theweekuk--2020-04-14--Sport shorts: Newcastle in takeover talks, Tour de France set to be postponed, no plan B for Tokyo 2

Sport shorts: Newcastle in takeover talks, Tour de France set to be postponed, no plan B for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

According to sources Amanda Staveley ’ s company PCP Capital Partners is in advanced talks with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over a deal to takeover the Premier League club .
Sky Sports reports that “ significant ” Companies House legal documentation emerged today proving the legal framework for a deal was being put in place by the two parties .
The Daily Mail ’ s Craig Hope tweeted : “ Told deal on table was/is £350m with £200m up front .
New documents appear to lay framework for balance of £150m to be loaned to Staveley by Ashley .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ appears & documents prove talks at ‘ advanced stage ’ .
” Ashley has been owner of Newcastle since buying a majority stake in the St James ’ Park club in 2007 .
The French government has extended its ban on mass gatherings and the decision means that the Tour de France is officially set to be postponed or even cancelled .
Cycling ’ s grand event was due to take place from 27 June to 19 July , but yesterday French president Emmanuel Macron said restrictions on public events would continue until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ IPL to be further delayed India ’ s lockdown extension means that the 2020 Indian Premier League is also set to be postponed further .
The country is now on lockdown until 3 May and the IPL was due to start on Wednesday .
Board of Control for Cricket in India ( BCCI ) president Sourav Ganguly said : “ It ’ s just simple common sense that at the moment , nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world , forget IPL .
Practically speaking , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world , where does sport have a future in this ?
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The dominant story on the back pages is the news that Tottenham Hotspur have reversed their decision to take advantage of the government ’ s furlough scheme and reduce the wages of their non-playing staff .
At the end of last month Spurs announced that 550 employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % but yesterday they performed what most papers describe as a “ U-turn ” in stating that non-playing staff will receive “ 100 % of their pay for April and May ” .
Arsenal ’ s senior players have rejected the terms of a 12.5 % pay cut over 12 months in response to the coronavirus crisis .
The Gunners have spent recent weeks drafting a deal in which the squad was asked to take a 12.5 % drop in wages with the money being reimbursed if they are sold in the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contract .
Sky Sports pundit Alan McInally believes that if Harry Kane played alongside Marcus Rashford at Manchester United the Old Trafford club would be contenders for the Premier League title .
Kane has been linked with a move away from Tottenham and McInally said : “ Harry Kane would bring a presence into the team that they [ Manchester United ] haven ’ t got .
Marcus Rashford is fantastic , he ’ s carried one of the biggest football teams in the world , but he ’ s too young to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had any help .
“ Bring Harry Kane into that team and there ’ s a different dynamic at Manchester United .
He would make them a shoo-in for the top four , and pushing the top two.
” 7 .
All systems go for 6 June English football is gearing up for a 6 June restart with the English Football League ( EFL ) leading the charge in the desire to get things going again .
Financial necessity means the EFL is desperate to complete the 2019-20 season , and the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government about restarting on this date .
Media reports suggest that all matches would be played behind closed doors and the 6 June date will have to be approved by the government .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Formula 1 drivers , officials and fans continue to pay tribute to legendary British driver Stirling Moss , who died aged 90 on Sunday .
Speaking on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ He was a giant .
He was the very best of his time and an amazing man .
Stirling Moss was so big that he didn ’ t have to be world champion , he was still the best driver in the world.
” New Leicester Tigers head coach Steve Borthwick is aiming to take the English rugby union giant “ back to the top ” .
Borthwick , who starts his role on 1 July , said : “ I am delighted to be joining Leicester Tigers as head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top is a great challenge and one I am very excited about .
“ We realise we have a lot of work to do and I know everybody at the club is determined to work tirelessly to succeed in this challenge .
We also know every single one of our fantastic supporters will be doing all they can to help drive this team forward.
” The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics have already been postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic , but should the new dates need to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Olympics will start on 23 July 2021 and the Paralympics will follow on 24 August .
However , Tokyo 2020 spokesperson Masa Takaya said : “ We are working toward the new goal .
We don ’ t have a B Plan.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Toon in takeover talks
According to sources Amanda Staveley’s company PCP Capital Partners is in advanced talks with Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over a deal to takeover the Premier League club.
Sky Sports reports that “significant” Companies House legal documentation emerged today proving the legal framework for a deal was being put in place by the two parties.
The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope tweeted: “Told deal on table was/is £350m with £200m up front. New documents appear to lay framework for balance of £150m to be loaned to Staveley by Ashley. Sources say Ashley ready sell if money appears & documents prove talks at ‘advanced stage’.”
Ashley has been owner of Newcastle since buying a majority stake in the St James’ Park club in 2007.
2. Tour set to be postponed
The French government has extended its ban on mass gatherings and the decision means that the Tour de France is officially set to be postponed or even cancelled.
Cycling’s grand event was due to take place from 27 June to 19 July, but yesterday French president Emmanuel Macron said restrictions on public events would continue until mid-July at the earliest.
3. IPL to be further delayed
India’s lockdown extension means that the 2020 Indian Premier League is also set to be postponed further. The country is now on lockdown until 3 May and the IPL was due to start on Wednesday.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Sourav Ganguly said: “It’s just simple common sense that at the moment, nothing is in favour of any kind of sport anywhere in the world, forget IPL. Practically speaking, when life has come to a standstill everywhere in the world, where does sport have a future in this?”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Spurs do a U-turn
The dominant story on the back pages is the news that Tottenham Hotspur have reversed their decision to take advantage of the government’s furlough scheme and reduce the wages of their non-playing staff.
At the end of last month Spurs announced that 550 employees would see their wages slashed by 20% but yesterday they performed what most papers describe as a “U-turn” in stating that non-playing staff will receive “100% of their pay for April and May”.
5. Arsenal stars reject 12.5% pay cut
Arsenal’s senior players have rejected the terms of a 12.5% pay cut over 12 months in response to the coronavirus crisis.


theweekuk--2020-04-14--Instant Opinion: ‘Millennials facing second downturn of their short careers’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ It is too soon to know how the unfurling business-failure and unemployment crisis caused by this novel public-health crisis is hitting different age groups , or how much income and wealth each generation is losing ; it is far too soon to know how different groups will rebound .
But we do know that Millennials are vulnerable .
They have smaller savings accounts than prior generations .
They have less money invested .
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out or sell .
They make less money , and are less likely to have benefits like paid sick leave .
They have more than half a trillion dollars of student-loan debt to keep paying off , as well as hefty rent and child-care payments that keep coming due ... Millennials now are facing the second once-in-a-lifetime downturn of their short careers .
The first one put them on a worse lifetime-earnings trajectory and blocked them out of the asset market .
The second is sapping their paychecks just as they enter their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board in the Financial Times on how to mismanage a crisis “ More and more voices in Mexico ’ s elite are speaking of a looming tragedy .
Business leaders have proposed an alternative virus response plan .
The odd dissenting voice within Mr Lopez Obrador ’ s governing alliance can sometimes be heard .
But Mexico has an imperial presidency and an imperious president .
Time is perilously short .
Politicians across party lines , state governors and business leaders should unite to agree a comprehensive economic and health programme to deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their president .
Legal challenges should be launched against some of his more questionable policies .
The appalling humanitarian catastrophe of Venezuela stands as a clear warning of what another four and a half years of Mr Lopez Obrador could do to Mexico.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must go on “ For some survivors of childhood sexual abuse , there will simply not be sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person they accuse is guilty .
This can be traumatic for the survivors who will not see their perpetrators held accountable for their actions , but it is a fact in justice systems that guarantee fair trials , no matter who the accused is or what they are accused of.
” 4 .
David Leonhardt in The New York Times “ It qualifies as a significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden in April , less than a week after ending his own campaign .
In 2016 , by contrast , he waited until July to endorse Clinton .
Sanders ’ s decision this time seems to reflect three things : his desire to help defeat Trump ; the danger of voting during a pandemic ; and a genuine personal affinity between Sanders and Biden .
Endorsements aren ’ t all powerful , and no doubt some Sanders voters will still choose to stay home or support Trump .
But in all likelihood , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year than did four years ago , especially if Sanders campaigns energetically for Biden .
And Biden is likely to need those voters.
” I left my Chasidic community .
Here 's what Unorthodox missed out “ The first time I wore jeans I was 27 , and they were actually jeggings from H & M .
What had stopped me until that point was a mix of guilt and the fact that I could not figure out how the sizing worked .
I ’ d stood in countless dressing rooms , eyeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and had no idea how to gauge if I looked good in what I ’ d chosen .
Then , when I finally mastered skinny jeans in roughly 2018 , the styles had changed , and now I have to learn how to wear straight jeans , and boyfriend jeans , and wide-legged jeans , all of which remain a complete mystery to me .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Annie Lowrey in The Atlantic
on financial frustrations
Millennials don’t stand a chance
“It is too soon to know how the unfurling business-failure and unemployment crisis caused by this novel public-health crisis is hitting different age groups, or how much income and wealth each generation is losing; it is far too soon to know how different groups will rebound. But we do know that Millennials are vulnerable. They have smaller savings accounts than prior generations. They have less money invested. They own fewer houses to refinance or rent out or sell. They make less money, and are less likely to have benefits like paid sick leave. They have more than half a trillion dollars of student-loan debt to keep paying off, as well as hefty rent and child-care payments that keep coming due... Millennials now are facing the second once-in-a-lifetime downturn of their short careers. The first one put them on a worse lifetime-earnings trajectory and blocked them out of the asset market. The second is sapping their paychecks just as they enter their peak-earnings years”
2. The editorial board in the Financial Times
on how to mismanage a crisis
Mexico’s unfolding presidential tragedy
“More and more voices in Mexico’s elite are speaking of a looming tragedy. Business leaders have proposed an alternative virus response plan. The odd dissenting voice within Mr Lopez Obrador’s governing alliance can sometimes be heard. But Mexico has an imperial presidency and an imperious president. Time is perilously short. Politicians across party lines, state governors and business leaders should unite to agree a comprehensive economic and health programme to deal with the coronavirus and press it upon their president. Legal challenges should be launched against some of his more questionable policies. The appalling humanitarian catastrophe of Venezuela stands as a clear warning of what another four and a half years of Mr Lopez Obrador could do to Mexico.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. Victor Sande-Aneiros on Al Jazeera
on the acquittal of Cardinal George Pell
The fight for justice for sexual abuse survivors must go on
“For some survivors of childhood sexual abuse, there will simply not be sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person they accuse is guilty. This can be traumatic for the survivors who will not see their perpetrators held accountable for their actions, but it is a fact in justice systems that guarantee fair trials, no matter who the accused is or what they are accused of.”
4. David Leonhardt in The New York Times
on Biden’s latest supporter
Bernie’s endorsement matters
“It qualifies as a significant development that Sanders chose to endorse Joe Biden in April, less than a week after ending his own campaign. In 2016, by contrast, he waited until July to endorse Clinton. Sanders’s decision this time seems to reflect three things: his desire to help defeat Trump; the danger of voting during a pandemic; and a genuine personal affinity between Sanders and Biden. Endorsements aren’t all powerful, and no doubt some Sanders voters will still choose to stay home or support Trump. But in all likelihood, fewer of them will do so this year than did four years ago, especially if Sanders campaigns energetically for Biden. And Biden is likely to need those voters.”
5. Chava Gourarie in The Independent
on Judaism on TV
I left my Chasidic community. Here's what Unorthodox missed out
“The first time I wore jeans I was 27, and they were actually jeggings from H&M. What had stopped me until that point was a mix of guilt and the fact that I could not figure out how the sizing worked. I’d stood in countless dressing rooms, eyeing the unfamiliar curves of my thighs, and had no idea how to gauge if I looked good in what I’d chosen. Then, when I finally mastered skinny jeans in roughly 2018, the styles had changed, and now I have to learn how to wear straight jeans, and boyfriend jeans, and wide-legged jeans, all of which remain a complete mystery to me.”


theweekuk--2020-04-14--Healthy eating tips for home: how to get your five a day during the lockdown

Keeping healthy during the lockdown does not just mean exercising your body and mind… it ’ s also about the food you eat .
Online deliveries and shop shelves may be sparse for some fresh fruits and vegetables , but there are other ways to plan meals and snacks which are both delicious and nutritious .
The NHS recommends at least five portions ( a total of 400g ) of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day .
Five a day may seem a struggle without fresh ingredients , but there are alternatives such as frozen or canned products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how to get your five a day during the lockdown ... What counts in your five a day ?
• 80g of fresh , canned or frozen fruit and vegetables • 30g of dried fruit , which should be eaten at mealtimes , not as a between-meal snack , to reduce the risk of tooth decay • 150ml of fruit juice , vegetable juice or smoothie ( only once in a day ) • Unsweetened 100 % fruit juice , vegetable juice and smoothies only ever count as a maximum of one portion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ however , these only count once as part of your five a day , no matter how many you eat • Sweet potatoes , parsnips , swedes and turnips do count .
But while normal potatoes , yams , cassava and plantain are vegetables , they don ’ t count towards your five a day ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to your shopping list The British Nutrition Foundation ( BNF ) says canned vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh and should be worth considering for your shopping list .
“ Canned peas , carrots and spinach are all nutritious and versatile , and why not try something new like heart of palm or artichokes if these are more readily available ?
” the BNF said .
“ Add canned vegetables straight into curries and stews to bulk out your meals .
Canned pulses like kidney beans or chickpeas are also a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pasta sauces or salads.
” The NHS adds that if you opt for tinned or canned fruit and vegetables , then choose the ones in natural juice or water , with no added sugar or salt .
On Instagram registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine published her tips on how to stay healthy and productive during isolation .
She advises : “ Eat colour : I ’ ve said it before and I ’ ll say it again.. eat your 5 a day !
Tinned & frozen count too ( they contain more nutrients such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too ! )
.
Try if you can though to buy fruit tinned in juice as opposed to syrup.
”  Dietitian Azmina Govindji urges parents to include their children when planning the five a day at home .
“ Familiarise young children with the colours and shapes of fruits and vegetables as early as possible , ” she said .
“ If your children aren ’ t keen , canned vegetables , such as sweetcorn , lentils and peas , can be a good place to start .
“ Try not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and always need to be hidden in foods .
Instead , have fun together by trying lots of different fruit and veg , and finding what your children like.
” Hide away the chocolate and crisps and prepare some delicious snacks in advance ... • Fill a fruit bowl and keep in the living room • Fresh fruit can be washed and put in the fridge ready to eat • Keep snack-ready vegetables such as sliced carrots or celery in the fridge ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– • None Add sliced fruit such as bananas , strawberries or sultanas to cereal , porridge or lower fat natural yoghurt • None Add fruit and veg to favourite meals : chopped carrots in bolognese sauce ; chopped red peppers on pasta ; peas in mashed potato ; tomatoes in an omelette ; mushrooms in a stir-fry • Eat carrot sticks , celery sticks or cherry tomatoes with dips such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Dried fruit - have a handful of sultanas or a few dried apricots as a dessert • None Have two different vegetables on the dinner table • Vegetables in dishes such as stews and casseroles also count , but avoid adding extra fat , salt and sugar , and use lean cuts of meat • Salad or vegetable side dish with the main meal • Canned vegetables such as sweetcorn or pineapple chunks on a pizza

Keeping healthy during the lockdown does not just mean exercising your body and mind… it’s also about the food you eat.
Online deliveries and shop shelves may be sparse for some fresh fruits and vegetables, but there are other ways to plan meals and snacks which are both delicious and nutritious.
The NHS recommends at least five portions (a total of 400g) of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day.
Five a day may seem a struggle without fresh ingredients, but there are alternatives such as frozen or canned products.
Here we look at tips on how to get your five a day during the lockdown...
What counts in your five a day?
One portion is:
80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit and vegetables
30g of dried fruit, which should be eaten at mealtimes, not as a between-meal snack, to reduce the risk of tooth decay
150ml of fruit juice, vegetable juice or smoothie (only once in a day)
Unsweetened 100% fruit juice, vegetable juice and smoothies only ever count as a maximum of one portion
80g of beans and pulses - however, these only count once as part of your five a day, no matter how many you eat
Sweet potatoes, parsnips, swedes and turnips do count. But while normal potatoes, yams, cassava and plantain are vegetables, they don’t count towards your five a day
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Adds cans and tins to your shopping list
The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) says canned vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh and should be worth considering for your shopping list.
“Canned peas, carrots and spinach are all nutritious and versatile, and why not try something new like heart of palm or artichokes if these are more readily available?” the BNF said.
“Add canned vegetables straight into curries and stews to bulk out your meals. Canned pulses like kidney beans or chickpeas are also a quick, nutritious addition to things like pasta sauces or salads.”
The NHS adds that if you opt for tinned or canned fruit and vegetables, then choose the ones in natural juice or water, with no added sugar or salt.
‘Eat your five a day’
On Instagram registered dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine published her tips on how to stay healthy and productive during isolation.


theweekuk--2020-04-14--Coronavirus: what is Pluristem’s placenta-based cell therapy?

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Seven critically ill coronavirus patients in Israel have survived the illness after being treated with a new form of cell therapy.
The patients were given a placenta-based product provided by Pluristem, the Israeli company behind the treatment.
The Jerusalem Post reports that the patients were treated at three different Israeli medical centres for one week and were suffering from acute respiratory failure and inflammatory complications associated with Covid-19.
All the patients survived and, according to Pluristem, four of them showed respiratory improvement, while three of them are in the advanced stages of being weaned off ventilators.
What is the treatment?
According to Pluristem, the treatment uses PLX cells, placenta-based cells that stimulate the healing of damaged tissue by triggering the body’s own regenerative mechanisms.
The company adds that PLX cells can be “grown” and administered to patients without matching them with the person’s existing tissue.
The Jerusalem Post reports that the results could be the “reversal of dangerous overactivation of the immune system.
“This would likely reduce the fatal symptoms of pneumonia and pneumonitis (general inflammation of lung tissue),” the paper adds.
In people with a dysfunctional immune system, this overstimulation of the immune system may cause what is known as a cytokine storm.
When the body is damaged, immune cells are directed to the affected area by proteins known as cytokines. In a cytokine storm, cytokines effectively send out an SOS signal that causes far too many immune cells to flood into the stricken area.
A cytokine storm sees the immune system launch all of its weapons at once, destroying the foreign invader in the body, but potentially doing irreversible damage to healthy tissue at the same time.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What happens next?
According to Pluristem, it now plans to apply for initiation of multinational clinical trials for treatment of complications associated with coronavirus.
“We are pleased with this initial outcome of the compassionate use programme [for use of unauthorised medicine] and committed to harnessing PLX cells for the benefit of patients and healthcare systems,” said Pluristem CEO and president, Yaky Yanay.
“Pluristem is dedicated to using its competitive advantages in large-scale manufacturing to potentially deliver PLX cells to a large number of patients in significant need.”
The company is in discussions with regulators in the United States and Europe to “define our clinical strategy for Covid-19”, Yanay added.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: what has the World Health Organization done wrong?

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theweekuk--2020-04-16--Lexus LC Convertible: is this the world’s most beautiful convertible car?

The design boffins at Lexus were given a “ simple ” task : create the world ’ s most beautiful convertible car .
And the result of their work is the Lexus LC Convertible .
With rivals such as McLaren , Aston Martin , Ferrari and Lamborghini sitting - as Auto Express puts it - “ top of the convertible tree ” , the Lexus design team ’ s brief was a straightforward but considerable challenge .
Launching in late 2020 , Lexus was determined that its new model should “ preserve the essential styling motifs of the LC coupe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been introduced while a special focus has been to maintain the coupe roofline through soft-top design and engineering .
The line of the roof was to be key to the designers achieving their goal .
Chief designer Tadao Mori said : “ Although there are many convertible models out there , few of them are stylish and elegant both when the roof is open and closed .
Particularly when the roof is raised , ridge lines in the uneven surface tend to give an unrefined impression .
“ That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ design , we put maximum effort into realising the same beautiful roof line as the coupe.
” The LC Convertible will be launched with a special edition model featuring a colour scheme that matches structural blue bodywork with a white and blue interior and marine soft top - a combination inspired by the colours found at a luxury marina .
White is used extensively in the cabin , including Lexus ’ first all-white steering wheel and the carpeting .
This contrasts with the door trim which is finished in a blue synthetic leather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this material has a grain that gives a three-dimensional effect with texture and shading .
According to Car Buyer the UK pricing is yet to be announced , but the LC convertible is “ likely to cost a few thousand pounds more than the coupe , which starts at £78,150 ” .
What Car adds that if the price is likely to be around £85,000 , that would still make the LC Convertible a “ comparative bargain next to Porsche ’ s new 911 Cabriolet , which starts from £102,755 in Carrera S @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What the experts say about the LC Convertible “ Well , that ’ s a tonic for the senses , isn ’ t it ?
It is quite lovely indeed .
One might go as far as saying , it is really , really ridiculously good-looking .
It is important to ascertain just how good looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coupe ’ s clean , sharp surfacing to maintain a really clean silhouette .
The stance is good .
The proportions are spot on .
And roof down , it looks fantastic.
” “ It ’ s an entirely predictable , if elegant , decapitation job .
The alfresco skills should really suit the LC ’ s demeanour , and we ’ d say it ’ s a good way of doubling the LC ’ s footprint and expanding sales in what remains a niche sector .
Proving that the luxury world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ folding metal roof , there ’ s a soft-top hood that ’ s electrically powered , dropping under a tonneau cover in 15 seconds or rising to keep out the elements in 16sec .
Lexus says it ’ s added copious bracing to maintain the rigidity of the coupe .
Neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector should keep the worst of the slipstream at bay , so you don ’ t put your coiffure under too much strain.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The design boffins at Lexus were given a “simple” task: create the world’s most beautiful convertible car. And the result of their work is the Lexus LC 500 Convertible.
With rivals such as McLaren, Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini sitting - as Auto Express puts it - “top of the convertible tree”, the Lexus design team’s brief was a straightforward but considerable challenge.
Launching in autumn 2020 with two versions - standard and Sport+ Pack - Lexus was determined that the LC Convertible should “preserve the essential styling motifs of the LC coupe”. New sporty and elegant features have been introduced while a special focus has been to maintain the coupe roofline through soft-top design and engineering.
The line of the roof was to be key to the designers achieving their goal.
Chief designer Tadao Mori said: “Although there are many convertible models out there, few of them are stylish and elegant both when the roof is open and closed. Particularly when the roof is raised, ridge lines in the uneven surface tend to give an unrefined impression.
“That’s why, for the LC Convertible’s design, we put maximum effort into realising the same beautiful roof line as the coupe.”
How much will it cost?
Lexus has announced the prices for its V8-powered LC 500 Convertible, which is available in two versions: standard and Sport+ Pack.
The standard LC 500 Convertible starts from £90,775 while the LC 500 Convertible Sport+ Pack starts from £96,625. Order books are open and the scheduled first vehicle deliveries to customers will take place this autumn.
On the LC 500 Convertible, the Sport+ Pack specification includes 21-inch forged alloy wheels, semi-aniline leather seat upholstery and integrated neck heaters.
Further options for both convertible models include a full colour head-up display with Lexus card key, 17-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System and special metallic paint finishes (Sonic Silver, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Red and Naples Yellow).
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What the experts say about the LC Convertible
Vijay Pattni, Top Gear
“Well, that’s a tonic for the senses, isn’t it? It is quite lovely indeed. One might go as far as saying, it is really, really ridiculously good-looking. It is important to ascertain just how good looking the LC cabrio is. It takes the coupe’s clean, sharp surfacing to maintain a really clean silhouette. The stance is good. The proportions are spot on. And roof down, it looks fantastic.”
Tim Pollard, CAR magazine
“It’s an entirely predictable, if elegant, decapitation job. The alfresco skills should really suit the LC’s demeanour, and we’d say it’s a good way of doubling the LC’s footprint and expanding sales in what remains a niche sector. Proving that the luxury world is turning against the theatrics of a folding metal roof, there’s a soft-top hood that’s electrically powered, dropping under a tonneau cover in 15 seconds or rising to keep out the elements in 16sec. Lexus says it’s added copious bracing to maintain the rigidity of the coupe. Neck heaters and a transparent wind deflector should keep the worst of the slipstream at bay, so you don’t put your coiffure under too much strain.”
In pictures: Lexus LC Convertible
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theweekuk--2020-04-16--What is ‘segmenting’ - and could it end the lockdown?

Public health experts are considering the idea of “ segmenting ” the population into different risk groups , with enhanced protection for the elderly and vulnerable people , as a route out of the coronavirus lockdown .
The million-plus people deemed to be most in danger if they caught the virus would be told to continue self-isolating even after close family have restrictions on their movement lifted .
The Times reports that this would “ allow younger people to play a part in restarting the economy and perhaps gain some level of general population immunity that would help to protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So how does segmenting work – and is it the only route out of the lockdown ?
The so-called segmentation strategy references back to the government ’ s initial response to the pandemic , when it suggested attempting to achieve “ herd immunity ” throughout the UK population .
However , rather than letting the virus pass through the entire general population , segmenting would involve “ cocooning ” elderly people while letting only younger people leave their homes again , the Times says .
This would allow the virus to pass @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
According to recent statistics , people in their 20s make up 0.78 % of all fatalities from coronavirus so far in the UK , meaning they are far less vulnerable than older people .
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Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Andrew J Oswald , a professor of economics and behavioural science at the University of Warwick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faces “ severe economic risk ” from those measures , young people are likely to be particularly hard hit by a looming recession and thus need to re-enter the workforce as soon as possible .
“ They ’ re the lowest-earning age group , ” Oswald told Time .
“ They ’ re also beginning their careers and this [ period of lockdown ] might have long term deleterious effects on their career trajectory.
” Segmenting would allow some bars and shops to reopen , even for a limited clientele , and allow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work as normal .
A complication of any segmenting plan would be the need for those who come into regular contact with the vulnerable to accept restrictions .
According to research published by Oswald and Nattavudh Powdthavee , a professor of behavioural science at Warwick Business School , the move would allow 4.2 million people to return work and get the economy moving again .
However , The Guardian reports that as recent deaths have shown , the young are not immune to the disease , with experts estimating that a so-called “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 630 premature deaths .
What other options does the government have ?
A gradual easing of restrictions on shops and businesses could help the economy , according to some experts .
For example , in Austria , where new cases have been falling for some days , schools will remain closed , but small shops , DIY and garden centres have been allowed to reopen .
There is a significant threat of a second wave of infections if lockdowns are eased too quickly , so only certain types of shops would reopen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Another idea touted by experts is a regional approach that would see restrictions lifted in certain parts of the country .
The Times suggests that this would help alleviate pressure on the NHS , which varies in different parts of the country .
“ The disease in London , for example , appears to be reaching its peak faster than in other areas and could possibly start declining earlier too , ” the paper says .
“ Therefore ministers might decide to ease restrictions on a regional basis while strongly advising people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the paper also notes that the UK is a “ small , highly interconnected island – and such measures could have little effect on containing the spread of the disease ” .
However despite the speculation , scientific advisers including Chris Whitty , the chief medical officer for England , have said it is too early to talk about lifting the lockdown .
The Guardian suggests that while there are splits in the cabinet about when to end the lockdown , an “ exit plan is unlikely to emerge ” until “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK ’ s high death rate in hospitals and care homes ” .


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Instant Opinion: Covid-19 is a ‘reminder the NHS is not the envy of the world’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Covid-19 has been a reminder that the NHS is not the envy of the world “ For many years , public debate about the NHS has been conducted as if there were only two healthcare systems in the world : the NHS and the American one .
The American system has been depicted as heartlessly demanding to see your credit card on arrival in hospital and , in the absence of one , turning you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emerged in these debates as a preferable system .
But the pandemic has been a vivid reminder that there are hundreds of other healthcare systems around the world and that many – or even most – have performed better than our own.
” After coronavirus , Boris Johnson 's Tories will be a very different party “ The dissonance between the new realities and the recent past is now huge .
Instead of the old contempt towards experts , competence and seriousness , there is now a craving for all three to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis .
The idea that the government ’ s post-pandemic priorities might include lighting fires under the BBC , the civil service and the universities therefore seems even more destructive now than before .
The idea that Britain should be a Brexit buccaneer , turning its back resolutely against Europe and throwing itself into the arms of Donald Trump seems even more irresponsible .
As one former minister put it to me this week : ‘ The party that was being created in the wake of the election was a new one .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ against liberalism and established elites at home and abroad .
But that doesn ’ t feel to me like what the country wants now .
It doesn ’ t want divisive politics .
It doesn ’ t want a culture war .
This feels like a moment to step away from a lot of that.
’ Whether to take that step away will be very much Johnson ’ s own decision .
But it is a decision with momentous implications for the Tory party and for the whole of British party politics.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more embracing state sector ( which a lot of surprising people now do ) to save the economy , and we want effective measures to end low pay without creating mass unemployment , then promising to bash up ‘ the rich ’ , as the Corbynistas dreamt of doing , won ’ t cut it .
Nor will subsidising middle-class students , nationalising broadband or abolishing universal credit .
The country has to discuss moving to a society where most of us pay more in tax , some of it on wealth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we aspire to .
But Labour , possibly working with others , can only champion this successfully if people believe that the party is competent .
That its leaders solve problems rather than spout slogans .
The bring-your-own-loudhailer-and-placard party is over.
” The myth of Great Britain must finally end when our government has failed us so badly over coronavirus “ It is an extraordinary feat of PR that Britain has often gleaned international esteem , even begrudgingly .
Brand Britain – all gloss , sharp humour and creativity – has camouflaged the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neglect and inequality .
Now a similar sleight of hand is playing out across sections of our media : the casting of a brave prime minister , a ‘ Blitz spirit ’ and soothing messages from the Queen combining to elide failures of government .
Shocking death counts that surpass some of our neighbouring countries are cloaked in the illusion of a Great Britain , exceptionally so , even now – a terrible mythology built on inflated pride and lowered expectations.
” 5 .
Janan Ganesh in the Financial Times on the 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last , best hope for globalists “ The winner could decide for a generation the lesson of the coronavirus pandemic .
Is it the innate danger of the outside world , or the indispensability of co-operation within it ?
He will have as large a say on whether US-China relations enter a froideur that splits the planet , or just settle into mutual vigilance .
Even through his rhetoric , he will choose which of the two feelings that now pulse inside Americans to encourage : a fear of openness , or a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and trade .
Just as the presidency was worth more in 1945 than in 1960 — the second being trammelled by decisions made in the first — the policies of 2021 will set the tone for future governments.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
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The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. James Bartholomew in The Daily Telegraph
on healthcare
Covid-19 has been a reminder that the NHS is not the envy of the world
“For many years, public debate about the NHS has been conducted as if there were only two healthcare systems in the world: the NHS and the American one. The American system has been depicted as heartlessly demanding to see your credit card on arrival in hospital and, in the absence of one, turning you away. Not surprisingly, the NHS emerged in these debates as a preferable system. But the pandemic has been a vivid reminder that there are hundreds of other healthcare systems around the world and that many – or even most – have performed better than our own.”
2. Martin Kettle in The Guardian
on politics after coronavirus
After coronavirus, Boris Johnson's Tories will be a very different party
“The dissonance between the new realities and the recent past is now huge. Instead of the old contempt towards experts, competence and seriousness, there is now a craving for all three to help steer a safe course through the Covid-19 crisis. The idea that the government’s post-pandemic priorities might include lighting fires under the BBC, the civil service and the universities therefore seems even more destructive now than before. The idea that Britain should be a Brexit buccaneer, turning its back resolutely against Europe and throwing itself into the arms of Donald Trump seems even more irresponsible. As one former minister put it to me this week: ‘The party that was being created in the wake of the election was a new one. It was based on a cultural backlash against liberalism and established elites at home and abroad. But that doesn’t feel to me like what the country wants now. It doesn’t want divisive politics. It doesn’t want a culture war. This feels like a moment to step away from a lot of that.’ Whether to take that step away will be very much Johnson’s own decision. But it is a decision with momentous implications for the Tory party and for the whole of British party politics.”
3. David Aaronvitch in The Times
on hard-left politics
Labour still tainted by Corbyn’s grim legacy
“If we want a larger, more embracing state sector (which a lot of surprising people now do) to save the economy, and we want effective measures to end low pay without creating mass unemployment, then promising to bash up ‘the rich’, as the Corbynistas dreamt of doing, won’t cut it. Nor will subsidising middle-class students, nationalising broadband or abolishing universal credit. The country has to discuss moving to a society where most of us pay more in tax, some of it on wealth, to afford to be the post-virus society we aspire to. But Labour, possibly working with others, can only champion this successfully if people believe that the party is competent. That its leaders solve problems rather than spout slogans. The bring-your-own-loudhailer-and-placard party is over.”
4. Rachel Shabi in The Independent
on Brand Britain
The myth of Great Britain must finally end when our government has failed us so badly over coronavirus
“It is an extraordinary feat of PR that Britain has often gleaned international esteem, even begrudgingly. Brand Britain – all gloss, sharp humour and creativity – has camouflaged the real Britain of crumbling infrastructure, miserable neglect and inequality. Now a similar sleight of hand is playing out across sections of our media: the casting of a brave prime minister, a ‘Blitz spirit’ and soothing messages from the Queen combining to elide failures of government. Shocking death counts that surpass some of our neighbouring countries are cloaked in the illusion of a Great Britain, exceptionally so, even now – a terrible mythology built on inflated pride and lowered expectations.”
5. Janan Ganesh in the Financial Times
on the 2020 US presidential race
Joe Biden is the last, best hope for globalists
“The winner could decide for a generation the lesson of the coronavirus pandemic. Is it the innate danger of the outside world, or the indispensability of co-operation within it? He will have as large a say on whether US-China relations enter a froideur that splits the planet, or just settle into mutual vigilance. Even through his rhetoric, he will choose which of the two feelings that now pulse inside Americans to encourage: a fear of openness, or a pent-up yearning for the normality of travel and trade. Just as the presidency was worth more in 1945 than in 1960 — the second being trammelled by decisions made in the first — the policies of 2021 will set the tone for future governments.”
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theweekuk--2020-04-16--Coronavirus: are we heading for a US-China diplomatic crisis?

Donald Trump has again questioned China ’ s transparency over the coronavirus outbreak , casting doubt on its reporting of cases and the origins of the virus .
The US president said he was examining the “ horrible situation ” in China , leading to a backlash from Chinese state media .
What did Trump say ?
Asked at the daily White House briefing about the number of US coronavirus deaths , Trump turned to China ’ s toll .
“ Do you really believe those numbers in this vast country called China ?
We report everything , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is good .
We ’ re reporting every death.
” The US has reported more than 600,000 cases , and 26,000 deaths , while China has recorded just over 83,000 cases and 3,300 deaths .
Trump went on to hint that there may be truth in the discredited claim that Covid-19 had escaped from a lab in Wuhan , China .
“ We ’ re hearing the story , and we ’ ll see… but we are doing a very thorough examination of this horrible situation that happened , ” said the US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later told Fox News that the Wuhan virus lab was near the wet market believed to be the actual centre of the virus .
“ The Chinese government needs to come clean , ” he said , as reported by Reuters .
The US and China already had one of the fiercest diplomatic rivalries in the world , and both are using the coronavirus to help them compete for global influence , says Foreign Policy .
The US has pushed an anti-China narrative for years , says the magazine : “ China can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader – on leadership in international institutions , on Chinese tech giant Huawei building sensitive 5G telecommunications networks in Europe , and on aid and investment in developing countries.
” China , meanwhile , is producing propaganda pushing the notion that its president , Xi Jinping , has reacted well to the crisis , despite evidence that news of the outbreak was suppressed at the beginning .
“ Both the US and China are trying to leverage the crisis to their own advantage , ” said Kristine Lee , an expert on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American Security think-tank .
China has expressed disapproval of Trump and his team ’ s accusations , and attempts to label Covid-19 “ the Chinese virus ” or “ Wuhan virus ” .
Hu Xijin , the editor of the Chinese state-run Global Times , responded to Trump ’ s latest comments on Twitter , calling his claims “ a dirty trick ” .
Fox News published a ridiculous report claiming COVID-19 originated in a Wuhan lab .
President Trump helped hype this story to divert public % u2019s attention .
It % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further exploit China topic for his reelection campaign .
The “ blame game is undermining diplomacy between the countries ” , says Michael Fuchs in The Guardian .
“ But the priority for every nation right now must be the pandemic , and tensions between the world ’ s two biggest economies can not get in the way.
” What does it mean for the world ?
Diplomatic relations around the world are already under pressure , with UN conferences and meetings closed down , and a lack of a unified global plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Asia has already seen a power shift to the region , but “ Asia has its own internal balance of power .
Chinese power is balanced by Japan , India , and Australia among others .
None want to be dominated by China , ” says Harvard professor Joseph Nye in The National Interest .
If the US can keep aligned with those countries resisting China ’ s influence , then it still holds power internationally .
But one country asserting its strength is no use when the response to the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together , the US and China could fund a much bigger , better response to the pandemic ’ s challenges , and pool their collective knowledge , scientists and medical professionals for the good of the world .
“ Both for self-interested and humanitarian reasons , the United States and China should announce generous contributions to a new UN fund , ” says Nye .
“ Even better would be to add a binational high level commission on Covid-19 chaired by Vice President Pence and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to provide political cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What will happen next ?
China ’ s attempts to paint itself as the leader of the international response to coronavirus are unlikely to be successful , simply because too many people know about the Chinese government ’ s initially bungled response .
After Chinese doctor Li Wenliang warned colleagues in December about a mysterious virus that would become the coronavirus epidemic , he was detained by police in Wuhan on 3 January for “ spreading false rumours ” .
He was forced to sign a police document admitting he had breached the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order ” .
Li died from coronavirus on 7 February .
“ In the face of calls for greater transparency , Beijing ejected American journalists working for The New York Times , The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal .
On Twitter , a spokesperson for China ’ s foreign ministry accused the US military of bringing the coronavirus to Wuhan , ” says Foreign Affairs .
For the US and China to successfully fight the pandemic , they will need to work together .
Then “ perhaps , at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries just might end up building bridges that could be useful in tempering the more dangerous aspects of their competition ” , says Fuchs .

Donald Trump has accused China of doing “anything they can" to stop his re-election, further souring relations between the world’s two superpowers.
In an interview with Reuters, the US president again questioned Beijing’s transparency over the coronavirus outbreak, saying authorities should have let the world know about the contagion much sooner.
Trump has sought to deflect mounting criticism of his own handling of the pandemic by repeatedly casting doubt on China’s reporting of cases and the origins of the virus.
The US has recorded more than a million coronavirus cases and more than 60,000 deaths, according to latest figures. China, with its much larger population, has reported just over 84,000 cases and around 4,600 deaths.
Both Trump and members of his administration have hinted that there may be truth in the discredited claim that Covid-19 had escaped from a lab in Wuhan, China.
But “for the first time”, says The Guardian, Trump has linked Beijing to his re-election chances in November.
“China will do anything they can to have me lose this race,” he said, adding that he believed China wants his likely Democratic opponent, Senator Joe Biden, to win the race to ease the pressure on US-China trade relations.
He also speculated about retaliation against Beijing, saying “there are many things I can do”.
The president’s attack on China appears to be in line with leaked Republican party memos, published by Politico, which advised candidates to aggressively target Beijing in their public remarks on the pandemic, as part of their re-election strategy.
“President Trump's criticism of China has been consistent - and increasingly sharp - in recent weeks”, says BBC North America Correspondent David Willis.
“But this is the harshest criticism of its kind so far. By claiming that China's delay in alerting the world to the spread of the virus was politically motivated - and designed to boost the election chances of his political rival Joe Biden at the expense of his own - Trump is upping the ante in an increasingly bellicose war of words”.
Has the pandemic strained relations?
The US and China already had one of the fiercest diplomatic rivalries in the world, and both are using the coronavirus to help them compete for global influence, says Foreign Policy.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Is time running out to finish the Premier League season?

The English Premier League will hold a video conference call tomorrow to discuss when , or indeed , if , the 2019-20 season will be completed .
With nine rounds of matches remaining , Sky Sports reports that time is running out for the Premier League , particularly as an increasing number of clubs want the season concluded by 30 June because of player contracts .
The UK government is expected to extend the coronavirus lockdown until at least the end of this month , and that would make it unlikely that any football is played before the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that while they want to complete the season rather than declare it null and void , dozens of player contracts expire on 30 June .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sky Sports says after that date “ out-of-contract and loan players will be able to walk away from their clubs ” , despite the fact that the sport ’ s governing body , Fifa , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be extended to cover the rest of this season ’ s domestic campaign .
One Premier League club owner , who wished to remain anonymous , told Sky Sports : “ Some clubs want the season to finish by the end of June .
How can it be fair for European places and relegation to be decided by depleted squads.
” When football might resume is beyond the powers of the Premier League to decide - that will be up to the government .
What is more certain is that matches will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there ’ s also no certainty that any football will be played before next season .
“ The meeting will be about financial survival and if and when we play games or abandon the season , ” the club owner said .
“ Sadly , the season could still be abandoned depending on government rules.
” There was similar despondency from Alberto Colombo , the deputy general secretary of European Leagues , who has described the suspension of football across the continent as a “ huge crisis ” for the sport .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bundesliga may resume in May , behind closed doors , but Colombo was cautious in his prognosis for when football might resume .
He told reporters : “ It ’ s impossible to answer the question : ‘ When will we be back playing ?
’ Nobody has these answers .
“ Ultimately , we all know the governments of the countries are the ones in charge for lifting the various restrictions that apply to sport.
” Uefa will meet next week via video link to discuss the situation , but while Colombo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resumption of matches , that was not the paramount concern .
“ There is no doubt that players ’ health comes first , and also the health of all those involved in matches - staff of clubs , media , everyone has to be safe , ” he said .
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The English Premier League will hold a video conference call tomorrow to discuss when, or indeed, if, the 2019-20 season will be completed.
With nine rounds of matches remaining, Sky Sports reports that time is running out for the Premier League, particularly as an increasing number of clubs want the season concluded by 30 June because of player contracts.
The UK government is expected to extend the coronavirus lockdown until at least the end of this month, and that would make it unlikely that any football is played before the start of June.
The problem facing the clubs is that while they want to complete the season rather than declare it null and void, dozens of player contracts expire on 30 June.
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Contract conundrum
Sky Sports says after that date “out-of-contract and loan players will be able to walk away from their clubs”, despite the fact that the sport’s governing body, Fifa, has recommended that contracts set to expire could be extended to cover the rest of this season’s domestic campaign.
One Premier League club owner, who wished to remain anonymous, told Sky Sports: “Some clubs want the season to finish by the end of June. How can it be fair for European places and relegation to be decided by depleted squads.”
When football might resume is beyond the powers of the Premier League to decide - that will be up to the government.
What is more certain is that matches will be played behind closed doors. However, there’s also no certainty that any football will be played before next season.
“The meeting will be about financial survival and if and when we play games or abandon the season,” the club owner said. “Sadly, the season could still be abandoned depending on government rules.”
There was similar despondency from Alberto Colombo, the deputy general secretary of European Leagues, who has described the suspension of football across the continent as a “huge crisis” for the sport.
Impossible question
Germany tentatively suggested last week that the Bundesliga may resume in May, behind closed doors, but Colombo was cautious in his prognosis for when football might resume.
He told reporters: “It’s impossible to answer the question: ‘When will we be back playing?’ Nobody has these answers.
“Ultimately, we all know the governments of the countries are the ones in charge for lifting the various restrictions that apply to sport.”
Uefa will meet next week via video link to discuss the situation, but while Colombo said he would love to see the resumption of matches, that was not the paramount concern.
“There is no doubt that players’ health comes first, and also the health of all those involved in matches - staff of clubs, media, everyone has to be safe,” he said.
Today’s back pages
Premier League to be given season deadline ‘ultimatum’ from clubs
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theweekuk--2020-04-16--Today’s back pages: Premier League to be given season deadline ‘ultimatum’ from clubs

“ Endgame ” is the headline on the back page of Metro , a reference to the complex situation facing the English Premier League .
The paper says that the 20 clubs are planning to give the League an “ ultimatum ” tomorrow when they hold a video conference : either declare the 2019-20 season null and void , or finish it by 30 June .
“ Deadline or bedlam ” is the stark headline in the Daily Express , while the Daily Mail simply says “ ultimatum ” .
Explaining that the clubs face a “ legal minefield ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extend into July , the Mail says that dozens of players will be out of contract after 30 June and clubs face the prospect of playing matches with a depleted squad .
Is time running out to finish the Premier League season ?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Froome over the moon at Tour dates The Guardian and the Daily Express both report on the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cycling ’ s blue riband race will now start in Nice on 29 August and finish in Paris on 20 September .
The move , says the Guardian , “ will involve a delicate juggling act ” with the other two Grand Tours and the world road championships , but Le Tour is the sport ’ s cash cow for teams and riders and there is a determination to stage the event come what may .
The Express pictures four-time champion Chris Froome on its back page , and reports his comments on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The news many of us have been waiting for , ” said the British rider .
“ Some light at the end of the tunnel – assuming all goes well.
” Less enthused with the news that the Tour de France will be staged in September , reports The Daily Telegraph , are the organisers of the Tour of Britain .
That event is scheduled to start on 6 September and end a week later , and race organiser Hugh Roberts admitted it would “ not be easy ” competing for attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news that England rugby union captain Owen Farrell has agreed to a 90 % wage deferral makes many back pages .
The Times reports that the Saracens fly-half , who reputedly earns £750,000 a year from the Premiership club , will pocket “ around £31,000 between now and September - just over a third of which will be paid by the government - instead of £310,000 , an initial sacrifice in the region of £280,000 ” .
The Daily Telegraph says that Farrell isn ’ t the only Saracens player who will take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with the London club asking all players who earn more than £75,000 to defer payment of their salaries above that amount until the start of the 2020-21 season .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Premier League deadline
“Endgame” is the headline on the back page of Metro, a reference to the complex situation facing the English Premier League.
The paper says that the 20 clubs are planning to give the League an “ultimatum” tomorrow when they hold a video conference: either declare the 2019-20 season null and void, or finish it by 30 June.
“Deadline or bedlam” is the stark headline in the Daily Express, while the Daily Mail simply says “ultimatum”.
Explaining that the clubs face a “legal minefield” if the Premier League season were to extend into July, the Mail says that dozens of players will be out of contract after 30 June and clubs face the prospect of playing matches with a depleted squad.
Is time running out to finish the Premier League season?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Froome over the moon at Tour dates
The Guardian and the Daily Express both report on the decision to reschedule the Tour de France. Cycling’s blue riband race will now start in Nice on 29 August and finish in Paris on 20 September.
The move, says the Guardian, “will involve a delicate juggling act” with the other two Grand Tours and the world road championships, but Le Tour is the sport’s cash cow for teams and riders and there is a determination to stage the event come what may.
The Express pictures four-time champion Chris Froome on its back page, and reports his comments on Twitter in response to the rescheduling.
“The news many of us have been waiting for,” said the British rider. “Some light at the end of the tunnel – assuming all goes well.”
Less enthused with the news that the Tour de France will be staged in September, reports The Daily Telegraph, are the organisers of the Tour of Britain.
That event is scheduled to start on 6 September and end a week later, and race organiser Hugh Roberts admitted it would “not be easy” competing for attention with the Tour de France.
Farrell defers wages
The news that England rugby union captain Owen Farrell has agreed to a 90% wage deferral makes many back pages.
The Times reports that the Saracens fly-half, who reputedly earns £750,000 a year from the Premiership club, will pocket “around £31,000 between now and September - just over a third of which will be paid by the government - instead of £310,000, an initial sacrifice in the region of £280,000”.
The Daily Telegraph says that Farrell isn’t the only Saracens player who will take a financial hit in the coming months, with the London club asking all players who earn more than £75,000 to defer payment of their salaries above that amount until the start of the 2020-21 season.
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-04-16--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 16 Apr 2020

Covid-19 has impacted every corner of the globe , with confirmed cases on every continent .
But how it is @ @ @ @ @ you are – and your politics .
Here is how the name came about and @ @ @ @

Pregnant nurse dies of Covid-19 but baby saved
A 28-year-old pregnant nurse has died with the Covid-19 coronavirus, but her baby has been saved. Mary Agyeiwaa Agyapong, also known by her married name of Mary Boateng, died on Sunday in the Luton hospital where she had worked for five years. One colleague said she had “devoted her life to the NHS”. Her baby girl is doing well.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Quiz couple Charles and Diana Ingram to appeal against cheating conviction

Charles and Diana Ingram , whose story has been dramatised on ITV ’ s Quiz , are to ask the court of appeal to overturn their convictions for cheating on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ?
.
The couple ’ s legal team will claim that audio evidence may have been altered before it was presented to the jury , casting doubt on their conviction .
In 2003 , the Ingrams were found guilty of cheating their way to win £1m on the popular ITV game show , presented by Chris Tarrant .
The prosecution had argued that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security by deception ” by colluding with an accomplice in the audience , Tecwen Whittock , who would apparently cough when the correct answer was mentioned .
The Ingrams and Whittock , who were given suspended prison sentences and fines , still maintain their innocence .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Speaking to The Guardian , human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the couple were the victims of a miscarriage of justice .
“ Speaking to them and meeting them , I just know that they did not do it , ” said Friedman .
“ I just feel very sorry for them.
” She described Ingram , a major in the British Army in 2003 , as man whose “ wild and eccentric ” character could have been mistaken by the show ’ s producers for suspicious behaviour .
“ The performance he gave that everyone found remarkable is pretty much how I experienced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ The idea is that Charles was primed to appear on TV for the first time ever , in front of millions of people , knowing that he was going to be cheating , with a guy sitting behind him that he hasn ’ t met coughing to indicate an answer , without giving any reaction .
It would have been the performance of a lifetime and he ’ s not capable of it.
” Meanwhile , commenting on last night ’ s finale of Quiz , the three-part ITV mini-series @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mail says it left viewers “ reeling ” by hinting that the couple are indeed innocent .
One viewer summarised the response on Twitter : “ So after all that : were they actually guilty ?
”

Charles and Diana Ingram, whose story has been dramatised on ITV’s Quiz, are to ask the court of appeal to overturn their convictions for cheating on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.
The couple’s legal team will claim that audio evidence may have been altered before it was presented to the jury, casting doubt on their conviction.
In 2003, the Ingrams were found guilty of cheating their way to win £1m on the popular ITV game show, presented by Chris Tarrant. The prosecution had argued that they “procured the execution of a valuable security by deception” by colluding with an accomplice in the audience, Tecwen Whittock, who would apparently cough when the correct answer was mentioned.
The Ingrams and Whittock, who were given suspended prison sentences and fines, still maintain their innocence.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Speaking to The Guardian, human rights lawyer Rhona Friedman said she believes the couple were the victims of a miscarriage of justice.
“Speaking to them and meeting them, I just know that they did not do it,” said Friedman. “I just feel very sorry for them.”
She described Ingram, a major in the British Army in 2003, as man whose “wild and eccentric” character could have been mistaken by the show’s producers for suspicious behaviour. “The performance he gave that everyone found remarkable is pretty much how I experienced Charles,” she said.
Friedman added: “The idea is that Charles was primed to appear on TV for the first time ever, in front of millions of people, knowing that he was going to be cheating, with a guy sitting behind him that he hasn’t met coughing to indicate an answer, without giving any reaction. It would have been the performance of a lifetime and he’s not capable of it.”
Meanwhile, commenting on last night’s finale of Quiz, the three-part ITV mini-series which dramatised the story, the Daily Mail says it left viewers “reeling” by hinting that the couple are indeed innocent.
One viewer summarised the response on Twitter: “So after all that: were they actually guilty?”


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Trump claims coronavirus has ‘passed peak’ in US - has it?


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Amazon thrives during pandemic - but comes under pressure

With much of the world subject to stay-at-home lockdown conditions because of the coronavirus pandemic , Amazon , with its vast infrastructure already in place to deliver products direct to the consumer , has been one of the crisis ’ s few beneficiaries .
The company ’ s share price rose 5.3 % on Tuesday alone .
Jeff Bezos , its founder and largest shareholder , has seen his fortune swell by $ 24bn ( £19bn ) since the outbreak began .
With a new net worth of $ 138bn ( £110bn ) , his position as the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and Amazon is now worth $ 1.14trn ( £914bn ) .
In total , says The Guardian , customers are spending almost $ 11,000 ( £8,820 ) every second on the company ’ s website .
And yet , even while the business is thriving , the paradigmatic Silicon Valley success-story is coming under increasing pressure from a public relations standpoint .
In France on Tuesday , after a complaint by union representatives , a civil court outside Paris ruled that Amazon had failed to sufficiently protect warehouse workers against the Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its deliveries in the country to essential items - hygiene and medical products and food - until it could show it had improved conditions .
The company was ordered to pay a fine of €1m ( £872,000 ) per day until it had resolved the issue .
Then , on Wednesday , Amazon announced it would halt its French operations in response - the shutter begins today as the company plans to appeal the ruling , reports CNN .
“ We must temporarily suspend activities in our distribution centres in France , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a statement , “ despite the huge investment that we have made to ensure and strengthen by additional measures the safety of our employees who remained mobilized during this crisis .
“ Considering the complexity inherent in our logistics activities and the fine of one million euros per infraction imposed by the court , the risk of contravening the decision was too high.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The decision to halt operations highlights just how essential the global retail giant has become .
In its statement on Wednesday , the company drew attention to this .
The ruling “ is likely to have consequences for many people in our country ” , it said - adding the impact extends to the company ’ s employees and customers , but also French businesses which make sales on Amazon ’ s platform .
In the US , it hired 175,000 additional workers in March and April @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports CNBC .
The e-tailer has , however , come under increased pressure for conditions at its warehouses , and recently fired four employees who raised concerns and organised protests over the issue .
An Amazon spokeswoman said two employees were fired for “ repeatedly violating internal policies ” and two others were fired for “ violating social distancing guidelines ” .
Christy Hoffman , General Secretary of the UNI Global Union , told the BBC : “ Amazon ’ s more concerned about expanding its power , its influence , its market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about protecting workers .
“ When you ’ ve got positive cases in 50 warehouses , and each of those persons are working closely with many others , it ’ s very hard to say it won ’ t be a source of spread.
” The company has insisted safety is paramount and that it is offering an extra $ 2 ( 80p ) per hour , double pay for overtime and two weeks ’ unpaid leave for workers who test positive .

With much of the world subject to stay-at-home lockdown conditions because of the coronavirus pandemic, Amazon, with its vast infrastructure already in place to deliver products direct to the consumer, has been one of the crisis’s few beneficiaries.
The company’s share price rose 5.3% on Tuesday alone. Jeff Bezos, its founder and largest shareholder, has seen his fortune swell by $24bn (£19bn) since the outbreak began.
With a new net worth of $138bn (£110bn), his position as the world’s richest person has only been cemented, and Amazon is now worth $1.14trn (£914bn).
In total, says The Guardian, customers are spending almost $11,000 (£8,820) every second on the company’s website.
And yet, even while the business is thriving, the paradigmatic Silicon Valley success-story is coming under increasing pressure from a public relations standpoint.
In France on Tuesday, after a complaint by union representatives, a civil court outside Paris ruled that Amazon had failed to sufficiently protect warehouse workers against the Covid-19 threat, ordering that it must limit its deliveries in the country to essential items - hygiene and medical products and food - until it could show it had improved conditions.
The company was ordered to pay a fine of €1m (£872,000) per day until it had resolved the issue. Then, on Wednesday, Amazon announced it would halt its French operations in response - the shutter begins today as the company plans to appeal the ruling, reports CNN.
“We must temporarily suspend activities in our distribution centres in France,” the company’s French branch said in a statement, “despite the huge investment that we have made to ensure and strengthen by additional measures the safety of our employees who remained mobilized during this crisis.
“Considering the complexity inherent in our logistics activities and the fine of one million euros per infraction imposed by the court, the risk of contravening the decision was too high.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The decision to halt operations highlights just how essential the global retail giant has become. In its statement on Wednesday, the company drew attention to this.
The ruling “is likely to have consequences for many people in our country”, it said - adding the impact extends to the company’s employees and customers, but also French businesses which make sales on Amazon’s platform.
In the US, it hired 175,000 additional workers in March and April to meet the surge in demand, reports CNBC.
The e-tailer has, however, come under increased pressure for conditions at its warehouses, and recently fired four employees who raised concerns and organised protests over the issue. An Amazon spokeswoman said two employees were fired for “repeatedly violating internal policies” and two others were fired for “violating social distancing guidelines”.
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of the UNI Global Union, told the BBC: “Amazon’s more concerned about expanding its power, its influence, its market share in this period than it is about protecting workers.
“When you’ve got positive cases in 50 warehouses, and each of those persons are working closely with many others, it’s very hard to say it won’t be a source of spread.”
The company has insisted safety is paramount and that it is offering an extra $2 (80p) per hour, double pay for overtime and two weeks’ unpaid leave for workers who test positive.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Brexit: the state of affairs as negotiations restart

The UK government and the EU have agreed to resume Brexit negotiations next week , following a “ constructive ” video conference on Wednesday between the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost .
Since the UK officially left the union on 31 January its trade relationship with the EU has remained largely unchanged , but this transition period - in place to provide time to negotiate the terms of the future relationship - is due to expire at the end of this year .
Such was the disruptive power of the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ halted the progress of the most dominant issue of recent years - even Barnier and Frost themselves had symptoms of the virus .
The timeframe to negotiate the hugley complex trade deal was already unprecedentedly small - most negotiations of this scale take years , and the two sides have made a commitment to be finished by July .
But after the second and third rounds of talks were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak , the window is even narrower .
“ Because of the global pandemic , a negotiating timeframe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impossible , ” says Politico .
What needs to be agreed ?
Following Wednesday ’ s e-meeting , a timetable for further virtual negotiations has been revealed .
On the table are the crucial issues of the future trade relationship , including security policy , trade rules and the contentious issue of fishing rights .
Westminster has yet to produce any proposals on the politically charged issue of access for EU boats to UK waters - and it could yet prove an intractable issue .
“ If there is no progress on this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in other areas , ” an unnamed EU official told the Financial Times .
The newspaper reports : “ While the commission has published a comprehensive legal text setting out its vision of the future EU-UK relationship , the UK has taken a more piecemeal approach .
It has submitted a total of six separate texts covering energy policy , criminal justice , trade , air transport , air safety and civil nuclear safety.
” As the pandemic has reduced time available to resolve these crucial points , the question is whether it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ altogether .
Might there be an extension ?
Because of the enormous economic toll taken by the coronavirus pandemic , calls have been growing for the two sides to extend the current transition period .
Yesterday , the IMF ’ s managing director Kristalina Georgieva told the BBC that the “ unprecedented uncertainty ” caused by Covid-19 meant it would be “ wise not to add more on top of it ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– “ I really hope that all policymakers everywhere would be thinking about [ reducing uncertainty ] .
It is tough as it is , ” she said - “ let ’ s not make it any tougher.
” Robert Keen , head of the British International Freight Association , also said recently : “ This is not an argument about leaving the EU .
That is done and dusted .
This is an argument about managing the transition process @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entire playing field has moved.
” The deadline to request an extension to the transition period is 1 July , but as things stand it seems the Conservative government remains unbending in its determination to complete the Brexit process once and for all .
The Guardian claims that “ EU diplomats are increasingly convinced that London will ask for an extension ” .
However , writing in The Spectator , James Forsyth maintains the government is unwilling to countenance such a move : “ The thinking is that a delay would not solve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal is either possible or not .
Another factor… is concern that extending could drag the UK into the arguments about who pays for the various EU schemes designed to protect the European economy and preserve the Eurozone.
” If , indeed , Downing Street refuses to request an extension , it is also possible the EU could make the request itself .
Such a move “ would put the government in a difficult position ” , continues Forsyth .
“ Rejecting the request would sit ill with the idea that the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the EU .
”

The UK government and the EU have agreed to resume Brexit negotiations next week, following a “constructive” video conference on Wednesday between the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart David Frost.
Since the UK officially left the union on 31 January its trade relationship with the EU has remained largely unchanged, but this transition period - in place to provide time to negotiate the terms of the future relationship - is due to expire at the end of this year.
Such was the disruptive power of the coronavirus pandemic that it shifted focus from and halted the progress of the most dominant issue of recent years - even Barnier and Frost themselves had symptoms of the virus.
The timeframe to negotiate the hugley complex trade deal was already unprecedentedly small - most negotiations of this scale take years, and the two sides have made a commitment to be finished by July. But after the second and third rounds of talks were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, the window is even narrower.
“Because of the global pandemic, a negotiating timeframe that was already deemed improbable has turned nearly impossible,” says Politico.
🇪🇺🇬🇧 Good to speak with @DavidGHFrost today to organise next week’s negotiating round, via videoconference. We need real, tangible progress in the negotiations by June. We must advance across all areas.https://t.co/FGN5ko7JcH pic.twitter.com/zXBMpF1L6c — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) April 15, 2020
Very happy to talk to @michelbarnier today and agree a refreshed timetable for UK / EU negotiations by videoconference - starting next week. We are both keen to make progress.https://t.co/eOqUq4pnXR pic.twitter.com/NHJeHH0dFV — David Frost (@DavidGHFrost) April 15, 2020
What needs to be agreed?
Following Wednesday’s e-meeting, a timetable for further virtual negotiations has been revealed.
On the table are the crucial issues of the future trade relationship, including security policy, trade rules and the contentious issue of fishing rights. Westminster has yet to produce any proposals on the politically charged issue of access for EU boats to UK waters - and it could yet prove an intractable issue.
“If there is no progress on this, then there will be no progress in other areas,” an unnamed EU official told the Financial Times.
The newspaper reports: “While the commission has published a comprehensive legal text setting out its vision of the future EU-UK relationship, the UK has taken a more piecemeal approach. It has submitted a total of six separate texts covering energy policy, criminal justice, trade, air transport, air safety and civil nuclear safety.”
As the pandemic has reduced time available to resolve these crucial points, the question is whether it will force negotiators to pause the process altogether.
Might there be an extension?
Because of the enormous economic toll taken by the coronavirus pandemic, calls have been growing for the two sides to extend the current transition period.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--German zoo prepares to feed animals to each other

A zoo in Germany has made plans to feed some of its animals to others to keep them alive , as the coronavirus pandemic reduces its income , threatening its ability to buy food .
Neumunster zoo , which is located north of Hamburg , in Schleswig-Holstein , has revealed it may sacrifice its non-endangered animals to feed its polar bear Vitus - Germany ’ s biggest at nearly 12ft tall - as well as its lynx and eagles .
“ If - and this is really the worst , worst case of all - if I no longer have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if it should happen that my feed supplier is no longer able to deliver due to new restrictions , then I would slaughter animals to feed other animals , ” said the director of Neumunster Zoo , Verena Kaspari .
Kaspari told Die Welt they had “ listed the animals we ’ ll have to slaughter first ” , but added that none of the endangered animals would be killed .
Lockdowns imposed in response to Covid-19 have kept the typical crowds , especially at Easter , housebound .
The animal park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , had to close on 15 March in response to the restrictions .
“ Zoos are a favourite pastime of people in Germany , ” reports DW .
“ A total of 75 % of Germans enjoy visiting the zoo.
” The lack of ticket sales has therefore presented an acute challenge , and Neumunster zoo ’ s drastic solution is an attempt to draw attention to the crisis .
Speaking to The New York Times , however , Jan Bauer , who runs a similar-sized zoo north of Leipzig , said threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may go unnecessarily far .
“ Of course , it ’ s for everyone to decide for themselves , ” he said on Wednesday .
“ But if we didn ’ t have any food , the animal sponsors and the locals would certainly donate some.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Still , Bauer acknowledged that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes from the city of Dessau , giving it access to funding unavailable to Neumunster zoo .
“ We are not getting any city funds , and all the state funds we have applied for so far have not yet arrived , ” said Neumunster ’ s Kaspari .
Kaspari estimates that her zoo ’ s loss of income will be about €175,000 ( £152,400 ) this spring and points out that even if they carry out their plan to use their own animals as food , this still would not help many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and penguins , who consume massive amounts of fresh fish every day .
“ If it comes to it , I ’ ll have to euthanise animals , rather than let them starve , ” she said .
The German government has put an emergency fund for small businesses in place , but as Neumunster zoo belongs to an association , it does not qualify for the programme .
The Independent reports that the industry has campaigns in place to address the issue .
“ As well as asking for public donations , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £87.3m ) in aid from the German government , ” the publication says .