theweekuk--2020-03-03--Moxy NYC Chelsea review: micro rooms and macro service

After four nights of five star luxury , moving to a three star hotel might sound like a major step down but , when it ’ s to the relatively new , still quite shiny , ultra-modern Moxy in Chelsea , it ’ s not actually that noticeable .
Moxy is the “ stylish budget ” brand from Marriott , where the theme is micro rooms and macro services .
Essentially , it hones your room down to the basics , but compensates with communal spaces .
So , you might not have coffee making facilities , but you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and grab a free one .
You won ’ t have an ironing board in your room , but there ’ s a communal ironing room .
It ’ s an odd approach that , while it reeks of hipster millennial , it ’ s also proof that – OK Boomer – “ hipster millennial ” is not necessarily something to fear .
The rooms at Moxy NYC Chelsea are , indeed , micro , but masterful examples of compact design , even in a city where they ’ ve got making the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a fine art .
Tables and chairs are collapsible and you ’ ll either find them tucked into assorted nooks and crannies or , possibly , hanging on the peg system that replaces the wardrobe .
There ’ s a big sink , a little shelf space , floor-to-ceiling windows ( with , if you ’ re lucky , or ask beforehand , great views towards The Empire State Building ) , a separate toilet / walk-in shower area , a big TV ( with Netflix casting capability ) and an extremely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re also pet friendly , if you have such furry or feathered requirements .
If you ’ re used to the creature comforts of Lowell-esque hotels this may not be the place for you but , if you ’ ve an open mind , it ’ s clear to see that , while the offering has been scaled back , it ’ s actually put the focus on what ’ s important and , for the majority of tourists , that ’ s a good night ’ s sleep , a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service .
The staff are , it appears , completely unflappable , even when confronted with armies of people at check-in - the Moxy NYC Chelsea is some 35 storeys high , so they have a fair few rooms to fill .
Even on a busy Friday afternoon , with wedding parties and such like arriving in a seemingly non-stop flow , service is slick and efficient and it ’ s but a matter of minutes from queue to closing your bedroom door behind you .
The queue is also rather sweet smelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a florists , a nod to the Moxy ’ s location slap in the middle of the Flower District .
It ’ s a great location , not far from theatres , many NYC landmarks , and is a short stroll from the excellent High Line walk as well as several Subway stations .
It ’ s thus easy to tick off many of the key tourist landmarks , and nip out to other Boroughs , if you want to head further afield .
If you are playing full-on tourist , do take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which covers everything from the Empire State ( twice in fact , as you can make a return visit at night which is highly recommended ) to the Met , helps you skip queues and , best of all stops you looking at the price board and asking yourself “ sorry , it ’ s how much ?
” New York - particularly , it seems , New York from on high – does not come cheap .
While we ’ re on a touristy sort of bent , if food is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fine , filling way of spending several hours , and exploring outside of Manhattan .
The Queens tour is enormous fun , where it ’ s possible to “ visit ” much of South America and assorted bits of Asia via the medium of snacks .
And if you don ’ t , just head to Beky Bakery and order the housemade chorizo with egg sandwich and thank me later .
It ’ s genuinely one of the best things I ate in 2019 .
You can ’ t quite see Queens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Fleur Room , the 35th floor rooftop bar that has rapidly become one of the City ’ s destination bars , and offers panoramic views from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building .
Later at night it ’ s chaos – entry after 9pm is by “ doorman discretion ” – but early evening , it ’ s a fine place to sit and contemplate life , the universe , how remarkably little you ’ re paying for a room , and how you ’ ve managed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what is , basically , a budget hotel for the 21st century .
If this is change then , for once I don ’ t fear it ... To find out more and plan your next New York City adventure , visit www.nycgo.com

After four nights of five star luxury, moving to a three star hotel might sound like a major step down but, when it’s to the relatively new, still quite shiny, ultra-modern Moxy in Chelsea, it’s not actually that noticeable.
Moxy is the “stylish budget” brand from Marriott, where the theme is micro rooms and macro services. Essentially, it hones your room down to the basics, but compensates with communal spaces. So, you might not have coffee making facilities, but you can head to the bar / café area and grab a free one. You won’t have an ironing board in your room, but there’s a communal ironing room. It’s an odd approach that, while it reeks of hipster millennial, it’s also proof that – OK Boomer – “hipster millennial” is not necessarily something to fear.
The rooms at Moxy NYC Chelsea are, indeed, micro, but masterful examples of compact design, even in a city where they’ve got making the most of a small living area down to a fine art. Tables and chairs are collapsible and you’ll either find them tucked into assorted nooks and crannies or, possibly, hanging on the peg system that replaces the wardrobe.
There’s a big sink, a little shelf space, floor-to-ceiling windows (with, if you’re lucky, or ask beforehand, great views towards The Empire State Building), a separate toilet / walk-in shower area, a big TV (with Netflix casting capability) and an extremely comfortable, very large bed. They’re also pet friendly, if you have such furry or feathered requirements. If you’re used to the creature comforts of Lowell-esque hotels this may not be the place for you but, if you’ve an open mind, it’s clear to see that, while the offering has been scaled back, it’s actually put the focus on what’s important and, for the majority of tourists, that’s a good night’s sleep, a good shower, access to coffee and good service.
The staff are, it appears, completely unflappable, even when confronted with armies of people at check-in - the Moxy NYC Chelsea is some 35 storeys high, so they have a fair few rooms to fill. Even on a busy Friday afternoon, with wedding parties and such like arriving in a seemingly non-stop flow, service is slick and efficient and it’s but a matter of minutes from queue to closing your bedroom door behind you. The queue is also rather sweet smelling as the reception area opens out behind a florists, a nod to the Moxy’s location slap in the middle of the Flower District.
It’s a great location, not far from theatres, many NYC landmarks, and is a short stroll from the excellent High Line walk as well as several Subway stations. It’s thus easy to tick off many of the key tourist landmarks, and nip out to other Boroughs, if you want to head further afield. If you are playing full-on tourist, do take a look at the New York CityPASS, which covers everything from the Empire State (twice in fact, as you can make a return visit at night which is highly recommended) to the Met, helps you skip queues and, best of all stops you looking at the price board and asking yourself “sorry, it’s how much?” New York - particularly, it seems, New York from on high – does not come cheap.
While we’re on a touristy sort of bent, if food is your thing, Culinary Backstreets tours is a fine, filling way of spending several hours, and exploring outside of Manhattan. The Queens tour is enormous fun, where it’s possible to “visit” much of South America and assorted bits of Asia via the medium of snacks. And if you don’t, just head to Beky Bakery and order the housemade chorizo with egg sandwich and thank me later. It’s genuinely one of the best things I ate in 2019.
You can’t quite see Queens from the Moxy Chelsea, not even from the Fleur Room, the 35th floor rooftop bar that has rapidly become one of the City’s destination bars, and offers panoramic views from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building.
Later at night it’s chaos – entry after 9pm is by “doorman discretion” – but early evening, it’s a fine place to sit and contemplate life, the universe, how remarkably little you’re paying for a room, and how you’ve managed to find this really quite spectacular bar in what is, basically, a budget hotel for the 21st century. If this is change then, for once I don’t fear it...
The Moxy NYC Chelsea 105 West 28th St, New York; moxychelsea.com
To find out more and plan your next New York City adventure, visit www.nycgo.com


theweekuk--2020-03-04--Morgan Plus Four specs, pictures and video: a happy 70th to the much-loved classic

Morgan Motor Company has described the Morgan Plus Four as a “ revolutionary advancement ” in the core model ’ s 70-year history .
Replacing the outgoing Plus 4 , a model that has formed the backbone of Morgan production since its debut in 1950 , the all-new iteration has been developed over the past four years and has been radically updated compared to the previous generation .
The Plus Four features the first-ever four-cylinder turbocharged engine to be used by Morgan - the 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo , which produces 255 bhp ( 190 kW ) and up to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ torque - and 97 % of its components are new .
With the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox , the Plus Four has a top speed of 149mph and power and torque levels have risen by more than 65 % compared to the outgoing version .
Available to order now , prices for the manual variant start from £62,995 and automatic is from £64,995 .
Video of The All-New Morgan Plus Four Reactions to the Plus Four “ The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents the very best of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ craftsmanship , the instantly recognisable Morgan silhouette , and now , industry-leading technology thanks to our CX-Generation aluminium platform and BMW powertrains .
“ A fitting successor to one of the world ’ s longest established nameplates , this new model displays some of the most celebrated key features of our classic range , and strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity .
“ The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents a four-year development programme , carried out by our world-class design and engineering team.
” “ This project has presented design and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect and preserve our core model ’ s unique proposition while completely redesigning it .
“ Despite the packaging constraints that complex that modern architecture presents , I believe the team have managed to protect what was important – the proportions , the posture , the tradition and the human-mechanical interaction .
“ Almost every component has been evaluated and redesigned , and while many of these studies addressed small details , it is the quality and culmination of them that deliver an entirely new Plus Four today.
” • Automatic gearbox : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plus and manual shift modes Morgan Plus Four : in pictures

Morgan Motor Company has described the Morgan Plus Four as a “revolutionary advancement” in the core model’s 70-year history.
Replacing the outgoing Plus 4, a model that has formed the backbone of Morgan production since its debut in 1950, the all-new iteration has been developed over the past four years and has been radically updated compared to the previous generation.
The Plus Four features the first-ever four-cylinder turbocharged engine to be used by Morgan - the 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo, which produces 255 bhp (190 kW) and up to 295 lb ft (400 Nm) torque - and 97% of its components are new.
With the option of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Plus Four has a top speed of 149mph and power and torque levels have risen by more than 65% compared to the outgoing version.
Available to order now, prices for the manual variant start from £62,995 and automatic is from £64,995.
Reactions to the Plus Four
Steve Morris, chairman and CEO, Morgan Motor Company
“The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents the very best of the Morgan Motor Company. It features rare craftsmanship, the instantly recognisable Morgan silhouette, and now, industry-leading technology thanks to our CX-Generation aluminium platform and BMW powertrains.
“A fitting successor to one of the world’s longest established nameplates, this new model displays some of the most celebrated key features of our classic range, and strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.
“The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents a four-year development programme, carried out by our world-class design and engineering team.”
Jonathan Wells, head of design, Morgan Motor Company
“This project has presented design and engineering with an incredible task: to protect and preserve our core model’s unique proposition while completely redesigning it.
“Despite the packaging constraints that complex that modern architecture presents, I believe the team have managed to protect what was important – the proportions, the posture, the tradition and the human-mechanical interaction.
“Almost every component has been evaluated and redesigned, and while many of these studies addressed small details, it is the quality and culmination of them that deliver an entirely new Plus Four today.”
Morgan Plus Four specifications
Engine: BMW 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo, inline four-cylinder
Automatic gearbox: eight-speed with comfort, sport, sport plus and manual shift modes
Manual gearbox: six-speed manual
0-62 mph: 4.8 seconds (automatic); 5.2 seconds (manual)
Top speed: 149mph
Fuel tank capacity: 46 litres
Starting UK price: manual from £62,995; automatic from £64,995
Morgan Plus Four: in pictures


theweekuk--2020-03-04--Five surprising consequences of coronavirus

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theweekuk--2020-03-04--Instant Opinion: Black voters matter

Instant Opinion: Black voters matter

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on winning over the electorate The Super Tuesday no one predicted a week ago : Black voters matter “ Tonight 's results affirm that the pathway to the Democratic nomination runs directly through the black community .
Candidates who are unable to break through to black voters just are n't viable contenders despite how great they might be on issues of racial justice and regardless of how many endorsements they receive from black influencers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ who literally has a comprehensive plan to address everything , including a host of issues that disproportionately impact black people .
Even though she amassed an impressive list of endorsements from black leaders - from Black Womxn For to the founders of Black Lives Matter - she 's been unable to break through to black voters in any contest thus far.
” on a PM up against the ropes “ Upon how many fronts can a government fight at any one time ?
Political capital has a short-enough half-life as it is without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simultaneous multiple battles .
Concentration of political firepower matters .
At a rough count , Boris Johnson ’ s ministry is currently fighting the civil service , the media , the European Union and now , of course , a looming public health emergency from a likely coronavirus epidemic .
There is also the small matter of a budget and the government ’ s actual – or , if you prefer , notional – plans for ‘ levelling-up ’ the United Kingdom.
” 3 .
Jonn Elledge in the New Statesman Why Robert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t heard of “ The idea that the government should be taking active steps towards making housing cheaper seems not to have occurred to Jenrick .
And why should it ?
He owned three houses ( yes , yes , ‘ class war ’ , I know , I know ) .
He ’ s only been an MP for six years : his prospects within the Conservative Party are not likely to be improved by garnering a reputation for being the guy who crashed the housing market and brought back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stoking the fire.
” 4 .
The civil servant in The Guardian on the bullying claims against the home secretary The Priti Patel allegations are turning into a # MeToo moment for the civil service “ It might not be a stretch to say that this feels like like a sort of # MeToo moment for the civil service .
Those who , like me , have been around government for several years reckon more allegations are on the way .
There may be blood .
It probably won ’ t be Patel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation has been promised into whether she has broken the ministerial code , but swift endorsements from Michael Gove – the minister for the Cabinet Office , which will conduct that investigation – and the prime minister suggest the outcome is already secure .
The message seems clear : Priti ’ s safe.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 5 .
The editorial board in The Telegraph The age of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the odds , and with everyone expecting his Likud-led government to be trounced , the Right-wing coalition he leads has won the most seats .
Rather than go backwards as many incumbents do – especially when they are facing trial on corruption charges – he won more seats than last time , boosted by recent diplomatic successes and a booming economy .
It turns out that the age of Netanyahu is not over after all .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Aisha Moodie-Mills on CNN
on winning over the electorate
The Super Tuesday no one predicted a week ago: Black voters matter
“Tonight's results affirm that the pathway to the Democratic nomination runs directly through the black community. Candidates who are unable to break through to black voters just aren't viable contenders despite how great they might be on issues of racial justice and regardless of how many endorsements they receive from black influencers. Take Elizabeth Warren, for example, who literally has a comprehensive plan to address everything, including a host of issues that disproportionately impact black people. Even though she amassed an impressive list of endorsements from black leaders - from Black Womxn For to the founders of Black Lives Matter - she's been unable to break through to black voters in any contest thus far.”
2. Alex Massie in The Spectator
on a PM up against the ropes
The government’s political capital is waning
“Upon how many fronts can a government fight at any one time? Political capital has a short-enough half-life as it is without the risk of it being diluted through simultaneous multiple battles. Concentration of political firepower matters. At a rough count, Boris Johnson’s ministry is currently fighting the civil service, the media, the European Union and now, of course, a looming public health emergency from a likely coronavirus epidemic. There is also the small matter of a budget and the government’s actual – or, if you prefer, notional – plans for ‘levelling-up’ the United Kingdom.”
3. Jonn Elledge in the New Statesman
on the UK housing secretary
Why Robert Jenrick is the worst cabinet minister you haven’t heard of
“The idea that the government should be taking active steps towards making housing cheaper seems not to have occurred to Jenrick. And why should it? He owned three houses (yes, yes, ‘class war’, I know, I know). He’s only been an MP for six years: his prospects within the Conservative Party are not likely to be improved by garnering a reputation for being the guy who crashed the housing market and brought back council housing. Much better to keep stoking the fire.”
4. The civil servant in The Guardian
on the bullying claims against the home secretary
The Priti Patel allegations are turning into a #MeToo moment for the civil service
“It might not be a stretch to say that this feels like like a sort of #MeToo moment for the civil service. Those who, like me, have been around government for several years reckon more allegations are on the way. There may be blood. It probably won’t be Patel’s. For now, an investigation has been promised into whether she has broken the ministerial code, but swift endorsements from Michael Gove – the minister for the Cabinet Office, which will conduct that investigation – and the prime minister suggest the outcome is already secure. The message seems clear: Priti’s safe.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
5. The editorial board in The Telegraph
on Israel’s election
The age of Netanyahu is not yet over
“Against the odds, and with everyone expecting his Likud-led government to be trounced, the Right-wing coalition he leads has won the most seats. Rather than go backwards as many incumbents do – especially when they are facing trial on corruption charges – he won more seats than last time, boosted by recent diplomatic successes and a booming economy. It turns out that the age of Netanyahu is not over after all.”


theweekuk--2020-03-04--What Genesis have been doing for 13 years

Genesis fans across the UK are gearing up to watch the band perform live together for the first time in 13 years .
Tony Banks , Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford announced the Last Domino ?
reunion tour on Zoe Ball ’ s breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 this morning .
“ I think it ’ s a natural moment , ” said Banks .
“ We ’ re all good friends , we ’ re all above grass and ... here we are.
” The veteran rockers will begin the tour in Dublin in November , before playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Belfast , Manchester , Newcastle and Glasgow .
They will also put in two nights at London ’ s O2 Arena .
The trio , all aged 69 , will be joined by Collins ’ son Nicholas on drums and long-time touring buddy Daryl Stuermer on guitar and bass .
Founder member Peter Gabriel is not expected to be involved , after leaving the band in 1975 , and nor is Steve Hackett , who jumped ship two years later .
Genesis started life in the 1970s as a progressive rock band @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most successful mainstream rock bands of the following decade .
The chart-toppers sold more than 100 million records worldwide , claiming 21 UK Top 40 hits and half a dozen No.1 albums .
Their best-known hits include Invisible Touch , Turn It On Again and In Too Deep .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
So what have its members been doing in the intervening years ?
Collins announced his retirement in 2011 , after nerve damage left him unable to play the drums .
He had been living in Switzerland with his family since the 1990s , but his third wife , Orianne Cevey , had left and moved to Miami in 2008 .
In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone , Collins recalled : “ It left me with a lot of time on my hands to think about what happened .
I went through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much .
I killed my hours watching TV and drinking , and it almost killed me .
But I haven ’ t had a drink in three years.
” Collins also later moved to Miami and has since reunited with Cevey .
And following back surgery , he returned to the stage in 2016 , touring extensively over a two-year period .
Former bandmate Rutherford published his autobiography , The Living Years : The First Genesis Memoir , in 2014 .
He also performed in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released classical albums , including Six Pieces for Orchestra and most recently Five .
In 2010 , Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame .
The band also took part in a BBC documentary called Genesis : Together and Apart in 2014 - but some commentators claimed all was clearly not well .
“ Even with all the bonhomie of the TV studio reunion , you could feel the tension as Gabriel accused his former bandmates of failing to make allowances when he was dealing with his baby daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critic Ceri Radford in The Telegraph at the time .
“ It showed that while times may change , some things are eternal , from bickering to the lure of a good ballad to Steve Hackett ’ s mullet .
”

Genesis fans across the UK are gearing up to watch the band perform live together for the first time in 13 years.
Tony Banks, Phil Collins and Mike Rutherford announced the Last Domino? reunion tour on Zoe Ball’s breakfast show on BBC Radio 2 this morning.
“I think it’s a natural moment,” said Banks. “We’re all good friends, we’re all above grass and... here we are.”
The veteran rockers will begin the tour in Dublin in November, before playing shows in Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Belfast, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow. They will also put in two nights at London’s O2 Arena.
The trio, all aged 69, will be joined by Collins’ son Nicholas on drums and long-time touring buddy Daryl Stuermer on guitar and bass.
Founder member Peter Gabriel is not expected to be involved, after leaving the band in 1975, and nor is Steve Hackett, who jumped ship two years later.
Genesis started life in the 1970s as a progressive rock band but evolved to become one of the most successful mainstream rock bands of the following decade. The chart-toppers sold more than 100 million records worldwide, claiming 21 UK Top 40 hits and half a dozen No.1 albums. Their best-known hits include Invisible Touch, Turn It On Again and In Too Deep.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The band last played together live in 2007. So what have its members been doing in the intervening years?
Collins announced his retirement in 2011, after nerve damage left him unable to play the drums.
He had been living in Switzerland with his family since the 1990s, but his third wife, Orianne Cevey, had left and moved to Miami in 2008.
In a 2015 interview with Rolling Stone, Collins recalled: “It left me with a lot of time on my hands to think about what happened. I went through a few bits of darkness, drinking too much. I killed my hours watching TV and drinking, and it almost killed me. But I haven’t had a drink in three years.”
Collins also later moved to Miami and has since reunited with Cevey. And following back surgery, he returned to the stage in 2016, touring extensively over a two-year period.
Former bandmate Rutherford published his autobiography, The Living Years: The First Genesis Memoir, in 2014. He also performed in the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Summer Olympics.
Meanwhile, Banks has released classical albums, including Six Pieces for Orchestra and most recently Five.
In 2010, Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The band also took part in a BBC documentary called Genesis: Together and Apart in 2014 - but some commentators claimed all was clearly not well.
“Even with all the bonhomie of the TV studio reunion, you could feel the tension as Gabriel accused his former bandmates of failing to make allowances when he was dealing with his baby daughter’s illness,” wrote TV critic Ceri Radford in The Telegraph at the time.
“It showed that while times may change, some things are eternal, from bickering to the lure of a good ballad to Steve Hackett’s mullet.”


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Sport shorts: Harry Kane ‘prefers Man Utd move’ over Spurs rebuild and England are out of the T20 Wo

Sport shorts: Harry Kane ‘prefers Man Utd move’ over Spurs rebuild and England are out of the T20 World Cup after washout

Harry Kane ’ s future at Tottenham is a major talking point today with reports suggesting that the England captain could join Manchester United .
The Sun says the 26-year-old , who is currently injured with a hamstring tear , would “ prefer to join Man Utd ” than be a part of a massive rebuild at Spurs .
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and manager Jose Mourinho are “ hopeful ” they can keep their star striker in north London , but it depends on whether the club secures Champions League football next season .
Goal reports that Kane is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an overhaul of the Spurs squad before challenging for the Premier League title and again becoming a force in Europe ” .
Missing out on a place in the Champions League would also “ further disillusion ” the Three Lions skipper .
Southgate confident Kane and Rashford will be fit for Euro 2020 The question marks over Harry Kane ’ s future add to a terrible 24 hours for Tottenham .
After losing an FA Cup penalty shootout against Norwich City last night , defender Eric Dier climbed into the stands to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him and his brother .
Sky Sports reports that the Football Association is investigating the incident and after the cup loss Jose Mourinho was asked about Dier ’ s actions .
The Spurs boss said : “ This person insulted Eric , this family was there .
The young brother was not happy with the situation and then Eric , I repeat did what we professionals can not do , but did something that probably we would do .
“ I don ’ t think that belongs to the game .
The game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cup , but I can not run away from the question .
I think Eric Dier did what we as professionals can not do but when someone insults you and your family is involved , especially your young brother.
” Norwich City have been rewarded with a home tie in the FA Cup quarter-finals .
The Canaries will play the winners of tonight ’ s game between Derby County and Manchester United .
Quarter-final ties will be played on 21-22 March .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The 2020 Six Nations rugby championship is in jeopardy after a second fixture was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak .
This weekend ’ s Ireland vs. Italy fourth round clash is off and now the final round game between Italy and England on 14 March is also postponed .
No confirmation has yet been made regarding the rearranging of the two fixtures .
This weekend England face defending champions Wales in the fourth round of the Six Nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head coach Eddie Jones has today named his squad for Saturday ’ s match at Twickenham and there ’ s a return to the starting XV for flanker Mark Wilson and wing Anthony Watson .
6 .
England out of T20 World Cup after washout England ’ s hopes of winning the ICC Women ’ s T20 World Cup were crushed this morning after their semi-final clash against India was washed out without a ball being bowled at Sydney Cricket Ground .
India progressed to the final having finished top of group A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are eliminated .
England captain Heather Knight said : “ It ’ s really frustrating , and not how we wanted the World Cup to finish for us .
Ultimately that loss against South Africa [ in the group stage ] has cost us .
Our aim was to get to the semi-finals which we did .
It ’ s all very English talking about the weather but it ’ s frustrating not getting that chance to play for the final.
” In today ’ s other rain-affected semi-final host nation Australia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ DLS ) .
Australia will now play India in Sunday ’ s final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground ( 7am GMT , live on Sky Sports ) .
The women ’ s international football tournament consists of four nations - England , USA , Japan and Spain - and is played in a round-robin format .
• Tomorrow : USA vs. England ( 12am , live on BBC Two ) • Sunday 8 March : Japan vs. England ( 6.15pm , live on BBC Four ) ; USA vs. Spain ( 9pm ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain ( 9.15pm , live on BBC Four ) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Following the death of their sporting director Nico Portal and the coronavirus outbreak , the Team Ineos cycling team have withdrawn from all events until 23 March .
Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said : “ This is a uniquely sad moment for everyone at the team .
We have lost someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all grieving for Nico .
“ We are taking this decision to put a temporary pause on racing because of this unique set of circumstances we are facing .
It is right for the team given what has happened but I also believe it is in the best interests of both cycling and the wider public.
” Excitement is building for the return of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after Max Verstappen took a Red Bull Racing RB8 for the first laps around the newly-renovated Zandvoort Circuit yesterday .
On 3 May @ @ @ @ @ @ @ GP in 35 years and Verstappen will be the star attraction .
The 22-year-old said of the circuit : “ It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at the new Zandvoort Circuit and the track is really cool.
” F1 : Max Verstappen drives the first laps at Zandvoort in a Red Bull RB8 - videos , pictures and reactions 10 .
Dier Spurs dumped out of the cup Tottenham Hotspur were left as “ sick as a Parrott ” , says the Daily Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ FA Cup last night by Norwich City on penalties .
The fifth round tie had gone to spot kicks after a 1-1 draw and the hero turned out to be Canaries keeper Tim Krul .
He saved penalties from Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes to take the visitors through to a quarter-final against the winners of tonight ’ s tie between Derby County and Manchester United .
‘ Dier-bolical ’ Spurs left as sick as a Parrott after FA Cup defeat and holders Man City Serge on ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Could Kane leave Spurs?
Harry Kane’s future at Tottenham is a major talking point today with reports suggesting that the England captain could join Manchester United.
The Sun says the 26-year-old, who is currently injured with a hamstring tear, would “prefer to join Man Utd” than be a part of a massive rebuild at Spurs.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and manager Jose Mourinho are “hopeful” they can keep their star striker in north London, but it depends on whether the club secures Champions League football next season.
Goal reports that Kane is “understood to be reluctant to wait for an overhaul of the Spurs squad before challenging for the Premier League title and again becoming a force in Europe”.
Missing out on a place in the Champions League would also “further disillusion” the Three Lions skipper.
Southgate confident Kane and Rashford will be fit for Euro 2020
2. FA probe Dier incident
The question marks over Harry Kane’s future add to a terrible 24 hours for Tottenham. After losing an FA Cup penalty shootout against Norwich City last night, defender Eric Dier climbed into the stands to confront a supporter who had allegedly insulted him and his brother.
Sky Sports reports that the Football Association is investigating the incident and after the cup loss Jose Mourinho was asked about Dier’s actions.
The Spurs boss said: “This person insulted Eric, this family was there. The young brother was not happy with the situation and then Eric, I repeat did what we professionals cannot do, but did something that probably we would do.
“I don’t think that belongs to the game. The game was a fantastic representation of the FA Cup, but I cannot run away from the question. I think Eric Dier did what we as professionals cannot do but when someone insults you and your family is involved, especially your young brother.”
3. FA Cup quarter-final draw
Norwich City have been rewarded with a home tie in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The Canaries will play the winners of tonight’s game between Derby County and Manchester United. Quarter-final ties will be played on 21-22 March.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: why Africa seems to have few cases

When Egypt confirmed Africa’s first coronavirus infection on 14 February, the World Health Organization (WHO) braced for a serious outbreak across the continent.
Cases of the new virus, which causes Covid-19 disease, have since been confirmed in Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal and Nigeria.
Yet Africa remains largely free of coronavirus infections compared with Europe and Asia - a phenomenon that has health specialists scratching their heads, given the continent’s close ties with China.
So why does Africa have so few cases?
“This is the question that everyone is asking, especially as other regions such as South America or Eastern Europe now have cases,” Amadou Alpha Sall of the Pasteur Institute, in Senegal’s capital Dakar, told Paris-based news agency AFP.
One reason may be that levels of travel to and from China’s Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, are relatively low in Africa compared with other regions.
Another possibility is that cases are going undetected, because Africa’s health officials are less well equipped to carry out testing than those in many other areas of the world.
But undetected cases would result in an outbreak that would be “surely detected, because [undetected] it spreads faster”, says Michael Yao, WHO’s head of emergency operations in Africa.
Some commentators have suggested that the hot climate in Africa might ward off or even kill the virus.
However, “there is no current evidence to indicate that climate affects transmission”, according to Rodney Adam, who heads the infection control task force at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.
He adds: “While it is true that for certain infections there may be genetic differences in susceptibility... there is no current evidence to that effect for Covid-19.”
What is Africa doing to prevent the spread?
The Ebola outbreaks “that have struck parts of West Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo have generated valuable skills for handling coronavirus”, reports AFP.
“This experience may add value on ground,” says WHO’s Yao.
However, as Yao warned after the first case in Africa was confirmed, “we know how fragile the health system is on the African continent and these systems are already overwhelmed by many ongoing disease outbreaks, so for us it is critical to detect earlier so that we can prevent the spread”.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Do smartphones make headaches worse?

Do smartphones make headaches worse?

People who are hit by regular headaches or migraines may suffer even more if they use smartphones , a new study suggests .
Researchers quizzed 400 people in India with a primary headache condition - that is , migraines , tension headaches and other types not caused by another illness - about their smartphone use , headache history and medication use .
They found that smartphone users were more likely to use more pain medication but got less relief compared with those who didn ’ t use smartphones .
Only 84 % of smartphone users said they felt moderate or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 94 % of non-users .
However , the report - published in the journal Neurology : Clinical Practice - stopped short of definitively stating that smartphones cause headaches .
“ The associations found in the study do prompt the possibility that smartphone use may be a potential trigger for headache worsening , and there might be unexplored mechanisms which future studies may unravel , ” said study author Dr. Deepti Vibha , a professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– As CNN notes , there are several theories about why smartphones may make headaches worse .
One is that bending the neck to scroll through a phone causes strain on the body that can lead to headaches .
This posture , dubbed “ text neck ” , has been found to result in strain on the spine that can feel like the equivalent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to a 2018 study by researchers at Brigham and Women 's Hospital in Massachusetts .
Other theories include eye strain caused by excessive use of the phone ; users holding their device too close to their face ; or simply the stress caused by being connected at all times .
Neurologist Dr Heidi Moawad , of the Case Western Reserve University in Ohio , says that features such as hands-free settings , voice activation and audio functions “ could potentially hold the key to helping smartphone users benefit from their phones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 45 million people use smartphones in the UK alone , “ with each typically spending more than two hours looking at their screens every day ” , says the Daily Mail .


theweekuk--2020-03-05--F1: Max Verstappen drives the first laps at Zandvoort in a Red Bull RB8 - videos, pictures and react

F1: Max Verstappen drives the first laps at Zandvoort in a Red Bull RB8 - videos, pictures and reactions

Excitement is building for the return of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after Max Verstappen took a Red Bull Racing RB8 for the first laps around the newly-renovated Zandvoort Circuit yesterday .
On 3 May the circuit will host the first Dutch GP in 35 years and Verstappen will be the star attraction .
His home grand prix is expected to attract thousands of his “ Orange Army ” as they pack the stands to see the 22-year-old race on home soil .
While the seaside circuit ’ s layout is largely the same , Red Bull says a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Most notably in Turns 3 [ Hugenholtz ] and the final corner [ Arie Luyendyk ] , both of which now feature steep and challenging banking of up to 18 degrees.
” After driving the double world title-winning RB8 on his home circuit Verstappen had a message for his loyal fans .
“ I ’ m really looking forward to coming back here for the grand prix , ” he said .
“ To have a home grand prix will be even more crazy than usual in terms of support .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a highlight of the season , but it will all depend on the Sunday result .
But we ’ ll do everything we can to make sure it ’ s a good one.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Reaction : what Verstappen said about the circuit “ It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is really cool - especially Turn 3 where the banking is amazing .
I didn ’ t expect the banking to be that big but it ’ s really cool to drive an F1 car on .
“ The last corner is the same .
It ’ s also pretty banked and with the new cars and DRS open through there it will be a good challenge and a lot of fun .
“ The whole track is very demanding .
There are a lot of fast corners and still not that much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go on the limit , but that ’ s good .
That ’ s what we like .
“ Does it give me a head start coming here today ?
Maybe a little .
It ’ s always good to drive a track for the first time and see how it feels and what it ’ s like .
I definitely enjoyed it.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start @ @ @ @

Excitement is building for the return of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix after Max Verstappen took a Red Bull Racing RB8 for the first laps around the newly-renovated Zandvoort Circuit yesterday.
On 3 May the circuit will host the first Dutch GP in 35 years and Verstappen will be the star attraction.
His home grand prix is expected to attract thousands of his “Orange Army” as they pack the stands to see the 22-year-old race on home soil.
While the seaside circuit’s layout is largely the same, Red Bull says a number of key modifications have been made: “Most notably in Turns 3 [Hugenholtz] and the final corner [Arie Luyendyk], both of which now feature steep and challenging banking of up to 18 degrees.”
After driving the double world title-winning RB8 on his home circuit Verstappen had a message for his loyal fans.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back here for the grand prix,” he said. “To have a home grand prix will be even more crazy than usual in terms of support.
“I hope it’s going to be a highlight of the season, but it will all depend on the Sunday result. But we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s a good one.”
F1: Red Bull have high hopes for Max Verstappen’s title bid
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Reaction: what Verstappen said about the circuit
“It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at the new Zandvoort Circuit and the track is really cool - especially Turn 3 where the banking is amazing. I didn’t expect the banking to be that big but it’s really cool to drive an F1 car on.
“The last corner is the same. It’s also pretty banked and with the new cars and DRS open through there it will be a good challenge and a lot of fun.
“The whole track is very demanding. There are a lot of fast corners and still not that much run-off. That makes it really challenging to go on the limit, but that’s good. That’s what we like.
“Does it give me a head start coming here today? Maybe a little. It’s always good to drive a track for the first time and see how it feels and what it’s like. I definitely enjoyed it.”
In pictures: Verstappen drives at Zandvoort
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theweekuk--2020-03-05--The Week Unwrapped wins Best News and Current Affairs Podcast at the 2020 Publisher Podcast Awards

Dennis Publishing ’ s current affairs brand The Week won the Best News and Current Affairs Podcast title at the Publisher Podcast Awards last night in central London .
Celebrating the win , the podcast ’ s host Olly Mann said : “ Our show provides a refuge for intelligent , curious listeners who are bored of Brexit and Trump - or at least have their fill of that elsewhere.
” The Week Unwrapped has been namechecked by media outlets including The Mail on Sunday and Wired as one of the world ’ s best podcasts .
Arion McNicoll , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week Unwrapped contributor said : “ Our podcast offers something different for news junkies - a chance to take a step back from the 24-hour news cycle and discover some of the stories that have gone under-reported .
Being shortlisted for two Publisher Podcast Awards is a great honour for The Week Unwrapped , a podcast that like our brief , sometimes flies under the radar.
” In each episode , members of The Week ’ s editorial teams delve into the most important stories from the previous seven days – but not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Following an eventful start to 2020 , there has been no shortage of material to talk about .
Recent episodes have covered topics including : · Does the future of fashion lie in clothes we can not wear ?
· Why is Dolly Parton having a millennial moment ?
· Could moveable houses be the answer to coastline erosion ?
· What is causing men ’ s testosterone levels to plummet - and should we be worried ?
“ There ’ s very little of the partisan posturing you get on other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ What you get instead is an informed , free-ranging conversation between The Week ’ s writers and editors – and , of course , Olly Mann keeping us all in order.
” Mann welcomes the chance to tackle stories from a less po-faced stance than more conventional news shows .
“ I love presenting this podcast because I can dispense with the reverence that ’ s required when you interview journalists on a radio programme , ” he said .
“ Some of the stories the contributors come up with have genuine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are frankly ridiculous , and there ’ s a reason they ’ re not much discussed - I get to be the judge and jury and have some fun with that.
” The Week Unwrapped “ feels like our listeners ’ second-favourite news podcast , which is , counter-intuitively , the best position to occupy ” , Mann adds .
“ Some listen to The Spectator ’ s podcasts , some prefer The Guardian ’ s , but both sets of people will come to us for their secondary set of stories each @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in the grand tradition of The Week brands , but we also have a good chat .
That ’ s the bit you can ’ t contrive , and I think that ’ s what keeps people coming back.
” You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped , and tune in for a new episode every Friday morning , using the following links :

Dennis Publishing’s current affairs brand The Week won the Best News and Current Affairs Podcast title at the Publisher Podcast Awards last night in central London.
Celebrating the win, the podcast’s host Olly Mann said: “Our show provides a refuge for intelligent, curious listeners who are bored of Brexit and Trump - or at least have their fill of that elsewhere.”
The Week Unwrapped has been namechecked by media outlets including The Mail on Sunday and Wired as one of the world’s best podcasts.
Arion McNicoll, editor of TheWeek.co.uk and a regular The Week Unwrapped contributor said:
“Our podcast offers something different for news junkies - a chance to take a step back from the 24-hour news cycle and discover some of the stories that have gone under-reported. Winning the Best News and Current Affairs gong at the Publisher Podcast Award is a great honour for The Week Unwrapped, a podcast that like our brief, sometimes flies under the radar.”
In each episode, members of The Week’s editorial teams delve into the most important stories from the previous seven days – but not the ones that have dominated the headlines.
Following an eventful start to 2020, there has been no shortage of material to talk about. Recent episodes have covered topics including:
· Does the future of fashion lie in clothes we cannot wear?· Why is Dolly Parton having a millennial moment?· Could moveable houses be the answer to coastline erosion?· What is causing men’s testosterone levels to plummet - and should we be worried?
“There’s very little of the partisan posturing you get on other news discussions,” McNicoll says. “What you get instead is an informed, free-ranging conversation between The Week’s writers and editors – and, of course, Olly Mann keeping us all in order.”
Mann welcomes the chance to tackle stories from a less po-faced stance than more conventional news shows.
“I love presenting this podcast because I can dispense with the reverence that’s required when you interview journalists on a radio programme,” he said. “Some of the stories the contributors come up with have genuine significance for our lives, but some are frankly ridiculous, and there’s a reason they’re not much discussed - I get to be the judge and jury and have some fun with that.”
The Week Unwrapped “feels like our listeners’ second-favourite news podcast, which is, counter-intuitively, the best position to occupy”, Mann adds.
“Some listen to The Spectator’s podcasts, some prefer The Guardian’s, but both sets of people will come to us for their secondary set of stories each week. We give a decent briefing, in the grand tradition of The Week brands, but we also have a good chat. That’s the bit you can’t contrive, and I think that’s what keeps people coming back.”
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped, and tune in for a new episode every Friday morning, using the following links:
· Apple Podcasts· Google Podcasts· Spotify


theweekuk--2020-03-05--‘Shocking’ study finds 90% of people worldwide biased against women

Nine out of ten people of both sexes are biased against women , according to a newly published UN report .
An analysis of data from 75 countries worldwide for the new gender social norm index found that 91 % of men and 86 % of women hold at least one bias against women in relation to politics , economics , education , violence or reproductive rights .
The depressing results highlight the extent of the “ global backlash towards gender equality ” , says The Guardian .
The research , by the UN Development Programme ( UNDP ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world ’ s population feel that men make better political leaders , while over 40 % think men make better business executives and have more right to a job when work availability is limited ” , reports German newspaper Deutsche Welle .
And almost 30 % of people think it ’ s acceptable for a man to beat his wife .
Pedro Conceicao , director of the UNDP ’ s human development report office , described the findings as “ shocking ” .
He said : “ What our report shows is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Big progress in more basic areas of participation and empowerment .
But when we get to more empowering areas , we seem to be hitting a wall.
” Of all the countries studied , a majority of people held no bias towards women in only six : Andorra , Australia , the Netherlands , New Zealand , Norway and Sweden .
Earlier this year , a separate study found that the UK is still “ generations away ” from equality in top jobs , with women holding just one in 20 of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms .
Last summer , the first index to measure progress against internationally agreed targets found that no country was on track to achieve gender equality by the UN ’ s deadline of 2030 .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Nine out of ten people of both sexes are biased against women, according to a newly published UN report.
An analysis of data from 75 countries worldwide for the new gender social norm index found that 91% of men and 86% of women hold at least one bias against women in relation to politics, economics, education, violence or reproductive rights.
The depressing results highlight the extent of the “global backlash towards gender equality”, says The Guardian.
The research, by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), “found that around half of the world’s population feel that men make better political leaders, while over 40% think men make better business executives and have more right to a job when work availability is limited”, reports German newspaper Deutsche Welle.
And almost 30% of people think it’s acceptable for a man to beat his wife.
Pedro Conceicao, director of the UNDP’s human development report office, described the findings as “shocking”.
He said: “What our report shows is a pattern that repeats itself again and again. Big progress in more basic areas of participation and empowerment. But when we get to more empowering areas, we seem to be hitting a wall.”
Of all the countries studied, a majority of people held no bias towards women in only six: Andorra, Australia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden.
Earlier this year, a separate study found that the UK is still “generations away” from equality in top jobs, with women holding just one in 20 of the chief executive roles at FTSE 100 firms.
Last summer, the first index to measure progress against internationally agreed targets found that no country was on track to achieve gender equality by the UN’s deadline of 2030.
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theweekuk--2020-03-05--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 5 Mar 2020

The UK government is being accused of withholding information about the coronavirus outbreak after announcing that health officials are to @ @ @ @ @ the location of new infections .
Instead , the information will be shared in a @ @ @ @ @ The government says the move is down to the sheer number of cases , but @ @ @ @ @ the public from making informed choices .
A total of 87 infections have been confirmed @ @ @ @

Experts criticise move to axe daily virus updates
The UK government is being accused of withholding information about the coronavirus outbreak after announcing that health officials are to stop providing daily updates on the location of new infections. Instead, the information will be shared in a weekly round-up each Friday. The government says the move is down to the sheer number of cases, but experts say it will prevent the public from making informed choices. A total of 87 infections have been confirmed in the UK.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: England’s Six Nations finale in Italy postponed

England’s Six Nations game against Italy in Rome on 14 March has been postponed indefinitely, reports The Times, after the Italian government ruled it would have to be played behind closed doors.
With the number of deaths from coronavirus in Italy now in three figures, Giuseppe Conte, the Italian prime minister, issued a decree yesterday that supporters would be barred from attending all sporting events until 3 April in an attempt to curtail the spread of the virus.
That includes Lyon’s trip next week to Juventus in the second leg of the Champions League last 16.
According to the Times the Italian Rugby Federation and the Six Nations discussed whether to comply with the decree or postpone the match until after the ban is lifted. The decision was the latter.
Reschedule at a later date
Six Nations organisers said in a statement today: “Six Nations notes the decree issued by the Italian Government on 4 March with respect to all upcoming sporting events in that country.
“The decision has now been taken to postpone the three matches between Italy and England [men’s, women’s, and U20] set to take place over the weekend of 13/14/15 March, with the intention to reschedule them at later dates.
“Based on the information that is currently available, all other Six Nations matches are set to go ahead as scheduled.
“As previously stated, Six Nations fully intends to complete all 15 games across all three championships when time allows. We will refrain from making any rescheduling announcements while we keep assessing the situation.
“Six Nations will continue to monitor developments with our unions and their respective governments and health authorities.
“We remain fully supportive of any preventative measures taken in the interests of overall public health in relation to the coronavirus and we will respect instructions provided by government authorities and health organisations.”
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Travel chaos
The Sun says the news will “cause chaos for 20,000 Red Rose fans who have already booked travel for England’s final game of the tournament”.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Today’s back pages: ‘Dier-bolical’ Spurs left as sick as a Parrott after FA Cup defeat and holders M

Today’s back pages: ‘Dier-bolical’ Spurs left as sick as a Parrott after FA Cup defeat and holders Man City Serge on

Tottenham Hotspur were left as “ sick as a Parrott ” , says the Daily Mirror , after being dumped out of the FA Cup last night by Norwich City on penalties .
The fifth round tie had gone to spot kicks after a 1-1 draw and the hero turned out to be Canaries keeper Tim Krul .
He saved penalties from Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes to take the visitors through to a quarter-final against the winners of tonight ’ s tie between Derby County and Manchester United .
“ Krul end ” is the headline on the back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like the Mirror , went to press before news broke of Eric Dier ’ s extraordinary antics at the end of the shootout .
That ’ s left to the online versions of the papers with The Sun captioning a photo of the England defender storming the stand as “ Dier-bolical ” .
The paper alleges that Dier was reacting to an “ altercation ” in a corporate section of the stadium between Tottenham fans and the player ’ s brother .
Whatever the reason for his intervention , Dier is likely to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FA , and his manager , Jose Mourinho , condemned his actions .
“ I don ’ t think that belongs to the game , ” said the Spurs gaffer .
“ I think Eric Dier did what we as professionals can not do but when someone insults you and your family is involved , especially your younger brother.
” Full footage of Eric Dier jumping over the stands and going over to confront a fan who was insulting & abusing his brother .
Brotherly love , I respect that .
pic.twitter.com/5xeSQ8Vj5a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tottenham supporters in the stands .
# THFC pic.twitter.com/9TXzCzk2XB ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sergio Aguero makes the back pages of the Daily Mail , Daily Star , Daily Express and Metro after his goal proved the difference between holders Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday .
In a tight FA Cup fifth-round encounter at Hillsborough , the Argentine ’ s 23rd goal of the season kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cup treble .
The Carabao Cup is already bagged and tagged , and victory at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie keeps them in reach of the European quarter-finals .
City ’ s reward for beating the Owls in the FA Cup is a trip to Newcastle United .
The Daily Star also references on its back page Leicester ’ s 1-0 win over Birmingham in their fifth round tie .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Dier Spurs dumped out of cup
Tottenham Hotspur were left as “sick as a Parrott”, says the Daily Mirror, after being dumped out of the FA Cup last night by Norwich City on penalties.
The fifth round tie had gone to spot kicks after a 1-1 draw and the hero turned out to be Canaries keeper Tim Krul.
He saved penalties from Troy Parrott and Gedson Fernandes to take the visitors through to a quarter-final against the winners of tonight’s tie between Derby County and Manchester United.
“Krul end” is the headline on the back of the Daily Express, which, like the Mirror, went to press before news broke of Eric Dier’s extraordinary antics at the end of the shootout.
That’s left to the online versions of the papers with The Sun captioning a photo of the England defender storming the stand as “Dier-bolical”.
The paper alleges that Dier was reacting to an “altercation” in a corporate section of the stadium between Tottenham fans and the player’s brother.
Whatever the reason for his intervention, Dier is likely to be hit with a hefty fine from the FA, and his manager, Jose Mourinho, condemned his actions.
“I don’t think that belongs to the game,” said the Spurs gaffer. “I think Eric Dier did what we as professionals cannot do but when someone insults you and your family is involved, especially your younger brother.”
Jose Mourinho responds after Eric Dier confronts Tottenham supporters in the stands. #THFC pic.twitter.com/9TXzCzk2XB — The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) March 4, 2020
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Holders City Serge on
Sergio Aguero makes the back pages of the Daily Mail, Daily Star, Daily Express and Metro after his goal proved the difference between holders Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday.
In a tight FA Cup fifth-round encounter at Hillsborough, the Argentine’s 23rd goal of the season kept the Sky Blues on course for a cup treble.
The Carabao Cup is already bagged and tagged, and victory at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie keeps them in reach of the European quarter-finals. City’s reward for beating the Owls in the FA Cup is a trip to Newcastle United.
The Daily Star also references on its back page Leicester’s 1-0 win over Birmingham in their fifth round tie.
FA Cup quarter-final draw
Ties to be played 21/22 March
Sheffield United vs. Arsenal
Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
Norwich City vs Derby County/Manchester United
Leicester City vs. Chelsea
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-03-05--What went wrong for Michael Bloomberg?

What went wrong for Michael Bloomberg?

Michael Bloomberg has dropped out of the 2020 US presidential race after splashing at least $ 409m ( £313m ) of his own money in a bid to become the Democratic Party ’ s nominee .
Following a tough Super Tuesday , the former mayor of New York said : “ Three months ago , I entered the race for president to defeat Donald Trump .
Today , I am leaving the race for the same reason.
” Reaction has been dominated by commentary about Bloomberg ’ s huge campaign budget .
“ All those hundreds of millions of dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Samoa , ” says The Guardian , referring to his only win in an area 6,000 miles from US mainland .
“ In Virginia ... 56 % of primary voters viewed him unfavourably , ” writes the BBC ’ s Anthony Zurcher .
“ Hundreds of millions of dollars in slick television adverts and glossy mailers won ’ t do any good if voters do n't trust you.
” Fox News goes in hard , with Greg Gutfeld writing : “ Bloomberg spent millions per delegate , all to convince people he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some portly dude with a toupee buying everyone at the bar drinks , you can bet he ’ s a campaign consultant .
Bloomberg ’ s loss is his new Porsche.
” CNN says Bloomberg ’ s downfall began at the 19 February debate in Las Vegas .
“ His support for tough policing tactics as mayor of New York City , along with lewd remarks he ’ d allegedly made to employees at his company , gave Bloomberg ’ s opponents ample fodder for attacks , ” writes Dan Merica .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Warren , seized on it.
” Bloomberg had “ dismissed scrutiny of his past treatment of women saying those who ’ ve stepped forward with allegations of workplace harassment simply ‘ didn ’ t like a joke I told ’ ” , says The Guardian .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 New York Post blames Bloomberg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ certainty that he is always right and his gargantuan ego ” , saying all three were “ distilled in that stunning moment during his first debate when the mask slipped and he blurted that he had bought the current Democratic majority in the House ” .
Bloomberg has said he will now endorse Joe Biden , who restored his status as favourite on Super Tuesday .
Final word goes to Donald Trump .
Taking to Twitter , the US president said : “ Mini Mike Bloomberg just ‘ quit ’ the race for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long ago that he didn ’ t have what it takes , and he would have saved himself a billion dollars , the real cost .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Coronavirus kiss of death for Flybe: what can passengers do?

Flybe has gone into administration after the coronavirus proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the struggling airline.
The carrier entered administration overnight, with all flights grounded and the business ceasing trading “with immediate effect”.
Earlier, Flybe boss Mark Anderson had sent an email to the airline’s 2,000 staff saying it was “shortly being put into administration”.
What happened?
The Exeter-based airline ran into difficulties last year and was bought by a consortium that includes Virgin Atlantic.
It narrowly avoided going bust in January, but yesterday said it had ultimately failed to overcome its “significant funding challenges”.
“Months of talks with the government failed to secure a crucial £100m loan and the deadly coronavirus slashed demand,” says the Financial Times.
The Guardian says that other airlines, led by British Airways owner IAG and Ryanair, had objected about the prospect of state aid and threatened legal action.
Unite national officer, Oliver Richardson, said: “For central government not to support and nurture this, especially as we deal with the twin uncertainties of the Covid-19 virus and the changes that will come with Brexit, is unhelpful and irresponsible.”
Anderson explained that “while our shareholders and the leadership team have worked with the government and key suppliers to try to get the funding and support needed, this has not materialised”.
He added: “The coronavirus has impacted both our shareholders and ourselves and has put additional pressure on an already difficult situation.”
In response to the collapse, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the government is “absolutely gutted, really”.
“We really tried to do everything we could back at the turn of the year but unfortunately though, with the situation that's developed with coronavirus, an already weak company just hasn't been able to survive,” he said.
The bankruptcy comes a week before government is due to unveil its 2020 Budget, which Flybe hoped would help bolster its precarious finances, after the previous chancellor said he would look again at levels of air passenger duty.
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What should passengers do?
Flybe’s website advises customers to “not travel to the airport” unless they have arranged an alternative flight.
The BBC says “there are no alternatives for most people other than to book another flight” and a “refund from the airline is highly unlikely”.
It adds that passengers will have to “rely on a refund from their credit or debit card provider, or possibly by claiming from their travel insurance”.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Israel: third time lucky for Benjamin Netanyahu?

Israelis are facing a frustratingly familiar political reality after elections on Monday failed to provide a clear majority government .
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s bloc gained 58 seats in the 120-seat Knesset - Israel ’ s parliament - three short of a majority , and representing a surge in support for the incumbent leader .
This was Israel ’ s third election in under a year after two inconclusive votes in April and September 2019 brought crippling political gridlock - but while Monday saw no outright victor , it was a good night for Netanyahu .
His Likud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gantz ’ s Blue and White party , to become the largest party in the Knesset , gaining 4 seats to reach 35 , while other Netanyahu-supporting parties boosted that number to three short of the 61 seats needed for a working majority .
Negotiations to reach the 61 are underway , but they are likely to be tough .
The prime minister , known as Bibi , is facing indictments for bribery , fraud and breach of trust , and as a result many potential Knesset partners have vowed to never associate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrongdoing and said he is the victim of a politically orchestrated “ witch hunt ” .
But , says Israeli publication Haaretz , “ there ’ s a big question over whether President Reuven Rivlin can legally ask Bibi to form the next government , given that he ’ s already been indicted ” .
Avigdor Lieberman ’ s secular-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party might be a potential partner , but it considers the right-wing bloc led by Likud to be too far under the influence of ultra-Orthodox religious groups .
On Monday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would “ not join any government led by Netanyahu ” .
A second strategy for Netanyahu could be to find three individual members of Knesset ( MKs ) to cross the floor , but this may be impossible given the indictments and Israel ’ s polarised political landscape .
“ The likeliest candidates to be wooed by Mr. Netanyahu all insisted they were holding fast to their promises to see him into retirement and could not be bought off , no matter the inducement , ” reports The New York Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Likud MK who is now a Blue and White member , addressed Netanyahu .
“ Bibi , after an election full of lies that hit a new low , in which you failed to win the 61 mandates that could have enabled you to be above the law , you are still trying to steal votes from defectors , ” Ya ’ alon said .
“ There are many in Likud who have asked us for help getting rid of you .
You will not find such overtures about Gantz in Blue and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remains to be seen how the country can avoid having to call yet another election .
The charges against Netanyahu , which were brought in November , were a central subject in the campaign that preceded Monday ’ s vote .
This raises the question of how the prime minister could have fared better in an election where he faced an impending trial , compared to the two last year , where he did not .
It seems many Israeli voters prioritised ending the political stalemate , and voted for the politician they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a majority coalition together .
“ The indictment did not seem to be on voters ’ minds , ” say The Jerusalem Post , “ and if it was , then they didn ’ t care enough about it to abandon Netanyahu.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Despite the show of support from the electorate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Knesset that opposes Netanyahu , and Gantz has already begun talks to corral support for a bill that will prevent an indicted prime minister from forming a government - talks Netanyahu has derided as anti-democratic attempts to steal the election .
“ This is an effort to divide the nation when we are facing serious challenges like the corona crisis , ” Netanyahu said at a meeting of MKs in his right-religious bloc .
“ There are also opportunities like US President Donald Trump ’ s plan that require us to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people.
” Netanyahu ’ s trial will begin on 17 March , but if he can form a form a majority government , he may be able to pass legislation that grants him immunity from prosecution while in office - something his rivals are determined to prevent .
“ We ’ ll have a majority in the new Knesset to pass a law preventing a prime minister from serving under indictment , ” said Nitzan Horowitz , the leader of Meretz , a party to the left of Israeli politics .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s the moral thing to do.
” One undoubted winner from the election was the Israeli-Arab Joint List , a political alliance focused on Palestinian rights , which secured 15 seats - its highest-ever total - capitalising on the anti-Netanyahu sentiment caused by what The Guardian calls the prime minister ’ s “ racist campaigning ” to become the third-largest group in the Knesset .

Israelis are facing a frustratingly familiar political reality after elections on Monday failed to provide a clear majority government.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc gained 58 seats in the 120-seat Knesset - Israel’s parliament - three short of a majority, and representing a surge in support for the incumbent leader.
This was Israel’s third election in under a year after two inconclusive votes in April and September 2019 brought crippling political gridlock - but while Monday saw no outright victor, it was a good night for Netanyahu.
His Likud party leapfrogged their main rival, Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party, to become the largest party in the Knesset, gaining 4 seats to reach 35, while other Netanyahu-supporting parties boosted that number to three short of the 61 seats needed for a working majority.
Can Netanyahu pull a majority together?
Negotiations to reach the 61 are underway, but they are likely to be tough. The prime minister, known as Bibi, is facing indictments for bribery, fraud and breach of trust, and as a result many potential Knesset partners have vowed to never associate with him. He has denied any wrongdoing and said he is the victim of a politically orchestrated “witch hunt”.
But, says Israeli publication Haaretz, “there’s a big question over whether President Reuven Rivlin can legally ask Bibi to form the next government, given that he’s already been indicted”.
Avigdor Lieberman’s secular-nationalist Yisrael Beiteinu party might be a potential partner, but it considers the right-wing bloc led by Likud to be too far under the influence of ultra-Orthodox religious groups.
On Monday night, Lieberman reiterated his long-held position that he would “not join any government led by Netanyahu”.
A second strategy for Netanyahu could be to find three individual members of Knesset (MKs) to cross the floor, but this may be impossible given the indictments and Israel’s polarised political landscape.
“The likeliest candidates to be wooed by Mr. Netanyahu all insisted they were holding fast to their promises to see him into retirement and could not be bought off, no matter the inducement,” reports The New York Times.
Moshe Ya’alon, a former Likud MK who is now a Blue and White member, addressed Netanyahu.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Is the US-Taliban peace deal already collapsing?

The US and Nato ’ s war against the Taliban - which began in Afghanistan less than a month after the collapse of the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001 - came to its technical end on Saturday , when the Trump administration signed a peace deal with the ultraconservative Sunni organisation , but violence has far from subsided .
On Wednesday , a US drone carried out an air strike against Taliban fighters who were assaulting American-backed Afghan government troops in southern Afghanistan ’ s Helmand province .
It was the first attack by US forces since the conditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on 29 February , but was said to be the 76th attack across the country by the Taliban in the same time period .
The pact allowed for a degree of violence to continue , but the surge of attacks has brought fears the agreement could collapse in its infancy .
The US was not precluded from defending Afghan defence forces ( ANDSF ) .
Indeed , as Col. Sonny Leggett , the spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan , put it , the US considers itself obligated to do so .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the agreement “ in terms of not attacking US and coalition forces ” , said US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Wednesday , “ but not in terms of sustaining a reduction of violence ” .
The US-Taliban peace deal was predicated on a reduction of violence by all sides , but there was an acknowledgement that the Taliban is a complex and disparate organisation that has been at war in Afghanistan since the early 1990s , and that therefore insisting on a complete end to violence would be impractical .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Taliban since Saturday , as well as division in Kabul over certain aspects of the pact , means it now “ hang [ s ] in the balance ” , says Foreign Policy magazine .
At the insistence of the Taliban , the Afghan government was excluded from the negotiations with the US , so the country remains locked in civil war .
The accord contained a commitment by the Taliban not to allow its territory to be used to launch attacks on foreign countries , it scheduled the withdrawal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it also stated that “ a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire will be an item on the agenda of the intra-Afghan dialogue and negotiations ” .
Those are scheduled to begin on 10 March .
The increased Taliban violence jeopardises those talks , and , The New York Times points out , the situation now bears an ominous resemblance to the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 , “ when guerrilla forces continued to attack the Afghan government after Soviet soldiers began withdrawing , driving the country into a bloody anarchy ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wednesday ’ s violence comes at an awkward time for US President Donald Trump .
On Tuesday he held an unprecedented 35-minute phone call with the Taliban ’ s chief negotiator , Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar , “ in what may be the first direct discussion between a US leader and a senior Taliban official ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ called it a “ very good talk ” , saying the Taliban “ have agreed there is no violence , don ’ t want violence ” .
However , that night “ at least 25 Afghan soldiers were killed and 13 others were injured in three separate Taliban attacks ” , CNN reports .
Trump ran his 2016 presidential campaign with a pledge to finish America ’ s “ endless wars ” .
The Taliban know he wants to be seen to follow through on that promise as November ’ s US election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ willing to pursue their interests on the ground secure in the belief that Washington lacks the political will to halt the US withdrawal .
As The Los Angeles Times contends , “ Taliban leaders appear to have decided that Trump is so eager to bring the 12,000 American forces home that he will not pull out of the deal as long as the militant group confines its attacks to Afghan government forces .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Coronavirus: what the Bank of England can do

The Bank of England is facing questions over its plans to soften the blow of coronavirus in the UK as concerns over its economic impact grows .
The coronavirus continues spreading with alarming speed throughout the world , and central banks and monetary policy organisations are beginning to mobilise .
On Wednesday , the International Monetary Fund downgraded its growth forecasts , warning the global economy will struggle to match the 2.9 % expansion achieved in 2019 and promising $ 50bn in emergency funding for low income and emerging market countries .
A day earlier , the US Federal Reserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 2008 financial crisis .
The question now is whether and how the BoE will follow suit .
Incoming BoE chief Andrew Bailey warned MPs on Wednesday that , while the coronavirus was “ the first most pressing issue that we face ” , Threadneedle Street has limited room for a similar move - its key interest rate is already at 0.75 % , one of the lowest levels in the bank ’ s 325-year history .
There was some space to drop rates to 0.1 % , said Bailey , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this step .
“ What we need is more evidence than we have at the moment on exactly how this is feeding through , ” he said .
As a result , added Bailey , the central bank and the government would have to move quickly to coordinate “ the right mix of policy ” , including measures to ensure small and medium-sized businesses can secure emergency loans to cope with potential supply-chain disruption .
“ I think it is quite reasonable to expect that we are collectively going to have to provide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Bailey , who is due to take over from Mark Carney as Bank governor on 16 March .
The Financial Times says Bailey believes “ that the BoE can still deliver stimulus equivalent to an interest-rate cut of 2.5 percentage points , through a combination of conventional policy , quantitative easing , concessionary funding for commercial banks and guidance to markets on future interest rates ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The incoming governor faced harsh questioning during his time in front of the Treasury Committee yesterday as MPs scrutinised his suitability for the role , focusing on what The Guardian calls a “ series of scandals on his watch ” during his time as head of the Financial Conduct Authority .
Speaking in front of the same committee the day before , outgoing governor Carney echoed these claims , saying the BoE ’ s role was “ to help UK businesses and households manage through an economic shock that could prove large but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We don ’ t want viable businesses to go out of business because of the very necessary steps that need to be taken to protect and serve the British public , ” he said .
In Brussels , concerns are also high , with Bloomberg reporting that European ministers have been warned that “ the coronavirus outbreak threatens to plunge both France and Italy into recession , and the ripples from a prolonged outbreak could incite a ‘ vicious ’ spiral of declining markets ”

The Bank of England is facing questions over its plans to soften the blow of coronavirus in the UK as concerns over its economic impact grows.
The coronavirus continues spreading with alarming speed throughout the world, and central banks and monetary policy organisations are beginning to mobilise.
On Wednesday, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its growth forecasts, warning the global economy will struggle to match the 2.9% expansion achieved in 2019 and promising $50bn in emergency funding for low income and emerging market countries. A day earlier, the US Federal Reserve announced its first emergency rate cut since the 2008 financial crisis.
The question now is whether and how the BoE will follow suit.
Incoming BoE chief Andrew Bailey warned MPs on Wednesday that, while the coronavirus was “the first most pressing issue that we face”, Threadneedle Street has limited room for a similar move - its key interest rate is already at 0.75%, one of the lowest levels in the bank’s 325-year history.
There was some space to drop rates to 0.1%, said Bailey, but the Bank is not yet close to taking this step. “What we need is more evidence than we have at the moment on exactly how this is feeding through,” he said.
As a result, added Bailey, the central bank and the government would have to move quickly to coordinate “the right mix of policy”, including measures to ensure small and medium-sized businesses can secure emergency loans to cope with potential supply-chain disruption.
“I think it is quite reasonable to expect that we are collectively going to have to provide some form of supply-chain finance,” said Bailey, who is due to take over from Mark Carney as Bank governor on 16 March.
The Financial Times says Bailey believes “that the BoE can still deliver stimulus equivalent to an interest-rate cut of 2.5 percentage points, through a combination of conventional policy, quantitative easing, concessionary funding for commercial banks and guidance to markets on future interest rates”.
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The incoming governor faced harsh questioning during his time in front of the Treasury Committee yesterday as MPs scrutinised his suitability for the role, focusing on what The Guardian calls a “series of scandals on his watch” during his time as head of the Financial Conduct Authority.
Speaking in front of the same committee the day before, outgoing governor Carney echoed these claims, saying the BoE’s role was “to help UK businesses and households manage through an economic shock that could prove large but will ultimately be temporary”.
“We don’t want viable businesses to go out of business because of the very necessary steps that need to be taken to protect and serve the British public,” he said.
In Brussels, concerns are also high, with Bloomberg reporting that European ministers have been warned that “the coronavirus outbreak threatens to plunge both France and Italy into recession, and the ripples from a prolonged outbreak could incite a ‘vicious’ spiral of declining markets”


theweekuk--2020-03-05--PSG’s striker situation: keep Kylian Mbappe by selling Neymar or risk losing both?

On paper everything’s going pretty well for French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
They are top of Ligue 1 with a 13-point lead over their nearest rivals, are through to the French Cup final after beating Lyon 5-1 and will also face the same club in the French League Cup final on 4 April.
In the Uefa Champions League, PSG were beaten 2-1 by Borussia Dortmund in the last-16 first leg in Germany on 18 February.
However, the Parisiens will be confident of overturning the one-goal deficit when they host Dortmund at the Parc des Princes on 11 March.
The reason for their confidence will be the talent and recent form of their star strikers - Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
In Wednesday night’s 5-1 French Cup semi-final win over Lyon 21-year-old Mbappe scored a hat-trick, including a sensational solo goal, while 28-year-old Neymar got on the scoresheet with a second-half penalty.
This season the dynamic duo have already contributed 47 goals to PSG’s trophy hunt. France international Mbappe has scored 30 goals in 32 matches while Brazil star Neymar has 17 goals in 21 games.
With strike rates this impressive, PSG will be optimistic that their Champions League participation will continue past the last 16.
However, it also means that their star attackers will attract lots of interest from rivals clubs. Especially Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are once again circling…
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Mbappe: the Ronaldo replacement?
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018 Real Madrid have been linked with the world’s top strikers as they search to finally replace the Portuguese superstar.
With a French legend at the helm, head coach Zinedine Zidane, it’s no surprise that they are regularly linked with 2018 Fifa World Cup winner Mbappe.
In recent weeks it’s been claimed that there’s tension between Mbappe and PSG head coach Thomas Tuchel. The Daily Mail, citing Spanish publication Marca, says Real Madrid are aware of this and want the young forward to “become a key man of their team”.


theweekuk--2020-03-05--Instant Opinion: Labour candidates ‘fail to impress’ on Andrew Neil

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. John Connolly in The Spectator
on Labour hopefuls
Starmer and Long-Bailey fail to impress on Andrew Neil
“At the beginning of the year Lisa Nandy became the first Labour leadership candidate to subject herself to a grilling by Andrew Neil. It took almost two months, but this evening the two other candidates left in the race, Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey, finally appeared on the show as well. And while both survived the encounter, neither particularly impressed. Keir Starmer appeared to have trouble defining his political relationship with Jeremy Corbyn. The Holborn and St Pancras MP admitted that Corbyn was a major issue on the doorstep at the last election, but then unconvincingly denied there were any rifts between him and the Labour leader over the party’s Brexit policy last year. At one point, Starmer even suggested that Corbyn was ‘utterly relaxed’ that his Shadow Brexit Secretary had gone off-script in calling for a second referendum, a month before it became official party policy.”
2. Robyn Urback in The Globe and Mail
on the threat of Trump
Joe Biden is anything but a sure thing
“The presumption is that Mr. Biden can turn purple states blue in a way Mr. Sanders cannot. The problem with that line of thinking, however, is that it failed spectacularly in the not-so-distant past, when the party backed Hillary Clinton over the same flailing Vermont senator. Her team overestimated Ms. Clinton’s base of support in states such as Michigan and Wisconsin and underappreciated the appeal of a disruptor such as Mr. Trump to an American electorate hungry for an outsider. The results of that election were not only a shock to pollsters but also a blow to the political dictum that the most broadly palatable candidate will necessarily be the successful one.”
3. Poorna Bell in The i
on addiction and grief
I hadn’t even told my parents about my husband’s addiction. When he died by suicide, I decided to tell the world
“After he died, I realised that the isolation of now being a suicide widow was unbearable. Suicide is a death that tends to horrify people, and grief in general is not something we feel comfortable discussing. I was faced with two paths. One was to try and work through my grief in silence, the best way I could. The other was to try and help other people in the same situation so that they knew there was love and understanding out there, and more importantly, that they knew there were options in terms of help, and how to get recovery. Removing the shame around addiction and mental illness was also a crucial part of this, because I had seen how it had been such a big blocker to Rob and I in terms of accessing help.”


theweekuk--2020-03-05--What happens if Parliament shuts for five months?

The government may suspend Parliament in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus , according to reports .
“ Downing Street has confirmed that Boris Johnson is in talks with the parliamentary authorities about a possible shutdown if the outbreak continues to get worse , ” says Sky News .
The broadcaster says that England ’ s chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , also briefed Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Monday about the risks of the virus spreading in Westminster .
The discussions come after 36 new UK cases of the virus , which causes Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This brought the total to 87 and fuelled fears that community transmission may now be taking place .
What might happen to Parliament ?
Hoyle is “ said to be concerned about the spread of coronavirus not only for the staff working in Parliament , but also because the Palace of Westminster is a major tourist attraction ” , reports Sky .
A suspension of Parliament would be the first of its type since the Blitz during the Second World War , says Metro .
One senior parliamentary source told The Times that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recess on 31 March but not return until September , a break of five months .
A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said : “ I ’ m sure Parliament will be led by the advice of the experts in terms of taking the steps it needs in order to protect the people who work there .
“ Discussions are already taking place with parliamentary authorities and scientific and medical advisers , ” The Guardian reports .
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Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Why would Parliament need to be shut down ?
During Prime Minister ’ s Questions on Wednesday , SNP MP Carol Monaghan said MPs have the potential to spread coronavirus around the country , stating in the Commons : “ Every week 650 of us come here from every part of the UK , spend several days operating in close proximity and meeting people from all over the world , and we then return to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vectors that we are trying to shut down , ” reports the Daily Mail .
The Independent says that owing to the large number of elderly peers in the House of Lords , Westminster “ could be expected to be more vulnerable than the average workplace to coronavirus ” , which “ appears to be particularly dangerous to older and frailer patients ” .
The leader of the Liberal Democrats in the Lords , Dick Newby , told the Guardian there were older peers with health issues who were considering not coming into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I don ’ t think they are running to the hills but if there are more cases in London and they rose significantly then perhaps this could happen but I ’ m not aware of anybody taking that step yet , ” he said , adding that he could not envisage a scenario in which the Lords was shut down but the Commons remained open .
“ We ’ re not all geriatric and it will take a lot to persuade me not to come in myself , ” he said .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking into “ possible alternatives to MPs gathering at Westminster , such as electronic voting and debates by conference call ” , claims the Daily Mail .
However , some MPs believe any talk of a parliamentary shutdown is “ premature and would be very difficult to implement ” , the Guardian says .
Labour MP Chris Bryant , a former deputy leader of the Commons , said Parliament should not jump to such extremes so early on .
“ There are early-days measures they could do tomorrow like toilets with hot water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They should be thinking about it .
There could be more hand sanitiser , ” he said .
Furthermore , he added that emergency powers would also need to be voted on every 28 days and that would require MPs to come back to Parliament .