theweekuk--2020-09-01--Instant Opinion: there is ‘only one solution’ for the BBC

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
1 .
Marcus Ryder , chair of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity , in The Independent on how to save the Auntie As a former BBC executive , I believe there is really only one solution to all of the corporation ’ s ills “ [ New director general Tim ] Davie needs fresh solutions grounded in real experiences and knowledge if he has any hope in devising new solutions to new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study shows that institutions come to better decisions when they have better diversity .
A Boston Consulting Group study showed that companies with more diverse management have 19 per cent higher revenues due to increased innovation .
Another study by Peterson Institute for International Economics proved that companies with more women in the C-Suite suite positions are more profitable .
And management consultant firm McKinsey recently published a report that found corporations that embrace gender diversity on their executive teams were 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability .
And yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ broadcaster has serious shortcomings when it comes to diversity.
” If our children can manage going back to school , our politicians should be able to as well “ Even before our pupils have had a chance to shuffle into morning registration , Gavin Williamson has already indicated that public exams may be delayed next summer .
Our ineffectual , position-flipping education secretary said today that he is studying plans for such a move ‘ with the aim of creating more teaching time ’ ... Has this Government learnt nothing of the profound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation of this year ’ s GCSEs and A-levels ?
Their premature response to the pandemic , back in March , immediately stripped students of any kind of direction .
Focus and routine were vanquished overnight , the pencil case replaced by the remote control .
Parents like myself looked on with leaden hearts and in helpless despair as the months rolled by.
” on young people developing their own culture Reckless raves are all Covid kids have left “ Legislation by successive governments did quite a lot to squash rave but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the growth of easier options .
People moan about Glastonbury toilets but at least there are some .
The natural home of dance music , meanwhile , stopped feeling like a barn or a warehouse or a field , and started feeling like those expensive superclubs you get in Ibiza that look like the inside of an Audi .
Anybody inclined to moan too much about this evolution is almost certainly a bore and a pseud ... Sure , it ’ s irresponsible .
I read yesterday about a study that found people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sociopaths and I ’ m fully on board with that , even if it does mean that there must have been a frankly improbable number of sociopaths in that Tesco garage we stopped in last night in Camden.
” 4 .
Paul Krugman in The New York Times on aid to the unemployed Trump Had One Good Response to Covid-19 .
His Party Killed It .
“ It may take some time before we see the full effects of this abandonment of American workers , but it ’ s a good bet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a surge in evictions and , in general , the kind of mass suffering we managed to avoid in the first round of the Covid-19 crisis .
In retrospect , then , the one praiseworthy feature of U.S. policy in this pandemic year appears to have been a lucky accident .
Back in March , the economy and the markets were falling apart .
Democrats had some good ideas about what to do , while Republicans had no ideas at all .
And a panicked Trump let himself be rushed into doing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 under control , so that we could safely reopen more of the economy , that moment of accidental good sense might have been enough .
But we didn ’ t , and it wasn ’ t .
Trump did one good thing in response to the pandemic - and then he and his party killed it.
” 5 .
Richard Seymour , political activist and author of The Twittering Machine , in The Guardian How did the US ’ s mainstream right end up openly supporting vigilante terror ?
“ Today ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of consensus reality , and on the disintegrating authority of older gatekeepers of truth .
More importantly , it milks a fascination with the destruction of one ’ s enemies and , tacitly , oneself .
In the past , apocalyptic fantasy has been seen as a paranoid reaction to economic deprivation and political persecution .
That was true of peasant movements such as the Lazzarettists , who launched a violent revolt against the government and the ruling class in 19th-century Italy , but it hardly explains the disproportionately affluent Trump base , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Washington journalists such as Tucker Carlson rationalising murder in cold blood .
Apocalyptic conspiracy thinking is , above all , a theodicy : it explains evil , and says what will be done about evil .
The end times thinking that is sweeping the US , and justifying every new outrage , is the theodicy of groups frightened of losing their power and arming themselves to defend it .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Marcus Ryder, chair of the Sir Lenny Henry Centre for Media Diversity, in The Independent
on how to save the Auntie
As a former BBC executive, I believe there is really only one solution to all of the corporation’s ills
“[New director general Tim] Davie needs fresh solutions grounded in real experiences and knowledge if he has any hope in devising new solutions to new and impending crises. Academic study after study shows that institutions come to better decisions when they have better diversity. A Boston Consulting Group study showed that companies with more diverse management have 19 per cent higher revenues due to increased innovation. Another study by Peterson Institute for International Economics proved that companies with more women in the C-Suite suite positions are more profitable. And management consultant firm McKinsey recently published a report that found corporations that embrace gender diversity on their executive teams were 21 per cent more likely to experience above-average profitability. And yet – despite its public pronouncements – the broadcaster has serious shortcomings when it comes to diversity.”
2. Angela Epstein in The Daily Telegraph
on delaying A-levels and GCSEs
If our children can manage going back to school, our politicians should be able to as well
“Even before our pupils have had a chance to shuffle into morning registration, Gavin Williamson has already indicated that public exams may be delayed next summer. Our ineffectual, position-flipping education secretary said today that he is studying plans for such a move ‘with the aim of creating more teaching time’... Has this Government learnt nothing of the profound cost paid by our children for the cancellation of this year’s GCSEs and A-levels? Their premature response to the pandemic, back in March, immediately stripped students of any kind of direction. Focus and routine were vanquished overnight, the pencil case replaced by the remote control. Parents like myself looked on with leaden hearts and in helpless despair as the months rolled by.”
3. Hugo Rifkind in The Times
on young people developing their own culture
Reckless raves are all Covid kids have left
“Legislation by successive governments did quite a lot to squash rave but what did more, almost certainly, was the growth of easier options. People moan about Glastonbury toilets but at least there are some. The natural home of dance music, meanwhile, stopped feeling like a barn or a warehouse or a field, and started feeling like those expensive superclubs you get in Ibiza that look like the inside of an Audi. Anybody inclined to moan too much about this evolution is almost certainly a bore and a pseud... Sure, it’s irresponsible. I read yesterday about a study that found people who won’t wear masks might be sociopaths and I’m fully on board with that, even if it does mean that there must have been a frankly improbable number of sociopaths in that Tesco garage we stopped in last night in Camden.”
4. Paul Krugman in The New York Times
on aid to the unemployed
Trump Had One Good Response to Covid-19. His Party Killed It.
“It may take some time before we see the full effects of this abandonment of American workers, but it’s a good bet that we’ll see slowing growth, a surge in evictions and, in general, the kind of mass suffering we managed to avoid in the first round of the Covid-19 crisis. In retrospect, then, the one praiseworthy feature of U.S. policy in this pandemic year appears to have been a lucky accident. Back in March, the economy and the markets were falling apart. Democrats had some good ideas about what to do, while Republicans had no ideas at all. And a panicked Trump let himself be rushed into doing something good. If we had brought Covid-19 under control, so that we could safely reopen more of the economy, that moment of accidental good sense might have been enough. But we didn’t, and it wasn’t. Trump did one good thing in response to the pandemic - and then he and his party killed it.”
5. Richard Seymour, political activist and author of The Twittering Machine, in The Guardian
on conspiracy theories of rightwing groups
How did the US’s mainstream right end up openly supporting vigilante terror?
“Today’s conspiracist bricolage thrives on the collapse of consensus reality, and on the disintegrating authority of older gatekeepers of truth. More importantly, it milks a fascination with the destruction of one’s enemies and, tacitly, oneself. In the past, apocalyptic fantasy has been seen as a paranoid reaction to economic deprivation and political persecution. That was true of peasant movements such as the Lazzarettists, who launched a violent revolt against the government and the ruling class in 19th-century Italy, but it hardly explains the disproportionately affluent Trump base, and it doesn’t explain rich Washington journalists such as Tucker Carlson rationalising murder in cold blood. Apocalyptic conspiracy thinking is, above all, a theodicy: it explains evil, and says what will be done about evil. The end times thinking that is sweeping the US, and justifying every new outrage, is the theodicy of groups frightened of losing their power and arming themselves to defend it.”


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Nine London restaurants with alfresco terraces and rooftops

When it comes to eating out , London is one of the best cities in the world .
Name a cuisine - there ’ s a restaurant for it .
There are also plenty of places with incredible outdoor seating , from gorgeous rooftops in Paddington to leafy terraces boasting riverside views in Canary Wharf .
DesignMyNight picks out some of the capital ’ s unmissable gems .
From float-in cinemas to barges serving brunch , Paddington has a lot going for it , and that ’ s without mentioning Skylark .
This rooftop gives off New York City vibes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and lots of space to ensure you and your group can socially distance in peace .
Food comes in the form of light snacks to a dedicated pizza menu with six Italian classics , all of which are perfect for soaking up the venue ’ s daiquiris and porn star martinis .
If you ’ re keen to soar above London ’ s streets then make your way to Aviary .
This elegant rooftop bar and restaurant can be found on the tenth floor of the Montcalm Hotel in Finsbury Square .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ views of the city skyline are enough to make your eyes water .
As for the food ?
It ’ s all about classic dishes done right .
For views that would rival any trip around the London Eye , say hello to The Rooftop St. James .
This skyward bar and restaurant plates up stunning vistas of Trafalgar Square where you can eye spy tourists flocking around Nelson ’ s Column and the adjoining fountains .
Sights aside , this is a remarkable place for dinner , and come the weekend a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the menu .
Madison is known for its position next to St Paul ’ s Cathedral and views of London ’ s skyline .
This vibrant rooftop restaurant is responsible for buttermilk halloumi burgers and gigantic seafood platters , and that ’ s just the terrace menu .
Make your way inside to the indoor restaurant ( if it gets too cold ) and you ’ ll find a fully-fledged menu for dinner and brunch .
There aren ’ t many who would travel to Canary Wharf for a day or night out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come out of the woodwork the past year - namely Electric Shuffle - and another to note is No.35 Mackenzie Walk .
Known as the area ’ s newest bar and terrace , it boasts terrific views of the river and on the weekend it serves up a bottomless mojito brunch .
Midweek is no mean feat either with an impressive all-day menu to keep you coming back for more .
Ever-popular amongst the Instagram community , Dalloway Terrace has opened its doors once again for picture-perfect evenings .
This gorgeous hideaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous character , Mrs Dalloway , and in tune with its previous installations , it has a brand new flower-filled alfresco space .
The quintessentially English restaurant has a menu for just about anything too , think brunch and afternoon tea right through to lunch and dinner .
You can find Hush Mayfair down a cobbled street in west London and in terms of locating it , you won ’ t have a tough job .
Its terrace is unmissable , decorated with hundreds of eye-catching pink and purple flowers .
Hush has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spaces ( not to mention a private dining room ) but the covered outdoor space is a winner no matter the weather .
Boasting lobster roll sandwiches and black cod mains , the only issue is deciding what to order .
The Waterside Bar and Restaurant is located on the banks of Imperial Wharf and is something of a hidden gem .
This riverside bar boasts eagle eye views of the marina with lots of outdoor Chesterfield sofas to sink into .
Perfect for a romantic date night by the water or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plenty of space to have a small and intimate gathering outdoors .
What if it rains ?
They ’ ve got you covered with plenty of parasols .
With its dazzling looks and central location , The Lighterman is a real gem .
It ’ s only a few minutes ’ stroll from King ’ s Cross station and making your way there is pretty much fool-proof .
The bar and alfresco terrace overlooks Regent ’ s Canal and there are plenty of menus to choose from .
Try the homely Sunday roast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are served by the glass or jug .
For more information on the best restaurants in London and across the UK , see DesignMyNight.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook ; @ DesignMyNight

One of the newer additions to London’s bar scene, Sabine resides at the top of the Leonardo Royal Hotel on the seventh floor. The rooftop bar has something that “almost none of the others do”, said Jason Allen on The Nudge, a “close up view” of St Paul’s Cathedral. The roof deck has a couple of sun terraces; “turn one way” and you’ll see The Shard staring right back at you. “Turn the other way”, it’s the London Eye.


theweekuk--2020-09-01--‘No crisis’ at Ferrari but the pressure is on ahead of F1 double-header in Italy

Mattia Binotto insists there ’ s no “ crisis ” at Ferrari despite another terrible weekend on the track for the Italian Formula 1 team .
While rivals Mercedes celebrated a one-two at the Belgium Grand Prix , with Lewis Hamilton winning ahead of Valtteri Bottas , Ferrari were miles off the pace .
Sebastian Vettel finished 13th and team-mate Charles Leclerc was 14th as Ferrari failed to win a point for the second time this season .
The poor performance at Spa-Francorchamps means Ferrari are only fifth in the constructors ’ championship with 61 points from the opening seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are a massive 200 points behind leaders Mercedes and Formula1.com reports that the Scuderia are on course for their “ worst season in 40 years ” .
The Guardian says the slump in performance has been “ directly attributed to a reduction in engine power after questions over its legality last season led to an investigation and subsequent rule clarification from the FIA ” .
Despite having been angered by the result in Belgium , Ferrari team principal Binotto played down any crisis at Maranello .
“ We are disappointed and angry , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good reason , ” he said .
“ It ’ s a difficult moment in a season that we knew from the start would be a tough one , but it ’ s at times like this that we need to stand firm and look ahead in order to get over this difficult period .
It ’ s the only way we will get out of this situation .
“ It is wrong to use the word ‘ crisis ’ for the moment we are going through .
We all take responsibility for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team principal as well as all those who work in Maranello .
“ We are all in the same boat but although the team is in the middle of a storm we are very united .
There is no crisis , no tension.
” GP Blog reports that the Italian media was critical of Ferrari ’ s display in Belgium .
La Repubblica described the weekend as “ slow , poor and unreliable ” while La Gazzetta dello Sport said there was a “ lack of ideas and guts ” .
Pressure is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F1 double-header .
The Italian GP takes place next Sunday at Monza followed by the Tuscan GP at Mugello on 13 September .
The Mugello circuit is owned by Ferrari and the race will be their 1,000th grand prix .
Vettel says the team are focussed on putting things right in the two races in Italy - but warned fans not to expect “ miracles ” .
The German driver said : “ We have two important races coming up for the team in the next two weeks so that is where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be realistic as we can not expect miracles .
“ The package is what it is , we are not as strong as we would like to be , so we need to stay optimistic and see the good things , even if at the minute there are not many .
”

Mattia Binotto insists there’s no “crisis” at Ferrari despite another terrible weekend on the track for the Italian Formula 1 team.
While rivals Mercedes celebrated a one-two at the Belgium Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton winning ahead of Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari were miles off the pace. Sebastian Vettel finished 13th and team-mate Charles Leclerc was 14th as Ferrari failed to win a point for the second time this season.
The poor performance at Spa-Francorchamps means Ferrari are only fifth in the constructors’ championship with 61 points from the opening seven races of the 2020 season. They are a massive 200 points behind leaders Mercedes and Formula1.com reports that the Scuderia are on course for their “worst season in 40 years”.
Binotto: we must stand firm
The Guardian says the slump in performance has been “directly attributed to a reduction in engine power after questions over its legality last season led to an investigation and subsequent rule clarification from the FIA”.
Despite having been angered by the result in Belgium, Ferrari team principal Binotto played down any crisis at Maranello.
“We are disappointed and angry, as indeed are our fans and with good reason,” he said. “It’s a difficult moment in a season that we knew from the start would be a tough one, but it’s at times like this that we need to stand firm and look ahead in order to get over this difficult period. It’s the only way we will get out of this situation.
“It is wrong to use the word ‘crisis’ for the moment we are going through. We all take responsibility for this situation. I take that as team principal as well as all those who work in Maranello.
“We are all in the same boat but although the team is in the middle of a storm we are very united. There is no crisis, no tension.”
Italian papers slam Spa shocker
GP Blog reports that the Italian media was critical of Ferrari’s display in Belgium. La Repubblica described the weekend as “slow, poor and unreliable” while La Gazzetta dello Sport said there was a “lack of ideas and guts”.
Pressure is now on Ferrari ahead of the home F1 double-header. The Italian GP takes place next Sunday at Monza followed by the Tuscan GP at Mugello on 13 September. The Mugello circuit is owned by Ferrari and the race will be their 1,000th grand prix.
Vettel says the team are focussed on putting things right in the two races in Italy - but warned fans not to expect “miracles”.
The German driver said: “We have two important races coming up for the team in the next two weeks so that is where we focus, but we also have to be realistic as we cannot expect miracles.
“The package is what it is, we are not as strong as we would like to be, so we need to stay optimistic and see the good things, even if at the minute there are not many.”


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Copy Sweden’s coronavirus response, says WHO special envoy

A top World Health Organization ( WHO ) official has praised Sweden ’ s coronavirus response and suggested that more @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s lead .
Dr David Nabarro , one of the UN health agency @ @ @ @ @ on Covid-19 , acknowledged “ serious problems ” in Swedish care homes , which led @ @ @ @ @ early in the pandemic , but said the country had showed how “ you can @ @ @ @ @ the virus in your midst ” .
As Bloomberg reports , Sweden “ imposed far @ @ @ @ @ others , and instead relied on Swedes to act responsibly and embrace the guidelines laid @ @ @ @ @ s health authorities ” .

A top World Health Organization (WHO) official has praised Sweden’s coronavirus response and suggested that more countries should follow the Nordic nation’s lead.
Dr David Nabarro, one of the UN health agency’s six special envoy on Covid-19, acknowledged “serious problems” in Swedish care homes, which led to a high mortality rate early in the pandemic, but said the country had showed how “you can go about life while having the virus in your midst”.
As Bloomberg reports, Sweden “imposed far fewer restrictions on movement than others, and instead relied on Swedes to act responsibly and embrace the guidelines laid out by the country’s health authorities”.
Sweden’s overall death rate of 57 per 100,000 people is the world’s tenth highest, according to Johns Hopkins University.
But unlike in many other European countries, the number of new cases reported in Sweden has been falling in recent weeks.
Over the past week, the tally of people testing positive has averaged 147 per day - equivalent to ten new cases per 100,000 people. The equivalent figure is 122 in Spain, 54 in France and 14 in the UK, according to Statista.
Even New Zealand, where only 22 people have died from Covid-19, could learn from the Swedish approach, Nabarro told Auckland-based Magic radio.
He praised New Zealand’s response as “strong from the start”, but said its strategy would have to adapt.
“Now of course comes the difficult part,” he said. “How do you keep the economy going, how do you maintain relations with your neighbours and how do you restart social and school life?”
Nabarro also warned against holding out for a vaccine.
“I want us to learn to get used to living with this virus without hoping for a vaccine, because I’m really nervous that the world will go into some kind of suspended animation for a long period of time,” he explained.


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Boris Johnson’s to-do list: what is waiting for the PM on his return to work?

Even by the standards of the last four years in politics , Boris Johnson has had a busy 2020 .
Since winning a landslide election in December , the prime minister has led Britain out of the EU and overseen talks on future trade deals ; handled the country ’ s coronavirus response while personally battling Covid-19 after becoming infected ; and had a child with his partner Carrie Symonds .
And as he returns to his desk today after a brief break in Scotland , the flood of major events and crises shows no signs of abating .
Here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s to-do list .
Schools in England and Wales are reopening their doors from today , while children in Scotland and Northern Ireland began returning to their classrooms yesterday .
“ Downing Street and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson are increasingly bullish that things will go according to plan , despite concerns among teachers and parents , ” writes Politico ’ s London Playbook editor Alex Wickham .
Following last week ’ s U-turn on face masks in secondary schools , Downing Street will be pulling out the stops to avoid another wobble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With children stowed at school , Johnson will also have his sights set on getting workers back into the office .
According to Politico ’ s Wickham , sources have “ cautioned against expecting any big government campaign to urge people back to offices this week ” .
All the same , reopening offices “ has become the first major battleground as Tory MPs head back to Westminster ” , he adds .
The issue is being pushed into the spotlight as the government winds down the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing calls from Labour to extend the scheme , and “ the continued stand-off between the government , employers , unions and workers over a return to city-centre offices only compounds the chancellor ’ s woes ” , says The Times ’ Red Box reporter Patrick Maguire .
With the job retention scheme set to wrap up , attention is turning to how to pay the sizable bill racked up in tackling the coronavirus crisis .
As The Times ’ Maguire writes , “ with each spending commitment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertow of anxiety : how will the Treasury pay for it ?
” The chancellor has been warned against massive tax hikes , with “ Conservative backbenchers argu [ ing ] they would damage economic recovery ” , The Guardian reports .
However , the alternative for Johnson is another round of austerity - a move that , as Maguire notes , would “ clobber ” the Tory voters won from Labour in the December election .
Talk of opening offices again will only continue for as long as Covid is under control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recording the country ’ s highest daily tally of new cases since 4 June , and the largest for a weekend day since mid-May , ex-government adviser Professor Neil Ferguson has warned that “ we don ’ t have much room for manoeuvre ” .
Politico ’ s Wickham claims that the government ’ s decision not to call more aggressively for a return to the morning commute is a sign that Downing Street is “ erring on the side of caution ” , but that view is not shared by a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baker told the Daily Mail last week that “ if our cities are going to thrive then everyone who can needs to be back in the office ” .
He added : “ I hope that , as well as getting children back to school , the prime minister will find ways to incentivise employers to get their staff back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
” Johnson has so far dodged a dispute with his party over balancing the fear of a second wave with economic damage .
But as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just beginning ” .
“ One of the greatest changes in Scotland is that people have grown bored with moaners and naysayers , ” Scottish independence campaigner and Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh said in the run-up to the 2014 independence referendum .
Having been given plenty to moan and grumble about since then , Scots appear less keen to back the union if given a say for a second time .
YouGov polling in early August saw the “ yes ” vote on independence leading by 53 % to 47 % .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with YouGov currently putting the Scottish National Party ( SNP ) on 57 % on the constituency vote and 47 % on the list vote .
“ Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP seemingly unassailable , ” says The Times ’ Maguire .
“ Polls suggest a nationalist landslide and with it , an elusive Holyrood majority that could derail Mr Johnson ’ s premiership.
” When Johnson brought right-hand man Dominic Cummings into Downing Street , alarm bells began ringing at Whitehall .
The brains behind the Leave campaign , Cummings has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the civil service in his crosshairs since serving as a policy adviser to Michael Gove in the Department for Education .
The civil service is yet to return to the office in large numbers , a state of play that Johnson will need to amend before calling on the rest of the country to head back into work .
But the showdown over Cummings ’ proposed reforms will be the real battleground .
The appointment of the Duke of Cambridge ’ s former private secretary Simon Case as cabinet secretary is seen as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Magurire , who claims that “ Johnson ’ s drive to reform the civil service has accelerated in recent weeks ” .
With or without EU ?
With time ticking down on the transition period , Johnson also has to make the final decision over whether Britain leaves the EU without a deal on 31 December .
Writing in The Sunday Times last month , political editor Tim Shipman said that the thinking within the UK negotiating team is that unless the EU moves on state aid rules , Britain will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement .
“ In the world of Covid-19 bailouts , Cummings , in particular , regards freedom to intervene as even more crucial , ” Shipman wrote .
“ Another example of the virus making no-deal more , not less , likely.
” Both Brussels and Downing Street are “ pessimistic ” about getting a deal through , The Times ’ Maguire adds .
But with YouGov polling suggesting that Remain would edge a second vote on membership , a no-deal outcome will need to be sold to the public .

Even by the standards of the last four years in politics, Boris Johnson has had a busy 2020.
Since winning a landslide election in December, the prime minister has led Britain out of the EU and overseen talks on future trade deals; handled the country’s coronavirus response while personally battling Covid-19 after becoming infected; and had a child with his partner Carrie Symonds.
And as he returns to his desk today after a brief break in Scotland, the flood of major events and crises shows no signs of abating. Here are the most pressing issues on Johnson’s to-do list.
Back to school
Schools in England and Wales are reopening their doors from today, while children in Scotland and Northern Ireland began returning to their classrooms yesterday.
“Downing Street and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson are increasingly bullish that things will go according to plan, despite concerns among teachers and parents,” writes Politico’s London Playbook editor Alex Wickham.
Following last week’s U-turn on face masks in secondary schools, Downing Street will be pulling out the stops to avoid another wobble.
… and back to the office
With children stowed at school, Johnson will also have his sights set on getting workers back into the office.
According to Politico’s Wickham, sources have “cautioned against expecting any big government campaign to urge people back to offices this week”. All the same, reopening offices “has become the first major battleground as Tory MPs head back to Westminster”, he adds.
The issue is being pushed into the spotlight as the government winds down the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which is due to end on 31 October.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is facing calls from Labour to extend the scheme, and “the continued stand-off between the government, employers, unions and workers over a return to city-centre offices only compounds the chancellor’s woes”, says The Times’ Red Box reporter Patrick Maguire.
Footing the Covid bill
With the job retention scheme set to wrap up, attention is turning to how to pay the sizable bill racked up in tackling the coronavirus crisis. As The Times’ Maguire writes, “with each spending commitment made by Rishi Sunak has come an undertow of anxiety: how will the Treasury pay for it?”


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Coronavirus: has lost school time set the timer on a second exam scandal?

The learning gap between rich and poor pupils in England has increased dramatically during the coronavirus crisis , a survey of teachers has found .
According to a newly published report from the National Foundation for Educational Research ( NFER ) , interviews with 3,000 teachers across 2,200 schools in England suggest that the gap between some disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers had widened by as much as 46 % by the end of the last school year .
As the new term kicks off following the recent exam results chaos , Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has hinted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exams could be delayed in order to allow struggling students enough time to catch up .
But can the government prevent further grading mayhem ?
What did the report say ?
The survey of teachers was carried out just before the end of term in July and found that on average , school staff had covered just 66 % of their usual curriculum for the 2019-2020 academic year .
The “ average learning lost was three months for all pupils ” , but “ more than half of pupils at schools in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more , compared with just 15 % of those in the least deprived areas ” , The Guardian reports .
Black and minority ethnic ( BAME ) children appear to have been hit hardest by the disruption to teaching following the start of lockdown in March , and boys are generally further behind than girls .
Overall , teachers estimate that 44 % of pupils are in need of intensive catch-up support , with “ teachers in the most deprived schools ( 57 % ) more likely to say this than those in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , reports the BBC .
Paul Whiteman , general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers ( NAHT ) , says the new report is “ another alarm bell that the government needs to pay attention to ” .
“ Schools were already struggling to provide everything children needed before this crisis , damaged as they and other social services have been by a decade of austerity , ” he added .
What about exams next summer ?
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told The Telegraph that next year ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to give students more time to study .
“ I know there ’ s some concern about next year ’ s exams , and that ’ s why we ’ ve been working with Ofqual on changes we can make to help pupils when they take GCSEs and A levels next year , ” he said .
“ Ofqual will continue to work with the education sector and other stakeholders on whether there should be a short delay to the GCSE , A and AS-level exam timetable in 2021 , with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” A number of experts had previously called for 2021 exams to be delayed , with Labour ’ s shadow education secretary Kate Green warning yesterday that students starting Year 11 and 13 had “ a mountain to climb ” .
Will delays lead to further issues ?
Despite Williamson ’ s pledge that “ no child will be left behind ” , a delay to exams is “ not without its problems ” either , according to NAHT general secretary Whiteman .
“ A consequential delay to the publication of results will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as universities and colleges as well as employers , ” he said .
“ All this will need to be dealt with.
” As The Telegraph notes , postponing exams could “ lead to a delay in results being published ” , and universities admission service UCAS would “ have to agree to it so that enough time was available to allocate university places , including the clearing process for students who fail to get into their first choice institutions ” .
But despite such issues , the NAHT says that a delay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the National Education Union ’ s joint general secretary Mary Bousted has argued that such a measure is “ part of the solution ” .

The learning gap between rich and poor pupils in England has increased dramatically during the coronavirus crisis, a survey of teachers has found.
According to a newly published report from the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER), interviews with 3,000 teachers across 2,200 schools in England suggest that the gap between some disadvantaged pupils and their wealthier peers had widened by as much as 46% by the end of the last school year.
As the new term kicks off following the recent exam results chaos, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has hinted that next summer’s GCSE and A-level exams could be delayed in order to allow struggling students enough time to catch up. But can the government prevent further grading mayhem?
What did the report say?
The survey of teachers was carried out just before the end of term in July and found that on average, school staff had covered just 66% of their usual curriculum for the 2019-2020 academic year.
The “average learning lost was three months for all pupils”, but “more than half of pupils at schools in the most deprived areas lost four months or more, compared with just 15% of those in the least deprived areas”, The Guardian reports.
Black and minority ethnic (BAME) children appear to have been hit hardest by the disruption to teaching following the start of lockdown in March, and boys are generally further behind than girls.
Overall, teachers estimate that 44% of pupils are in need of intensive catch-up support, with “teachers in the most deprived schools (57%) more likely to say this than those in the wealthiest schools (32%)”, reports the BBC.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), says the new report is “another alarm bell that the government needs to pay attention to”.
“Schools were already struggling to provide everything children needed before this crisis, damaged as they and other social services have been by a decade of austerity,” he added.
What about exams next summer?
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has told The Telegraph that next year’s GCSE and A-level exams could be delayed in order to give students more time to study.


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Shops start stocking the Christmas shelves

The summer holidays have only just finished but according to some of the UK ’ s major retailers , it ’ s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas .
Although the big day is still more than 16 weeks away , many “ lockdown-weary ” Brits are taking their minds off the coronavirus pandemic by planning for the festive season , says Sky News .
Shops are fuelling the festive fun by stocking shelves with Christmas items , with Sainsbury ’ s to start selling panettone and stollen from tomorrow .
Asda will have mince pies for sale @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from next week .
But as the broadcaster notes , John Lewis “ stole a march on all of them ” , with the retailer ’ s online Christmas shop opening on Monday last week - ten days earlier than in 2019 .
Online searches for Christmas products on the John Lewis website were already up by 370 % in August compared with the same period last year .
In a statement , the group ’ s Christmas buyer , Jason Billings-Cray , said that “ Christmas celebrations mostly take place in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown has made people think more about their homes , so perhaps we shouldn ’ t be surprised that people are already thinking about how they will decorate their homes this Christmas .
“ During the lockdown , many people have spent more time outdoors and become closer to nature .
From the hundreds of emails from customers asking to be alerted when specific decorations become available it looks as if animal baubles will be the most popular this year , with peacocks , squirrels and toucans topping the list of most wanted.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 42 % year-on-year on the website of Waitrose , John Lewis ’ s grocery division .
The number of customers looking for Christmas puddings in July and August was up by 75 % , while mince pie searches rose by more than 110 % .
And “ searches for mincemeat are up nearly 400 % as people think about making their own mince pies ” , says Billings-Cray.

The summer holidays have only just finished but according to some of the UK’s major retailers, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.
Although the big day is still more than 16 weeks away, many “lockdown-weary” Brits are taking their minds off the coronavirus pandemic by planning for the festive season, says Sky News.
Shops are fuelling the festive fun by stocking shelves with Christmas items, with Sainsbury’s to start selling panettone and stollen from tomorrow. Asda will have mince pies for sale from Thursday, with Tesco following suit from next week.
But as the broadcaster notes, John Lewis “stole a march on all of them”, with the retailer’s online Christmas shop opening on Monday last week - ten days earlier than in 2019.
Online searches for Christmas products on the John Lewis website were already up by 370% in August compared with the same period last year.
In a statement, the group’s Christmas buyer, Jason Billings-Cray, said that “Christmas celebrations mostly take place in our homes and we have seen how the lockdown has made people think more about their homes, so perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that people are already thinking about how they will decorate their homes this Christmas.
“During the lockdown, many people have spent more time outdoors and become closer to nature. From the hundreds of emails from customers asking to be alerted when specific decorations become available it looks as if animal baubles will be the most popular this year, with peacocks, squirrels and toucans topping the list of most wanted.”
Christmas-related searches are also up by 42% year-on-year on the website of Waitrose, John Lewis’s grocery division.
The number of customers looking for Christmas puddings in July and August was up by 75%, while mince pie searches rose by more than 110%.
And “searches for mincemeat are up nearly 400% as people think about making their own mince pies”, says Billings-Cray.


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Who is Simon Case: the ‘free-thinking’ Boris Johnson ally set to head the civil service

A close ally of Boris Johnson who previously served as assistant to the Duke of Cambridge is in line to take up the role as the UK ’ s most senior civil servant .
According to the BBC , sources say Simon Case is to be announced as cabinet secretary at a cabinet meeting today .
A Cabinet Office spokesperson confirmed that an announcement about the position would be made , but made no mention of Case , who was appointed permanent secretary at 10 Downing Street earlier this year .
Case has been a civil servant since 2006 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s right-hand man ” before being seconded to No .
10 earlier this year to aid the coronavirus response , the BBC reports .
Case will replace Mark Sedwill in the role of cabinet secretary , a position with responsibility for advising the prime minister on implementing policy and the general conduct of government .
Aged just 41 , Case will be “ the youngest cabinet secretary for decades ” , but has “ significant government and Downing Street experience ” , says The Guardian .
He worked at No .
10 under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of strategy for spy agency GCHQ .
After returning to Downing Street , Case stayed on as principal private secretary when Theresa May became PM , but left in 2017 to work on Irish border issues connected to Brexit .
“ With his tailored tweed suits and Barbour jackets , Simon Case has always cut a dash in Whitehall , ” the Financial Times reports .
But he “ was seen as too inexperienced to succeed Mark Sedwill as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service ” , the newspaper adds .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ told allies that he wanted Case to be “ my Jeremy ” - a reference to late former cabinet secretary Jeremy Heywood , who served both Cameron and May .
Fellow civil servants believe that like Heywood , who died in 2018 , Case has “ political guile ” , reports the FT .
But most think that Case is “ not in the same league as Heywood , either in terms of experience , management skills or political nous ” , according to the paper .
So what are the implications of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a relative outsider close to Johnson will be linked by observers to a desire in No .
10 to radically reshape the civil service , ” The Guardian reports .
Or as The Times puts it , Johnson ’ s “ free-thinking ally ” is expected to “ shake up ” the status quo .
The FT adds that some officials suggest that Case is a “ Yes man ” who got the job because he will be “ the creature of Dominic Cummings ” , who has long touted plans to bring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , ex-senior civil servant Gabriel Milland argues that Case is “ a formidable operator ” , with “ supreme skill ... as a fixer ” .
After returning to Downing Street , Case “ earned a reputation as a spotter of unexploded landmines who was able to defuse them ” , Milland writes in an article for The Times .
“ While a reputation for U-turns has been attached to this government , there would probably have been more without him .
”

A close ally of Boris Johnson who previously served as assistant to the Duke of Cambridge is in line to take up the role as the UK’s most senior civil servant.
According to the BBC, sources say Simon Case is to be announced as cabinet secretary at a cabinet meeting today.
A Cabinet Office spokesperson confirmed that an announcement about the position would be made, but made no mention of Case, who was appointed permanent secretary at 10 Downing Street earlier this year.
Who is Simon Case?
Case has been a civil servant since 2006, and served as “Prince William’s right-hand man” before being seconded to No. 10 earlier this year to aid the coronavirus response, the BBC reports.
Case will replace Mark Sedwill in the role of cabinet secretary, a position with responsibility for advising the prime minister on implementing policy and the general conduct of government.
Aged just 41, Case will be “the youngest cabinet secretary for decades”, but has “significant government and Downing Street experience”, says The Guardian.
He worked at No. 10 under David Cameron, before serving as head of strategy for spy agency GCHQ. After returning to Downing Street, Case stayed on as principal private secretary when Theresa May became PM, but left in 2017 to work on Irish border issues connected to Brexit.
“With his tailored tweed suits and Barbour jackets, Simon Case has always cut a dash in Whitehall,” the Financial Times reports. But he “was seen as too inexperienced to succeed Mark Sedwill as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service”, the newspaper adds.
However, Johnson is understood to have told allies that he wanted Case to be “my Jeremy” - a reference to late former cabinet secretary Jeremy Heywood, who served both Cameron and May.
Fellow civil servants believe that like Heywood, who died in 2018, Case has “political guile”, reports the FT. But most think that Case is “not in the same league as Heywood, either in terms of experience, management skills or political nous”, according to the paper.
So what are the implications of his appointment?
“The choice of a relative outsider close to Johnson will be linked by observers to a desire in No. 10 to radically reshape the civil service,” The Guardian reports.
Or as The Times puts it, Johnson’s “free-thinking ally” is expected to “shake up” the status quo.
The FT adds that some officials suggest that Case is a “Yes man” who got the job because he will be “the creature of Dominic Cummings”, who has long touted plans to bring a “hard rain” on Whitehall.
However, ex-senior civil servant Gabriel Milland argues that Case is “a formidable operator”, with “supreme skill... as a fixer”.
After returning to Downing Street, Case “earned a reputation as a spotter of unexploded landmines who was able to defuse them”, Milland writes in an article for The Times. “While a reputation for U-turns has been attached to this government, there would probably have been more without him.”


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 1 Sep 2020

A teacher survey has found that pupils in England are three months behind in their studies after lockdown .
And @ @ @ @ @ poorer pupils and their wealthier peers has widened by 46 % during the past school @ @ @ @ @ disadvantaged and BAME pupils lost the most learning in lockdown and now require urgent support @ @ @ @ @ in England and Wales this week .

Gap between rich and poor pupils in England widens
A teacher survey has found that pupils in England are three months behind in their studies after lockdown. And the gap in England between poorer pupils and their wealthier peers has widened by 46% during the past school year. Research found that disadvantaged and BAME pupils lost the most learning in lockdown and now require urgent support as the new term begins in England and Wales this week.


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Cow urine and eucalyptus necklaces suggested to fight Covid-19

Eucalyptus necklaces , cow urine and petrol are among the unorthodox measures being suggested to fight Covid-19 .
In India , Hindu nationalist Swami Chakrapani advises people to drink the urine of a cow .
In Indonesia , the agriculture minister has proposed a eucalyptus-based “ antivirus necklace , ” while the Philippines says petrol can be used as a disinfectant .
The measures are not supported by official health organisations .
Asteroid to near Earth on eve of White House election An asteroid is heading towards Earth and is due to come close to the planet ’ s orbit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
However , its chances of disrupting the big day are slim : Nasa says the “ very small ” asteroid has just a 0.4 % chance of hitting the planet .
Mince pies and other festive snacks are arriving on supermarket shelves as stores go Christmassy even earlier than usual .
Panettone and stollen will be in Sainsbury 's stores from tomorrow , and mince pies will be available at Asda from Thursday .
John Lewis ’ Christmas products have been online for more than a week , having been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Eucalyptus necklaces, cow urine and petrol are among the unorthodox measures being suggested to fight Covid-19. In India, Hindu nationalist Swami Chakrapani advises people to drink the urine of a cow. In Indonesia, the agriculture minister has proposed a eucalyptus-based “antivirus necklace,” while the Philippines says petrol can be used as a disinfectant. The measures are not supported by official health organisations.
Asteroid to near Earth on eve of White House election
An asteroid is heading towards Earth and is due to come close to the planet’s orbit in time for the White House election in November. However, its chances of disrupting the big day are slim: Nasa says the “very small” asteroid has just a 0.4% chance of hitting the planet.
Mince pies hitting shelves as Xmas comes early
Mince pies and other festive snacks are arriving on supermarket shelves as stores go Christmassy even earlier than usual. Panettone and stollen will be in Sainsbury's stores from tomorrow, and mince pies will be available at Asda from Thursday. John Lewis’ Christmas products have been online for more than a week, having been launched 10 days earlier than last year.
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theweekuk--2020-09-01--Ford Transit Custom Nugget: adventures on and off the road

The trusty Ford Transit is truly one of the most versatile vans on the market .
Favoured by many tradesmen for carrying kit , or used for ferrying passengers , the Transit has now also become a must-have vehicle for adventure lovers .
Based on Ford ’ s Transit Custom van , the Transit Custom Nugget has been developed in partnership with camper specialists Westfalia and offers a fully-fitted camping interior with high-quality conversion work , advanced driver assistance and connectivity features .
It also includes a powerful and fuel-efficient Ford 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine .
Now available in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the extra length to provide a built-in toilet , wash basin and additional interior storage space .
“ From weekend getaways to staycation holidays with the whole family , we ’ re seeing growing demand for the adventure and freedom that campers provide , ” said Hans Schep , general manager , commercial vehicles , Ford of Europe .
“ Nugget lets customers enjoy light-filled , spacious living when parked up , and the additional features that come with the longer wheelbase model add to the ‘ home-from-home ’ experience.
” Available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Ford dealerships , with delivery in the first quarter of 2021 , the Ford Transit Custom Nugget is priced on the road from £59,608 ( including VAT ) .
The Nugget ’ s tilt roof permits easier access to multi-storey car parks or height-restricted rest areas and helps make driving in areas with overhanging trees or low bridges less challenging .
This then expands to provide a sleeping area containing a comfortable double bed .
The roof is light enough for simple manual operation , while a self-folding system automatically tensions the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when lowering for smooth operation and secure storage on the move .
It can also accommodate a roof rack to carry outdoor equipment .
In addition to sleeping quarters in the roof , the long wheelbase Nugget features a unique L-shaped interior layout .
Facilities include a kitchenette and spacious living and dining area , which can convert to comfortable travel seats for three people when on the move .
The seating area offers generous headroom even with the roof closed and is equipped with Isofix points to safely mount child seats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , high-speed internet is provided as standard via the FordPass Connect modem , creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices with connectivity available at up to 15 metres from the vehicle .

The trusty Ford Transit is truly one of the most versatile vans on the market.
Favoured by many tradesmen for carrying kit, or used for ferrying passengers, the Transit has now also become a must-have vehicle for adventure lovers.
Based on Ford’s Transit Custom van, the Transit Custom Nugget has been developed in partnership with camper specialists Westfalia and offers a fully-fitted camping interior with high-quality conversion work, advanced driver assistance and connectivity features. It also includes a powerful and fuel-efficient Ford 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel engine.
Now available in a long wheelbase version, the Nugget uses the extra length to provide a built-in toilet, wash basin and additional interior storage space.
“From weekend getaways to staycation holidays with the whole family, we’re seeing growing demand for the adventure and freedom that campers provide,” said Hans Schep, general manager, commercial vehicles, Ford of Europe.
“Nugget lets customers enjoy light-filled, spacious living when parked up, and the additional features that come with the longer wheelbase model add to the ‘home-from-home’ experience.”
Available to order in the UK from November directly through Ford dealerships, with delivery in the first quarter of 2021, the Ford Transit Custom Nugget is priced on the road from £59,608 (including VAT).
Flexible interior space
The Nugget’s tilt roof permits easier access to multi-storey car parks or height-restricted rest areas and helps make driving in areas with overhanging trees or low bridges less challenging.
This then expands to provide a sleeping area containing a comfortable double bed. The roof is light enough for simple manual operation, while a self-folding system automatically tensions the weather-resistant sides when raised and gathers slack when lowering for smooth operation and secure storage on the move. It can also accommodate a roof rack to carry outdoor equipment.
Connected home-from-home
In addition to sleeping quarters in the roof, the long wheelbase Nugget features a unique L-shaped interior layout. Facilities include a kitchenette and spacious living and dining area, which can convert to comfortable travel seats for three people when on the move. The seating area offers generous headroom even with the roof closed and is equipped with Isofix points to safely mount child seats.
Helping holiday-makers stay connected on the move, high-speed internet is provided as standard via the FordPass Connect modem, creating a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to ten devices with connectivity available at up to 15 metres from the vehicle.
In pictures: Ford Transit Custom Nugget


theweekuk--2020-09-01--What are the underlying health causes of most coronavirus deaths?

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People with dementia account for a quarter of all Covid-related deaths in England and Wales, according to a new study.
The research, published by the London School of Economics (LSE) and University College London (UCL), also found that 31% of coronavirus deaths in Scotland involved dementia sufferers.
The majority of people who do not survive the virus have at least one underlying condition. “Coronavirus was the sole cause of death for just 6% of fatalities” in the US, the Daily Mail reports, citing figures from the country’s Centers for Disease Control.
In the UK, the NHS has published a list of conditions linked with an “extreme risk” of coronavirus complications, with the most vulnerable including people who:
have had an organ transplant
are having chemotherapy and other cancer treatments
have a severe lung condition
have a condition that means they have a very high risk of getting infections
are taking medicine that makes them much more likely to get infections
have a serious heart condition or are pregnant.
Moderate risk groups include those who have a non-severe lung condition, heart disease, diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease or are very obese (with a BMI of 40 or above).
Neither of the risk lists include dementia, although the elderly are vulnerable to both diseases. In fact, age is the “biggest risk factor for dementia and older people are the most at-risk group for coronavirus, with 86% of all deaths among people aged 65 and over”, says The Guardian.
Dementia sufferers are also more likely to live in care homes, which have been badly affected by the virus in many countries. In Spain, 75% of care home residents with dementia died of Covid-19, according to the LSE/UCL study.
Alzheimer’s Disease International chief executive Paola Barbarino said the findings were “extremely worrying” and has called on governments to act.
“People with dementia are being disproportionately impacted by this pandemic and are in danger of being forgotten,” she added. “Now more than ever, we need to talk about dementia.”


theweekuk--2020-09-01--Rishi Sunak warned against ‘historic tax grab’ - so how can he foot the coronavirus bill?

Tory MPs are warning Rishi Sunak that a proposed £30bn tax grab to recoup the costs of the coronavirus crisis @ @ @ @ @ s economic recovery .
The chancellor is reportedly considering what the Daily Mail describes as @ @ @ @ @ ” in the Budget in November , after emergency spending to tackle the pandemic sent @ @ @ @ @ crashing past the £2trn mark for the first time .
But the plans have “ @ @ @ @ @ , many of whom are in mutinous mood following multiple recent policy U-turns ” , @ @ @ @ @ .
What does Sunak have planned ?
Treasury officials are pushing for the “ largest @ @ @ @ @ to plug the gaping holes in the public finances ” , according to The Telegraph @

Tory MPs are warning Rishi Sunak that a proposed £30bn tax grab to recoup the costs of the coronavirus crisis will stifle the country’s economic recovery.
The chancellor is reportedly considering what the Daily Mail describes as a “huge fiscal raid” in the Budget in November, after emergency spending to tackle the pandemic sent Britain’s public debt crashing past the £2trn mark for the first time.
But the plans have “provoked anger among Tory backbenchers, many of whom are in mutinous mood following multiple recent policy U-turns”, reports the i news site.
What does Sunak have planned?
Treasury officials are pushing for the “largest tax rises in a generation to plug the gaping holes in the public finances”, according to The Telegraph.
Sources told the newspaper that Sunak is considering a “quintuple whammy” of new levies comprising an increase in capital gains tax, an assault on pensions relief, a hike in petrol and other duties, a tax on online shopping, and a “simplification” of inheritance tax.
The Times reports that the chancellor “is also considering a proposal to increase corporation tax from 19% to 24%, a move that would raise £12bn next year, rising to £17bn in 2023-24, but would put the government on a collision course with businesses hit by the pandemic”.
In addition, the move “would tear up Tory orthodoxy that the UK should aim to have one of the most competitive rates in the world”, adds the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, the Institute for Fiscal Studies says that cutting pension tax relief to 20% would raise another £11bn, while a 2% online sales tax would bring in £2bn, and a 1% increase in fuel duty would make £295m.
And the reaction?
The proposals have “sparked a backlash” from Tory backbenchers, reports The Times. Marcus Fysh, Conservative MP for Yeovil, tweeted that tax increases were the “wrong response” to the Covid crisis, adding that “we need to help the economy, not strangle it”.
That message was echoed by former cabinet minister John Redwood, who wrote: “You cannot tax your way to faster growth and more prosperity.”
The plans have also been opposed by senior economists and business leaders, “who warn that raising taxes in the midst of the worst recession in 300 years would be ‘whistling in the wind’”, says The Telegraph.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--2020-21 FA Women’s Super League: the top players to watch

Defending champions Chelsea will be the team to beat when the new FA Women’s Super League (WSL) season gets underway this weekend.
Emma Hayes has strengthened the Chelsea squad with the signing of Danish star Pernille Harder from Wolfsburg.
The 27-year-old has penned a three-year contract with the Blues and the transfer fee of around £300,000 is said to be a world record for a female footballer.
Harder joins a Chelsea squad that already includes Australian striker Sam Kerr, one of the world’s top players, and England international Bethany England, who was named the WSL’s player of the year in July.
“I’m extremely happy and extremely excited to get started, to finally be here and be a Chelsea player,” said Harder. “I couldn’t be more happy. I’m excited to just play for such a big club, to play with so many amazing players and to also be playing in the league [Women’s Super League].
“The English league, it’s so exciting at the moment and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Harder is not the only star who will be playing in the WSL in the 2020-21 season. United States World Cup winners Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle have signed for Manchester City while Wales international Jess Fishlock returns to the WSL for the first time since 2012 after signing on loan for Reading from US National Women’s Soccer League side OL Reign.
‘Best in the world’
The high-profile signings have made the WSL the best women’s football league in the world, says former Arsenal and England forward Lianne Sanderson.
Speaking on The Women’s Football Show on Sky Sports, Sanderson said: “The WSL, it is, for me, the best league in the world now. It never used to be, I think the American league was, but the WSL is taking over.
“It’s great there are so many players moving, and I expect more transfers coming through as well. It’s exciting for the league. Mewis and Lavelle are the top two everybody is looking out for, but Fishlock coming back to play in England is also a big plus.”
Five players to watch in the WSL
Sam Kerr, Chelsea
The Australian superstar had a “day to forget” at Wembley last weekend, the BBC reports, despite Chelsea winning the Women’s Community Shield 2-0 against Manchester City. Even though the 26-year-old has only scored once since making her Chelsea debut in January she remains one of the world’s best players. Kerr has scored 149 goals in 227 career club games and has notched 42 goals on the international stage for the Matildas. Write her off at your peril...
Pernille Harder, Chelsea
Denmark captain Harder won a number of league titles and cups during her three-and-a-half years with Wolfsburg and scored 103 times in 113 matches for the German club. The 27-year-old attacker was named Uefa Player of the Year in 2018.
Rose Lavelle, Manchester City
Lavelle, a 25-year-old midfield ace, was awarded the Bronze Ball after scoring three goals, including one in the final, for the United States as they won the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup. After signing a one-year deal, she said: “I’m so excited to join Manchester City and I can’t wait to play alongside some really talented players. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing in England and competing in the Champions League.”
Sam Mewis, Manchester City
Lavelle is joined at Man City by fellow US World Cup winner Mewis. The midfielder’s arrival in England was described by The Guardian as “one of the biggest recruitment coups ever made by a Women’s Super League club”. Mewis said: “I hope I can bring my attacking mindset. I’m known for being aggressive and going forward. I think it’s a mentality piece that I’ve learned from my club team and the US team.”
Jess Fishlock, Reading
Midfielder Fishlock returns to the WSL for the first time since 2012 having signed on loan for Reading from US side OL Reign. The 33-year-old, Wales’s most-capped player, also won the Champions League during a spell on loan at Lyon. Fishlock told BBC Sport Wales: “With the NWSL not playing right now, I think all eyes will be on the WSL. With the worldwide climate as it is, all eyes are on us. Can they grab this opportunity with two hands and run with it? I think so, I think it’s the opportunity we’ve all been waiting for.”
We are BACK! 😍 Buckle up for our most exciting season yet… Just three days to go ⏳ pic.twitter.com/8HsBgdzx2I — Barclays Women's Super League (@BarclaysWSL) September 2, 2020
Opening fixtures and TV coverage
Selected WSL fixtures will be live on BT Sport and the BBC this season. Fans will also be able to follow all matches live via the FA Player, subject to some geographical restrictions.
BT Sport has also confirmed that the season opener on Saturday between Aston Villa and Manchester City will be free-to-air.
Saturday 5 September
Aston Villa vs. Manchester City (2.30pm, BT Sport 2)
Sunday 6 September
Arsenal vs. Reading (12.30pm, BBC Red Button) Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Birmingham City (2pm) Bristol City vs. Everton (2pm) Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United (2pm) Manchester United vs. Chelsea (2.30pm, BT Sport 1)
Saturday 12 September
West Ham United vs. Arsenal (5.20pm, BT Sport 1)
Sunday 13 September
Chelsea vs. Bristol City (12.30pm, BBC Red Button) Birmingham City vs. Manchester United (2pm) Everton vs. Tottenham (1pm) Manchester City vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (2pm) Reading vs. Aston Villa (2pm)


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Instant Opinion: who is ‘the best prime minister we never had’?

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the nearly men and women of British politics My vote for the best PM we never had “ Over the weekend my colleague Matt Chorley incautiously organised a Twitter poll in advance of discussing on Times Radio who should actually be considered , in the modern era , the best prime minister we never had ( BPMWNH ) .
[ Rab ] Butler or any number of rivals ?
Thousands of supporters of Jeremy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the winner .
Rather sweetly , they were so jubilant about their triumph — the victorious Mr Corbyn ( I promise I ’ m not making this up ) broadcast an acceptance speech — that Matt was forced to remind his followers that it had only been a bit of fun .
But of course it ’ s only fun because there is a serious edge .
It ’ s about considering the characteristics of a successful prime minister and reviewing the reputations of historical figures .
Let ’ s consider the basics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime minister , you ’ ve got to be able to win elections ...
So we shouldn ’ t consider any party leader who had the chance to be prime minister but was rejected by the voters .
Either they weren ’ t right for the job and couldn ’ t take people with them , or they weren ’ t running at the right time.
” Education in Britain is in turmoil , yet the government is still ignoring headteachers “ In a crisis or otherwise , the ideal route for any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ consult , prepare advice , brief leaders , and make a clear public announcement .
Instead , during the pandemic we have seen the government ignore the advice of experts , then make a hurried announcement , then dither ; and it all culminating with school and college leaders being left to mop up the ensuing problems .
The impact has been even more pronounced given the scale of government U-turns in recent months .
Meanwhile , most school and college leaders do not have any contractual entitlement to holiday leave – it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governing bodies of specific schools .
They are used to taking time off as and when the pressures of the job allow .
They understand that their summer holiday barely extends into August .
The preparation and distribution of results at this time is a key responsibility alongside all the staffing , premises management , and financial and timetable planning over the summer .
And yet , this year more than any other , there has been total disregard of the need for school and college leaders to be afforded adequate restorative time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Downing Street This is not the people ’ s government , but one obsessed with being all things to all people “ There is a propensity for government to shirk responsibility and find others at whom to point the finger of blame .
For years the EU offered itself up as a punch bag but still the Conservative-led government had to be dragged into Brexit , kicking and screaming – the job has still to be properly completed .
More recently , it has been the turn of quangos and the civil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of political blame ; and notwithstanding the government ’ s significant majority it has thus far failed to effect any meaningful reforms .
Its failure is not born out of the difficulties associated with getting these things done .
Its failure is born out of its own structural problems .
In its pursuit of power , the Conservative Party has sought to please the broadest possible cross section of the electorate ... Consequently it has lost any form of purpose , vision or ideology.
” on the culture war within Broadcasting House Relax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of right-wing comedy .
I should know , I ’ ve been on the receiving end of it “ Tim Davie , the box-fresh director of the BBC , wants an overhaul of comedy shows which are deemed to have too much left-wing bias .
Good news because , dammit , pro-government comedy has been stifled for too long .
Where are all the jokes about how annoying it is tripping up over homeless people when you ’ re on your way to Soho House ?
And my goodness I can not wait @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it like it is about refugees paddling over and living in Windsor Castle with the Queen , forcing her and Philip to camp under the gazebo .
What ’ s that ?
Such comedians don ’ t exist ?
What tosh !
We had that nice Jim Davidson with his hilarious Paki jokes , do you remember ?
Only he got ‘ cancelled ’ because we all went too far to the left , political correctness went mad and we weren ’ t allowed to point at LGBTQ+ people and laugh anymore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ prime-time show .
The left bang on about ‘ prejudice ’ , yet for years they banned Manning from having his own show merely because he is dead.
” 5 .
Susan E. Rice , in The New York Times on the need for laws to control the executive Trump Isn ’ t Here to Serve the People “ Across the executive branch , Mr. Trump and his appointees have flouted long-honored norms and violated laws with relative impunity .
They have succeeded largely because Senate Republicans have sacrificed oversight and accountability on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so long as it preserves their majority control .
Under Donald Trump , the abuses have touched almost every corner of government , suggesting the president views democracy itself as his opponent .
Throughout the Republican National Convention , the president and senior officials blatantly violated the Hatch Act , which prohibits government officials from engaging in political activities on the job .
From holding the event on White House grounds with cheering uniformed federal law enforcement officers in attendance , and staging a naturalization ceremony as a campaign event with participants used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary of state violating departmental rules by delivering a campaign speech from Jerusalem , Mr. Trump has defiled the presidency for political gain .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Daniel Finkelstein in The Times
on the nearly men and women of British politics
My vote for the best PM we never had
“Over the weekend my colleague Matt Chorley incautiously organised a Twitter poll in advance of discussing on Times Radio who should actually be considered, in the modern era, the best prime minister we never had (BPMWNH). [Rab] Butler or any number of rivals? Thousands of supporters of Jeremy Corbyn piled in, voting their man the winner. Rather sweetly, they were so jubilant about their triumph — the victorious Mr Corbyn (I promise I’m not making this up) broadcast an acceptance speech — that Matt was forced to remind his followers that it had only been a bit of fun. But of course it’s only fun because there is a serious edge. It’s about considering the characteristics of a successful prime minister and reviewing the reputations of historical figures. Let’s consider the basics. In order to be a successful prime minister, you’ve got to be able to win elections... So we shouldn’t consider any party leader who had the chance to be prime minister but was rejected by the voters. Either they weren’t right for the job and couldn’t take people with them, or they weren’t running at the right time.”
2. Robin Bevan in The Guardian
on political leadership ignoring overworked staff
Education in Britain is in turmoil, yet the government is still ignoring headteachers
“In a crisis or otherwise, the ideal route for any major education policy change should be: consult, prepare advice, brief leaders, and make a clear public announcement. Instead, during the pandemic we have seen the government ignore the advice of experts, then make a hurried announcement, then dither; and it all culminating with school and college leaders being left to mop up the ensuing problems. The impact has been even more pronounced given the scale of government U-turns in recent months. Meanwhile, most school and college leaders do not have any contractual entitlement to holiday leave – it is down to the discretion of the governing bodies of specific schools. They are used to taking time off as and when the pressures of the job allow. They understand that their summer holiday barely extends into August. The preparation and distribution of results at this time is a key responsibility alongside all the staffing, premises management, and financial and timetable planning over the summer. And yet, this year more than any other, there has been total disregard of the need for school and college leaders to be afforded adequate restorative time off.”
3. Ben Habib in The Daily Telegraph
on a lack of vision in Downing Street
This is not the people’s government, but one obsessed with being all things to all people
“There is a propensity for government to shirk responsibility and find others at whom to point the finger of blame. For years the EU offered itself up as a punch bag but still the Conservative-led government had to be dragged into Brexit, kicking and screaming – the job has still to be properly completed. More recently, it has been the turn of quangos and the civil service who have been in the crosshairs of political blame; and notwithstanding the government’s significant majority it has thus far failed to effect any meaningful reforms. Its failure is not born out of the difficulties associated with getting these things done. Its failure is born out of its own structural problems. In its pursuit of power, the Conservative Party has sought to please the broadest possible cross section of the electorate... Consequently it has lost any form of purpose, vision or ideology.”
4. Shappi Khorsandi in The Independent
on the culture war within Broadcasting House
Relax, the BBC has a long history of right-wing comedy. I should know, I’ve been on the receiving end of it
“Tim Davie, the box-fresh director of the BBC, wants an overhaul of comedy shows which are deemed to have too much left-wing bias. Good news because, dammit, pro-government comedy has been stifled for too long. Where are all the jokes about how annoying it is tripping up over homeless people when you’re on your way to Soho House? And my goodness I cannot wait for a comedy show which really tells it like it is about refugees paddling over and living in Windsor Castle with the Queen, forcing her and Philip to camp under the gazebo. What’s that? Such comedians don’t exist? What tosh! We had that nice Jim Davidson with his hilarious Paki jokes, do you remember? Only he got ‘cancelled’ because we all went too far to the left, political correctness went mad and we weren’t allowed to point at LGBTQ+ people and laugh anymore. Bernard Manning should be given his own prime-time show. The left bang on about ‘prejudice’, yet for years they banned Manning from having his own show merely because he is dead.”
5. Susan E. Rice, former national security adviser, in The New York Times
on the need for laws to control the executive
Trump Isn’t Here to Serve the People
“Across the executive branch, Mr. Trump and his appointees have flouted long-honored norms and violated laws with relative impunity. They have succeeded largely because Senate Republicans have sacrificed oversight and accountability on the altar of subservience to this president so long as it preserves their majority control. Under Donald Trump, the abuses have touched almost every corner of government, suggesting the president views democracy itself as his opponent. Throughout the Republican National Convention, the president and senior officials blatantly violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits government officials from engaging in political activities on the job. From holding the event on White House grounds with cheering uniformed federal law enforcement officers in attendance, and staging a naturalization ceremony as a campaign event with participants used as unwitting political props, to his secretary of state violating departmental rules by delivering a campaign speech from Jerusalem, Mr. Trump has defiled the presidency for political gain.”


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Russian agency behind US election meddling ‘created fake left-wing news site’

Several left-wing US journalists have unwittingly been working for the Russian intelligence agency that helped to put Donald Trump in power , Facebook has revealed .
The duped reporters were hired by agents masquerading as editors of a news website called Peace Data , which had advertised for “ writers for the following topics : anti-war , corruption , abuse of power , human rights violations ” .
The website “ presented the US as war-mongering and law-breaking abroad while being wracked by racism , Covid-19 , and cutthroat capitalism at home ” , according to social media analysis company @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tip from the FBI ” that the site was run by “ people formerly associated with the Russian Internet Research Agency , which created a number of influential Twitter and Facebook personas to inflame political tensions in the 2016 election ” , says NBC News .
The agency - widely regarded as an arm of the Russian state - created “ fictitious ” editors who offered freelance reporters between $ 75 ( £55 ) and $ 250 ( £185 ) per article , The Guardian reports .
Photographs of Peace Data ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Generative Adversarial Networks , a type of AI that can produce lifelike images of faces ” , the newspaper adds .
Facebook ’ s head of cybersecurity policy , Nathaniel Gleicher , said the discovery of the website confirms that “ Russian actors are trying to target the 2020 election ” .
However , he added , Peace Data did not attract a large following - illustrating a broader problem for the Russian intelligence services .
“ You can run a loud , noisy influence campaign like the one we saw in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or you can try to run a much more subtle campaign , which is what this looks like , ” Gleicher said .
“ When you run a subtle influence campaign , you ’ re sort of working at cross-purposes with yourself .
You don ’ t get a lot of attention for it .
”

Several left-wing US journalists have unwittingly been working for the Russian intelligence agency that helped to put Donald Trump in power, Facebook has revealed.
The duped reporters were hired by agents masquerading as editors of a news website called Peace Data, which had advertised for “writers for the following topics: anti-war, corruption, abuse of power, human rights violations”.
The website “presented the US as war-mongering and law-breaking abroad while being wracked by racism, Covid-19, and cutthroat capitalism at home”, according to social media analysis company Graphika.
Facebook “learned through a tip from the FBI” that the site was run by “people formerly associated with the Russian Internet Research Agency, which created a number of influential Twitter and Facebook personas to inflame political tensions in the 2016 election”, says NBC News.
The agency - widely regarded as an arm of the Russian state - created “fictitious” editors who offered freelance reporters between $75 (£55) and $250 (£185) per article, The Guardian reports.
Photographs of Peace Data’s non-existent editorial staff “were created using Generative Adversarial Networks, a type of AI that can produce lifelike images of faces”, the newspaper adds.
Facebook’s head of cybersecurity policy, Nathaniel Gleicher, said the discovery of the website confirms that “Russian actors are trying to target the 2020 election”.
However, he added, Peace Data did not attract a large following - illustrating a broader problem for the Russian intelligence services.
“You can run a loud, noisy influence campaign like the one we saw in 2016, and you get caught very quickly, or you can try to run a much more subtle campaign, which is what this looks like,” Gleicher said.
“When you run a subtle influence campaign, you’re sort of working at cross-purposes with yourself. You don’t get a lot of attention for it.”


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Debate: is Keir Starmer making Labour great again - or letting Boris Johnson off the hook?

Keir Starmer had a long list of headaches when he arrived for his first day as leader of the opposition back in early April .
With Labour still licking its wounds after its worst election defeat since 1935 , and the coronavirus crisis escalating , how Starmer would set about rebuilding his party was a key question .
But five months on , Starmer ’ s star appears to be rising , with Labour level with the Conservatives in recent polling .
So should Boris Johnson be worried ?
As Politico ’ s chief UK correspondent Charlie Cooper writes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprisingly Trumpian mission : ( Re ) build the wall ” .
Having seen Labour ’ s red wall electoral stronghold decimated in the December vote , “ winning back those voters is mission critical if Starmer is to stand any chance of becoming Britain ’ s next prime minister ” - and “ his team has had them firmly in mind ” .
The party ’ s post-mortem following the election found that along with issues including Brexit and voters ’ doubts about Jeremy Corbyn , the wipeout was the “ culmination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old party loyalties based on class have loosened and given way to cultural divides on identity ” , Cooper adds .
So “ there ’ s some irony ” in critics accusing Starmer of being “ too timid ” and show a lack of “ revolutionary instincts ” , says ex-chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal , who worked under the Labour leader when he was director of public prosecutions .
Instead , Afzal writes in an article for HuffPost , Starmer “ is currently pursuing the most radical idea in politics ” - rebuilding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bearing fruit .
The New Statesman reports that polling shows “ more Brits now view Labour as competent and capable ” then under Corbyn .
“ A notable trend for Labour since Starmer became leader has been a steady drop in the number of voters with an unfavourable opinion about the party , ” the magazine says .
“ In the run-up to the 2019 election , nearly half of Brits viewed Labour negatively .
That has now fallen to 39 % .
” This is not lost on Starmer ’ s inner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Cooper that “ one of their top priorities… has been the task of ‘ establishing Keir ” .
Cooper points to opinion articles written by Starmer for right-wing newspapers , and the Labour leader ’ s appeals to patriotism , as examples of this bid to “ put down markers about his political and moral values ” .
As the PR offensive gathers pace , the New Statesman says that “ there ’ s little question that Keir Starmer has impressed as a formidable leader of the opposition ” .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levelled at Starmer is that he has not been forceful enough in his attacks on Johnson ’ s government during the coronavirus pandemic .
In an article in The Guardian in April , Tony Blair ’ s former spin doctor Alistair Campbell wrote that Starmer should “ show no mercy ” in exposing mistakes made by government ministers .
Calling on the Labour leader to “ take the gloves off ” , Campbell said “ it has been noticeable how rarely , at government briefings and interviews , questions have been framed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that must change ” .
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell has also criticised his boss from the backbenches , tweeting that “ it ’ s not opposition for opposition ’ s sake to call out [ government ’ s ] failure to pursue effective test & track programme & supply basic protection to front line staff & to neglect support for care homes & care workers ” .
This is at odds with Starmer ’ s calls for constructive opposition , although he has become more critical of the government ’ s handling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ article for The Guardian in early August , he wrote : “ We accept that no one could have handled coronavirus perfectly .
“ But the truth is that the government has been too slow to act throughout this crisis – too slow into lockdown , too slow on testing and too slow getting PPE to front-line workers.
” What are the upcoming challenges ?
As has become the norm for the Labour Party in recent years , many of Starmer ’ s most pressing problems have originated among his own MPs .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the High Court to pay undisclosed six-figure settlements for making “ false and defamatory ” comments about ex-employees who spoke out last year in a BBC Panorama documentary titled Is Labour Anti-Semitic ?
.
Corbyn and his followers , including Unite leader Len McCluskey , attacked the payout , with the Daily Mail warning that “ the move could reignite factional infighting with the party ’ s hard-left element ” .
The Spectator ’ s Isabel Hardman argues that “ Labour MPs who were n't Corbyn fans ( which was most of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken over that they are willing to forgive a great deal ” .
But “ what does worry supportive MPs is that Starmer ’ s main pitch is one of competence ” , she adds .
“ At the moment , they say , that ’ s perfect as he ’ s responding to the government ’ s handling of the coronavirus epidemic.
” But “ one currently loyal MP ” told Hardman that “ being self-evidently competent is necessary but not sufficient ” .
“ You need to be able to set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insider .
“ It ’ s pretty rare for people just to vote for competence .
They also need to vote for something they feel enthusiastic about .
”

Keir Starmer had a long list of headaches when he arrived for his first day as leader of the opposition back in early April.
With Labour still licking its wounds after its worst election defeat since 1935, and the coronavirus crisis escalating, how Starmer would set about rebuilding his party was a key question.
But five months on, Starmer’s star appears to be rising, with Labour level with the Conservatives in recent polling. So should Boris Johnson be worried?
‘Make Labour Great Again’
As Politico’s chief UK correspondent Charlie Cooper writes, the challenge facing Starmer is a “surprisingly Trumpian mission: (Re)build the wall”.
Having seen Labour’s red wall electoral stronghold decimated in the December vote, “winning back those voters is mission critical if Starmer is to stand any chance of becoming Britain’s next prime minister” - and “his team has had them firmly in mind”.
The party’s post-mortem following the election found that along with issues including Brexit and voters’ doubts about Jeremy Corbyn, the wipeout was the “culmination of a decade or more in which old party loyalties based on class have loosened and given way to cultural divides on identity”, Cooper adds.
So “there’s some irony” in critics accusing Starmer of being “too timid” and show a lack of “revolutionary instincts”, says ex-chief prosecutor Nazir Afzal, who worked under the Labour leader when he was director of public prosecutions.
Instead, Afzal writes in an article for HuffPost, Starmer “is currently pursuing the most radical idea in politics” - rebuilding trust.
This push appears to be bearing fruit. The New Statesman reports that polling shows “more Brits now view Labour as competent and capable” then under Corbyn.
“A notable trend for Labour since Starmer became leader has been a steady drop in the number of voters with an unfavourable opinion about the party,” the magazine says. “In the run-up to the 2019 election, nearly half of Brits viewed Labour negatively. That has now fallen to 39%.”
This is not lost on Starmer’s inner circle, one of whom told Politico’s Cooper that “one of their top priorities… has been the task of ‘establishing Keir”.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Which are the UK’s most expensive villages?

The UK ’ s post-lockdown property boom continues with house prices hitting an all-time high in August , according to mortgage lender Nationwide .
Prices increased by 2 % from July , the biggest month-on-month rise since 2004 , Reuters reports .
Nationwide ’ s data reveals prices were 3.7 % higher than a year earlier .
“ UK house prices rose by 2 % in August , after taking account of seasonal effects , following a 1.8 % rise in July , ” said Robert Gardner , Nationwide ’ s chief economist .
“ This is the highest monthly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
As a result , annual house price growth accelerated to 3.7 % , from 1.5 % last month .
“ House prices have now reversed the losses recorded in May and June and are at a new all-time high .
The bounce back in prices reflects the unexpectedly rapid recovery in housing market activity since the easing of lockdown restrictions .
“ This rebound reflects a number of factors .
Pent-up demand is coming through , where decisions taken to move before lockdown are progressing .
“ Behavioural shifts may also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their housing needs and preferences as a result of life in lockdown.
” The search for more outdoor space has seen demand soar for countryside housing .
According to a Rightmove study , estate agents saw a 126 % rise in enquiries for village properties during June and July , compared to the same period in 2019 .
“ The lure of a new lifestyle , one that is quieter and has an abundance of beautiful countryside and more outdoor space , has led to more city dwellers choosing to become rural residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Rightmove says demand for village life has “ absolutely sky-rocketed this year ” with UK estate agents witnessing a “ rural renaissance ” .
With country living in such demand the property website picks out the most expensive villages in the UK .
Average property price : £2,132,924 What Rightmove says : “ This effortlessly charming corner of Surrey is flanked by beautiful woodland and , once upon a time , is said to have counted John Lennon as one of its residents .
The sense of exclusivity associated with St. George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fact that there are only about 500 homes nestled on this private estate .
It ’ s also home to its very own elite-level golf and tennis clubs , which both go a long way to making this village so popular with celebrities.
” Average property price : £1,272,083 “ Known as ‘ Britain ’ s Palm Beach ’ , this exclusive peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour offers some of the best sea views in the UK and is home to chef Rick Stein ’ s restaurant .
You ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ variety of luxurious homes than on this south coast paradise.
” Average property price : £1,080,365 “ A beautiful rural enclave and a real gem of the North West .
Its population at the 2011 sensus was fewer than 10,000 and it ’ s said to be a very popular location among Premier League footballers looking to settle down with their families .
It ’ s one of the most desirable villages in the north west.
” Average property price : £820,416 “ For the people of Yorkshire this rural community is cited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to live .
The village has previously been home to some of the most expensive streets in Leeds , and with some absolutely stunning countryside on its doorstep , you can see why this village is so popular.
” Average property price : £820,415 “ Another firm favourite with A-listers , this characterful village in south Staffordshire has previously been home to none other than iconic James Bond actor Roger Moore .
This picturesque village is nestled less than 10 miles north of Birmingham , but is also just a stone ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ park filled with forests , lakes and even wild ponies .
At the last UK census there were fewer than 1,000 homes in the village .
”

Since the start of the pandemic one of the big trends in the UK’s property market has been the demand for more outdoor space.
According to a study by Rightmove, estate agents saw a 126% rise in enquiries for village properties in June and July 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
“The lure of a new lifestyle, one that is quieter and has an abundance of beautiful countryside and more outdoor space, has led to more city dwellers choosing to become rural residents,” said Rightmove’s Miles Shipside.
Demand for village life has “absolutely sky-rocketed” in the past year with estate agents witnessing a “rural renaissance”, Rightmove says. With country living in such demand the property website picks out the most expensive villages in the UK.
St. George’s Hill, Surrey: £2,132,924
“This effortlessly charming corner of Surrey is flanked by beautiful woodland and, once upon a time, is said to have counted John Lennon as one of its residents. The sense of exclusivity associated with St. George’s Hill is reinforced by the fact that there are only about 500 homes nestled on this private estate. It’s also home to its very own elite-level golf and tennis clubs, which both go a long way to making this village so popular with celebrities.”
Sandbanks, Dorset: £1,272,083
“Known as ‘Britain’s Palm Beach’, this exclusive peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour offers some of the best sea views in the UK and is home to chef Rick Stein’s restaurant. You’ll be hard pushed to find a greater variety of luxurious homes than on this south coast paradise.”
Hale Barns, Greater Manchester: £1,080,365
“A beautiful rural enclave and a real gem of the North West. Its population at the 2011 sensus was fewer than 10,000 and it’s said to be a very popular location among Premier League footballers looking to settle down with their families. It’s one of the most desirable villages in the north west.”
Scarcroft, west Yorkshire: £820,416
“For the people of Yorkshire this rural community is cited as one of the most sought-after places to live. The village has previously been home to some of the most expensive streets in Leeds, and with some absolutely stunning countryside on its doorstep, you can see why this village is so popular.”
Little Aston, Staffordshire: £820,415
“Another firm favourite with A-listers, this characterful village in south Staffordshire has previously been home to none other than iconic James Bond actor Roger Moore. This picturesque village is nestled less than 10 miles north of Birmingham, but is also just a stone’s throw from Sutton Park, a 2,400-acre park filled with forests, lakes and even wild ponies. At the last UK census there were fewer than 1,000 homes in the village.”