Britain can’t build without a trades revolution. Both parties must address the woeful shortage of skilled labour or their promises of 300,000 homes a year are empty. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/491UPXl

Yes, it’s serious: your country needs you. The government ruled out conscription but it must urgently create a 21st-century National Service to train reservists. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/42qnp2r

My five rules to make conservatism popular. Two centuries of success proves the Tories know how to evolve — but becoming infected with populism would be fatal. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/42yFtHF

Delighted that Alexander Stubb is doing so well in the presidential election in Finland. A great colleague when he was Foreign Minister and a wise, energetic and inspiring leader. He would be a great asset to his country as president.

Time to punish Putin by using Russian assets. After the death of Navalny, and as Ukraine falters in year three of the invasion, West must start spending frozen funds. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/42LhKnI

Welsh education failure is a lesson for Labour. England’s return to knowledge-based learning has improved results, but the ‘progressive’ approach of the devolved nations has been disastrous. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/49Ycu2v

Death of local papers threatens democracy. In much of Britain, regional news is hollowed out or close to extinction but it is vital in holding politicians to account. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/43dMqyc

Lost boys need help or they turn to extremes Disaffected young men are increasingly embracing far-right parties — they deserve better role models before it’s too late Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3Tnxysz

🎙️ One remarkable story, told in depth, each day. Hosts Manveen Rana and Luke Jones take you to the heart of the story you need to know with exclusive reports and investigations Listen on Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts ⬇️ thetimes.co.uk/podcasts/the-s…

How to stop technology leading to anarchy. Free societies are going to have to strike a balance between liberty and control — it’s difficult but it’s also urgent. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/4axVbpa

Escalation would be a huge mistake for Israel. Acting tough won’t deal with the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran — stronger alliances are the only path to peace. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3U3jTXY

Sadly, Liz Truss’s world view is no laughing matter. Short-lived PM is unlikely to return to power but her brand of revolutionary conservatism is gathering pace worldwide. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/4aNcnb1

“Too much unchecked power ends up with bad outcomes.” @Azeem warns that the next parliament will be a “critical period” for tackling AI, in conversation with William Hague. Listen in full on The Story: shorturl.at/qstBP #TimesRadio

Our world depends on chips — they run everything from cars to stock markets. But with the vast majority made in geopolitically sensitive Taiwan, how secure is the future of our world? Find out with William Hague and Chris Miller on The Story podcast ⬇️ pod.fo/e/24018d

Labour’s foolish to rule out national service. During an election it’s easy to trash the opponent, but creating a reserve army and forging a common identity will be vital. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/4bxm5yH

‘Local’ MPs can’t give leadership we need. A parliament dominated by former councillors would be ill-equipped to respond to the great global challenges ahead. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3wSuEVJ

Farage’s posturing offers no future for Tories. Reform leader will launch a charm offensive on Conservatives but his permanent opposition to everything is a dead end. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/4cPpJEb

Shooting has amplified what was already likely. Contrary to breathless claims that the assassination attempt on Trump changes everything, it has reinforced prevailing trends. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3LoTwI8

Tories will find great dangers in opposition. The next Conservative leader must resist a host of temptations if the party is to hold the government to account. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3X7bdBz

Democracy depends on taming tech giants. If freedom of speech is to survive, legions of bots can’t be allowed to churn out divisive disinformation for profit. Read my latest The Times and The Sunday Times column here: bit.ly/3ToDQJc