theweekuk--2020-08-27--Best tablets to buy in 2020: tried and tested

Smaller than a laptop but bigger than a smartphone , tablet devices have grown in popularity in recent years due to their ease of use and portability .
Described by TechTerms as a “ portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device ” , tablets have been developed by all the major technology manufacturers .
There ’ s now a host of Apple , Android and Windows devices on the market .
According to a report by Canalys , demand surged for low-budget remote working equipment during the second quarter of 2020 , with tablet shipments increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 37.5 million .
The top five tablet vendors - Apple , Samsung , Huawei , Amazon and Lenovo - experienced double-digit growth , reaching shipment levels usually only reserved to the Christmas season .
The Week ’ s sister titles ITPro and Expert Reviews have tried and tested some of the best tablet devices to be released in 2020 .
Here ’ s what they had to say .
Price : from £969 “ Believe the hype - this is the most expensive and most ambitious iPad yet .
Is it worth so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a competitor running Android ?
Absolutely yes , but only if you ’ re prepared to explore the professional aspects .
Using the iPad Pro to mostly read on the train , or simply to browse Facebook , is a criminal waste of its capabilities .
For once , Apple is justified in its hyperbole .
While we can ’ t force ourselves to say that it is ‘ utterly magical ’ , it ’ s the best all-round computing platform we ’ ve used in the past decade .
Maybe even longer.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the iPad family still has a far greater range of tablet-friendly apps , if you just want something to watch films , browse the internet and do light work on , the MatePad Pro meets those needs admirably .
The quality of its iPad opposition means the MatePad Pro misses out on an award , but this is still an excellent tablet – and one that surprisingly isn ’ t hobbled by the lack of Google apps.
” ITPro Price : £799 ( pre-order ) “ In the end , whichever variant of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for , you ’ re going to get an absolute belter of a tablet .
The keyboard cover is nice ( if you buy one ) , the tablet itself is lovely , DeX mode works well and the stylus is included in the box at no extra cost .
Pair all that with the fastest Qualcomm processor to date , a slick 120Hz screen and the potential for 5G connectivity , and the Tab S7 Plus is a great tablet for everything from working on Word documents to watching Netflix .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than the equivalent Apple iPad Pro , makes for an exceedingly tempting purchase.
” Expert Reviews Price : £399 “ Clearly , there are far better tablets for your money .
But as far as Android is concerned , no tablet is as fully formed as the Tab S6 at this end of the price scale .
The 10.2in iPad remains the best overall when it comes to sheer value for money but the Tab S6 Lite easily comes a close second .
With cuts ( mostly ) in the right places , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Android tablet to beat.
” Expert Reviews Price : £89.99 “ Amazon ’ s 2020 update to its 8in tablet is its best yet , featuring a more powerful processor , twice the base storage and improved battery life .
RAM has also been given a minor boost from 1.6GB to 2GB and although the 1,200 x 800px display is a little fuzzy compared to Apple ’ s tablet offerings , the Fire HD 8 ( 2020 ) is an absolute steal at under £100.
” Expert Reviews Price : £199.99 “ Amazon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its biggest and best to date .
The screen is 2in larger than the Fire HD 8 Kids ’ Edition , and the display is now Full HD with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200 .
It also comes with a 12-month Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription , which offers thousands of hours worth of entertaining and educational content across videos , games , apps and ebooks.
” Expert Reviews

Smaller than a laptop but bigger than a smartphone, tablet devices have grown in popularity in recent years due to their ease of use and portability.
Described by TechTerms as a “portable computer that uses a touchscreen as its primary input device”, tablets have been developed by all the major technology manufacturers. There’s now a host of Apple, Android and Windows devices on the market.
According to a report by Canalys, demand surged for low-budget remote working equipment during the second quarter of 2020, with tablet shipments increasing by 26% from 29.7 million to 37.5 million.
The top five tablet vendors - Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Amazon and Lenovo - experienced double-digit growth, reaching shipment levels usually only reserved to the Christmas season.
The Week’s sister titles ITPro and Expert Reviews have tried and tested some of the best tablet devices to be released in 2020. Here’s what they had to say.
Apple iPad Pro 12.9in (2020)
Price: from £969 “Believe the hype - this is the most expensive and most ambitious iPad yet. Is it worth so much more than an iPad, or a competitor running Android? Absolutely yes, but only if you’re prepared to explore the professional aspects. Using the iPad Pro to mostly read on the train, or simply to browse Facebook, is a criminal waste of its capabilities. For once, Apple is justified in its hyperbole. While we can’t force ourselves to say that it is ‘utterly magical’, it’s the best all-round computing platform we’ve used in the past decade. Maybe even longer.” ITPro
Huawei MatePad Pro
Price: £499 “While the iPad family still has a far greater range of tablet-friendly apps, if you just want something to watch films, browse the internet and do light work on, the MatePad Pro meets those needs admirably. The quality of its iPad opposition means the MatePad Pro misses out on an award, but this is still an excellent tablet – and one that surprisingly isn’t hobbled by the lack of Google apps.” ITPro
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Plus
Price: £799 (pre-order) “In the end, whichever variant of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 you go for, you’re going to get an absolute belter of a tablet. The keyboard cover is nice (if you buy one), the tablet itself is lovely, DeX mode works well and the stylus is included in the box at no extra cost. Pair all that with the fastest Qualcomm processor to date, a slick 120Hz screen and the potential for 5G connectivity, and the Tab S7 Plus is a great tablet for everything from working on Word documents to watching Netflix. And the price, which is considerably less than the equivalent Apple iPad Pro, makes for an exceedingly tempting purchase.” Expert Reviews
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite
Price: £399 “Clearly, there are far better tablets for your money. But as far as Android is concerned, no tablet is as fully formed as the Tab S6 at this end of the price scale. The 10.2in iPad remains the best overall when it comes to sheer value for money but the Tab S6 Lite easily comes a close second. With cuts (mostly) in the right places, the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is the Android tablet to beat.” Expert Reviews
Amazon Fire HD 8 (2020)
Price: £89.99 “Amazon’s 2020 update to its 8in tablet is its best yet, featuring a more powerful processor, twice the base storage and improved battery life. RAM has also been given a minor boost from 1.6GB to 2GB and although the 1,200 x 800px display is a little fuzzy compared to Apple’s tablet offerings, the Fire HD 8 (2020) is an absolute steal at under £100.” Expert Reviews
Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids’ Edition
Price: £199.99 “Amazon’s latest childrens’ tablet is its biggest and best to date. The screen is 2in larger than the Fire HD 8 Kids’ Edition, and the display is now Full HD with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,200. It also comes with a 12-month Fire for Kids Unlimited subscription, which offers thousands of hours worth of entertaining and educational content across videos, games, apps and ebooks.” Expert Reviews


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Revealed: the secret NHS waiting list of 15m patients in need of ‘vital treatment’

More than 15 million patients in need of follow-up appointments are trapped on a “ hidden ” NHS waiting list , it has been revealed .
According to analysis by The Times , the “ official ” NHS waiting list of 3.9m people includes only patients who have not yet had their first hospital appointment after being referred by their GP .
“ However , the total number who are on hospital books in England and need appointments is not collated centrally , ” the paper says .
“ A new calculation , based on freedom of information requests to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15.3 million.
” What are the consequences ?
The coronavirus pandemic has put the NHS under unprecedented strain , with reports of patients unable to get key appointments during the pandemic and thousands having had NHS care postponed or cancelled .
Recent government figures showed that the lockdown “ killed two people for every three that died of the coronavirus ” between 23 March and 1 May , with “ 16,000 dying because they did n't get medical care while 25,000 died of the virus ” , the Daily Mail reports .
Bahman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ healthcare company Medefer , which compiled the data , said the official list is “ the tip of the iceberg ” .
Action would be needed “ to avoid patients coming to harm ” , he added .
Which treatments have the longest waiting lists ?
It is difficult to work out who is facing the longest waiting times , but cancer patients appear to be faring badly .
Over the past year there has been a 44 % rise in patients waiting for tests to diagnose bowel , stomach , bladder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , only 12.9 % of patients diagnosed with cancer after a screening appointment were treated within the target time of two months , says the Daily Mail .
“ For comparison , the rate was 85.8 % last June , and the target is 90 % .
” Data from Scotland showed that the number of patients attending heart services with signs of a heart attack fell by more than 50 % in the first month of lockdown , and the number diagnosed with a heart attack fell by 40 % .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers , said : “ It ’ s certainly a concern that many treatments had to be delayed at the height of the pandemic , and trust leaders are keenly aware of how disruptive and distressing this has been for patients .
“ We also know that some patients chose , for a variety of reasons , not to come forward to seek treatment or advice during lockdown in particular , and referrals to trusts have dropped for a number of conditions.
” In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England has suggested hospitals could move to a model called “ patient-initiated follow-up ” in which “ people with certain conditions could book a new appointment when they felt they needed it rather than being given a specific date ” , The Sun reports .
But doctors have said this could put off people who “ do not want to bother ” the NHS , the paper adds .

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theweekuk--2020-08-27--Why everyone’s talking about Sky Sports Soccer Saturday

Black football pundits Alex Scott and Micah Richards have been targeted online by racist trolls following Sky Sports ’ s sacking of Matt Le Tissier , Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from Soccer Saturday .
The Daily Mirror reports that the long-serving trio , who have clocked up more than 50 years of service , were given the boot as part of changes to the broadcaster ’ s football programming .
In a statement Sky confirmed : “ We are changing some parts of our football coverage .
Matt , Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.
” Host Jeff Stelling and former Arsenal star Paul Merson will remain part of the Soccer Saturday team .
Stelling tweeted : “ One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates .
They have been part of a team that for me was the best.
” The firing of Le Tissier ( 51 ) , Thompson ( 66 ) and Nicholas ( 58 ) from the popular Saturday afternoon show quickly became a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite no replacements having yet being appointed , anti-PC trolls were quick to accuse Sky of sacking the trio in favour of a more diverse panel of pundits .
Black ex-footballers Scott , Richards , Clinton Morrison and Sol Campbell have been touted as possible candidates to take a seat at the Soccer Saturday table , but some Twitter users reacted negatively , the Daily Mail reports .
Scott and Richards were also trending on Twitter in the aftermath of Sky ’ s announcement .
Former Arsenal and England women ’ s star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punditry skills , the Mail adds , but was also the target of many sexist tweets .
Ex-Manchester City defender Richards also faced abuse online .
Both pundits reacted with tweets of their own .
“ Here we go , ” said Scott while Richards wrote : “ I saw I was trending today in relation to a brilliant & institutional Sky Sports TV show that I ’ ve never even been on .
The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine & Alex Scott ’ s names makes for some uncomfortable truths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of football ’ s most prominent black pundits , was so shocked by the abuse of Scott and Richards that he told racists to “ keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed mouths ” .
In a heartfelt video watched more than three million times , Arsenal legend Wright said : “ The racism is going through the roof today .
Can somebody just answer me this : what does Micah Richards , Alex Scott , Sol Campbell , Clinton Morrison , or any other black pundit have to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rid of these guys ?
“ All because three middle-aged white guys have got the sack .
I kiss my teeth , say raasclaat and all that sort of stuff .
What have they done , what have these guys done ?
“ Because a black person or a woman might get the opportunity to do this job .
They might get a chance to do this show .
Why are people upset ?
” Le Tissier , Thompson and Nicholas are not the only pundits who have been shown the door .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also been axed by the TV company , which has been “ aggressively cutting staff numbers ” .
Writing in The Telegraph , Jim White says that while losing “ Tiss , Tommo and Charlie ” signals the end for “ Proper Football Men ” , the punditry future is bright in the era of Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville .
White wrote : “ When the decision was announced that the Soccer Saturday team was to be refreshed , the response from viewers on social media was pretty clear .
The threesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitted the image broadcasters wish to convey .
In this new world order , there is no place for the pale , male and stale .
“ What we want is something that informs as well as entertains .
If the new bunch of talkers - whoever they may be - can deliver half as much as Neville and Carragher the fact is the trio of Proper Football Men will soon be forgotten , recalled only as a long-lost byway of broadcasting history .
RIP PFM .
”

Black football pundits Alex Scott and Micah Richards have been targeted online by racist trolls following Sky Sports’s sacking of Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from Soccer Saturday.
The Daily Mirror reports that the long-serving trio, who have clocked up more than 50 years of service, were given the boot as part of changes to the broadcaster’s football programming.
In a statement Sky confirmed: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage. Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”
Host Jeff Stelling and former Arsenal star Paul Merson will remain part of the Soccer Saturday team. Stelling tweeted: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”
I saw I was trending today in relation to a brilliant & institutional Sky Sports TV show that I’ve never even been on. The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine & Alex Scott’s names makes for some uncomfortable truths. Peace and love ✌🏿 — Micah Richards (@MicahRichards) August 26, 2020
What happened?
The firing of Le Tissier (51), Thompson (66) and Nicholas (58) from the popular Saturday afternoon show quickly became a top trend on social media yesterday.
Despite no replacements having yet being appointed, anti-PC trolls were quick to accuse Sky of sacking the trio in favour of a more diverse panel of pundits.
Black ex-footballers Scott, Richards, Clinton Morrison and Sol Campbell have been touted as possible candidates to take a seat at the Soccer Saturday table, but some Twitter users reacted negatively, the Daily Mail reports.
Scott and Richards were also trending on Twitter in the aftermath of Sky’s announcement. Former Arsenal and England women’s star Scott was praised by many for her punditry skills, the Mail adds, but was also the target of many sexist tweets. Ex-Manchester City defender Richards also faced abuse online.
Both pundits reacted with tweets of their own. “Here we go,” said Scott while Richards wrote: “I saw I was trending today in relation to a brilliant & institutional Sky Sports TV show that I’ve never even been on. The underlying insinuation of tweets immediately linking mine & Alex Scott’s names makes for some uncomfortable truths. Peace and love.”
Gets a WhatsApp from a friend:.. Alex your Trending on twitter... Me: Is it to do with football? Friend: Yes Me: 🙄 Here we go 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Y0ZuhsDwkF — Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) August 26, 2020
Wrighty defends duo
Ian Wright, one of football’s most prominent black pundits, was so shocked by the abuse of Scott and Richards that he told racists to “keep their names out of your stinking unbrushed mouths”.


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Are Boris Johnson’s U-turns testing the patience of his backbenchers?

Back in December , with Boris Johnson commanding a majority of 80 after a landslide election victory , he found himself the toast of a grateful Conservative Party on the verge of delivering Brexit .
But eight months on , and with a string of high-profile U-turns behind him , the prime minister is coming under fire from his own side .
Tory MPs have accused Johnson of presiding over an “ utter shitshow ” following another U-turn on face masks in schools , the Daily Mail says , warning that Downing Street needs to “ get a grip ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off U-turn The announcement this week that secondary school pupils would have to wear face masks in areas with high levels of coronavirus infection is the latest U-turn performed during the coronavirus pandemic .
Following the change of policy , Conservative MP Huw Merriman said erratic policy-making had to stop .
It was “ baffling for many people ” , he said , causing them “ uncertainty [ and ] worry ” .
Over the past few months , the government has set out several detailed policies only to backtrack days or weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tack after first insisting that an NHS bereavement scheme would apply only to doctors and nurses , not other critical staff .
Johnson eventually caved in to pressure , extending the scheme to include thousands of other care staff .
The next major about-face came the next day , when the PM announced that the £400 annual fee paid by non-EU migrants to use the NHS would be scrapped for health and care workers , “ just a day after defending the policy ” , The Independent says .
And in June , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Commons because they were shielding from Covid-19 were allowed a proxy vote , after the government had previously argued that only MPs who were physically present in parliament should vote .
In the same month , the government announced that children would not get free school meals during the summer holidays .
A high-profile campaign by England and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford persuaded Downing Street to reverse the policy .
Soon afterwards , the government announced that the heavily delayed Covid-19 tracing app would not be rolled out due to accuracy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a different system , is yet to appear .
Having previously described evidence that face coverings reduce transmission of coronavirus as “ weak ” , in July the government made them compulsory in English shops , supermarkets , takeaways , banks and post offices .
And earlier this month , anger erupted following the release of A-level grades , many of which had been downgraded by a government-designed algorithm .
Days later , after exam regulator Ofqual published and then withdrew its appeals criteria , the government reversed itself again .
None of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rumblings across the party have been growing louder as the coronavirus crisis has dragged on , ” says City AM .
With the coronavirus pandemic still in full swing , there may be more policy U-turns on the horizon .
Today it was announced that workers on low incomes in parts of England where there are high rates of coronavirus “ will be able to claim up to £182 if they have to self-isolate ” , the BBC reports .
But pressure is already mounting on the government to expand the program , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the payment “ goes nowhere near far enough ” and that people need “ full pay ” .
Johnson has also announced major changes to England ’ s planning system , which will make it easier to build new homes , but which will strip councils of the ability to block planning permission in areas designated for growth .
“ The plans will face a rough ride in parliament , ” says the Financial Times , with Tory councillors likely to be the most “ vociferous critics of proposals that will remove some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policy could be make-or-break for the PM , writes The Spectator ’ s James Forsyth who argues that Johnson “ Boris the builder mustn ’ t buckle over planning reform ” .
“ It needs to demonstrate that it intends to use its majority to enact change , ” Forsyth says .
“ To back down now would send an awful message : that even its most important policies can be dropped .
”


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Poland refuse to sign off German ambassador over father’s Nazi links

The future of Germany ’ s new ambassador to Poland hangs in the balance amid a press storm over his father ’ s past as a senior officer under the Nazis .
Earlier in the summer , Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven , “ a former Nato intelligence chief , well-regarded ambassador to Prague and capable jazz guitarist ” was nominated to take up the post , The Times reports .
But Poland has delayed formalising the appointment , while right-wing press in the country have “ lambasted ” Freytag von Loringhoven over his father ’ s links to Adolf Hitler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Loringhoven , was a Wehrmacht officer under the Nazis and prepared Hitler ’ s daily military briefings towards the end of the Second World War .
After being absolved of war crimes , he became a senior figure in the West German armed forces and later worked as an adviser on the film Downfall .
He died in 2007 .
Najwyszy Czas ( High Time ) , a conservative Polish magazine , described the nomination as “ Merkel ’ s gift to the Poles - son of Hitler ’ s aide de camp @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But German officals suspect that the Polish response to Freytag von Loringhoven has little to do with his family history and may in fact be politically motivated .
President Andrzej Duda frequently deployed “ anti-German rhetoric ” during his “ protracted campaign for the Polish election ” this year , the Financial Times notes .
Duda , who has the support of the ruling Law and Justice party , attacked coverage of the election by German-owned media , singling out the Polish tabloid Fakt , which is owned by German-Swiss publishing house Ringier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also “ recently sparred over other issues such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline , which Berlin backs but Warsaw bitterly opposes ” , the FT adds .
Both will want to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible , The Times suggests , as “ there are also strong trade ties between the neighbours ” .
Germany is by far Poland ’ s largest export market , purchasing a greater amount of its goods than the next four countries combined .

The future of Germany’s new ambassador to Poland hangs in the balance amid a press storm over his father’s past as a senior officer under the Nazis.
Earlier in the summer, Arndt Freytag von Loringhoven, “a former Nato intelligence chief, well-regarded ambassador to Prague and capable jazz guitarist” was nominated to take up the post, The Times reports.
But Poland has delayed formalising the appointment, while right-wing press in the country have “lambasted” Freytag von Loringhoven over his father’s links to Adolf Hitler.
His father, Bernd Freytag von Loringhoven, was a Wehrmacht officer under the Nazis and prepared Hitler’s daily military briefings towards the end of the Second World War.
After being absolved of war crimes, he became a senior figure in the West German armed forces and later worked as an adviser on the film Downfall. He died in 2007.
Najwyszy Czas (High Time), a conservative Polish magazine, described the nomination as “Merkel’s gift to the Poles - son of Hitler’s aide de camp will be ambassador to Warsaw”.
But German officals suspect that the Polish response to Freytag von Loringhoven has little to do with his family history and may in fact be politically motivated.
President Andrzej Duda frequently deployed “anti-German rhetoric” during his “protracted campaign for the Polish election” this year, the Financial Times notes.
Duda, who has the support of the ruling Law and Justice party, attacked coverage of the election by German-owned media, singling out the Polish tabloid Fakt, which is owned by German-Swiss publishing house Ringier Axel Springer.
The two countries have also “recently sparred over other issues such as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which Berlin backs but Warsaw bitterly opposes”, the FT adds.
Both will want to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible, The Times suggests, as “there are also strong trade ties between the neighbours”. Germany is by far Poland’s largest export market, purchasing a greater amount of its goods than the next four countries combined.


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Why Tony Abbott is a controversial choice for UK trade role

The government has not yet confirmed that Tony Abbott , the former prime minister of Australia , has been hired as a post-Brexit UK trade envoy , but already he is stirring up a furious reaction .
The decision to appoint the “ right-wing Brexiteer ” has been “ blasted by critics ” , reports the Daily Mail , which says he will travel to London next week .
Labour ’ s international trade spokeswoman Emily Thornberry questioned both his character and capabilities .
“ On a personal level , it is shameful Boris Johnson thinks this offensive , aggressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right person to represent our country overseas , ” she said .
“ And on a professional level , this is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements , who denies the climate change we believe should be at the heart of our trade policy , and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain ’ s trade with the EU.
” Repeatedly accused of misogyny , Abbott was memorably confronted in the Australian parliament by his predecessor as prime minister , Julia Gillard .
“ If he wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern Australia , he doesn ’ t need a motion in the House of Representatives , ” she said in 2012 .
“ He needs a mirror.
” Abbott was ousted by his own MPs after two years in office , but has remained politically active - and divisive .
“ He gave a speech to the rightwing Heritage Foundation in Washington DC in January , saying Donald Trump ’ s presidency had been ‘ quite a success ’ and his methods were ‘ crude but effective ’ , ” The Guardian says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Brexit project , says the Daily Mail .
“ Mr Abbott is a staunch monarchist and friend of the PM who addressed last year ’ s Tory Party conference , warning that failing to leave the EU would be ‘ defeat on an epic scale , hardly matched since the Norman invasion ’ , ” it reports .
But his new job may have cost him a few friends in his home country .
“ In Australia , Abbott ’ s critics have called on him to be stripped of his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parliamentary pension while he is working for a foreign government that is negotiating a trade deal with Australia , ” says The Sydney Morning Herald .

The government has not yet confirmed that Tony Abbott, the former prime minister of Australia, has been hired as a post-Brexit UK trade envoy, but already he is stirring up a furious reaction.
The decision to appoint the “right-wing Brexiteer” has been “blasted by critics”, reports the Daily Mail, which says he will travel to London next week.
Labour’s international trade spokeswoman Emily Thornberry questioned both his character and capabilities.
“On a personal level, it is shameful Boris Johnson thinks this offensive, aggressive, leering, gaffe-prone misogynist is the right person to represent our country overseas,” she said.
“And on a professional level, this is someone with no hands-on experience of negotiating trade agreements, who denies the climate change we believe should be at the heart of our trade policy, and who clearly has no concept of the importance of Britain’s trade with the EU.”
Repeatedly accused of misogyny, Abbott was memorably confronted in the Australian parliament by his predecessor as prime minister, Julia Gillard. “If he wants to know what misogyny looks like in modern Australia, he doesn’t need a motion in the House of Representatives,” she said in 2012. “He needs a mirror.”
Abbott was ousted by his own MPs after two years in office, but has remained politically active - and divisive.
“He gave a speech to the rightwing Heritage Foundation in Washington DC in January, saying Donald Trump’s presidency had been ‘quite a success’ and his methods were ‘crude but effective’,” The Guardian says.
He is at least ideologically committed to the Brexit project, says the Daily Mail. “Mr Abbott is a staunch monarchist and friend of the PM who addressed last year’s Tory Party conference, warning that failing to leave the EU would be ‘defeat on an epic scale, hardly matched since the Norman invasion’,” it reports.
But his new job may have cost him a few friends in his home country.
“In Australia, Abbott’s critics have called on him to be stripped of his A$300,000 [£165,000]-a-year parliamentary pension while he is working for a foreign government that is negotiating a trade deal with Australia,” says The Sydney Morning Herald.


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Unclear government PPE advice blamed in home care coronavirus death inquiry

An unnamed person may have died after being infected with coronavirus by a care worker who was not wearing personal protective equipment ( PPE ) amid contradictory government advice , it has been revealed .
A report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch ( HSIB ) found that the death in April may have been caused by a care worker who infected the person with a fatal case of Covid-19 at a time when Public Health England ( PHE ) was publishing contradictory guidance .
The report found that PHE published two documents that month , one “ advising care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and another that “ did not mention the need ” , The Guardian says .
The guidance was not clarified for six weeks .
“ A member of the public complained to the HSIB after seeing someone who was shielding in April – during the depth of Britain ’ s crisis – die after they were visited by carers who didn ’ t wear protective equipment ” , the Daily Mail reports .
“ After being told about the patient ’ s death , PHE later changed its online advice to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” the paper adds .
Colin Angel , policy director at the United Kingdom Homecare Association , said yesterday that the government ’ s guidance had been a “ shambles that had placed workers and their vulnerable clients at risk ” .
Angel said guidance “ has been consistently confusing for people who had to put it into practice ” , adding that care homes “ relied heavily on cross-referencing between different online documents [ that ] were using unfamiliar and ambiguous expressions ” .
The association has “ accused the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guidance with little notice , sometimes late on Friday nights , meaning that it was not always noticed by the people it was intended for ” , The Guardian adds .
“ We were very sorry to hear of what happened and lessons have been learnt , ” said Dr Eamonn O ’ Moore , PHE ’ s head of adult social care .
“ We updated the links to the guidance clarifying the right one to use.
” PHE has now published a 28-page document on the gov.uk website explaining how carers @ @ @ @ @ @ @


theweekuk--2020-08-27--CBI chief warns of ‘ghost towns’ as UK workers stay away from offices

Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ) director-general Carolyn Fairbairn has urged Boris Johnson to work with businesses and bring the UK ’ s offices “ back to life ” .
Warning that commercial centres could become “ ghost towns ” , the Daily Mail reports that Fairbairn is calling on the prime minister and his government to build confidence so workers feel safe returning to their desks .
In a column for the Mail , she wrote : “ Decisions taken over the next few weeks will shape our economy for a decade .
Getting schools back is an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be building the right environment to get people back into offices and workplaces .
“ The UK ’ s offices are vital drivers of our economy .
They support thousands of local firms , from drycleaners to sandwich bars .
They help train and develop young people .
And they foster better work and productivity for many kinds of business .
“ The costs of office closure are becoming clearer by the day .
Some of our busiest city centres resemble ghost towns , missing the usual bustle of passing trade .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , jobs and communities.
” While acknowledging that remote working has been a “ resounding success ” for many , Fairburn adds that there are serious downsides to flexible arrangements .
“ We don ’ t want to see a new divide in our society - between those who can and can ’ t work from the safety and comfort of their homes , ” she says .
“ For all these reasons we need more people to feel it is safe and possible to go back into their places of work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today calling on the prime minister and his government to do more to build confidence around getting people back into offices and workplaces .
“ More flexible working is indisputably a good thing for our economy and quality of life , but we must have a balance .
“ It ’ s time for the UK to bring its workplaces back to life , or we will look back with regret at the jobs lost , training missed , and communities harmed .
We ask the government to work with business to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
”

Confederation of British Industry (CBI) director-general Carolyn Fairbairn has urged Boris Johnson to work with businesses and bring the UK’s offices “back to life”.
Warning that commercial centres could become “ghost towns”, the Daily Mail reports that Fairbairn is calling on the prime minister and his government to build confidence so workers feel safe returning to their desks.
In a column for the Mail, she wrote: “Decisions taken over the next few weeks will shape our economy for a decade. Getting schools back is an essential component. But as important will be building the right environment to get people back into offices and workplaces.
“The UK’s offices are vital drivers of our economy. They support thousands of local firms, from drycleaners to sandwich bars. They help train and develop young people. And they foster better work and productivity for many kinds of business.
“The costs of office closure are becoming clearer by the day. Some of our busiest city centres resemble ghost towns, missing the usual bustle of passing trade. This comes at a high price for local businesses, jobs and communities.”
While acknowledging that remote working has been a “resounding success” for many, Fairburn adds that there are serious downsides to flexible arrangements.
“We don’t want to see a new divide in our society - between those who can and can’t work from the safety and comfort of their homes,” she says. “For all these reasons we need more people to feel it is safe and possible to go back into their places of work.
“This is why we are today calling on the prime minister and his government to do more to build confidence around getting people back into offices and workplaces.
“More flexible working is indisputably a good thing for our economy and quality of life, but we must have a balance.
“It’s time for the UK to bring its workplaces back to life, or we will look back with regret at the jobs lost, training missed, and communities harmed. We ask the government to work with business to build confidence in returning to offices, starting now.”


theweekuk--2020-08-27--What coronavirus reinfection means - and why you shouldn’t panic

Zania Stamataki , senior lecturer in Viral Immunology at the University of Birmingham , on the first case of coronavirus reinfection and what it means for the pandemic .
Scientists in Hong Kong have reported the first confirmed case of reinfection with the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 , reportedly backed up by genetic sequences of the two episodes of the 33-year-old man ’ s infections in March and in August 2020 .
Naturally people are worried what this could mean for our chances of resolving the pandemic .
Here ’ s why they shouldn ’ t worry .
Nearly nine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ novel coronavirus , we have very poor evidence for reinfection .
However , virologists understand that reinfection with coronaviruses is common , and immunologists are working hard to determine how long the hallmarks of protective immunity will last in recovered patients .
The rare reports of reinfection so far were not accompanied by virus sequencing data so they could not be confirmed , but they are quite expected and there is no cause for alarm .
Our bodies do not become impervious to viruses when we recover from infection , instead , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Consider that beyond recovery , our bodies often still offer the same cell types – such as cells of the respiratory tract – that viruses latch onto and gain entry for a cosy haven to uncoat and begin producing more viruses .
These target cells are not altered in any substantial way to prevent future infections months after the virus has been cleared by the immune response .
If antibodies and memory cells ( B and T cells ) are left behind from a recent infection , however , the new expansion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the infection is subdued before the host suffers too much – or even notices at all .
This appears to be the case with the Hong Kong patient , who did not present any symptoms of the second infection , which was discovered following routine testing at the airport .
Would he ever know that he had been reinfected had he not travelled ?
Probably not .
A more interesting question is , was he contagious during his asymptomatic second infection ?
There is mounting evidence that asymptomatic and presymptomatic people are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ official advice is to wear face coverings to avoid infecting other people and to keep our distance to avoid getting infected .
Coronaviruses from previous colds have endowed some of us with memory T cells that can also mobilise against the novel coronavirus , and this could explain why some people are spared severe disease .
So how should we receive the news on reinfection of recovered individuals ?
There are three possible outcomes of reinfection with a similar virus : worse symptoms that lead to more severe disease , the same symptoms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of symptoms leading to milder or no disease .
The first outcome is known as disease enhancement and is noted in patients infected with similar strains of viruses such as dengue .
There is no evidence for this for the novel coronavirus , despite over 23 million confirmed cases of Covid-19 worldwide .
The second outcome , where the patient suffers the same disease twice , indicates that there is no sufficient immunological memory left behind to protect from reinfection .
This could happen if the first infection did not require antibodies or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because other rapidly deployed immune defences were enough to control it .
The final outcome is milder infection thanks to a healthy immune system that generated antibodies and memory B and T cell responses that persisted long enough to be of value during the second exposure .
Given the diversity of antibody and T cell responses reported in different Covid-19 patients , we anticipate that immune protection – if efficient – may vary in different people .
Of course , this has implications for the potency and duration of herd immunity , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of recovered patients immune to reinfection , this will protect the most vulnerable .
Therefore vaccination is critical to induce and sustain protective immune responses in the long term .
Vaccination can elicit more potent and longer-lasting immune responses compared with natural infection , and these can be sustained by booster vaccinations when necessary .
This is why scientists were not surprised to hear of evidence of reinfection .
The lack of symptoms experienced by the Hong Kong patient is very good news .
This article is republished from The Conversation under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ original article .


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 27 Aug 2020

People on low incomes in areas with high Covid-19 rates will be able to claim up to £182 if they @ @ @ @ @ People claiming Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits who can not work from home will @ @ @ @ @ payment - the equivalent of £13 per day .
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said @ @ @ @ @ be trialled in the north-west , “ goes nowhere near far enough ” .

£13 a day for low-income workers forced to self-isolate
People on low incomes in areas with high Covid-19 rates will be able to claim up to £182 if they are forced to self-isolate. People claiming Universal Credit or Working Tax Credits who cannot work from home will be able to claim the payment - the equivalent of £13 per day. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said the payment, which will be trialled in the north-west, “goes nowhere near far enough”.


theweekuk--2020-08-27--Stressed zoo elephants to be given cannabis in new trial

Stressed-out elephants at a zoo in Poland are to be given medical marijuana as part of a trial .
The Warsaw zoo ’ s three African elephants will be given liquid doses of cannabinoid CBD through their trunks .
“ Contrary to what some would imagine , the elephants won ’ t be using cannabis pipes nor will they be getting huge barrels of it , ” said the vet in charge of the project .
Archaeologists believe they have found a biblical village cursed to destruction by Jesus Christ .
After years of controversy , Bethsaida - where Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and helped a blind man see – is now believed to be in Et-Tell , a dig site in the Golan Heights .
Announcing the find , an expert from the University of Nebraska said : “ When it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck , what is it ?
” Tortoise back home after going on the crawl A 150-pound runaway tortoise is back at home after 74 days on the loose .
Solomon the tortoise escaped from his home in Ashland City , Tennessee , on June 8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when his owner got a call from a man who said he saw Solomon at a home construction site less than a mile from her house .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Stressed-out elephants at a zoo in Poland are to be given medical marijuana as part of a trial. The Warsaw zoo’s three African elephants will be given liquid doses of cannabinoid CBD through their trunks. “Contrary to what some would imagine, the elephants won’t be using cannabis pipes nor will they be getting huge barrels of it,” said the vet in charge of the project.
Archaeologists ‘find location of lost Jesus village’
Archaeologists believe they have found a biblical village cursed to destruction by Jesus Christ. After years of controversy, Bethsaida - where Christ is said to have fed the multitude and helped a blind man see – is now believed to be in Et-Tell, a dig site in the Golan Heights. Announcing the find, an expert from the University of Nebraska said: “When it walks like a duck and sounds like a duck, what is it?”
Tortoise back home after going on the crawl
A 150-pound runaway tortoise is back at home after 74 days on the loose. Solomon the tortoise escaped from his home in Ashland City, Tennessee, on June 8, but finally returned home last week when his owner got a call from a man who said he saw Solomon at a home construction site less than a mile from her house.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-08-26--New Porsche Panamera revealed: sharper looks, more speed

Ten years since its launch the Panamera has been given a fresh look for 2020 by Porsche .
Starting at £69,860 , the new Porsche Panamera “ redefines the sporting saloon ” , says the German sports car manufacturer and the first models to be launched will be the 4 , the 4S E-Hybrid , the GTS and the Turbo S. Top Gear says the “ most interesting of the bunch ” is the newly named Turbo S , which is an even quicker version of the previous Turbo .
It goes from 0-62 in just 3.1 seconds and has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month the new Panamera Turbo S already proved its performance capability on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany .
Test driver Lars Kern completed the 20.832km-long lap of the most demanding race track in the world in exactly 7:29.81 minutes - the new official record in the “ executive cars ” class .
In addition to the sports saloon body style , the new Panamera models can also be ordered as Sport Turismo .
The previously optional Sport Design nose styling - characterised by its distinctive air intake grilles , large side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ module - is now standard on all models .
In the case of the Panamera Turbo S , this model gains a completely new nose that is differentiated by the larger side air intakes and newly-designed elements in body colour , which are connected horizontally to further emphasise the car ’ s potent stance .
The light modules of the dual Turbo front lights are now also set much further apart .
Goodwood.com says of the facelift : “ The Panamera has been given a mid-life refresh , and we ’ re glad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s just as handsome as before , with the added bonus of more tech and better engines underneath.
” How much will the Panamera cost ?
The new Panamera is available to order from Porsche centres in the UK and Ireland .
The model range starts at £69,860 for the rear-wheel-drive Panamera and the other models feature all-wheel drive :

Ten years since its launch the Panamera has been given a fresh look for 2020 by Porsche.
Starting at £69,860, the new Porsche Panamera “redefines the sporting saloon”, says the German sports car manufacturer and the first models to be launched will be the 4, the 4S E-Hybrid, the GTS and the Turbo S.
Top Gear says the “most interesting of the bunch” is the newly named Turbo S, which is an even quicker version of the previous Turbo. It goes from 0-62 in just 3.1 seconds and has a top speed of 196mph.
Earlier this month the new Panamera Turbo S already proved its performance capability on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany.
Test driver Lars Kern completed the 20.832km-long lap of the most demanding race track in the world in exactly 7:29.81 minutes - the new official record in the “executive cars” class.
Sharper design
In addition to the sports saloon body style, the new Panamera models can also be ordered as Sport Turismo. The previously optional Sport Design nose styling - characterised by its distinctive air intake grilles, large side cooling openings and a single-bar front light module - is now standard on all models.
In the case of the Panamera Turbo S, this model gains a completely new nose that is differentiated by the larger side air intakes and newly-designed elements in body colour, which are connected horizontally to further emphasise the car’s potent stance. The light modules of the dual Turbo front lights are now also set much further apart.
Goodwood.com says of the facelift: “The Panamera has been given a mid-life refresh, and we’re glad to report that in the looks department it’s just as handsome as before, with the added bonus of more tech and better engines underneath.”
How much will the Panamera cost?
The new Panamera is available to order from Porsche centres in the UK and Ireland. The model range starts at £69,860 for the rear-wheel-drive Panamera and the other models feature all-wheel drive:


theweekuk--2020-08-26--Need more outdoor space? This Scottish Highlands estate is all yours for £7.5m

An exodus is under way as people in towns and cities look to buy properties in more rural locations .
If you ’ re a city-dweller seeking an escape to the country for more outdoor space , then the Scottish Highlands may just be the location for you .
And should you have a cool £7.5m spare then there ’ s a perfect place that has just come on to the market .
The idyllic and peaceful Kinrara Estate in Upper Speyside forms part of the renowned Monadhliath range of hills and the southern part of the estate lies within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9,309 acres , it offers opportunities for recreation , conservation , forestry , farming , shooting and fishing and is sold with a number of houses and outbuildings .
John Bound , a partner with property consultancy Galbraith , which is selling the estate , said : “ Kinrara offers a rare opportunity to own and play a key role in the ongoing stewardship of this stunning landscape , including some of the UK ’ s most sensitive and important habitats .
“ The estate offers very considerable afforestation potential , and lucrative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the estate is the natural and ancient oak woodlands situated on the north side of the A9 .
The areas of peatland at Kinrara could also be a significant asset in the quickly developing carbon economy .
“ It is a wonderful , mixed estate , underpinned by good housing , farming , significant forestry and sporting activities.
” The estate is complemented by the six-bedroom Lynwilg House , a bright and spacious Edwardian house with views to the Cairngorms .
The accommodation is of a high standard with four welcoming reception rooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are seven further houses and cottages on the estate and a good number of useful outbuildings , including a wonderful shoot room and two boathouses on Loch Alvie .
The Kinrara moor is one of the finest driven grouse moors in the Highlands .
With its gullies , ridges and undulating terrain , it provides the most challenging and exciting driven grouse shooting .
The estate also offers some enjoyable red deer and roe stalking and there is also a particularly challenging high bird pheasant shoot .
Salmon fishing is available on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tributary of the river Spey .
Although a spate river and while no formal records have been kept , there are a number of holding pools that can provide sport in the right conditions .
Loch Alvie and the hill loch , Lochan Dubh , both offer enjoyable trout fishing .
A significant proportion of the low ground at Kinrara , some 254 acres , is woodland , with species such as silver birch , rowan and native Scots Pine .
Much of the woodland is noted within the Ancient Woodland Inventory .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acres of conifer plantation , which offer shelter and cover for the farming and sporting enterprises .
See the full listing at galbraithgroup.com

An exodus is under way as people in towns and cities look to buy properties in more rural locations.
If you’re a city-dweller seeking an escape to the country for more outdoor space, then the Scottish Highlands may just be the location for you. And should you have a cool £7.5m spare then there’s a perfect place that has just come on to the market.
The idyllic and peaceful Kinrara Estate in Upper Speyside forms part of the renowned Monadhliath range of hills and the southern part of the estate lies within the Cairngorm National Park.
Extending to 9,309 acres, it offers opportunities for recreation, conservation, forestry, farming, shooting and fishing and is sold with a number of houses and outbuildings.
John Bound, a partner with property consultancy Galbraith, which is selling the estate, said: “Kinrara offers a rare opportunity to own and play a key role in the ongoing stewardship of this stunning landscape, including some of the UK’s most sensitive and important habitats.
“The estate offers very considerable afforestation potential, and lucrative carbon capture potential and a feature of the estate is the natural and ancient oak woodlands situated on the north side of the A9. The areas of peatland at Kinrara could also be a significant asset in the quickly developing carbon economy.
“It is a wonderful, mixed estate, underpinned by good housing, farming, significant forestry and sporting activities.”
Multiple houses and cottages
The estate is complemented by the six-bedroom Lynwilg House, a bright and spacious Edwardian house with views to the Cairngorms. The accommodation is of a high standard with four welcoming reception rooms, six bedrooms and five bathrooms.
There are seven further houses and cottages on the estate and a good number of useful outbuildings, including a wonderful shoot room and two boathouses on Loch Alvie.
Sport and hunting
The Kinrara moor is one of the finest driven grouse moors in the Highlands. With its gullies, ridges and undulating terrain, it provides the most challenging and exciting driven grouse shooting.
The estate also offers some enjoyable red deer and roe stalking and there is also a particularly challenging high bird pheasant shoot.
Salmon fishing is available on the River Dulnain, an important spawning tributary of the river Spey. Although a spate river and while no formal records have been kept, there are a number of holding pools that can provide sport in the right conditions.
Loch Alvie and the hill loch, Lochan Dubh, both offer enjoyable trout fishing.
Woodland adventures
A significant proportion of the low ground at Kinrara, some 254 acres, is woodland, with species such as silver birch, rowan and native Scots Pine.
Much of the woodland is noted within the Ancient Woodland Inventory. In addition, there are around 12 acres of conifer plantation, which offer shelter and cover for the farming and sporting enterprises.
See the full listing at galbraithgroup.com


theweekuk--2020-08-26--Two metre distancing ‘may not be enough’ in Britain’s pubs and clubs, scientists say

People may need to maintain a distance of far more than the UK ’ s recommended two metres from others in order to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus in certain conditions , a new study suggests .
Just weeks after the official guidance in England and Northern Ireland was changed to “ one metre-plus ” for many public places , researchers at the University of Oxford have found that even the two-metre rule is based on “ studies dating back up to 100 years ago and is too simplistic ” , says the Daily Mail .
The World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people from different households maintain a distance of at least one metre from each other , because “ when someone coughs , sneezes , or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus ” .
But the Oxford researchers say evidence suggests that how far virus-carrying droplets can spread depends on the specific environment .
Yet previous research has failed to factor in these environmental conditions , and is “ based on an outdated , dichotomous notion of respiratory droplet size ” , the experts report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the British Medical Journal , they explain that “ clouds of small droplets can travel beyond two metres in the air , and even large droplets have enhanced range ” .
The team are calling for more stringent distancing rules to be introduced for bars , pubs and nightclubs , as indoor spaces that are poorly ventilated and where people often have to shout to be heard over music .
An analysis published in March by scientists at the Massachussetts Institute of Technology ( MIT ) found that viral droplets expelled in coughs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , warm atmosphere at speeds of up to 100ft per second and reach up to eight metres , as The Telegraph reported at the time .
Reporting their findings in a paper in Journal of the American Medical Association ( Jama ) , the experts wrote that the current rules “ are based on estimates of range that have not considered the possible presence of a high-momentum cloud carrying the droplets long distances ” .
“ Recommendations for separations of 3ft to 6ft ( one metre to two metres ) may underestimate the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of coronavirus infected droplets in the air , they added .


theweekuk--2020-08-26--Instant Opinion: the Tories are ‘hollowed out and filled with Boris Johnson’s vanity’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on a loss of patience on the Conservative backbenches The Tory party has been hollowed out and filled with Boris Johnson 's vanity “ There is a warning in the condition of the US Republican party , which this week adopted a policy platform of explicit , blind allegiance to Donald Trump .
Nothing else .
Differences of culture and constitution diminish the comparison with American politics , yet there is a likeness in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cult of incoherent nationalistic vandalism , called it renewal , and allowed their party to be hollowed out for use as a vessel to be filled with one man ’ s vanity .
Last year Conservative MPs thought Johnson was their saviour .
In time they may see him as a parasite .
They aren ’ t at that stage yet , not while the party is just about ahead in opinion polls .
If that changes , the unravelling could be fast and messy .
The one Tory ethic that persists @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to power .
Johnson delivered it , thus earning the right to mould what it means to be Conservative in his own image .
But it is a thing without substance , a brittle shell around a void .
It only looks solid in the hands of a winner.
” on getting children back in the classroom It ’ s adults who are the real school snowflakes “ It ’ s not children who are the snowflakes any more : they have been resilient and adaptable as they learn to cope with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vital early years .
It ’ s adults who are having the meltdown ... As a school governor I ’ ve seen the endless conflicting advice given to head teachers by the government , preventing parents from discovering what the new arrangements will entail .
No wonder their WhatsApp groups are full of anxious concerns as they weigh up whether to buy new shoes for next week .
Instead we should be sending all pupils back and promising their education will improve , that we have learnt from the virus , that there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams and more emphasis on hobbies that they may have enjoyed during lockdown — sport , art , leisure activities — and more judicious use of online learning.
” on heritage being progressively eroded away We , the patriotic majority , must fight for the Empire against woke culture warriors “ Ladies and gentlemen , from this point on we must gather our courage and speak up in public , in mixed gatherings , online and everywhere else in defence of and even outright praise of the British Empire , risking the wrath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process .
We must insist on a balanced account of its pluses and minuses , noting the gifts of the ideal of an impartial civil service and a robust , non-corrupt courts system that it bestowed on many countries , along with amazing wealth-generating infrastructure .
We must point out that the Empire inspired genuine affinity among many of its subjects , such as to inspire them to lay down their lives when Britain stood against the unique evil of Nazi Germany .
And we must say that the creation of the Commonwealth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Empire was an inspired and humane way of Britain expressing its sense of ongoing sense of obligation towards former colonies and they , in return , expressing their complex and abiding bond with us.
” on another strange night at the Republican National Convention Melania Trump really did just say America deserves ‘ complete honesty ’ from its president “ Giving her first speech in four years , the keynote address at the second night of an ever more unhinged Republican National Convention , she did her best to stick to her one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but circumstances rendered the task impossible .
Ultimately , the potential re-election of Donald Trump in three months ’ time rests on the bullshit-swallowing capacity of the American people , and it ’ s best to understand the still early stages of the race as a kind of test run .
Here really was Melania Trump , standing in the White House Rose Garden , reading from a teleprompter , offering solidarity with the fears of mothers all across America about what social media is doing to their children .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ central role in the presidential election campaign of the world ’ s leading online troll , whose own accounts have had to be censored and moderated on account of their containing flagrant lies and mad conspiracy theories .
She really did do her level best to look America in the eye and tell them that they ‘ deserve complete honesty from their President.
’ ” 5 .
Frank Bruni in The New York Times on lies and conspiracy in Trump ’ s re-election pitch The Epic Shamelessness of the Republican Convention “ Conventions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extravagant fibs .
That ’ s how they transform their nominees from mere mortals to near messiahs .
That ’ s how they whip up the faithful and woo the agnostics .
But the Republican convention is going well beyond that .
It ’ s less a feat of pretty storytelling than an act of pure derangement .
To turn Donald Trump into a president worthy of a second term , speakers are conjuring an entirely different person in his place .
I can tell that Trump is the man they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up amid all the monumental imagery .
( Did Leni Riefenstahl consult via séance ? )
But I otherwise don ’ t recognize their version of Trump .
Their Trump brims with empathy .
Their Trump burns with passion to improve the lives of ordinary Americans .
Their Trump heroically spared the country from the worst ravages of Covid-19 , which is surely news to the relatives and friends of more than 175,000 Americans ( and counting ) who have died from it .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Rafael Behr in The Guardian
on a loss of patience on the Conservative backbenches
The Tory party has been hollowed out and filled with Boris Johnson's vanity
“There is a warning in the condition of the US Republican party, which this week adopted a policy platform of explicit, blind allegiance to Donald Trump. Nothing else. Differences of culture and constitution diminish the comparison with American politics, yet there is a likeness in the way the Tories fell in thrall to a cult of incoherent nationalistic vandalism, called it renewal, and allowed their party to be hollowed out for use as a vessel to be filled with one man’s vanity. Last year Conservative MPs thought Johnson was their saviour. In time they may see him as a parasite. They aren’t at that stage yet, not while the party is just about ahead in opinion polls. If that changes, the unravelling could be fast and messy. The one Tory ethic that persists through every ideological mutation is the will to power. Johnson delivered it, thus earning the right to mould what it means to be Conservative in his own image. But it is a thing without substance, a brittle shell around a void. It only looks solid in the hands of a winner.”
2. Alice Thomson in The Times
on getting children back in the classroom
It’s adults who are the real school snowflakes
“It’s not children who are the snowflakes any more: they have been resilient and adaptable as they learn to cope with the dystopian Covid world that is discombobulating their vital early years. It’s adults who are having the meltdown... As a school governor I’ve seen the endless conflicting advice given to head teachers by the government, preventing parents from discovering what the new arrangements will entail. No wonder their WhatsApp groups are full of anxious concerns as they weigh up whether to buy new shoes for next week. Instead we should be sending all pupils back and promising their education will improve, that we have learnt from the virus, that there will be less of an obsession with exams and more emphasis on hobbies that they may have enjoyed during lockdown — sport, art, leisure activities — and more judicious use of online learning.”
3. Patrick O’Flynn in The Daily Telegraph
on heritage being progressively eroded away
We, the patriotic majority, must fight for the Empire against woke culture warriors
“Ladies and gentlemen, from this point on we must gather our courage and speak up in public, in mixed gatherings, online and everywhere else in defence of and even outright praise of the British Empire, risking the wrath of ‘cancel culture’ in the process. We must insist on a balanced account of its pluses and minuses, noting the gifts of the ideal of an impartial civil service and a robust, non-corrupt courts system that it bestowed on many countries, along with amazing wealth-generating infrastructure. We must point out that the Empire inspired genuine affinity among many of its subjects, such as to inspire them to lay down their lives when Britain stood against the unique evil of Nazi Germany. And we must say that the creation of the Commonwealth after the voluntary rolling back of the Empire was an inspired and humane way of Britain expressing its sense of ongoing sense of obligation towards former colonies and they, in return, expressing their complex and abiding bond with us.”
4. Tom Peck in The Independent
on another strange night at the Republican National Convention
Melania Trump really did just say America deserves ‘complete honesty’ from its president
“Giving her first speech in four years, the keynote address at the second night of an ever more unhinged Republican National Convention, she did her best to stick to her one true guiding principle of complete moral invisibility, but circumstances rendered the task impossible. Ultimately, the potential re-election of Donald Trump in three months’ time rests on the bullshit-swallowing capacity of the American people, and it’s best to understand the still early stages of the race as a kind of test run. Here really was Melania Trump, standing in the White House Rose Garden, reading from a teleprompter, offering solidarity with the fears of mothers all across America about what social media is doing to their children. She said these words as part of her own central role in the presidential election campaign of the world’s leading online troll, whose own accounts have had to be censored and moderated on account of their containing flagrant lies and mad conspiracy theories. She really did do her level best to look America in the eye and tell them that they ‘deserve complete honesty from their President.’”
5. Frank Bruni in The New York Times
on lies and conspiracy in Trump’s re-election pitch
The Epic Shamelessness of the Republican Convention
“Conventions lie. Or at least they tell extravagant fibs. That’s how they transform their nominees from mere mortals to near messiahs. That’s how they whip up the faithful and woo the agnostics. But the Republican convention is going well beyond that. It’s less a feat of pretty storytelling than an act of pure derangement. To turn Donald Trump into a president worthy of a second term, speakers are conjuring an entirely different person in his place. I can tell that Trump is the man they’re talking about, because he keeps popping up amid all the monumental imagery. (Did Leni Riefenstahl consult via séance?) But I otherwise don’t recognize their version of Trump. Their Trump brims with empathy. Their Trump burns with passion to improve the lives of ordinary Americans. Their Trump heroically spared the country from the worst ravages of Covid-19, which is surely news to the relatives and friends of more than 175,000 Americans (and counting) who have died from it.”


theweekuk--2020-08-26--Has coronavirus rung the death knell for the daily commute?

The days of the daily commute may be numbered , as a growing number of major firms roll out working-from-home schemes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic .
J.P. Morgan , the world ’ s biggest investment bank , has told staff in London that they will be continuing to work remotely on a part-time basis after the outbreak ends , while elite law firm Linklaters will allow its employees to do their jobs from home for up to half of each week .
As other employers plan similar measures , the commute as we know it is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for our cities and social lives ” , says The Guardian ’ s Sam Wollaston .
So what are the potential repercussions ?
Employees have long voiced concerns about commuting and work-life balance , with a shift towards staying at home likely be welcomed by many workers .
According to People Management , a recent poll of 100 UK workers found that one in four cited “ concerns about their health ” as their main reason for wanting to shun the office for good , while “ many had other reasons for not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of work ” .
Almost four in ten ( 37 % ) of respondents said their biggest concern was the potential impact on their work-life balance , while 34 % said they did not want to go back to commuting .
Yahoo !
Finance reports that separate research by hiring platform Totaljobs suggests that more than half ( 52 % ) of former commuters across the UK “ do not miss ” travelling to work .
As the economy reopens , the future of many businesses in city centres “ will depend on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been absent for months ” , says The Telegraph .
The prosperity of central London and Canary Wharf is at risk after decades as a global hub and massive investment in millions of square feet of world-class office space .
And towns in so-called “ commuter belts ” may also suffer .
Commuting “ shaped our cities and gave rise to suburban railways , buses and underground trains ” , says The Guardian ’ s Wollaston .
Between the First and Second World Wars , “ one-third of the British population became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with new urban areas springing up on the fringes of cities ” , he writes .
But “ the pandemic means that , for many , it is no longer necessary to leave home , let alone your neighbourhood , to go to work ” .
Research published by the BBC earlier this month found that London ’ s commuter towns have seen the highest rate of people moving onto Universal Credit since the coronavirus lockdown began .
“ Experts said the drop in office-based working in the capital has impacted employment in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Laura Gardiner , research director at the Resolution Foundation think tank , said : “ Those workers may be able to continue working from home , but lots of the industries around them - the cafes , restaurants , the retail sectors - people who travel into the city to provide services to those office workers , therefore have nothing to do .
“ Those people tend to live on the outskirts of cities , and this is especially acute in London.
” However , Britain ’ s countryside communities could benefit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The end of lockdown saw a sharp rise in countryside property searches by people living in cities .
A Rightmove study revealed a 126 % rise in enquiries for village properties during June and July compared with the same period in 2019 .
In some cases , the effects of the pandemic have already been devastating .
Transport for London ( TfL ) came close to running out of money in May , with the Treasury forced to provide a £1.6bn bailout to keep the “ essential service ” running .
TfL receives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of its income from fares , meaning that a downturn in commuting has severely reduced its revenue .
But for other rail firms that don ’ t use this financial model , the drop in commuting could be a blessing in disguise .
“ Just as a pet is not only for Christmas , a train is not just for the rush hour : both the pet and the train are 24-hour , seven-days-a-week commitments , ” writes Sim Harris , editor of Rail News .
“ A train standing idle on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – little or no traction current being consumed , no kilometres clocking up , no variable track access charges and no expensive driver sitting in the cab.
” “ Generally speaking , commuter railways are expensive to run , at least if they have the sharp peaks which are typical in Britain ( and many other countries ) , ” he adds .
“ So an easing of commuter demand could well help the railways in the medium and longer term , rather than damaging them .
”

The days of the daily commute may be numbered, as a growing number of major firms roll out working-from-home schemes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
J.P. Morgan, the world’s biggest investment bank, has told staff in London that they will be continuing to work remotely on a part-time basis after the outbreak ends, while elite law firm Linklaters will allow its employees to do their jobs from home for up to half of each week.
As other employers plan similar measures, the commute as we know it is “under threat, with potentially huge consequences for our cities and social lives”, says The Guardian’s Sam Wollaston. So what are the potential repercussions?
Boosting worker well-being
Employees have long voiced concerns about commuting and work-life balance, with a shift towards staying at home likely be welcomed by many workers.
According to People Management, a recent poll of 100 UK workers found that one in four cited “concerns about their health” as their main reason for wanting to shun the office for good, while “many had other reasons for not wanting to go back to their place of work”.
Almost four in ten (37%) of respondents said their biggest concern was the potential impact on their work-life balance, while 34% said they did not want to go back to commuting.
Yahoo! Finance reports that separate research by hiring platform Totaljobs suggests that more than half (52%) of former commuters across the UK “do not miss” travelling to work.
Will it devastate city economies?
As the economy reopens, the future of many businesses in city centres “will depend on the office workers and daily commuters who have been absent for months”, says The Telegraph.
The prosperity of central London and Canary Wharf is at risk after decades as a global hub and massive investment in millions of square feet of world-class office space.
And towns in so-called “commuter belts” may also suffer.
Commuting “shaped our cities and gave rise to suburban railways, buses and underground trains”, says The Guardian’s Wollaston.
Between the First and Second World Wars, “one-third of the British population became commuters, thanks to unplanned development, with new urban areas springing up on the fringes of cities”, he writes.


theweekuk--2020-08-26--How an Amazonian city that shunned lockdown may have hit herd immunity

Located deep in the Amazon rainforest , Manaus has always been a coronavirus outlier .
Having been cited as a warning lesson at the beginning of the pandemic , the Brazilian city now provides scientists with a puzzling case study in how Covid-19 might behave if left unchecked .
“ Manaus was once a symbol of the threat that the virus might pose to the developing world , ” says The Times .
“ Drone images of mass graves caused alarm around the world four months ago as Covid-19 ravaged the city and burials were running at five times their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds , oxygen and stretchers , and gravediggers couldn ’ t keep up with the backlog of bodies .
“ But then , unexpectedly , it started to let up - without the interventions seen elsewhere , ” The Washington Post reports .
The city has never imposed a lockdown , encouraged social distancing or required face masks , yet excess deaths have dropped from about 120 per day in May to “ practically zero ” , says the newspaper .
Precisely why the virus has fizzled out remains unclear , but a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ da Silva , assistant director of the Pan American Health Organization .
“ The peak we had in Manaus was very strong , and there was such widespread community transmission that it may have produced some kind of collective immunity , ” he suggests .
The concept of herd immunity has “ proved highly contentious ” , says The Times .
Since most epidemiologists assumed that 70 % of people would have to be infected with the Covid-19 coronavirus before the disease could be controlled , the “ policy was deemed unacceptable by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manaus , only 20 % of the 1.8 million-strong population are thought to have had the virus - about the same proportion as in London and New York .
Even if the city has reached herd immunity , da Silva says it “ paid a very large price ” .
More than 3,000 Covid-related deaths were reported in Manaus , “ the equivalent of one in 500 residents being killed by the virus ” , says the Daily Mail .
And in the rest of the country , the “ outbreak is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 deaths and 47,134 new cases on Monday ” .


theweekuk--2020-08-26--James Anderson joins Test cricket’s 600 wickets club - now he’s aiming for 700

It was fitting that on the final day of England ’ s summer Test schedule Jimmy Anderson would achieve a cricketing milestone : his 600th Test wicket .
With his 14th ball of a rain-delayed fifth day at the Ageas Bowl , fast bowler Anderson had Pakistan ’ s Azhar Ali caught at first slip by captain Joe Root .
England had to settle for a draw but won the series 1-0 .
Anderson ’ s achievement means he becomes the first fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets and is fourth on the all-time list .
Spinners Muttiah Muralitharan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warne ( 708 ) and Anil Kumble ( 619 ) hold the top three spots .
The Lancashire star made his Test debut for England in 2003 and has since played 156 Tests .
He may be 38 , but the quick bowler is not ready to slow down just yet and has his eye on another milestone .
He said : “ I didn ’ t bowl as well as I ’ d have liked for the whole summer .
But in this Test , I was really on it and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stuff to offer this team .
“ As long as I still feel like that I think I ’ ll keep going .
I don ’ t think I ’ ve won my last Test matches as an England cricketer yet .
Can I reach 700 [ Test wickets ] ?
Why not ?
” Sky Sports reports that Anderson has also not ruled out playing in the next Ashes series in 2021-2022 .
“ Rooty said he would like me to be in Australia - I don ’ t see any reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he added .
“ There is no better feeling than putting the boots on , going out there and doing what I love doing.
” ‘ Set the bar like Sachin ’ : tributes to the King of Swing “ It was a fantastic achievement for Jimmy .
To be able to stand up and perform in Test cricket over such a long period of time is an incredible effort achievement .
We all know how valuable he is to our squad .
He ’ s a wicket taker but as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping those young guys come through , he ’ s so much more than what you see on the field and a credit to our country .
Absolutely see [ Stuart ] Broad and Anderson continuing for a long time for us.
” “ It ’ s just a phenomenal achievement .
He has got better with age and is someone who has inspired me throughout my career .
He ’ s a role model to follow for every English cricketer and young cricketer coming through .
He ’ s always searching to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t be the stopping of him.
” “ We are witnessing true greatness .
I ’ d be lying if I said we thought we had a bowler that would get this many wickets .
We thought we had a bowler of great promise and skill .
I never in my wildest dreams thought 17 years later we ’ d be talking about him getting to 600.
” “ I didn ’ t have the skill level that Jimmy has .
When he ’ s swinging that ball , both ways , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one better .
He ’ s set the bar a bit like [ India batting legend ] Sachin [ Tendulkar ] has .
No one is ever going to catch Sachin in Test cricket for the amount of runs he ’ s scored and the matches he ’ s played .
Jimmy ’ s done the same for fast bowling.
” Which teams has he taken the most wickets against ?

It was fitting that on the final day of England’s summer Test schedule Jimmy Anderson would achieve a cricketing milestone: his 600th Test wicket.
With his 14th ball of a rain-delayed fifth day at the Ageas Bowl, fast bowler Anderson had Pakistan’s Azhar Ali caught at first slip by captain Joe Root. England had to settle for a draw but won the series 1-0.
Anderson’s achievement means he becomes the first fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets and is fourth on the all-time list. Spinners Muttiah Muralitharan (800 Test wickets), Shane Warne (708) and Anil Kumble (619) hold the top three spots.
The Lancashire star made his Test debut for England in 2003 and has since played 156 Tests. He may be 38, but the quick bowler is not ready to slow down just yet and has his eye on another milestone.
He said: “I didn’t bowl as well as I’d have liked for the whole summer. But in this Test, I was really on it and I feel like I’ve still got stuff to offer this team.
“As long as I still feel like that I think I’ll keep going. I don’t think I’ve won my last Test matches as an England cricketer yet. Can I reach 700 [Test wickets]? Why not?”
Sky Sports reports that Anderson has also not ruled out playing in the next Ashes series in 2021-2022. “Rooty said he would like me to be in Australia - I don’t see any reason why I can’t be,” he added. “There is no better feeling than putting the boots on, going out there and doing what I love doing.”
‘Set the bar like Sachin’: tributes to the King of Swing
Joe Root, England Test captain
“It was a fantastic achievement for Jimmy. To be able to stand up and perform in Test cricket over such a long period of time is an incredible effort achievement. We all know how valuable he is to our squad. He’s a wicket taker but as a senior player and leader of bowlers, helping those young guys come through, he’s so much more than what you see on the field and a credit to our country. Absolutely see [Stuart] Broad and Anderson continuing for a long time for us.”
Stuart Broad, England bowler
“It’s just a phenomenal achievement. He has got better with age and is someone who has inspired me throughout my career. He’s a role model to follow for every English cricketer and young cricketer coming through. He’s always searching to be better and better and 600 won’t be the stopping of him.”
Michael Vaughan, former England captain
“We are witnessing true greatness. I’d be lying if I said we thought we had a bowler that would get this many wickets. We thought we had a bowler of great promise and skill. I never in my wildest dreams thought 17 years later we’d be talking about him getting to 600.”
Glenn McGrath, Australian bowling icon who took 563 Test wickets
“I didn’t have the skill level that Jimmy has. When he’s swinging that ball, both ways, in control, there’s no one better. He’s set the bar a bit like [India batting legend] Sachin [Tendulkar] has. No one is ever going to catch Sachin in Test cricket for the amount of runs he’s scored and the matches he’s played. Jimmy’s done the same for fast bowling.”
Muttiah Muralitharan Shane Warne Anil Kumble …and James Anderson James Anderson joins the 600 Club!#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/TUQnYOFD0f — Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 25, 2020
Anderson’s Test career in numbers
Matches: 156Overs: 5,624.1Maidens: 1,430Wickets: 600Average: 26.795fers: 2910fers: 31st dismissal: Mark Vermuelen (Zimbabwe)600th dismissal: Azhar Ali (Pakistan)
Which teams has he taken the most wickets against?
India: 110Australia: 104South Africa: 93West Indies: 87Pakistan: 74New Zealand: 60Sri Lanka: 52Zimbabwe: 11Bangladesh: 9


theweekuk--2020-08-26--Rishi’s dishes: has Eat Out to Help Out worked and should it be extended?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that Brits are “ backing hospitality ” , with 64 million discounted meals claimed in the first three weeks of the government ’ s Eat Out to Help Out scheme .
Running every Monday to Wednesday throughout August , the scheme gives diners a 50 % discount , up to a maximum of £10 per person , on food and non-alcoholic drinks .
According to data from the Treasury , a total of 84,000 restaurants , pubs and cafes across the country have signed up for the initiative , which ends on 31 August and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the hospitality sector .
In a statement yesterday , Sunak said that “ with more than 64 million meals discounted so far , that ’ s equivalent to nearly every person in the country dining out to protect jobs .
This scheme has reminded us how much we love to dine out , and in doing so , how this is helping to protect the jobs of nearly two million people who work in hospitality.
” But with the discounts due to come off the menu next week , what could the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic continues to hit the economy ?
Within days of the government scheme ’ s launch , a new trend emerged within the UK ’ s hospitality sector .
Many outlets reported an uptick in bookings for early midweek days but said that weekends were generally very quiet .
As Eat Out to Help Out got under way , a spokesperson for Rick Stein Restaurants told The Telegraph that “ Monday to Wednesday looks like it will be the new weekend during August ” , and this prediction has proved correct .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ OpenTable shows that during the third week of the scheme , the number of customers at UK restaurants from Monday to Wednesday was 61 % higher than during the same period in 2019 .
And customer numbers for the week were up by 17 % year-on-year .
Many business owners have praised the scheme for helping to save jobs and bring customers back into restaurants and pubs .
David Page , chair of Fulham Shore , which owns Franco Manca and The Real Greek , said : “ Eat Out to Help Out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 50 % , thus enabling us to get all our staff back to work .
In fact , we are now creating new jobs.
” Andy Laurillard , CEO of Giggling Squid , added that “ Rishi ’ s dishes have been a massive hit with customers and our staff .
The tremendous success of the August scheme , combined with the temporary VAT reduction and fantastic support from our landlord community , have made the difference between failure and survival of our business .
“ As a result of the Eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have managed to avoid making any redundancies and we no longer have any of our 950 staff on furlough.
” On the negative side , many outlets says that during the “ usual ” weekend - Friday to Sunday - customers have continued to stay away .
Politico ’ s Jack Blanchard spoke to a maitre d ’ at a busy Turkish restaurant in Stockport who claimed that the scheme had “ made things worse ” .
“ All these people just come on Wednesday instead of Saturday , ” the head waiter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had two bottles of wine if they were here on Saturday night .
“ But they have work tomorrow , so it ’ s two small glasses of wine instead .
And they will not be coming back at the weekend .
This whole thing is costing us money.
” Meanwhile , some pubs in Wales are considering ditching the scheme , with owners claiming that it is leading to “ grief ” and angry abuse from customers , WalesOnline reports .
Carl Willett and Paul Cinderey , landlords of the Paddock Inn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are seriously considering pulling the plug on this due to the extreme levels of rudeness , lack of understanding , and complete impatience of some of our recent customers.
” Despite some outlets ’ criticisms of the scheme , new YouGov research has shown that the majority of Brits ( 59 % ) support extending Eat Out to Help Out for another month .
“ This includes 77 % of those who made use of the discounted offer over the course of August , and even those who didn ’ t are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % , ” according to the polling company .
“ Overall , just 21 % of Brits oppose extending the scheme.
” The British Beer and Pub Association ( BBPA ) , which represents brewers and pubs , is among those calling for the government to extend the scheme .
The optional programme has been a “ great success ” for many of its members , the BBPA says , adding that the benefit to the recovery of some pubs and the wider hospitality sector has been “ immeasurable ” .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” pubs - outlets that mainly only serve drinks and bar snacks - are not getting enough support from the government , leaving many struggling to survive .
Emma McClarkin , chief executive of the BBPA , said : “ The government should definitely repeat the Eat Out to Help Out scheme .
It has provided a much-needed boost to sales in the early week for some of our sector as it tries to recover .
“ That boost to the pub and wider hospitality sector - amongst the largest employers in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help secure jobs and build consumer confidence .
“ Repeating the scheme , particularly as we approach quieter months for trade , would be a significant help .
However , it still remains the case that ‘ wet-led ’ pubs still need further support from the government elsewhere.
” The London Evening Standard reports that dozens of restaurants in the English capital are planning to continue offering discounts after Eat Out to Help Out ends next week , in order to keep up the “ feel-good factor ” .

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has announced that Brits are “backing hospitality”, with 64 million discounted meals claimed in the first three weeks of the government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
Running every Monday to Wednesday throughout August, the scheme gives diners a 50% discount, up to a maximum of £10 per person, on food and non-alcoholic drinks.
According to data from the Treasury, a total of 84,000 restaurants, pubs and cafes across the country have signed up for the initiative, which ends on 31 August and is aimed at supporting 1.8 million jobs in the hospitality sector.
In a statement yesterday, Sunak said that “with more than 64 million meals discounted so far, that’s equivalent to nearly every person in the country dining out to protect jobs. This scheme has reminded us how much we love to dine out, and in doing so, how this is helping to protect the jobs of nearly two million people who work in hospitality.”
But with the discounts due to come off the menu next week, what could the future hold for the industry as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit the economy?
The new weekend
Within days of the government scheme’s launch, a new trend emerged within the UK’s hospitality sector. Many outlets reported an uptick in bookings for early midweek days but said that weekends were generally very quiet.
As Eat Out to Help Out got under way, a spokesperson for Rick Stein Restaurants told The Telegraph that “Monday to Wednesday looks like it will be the new weekend during August”, and this prediction has proved correct.
A new report from restaurant booking website OpenTable shows that during the third week of the scheme, the number of customers at UK restaurants from Monday to Wednesday was 61% higher than during the same period in 2019.
And customer numbers for the week were up by 17% year-on-year.
Job creation
Many business owners have praised the scheme for helping to save jobs and bring customers back into restaurants and pubs.
David Page, chair of Fulham Shore, which owns Franco Manca and The Real Greek, said: “Eat Out to Help Out immediately increased our restaurant customer numbers by over 50%, thus enabling us to get all our staff back to work. In fact, we are now creating new jobs.”