thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Think you don't have to file a tax return? Here are five reasons why you might need to

Think you don ’ t need to file a tax return for 2018/19 ?
Perhaps it ’ s time to double check .
Around 750,000 taxpayers miss the Jan 31 deadline each year , often simply because they are unaware they need to file a return .
It ’ s a common misconception that filing always leads to paying extra tax – sometimes it can trigger tax reliefs and refunds .
Have you claimed for your pension contributions ?
Tax relief is available on pension contributions at your highest rate of income tax .
Higher or additional rate taxpayers can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relief respectively if they are not in a net-pay or salary-sacrifice pension arrangement through their employer but instead make direct pension contributions .
Venture capital schemes , for example the Enterprise Investment Scheme , Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and venture capital trusts , offer valuable income tax and capital gains tax relief to encourage you to invest .
If you have made eligible investments into these schemes you should claim income tax relief on your tax return for the year in which the shares are issued to you .
In some circumstances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributions back to the previous tax year , which can be beneficial in tax terms .
Independent financial advice should be sought if this is relevant to you .

Think you don’t need to file a tax return for 2018/19? Perhaps it’s time to double check.
Around 750,000 taxpayers miss the Jan 31 deadline each year, often simply because they are unaware they need to file a return. It’s a common misconception that filing always leads to paying extra tax – sometimes it can trigger tax reliefs and refunds.
Have you claimed for your pension contributions?
Tax relief is available on pension contributions at your highest rate of income tax. Higher or additional rate taxpayers can claim an additional 20pc and 25pc tax relief respectively if they are not in a net-pay or salary-sacrifice pension arrangement through their employer but instead make direct pension contributions.
Investments into venture capital schemes
Venture capital schemes, for example the Enterprise Investment Scheme, Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme and venture capital trusts, offer valuable income tax and capital gains tax relief to encourage you to invest. If you have made eligible investments into these schemes you should claim income tax relief on your tax return for the year in which the shares are issued to you.
In some circumstances, you can also elect to carry the contributions back to the previous tax year, which can be beneficial in tax terms. Independent financial advice should be sought if this is relevant to you.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Ajax star Donny van de Beek to reject new deal as he eyes summer move

Donny van de Beek is set to reject a new long-term contract at Ajax ahead of a summer move away @ @ @ @ @ midfielder , 22 , has been on Manchester United ’ s radar , while Tottenham @ @ @ @ @ in that position .
Van de Beek will be one of the summer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ market with Real Madrid also prepared to compete for him .
Van de Beek has @ @ @ @ @ Johan Cruyff ArenA for the rest of the campaign and has ruled out a January @ @ @ @ @ full seasons on his contract at the club but is unlikely to agree fresh terms @ @ @ @ @ end of the season .
Ajax want to make sure their key players remain at @ @ @ @ @ secure the Eredivisie title and head straight into the play-offs for the Champions League group @ @ @ @ @ start their current campaign in July despite reaching the semi-finals of the tournament two months @ @

Donny van de Beek is set to reject a new long-term contract at Ajax ahead of a summer move away from Holland.
The Dutch midfielder, 22, has been on Manchester United’s radar, while Tottenham are also looking to strengthen in that position.
Van de Beek will be one of the summer’s biggest moves in the transfer market with Real Madrid also prepared to compete for him.
Van de Beek has insisted he will stay at Johan Cruyff ArenA for the rest of the campaign and has ruled out a January move.
He has two full seasons on his contract at the club but is unlikely to agree fresh terms before bids arrive at the end of the season.
Ajax want to make sure their key players remain at the club this month to secure the Eredivisie title and head straight into the play-offs for the Champions League group stages.
They had to start their current campaign in July despite reaching the semi-finals of the tournament two months earlier.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Northern White Rhino embryos ready to implant in project to bring back sub-species

They look like meaningless blobs .
But these tiny sacs of cells hold the embryo of a Northern White Rhino @ @ @ @ @ an entire sub-species .
The Northern White Rhino has been effectively extinct since 2018 , @ @ @ @ @ 45-year-old Sudan , died in Kenya .
Since the 1960s , the population has fallen @ @ @ @ @ two remaining females today - mother Najin and daughter Fatu - who are currently protected @ @ @ @ @ Mount Kenya .
But now scientists have successfully four eggs from Najin and six from @ @ @ @ @ sperm from a dead male , creating three viable embryos which they are hoping to @ @ @ @ @ this year .
All three embryos are now stored in liquid nitrogen while conservationists hunt @ @ @ @ @ carry the precious calves .
The team is hoping to implant the embryos into young @ @ @ @ @ as it is too risky to carry out the procedure on the last remaining Northerns @

They look like meaningless blobs. But these tiny sacs of cells hold the embryo of a Northern White Rhino...and the future of an entire sub-species.
The Northern White Rhino has been effectively extinct since 2018, when the last male, 45-year-old Sudan, died in Kenya.
Since the 1960s, the population has fallen from 2,000 individuals to just two remaining females today - mother Najin and daughter Fatu - who are currently protected at Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Mount Kenya.
But now scientists have successfully four eggs from Najin and six from Fatu and fertilised them with sperm from a dead male, creating three viable embryos which they are hoping to implant into a surrogate later this year.
All three embryos are now stored in liquid nitrogen while conservationists hunt for a suitable female to carry the precious calves. The team is hoping to implant the embryos into young, fertile Southern White Rhinos as it is too risky to carry out the procedure on the last remaining Northerns.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Chilean 'crime tourists' are jailed for raid on Marcus Wareing's London home

Four Chilean 'crime tourists ' , who raided the home of celebrity chef , Marcus Wareing , making off with @ @ @ @ @ and other valuables , have been jailed .
Danko Carvajal-Donaire , 20 , Claudio Donoso @ @ @ @ @ Astorga , 27 , and Jorge Rojas , 22 , broke into Mr Wareing 's @ @ @ @ @ October , after the house had been specially marked with orange dots sprayed on the @ @ @ @ @ been flown into Britain by an organised crime gang , who coordinated a string of @ @ @ @ @ across London and the Home Counties .
After smashing their way into Mr Wareing 's @ @ @ @ @ gang snatched a gold Rolex watch , two Omega watches and other jewellery and items @ @ @ @ @ Crown Court was told how the value of the items stolen was £33,711 and included @ @ @ @ @ Wareing 's wife that contained a picture of her father .

Four Chilean 'crime tourists', who raided the home of celebrity chef, Marcus Wareing, making off with £33,000 in watches, jewellery and other valuables, have been jailed.
Danko Carvajal-Donaire, 20, Claudio Donoso, 20, Nicolas Portilla Astorga, 27, and Jorge Rojas, 22, broke into Mr Wareing's £7 million Wimbledon property last October, after the house had been specially marked with orange dots sprayed on the fence.
The raiders had been flown into Britain by an organised crime gang, who coordinated a string of burglaries at high end properties across London and the Home Counties.
After smashing their way into Mr Wareing's six bedroom house, the gang snatched a gold Rolex watch, two Omega watches and other jewellery and items with sentimental value.
Kingston Crown Court was told how the value of the items stolen was £33,711 and included a locket belonging to Mr Wareing's wife that contained a picture of her father.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Glastonbury Festival could impose limits on alcohol brought to Worthy Farm under plans to improve se

Glastonbury Festival could impose limits on alcohol brought to Worthy Farm under plans to improve security

Glastonbury revellers could face limits on the amount of alcohol they can bring to the festival under a council 's attempts to improve security .
Mendip District Council has proposed introducing restrictions for alcoholic drinks brought to Worthy Farm for the first time ahead of the festival 's 50th anniversary this summer .
Currently there are no rules on the amount of `` personal use '' alcohol allowed into the grounds .
The measure was among a series of recommendations outlined in a report into last year 's event which was attended by more than 200,000 across five days .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the council 's licensing committee called for “ consideration given to introduce a set limit on the personal amount of alcohol being brought on site thus promoting consistency and fairness ” .
No suggested alcohol limits were specified in the document .
The proposal was listed under new security recommendations for the 2020 festival after what was described as a `` well planned and managed '' event last year .
Claire Malcolmson , of the council , said : `` The Glastonbury Festival has a worldwide reputation and as such it means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ensuring that it undertakes its statutory duties .
`` The purpose of the licence , the licensing objectives and other legislation is to ensure event organisers provide a safe event whilst minimising disruption and nuisance to the local community . ''

Glastonbury revellers could face limits on the amount of alcohol they can bring to the festival under a council's attempts to improve security.
Mendip District Council has proposed introducing restrictions for alcoholic drinks brought to Worthy Farm for the first time ahead of the festival's 50th anniversary this summer.
Currently there are no rules on the amount of "personal use" alcohol allowed into the grounds.
The measure was among a series of recommendations outlined in a report into last year's event which was attended by more than 200,000 across five days.
In a report published earlier this month, the council's licensing committee called for “consideration given to introduce a set limit on the personal amount of alcohol being brought on site thus promoting consistency and fairness”.
No suggested alcohol limits were specified in the document. The proposal was listed under new security recommendations for the 2020 festival after what was described as a "well planned and managed" event last year.
Claire Malcolmson, of the council, said: "The Glastonbury Festival has a worldwide reputation and as such it means that we have a huge responsibility in ensuring that it undertakes its statutory duties.
"The purpose of the licence, the licensing objectives and other legislation is to ensure event organisers provide a safe event whilst minimising disruption and nuisance to the local community."


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--'Deep fake' imagery manipulation poses threat to society not just military, US General warns

‘ Deep fakes ’ pose a major threat to elections and even world peace , a US military leader has warned .
The manipulation of digital pictures to show misleading ‘ deep fake ’ images of people will become more widespread as artificial intelligence ( AI ) systems develop , says a senior American official .
Speaking on a visit to Nato headquarters in Brussels , Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan said he was “ deeply concerned ” of the “ corrosive influence ” of disinformation campaigns against political election cycles .
`` What if a senior leader was to come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at war , but it was a deep fake ?
, '' he asked .
“ It 's something I think a lot about because the level of realism and fidelity has vastly increased from just a year ago , '' the Director of the US Joint Artificial Intelligence Center said .
`` People have such a growing cynicism and scepticism about what they 're reading , seeing and hearing , that this could become such a corrosive effect over time that nobody knows what is reality anymore .
`` Those are areas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whole of society , not just the US military.
” The process of creating a deep fake image or video requires many pictures of a person 's face , which makes politicians and celebrities particularly vulnerable .

‘Deep fakes’ pose a major threat to elections and even world peace, a US military leader has warned.
The manipulation of digital pictures to show misleading ‘deep fake’ images of people will become more widespread as artificial intelligence (AI) systems develop, says a senior American official.
Speaking on a visit to Nato headquarters in Brussels, Lieutenant General Jack Shanahan said he was “deeply concerned” of the “corrosive influence” of disinformation campaigns against political election cycles.
"What if a senior leader was to come on and announce that the nation was at war, but it was a deep fake?," he asked.
“It's something I think a lot about because the level of realism and fidelity has vastly increased from just a year ago," the Director of the US Joint Artificial Intelligence Center said.
"People have such a growing cynicism and scepticism about what they're reading, seeing and hearing, that this could become such a corrosive effect over time that nobody knows what is reality anymore.
"Those are areas that are of increasing concern across the whole of society, not just the US military.”
The process of creating a deep fake image or video requires many pictures of a person's face, which makes politicians and celebrities particularly vulnerable.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Wednesday evening news briefing: Vladimir Putin plans sweeping constitutional changes in 'bid to kee

Wednesday evening news briefing: Vladimir Putin plans sweeping constitutional changes in 'bid to keep power' in Russia

Nandy : Corbyn 'fell into trap ' laid by Tories over Brexit Lisa Nandy has criticised Jeremy Corbyn for having fallen `` into a trap '' laid by the Tories over Brexit as she blamed a divisive narrative that said people were either `` for your country or for the world '' .
Giving a speech at the Royal Society of Arts as part of her bid to secure the leadership , the MP for Wigan hit out at the `` fully fledged culture war '' she said developed during the referendum .
It comes after Momentum , the pro-Corbyn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` stitch up '' the Labour leadership contest .
Harry Yorke explains how .
William and Kate 's first appearance since royal split The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned to royal duties for their first official engagement of the year following a tumultuous week for the Royal family .
William and Kate arrived in Bradford to cheers from several hundred well-wishers in Centenary Square .
Charlie Gowans-Eglinton analyses the `` business as usual '' message behind the Duchess of Cambridge 's high-low Bradford outfit .
It comes just days after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Sussex could step back as senior royals and begin a `` new life '' as an `` independent '' family .
And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has agreed with concerns raised by the Duke of Sussex about `` racial undertones '' in press coverage of the Duchess .
• Property values | House prices climb at fastest pace in two years Sir David Attenborough warns `` human beings have overrun the world '' in a trailer for his new film .
The feature-length documentary , titled David Attenborough : A Life On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ defining moments of his life and the environmental devastation that has taken place during that time .
Read on for details .

Nandy: Corbyn 'fell into trap' laid by Tories over Brexit
Lisa Nandy has criticised Jeremy Corbyn for having fallen "into a trap" laid by the Tories over Brexit as she blamed a divisive narrative that said people were either "for your country or for the world". Giving a speech at the Royal Society of Arts as part of her bid to secure the leadership, the MP for Wigan hit out at the "fully fledged culture war" she said developed during the referendum. It comes after Momentum, the pro-Corbyn campaign group, was accused of attempting to "stitch up" the Labour leadership contest. Harry Yorke explains how.
William and Kate's first appearance since royal split
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned to royal duties for their first official engagement of the year following a tumultuous week for the Royal family. William and Kate arrived in Bradford to cheers from several hundred well-wishers in Centenary Square. Charlie Gowans-Eglinton analyses the "business as usual" message behind the Duchess of Cambridge's high-low Bradford outfit. It comes just days after the Queen agreed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex could step back as senior royals and begin a "new life" as an "independent" family. And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has agreed with concerns raised by the Duke of Sussex about "racial undertones" in press coverage of the Duchess.
News digest
Video: Attenborough's climate warning in film trailer
Sir David Attenborough warns "human beings have overrun the world" in a trailer for his new film. The feature-length documentary, titled David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, looks back on the defining moments of his life and the environmental devastation that has taken place during that time. Read on for details.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--2019 was the second hottest year on record

The 2010s were the hottest decade on record and 2019 the second hottest year , according to data released on @ @ @ @ @ .
Extreme events such as the wildfires in Australia are likely to become much more @ @ @ @ @ continues , the World Meteorological Organisation said .
“ Unfortunately , we expect to see @ @ @ @ @ and the coming decades , fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the @ @ @ @ @ Secretary-General Petteri Taalas .
It comes after scientists earlier this week said the world 's @ @ @ @ @ on record last year , and had absorbed the equivalent to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom @ @ @ @ @ 25 years .
More than 90 per cent of excess heat is stored in the @ @ @ @ @ key measure of warming .

The 2010s were the hottest decade on record and 2019 the second hottest year, according to data released on Wednesday by the United Nations.
Extreme events such as the wildfires in Australia are likely to become much more common as the warming trend continues, the World Meteorological Organisation said.
“Unfortunately, we expect to see much extreme weather throughout 2020 and the coming decades, fuelled by record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
It comes after scientists earlier this week said the world's oceans were also the hottest on record last year, and had absorbed the equivalent to 3.6 billion Hiroshima atom bomb explosions over the past 25 years.
More than 90 per cent of excess heat is stored in the oceans, making them a key measure of warming.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Ashley Young's hopes of joining Inter take a blow as Roma's Leonardo Spinazzola set for Milan move

Ashley Young ’ s hopes of joining Inter Milan this month have suffered a setback as the Italian club close @ @ @ @ @ Roma ’ s left wing-back , Leonardo Spinazzola .
Inter have yet to end their @ @ @ @ @ remains a chance a deal could still happen if Manchester United sanction his sale , @ @ @ @ @ the young left back , Federico Dimarco , leave San Siro on loan .
But @ @ @ @ @ implications for Young ’ s hopes of a move to Italy this month after eight-and-a-half @ @ @ @ @ Spinazzola has been having a medical with Inter as the finishing touches are put to @ @ @ @ @ the Inter forward , Matteo Politano , join Roma in return as Conte takes measures @ @ @ @ @ problems .
Conte , the former Chelsea coach , wants Young for the second half @ @ @ @ @ locked in a nip and tuck title race with Juventus but he has been frustrated @ @ @ @ @ to part with their club captain .

Ashley Young’s hopes of joining Inter Milan this month have suffered a setback as the Italian club close in on a deal for Roma’s left wing-back, Leonardo Spinazzola.
Inter have yet to end their interest in Young and there remains a chance a deal could still happen if Manchester United sanction his sale, with Antonio Conte considering letting the young left back, Federico Dimarco, leave San Siro on loan.
But the news could have serious implications for Young’s hopes of a move to Italy this month after eight-and-a-half years at Old Trafford.
Spinazzola has been having a medical with Inter as the finishing touches are put to a swap deal that sees the Inter forward, Matteo Politano, join Roma in return as Conte takes measures to address his left-sided defensive problems.
Conte, the former Chelsea coach, wants Young for the second half of the season with Inter locked in a nip and tuck title race with Juventus but he has been frustrated by United’s reluctance to part with their club captain.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Pc Stuart Outten could have been killed in machete attack had he not shot suspect with Taser, court

Pc Stuart Outten could have been killed in machete attack had he not shot suspect with Taser, court hears

A police officer who was attacked by a white van driver wielding a machete could have died had he not managed to shoot the suspect with a Taser , a court has heard .
Handyman Muhammad Rodwan , 56 , allegedly stabbed Pc Stuart Outten repeatedly in a `` savage '' attack after he was pulled over in Leyton , east London , in August last year .
Pc Outten , 29 , suffered multiple stab wounds and skull fractures during the onslaught but still managed to use his Taser to disable Rodwan , the Old Bailey heard .
Opening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had he not managed to do so , the police officer could have been killed .
He told jurors at the Old Bailey : `` This case concerns a savage machete attack that was carried out by the defendant on a police constable during what should have been a routine stop of the defendant 's white van to investigate whether he was properly insured .
`` As a result of the attack , Stuart Outten , the police constable in question , suffered six deep wounds to his head with associated multiple fractures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the lower part of his right arm with multiple fractures of the fingers .
Both groups of injuries required surgery .
`` Despite the ferocity of the attack , and the seriousness of the wounds he had already received , Pc Outten somehow managed to discharge his Taser weapon which disabled the defendant and brought the attack to an end .

A police officer who was attacked by a white van driver wielding a machete could have died had he not managed to shoot the suspect with a Taser, a court has heard.
Handyman Muhammad Rodwan, 56, allegedly stabbed Pc Stuart Outten repeatedly in a "savage" attack after he was pulled over in Leyton, east London, in August last year.
Pc Outten, 29, suffered multiple stab wounds and skull fractures during the onslaught but still managed to use his Taser to disable Rodwan, the Old Bailey heard.
Opening the trial, Jonathan Rees QC said had he not managed to do so, the police officer could have been killed.
He told jurors at the Old Bailey: "This case concerns a savage machete attack that was carried out by the defendant on a police constable during what should have been a routine stop of the defendant's white van to investigate whether he was properly insured.
"As a result of the attack, Stuart Outten, the police constable in question, suffered six deep wounds to his head with associated multiple fractures to the skull, and two wounds to the lower part of his right arm with multiple fractures of the fingers. Both groups of injuries required surgery.
"Despite the ferocity of the attack, and the seriousness of the wounds he had already received, Pc Outten somehow managed to discharge his Taser weapon which disabled the defendant and brought the attack to an end.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Versace renounces use of kangaroo leather as millions of marsupials die in Australian bush fires

The Italian fashion house Versace will no longer use kangaroo leather in its products , as millions of the animals @ @ @ @ @ Australia ’ s sweeping bush fires .
The decision was taken some time ago , @ @ @ @ @ s 2019 collection , but only came to light this week .
It was not @ @ @ @ @ impact that Australia ’ s bush fires have had on kangaroos , koalas and other @ @ @ @ @ Versace follows a campaign launched by Italian animal rights campaigns in the autumn , in @ @ @ @ @ number of kangaroos which are culled each year in the wild .
The campaign groups @ @ @ @ @ to boycott kangaroo products .
“ We welcome Versace ’ s announcement , ” said @ @ @ @ @ an Italian animal welfare organisation .

The Italian fashion house Versace will no longer use kangaroo leather in its products, as millions of the animals are burnt to death by Australia’s sweeping bush fires.
The decision was taken some time ago, affecting the fashion brand’s 2019 collection, but only came to light this week.
It was not directly related to the devastating impact that Australia’s bush fires have had on kangaroos, koalas and other animals.
The move by Versace follows a campaign launched by Italian animal rights campaigns in the autumn, in which they protested against the number of kangaroos which are culled each year in the wild.
The campaign groups had called for Italian companies to boycott kangaroo products.
“We welcome Versace’s announcement,” said Simone Pavesi from LAV, an Italian animal welfare organisation.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Sharon Beshenivsky: Man arrested in Pakistan 14 years after policewoman shot dead

A man has been arrested in Pakistan in connection with the murder of a Bradford police officer almost 15 years @ @ @ @ @ was gunned down when responding to a robbery at a travel agent in November 2005 @ @ @ @ @ months into her role with West Yorkshire Police .
The 38-year-old became the seventh policewoman @ @ @ @ @ on duty , while colleague PC Teresa Milburn survived her injuries .
Piran Dhitta Khan @ @ @ @ @ by police to have been behind the raid .
West Yorkshire Police said Khan was @ @ @ @ @ operation involving the National Crime Agency and local partners .
He appeared in an Islamabad @ @ @ @ @ extradition was discussed .
Khan was remanded in custody to next appear at court on @ @ @

A man has been arrested in Pakistan in connection with the murder of a Bradford police officer almost 15 years ago.
PC Sharon Beshenivsky was gunned down when responding to a robbery at a travel agent in November 2005. She was just nine months into her role with West Yorkshire Police.
The 38-year-old became the seventh policewoman in Britain to be killed on duty, while colleague PC Teresa Milburn survived her injuries.
Piran Dhitta Khan, 71, is believed by police to have been behind the raid. West Yorkshire Police said Khan was held on Tuesday following an operation involving the National Crime Agency and local partners.
He appeared in an Islamabad court on Wednesday where his extradition was discussed. Khan was remanded in custody to next appear at court on January 29.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Next Labour leader: who are the candidates vying to replace Jeremy Corbyn?

The race to replace Jeremy Corbyn is already under way , with candidates distancing themselves from the Corbyn manifesto and @ @ @ @ @ their stalls for the leadership .
Emily Thornberry , Sir Keir Starmer , Clive Lewis @ @ @ @ @ Phillips and Rebecca Long Bailey and have confirmed they will stand for the leadership .
@ @ @ @ @ 13 .
The candidates include MPs from both the moderate and Corbynista wings of the @ @ @ @ @ Brexiteers and Remainers .
A poll of party members released on January 2 put Keir @ @ @ @ @ .
According to the poll , he would comfortably defeat Rebecca Long-Bailey in a final @ @ @ @ @ is a long way to go .
Here we list the potential hopefuls who could @ @ @ @ @ at the despatch box in three months ' time .

The race for the Labour Party leadership is now down to three candidates after Emily Thornberry failed to get enough support from local parties to be on the ballot.
Those hoping to replace Jeremy Corbyn include Rebecca Long-Bailey, Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy.
Candidates need the support of three unions and affiliate groups representing 5 per cent of the membership to progress.
Ms Nandy, Sir Keir and Ms Long-Bailey have secured the support of unions and affiliates but Emily Thornberry failed to get over the line.
A poll of party members released on January 2 put Sir Keir as the clear frontrunner. According to the poll, he would comfortably defeat Ms Long-Bailey in a final round run-off. But there is a long way to go.
Here we list the remaining hopefuls who could find themselves facing Boris Johnson at the despatch box in three months' time.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--ICC name Ben Stokes as cricketer of the year — and put him in select Test and ODI teams

Ben Stokes has been named men 's cricketer of the year in the International Cricket Council 's 2019 awards .
Stokes ' compelling performances underpinned England 's first World Cup win on home soil , not least his never-say-die innings in the dramatic Lord 's final , and his unforgettable match-winning 135 not out in the Ashes Test at Headingley was an instant classic .
Accepting the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy , voted for by a panel of the media representatives and former players , Stokes said : `` The past 12 months have been incredible for England cricket @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cricket World Cup for the first time was our greatest achievement .
`` This award is testament to my team-mates and the support staff that have been there every step of the way .
Fundamentally , without the support of these individuals , we would never achieved our objective of lifting a major trophy .
`` There is an incredible bond between team-mates and to savour our achievements , whether that 's winning the World Cup final at Lord 's or digging deep to win a Test match against Australia at Headingley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ these superb highs together .
The last 12 months have been the best in my career , and I believe what we attained will be the catalyst to achieve further success over the next few years . ''

Ben Stokes has been named men's cricketer of the year in the International Cricket Council's 2019 awards.
Stokes' compelling performances underpinned England's first World Cup win on home soil, not least his never-say-die innings in the dramatic Lord's final, and his unforgettable match-winning 135 not out in the Ashes Test at Headingley was an instant classic.
Accepting the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, voted for by a panel of the media representatives and former players, Stokes said: "The past 12 months have been incredible for England cricket and to lift the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup for the first time was our greatest achievement.
"This award is testament to my team-mates and the support staff that have been there every step of the way. Fundamentally, without the support of these individuals, we would never achieved our objective of lifting a major trophy.
"There is an incredible bond between team-mates and to savour our achievements, whether that's winning the World Cup final at Lord's or digging deep to win a Test match against Australia at Headingley.
"It is satisfying you can accomplish these superb highs together. The last 12 months have been the best in my career, and I believe what we attained will be the catalyst to achieve further success over the next few years."


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Tommy Fleetwood hopes to strike Major inspiration for this season in the Abu Dhabi Championship

Some things can sprout forth in the desert , including entire career-defining seasons .
Just ask Shane Lowry , Tommy Fleetwood , Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia , who are all examples that striking early in the Gulf can lead to untold riches .
Willett and Garcia both went on to win the Masters a few months after triumphing at the Dubai Desert Classic - the event that takes place 70 miles up the E11 next week - while Fleetwood enjoyed his stand-out year after ending his barren run at this Abu Dhabi Championship three years ago .
Last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at last year ’ s Open Championship after lifting this title six months before and the Irishman is certain it was no coincidence .
“ I came here 12 months ago and I was down in 75th in the world rankings and wasn ’ t in great form and didn ’ t know what 2019 was going to bring , ” he recalled yesterday .
“ But winning this tournament against a really strong field kickstarted everything .
There ’ s no doubt it had an influence on what happened in Portrush .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hadn ’ t won for a years , but the way I won here , leading all week and then finding myself four behind with seven holes remaining , showed a lot of heart a lot of character .
You know , a lot of form is built on confidence and that ’ s what I gained here last year.
” Garcia concurs .
“ There ’ s definitely something about winning in January that gives you momentum , ” he said .
“ It takes the pressure off , knowing that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It happened for me in Dubai in 2017 and for Danny the year before .
We went to Augusta and got a green jacket each .
That is not down to chance .
”

Some things can sprout forth in the desert, including entire career-defining seasons. Just ask Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood, Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia, who are all examples that striking early in the Gulf can lead to untold riches.
Willett and Garcia both went on to win the Masters a few months after triumphing at the Dubai Desert Classic - the event that takes place 70 miles up the E11 next week - while Fleetwood enjoyed his stand-out year after ending his barren run at this Abu Dhabi Championship three years ago.
Last year, Lowry went on to grasp glory at last year’s Open Championship after lifting this title six months before and the Irishman is certain it was no coincidence. “I came here 12 months ago and I was down in 75th in the world rankings and wasn’t in great form and didn’t know what 2019 was going to bring,” he recalled yesterday.
“But winning this tournament against a really strong field kickstarted everything. There’s no doubt it had an influence on what happened in Portrush. Just self-belief wise if nothing else. I hadn’t won for a years, but the way I won here, leading all week and then finding myself four behind with seven holes remaining, showed a lot of heart a lot of character. You know, a lot of form is built on confidence and that’s what I gained here last year.”
Garcia concurs. “There’s definitely something about winning in January that gives you momentum,” he said. “It takes the pressure off, knowing that you’ve already got a win. It happened for me in Dubai in 2017 and for Danny the year before. We went to Augusta and got a green jacket each. That is not down to chance.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Attorney General asked to consider whole life tariff for Britain's worst ever rapist, Reynhard Sinag

Attorney General asked to consider whole life tariff for Britain's worst ever rapist, Reynhard Sinaga

Britain 's most prolific rapist could spend the rest of his life behind bars after prosecutors asked the Attorney General @ @ @ @ @ sentence and imposing a whole life tariff .
Reynhard Sinaga , 36 , was jailed @ @ @ @ @ last week , after being convicted of carrying out 159 sex attacks on 48 different @ @ @ @ @ understood the Crown Prosecution Service ( CPS ) has written to Geoffrey Cox QC , @ @ @ @ @ to be reviewed and potentially increased .
The judge in the case , Suzanne Goddard @ @ @ @ @ had considered handing down a whole life tariff , describing it as a `` borderline @ @ @ @ @ told Sinaga he would be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 30-years .

Britain's most prolific rapist, Reynhard Sinaga, could become the first non-murderer given a whole life prison tariff after the Attorney General,asked the Court of Appeal to reconsider the case.
Sinaga, 36, was jailed for a minimum of 30-years last week, after being convicted of carrying out 159 sex attacks on 48 different men.
But Mr Cox has referred the case to the Court of Appeal, after prosecutors suggested the sentence was not severe enough given the gravity of his crimes.
The judge in the case, Suzanne Goddard QC, told Sinaga she had considered handing down a whole life tariff, describing it as a "borderline" case.
But eventually told Sinaga he would be eligible for parole after serving a minimum of 30-years.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Jeremy Corbyn: I agree with Prince Harry about 'racial undertones' in press coverage of Meghan Markl

Jeremy Corbyn: I agree with Prince Harry about 'racial undertones' in press coverage of Meghan Markle

Jeremy Corbyn agrees with concerns raised by the Duke of Sussex about `` racial undertones '' in press coverage of the Duchess of Sussex , the Labour leader 's office said .
A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said : `` Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan , about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and , to use Prince Harry 's words as well , the 'racial undertones ' in relation to how the media has approached Meghan . ''
She said Mr Corbyn had `` spoken out '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives '' .
The row over media coverage of the Duchess was fuelled by Prince Harry himself , who has attacked the British press for their portrayal of his wife .
In November 2016 , the duke used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the `` wave of abuse and harassment '' the US actress had faced from the media , citing the `` racial undertones of comment pieces '' among his concerns .
It has resurfaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sussexes ' bombshell announcement last week that they were stepping back from their royal duties .
But Priti Patel has denied claims the Duchess of Sussex has been the subject of racist press coverage , saying people of any background can `` get on in life '' in Britain .

Jeremy Corbyn agrees with concerns raised by the Duke of Sussex about "racial undertones" in press coverage of the Duchess of Sussex, the Labour leader's office said.
A spokesman for Mr Corbyn said: "Jeremy has commented in the past in relation to Prince Harry and Meghan, about press intrusion and its impact on people and their families and, to use Prince Harry's words as well, the 'racial undertones' in relation to how the media has approached Meghan."
She said Mr Corbyn had "spoken out" about the issue and "understands how press intrusion can have a negative impact on people and their private lives".
The row over media coverage of the Duchess was fuelled by Prince Harry himself, who has attacked the British press for their portrayal of his wife.
In November 2016, the duke used a statement from his communications secretary to lash out at the "wave of abuse and harassment" the US actress had faced from the media, citing the "racial undertones of comment pieces" among his concerns.
It has resurfaced as a hot topic again after the Sussexes' bombshell announcement last week that they were stepping back from their royal duties.
But Priti Patel has denied claims the Duchess of Sussex has been the subject of racist press coverage, saying people of any background can "get on in life" in Britain.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Will interest rates fall and how will this affect mortgages and savings?

Despite a decade of rock-bottom interest rates , the Bank of England is under pressure again to cut rates after @ @ @ @ @ went into reverse before December 's general election .
The actions of central banks can @ @ @ @ @ , but have significant ramifications for the cost of borrowing and rates savers receive on @ @ @ @ @ we look at where rates could go and how it will affect consumers .
When @ @ @ @ @ on January 30 , the health of the British economy will be the main talking @ @ @ @ @ 0.3pc in November from a month earlier , according to the Office for National Statistics @ @ @ @ @ declined steadily since 2018 and now sits at just 1.3pc .
The pound has slipped @ @ @ @ @ reaching 0.7pc against the dollar to below $ 1.30 for the first time this year @

Despite a decade of rock-bottom interest rates, the Bank of England is under pressure again to cut rates after new data showed the economy went into reverse before December's general election.
The actions of central banks can seem distant to everyday life, but have significant ramifications for the cost of borrowing and rates savers receive on their cash. Here, we look at where rates could go and how it will affect consumers.
When the Monetary Policy Committee meets on January 30, the health of the British economy will be the main talking point.
GDP slumped by 0.3pc in November from a month earlier, according to the Office for National Statistics. Meanwhile, inflation has declined steadily since 2018 and now sits at just 1.3pc. The pound has slipped on the gloomy numbers, reaching 0.7pc against the dollar to below $1.30 for the first time this year.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Russian government resigns after Vladimir Putin plans sweeping constitutional changes

The entire Russian government abruptly resigned on Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes in the clearest to date @ @ @ @ @ stay in power beyond 2024 in a different role .
The resignation of the government @ @ @ @ @ Dmitry Medvedev shocked observers who were gearing up for a slow public campaign to implement @ @ @ @ @ Putin proposed just hours earlier .
In a surprise development , Mr Putin said he @ @ @ @ @ of the tax service , to be the next prime minister .
Mr Mishustin , @ @ @ @ @ by parliament on Thursday , has a relatively low profile and had not been spoken @ @ @ @ @ .
Mr Mishustin , 53 , has played ice hockey with Putin and will inevitably @ @ @ @ @ presidential successor , as will members of the new government , many of whom are @ @ @ @ @

The entire Russian government abruptly resigned on Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional changes in the clearest to date indication that he intends to stay in power beyond 2024 in a different role.
The resignation of the government of the unpopular Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev shocked observers who were gearing up for a slow public campaign to implement the sweeping amendments that Mr Putin proposed just hours earlier.
In a surprise development, Mr Putin said he wanted Mikhail Mishustin, head of the tax service, to be the next prime minister. Mr Mishustin, whose candidacy will be examined by parliament on Thursday, has a relatively low profile and had not been spoken of as a possible candidate.
Mr Mishustin, 53, has played ice hockey with Putin and will inevitably be viewed as a possible presidential successor, as will members of the new government, many of whom are expected to be new.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Contented managers and risk-averse owners: why the January 2020 transfer window has been so quiet

The January transfer window : a time for panic buys , expensive risks and shipping deadwood .
At least that was the case once upon a time .
This month has been uncharacteristically quiet in England 's top flight .
Premier League clubs have completed just seven permanent signings so far .
The total cost of all incoming and outgoing transfers is just £41.5 million - less than at this stage of any other window in past five years and , incredibly , almost £300m less than had changed hands by this date in 2018 .
Even last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The first half of the 2015 window came closest to matching the low total spend , and that year activity gathered pace in the second half of the month , with 10 more deals , each worth at least £5m , done in the final two weeks of the window .
It does not feel as though there is much chance of the same happening this year .
So why has January 2020 seen so few permanent deals ?
Here are a few explanations .
Fees in January are inflated .
Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy one of your in-form players mid-season , then they are desperate .
They will either pay whatever you ask ( see Barcelona 's £142m purchase of Philippe Coutinho in 2018 ) or abandon their pursuit .
It 's win-win for the selling club : strike a worthwhile deal to sell or keep the player .

The January transfer window: a time for panic buys, expensive risks and shipping deadwood. At least that was the case once upon a time.
This month has been uncharacteristically quiet in England's top flight. Premier League clubs have completed just seven permanent signings so far. The total cost of all incoming and outgoing transfers is just £41.5 million - less than at this stage of any other window in past five years and, incredibly, almost £300m less than had changed hands by this date in 2018. Even last year, £140m had been spent by January 15.
The first half of the 2015 window came closest to matching the low total spend, and that year activity gathered pace in the second half of the month, with 10 more deals, each worth at least £5m, done in the final two weeks of the window. It does not feel as though there is much chance of the same happening this year.
So why has January 2020 seen so few permanent deals? Here are a few explanations.
History shows signing mid-season is a risk
Fees in January are inflated. Everyone knows that if a club is trying to buy one of your in-form players mid-season, then they are desperate. They will either pay whatever you ask (see Barcelona's £142m purchase of Philippe Coutinho in 2018) or abandon their pursuit. It's win-win for the selling club: strike a worthwhile deal to sell or keep the player.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Julian Alaphilippe: I am pleased I made people happy – but it may be impossible to repeat last year'

Julian Alaphilippe: I am pleased I made people happy – but it may be impossible to repeat last year's results

Just how does a rider improve on a near-perfect season ?
“ It is not possible , ” says Julian Alaphilippe .
They may not have been the words Patrick Lefevere , his general manager at Deceuninck-Quick Step , will have wanted to hear but there is a refreshing honesty to Alaphilippe .
“ I will do my best to have another great season but yes , I realise that last year was really special , '' he told a huddle of journalists during his team presentation in Calpe , Spain .
`` A lot of quality victories – and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be really difficult to do it all again .
But we have to try it , I will do my best.
” Following a season in which Alaphilippe won Strade Bianche – a race he described as a “ piccolo monument ” – Milan-Sanremo , Flèche Wallonne and two stages at the Tour de France while also spending 14 days in the leader 's yellow jersey in his home race , one imagined his year could not have gone better .
And then he was awarded the prestigious Vélo d'Or award .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year , but last year it was a really amazing experience .
I was focused on this race during the winter and was happy to start the [ European ] season in Siena .
It was amazing to see all the team around me and to attack in the finale and to play with [ Jakob ] Fuglsang who was really , really strong .
It was one of my best memories from last year .
”

Just how does a rider improve on a near-perfect season?
“It is not possible,” says Julian Alaphilippe. They may not have been the words Patrick Lefevere, his general manager at Deceuninck-Quick Step, will have wanted to hear but there is a refreshing honesty to Alaphilippe.
“I will do my best to have another great season but yes, I realise that last year was really special," he told a huddle of journalists during his team presentation in Calpe, Spain.
"A lot of quality victories – and a lot of emotions – so it will be really difficult to do it all again. But we have to try it, I will do my best.”
Following a season in which Alaphilippe won Strade Bianche – a race he described as a “piccolo monument” – Milan-Sanremo, Flèche Wallonne and two stages at the Tour de France while also spending 14 days in the leader's yellow jersey in his home race, one imagined his year could not have gone better. And then he was awarded the prestigious Vélo d'Or award.
“I will not do Strade Bianche this year, but last year it was a really amazing experience. I was focused on this race during the winter and was happy to start the [European] season in Siena. It was amazing to see all the team around me and to attack in the finale and to play with [Jakob] Fuglsang who was really, really strong. It was one of my best memories from last year.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Mythbusting for spa newbies: Sage advice for those planning a journey into the world of wellness

A few days on a wellness retreat will “ fix me ” When I first started “ retreating ” , I ’ d convince myself that the nurturing combination of rare , self-centred days holed up in a gorgeous venue , one-to-ones with experts , massages , exercising in nature , healthy food , zero alcohol and caffeine was all that was needed to make everything tickety-boo again .
WRONG !
The very best ones simply provide an opportunity to step back from your everyday life and allow you to start unpacking some emotional baggage , reset your motivation levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use at home as part of your ongoing human tinkering project ( and it is ongoing ) .
It ’ s about little changes , marginal gains and remembering what feeling good feels like .
However , most retreats simply don ’ t arm you with the take-home stuff to continue the feel-good factor , so take a notebook or keep your phone handy , so you can record everything the talented specialists share .
Ask for printouts , recipes , links or videos of that weird exercise because if you don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you return , it was simply a healthy holiday where the results will last only as long as your glow .
I ’ d like to go with my partner/best friend/mum as we need some “ quality time ” together You might want to rethink that one .
If it ’ s “ retreat-lite ” at a hotel where you are dipping your toes in self-development life – a few sessions and treatments here and there rather than a full immersion – it might work .
But if you want to do a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do yourselves a favour and go alone .
Why ?
Well , there ’ s a lot of time in the lavatory – the Epsom salts , the sitting on the loo for hours with your feet up , heels on a footstool to get your knees higher than hips ( it helps the bowel to completely empty ) and discussing what ’ s left in your body .
So no , retreats of this nature are not a two-player sport , no couple of any description needs to compare lavatory habits on @ @

Myth One
A few days on a wellness retreat will “fix me”
When I first started “retreating”, I’d convince myself that the nurturing combination of rare, self-centred days holed up in a gorgeous venue, one-to-ones with experts, massages, exercising in nature, healthy food, zero alcohol and caffeine was all that was needed to make everything tickety-boo again. WRONG! The very best ones simply provide an opportunity to step back from your everyday life and allow you to start unpacking some emotional baggage, reset your motivation levels and give you some new tools to use at home as part of your ongoing human tinkering project (and it is ongoing). It’s about little changes, marginal gains and remembering what feeling good feels like. However, most retreats simply don’t arm you with the take-home stuff to continue the feel-good factor, so take a notebook or keep your phone handy, so you can record everything the talented specialists share. Ask for printouts, recipes, links or videos of that weird exercise because if you don’t keep up the good work when you return, it was simply a healthy holiday where the results will last only as long as your glow.
Myth Two
I’d like to go with my partner/best friend/mum as we need some “quality time” together
You might want to rethink that one. If it’s “retreat-lite” at a hotel where you are dipping your toes in self-development life – a few sessions and treatments here and there rather than a full immersion – it might work. But if you want to do a proper, or fast, detox, do yourselves a favour and go alone. Why? Well, there’s a lot of time in the lavatory – the Epsom salts, the sitting on the loo for hours with your feet up, heels on a footstool to get your knees higher than hips (it helps the bowel to completely empty) and discussing what’s left in your body. So no, retreats of this nature are not a two-player sport, no couple of any description needs to compare lavatory habits on holiday.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--10 things I learnt on my first river cruise

I ’ ll confess : before boarding MS Bellejour I was concerned that I ’ d spend seven days surrounded by crinkly haired grannies and grandads – river cruising has long been synonymous with seniors – and a cursory glance around the room during the ‘ welcome ’ drinks did little to quell my suspicions .
Time to hold my hands up and admit that I did my fellow passengers a disservice .
Certainly at 39 years of age I was the youngest on board by a good couple of decades , but looks can be deceiving .
I soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invariably feisty , full of life and fabulous raconteurs .
From Eileen , the Yorkshire woman who managed to hike up the hilly streets of Bratislava much more easily than me , to Julie – a widow from Glasgow .
After a period of mourning for her late husband , Julie had decided to “ keep moving because I am still living and that ’ s what he would have wanted.
” She has travelled the world by ship ever since .
Then there was my favourite Jeff , a friendly man who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me with tales of dressing a young John Barnes – apparently a nightmare as the football legend “ had a skinny waist but massive thighs , nothing would fit !
” As a football fan , I lapped up these stories with gusto .
2 .
They 're likely to be a child-free zone Another advantage of holidaying with older travellers ?
Their children , if they ’ ve chosen to have them , are grown-ups with their own offspring .
All of which means that unless you choose to set sail during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t be forced to spend your river cruise surrounded by screaming children or stroppy teenagers .
Result .
I relished the relative tranquillity , the chance to savour a glass of something red on deck without witnessing a child ’ s temper tantrum – and the opportunity to enjoy an uninterrupted adult conversation .
And with fewer distractions , you can get to know your fellow passengers better — if you want to .

6. There are no queues
One of the great pleasures of river cruising is that your ship tends to dock right at the town centre, allowing passengers to walk straight off into the heart of the destination du jour. There’s no endless waiting in a snake-like queue to disembark or take a tender ashore, as there is on an ocean cruise. Measures to combat coronavirus may add some delays but nothing like the sea-going cruises.
Back on board, there’s always a spectacular view as you cruise: I was captivated by castles, cathedrals, grand architecture and, at night, twinkling city lights. The Danube was never less than scenic.
7. It's stress-free to plan
It came as something of a pleasing revelation: river cruising is a genuine holiday. Most of my trips usually require me to spend hours booking accommodation, planning an itinerary and researching what to see and do.
With my river cruise, all I had to do was get to the airport. And I didn’t even really have to do that because Titan, who I travelled with, offers a VIP door-to-door travel service (included in the fare) – eliminating the need to worry about taxi fares, train timetables or having to lug your suitcase on public transport.
8. You can leave the ball gown behind
Compared to some ocean cruise lines, river cruise ships operate a relaxed dress code. You’ll need casual clothes for the daytime, a swimsuit (should there be a sauna or whirlpool tub onboard) and a dressy outfit for both the Captain’s gala dinner and the farewell dinner – but it doesn’t need to be black tie. Although after a year in loungewear, chances are you’ll be ready to dress up the nines.
There’s also no need to pack a different outfit for every evening: river cruises are destination-driven not fashion-driven, so you won’t be judged for wearing the same outfit twice.
9. Don't expect Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi was supposed to be available in communal areas onboard Bellejour but proved to be patchy, so I had to get used to living without the internet. Of course I could have used 3G/4G but opted to follow in the footsteps of my sailing companions (who were worried about their data allowances) and switch off all electronic devices in favour of reading, playing games and soaking up the ship’s atmosphere. Other cruises lines – think Uniworld, Viking, APT et al – claim Wi-Fi is available throughout their river ships but seasoned cruise-goers tell me that no matter the cruise ship or line, Wi-Fi is intermittent along the Danube.
10. Leaving is hard
Waking up to a scenic landscape for seven days makes the view from my bedroom window, back home, of traffic-clogged Brixton Hill seem seriously inadequate. And in the days that followed my trip, as I trudged down the aisles of Tesco, I missed having breakfast, lunch, dinner (and afternoon tea) taken care of. A Titan river cruise may not be hipster or cutting edge, but I loved it.
Kaye Holland travelled before the pandemic. Please check the Government's latest advice before travelling.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Stephen King in Oscars voting row after saying quality trumps diversity

Artists have hit back at the author and Academy Award member Stephen King after he tweeted that “ For me , the diversity issue… did not come up ” in his Oscars 2020 nomination selections .
King nominates in three categories : Best Picture , Best Adapted Screenplay , and Best Original Screenplay .
“ I would never consider diversity in matters of art , ” he continued .
“ Only quality .
It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.
” His comments came in the wake of outrage over the lack of diversity in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday .
Only one non-white performer – British star Cynthia Erivo , for her portrayal of an escaped slave who helped to liberate hundreds of others through the Underground Railroad , in Harriet – was nominated in the acting categories .
The nominations for Best Director were all male .
The director of Selma , Ava DuVernay , and writer Roxane Gay are among those who have taken to Twitter to criticise King ’ s comments .
“ When you wake up , meditate , stretch , reach for your phone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed ” commented Du Vernay , in a retweet .

Artists have hit back at the author and Academy Award member Stephen King after he tweeted that “For me, the diversity issue… did not come up” in his Oscars 2020 nomination selections. King nominates in three categories: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Screenplay.
“I would never consider diversity in matters of art,” he continued. “Only quality. It seems to me that to do otherwise would be wrong.”
His comments came in the wake of outrage over the lack of diversity in this year’s Oscar nominations, announced on Monday. Only one non-white performer – British star Cynthia Erivo, for her portrayal of an escaped slave who helped to liberate hundreds of others through the Underground Railroad, in Harriet – was nominated in the acting categories. The nominations for Best Director were all male.
The director of Selma, Ava DuVernay, and writer Roxane Gay are among those who have taken to Twitter to criticise King’s comments.
“When you wake up, meditate, stretch, reach for your phone to check on the world and see a tweet from someone you admire that is so backward and ignorant you want to go back to bed” commented Du Vernay, in a retweet.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--England's most complete batsman: How Ben Stokes adjusted his practice and controlled his instincts

Ben Stokes joined an exclusive club on Wednesday , becoming just the second English player , along with Jonathan Trott , to be named the ICC world player of the year .
At first glance the pair have little in common as players .
Trott was the crease occupier , the No3 who could be trusted to consistently give England top order heft and reliability as they rose to the top of the Test rankings in 2011 .
Stokes is the all-action all-rounder : a hero with bat and ball , and a brilliant fielder .
But beyond the superhero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the World Cup and at Headingley , Stokes has emulated Trott by becoming England ’ s most dependable batsman .
Over the past 18 months Stokes has dominated England ’ s batting .
His average since the start of 2019 is 47 , 10 more than Joe Root and 12 ahead of the next highest batsman to have played more than four Tests , Rory Burns .
Stokes has always been technically sound .
Good on front or back foot , driving or hooking and pulling , Stokes can play every shot in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His innings at Headingley combined the savage with the sublime .
The switch hit for six off Nathan Lyon followed steady accumulation and robust defence early in his innings when the team were in trouble .

Ben Stokes joined an exclusive club on Wednesday, becoming just the second English player, along with Jonathan Trott, to be named the ICC world player of the year.
At first glance the pair have little in common as players. Trott was the crease occupier, the No3 who could be trusted to consistently give England top order heft and reliability as they rose to the top of the Test rankings in 2011.
Stokes is the all-action all-rounder: a hero with bat and ball, and a brilliant fielder. But beyond the superhero feats of the past 12 months in the World Cup and at Headingley, Stokes has emulated Trott by becoming England’s most dependable batsman.
Over the past 18 months Stokes has dominated England’s batting. His average since the start of 2019 is 47, 10 more than Joe Root and 12 ahead of the next highest batsman to have played more than four Tests, Rory Burns.
Stokes has always been technically sound. Good on front or back foot, driving or hooking and pulling, Stokes can play every shot in the manual plus be unorthodox when necessary. His innings at Headingley combined the savage with the sublime. The switch hit for six off Nathan Lyon followed steady accumulation and robust defence early in his innings when the team were in trouble.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Bradford for first public appearance since Sussexes' royal split

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have returned to royal duties for their first official engagement of the year following @ @ @ @ @ royal family .
William and Kate arrived in Bradford to cheers from several hundred well-wishers @ @ @ @ @ visit is their first public appearance since Sussexes ' royal split and their first official @ @ @ @ @ .
The couple began their visit in West Yorkshire at the City Hall , where @ @ @ @ @ local employers helping youngsters to get jobs in the community .
Kate , who celebrated @ @ @ @ @ , wore a long military-style coat in a dark khaki for the visit on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ heels , a small black bag and gold drop earrings .
Their engagement saw the @ @ @ @ @ Bradford .

The Duke of Cambridge has spoken of the importance of tackling challenges head-on to avoid "paralysis" and "move forward", in comments likely to be seen as a subtle reference to the Royal family's own ongoing difficulties.
He said it was essential to acknowledge problems in order to deal with them, rather than "pretend they don't happen, which is no good".
On a visit to Bradford with the Duchess, he spoke about bringing people together in a discussion on community cohesion.
The couple's first official joint engagement since their Christmas break came amid days of high-level negotiations within the Royal family about the future of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who are seeking a "financially independent" future in North America.
The Duke of Sussex, who will today undertake a public engagement of his own, remained in Britain as aides drew up a blueprint for their future, while his wife returned to Canada.
On Wednesday night, palace sources said he has meetings in the UK scheduled for early next week, meaning he is unlikely to join his wife and baby son in Canada immediately.
In Bradford, the Cambridges hugged children, made mango and kulfi milkshakes and spent time with the "most vulnerable members of the community", while the Duke spoke about resolving tensions.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--The best Cotswolds spa hotels, from spring water pools to state-of-the-art treatments

This splendid country house hotel just across from Cheltenham Racecourse has a wealth of history ( spy the musket holes @ @ @ @ @ the front door ) , a great setting and bags of style .
The 61 @ @ @ @ @ keeping with the relaxingly rural-chic style of the place – some have stripy wallpaper , @ @ @ @ @ .
A highlight is the dreamy outdoor pool and a large , well-devised spa with @ @ @ @ @ , steam room and juice bar .
The extensive range of treatments is based on @ @ @ @ @ made in the Cotswolds and also on Ishga seaweed lotions from the Hebrides .

This splendid country house hotel just across from Cheltenham Racecourse has a wealth of history (spy the musket holes from the Civil War on the front door), a great setting and bags of style. The 61 bedrooms are very much in keeping with the relaxingly rural-chic style of the place – some have stripy wallpaper, others sport chintz and pelmets. A highlight is the dreamy outdoor pool and a large, well-devised spa with a hot tub, sauna, steam room and juice bar. The extensive range of treatments is based on Ila and Monu skincare products made in the Cotswolds and also on Ishga seaweed lotions from the Hebrides.


thetelegraph--2020-01-15--Iran dismisses Boris Johnson's suggestion for new 'Trump nuclear deal'

Iran ’ s president has dismissed Boris Johnson ’ s suggestion that the 2015 nuclear deal could be replaced with a new agreement negotiated by Donald Trump and threatened British and European troops in the Middle East .
In a series of biting remarks aimed at Britain , Hassan Rouhani shot down the prospect of Iran returning to the negotiating table to discuss what Mr Johnson called “ a Trump deal ” to replace the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) .
`` I do n't know what the prime minister in London was thinking when he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ implement the 'Trump deal ’ , '' Mr Rouhani said .
`` Trump has done nothing but violate international covenants and laws.
” He also threatened European troops in the Middle East after Britain , Germany , and France formally accused his government of violating the nuclear deal .
`` Today , the American soldier is in danger , tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger , ” Mr Rouhani said .
Britain has around 400 troops in Iraq and around 1,000 in Afghanistan as well as others deployed across the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible attacks by Iranian proxy forces in response to the killing of Qassim Soleimani .

Iran’s president has dismissed Boris Johnson’s suggestion that the 2015 nuclear deal could be replaced with a new agreement negotiated by Donald Trump and threatened British and European troops in the Middle East.
In a series of biting remarks aimed at Britain, Hassan Rouhani shot down the prospect of Iran returning to the negotiating table to discuss what Mr Johnson called “a Trump deal” to replace the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
"I don't know what the prime minister in London was thinking when he was saying to put aside the JCPOA and implement the 'Trump deal’," Mr Rouhani said. "Trump has done nothing but violate international covenants and laws.”
He also threatened European troops in the Middle East after Britain, Germany, and France formally accused his government of violating the nuclear deal. "Today, the American soldier is in danger, tomorrow the European soldier could be in danger,” Mr Rouhani said.
Britain has around 400 troops in Iraq and around 1,000 in Afghanistan as well as others deployed across the region. UK commanders are still braced for possible attacks by Iranian proxy forces in response to the killing of Qassim Soleimani.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--South Africa v England, third Test, day one: live score and latest updates from Port Elizabeth

Proof this morning that cricket is a small world .
It has taken five years but Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen were always going to cross paths at some point and it happened this morning at the toss .
Both are working for Talksport radio here but Prior has only just arrived in South Africa , replacing Steve Harmison , so this was their first meeting .
The pair had not spoken since the end of the Ashes tour of 2013-14 when KP was sacked by England .
KP savaged Prior in his subsequent autobiography .
The former friends had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ each other in a corridor at Sky Sports a couple of years ago but had not spoken since the fall out from the Ashes and KP ’ s book .
Not that long ago they were mates .
Prior tried to mediate when KP fell out with England during textgate but suspicion grew between the pair and the relationship fractured in Australia when both were going through difficult times .
Darren Gough is mates with both and he appeared to call the pair together this morning .
A brief conversation took place before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later took to Twitter to say it is time to move on .
KP said : “ Lovely to see Matt Prior this morning .
Bygones .
We won some amazing Test matches together and time is a healer.
” Prior replied : “ Agree totally .
I remember the good times - of which there were many - fondly .
Onwards.
” What next ?
KP and Andy Flower having a hug ?
Maybe not .

Ben Stokes was cast in a familiar role on day one of the third Test against South Africa, charged with bailing England out of a tricky situation alongside Ollie Pope in Port Elizabeth.
Stokes, the freshly minted world player of the year following his match-winning exploits in 2019, was left to carry the can when Joe Root lost his off stump to leave England 148 four but came together with Pope to reach 224 without further loss.
England had threatened to fritter an opening stand of 70 between Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley, but what initially looked like a bowler's graveyard at St George's Park was slowly revealed as a trickier proposition as the Proteas gnawed away.
Stokes battled through some tough moments, and no less than three reviews, to finish 38 not out at stumps, with Pope timing his shots better than anyone in a lively unbeaten 39.
Sibley (36) and Crawley (44) had earlier become the first English openers to bat out the opening session of a Test since Sir Andrew Strauss and Sir Alastair Cook in 2011, setting up false expectations of a one-sided contest between bat and ball. Keshav Maharaj played a crucial role in recalibrating expectations, working through 30 unbroken overs for 54 at the Duck Pond End, and doing much more for his side than the solitary wicket told.
Having lost his sixth toss in a row, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis surprisingly handed debutant Dane Paterson the new ball, rather than strike bowler Kagiso Rabada. The latter watched on as England's inexperienced openers had a gentle start, with Vernon Philander generating so little off the surface that Quinton de Kock felt able to stand up to the stumps after only seven overs. Once called upon, it took Rabada all of three deliveries to change the mood, Crawley top-edging a pull agonisingly close to mid-on with just eight to his name.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Holland's threat to England's European domination plan highlighted by stunning audience figures

The size of the challenge facing England as they look to become the dominant force in women ’ s football in Europe has been highlighted by the stunning growth in popularity of the game in Holland .
Having out performed England in the last two major tournaments , the Dutch are the reigning European champions having beaten the English in the semi-finals in 2017 and reached the final of the World Cup last year , Holland will be among the favourites to win the European Championships again in 2021 .
England will be the host nation for that tournament and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Phil Neville to lift the trophy on home soil , but his team have not kicked on as expected and have been knocked out in the semi-finals of the last three major tournaments .
And it is not just on the pitch where Holland are excelling .
While there has been much made of the increase in popularity in women ’ s football in this country , it is growing at an even faster rate in The Netherlands .
The country was gripped by OranjeLeeuwinnen ’ s run to the World Cup Final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the USA and it has been confirmed the final attracted the country 's largest television audience of 2019 , with 5.48 million people tuning into watch it live .

The size of the challenge facing England as they look to become the dominant force in women’s football in Europe has been highlighted by the stunning growth in popularity of the game in Holland.
Having out performed England in the last two major tournaments, the Dutch are the reigning European champions having beaten the English in the semi-finals in 2017 and reached the final of the World Cup last year, Holland will be among the favourites to win the European Championships again in 2021.
England will be the host nation for that tournament and there will be huge pressure on manager Phil Neville to lift the trophy on home soil, but his team have not kicked on as expected and have been knocked out in the semi-finals of the last three major tournaments.
And it is not just on the pitch where Holland are excelling. While there has been much made of the increase in popularity in women’s football in this country, it is growing at an even faster rate in The Netherlands.
The country was gripped by OranjeLeeuwinnen’s run to the World Cup Final last summer, where they were beaten by the USA and it has been confirmed the final attracted the country's largest television audience of 2019, with 5.48 million people tuning into watch it live.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Nearly half of millennials believe there will be a third world war in their lifetime

Millennials around the world are gloomy about their future with nearly half believing that there will be a third world war in their life time , a survey has showed .
As tensions escalate between Iran and the United States and the ceasefire in Yemen looks increasingly fragile a survey of 16,000 people aged 20 to 35 in 16 countries around the world - seven of which are experiencing active conflict - has revealed that they are pessimistic about world peace .
The poll , conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross , surveyed millennials on their attitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The survey does not dispel the stereotype that millennials are the `` anxious generation '' as it found that 47 per cent of respondents think it is more likely than not there will be a third world war in their lifetime - despite the fact that deaths from conflict are at an all-time low .
Interestingly , views were split evenly between respondents in countries with active conflict - where 48 per cent thought a third world war was likely - and those in countries where there was no conflict , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Millennials around the world are gloomy about their future with nearly half believing that there will be a third world war in their life time, a survey has showed.
As tensions escalate between Iran and the United States and the ceasefire in Yemen looks increasingly fragile a survey of 16,000 people aged 20 to 35 in 16 countries around the world - seven of which are experiencing active conflict - has revealed that they are pessimistic about world peace.
The poll, conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, surveyed millennials on their attitude to war and the rules governing conflict.
The survey does not dispel the stereotype that millennials are the "anxious generation" as it found that 47 per cent of respondents think it is more likely than not there will be a third world war in their lifetime - despite the fact that deaths from conflict are at an all-time low.
Interestingly, views were split evenly between respondents in countries with active conflict - where 48 per cent thought a third world war was likely - and those in countries where there was no conflict, where 46 per cent agreed with the statement.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Just Mercy review: in another year, and another film, Jamie Foxx would have walked off with an Oscar

Michael B. Jordan launched his acting career playing a tragic street kid called Wallace , murdered when he becomes an @ @ @ @ @ of HBO 's The Wire .
Since then , discounting the odd blip like Fantastic @ @ @ @ @ himself with impressive pugnacity to one of the most politically interesting careers since Denzel Washington @ @ @ @ @ of films with Ryan Coogler – Fruitvale Station , Creed and Black Panther – make @ @ @ @ @ about black victimhood and heroism , scratching lines in unpredictable places between the two .
@ @ @ @ @ produced as well as starring in , is his squarest bid yet to make a @ @ @ @ @ exploring the real-life career of a lawyer and activist called Bryan Stevenson , who set @ @ @ @ @ appeal against dubious murder convictions for clients on Death Row .
It picks one in @ @ @ @ @ Walter McMillian ( Jamie Foxx ) , a married woodworker from Alabama who was arrested @ @ @ @ @ for the murder of an 18-year-old white girl , Ronda Morrison .

Dir: Destin Daniel Cretton; Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, Tim Blake Nelson, Rafe Spall, Rob Morgan, O'Shea Jackson Jr. 12A cert, 137 mins
Michael B. Jordan launched his acting career playing a tragic street kid called Wallace, murdered when he becomes an informant, in Season One of HBO's The Wire. Since then, discounting the odd blip like Fantastic Four, he has committed himself with impressive pugnacity to one of the most politically interesting careers since Denzel Washington started out. His trilogy of films with Ryan Coogler – Fruitvale Station, Creed and Black Panther – make a huge range of points about black victimhood and heroism, scratching lines in unpredictable places between the two.
Just Mercy, which Jordan produced as well as starring in, is his squarest bid yet to make a social-issue campaigning drama, by exploring the real-life career of a lawyer and activist called Bryan Stevenson, who set up his own practice to appeal against dubious murder convictions for clients on Death Row. It picks one in particular: the case of Walter McMillian (Jamie Foxx), a married woodworker from Alabama who was arrested in 1988 on sketchy evidence for the murder of an 18-year-old white girl, Ronda Morrison.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--US 2020: The end of Sanders and Warren's non-aggression pact could hurt the Left

This article was first published in our brand-new US 2020 election newsletter , which is written weekly by our Washington team .
To sign up for next week 's exclusive newsletter for free , please click here .
It ’ s a reminder of how placid these Democratic presidential debates have been that the best moment came when the candidates thought the mics were off .
As those on stage shook hands and relaxed at the end of Tuesday night ’ s clash Elizabeth Warren drifted towards her friend and fellow left-winger Bernie Sanders .
Mr Sanders proffered his hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think you called me a liar on national TV ” uttered Ms Warren , face like thunder .
She said the line twice before turning away .
That moment , an unplanned reaction to Mr Sanders ’ s denial that he once told her a woman couldn ’ t beat Donald Trump , was picked up by CNN ’ s hot mics and published last night .
( Watch it here . )
It completed a phenomenal disintegration in personal relations between the two senators .
It has also thrown the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ uncertainty .

This article was first published in our brand-new US 2020 election newsletter, which is written weekly by our Washington team. To sign up for next week's exclusive newsletter for free, please click here.
It’s a reminder of how placid these Democratic presidential debates have been that the best moment came when the candidates thought the mics were off.
As those on stage shook hands and relaxed at the end of Tuesday night’s clash Elizabeth Warren drifted towards her friend and fellow left-winger Bernie Sanders.
Mr Sanders proffered his hand, but it was not taken. “I think you called me a liar on national TV” uttered Ms Warren, face like thunder. She said the line twice before turning away.
That moment, an unplanned reaction to Mr Sanders’s denial that he once told her a woman couldn’t beat Donald Trump, was picked up by CNN’s hot mics and published last night. (Watch it here.)
It completed a phenomenal disintegration in personal relations between the two senators. It has also thrown the party’s left-wing into acrimony and uncertainty.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Duke of York set to lose taxpayer-funded bodyguards in wake of Jeffrey Epstein scandal

The Duke of York could be stripped of his round-the-clock armed bodyguards in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal @ @ @ @ @ .
Prince Andrew , 59 , faces losing his Metropolitan police protection following a proposed @ @ @ @ @ It comes after the Home Office and Scotland Yard carried out a review after the @ @ @ @ @ that he was to “ step back from public duties for the foreseeable future ” @ @ @ @ @ permission .
A final decision is in the hands of Home Secretary Priti Patel and @ @ @ @ @ Minister .

The Duke of York could be stripped of his round-the-clock armed bodyguards in the wake of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, it has been claimed.
Prince Andrew, 59, faces losing his Metropolitan police protection following a proposed downgrade of his security.
It comes after the Home Office and Scotland Yard carried out a review after the royal announced on November 20 that he was to “step back from public duties for the foreseeable future” with the Queen’s permission.
A final decision is in the hands of Home Secretary Priti Patel and, ultimately, the Prime Minister.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--France vs England, Six Nations 2020: What date and time is Le Crunch, which TV channel is it on and

France vs England, Six Nations 2020: What date and time is Le Crunch, which TV channel is it on and what is our prediction?

The post-World Cup reboot is a glorious thing - tearing down the mediocrity of the previous cycle , looking to @ @ @ @ @ supporters and then , ideally , actually win a game or two .
Stuart Lancaster @ @ @ @ @ that process in the 2010s with England , naming nine and eight uncapped players respectively @ @ @ @ @ charge .
Both of those overhauls look remarkably tentative compared to what France are now @ @

Jonny May's solo masterclass saved England from humiliation in Paris as one of the worst performances of the Eddie Jones era ended in a 24-17 defeat that puts a large dent in their Guinness Six Nations title ambitions.
Jones had promised France "brutal physicality" but instead it was his rattled World Cup runners-up who fell victim to a ferocious onslaught as words that had caused controversy on this side of The Channel came back to haunt him.
Les Bleus stormed 24-0 ahead when captain Charles Ollivon ran in the second of his two tries in the 55th minute and that was the cue for May to conjure a pair of devastating solo tries.
For the second he beat five defenders while plotting a diagonal line to the posts in a score made possible by his extraordinary pace.
May's brilliance provided temporary inspiration but England lacked the firepower to make further inroads into the deficit in an improved final quarter they controlled and that finished with Owen Farrell landing a penalty to claim the bonus point.
A rain-swept Stade de France noisily greeted the new era launched by their head coach Fabien Galthie and the influence of his assistant Shaun Edwards was stamped all over the defensive heroics.
England, meanwhile, will lick their wounds as they come to terms with the possibility their World Cup final rout by South Africa last autumn may have left deeper scars than initially expected.
For the first time since 1988 they were held scoreless at the interval in a Championship match and it is hard to imagine a worse start as they were breached in the sixth minute by Vincent Rattez.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--NHS will still need to rely on migrants after Brexit - until we train more UK nurses

The National Health Service is buckling under the weight of rising demand as is faces a severe staffing shortage .
@ @ @ @ @ Union beginning to leave the NHS in greater numbers , the question of how to @ @ @ @ @ homes becomes more acute .
More than 40,000 nursing roles are currently unfilled amid a @ @ @ @ @ three things need to happen simultaneously to begin to bridge the gap : more recruits @ @ @ @ @ UK nurses , and keeping hold of the current workforce .
After visa restrictions were @ @ @ @ @ year saw the number of nurses arriving from outside the European Economic Area double to @ @ @ @

The National Health Service is buckling under the weight of rising demand as is faces a severe staffing shortage.
With recruits from the European Union beginning to leave the NHS in greater numbers, the question of how to staff our hospitals and care homes becomes more acute.
More than 40,000 nursing roles are currently unfilled amid a sector-wide crisis.
Experts warn three things need to happen simultaneously to begin to bridge the gap: more recruits from abroad, training more UK nurses, and keeping hold of the current workforce.
After visa restrictions were relaxed in 2018, last year saw the number of nurses arriving from outside the European Economic Area double to more than 8,000.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Latest snow reports: snowfall finally in the forecast after a long period of sunshine in the Alps

It has been the second successive sunny week in much of Europe with temperatures hovering around freezing .
For most skiers that were in the mountains over New Year , it was one of the best starts to the season in years with everything open and the slopes in great condition .
The only hiccups ( there always has to be some ) is it has been a little too warm at times and lower resorts have seen rain rather than snow in places .
The heaviest snowfall in Europe this week has been in Norway .
Across in North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ east and west coasts with up to five feet more in the last seven days over in the West , greatly improving conditions at resorts like Whistler .
For the forecast in a specific resort , check our full snow reports and weather alerts sponsored by Inghams .
Skiers in France have been reporting fabulous conditions over the past fortnight with generally clear , sunny conditions and good snow depths , particularly up on higher slopes .
Most of the country ’ s resorts now have snow at least a metre deep and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of fresh is not a big problem .
That said a front moving through on Friday may lead to 5-15cm of new snow before a return to sunny skies .
Of the best-known resorts , Montgenevre has the deepest base ( 225-275cm ) with Alpe d ’ Huez posting an equally healthy 115-245cm and Flaine 76-230cm .
All have almost all of their runs open and lifts operating .

Two big milestones were reached on either side of the Atlantic this week. Snowfall on higher slopes in the Alps finally took the deepest snowpack in Europe – passing the 4-metre mark in Tignes. While over in California, Mammoth Mountain passed the 8-metre base depth mark on its upper slopes this week, the deepest reported anywhere in the world for several years.
The news is reassuring for the last remaining weeks of the season. Skiers who aim for resorts with terrain above 2,000m in Europe should be able to see out the rest of winter with fine conditions. In western North America, a growing number of resorts plan to keep lifts turning until late spring, even summer.
It has been a week of mixed fortunes in Europe though, much of it dependent on ski area altitude. Fresh snowfall arrived in the Alps as forecast at the weekend but it was rain at times on lower slopes, causing an increasing number of lower-lying areas to announce early closures.
There are similar issues, but less fresh snowfall, in the Pyrenees, and Scottish centres still have just a few runs open for the Easter holidays. Scandinavia continues to look good for April skiing however, with temperatures still quite cool and fresh snow falling at these northerly latitudes.
Use our tool below to find the latest conditions in your favourite resort and read the full forecast below.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--After a road accident, I had to learn to walk again before I could take part in the London Marathon

After seven-and-a-half gruelling hours , with the finishing line in sight , the significance finally hit home .
Allan Wood , 46 at the time , broke down in tears .
His 13-year-old son Matthew rushed out from the crowd and they walked the last 900m of the race together .
Thirteen months after being hit by a van and almost dying , Wood , against all the odds , had completed the 2019 London Marathon .
It was the second time in three years he ’ d crossed that line – but back in 2017 things had been rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport lover – with two sons and two stepsons , he had to be .
Football , motocross and cycling were popular , but rugby union came first , and Wood played and coached at the local club in Tamworth , Staffordshire .
He ’ d never run a marathon , but through a work ballot – Wood is a heavy goods vehicle mechanic at TNT FedEx – he earned a spot in the 2017 race and pledged to raise money for Wooden Spoon , the “ children ’ s charity of rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by this year ’ s Telegraph Christmas Appeal .
Though he wasn ’ t much of a runner , Wood was an avid watcher of the London Marathon .
“ It ’ s the most inspiring day in the world , ” he says .
So , in late 2016 , he began to train for the event .
Starting at a mile ( to pick up sausages and eggs for breakfast ) , Wood followed a carefully pieced together programme , slowly building up his fitness .

After seven-and-a-half gruelling hours, with the finishing line in sight, the significance finally hit home. Allan Wood, 46 at the time, broke down in tears. His 13-year-old son Matthew rushed out from the crowd and they walked the last 900m of the race together. Thirteen months after being hit by a van and almost dying, Wood, against all the odds, had completed the 2019 London Marathon.
It was the second time in three years he’d crossed that line – but back in 2017 things had been rather different.
Wood has always been a sport lover – with two sons and two stepsons, he had to be. Football, motocross and cycling were popular, but rugby union came first, and Wood played and coached at the local club in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
He’d never run a marathon, but through a work ballot – Wood is a heavy goods vehicle mechanic at TNT FedEx – he earned a spot in the 2017 race and pledged to raise money for Wooden Spoon, the “children’s charity of rugby”, one of three charities supported by this year’s Telegraph Christmas Appeal.
Though he wasn’t much of a runner, Wood was an avid watcher of the London Marathon. “It’s the most inspiring day in the world,” he says. So, in late 2016, he began to train for the event. Starting at a mile (to pick up sausages and eggs for breakfast), Wood followed a carefully pieced together programme, slowly building up his fitness.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Girl, 12, found alive after 18 hours buried under Kashmir avalanche

A 12-year-old girl was found alive on Tuesday after being buried for 18 hours when an avalanche in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir @ @ @ @ @ her mother said on Wednesday .
Samina Bibi recalled screaming and shouting for help as @ @ @ @ @ room under the snow .
The death toll from Monday 's avalanches in Pakistan 's @ @ @ @ @ Himalayan region disputed by Pakistan and India , rose to 74 , according to Pakistani @ @ @ @ @ to recover bodies .
Samina was one of the lucky ones .
`` I thought @ @ @ @ @ '' she told Reuters from a hospital bed in Muzaffarabad , where she and dozens @ @ @ @ @ receiving treatment after being airlifted out of the avalanche area .
For Samina 's mother @ @ @ @ @ lost a son and another daughter , the rescue was nothing short of a miracle @ @ @ @ @ of the snow earlier , Shahnaz said she and her brother , Irshad Ahmad , @ @ @ @ @ finding Samina alive .

Two girls emerged alive from 18 hours submerged under avalanches in Pakistan as the death toll from harsh winter weather hit more than 100.
Samina Bibi, aged 12, told rescuers she thought she would die as she lay trapped under the ruins of her house in Bakwali village in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Another girl, identified as six-year-old Safia, was found trapped in Seri village with broken bones in her leg and fractures to her skull.
Samina Bibi told Reuters she had been "screaming and shouting for help" as she lay in a room under the snow.
Her mother, Shahnaz Bibi, said the family had been huddled around a fire in their three-storey house when the avalanche hit.
"We didn't hear a rumble. It happened in the blink of an eye," she said. She had given up hope of finding her daughter alive.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Megaphone trial: Man cleared of assaulting two police officers by using loudhailer too close to thei

Megaphone trial: Man cleared of assaulting two police officers by using loudhailer too close to their ears

The boss of a cab driver 's union accused of assaulting two police officers by using a megaphone too close to their ears has been found not guilty part way through his trial .
James Farrar , 51 , faced two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker after he used a loudhailer near Constable Ann Spinks and Sergeant James Lewis during a demonstration against the congestion charge on March 4 last year .
But , at the end of the prosecution case , Judge Philip Bartle QC told the jury at Southwark Crown Court to find Farrar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was no evidence he had committed a crime .
Prosecutor Terence Woods argued that while there was no physical beating , using the loudhailer in proximity to the officers was an `` unlawful application of force '' .
But dismissing jurors on Thursday , Judge Bartle said : `` The essence of the defence argument , which I accept , was the facts did not justify the offence in either case of assault by beating because the offence requires unlawful application of force . ''
Farrar , chairman of the United Private Hire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had organised a weekly Parliament Square demonstration against Transport for London ( TfL ) for exempting black cabs from the congestion charge but enforcing it for Uber and minicab drivers .

The boss of a cab driver's union accused of assaulting two police officers by using a megaphone too close to their ears has been found not guilty part way through his trial.
James Farrar, 51, faced two charges of assault by beating of an emergency worker after he used a loudhailer near Constable Ann Spinks and Sergeant James Lewis during a demonstration against the congestion charge on March 4 last year.
But, at the end of the prosecution case, Judge Philip Bartle QC told the jury at Southwark Crown Court to find Farrar not guilty after his defence argued there was no evidence he had committed a crime.
Prosecutor Terence Woods argued that while there was no physical beating, using the loudhailer in proximity to the officers was an "unlawful application of force".
But dismissing jurors on Thursday, Judge Bartle said: "The essence of the defence argument, which I accept, was the facts did not justify the offence in either case of assault by beating because the offence requires unlawful application of force."
Farrar, chairman of the United Private Hire Drivers' branch of the IWGB union, had organised a weekly Parliament Square demonstration against Transport for London (TfL) for exempting black cabs from the congestion charge but enforcing it for Uber and minicab drivers.


thetelegraph--2020-01-16--Sandi Toksvig quits Bake Off in latest blow to the show once adored by the nation

Sandi Toksvig is leaving the Great British Bake Off to focus on other projects , she has announced .
In @ @ @ @ @ 4 show , the comedian abruptly announced she was leaving via a press release she @ @ @ @ @ show , once the most-viewed programme in Britain , has seen its viewers halve since @ @ @ @ @ , Nadiya Hussein 's win pulled in 14.5 million viewers .
The latest show had @ @ @ @ @ .
In it , she writes : `` When stepping down from a job , @ @ @ @ @ people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their @ @ @ @ @ am departing from The Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with @ @ @ @ @ my waistline will testify , Bake Off is an all-consuming show .
`` Spending time @ @ @ @ @ Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life .
These are friendships @ @ @ @ @ beyond the confines of television .

Sandi Toksvig is leaving the Great British Bake Off to focus on other projects, she has announced.
In a blow for the Channel 4 show, the comedian abruptly announced she was leaving via a press release she posted on Twitter.
The show, once the most-viewed programme in Britain, has seen its viewers halve since its peak.
In 2015, Nadiya Hussein's win pulled in 14.5 million viewers. The latest show had a peak of 6.9 million.
In it, she writes: "When stepping down from a job, it is quite common for people to say they are doing so in order to spend more time with their family.
"Unusually I am departing from The Great British Bake Off so I can spend more time with my other work. As my waistline will testify, Bake Off is an all-consuming show.
"Spending time with Prue, Paul and Noel has been one of the great pleasures of my life. These are friendships which I know will continue beyond the confines of television.