theweekuk--2020-10-26--Instant Opinion: Brexit and Biden require ‘bold new British foreign policy’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ And what about international trade ?
Does the Government seek agreements that liberalise trade only with countries with advanced environmental and labour market protection ?
Does it really want a trade agreement with the United States , given controversy about food and animal welfare standards ?
Will it instead seek membership of the trans-Pacific trade agreement ?
With support from Australia and Japan , British participation in the CPTPP , as it is known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than a US deal , and a more likely symbol of Britain ’ s confident new trade policy .
If Biden resumes President Obama ’ s trade policies , it might even provide a less controversial route to freer trade.
” Homeless charities are saving lives , so why refuse them crucial funding ?
“ In June , the government announced that it had spent £105m keeping rough sleepers safe during the start of the pandemic .
Its new winter package amounts to £12m , a funding reduction of more than 90 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups .
For many working in the sector , it is flatly unacceptable .
Despite government platitudes about continuing to support the UK ’ s street homeless population , it ’ s the current inaction that reveals a better glimpse of what ’ s to come .
The provision of enough safe shelter for those living with homelessness this winter will have an obvious positive outcome : the preservation of life .
It will take funding as well as clear guidance to achieve .
Leaving charities and frontline workers to make do as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not just an abdication of responsibility to some of the most vulnerable in our society .
It is also cruel.
” Keir Starmer needs a reshuffle to win back the Blue Wall “ Meanwhile , even when Labour briefly drew level with the Tories in polls a couple of weeks ago , it failed consistently to punch through the 40 point barrier , indicating that the swathe of voters who will not consider voting for it under any circumstances is simply too large for it to win a majority .
Even if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Starmer is about 270 seats because he will be able to rope the SNP , the Lib Dems and other small left-of-centre parties in behind him , he is still miles off yet being able to identify 70 constituencies he can be confident of winning back from the Tories .
One would expect his next move to be a reshuffle of his frontbench to give it some more Blue Wall appeal , with plain-speaking Mancunian Lucy Powell touted as a possible replacement for Dodds.
” on the claim the US can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ overshadows Trump ’ s last push for reelection “ But the weekend of grim health data and controversy means the climax of the campaign will be overshadowed by the pandemic - a tough reality for Trump since 60 % of Americans in a recent CNN Poll disapproved of his crisis management .
The President has all along downplayed the threat from the virus .
He mocked mask wearing , turning the practice into a culture war issue , and pressured Republican governors to open their states before the virus was under control , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Sun Belt during the summer .
As a result , his handling of the pandemic is a central campaign issue , and his behavior in recent days signals there will be no change to the White House ’ s approach to the pandemic if he wins the election - no matter how bad the virus gets this winter.
” “ According to the UN High Commission on Refugees , Sudan has not been declared safe for those who ’ ve fled it .
And it ’ s not just the UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state itself told the High Court of Justice that because of the unstable political situation in Sudan , which includes encouraging developments alongside violent attacks by the militias still operating in its territory , there was no way at this stage to rule on the asylum requests submitted by Sudanese nationals .
The only change since then has been progress toward normalizing relations with Israel .
Israel must evaluate the Sudanese asylum requests irrespective of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Sudan .
Israel must not deport them until Sudan becomes safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and legal obligation .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Nick Timothy in The Daily Telegraph
on setting out a coherent global strategy
Brexit and Biden demand a bold new British foreign policy
“And what about international trade? Does the Government seek agreements that liberalise trade only with countries with advanced environmental and labour market protection? Does it really want a trade agreement with the United States, given controversy about food and animal welfare standards? Will it instead seek membership of the trans-Pacific trade agreement? With support from Australia and Japan, British participation in the CPTPP, as it is known, is a much more realistic proposition than a US deal, and a more likely symbol of Britain’s confident new trade policy. If Biden resumes President Obama’s trade policies, it might even provide a less controversial route to freer trade.”
2. Francisco Garcia in The Guardian
on ‘cruel’ government inaction
Homeless charities are saving lives, so why refuse them crucial funding?
“In June, the government announced that it had spent £105m keeping rough sleepers safe during the start of the pandemic. Its new winter package amounts to £12m, a funding reduction of more than 90%, split between local authorities and faith-based groups. For many working in the sector, it is flatly unacceptable. Despite government platitudes about continuing to support the UK’s street homeless population, it’s the current inaction that reveals a better glimpse of what’s to come. The provision of enough safe shelter for those living with homelessness this winter will have an obvious positive outcome: the preservation of life. It will take funding as well as clear guidance to achieve. Leaving charities and frontline workers to make do as best they can under enormously challenging circumstances is not just an abdication of responsibility to some of the most vulnerable in our society. It is also cruel.”
3. Patrick O’Flynn in The Spectator
on the Labour leader’s biggest challenge
Keir Starmer needs a reshuffle to win back the Blue Wall
“Meanwhile, even when Labour briefly drew level with the Tories in polls a couple of weeks ago, it failed consistently to punch through the 40 point barrier, indicating that the swathe of voters who will not consider voting for it under any circumstances is simply too large for it to win a majority. Even if one assumes that the real winning post for Starmer is about 270 seats because he will be able to rope the SNP, the Lib Dems and other small left-of-centre parties in behind him, he is still miles off yet being able to identify 70 constituencies he can be confident of winning back from the Tories. One would expect his next move to be a reshuffle of his frontbench to give it some more Blue Wall appeal, with plain-speaking Mancunian Lucy Powell touted as a possible replacement for Dodds.”
4. Stephen Collinson on CNN
on the claim the US cannot control Covid
White House admission on pandemic overshadows Trump’s last push for reelection
“But the weekend of grim health data and controversy means the climax of the campaign will be overshadowed by the pandemic - a tough reality for Trump since 60% of Americans in a recent CNN Poll disapproved of his crisis management. The President has all along downplayed the threat from the virus. He mocked mask wearing, turning the practice into a culture war issue, and pressured Republican governors to open their states before the virus was under control, helping to unleash a wave of infections in the Sun Belt during the summer. As a result, his handling of the pandemic is a central campaign issue, and his behavior in recent days signals there will be no change to the White House’s approach to the pandemic if he wins the election - no matter how bad the virus gets this winter.”
5. Editorial board of Haaretz
on Israel’s normalisation agreement with Sudan
Don’t Deport the Sudanese
“According to the UN High Commission on Refugees, Sudan has not been declared safe for those who’ve fled it. And it’s not just the UN that says so. In September, the state itself told the High Court of Justice that because of the unstable political situation in Sudan, which includes encouraging developments alongside violent attacks by the militias still operating in its territory, there was no way at this stage to rule on the asylum requests submitted by Sudanese nationals. The only change since then has been progress toward normalizing relations with Israel. Israel must evaluate the Sudanese asylum requests irrespective of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Sudan. Israel must not deport them until Sudan becomes safe for them. This is its moral and legal obligation.”


theweekuk--2020-10-26--Coronavirus: does test-and-trace work to keep Covid-19 cases down?

The UK ’ s much-maligned test-and-trace system is failing to reduce Covid-19 transmission at anything like the rate achieved in many other countries , official figures show .
An assessment by Downing Street ’ s scientific advisers earlier this month found that the UK scheme is only “ having a marginal impact ” on infection rates , despite the £12bn price tag for the system , as well as a scrapped first effort .
Test-and-trace technology in nations worldwide has been “ beset by issues of privacy and public support over both downloading and using apps and also with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , says The Guardian .
But can the strategy be an effective solution for controlling the coronavirus ?
A study by researchers at Imperial College London has found that “ test and trace could reduce the effective reproduction number , the R number , by up to 26 % if carried out quickly and effectively ” .
To reduce the R rate dramatically , 80 % of cases and contacts had to be identified , with “ immediate testing following symptom onset and quarantine of contacts within 24 hours ” , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ findings in a paper published in The Lancet in August .
But the UK ’ s system is “ falling short of that ” , the team added .
Despite these failures , Professor Nicholas Grassly of Imperial ’ s School of Public Health has argued that “ effective testing is key to controlling the coronavirus pandemic ” .
However , Bluetooth contact tracing is “ largely unproven ” and has “ only been introduced during the pandemic ” , says Wired , pointing to concerns that “ as Bluetooth wasn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s a chance that measurements may be incorrect ” .
Test-and-trace apps also require large numbers of people to download them in order to be effective , meaning “ trust in the government will play a big part in this ” , adds the tech-focused news site .
NHS figures show that more than ten million people had downloaded the UK ’ s app by the end of September , which equates to around 15 % of the population .
By comparison , 19.3 million Germans had downloaded Berlin ’ s tracing app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over 22 % of the population .
So do apps keep cases down ?
“ In the absence of an effective treatment or vaccine for SARS-CoV-2 , identifying and isolating infected people is currently the only option ” for tackling the pandemic , says Andrew Lee , a reader in global public health at the University of Sheffield .
But contact tracing is “ laborious and time consuming ” .
To be effective , these systems need to be fast and reliably identify “ most – if not all – contacts an infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , Lee writes in an article on The Conversation .
Faced with that challenge - and after learning a painful lesson from its slow response to the 2015 Mers outbreak - South Korea “ began building its testing system in January within days of identifying its first cases , summoning representatives of 20 major medical companies to an emergency planning meeting ” , The Guardian reports .
Just days later , “ a diagnostic test had been approved for emergency use and the country was setting up drive-through testing facilities ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early August , South Korea saw only one day when new infections reached triple figures , with the current total tally standing at 25,955 Covid cases and 457 related deaths , according to latest figures .
Singapore was also quick on the uptake , becoming the first country to launch a test-and-trace app , which had been downloaded by 2.1 million people as of the start of July - about 35 % of the population .
The city-state later released “ TraceTogether Tokens ” - small “ wearable devices complement the island ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBC says .
The impact of the quick rollout is seen in Singapore ’ s comparatively low coronavirus tally of 57,970 cases and 28 deaths .
Europe ’ s most prominent success story , Germany , is another country that quickly established testing centres .
Unlike in the UK , Germany ’ s test-and-trace was not centralised , owing in part to the federal system of government , and was often outsourced to private companies .
Athough the system has “ suffered a number of hiccups ” , Germany ’ s coronavirus tracing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from labs to users during the first 100 days ” , The Independent reports .
Where have they failed ?
The UK is not the only country to have stuttered in efforts to roll out effective tracing software , with many neighbouring nations experiencing similiar problems .
Indeed , “ if Europe has a strategy to stop the spread of Covid-19 , it ’ s keeping it well hidden ” , Bloomberg says .
Under pressure to ramp-up testing efforts , French Health Minister Olivier Veran took a similar approach to that of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million tests a week by 1 September .
“ The upshot has been that French testing laboratories have been overwhelmed , leading to many of the same difficulties in finding tests seen in the UK , with hour-long queues in some places and delays in receiving results , ” The Guardian reports .
This difficulty in launching effective testing is reflected in the country ’ s Covid tally , with more than 1.1 million infections and 34,789 deaths to date .
France yesterday reported just over 52,000 new cases , more than South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And it is a similar story in Spain , where Bloomberg last month reported that contact tracers were “ struggling with a decline in contacts identified per positive case ” .
With the figure per infected person lingering at around three , “ this is needle-in-a-haystack territory ” , Bloomberg this news site adds .
Spain has so far reported more than a million Covid cases and 34,752 related deaths .
As Lee writes on The Conversation , the most important test of a tracing system is whether “ the system is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ If the test takes days ( from sample collection to processing through to reporting results ) , that introduces too much delay at the point when the disease is most infectious , ” he says .
Countries that launched test-and-trace systems quickly were able to keep cases down , which meant their systems did not become overwhelmed with cases later down the line .
In other words , “ the UK probably could and should have expanded its testing and contact tracing programmes earlier on ” , Lee concludes .
Launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective system in place , outbreaks will occur , infections will spread , and there may be no alternative other than to impose further lockdowns ” .
What will bolster the effort now is ensuring that people continue to download the app in order to improve the data available to government advisers , and boosting testing capacity to avoid people being “ forced into long waits for tests or results , which have undermined their usefulness ” , The Guardian adds .

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theweekuk--2020-10-26--US election: will the Republicans or Democrats win the Senate?

With Joe Biden leading the race to secure the White House , Democrats are daring to dream that their party might also take control of the Senate .
And given that the Democrats are likely to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives , victory in the Senate would give a Biden administration unusual scope to act within the US system of checks and balances .
The Senate has broad powers to frustrate a US president by refusing to enact his agenda , leading to the kind of legislative stalemate that characterised the latter years of Barack Obama ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stakes are high , ” says NBC News .
“ The party that controls the Senate will have power over the next president ’ s legislative agenda , cabinet officials and judicial appointments.
” Only if the Democrats win both houses of Congress as well as the White House would President Biden “ have a chance to push through legislative priorities on everything from healthcare to climate change to pandemic stimulus without Republican obstruction ” , adds the Financial Times .
Republicans currently hold 53 of the Senate ’ s 100 seats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to see off the Democrats in next ’ s month election .
But now , amid growing anger over Donald Trump ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic , the “ national atmosphere is toxic enough ” that Republicans “ no longer have a significant edge in their quest to retain control of the chamber ” , says Politico .
Although the race remains “ too close to call ” , the news site adds , Democrats have built consistent leads in what had been toss-up states and “ put new states firmly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory .
According to polling analysis site FiveThirtyEight , the party ’ s prospects have been improving steadily in recent weeks .
On 10 September , its election model put the chance of a Democratic majority at 57 % ; today , that figure stands at 73 % .
Even so , the margin of victory is likely to be narrow .
“ Many of the 35 seats up for grabs this year are uncompetitive , ” says The Economist , “ so control of the Senate depends on a handful of hard-fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to be decided in Colorado , Arizona , Maine , North Carolina and Iowa ” , concludes NBC .
“ And there could be some surprises .
”


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Instant Opinion: school meals the beginning of a ‘looming political war’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
The school meals row is the first skirmish in a looming political war “ What is not yet obvious is that the pandemic may well be followed by something else that will make a huge difference to this debate : a wave of innovation .
Three factors could make the next decade a time of extraordinary technological advances .
These are the superpower rivalry of the US and China , the coming together of developments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ genetics , communications and energy , and the response to the pandemic itself bringing more automation at the expense of jobs .
If that happens there will be many benefits , but making us more equal will not be one of them .
It will be a great time for the highly educated and those with shares in tech start-ups , and a very rough time for the rest.
” Boris Johnson is no socialist .
But his big spending will make Labour ’ s job harder “ This leaves Labour with two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tories with an agenda of deep economic reform to overhaul the fundamental basis of the economy , not just the size and scope of the state .
Or it can try and position itself , in opposition to the explosion in expenditure , as the new fiscal hawks .
Last week Labour chose the latter , claiming that the government ’ s missteps would cost £110bn or “ £4,000 for every household ” , in an increasingly familiar attempt to secure tactical advantage .
But attempting to seize the mantle of fiscal responsibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unlikely to succeed as a political strategy.
” I ’ m sick to death of your middle class stupidity about food poverty “ It ’ s just as sick-making to see people who have absolutely zero experience of living in poverty try to ‘ own ’ suffering and desperate families by posting pictures of their meals and totting up the cost .
It ’ s not inspirational or clever , it ’ s vile and stupid .
This scummy behaviour needs to stop .
Children are not responsible for the choices their parents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in a world where Conservative party policy has ridden roughshod over the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society .
Children are the future of this country , and our ruling class has decided that the most underprivileged among them simply do not matter.
” 4 .
Carrie Severino , president of the Judicial Crisis Network , in The New York Post “ It was a triumph for a judiciary that we rely on to protect our system of representative democracy .
It was a triumph for those who recognize the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , not sidestepping it or contorting it into a vehicle for unelected judges to legislate from the bench .
And it was a triumph for conservative women , who for many years have been marginalized in much of our political culture .
Of course , there was a time within living memory that women altogether were denied opportunities that are taken for granted today.
” Princess Diana found her voice when she gave her BBC Panorama interview – it was an act of bravery “ The historian and erstwhile editor Max Hastings has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ write her side of the story .
He thought the fears were ‘ absolutely crazy ’ , that she was a vulnerable , ‘ brilliant enchantress ’ , who was not ‘ very bright ’ and decided his job was to stop her going public .
The knight of the realm knew where his loyalties should lie .
The Sunday Times columnist Dominic Lawson knows too .
He excoriated the Bashir interview this weekend , and , opined that instead of maintaining good relations with Buckingham Palace , Diana : ‘ would take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considerable ) will ’ .
Oh , how outrageous – a woman making her own , wilful decisions !
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. William Hague in The Daily Telegraph
on impending inequality
The school meals row is the first skirmish in a looming political war
“What is not yet obvious is that the pandemic may well be followed by something else that will make a huge difference to this debate: a wave of innovation. Three factors could make the next decade a time of extraordinary technological advances. These are the superpower rivalry of the US and China, the coming together of developments in many different fields of materials, genetics, communications and energy, and the response to the pandemic itself bringing more automation at the expense of jobs. If that happens there will be many benefits, but making us more equal will not be one of them. It will be a great time for the highly educated and those with shares in tech start-ups, and a very rough time for the rest.”
2. Tom Kibasi in The Guardian
on a fiscal dilemma
Boris Johnson is no socialist. But his big spending will make Labour’s job harder
“This leaves Labour with two choices. It can either outflank the Tories with an agenda of deep economic reform to overhaul the fundamental basis of the economy, not just the size and scope of the state. Or it can try and position itself, in opposition to the explosion in expenditure, as the new fiscal hawks. Last week Labour chose the latter, claiming that the government’s missteps would cost £110bn or “£4,000 for every household”, in an increasingly familiar attempt to secure tactical advantage. But attempting to seize the mantle of fiscal responsibility by channelling George Osborne circa 2009 is unlikely to succeed as a political strategy.”
3. Harriet Williamson on HuffPost
on lecturing the poor
I’m sick to death of your middle class stupidity about food poverty
“It’s just as sick-making to see people who have absolutely zero experience of living in poverty try to ‘own’ suffering and desperate families by posting pictures of their meals and totting up the cost. It’s not inspirational or clever, it’s vile and stupid. This scummy behaviour needs to stop. Children are not responsible for the choices their parents make. Children did not ask to live in a world where Conservative party policy has ridden roughshod over the poorest and most vulnerable people in our society. Children are the future of this country, and our ruling class has decided that the most underprivileged among them simply do not matter.”
4. Carrie Severino, president of the Judicial Crisis Network, in The New York Post
on the newest Supreme Court member
Amy Coney Barrett’s confirmation is a triumph for women
“It was a triumph for a judiciary that we rely on to protect our system of representative democracy. It was a triumph for those who recognize the importance of upholding the Constitution as written, not sidestepping it or contorting it into a vehicle for unelected judges to legislate from the bench. And it was a triumph for conservative women, who for many years have been marginalized in much of our political culture. Of course, there was a time within living memory that women altogether were denied opportunities that are taken for granted today.”
5. Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in The i
on a circle of chauvinists
Princess Diana found her voice when she gave her BBC Panorama interview – it was an act of bravery
“The historian and erstwhile editor Max Hastings has revealed that Diana had urged him to write her side of the story. He thought the fears were ‘absolutely crazy’, that she was a vulnerable, ‘brilliant enchantress’, who was not ‘very bright’ and decided his job was to stop her going public. The knight of the realm knew where his loyalties should lie. The Sunday Times columnist Dominic Lawson knows too. He excoriated the Bashir interview this weekend, and, opined that instead of maintaining good relations with Buckingham Palace, Diana: ‘would take terrible decisions entirely through her own (considerable) will’. Oh, how outrageous – a woman making her own, wilful decisions!”


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Tao Geoghegan Hart: who is Britain’s new cycling star?

British cycling has a new star and his name is Tao Geoghegan Hart .
In recent years Brits have dominated the sport ’ s road and track events , with multiple grand tour victories and Olympic gold medals making household names of riders such as Chris Froome , Bradley Wiggins , Geraint Thomas , Chris Hoy , Victoria Pendleton and the Kennys , Jason and Laura .
Now Geoghegan Hart has joined the elite list following his superb victory at the 2020 Giro d ’ Italia at the weekend .
After securing the title in Milan , Geoghegan Hart became @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Giro after Froome in 2018 .
He also follows Froome , Wiggins , Thomas and Simon Yates to become only the fifth British male rider to win a grand tour , one of the three major European cycling stage races - the Giro d ’ Italia , Tour de France and Vuelta a España .
Since Wiggins won the Tour de France in 2012 , there have been ten British grand tour victories , says The Independent .
You can now make that 11 .
Riding for Ineos Grenadiers , Geoghegan Hart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to win in Italy .
The 25-year-old said : “ Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would be possible when we started .
It ’ s incredible , really incredible.
” Geoghegan Hart ’ s journey with Ineos Grenadiers - who were formerly called Team Sky and Team Ineos - started back in 2010 when the youngster skipped school to watch the launch of the new team .
Recalling the moment , team principal Dave Brailsford said : “ When we first started the team , Tao bunked off school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wiggins ] and the guys when they launched the team .
He rode behind Brad , and it ’ s a story he likes to tell .
All of a sudden he was in the team , and all of a sudden he ’ s in this position .
You couldn ’ t make it up .
It ’ s the stuff of dreams , it really is.
” Hailing Geoghegan Hart ’ s victory in Italy , Brailsford says the youngster is “ leading the way ” for a new generation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tao ’ s great attributes is that he ’ s a great racer , ” Brailsford told BBC Radio 5 Live .
“ He ’ s got a nose for it , he can feel a race .
It ’ s something really cool about a whole new generation of young guys coming along now and they ’ re really , really good racers .
It ’ s very fun to watch .
“ The sport ’ s changing , it ’ s getting more dynamic , so he ’ s leading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation of youngsters , which is incredibly exciting to see.
” Ten years after riding behind his heroes during Team Sky ’ s launch in 2010 , Geoghegan Hart is now centre of the Ineos Grenadiers ’ s squad .
The London-born cyclist deserves his success and is the “ real deal ” , says Axel Merckx , who was Geoghegan Hart ’ s coach and mentor at Axeon from 2014-16 .
Writing in The Guardian , Merckx said : “ Tao is someone who touches a lot of people in his life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have to remember about him .
He ’ s the real deal .
When he rode for us , he rallied the troops , he encouraged his teammates , and he also told us when it wasn ’ t good enough - not in an angry or negative way , but in a kind and encouraging manner .
“ Tao ’ s got a mature head on young shoulders .
He ’ s older and wiser than most men - even me sometimes .
He ’ s an old soul in a @ @ @ @

British cycling has a new star and his name is Tao Geoghegan Hart.
In recent years Brits have dominated the sport’s road and track events, with multiple grand tour victories and Olympic gold medals making household names of riders such as Chris Froome, Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and the Kennys, Jason and Laura.
Now Geoghegan Hart has joined the elite list following his superb victory at the 2020 Giro d’Italia at the weekend.
After securing the title in Milan, Geoghegan Hart became only the second British man to win the Giro after Froome in 2018. He also follows Froome, Wiggins, Thomas and Simon Yates to become only the fifth British male rider to win a grand tour, one of the three major European cycling stage races - the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a España.
Since Wiggins won the Tour de France in 2012, there have been ten British grand tour victories, says The Independent. You can now make that 11.
Riding for Ineos Grenadiers, Geoghegan Hart admitted it was a dream come true to win in Italy. The 25-year-old said: “Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine this would be possible when we started. It’s incredible, really incredible.”
Has it sunk in yet @taogeoghegan? Let's go behind the scenes during the whirlwind of a final-day #Giro victory 🎥 #GreaterTogether pic.twitter.com/29TvRvyTYv — INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) October 26, 2020
‘Leading the way’
Geoghegan Hart’s journey with Ineos Grenadiers - who were formerly called Team Sky and Team Ineos - started back in 2010 when the youngster skipped school to watch the launch of the new team.
Recalling the moment, team principal Dave Brailsford said: “When we first started the team, Tao bunked off school and came along to watch Brad [Wiggins] and the guys when they launched the team. He rode behind Brad, and it’s a story he likes to tell. All of a sudden he was in the team, and all of a sudden he’s in this position. You couldn’t make it up. It’s the stuff of dreams, it really is.”
Hailing Geoghegan Hart’s victory in Italy, Brailsford says the youngster is “leading the way” for a new generation of riders.
“I think one of Tao’s great attributes is that he’s a great racer,” Brailsford told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He’s got a nose for it, he can feel a race. It’s something really cool about a whole new generation of young guys coming along now and they’re really, really good racers. It’s very fun to watch.
“The sport’s changing, it’s getting more dynamic, so he’s leading the way, really, for a new generation of youngsters, which is incredibly exciting to see.”
To all young riders out there . Sometimes dreams do come through. Ask @taogeoghegan #proveit pic.twitter.com/zA3ZEEwiLl — Axel Merckx (@axelmerckx) October 25, 2020
‘He’s the real deal’
Ten years after riding behind his heroes during Team Sky’s launch in 2010, Geoghegan Hart is now centre of the Ineos Grenadiers’s squad.
The London-born cyclist deserves his success and is the “real deal”, says Axel Merckx, who was Geoghegan Hart’s coach and mentor at Axeon from 2014-16.
Writing in The Guardian, Merckx said: “Tao is someone who touches a lot of people in his life and that’s the main thing you have to remember about him. He’s the real deal. When he rode for us, he rallied the troops, he encouraged his teammates, and he also told us when it wasn’t good enough - not in an angry or negative way, but in a kind and encouraging manner.
“Tao’s got a mature head on young shoulders. He’s older and wiser than most men - even me sometimes. He’s an old soul in a young body.”


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Who is bearing the brunt of Covid-19 job losses?

No sector of the UK workforce has escaped the wide-ranging impact of job losses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic , three new studies show .
Research by the London School of Economics ( LSE ) found that young people in the UK are more than twice as likely to lose their jobs than slightly older workers with more of a foothold on the job ladder .
In the past two months , 11.1 % of people aged between 16 to 25 have been made unemployed , compared with 4.6 % of those aged 26 and over .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the workplace ” , says The Guardian says .
The LSE researchers also found that women , self-employed people and those who grew up in a poor family were more likely to experience job losses and wage cuts .
And they “ warned the spectre of 1980s-style long-term unemployment was increasing , especially for those just starting to make their way in the jobs market ” , the newspaper adds .
Separate research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research ( CEBR ) shows how middle-class and older workers are being impacted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of work and pay cuts of more than 25 % as companies make cuts ahead of the end of the furlough scheme at the end of this month .
Manufacturing hubs such as Wolverhampton and commuter towns such as Brighton , Luton and Slough have already seen “ sharp rises in numbers on the dole since March ” , The Times reports .
CEBR deputy chair Doug McWilliams said : “ The middle class is likely to get hit much worse as we go on .
A lot of management jobs have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone , and some specialist ones .
The middle classes have a jobs crisis – their pensions are squeezed and house prices will be lower.
” Meanwhile , a survey by the Leonard Cheshire charity reveals that two in five hiring managers regard “ being able to support ” disabled people properly during the coronavirus pandemic as a barrier to recruitment , the BBC reports .
The charity says that about seven in ten disabled people have seen their income drop , been furloughed or have feared redundancy as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people of working age in the UK , 53.6 % are currently in work , compared with 81.7 % of working-age people who are not disabled , according to the Office for National Statistics .

No sector of the UK workforce has escaped the wide-ranging impact of job losses as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, three new studies show.
Research by the London School of Economics (LSE) found that young people in the UK are more than twice as likely to lose their jobs than slightly older workers with more of a foothold on the job ladder.
In the past two months, 11.1% of people aged between 16 to 25 have been made unemployed, compared with 4.6% of those aged 26 and over. The data highlights “the growing divisions in the workplace”, says The Guardian says.
The LSE researchers also found that women, self-employed people and those who grew up in a poor family were more likely to experience job losses and wage cuts.
And they “warned the spectre of 1980s-style long-term unemployment was increasing, especially for those just starting to make their way in the jobs market”, the newspaper adds.
Separate research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) shows how middle-class and older workers are being impacted too, with many facing long spells out of work and pay cuts of more than 25% as companies make cuts ahead of the end of the furlough scheme at the end of this month.
Manufacturing hubs such as Wolverhampton and commuter towns such as Brighton, Luton and Slough have already seen “sharp rises in numbers on the dole since March”, The Times reports.
CEBR deputy chair Doug McWilliams said: “The middle class is likely to get hit much worse as we go on. A lot of management jobs have gone, a lot of professional jobs have gone, and some specialist ones. The middle classes have a jobs crisis – their pensions are squeezed and house prices will be lower.”
Meanwhile, a survey by the Leonard Cheshire charity reveals that two in five hiring managers regard “being able to support” disabled people properly during the coronavirus pandemic as a barrier to recruitment, the BBC reports.
The charity says that about seven in ten disabled people have seen their income drop, been furloughed or have feared redundancy as a result of Covid-19.
Of the 7.7 million disabled people of working age in the UK, 53.6% are currently in work, compared with 81.7% of working-age people who are not disabled, according to the Office for National Statistics.


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Co-op Live: Harry Styles invests in Manchester’s £350m music venue

As one of the world ’ s most popular singers , Harry Styles has performed in some of the world ’ s biggest arenas - and now he ’ s giving the entertainment industry another boost by investing in one .
In just a decade , Styles has gone from delivering newspapers for his Co-op store as an unknown teenager to becoming a backer for Manchester ’ s new £350m music venue , which is sponsored by the retail giant .
It ’ s been a whirlwind rise to the top for the 26-year-old .
After winning a place on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teamed up with fellow contestants Niall Horan , Liam Payne , Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to form pop One Direction .
The band finished third on the TV talent show but went on to achieve a string of No.1 hits in countries worldwide .
According to songs rights specialists Downtown Music Publishing , the group notched up total sales of 20 million singles , 11 million albums and more than a million DVDs .
Since One Direction went on hiatus in 2016 , Styles has forged a successful solo music career , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christopher Nolan ’ s Dunkirk and modelled for fashion brands such as Gucci .
And all that hard work has paid off , with Styles now worth a reported $ 75m ( £58m ) , according to the London Evening Standard .
His investment in Manchester ’ s Co-op Live indoor arena sees the singer coming “ full circle ” from his days delivering newspaper for the retailer , says Sky News .
Announcing the deal , Styles said : “ Manchester is an incredible city , filled with incredible people , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ involved in this project .
It very much feels like coming home .
“ I was drawn to this project on every level , from the opportunities it brings , to the contribution it will make to the city , and , most importantly , that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester .
It ’ s just another sign that this amazing city continues to grow.
” Located at Manchester City FC ’ s Etihad Campus , the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live will be the UK ’ s biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The project is being masterminded by US investment firm Oak View Group ( OVG ) , which announced last month that planning permission had been granted and that Co-op had agreed a 15-year naming rights deal , as SportsProMedia reported at the time .
The new arena will cost in the region of £350m to construct and will provide a much-needed boost to the events industry , which has been hit badly by the Covid-19 pandemic .
And while purpose-built for music , Co-op Live will also be used for sport and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 3,350 jobs will be created during the three-year construction phase , and the arena is expected to support a further 1,000 jobs when it opens , the Manchester Evening News reports .
Styles will be “ actively involved in the development of the project ” , says OVG , and his “ advice and consultation is going to be invaluable ” .
The company ’ s president of business development Francesca Bodie said : “ At OVG , our vision is driven by a unique view that puts fans and artists first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no artist in the world right now better placed than Harry to advise us on delivering a first-class experience for visitors and artists at Co-op Live .
“ We ’ re focused on building one of the world ’ s best arenas in Manchester , and Harry ’ s advice and consultation is going to be invaluable as we work to deliver that .
”

As one of the world’s most popular singers, Harry Styles has performed in some of the world’s biggest arenas - and now he’s giving the entertainment industry another boost by investing in one.
In just a decade, Styles has gone from delivering newspapers for his Co-op store as an unknown teenager to becoming a backer for Manchester’s new £350m music venue, which is sponsored by the retail giant.
It’s been a whirlwind rise to the top for the 26-year-old.
Road to riches
After winning a place on The X Factor in 2010, Styles teamed up with fellow contestants Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to form pop One Direction.
The band finished third on the TV talent show but went on to achieve a string of No.1 hits in countries worldwide. According to songs rights specialists Downtown Music Publishing, the group notched up total sales of 20 million singles, 11 million albums and more than a million DVDs.
Since One Direction went on hiatus in 2016, Styles has forged a successful solo music career, and has also acted in films including Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk and modelled for fashion brands such as Gucci.
And all that hard work has paid off, with Styles now worth a reported $75m (£58m), according to the London Evening Standard.
His investment in Manchester’s Co-op Live indoor arena sees the singer coming “full circle” from his days delivering newspaper for the retailer, says Sky News.
Announcing the deal, Styles said: “Manchester is an incredible city, filled with incredible people, and I couldn’t be happier being involved in this project. It very much feels like coming home.
“I was drawn to this project on every level, from the opportunities it brings, to the contribution it will make to the city, and, most importantly, that it will allow even more live music to thrive in Manchester. It’s just another sign that this amazing city continues to grow.”
‘Invaluable’ input
Located at Manchester City FC’s Etihad Campus, the 23,500-capacity Co-op Live will be the UK’s biggest indoor arena when it opens in 2023.
The project is being masterminded by US investment firm Oak View Group (OVG), which announced last month that planning permission had been granted and that Co-op had agreed a 15-year naming rights deal, as SportsProMedia reported at the time.
The new arena will cost in the region of £350m to construct and will provide a much-needed boost to the events industry, which has been hit badly by the Covid-19 pandemic. And while purpose-built for music, Co-op Live will also be used for sport and business events.
OVG says that more than 3,350 jobs will be created during the three-year construction phase, and the arena is expected to support a further 1,000 jobs when it opens, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Styles will be “actively involved in the development of the project”, says OVG, and his “advice and consultation is going to be invaluable”.
The company’s president of business development Francesca Bodie said: “At OVG, our vision is driven by a unique view that puts fans and artists first in every decision we make. There’s no artist in the world right now better placed than Harry to advise us on delivering a first-class experience for visitors and artists at Co-op Live.
“We’re focused on building one of the world’s best arenas in Manchester, and Harry’s advice and consultation is going to be invaluable as we work to deliver that.”


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Coronavirus: ‘long Covid’ patients left with lower IQs and aged brains

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theweekuk--2020-10-27--Police investigating Keir Starmer over car crash with cyclist

Police have interviewed Keir Starmer after he was involved in a road collision that put a cyclist in hospital .
The Labour leader was driving his SUV near his home in north London when the incident occurred at around midday on Sunday .
An eyewitness described hearing “ a loud bang ” and then seeing a cyclist on the ground “ in a lot of pain ” from an arm injury , The Sun reports .
A spokesperson for Starmer said that the politician stayed at the scene until an ambulance arrived .
Police subsequently left a message at Starmer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the nearby police station in Kentish Town , part of his Holborn and St Pancras constituency , where he is believed to have given a full statement later that day .
He was not arrested nor interviewed under caution .
In what Politico London Playbook ’ s Alex Wickham describes as “ a truly stunning coincidence ” , a Sun photographer then snapped Starmer outside the police station yesterday morning - but the Labour leader was subsequently revealed not to have set foot inside .
A source in the leader of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not returned to talk to police again but rather was just “ walking past it on his way home back from the tailors ” .
The tailor in question is on Prince of Wales Road , which is a 12-minute walk from the police station and “ kind of on the way to Starmer ’ s house ” , so it “ sort of checks out ” , Wickham reports .
In the run-up to last December ’ s election , the Labour Party pledged to make England one of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that getting around on two wheels was a “ genuine option for the many , not just the brave ” .

Police have interviewed Keir Starmer after he was involved in a road collision that put a cyclist in hospital.
The Labour leader was driving his SUV near his home in north London when the incident occurred at around midday on Sunday. An eyewitness described hearing “a loud bang” and then seeing a cyclist on the ground “in a lot of pain” from an arm injury, The Sun reports.
A spokesperson for Starmer said that the politician stayed at the scene until an ambulance arrived. Police subsequently left a message at Starmer’s home asking him to report to the nearby police station in Kentish Town, part of his Holborn and St Pancras constituency, where he is believed to have given a full statement later that day.
He was not arrested nor interviewed under caution.
In what Politico London Playbook’s Alex Wickham describes as “a truly stunning coincidence”, a Sun photographer then snapped Starmer outside the police station yesterday morning - but the Labour leader was subsequently revealed not to have set foot inside.
A source in the leader of the opposition’s office said that Starmer had not returned to talk to police again but rather was just “walking past it on his way home back from the tailors”.
The tailor in question is on Prince of Wales Road, which is a 12-minute walk from the police station and “kind of on the way to Starmer’s house”, so it “sort of checks out”, Wickham reports.
In the run-up to last December’s election, the Labour Party pledged to make England one of the most cycling-friendly places in the world, so that getting around on two wheels was a “genuine option for the many, not just the brave”.


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 27 Oct 2020

White House adviser Jared Kushner is under fire for remarks about African Americans .
Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law said @ @ @ @ @ people break out of the problems that they ’ re complaining about but he can @ @ @ @ @ be successful more than they want to be successful ” .
The comment was “ @ @ @ @ @ ones ” made about black Americans by the administration , CNN says .

Kushner attacked over African-American remarks
White House adviser Jared Kushner is under fire for remarks about African Americans. Donald Trump’s son-in-law said the president “can help people break out of the problems that they’re complaining about but he can’t want them to be successful more than they want to be successful”. The comment was “one of the more damning ones” made about black Americans by the administration, CNN says.


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Racoons break into bank and steal biscuits

Two racoons have broken into a bank in Redwood City , California .
The two furry thieves didn ’ t take cash , but almond biscuits .
They were spotted red-pawed by a customer using the cashpoint at Peninsula Bank , early one morning .
“ They were in the break room eating a tin of almond cookies , ” said an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesperson .
A man has achieved a Guinness World Record after his body was covered in more than 100 pounds of living bees .
Ruan Liangming had several buckets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Yichun City , Jiangxi Province , to get the insects to settle on his body .
In total , Liangming ’ s compliment of bees weighed 140 pounds , 6.95 ounces .
A man on a metal detecting trip near a Maine church has unearthed a copper penny dating from the year 1798 .
Shane Houston was delighted to find the 222-year-old copper penny , released in the first decade money was minted by the United States .
Similar coins have attracted bids for up to $ 200 ( £153 ) on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep it for his own collection .

Two racoons have broken into a bank in Redwood City, California. The two furry thieves didn’t take cash, but almond biscuits. They were spotted red-pawed by a customer using the cashpoint at Peninsula Bank, early one morning. “They were in the break room eating a tin of almond cookies,” said an American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals spokesperson.
Man breaks bees-on-body world record
A man has achieved a Guinness World Record after his body was covered in more than 100 pounds of living bees. Ruan Liangming had several buckets filled with bees dumped over his head in Yichun City, Jiangxi Province, to get the insects to settle on his body. In total, Liangming’s compliment of bees weighed 140 pounds, 6.95 ounces.
Metal detectorist finds ancient penny
A man on a metal detecting trip near a Maine church has unearthed a copper penny dating from the year 1798. Shane Houston was delighted to find the 222-year-old copper penny, released in the first decade money was minted by the United States. Similar coins have attracted bids for up to $200 (£153) on eBay, but Houston is planning to keep it for his own collection.


theweekuk--2020-10-26--A cut above: the best hair-styling gadgets

Popping to the hairdressers for a style and blow dry may be trickier during these Covid times but you can still get that salon look if you have the right gadgets .
Here we pick some on the best devices to help you dry , straighten or roll your hair like a pro .
Dyson ’ s new hair straightener is cordless , for added ease of use .
It heats up in about 30 seconds , stays warm for about 30 minutes on one charge and has flexible copper plates that shape around your hair .
And intelligent heat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 100 times a second , so that you never exceed your chosen temperature .
Comes with a charging dock and also a magnetic cable in case you want to plug in between charges .
Designed to deliver instant volume to short- to mid-length hair , this induction-heated roller set is incredibly easy to use .
Just stick a roller in the holder and it will automatically heat to a temperature of 130C in only four seconds .
With options for all types of hair , the various Airwrap styler kits feature accessories to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while drying your locks , by combining powerful airflow with controlled heat .
This new top-end hairdryer from ghd streamlines a powerful 120kmh airflow and uses ionic technology to neutralise static and frizz .
Great for straightening hair , the Max Prime styler works like a round brush and hairdryer to quickly and easily smooth , shine and add volume .
With two-way barrel rotation and four heat settings up to 215C , you can also use this nifty device to curl and wave , for maximum versatility .

Popping to the hairdressers for a style and blow dry may be trickier during these Covid times but you can still get that salon look if you have the right gadgets.
Here we pick some on the best devices to help you dry, straighten or roll your hair like a pro.
Dyson Corrale hair straightener
Dyson’s new hair straightener is cordless, for added ease of use. It heats up in about 30 seconds, stays warm for about 30 minutes on one charge and has flexible copper plates that shape around your hair. And intelligent heat control regulates the temperature of the plates 100 times a second, so that you never exceed your chosen temperature. Comes with a charging dock and also a magnetic cable in case you want to plug in between charges.
£399; johnlewis.com
Cloud Nine: The O Heated Roller Set
Designed to deliver instant volume to short- to mid-length hair, this induction-heated roller set is incredibly easy to use. Just stick a roller in the holder and it will automatically heat to a temperature of 130C in only four seconds.
£169; cloudninehair.com
Dyson HS01 Airwrap
With options for all types of hair, the various Airwrap styler kits feature accessories to curl, wave, smooth or volumise while drying your locks, by combining powerful airflow with controlled heat.
From £400; johnlewis.com
ghd Helios professional hairdryer
This new top-end hairdryer from ghd streamlines a powerful 120kmh airflow and uses ionic technology to neutralise static and frizz.
£159; ghdhair.com
InStyler Max Prime 32mm revolving styler
Great for straightening hair, the Max Prime styler works like a round brush and hairdryer to quickly and easily smooth, shine and add volume. With two-way barrel rotation and four heat settings up to 215C, you can also use this nifty device to curl and wave, for maximum versatility.
£90; instyler.co.uk


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Boris Johnson facing blue rebellion in the ‘red wall’

More than 50 Conservative MPs representing “ red wall ” seats in the north of England have written to Boris Johnson demanding a “ roadmap out of lockdown ” and a post-Covid economic recovery plan for their regions .
In a letter that Sky News describes as a “ manifesto for the North ” , MPs in the newly formed Northern Research Group ( NRG ) call on the prime minister to deliver on his election promises to the party ’ s new voters to “ level up ” the country .
The NRG is led by ex-Northern Powerhouse minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is made up of backbench MPs , many of whom won their seats in the red wall in last December ’ s election .
The Tory rebels claim that these constituencies are being “ left behind ” by the government ’ s response to the coronavirus pandemic .
In their letter , first reported by The Times , the MPs express their “ concerns that the cost of Covid could be paid for by the downgrading of the leveling-up agenda , and northern constituencies like ours will be left behind ” .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s hard-won mandate in December , ” they write .
The group is calling for Johnson “ to create a pathway down the tiering system and to create a Northern Economic Recovery Plan to help our constituents build back better out of this Covid crisis ” .
In other words , the MPs want what Politico London Playbook ’ s Alex Wickham calls a “ clear exit strategy ” from local lockdowns .
The NRG is asking for “ prioritising and accelerating ” of key infrastructure projects such as high-speed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunak to “ work on a regional basis to create employment opportunities and growth ” .
In a loaded line , their letter urges Johnson to “ reflect carefully on our promise to people living in the North during the last election with the leveling-up agenda and make our region central to the country ’ s economic recovery ” .
Along with ringleader Berry , the rebels include four former cabinet ministers : David Davis , David Jones , Esther McVey and David Mundell .
The group ’ s name is a nod @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , the backbench group who created a series of headaches for Theresa May during her premiership .
But unlike the ERG , the NRG membership is public and includes a large number of Tory MPs who picked up their seats during the 2019 election .
Politico ’ s Wickham writes that the “ fact so many newbie MPs have been willing to pile into the government recently has caused frustration at senior levels with Chief Whip Mark Spencer , who is being urged to do more to keep the party in check @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interesting subplots ” in the emergence of the NRG is that Berry , the MP for Rossendale and Darwen in Lancashire , was once “ one of Johnson ’ s closest ‘ amigos ’ ” and would “ chaperone the future PM around Parliament and try to drum up support for his leadership bid ” , Wickham adds .
But that close relationship is clearly over .
The Telegraph has described the NRG in similar terms to those used about the ERG under May ’ s premiership .
The paper ’ s political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a party within a party that has the power to overturn Mr Johnson ’ s parliamentary majority ” and that marks “ the biggest threat ” to the PM ’ s authority “ since he came to power ” .
Unlike the ERG , the NRG has not got the track record yet to back the “ party within a party ” billing .
But the newly formed group is a voice for a growing number of Johnson ’ s backbenchers who are unhappy that the party ’ s election pledges have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Speaking to HuffPost , one former minister said the government desperately “ needs to have a programme for people who are struggling – my constituents , basically ” .
The unnamed MP added : “ ‘ Levelling up ’ doesn ’ t mean anything to anyone .
I asked two constituents about it recently .
One said : ‘ Is it about Nintendo level up games ?
’ The other said – I kid you not - ‘ Do you mean the potholes ?
’ ” Another MP said that spats over funding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coupled with footballer Marcus Rashford ’ s public dispute with the government over free school meals , means “ we are shipping water and the ship is starting to list ” .
“ It doesn ’ t matter that you ’ ve got an 80 majority up on the decks .
Once the ship starts to take in water below decks , you ’ re in real trouble , ” the MP warned .
According to Politico ’ s Wickham , “ No .
10 figures are bullish that they will be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , with insiders claiming that fresh MPs had been “ spooked by negative media coverage , social media vitriol and the Marcus Rashford free school meals campaign , but they would soon ‘ toughen up ’ ” .
But memories of the ERG ’ s successful lobbying are likely to weight heavily on Johnson ’ s mind .
Coupled with his very public falling out with Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham , concessions for the North may be coming .

More than 50 Conservative MPs representing former “red wall” seats in the north of England have written to Boris Johnson demanding a “roadmap out of lockdown” and a post-Covid economic recovery plan for their regions.
In a letter that Sky News describes as a “manifesto for the North”, MPs in the newly formed Northern Research Group (NRG) call on the prime minister to deliver on his election promises to the party’s new voters to “level up” the country.
A hit of NRG
The NRG is led by ex-Northern Powerhouse minister and former Johnson ally Jake Berry and is made up of backbench MPs, many of whom won their seats in the red wall in last December’s election. The Tory rebels claim that these constituencies are being “left behind” by the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
In their letter, first reported by The Times, the MPs express their “concerns that the cost of Covid could be paid for by the downgrading of the leveling-up agenda, and northern constituencies like ours will be left behind”.
“We believe this would threaten to undermine the government’s hard-won mandate in December,” they write.
The group is calling for Johnson “to create a pathway down the tiering system and to create a Northern Economic Recovery Plan to help our constituents build back better out of this Covid crisis”. In other words, the MPs want what Politico London Playbook’s Alex Wickham calls a “clear exit strategy” from local lockdowns.
The NRG is asking for “prioritising and accelerating” of key infrastructure projects such as high-speed rail connections, and for Chancellor Rishi Sunak to “work on a regional basis to create employment opportunities and growth”.
In a loaded line, their letter urges Johnson to “reflect carefully on our promise to people living in the North during the last election with the leveling-up agenda and make our region central to the country’s economic recovery”.
Rebel alliance
Along with ringleader Berry, the rebels include four former cabinet ministers: David Davis, David Jones, Esther McVey and David Mundell.
The group’s name is a nod to the European Research Group (ERG), the backbench group who created a series of headaches for Theresa May during her premiership. But unlike the ERG, the NRG membership is public and includes a large number of Tory MPs who picked up their seats during the 2019 election.


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Coronavirus: how Arctic Canada kept Covid-19 at bay

In normal times , Canada ’ s northernmost province of Nunavut is one of Earth ’ s most inhospitable environments .
Almost 15 times the size of England , it is home to just 36,000 people .
But in 2020 , the Arctic territory has an advantage over the rest of the world .
“ So far , with the exception of a few cases at its mines brought in from southern workers , Nunavut has remained Covid-19 free , ” says local TV station CKPG Today .
Three weeks ago , the Nunavut government “ relaxed public health measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , as Nunatsiaq News reported at the time .
Group fitness classes have restarted , households can mix and “ larger gatherings ” of up to 100 people are allowed at places of worship , theatres and community halls .
The return to something like normality has been a long time coming .
In March , as the new coronavirus swept around the world and borders began to close , “ officials in Nunavut decided they too would take no risks ” , the BBC reports .
“ They brought in some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , barring entry to almost all non-residents.
” Nunavut ’ s mines , which are heavily dependent on outside contract workers , were seen as a weak link in the province ’ s defences .
To prevent cross-infections , local workers were sent home and incoming contractors were required to spend 14 days in quarantine at hotels in southern Canada .
The cautious approach resulted from a fear that Inuit communities would be as vulnerable to Covid-19 as they were to Spanish flu a century earlier .
“ The effects were most devastating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to one third of the Inuit population and forced some communities out of existence , ” says Newfoundland-based news website Heritage .
In some Inuit communities , “ up to 90 % of the population died and the mortality rates were some of the highest in the world ” , says BBC Future magazine .
“ Stories emerged of packs of stray dogs feasting on the bodies of the dead.
” While Nunavut has been spared such a catastrophe during the 2020 pandemic , its chief public health officer Dr Michael Patterson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should not assume Covid will be kept out “ indefinitely ” .
“ I wouldn ’ t have bet that it would stay this way for this long , ” Patterson told the BBC .

In normal times, Canada’s northernmost province of Nunavut is one of Earth’s most inhospitable environments.
Almost 15 times the size of England, it is home to just 36,000 people. But in 2020, the Arctic territory has an advantage over the rest of the world.
“So far, with the exception of a few cases at its mines brought in from southern workers, Nunavut has remained Covid-19 free,” says local TV station CKPG Today.
Three weeks ago, the Nunavut government “relaxed public health measures for recreation, leisure and community groups”, as Nunatsiaq News reported at the time. Group fitness classes have restarted, households can mix and “larger gatherings” of up to 100 people are allowed at places of worship, theatres and community halls.
The return to something like normality has been a long time coming.
In March, as the new coronavirus swept around the world and borders began to close, “officials in Nunavut decided they too would take no risks”, the BBC reports. “They brought in some of the strictest travel regulations in Canada, barring entry to almost all non-residents.”
Nunavut’s mines, which are heavily dependent on outside contract workers, were seen as a weak link in the province’s defences. To prevent cross-infections, local workers were sent home and incoming contractors were required to spend 14 days in quarantine at hotels in southern Canada.
The cautious approach resulted from a fear that Inuit communities would be as vulnerable to Covid-19 as they were to Spanish flu a century earlier. “The effects were most devastating in Labrador, where the disease killed close to one third of the Inuit population and forced some communities out of existence,” says Newfoundland-based news website Heritage.
In some Inuit communities, “up to 90% of the population died and the mortality rates were some of the highest in the world”, says BBC Future magazine. “Stories emerged of packs of stray dogs feasting on the bodies of the dead.”
While Nunavut has been spared such a catastrophe during the 2020 pandemic, its chief public health officer Dr Michael Patterson has said people living in the province should not assume Covid will be kept out “indefinitely”.
“I wouldn’t have bet that it would stay this way for this long,” Patterson told the BBC.


theweekuk--2020-10-27--Coronavirus: what’s the strategy for ending lockdowns if Covid immunity lasts for just months?

Immunity to coronavirus may only last for a few months after infection , according to new research findings that point @ @ @ @ @ out a vaccine .
The percentage of the UK population who have developed Covid antibodies @ @ @ @ @ than a quarter since June to fewer than one in 20 people in the UK @ @ @ @ @ the Imperial College London ( ICL ) study suggests .
The researchers say the “ @ @ @ @ @ means that any successful vaccine may need to be administered twice a year unless the @ @ @ @ @ natural immunity , The Telegraph reports .
The new research was commissioned by the Department @ @ @ @ @ on an analysis of home fingerprick test samples from 365,000 adults to establish “ detectable @ @ @ @ @ months .


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Instant Opinion: ‘prepare for an even more deadly pandemic’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
1 .
Thomas J. Bollyky and Stewart M. Patrick in the Los Angeles Times Time to prepare for an even more deadly pandemic “ The winner of the presidential election , whether that is Donald Trump or Joe Biden , will need to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic — the worst international health emergency since the 1918 influenza outbreak — and also begin preparing the United States and the world for the next pandemic .
Think @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another pandemic ?
A new outbreak could easily evolve into the next epidemic or a pandemic that spreads worldwide .
As lethal as this coronavirus has been , a novel influenza could be worse , transmitting even more easily and killing millions more people.
” on the left- and right-wing fail young people Feed the children but help their parents too “ If we accept that no child should go hungry because their parents alone can not feed them , can we tolerate the unequal life chances that arise from differences in parenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more social mobility should do so .
Yet politicians are squeamish when it comes to parenting .
People on the left avoid talking about it because they do not want to judge or blame .
People on the right recoil from interfering in private family life .
Both let children down.
” on structural racism in the pandemic Race is clearly a factor in Covid deaths , but the UK government is in denial “ The government ’ s position that structural racism plays no role in Covid-19 deaths requires us to conveniently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the virus on certain groups .
When combined with narratives of the victims presented in June ’ s Public Health England report on the impact of Covid-19 on Black , Asian and minority-ethnic communities , this is prima facie evidence of structural racism .
Governments on both sides of the Atlantic have long been reluctant to accept that any racial inequality is caused by structural racism : it goes against everything they claim to stand for as liberal democracies .
Any acknowledgement of the existence of racism would be seen as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prefer denial.
” Sorry , Harry Styles , but the last thing Manchester needs is another vast music venue “ There is a heart-warming story accompanying the announcement , further solidifying the 26-year-old ’ s highly marketable boy-next-door image .
But what Manchester ’ s struggling music scene needs least of all right now is a new venue .
It is people , more than places , that we should be investing in .
It ’ s the musicians , yes , but it ’ s also the composers , the technicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stage management , often in already precarious freelance careers , now destroyed by the pandemic .
And it ’ s the small venues with interesting histories where the next generation of Manchester acts might flourish that deserve our support.
” Why is Victoria Derbyshire apologising for her Rule of Six comments ?
“ I was delighted when BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire said she had no intention of sticking to the Rule of Six on Christmas Day , and was planning to have her usual table of seven family members .
Finally , someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lack of undergarments .
Unfortunately , the sanity was but a brief interlude .
Derbyshire has since backtracked , apologised and sought absolution for her sin of relying on her own common sense rather than a limit , plucked from thin air , on the number of people who can safely sit around a dining table and eat turkey without falling dead .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Thomas J. Bollyky and Stewart M. Patrick in the Los Angeles Times
on a second outbreak
Time to prepare for an even more deadly pandemic
“The winner of the presidential election, whether that is Donald Trump or Joe Biden, will need to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic — the worst international health emergency since the 1918 influenza outbreak — and also begin preparing the United States and the world for the next pandemic. Think it is too soon to worry about another pandemic? A new outbreak could easily evolve into the next epidemic or a pandemic that spreads worldwide. As lethal as this coronavirus has been, a novel influenza could be worse, transmitting even more easily and killing millions more people.”
2. James Kirkup in The Times
on the left- and right-wing fail young people
Feed the children but help their parents too
“If we accept that no child should go hungry because their parents alone cannot feed them, can we tolerate the unequal life chances that arise from differences in parenting? No politician who claims to want more social mobility should do so. Yet politicians are squeamish when it comes to parenting. People on the left avoid talking about it because they do not want to judge or blame. People on the right recoil from interfering in private family life. Both let children down.”
3. Winston Morgan in The Guardian
on structural racism in the pandemic
Race is clearly a factor in Covid deaths, but the UK government is in denial
“The government’s position that structural racism plays no role in Covid-19 deaths requires us to conveniently forget the data on the disproportionate impact of the virus on certain groups. When combined with narratives of the victims presented in June’s Public Health England report on the impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority-ethnic communities, this is prima facie evidence of structural racism. Governments on both sides of the Atlantic have long been reluctant to accept that any racial inequality is caused by structural racism: it goes against everything they claim to stand for as liberal democracies. Any acknowledgement of the existence of racism would be seen as a failure of government, so instead they prefer denial.”
4. Hugh Morris in The Independent
on the pop star’s misguided investment
Sorry, Harry Styles, but the last thing Manchester needs is another vast music venue
“There is a heart-warming story accompanying the announcement, further solidifying the 26-year-old’s highly marketable boy-next-door image. But what Manchester’s struggling music scene needs least of all right now is a new venue. It is people, more than places, that we should be investing in. It’s the musicians, yes, but it’s also the composers, the technicians, the roadies, lighting, sound and stage management, often in already precarious freelance careers, now destroyed by the pandemic. And it’s the small venues with interesting histories where the next generation of Manchester acts might flourish that deserve our support.”
5. Julia Hartley-Brewer in The Daily Telegraph
on a ‘rare voice of reason’
Why is Victoria Derbyshire apologising for her Rule of Six comments?
“I was delighted when BBC presenter Victoria Derbyshire said she had no intention of sticking to the Rule of Six on Christmas Day, and was planning to have her usual table of seven family members. Finally, someone had pointed out the emperor’s lack of undergarments. Unfortunately, the sanity was but a brief interlude. Derbyshire has since backtracked, apologised and sought absolution for her sin of relying on her own common sense rather than a limit, plucked from thin air, on the number of people who can safely sit around a dining table and eat turkey without falling dead.”


theweekuk--2020-10-28--US election: Texas calls in National Guard amid ‘voting day violence’ row


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Where in Europe is heading for a second lockdown - and will the UK follow?

Pressure is growing on No .
10 to impose a second national lockdown after analysis by the government ’ s advisers found a second wave of Covid-19 may cost more lives than the first .
Downing Street is “ privately working on the assumption that the second wave of coronavirus will be more deadly ” , with deaths likely to “ peak at a lower level than in the spring but remaining at that level for weeks or even months ” The Telegraph reports .
The disclosure has led to “ intense lobbying ” from Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take action , as other countries across Europe also begin considering ramped-up restrictions , the paper adds .
The UK ’ s Covid cases per 100,000 over the past two weeks have risen to 415.6 , according to the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention ( ECDC ) .
The number of deaths per 100,000 over the same period currently sits at 3.2 .
Germany ’ s Chancellor Angela Merkel is currently considering a “ lockdown light ” , which national newspaper Bild says could lead to the closure of bars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is concerned about rising case numbers , and is expected to “ push for the measure in a meeting with regional leaders on Wednesday where additional curbs are likely to be decided on ” , EuroNews says .
Under the plans , schools and some shops would remain open , with restrictions mainly focused on the hospitality industry .
Some areas of the country , for example the Bavarian county Rottal-Inn , are set to enter a de-facto lockdown today after record case numbers .
But the number of infections per 100,000 across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than in the UK , and deaths also remain low at 0.6 per 100,000 .
France is also considering stricter regulations amid “ soaring case numbers and hospitalisations ” , Deutsche Welle reports .
Interior minister Gerald Darmanin yesterday warned of “ difficult decisions ” to come , and President Emmanuel Macron will address the French public this evening in a speech expected “ to tighten existing restrictions further ” , the Financial Times says .
The country yesterday reported 523 more coronavirus deaths , the highest daily figure since April .
ECDC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the past two weeks outstrip the UK at 629.4 .
Deaths per 100,000 are also marginally higher at 3.3 , despite two-thirds of the country being placed under curfew .
In Belgium , Europe 's most serious outbreak may lead to tighter lockdown restrictions .
In September , UK government ministers praised the country for implementing a curfew to bring cases down .
However , infection rates have now hit a staggering 1,390.9 per 100,000 , with deaths rising to 5.8 , ECDC figures show .
Belgium ’ s federal government is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown is required to stem the rising case numbers , after infections showed a “ ten-fold increase from the high of a spring wave of the pandemic ” , Reuters reports .
Hospitals are facing intensive care ( ICU ) bed shortages , while in Liege , Belgium ’ s third largest city , health workers have been asked to “ continue working even if they test positive for Covid-19 - as long as they are not showing any symptoms of the disease ” , CNN adds .
Spain has declared a nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew after cases per 100,000 hit 446.0 over the past two weeks .
The new measures announced closely resemble those in place in the UK , with a limit on public and private meetings of different households to a maximum of six people .
One of Europe ’ s worst hit nations during the first peak of the pandemic , Italy , has also reimposed lockdown measures .
Its cumulative case numbers are also lower than the UK , with 303.5 infections per 100,000 and a death rate of 2.1 .
But after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian officials were quick to introduce “ strict quarantine restrictions in two northern hotspot regions close to Milan and Venice , in the Lombardy and Veneto regions ” , the BBC reports .
Violence broke out following the announcement , with police using “ teargas to disperse angry crowds in the northern cities of Turin and Milan ” , The Guardian says .
Crowds chanted “ freedom , freedom , freedom ” as they squared up to police , while “ luxury goods shops ... were ransacked ” , the paper adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials in the UK expect the death toll to reach 500 per day within weeks , with Dr Yvonne Doyle , the medical director of Public Health England , telling The Telegraph that “ we continue to see the trend in deaths rising , and it is likely this will continue for some time ” .
Damming projections from the government ’ s scientific advisers mean that Downing Street is expecting the number of people in hospital with Covid-19 to more than double within weeks .
Latest figures show that there are 9,199 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Professor Sir Mark Walport , a member of the Government 's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies , today told BBC Radio 4 ’ s Today programme that it is “ not unrealistic ” to think that there could be 25,000 people in hospitals by the end of November .
Walport added that in France , which has a similar population to the UK , roughly half of the country ’ s 2,500 ICU beds are currently occupied .
The UK has 852 ICU beds across the country .
And ministers have refused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most likely to be implemented as a two-week circuit breaker .
Pushed on the possibility of national restrictions , Environment Secretary George Eustice this morning said : “ We can never rule anything out but we think we have got the right approach for now .
”


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Comic Relief to end ‘white saviour’ celebrity trips to Africa

Comic Relief has said it will stop sending celebrities to Africa following claims that famous stars were acting as “ white saviours ” .
The charity , best known for its Red Nose Day fundraising events , has also announced it will no longer portray the continent using images of starving or critically ill children , and will instead promote stories of ordinary life captured by local filmmakers and photographers .
Lenny Henry , the comedian who co-founded Comic Relief in 1985 , said : “ A lot has changed over Comic Relief ’ s 35 years , and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the issues we are here to tackle , and the people we are here to support , must change as well.
” Comic Relief videos are “ typically filmed on the ground in disadvantaged African countries with celebrities , who are often white , usually seen meeting local children to highlight poverty ” , Metro says .
But the format has become increasingly controversial , with Labour MP David Lammy last year criticising an appeal in which broadcaster Stacey Dooley travelled to Uganda .
After Dooley posted a photo of herself holding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obsessed ” , Lammy hit back , saying “ the world does not need any more white saviours ” .
Lammy added that the picture evoked “ a colonial image of a white , beautiful heroine holding a black child , with no agency , no parents in sight ” .
In 2017 , Ed Sheeran ’ s campaign video also came under fire and was branded “ poverty porn ” by an aid watchdog after the singer-songwriter was filmed paying for a young boy ’ s housing in Liberia , The Guardian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an appeal fronted by Tom Hardy contained graphic images of starving and sick Yemeni children , chief executive of Comic Relief Liz Warner admitted that the organisation had lost its creative touch and needed to be “ edgy again ” .

Comic Relief has said it will stop sending celebrities to Africa following claims that famous stars were acting as “white saviours”.
The charity, best known for its Red Nose Day fundraising events, has also announced it will no longer portray the continent using images of starving or critically ill children, and will instead promote stories of ordinary life captured by local filmmakers and photographers.
Lenny Henry, the comedian who co-founded Comic Relief in 1985, said: “A lot has changed over Comic Relief’s 35 years, and so the way we raise money and talk about the issues we are here to tackle, and the people we are here to support, must change as well.”
Comic Relief videos are “typically filmed on the ground in disadvantaged African countries with celebrities, who are often white, usually seen meeting local children to highlight poverty”, Metro says.
But the format has become increasingly controversial, with Labour MP David Lammy last year criticising an appeal in which broadcaster Stacey Dooley travelled to Uganda.
After Dooley posted a photo of herself holding a black child with the caption “obsessed”, Lammy hit back, saying “the world does not need any more white saviours”. Lammy added that the picture evoked “a colonial image of a white, beautiful heroine holding a black child, with no agency, no parents in sight”.
In 2017, Ed Sheeran’s campaign video also came under fire and was branded “poverty porn” by an aid watchdog after the singer-songwriter was filmed paying for a young boy’s housing in Liberia, The Guardian says.
The same year, after an appeal fronted by Tom Hardy contained graphic images of starving and sick Yemeni children, chief executive of Comic Relief Liz Warner admitted that the organisation had lost its creative touch and needed to be “edgy again”.


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Has lockdown written a new chapter for the book industry?

Lockdown and social distancing measures may have had a negative impact on many sectors of the UK ’ s economy , but for the book industry the Covid-19 restrictions have had the opposite effect .
Research published in May by Nielsen found that two in five UK adults were reading more books since the lockdown began in March .
And as a whole the nation ’ s time spent reading books had increased from 3.5 hours per week on average to six hours .
Publishers are also seeing the positive effects of people spending more time at home .
Bloomsbury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has reported its best half-year results since 2008 with profits from February to August increasing by 60 % to £4m .
Online book sales and e-book revenues were both “ significantly higher ” , and during the period total sales across the group rose by 10 % to £78.3m , BBC News reports .
Bloomsbury believes that people have “ rediscovered the pleasure of reading ” and there had been a “ real uptake ” .
Founder and chief executive Nigel Newton said : “ Perhaps people tired of watching streamed movies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and turned to books.
” With a renewed enthusiasm for books and the festive season approaching , bookshops are “ unseasonably busy ” , the BBC adds .
Philip Jones , editor of the Bookseller trade publication , said : “ We are seeing an early Christmas for bookshops .
November ’ s book sales are happening in October .
Normally the bookshop market gets up to 40 million units per week in November , but it has already happened.
” Book lovers have also used the pandemic to catch up on long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a seriously long read has never been more alluring ” , says The Guardian .
According to Penguin Random House , sales of its edition of War and Peace ( 1,440 pages ) have increased 69 % in the UK so far this year .
The publisher has also seen a rise in sales of classic long reads such as Don Quixote ( 1,056 pages , up 53 % ) , Anna Karenina ( 865 pages , up 52 % ) , Middlemarch ( 880 pages , up 40 % ) and Crime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 % ) .
“ We were expecting possibly to see a spike in comfort reads , like cosy crime or light comic novels , ” said Penguin Classics editorial director Jess Harrison .
“ Instead it seems that readers have been inspired in lockdown to tackle the great literary monuments - the books that maybe they ’ d always intended to read , but never before now had the time to embark on .
”

Lockdown and social distancing measures may have had a negative impact on many sectors of the UK’s economy, but for the book industry the Covid-19 restrictions have had the opposite effect.
Research published in May by Nielsen found that two in five UK adults were reading more books since the lockdown began in March. And as a whole the nation’s time spent reading books had increased from 3.5 hours per week on average to six hours.
Publishers are also seeing the positive effects of people spending more time at home.
Bloomsbury, publisher of the Harry Potter series, has reported its best half-year results since 2008 with profits from February to August increasing by 60% to £4m. Online book sales and e-book revenues were both “significantly higher”, and during the period total sales across the group rose by 10% to £78.3m, BBC News reports.
‘Unseasonably busy’
Bloomsbury believes that people have “rediscovered the pleasure of reading” and there had been a “real uptake”. Founder and chief executive Nigel Newton said: “Perhaps people tired of watching streamed movies which they binged on to begin with and turned to books.”
With a renewed enthusiasm for books and the festive season approaching, bookshops are “unseasonably busy”, the BBC adds.
Philip Jones, editor of the Bookseller trade publication, said: “We are seeing an early Christmas for bookshops. November’s book sales are happening in October. Normally the bookshop market gets up to 40 million units per week in November, but it has already happened.”
‘Alluring’ long reads
Book lovers have also used the pandemic to catch up on long classic novels. The “appeal of a seriously long read has never been more alluring”, says The Guardian.
According to Penguin Random House, sales of its edition of War and Peace (1,440 pages) have increased 69% in the UK so far this year. The publisher has also seen a rise in sales of classic long reads such as Don Quixote (1,056 pages, up 53%), Anna Karenina (865 pages, up 52%), Middlemarch (880 pages, up 40%) and Crime and Punishment (720 pages, up 35%).
“We were expecting possibly to see a spike in comfort reads, like cosy crime or light comic novels,” said Penguin Classics editorial director Jess Harrison.
“Instead it seems that readers have been inspired in lockdown to tackle the great literary monuments - the books that maybe they’d always intended to read, but never before now had the time to embark on.”


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Coronavirus: will the UK be in Covid-19 lockdown for Christmas?

Multiple households will be able to celebrate Christmas together under one roof after an agreement to ease lockdown restrictions was struck between the government and devolved first ministers.Between 23 and 27 December, restrictions will be lifted to allow up to three households to form a Christmas “bubble”. Under the temporary measures, people can mix in homes, places of worship and outdoor spaces but cannot visit pubs or restaurants together.
Boris Johnson had “originally hoped to allow families to get together for a week” but “had to water down the plan following opposition from leaders in Scotland and Wales”, The Telegraph reports.
Announcing the plans, Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove said the scheme “will offer hope for families and friends who have made many sacrifices over this difficult year”.
“We know that the Christmas period this year will not be normal but, following constructive discussions between the UK government and the devolved administrations, families and friends will now have the option to meet up in a limited and cautious way across the UK should they wish,” he added.
People will not have to self-isolate before meeting other households, even if someone within their bubble is among the “extremely clinically vulnerable” group deemed most at risk from serious illness.
However, the government is “expected to issue guidance that urges people to reduce unnecessary contact in the run-up to the five-day period”, HuffPost says. Despite reassurance from politicians, health experts are fearful that the government’s plans could derail efforts to curb the crisis.
While giving evidence to a Commons committee shortly before this week’s announcement, Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, said the plan could cause chaos.
“I guess I have to speak bluntly - the virus doesn’t care if it’s Christmas,” she said. “We still have pretty high prevalence across the country. It is risky for people to mix indoors with alcohol with elderly relatives at this point in time.”
Last month Andrew Hayward, a professor of infectious disease epidemiology at University College London, warned that mixing different generations indoors posed a “substantial risk”, especially for older people “who currently have much lower levels of infection and are at most risk of dying” if they catch Covid-19.
“We know respiratory infections peak in January so throwing fuel on the fire over Christmas can only contribute to this,” he added. Last month, scientists said that for every day that measures are eased over Christmas, an additional five days could be needed to reduce infection rates after the celebrations are over.


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Coronavirus: lack of vitamin D increases danger of Covid-19 infection, study says

A significant majority of patients hospitalised by Covid-19 have low levels of vitamin D , a new study has revealed .
After testing 216 coronavirus patients at the Marques de Valdecilla University Hospital in Spain , researchers found that 82 % had a vitamin D deficiency , with men more likely to have low levels than women .
Patients with low rates of the vitamin also showed “ increased serum levels of inflammatory markers such as ferritin and D-dimer when they had low levels of vitamin D ” , Sky News says .
“ Levels of inflammatory markers rise in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an infection , ” the broadcaster adds .
Dr Jose Hernandez , one of the lead researchers , said medics should “ identify and treat vitamin D deficiency ” , especially in high-risk individuals such as the elderly and nursing home residents , who are the “ main target population for Covid-19 ” .
“ Vitamin D treatment should be recommended in Covid-19 patients with low levels of vitamin D circulating in the blood since this approach might have beneficial effects in both the musculoskeletal and the immune system , ” he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Boston University found sufficient levels of vitamin D make people less likely to experience complications and die from coronavirus , while researchers have also found that it could reduce rates of infection .
Symptoms of low vitamin D levels include tiredness , weakness , muscle and bone pain .
As well as sunlight and supplements , other sources of vitamin D include oily fish , meat and eggs , as well as fortified breakfast cereals , soya milk and vegetable margarines .
In April , Public Health England recommended taking daily vitamin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to combat lockdown restrictions .


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 28 Oct 2020

Downing Street believes that the second wave of Covid-19 will be more deadly than the first , according to The @ @ @ @ @ an internal analysis of the projected course of the second wave shows deaths peaking at @ @ @ @ @ the spring but remaining at that level for weeks or even months .
A “ @ @ @ @ @ paper that Boris Johnson is “ under a lot of pressure to lock down again @ @

Second wave expected to be more deadly than the first
Downing Street believes that the second wave of Covid-19 will be more deadly than the first, according to The Daily Telegraph. It says an internal analysis of the projected course of the second wave shows deaths peaking at a lower level than in the spring but remaining at that level for weeks or even months. A “well-placed source” tells the paper that Boris Johnson is “under a lot of pressure to lock down again”.


theweekuk--2020-10-28--Owners increasingly believe their pets go to heaven

A growing number of pet owners believe that their beloved animals go to heaven , new research has found .
After examining the history of pet cemeteries in Newcastle and London over 100 years from 1881 , Dr Eric Tourigny said : “ Few 19th-century gravestones reference an afterlife , although some may ‘ hope ’ to see their loved ones again .
By the mid-20th century , a greater proportion of animal gravestones suggest owners were awaiting a reunion in the afterlife.
” Pastor accused of peeing on woman during flight A US pastor has been detained after allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Delta flight earlier this month .
A police report says Daniel Chalmers was arrested at the Detroit Metro Airport after a passenger told police she woke up on the plane around 2.45am to find a man urinating on her .
The man reportedly admitted : “ I peed on her , I thought I was going to the bathroom.
” A survey of 3,400 callouts by a pest control company has revealed that Birmingham has more rat infestations than anywhere else .
Newcastle and Leeds came in second and third places respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the researchers , “ rats are loving life at the moment ” because “ they are being left to breed in vacant shops with abandoned bins ” .

A growing number of pet owners believe that their beloved animals go to heaven, new research has found. After examining the history of pet cemeteries in Newcastle and London over 100 years from 1881, Dr Eric Tourigny said: “Few 19th-century gravestones reference an afterlife, although some may ‘hope’ to see their loved ones again. By the mid-20th century, a greater proportion of animal gravestones suggest owners were awaiting a reunion in the afterlife.”
Pastor accused of peeing on woman during flight
A US pastor has been detained after allegedly urinating on a fellow passenger during a Delta flight earlier this month. A police report says Daniel Chalmers was arrested at the Detroit Metro Airport after a passenger told police she woke up on the plane around 2.45am to find a man urinating on her. The man reportedly admitted: “I peed on her, I thought I was going to the bathroom.”
Birmingham is Britain’s ‘rattiest’ city
A survey of 3,400 callouts by a pest control company has revealed that Birmingham has more rat infestations than anywhere else. Newcastle and Leeds came in second and third places respectively. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, say the researchers, “rats are loving life at the moment” because “they are being left to breed in vacant shops with abandoned bins”.