theweekuk--2020-11-20--Quiz of The Week: 14 - 20 November

Quiz of The Week: 14 - 20 November

As the anniversary of China ’ s first reported Covid case came and went , two separate clinical trial results have this week prompted hope that an end to the pandemic may be in sight .
The results put Moderna alongside Pfizer in the ranks of effective vaccines , with Oxford seemingly not far behind , increasing hopes of an inoculation roll out in the near future .
It was also anti-bullying week , an occasion Boris Johnson marked by throwing his full support behind Home Secretary Priti Patel after an inquiry found she breached the ministerial code in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out how closely you ’ ve been paying attention to the latest developments in global events , put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week : Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days ?
Plans being considered by ministers to allow household mixing over the Christmas period could result in strict measures being reimposed in early 2021 , according to research by Andrew Hayward , a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London .
Meanwhile , Johnson declared that Britain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is over , as he announced plans to “ transform the armed forces .
The ambition will be funded by a £16.5bn rise in defence spending over four years , amounting to an increase of about 10 % in the annual budget .
The battle to reach a Brexit deal is first on the agenda , however , with Michel Barnier telling the European Commission that Brexit negotiators are in the “ final push ” to secure a trade deal with the UK .
The EU ’ s chief negotiator gave the update @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin enacting emergency no-deal plans if a trade accord was not struck by the end of this week .

As the anniversary of China’s first reported Covid case came and went, two separate clinical trial results have this week prompted hope that an end to the pandemic may be in sight.
The results put Moderna alongside Pfizer in the ranks of effective vaccines, with Oxford seemingly not far behind, increasing hopes of an inoculation roll out in the near future.
It was also anti-bullying week, an occasion Boris Johnson marked by throwing his full support behind Home Secretary Priti Patel after an inquiry found she breached the ministerial code in her treatment of civil servants.
To find out how closely you’ve been paying attention to the latest developments in global events, put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week:
Need a reminder of some of the other headlines over the past seven days?
Plans being considered by ministers to allow household mixing over the Christmas period could result in strict measures being reimposed in early 2021, according to research by Andrew Hayward, a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London.
Meanwhile, Johnson declared that Britain’s “era of retreat” is over, as he announced plans to “transform the armed forces. The ambition will be funded by a £16.5bn rise in defence spending over four years, amounting to an increase of about 10% in the annual budget.
The battle to reach a Brexit deal is first on the agenda, however, with Michel Barnier telling the European Commission that Brexit negotiators are in the “final push” to secure a trade deal with the UK.
The EU’s chief negotiator gave the update as senior diplomats warned that governments may begin enacting emergency no-deal plans if a trade accord was not struck by the end of this week.


theweekuk--2020-11-21--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 21 Nov 2020

Matt Hancock says the NHS could start immunising people against Covid-19 next month , if the medicines regulator approves a @ @ @ @ @ health secretary said there was a chance of an unprecedented vaccination programme starting before Christmas @ @ @ @ @ by Pfizer/BioNTech is given the go-ahead soon .
NHS bosses believe that at least some @ @ @ @ @ before the festive season begins .

Covid vaccination could start in the UK within weeks
Matt Hancock says the NHS could start immunising people against Covid-19 next month, if the medicines regulator approves a vaccine in time. The health secretary said there was a chance of an unprecedented vaccination programme starting before Christmas, if the vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech is given the go-ahead soon. NHS bosses believe that at least some people will have the injection before the festive season begins.


theweekuk--2020-11-22--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 22 Nov 2020

The Archbishop of Canterbury , Justin Welby , has advised the government against slashing billions from Britain ’ s overseas @ @ @ @ @ this week ’ s spending review .
He says ministers should stand by the world @ @ @ @ @ tough times as well as the good ” .
Meanwhile , the Archbishop has announced @ @ @ @ @ three-month sabbatical next year , studying in either Cambridge or the United States .

William and Kate speak up for the fathers
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge say fathers may need more support. During a talk with men who have been helped by charities, William said he worried some new fathers “just don't know what to do” and “don't know where to go” for support. Kate said: “Dads play such an important role it shouldn't be a bad thing to reach out for help and advice.”


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Instant Opinion: Britain ‘needs a strong chancellor, not a popular one’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
It ’ s crunch time for Sunak – Britain needs a strong chancellor , not a popular one “ Last week ’ s announcement that defence would receive funding at levels beyond that promised in the Tory manifesto was classic Mr Johnson ; how he must have enjoyed sending his somewhat side-lined Defence Secretary Ben Wallace out to face the media with a spring in his step .
Nice , too , to brief that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April would be spared from a public sector wage freeze , as it was for Mr Sunak to airily declare there would be no return to austerity .
And when baby Wilfred goes to school , will the PM suddenly appreciate the crisis in teacher retention ?
Or if his parents must be treated in the inadequate social care system , will this Cinderella service finally , finally receive the attention it deserves ?
If so , does he really have the gumption to break Tory MPs ’ hearts by racking up tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former president of the European Parliament , on Politico “ It ’ s clear , then , that Trump ’ s departure won ’ t erase divergences on trade , technology and taxation that have caused friction between the EU and the U.S. over the past four years .
And yet , on both sides of the Atlantic , there is an overwhelming sense that now is a moment of opportunity — to rediscover the value of what we have in common , to fashion change through design and not dissonance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saving our fragile planet and to revitalize and reform the multilateral system .
It may be the last such chance .
The status quo ante has passed .
The extent to which evident domestic political and judicial constraints in the U.S. will limit Biden ’ s policy horizon and execution remains to be seen , but both sides need to get back to the future , stronger together than apart.
” There are some lessons of lockdown I ’ d like to hang on to “ Now that vaccines bring hope the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next few weeks and months seem like a countdown to ‘ normal ’ .
That normal plays out on vivid reels in my mind .
It is different things on different days .
Sometimes it ’ s a loud scene – a crowded room of friends .
Sometimes it ’ s a more prosaic moment – catching the bus , standing on a busy platform as a train pulls in , eating a quick lunch on a step or a bench in the middle of the city .
Among all the things I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are the ones that wind me when I think of them .
The connective tissue of life , stretched across the day : they now feel , in hindsight , like luxuries , aspects of an existence cushioned by reassuring predictability.
” 4 .
Lisa Feldman Barrett in The New York Times Your brain is not for thinking “ Over millions of years , both predators and prey evolved more complex bodies that could sense and move more effectively to catch or elude other creatures .
Eventually , some creatures evolved a command @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We call it a brain .
This story of how brains evolved , while admittedly just a sketch , draws attention to a key insight about human beings that is too often overlooked .
Your brain ’ s most important job isn ’ t thinking ; it ’ s running the systems of your body to keep you alive and well .
According to recent findings in neuroscience , even when your brain does produce conscious thoughts and feelings , they are more in service to the needs of managing your body than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , Trump is right to wind down America ’ s endless wars “ After peremptorily firing defence secretary Mike Esper , a bitter-ender who wants to keep American troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq indefinitely , Trump has announced plans to cut troop sizes in both to merely 2,500 by January 15 , 2021 — this is down from the 4,500 soldiers presently stationed in Afghanistan and the 3,000 in Iraq — just five days before the inauguration of Joe Biden .
What on its surface amounts to a minor troop withdrawal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the foreign policy elite , which is itself operationally very odd .
During the Obama administration , America had almost 100,000 troops in Afghanistan , yet still could not manage to defeat the Taliban .
What does it matter now if the US has 4,500 troops there or 2,500 ?
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Rosa Prince in The Daily Telegraph
on Rishi’s conundrum
It’s crunch time for Sunak – Britain needs a strong chancellor, not a popular one
“Last week’s announcement that defence would receive funding at levels beyond that promised in the Tory manifesto was classic Mr Johnson; how he must have enjoyed sending his somewhat side-lined Defence Secretary Ben Wallace out to face the media with a spring in his step. Nice, too, to brief that NHS workers who saved his life in April would be spared from a public sector wage freeze, as it was for Mr Sunak to airily declare there would be no return to austerity. And when baby Wilfred goes to school, will the PM suddenly appreciate the crisis in teacher retention? Or if his parents must be treated in the inadequate social care system, will this Cinderella service finally, finally receive the attention it deserves? If so, does he really have the gumption to break Tory MPs’ hearts by racking up tax rises?”
2. Pat Cox, former president of the European Parliament, on Politico
on healing new wounds
Biden’s Europe challenge: Repair tattered transatlantic ties
“It’s clear, then, that Trump’s departure won’t erase divergences on trade, technology and taxation that have caused friction between the EU and the U.S. over the past four years. And yet, on both sides of the Atlantic, there is an overwhelming sense that now is a moment of opportunity — to rediscover the value of what we have in common, to fashion change through design and not dissonance, to accelerate and elevate the target of saving our fragile planet and to revitalize and reform the multilateral system. It may be the last such chance. The status quo ante has passed. The extent to which evident domestic political and judicial constraints in the U.S. will limit Biden’s policy horizon and execution remains to be seen, but both sides need to get back to the future, stronger together than apart.”
3. Nesrine Malik in The Guardian
on pandemic lifestyle changes
There are some lessons of lockdown I’d like to hang on to
“Now that vaccines bring hope the pandemic may soon be behind us, the next few weeks and months seem like a countdown to ‘normal’. That normal plays out on vivid reels in my mind. It is different things on different days. Sometimes it’s a loud scene – a crowded room of friends. Sometimes it’s a more prosaic moment – catching the bus, standing on a busy platform as a train pulls in, eating a quick lunch on a step or a bench in the middle of the city. Among all the things I have missed from pre-lockdown life, those are the ones that wind me when I think of them. The connective tissue of life, stretched across the day: they now feel, in hindsight, like luxuries, aspects of an existence cushioned by reassuring predictability.”
4. Lisa Feldman Barrett in The New York Times
on human evolution
Your brain is not for thinking
“Over millions of years, both predators and prey evolved more complex bodies that could sense and move more effectively to catch or elude other creatures. Eventually, some creatures evolved a command center to run those complex bodies. We call it a brain. This story of how brains evolved, while admittedly just a sketch, draws attention to a key insight about human beings that is too often overlooked. Your brain’s most important job isn’t thinking; it’s running the systems of your body to keep you alive and well. According to recent findings in neuroscience, even when your brain does produce conscious thoughts and feelings, they are more in service to the needs of managing your body than you realize.”
5. John Hulsman in City A.M.
on shifting foreign policy
Love him or hate him, Trump is right to wind down America’s endless wars
“After peremptorily firing defence secretary Mike Esper, a bitter-ender who wants to keep American troops in both Afghanistan and Iraq indefinitely, Trump has announced plans to cut troop sizes in both to merely 2,500 by January 15, 2021 — this is down from the 4,500 soldiers presently stationed in Afghanistan and the 3,000 in Iraq — just five days before the inauguration of Joe Biden. What on its surface amounts to a minor troop withdrawal has caused a frenzy of denunciation from the foreign policy elite, which is itself operationally very odd. During the Obama administration, America had almost 100,000 troops in Afghanistan, yet still could not manage to defeat the Taliban. What does it matter now if the US has 4,500 troops there or 2,500?”


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Should there be separate Sports Personality of the Year awards for men and women?

Since it was first created in 1954 there have been just 13 women who have won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ( SPOTY ) award .
Sportsmen have dominated the roll of honour and there ’ s not been a female winner since British equestrian Zara Tindall in 2006 .
Olympic silver medallist Tindall , who is the eldest granddaughter of the Queen , won the eventing world championship in the same year as her SPOTY success .
She followed in the footsteps of her mother Princess Anne , who also won the coveted silver trophy in 1971 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years , the longest time a woman has not won since the show began , should the format now change ?
British tennis coach Judy Murray told The Mail on Sunday she “ would like the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year to be broken down into male and female categories , in order to create a more even playing field ” .
Her son Andy , the former world No.1 tennis player , is the only person to have won the award three times - the same number the prize has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20 years , the Daily Mail reports .
“ If you can see it , you can be it , ” Judy Murray said .
“ Role models are hugely important in inspiring the next generation ; look at the surge of interest in women ’ s football that has come with the success of the Lionesses [ England ’ s women ’ s team ] .
“ Andy in particular has always been good at speaking out for women .
He was also the first top male [ tennis ] player to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speaks up consistently about equality , which has a really big impact , ironically because he 's a man .
“ This isn ’ t just about women ; the importance of male advocacy to effect change is huge.
” Ladies European Tour professional golfer Liz Young agrees with Murray .
She told The Telegraph : “ Unfortunately , if a woman wants to win BBC Sports Personality of the year , they will want to create their own prize .
I can ’ t see how a woman is going to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cricket star Ben Stokes won the award last year .
And according to Oddschecker the favourites for 2020 are F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford .
This year ’ s Sports Personality of the Year show will take place on 20 December and is live on BBC One .

Since its creation in 1954, just 13 women have won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award - and none since British equestrian Zara Tindall in 2006.
The Olympic silver medallist, who is the eldest granddaughter of the Queen, won the eventing world championship in the same year as her SPOTY success. She followed in the footsteps of her mother, Princess Anne, who also won the coveted silver trophy in 1971.
With no female winners for 14 years, the longest time a woman has not won since the show began, should the format now change?
British tennis coach Judy Murray told The Mail on Sunday she “would like the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year to be broken down into male and female categories, in order to create a more even playing field”.
Her son Andy, the former world No.1 tennis player, is the only person to have won the award three times - the same number the prize has been handed to women in the last 20 years, the Daily Mail reports.
“If you can see it, you can be it,” Judy Murray said. “Role models are hugely important in inspiring the next generation; look at the surge of interest in women’s football that has come with the success of the Lionesses [England’s women’s team].
“Andy in particular has always been good at speaking out for women. He was also the first top male [tennis] player to take on a female coach and he speaks up consistently about equality, which has a really big impact, ironically because he's a man.
“This isn’t just about women; the importance of male advocacy to effect change is huge.”
Ladies European Tour professional golfer Liz Young agrees with Murray. She told The Telegraph: “Unfortunately, if a woman wants to win BBC Sports Personality of the year, they will want to create their own prize. I can’t see how a woman is going to win Sports Personality of the Year.”
England cricket star Ben Stokes won the award last year. And according to Oddschecker the favourites for 2020 are F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashford.
This year’s Sports Personality of the Year show will take place on 20 December and is live on BBC One.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Sunak’s Spending Review: five key talking points

A decade after the world was plunged into financial crisis , Theresa May stood at the podium at the 2018 Conservative Party conference and declared that “ austerity is over ” .
Vowing to invest in public services and renew the NHS , the then prime minister told delegates in Birmingham that “ the end is in sight ” , as the Daily Mirror reported at the time .
But little did May know that just two years later , her successor at No .
10 would be facing an even bigger economic crisis .
This weekend , Chancellor of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be “ no return to austerity ” amid the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic .
Ahead of Wednesday ’ s Spending Review for the next financial year , Sunak told Sky News ’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that “ you will not see austerity next week , what you will see is an increase in government spending ” .
So just what does Sunak have planned ?
Despite Sunak ’ s assertions to the contrary , talk of a return to austerity is increasing after the chancellor “ in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is likely to feature a pay freeze for many public-sector workers in England , The Guardian reports .
NHS England doctors and nurses are expected to be exempted , but when asked by Sky News ’ Ridge about the overall outlook for public-sector pay , Sunak said any wage settlements needed to be considered “ in the context of the wider economic climate ” .
That response has prompted anger from Labour MPs and trade unions , with TUC secretary general Frances O ’ Grady calling the expected cap “ morally obscene and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refused to rule out possible strike action over the issue .
“ This is absolutely the wrong time to be talking about pay cuts , ” she told Ridge .
Despite billions of pounds being spent on the pandemic response , and despite the planned pay freeze , Sunak has warned that the UK public will soon see “ the scale of the economic shock laid bare ” .
The government has indicated that past promises will be kept when allocating funds for policing , nurses and schools .
But experts are warning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the path towards major tax rises in the years ahead ” in order to balance the books , says The Independent .
Latest official figures show that “ public sector debt stood at £2.076trn at the end of October - bigger than the entire UK economy - with borrowing at record levels ” , Sky News reports .
Although spending on public services has been falling since 2010 , the government had made plans pre-pandemic to “ bring that squeeze to an end ” and increase spending this year and next , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ben King .
Elements of the Spending Review , which covers the year from April 2021 , have already been announced .
The NHS in England is guaranteed at least £133bn next year , and a further £3bn has been pledged to tackle a backlog of delayed non-Covid treatments and operations .
Funding for 50,000 more nurses and 50 million additional GP appointments have also been confirmed .
Total spending for schools in England will be £49.8bn , after a further promise of an extra £2.2bn in 2021-22 .
And Boris Johnson last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ totalling £16.5bn over four years .
Sunak is also reportedly set to announce up to £2bn to build new schools and prisons and recruit thousands of additional police officers .
In addition , a £1.25bn cash injection is planned to help “ fix Britain ’ s struggling penal system ” , and “ hundreds of millions of pounds of additional funding will also be announced for the second round of police recruitment , on top of the £750m released last year to hire the first 6,000 of 20,000 new officers ” , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the overseas aid budget may be cut in the Spending Review .
The government is currently committed to spending 0.7 % of national income on overseas aid , but Sunak is expected to announce a temporary reduction to 0.5 % , the Financial Times reports .
Former PM David Cameron has warned that the move could be a “ strategic mistake ” , however .
Cameron said : “ Abandoning the 0.7 % target for aid would be a moral , strategic and political mistake .
Moral , because we should be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s poorest .
A strategic error , because we would be signalling retreat from one of the UK ’ s vital acts of global leadership.
” Many parts of the Spending Review will only apply to England , as much of the government activity in the UK is controlled by the devolved administrations in Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland .
All the same , Sunak is facing a “ litmus test ” to level up a Covid-ravaged UK , says The Telegraph ’ s economics reporter Tom Rees .
The chancellor must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs of dealing with the coronavirus crisis ” .
More than 50 Conservative MPs representing former “ red wall ” seats in the north of England wrote to Sunak and the prime minister last month demanding a “ roadmap out of lockdown ” and a post-Covid economic recovery plan for their regions .
The members of the newly former Northern Research Group have been described as Johnson ’ s “ biggest threat ” after demanding that he deliver on his promise to “ level up ” the nation .
According to the BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak is aiming to avert the danger of a Tory rebellion through a series of reforms aimed at tackling “ anti-Northern spending bias ” .

A decade after the world was plunged into financial crisis, Theresa May stood at the podium at the 2018 Conservative Party conference and declared that “austerity is over”.
Vowing to invest in public services and renew the NHS, the then prime minister told delegates in Birmingham that “the end is in sight”, as the Daily Mirror reported at the time. But little did May know that just two years later, her successor at No. 10 would be facing an even bigger economic crisis.
This weekend, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak insisted that there would be “no return to austerity” amid the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Ahead of Wednesday’s Spending Review for the next financial year, Sunak told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme that “you will not see austerity next week, what you will see is an increase in government spending”.
So just what does Sunak have planned?
Public sector pay freeze
Despite Sunak’s assertions to the contrary, talk of a return to austerity is increasing after the chancellor “in effect” confirmed that the Spending Review is likely to feature a pay freeze for many public-sector workers in England, The Guardian reports.
NHS England doctors and nurses are expected to be exempted, but when asked by Sky News’ Ridge about the overall outlook for public-sector pay, Sunak said any wage settlements needed to be considered “in the context of the wider economic climate”.
That response has prompted anger from Labour MPs and trade unions, with TUC secretary general Frances O’Grady calling the expected cap “morally obscene and bad economics”.
O’Grady refused to rule out possible strike action over the issue. “This is absolutely the wrong time to be talking about pay cuts,” she told Ridge.
Future tax rises
Despite billions of pounds being spent on the pandemic response, and despite the planned pay freeze, Sunak has warned that the UK public will soon see “the scale of the economic shock laid bare”.
The government has indicated that past promises will be kept when allocating funds for policing, nurses and schools. But experts are warning that Sunak “could be putting Britain on the path towards major tax rises in the years ahead” in order to balance the books, says The Independent.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Coronavirus: why the WHO is warning of a third Covid-19 wave in Europe next year

Europe may face a third deadly wave of coronavirus in early 2021 if governments lift lockdown measures too early , the World Health Organization ’ s ( WHO ) Covid-19 envoy has warned .
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Solothurner Zeitung , Dr David Nabarro said that governments had “ missed building up the necessary infrastructure during the summer months , after they brought the first wave under control ” .
“ Now we have the second wave .
If they don ’ t build the necessary infrastructure , we ’ ll have a third wave early next year , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that is very clear in East Asia is that once you have brought down the case number ... you don ’ t relax the measures.
” Describing Europe ’ s response to the pandemic as “ incomplete ” , he added : “ You wait until the case numbers are low and stay low .
You have to prepare the necessary measures to stop future outbreaks.
” European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has also warned that “ some European countries were too eager to lift lockdown measures after the first wave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an online news conference last month alongside her pandemic special advisor , Belgian virologist Peter Piot , Von der Leyen said that “ if you look back , you can see that a lot of things were done in the right direction in the first wave , but obviously the exit strategies were partly too fast , and measures were relaxed too soon ” .
A string of European countries are currently battling a second wave of the virus , with nations including the UK , Austria , France , Germany and Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boris Johnson is considering relaxing lockdown restrictions in England over the Christmas period to allow limited household mixing .
The results of a series of vaccine trials have raised hopes that an end to the global health crisis may be in sight .
But Hans Kluge , the WHO ’ s regional director for Europe , cautioned in September that “ the vaccine is not going to be the end of the pandemic ” .
“ The end of the pandemic is going to be when we as people learn to live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ begin tomorrow , ” he added .

Europe may face a third deadly wave of coronavirus in early 2021 if governments lift lockdown measures too early, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Covid-19 envoy has warned.
Speaking to Swiss newspaper Solothurner Zeitung, Dr David Nabarro said that governments had “missed building up the necessary infrastructure during the summer months, after they brought the first wave under control”.
“Now we have the second wave. If they don’t build the necessary infrastructure, we’ll have a third wave early next year,” London-born Nabarro continued. “Another element that is very clear in East Asia is that once you have brought down the case number... you don’t relax the measures.”
Describing Europe’s response to the pandemic as “incomplete”, he added: “You wait until the case numbers are low and stay low. You have to prepare the necessary measures to stop future outbreaks.”
European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has also warned that “some European countries were too eager to lift lockdown measures after the first wave”, Politico reports.
Speaking at an online news conference last month alongside her pandemic special advisor, Belgian virologist Peter Piot, Von der Leyen said that “if you look back, you can see that a lot of things were done in the right direction in the first wave, but obviously the exit strategies were partly too fast, and measures were relaxed too soon”.
A string of European countries are currently battling a second wave of the virus, with nations including the UK, Austria, France, Germany and Italy imposing restrictions of varying severity. However, Boris Johnson is considering relaxing lockdown restrictions in England over the Christmas period to allow limited household mixing.
The results of a series of vaccine trials have raised hopes that an end to the global health crisis may be in sight.
But Hans Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, cautioned in September that “the vaccine is not going to be the end of the pandemic”.
“The end of the pandemic is going to be when we as people learn to live with the pandemic, and that can begin tomorrow,” he added.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Explained: Emmanuel Macron’s dispute with Pakistan over school IDs for Muslim children

A Pakistani minister has withdrawn comments comparing Emmanuel Macron ’ s treatment of Muslims to the Nazis persecution of Jews during the Second World War , following outrage from Paris .
France ’ s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had demanded the immediate deletion of the tweeted claims by Islamad ’ s Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari about new rules requiring children at French schools to have ID numbers .
In the since-deleted post , Mazari had written that “ Macron is doing to Muslims what the Nazis did to the Jews – Muslim children will get ID @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) just as Jews were forced to wear the yellow star on their clothing for identification ” .
Mazari linked to an article on The Muslim Vibe media platform that also claimed - incorrectly - that the ID numbers would only be given to Muslim children .
The article has since been amended .
Macron proposed the ID rollout as part of a ban on home-schooling in a “ push to clamp down on radical Islam ” following a string of terror attacks on French soil , Politico reports .
The schools plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of republican values ” and will apply to all children , not just Muslims .
Parents who home-school their children “ will face up to six months in jail ” under legislation in a bill unveiled last week , adds The Times .
More than 50,000 children are currently home-schooled in France and the new rules are “ an attempt to prevent them from falling under the influence of religious radicals ” , the newspaper reports .
Responding to Mazari ’ s Nazi comparisons , a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies , loaded with an ideology of hatred and violence ” .
“ Such slanderous comments are disgraceful at such level of responsibility ” and are “ deeply shocking and insulting ” , the spokesperson added .
But Mazari and The Muslim Vibe were not alone in suggesting that Macron ’ s plan only extended to Muslim children .
Karen Attiah , the global opinions editor at The Washington Post , also sparked anger by tweeting that Macron “ wants to give Muslim kids IDs to go to school ” .
Attiah later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ To act like Macron isn ’ t stoking Islamophobia is simply folly.
” Macron has committed to confronting Islamism in France in the wake of the series of high-profile terrorist attacks in his country .
In October , Macron described Islam as a religion “ in crisis ” globally and vowed to work against “ Islamist separatism ” in France .
Two weeks later , history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded outside his Paris school for showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed during a lesson about freedom of speech .

A Pakistani minister has withdrawn comments comparing Emmanuel Macron’s treatment of Muslims to the Nazis persecution of Jews during the Second World War, following outrage from Paris.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had demanded the immediate deletion of the tweeted claims by Islamad’s Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari about new rules requiring children at French schools to have ID numbers.
In the since-deleted post, Mazari had written that “Macron is doing to Muslims what the Nazis did to the Jews – Muslim children will get ID numbers (other children won’t) just as Jews were forced to wear the yellow star on their clothing for identification”.
Mazari linked to an article on The Muslim Vibe media platform that also claimed - incorrectly - that the ID numbers would only be given to Muslim children. The article has since been amended.
Macron proposed the ID rollout as part of a ban on home-schooling in a “push to clamp down on radical Islam” following a string of terror attacks on French soil, Politico reports. The schools plan is part of a proposed “charter of republican values” and will apply to all children, not just Muslims.
Parents who home-school their children “will face up to six months in jail” under legislation in a bill unveiled last week, adds The Times. More than 50,000 children are currently home-schooled in France and the new rules are “an attempt to prevent them from falling under the influence of religious radicals”, the newspaper reports.
Responding to Mazari’s Nazi comparisons, a spokesperson for the French Foreign Ministry said that “these despicable words are blatant lies, loaded with an ideology of hatred and violence”.
“Such slanderous comments are disgraceful at such level of responsibility” and are “deeply shocking and insulting”, the spokesperson added.
But Mazari and The Muslim Vibe were not alone in suggesting that Macron’s plan only extended to Muslim children.
Karen Attiah, the global opinions editor at The Washington Post, also sparked anger by tweeting that Macron “wants to give Muslim kids IDs to go to school”. Attiah later apologised for the error, but added: “To act like Macron isn’t stoking Islamophobia is simply folly.”
Macron has committed to confronting Islamism in France in the wake of the series of high-profile terrorist attacks in his country.
In October, Macron described Islam as a religion “in crisis” globally and vowed to work against “Islamist separatism” in France.
Two weeks later, history teacher Samuel Paty was beheaded outside his Paris school for showing caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed during a lesson about freedom of speech.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Keir Starmer hit by ‘exodus’ of Labour members led by Jeremy Corbyn supporters

Labour Party membership numbers have fallen by around 250 a day since Keir Starmer ’ s election as leader in April , newly published figures show .
Supporters of former leader Jeremy Corbyn are “ leading an exodus from the party ” , with the number of members falling by just under 57,000 people , or 10 % , in the past seven months , The Times reports .
Membership numbers are now under 500,000 for the first time since Corbyn ’ s election , in 2016 - and the drop is “ believed to have hastened in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s suspension , the paper adds .
Corbyn was reinstated last week after being booted out at the end of October following the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into anti-Semitism within the party .
According to figures published by Labour , the party had 552,835 members eligible to vote in its leadership election in April .
That figure dropped to 495,961 in the National Executive Committee ( NEC ) elections two weeks ago .
Allies of Corbyn , including his former shadow chancellor John McDonnell , have urged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a figure on the left of the party told The Times , the drop “ shows the level of discontent with Keir and the scale of the left-wing membership ” .
The decision to suspend Corbyn “ sparked backlash from party members , dozens of whom took to social media to announce they were quitting ” , says the Daily Express , which adds that the sudden fall in membership is a “ humiliation ” for Starmer .
However , while Corbyn supporters are abandoning Starmer , the country as a whole @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new management ” of Labour .
A recent Statista poll of more than 1,600 people had Starmer leading Boris Johnson by ten points when respondents were asked who would make the better prime minister .

Labour Party membership numbers have fallen by around 250 a day since Keir Starmer’s election as leader in April, newly published figures show.
Supporters of former leader Jeremy Corbyn are “leading an exodus from the party”, with the number of members falling by just under 57,000 people, or 10%, in the past seven months, The Times reports.
Membership numbers are now under 500,000 for the first time since Corbyn’s election, in 2016 - and the drop is “believed to have hastened in recent weeks” in the wake of the ex-leader’s suspension, the paper adds. Corbyn was reinstated last week after being booted out at the end of October following the publication of the Equality and Human Rights Commission report into anti-Semitism within the party.
According to figures published by Labour, the party had 552,835 members eligible to vote in its leadership election in April. That figure dropped to 495,961 in the National Executive Committee (NEC) elections two weeks ago.
Allies of Corbyn, including his former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, have urged supporters to retain their membership. But as a figure on the left of the party told The Times, the drop “shows the level of discontent with Keir and the scale of the left-wing membership”.
The decision to suspend Corbyn “sparked backlash from party members, dozens of whom took to social media to announce they were quitting”, says the Daily Express, which adds that the sudden fall in membership is a “humiliation” for Starmer.
However, while Corbyn supporters are abandoning Starmer, the country as a whole appears to be impressed with the “new management” of Labour. A recent Statista poll of more than 1,600 people had Starmer leading Boris Johnson by ten points when respondents were asked who would make the better prime minister.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 23 Nov 2020

The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is to go on trial accused of corruption and influence-peddling , after allegedly trying @ @ @ @ @ return for information about an investigation into his party finances .
The case is the @ @ @ @ @ the man who led France between 2007 and 2012 - and the first former leader @ @ @ @ @ in recent times .

Nicolas Sarkozy to face historic corruption trial
The former French president Nicolas Sarkozy is to go on trial accused of corruption and influence-peddling, after allegedly trying to bribe a magistrate in return for information about an investigation into his party finances. The case is the first of several investigations into the man who led France between 2007 and 2012 - and the first former leader to appear in the dock in recent times.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Lie about a pizza sent South Australia into lockdown

Officials in South Australia say the state ’ s lockdown , which began last week , would have been avoided if one infected man had told the truth about a visit to a pizza restaurant .
He had said he had only gone to buy some food - and hidden the fact that he worked shifts at the shop .
“ To say I am fuming is an understatement , ” said state Premier Steven Marshall .
An advert for Anu 's Kitchen in East London caused amusement when it was shared on social media .
The apostrophe was missing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it read “ Anus Kitchen ” .
One person remarked that the restaurant “ does excellent rump steak ” while another added that “ their Shiitake mushroom surprise is interesting ” .
The annual America ’ s Best Restroom contest has crowned its winner for 2020 : a public convenience in Bancroft Park in Colorado Springs .
The 19th winner of Cintas Corporation ’ s annual contest self-cleans after every 30 uses and features a touchless automatic toilet paper , soap and water dispensers and hand dryers .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Officials in South Australia say the state’s lockdown, which began last week, would have been avoided if one infected man had told the truth about a visit to a pizza restaurant. He had said he had only gone to buy some food - and hidden the fact that he worked shifts at the shop. “To say I am fuming is an understatement,” said state Premier Steven Marshall.
Restaurant ad features awkward punctuation error
An advert for Anu's Kitchen in East London caused amusement when it was shared on social media. The apostrophe was missing from the restaurant’s name, so it read “Anus Kitchen”. One person remarked that the restaurant “does excellent rump steak” while another added that “their Shiitake mushroom surprise is interesting”.
America's best restroom is named
The annual America’s Best Restroom contest has crowned its winner for 2020: a public convenience in Bancroft Park in Colorado Springs. The 19th winner of Cintas Corporation’s annual contest self-cleans after every 30 uses and features a touchless automatic toilet paper, soap and water dispensers and hand dryers.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Experts split over plans for post-vaccine ‘Covid passports’

A UK government plan to issue “ immunity passports ” to people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 has divided scientific advisers , with some warning that the move could damage social cohesion and lead to more infections .
“ Ministers have asked passport makers to provide Britons with secure certificates to prove they are not carrying coronavirus and help pave the way for a return to normality next year , ” says The Telegraph .
Once people have been vaccinated - and issued with the documentation to prove it - they would reportedly be able to travel , work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sun , biometric certificates “ could allow air travel to return to normal ” next year .
However , some experts say such hopes may be premature .
Vaccine trials have proved “ only that the jabs reduced the likelihood of people developing symptomatic Covid-19 ” , scientists told The Times , and “ more work need [ s ] to be done on how they affect transmission ” .
University of Reading virology professor Ian Jones , said the passport proposal could lead to forgeries - and to job discrimination between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who haven ’ t .
“ I think it is more important to organise a comprehensive vaccination campaign , get the vulnerable done , and hammer home the need for everyone else to take it up for the good of all , ” he said .
A paper published in The Lancet last month acknowledges that some consider immunity passports “ unethical and impractical ” , but argues that “ a strong presumption should be in favour of preserving people ’ s free movement if at all feasible ” .
A return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and social benefits ” , the authors add .
Some members of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) are backing the idea too .
“ I think a vaccine passport does make sense , at least initially , ” Janet Lord , a professor of immune cell biology at the University of Birmingham , told The Times .
And while existing trials may not have provided definitive proof , “ the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca is ‘ clearly effective ’ in reducing infections and transmission ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s got every chance of being a very successful , very effective vaccine that can get us back to normal , ” said AstraZeneca executive vice-president Mene Pangalos .

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theweekuk--2020-11-23--US election: what Joe Biden’s presidency means for the EU

The EU has good reason to be hopeful as US president-elect Joe Biden starts to assemble his White House cabinet @ @ @ @ @ January .
The victorious Democrat is expected to hand the role of secretary of state @ @ @ @ @ Blinken , who is known for his pro-European stance .
A former deputy secretary of @ @ @ @ @ s administration , Blinken has “ expressed scepticism about Brexit ” and will be tasked @ @ @ @ @ to US alliances over the past four years , The Times reports .
The tipped @ @ @ @ @ in both Washington and Brussels about Biden ’ s plans to rekindle US-EU relations , @ @ @ @ @ during Trump ’ s tumultuous presidency .


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Coronavirus: the areas bracing for Boris Johnson’s tougher tier system

More than half of England is heading for tighter Covid restrictions after the current lockdown than before it , under a new three-tier system unveiled by Boris Johnson yesterday .
To “ control the virus effectively ” , the prime minister said , it was “ likely that more of the country is placed into Tiers 2 and 3 at first ” .
That will mean households may not mix indoors , and no more than six people will be allowed to meet outdoors .
And under the new system , pubs and restaurants in Tier 2 may only serve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rule that previously applied only in Tier 3 .
In this top tier , pubs and restaurants will have to stay closed .
“ A massive lobbying effort is under way from local politicians and MPs arguing their areas should not face the highest level of restrictions , ” reports Politico .
How will tiers be decided ?
Despite the lobbying push , and “ unlike the previous system , there will be no negotiation with local leaders over the classification ” , City A.M. reports .
Instead , the decision will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the rate at which infections are rising or falling All areas in a given tier will receive the same financial support package , with a fixed payment per head of population .
Which areas will be in Tier 3 ?
“ Northern leaders said they would fiercely resist a return to the highest tier , ” The Guardian reports - but they are likely to be disappointed .
Although the decision will not be taken until tomorrow , when the Office for National Statistics releases local infection data , most northern cities are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The exception may be the former epicentre of the UK outbreak .
“ Hope is increasing that Liverpool may be able to leave the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions after mass testing was hailed as a success , ” says the Liverpool Echo .
London is expected to enter Tier 2 , according to the city ’ s Mayor Sadiq Khan , while Kent , “ where cases are rising most rapidly ” , is “ at risk ” of Tier 3 restrictions , The Guardian adds .

More than half of England is heading for tighter Covid restrictions after the current lockdown than before it, under a new three-tier system unveiled by Boris Johnson yesterday.
To “control the virus effectively”, the prime minister said, it was “likely that more of the country is placed into Tiers 2 and 3 at first”.
That will mean households may not mix indoors, and no more than six people will be allowed to meet outdoors. And under the new system, pubs and restaurants in Tier 2 may only serve alcohol with a substantial meal - a rule that previously applied only in Tier 3.
In this top tier, pubs and restaurants will have to stay closed.
“A massive lobbying effort is under way from local politicians and MPs arguing their areas should not face the highest level of restrictions,” reports Politico.
How will tiers be decided?
Despite the lobbying push, and “unlike the previous system, there will be no negotiation with local leaders over the classification”, City A.M. reports. Instead, the decision will be made according to five criteria:
total case numbers
cases in over 60s
the rate at which infections are rising or falling
percentage of positive tests
current and projected pressure on local NHS services
All areas in a given tier will receive the same financial support package, with a fixed payment per head of population.
Which areas will be in Tier 3?
“Northern leaders said they would fiercely resist a return to the highest tier,” The Guardian reports - but they are likely to be disappointed. Although the decision will not be taken until tomorrow, when the Office for National Statistics releases local infection data, most northern cities are expected to end up in Tier 3.
The exception may be the former epicentre of the UK outbreak. “Hope is increasing that Liverpool may be able to leave the highest tier of coronavirus restrictions after mass testing was hailed as a success,” says the Liverpool Echo.
London is expected to enter Tier 2, according to the city’s Mayor Sadiq Khan, while Kent, “where cases are rising most rapidly”, is “at risk” of Tier 3 restrictions, The Guardian adds.


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Fans will return to stadiums but Premier League warns of ‘financial losses’ for clubs

The English Premier League has “welcomed” the announcement that fans will be allowed to return to stadiums from 2 December. However, top-flight bosses warn that clubs still face operating at a “financial loss” even with limited numbers in attendance.
Yesterday the government confirmed that elite sport clubs in tier one locations will be able to welcome up to “a maximum of 4,000 fans or 50% of stadium capacity - whatever is lower”. In tier two (high alert) locations the cap is set at 2,000 supporters or 50% of stadium capacity.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions top-flight fixtures have been played behind closed doors since the pandemic struck in March. There had been hopes of clubs allowing fans back in October, but a rise in coronavirus cases saw the plans scrapped.
In response to yesterday’s announcement the Premier League said its priority is to continue working with the government on a “roadmap” so clubs can “quickly scale up to larger capacities”.
A statement said: “Fans have been greatly missed at Premier League matches and therefore we welcome the prime minister’s announcement regarding the return of supporters for the first time since March, albeit at small numbers.
“Our ambition remains to work with government to increase attendance to more substantial levels. Until this can be done, many fans will be unable to attend games and our clubs will continue to operate matches at a financial loss.
“Our priority continues to be the agreement of a roadmap, with DCMS and the Sports Technology and Innovation Group, for pilot events that can help our clubs quickly scale up to larger capacities in line with the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s Covid-secure guidelines and beyond.
“Premier League clubs have a proven track record of achieving high-biosecurity standards and we believe we can play a significant role in the Government’s rapid turnaround testing initiative. We look forward to working with government on their next steps.”
Some clubs may opt against letting fans back in due to money fears, the Daily Mail says. All 20 teams would lose “significant sums even with 4,000 fans back at grounds” as most clubs operate at a “break-even figure of at least 10,000 ticket sales”.
English Football League chairman Rick Parry said the return of fans is “something to celebrate”, but there’s work that needs to be done, BBC Sport reports.
“This is a welcome start,” said Parry. “Fans have been frustrated, they’re missing their football, so it’s something to celebrate for fans, not just for the clubs. We have to build upon it because what we’re really looking forward to is getting fans back in rather more substantial numbers.”
As well as limited numbers of fans returning to live events, the government also confirmed that grassroots sport is “back on in all tiers, including in highest risk areas with some mitigations”. Gyms and leisure centres will also reopen across all tiers.


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Coronavirus: inside the ‘ten-month marathon’ to produce Oxford vaccine

While most of the world descended into panic when the coronavirus pandemic first emerged , a group of scientists at Oxford University were springing into action to develop a vaccine to fight Covid-19 .
Although late-stage trials indicate that competing vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are slightly more effective , the Oxford jab has been heralded as a potential game-changer thanks to its ease of storage and lower price tag .
As countries including the UK now line up to reserve millions of doses , the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group , Andrew Pollard , said : “ We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this is an incredibly exciting moment for human health.
” The Oxford vaccine ’ s origin can be traced back to a meeting of the university ’ s academics in early February .
“ In China , a new virus was spreading rapidly .
Soon it would be here , ” says The Times .
“ This was it : the ‘ disease X situation ’ .
” Following the meeting , Sarah Gilbert , a professor of vaccinology at the university ’ s Jenner Institute , was put in charge of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ combat the then unknown virus .
The formation of the research team would set in motion what the newspaper describes as a “ ten-month coronavirus marathon ” .
“ We had recently started thinking about an appropriate response to Disease X - how could we mobilise and focus our resources to go more quickly than we had ever gone before , ” Gilbert recalls .
“ And then Disease X arrived.
” Also in that initial meeting with her were “ Adrian Hill , a colleague in the Jenner vaccine institute , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expertise in the vaccine platform ” , The Times reports .
“ His expertise , instead , was in something in its own way just as fiendishly complex : running large-scale clinical trials.
” How the jab was developed In March , as the severity of the outbreak became increasingly apparent , Gilbert ’ s team was awarded a £2.2m grant from the UK ’ s National Institute for Health Research and the UK Research and Innovation funding agency .
This financial backing allowed Gilbert “ to scale up her team ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vaccine preclinical and clinical trials ” , as The Lancet reported the following month .
Her team were also granted ethical approval for a clinical trial and conditional approval from the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to screen volunteers for trial enrolment .
“ Ideally , we need the clinical trial to be taking place when the majority of volunteers have not been exposed to the virus , ” Gilbert told The Lancet .
“ We will exclude volunteers who have a positive PCR test for Sars-CoV-2 , or who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month.
” After animal trials had shown that the vaccine was safe , the researchers began human trials on 23 April .
A week later , the team partnered with Cambridge-based pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca to enable mass production and rollout of the vaccine if the trials proved successful .
The testing process for the Oxford jab was split into the usual three phases designated for clinical vaccine trials .
In Phase 1 , the vaccine is tested on a small number of people to check whether it is safe .
This is followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more more people are tested , and then Phase 3 , which the BBC describes as “ the big trial , involving thousands of people , to prove it actually protects people ” .
The Oxford vaccine has now completed all three stages , with a total of 30,000 volunteers in the UK , US , Brazil and South Africa tested in Phase 3 .
These final-stage trials found that the vaccine had an overall efficacy of 70.4 % .
But this rose to 90 % among trial participants given a half dose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later , as opposed to the standard two full doses .
The more effective dosage level was discovered by chance , after the initial half doses was administered as a result of an error .
“ The reason we had the half dose is serendipity , ” Mene Pangalos , executive vice-president of biopharmaceuticals research and development at AstraZeneca , told The Guardian .
After noticing that side-effects were reduced in some trial candidates , “ we went back and checked… and we found out that they had underpredicted the dose of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rather than restarting the trial , the researchers decided to push ahead and administer the full dose booster as scheduled .
It is not currently known why administering a half dose first makes the vaccine more effective .
Science journal Nature notes that the Oxford version is designed to trigger “ an immune response not only to the Sars-CoV-2 spike protein , but also to components of the viral vector ” .
Some experts have suggested that if the first dose is administered in full , it “ blunts ” this reaction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK government has pre-ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford vaccine , and AstraZeneca has pledged to make a total of three billion doses for global distribution next year .
But “ now that it looks like we will have a vaccine sooner rather than later , it ’ s becoming clear that the PR and comms surrounding it could be just as important as the logistics of distribution ” , says Wired .
The next key step is to reassure “ ordinary members of the public that the vaccine is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ to those who are reluctant to take it , either because of health concerns , or because they ’ ve been drawn into the vortex of fake news ” , the magazine continues .
The importance of this PR push has been emphasised by Heidi Larson , director of the Vaccine Confidence Project .
“ We need to bring the public along on the journey , ” she says .
“ We ’ re at a very low trust level with our populations more broadly , and they don ’ t just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , they want to know about the process .
“ Now is the time to talk about the process , and deciding who gets it first and why .
”


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Is The Crown causing the Royal Family more harm than good?

Outraged critics have demanded that Netflix clearly label The Crown as “ fiction ” amid claims that the show ’ s inaccurate storylines could irreversibly damage the monarchy .
BBC journalist Andrew Marr has joined a string of angry viewers in arguing that “ many key scenes never happened or are a distortion of the truth ” and that the show should include a “ disclaimer ” about its accuracy , the Daily Mail reports .
As fans tune in for the first episode of the fourth series , released on Sunday , Marr told The Sun that if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s fiction , it ’ s entertainment ” , The Crown would be “ brilliant ” .
“ But when you start to say , ‘ this is the truth about these people ’ s lives ’ , it ’ s grossly unfair and really quite sadistic , ” he argued , adding : “ If I was one of the Royal Family , I would be utterly , utterly horrified.
” Princess Diana ’ s brother , Earl Charles Spencer , has also criticised the hit drama .
Appearing on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , Spencer insisted that “ you can hang it on fact , but the bits in between are not fact ” .
“ The worry for me is that people see a program like that and they forget that it is fiction , ” added the earl , who has recently made headlines by demanding an investigation into his sister ’ s infamous 1995 interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir .
“ They assume , especially foreigners , I find Americans tell me they have watched The Crown as if they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they haven ’ t. ” The portrayal of Prince Charles , played by Josh O'Connor , has come under particular scrutiny .
Former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter told Times Radio that the series has “ made the Prince of Wales a villain .
He ’ s not a villain .
He never has been a villain.
” “ Another representation that has come under scrutiny is that of the Queen ’ s mothering skills , ” Tatler says .
Scenes in which the monarch , played by Olivia Colman , is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s interests have been criticised for suggesting she “ lacks a degree of maternal involvement ” , the magazine continues .
The creator of the multi-award winning show , Peter Morgan , has hit back against the complaints of historical inaccuracy , saying that “ you sometimes have to forsake accuracy , but you must never forsake truth ” .
Referring to an invented scene in which Princes Charles is criticised by Lord Mountbatten ( Charles Dance ) for failing to find a wife , Morgan last week told the official The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head , I thought that would have even greater impact on Charles if it were to come post-mortem , as it were .
“ I think everything what ’ s in that letter that Mountbatten writes to Charles is what I really believe , based one everything I ’ ve read and people I ’ ve spoken to , that represents his view .
”

Outraged critics have demanded that Netflix clearly label The Crown as “fiction” amid claims that the show’s inaccurate storylines could irreversibly damage the monarchy.
BBC journalist Andrew Marr has joined a string of angry viewers in arguing that “many key scenes never happened or are a distortion of the truth” and that the show should include a “disclaimer” about its accuracy, the Daily Mail reports.
As fans tune in for the first episode of the fourth series, released on Sunday, Marr told The Sun that if the creators announced “this is drama, it’s fiction, it’s entertainment”, The Crown would be “brilliant”.
“But when you start to say, ‘this is the truth about these people’s lives’, it’s grossly unfair and really quite sadistic,” he argued, adding: “If I was one of the Royal Family, I would be utterly, utterly horrified.”
Princess Diana’s brother, Earl Charles Spencer, has also criticised the hit drama. Appearing on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on Sunday, Spencer insisted that “you can hang it on fact, but the bits in between are not fact”.
“The worry for me is that people see a program like that and they forget that it is fiction,” added the earl, who has recently made headlines by demanding an investigation into his sister’s infamous 1995 interview with BBC journalist Martin Bashir.
“They assume, especially foreigners, I find Americans tell me they have watched The Crown as if they have taken a history lesson. Well, they haven’t.”
The portrayal of Prince Charles, played by Josh O'Connor, has come under particular scrutiny. Former Buckingham Palace press secretary Dickie Arbiter told Times Radio that the series has “made the Prince of Wales a villain. He’s not a villain. He never has been a villain.”
“Another representation that has come under scrutiny is that of the Queen’s mothering skills,” Tatler says. Scenes in which the monarch, played by Olivia Colman, is shown to know nothing about her children’s interests have been criticised for suggesting she “lacks a degree of maternal involvement”, the magazine continues.
The creator of the multi-award winning show, Peter Morgan, has hit back against the complaints of historical inaccuracy, saying that “you sometimes have to forsake accuracy, but you must never forsake truth”.
Referring to an invented scene in which Princes Charles is criticised by Lord Mountbatten (Charles Dance) for failing to find a wife, Morgan last week told the official The Crown podcast: “In my own head, I thought that would have even greater impact on Charles if it were to come post-mortem, as it were.
“I think everything what’s in that letter that Mountbatten writes to Charles is what I really believe, based one everything I’ve read and people I’ve spoken to, that represents his view.”


theweekuk--2020-11-24--US election: what happens now Donald Trump has conceded defeat?

Donald Trump has come as close as he may get to formally conceding defeat in the US election , telling the federal agency tasked with overseeing the transition of power to begin preparing Joe Biden for office .
Despite vowing to continue contesting the election , Trump said yesterday that the General Services Administration ( GSA ) should “ do what needs to be done ” to aid the president-elect .
The GSA subsequently declared Biden the “ apparent winner ” of the contest for the White House .
“ In the best interest of our Country , I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GSA Administrator ] and her team do what needs to be done with regard to initial protocols , and have told my team to do the same , ” Trump tweeted .
There was no “ mea culpa for all the bad blood ” created by his refusal to concede earlier , but Trump has “ bowed to public pressure ” in acknowledging that he will leave the Oval Office , says Sky News .
Murphy , a Trump appointee , has “ faced bipartisan criticism for failing to begin the transition process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Her refusal to do so until now has prevented Biden ’ s team from “ working with career agency officials on plans for his administration , including in critical national security and public health areas ” .
The Democrat will now have access to federal funds and an official office to conduct his transition over the next two months .
Biden ’ s transition website has also changed to a US government domain , marking the change .
The future US leader and his vice-president , Kamala Harris , will be given regular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previously been locked out of classified information due to Trump ’ s refusal to recognise their victory .
The Democrat ’ s team has welcomed the release of government aid as a crucial element of “ a smooth and peaceful transfer of power ” .


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Black Friday deals: are they really a bargain?

Shoppers will be eager to bag themselves a pre-Christmas bargain in this week ’ s Black Friday sales - but are the deals really as good as they look ?
Not according to newly published research by Which ?
, which warns that Black Friday “ rarely offers genuine bargains ” .
The consumer group says analysis of 219 home and tech products advertised as “ Black Friday deals ” last year shows that 85 % were the “ same price or less before the day ” .
A “ miniscule ” 1 % - just three of the products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than at any other point in the six months before and after .
With this year ’ s event fast approaching , Which ?
is urging bargain hunters “ to do their research ” , Sky News reports .
“ That way you ’ ll know a genuine bargain when you see one , ” said the consumer rights champion ’ s head of home products and services , Natalie Hitchins .
Here is how major retailers have responded to the investigation ’ s findings .
“ We seek to offer our customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year round as well as a number of fantastic seasonal deals events .
Our Black Friday Sale is about thousands of deals on a huge selection of products from every category across the site , at a time of year when we know saving money is important to our customers .
And the best thing about shopping online is that customers can easily compare prices , allowing them to make an informed purchase decision.
” “ We offer great deals for our customers all year .
Last year ’ s Black Friday event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for customers and we expect this year to be even bigger.
” “ Our Black Friday event gives customers access to hundreds of products at their lowest ever price .
They may also be part of sales and promotions we run the following year.
” “ As a participating retailer in Black Friday , we offer hundreds of deals across technology , home , beauty and fashion .
In addition to the variety of offers we have in store and online during the promotional period , our Never Knowingly Undersold price promise means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices of our high-street competitors throughout the year .
As such , we offer our customers the best value on the high street all year round , including during the Black Friday period .
”

Shoppers will be eager to bag themselves a pre-Christmas bargain in this week’s Black Friday sales - but are the deals really as good as they look?
Not according to newly published research by Which?, which warns that Black Friday “rarely offers genuine bargains”. The consumer group says analysis of 219 home and tech products advertised as “Black Friday deals” last year shows that 85% were the “same price or less before the day”.
A “miniscule” 1% - just three of the products - were cheaper on the big day than at any other point in the six months before and after.
With this year’s event fast approaching, Which? is urging bargain hunters “to do their research”, Sky News reports. “That way you’ll know a genuine bargain when you see one,” said the consumer rights champion’s head of home products and services, Natalie Hitchins.
Here is how major retailers have responded to the investigation’s findings.
Amazon
“We seek to offer our customers great value thanks to low prices all year round as well as a number of fantastic seasonal deals events. Our Black Friday Sale is about thousands of deals on a huge selection of products from every category across the site, at a time of year when we know saving money is important to our customers. And the best thing about shopping online is that customers can easily compare prices, allowing them to make an informed purchase decision.”
AO.com
“We offer great deals for our customers all year. Last year’s Black Friday event had over 9,000 fantastic and fair offers for customers and we expect this year to be even bigger.”
Argos
“Our Black Friday event gives customers access to hundreds of products at their lowest ever price. They may also be part of sales and promotions we run the following year.”
John Lewis
“As a participating retailer in Black Friday, we offer hundreds of deals across technology, home, beauty and fashion. In addition to the variety of offers we have in store and online during the promotional period, our Never Knowingly Undersold price promise means that we continuously monitor and match the prices of our high-street competitors throughout the year. As such, we offer our customers the best value on the high street all year round, including during the Black Friday period.”


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Brexit deal on track to be over the line by ‘end of week’, says Irish PM

Ireland ’ s prime minister is predicting that a Brexit deal outline may be completed within days as Michel Barnier emerges from quarantine to resume talks .
Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday said he was “ hopeful that , by the end of this week , that we could see the outlines of a deal ” .
The outcome of the final push to get a free trade deal over the line would come “ down to political will , both in the United Kingdom and I ’ m clear the political will is there from the European Union ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reporters came as the EU ’ s chief negotiator Barnier ended a stint in self-isolation triggered by an outbreak of Covid-19 in the European team last week .
Barnier is now “ expected to be given the all-clear to head to London for the last round of talks ” , says The Times .
With the clock ticking down until the end of the Brexit transition period , the EU ’ s negotiating boss last night tweeted : “ Time is short .
Fundamental divergences still remain but we are continuing to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stumbling blocks to securing a future trade agreement are competition rules and fisheries .
The “ slow pace of negotiations on a legal text , predominantly caused by the EU ’ s refusal to work on drafts until late last month , is causing internal problems in Brussels ” too , the newspaper reports .
“ Deadlines for the European Parliament to ratify the treaty , which must be translated into all 24 EU languages first , have come and gone.
” MEPs will now vote on the deal via video link on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deadlock over the issues yet to be resolved , “ negotiators are exploring the idea of review clauses ” - raising the possibility that “ parts of the deal could be revisited several years after they take effect ” , the Financial Times reports .
EU diplomats told the paper that the two sides were exploring whether such clauses “ had the potential to ease the pain of compromises needed to get an agreement done ” , but cautioned that “ both sides still had very different views of how this might @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review clause was raised last week as a means to overcome disagreements on fishing rights .
The UK proposed that the EU could retain part of its current quota rights for several years , after which negotiations would be reopened to agree a future arrangement .

Ireland’s prime minister is predicting that a Brexit deal outline may be completed within days as Michel Barnier emerges from quarantine to resume talks.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin yesterday said he was “hopeful that, by the end of this week, that we could see the outlines of a deal”. The outcome of the final push to get a free trade deal over the line would come “down to political will, both in the United Kingdom and I’m clear the political will is there from the European Union”, Martin added.
His encouraging comments to reporters came as the EU’s chief negotiator Barnier ended a stint in self-isolation triggered by an outbreak of Covid-19 in the European team last week.
Barnier is now “expected to be given the all-clear to head to London for the last round of talks”, says The Times. With the clock ticking down until the end of the Brexit transition period, the EU’s negotiating boss last night tweeted: “Time is short. Fundamental divergences still remain but we are continuing to work hard for a deal.”
The main stumbling blocks to securing a future trade agreement are competition rules and fisheries.
The “slow pace of negotiations on a legal text, predominantly caused by the EU’s refusal to work on drafts until late last month, is causing internal problems in Brussels” too, the newspaper reports. “Deadlines for the European Parliament to ratify the treaty, which must be translated into all 24 EU languages first, have come and gone.”
MEPs will now vote on the deal via video link on 28 December.
In order to break the deadlock over the issues yet to be resolved, “negotiators are exploring the idea of review clauses” - raising the possibility that “parts of the deal could be revisited several years after they take effect”, the Financial Times reports.
EU diplomats told the paper that the two sides were exploring whether such clauses “had the potential to ease the pain of compromises needed to get an agreement done”, but cautioned that “both sides still had very different views of how this might work”.
The possibility of a review clause was raised last week as a means to overcome disagreements on fishing rights. The UK proposed that the EU could retain part of its current quota rights for several years, after which negotiations would be reopened to agree a future arrangement.


theweekuk--2020-11-24--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 24 Nov 2020

Boris Johnson has outlined a three-tier system of Covid-19 restrictions for England that will run until spring 2021 .
The @ @ @ @ @ in many areas will be tougher than before the lockdown , but encouraged the nation @ @ @ @ @ push ” before the expected vaccine arrival .
Speaking of the Christmas period , Johnson @ @ @ @ @ season to be jolly , but it is also the season to be jolly careful @ @

Johnson tells public to be ‘jolly careful’ during ‘final push’
Boris Johnson has outlined a three-tier system of Covid-19 restrictions for England that will run until spring 2021. The prime minister said that rules in many areas will be tougher than before the lockdown, but encouraged the nation to make “one final push” before the expected vaccine arrival. Speaking of the Christmas period, Johnson said: “Tis the season to be jolly, but it is also the season to be jolly careful.”


theweekuk--2020-11-24--180-year-old phrasebook helped English tourists converse with Welsh

A 180-year-old phrasebook has been discovered which sets out to teach English tourists how to speak to Welsh “ peasants ” .
First printed in London in 1838 , The Welsh Interpreter says it is : “ Adapted for Tourists , who may wish to make themselves understood by the peasantry during their rambles through Wales.
” It adds that is it “ convenient ” to ask “ useful and necessary questions ” while travelling in “ obscure and remote districts ” .
Police have made an arrest after an Ontario man allegedly defecated on the floor of a restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Georgian Bluffs restaurant shortly after 6am , before it opened for business .
When asked by to leave he dropped his trousers and defecated on the restaurant floor while issuing threats against an employee .
Canadian drivers told to not let moose lick cars Authorities in a Canadian town are posting signs that advise local drivers : “ Do not let moose lick your car.
” The signs , posted in Jasper , Alberta , are intended to ensure the animals do n't develop a taste for the road salt that coats the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alpine town .
Officials want to prevent the animals from losing their fear of cars .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A 180-year-old phrasebook has been discovered which sets out to teach English tourists how to speak to Welsh “peasants”. First printed in London in 1838, The Welsh Interpreter says it is: “Adapted for Tourists, who may wish to make themselves understood by the peasantry during their rambles through Wales.” It adds that is it “convenient” to ask “useful and necessary questions” while travelling in “obscure and remote districts”.
Angry man leaves mess on restaurant floor
Police have made an arrest after an Ontario man allegedly defecated on the floor of a restaurant. The man had arrived in the Georgian Bluffs restaurant shortly after 6am, before it opened for business. When asked by to leave he dropped his trousers and defecated on the restaurant floor while issuing threats against an employee.
Canadian drivers told to not let moose lick cars
Authorities in a Canadian town are posting signs that advise local drivers: “Do not let moose lick your car.” The signs, posted in Jasper, Alberta, are intended to ensure the animals don't develop a taste for the road salt that coats the sides of cars that drive through the alpine town. Officials want to prevent the animals from losing their fear of cars.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Christmas dinner 2020: cheat with food and drink delivered to your door

Christmas Day offers to perfect opportunity to relax and have fun - provided you ’ re not the one having to prepare the food , cook the dinner and wash up afterwards .
Peeling Brussel sprouts , basting the turkey and putting the pigs in blankets can take a lot of precious time , both on the big day and before .
But you can join the rest of your clan and put your feet up by getting your meals and other edible goodies delivered straight to your door .
Here we pick out some of the best Christmas pre-prepared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hampers and a “ pub in a box ” .
Farmison & Co is serving up a festive feast featuring a choice of meats including turkey , beef and goose .
The online butcher can also provide pigs in blankets , stuffing and chef-prepared items such as chicken ballotine , caramelised onion and lemon ; beef Wellington for two ; Swaledale mutton shoulder with Yorkshire spice ; and aromatic spiced duck and plum cocktail sausages .
If you want to keep it traditional and opt for turkey , the free-range heritage breed Bourbon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exclusive to Farmison & Co , could be a Christmas dinner winner .
Prices for the whole Bourbon Red turkeys ( top and above ) start from £86.95 ( 5kg , serves six ) , and deliveries run from 2 to 23 December .
Farmison & Co also has two Christmas hampers options this year .
The Steak & Caviar Christmas Hamper includes a Chateaubriand steak , King ’ s Imperial caviar , truffle butter and Pump Street Chocolate ( £85 ) .
The Heritage Beef Christmas Hamper ( above ) features a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Co English Mustard and a Carved Angel Christmas pudding ( £100 ) .
For the ultimate hassle-free Christmas , Full Monty Events can provide not only the food and drinks but also the table decorations for your Christmas Day meal , Christmas Eve dinner and Boxing Day breakfast .
Designed to serve groups of two or more , the options include a Christmas Day-only package for £95 per person that comprises a Christmas Day brunch , canapés , supper , dessert and , of course , that all-important cheeseboard .
Vegan , vegetarian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catered for too .
Products are sourced from across the country and Full Monty Events delivers nationwide , straight to your doorstep .
Elite Bistros has Christmas Day “ boxed off ” this year .
The company will do all the hard work with a choice of festive meal boxes featuring all the trimmings plus turkey ( £109-£307 ) , beef ( £136-£368 ) or a butternut squash option ( £55-£105 ) .
Alternatively , you can order “ just the trimmings ” ( £95-£265 ) .
Orders will arrive on Wednesday 23 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curb-side recyclable insulated box .
Scottish gin producer Eden Mill has created five luxury hampers for Christmas this year .
The Ultimate St Andrews Hamper ( above ) features a huge selection of spirits including Eden Mill gins , seasonal releases , Scotch whisky , and a hand-picked accompaniment of exclusive collaboration items , from artisan chocolates to whisky sauce , gin-infused jams and a luxury bartender ’ s cocktail set .
Signature Brew brings the fun to you with its Christmas Pub In A Box .
This boozy selection includes a selection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Christmas snacks .
There ’ s even a Christmas music quiz and exclusive Christmas playlists curated by music journalists to soundtrack your festivities .
Pub In A Box is available throughout the UK and is delivered within one to two days after the order is placed .
Pre-orders will be shipped from 1 December .

Online butcher Farmison & Co offers chef-prepared items, hampers and a menu of Christmas meats including turkey, beef, goose, lamb, duck and gammon. Farmison also sells Christmas trimmings such as pigs in blankets, sausagemeat stuffing, potatoes and stuffing balls. Chef-prepared items include the luxury beef wellington (£125), beef fillet barrel with bearnaise butter (£115), and three bird roast with cranberries (£95).
If it’s the traditional dinner you’re after then Farmison’s turkey range includes popular items such as Devon bronze whole turkey (£110); Devon bronze turkey crown (£81); and turkey breast (£49.95). Delicious pantry items such as traditional poultry gravy, sourdough bread sauce, roast beef gravy, and cranberry and port sauce are also available. All of the Farmison & Co Christmas range is delivered from 19-24 December.


theweekuk--2020-11-23--Best parks in London for a winter walk

Best parks in London for a winter walk

As the days flash past with the hustle and bustle of the lead up to Christmas , it might be easy to forget to take a break from work .
However , it ’ s more important than ever to get away from your desk and take some time for yourself .
So , if you live in the capital , don a warm coat , step outside and breathe in the crisp air .
Here we pick out some of the best parks for a winter walk in London .
There are many green spaces across London that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , found in the south east of the city , is one of the top spots for a dog walk .
So-named for being the former home of the Crystal Palace structure built in 1851 , the park is now full of beautiful trees , the odd dinosaur sculpture and on a weekend , plenty of walkers with their furry friends .
Hampstead Heath is no doubt one of the best places for views of the city .
Take a walk up to the top of the hill in the centre of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the skyline of the urban jungle .
Its woodlands and meadows are perfect for a misty morning stroll and while it may be a bit chilly for open-water swimming , Hampstead Heath ’ s ponds provide the ideal spot for some quiet reflection .
While hard-core hikers may not find thrilling or dangerous inclines in the centre of London , Primrose Hill offers one of the best uphill workouts in the city .
Surrounded by pastel-coloured houses , boutiques and delis , this small green space off Regent ’ s Park boasts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ll be rewarded when you reach the summit , as this is another place to spy London ’ s famous skyscrapers .
Best park for coffee and a sit-down : Hyde Park This year , in the absence of Winter Wonderland , Hyde Park may see a downturn in visitors during the colder months .
However , as one of the most popular and biggest green spaces across the whole city , it is still a must-visit .
This is the perfect place to grab a takeaway coffee and meander with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or to read a book under a favourite tree .
For those who are still resolutely maintaining their fitness , Victoria Park in Stratford is a great place for a pedal .
To the east of London , this enormous stretch of green space hosts a lake , many winding roads and a coffee shop for a mid-ride break right at its heart .
Best park to see wildlife : Regent ’ s Park Any list of London ’ s best parks would be incomplete without Regent ’ s Park .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Park is a veritable eco-system for urban wildlife .
It ’ s a bird spotter ’ s haven , as a home to more than 100 different species .
It ’ s also one of the few spots in central London where you might find a hedgehog , so keep your eyes peeled for this prickly pal .
Best park for a bit of peace : Battersea Park Whenever you ’ re after some peace and quiet , Battersea Park is the place to be .
Located on the banks of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whispering trees and the Peace Pagoda will soothe anyone ’ s soul on a lazy Sunday afternoon .

As the days flash past with the hustle and bustle of the lead up to Christmas, it might be easy to forget to take a break from work.
However, it’s more important than ever to get away from your desk and take some time for yourself. So, if you live in the capital, don a warm coat, step outside and breathe in the crisp air.
Here we pick out some of the best parks for a winter walk in London.
Best park for dog walking: Crystal Palace Park
There are many green spaces across London that are canine friendly, but Crystal Palace Park, found in the south east of the city, is one of the top spots for a dog walk. So-named for being the former home of the Crystal Palace structure built in 1851, the park is now full of beautiful trees, the odd dinosaur sculpture and on a weekend, plenty of walkers with their furry friends.
Best park for breathtaking views: Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is no doubt one of the best places for views of the city. Take a walk up to the top of the hill in the centre of the park and admire the contrast of greenery with the skyline of the urban jungle. Its woodlands and meadows are perfect for a misty morning stroll and while it may be a bit chilly for open-water swimming, Hampstead Heath’s ponds provide the ideal spot for some quiet reflection.
Best park for hiking: Primrose Hill
While hard-core hikers may not find thrilling or dangerous inclines in the centre of London, Primrose Hill offers one of the best uphill workouts in the city. Surrounded by pastel-coloured houses, boutiques and delis, this small green space off Regent’s Park boasts a height of 64 metres. You’ll be rewarded when you reach the summit, as this is another place to spy London’s famous skyscrapers.
Best park for coffee and a sit-down: Hyde Park
This year, in the absence of Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park may see a downturn in visitors during the colder months. However, as one of the most popular and biggest green spaces across the whole city, it is still a must-visit. This is the perfect place to grab a takeaway coffee and meander with the swans along the banks of the Serpentine or to read a book under a favourite tree.
Best park for cycling: Victoria Park
For those who are still resolutely maintaining their fitness, Victoria Park in Stratford is a great place for a pedal. To the east of London, this enormous stretch of green space hosts a lake, many winding roads and a coffee shop for a mid-ride break right at its heart.
Best park to see wildlife: Regent’s Park
Any list of London’s best parks would be incomplete without Regent’s Park. One of the Royal Parks of London, Regent’s Park is a veritable eco-system for urban wildlife. It’s a bird spotter’s haven, as a home to more than 100 different species. It’s also one of the few spots in central London where you might find a hedgehog, so keep your eyes peeled for this prickly pal.
Best park for a bit of peace: Battersea Park
Whenever you’re after some peace and quiet, Battersea Park is the place to be. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the large pathways, whispering trees and the Peace Pagoda will soothe anyone’s soul on a lazy Sunday afternoon.


theweekuk--2020-11-20--High time to have a ball: Dior Grand Soir Plissé Précieux

Seven years after he first moved to premises on Paris ’ s avenue Montaigne in 1946 , Christian Dior ’ s elegant townhouse set-up was home to 1,000 employees and counted 28 workshops .
It was here , on the French capital ’ s northern Rive Droite bank of the river Seine that Monsieur Dior mastered myriad dressmaking techniques .
House specialities included the artful pleating of fabrics , as evidenced in designs for day and night .
Dior ’ s 1955 A-Line collection proposed slim-fitting elongated jackets with generously pleated skirts ; in 1954 , the couturier had unveiled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sculpted from many layers of light-as-air silk chiffon tucked and gathered with origami-like precision .
It ’ s haute couture masterpieces such the Zair that spring to mind when considering the Parisian make ’ s latest addition to its Grand Soir selection of timepieces .
First presented in 2010 , Dior Horlogerie ’ s Grand Soir collection expresses the brand ’ s haute couture heritage through the art of watchmaking .
The Grand Soir Plissé Précieux – its name roughly translates as precious pleating – takes many-folded fabric as its design cue , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here , a 36mm pink gold case is matched with a grey sating strap and a pink gold bezel is set with round-cut diamonds ; it frames a sun-brushed white gold dial finessed with pleated and net-like openwork elements fashioned from pink and white gold .
Round-cut diamonds sparkle across the dial : placed using the complex gradient snow-setting technique ( diamonds of varying sizes are set to form a seemingly spontaneous pattern ) , the iridescent formation nods to another Dior dressmaking skill , that of delicate embroideries .

Seven years after he first moved to premises on Paris’s avenue Montaigne in 1946, Christian Dior’s elegant townhouse set-up was home to 1,000 employees and counted 28 workshops.
It was here, on the French capital’s northern Rive Droite bank of the river Seine that Monsieur Dior mastered myriad dressmaking techniques. House specialities included the artful pleating of fabrics, as evidenced in designs for day and night.
Dior’s 1955 A-Line collection proposed slim-fitting elongated jackets with generously pleated skirts; in 1954, the couturier had unveiled his scarlet red Zair ball gown, sculpted from many layers of light-as-air silk chiffon tucked and gathered with origami-like precision. It’s haute couture masterpieces such the Zair that spring to mind when considering the Parisian make’s latest addition to its Grand Soir selection of timepieces.
First presented in 2010, Dior Horlogerie’s Grand Soir collection expresses the brand’s haute couture heritage through the art of watchmaking. The Grand Soir Plissé Précieux – its name roughly translates as precious pleating – takes many-folded fabric as its design cue, imagining a tulle dress swirling underneath glass.
Here, a 36mm pink gold case is matched with a grey satin strap and a pink gold bezel is set with round-cut diamonds; it frames a sun-brushed white gold dial finessed with pleated and net-like openwork elements fashioned from pink and white gold. Round-cut diamonds sparkle across the dial: placed using the complex gradient snow-setting technique (diamonds of varying sizes are set to form a seemingly spontaneous pattern), the iridescent formation nods to another Dior dressmaking skill, that of delicate embroideries.
£42,300; dior.com
Main image: Thomas Lohr; Collage: Patrick Waugh