the European Court back in the spotlight

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:52:57 BST

On the long march from judicial idiocy towards common sense, Theresa May’s statement yesterday to the Commons about the Abu Qatada case was a significant and statesmanlike step forward. Tempting as it must be simply to ignore previous rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and put the jihadist cleric on a plane to Jordan, she was right to play by the rules and launch new deportation proceedings. A Home Secretary who breaks the law — even when the law is an ass — disfigures her office and risks much more than personal embarrassment.

Will employers now �hire a hoodie�?

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:49:05 BST

Today's 35,000 drop in the unemployment figure is welcome news, the first such fall since spring last year. Youth unemployment also showed a slight drop. Ministers will be particularly encouraged by the rise in private sector employment. Yet there are still 2.65 million unemployed — the number of jobless Londoners rose — and the rate for 16-24-year-olds, more than 22 per cent, remains disturbingly high. That is behind the Government’s call today for employers to “hire a hoodie”. Employment minister Chris Grayling says that companies should give “surly” young men a chance.

Take a hard look at the Games� �ethical� sponsors

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:28:18 BST

It's one hundred days until the Olympics and already we’re wondering who is going to win all the races. Who will win the running race? Who will win the swimming race? And which of the multi-million-pound sponsors will win the race to be the least appropriate Official Partner?

Ken�s fare cut works for Londoners and the Tube

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 10:47:24 BST

London would not be hosting the Olympics in 100 days had we not invested in its transport system. With the mayoral campaign dominated by the row over whether we have to choose between investment or cutting fares, Londoners should recall who is really responsible for the current improvements: Ken Livingstone.

For Boris and Ken the car is still king of the road

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:25:20 BST

The creation of a Mayor for London was meant to stimulate a new type of politician who would offer brave new ideas for the city. Unfortunately, the paucity of thinking on transport in the manifestos from the two main contenders suggests the experiment has failed — despite their ongoing row on the question of Tube fares.

Inflation figures add to ministers� woes

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:05:06 BST

Today's inflation figures for March provide yet more bad news for the Chancellor. The rise in the Consumer Prices Index to an annualised 3.5 per cent, driven by higher food prices, may well turn out to be a blip in the long term. But it makes the Bank of England’s forecasts, especially its prediction that inflation will return to the Bank’s two per cent target by the end of the year, look increasingly thin.

Must we sit quietly for yet another childcare fairytale?

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:56:44 BST

I don’t go to sleep at night without a prayer of thanksgiving for the fact that, as a result of a disgustingly fortunate conflation of circumstances, I do not have to face the boiling horrors of finding childcare for my 11-month-old son.

Let the rich pay tax and then give to charity

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:26:12 BST

In the lexicon of political equivocation, can I tell you what a “consensus” is? It’s a U-turn, as in Treasury minister David Gauke saying he’s going to reach a consensus with charities about the Budget proposal to cap tax relief on donations to charity.

Can independents ever break the mould of politics?

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:50:26 BST

The independent candidate for Mayor, Siobhan Benita, was not allowed onto the platform for the Evening Standard mayoral debate last week.

Closing the Tube for weeks won�t work

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:42:50 BST

Today's mayoral poll confirms that Boris Johnson is maintaining his lead over Ken Livingstone in the May 3 race — for intriguing reasons.

Privacy is like virginity: impossible to get back

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:05:30 BST

Recently I interviewed a gay theatre director and asked him if he had had any problems coming out to his parents. He looked at me as if I was clinically insane and said: “I wouldn’t dream of telling my mum and dad what I do with my d***.”

GM snubs Germany over new Astra

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:29 +0100

Factories in the UK and Poland have been chosen to build the new high-volume model, in a move that could put a German plant at risk

Truth behind Japan's free and open market

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:05:12 +0100

A Japanese negotiator can claim his market is fully open, safe in the knowledge that no products will be imported, writes Clyde Prestowitz

GM to create 700 jobs at Ellesmere Port

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:50:29 +0100

US carmaker reaches a deal with its workers and will invest £125m in the Cheshire plant to build the new model of its Astra compact car

GM set to build new Astra on Merseyside

Wed, 16 May 2012 20:07:00 +0100

Jaguar Land Rover continues to ramp up production of Evoque 'baby Range Rover, at Halewood, which was threatened with closure a decade ago

GM to pull back on Facebook advertising

Tue, 15 May 2012 23:33:02 +0100

General Motors plans to stop paying for ads on the website in a move that raises questions about the social network's business model

Green cars to drive down tax receipts

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:04:04 +0100

Growth in sales of fuel efficient, duty exempt vehicles will leave a £13bn hole in Treasury finances by 2029, the Institute for Fiscal Studies warns

GM unveils Europe restructuring plan

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:31:56 +0100

Strategy to 'quickly return to profitability' outlined by head of European arm Karl-Friedrich Stracke after weak European demand has left Opel plants under-used

GM to spare Vauxhall at Ellesmere plant

Sun, 13 May 2012 19:25:10 +0100

US carmaker's business plan includes producing more cars at the site, which employs 2,100 workers there, and cutting its fixed costs

Porsche chief drops plan for entry-level model

Sat, 12 May 2012 13:44:10 +0100

Porsche aims to increase output by taking advantage of VW resources, but does not want to dilute the exclusive brand

Japanese carmakers predict bounceback

Fri, 11 May 2012 18:03:26 +0100

Toyota, Nissan, Honda and others expect strong results after overcoming supply problems amid natural disasters and a strong yen

Monocultural VW must expand horizons

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:35:17 +0100

Carmaker's German management and heritage fail to do justice to the global reach of its products

Mittal sounds cautiously optimistic note

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:20:43 +0100

Head of world's largest steelmaker says he sees more confidence in number of key markets and upturn in North America

Magna founder to face shareholder revolt

Wed, 9 May 2012 20:51:14 +0100

The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan and Glass Lewis have expressed opposition to the re-election to the board of Frank Stronach

Toyota

Wed, 9 May 2012 13:38:13 +0100

After a bad year, the Japanese car company is heading in the right direction once again

Toyota predicts profit to double this year

Wed, 9 May 2012 11:30:32 +0100

Japanese carmaker expects to post net profit this year of nearly $10bn and to make a record number of cars and trucks as production disruptions fade

German workers fight GM Astra plans

Tue, 8 May 2012 20:16:26 +0100

Labour representatives at Rüsselsheim plant urge management to abandon tentative moves to shift entire production of model to the UK and Poland

US automakers step up summer production

Tue, 8 May 2012 20:01:26 +0100

Ford and Chrysler are reducing or skipping their usual annual production halts to meet stronger-than-expected demand for cars and trucks

Hopes rise for GM's Ellesmere factory

Mon, 7 May 2012 20:23:54 +0100

A labour leader at the carmaker says two European plants, Ellesmere Port and Gliwice in Poland, could be selected for production of the flagship Astra model

Hyundai reaps rewards of quality push

Mon, 7 May 2012 19:42:27 +0100

The South Korean carmaker's decade-long approach to raising its design and technology standards has paid off with awards and growing resale values

Hyundai starts Brazil production in September

Mon, 7 May 2012 17:31:14 +0100

Hyundai says the new plant near São Paulo will be its last for some time as it plans to upgrade existing plants to cope with expanding volumes

Meet the Skoda Citigo Rally car

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:09:44 +0100

Tiny city car gets rally makeover at annual Worthersee tuning festival…

Polo R WRC: too-too-too powerful

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:02:32 +0100

VW reveals 222bhp Polo hot hatch in Worthersee. And it shall be built

Scorcese to produce �Silver Ghost� film

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:55:05 +0100

Award-winning director to collaborate on Rolls-Royce film

Classified ad of the week: Cooper S

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:54:32 +0100

This is what the fastest Mini looked like in the sixties…

Lola goes into administration

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:07:44 +0100

Historic sportscar company blames economic downturn as administrator is appointed

First drive: the new Audi A3

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:46:38 +0100

Paul Horrell reports back on a new engineering dawn for the VW Group…

How not to drive a Lamborghini

Wed, 16 May 2012 14:36:05 +0100

Watch someone oversteer a £150,000 Gallardo into trouble…

What�s in the TG car park today?

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:37:33 +0100

There’s something a bit different in our underground lair. Can you guess what it is?

History lesson: the Mercedes G-Class

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:58:56 +0100

To commemorate the G63’s launch, we chart the history of Benz’s venerable brick

First drive: the new Mercedes G63 AMG

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:55:40 +0100

AMG’s new 5.5-litre V8 in a G-Class must be a recipe for success, right? Right? Paul Horrell reports

Video: Kia Sportage review

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:39:03 +0100

The Kia Sportage’s great looks, impressive spec and industry-leading warranty make it the most desirable Kia yet.

Hot Volkswagen Polo gets 217bhp

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:26:26 +0100

A hot Volkswagen Polo WRC Street model has been announced with an unprecedented 217bhp – more than its big brother, the Golf GTI.

Driven: 345bhp Lotus Exige S

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:02:55 +0100

At first glance the Lotus Exige S may look like a racing car with number plates, but its supple suspension and big V6 engine, actually makes it a terrific road car as well as a rapid track day warrior.

Expert review: Infiniti FX 4x4

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:41:57 +0100

Big and bold, the Infiniti FX is a distinctly left-field addition to the performance 4x4 market. You’ve got to be completely sold on the looks, though, because it can’t compete with the BMW X6 and Porsche Cayenne on the road.

Used car values rise four months in a row

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:43:41 +0100

Used car prices have risen for the fourth month in a row – at a time of year when they usually fall.

One in three under-25s admit to drink-driving

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:44:41 +0100

A new poll showed 37 per cent of young drivers have driven under the influence of alcohol.

Scrappage scheme slows fall in car sales

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:45:39 +0100

The scrappage scheme has made a “positive impact” on the new car industry after slowing the decline in new car sales.

Vauxhall buyout will get government support

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:46:36 +0100

Britain's car manufacturers and its unions are no longer the problem, but the solution, business secretary Lord Mandelson said today.

Depreciation-busting sports cars

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:47:43 +0100

Buy a car which retains its value and you’ll save money when it’s time to sell. We round up six of the most affordable depreciation-beating sports cars.

Text message scam advice

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:06:44 +0100

Auto Trader is warning customers to be aware of a new text message scam. Find out what the bogus message is and how to avoid it.

Virtual vehicle scams

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:10:28 +0100

We reveal the potential pitfalls of money transfer services and virtual vehicle scams. Find out how to stay safe when paying for a car.

Attack of the clones: staying safe

Thu, 21 May 2009 15:39:44 +0100

With money tighter than ever, it’s important to make sure you buy a used car safely. Find out what a clone is, why to avoid them and how to spot one.

How to avoid car jacking: The complete guide

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 12:24:01 +0100

Half a million vehicles are stolen in the UK every year. We reveal five common car thefts and show you how to avoid them.

Car scams

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:57:25 +0100

YOU could lose thousands of pounds from a single scam email. Don’t fall victim of fraud – read our round up of the most dangerous emails and scams now.

Toyota Urban Cruiser car review

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:49:06 +0100

The Urban Cruiser is Toyota’s distinctive new model which is part soft-roader and part compact MPV, entering a growing niche featuring the Citroen C3 Picasso and Kia Soul.

Iconic TT gets RS power

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:50:07 +0100

It’s taken since 1995 for Audi to build a really hot, Porsche-rivalling TT Coupe and Roadster. Has it been worth the wait?

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG car review

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:51:14 +0100

Mercedes’ uber-sensible E-Class big car now has a discreet-but-bonkers alter ego in the shape of the E 63 AMG.

Ibiza Cupra and Bocanegra first drive

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:52:17 +0100

Adrian Hearn travelled to Barcelona to test drive the new Ibiza Cupra and Ibiza Bocanegra models.

Mazda 3 i-stop car review

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:53:31 +0100

The 2-litre petrol Mazda 3 is the manufacturer’s first car to benefit from stop-start fuel saving technology, paving the way for its introduction across the next few years.

Mercedes SLS 'Gullwing' pics leaked

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:21:32 +0100

The first official pictures of the 21st Century Mercedes Gullwing have been leaked on the Internet.

Stunts and jumps

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:45 +0100

May Starey brings you some of films greatest stunts and jumps. From Mad Max to Transporter 3 - from swimming pools and staircases to two wheels and no wheels.

Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG car review

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:56:15 +0100

Mercedes’ uber-sensible E-Class big car now has a discreet-but-bonkers alter ego in the shape of the E 63 AMG.

Michael Jackson fan kicks repo driver

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:57:25 +0100

Vijay Pattni is your host for this week’s Weird World of Wheels.

How to buy a supercar

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:28:15 +0100

Want the biggest driving thrills with affordable insurance and cheap ways to pay? We reveal the essential supercar checks in our complete buyers' guide.

The best 09-plate cars for less

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:18:09 +0100

March will put the ?09? in 2009 with the new number plate change. There will be plenty of great new car offers to be had.

The complete guide to supercar clubs

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:19:31 +0100

Fancy driving a Ferrari F430 for a day for £100? Or perhaps a Lamborghini Gallardo for the weekend?

Get the best price for your part-exchange

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:00:04 +0100

Take the first offer a dealer makes on your part exchange and you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds ? especially if you don?t know its true value.

Six of the best: Fuel-efficient cars

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:58:35 +0100

The average working motorist spends £1,930 on fuel. Drive a fuel-efficient car and you could cut your petrol bill in half.

Downsizing your car: The complete guide

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:57:10 +0100

You could save thousands of pounds by switching to a smaller car with better fuel economy.

Doctor Who's car tax mishap

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:56:14 +0100

Doctor Who star David Tennant has allegedly been spotted driving with an expired car tax disc.

Sell your car for the most money

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:55:24 +0100

Get the most cash for your car by writing a great advert.

Add hundreds to your car's value

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:54:34 +0100

A few quick and easy jobs can add hundreds of pounds to your car?s value.

Sell your car: Set the price

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:50:32 +0100

Set your car?s price too low and you could lose money ? set it too high and it might struggle to sell.

Save �3,000 on the price of a brand new car

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:19:05 +0100

Dealers are slashing thousands of pounds off old models to make way for new cars ? such as the revamped Ford Fiesta.

Could you save money on car insurance?

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:34:21 +0100

Car insurance premiums could rise by 20 per cent this year, some UK insurers have warned.

Tax your car for �3 a month

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:33:20 +0100

Want to save money on road tax? Drive a car which emits between 101 and 120g/km of CO2 and you?ll pay £35 per year.

Buy a new car for the price of a coffee

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:32:20 +0100

If you want your next car to cost LESS than a large cup of coffee per day, now is the best time to buy.

Depreciation-busting sports cars

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:29:36 +0100

Buy a car which retains its value and you?ll save money when it?s time to sell.

Six of the best: Tax-free cars

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:28:44 +0100

Road tax is set to rise this year, but look for a car with low enough CO2 emissions and you won?t have to pay a penny on tax.

The best New Year car bargains

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:27:41 +0100

Dealers are slashing thousands of pounds off cars in January.

Six of the best: Cheapest cars to insure

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:26:46 +0100

Car insurance premiums could rise by 20 per cent this year, some UK insurers have warned.

The complete motorists' guide to 2009

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:25:25 +0100

With car tax rises and the credit crunch affecting new and used car prices, 2009 will be an interesting time for the motor industry. But how will it affect YOU?

Money-saving tips and tricks

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:24:31 +0100

From speeding tickets to lying sat-navs, the world of motoring is full of unexpected horrors? but costs needn?t be a nightmare.

Half-price cars

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:23:03 +0100

Dealers are selling cars for HALF-PRICE to combat the economic downturn.

Six of the best: UK's cheapest cars

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:13:22 +0100

We’ve scoured every new car list price in Britain to bring you the best bargain-priced cars. This week: Six superminis at a snip...

Advertise your car on Auto Trader

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:35:01 +0100

Feeling the crunch? You could save thousands of pounds on running costs by replacing your car with a more economical one. Sell your car on Auto Trader now.

Make money by putting adverts on your car

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:03:43 +0100

You could earn up to £1,500 per year by displaying logos on the side of your car. Find out how to turn your car into a motorised billboard.

Save �2,000 on your next car: complete guide

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:11:12 +0100

The car scrappage scheme offers buyers £2,000 towards a new car or van. Find out how it works and which cars can be scrapped.

The motorists' guide to beating the downturn

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:14:35 +0100

More than two million people in the UK are unemployed – find out our money-saving tips to buying, selling and running a car now.

Worst ever F1 car makes debut

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:34:19 +0100

The worst car ever to enter F1 will be appearing at this year's Festival of Speed.

Ten reasons to visit the Festival of Speed

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:33:40 +0100

This weekend will see 150,000 petrolheads descending on a sleepy Sussex village for a weekend of motorsport mayhem.

The complete driver's line-up

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:30:35 +0100

More than 115 star riders and drivers will descend on Goodwood for the 2009 Festival of Speed.

The Wacky Racers

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:27:36 +0100

A real-life Dick Dasterdly and Penelope Pitstop will be making an appearance at the Festival of Speed this year.

Wild Citroen supercar to tackle hill

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:24:52 +0100

The wild GTbyCitroen - whcih won the Louis Vuitton Classic Concept Award - will make its UK debut at Goodwood.

Latest Veyron to make debut

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:11:13 +0100

The incredible Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport will make its way up the iconic hill at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Girls of the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:57:56 +0100

Forget the £1 million Lambo Roadster or the Focus RS-shredding Golf R - we've got pics of the girls of the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show!

Hamann�s 265bhp Fiat 500

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:10 +0100

Which engineer at Hamann thought it would be a wise idea to put 265bhp under the hood of a Fiat 500? You deserve a pat on the back.

Audi R8 Spyder

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:02:07 +0100

White, roofless and with a roaring V10 engine - the Audi R8 Spyder has just made the decision of which £100,000-plus convertible to own even harder.

VW Golf R faster than Focus RS

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:04:03 +0100

This is the new Volkswagen Golf R – the flagship VW hot hatch which will destroy the Ford Focus RS in a straight line.

New Vauxhall Astra makes Frankfurt debut

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:16:13 +0100

This is the new Vauxhall Astra - the new generation of one of the UK's biggest selling cars. Want to know how much it costs and the details? Click to find out.

Ford Mondeo Econetic Titanium car review

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:39:25 +0100

A luxury-spec Ford Mondeo for £73 a month? We were among the first to drive the new Ford Mondeo Econetic Titanium.

The 70mpg club

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:07:36 +0100

The 72.4mpg Toyota Prius goes on sale this weekend - see which other cars on sale in the UK can manage more than 70mpg.

Vauxhall Corsa joins the tax-free club

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:15:33 +0100

Vauxhall has announced it will offer a Corsa which emits just 98g/km of CO2, which qualifies it for a free tax disc.

Lexus RX450h Ten Point Test

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:20:48 +0100

The Lexus RX series has been a real success for the Japanese luxury marque, and marked a line in the sand with the option of hybrid models.

Review: Tax-free 83mpg Polo

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:23:09 +0100

The Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion has style and sophistication by the bucket load and it's a hard combination to resist. Read our full review.

December car sales surge

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:42:32 +0100

December saw a 38.9 per cent rise in new car sales, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Scrappage scheme extended again

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:16:21 +0100

The government’s £2,000 scrappage scheme has been extended for the second time.

Ten great new car bargains

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:53:04 +0100

With VAT back up to 17.5 per cent, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s difficult to get a great deal on a new car. Not so – and here’s the proof.

'How I got �13,000 for two cars'

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:44:30 +0100

One Auto Trader reader has taken a great deal on a new Alfa Romeo Mito by getting £13,000 for his previous cars - we explain how.

What cars have been scrapped so far?

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:42:51 +0100

It’s been five months since the scrappage scheme began, and some of the cars crushed so far include Mercedes, Porsches and Jaguars.

Budget 2009: expert reaction

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:05:14 +0100

As Chancellor Alistair Darling unveils his 2009 budget, we speak to the UK's motoring industry to find out what they think.

Scrappage scheme confirmed

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:34:05 +0100

The government has confirmed motorists with cars aged ten-year-old or more will be entitled to £2,000 for their old banger under a new scrappage scheme.

How much will it cost to tax a car?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:11:16 +0100

With the Budget now announced, how much will it cost to tax your car? Find out all you need to know in our Budget 2009 tax guide.

What it means for motorists

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:08:52 +0100

Will you be paying more to run your car from May 2009? Find out everything you need to know about the Budget in our essential guide.

Budget: your questions answered

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:30:44 +0100

How much will it cost to tax my car? Is the price of petrol going up? Answers to all the big questions about the Budget 2009.

Budget 2009: another fuel price rise?

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:00:41 +0100

Why have fuel prices risen again in this year’s Budget? We talk to the experts and look at recent trends to find out why.