theweekuk--2020-11-16--Instant Opinion: Brexiteers ‘vanish’ as the deal deadline looms

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ I am afraid I do not share the hopes that Dominic Cummings ’ s departure from No 10 will lead to a successful ‘ reset ’ of government , because the old problem will remain : a prime minister who does not really know what he thinks , who has fleeting enthusiasms but not big ideas , whose ambition to occupy the office was not driven by what he would do once he got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a grand thing to do .
Indeed , I think Cummings ’ s exit is quite possibly a bad thing , as in the absence of any similarly driven characters it will inevitably lead to a slide in the government ’ s ambitions .
Yes , much is maddening about Cummings : the hypocrisy of an establishment insider who attacks establishment insiders ; the chutzpah of claiming that a 250-mile drive was akin to a Specsavers check-up ; the arrogance which assumes that the 99.9 per cent of us who aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ physics are mediocrities .
But at least he had ambition.
” 2 .
Frank Bruni in The New York Times Was it worth it , Jared and Ivanka ?
“ Just five short years ago Jared and Ivanka were dinner-party royalty here in Manhattan .
It ’ s that kind of place .
They had money , they had youth , they had celebrity .
They were thin .
I ’ m told that their manners were impeccable , so you ’ d never know that his father was an actual felon and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Besides , you can ’ t hold family against someone , can you ?
We don ’ t choose how we ’ re born .
But from then on , we do make choices , and we ’ re accountable for those .
They chose to tether their fortunes to her father ’ s , chose to go along for the ride , chose to see how far it could take them , because what if it took them all the way ?
What if Ivanka became the first female president , something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she fantasized about , a giddy possibility that her father floated out loud.
” “ The reasons behind male primogeniture were , for centuries , obvious to everyone .
Most titles came with a grand estate : a castle , tenant farms , perhaps a summer house or two .
These stately homes cost a fortune to run , so keeping the title and all the assets bundled together made sense .
The eldest son inherited the lot .
The danger of passing on titles and wealth to an eldest daughter was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ house , uniting both sets of titles and land .
From the monarch ’ s point of view , that was dangerous , potentially allowing aristocratic families to become an alternative power base to the throne .
This all made perfect sense in 1620 , or even 1720 .
But it ’ s harder to understand in 2020 , when Britain has had two female prime ministers , 50 years of equal pay under the law , and its female monarchs are generally agreed to have a better batting average than their male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loyalists .
Do clubs even need spectators now ?
Coronavirus and the death of football as we know it “ It is sometime in the future and the biggest football clubs in London have merged to create London United .
The story is the same in Manchester , Liverpool and Glasgow .
Wasteful rivalries have been overcome , replaced by a more lucrative unity .
The Premier League has morphed into a Europe-wide super-league and London are due to play Madrid City .
Matches may take place in empty stadiums , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the old , highly dangerous way of consuming the product .
A range of atmospheres is included in every TV package , while a little extra buys the full immersive option .
The London-Madrid clash is already a bestseller .
Football has never felt more alive.
” on the greatest of all time Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher ?
There 's no contest “ Sometimes it seems as though Hamilton , like someone out for a leisurely Sunday drive , is completely relaxed and without a challenge .
The record winner ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Formula 1 following title after title .
And even after the seventh World Championship , everything points to more to come .
Hamilton may be the best racing driver of his time .
But his racing victories are not reminiscent of the passionate battles of Schumacher , who became a legend because , in competition with other outstanding drivers , truly made the impossible possible as a relentless competitor , team player and human being .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Clare Foges in The Times
on Cummings leaving No. 10
Brexiteers vanish as Brexit dawn looms
“I am afraid I do not share the hopes that Dominic Cummings’s departure from No 10 will lead to a successful ‘reset’ of government, because the old problem will remain: a prime minister who does not really know what he thinks, who has fleeting enthusiasms but not big ideas, whose ambition to occupy the office was not driven by what he would do once he got there but a feeling that it would be a grand thing to do. Indeed, I think Cummings’s exit is quite possibly a bad thing, as in the absence of any similarly driven characters it will inevitably lead to a slide in the government’s ambitions. Yes, much is maddening about Cummings: the hypocrisy of an establishment insider who attacks establishment insiders; the chutzpah of claiming that a 250-mile drive was akin to a Specsavers check-up; the arrogance which assumes that the 99.9 per cent of us who aren’t well versed in Descartes or quantum physics are mediocrities. But at least he had ambition.”
2. Frank Bruni in The New York Times
on selling your soul
Was it worth it, Jared and Ivanka?
“Just five short years ago Jared and Ivanka were dinner-party royalty here in Manhattan. It’s that kind of place. They had money, they had youth, they had celebrity. They were thin. I’m told that their manners were impeccable, so you’d never know that his father was an actual felon and her father a de facto one. Besides, you can’t hold family against someone, can you? We don’t choose how we’re born. But from then on, we do make choices, and we’re accountable for those. They chose to tether their fortunes to her father’s, chose to go along for the ride, chose to see how far it could take them, because what if it took them all the way? What if Ivanka became the first female president, something that Manhattan acquaintances of hers assured me that she fantasized about, a giddy possibility that her father floated out loud.”
3. Helen Lewis in The Atlantic
on feminist aristocrats
When discrimination targets the privileged
“The reasons behind male primogeniture were, for centuries, obvious to everyone. Most titles came with a grand estate: a castle, tenant farms, perhaps a summer house or two. These stately homes cost a fortune to run, so keeping the title and all the assets bundled together made sense. The eldest son inherited the lot. The danger of passing on titles and wealth to an eldest daughter was that she might marry into another noble house, uniting both sets of titles and land. From the monarch’s point of view, that was dangerous, potentially allowing aristocratic families to become an alternative power base to the throne. This all made perfect sense in 1620, or even 1720. But it’s harder to understand in 2020, when Britain has had two female prime ministers, 50 years of equal pay under the law, and its female monarchs are generally agreed to have a better batting average than their male counterparts.”
4. John King in The Independent
on the end of terrace loyalists.
Do clubs even need spectators now? Coronavirus and the death of football as we know it
“It is sometime in the future and the biggest football clubs in London have merged to create London United. The story is the same in Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow. Wasteful rivalries have been overcome, replaced by a more lucrative unity. The Premier League has morphed into a Europe-wide super-league and London are due to play Madrid City. Matches may take place in empty stadiums, but the digital experience is a huge improvement on the old, highly dangerous way of consuming the product. A range of atmospheres is included in every TV package, while a little extra buys the full immersive option. The London-Madrid clash is already a bestseller. Football has never felt more alive.”
5. Gerhard Sonnleitner on Deutsche Welle
on the greatest of all time
Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher? There's no contest
“Sometimes it seems as though Hamilton, like someone out for a leisurely Sunday drive, is completely relaxed and without a challenge. The record winner’s superiority has taken the tension out of Formula 1 following title after title. And even after the seventh World Championship, everything points to more to come. Hamilton may be the best racing driver of his time. But his racing victories are not reminiscent of the passionate battles of Schumacher, who became a legend because, in competition with other outstanding drivers, truly made the impossible possible as a relentless competitor, team player and human being.”


theweekuk--2020-11-16--‘Sir’ Lewis Hamilton hailed as Britain’s greatest ever sportsman

Lewis Hamilton has warned his rivals that he ’ s “ only just getting started ” after winning a seventh Formula 1 world championship .
The 35-year-old Mercedes star equalled Michael Schumacher ’ s title record after a stunning drive at a wet Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday .
Starting on the grid in sixth place , Hamilton produced a “ masterful ” performance for the 94th victory of his career , says the BBC .
After winning his first championship with McLaren in 2008 he has added to his tally with titles in 2014 , 2015 , 2017 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part of the dominating Mercedes team .
Speaking in Turkey Hamilton said : “ To all the kids out there , dream the impossible .
Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other , there is just no end to what you can do together .
“ I feel like I ’ m only just getting started , it ’ s really weird.
” Mercedes boss Toto Wolff , who was also presented with the team ’ s seventh successive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We simply need to say congratulations to Lewis and to recognise the amazing job he is doing , setting new benchmarks in this sport .
We will be flying home together , so we will have to see how we celebrate - I ’ m sure we will find a way !
” Hamilton ’ s achievements in equalling Schumacher ’ s F1 title record has seen pundits , fans and fellow sports stars hail him as the best driver ever in racing history .
However , others have gone further by praising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greatest ever sportsman .
The Daily Mail says Hamilton ’ s seventh world crown confirms him as Britain ’ s greatest of his era .
“ He has no serious rival , not even Sir Andy Murray , Sir Mo Farah or Chris Froome can match him , ” the paper says .
The Mail ’ s Jonathan McEvoy adds : “ He , after all , has done more in his crowded field than anyone else in history .
Of how many British contemporaries can that be said ?
Precisely , none.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and England footballer Rio Ferdinand said Hamilton is the “ greatest sportsman this country has ever produced - no doubts ” , while The Times ’ s Rebecca Clancy agreed that he can be hailed as “ Britain ’ s greatest sportsman ” after equalling Schumacher ’ s record .
Hamilton has not only proved his class on the track , but has also found his voice off it .
The Sun ’ s Ben Hunt writes : “ He ’ d previously spoken about Donald Trump , environmental causes and racism .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Whether you agree with his stances on racism , the environment , veganism or politics , it doesn ’ t matter .
“ This season , it is his off-track work that has made me appreciate Hamilton as the UK ’ s best sportsman of all-time.
” There are calls for Hamilton to be knighted following his success in F1 .
Clamour for national recognition comes after contemporaries such as Murray , Farah and Alastair Cook have all been knighted , says the Daily Mail .
The Press Association revealed last month that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who serves as chair for the All-Party Parliamentary F1 Group , will now write to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging that Hamilton becomes Britain ’ s next sporting Sir .
When asked about the possibility of a knighthood Hamilton said : “ When I think about that honour of being knighted , I think about people like my grandad who served in the war .
“ Captain Tom [ Moore ] waited 100 years for that great honour , and then you have these doctors and nurses , who are saving lives during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think about those unsung heroes and I don ’ t look at myself as an unsung hero .
I haven ’ t saved anybody .
It is an incredible honour that a small number of people have bestowed on them .
“ I hear the national anthem and I am a very proud Brit .
It is a special moment to be up there representing a nation and having the flag over your head .
”

Lewis Hamilton has warned his rivals that he’s “only just getting started” after winning a seventh Formula 1 world championship.
The 35-year-old Mercedes star equalled Michael Schumacher’s title record after a stunning drive at a wet Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday. Starting on the grid in sixth place, Hamilton produced a “masterful” performance for the 94th victory of his career, says the BBC.
After winning his first championship with McLaren in 2008 he has added to his tally with titles in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 and now 2020 as part of the dominating Mercedes team.
Speaking in Turkey Hamilton said: “To all the kids out there, dream the impossible. Seven is just unimaginable but when you work with such a great group of people and you really trust each other, there is just no end to what you can do together.
“I feel like I’m only just getting started, it’s really weird.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who was also presented with the team’s seventh successive constructors’ championship, added: “We simply need to say congratulations to Lewis and to recognise the amazing job he is doing, setting new benchmarks in this sport. We will be flying home together, so we will have to see how we celebrate - I’m sure we will find a way!”
The greatest ever
Hamilton’s achievements in equalling Schumacher’s F1 title record has seen pundits, fans and fellow sports stars hail him as the best driver ever in racing history. However, others have gone further by praising the F1 star as Britain’s greatest ever sportsman.
The Daily Mail says Hamilton’s seventh world crown confirms him as Britain’s greatest of his era. “He has no serious rival, not even Sir Andy Murray, Sir Mo Farah or Chris Froome can match him,” the paper says.
The Mail’s Jonathan McEvoy adds: “He, after all, has done more in his crowded field than anyone else in history. Of how many British contemporaries can that be said? Precisely, none.”
On Twitter, former Manchester United and England footballer Rio Ferdinand said Hamilton is the “greatest sportsman this country has ever produced - no doubts”, while The Times’s Rebecca Clancy agreed that he can be hailed as “Britain’s greatest sportsman” after equalling Schumacher’s record.


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Why everyone’s talking about the government Covid lobbyists scandal

Calls are growing for an inquiry into whether lobbyists quietly hired by Downing Street during the early days of coronavirus pandemic used their insider access to help benefit the outside companies that also employ them .
The Sunday Times reports that one of these influential lobbyists , Portland Communications chair George Pascoe-Watson , sent “ advance information about policy to paying clients ” .
The allegations surrounding Pascoe-Watson , who was originally hired to work on the NHS Test and Trace scheme , have “ reignited ” the ongoing dispute over the so-called “ Covid chumocracy ” , the paper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson ’ s government has “ repeatedly faced criticism for alleged cronyism ” and for “ blurring the lines between the public and private sectors ” in its response to the coronavirus crisis , The Guardian says .
According to The Sunday Times , “ whole organisations have achieved remarkable penetration within Whitehall during the pandemic , often under the cloak of secrecy ” .
The paper points to Portland Communications , a lobbying firm with clients including HSBC , Pfizer and BAE Systems that employs “ a number of former Tory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parachuted into government ” in March , “ without any announcement ” , to advise on strategy and communications , the paper continues .
A former political editor of The Sun , he reportedly “ participated in their daily calls , prompting civil servants to raise concerns about appropriate channels ” .
But “ nothing happened ” , according to a source , and Pascoe-Watson “ made the most of his access ” to give his clients advance notice about lockdown policy and other government plans .
The row has contributed to growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of transparency in its hiring processes .
Former Tory chair Andrew Feldman was also “ quietly given a job advising a health minister despite potential conflicts of interest with clients of the lobbying firm that he runs ” , openDemocracy reports .
The Tory peer is currently managing director of PR consultancy Tulchan , but his separate advisory role , which is supported by a “ small civil service private office ” , was “ never formally announced by the government ” , the investigative site says .
While “ almost any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mitigate ” the Covid outbreak , No .
10 has “ let standards fall ” during its response , says The Telegraph ’ s assistant editor Jeremy Warner .
The government is accused “ of scandalously suspending normal competitive tendering processes , vastly overpaying for many goods and services , and in a number of cases outright cronyism ” , Warner writes .
Pascoe-Watson was unpaid in his government advisory role , but is alleged to have used his inside access to give his business partners a jump on the lockdown restrictions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he emailed clients saying he had been “ privately advised ” that restrictions in London launched that day would continue until spring 2021 , The Sunday Times reports .
“ Decision-makers have told me personally , ” he wrote .
Meanwhile , Tory peer James O ’ Shaughnessy was both a paid “ external adviser ” to the Department of Health and Social Care ( DHSC ) and a paid Portland adviser until August , the paper says .
In May , O ’ Shaughnessy took part in a call with Bethell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Portland client that has gone on to receive £21m in Covid-19 contracts .
Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner today tweeted that she has written to Cabinet Secretary Simon Case demanding an urgent inquiry into “ how lobbyists and their clients benefited from this vital information before the public knew , as the rest of the country waited anxiously for government announcements about lockdown ... and whether they could see their families , friends and loved ones ” .
The Scottish National Party ( SNP ) is also calling for an inquiry into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There must be a public inquiry into the scandalous way that public money , jobs and privileged access have been handed out by the Tory government during this crisis , ” said Kirsten Oswald , the party ’ s deputy leader in Westminster .
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said that “ we rightly have drawn on the expertise of a number of private sector partners who provided advice and expertise to assist in the government ’ s vital work ” in tackling the health crisis .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sector organisations working together at pace , we were able to strengthen our response to the pandemic so we are better prepared for the challenges of the coming months , ” the spokesperson added .

Calls are growing for an inquiry into whether lobbyists quietly hired by Downing Street during the early days of coronavirus pandemic used their insider access to help benefit the outside companies that also employ them.
The Sunday Times reports that one of these influential lobbyists, Portland Communications chair George Pascoe-Watson, sent “advance information about policy to paying clients”.
The allegations surrounding Pascoe-Watson, who was originally hired to work on the NHS Test and Trace scheme, have “reignited” the ongoing dispute over the so-called “Covid chumocracy”, the paper adds.
What are the allegations?
Boris Johnson’s government has “repeatedly faced criticism for alleged cronyism” and for “blurring the lines between the public and private sectors” in its response to the coronavirus crisis, The Guardian says.
According to The Sunday Times, “whole organisations have achieved remarkable penetration within Whitehall during the pandemic, often under the cloak of secrecy”.
The paper points to Portland Communications, a lobbying firm with clients including HSBC, Pfizer and BAE Systems that employs “a number of former Tory advisors”. Boss Pascoe-Watson was “parachuted into government” in March, “without any announcement”, to advise on strategy and communications, the paper continues.
A former political editor of The Sun, he reportedly “participated in their daily calls, prompting civil servants to raise concerns about appropriate channels”. But “nothing happened”, according to a source, and Pascoe-Watson “made the most of his access” to give his clients advance notice about lockdown policy and other government plans.
The row has contributed to growing criticism about the government’s alleged lack of transparency in its hiring processes.
Former Tory chair Andrew Feldman was also “quietly given a job advising a health minister despite potential conflicts of interest with clients of the lobbying firm that he runs”, openDemocracy reports.
The Tory peer is currently managing director of PR consultancy Tulchan, but his separate advisory role, which is supported by a “small civil service private office”, was “never formally announced by the government”, the investigative site says.
Who stands to benefit?
While “almost any price is worth paying to constrain and mitigate” the Covid outbreak, No. 10 has “let standards fall” during its response, says The Telegraph’s assistant editor Jeremy Warner.
The government is accused “of scandalously suspending normal competitive tendering processes, vastly overpaying for many goods and services, and in a number of cases outright cronyism”, Warner writes.


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Scientist behind breakthrough Covid vaccine predicts return to normal life ‘by next winter’

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theweekuk--2020-11-16--Coronavirus: the psychological illnesses that can be triggered by Covid

Almost 20 % of coronavirus patients are diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder or mental health issue within three months of testing positive for Covid-19 , a new study has found .
The research , outlined in a paper in The Lancet , adds to the growing list of “ long Covid ” symptoms being reported .
Experts have warned that “ action is needed to mitigate the mental health toll ” of the global pandemic , says The Guardian .
Researchers from the University of Oxford and NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre analysed the health records of almost 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that nearly one in five who had tested positive for the new coronavirus were then diagnosed with a mental illness within 14 to 90 days .
The analysis included data on “ more than 62,000 cases of Covid-19 that did not require a hospital stay or an emergency department visit ” , The Guardian reports .
The study also found that the correlation between mental illness and coronavirus goes both ways : people with professionally diagnosed pre-existing mental health disorders were about 65 % more likely to be diagnosed with Covid-19 than people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why ” people suffering from mental health issues are more likely to be infected , says NPR .
“ The study controlled for certain factors , including physical risk factors and those who were having serious housing and economic difficulties – but the risk persisted.
” “ This finding was unexpected and needs investigation , ” said lead study author Dr Maxime Taquet , an academic foundation officer at Oxford .
“ In the meantime , having a psychiatric disorder should be added to the list of risk factors for Covid-19.
” Psychiatry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study , suggests that while a global pandemic will cause a heightened sense of anxiety in many people , something more severe than circumstancial mental health issues lies behind the research findings .
The study was based on data covering “ just the first three months ” of the health crisis , Harrison told NPR .
“ We of course don ’ t know , in longer-term follow-ups , whether these risks will go on increasing - or whether once you get to three months , then the risks after you ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseline risks that all of us experience.
” Experts say that symptoms to look out for in the wake of a coronavirus diagnosis include anxiety , post-traumatic stress disorder , depression and insomnia .
“ We ’ re seeing a lot of anxiety , a lot of fear , a lot of sadness , a lot of sense of isolation , ” said Lauri Pasch , a clinical psychologist at the University of California who has been working at a rehabilitation clinic for patients who ’ ve been hospitalised for Covid .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are significantly more likely to receive a diagnosis of dementia within three months of testing positive .
However , Harrison stresses that no direct link between the coronavirus and mental health issues has been established .
He notes that , for instance , some people people affected by the virus may already have been developing dementia , but were only diagnosed for that condition after seeking medical help for Covid-19 symptoms .
“ It ’ s not at all implausible that Covid-19 might have some direct effect on your brain and your mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But I think that , again , remains to be positively demonstrated .
”


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Dustin Johnson compared to Tiger Woods after Masters victory

When Dustin Johnson was presented with his first Masters green jacket it was fitting that Tiger Woods was there to hand over golf ’ s most coveted item of clothing .
Johnson stormed to a record-breaking victory at Augusta National after finishing with a score of 20-under - five shots clear of Australian Cameron Smith and South Korea ’ s Sungjae Im .
The American now has two major titles and becomes the first world No.1 to win the Masters since Woods in 2002 , BBC Sport reports .
Having defending champion Woods present the green jacket was a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Masters is for me the biggest tournament and the one I wanted to win the most , ” Johnson said .
“ I am just very proud of the way I handled myself and finished off the tournament .
“ It still feels like a dream .
As a kid , I was dreaming about winning the Masters and having Tiger put the green jacket on you still feels like a dream .
But I am here and what a great feeling it is .
I could not feel more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes Johnson is the “ closest thing ” to 15-time major winner Woods he ’ s ever seen .
Harmon , who coached Woods from 1993 to 2004 , told Sky Sports : “ Now Dustin Johnson has got his second major , he ’ s going to go on and win a lot of majors and I think he ’ s going to win this great tournament numerous times .
I ’ ve said it all along that when he is on , I don ’ t think he can be beaten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on all cylinders , like he was this week with his driving and controlling his irons , he ’ s the closest thing to Tiger Woods I ’ ve ever seen .
The difference to that is that Tiger was on for the best part of 20 years , so he ’ s got a way to go to get in that category !
“ I think it meant so much to DJ that it was Tiger who put the green jacket on him after winning this great tournament .
He grew up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is a tournament he always wanted to win.
” With the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters titles now in his locker , Johnson is being tipped to complete a career grand slam of majors by adding The Open Championship and PGA Championship to his CV .
Speaking on Sky Sports 2002 PGA Championship winner Rich Beem said : “ Butch Harmon has no doubts that Dustin will win more majors , but I am going to go one more than Butch .
I think Dustin Johnson in the next three years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slam.
” Johnson will only have to wait four months to defend his title as Augusta hosts the 2021 Masters in April .

When Dustin Johnson was presented with his first Masters green jacket it was fitting that Tiger Woods was there to hand over golf’s most coveted item of clothing.
Johnson stormed to a record-breaking victory at Augusta National after finishing with a score of 20-under - five shots clear of Australian Cameron Smith and South Korea’s Sungjae Im.
The American now has two major titles and becomes the first world No.1 to win the Masters since Woods in 2002, BBC Sport reports.
Having defending champion Woods present the green jacket was a “dream come true” the 36-year-old admitted.
“The Masters is for me the biggest tournament and the one I wanted to win the most,” Johnson said. “I am just very proud of the way I handled myself and finished off the tournament.
“It still feels like a dream. As a kid, I was dreaming about winning the Masters and having Tiger put the green jacket on you still feels like a dream. But I am here and what a great feeling it is. I could not feel more excited.”
The Green Jacket belongs to Dustin Johnson. #themasters pic.twitter.com/no3mbiOuQk — The Masters (@TheMasters) November 15, 2020
Johnson tipped to win more majors
Golf coaching guru Butch Harmon believes Johnson is the “closest thing” to 15-time major winner Woods he’s ever seen.
Harmon, who coached Woods from 1993 to 2004, told Sky Sports: “Now Dustin Johnson has got his second major, he’s going to go on and win a lot of majors and I think he’s going to win this great tournament numerous times. I’ve said it all along that when he is on, I don’t think he can be beaten.
“When he’s firing on all cylinders, like he was this week with his driving and controlling his irons, he’s the closest thing to Tiger Woods I’ve ever seen. The difference to that is that Tiger was on for the best part of 20 years, so he’s got a way to go to get in that category!
“I think it meant so much to DJ that it was Tiger who put the green jacket on him after winning this great tournament. He grew up just 75 miles from Augusta, so this is a tournament he always wanted to win.”
With the 2016 US Open and 2020 Masters titles now in his locker, Johnson is being tipped to complete a career grand slam of majors by adding The Open Championship and PGA Championship to his CV.
Speaking on Sky Sports 2002 PGA Championship winner Rich Beem said: “Butch Harmon has no doubts that Dustin will win more majors, but I am going to go one more than Butch. I think Dustin Johnson in the next three years is going to win the career grand slam.”
Johnson will only have to wait four months to defend his title as Augusta hosts the 2021 Masters in April.


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Life under Dom: Cummings’ departure loosens tongues at No. 10

Having held on to his job following his much-criticised journey to Durham during the last nationwide lockdown , Dominic Cummings has finally departed No .
10 following the resignation of close ally Lee Cain .
Cummings is leaving as the UK continues talks with the EU to reach a deal for future trade following Brexit , which he helped to deliver , and midway through his pledged shake-up of Whitehall and revamp Downing Street operations .
But what was life like at No .
10 during his reign ?
“ Sycophants imitated him and he imported a gang of yes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) to act as his lieutenants on the public payroll , ” a fellow aide told Politico ’ s London Playbook .
“ These were a collection of strange people with no social skills , who alienated officials and colleagues and contributed nothing to government .
We wondered what they did all day.
” Another insider told Politico that Cummings would often “ go dark ” , meaning that he was impossible to reach for “ long periods of time ” at crucial moments .
“ Most decision-making simply became a matter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ odd way of forcing everyone to be brainwashed into the mind of Dom , ” the aide said .
“ He was entirely uninterested in 99 % of issues or crises , leaving the No .
10 staff leaderless.
” Not everybody is celebrating Cummings ’ departure though .
Some northern Tory MPs are worried that “ the Downing Street faction that ousted Cummings and Cain is too London-centric in its worldview ” , The Times says .
On the other hand , few will miss Cummings ’ penchant for flamboyant public appearances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street through the front door after quitting on Friday , a senior No .
10 official told the Financial Times ’ Whitehall correspondent Sebastian Payne : “ That ’ s the last time he walks down the road like Kim Kardashian , preening for the cameras like the spoilt lord of Barnard Castle .
“ In future advisers will go round the back and let the elected prime minister use the front door .
”

Having held on to his job following his much-criticised journey to Durham during the last nationwide lockdown, Dominic Cummings has finally departed No. 10 following the resignation of close ally Lee Cain.
Cummings is leaving as the UK continues talks with the EU to reach a deal for future trade following Brexit, which he helped to deliver, and midway through his pledged shake-up of Whitehall and revamp Downing Street operations.
But what was life like at No. 10 during his reign? “Sycophants imitated him and he imported a gang of yes men (and they were mostly men) to act as his lieutenants on the public payroll,” a fellow aide told Politico’s London Playbook.
“These were a collection of strange people with no social skills, who alienated officials and colleagues and contributed nothing to government. We wondered what they did all day.”
Another insider told Politico that Cummings would often “go dark”, meaning that he was impossible to reach for “long periods of time” at crucial moments.
“Most decision-making simply became a matter of guessing what Dom would do - an odd way of forcing everyone to be brainwashed into the mind of Dom,” the aide said.
“He was entirely uninterested in 99% of issues or crises, leaving the No. 10 staff leaderless.”
Not everybody is celebrating Cummings’ departure though. Some northern Tory MPs are worried that “the Downing Street faction that ousted Cummings and Cain is too London-centric in its worldview”, The Times says.
Top Boris Johnson adviser Dominic Cummings "opted to exit through the famous No. 10 front door. Cummings could have left via the basement back door or through the Cabinet Office – but instead chose to depart past the media station."https://t.co/NezyutI4ne — Akbar Shahid Ahmed (@AkbarSAhmed) November 13, 2020
On the other hand, few will miss Cummings’ penchant for flamboyant public appearances.
After he was pictured leaving Downing Street through the front door after quitting on Friday, a senior No. 10 official told the Financial Times’ Whitehall correspondent Sebastian Payne: “That’s the last time he walks down the road like Kim Kardashian, preening for the cameras like the spoilt lord of Barnard Castle.
“In future advisers will go round the back and let the elected prime minister use the front door.”


theweekuk--2020-11-16--UK house prices fall as sellers race to beat stamp duty deadline

The recent record hikes in UK property prices have been reversed by a rush of sellers seeking to complete deals ahead of the end of Rishi Sunak ’ s stamp duty holiday .
In July , the chancellor announced that the stamp duty threshold on residential properties sold in England and Northern Ireland was to be increased from £125,000 to £500,000 until 31 March 2021 .
The move “ helped to stoke a strong recovery in the housing market after the country ’ s first coronavirus lockdown ” , says Reuters , with mortgage lender Halifax reporting a 7.5 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest such increase since 2016 .
The housing market has remained open during the current , ongoing lockdown , and agreed sales are “ well up on the same month a year ago ” , adds Sky News .
But new figures from Rightmove show that average house prices have dropped by 0.5 % in November .
That equates to a decrease of just over £1,500 from the previous month , when the average asking price reached a record high of £323,000 .
Tim Bannister , Rightmove ’ s director of property @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ongoing mini-boom , prices might have been expected to rise again this month .
“ But instead we have a slight dip , which could be a result of some new sellers pricing more realistically to have a better chance of agreeing a sale in time to benefit from the stamp duty savings on their onward purchase.
” The BBC ’ s popular daytime TV show Homes Under the Hammer is being credited with helping to fuel a “ new boom ” in the property market , The Guardian reports .
Property auctioneers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bidders – particularly for family homes .
Estate agent Savills has sold property worth a total of more than £240m at auction this year , while Auction House has sold £65m worth in October alone .
Online auctions have helped to make such sale events more accessible to first-time bidders , while TV shows such as Homes Under the Hammer have made the practice “ more mainstream ” , Charles Lovell of Auction House Robinson & Hall told the paper .

The recent record hikes in UK property prices have been reversed by a rush of sellers seeking to complete deals ahead of the end of Rishi Sunak’s stamp duty holiday.
In July, the chancellor announced that the stamp duty threshold on residential properties sold in England and Northern Ireland was to be increased from £125,000 to £500,000 until 31 March 2021.
The move “helped to stoke a strong recovery in the housing market after the country’s first coronavirus lockdown”, says Reuters, with mortgage lender Halifax reporting a 7.5% annual increase in prices in October - the highest such increase since 2016.
The housing market has remained open during the current, ongoing lockdown, and agreed sales are “well up on the same month a year ago”, adds Sky News.
But new figures from Rightmove show that average house prices have dropped by 0.5% in November. That equates to a decrease of just over £1,500 from the previous month, when the average asking price reached a record high of £323,000.
Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s director of property data, said: “Given the ongoing mini-boom, prices might have been expected to rise again this month.
“But instead we have a slight dip, which could be a result of some new sellers pricing more realistically to have a better chance of agreeing a sale in time to benefit from the stamp duty savings on their onward purchase.”
Hammer time
The BBC’s popular daytime TV show Homes Under the Hammer is being credited with helping to fuel a “new boom” in the property market, The Guardian reports. Property auctioneers are reporting a sharp increase in sales and bidders – particularly for family homes.
Estate agent Savills has sold property worth a total of more than £240m at auction this year, while Auction House has sold £65m worth in October alone.
Online auctions have helped to make such sale events more accessible to first-time bidders, while TV shows such as Homes Under the Hammer have made the practice “more mainstream”, Charles Lovell of Auction House Robinson & Hall told the paper.


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Sunak and Gove urge compromise as Frost says UK ‘may not succeed’ in avoiding no-deal

Senior cabinet members are reportedly pushing for the UK to agree to a compromise with the EU in order to reach a Brexit deal , as Downing Street ’ s chief negotiator warns that the country ’ s red lines have not changed ahead of the resumption of crunch talks .
Government insiders say that Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove “ are among a group of senior government figures now urging caution over a looming no-deal scenario ” , according to Politico .
Sunak and Gove - both Brexiteers - are said to be “ more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line soon ” , the news site reports , but chief negotiator David Frost is “ more inclined to hold out for a better offer from the EU ” .
Frost warned yesterday that “ he was not prepared to compromise on his core principles ” to secure a post-Brexit trade agreement , says The Times .
“ We are working to get a deal , but the only one that ’ s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws , our trade , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ That has been our consistent position from the start and I will not be changing it.
” Following the departure last week of Dominic Cummings from No .
10 , Frost “ met Johnson to demand assurances that the shake-up of the prime minister ’ s team would not result in a change in strategy ” , the paper reports .
But while Johnson is understood to have agreed to that demand , not everyone is backing the hard-line stance .
An official told Politico that Sunak is “ anxious about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gove also “ isn ’ t always on the same page ” as the “ generally harder-nosed Frost ” , another official added .
“ Gove is more worried about trying to make sure there is a deal .
Not at any cost , but he probably sees it with a bit more urgency than Frost , ” said the insider .

Senior cabinet members are reportedly pushing for the UK to agree to a compromise with the EU in order to reach a Brexit deal, as Downing Street’s chief negotiator warns that the country’s red lines have not changed ahead of the resumption of crunch talks.
Government insiders say that Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove “are among a group of senior government figures now urging caution over a looming no-deal scenario”, according to Politico.
Sunak and Gove - both Brexiteers - are said to be “more inclined toward getting a deal over the line soon”, the news site reports, but chief negotiator David Frost is “more inclined to hold out for a better offer from the EU”.
Frost warned yesterday that “he was not prepared to compromise on his core principles” to secure a post-Brexit trade agreement, says The Times.
“We are working to get a deal, but the only one that’s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade, and our waters,” he tweeted. “That has been our consistent position from the start and I will not be changing it.”
Following the departure last week of Dominic Cummings from No. 10, Frost “met Johnson to demand assurances that the shake-up of the prime minister’s team would not result in a change in strategy”, the paper reports.
But while Johnson is understood to have agreed to that demand, not everyone is backing the hard-line stance. An official told Politico that Sunak is “anxious about the impact of a no-deal scenario”.
Gove also “isn’t always on the same page” as the “generally harder-nosed Frost”, another official added.
“Gove is more worried about trying to make sure there is a deal. Not at any cost, but he probably sees it with a bit more urgency than Frost,” said the insider.


theweekuk--2020-11-16--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 16 Nov 2020

Side-effects attributed to statins could be down to a “ nocebo effect ” in which someone expects to experience negative @ @ @ @ @ , according to a study .
Researchers found that negative expectations can play a part @ @ @ @ @ are one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the UK , but up to @ @ @ @ @ taking them because of side-effects , such as fatigue , muscle aches , joint pain @ @ @

Statin side-effects ‘may be down to placebo effect’
Side-effects attributed to statins could be down to a “nocebo effect” in which someone expects to experience negative symptoms after taking a drug, according to a study. Researchers found that negative expectations can play a part in the experience. Statins are one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the UK, but up to a fifth of people stop taking them because of side-effects, such as fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain and nausea.


theweekuk--2020-11-13--Wine of the week: a Rabelaisian delight

Wine of the week: a Rabelaisian delight

This snippet of history from the Thelema website sets the scene for this truly magnificent wine .
Here is an edited quote : “ François Rabelais was a monk , doctor and writer ( about wine among other subjects ) in 16th-century France .
He imagined a utopian abbey on the banks of the Loire , which admitted both men and women , encouraging them to live together in great luxury .
Only one law governed its members : ‘ Fay ce que vouldras ’ – Do what thou wilt !
This was , of course , the Abbey of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gyles Webb ’ s estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain , which he acquired back in 1983 .
Rabelais is the name of the top wine here and Gyles ’ s son Thomas sent me a bottle of this 2017 to taste a few weeks ago .
It completely blew my mind .
A highly sophisticated cabernet sauvignon/petit verdot blend , this is the most complex , controlled and intriguing cabernet blend I have tasted from the Cape .
Layered and ultra-fine , this is a far cry from the powerhouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even though it spends 20 months in 100 % new French barriques , this is one of the most elegant and luxurious wines of the year .
I have timed this article to coincide with its arrival from South Africa , so readers get the steal on everyone else .
As Rabelais said , “ If the skies fall , one may hope to catch larks ” .
The sky seems to have been falling all year and this wine is a rare bird indeed .
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Communicator of the Year ( matthewjukes.com ) This article was originally published in MoneyWeek

This snippet of history from the Thelema website sets the scene for this truly magnificent wine. Here is an edited quote: “François Rabelais was a monk, doctor and writer (about wine among other subjects) in 16th-century France. He imagined a utopian abbey on the banks of the Loire, which admitted both men and women, encouraging them to live together in great luxury. Only one law governed its members: ‘Fay ce que vouldras’ – Do what thou wilt! This was, of course, the Abbey of Thélème.”
This was the inspiration for Gyles Webb’s estate on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, which he acquired back in 1983. Rabelais is the name of the top wine here and Gyles’s son Thomas sent me a bottle of this 2017 to taste a few weeks ago. It completely blew my mind. A highly sophisticated cabernet sauvignon/petit verdot blend, this is the most complex, controlled and intriguing cabernet blend I have tasted from the Cape.
Layered and ultra-fine, this is a far cry from the powerhouse reds that usually hog the headlines. Even though it spends 20 months in 100% new French barriques, this is one of the most elegant and luxurious wines of the year. I have timed this article to coincide with its arrival from South Africa, so readers get the steal on everyone else. As Rabelais said, “If the skies fall, one may hope to catch larks”. The sky seems to have been falling all year and this wine is a rare bird indeed.
2017 Thelema Mountain Vineyards, Rabelais, Stellenbosch, South Africa – £55, greatwine.co.uk, goedhuis.com
Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition’s Communicator of the Year (matthewjukes.com)
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek


theweekuk--2020-11-13--BMW’s X3 goes all-electric

BMW’s X3 goes all-electric

Seven years after the launch of the i3 , BMW has finally brought out its second fully electric car , says Top Gear .
The X3 is BMW ’ s biggest-selling model and this electric version , the iX3 , is intended to meet the needs of the average driver .
It is more efficient than rivals , has a smaller battery and can accept high charge power .
That means you can start at full power after an overnight charge , stop after 220 real-world miles at a 150kW charger and add about 180 real-world miles in half an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 400-mile trip .
What ’ s more , it feels “ ridiculously normal ” to drive .
The power “ comes in with urgency… but is never brutal ” and “ keeps on going determinedly ” up to its limited top speed of 112mph .
The “ top-spec ” model even has an in-cabin sound generator that produces an “ electronic hum that rises and falls in pitch as you change speed , and in volume as you press the pedal harder ” , but otherwise the car is silent .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to drive too .
The iX3 looks “ normal ” on purpose , says Jonathan Burn on AutoExpress .
It is designed to “ feel entirely conventional ” and appeal to those delving into electric vehicles for the first time .
It might not look all that special , but “ it ’ s spacious , quiet , well built and packed with clever tech ” .
“ This is simply an X3 that also happens to be electric.
” One “ neat piece of tech ” is the car ’ s digital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share access to the car with others without them needing a key .
Owners can set restrictions on speed , power , even music volume for each driver .
The car is too expensive and will do little for your “ street cred ” , says Georg Kacher in Car .
But it is “ remarkably efficient and dynamically up to scratch ” .
Three things stand out : the “ superb ” handling , which delivers “ plenty of old-school emotions ” ; the long range between charges for peace of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ownership , meaning you won ’ t have to pay a “ hefty penalty for saving the world ” .
Switch the energy-recuperation technology to its lowest setting and it is fun to drive when “ pushing on ” too .
The iX3 is BMW ’ s first model to be made in China , but this has had no effect on quality , says Greg Kable on AutoCar .
“ If you ’ ve decided that it ’ s time for an electric car… you would be foolish not to give it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ originally published in MoneyWeek

Seven years after the launch of the i3, BMW has finally brought out its second fully electric car, says Top Gear. The X3 is BMW’s biggest-selling model and this electric version, the iX3, is intended to meet the needs of the average driver. It is more efficient than rivals, has a smaller battery and can accept high charge power. That means you can start at full power after an overnight charge, stop after 220 real-world miles at a 150kW charger and add about 180 real-world miles in half an hour, then go on to complete a 400-mile trip.
What’s more, it feels “ridiculously normal” to drive. The power “comes in with urgency… but is never brutal” and “keeps on going determinedly” up to its limited top speed of 112mph. The “top-spec” model even has an in-cabin sound generator that produces an “electronic hum that rises and falls in pitch as you change speed, and in volume as you press the pedal harder”, but otherwise the car is silent. It is “superbly easy” and relaxing to drive too.
The iX3 looks “normal” on purpose, says Jonathan Burn on AutoExpress. It is designed to “feel entirely conventional” and appeal to those delving into electric vehicles for the first time. It might not look all that special, but “it’s spacious, quiet, well built and packed with clever tech”. “This is simply an X3 that also happens to be electric.” One “neat piece of tech” is the car’s digital key, which allows owners with iPhones to share access to the car with others without them needing a key. Owners can set restrictions on speed, power, even music volume for each driver.
The car is too expensive and will do little for your “street cred”, says Georg Kacher in Car. But it is “remarkably efficient and dynamically up to scratch”. Three things stand out: the “superb” handling, which delivers “plenty of old-school emotions”; the long range between charges for peace of mind; and the low cost of ownership, meaning you won’t have to pay a “hefty penalty for saving the world”. Switch the energy-recuperation technology to its lowest setting and it is fun to drive when “pushing on” too.
The iX3 is BMW’s first model to be made in China, but this has had no effect on quality, says Greg Kable on AutoCar. “If you’ve decided that it’s time for an electric car… you would be foolish not to give it a good look.”
Specs
Price: £58,850Engine: 80kWh battery, one electric motorPower/torque: 283bhp/400Nm0-62mph: 6.8 secondsTop speed: 112mphOn sale: summer 2021
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek


theweekuk--2020-11-17--China uses microwave weapons to blast Indian troops in disputed border region

China got round a no-live-shots agreement during a border stand-off in the Himalayas by deploying microwave weapons to “cook” enemy troops from India, a Beijing-based academic has claimed.
The Chinese military used “high-energy electromagnetic radiation” technology to effectively turn “two strategic hilltops that had been occupied by Indian soldiers into a microwave oven”, The Times reports.
The attack left the Indian troops “vomiting” and unable to stand within 15 minutes, enabling the People’s Liberation Army to “retake two strategically important hilltops in the Himalayas without any exchange of live fire”, according to Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at China’s Renmin University.
The acadamic told attendees at a recent lecture that China didn’t publicise the victory, in late August, “because we solved the problem beautifully”.
“They [India] didn’t publicise it, either, because they lost so miserably,” he added.
The two sides have been locked in a border dispute in the Ladakh region since April, but have agreed a no-live-shots rule in a bid to avoid a repeat of the bloody 1962 Sino-Indian War.
However, troops from both sides have been killed during increasingly violent hand-to-hand combat, including a clash in June that saw the soldiers battering each other with iron sticks, bats and bamboo sticks studded with nails.
But now China appears to be using more sophisticated weapons, amid an ongoing failure to reach a settlement over the disputed region “despite a series of high-level talks”, says The Sun.
Microwave attacks use “beams of high-frequency electromagnetic radiation to heat the water in a human target’s skin, causing pain and discomfort”, the paper explains. “The weapons are not intended to do any lasting harm, though concerns have been raised about whether they could damage the eyes or have a carcinogenic impact in the long-term.”
The Times says that the US “deployed its own vehicle-mounted microwave weapon, called an Active Denial System, to Afghanistan ten years ago but it was withdrawn, reportedly without being used in combat”.
Similar weapons are suspected to have been used during an attack on US diplomats in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou in 2018, and during alleged attacks against the US and Canadian embassies in Cuba’s capital Havana dating back to 2016.


theweekuk--2020-11-17--Instant Opinion: Boris Johnson ‘mired in mixed messages’ over Christmas lockdown

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Mired in mixed messages , the public needs to know if there 's a plan for Christmas - and fast “ While the Prime Minister could not have expected to be isolating again in Downing Street after coming into contact with a Covid carrier , he could and should have been expecting the onset of severe pressure to talk the country through what winter is going to look like , social distancing-wise .
Yes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ current England-wide lockdown will automatically expire on December 2 and that he ‘ aims ’ thereafter to take us back to the prior tiered approach .
But that begs many more questions than it answers.
” After this election , we should not come together “ Millions of us waited on election results to see if we had , in fact , yet again , eked out a survival , jumping from the fire back into the frying pan .
And now that it is over , now that Joe Biden has won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shouting men and women still holding signs that the movement for our right to life is a communist conspiracy .
Pundits continue to peddle the same false equivalency : there is fear on both sides .
But our fears , like everything else , are unequal .
Racists do not fear being dragged off in cattle cars .
They do not fear having their wombs stolen or being snatched off a street in broad daylight for saying their lives matter .
They fear that the three strokes in the ‘ E ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or whatever the latest QAnon YouTube influencer suggests that they fear.
” Has Dominic Cummings ’ exit made a Brexit deal more likely ?
“ The prime minister , too , is said by officials to be more resolute on Brexit than even Cummings or his ally Lee Cain , the Downing Street director of communications who also headed for the exit last week .
‘ Their departure will not make any difference , ’ one U.K. official said .
‘ The PM is the strongest voice in the room on Brexit and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can agree a deal which respects our sovereignty.
’ But there ’ s almost certainly an element of spin here : No .
10 will want to nip in the bud any narrative that suggests Johnson went soft on Brexit when Cummings left .
Nigel Farage is already circling , ready to prey on the diehard Brexiteer votes that this could cost the Conservative party .
And while Farage may seem like a sideshow in British politics , last year ’ s Brexit Party surge in the European elections is a reminder of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of support among the chunk of the electorate for whom Brexit is a matter of faith.
” Trump ’ s Iran agenda is about to end in failure “ Just days after President Trump ’ s inauguration , the battle lines were drawn .
At the White House , then-national security adviser Michael T. Flynn said the new administration was ‘ officially putting Iran on notice ’ for its alleged catalogue of destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East .
Flynn ’ s political scandals would see him soon lose his job and later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But Trump and his allies pressed ahead , launching a campaign of ‘ maximum pressure ’ that strangled the Iranian economy and upended the nuclear deal forged in 2015 between the regime in Tehran and world powers .
With just two months left in his presidency , Trump has little to show for four years of anti-Iran hawkishness.
” Croydon ’ s bankruptcy is the result of austerity – and more councils will follow “ The fault here lies not with councils but with a decision taken back in 2010 by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of austerity on to local government and welfare so that education , pensions and the NHS could be relatively protected from cuts .
It was a ruthless but politically successful calculation to cushion the areas of the public sector that David Cameron and co knew voters and the media cared most about .
It was also a wildly reckless move that was bound to make crucial services unsustainable over the longer term .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Patrick O’Flynn in The Daily Telegraph
on the coronavirus festive season
Mired in mixed messages, the public needs to know if there's a plan for Christmas - and fast
“While the Prime Minister could not have expected to be isolating again in Downing Street after coming into contact with a Covid carrier, he could and should have been expecting the onset of severe pressure to talk the country through what winter is going to look like, social distancing-wise. Yes, he may have told us that the current England-wide lockdown will automatically expire on December 2 and that he ‘aims’ thereafter to take us back to the prior tiered approach. But that begs many more questions than it answers.”
2. Yannick Giovanni Marshall on Al Jazeera
on rejecting reconciliation
After this election, we should not come together
“Millions of us waited on election results to see if we had, in fact, yet again, eked out a survival, jumping from the fire back into the frying pan. And now that it is over, now that Joe Biden has won, we are asked to unify with the shouting men and women still holding signs that the movement for our right to life is a communist conspiracy. Pundits continue to peddle the same false equivalency: there is fear on both sides. But our fears, like everything else, are unequal. Racists do not fear being dragged off in cattle cars. They do not fear having their wombs stolen or being snatched off a street in broad daylight for saying their lives matter. They fear that the three strokes in the ‘E’ on Biden campaign posters represent communism, or whatever the latest QAnon YouTube influencer suggests that they fear.”
3. Charlie Cooper and Emilio Casalicchio on Politico
on Vote Leave vacating No 10
Has Dominic Cummings’ exit made a Brexit deal more likely?
“The prime minister, too, is said by officials to be more resolute on Brexit than even Cummings or his ally Lee Cain, the Downing Street director of communications who also headed for the exit last week. ‘Their departure will not make any difference,’ one U.K. official said. ‘The PM is the strongest voice in the room on Brexit and we will only get there if we can agree a deal which respects our sovereignty.’ But there’s almost certainly an element of spin here: No. 10 will want to nip in the bud any narrative that suggests Johnson went soft on Brexit when Cummings left. Nigel Farage is already circling, ready to prey on the diehard Brexiteer votes that this could cost the Conservative party. And while Farage may seem like a sideshow in British politics, last year’s Brexit Party surge in the European elections is a reminder of how quickly he can generate a groundswell of support among the chunk of the electorate for whom Brexit is a matter of faith.”
4. Ishaan Tharoor in The Washington Post
on a disastrous agenda
Trump’s Iran agenda is about to end in failure
“Just days after President Trump’s inauguration, the battle lines were drawn. At the White House, then-national security adviser Michael T. Flynn said the new administration was ‘officially putting Iran on notice’ for its alleged catalogue of destabilizing activities throughout the Middle East. Flynn’s political scandals would see him soon lose his job and later plead guilty to lying to FBI investigators. But Trump and his allies pressed ahead, launching a campaign of ‘maximum pressure’ that strangled the Iranian economy and upended the nuclear deal forged in 2015 between the regime in Tehran and world powers. With just two months left in his presidency, Trump has little to show for four years of anti-Iran hawkishness.”
5. Adam Lent in The Guardian
on scapegoating local councils
Croydon’s bankruptcy is the result of austerity – and more councils will follow
“The fault here lies not with councils but with a decision taken back in 2010 by the coalition government to heavily load the burden of austerity on to local government and welfare so that education, pensions and the NHS could be relatively protected from cuts. It was a ruthless but politically successful calculation to cushion the areas of the public sector that David Cameron and co knew voters and the media cared most about. It was also a wildly reckless move that was bound to make crucial services unsustainable over the longer term.”


theweekuk--2020-11-17--Could Donald Trump’s reaction to election defeat trigger global disaster?

Nobody was expecting Donald Trump to take his election loss gracefully , but scoping out Iranian nuclear facilities for military action is probably a more extreme reaction than most of us anticipated .
Citing four current and former US officials , The New York Times ( NYT ) reports that the outgoing president last week asked several top aides “ whether he had options to take action against Iran ’ s main nuclear site in the coming weeks ” .
Trump ’ s advisers “ dissuaded ” him from taking the drastic plan any further , the newspaper says .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump ’ s final months in office may “ prove a very bumpy ride for the rest of the world ” , adds The Guardian ’ s world affairs editor Julian Borger .
Trump raised the prospect of an attack on Iran ’ s largest uranium enrichment facility - at Natanz , about 150 miles south of capital Tehran - during an Oval Office meeting on 12 November , as he continued to deny his election defeat nine days after US voters went to the polls .
According to the NYT , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most influential members of Trump ’ s inner circle , including Vice President Mike Pence , Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and chief military adviser General Mark Milley , chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
The International Atomic Energy Agency had reported the previous day that Tehran ’ s uranium stockpile had grown to “ 12 times larger than permitted under the nuclear accord ” that Trump abandoned in 2018 .
While acknowledging the seriousness of the nuclear watchdog ’ s findings , Pence , Pompeo and Milley “ warned that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could easily escalate into a broader conflict ” , the US paper reports .
“ He asked for options .
They gave him the scenarios and he ultimately decided not to go forward , ” said an unnamed official .
What else might Trump do before leaving office ?
Even prior to the reports that Trump had set his sights on Iran , his behaviour had been “ fuelling fears about the impact a vengeful president might have on the US role on the world stage over the coming ten weeks of transition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
On the domestic front , Trump is expected to issue a final flurry of presidential pardons .
These anticipated pardons are “ likely to benefit people close to the president who are already on his radar because he claims they were unfairly targeted for prosecution ” , such as his former national security advisor Michael Flynn , ex-campaigner adviser George Papadopoulos and former campaigner manager Paul Manafort , says CNN .
But “ perhaps the biggest looming ” question in the US is whether Trump will pardon himself amid state investigations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further scrutiny by federal investigators expected after he leaves office , the broadcaster adds .
While the president has openly discussed the idea of granting himself immunity , however , “ it ’ s legally unlikely that would be possible - and it would not protect him from state and local investigations taking place in New York ” , according to Forbes .
And most international commentators are more concerned about the potential damage that could be wrought by Trump on the global stage .
His shock decision to fire Defence Secretary Mark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the final barriers between the president and his ability to launch the US arsenal of nuclear missiles on his own authority without consultation and perhaps even without warning ” , says The Independent .
“ The only other person who could prevent the president from ordering a nuclear attack would be Vice President Mike Pence , through the indirect means of declaring Trump to be insane and removing him from office , ” the paper continues .
But “ nobody thinks that Pence would defy Trump in this way ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to hand over power to president-elect Joe Biden on 20 January , but has yet to concede or fully acknowledge that he has lost the election .
This refusal to accept defeat “ was inevitable given the campaign he ran ” , says The Guardian , which notes that “ while there is little he can practically do to remain in power , there is a political impact of a sitting president refusing to follow the norms of peaceful transition ” .
Biden has called Trump ’ s refusal to concede @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not help the president ’ s legacy ” .
The victorious Democrat ’ s campaign team has also issued a punchy statement warning that “ the United States government is perfectly capable of escorting trespassers out of the White House ” .
The nearest that Trump has come to acknowledging Biden as his successor was at a White House press conference on Saturday , when he told reporters that “ time will tell ” whose administration will remain victorious in January , The Telegraph reports .
Rumours are also circling that Trump intends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for president in the 2024 election once president-elect Biden is the certified winner of this race ” , the paper says .
But given that US presidents are permitted to serve only two terms , he could not run again if he had not lost power this time round - which suggests that Trump is edging closer to accepting the election result .


theweekuk--2020-11-17--Coronavirus: inside the ‘scrambled’ UK deal for five million Moderna vaccines


theweekuk--2020-11-17--‘Something has to give’: Gareth Southgate urges Premier League to rethink five substitutes rule

England boss Gareth Southgate has called on the Premier League to rethink its position on the number of substitutes allowed to be used during top-flight matches.
Currently three subs can be made in Premier League games, but at the end of last season when matches resumed after the Covid-19 delay it was increased to five.
In August Premier League clubs voted against continuing to allow five subs for the 2020-21 season, but Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola have questioned the decision not to sanction the extra two replacements, The Guardian says.
During the current international break Southgate’s England squad has been hampered by injuries to players including Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson and he believes “something has to give” before the situation deteriorates, Goal.com reports.
“We were able to make five changes against Belgium – we made four in the end – and clubs don’t have that option,” Southgate said.
“What will it take for that to change? There were a couple of less serious injuries against Belgium but what do we do? Wait until we get a load of really nasty ones?
“I have to be fair to the club managers. They are their players firstly, and they have the right to play them as they see fit. What we have got to do as a collective is to try to help the load.
“We could not have prepared physically any better than we did last week. We have given players extra days’ recovery. We have tapered the training appropriately and we have still ended up with a couple of injuries. So that is a worry in the longer term because with no winter break… something has to give.”
Sterling and Henderson have both returned to their clubs and will miss England’s clash against Iceland in the Uefa Nations League on Wednesday night (7.45pm, live on Sky Sports). Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell, who was taken off during the 2-0 defeat against Belgium on Sunday, has remained with the squad.


theweekuk--2020-11-17--US election: Donald Trump ally asked official about tossing legally cast ballots

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham asked Georgia ’ s secretary of state if he had the power to reject absentee ballots during the US election , raising questions over whether the close Donald Trump ally was seeking to toss legally cast votes .
Graham questioned Brad Raffensperger “ about the state ’ s signature-matching law and whether political bias could have prompted poll workers to accept ballots with non-matching signatures ” , The Washington Post reports .
He also enquired as to whether Raffensperger had the power to “ toss all mail ballots in counties found to have higher rates of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When voters in Georgia return an absentee ballot , they are required to sign the envelope and election officials must then match the signature to the one listed on the state ’ s voter registration system .
Graham ’ s questions “ stunned ” Raffensperger , who felt he was being asked if he could “ find a way to toss legally cast ballots ” .
“ It sure looked like he was wanting to go down that road , ” Raffensperger said .
The senator , who was a close friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to toss legal ballots , describing the allegation as “ ridiculous ” .
He admitted to asking questions about the state ’ s signature-matching requirements , adding that he did so under his own volition , not at the request of President Trump .
Trump , who has made a series of unfounded claims of electoral fraud , has “ repeatedly taken to social media to criticise Raffensperger and the way the state ’ s hand tally was being conducted ” , The Telegraph says .
Raffensperger told The Washington Post that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during the vote count .
A recount in Georgia found 2,500 new ballots , which favour Trump by around two to one .
But election officials say “ new votes won ’ t change Georgia ’ s overall result , with Joe Biden widely projected as winning the state ” , The Independent reports .
Graham , meanwhile , has repeatedly refused to say that Trump lost the election and last week encouraged the president to run for the White House again in 2024 during an interview on Fox News Radio .


theweekuk--2020-11-17--EasyJet hit by £1.27bn annual loss and Heathrow warns of ‘catastrophic decline’

EasyJet has posted a £1.27bn pre-tax annual loss , the first in its 25-year history , as the turbulence caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues to shake the aviation industry .
In its financial results for the year ending 30 September 2020 , the low-cost airline revealed that capacity decreased by 47.5 % and passenger numbers fell by 50 % to 48.1 million year-on-year .
In 2019 it had recorded profits of £430m and flew 96.1 million passengers .
The second wave of infections and new travel restrictions has “ extinguished hopes of a swift recovery ” , the Financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring down the curtain on a grim earnings season for Europe ’ s largest airlines ” .
EasyJet expects to fly at just 20 % of normal capacity into next year , but developments for a Covid-19 vaccine has seen the airline strike a “ more upbeat tone ” , says Sky News .
With bookings increasing by 50 % on Monday , easyJet says underlying demand was strong for air travel , BBC News reports .
Chief executive Johan Lundgren believes the recent developments on vaccines “ certainly is good news , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a very critical part of the recovery ” .
Lundgren told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme : “ I don ’ t think it ’ s only about the vaccine , I think it ’ s also about the fact that we need to have testing in place , we need to have also refined development of the quarantine system .
“ We know that people want to travel .
On the news of the vaccine last Monday , bookings were up close to 50 % , so it just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good news that comes out of here makes people more confident making bookings going forward.
” Traffic down by 82 % at Heathrow Heathrow has reported an 82 % decline in traffic in October , The Independent reports , with Britain ’ s leading airport describing it as the “ eighth consecutive month of catastrophic decline ” .
According to its latest travel report the airport warns that due to the current travel ban November is “ likely to be even worse ” and has accused the government of “ leaving the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the cold ” .
The report said that “ long-haul and critical markets for trade suffered the worst declines due to the government ’ s debilitating quarantine requirements ” and the “ lack of a testing regime has left British airports unable to compete with EU rivals ” .
John Holland-Kaye , the airport ’ s chief executive , added : “ Aviation is the lifeblood of the UK ’ s economy , critical for exports of goods and services and imports of vaccines , as well as inbound tourism , students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of government action is weakening our sector , making it harder for us to support the eventual economic recovery and help deliver the prime minister ’ s vision of a global Britain .
”

EasyJet has posted a £1.27bn pre-tax annual loss, the first in its 25-year history, as the turbulence caused by the coronavirus pandemic continues to shake the aviation industry.
In its financial results for the year ending 30 September 2020, the low-cost airline revealed that capacity decreased by 47.5% and passenger numbers fell by 50% to 48.1 million year-on-year. In 2019 it had recorded profits of £430m and flew 96.1 million passengers.
The second wave of infections and new travel restrictions has “extinguished hopes of a swift recovery”, the Financial Times reports, and the losses “bring down the curtain on a grim earnings season for Europe’s largest airlines”.
EasyJet expects to fly at just 20% of normal capacity into next year, but developments for a Covid-19 vaccine has seen the airline strike a “more upbeat tone”, says Sky News.
With bookings increasing by 50% on Monday, easyJet says underlying demand was strong for air travel, BBC News reports. Chief executive Johan Lundgren believes the recent developments on vaccines “certainly is good news, because we know that is going to be a very critical part of the recovery”.
Lundgren told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I don’t think it’s only about the vaccine, I think it’s also about the fact that we need to have testing in place, we need to have also refined development of the quarantine system.
“We know that people want to travel. On the news of the vaccine last Monday, bookings were up close to 50%, so it just gives evidence to the fact that any good news that comes out of here makes people more confident making bookings going forward.”
Traffic down by 82% at Heathrow
Heathrow has reported an 82% decline in traffic in October, The Independent reports, with Britain’s leading airport describing it as the “eighth consecutive month of catastrophic decline”.
According to its latest travel report the airport warns that due to the current travel ban November is “likely to be even worse” and has accused the government of “leaving the UK’s world class aviation sector out in the cold”.
The report said that “long-haul and critical markets for trade suffered the worst declines due to the government’s debilitating quarantine requirements” and the “lack of a testing regime has left British airports unable to compete with EU rivals”.
John Holland-Kaye, the airport’s chief executive, added: “Aviation is the lifeblood of the UK’s economy, critical for exports of goods and services and imports of vaccines, as well as inbound tourism, students and foreign direct investment.
“Lack of government action is weakening our sector, making it harder for us to support the eventual economic recovery and help deliver the prime minister’s vision of a global Britain.”


theweekuk--2020-11-17--UK chief negotiator tells Boris Johnson to expect Brexit deal ‘early next week’

The UK ’ s chief Brexit negotiator has told Boris Johnson that talks to secure a future trade deal with the EU may finally have reached “ a possible landing zone ” .
David Frost is predicting that the negotiations may conclude “ as soon as Tuesday ” , The Sun political editor ’ s Harry Cole reports .
But the bid to secure a deal could still be scuppered by disputes over fishing and red tape , with both sides urging the other to “ get real ” .
Although senior cabinet members including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compromise to avoid a no-deal exit , “ Johnson last night said he would not row back on his Brexit red lines ” , the paper adds .
A No .
10 source told Cole that “ it ’ s not a secret that the Treasury has always been anti-no-deal and Michael Gove has concerns about the union ” .
Meanwhile , an official Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that “ key elements of the draft text are not agreed ” , but insisted that “ the government is united behind the negotiation position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ looking into plans to rush through a Brexit deal before the end of the year ” , even if talks drag on into December as a result of the disagreements over fishing rights and state aid payments , Sky News says .
One scenario laid out by the bloc ’ s legal experts would “ remove the need to have it ratified by every European parliament ” , meaning “ it would only require the approval of EU leaders and the European Parliament ” , the broadcaster reports .
Frost ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raised hopes of a deal , after the negotiating chief committed to upholding Johnson ’ s red lines in crunch talks resuming this week .
But as the Financial Times notes , while Frost is “ hanging tough ” during the last-ditch negotiations , “ he once felt far less bullish about the likely outcomes of such negotiations ” .
In a pamphlet published just before the 2016 referendum , Frost wrote that in trade talks with the EU , “ it will be Britain that has to make the concessions to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other countries will want deals too , but they won ’ t be under anything like the same time pressure and can afford to make us sweat , ” he added .

The UK’s chief Brexit negotiator has told Boris Johnson that talks to secure a future trade deal with the EU may finally have reached “a possible landing zone”.
David Frost is predicting that the negotiations may conclude “as soon as Tuesday”, The Sun political editor’s Harry Cole reports. But the bid to secure a deal could still be scuppered by disputes over fishing and red tape, with both sides urging the other to “get real”.
Although senior cabinet members including Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove are reportedly urging compromise to avoid a no-deal exit, “Johnson last night said he would not row back on his Brexit red lines”, the paper adds.
A No. 10 source told Cole that “it’s not a secret that the Treasury has always been anti-no-deal and Michael Gove has concerns about the union”. Meanwhile, an official Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that “key elements of the draft text are not agreed”, but insisted that “the government is united behind the negotiation position”.
Lawyers for the EU are “looking into plans to rush through a Brexit deal before the end of the year”, even if talks drag on into December as a result of the disagreements over fishing rights and state aid payments, Sky News says.
One scenario laid out by the bloc’s legal experts would “remove the need to have it ratified by every European parliament”, meaning “it would only require the approval of EU leaders and the European Parliament”, the broadcaster reports.
Frost’s reported comments to the prime minister have raised hopes of a deal, after the negotiating chief committed to upholding Johnson’s red lines in crunch talks resuming this week.
But as the Financial Times notes, while Frost is “hanging tough” during the last-ditch negotiations, “he once felt far less bullish about the likely outcomes of such negotiations”.
In a pamphlet published just before the 2016 referendum, Frost wrote that in trade talks with the EU, “it will be Britain that has to make the concessions to get the deal”.
“True, other countries will want deals too, but they won’t be under anything like the same time pressure and can afford to make us sweat,” he added.


theweekuk--2020-11-17--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 17 Nov 2020

Researchers in Bolivia have discovered human-to-human transmission of a rare disease belonging to a family of viruses that can cause @ @ @ @ @ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in 2019 , two patients transmitted the @ @ @ @ @ in Bolivia ’ s de facto capital , La Paz .
The virus is believed @ @ @ @ @ , who in turn may have passed it to humans .

Human transmission of rare virus detected in Bolivia
Researchers in Bolivia have discovered human-to-human transmission of a rare disease belonging to a family of viruses that can cause haemorrhagic fevers. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that in 2019, two patients transmitted the virus to three healthcare workers in Bolivia’s de facto capital, La Paz. The virus is believed to be carried by rats, who in turn may have passed it to humans.


theweekuk--2020-11-17--Billionaire Trump donors contract Covid after calling it ‘overhyped’

Two billionaire donors to the Donald Trump campaign , who were outspoken opponents of Covid-19 prevention measures , have tested positive for the virus after attending an election night party at the White House .
Earlier this year , Liz Uihlein called the pandemic “ overhyped ” and lobbied legislators to overturn public health restrictions .
A racing pigeon has gone for £1.4 million at an auction in Belgium .
The final half-hour of the auction saw the bidding intensify as two Chinese bidders drove up the price by £251,000 .
“ Everybody is interested in our pigeons , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pigeon Federation , told The Associated Press .
A man has been given a warning by police after driving through a residential area late at night shouting “ wakey wakey ” through a megaphone .
Hampshire Police say they received “ many complaints ” about a red Nissan Navara and its occupants who shouted “ at the top of their voices ” in Gosport , near Portsmouth , between one and two in the morning last week .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Two billionaire donors to the Donald Trump campaign, who were outspoken opponents of Covid-19 prevention measures, have tested positive for the virus after attending an election night party at the White House. Earlier this year, Liz Uihlein called the pandemic “overhyped” and lobbied legislators to overturn public health restrictions.
Racing pigeon sells for £1.4m
A racing pigeon has gone for £1.4 million at an auction in Belgium. The final half-hour of the auction saw the bidding intensify as two Chinese bidders drove up the price by £251,000. “Everybody is interested in our pigeons,” Pascal Bodengien, head of the Belgian Pigeon Federation, told The Associated Press.
Police warn man who yelled ‘wakey wakey’ at 1am
A man has been given a warning by police after driving through a residential area late at night shouting “wakey wakey” through a megaphone. Hampshire Police say they received “many complaints” about a red Nissan Navara and its occupants who shouted “at the top of their voices” in Gosport, near Portsmouth, between one and two in the morning last week.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-11-17--Coronavirus: will the Oxford vaccine be the true Covid game-changer?


theweekuk--2020-11-18--Was suspending Jeremy Corbyn the first big misstep of Keir Starmer’s leadership?

Jeremy Corbyn has been reinstated to Labour following his suspension from the party but will not have the whip restored - meaning he will no longer sit as a party MP .
The decision to resume Corbyn ’ s 55-year membership less than three weeks after the former party leader was suspended over an anti-Semitism row has been “ hailed by his supporters ” , but “ threatens the shaky truce with Jewish Labour members and concerned MPs ” , The Guardian says .
Acknowledging these tensions , current leader Keir Starmer yesterday tweeted that the decision marked “ another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those Labour members who have fought so hard to tackle antisemiticism ” .
What has happened with Corbyn ’ s party membership ?
Corbyn was suspended at the end of October after an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) concluded that Labour was “ responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination ” during its handling of anti-Semitism complaints .
In response to the watchdog ’ s report , Corbyn issued a statement claiming that the “ scale of the problem ” was “ dramatically overstated for political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party , as well as by much of the media ” .
Following the suspension of any Labour member , the evidence against them is investigated by Labour staff in the party ’ s Governance and Legal Unit ( GLU ) .
The GLU then gives its recommendations to a panel of five members of the National Executive Committee ( NEC ) .
In other words , the NEC , rather than Starmer and his team , made the decision to reinstate Corbyn .
And Starmer has announced that despite his reinstatement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn will not resume the Labour whip and will not sit as a Labour MP .
In a tweet earlier today , the party chief wrote that his predecessor had “ undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party ’ s ability to tackle antisemitism ” .
However , Starmer added that “ I will keep this situation under review ” .
Meanwhile , supporters of Corbyn have “ seized on a clause in the Labour Party rulebook that states that Labour MPs must also be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which they claim means that he “ was automatically returned to the Labour whip after he was readmitted to the party ” , The Times reports .
James Schneider , Corbyn ’ s former director of strategic communications , told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme that “ it would be a decision for the leadership to now withdraw the whip if that ’ s what they wanted to do ” .
Unite general secretary Len McCluskey , a close ally of Corbyn , has welcomed the former leader ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unifying decision ” .
“ As a party we now move forward to implement the EHRC ’ s recommendations and redouble our efforts to inspire voters about Keir ’ s 10 pledges and the transformation of our nations into fairer places for our people , ” McCluskey tweeted .
In a further show of support , five Labour councillors in Lancaster resigned from the party last night just minutes before Corbyn was reinstated , in protest against his treatment .
The group insisted the surprise move had not altered their position , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ an unjust attack on a decent man and an attack on the Left ” .
But the decision to welcome him back has caused anger too .
The Guardian reports that “ at least one Labour MP ” told colleagues on Tuesday night that they felt “ betrayed ” by Corbyn ’ s reinstatement and were “ considering their position in the party ” .
The Jewish Labour Movement ( JVM ) has also expressed anger over the “ extraordinary ” move , which the group claims was the work of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Labour MP Margaret Hodge has condemned the decision too , saying : “ I simply can not comprehend why it is acceptable for Corbyn to be a Labour MP if he thinks anti-Semitism is exaggerated and a political attack , refuses to apologise , never takes responsibility for his actions and rejects the findings of the EHRC report.
” The Labour leader has a “ tight window to decide what to do about Corbyn , if he is to avoid handing Boris Johnson a gift ” , The Telegraph says .
But “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his own party that will probably be the bigger concern ” .
The BBC ’ s political correspondent Iain Waston argues that whichever decision Starmer had taken , “ criticism would have followed ” .
“ Putting Labour under fresh leadership hasn ’ t silenced or banished those still supportive of the old leadership , ” Watson writes , but reinstating Corbyn “ was bound to attract criticism from those cheered by his suspension ” .
All the same , Corbyn ’ s return should “ smooth Starmer ’ s efforts towards unity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following a turbulent few months , says The Guardian .
Sounding a less positive note , the New Statesman ’ s political editor Stephen Bush suggests that entire drama surrounding Corbyn ’ s membership has been “ an unmitigated disaster ” for Starmer , and “ will do nothing to repair relations with Britain ’ s Jewish community ” .
Starmer is not “ trusted by the party ’ s Corbynite wing , in part because of Corbyn ’ s suspension ” , Bush writes .
“ But in having been outplayed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions , he has not won any new allies either .
”

Jeremy Corbyn has been reinstated to Labour following his suspension from the party but will not have the whip restored - meaning he will no longer sit as a party MP.
The decision to resume Corbyn’s 55-year membership less than three weeks after the former party leader was suspended over an anti-Semitism row has been “hailed by his supporters”, but “threatens the shaky truce with Jewish Labour members and concerned MPs”, The Guardian says.
Acknowledging these tensions, current leader Keir Starmer yesterday tweeted that the decision marked “another painful day for the Jewish community and those Labour members who have fought so hard to tackle antisemiticism”.
What has happened with Corbyn’s party membership?
Corbyn was suspended at the end of October after an inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) concluded that Labour was “responsible for unlawful acts of harassment and discrimination” during its handling of anti-Semitism complaints.
In response to the watchdog’s report, Corbyn issued a statement claiming that the “scale of the problem” was “dramatically overstated for political reasons by our opponents inside and outside the party, as well as by much of the media”.
Following the suspension of any Labour member, the evidence against them is investigated by Labour staff in the party’s Governance and Legal Unit (GLU). The GLU then gives its recommendations to a panel of five members of the National Executive Committee (NEC).
In other words, the NEC, rather than Starmer and his team, made the decision to reinstate Corbyn.
And Starmer has announced that despite his reinstatement as a member of the party, Corbyn will not resume the Labour whip and will not sit as a Labour MP. In a tweet earlier today, the party chief wrote that his predecessor had “undermined and set back our work in restoring trust and confidence in the Labour Party’s ability to tackle antisemitism”.
However, Starmer added that “I will keep this situation under review”.
Meanwhile, supporters of Corbyn have “seized on a clause in the Labour Party rulebook that states that Labour MPs must also be members of the parliamentary Labour Party” - which they claim means that he “was automatically returned to the Labour whip after he was readmitted to the party”, The Times reports.