A ban on the import of ash trees came into force on Monday and an expert tree disease taskforce (группа специалистов) has been established.

But Labour accused the government of being "asleep on the job" and failing to to act quickly enough.

Ministers said they acted as soon as the disease was confirmed and had taken the threat "extremely ... Read more »

The Beatles' Liverpool
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Completed in 1978, Liverpool Cathedral is a place of superlatives – it is Britain’s biggest church and the biggest Anglican cathedral in the world. It also has what’s probably the world’s largest operational organ, and the third-largest bell in the world (St James’ Mount; admission £5).
Tate Liverpool is regarded as the home of modern art in the north of England. The gallery features a substantial checklist of 20thc ... Read more »

Living in: Prague

A real fairytale city, with its castle on the hill and famous statue-covered bridge, Prague has starred in everything from moody music videos to real-life revolutions. Its glorious architecture and rich cultural and historical heritage (наследие) make it a permanent draw (притягательная сила) for tourists, and the excellent public transport and cosmopolitan and artistic life is ... Read more »

Chicago-born singer-songwriter Terry Callier, who collaborated with Massive Attack and Beth Orton, has died at the age of 67.

Callier, who began his career at 17 when he signed to Chess records, recorded his final album in 2009.
Hidden Conversations was written and produced with Bristol collective Massive Attack.
He also worked on Orton's Mercury prize nominated album, Central Reservations. Callier died in hospital in Chicago.
The news was conf ... Read more »