theweekuk--2020-09-14--What the breakaway Spalte glacier tells us about climate change

A segment of the largest ice shelf in the Artic has broken off and shattered into small pieces , with scientists claiming the incident is further evidence of climate change ’ s effect on the region .
This week , the 42 square mile Spalte Glacier in northern Greenland separated from the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf in a dramatic calving event , with satellite images revealing that the glacier has since become a “ flotilla of icebergs ” , BBC News reports .
Researchers believe the loss of the ice chunk is a direct result of rapid climate change taking place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the BBC , Dr Jenny Turton said : “ The atmosphere in this region has warmed by about 3C since 1980 ... And in 2019 and 2020 , it saw record summer temperatures.
” So what has happened in Greenland and what does it say about climate change ?
What is the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf ?
Also known as 79N , the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf is one of the largest in the world at around 80km long by 20km wide and plays an important role in regulating the Arctic climate around Greenland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the journal Nature , the shelf - together with its neighbours Zachariæ Isstrom and Storstrommen - is one of the major outlets of the North East Greenland Ice Stream ( NEGIS ) , a 600-km-long ice stream that drains around 15 % of the interior Greenland ice sheet into the ocean .
However , while the ice shelf was thought to be relatively stable , “ increased thinning rates ” seen on the shelf since 2006 are “ likely related to increased air temperatures leading to higher melt rates and a reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which “ facilitates higher calving and retreat rates ” .
The BBC reports that at its leading edge , the 79N ice shelf split in two , with a “ minor offshoot turning directly north ” known as the Spalte Glacier .
After enduring high summer temperatures last year and fracturing heavily as a result , it fully broke off from the remainder of the ice shelf this week , fragmenting into thousands of small icebergs .
What does this say about climate change ?
“ Look closely at the satellite pictures and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region are obvious from the large number of melt ponds that sit on top of the shelf ice , ” the BBC reports , adding that the presence of such pools of water is often problematic for ice platforms as they push down through the ice and weaken it structurally .
The broadcaster adds that oceanographers believe the ice sheet is “ being attacked from above and below ” after also documenting warmer sea temperatures , meaning the shelf ice is almost certainly being melted from beneath .
The paper published in Nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the NEGIS region , if lost , have the potential to see global sea levels rise by 1.1m .
And this week ’ s event is far from the only damning piece of evidence that climate change is adversely affecting Greenland .
In a 2015 study , scientists from the Danish Meteorological Institute analysed data from 11 stations around Greenland and found that all stations showed a positive correlation between warmer summers and an increased rate of ice sheet loss .
“ 79N became ‘ the largest remaining Arctic ice shelf ’ only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northwest Greenland lost a lot of area in 2010 and 2012 , ” Professor Jason Box of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland ( GEUS ) told the BBC this week .
“ What makes 79N so important is the way it ’ s attached to the interior ice sheet , and that means that one day - if the climate warms as we expect - this region will probably become one of the major centres of action for the deglaciation of Greenland .
”

A segment of the largest ice shelf in the Artic has broken off and shattered into small pieces, with scientists claiming the incident is further evidence of climate change’s effect on the region.
This week, the 42 square mile Spalte Glacier in northern Greenland separated from the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf in a dramatic calving event, with satellite images revealing that the glacier has since become a “flotilla of icebergs”, BBC News reports.
Researchers believe the loss of the ice chunk is a direct result of rapid climate change taking place in the Arctic around Greenland.
Speaking to the BBC, Dr Jenny Turton said: “The atmosphere in this region has warmed by about 3C since 1980... And in 2019 and 2020, it saw record summer temperatures.”
So what has happened in Greenland and what does it say about climate change?
What is the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf?
Also known as 79N, the Nioghalvfjerdsfjorden ice shelf is one of the largest in the world at around 80km long by 20km wide and plays an important role in regulating the Arctic climate around Greenland.
According to a 2018 paper published in the journal Nature, the shelf - together with its neighbours Zachariæ Isstrom and Storstrommen - is one of the major outlets of the North East Greenland Ice Stream (NEGIS), a 600-km-long ice stream that drains around 15% of the interior Greenland ice sheet into the ocean.
However, while the ice shelf was thought to be relatively stable, “increased thinning rates” seen on the shelf since 2006 are “likely related to increased air temperatures leading to higher melt rates and a reduction in summer sea ice concentration”, which “facilitates higher calving and retreat rates”.
What happened this week?
The BBC reports that at its leading edge, the 79N ice shelf split in two, with a “minor offshoot turning directly north” known as the Spalte Glacier.
After enduring high summer temperatures last year and fracturing heavily as a result, it fully broke off from the remainder of the ice shelf this week, fragmenting into thousands of small icebergs.
What does this say about climate change?
“Look closely at the satellite pictures and the higher air temperatures recorded in the region are obvious from the large number of melt ponds that sit on top of the shelf ice,” the BBC reports, adding that the presence of such pools of water is often problematic for ice platforms as they push down through the ice and weaken it structurally.
The broadcaster adds that oceanographers believe the ice sheet is “being attacked from above and below” after also documenting warmer sea temperatures, meaning the shelf ice is almost certainly being melted from beneath.
The paper published in Nature says the ice shelves that make up the NEGIS region, if lost, have the potential to see global sea levels rise by 1.1m.
And this week’s event is far from the only damning piece of evidence that climate change is adversely affecting Greenland.
In a 2015 study, scientists from the Danish Meteorological Institute analysed data from 11 stations around Greenland and found that all stations showed a positive correlation between warmer summers and an increased rate of ice sheet loss.
“79N became ‘the largest remaining Arctic ice shelf’ only fairly recently, after the Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland lost a lot of area in 2010 and 2012,” Professor Jason Box of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) told the BBC this week.
“What makes 79N so important is the way it’s attached to the interior ice sheet, and that means that one day - if the climate warms as we expect - this region will probably become one of the major centres of action for the deglaciation of Greenland.”


theweekuk--2020-09-14--Why everyone’s talking about Rio Tinto

Why everyone’s talking about Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is on the search for a new chief executive following an inquiry into the destruction of a 46,000-year-old sacred Aboriginal site in Western Australia .
The world ’ s second largest mining company confirmed on Friday that CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques will step down while Chris Salisbury , chief executive iron ore , and Simone Niven , group executive corporate relations , will also leave their roles .
Two ancient caves at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia ’ s Pilbara region were destroyed in May , despite the opposition of Aboriginal traditional owners .
The decision “ sparked widespread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , BBC News reports .
After caving in to pressure , Rio Tinto announced the shake-up of its executive team .
The process to identify Jacques ’ successor is underway and he will remain as CEO until 31 March 2021 or when a replacement is appointed .
Salisbury steps down with immediate effect and will leave Rio Tinto on 31 December .
Niven will also depart on 31 December .
In a statement Rio Tinto said it “ deeply regrets ” the events at Juukan Gorge .
Chairman Simon Thompson added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are determined to ensure that the destruction of a heritage site of such exceptional archaeological and cultural significance never occurs again at a Rio Tinto operation .
“ We are also determined to regain the trust of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people and other traditional owners.
” Friday ’ s long anticipated announcement was “ further evidence of a tectonic shift in the power balance within corporate Australia ” , says broadcaster ABC .
Even late last week the company was “ desperately resisting pressure ” to dump Jacques .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ an act of barbarism ” , ABC ’ s Ian Verrender said : “ It was the equivalent of the Taliban ’ s 2001 detonation of the world ’ s tallest standing Buddhas in Afghanistan ’ s Bamiyan Valley , which was condemned across the globe .
Where the Taliban acted out of a misguided sense of religion , Rio did it for the money.
” The sacking of the three executives “ isn ’ t enough for mining investors ” , The Guardian reports , and shareholder and indigenous groups insist the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a major overhaul of the way all mining companies operate in the region ” .
Australian newspaper The Age says Rio Tinto will “ need to do more to rebuild its standing ” .
What happens next ?
The next chief executive has their “ work cut out ” , says The Australian , and faces a “ laundry list of cultural and corporate issues to work through ” .
Indigenous leaders - and shareholders - are “ demanding an independent review into all of the miner ’ s agreements with traditional landowners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Sydney Morning Herald .
Debby Blakey , the chief executive of the Hesta community group , said an independent review was still necessary despite the removal of the three executives .
“ The board has yet to adequately demonstrate to investors that they have appropriate governance and oversight arrangements in place to manage this risk , ” Blakey said .
The National Native Title Council , which represents 70 traditional owner groups and native title bodies , supports Hesta ’ s proposal , the Sydney Morning Herald added .
The council ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ took a catastrophe for people to start looking at this , it took something this dramatic .
But to press the reset button , there needs to be a forensic review of their systems , of the culture within their workplace and the values within their workplace.
” Australia ’ s treasurer Josh Frydenberg has today called on Rio Tinto to appoint an Australian as its next chief executive , the Financial Times reports .
“ Rio Tinto is one of the great companies of the world with a proud Australian history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast majority of its revenue coming from Australia , it is fitting to once again see an Australian as chief executive along with the majority of the board .
”

Rio Tinto is on the search for a new chief executive following an inquiry into the destruction of a 46,000-year-old sacred Aboriginal site in Western Australia.
The world’s second largest mining company confirmed on Friday that CEO Jean-Sébastien Jacques will step down while Chris Salisbury, chief executive iron ore, and Simone Niven, group executive corporate relations, will also leave their roles.
What happened?
Two ancient caves at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia’s Pilbara region were destroyed in May, despite the opposition of Aboriginal traditional owners. The decision “sparked widespread condemnation from shareholders and the public”, BBC News reports.
After caving in to pressure, Rio Tinto announced the shake-up of its executive team.
The process to identify Jacques’ successor is underway and he will remain as CEO until 31 March 2021 or when a replacement is appointed. Salisbury steps down with immediate effect and will leave Rio Tinto on 31 December. Niven will also depart on 31 December.
In a statement Rio Tinto said it “deeply regrets” the events at Juukan Gorge. Chairman Simon Thompson added: “What happened at Juukan was wrong and we are determined to ensure that the destruction of a heritage site of such exceptional archaeological and cultural significance never occurs again at a Rio Tinto operation.
“We are also determined to regain the trust of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people and other traditional owners.”
‘An act of barbarism’
Friday’s long anticipated announcement was “further evidence of a tectonic shift in the power balance within corporate Australia”, says broadcaster ABC. Even late last week the company was “desperately resisting pressure” to dump Jacques.
Describing the Juukan Gorge catastrophe as “an act of barbarism”, ABC’s Ian Verrender said: “It was the equivalent of the Taliban’s 2001 detonation of the world’s tallest standing Buddhas in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, which was condemned across the globe. Where the Taliban acted out of a misguided sense of religion, Rio did it for the money.”
The sacking of the three executives “isn’t enough for mining investors”, The Guardian reports, and shareholder and indigenous groups insist the move “must signal the start of a major overhaul of the way all mining companies operate in the region”.


theweekuk--2020-09-14--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 14 Sep 2020

The Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted that house prices will fall by almost 14 per cent next @ @ @ @ @ ’ s temporary cut in stamp duty ends and the economic impact of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ this month showing house prices rising at their fastest pace in 16 years , the @ @ @ @ @ start to fall significantly ” in the medium term .

House prices forecast to fall by 14% in 2021
The Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted that house prices will fall by almost 14 per cent next year, once the government’s temporary cut in stamp duty ends and the economic impact of the pandemic sets in. Despite figures this month showing house prices rising at their fastest pace in 16 years, the group says they “will start to fall significantly” in the medium term.


theweekuk--2020-09-13--How to make a Negroni cocktail: top hotel bartenders share their recipes

One part gin , one part vermouth rosso , one part Campari and then finished with an orange peel garnish .
Making a classic Negroni may sound simple , but there ’ s many tips and tricks on how to perfect the tasty recipe .
Today marks the start of the worldwide Negroni Week , so why not celebrate and create this popular Italian cocktail at home .
Award-winning Italian bartenders from three of the Dorchester Collection ’ s top hotels have shared their secret recipes on how to make the perfect Negroni .
Saluti !
For Negroni lovers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than ordering the classic cocktail at aperitivo hour from Hotel Eden ’ s Il Giardino bar in the heart of Rome .
While we can ’ t give you a recipe for the panoramic views of the Eternal City from Il Giardino ’ s roof terrace , we can share the recipe for this classic cocktail courtesy of head barman Mirko Simonazzi .
Stir in a mixing glass over ice and double strain over fresh ice .
Known in London for its Negroni , the 45 Park Lane ’ s BAR 45 has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hotel ’ s barrel-aged Negroni which also awaits hotel guests in their room upon arrival .
Head bartender Francesco Orefici has added a number of twists on the classic recipe , including his Golden Negroni .
30ml of Botanist Gin 15ml of Italicus 15ml of Suze Liqueur 30ml of Martini Ambrato One lemon peel to garnish Pour the Botanist Gin , Italicus , Suze Liqueur and Martini Ambrato into the mixing glass filled up with ice cubes , and stir for eight to ten seconds with a long bar spoon ( mixing spoon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pour the chilled liquid into a stemless Burgundy glass over a large ice chunk , or a few cubes of ice depending on what you have .
Squeeze the lemon peel over the cocktail , twist and let it drop into the glass .
In celebration of the classic Italian cocktail ’ s 100th anniversary last year , Milan ’ s Hotel Principe di Savoia created its own unique twist on the recipe , the Cent ’ anni Negroni .
Bar manager Daniele Confalonieri takes us through the steps ... 20ml Del Professore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Canton ginger liqueur 20ml Fever Tree Ginger beer 1 teaspoon of Amaro Ramazzotti Il Premio Slice of dried orange to garnish Stir in a mixing glass filled with ice , and strain into glass over fresh ice .

Patrón’s new silver tequila El Cielo is made from 100% Weber Blue agave, water and yeast – and distilled four times (an industry first). The finish is so clean and smooth that it really is best enjoyed with this simple signature serve.
Ingredients
60ml Patrón El Cielo
Large ice cube
Orange slice for garnish
Glass: rocks
Method
Pour Patrón El Cielo over the large ice cube in a rocks glass. Garnish with a slice of fresh orange.


theweekuk--2020-09-14--UK autumn adventures: hotel experiences and things to do in October and half-term

School holidays may have only just ended but we ’ re already looking ahead to the autumn months and the October half-term .
Tourist attractions are open and many hotels are coming onto the market or reopening in the next few weeks .
We pick out some of the best adventures to have this autumn and the places to stay across the United Kingdom .
‘ Taste of Japan ’ package at The Prince Akatoki , London London ’ s only five-star Japanese hotel has reopened and is offering a new “ Taste of Japan ” package to immerse guests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taste of Japan option sees guests welcomed into their rooms with delicacies such as matcha cake and sweet sushi rolls prepared by the hotel chef .
Complimentary cocktails are offered in The Malt Lounge , whereby the drink preparation is turned into an art form and categorised by “ Earth , Wind , Fire , Water and Void ” .
Traditional spirits are used such as sake , as well as quirkier flavours including yuzushu and homemade kumquat wasabi jam .
The package also includes a sushi masterclass , sake tasting experience and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ikebana flower arrangement to take home .
Rates start from £229 and the sushi masterclass , sake tasting experience and Ikebana flowers are only included once per stay and for a maximum of two adults per room ; theprinceakatokilondon.com Get up close and personal with wildlife at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds , a nature reserve where visitors can stay overnight .
With more than 500 species to see , guests can take a stroll or head out onto the lakes and be rewarded with a sighting of a water bird , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staying this half term will get the chance to book a spot on the “ Into the Wild ” nature walk .
Setting off at dusk , an expert guide will take the group on a tour of the estate pointing out otters , owls and other nocturnal beasts in their natural habitat .
The walk will have a maximum of 16 participants , and it will take place in family bubbles .
Other outdoor activities include kayaking , paddle-boarding , cycling , tennis and swimming .
Prices start from £375 and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 25 October .
Guests can reserve a ticket when booking accommodation ; habitatescapes.com The Ayrshire-based castle will launch its new penthouse apartment , “ The Endeavour ” , in mid-October .
Through the conversion of the castle ’ s entire top floor , the Endeavour provides 4,500 sq ft of luxurious accommodation made up by four bedrooms , four bathrooms , a lounge with a dining room for up to 16 guests , a TV snug with seating for 12 , a sauna , library , a games room , a private @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massages and beauty treatments .
The hotel also offers a sea safari aboard the Glenapp Castle boat for exploring the remote Hebridean islands .
Guests can book the whole floor of The Endeavour from £4,500 per night on a B & B basis ; glenappcastle.com Places to stay : new properties and reopenings With 81 rooms and suites , the Buxton Crescent opens its doors on 1 October following an extensive refurbishment of one of England ’ s most significant Georgian architectural buildings .
Reviving the wellness traditions of this historic spa town @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home to three pools - the thermal pool , a relaxation pool and an indoor-outdoor rooftop pool .
The spa features eight treatment rooms and signature treatments include the thermal mud pack which uses mineral rich mud sourced from Heviz in Hungary and the Co2 Infusion Mineral Bath .
Rates start from £125 per night based on two people sharing an Attic Room on a B & B basis ; ensanahotels.com Nestled within the picturesque village of Atherington , Lemons Cottage is a newly renovated , thatched luxury cottage with a stylish contemporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the quintessentially English property is a haven for families or groups of friends wanting to take a staycation .
Guests can settle down for a film night in the cottage ’ s very own movie room with a massive 75-inch Sony Cinema TV .
The cottage is situated just a short drive from the popular town of Barnstaple and is located to some beautiful nearby beaches in North Devon .
Stay at Lemons Cottage from £235 per night ( three-night minimum stay ) ; sandandstoneescapes.com British brand The Signet Collection has created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , each unique and all set in buildings of historical significance and grandeur .
The first hotel to open is The Mitre Hampton , which sits on the banks of the River Thames .
This Grade II-listed property dates back to 1665 and was originally used as ancillary accommodation for guests of King Charles II .
The 36-bedroom hotel will include a riverside all-day dining and wine bar , brasserie , Orangery , riverside terrace along with meeting and private dining areas .
Prices start from £150 per room per night ; mitrehamptoncourt.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flamboyant past the creators of this new high-end neighbourhood hotel promise an engaging , witty and curious experience – think Oscar Wilde meets Alice in Wonderland .
The townhouse oozes opulence , mystery and sophistication with the Dandy Bar serving bespoke cocktails .
A ground floor library space , private dining room and individually designed bedrooms , suites and penthouses boast little touches reflecting the hotel ’ s sense of humour and personality .
Experiences and things to do EXCITING NEWS : We 're delighted to announce our new launch dates .
Our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fri 25-Sun 27 September ( we 'll contact everyone who 's been successful in our ballot very soon ) .
We 'll then be open to the public from Tue 29 September .
% uD83C % uDF89 # TheBoxPlymouth pic.twitter.com/URuqfwerjJ This new multi-disciplinary arts and heritage centre will finally open to the public and feature a free gallery that will be the largest of its kind in Britain .
The Box in Plymouth will open on Tuesday 29 September with major exhibition Mayflower 400 : Legend & Legacy .
Created in partnership with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 400 years since the first voyage of the Mayflower from Plymouth to America .
Dive deep into a subversive tale of tails !
Relive the centuries-old fairytale as you witness the human world collide with ocean life in a theatrical cocktail experience .
Surrounded by stunning decor , talented actors and secrets to be uncovered , prepare to sip on mysterious cocktails as you immerse in the wonderful and magical world of the Little Mermaid .
Starting at Drifters ’ s canal boat hire base at Anderton on the Trent & Mersey Canal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours to reach Castle Quay in Manchester , cruising along 31 miles of inland waterways and passing through just one lock .
This route , which begins at the site of the incredible Anderton Boat Lift , aka “ The Cathedral of the Canals ” , is perfect for a four-night midweek break .
It includes three tunnels , miles of countryside , the pretty village of Lymm and an urban section passing Manchester United FC , Salford Quays and the Old Trafford Cricket Ground , before reaching moorings at Castle Quay .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for up to six people , is available from 26-30 October for £999 .
Price includes damage waiver , gas , parking , tuition on arrival , towels , bedding and first pet .
Fuel is extra .
A £50 deposit is taken for a short break ; drifters.co.uk

A century after its glamorous interwar heyday, the airship looks set to make a comeback in hybrid forms, says Greg Dickinson in The Daily Telegraph, offering a more sustainable – and more relaxing – alternative to plane travel for short-haul flights. At the forefront of the new wave is a British company, Hybrid Air Vehicles, ten of whose 300ft-long Airlander passenger craft are due to take to the skies in 2026, for an inter-city service in Spain. The Airlander first made headlines in 2016, when a prototype (widely labelled the “flying bum” for its shape) “nosedived in slow motion” during a test flight in Bedfordshire. The event provoked comparisons with the Hindenburg disaster of 1937 (which ended the previous era of airship travel), but the company says that it has now improved the design, enhancing safety features, and streamlined its derrière-like profile. Notably, the Hindenburg used inflammable hydrogen gas, while the Airlander uses non-flammable helium.
Using “a combination of aerodynamic lift (its shape), buoyant lift (helium) and vectoring engine power for take-off and landing”, the Airlander emits between 75% and 90% less CO2 per passenger than a plane. Its makers say it will offer comparable journey times to conventional aircraft, though its max speed is 100mph, partly because it will require fewer security procedures and has no need of an airport; it can land anywhere, even on water. And it could be far more comfortable than a plane flight. The prototype passenger cabin (which can accommodate 100 people) feels like a “compact hotel”, with mood lighting, bar stools, windows you can open, and even a few en-suite bedrooms.


theweekuk--2020-09-14--Debate: should UK tighten Covid rules - or abandon them entirely?

Gatherings of more than six people are illegal in England from today , as the government aims to curb a potential second wave of coronavirus cases .
To some , the new measures are a logical response to the recent rise in cases .
Scientists have warned that Covid-19 infections in England are doubling every week , prompting Boris Johnson to say that he has no other choice but to legislate , even though it “ breaks my heart ” .
To others , the new rules epitomise a threat to normality .
“ Formerly free , democratic countries have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , ” Fraser Myers claims in Spiked .
“ Whatever happened to just ‘ flattening the curve ’ ?
” Here ’ s a closer look at the two sides of the argument : The UK is right to tighten Covid-19 rules From today no more than six people will be able to meet socially in any surroundings , indoors or outdoors , in “ the first significant reverse step in the Westminster Government ’ s move out of lockdown since restrictions began easing in May ” , says the Edinburgh Evening @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new rule is a direct response to reports that the number of Covid-19 cases are rising fast , with the R number – the average number of people one person infects – above 1 .
“ There have been nearly 8,500 positive Covid-19 tests recorded in England in three days , ” it reports .
“ The pandemic is not over , ” says Health Secretary Matt Hancock , who championed the new rules in cabinet .
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also backed the change in policy .
“ You can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why not six or seven , ” he told LBC this morning .
“ You have to go with a number backed by the science and they say six and I think we should abide by that rule.
” Johnson downplayed the impact of the restrictions , asking the public to understand that preventative measures would stave off stricter rules .
“ I want to be absolutely clear , these measures are not another national lockdown , ” he said .
“ The whole point of them is to avoid a second national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do these things .
The trouble is people who think they can take responsibility for their own health and take their own risks are misunderstanding the situation.
” Nevertheless , the government has faced a backlash , with some experts questioning the reasoning behind the decision .
Speaking to Spectator TV this week , Professor Carl Heneghan of the University of Oxford says the “ disturbing ” rule could “ well be the policy that tips the British public over the edge ” .
“ At Oxford University ’ s Centre for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years trawling through the scientific evidence on the effects of measures such as distancing on respiratory viral spread , ” he said .
“ We are not aware of any study pointing to the number six .
If it ’ s made up , why not five or seven ?
” Other commentators suggest we should dispense with restrictions entirely .
Jonathan Sumption , writing in The Times , points to data from elsewhere to back up the claim that the restrictive rules are an overreaction .
“ Spain took the most extreme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” he says .
“ Sweden had the mildest measures : no lockdown or school closures and only moderate measures of social distancing .
Yet Spain now has the worst second spike on the Continent and Sweden none at all .
“ Left to themselves , people can manage this virus better than Boris Johnson and Hancock because they can fine-tune their precautions to their own situation and that of the people around them .
Taking the decisions out of their hands and imposing one-size-fits-all measures is despotic and ineffective.
” And to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a poorly-judged response , but a cynical ploy to paper over cracks in the government ’ s response to the crisis .
Writing in the Daily Mail , Professor John Ashton says the rule of six “ represents a severe indictment of the government because our dysfunctional , over-centralised and poorly led state machine has dismally failed to meet the challenge of Covid ” .
“ Warped political priorities , flawed judgments , institutional complacency , wishful thinking , lack of coherent planning and a culture of secrecy have combined to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Europe , ” he said .

We will use the details you have shared to manage your registration. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy Policy.
Would you like to receive The WeekDay newsletter ?
The WeekDay newsletter provides you with a daily digest of news and analysis.
We will use the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription. You agree to the processing, storage, sharing and use of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy Policy.
We will use the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes, where we believe we have a legitimate case to do so, for example to send you communications about similar products and services we offer. You can find out more about our legitimate interest activity in our Privacy Policy.
If you wish to object to the use of your data in this way, please tick here.
'We' includes The Week and other Future Publishing Limited brands as detailed here.


theweekuk--2020-09-15--AMR-C01: Aston Martin unveils £57,500 luxury racing simulator

Driving simulator technology has accelerated at such a pace that gamers are now investing thousands of pounds to race around the world ’ s top circuits from the comfort of their own homes .
When the 2020 Formula 1 season was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic drivers such as Lando Norris , Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc all spent time on their at-home sims to get some practice behind the wheel .
Videos of the young F1 drivers racing against each other in the digital world was a “ phenomenon ” that gripped motorsport during the coronavirus lockdown , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge interest in racing sims .
According to a study by ReportLinker the global driving simulator industry is expected to be worth $ 5.8bn ( £4.49bn ) by 2026 and the market ’ s compound annual growth rate is predicted to be 8.1 % during the forecast period .
The growth of esports and the increased demand for driving simulators has seen many products come to market - and the newest has been revealed this week by Aston Martin .
The British marque has partnered with technology company Curv Racing Simulators to create @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and engineered by Curv , the AMR-C01 racing simulator will make a stylish addition to any games room and is described as the “ ultimate in luxury esports experiences ” .
It has a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque and utilises the latest technology to provide a fully immersive driving experience for the home user .
The seating position mirrors that of the Aston Martin Valkyrie , adding a futuristic hypercar feel , and the front of the sim ’ s bodywork is also shaped to invoke the signature Aston Martin Racing grille .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is led by Aston Martin works driver , Darren Turner , who is a simulator specialist with more than 20 years ’ experience in F1 simulation .
“ The AMR-C01 is all about the love of racing , ” Turner said .
“ We ’ ve created a home simulator with incredible immersion that offers users the opportunity to have a great time racing in the virtual world , from the comfort of their own home .
Our goal was to create a simulator that provided as much enjoyment in virtual reality as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a lot of fun and it is great to see that with the growth of esports , more people are now getting involved .
We modelled the driving position on the Aston Martin Valkyrie so users of AMR-C01 can get the full hypercar experience .
“ I ’ m very proud of what we ’ ve been able to achieve , with design and engineering creating what I believe to be the most beautiful home simulator available.
” Marek Reichman , Aston Martin ’ s chief creative officer , added : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team as , although the simulator isn ’ t a car , it is inspired by our racing cars .
“ It needed to exude the same elegance , boasting the same dynamic lines and balance of proportions as any Aston Martin with a racing lineage .
“ I can picture the AMR-C01 in the most beautiful of residences as a sculptural work of art in its own right.
” Price and how to order Limited to a production run of just 150 , the AMR-C01 is available to order now .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £57,500 plus tax and first deliveries are on schedule to take place in Q4 2020 .

Driving simulator technology has accelerated at such a pace that gamers are now investing thousands of pounds to race around the world’s top circuits from the comfort of their own homes.
When the 2020 Formula 1 season was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic drivers such as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc all spent time on their at-home sims to get some practice behind the wheel.
Videos of the young F1 drivers racing against each other in the digital world was a “phenomenon” that gripped motorsport during the coronavirus lockdown, The Breaker reports, and sparked a huge interest in racing sims.
According to a study by ReportLinker the global driving simulator industry is expected to be worth $5.8bn (£4.49bn) by 2026 and the market’s compound annual growth rate is predicted to be 8.1% during the forecast period.
Futuristic hypercar feel
The growth of esports and the increased demand for driving simulators has seen many products come to market - and the newest has been revealed this week by Aston Martin.
The British marque has partnered with technology company Curv Racing Simulators to create the AMR-C01.
Designed by Aston Martin and engineered by Curv, the AMR-C01 racing simulator will make a stylish addition to any games room and is described as the “ultimate in luxury esports experiences”.
It has a lightweight carbon fibre monocoque and utilises the latest technology to provide a fully immersive driving experience for the home user. The seating position mirrors that of the Aston Martin Valkyrie, adding a futuristic hypercar feel, and the front of the sim’s bodywork is also shaped to invoke the signature Aston Martin Racing grille.
What the companies say
Curv Racing Simulators is led by Aston Martin works driver, Darren Turner, who is a simulator specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in F1 simulation.
“The AMR-C01 is all about the love of racing,” Turner said. “We’ve created a home simulator with incredible immersion that offers users the opportunity to have a great time racing in the virtual world, from the comfort of their own home. Our goal was to create a simulator that provided as much enjoyment in virtual reality as real racing does.
“Racing cars is a lot of fun and it is great to see that with the growth of esports, more people are now getting involved. We modelled the driving position on the Aston Martin Valkyrie so users of AMR-C01 can get the full hypercar experience.
“I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to achieve, with design and engineering creating what I believe to be the most beautiful home simulator available.”
Marek Reichman, Aston Martin’s chief creative officer, added: “This was a challenge for the design team as, although the simulator isn’t a car, it is inspired by our racing cars.
“It needed to exude the same elegance, boasting the same dynamic lines and balance of proportions as any Aston Martin with a racing lineage.
“I can picture the AMR-C01 in the most beautiful of residences as a sculptural work of art in its own right.”
Price and how to order
Limited to a production run of just 150, the AMR-C01 is available to order now. The simulator has a recommended retail price of £57,500 plus tax and first deliveries are on schedule to take place in Q4 2020.
In pictures: AMR-C01


theweekuk--2020-09-15--Instant Opinion: Xi Jinping is ‘world’s most dangerous man’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the elephant in the room Why China ’ s Xi Jinping is the world ’ s most dangerous man “ It ’ s all too easy to blame Donald Trump for the upheaval in current affairs .
The U.S. president ’ s trade wars and hostility toward multilateral institutions are highly visible challenges to the international order that has prevailed since the end of World War II .
Perhaps of greater consequence , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking place in China , where President Xi Jinping has similarly veered dramatically from the core principles that governed the country 's political , economic and foreign policies for decades , taking it in a startling new direction.
” From seven-stone weakling to strutting muscleman ... it ’ s the incredible return of Ed Miliband “ With Sir Keir Starmer forced into self-isolation at the last minute , after a family member was required to take a Covid test , Mr Miliband took the Labour leader ’ s place at the dispatch box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt , was thanking his lucky stars .
He was facing a tough enough night as it was , with Tory MPs threatening to rebel against his controversial new plan for Brexit .
So the last thing he needed was a stringent cross-examination from Sir Keir .
Weedy Mr Miliband , by contrast , would be a doddle .
So Mr Johnson must have assumed , at any rate .
That is not , however , the way it turned out .
Quite the contrary .
Instead , the Commons goggled , befuddled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take place .
It was like watching a live-action version of a Charles Atlas ad .
Before MPs ’ very eyes , Mr Miliband appeared to be transforming from seven-stone weakling to strutting muscleman.
” 3 .
Former prime minister Gordon Brown in The Guardian on the government ’ s lack of foresight To lead Britain through a crisis , you have to be able to see beyond it “ I fear that those responsible - having misspent millions on contracts for serially ineffective initiatives - have given too little thought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : engineering the long-term recovery .
Investing now - to save good companies and prevent the destruction of capacity and the loss of key jobs and skills for good - means following Germany and France by maintaining furlough payments in key sectors , preferably with a wage subsidy for part-time work , and with the backstop offer of retraining during absence from the workplace .
And , where workers have to stay at home to avoid the spread of infections during the inevitable increase of pandemic-related local lockdowns , the support available to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which today ’ s miserly £90 a week does not.
” Instead of picking a fight with GPs , NHS bosses should focus on ways to reform primary care “ The worst way to try and persuade a group or individual to change is by threatening them , but this doesn ’ t seem to have put off senior NHS England officials when they sent a letter to all GP practices in England reminding them of their duty to offer face to face appointments - or else .
Whatever senior NHS official came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attended the training on how to motivate your staff .
Senior NHS staff should have learned by now that in any skirmish with doctors there is always one winner , doctors .
Successive governments and health ministers have taken on medics at their peril .
The founding father of the NHS , Aneurin Bevan , famously said that he only achieved his goal of establishing the NHS by ‘ stuffing the doctors ’ mouths with gold ’ .
” on more of the same Islamophobia in the US presidential election “ Islamophobia is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But a better definition of Islamophobia would be systemic racism , ie , not a matter of individual attitudes .
Thus , harassment or negative media portrayals of Muslims are symptoms of Islamophobia which is , at its core , rooted in practices of the state .
When defined this way , it does not matter whether Obama hosts a Ramadan dinner or if Hillary Clinton gives a Muslim man a prime speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention .
It does not matter if George W Bush urges Americans to love their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most egregious aspects of US empire-building , the American political elite remains undeniably Islamophobic .
When defined this way , it is evident : both sides of the 2020 presidential ballot promise an undeniable extension of American Islamophobia .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Michael Schuman in Politico
on the elephant in the room
Why China’s Xi Jinping is the world’s most dangerous man
“It’s all too easy to blame Donald Trump for the upheaval in current affairs. The U.S. president’s trade wars and hostility toward multilateral institutions are highly visible challenges to the international order that has prevailed since the end of World War II. Perhaps of greater consequence, but less obvious, are the fundamental changes taking place in China, where President Xi Jinping has similarly veered dramatically from the core principles that governed the country's political, economic and foreign policies for decades, taking it in a startling new direction.”
2. Michael Deacon in The Telegraph
on a former Labour leader
From seven-stone weakling to strutting muscleman... it’s the incredible return of Ed Miliband
“With Sir Keir Starmer forced into self-isolation at the last minute, after a family member was required to take a Covid test, Mr Miliband took the Labour leader’s place at the dispatch box this evening. Boris Johnson, no doubt, was thanking his lucky stars. He was facing a tough enough night as it was, with Tory MPs threatening to rebel against his controversial new plan for Brexit. So the last thing he needed was a stringent cross-examination from Sir Keir. Weedy Mr Miliband, by contrast, would be a doddle. So Mr Johnson must have assumed, at any rate. That is not, however, the way it turned out. Quite the contrary. Instead, the Commons goggled, befuddled, as the most improbable metamorphosis began to take place. It was like watching a live-action version of a Charles Atlas ad. Before MPs’ very eyes, Mr Miliband appeared to be transforming from seven-stone weakling to strutting muscleman.”
3. Former prime minister Gordon Brown in The Guardian
on the government’s lack of foresight
To lead Britain through a crisis, you have to be able to see beyond it
“I fear that those responsible - having misspent millions on contracts for serially ineffective initiatives - have given too little thought to what also matters in the days ahead: engineering the long-term recovery. Investing now - to save good companies and prevent the destruction of capacity and the loss of key jobs and skills for good - means following Germany and France by maintaining furlough payments in key sectors, preferably with a wage subsidy for part-time work, and with the backstop offer of retraining during absence from the workplace. And, where workers have to stay at home to avoid the spread of infections during the inevitable increase of pandemic-related local lockdowns, the support available to them has to feed their families, which today’s miserly £90 a week does not.”
4. Ian Hamilton in The Independent
on healthcare priorities
Instead of picking a fight with GPs, NHS bosses should focus on ways to reform primary care
“The worst way to try and persuade a group or individual to change is by threatening them, but this doesn’t seem to have put off senior NHS England officials when they sent a letter to all GP practices in England reminding them of their duty to offer face to face appointments - or else. Whatever senior NHS official came up with this idea had clearly not attended the training on how to motivate your staff. Senior NHS staff should have learned by now that in any skirmish with doctors there is always one winner, doctors. Successive governments and health ministers have taken on medics at their peril. The founding father of the NHS, Aneurin Bevan, famously said that he only achieved his goal of establishing the NHS by ‘stuffing the doctors’ mouths with gold’.”
5. Nazia Kazi in Al Jazeera
on more of the same
Islamophobia in the US presidential election
“Islamophobia is often mistakenly defined as anti-Muslim bigotry. But a better definition of Islamophobia would be systemic racism, ie, not a matter of individual attitudes. Thus, harassment or negative media portrayals of Muslims are symptoms of Islamophobia which is, at its core, rooted in practices of the state. When defined this way, it does not matter whether Obama hosts a Ramadan dinner or if Hillary Clinton gives a Muslim man a prime speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention. It does not matter if George W Bush urges Americans to love their Muslims neighbours. In shoring up the most egregious aspects of US empire-building, the American political elite remains undeniably Islamophobic. When defined this way, it is evident: both sides of the 2020 presidential ballot promise an undeniable extension of American Islamophobia.”


theweekuk--2020-09-15--Life on Venus? What we know so far

Life on Venus? What we know so far

To keep reading The Week ’ s concise , refreshing and balanced take on the world , please register your @ @ @ @ @ use the details you have shared to manage your registration.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes , where we believe @ @ @ @ @ to do so , for example to send you communications about similar products and services @ @ @ @ @ more about our legitimate interest activity in our privacy policy .
‘ We ’ includes @ @ @ @ @ Publishing ( UK ) Ltd brands as detailed here


theweekuk--2020-09-15--In pictures: world’s top ten highest-paid footballers in 2020

For the first time since 2014, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo find themselves in “unfamiliar territory” – they no longer hold the title of the world’s highest-paid football player. According to the Forbes list for the 2022-2023 season, Paris Saint-Germain and France striker Kylian Mbappé has taken the top spot, with Messi and Ronaldo in second and third respectively.
Forbes created its ranking by combining total on-field earnings for the 2022-2023 season, including “base salaries and bonuses”, and off-field estimates that “reflect annual cash from endorsements, licensing, appearances and memorabilia, as well as businesses operated by the players”.
The top ten highest-paid players in world football are expected to collect record pre-tax earnings of $652m – this is an 11% increase from last year’s $585m. Here we take a look at which players feature on the list…
Paris Saint-Germain and France Kylian Mbappé: $128m A World Cup winner in 2018 with France, Kylian Mbappé will collect “roughly $110m between his salary and a share of his signing bonus for this season”, Forbes said. The 23-year-old will also earn an estimated $18m in annual endorsements from partners including Nike, Dior, Hublot, Oakley and Panini. “He’s a global icon already,” Sorare co-founder and CEO Nicolas Julia told Forbes in June. Mbappé, who signed a new three-year deal with PSG in May, also topped the most valuable football players in the world list for 2022.
Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina Lionel Messi: $110m Seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi is second behind PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappé. The Argentina captain, 35, will earn a total of $110m in 2022-2023 ($65m on-pitch and $55m off-pitch).
Manchester United and Portugal Cristiano Ronaldo: $100m He may be currently having a tough time at Manchester United, but Cristiano Ronaldo remains one of the world’s most marketable footballers. In 2022-2023 the 37-year-old Portugal captain will earn a total of $100m ($40m on-pitch and $60m off-pitch).
Paris Saint-German and Brazil Neymar Jr: $87m Part of PSG’s famed “MNM” front-line, Neymar Jr joins team-mates Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi as one of the world’s highest-paid footballers. Ranked fourth, the 30-year-old Brazilian will earn $87m in 2022-2023 ($55m on-pitch and $32m off-pitch).
Liverpool and Egypt Mohamed Salah: $53m Liverpool’s “Egyptian king” Mohamed Salah takes fifth place on the list with total earnings of $53m ($35m on-pitch and $18m off-pitch). Off the pitch the 30-year-old has turned into an “enormously marketable athlete who allows Liverpool reach into new markets”, said the Liverpool Echo.
Manchester City and Norway Erling Haaland: $39m Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland has set the Premier League alight since joining English champions Manchester City in the summer. Appearing in the Forbes top ten for the first time, the 22-year-old striker will earn $39m in 2022-2023 ($35m on-pitch and $4m off-pitch).
Barcelona and Poland Robert Lewandowski: $35m Robert Lewandowski, another of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers, ended eight trophy-filled seasons at Bayern Munich in July with a move to Spanish giants Barcelona. The Poland captain, 34, will earn $35m in 2022-2023 ($27m on-pitch and $8m off-pitch).
Real Madrid and Belgium Eden Hazard: $31m Eden Hazard has struggled with injuries since moving to Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2019, but he has continued to earn millions of dollars. Eighth on the Forbes list, the Belgium attacker will earn a total of $31m in 2022-2023 ($27m on-pitch and $4m off-pitch).
Vissel Kobe Andrés Iniesta: $30m Although aged 38, Spanish midfielder Andrés Iniesta still plays professionally in Japan for J1 League club Vissel Kobe, where he is captain. The former Barcelona and Spain star, who scored the winning goal for his country in the 2010 Fifa World Cup final against the Netherlands, will have total earnings of $30m ($25m on-pitch and $5m off-pitch) in 2022-2023.


theweekuk--2020-09-15--Green shoots of recovery: CBI says climate action can spur UK economy

The UK must seize the opportunity to create green jobs and boost the economy by becoming a “ global leader ” in the fight to tackle climate change , Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ) director-general Carolyn Fairbairn has urged .
According to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) , a total of 695,000 payroll jobs were lost in the first five months of the coronavirus pandemic .
Unemployment rose from 3.9 % to 4.1 % in the three months to July , with the total number of people out of work hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ is still yet to be fully illustrative of the economic crisis , with the Treasury ’ s soon-to-end furlough scheme helping keep the numbers down ” , says Sky News .
But CBI chief Fairbairn insists that the government can boost the post-pandemic economy through measures to tackle the climate change crisis .
Launching the industry body ’ s “ Green Recovery Roadmap ” , she said : “ For so many , this feels like a time of fiercely competing goals .
The world faces two seemingly separate yet fundamental problems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in living memory , and climate change , the defining challenge of the modern era .
“ But they are not separate .
The response to one affects success on the other .
And the defining question is , how does the UK use this moment to rebuild our economy and the greener and stronger world we want to return to ?
” Britain set a target last year to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 , but the UK economy is now “ suffering from the effects of measures designed to slow the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters .
Yet despite the financial fallout of the pandemic , Fairbairn argues that as host nation of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference ( COP26 ) , to held in Glasgow in November next year , the UK should fast-track this goal to become net-zero .
Speaking at the CBI ’ s first virtual Net-Zero Conference yesterday , she said : “ Business has been promised and is waiting for the government ’ s climate blueprint - the Energy White Paper , National Infrastructure Strategy , as well as plans for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Enabling firms to strike ahead with their investment plans for a net-zero future with confidence .
There ’ s no more powerful way to unlock private investment for the UK and set the agenda and pace of COP26 negotiations .
“ The UK is in pole position to lead the world in green tech - hydrogen , carbon capture and storage .
We have the science , ambition and expertise to succeed .
“ As COP26 chair and holder of the G7 presidency next year , the UK has a unique @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader post-Brexit , securing ambitious international commitments and taking action towards our own net-zero transition .
“ Together , business and government can lay the foundations for a strong , sustainable future .
Not just for the UK , but through our global leadership , beyond our shores as well .
A to-do list for this generation to pass on a better world to the next.
” The CBI has highlighted six key priorities to “ reignite business investment , create green jobs and kickstart a sustainable economic recovery ” post-pandemic and post-Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vehicle ( EV ) charging points and introduce a net-zero mobility credit scheme - Lift the cap on auctions for renewable power and introduce a financing model to encourage domestic and international business investment in new nuclear capacity - Become a world leader in carbon capture , utilisation and storage ( CCUS ) technology - Provide at least £1bn of government funding for hydrogen testing programmes - Create an office for sustainable aviation fuels to secure the development of low-carbon alternatives , and commit £500m of matched public-private funding ( £1bn in total @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first commercial sustainable fuel plant - Deliver jobs and energy savings by retrofitting homes and buildings to be more energy efficient , and switch to low-carbon heating .

The UK must seize the opportunity to create green jobs and boost the economy by becoming a “global leader” in the fight to tackle climate change, Confederation of British Industry (CBI) director-general Carolyn Fairbairn has urged.
According to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a total of 695,000 payroll jobs were lost in the first five months of the coronavirus pandemic. Unemployment rose from 3.9% to 4.1% in the three months to July, with the total number of people out of work hitting 1.4 million.
And the jobless rate “is still yet to be fully illustrative of the economic crisis, with the Treasury’s soon-to-end furlough scheme helping keep the numbers down”, says Sky News.
But CBI chief Fairbairn insists that the government can boost the post-pandemic economy through measures to tackle the climate change crisis.
Launching the industry body’s “Green Recovery Roadmap”, she said: “For so many, this feels like a time of fiercely competing goals. The world faces two seemingly separate yet fundamental problems. Covid-19, the biggest health crisis in living memory, and climate change, the defining challenge of the modern era.
“But they are not separate. The response to one affects success on the other. And the defining question is, how does the UK use this moment to rebuild our economy and the greener and stronger world we want to return to?”
Pole position in green tech
Britain set a target last year to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, but the UK economy is now “suffering from the effects of measures designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus”, says Reuters.
Yet despite the financial fallout of the pandemic, Fairbairn argues that as host nation of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), to held in Glasgow in November next year, the UK should fast-track this goal to become net-zero.
Speaking at the CBI’s first virtual Net-Zero Conference yesterday, she said: “Business has been promised and is waiting for the government’s climate blueprint - the Energy White Paper, National Infrastructure Strategy, as well as plans for the decarbonisation of transport, heat and buildings.
“Enabling firms to strike ahead with their investment plans for a net-zero future with confidence. There’s no more powerful way to unlock private investment for the UK and set the agenda and pace of COP26 negotiations.
“The UK is in pole position to lead the world in green tech - hydrogen, carbon capture and storage. We have the science, ambition and expertise to succeed.
“As COP26 chair and holder of the G7 presidency next year, the UK has a unique opportunity to prove itself a global climate leader post-Brexit, securing ambitious international commitments and taking action towards our own net-zero transition.
“Together, business and government can lay the foundations for a strong, sustainable future. Not just for the UK, but through our global leadership, beyond our shores as well. A to-do list for this generation to pass on a better world to the next.”
Kickstart the economy
The CBI has highlighted six key priorities to “reignite business investment, create green jobs and kickstart a sustainable economic recovery” post-pandemic and post-Brexit.
- Accelerate the delivery of electric vehicle (EV) charging points and introduce a net-zero mobility credit scheme- Lift the cap on auctions for renewable power and introduce a financing model to encourage domestic and international business investment in new nuclear capacity- Become a world leader in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology- Provide at least £1bn of government funding for hydrogen testing programmes- Create an office for sustainable aviation fuels to secure the development of low-carbon alternatives, and commit £500m of matched public-private funding (£1bn in total) to support the UK’s first commercial sustainable fuel plant- Deliver jobs and energy savings by retrofitting homes and buildings to be more energy efficient, and switch to low-carbon heating.


theweekuk--2020-09-15--Tests run out in coronavirus hotspots amid UK-wide shortages

Downing Street is reportedly planning to crack down on “ frivolous ” coronavirus tests as England ’ s ten worst Covid hotspots face a total dearth of testing supplies .
An investigation by LBC Radio found that walk-in , drive through and home tests were all unavailable in the areas with the highest infection rates : Bolton , Salford , Bradford , Blackburn , Oldham , Preston , Pendle , Rochdale , Tameside and Manchester .
According to The Times , ministers are drawing up plans to restrict “ frivolous demands ” for the checks from members of the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not anticipate so many people applying for them ” .
Around 200,000 tests are currently being carried out each day , “ but demand is much higher ” , with “ requests from care homes and children returning to school being blamed for shortages around the country ” , says the newspaper .
The overwhelming demand has left laboratories struggling to process samples , forcing testing centres to cut back on appointments and leaving hundreds of people who have Covid symptoms “ waiting more than five days for a result ” , The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government ’ s testing strategy , Home Secretary Priti Patel insisted this morning that “ tests are available , you ’ ve heard me say , particularly in local lockdown areas , I ’ ve seen this myself , I ’ ve seen the teams that have been working on this ” .
Speaking to BBC Breakfast , she added : “ I think it is wrong to say tests are not available , new book-in slots are being made available every single day , mobile testing units are being made available.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is much more work that needs to be undertaken with Public Health England and the actual public health bodies in those particular local areas ” .
Critics agree with her on that point , at least .
Labour ’ s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said it “ beggars belief ministers didn ’ t use summer to build up testing capacity in time for children back at school and many returning to the workplace ” .
In a tweet on Monday , Ashworth described the situation as “ a world beating shambles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s pledge in May to implement a “ world-beating ” track and trace system to beat the virus .
Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said the tests shortages were “ completely unacceptable ” , while Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell warned that the problem “ not only risks lives ” but also “ significantly undermines trust and confidence in the measures the government are asking of us all ” .

Downing Street is reportedly planning to crack down on “frivolous” coronavirus tests as England’s ten worst Covid hotspots face a total dearth of testing supplies.
An investigation by LBC Radio found that walk-in, drive through and home tests were all unavailable in the areas with the highest infection rates: Bolton, Salford, Bradford, Blackburn, Oldham, Preston, Pendle, Rochdale, Tameside and Manchester.
According to The Times, ministers are drawing up plans to restrict “frivolous demands” for the checks from members of the public, after “accepting that they did not anticipate so many people applying for them”. Around 200,000 tests are currently being carried out each day, “but demand is much higher”, with “requests from care homes and children returning to school being blamed for shortages around the country”, says the newspaper.
The overwhelming demand has left laboratories struggling to process samples, forcing testing centres to cut back on appointments and leaving hundreds of people who have Covid symptoms “waiting more than five days for a result”, The Times adds.
Amid growing criticism of the government’s testing strategy, Home Secretary Priti Patel insisted this morning that “tests are available, you’ve heard me say, particularly in local lockdown areas, I’ve seen this myself, I’ve seen the teams that have been working on this”.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, she added: “I think it is wrong to say tests are not available, new book-in slots are being made available every single day, mobile testing units are being made available.”
However, Patel conceded that “there is much more work that needs to be undertaken with Public Health England and the actual public health bodies in those particular local areas”.
Critics agree with her on that point, at least.
Labour’s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said it “beggars belief ministers didn’t use summer to build up testing capacity in time for children back at school and many returning to the workplace”.
In a tweet on Monday, Ashworth described the situation as “a world beating shambles” - a reference to Boris Johnson’s pledge in May to implement a “world-beating” track and trace system to beat the virus.
Bolton South East MP Yasmin Qureshi said the tests shortages were “completely unacceptable”, while Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell warned that the problem “not only risks lives” but also “significantly undermines trust and confidence in the measures the government are asking of us all”.


theweekuk--2020-09-15--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 15 Sep 2020

Scientists who have discovered a rare molecule in the clouds of Venus say it may indicate the presence of life @ @ @ @ @ and hydrogen suggests that colonies of living microbes could be thriving in the oxygen-free environment @ @ @ @ @ atmosphere .
However , it is believed that the surface of Venus , with an @ @ @ @ @ ( 867F ) , is far too hot to sustain life .

Signs of life detected in the atmosphere of Venus
Scientists who have discovered a rare molecule in the clouds of Venus say it may indicate the presence of life. The combination of phosphorus and hydrogen suggests that colonies of living microbes could be thriving in the oxygen-free environment of the planet’s atmosphere. However, it is believed that the surface of Venus, with an average temperature of around 464C (867F), is far too hot to sustain life.


theweekuk--2020-09-15--People caught not wearing masks in Indonesia made to dig graves

People caught not wearing a face mask in Indonesia have been made to dig graves for people who died of Covid-19 , as a punishment and deterrent .
When eight people were caught flouting rules in Gresik regency , east Java , a local official gave them the novel punishment .
“ There are only three available grave diggers at the moment , so I thought I might as well put these people to work for them , ” he said .
An 88-year-old man who has walked 24,900 miles will finish the final mile next month of a distance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brad Hathaway of Massachusetts said his doctor encouraged him to start walking in his mid-50s when he was facing various health issues .
“ I 'm one mile to 24,901 and that 's around the Earth at the equator , ” Hathaway said .
A “ tropical ” bird turned out to be a seagull that someone had died electric blue .
When the bird was spotted in a car park in Carlisle , the onlookers assumed it was a rare type of bird .
However , when RSPCA welfare officers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shape .
“ We just don ’ t know what happened with this poor bird , ” said a spokesman .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

People caught not wearing a face mask in Indonesia have been made to dig graves for people who died of Covid-19, as a punishment and deterrent. When eight people were caught flouting rules in Gresik regency, east Java, a local official gave them the novel punishment. “There are only three available grave diggers at the moment, so I thought I might as well put these people to work for them,” he said.
Octogenerian completes Earth circumference walk
An 88-year-old man who has walked 24,900 miles will finish the final mile next month of a distance equivalent to the circumference of the Earth. Brad Hathaway of Massachusetts said his doctor encouraged him to start walking in his mid-50s when he was facing various health issues. “I'm one mile to 24,901 and that's around the Earth at the equator,” Hathaway said.
Seagull dyed blue confuses locals
A “tropical” bird turned out to be a seagull that someone had died electric blue. When the bird was spotted in a car park in Carlisle, the onlookers assumed it was a rare type of bird. However, when RSPCA welfare officers were called, they noticed that its familiar shape. “We just don’t know what happened with this poor bird,” said a spokesman.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Why everyone’s talking about Alex Scott and A Question of Sport

Alex Scott is once again one of the top trends on Twitter .
The ex-football star turned television pundit seems to be a regular topic of discussion among users of the social media platform .
But as is becoming the norm , her past life as an international footballer and her current career in TV are not the major talking points - it ’ s issues of race and diversity that see Scott ’ s name trend online .
Just weeks after being touted as a potential panellist on Sky Sports ’ s Soccer Saturday programme , Scott is today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the BBC .
And it ’ s “ triggered ” many trolls to have their say online ...
According to a report in The Sun today Scott is being lined up by the Beeb to become the new host of A Question of Sport .
The 35-year-old “ impressed BBC bosses ” in two previous appearances on the sports quiz show and the tabloid says she is now “ poised ” to replace Sue Barker .
Described as a “ major shake-up ” , the BBC confirmed that Barker would be leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s chair and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell would also depart .
In the article on the BBC website former professional tennis player Barker described the role as her “ dream job ” but “ understands the BBC want to take the show in a new direction ” .
However , the Independent reports that Barker says she was “ removed ” from the show and it would have been “ tough for me to walk away ” .
Barker ’ s departure has left A Question of Sport fans “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a petition has been launched demanding the hosts are reinstated .
The Daily Telegraph ’ s Ed Power does not believe the much-loved show needs a shake-up and the BBC ’ s overhaul is a radical change which nobody wants .
He wrote : “ Sue Barker leaving A Question of Sport isn ’ t the end of the world .
But it is another example of the corporation pushing transformation on viewers when the status quo was perfectly acceptable .
“ A Question of Sport isn ’ t broken - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the edges .
It is a war horse that , in its current format , clearly has a lot of life left .
Why pack it off to the glue factory in the name of change for which absolutely nobody is calling ?
” ‘ BBC not trying to be woke ’ Power says the “ shake- up ” is commissioning-editor speak for “ we ’ re getting someone younger instead ” .
Critics of the BBC also accuse the corporation of pushing its “ woke ” agenda and ticking diversity boxes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Sun that Scott ’ s potential appointment has nothing to do with the fact she ’ s young , black and female - she ’ s simply considered the best for the job .
“ Alex is being lined up as host , as a direct replacement for Sue , ” the source said .
“ Like Sue , she ’ s a former sportswoman and she also has five years of broadcasting under her belt .
She ’ s a natural on camera and , crucially , lives and breathes all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do with gender , nor is it a case of the BBC trying to be woke .
While a lot can happen over the next three months , as things stand Alex is genuinely considered the best woman for the job.
” In her footballing career Scott captained Arsenal ladies and won multiple trophies with the Gunners including the FA Women ’ s Premier League five times , the Women ’ s FA Cup seven times and the Uefa Women ’ s Champions League once .
On the international stage she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics .
In her TV career Scott has been a regular pundit and presenter for BBC Sport and BT Sport .
While in August last year , she landed the presenting role on Sky Sports ’ s Goals on Sunday alongside Chris Kamara .
Even though she has not yet been confirmed to replace Barker , the news has triggered the online trolls with many racist and sexist comments targeting the pundit .
However , many other Twitter users have come out in support of Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and media as the reasons why she should get the job .
Twitter user @ LuxMeaMundiAM said : “ The racism Alex Scott , an accomplished footballer ( both for her club and national team ) experiences when getting a job as a pundit for the BBC is astonishing .
She ’ s more than qualified , does a fantastic job and is more knowledgeable than most .
Yet people don ’ t focus on that.
” Writer and broadcaster Carrie Dunn added : “ Know what makes me laugh ?
Alex Scott @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BROADCASTING .
She is the MOST qualified to present ANY of these programmes .
She could present them ALL and it would STILL be entirely fair and justified.
” What happens next ?
In an interview with 90min Scott revealed she was living the “ dream ” working in TV after finishing playing football .
“ When I was doing my media degree , it was a dream for me to have some sort of a job after football in that area , ” she said .
“ I remember doing Arsenal TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cool !
’ “ So to be sitting here working for BBC , working for Sky Sports and now crossing over into entertainment ... no I don ’ t think I would have ever envisioned to be where I am today .
“ I think that ’ s why I ’ m always so grateful and have this buzz because I ’ m just so happy that actually I ’ ve got a job and can still pay my mortgage !
” The BBC is yet to announce replacements for Barker , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sport , but it has been confirmed that the trio ’ s final series together will be broadcast next year .
The Sun says Scott is “ due to meet with execs next month ” before castings and contracts are signed in December .
A formal announcement is expected to be made in early 2021 .

Alex Scott is once again one of the top trends on Twitter.
The ex-football star turned television pundit seems to be a regular topic of discussion among users of the social media platform.
But as is becoming the norm, her past life as an international footballer and her current career in TV are not the major talking points - it’s issues of race and diversity that see Scott’s name trend online.
Just weeks after being touted as a potential panellist on Sky Sports’s Soccer Saturday programme, Scott is today also being linked with a new role at the BBC. And it’s “triggered” many trolls to have their say online...
What happened?
According to a report in The Sun today Scott is being lined up by the Beeb to become the new host of A Question of Sport.
The 35-year-old “impressed BBC bosses” in two previous appearances on the sports quiz show and the tabloid says she is now “poised” to replace Sue Barker.
Described as a “major shake-up”, the BBC confirmed that Barker would be leaving after 24 years in the presenter’s chair and team captains Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnell would also depart.
In the article on the BBC website former professional tennis player Barker described the role as her “dream job” but “understands the BBC want to take the show in a new direction”.
However, the Independent reports that Barker says she was “removed” from the show and it would have been “tough for me to walk away”.
Barker’s departure has left A Question of Sport fans “fuming”, says the Daily Mirror, and a petition has been launched demanding the hosts are reinstated.
The Daily Telegraph’s Ed Power does not believe the much-loved show needs a shake-up and the BBC’s overhaul is a radical change which nobody wants.
He wrote: “Sue Barker leaving A Question of Sport isn’t the end of the world. But it is another example of the corporation pushing transformation on viewers when the status quo was perfectly acceptable.
“A Question of Sport isn’t broken - it isn’t even slightly tatty at the edges. It is a war horse that, in its current format, clearly has a lot of life left. Why pack it off to the glue factory in the name of change for which absolutely nobody is calling?”
EXCLUSIVE: BBC bosses axe A Question Of Sport trio Sue Barker, Matt Dawson and Phil Tufnellhttps://t.co/uOS5KfoFxp pic.twitter.com/6BueeJoH6B — Daily Star (@dailystar) September 12, 2020
‘BBC not trying to be woke’
Power says the “shake- up” is commissioning-editor speak for “we’re getting someone younger instead”. Critics of the BBC also accuse the corporation of pushing its “woke” agenda and ticking diversity boxes.


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Instant Opinion: Internal Market Bill ‘isn’t radical enough’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ The more the SNP decries the Internal Market Bill , the more I warm to it .
Initially , I considered it sensible enough but wholly insufficient given the constitutional threat facing the United Kingdom .
( Less keen on the law-breaking bit , mind . )
But now Mike Russell , SNP constitution minister and professional hysteric , says the Bill will ‘ undercut the existing settlement ’ by allowing devolved administrations to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UK Secretary of State ’ and by permitting ministers to spend ‘ in opposition to the Scottish government ’ in what he calls ‘ an enormous assault on the devolved powers ’ .
Now , that ’ s more like it.
” on the zero-sum game of protesters As a black man , it is now almost impossible to stand up to the Black Lives Matter agenda “ I am not the first person from an ethnic-minority background to have faced abuse for the sin of holding conservative opinions .
But since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement , the issue seems to have become even more serious and stark , since some of the abuse comes from self-styled anti-racism campaigners .
In large part , this is a consequence of the rise of a new and divisive ideology .
So-called critical race theory ( CRT ) arose out of universities in the United States , but has since become influential here in the UK .
Purporting to be anti-racist , it holds that white people are naturally privileged and black people are naturally oppressed .
It ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assigns blame for many complex societal issues solely on the basis of race.
” 3 .
Anoosh Chakelian in the New Statesman on cuts to the public sector David Cameron claims austerity prepared Britain for Covid-19 – it did the opposite “ These cuts fell heavily on Britain ’ s crucial three frontiers against the spread of Covid-19 : health and social care , education and community services .
They were combined with a public-sector pay freeze that reduced the real-terms wages of the key workers the country is relying on more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ benefits required to help the public through a period of rising unemployment .
Yet even without the statistics on which budgets were cut over the past decade , one simply needs to speak to a teacher , carer , bus driver , doctor , housing officer or anyone else struggling to deliver public services to know austerity stripped back their resources just before they needed them most.
” “ The dreamscape of California has looked like a hellscape this week .
California , America 's Golden State — ‘ Warm , palmy air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote Jack Kerouac — has had choking air , scalding heat and surreal orange skies .
California has been the dreamland of so many who hope to strike it rich or start over , a state of mind , as well as a state : a place for fresh starts , freeways and free love .
This season has brought a cascade of calamities to California and the West , atop the pandemic .
And Californians may wonder whether these are catastrophes to be endured just once a century or a generation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life ?
” Why is EU rewarding Israel for annexation ?
“ The message is simple : de-facto annexation and other ongoing Israeli violations are not an obstacle to upgrade relations .
The internationally-agreed parameters for the Middle East peace process , endorsed by the European Union and its member states , are simple and are not up for interpretations : it is a two-state solution that fully ends the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Palestine and a solution to all final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relevant UN resolutions .
Focusing on ending the occupation is key for any prospects of peace .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Stephen Daisley in The Spectator
on winding up Scottish nationalists
The Internal Market Bill isn’t radical enough
“The more the SNP decries the Internal Market Bill, the more I warm to it. Initially, I considered it sensible enough but wholly insufficient given the constitutional threat facing the United Kingdom. (Less keen on the law-breaking bit, mind.) But now Mike Russell, SNP constitution minister and professional hysteric, says the Bill will ‘undercut the existing settlement’ by allowing devolved administrations to be ‘overridden by the whim of the UK Secretary of State’ and by permitting ministers to spend ‘in opposition to the Scottish government’ in what he calls ‘an enormous assault on the devolved powers’. Now, that’s more like it.”
2. Calvin Robinson in The Telegraph
on the zero-sum game of protesters
As a black man, it is now almost impossible to stand up to the Black Lives Matter agenda
“I am not the first person from an ethnic-minority background to have faced abuse for the sin of holding conservative opinions. But since the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, the issue seems to have become even more serious and stark, since some of the abuse comes from self-styled anti-racism campaigners. In large part, this is a consequence of the rise of a new and divisive ideology. So-called critical race theory (CRT) arose out of universities in the United States, but has since become influential here in the UK. Purporting to be anti-racist, it holds that white people are naturally privileged and black people are naturally oppressed. It’s a theory that encourages a victimhood mentality and assigns blame for many complex societal issues solely on the basis of race.”
3. Anoosh Chakelian in the New Statesman
on cuts to the public sector
David Cameron claims austerity prepared Britain for Covid-19 – it did the opposite
“These cuts fell heavily on Britain’s crucial three frontiers against the spread of Covid-19: health and social care, education and community services. They were combined with a public-sector pay freeze that reduced the real-terms wages of the key workers the country is relying on more than ever, and cuts to the welfare benefits required to help the public through a period of rising unemployment. Yet even without the statistics on which budgets were cut over the past decade, one simply needs to speak to a teacher, carer, bus driver, doctor, housing officer or anyone else struggling to deliver public services to know austerity stripped back their resources just before they needed them most.”
4. Scott Simon in NPR
on wildfires
The California Dream, A Catastrophic Wake-Up Call
“The dreamscape of California has looked like a hellscape this week. California, America's Golden State — ‘Warm, palmy air — air you can kiss ...’ wrote Jack Kerouac — has had choking air, scalding heat and surreal orange skies. California has been the dreamland of so many who hope to strike it rich or start over, a state of mind, as well as a state: a place for fresh starts, freeways and free love. This season has brought a cascade of calamities to California and the West, atop the pandemic. And Californians may wonder whether these are catastrophes to be endured just once a century or a generation, or are they a new way of life?”
5. Majdi Khaldi in the EU Observer
on ignoring Palestine
Why is EU rewarding Israel for annexation?
“The message is simple: de-facto annexation and other ongoing Israeli violations are not an obstacle to upgrade relations. The internationally-agreed parameters for the Middle East peace process, endorsed by the European Union and its member states, are simple and are not up for interpretations: it is a two-state solution that fully ends the Israeli occupation that began in 1967 with East Jerusalem as the capital of the state of Palestine and a solution to all final status issues based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. Focusing on ending the occupation is key for any prospects of peace.”


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Tourist attraction set to take centre stage in £450m Pinewood expansion

Pinewood Studios is preparing to take a starring role in boosting the UK ’ s film and tourism industries after unveiling a major expansion plan that will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of pounds .
Called “ Screen Hub UK ” , the new development is expected to cost a total of about £450m and will be located on a 77-acre site located to the south of the world-famous film and television studio in Buckinghamshire .
Along with new production facilities , an educational training hub and a green campus , the development will include a 350,000sq ft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ likely to feature many of the most famous films ” made at the studio complex during its 84-year history , says Sky News .
The expansion of Pinewood will “ deliver a huge shot in the arm to a film industry which , like many others , has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic ” , Sky News predicts .
The studios are famed as the filming site of many instalments of the Star Wars and James Bond movies , including No Time to Die , starring Daniel Craig ( pictured top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his final outing as James Bond .
And now Pinewood is hoping to take a more central role in the UK economy too .
The group says the expansion is “ likely to result in the creation of around 3,500 new jobs ” and bring “ £230m per year into the economy , and £125m per year into the tourism industry ” .
Announcing the plans , Pinewood Group chair Paul Golding said that the government and the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership ( LEP ) “ have recognised Pinewood Studios as a major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ creation of a screen growth hub for the UK ” .
“ We have been looking at a visitor experience for some time and feel that now is the right moment to bring it forward , ” Golding continued .
“ The project will strengthen UK film and bring much needed jobs and spending .
We hope our planning application will receive widespread support.
” Pinewood Group announced last month that its turnover for the fiscal year ( FY20 ) to 31 March 2020 was £96.4m , up from £85.9m in the previous @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a transformational year ” , with long-term contracts signed with Disney and Netflix , said the company , which also has studios in Shepperton , the Canadian city of Toronto , Atlanta in the US , and the Dominican Republic .
Along with the new Bond film , superhero flick Black Widow and war epic 1917 were among the many movies shot at the group ’ s Buckinghamshire studios during the year .
Scenes from Rocketman , Mary Poppins Returns and Star Wars : The Rise of Skywalker were also filmed at Pinewood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jurassic World series is currently in production there .

Pinewood Studios is preparing to take a starring role in boosting the UK’s film and tourism industries after unveiling a major expansion plan that will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of pounds.
Called “Screen Hub UK”, the new development is expected to cost a total of about £450m and will be located on a 77-acre site located to the south of the world-famous film and television studio in Buckinghamshire.
Along with new production facilities, an educational training hub and a green campus, the development will include a 350,000sq ft “Pinewood Studio Experience” that is “likely to feature many of the most famous films” made at the studio complex during its 84-year history, says Sky News.
Economic impact
The expansion of Pinewood will “deliver a huge shot in the arm to a film industry which, like many others, has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic”, Sky News predicts.
The studios are famed as the filming site of many instalments of the Star Wars and James Bond movies, including No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig (pictured top with director Cary Joji Fukunaga) in his final outing as James Bond.
And now Pinewood is hoping to take a more central role in the UK economy too.
The group says the expansion is “likely to result in the creation of around 3,500 new jobs” and bring “£230m per year into the economy, and £125m per year into the tourism industry”.
Announcing the plans, Pinewood Group chair Paul Golding said that the government and the Buckinghamshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) “have recognised Pinewood Studios as a major economic asset to be enhanced with the creation of a screen growth hub for the UK”.
“We have been looking at a visitor experience for some time and feel that now is the right moment to bring it forward,” Golding continued. “The project will strengthen UK film and bring much needed jobs and spending. We hope our planning application will receive widespread support.”
‘Transformational year’
Pinewood Group announced last month that its turnover for the fiscal year (FY20) to 31 March 2020 was £96.4m, up from £85.9m in the previous 12 months.
FY20 had been “a transformational year”, with long-term contracts signed with Disney and Netflix, said the company, which also has studios in Shepperton, the Canadian city of Toronto, Atlanta in the US, and the Dominican Republic.
Along with the new Bond film, superhero flick Black Widow and war epic 1917 were among the many movies shot at the group’s Buckinghamshire studios during the year.
Scenes from Rocketman, Mary Poppins Returns and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker were also filmed at Pinewood, and the latest instalment of the Jurassic World series is currently in production there.


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Coronavirus: will UK schools have to close again?

Outbreaks of Covid-19 have forced the total or partial closure of at least 365 schools in England and Wales , just a fortnight after pupils returned to class following lockdown and the summer holidays .
The “ alarming figure ” suggests that “ more schools may have to close as winter approaches ” , says The Mirror .
And many others are facing disruption and partial closure .
Research suggests that “ up to 25,000 teachers in England may already have been forced out of the classroom and into self-isolation at home amid a national shortage of Covid tests ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders , said that he was “ regularly hearing reports of groups of pupils and staff having to self-isolate in response to positive cases ” .
“ This will feel I think like lockdown by default , ” he added .
With large numbers of teachers out of action for 14 days at a time , many schools will have no choice but to send children home .
However , the government has insisted there will be no blanket closure of schools like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spreading rapidly across the country .
In early August , Professor Graham Medley of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) warned that other activities might have to be put on hold to allow education to continue .
“ Most people think that opening schools is a priority for the health and well-being of children and that when we do that we are going to reconnect lots of households , ” he told the BBC .
“ And so actually , closing some of the other networks , some of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enable us to open schools.
” Medley added that ministers might have to decide whether “ we think pubs are more important than schools ” .
According to the Department of Education , 99.9 % of schools in England and Wales are open .
“ But their figures show 8 % of state-funded schools were partially closed , ” says Sky News .
“ And pupil attendance rates have fallen to 88 % , down from 95.3 % last year .
”


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 17 Sep 2020

Democratic nominee Joe Biden says he will not allow peace in Northern Ireland to become a “ casualty of Brexit @ @ @ @ @ president .
He said any UK-US trade deal had to be “ contingent ” on @ @ @ @ @ Agreement in final Brexit arrangements .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also applied @ @ @ @ @ saying he trusted the UK to “ get this right ” .

Biden warns the UK over Northern Ireland and Brexit
Democratic nominee Joe Biden says he will not allow peace in Northern Ireland to become a “casualty of Brexit” if he becomes US president. He said any UK-US trade deal had to be “contingent” on respect for the Good Friday Agreement in final Brexit arrangements. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also applied pressure on the issue, saying he trusted the UK to “get this right”.


theweekuk--2020-09-17--Bus passenger told he cannot wear live snake as face mask

A passenger who wore a live snake as a mask while travelling on a bus in the north of England has been warned it is not a legitimate face covering .
A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said although “ a small degree of interpretation ” can be applied to coronavirus rules , “ we do not believe it extends to the use of snakeskin - especially when still attached to the snake ” .
However , an onlooker said she found the incident “ really funny ” .
Shamans in Peru try to predict White House election result Peruvian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smoke , flowers and photographs of Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden in an attempt to predict the outcome of the US election .
Dressed in multi-coloured costumes , they also invoked the “ Pachamama ” , or mother earth .
They were unable to form a consensus on who will win , but one shaman said of Biden 's opponents : “ They are attacking him with witchcraft , with a black doll , with a voodoo doll they are shadowing to remove him.
” Brain wrapped in foil washes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in tin foil has been discovered washed up on a beach in Racine , Wisconsin .
Jimmy Senda , a local artist , found the brain on Samuel Myers Park Beach after spotting a square package held together by a pink elastic band and allowing curiosity to get the better of him .
“ It looked like a chicken breast – kind of , ” he said .
“ It took a little bit for it to really register what was going on : it was a brain.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A passenger who wore a live snake as a mask while travelling on a bus in the north of England has been warned it is not a legitimate face covering. A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said although “a small degree of interpretation” can be applied to coronavirus rules, “we do not believe it extends to the use of snakeskin - especially when still attached to the snake”. However, an onlooker said she found the incident “really funny”.
Shamans in Peru try to predict White House election result
Peruvian shamans have turned to chants, incense smoke, flowers and photographs of Donald Trump and his Democratic rival Joe Biden in an attempt to predict the outcome of the US election. Dressed in multi-coloured costumes, they also invoked the “Pachamama”, or mother earth. They were unable to form a consensus on who will win, but one shaman said of Biden's opponents: “They are attacking him with witchcraft, with a black doll, with a voodoo doll they are shadowing to remove him.”
Brain wrapped in foil washes up on beach
A human brain wrapped up in tin foil has been discovered washed up on a beach in Racine, Wisconsin. Jimmy Senda, a local artist, found the brain on Samuel Myers Park Beach after spotting a square package held together by a pink elastic band and allowing curiosity to get the better of him. “It looked like a chicken breast – kind of,” he said. “It took a little bit for it to really register what was going on: it was a brain.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––