theweekuk--2020-02-20--What products are threatened by the coronavirus?

British high-street retailers are gearing up for potential stock shortages as a result of the global coronavirus outbreak .
Industry leaders are predicting a “ lot of disruption ” from next month , as shipments of a wide range of goods to the UK are cancelled in the wake of factory closures across China , The Times reports .
Halfords , Primark , Asos and DFS are among the big-name brands that may be hit in the coming weeks .
So how much of a threat does the Covid-19 virus pose to supply chains - and which products may run @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC , the £2trn global fashion industry brings the UK more than £30bn a year in revenues , while China accounts for 38 % of the market .
But with expected delays in deliveries of new collections worldwide , and a spike in new cases of the coronavirus across China that has left shopping malls deserted , “ the luxury goods industry is seriously worried ” , says the broadcaster .
The Times reports that British clothing company Joules , which imports 90 % of its products from China , is looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amid fears over supply problems .
Meanwhile , profit warnings have been issued to investors by high-fashion brands including Burberry , Ralph Lauren , Coach , Kate Spade and Capri Holdings , the parent firm of Versace , Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo .
“ We ’ ve never seen a situation like this , where sales go to zero .
And it affects everybody , whether you ’ re a big or small brand , ” Flavio Cereda , a managing director at investment bank Jeffries , told the BBC .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four months of very painful trading figures.
” “ With China producing 80 % of the world ’ s smartphones , the coronavirus is expected to cause a 12 % fall in the number of handsets made in the first quarter of the year , ” the Daily Mail reports .
Apple has already warned investors that it no longer expects to meet revenue guidance provided last month for the upcoming March quarter .
“ Work is starting to resume around [ China ] , but we are experiencing a slower return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , resulting in iPhone supply shortages that will “ temporarily affect revenues worldwide ” , the company said in an investor update .
The Telegraph reports that Apple supplier Foxconn , which has 12 factories in nine Chinese cities , “ does not expect even half of its factories to be running again until the end of February ” , although the company has denied that claim .
Politico reports that although the virus has not yet disrupted medical supplies in the UK , that is “ almost certain to change ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s top manufacturers of drugs , the raw ingredients often come from China or India , ” the news site says , adding that this dependence is a “ source of alarm ” within the European Union .
At an emergency meeting in Brussels this week , German Health Minister Jens Spahn warned : “ We have seen there might be a possibility [ of the ] risk of shortages of supplies due to the coronavirus.
” Shortages have already struck in India , where more than 80 % of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pharmaceutical supplies are imported from China .
The Telegraph reports that prices of common drugs in India have “ skyrocketed due to disruptions ” caused by the outbreak .
The price of paracetamol has already jumped up by 40 % and common antibiotics by 70 % .
Construction equipment manufacturer JCB last week became one of the first major British companies to feel the direct impact of the coronavirus epidemic , cutting production and working hours in its UK factories owing to a shortage of components .
And JCB may be the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also “ put the brakes on car production across the world ” , says the Daily Mail .
Coventry-based manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover revealed this week that it has “ had to resort to flying components out of China in suitcases ” in an effort to stop its UK plants from closing by the end of this month , the newpaper reports .
Food shortages are unlikely to hit Europe as a result of the outbreak , but countries in other parts of the world are being affected .
India is having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production in China , Yahoo !
News reports .
China also produces more than two-thirds of the world ’ s garlic , but the industry has been rocked by factory closures and a run on supplies among those who believe the pungent plant can help prevent the spread of the infection .
The Daily Mail reports that fears over shortages have also triggered panic buying in Indonesia , leading the government to reassure the public that 120,000 tonnes of garlic have been stockpiled .

British high-street retailers are gearing up for potential stock shortages as a result of the global coronavirus outbreak.
Industry leaders are predicting a “lot of disruption” from next month, as shipments of a wide range of goods to the UK are cancelled in the wake of factory closures across China, The Times reports. Halfords, Primark, Asos and DFS are among the big-name brands that may be hit in the coming weeks.
So how much of a threat does the Covid-19 virus pose to supply chains - and which products may run short across the globe?
High street and fashion
According to the BBC, the £2trn global fashion industry brings the UK more than £30bn a year in revenues, while China accounts for 38% of the market.
But with expected delays in deliveries of new collections worldwide, and a spike in new cases of the coronavirus across China that has left shopping malls deserted, “the luxury goods industry is seriously worried”, says the broadcaster.
The Times reports that British clothing company Joules, which imports 90% of its products from China, is looking to shift manufacturing to Bangladesh and Turkey amid fears over supply problems.
Meanwhile, profit warnings have been issued to investors by high-fashion brands including Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Coach, Kate Spade and Capri Holdings, the parent firm of Versace, Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo.
“We’ve never seen a situation like this, where sales go to zero. And it affects everybody, whether you’re a big or small brand,” Flavio Cereda, a managing director at investment bank Jeffries, told the BBC.
“We’re looking at at least four months of very painful trading figures.”
Personal technology
“With China producing 80% of the world’s smartphones, the coronavirus is expected to cause a 12% fall in the number of handsets made in the first quarter of the year,” the Daily Mail reports.
Apple has already warned investors that it no longer expects to meet revenue guidance provided last month for the upcoming March quarter.
“Work is starting to resume around [China], but we are experiencing a slower return to normal conditions than we had anticipated”, resulting in iPhone supply shortages that will “temporarily affect revenues worldwide”, the company said in an investor update.


theweekuk--2020-02-20--Priti Patel: everything we know about the Home Office bullying scandal

Priti Patel has been accused of creating an “ atmosphere of fear ” in the Home Office by bullying and belittling officials , according to reports .
The home secretary is also alleged to have attempted to remove her permanent secretary , Sir Philip Rutnam , who is understood to have raised concerns about Patel ’ s behaviour within the Cabinet Office .
What exactly are the accusations against Patel ?
According to The Times , several sources say Patel has clashed with Home Official staff over her demands , some of which were considered illegal by officials .
During @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dick in October , Patel allegedly demanded to know why police could not use force to stop Extinction Rebellion protests in London .
Describing Patel ’ s alleged clashes with her most senior official , a Home Office source told the newspaper : “ Sir Philip and [ she ] have fundamental disagreements about the rule of law .
He ’ s committed and she isn ’ t .
She ’ s belittled him and caused consternation , and she frequently encourages behaviour outside the rule of law.
” A former official said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against one another , and was angry and aggressive in meetings .
A third source added : “ No one can see how this is going to be resolved .
It is going to blow up sooner or later.
” Matters are reported to have come to a head last week after a senior Home Office official collapsed following an ill-tempered meeting with Patel .
The Times says he had been working through the night attempting , without success , to reverse a High Court judgment that barred the deportation of 25 criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after being confronted over his failure by Patel the next morning and was later taken to hospital , where he was found to have a sodium deficiency .
Responding to the claims , a Home Office spokesperson said there had been no “ formal ” complaints against Patel .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– A former official @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No .
10 to remove Rutnam from the Home Office , but that the request was refused .
“ They didn ’ t want to create a narrative of them against the civil service , ” the source said .
As well as allegedly trying to get Rutnam sacked , Patel is understood to have succeeded in having another senior official in the department moved from their job .
And while Rutnam has survived for now , some commentators believe he will be forced out eventually .
“ Even if he is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ position is probably untenable , ” says The Times .
“ But unless she makes friends rather than enemies quickly , Ms Patel ’ s days will be numbered too.
” Supporters of the home secretary have denied the bullying claims , insisting that while she can be demanding , she is not unreasonable .
They also hit back at Rutnam , blaming him for Amber Rudd ’ s resignation over the Windrush scandal in 2018 .
“ The Home Office is dysfunctional and the current permanent secretary had presided over a sacking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a source told The Times .
“ If this were any other environment , Philip Rutnam would not only be sacked , he ’ d be denied a pension .
The lack of accountability in the civil service is deeply troubling and the prime minister will not accept this in the long term.
” Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi has also defended Patel , describing the home secretary as “ brilliant and collegiate ” , The Telegraph reports .
Asked by LBC radio ’ s Nick Ferrari if she was “ a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ No , I don ’ t think she is at all.
” The MP added that he had known Patel for 25 years and that she was “ utterly professional and works night and day to deliver for the country and her constituents ” .

Priti Patel is once again being accused of mistreating civil servants after it emerged that she tried to have her director of communications sacked on Christmas Eve. The home secretary asked her most senior official to fire Andy Tighe, head of news at the Home Office, but the department’s top civil servant refused to give the order, HuffPost says. Home Office permanent secretary Philip Rutnam declined Patel’s request, a move that led to the recent tensions between the pair. Tighe chose to retire from the Home Office after nine years at the department, having overseen the communications response to the London Bridge attack and the Grenfell Tower fire. Priti Patel has a record of bullying senior civil servants that stretches back five years, former government ministers and officials have claimed. Patel is also alleged to have attempted to remove Rutnam, who is understood to have raised concerns about Patel’s behaviour within the Cabinet Office. What are the historic allegations to have surfaced? Ministers who worked with Patel in government have described a “pattern” of unacceptable behaviour spanning her ministerial career, says The Times. Concerns over Patel’s behaviour were raised with Number 10 in 2017 when she was serving as international development secretary. A former minister who knew of her behaviour at the Department for International Development (Dfid) said of recent bullying accusations: “Is it a one-off? No it bloody isn’t. It’s her. It is exactly the same pattern of behaviour she showed when she was at Dfid. “She had team meetings where she would deliberately dress officials down in front of their colleagues. There were also aggressive emails sometimes sent in the middle of the night. “It is one thing to be a tough and demanding minister — and that is entirely appropriate — but there is a line that you do not cross. She persistently went over that line.” Skip advert Another senior figure in the department told The Times: “She was reviled in Dfid for her rudeness and insensitivity. She could not have been more hated for the way she treated people. She was just vile.” The official said her time as secretary of state had been the “darkest period” of the department’s history.
Another former official said that Patel had been particularly rude to her private office. “She would come out [of] office and say, ‘Why is everyone so f***ing useless.’” Patel was also subject to complaints when she was employment minister at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) between 2015 and 2016. Three individuals working at DWP under Patel’s rule said she was subject to bullying allegations at the time. “She was strongly disliked by her private office, who found her a very difficult and unreasonable minister to deal with,” one said. Patel had been named in a grievance complaint after one DWP official was signed off sick with stress. Also while at DWP, Patel is said to have tried to remove two officials from her private office. What are the ongoing accusations against Patel? According to The Times, several sources say Patel has clashed with Home Official staff over her demands, some of which were considered illegal by officials. During a meeting with Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick in October, Patel allegedly demanded to know why police could not use force to stop Extinction Rebellion protests in London. Describing Patel’s alleged clashes with her most senior official, a Home Office source told the newspaper: “Sir Philip and [she] have fundamental disagreements about the rule of law. He’s committed and she isn’t. She’s belittled him and caused consternation, and she frequently encourages behaviour outside the rule of law.” A former official said Patel liked to play her staff off against one another, and was angry and aggressive in meetings. A third source added: “No one can see how this is going to be resolved. It is going to blow up sooner or later.” Matters are reported to have come to a head after a senior Home Office official collapsed following an ill-tempered meeting with Patel. Skip advert The Times says he had been working through the night attempting, without success, to reverse a High Court judgment that barred the deportation of 25 criminals to Jamaica. He reportedly fell ill after being confronted over his failure by Patel the next morning and was later taken to hospital, where he was found to have a sodium deficiency. Responding to the claims, a Home Office spokesperson said there had been no “formal” complaints against Patel. But Dave Penman, head of the FDA civil service union, said there was no formal process for civil servants to make complaints against ministers. Arrangements are “simply not good enough”, he said, adding: “There is no written record, nothing in terms of process. It is the same as it used to be in parliament — people do not trust the system to be fair.”


theweekuk--2020-02-20--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 20 Feb 2020

The death of Caroline Flack has reignited debate about the relatively new phenomenon of “ cancel culture ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ described as “ the latest casualty ” of the “ epidemic ” after she was @ @ @ @ @ home on Saturday , a few weeks before she was due to face trial for @ @ @ @ @ Lewis Burton .
But what exactly does the term mean ?

Briefing: what is ‘cancel culture’?
The death of Caroline Flack has reignited debate about the relatively new phenomenon of “cancel culture”.
The reality TV presenter has been described as “the latest casualty” of the “epidemic” after she was found dead in her London home on Saturday, a few weeks before she was due to face trial for allegedly assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis Burton. But what exactly does the term mean?


theweekuk--2020-02-20--Marcus Rashford injury setback for England: Man Utd star ‘touch and go’ for Euro 2020

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that Marcus Rashford ’ s double stress fracture in his back is worse than expected and the England striker is now a major doubt for this summer ’ s European Championships .
Rashford injured his back playing for United against Wolves last month and Solskjaer insists that the 22-year-old can ’ t be rushed back .
United boss Solskjaer said : “ We can ’ t rush him .
Hopefully he will play again this season but it will be touch and go towards the end .
“ It has taken time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ obviously I was hoping that he would recover quicker than it looks like he is going to .
It looks like he is going to be out for a few months definitely .
“ He had a scan and it was a more serious fracture than we hoped and expected .
He felt fine a few days before that .
“ I didn ’ t know it takes that time to recover .
When it heals he will be stronger for it so it ’ s important we don ’ t rush it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The update on Rashford ’ s injury is another setback for England head coach Gareth Southgate , who is also sweating on the fitness of Tottenham striker Harry Kane .
England captain Kane has a hamstring injury and is also a doubt for Euro 2020 , which starts on 12 June .
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho hopes that Kane could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches of the Premier League season .
He said last week : “ The Leicester match [ in May ] .
Maybe we need that match for something .
To be fourth , to be fifth , to be sixth .
Maybe he can help us in this match .
I hope .
Is that the best-case scenario at the moment ?
Yes , I think so.
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that Marcus Rashford’s double stress fracture in his back is worse than expected and the England striker is now a major doubt for this summer’s European Championships.
Rashford injured his back playing for United against Wolves last month and Solskjaer insists that the 22-year-old can’t be rushed back.
United boss Solskjaer said: “We can’t rush him. Hopefully he will play again this season but it will be touch and go towards the end.
“It has taken time. I’m not a doctor but obviously I was hoping that he would recover quicker than it looks like he is going to. It looks like he is going to be out for a few months definitely.
“He had a scan and it was a more serious fracture than we hoped and expected. He felt fine a few days before that.
“I didn’t know it takes that time to recover. When it heals he will be stronger for it so it’s important we don’t rush it and we don’t do that.”
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Kane also a doubt
The update on Rashford’s injury is another setback for England head coach Gareth Southgate, who is also sweating on the fitness of Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
England captain Kane has a hamstring injury and is also a doubt for Euro 2020, which starts on 12 June.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho hopes that Kane could return for the club’s final matches of the Premier League season.
He said last week: “The Leicester match [in May]. Maybe we need that match for something. To be fourth, to be fifth, to be sixth. Maybe he can help us in this match. I hope. Is that the best-case scenario at the moment? Yes, I think so.”
Today’s back pages
‘Leip too far’ for toothless Tottenham and Rashford is a doubt for Euro 2020
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theweekuk--2020-02-20--Germany shooting: far-right extremist behind deadly attack

A far-right extremist carried out the attacks on two shisha bars in western Germany that left at least nine people dead .
The attacker , identified by German media as 43-year-old German citizen Tobias Rathjen , ran a website on which he criticised ethnic minorities .
He claimed that people of African , Asian and Middle Eastern origins have to be “ completely annihilated ” within Germany , writing : “ If there was a button available that would make this become a reality , I would press it in a flash.
” Federal prosecutors in the east German city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with some of those killed believed to be of Turkish and Kurdish origin .
German tabloid Bild reports that the alleged killer also left behind a confession .
On the site , taken offline in the hours since the attack , Rathjen had uploaded a 24-page text in which he tells his life story , The Guardian says .
He claimed that he was being controlled by mind-readers working for an unnamed “ intelligence agency ” .
King ’ s College London counter-terrorism expert Peter Neumann tweeted that the website contained “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with a do-it-yourself ideology cobbled together out of parts found on the internet ” .
Neumann also said that a preliminary reading of the suspect ’ s website suggests that as well as possessing a hatred of “ foreigners and non-white ( people ) ” , Rathjen was also likely a so-called “ incel ” .
The Guardian adds that in his rambling statement , Rathjen also claims to have invented the slogan “ America First ” .
In the days before the attack , he had uploaded an English-language video to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being controlled by devil-worshipping “ secret societies ” , the paper reports .
Alongside those who lost their lives , several people were injured when the gunman opened fire at 10pm local time yesterday evening , before he was later found dead in his flat alongside the body of his mother , whom he is also thought to have murdered .
The suicide and suspected murder of his mother takes the total death toll to 11 .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The first target was the Midnight shisha bar in the city centre of Hanau , the BBC reports , and the suspect then reportedly travelled in a dark car to the Kesselstadt neighbourhood and opened fire at the Arena Bar & Cafe .
Hanau ’ s federal MP , Katja Leikert , called the attack a “ horrific scenario ” in a tweet in which she offered her “ heartfelt condolences ” to the victims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claus Kaminsky , said it was the “ worst evening imaginable ” .
The BBC reports that gun laws in Germany are among the most stringent in the world , and were tightened further in recent years after other mass shootings , such as in the cities of Halle and Munich .
That the attack took place in the old West Germany will fuel concerns that extremism that has largely been confined to the former East Germany is spreading .
Traditionally , Germany ’ s far right party Alternative for Germany ( AfD @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has also been the site of anti-immigrant protests .

A far-right extremist carried out the attacks on two shisha bars in western Germany that left at least nine people dead.
The attacker, identified by German media as 43-year-old German citizen Tobias Rathjen, ran a website on which he criticised ethnic minorities.
He claimed that people of African, Asian and Middle Eastern origins have to be “completely annihilated” within Germany, writing: “If there was a button available that would make this become a reality, I would press it in a flash.”
Federal prosecutors in the west German city have been treating the case as terrorism, with some of those killed believed to be of Turkish and Kurdish origin.
German tabloid Bild reports that the alleged killer also left behind a confession.
On the site, taken offline in the hours since the attack, Rathjen had uploaded a 24-page text in which he tells his life story, The Guardian says. He claimed that he was being controlled by mind-readers working for an unnamed “intelligence agency”.
King’s College London counter-terrorism expert Peter Neumann tweeted that the website contained “various, but mostly extreme right views, with a do-it-yourself ideology cobbled together out of parts found on the internet”.
Neumann also said that a preliminary reading of the suspect’s website suggests that as well as possessing a hatred of “foreigners and non-white (people)”, Rathjen was also likely a so-called “incel”.
The Guardian adds that in his rambling statement, Rathjen also claims to have invented the slogan “America First”.
In the days before the attack, he had uploaded an English-language video to YouTube in which he said Americans are being controlled by devil-worshipping “secret societies”, the paper reports.
Alongside those who lost their lives, several people were injured when the gunman opened fire at 10pm local time yesterday evening, before he was later found dead in his flat alongside the body of his mother, whom he is also thought to have murdered.
The suicide and suspected murder of his mother takes the total death toll to 11.
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The first target was the Midnight shisha bar in the city centre of Hanau, the BBC reports, and the suspect then reportedly travelled in a dark car to the Kesselstadt neighbourhood and opened fire at the Arena Bar & Cafe.
Hanau’s federal MP, Katja Leikert, called the attack a “horrific scenario” in a tweet in which she offered her “heartfelt condolences” to the victims. The mayor of the town, Claus Kaminsky, said it was the “worst evening imaginable”.
The BBC reports that gun laws in Germany are among the most stringent in the world, and were tightened further in recent years after other mass shootings, such as in the cities of Halle and Munich.
That the attack took place in the old West Germany will fuel concerns that extremism that has largely been confined to the former East Germany is spreading.
Traditionally, Germany’s far right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) has performed strongly in the east, which has also been the site of anti-immigrant protests.


theweekuk--2020-02-20--‘We appeal’: Pep Guardiola and Man City go on the attack over Champions League ban

Manchester City displayed defiance on and off the pitch last night as they beat West Ham 2-0 in their first match since being slapped with a two-season Champions League ban by Uefa .
Goals from Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne eased the Sky Blues to a comfortable Premier League win against the Hammers , a victory that moves City into second spot above Leicester .
The performance heartened the City faithful who made their feelings at the ban clear throughout the game with a series of anti-Uefa chants along with several banners displaying such messages as “ Uefa cartel ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolve was matched by their manager ’ s when Pep Guardiola addressed the BBC in his post-match press conference .
“ We appeal , ” he said , referring to the club ’ s intention to contest the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport ( Cas ) .
“ When someone believes they are right they have to fight.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first response to their 2-year Champions League ban All to play for Guardiola said his players ’ performance against West Ham had come as no surprise given the professionalism of his squad , adding that they had discussed the importance of focusing on their job despite the furore surrounding the ban .
“ What happens off it we can not do much [ about it ] , ” explained the Spaniard .
“ We talked about what we have to do until the end of the season , especially for the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our game the best as possible .
We have a lot of interesting things to play for.
” When he was asked about his future , Guardiola replied : “ If they don ’ t sack me I will be here .
I love this club .
I like to be here .
This is my club and I will be here , no matter .
“ The club has to fight and I trust the club 100 % [ in ] what they have done , and they have explained to me.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't sack me , I will stay 100 % '' | Pep Guardiola speaks for the first time on Man City ban Guardiola also had a few choice words for former club Barcelona , whose president , Josep Maria Bartomeu , has endorsed Uefa ’ s decision to ban City and hit them with a £25m fine for overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts .
“ If they are happy we are suspended , I say to the president of Barcelona , give us two appeals , ” said Guardiola .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what they have done .
Don ’ t talk too loud Barcelona .
That is my advice , because everybody is involved in situations .
We are going to appeal and hopefully in the future we can play Champions League against Barcelona.
” Guardiola ’ s comments suggest that he is unlikely to accept Bartomeu ’ s invitation to return to Barcelona where “ the door is always open for him ” .
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Manchester City displayed defiance on and off the pitch last night as they beat West Ham 2-0 in their first match since being slapped with a two-season Champions League ban by Uefa.
Goals from Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne eased the Sky Blues to a comfortable Premier League win against the Hammers, a victory that moves City into second spot above Leicester.
The performance heartened the City faithful who made their feelings at the ban clear throughout the game with a series of anti-Uefa chants along with several banners displaying such messages as “Uefa cartel” and “Uefa mafia”.
Their resolve was matched by their manager’s when Pep Guardiola addressed the BBC in his post-match press conference.
“We appeal,” he said, referring to the club’s intention to contest the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). “When someone believes they are right they have to fight.”
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All to play for
Guardiola said his players’ performance against West Ham had come as no surprise given the professionalism of his squad, adding that they had discussed the importance of focusing on their job despite the furore surrounding the ban.
“What happens off it we cannot do much [about it],” explained the Spaniard. “We talked about what we have to do until the end of the season, especially for the people who love this club. We will play our game the best as possible. We have a lot of interesting things to play for.”
Going nowhere
When he was asked about his future, Guardiola replied: “If they don’t sack me I will be here. I love this club. I like to be here. This is my club and I will be here, no matter.
“The club has to fight and I trust the club 100% [in] what they have done, and they have explained to me.”
Broadside at Barca
Guardiola also had a few choice words for former club Barcelona, whose president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has endorsed Uefa’s decision to ban City and hit them with a £25m fine for overstating its sponsorship revenue in its accounts.
“If they are happy we are suspended, I say to the president of Barcelona, give us two appeals,” said Guardiola.
“I ask right now the people trust what they have done. Don’t talk too loud Barcelona. That is my advice, because everybody is involved in situations. We are going to appeal and hopefully in the future we can play Champions League against Barcelona.”
Guardiola’s comments suggest that he is unlikely to accept Bartomeu’s invitation to return to Barcelona where “the door is always open for him”.
Today’s back pages
‘Leip too far’ for toothless Tottenham and Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for Euro 2020
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theweekuk--2020-02-20--US election 2020: How can Michael Bloomberg enter the presidential race so late?

Last night ’ s Democratic debate in Las Vegas was the most bitter yet , as some of the high-profile candidates falling behind in the polls tried to jump-start their faltering campaigns .
Adding to the discord was the emergence of billionaire media and former mayor of New York City Michael Bloomberg - formerly a Republican - who was making his first appearance on the debate stage more than a year after some of his opponents launched their campaigns .
Bloomberg has arrived late in the campaign , bulldozing his way into serious contention with unprecedented spending on advertising and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage , many of whom are running on pledges to strictly regulate campaign spending , accused him of trying to “ buy the nomination.
” Polls show a considerable lead for Senator Bernie Sanders , but the battle is on to be the remaining candidate who will hope to unite Democratic voters who find his left-wing policies unappealing , and it may be that Bloomberg is emerging as the most likely representative of the party ’ s right .
As such , he was attacked from the off , for his “ stop-and-frisk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has been shown to have disproportionately targeted racial minorities , and for which he has apologised , and for his record on women .
How did Bloomberg fare on the debate stage ?
“ It got ugly in a hurry for Bloomberg , ” concluded The Washington Post .
“ He was the big target from the jump .
He came off as very technocratic , and he often didn ’ t jump in to defend himself , apparently hoping the bad moments would pass .
But they persisted.
” “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ re running against : a billionaire who calls women fat broads and horse-faced lesbians , ” said Senator Elizabeth Warren .
“ And no , I ’ m not talking about Donald Trump .
I ’ m talking about Mayor Bloomberg.
” “ The unrelenting attacks reflected the urgency of the moment , ” The New York Times reported , “ as Mr. Sanders gains strength and those hoping to slow his candidacy are increasingly crowded out by Mr. Bloomberg and his unprecedented spending spree.
” It remains to be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything , but the prospect of the two final Democrat candidates occupying two polar extremes of party politics is appalling many within the party .
Bloomberg , 77 , became mayor of New York City in 2002 running as a Republican , before leaving the party during his tenure to win re-election for his third term as an independent .
It was during his time as mayor of New York that Bloomberg adopted the controversial “ stop-and-frisk ” policy that his opponents attacked him for last night .
He co-founded the real-time financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is still the CEO and majority owner - in 1981 , and the company has grown to form the cornerstone of a business empire that has made Bloomberg one of the world ’ s richest people , with a fortune of $ 61.8 billion .
According to The Chronicle of Philanthropy , Bloomberg is America ’ s highest-spending philanthropist , giving $ 3.3 billion last year to various causes .
However , despite funding many social impact causes , this spending has not gone without scrutiny - even scepticism .
Since he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says MarketWatch , “ critics have examined his philanthropy in a new light , contending that he ’ s used his donations - which target some of the most pressing issues of our time - to serve his political ambitions.
” “ The answer to one Republican New York billionaire is surely not going to be a slightly richer Republican New York billionaire , ” one Biden ally told The Atlantic , comparing Bloomberg to Trump .
“ It ’ s laughable we even have to say that out loud.
” How can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Bloomerg launched his bid for president on 21 November , almost a year after other candidates had begun their campaigns .
There is no formal deadline to announce a candidacy , instead there is a practical timeframe .
Most of the time , candidates need time to build support , and , crucially , funding , in order to run for president .
With his high profile and higher bank balance , Bloomberg was able to skip the bitter jostling for position and begin a massive advertising campaign to boost his profile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no doubt his main campaign asset , at least so far , has been his money - he has spent $ 408m in his first four months : $ 64 million more that Trump did during his entire victorious 2016 campaign .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In the US , individual states hold elections for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states to vote have an outweighed effect on the outcome because they are seen as a bellwether for a candidate ’ s momentum .
The field of candidates always shrinks rapidly after the votes in Iowa , New Hampshire , Nevada , and South Carolina , even though these states have a relatively small effect in terms of voting numbers alone .
Bloomberg bucked custom and chose not even to contest these states , avoiding party infighting while focusing his attention on states of higher electoral importance .
“ Mr Bloomberg has flipped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says The Financial Times .
“ Unfettered by fundraising constraints , he has bypassed the earliest-voting states to cast his eye on big , populous states where he can splash out in proportion to the number of delegates on offer.
” Two candidates for president spent the $ 10 million necessary to buy a 60 second TV slot at the Super Bowl last month - Donald Trump , and Michael Bloomberg .
“ Advertising works , ” said Brian Wieser , president of business intelligence for GroupM .
“ That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buzzfeed News argues that the scale of Bloomberg ’ s campaign is what attracts many voters to him .
“ Many Democrats will do anything to get rid of Trump , and to them , Bloomberg ’ s resources and the vastness of his campaign are a plus , ” it says .
“ They don ’ t want anything to do with an ideological battle over the future of the Democratic Party ; they want Trump gone , and they want someone who will stand up to Trump .
Bloomberg ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , can his heavy-spending campaign survive the intense public scrutiny of an election campaign ?

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theweekuk--2020-02-20--Dominic Cummings called for ‘designer babies’ on NHS

Boris Johnson ’ s controversial aide Dominic Cummings once suggested that the NHS should cover the cost of selecting babies to have higher IQs .
In a blog post on “ designer babies ” , Cummings said he believed rich couples would inevitably select embryos with “ the highest prediction for IQ ” .
He also proposed that “ a national health system should fund everybody to do this ” to avoid an unfair advantage for rich would-be parents .
The post , written in 2014 after Cummings had attended a Silicon Valley science conference at Google , said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of IQ genes , there is no obvious reason why rich people will not select the egg that has the highest prediction for IQ .
“ This clearly raises many big questions .
If the poor can not do the same , then the rich could quickly embed advantages and society could become not only more unequal but also based on biological classes .
One response is that if this sort of thing does become possible , then a national health system should fund everybody to do this.
” However , experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the matter .
David Curtis , an honorary professor in the UCL Genetics Institute at University College London , told The Guardian that Johnson ’ s aide had “ fundamentally misunderstood key concepts in genetics and his suggestions are wildly unrealistic ” .
Bobbie Farsides , a professor of clinical and biomedical ethics at Brighton and Sussex Medical School , said : “ It would be such a huge step away from the fundamental values that inform embryo selection at the moment that it ’ s almost inconceivable .
We are so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agenda.
” Cummings has written about eugenics in a separate post .
In a 2013 piece , he cited research that concluded that discovering “ genes responsible for general cognitive ability and specific abilities and disabilities ” would “ enable truly personalised education including early intervention for specific learning difficulties ” .
The latest row comes days after Cummings hit the headlines over his appointment of Andrew Sabisky , who has claimed in the past that black Americans have a lower than average IQ than white Americans and are more likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sabisky has since stood down .
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theweekuk--2020-02-20--Outdoor defecator says he leaves earth ‘teeming with life’

A man who stopped using toilets in 1974 and instead relieves himself in the great outdoors insists his daily deposits leave the earth “ teeming with life ” .
Masana Izawa , who lives near Tokyo , says of his al fresco offerings : “ If ( you ’ re ) an ant , it ’ s a fairy tale candy house.
” The owner of a dachshund who took the bus 18 miles to beach says it 's “ out of character ” for the dog .
The sausage dog , called Frank , boarded the number 76 bus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the seaside .
A passenger later returned the dog to his owner .
A woman who lost a mixtape she had made in the early 90s has found it while visiting an art exhibition in Sweden .
Stella Wedell was just 12 when her homemade cassette was lost in either the Costa Brava or Majorca .
Then she randomly found it on display an exhibition called Sea of Artefacts .
The tape featured hits by Shaggy , UB40 and the Pet Shop Boys .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For more outlandish tales and news to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Tall Tales email at theweek.co.uk/sign-up-for-the-tall-tales-email .
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A man who stopped using toilets in 1974 and instead relieves himself in the great outdoors insists his daily deposits leave the earth “teeming with life”. Masana Izawa, who lives near Tokyo, says of his al fresco offerings: “If (you’re) an ant, it’s a fairy tale candy house.”
Sausage dog disappears and takes bus to beach
The owner of a dachshund who took the bus 18 miles to beach says it's “out of character” for the dog. The sausage dog, called Frank, boarded the number 76 bus from his home in Colchester bound for the seaside. A passenger later returned the dog to his owner.
Woman finds lost mixtape in Swedish exhibition
A woman who lost a mixtape she had made in the early 90s has found it while visiting an art exhibition in Sweden. Stella Wedell was just 12 when her homemade cassette was lost in either the Costa Brava or Majorca. Then she randomly found it on display an exhibition called Sea of Artefacts. The tape featured hits by Shaggy, UB40 and the Pet Shop Boys.
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theweekuk--2020-02-20--Libya peace talks collapse after rocket attack

The United Nations called on the warring factions in Libya ’ s brutal and prolonged civil war to return to the negotiating table after the country ’ s Government of National Accord ( GNA ) , besieged in Tripoli , withdrew from talks in Geneva .
Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj made the decision to end negotiations late on Tuesday after the forces of General Khalifa Haftar ’ s self-styled Libyan National Army ( LNA ) launch a rocket attack on Tripoli ’ s sea port in the middle of UN-hosted peace talks over the weekend .
A truce has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last month , but the attack was the latest of a series of violations by both sides , and the talks have now been unilaterally suspended .
The GNA implored foreign powers to come to its aid .
“ There can be no peace under the bombing , ” it said .
“ We are announcing the suspension of our participation in the military talks taking place in Geneva until firm positions are adopted against the aggressor.
” In a statement released yesterday , the UN ’ s mission to Libya said it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ escalation and provocative actions , especially expansion of the conflict area , and urges all parties to resort to dialogue as the only means to end the crisis.
” Both sides still hope for military victory As the humanitarian impact of the crisis worsens , and forces build up around Tripoli , on Monday the EU agreed to enforce the UN ’ s arms embargo by sending naval vessels as well as an air and satellite component to curtail the influx of weapons .
However , despite UN and EU hopes of mediating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement seem to be fading , as both “ the warring sides , especially [ Haftar ] , feel emboldened by their continued support from regional and Western powers with high stakes in Libya , ” says The Washington Post .
The Libyan civil war is a complex conflict involving numerous internal and external forces , but the main two are the internationally recognised GNA , besieged now for months in the country ’ s capital , Tripoli , and the rebel LNA , which is significantly more potent militarily .
Still , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the gates of the capital , and the UN says more than 1,000 people have died , and around 140,000 have been displaced .
” People are worried that heavy fighting might renew at any time .
People in densely populated areas , they are worried that the attack on the port could be the beginning of other attacks in residential areas , “ reported Al Jazeera ’ s Mahmoud Abdelwahed from Tripoli .
The city ’ s populace is experiencing ” panic , fear , and frustration , “ he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been full-throated in his support for the government in Tripoli .
He has already sent hundreds of islamist fighters from Syria to help , and has criticised the EU ’ s decision to enforce the arms embargo .
“ The EU does not have the right to make any decision concerning Libya , ” he said .
He also assured the GNA of continued Turkish support , implying his objective was victory , not concord .
“ If a fair agreement did not come out of the meetings in which the international community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the legitimate government in Tripoli having control over the entire country , ” he said .
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Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Why did the LNA violate the truce ?
Haftar ’ s LNA , which is supported by a number of foreign governments , most prominently Russia , has not denied it was behind the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main military objectives - instead saying it carried it out because of the presence of a vessel carrying weapons from Turkey .
Ankara has denied the charge .
Admitting it would mean it was in violation of the Berlin Conference of 19 January , in which foreign governments agreed not to fuel the conflict by supplying arms to their prefered side - the same agreement the EU has now sent ships to enforce .
Despite the assurances made in Berlin , says Al Jazeera , “ little has changed on the ground since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called the conflict a fully-fledged “ proxy war.
” Who are the rebels ?
LNA leader Haftar was a general in the army of Muammar Gaddafi , who was overthrown and killed during a Nato-backed uprising in 2011 .
He was captured during Libya ’ s conflict with Chad in 1987 , and was taken by the CIA to Virginia , where he obtained US citizenship .
“ During the Reagan administration , he was a CIA asset who the United States hoped could lead a coup against Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times reports .
Two decades later he returned to his homeland , and was a leader in the forces that toppled the regime in 2011 .
Libya ’ s hoped-for transition to democracy devolved into civil war , however , and Haftar was appointed to lead the forces of the country ’ s secular , Benghazi-based parliament - backed by the armed forces - against the official government in Tripoli , which he says is illegitimate and in thrall to Islamists .

The United Nations called on the warring factions in Libya’s brutal and prolonged civil war to return to the negotiating table after the country’s Government of National Accord (GNA), besieged in Tripoli, withdrew from talks in Geneva.
Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj made the decision to end negotiations late on Tuesday after the forces of General Khalifa Haftar’s self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) launch a rocket attack on Tripoli’s sea port in the middle of UN-hosted peace talks over the weekend.
A truce has been in place since the the talks began last month, but the attack was the latest of a series of violations by both sides, and the talks have now been unilaterally suspended.
The GNA implored foreign powers to come to its aid. “There can be no peace under the bombing,” it said. “We are announcing the suspension of our participation in the military talks taking place in Geneva until firm positions are adopted against the aggressor.”
In a statement released yesterday, the UN’s mission to Libya said it calls for “an end to the escalation and provocative actions, especially expansion of the conflict area, and urges all parties to resort to dialogue as the only means to end the crisis.”
Both sides still hope for military victory
As the humanitarian impact of the crisis worsens, and forces build up around Tripoli, on Monday the EU agreed to enforce the UN’s arms embargo by sending naval vessels as well as an air and satellite component to curtail the influx of weapons.
However, despite UN and EU hopes of mediating peace, the chances of a political agreement seem to be fading, as both “the warring sides, especially [Haftar], feel emboldened by their continued support from regional and Western powers with high stakes in Libya,” says The Washington Post.
The Libyan civil war is a complex conflict involving numerous internal and external forces, but the main two are the internationally recognised GNA, besieged now for months in the country’s capital, Tripoli, and the rebel LNA, which is significantly more potent militarily.
Still, the war has come to an impasse at the gates of the capital, and the UN says more than 1,000 people have died, and around 140,000 have been displaced.


theweekuk--2020-02-20--EU seeks to break big tech monopolies

EU seeks to break big tech monopolies

The European Union has announced it may require foreign tech behemoths to share their data with smaller European competitors , as the bloc seeks to challenge monopolies and assert its “ technological sovereignty.
” Yesterday the European Commission released a white paper titled “ A European strategy for data ” , in which it sought to shape the EU ’ s stance on certain key digital issues , like artificial intelligence , data sharing , and facial recognition .
The document is a roadmap for legislation aimed at future-fitting the bloc for the digital age .
EU Commission Vice-President Margrethe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition law and shape new European rules for the tech sector since December .
However , “ After fining Google over $ 9 billion for anticompetitive behavior over the past three years , Ms. Vestager admitted that fines weren ’ t working and a broader regulatory approach was needed to change the behavior of big tech , ” says The Wall Street Journal .
“ She has learned that data is the fundamental issue and that what she ’ s done so far has not worked , ” said Thomas Vinje , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Regulating how platforms use data “ is the natural thing to do , but how this will be done still needs to be defined.
” The commission has learned a lot from its antitrust investigations - including those of Google , Qualcomm , Facebook , and Amazon - and has come to understand the centrality of data to these companies ongoing dominance in all aspects of their businesses , from machine learning and AI products to advertising revenue .
Opening up this trove of data could be of immense value to small European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who have to this point struggled to gain a foothold due to the overwhelming strength of American and Chinese giants .
“ The high degree of market power resulting from the ‘ data advantage ’ can enable large players to set the rules on the platform and unilaterally impose conditions for access and use of data , ” the report said .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge wave of industrial and public data , which will transform the way we produce , consume and live , ” said Thierry Breton , European industry chief , who unveiled the plans alongside Vestager .
“ We recognise we missed the first battle , the battle of personal data , ” he said , but “ Europe has everything it takes to lead the ‘ big data ’ race , and preserve its technological sovereignty , industrial leadership and economic competitiveness to the benefit of European consumers.
” The proposed changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is due to be drafted by the end of this year , have a wider social remit too , aiming to boost “ the development of trustworthy technology to foster an open and democratic society and a vibrant and sustainable economy.
” The white paper raises the possibility of restrictions on facial recognition for mass surveillance , and on the machine learning technologies that surround it .
The plans are ambitious and likely to be well received by European business , but there remain concerns that making data public may stifle innovation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the commission ’ s new report may not go down well in the US .
“ The commission ’ s proposals are likely to add to the growing sense of US irritation that Europe is picking on its tech champions , ” says The Financial Times .
“ Just this week Mark Zuckerberg , Facebook chief executive , came to Brussels on a charm offensive only to receive a frosty reception from high-ranking officials who want the social media company to do more to police content on its platform .
”

The European Union has announced it may require foreign tech behemoths to share their data with smaller European competitors, as the bloc seeks to challenge monopolies and assert its “technological sovereignty.”
Yesterday the European Commission released a white paper titled “A European strategy for data”, in which it sought to shape the EU’s stance on certain key digital issues, like artificial intelligence, data sharing, and facial recognition.
The document is a roadmap for legislation aimed at future-fitting the bloc for the digital age.
EU Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager has led the charge to enforce competition law and shape new European rules for the tech sector since December.
However, “After fining Google over $9 billion for anticompetitive behavior over the past three years, Ms. Vestager admitted that fines weren’t working and a broader regulatory approach was needed to change the behavior of big tech,” says The Wall Street Journal.
“She has learned that data is the fundamental issue and that what she’s done so far has not worked,” said Thomas Vinje, a partner at law firm Clifford Chance. Regulating how platforms use data “is the natural thing to do, but how this will be done still needs to be defined.”
The commission has learned a lot from its antitrust investigations - including those of Google, Qualcomm, Facebook, and Amazon - and has come to understand the centrality of data to these companies ongoing dominance in all aspects of their businesses, from machine learning and AI products to advertising revenue.
Opening up this trove of data could be of immense value to small European businesses, tech companies, and startups, who have to this point struggled to gain a foothold due to the overwhelming strength of American and Chinese giants.
“The high degree of market power resulting from the ‘data advantage’ can enable large players to set the rules on the platform and unilaterally impose conditions for access and use of data,” the report said.
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theweekuk--2020-02-19--Today’s back pages: ‘Leip too far’ for toothless Tottenham and Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for

Today’s back pages: ‘Leip too far’ for toothless Tottenham and Marcus Rashford is a major doubt for Euro 2020

Tottenham ’ s 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig last night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash has provided inspiration for many of the fourth estate ’ s finest headline writers .
“ Jose ’ s hopes down the pan ” , screams the Daily Star , while Metro goes for “ A Leip too far ” and The Sun opts for “ Strop-Spur ” .
The latter is a reference to the antics of Dele Alli who , according to the Sun “ threw a tantrum after being subbed ” as Spurs struggled to break down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Alli hurled his boots in disgust after being removed by Mourinho , although the Daily Mirror - under the headline “ bottled it ” - says that when the England ace was subbed midway through the second half he “ slumped on the bench before throwing a water bottle to the ground ” .
His reaction summed up the frustration felt by Spurs , says Metro , who were left “ toothless ” by the injury absence of strikers Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son .
Lucas Moura tried his best up front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Mourinho told reporters after the defeat : “ It ’ s a situation like going to fight with a gun without bullets.
” The Leipzig goal came courtesy of a penalty from Timo Werner on 58 minutes and Mourinho expressed his concern at the state of his injury-ravaged squad going forward .
“ What worries me is that these are our players for the next however many matches , ” he said .
“ Moura was absolutely dead , Bergwijn was absolutely dead , Lo Celso was absolutely dead .
“ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was just this game I ’ d say ‘ no problem ’ but we have FA Cup and Premier League games.
” Video of `` We were like a gun without bullets '' Jose Mourinho reacts to Spurs 0-1 RB Leipzig ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nearly all the papers find space on their back pages for the news that Marcus Rashford could miss the European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fracture in his back .
The Times says that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has cast “ fresh doubt ” on Rashford ’ s participation in Euro 2020 after his star striker hobbled off against Wolves last month .
The paper claims that Solskjaer has warned Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate “ against selecting Rashford for the tournament , which begins on 12 June , unless he is fully fit ” .
Under the heading “ Euro heartbreak ” , the Daily Mirror quotes Solskjaer saying : “ It ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m not a doctor but I was hoping that he would recover quicker than it actually looks like he will .
He ’ ll be out for another few months , definitely.
” i Sport points out that the news will alarm Southgate , who “ is already sweating on the fitness of Tottenham Hotspur ’ s Harry Kane ” , and is therefore facing the prospect of going into the tournament without two of his first-choice frontmen .
Rashford injury setback for England : Man Utd star ‘ touch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
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Spurs slump to defeat
Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig last night in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash has provided inspiration for many of the fourth estate’s finest headline writers.
“Jose’s hopes down the pan”, screams the Daily Star, while Metro goes for “A Leip too far” and The Sun opts for “Strop-Spur”.
The latter is a reference to the antics of Dele Alli who, according to the Sun “threw a tantrum after being subbed” as Spurs struggled to break down their German opponents.
The paper says that Alli hurled his boots in disgust after being removed by Mourinho, although the Daily Mirror - under the headline “bottled it” - says that when the England ace was subbed midway through the second half he “slumped on the bench before throwing a water bottle to the ground”.
His reaction summed up the frustration felt by Spurs, says Metro, who were left “toothless” by the injury absence of strikers Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
Lucas Moura tried his best up front, says the Daily Express, but as Mourinho told reporters after the defeat: “It’s a situation like going to fight with a gun without bullets.”
The Leipzig goal came courtesy of a penalty from Timo Werner on 58 minutes and Mourinho expressed his concern at the state of his injury-ravaged squad going forward.
“What worries me is that these are our players for the next however many matches,” he said. “Moura was absolutely dead, Bergwijn was absolutely dead, Lo Celso was absolutely dead.
“We are really in trouble. If it was just this game I’d say ‘no problem’ but we have FA Cup and Premier League games.”
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Marcus misery
Nearly all the papers find space on their back pages for the news that Marcus Rashford could miss the European Championships on account of the double stress fracture in his back.
The Times says that Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has cast “fresh doubt” on Rashford’s participation in Euro 2020 after his star striker hobbled off against Wolves last month.
The paper claims that Solskjaer has warned Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate “against selecting Rashford for the tournament, which begins on 12 June, unless he is fully fit”.
Under the heading “Euro heartbreak”, the Daily Mirror quotes Solskjaer saying: “It’ll be touch and go. It takes time. I’m not a doctor but I was hoping that he would recover quicker than it actually looks like he will. He’ll be out for another few months, definitely.”
i Sport points out that the news will alarm Southgate, who “is already sweating on the fitness of Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane”, and is therefore facing the prospect of going into the tournament without two of his first-choice frontmen.
Rashford injury setback for England: Man Utd star ‘touch and go’ for Euro 2020
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-02-19--Beautiful Day: U2 rocker Bono visits Ireland squad ahead of Six Nations trip to Twickenham

• None Saturday 22 February : Italy vs. Scotland ( 2.15pm GMT ; live on ITV ) ; Wales vs. France ( 4.45pm GMT ; live on BBC and S4C ) Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is hoping that a visit from U2 frontman Bono will inspire his side to a third successive victory in this year ’ s Six Nations rugby championship .
Singer Bono , a keen rugby fan , paid a visit to Ireland ’ s team hotel on Tuesday night ahead of their match against England at Twickenham on Sunday .
Farrell told IRFU TV : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was top of the wish list .
He was great , he put real time and effort into it .
He ’ s a private guy who doesn ’ t really do these things .
But he loves his rugby .
His wife Ali came along as well and she loves her rugby as well .
“ He told us some stories and we got a lot out of it .
He ’ s a proud Irishman so we connect to that .
The key for us is making sure we do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , we get something out of it .
“ So the lads certainly did their homework and asked the questions and got the answers that they wanted from it.
” For Sunday ’ s clash Farrell has kept faith with the same 15 that beat Wales two weeks ago and only makes one change to his bench with back-rower Caelan Doris replacing Max Deegan .
At your service , Sir % u2026 and always at the service of a truly great Irish team % u2026 !
Bono @ JohnnySexton @ IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/lhv2T4oKQg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , facing England , @ Paul_OConnell in camp & a special visit from Bono.
# ShoulderToShoulder # ENGvIRE # U2 # GuinnesSixNations # Bono pic.twitter.com/cNeLvRq02W England , who have one win and one loss from their opening two games , will name their team tomorrow .
Eddie Jones ’ s side have not beaten Ireland at Twickenham since 2016 but they could be boosted by the return of Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade .
However , Anthony Watson is still out because of a calf injury and Mako Vunipola misses out due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Italy and Scotland , the two sides still without a victory in this year ’ s championship , go head-to-head at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Saturday .
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has made three changes to his team with Chris Harris replacing Huw Jones in midfield , lock Ben Toolis coming in for the injured Jonny Gray and Stuart McInally taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ We believe Chris [ Harris ] and Stuart [ McInally ] deserve this opportunity .
They were very close to the starting XV when we entered this campaign .
We think this is the right time for them to come in .
“ Chris has been excellent for Gloucester this season and has continued to make improvements since the summer .
He works very hard on both sides of the ball , which will be important this week .
“ Stuart [ McInally ] has shown over the past few @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fitness and is raring to go and Ben gets an opportunity to start following Jonny ’ s injury against England .
“ Second row is a position we have a lot of competition with a number of very good players available for selection .
We ’ re looking forward to seeing how he combines again with Scott [ Cummings ] after a successful outing together against Russia in the World Cup.
” Italy interim head coach Franco Smith will name his team at 2pm this afternoon .
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Six Nations round three fixtures
Saturday 22 February: Italy vs. Scotland (2.15pm GMT; live on ITV); Wales vs. France (4.45pm GMT; live on BBC and S4C)
Sunday 23 February: England vs. Ireland (3pm GMT; live on ITV)
Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is hoping that a visit from U2 frontman Bono will inspire his side to a third successive victory in this year’s Six Nations rugby championship.
Singer Bono, a keen rugby fan, paid a visit to Ireland’s team hotel on Tuesday night ahead of their match against England at Twickenham on Sunday.
Farrell told IRFU TV: “We’re unbelievably privileged. He was top of the wish list. He was great, he put real time and effort into it. He’s a private guy who doesn’t really do these things. But he loves his rugby. His wife Ali came along as well and she loves her rugby as well.
“He told us some stories and we got a lot out of it. He’s a proud Irishman so we connect to that. The key for us is making sure we do the homework and the guests that come in, we get something out of it.
“So the lads certainly did their homework and asked the questions and got the answers that they wanted from it.”
For Sunday’s clash Farrell has kept faith with the same 15 that beat Wales two weeks ago and only makes one change to his bench with back-rower Caelan Doris replacing Max Deegan.
At your service, Sir… and always at the service of a truly great Irish team…! Bono @JohnnySexton @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/lhv2T4oKQg — U2 (@U2) February 19, 2020
England, who have one win and one loss from their opening two games, will name their team tomorrow.
Eddie Jones’s side have not beaten Ireland at Twickenham since 2016 but they could be boosted by the return of Manu Tuilagi and Henry Slade.
However, Anthony Watson is still out because of a calf injury and Mako Vunipola misses out due to a personal issue.
Ireland team to face England


theweekuk--2020-02-19--Bomb-sniffing grasshoppers: the next frontier for public security?

Bomb-sniffing cyborg grasshoppers have been created by scientists to detect explosives such as TNT .
Academics at Washington University in Missouri tapped into the insects ’ minds to monitor whether they were smelling explosives , and if so , what kind they were detecting .
Or as the researchers put it , the “ bio-hacked ” grasshoppers play a similar role to a “ canary in a coal mine ” .
How does the science work ?
The scientists essentially “ hijack ” the insect ’ s sense of smell , by implanting electrodes into their brains that can pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neurons in their antennae detect chemical odours in the air .
The signals are then transmitted wirelessly to the scientists ’ computer from a “ backpack ” attached to the grasshopper , says New Scientist .
This gives the researchers a baseline reading of which parts of the grasshopper ’ s brain are activated when the insect smells chemical explosives .
When the grasshoppers then smell a new substance , the scientists can compare the new signal reading with the baseline reading .
If the same part of the brain that lit up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , the likelihood is that the grasshopper is smelling chemical explosives .
Indeed , the scientists found that the groups of neurones activated by different smells were distinct enough to identify specific sets activated by specific explosives .
A total of seven grasshoppers were tested , and as a unit correctly identified chemical explosives with 80 % accuracy .
In a paper outlining their research , the scientists conclude : “ Our study provides the first demonstration of how biological olfactory systems [ sense of smell ] can be hijacked to develop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ engineered to smell out explosives “ have limited capacity compared to the broad-spectrum abilities of the biological ” sense of smell , say the study authors .
“ Despite decades of efforts , these machines do not match the capability of their biological counterparts in terms of range sensitivity and range , ” they add .
According to the research paper , the grasshopper was chosen because : • they are sturdy and can recover from surgeries to implant electrodes • their olfactory system has been well studied • they have “ non-spiking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ therefore , signals from projection neurons alone can be monitored ” • they can be trained to recognise aromas using classical conditioning procedures • None they can function in both solitary and group conditions .
However , the process “ was not without harm to the insects ” , which as well as having wires attached to their brains , “ were also immobilised , meaning they had to be carried into the test chamber on a wheeled remote-controlled platform ” , reports The Telegraph .
The grasshoppers could successfully detect explosives for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were implanted but then became fatigued and ultimately died .
The project was funded by the US Office of Naval Research , and the researchers believe the grasshoppers could be used for national security purposes .


theweekuk--2020-02-19--Is it safe to travel to Singapore?

Is it safe to travel to Singapore?

The UK government has updated its advice for travel to Singapore after the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus reached the southeast Asian city-state this month .
A British man contracted the deadly virus during a trip to Singapore , and infected others while in hospital in Brighton .
In the wake of those cases , the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office ( FCO ) said that authorities in Singapore have “ announced an extension of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus ” , including banning entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners who have recently travelled to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ safest countries on earth , Singapore is a popular choice for visitors to southeast Asia , attracting almost 20 million visitors in 2019 .
But with the ongoing coronavirus crisis , is it time to look elsewhere for your next holiday ?
There are usually very few public health concerns for visitors to Singapore , but that has changed since the outbreak of coronavirus , which has so far infected more than 75,000 people and killed 2,000 after originating in Wuhan province , China .
Officials in Singapore reported its first case on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country has confirmed 84 cases as of this week .
The Straits Times reports that 34 of these patients have now recovered , with 50 people still in hospital , most of whom are stable .
Four are in a critical condition .
“ There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region , including Singapore , ” says the FCO .
“ All new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China within the previous 14 days will not be granted permission to enter or transit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to the UK from Singapore , consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take if you develop symptoms on your return.
” The ongoing crisis is “ expected to affect the transport and tourism sectors and associated industries and companies ” , says Pharmaceutical Technology .
“ The accommodation and food service sector , which performed well in 2019 , is expected to slow-down due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions resulting from coronavirus disease fears , ” it adds .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.4 % in 2019 , is expected to witness a further decline in 2020 due to the knock-on impact of industrial production disruption in China.
” Criminal activities such as pickpocketing , violent and sexual crime , and scams are almost non-existent in Singapore .
Somewhat more problematic for foreigners , however , are Singapore ’ s draconian laws on other activities , which visitors may find themselves inadvertently falling foul of .
For example , Singapore has extremely strict laws on littering .
GoAbroad notes that “ first time offenders who throw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrappers are fined $ 300 [ £230 ] ” , but “ those who throw out bigger items like drink cans or bottles are considered defiant and are required to appear before the court .
“ The punishment usually involves a Corrective Work Order ( CWO ) , where the offenders clean up a specified area while wearing a bright luminous green vest , ” the site says .
And further special treatment is reserved for those bringing chewing gum into the country ; the product is banned in Singapore owing to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Importing chewing gum , even if it is not for trading , is illegal and possession carries a fine of up to $ 1,000 ( £770 ) .
Singapore is also known for its extreme implementation of laws found elsewhere in the world .
For example , since 1973 it has abided by the highly controversial Misuse of Drugs Act , under which the possession , consumption , manufacturing , import , export , or trafficking of any controlled drugs in any amount is illegal .
Possession of more than certain amounts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down of a mandatory death penalty , while persons caught with less than these amounts face penalties ranging from caning to life in prison .
Deadly natural disasters are very rare in Singapore .
However , the FCO notes that from June to October Singapore can “ experience high levels of pollution ( haze ) from land clearance fires in Indonesia ” , which can cause disruption to local and regional air travel , and the air pollution may have an impact on public health .

The UK government has updated its advice for travel to Singapore after the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus reached the southeast Asian city-state this month.
A British man contracted the deadly virus during a trip to Singapore, and infected others while in hospital in Brighton.
In the wake of those cases, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said that authorities in Singapore have “announced an extension of measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus”, including banning entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners who have recently travelled to China.
Usually considered one of the safest countries on earth, Singapore is a popular choice for visitors to southeast Asia, attracting almost 20 million visitors in 2019. But with the ongoing coronavirus crisis, is it time to look elsewhere for your next holiday?
Health
There are usually very few public health concerns for visitors to Singapore, but that has changed since the outbreak of coronavirus, which has so far infected more than 75,000 people and killed 2,000 after originating in Wuhan province, China.
Officials in Singapore reported its first case on 23 January, inews reports, and the country has confirmed 84 cases as of this week.
The Straits Times reports that 34 of these patients have now recovered, with 50 people still in hospital, most of whom are stable. Four are in a critical condition.
“There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus in China and elsewhere in the region, including Singapore,” says the FCO. “All new visitors with recent travel history to mainland China within the previous 14 days will not be granted permission to enter or transit Singapore.
“If you’re returning to the UK from Singapore, consult the latest advice from the Department of Health and Social Care on actions you should take if you develop symptoms on your return.”
The ongoing crisis is “expected to affect the transport and tourism sectors and associated industries and companies”, says Pharmaceutical Technology.
“The accommodation and food service sector, which performed well in 2019, is expected to slow-down due to the lockdowns and travel restrictions resulting from coronavirus disease fears,” it adds.


theweekuk--2020-02-19--Instant Opinion: Sadiq Khan’s bid to ‘open EU hearts’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the dying embers of free movement “ Brexit was about restoring rights nationally , not denying your fellow neighbour interesting offers from abroad .
Opposing associate citizenship would amount to actively denying others an opportunity just for the sake of it – a rather petty , dictatorial attitude that feels at odds with the ‘ global Britain ’ mantra .
Living in Britain after Brexit with the option to live and work in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khan is taking a shot in the dark .
And his bid is likely to pan out as little more than a PR stunt .
But if he helps convince the EU to open their hearts and borders to Brits going one way , we should hail his efforts as an unbelievable success.
” “ Peter Shore was a figure of his times .
He was taken seriously as an economic heavyweight by professional and academic economists but , 37 years after he ended his service as Shadow Chancellor , his variations on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incomes policies , state planning and suchlike , are not so much dated as irrelevant now .
But in losing its memory of him , Labour has lost not just a vital aspect of its history but its future .
If the party is ever to recover from the damage of the past four years , it will need to convince voters not just that it is competent and can be trusted with the economy .
More than anything , it will need to show that it understands what voters want from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on the gruesome reality of ecological restoration I shot a deer – and I still believe it was the ethical thing to do “ Were we to apply a universal prohibition on killing other animals , even vegans would starve .
Though a plant-based diet requires much less land ( including less arable land ) than a meat-based diet , it still results in the inevitable death or exclusion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scooped up by the combine harvester to the owl that would have lived in the woods the field replaced .
No animal can sustain its existence without privileging itself above other life forms .
Even when our minds reject it , our stomachs insist on speciesism.
” “ Individual human beings who are black are rounded up as part of the aggregate known as ‘ the blacks ’ .
These ‘ blacks ’ bear no relation to , nor are they even an attempt at an accurate reflection of , the many different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 40 million people .
Instead , ‘ the blacks ’ is an amalgam of historical anti-black invective collected in a bucket and poured over a community .
‘ The blacks ’ are not people , they are the caricatures that precede actual black people when they enter a room or become the subject of a conversation .
Black people - despite ourselves - are seen to be ‘ the blacks ’ .
” Tabloid culture rightly in the dock over Caroline Flack ’ s death “ The death of Caroline Flack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by media into relief .
Flack is not the first person to take her own life after being vilified .
The attribution of her suicide to the relentless portrayal in print and social media of her personal problems is rife but Flack , in both life and death , is more than any of these portrayals .
Given what we know about suicide contagion , speculation about her death is both risky and unhelpful .
Nonetheless , her high-profile death should cause pause for thought .
Why do people feel they can abuse @ @ @ @ @ @

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Kate Andrews in The Spectator
on the dying embers of free movement
In defence of Sadiq Khan’s EU citizenship plan
“Brexit was about restoring rights nationally, not denying your fellow neighbour interesting offers from abroad. Opposing associate citizenship would amount to actively denying others an opportunity just for the sake of it – a rather petty, dictatorial attitude that feels at odds with the ‘global Britain’ mantra. Living in Britain after Brexit with the option to live and work in the EU would be a win-win scenario. Khan is taking a shot in the dark. And his bid is likely to pan out as little more than a PR stunt. But if he helps convince the EU to open their hearts and borders to Brits going one way, we should hail his efforts as an unbelievable success.”
2. Stephen Pollard on UnHerd
on Peter Shore
The lost world of Left-wing patriotism
“Peter Shore was a figure of his times. He was taken seriously as an economic heavyweight by professional and academic economists but, 37 years after he ended his service as Shadow Chancellor, his variations on Keynesian economic ideas, with prices and incomes policies, state planning and suchlike, are not so much dated as irrelevant now. But in losing its memory of him, Labour has lost not just a vital aspect of its history but its future. If the party is ever to recover from the damage of the past four years, it will need to convince voters not just that it is competent and can be trusted with the economy. More than anything, it will need to show that it understands what voters want from the Labour Party.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. George Monbiot in The Guardian
on the gruesome reality of ecological restoration
I shot a deer – and I still believe it was the ethical thing to do
“Were we to apply a universal prohibition on killing other animals, even vegans would starve. Though a plant-based diet requires much less land (including less arable land) than a meat-based diet, it still results in the inevitable death or exclusion of other animals, from the mouse scooped up by the combine harvester to the owl that would have lived in the woods the field replaced. No animal can sustain its existence without privileging itself above other life forms. Even when our minds reject it, our stomachs insist on speciesism.”
4. Yannick Giovanni Marshall in Al Jazeera
on lazy generalisations of black America
Meet the US presidential candidates’ ‘blacks’
“Individual human beings who are black are rounded up as part of the aggregate known as ‘the blacks’. These ‘blacks’ bear no relation to, nor are they even an attempt at an accurate reflection of, the many different individuals that make up a group of more than 40 million people. Instead, ‘the blacks’ is an amalgam of historical anti-black invective collected in a bucket and poured over a community. ‘The blacks’ are not people, they are the caricatures that precede actual black people when they enter a room or become the subject of a conversation. Black people - despite ourselves - are seen to be ‘the blacks’.”
5. Orla Muldoon in The Irish Times
on internet abuse
Tabloid culture rightly in the dock over Caroline Flack’s death
“The death of Caroline Flack has again thrown the issue of trial by media into relief. Flack is not the first person to take her own life after being vilified. The attribution of her suicide to the relentless portrayal in print and social media of her personal problems is rife but Flack, in both life and death, is more than any of these portrayals. Given what we know about suicide contagion, speculation about her death is both risky and unhelpful. Nonetheless, her high-profile death should cause pause for thought. Why do people feel they can abuse celebrities online without consequence?”


theweekuk--2020-02-19--The most secretive financial systems in the world

The UK has climbed the world ranking of tax havens and is nearing the top 10 most secretive financial systems .
The Tax Justice Network ( TJN ) said the UK had become a more desirable place for businesses and super-rich individuals to hide their finances from the law , raising serious concerns about Britain ’ s post-Brexit strategy .
Why has the UK climbed the rankings ?
The TJN ’ s Financial Secrecy Index ranks countries on the size and secretiveness of their financial sectors every two years .
New rankings published this week show the UK is now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot up from its former ranking of 23rd .
Countries on the index decreased their secrecy scores by an average of three marks out of 100 , while the UK increased its rating by four marks .
It was the highest increase of any country .
The change was largely down to the “ network of satellite jurisdictions to which the UK outsources some of its financial secrecy activity ” , says TJN .
Because the UK ’ s “ spider ’ s web ” of regulatory control includes some of the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cayman Islands , its ranking worsened .
And while the UK has become more secretive , other countries have have become more open .
Many have made reforms with transparency in mind , including automatic sharing of information about non-resident taxpayers .
The TJN is calling for sanctions against countries including the UK , US and the Cayman Islands for “ backsliding ” on transparency since 2018 .
TJN ’ s director and founder , John Christensen , said the UK ’ s worsening performance prompted concern about how it would operate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK showed the world true leadership in 2016 by being the first country to adopt a public beneficial ownership register [ for domestic companies ] – now that progress has been thrown in reverse , ” he said .
“ The UK ’ s surge up the financial secrecy index raises serious concerns about the UK ’ s post-Brexit strategy to turn the City of London into a ‘ Singapore-on-Thames ’ , ” he added .
There are fears among some who think the City could become a low-tax , lightly regulated hub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson told The Guardian there had not been substantial changes to its corporate reporting rules that warranted changes to its ranking .
“ We do not therefore recognise the basis for the Tax Justice Network ’ s assessment .
We have been , and will continue to be , at the forefront of the global drive for greater tax transparency.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– How did other countries fare ?
The US stayed in second place in the rankings , largely because of a new law in New Hampshire that permits the establishing of non-charitable private foundations without the need for disclosure .
Clark Gascoigne , the interim executive director of the US-based Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency ( FACT ) Coalition , said : “ As the data clearly demonstrates , financial secrecy remains a major problem in the US – enabling crimes like human trafficking , tax evasion , and corruption both at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its place in the rankings from seventh in 2018 to 14th on the 2020 index .
The fall was down to Germany making several improvements to beneficial ownership registration requirements .
New rules require companies , partnerships and foreign trusts to disclose who their beneficial owners are .

The UK has climbed the world ranking of tax havens and is nearing the top 10 most secretive financial systems.
The Tax Justice Network (TJN) said the UK had become a more desirable place for businesses and super-rich individuals to hide their finances from the law, raising serious concerns about Britain’s post-Brexit strategy.
Why has the UK climbed the rankings?
The TJN’s Financial Secrecy Index ranks countries on the size and secretiveness of their financial sectors every two years.
New rankings published this week show the UK is now 12th out of 133 countries, having shot up from its former ranking of 23rd.
Countries on the index decreased their secrecy scores by an average of three marks out of 100, while the UK increased its rating by four marks. It was the highest increase of any country.
The change was largely down to the “network of satellite jurisdictions to which the UK outsources some of its financial secrecy activity”, says TJN.
Because the UK’s “spider’s web” of regulatory control includes some of the highest ranking jurisdictions on the index, including the Cayman Islands, its ranking worsened.
And while the UK has become more secretive, other countries have have become more open. Many have made reforms with transparency in mind, including automatic sharing of information about non-resident taxpayers.
The TJN is calling for sanctions against countries including the UK, US and the Cayman Islands for “backsliding” on transparency since 2018.
TJN’s director and founder, John Christensen, said the UK’s worsening performance prompted concern about how it would operate after leaving the EU.
“The UK showed the world true leadership in 2016 by being the first country to adopt a public beneficial ownership register [for domestic companies] – now that progress has been thrown in reverse,” he said.
“The UK’s surge up the financial secrecy index raises serious concerns about the UK’s post-Brexit strategy to turn the City of London into a ‘Singapore-on-Thames’,” he added.
There are fears among some who think the City could become a low-tax, lightly regulated hub for individuals and business.
A Treasury spokesperson told The Guardian there had not been substantial changes to its corporate reporting rules that warranted changes to its ranking.
“We do not therefore recognise the basis for the Tax Justice Network’s assessment. We have been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of the global drive for greater tax transparency.”–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
How did other countries fare?
The US stayed in second place in the rankings, largely because of a new law in New Hampshire that permits the establishing of non-charitable private foundations without the need for disclosure.
Clark Gascoigne, the interim executive director of the US-based Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency (FACT) Coalition, said: “As the data clearly demonstrates, financial secrecy remains a major problem in the US – enabling crimes like human trafficking, tax evasion, and corruption both at home and abroad.”
Germany dramatically improved its place in the rankings from seventh in 2018 to 14th on the 2020 index.
The fall was down to Germany making several improvements to beneficial ownership registration requirements. New rules require companies, partnerships and foreign trusts to disclose who their beneficial owners are.
TJN’s Financial Secrecy Index 2020 rankings (2018 ranking in brackets)
1. Cayman Islands (3)
2. US (2)
3. Switzerland (1)
4. Hong Kong (4)
5. Singapore (5)
6. Luxembourg (6)
7. Japan (13)
8. Netherlands (14)
9. British Virgin Islands (16)
10. United Arab Emirates (9)
11. Guernsey (10)
12. United Kingdom (23)