theweekuk--2020-03-17--Instant Opinion: Boris Johnson ‘should drop his Brexiteer mentality’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ The pandemic is a wake-up call .
It is never entirely possible to take back control .
Britain can not isolate itself from the world and co-operation is crucial .
Trust matters and transparency can help build it .
The country can be brought together in a common cause by a leader acting in the national interest .
The political divisions over Europe that tore the country apart last year seem so petty in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Remainers should accept that Brexit has happened and can not now be reversed .
The prime minister must apply the evidence-based approach he is taking with Covid-19 to his talks with the EU .
It is time to put aside ideology.
” Boris Johnson is struggling to inspire trust on coronavirus “ This pandemic is showing why trust between governments and citizens is important , and it is an irony of fate that the very man who did so much to challenge faith in the UK establishment in recent years now requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s team ’ s plan is superior to his European counterparts ; there are no easy answers here and few certainties .
But one thing is clear : in the coming months , trust in what ’ s coming out of Downing Street is going to be increasingly vital .
The government ’ s task is not only to keep the public safe but to convince them that it can .
One of those tasks may prove as tricky as the other.
” 3 .
Stephen Bush in the New Statesman on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government must announce a far larger economic stimulus to fight coronavirus “ The most alarming bit of British economic data to come out about this crisis so far is from Transport for London : while passenger numbers have fallen on both the bus and the Tube , they have fallen close to half as much on the bus as the Tube .
That isn ’ t because people who take the bus to work are more likely to be healthy than those who use the Tube - it ’ s that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you use the Tube than the bus , and you are more likely to have the economic security to take time off or work from home.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on the lessons we can learn from past pandemics What coronavirus has taught us about inequality “ Pandemics do not materialise in isolation .
They are part and parcel of capitalism and colonisation .
The countries that struggled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recent past , from Haiti to Sierra Leone , had deficient public health systems prior to these crises , partially as a result of their colonial histories .
Moreover , products of capitalism - from war to migration to mass production and increased travel - contribute massively to the proliferation of diseases .
In the world that we live in , where capitalism and the remnants of colonialism fuel wars , unprecedented migration waves , public health crises and an increasing dependency on international and intercontinental travel , epidemics are inevitable .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crystal clear , no countries , including the members of the Global North , are immune to these outbreaks .
The global community , however , can successfully counter these epidemics if it employs a holistic health policy .
To defeat COVID-19 , and other pandemics to come , the world powers need to learn to act as one.
” on internationalism in the face of coronavirus Solutions to this virus can only work with global cooperation “ The accelerating global crisis will tell us a great deal about the 21st century world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , how much we support elderly people under threat , which companies made plans to survive a downturn , which governments are competent , which societies are resilient and how rapidly modern science can respond to a new danger .
But one depressing feature has already been revealed for all to see : the habits of consultation and collaboration between world leaders that we considered normal even five years ago have been seriously undermined .
That didn ’ t matter when all ran smoothly , but now it makes a serious and perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Rachel Sylvester in The Times
on coronavirus and Brexit
Johnson should drop his Brexiteer mentality
“The pandemic is a wake-up call. It is never entirely possible to take back control. Britain cannot isolate itself from the world and co-operation is crucial. Trust matters and transparency can help build it. The country can be brought together in a common cause by a leader acting in the national interest. The political divisions over Europe that tore the country apart last year seem so petty in comparison with this life and death emergency. Remainers should accept that Brexit has happened and cannot now be reversed. The prime minister must apply the evidence-based approach he is taking with Covid-19 to his talks with the EU. It is time to put aside ideology.”
2. Frances Ryan in The Guardian
on trusting the prime minister
Boris Johnson is struggling to inspire trust on coronavirus
“This pandemic is showing why trust between governments and citizens is important, and it is an irony of fate that the very man who did so much to challenge faith in the UK establishment in recent years now requires it. Time may prove that Johnson’s team’s plan is superior to his European counterparts; there are no easy answers here and few certainties. But one thing is clear: in the coming months, trust in what’s coming out of Downing Street is going to be increasingly vital. The government’s task is not only to keep the public safe but to convince them that it can. One of those tasks may prove as tricky as the other.”
3. Stephen Bush in the New Statesman
on the inequality revealed by the coronavirus
Why the government must announce a far larger economic stimulus to fight coronavirus
“The most alarming bit of British economic data to come out about this crisis so far is from Transport for London: while passenger numbers have fallen on both the bus and the Tube, they have fallen close to half as much on the bus as the Tube. That isn’t because people who take the bus to work are more likely to be healthy than those who use the Tube - it’s that you are more likely to be well-off if you use the Tube than the bus, and you are more likely to have the economic security to take time off or work from home.”


theweekuk--2020-03-17--Sport shorts: Euro 2020 is postponed until summer 2021 and Japan still aims for ‘complete’ Olympics

European football ’ s governing body Uefa has today confirmed that Euro 2020 has been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The tournament , which was planned to be held in 12 locations this summer , will now take place on the proposed dates of 11 June to 11 July 2021 .
Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin said : “ We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent .
It is at times like these , that the football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , solidarity and altruism .
“ The health of fans , staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit , Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football .
There was a real spirit of co-operation , with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result .
“ It was important that , as the governing body of European football , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest sacrifice .
Moving Euro 2020 comes at a huge cost for Uefa but we will do our best to ensure that the vital funding for grassroots , women ’ s football and the development of the game in our 55 countries is not affected .
“ Purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole.
” Ahead of today ’ s meeting of the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) , Japan ’ s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ host the summer games on time and with fans in attendance , BBC Sport reports .
The coronavirus pandemic has seen international sport across the world cancelled but the Tokyo 2020 Olympics remain on the schedule for a 24 July start .
Hashimoto said : “ A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for .
We will do our utmost to prepare [ to hold the Olympics ] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the games .
[ The event would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in attendance.
” 3 .
Grand National and Boat Races are off The two latest sporting events to be curtailed by coronavirus are the Boat Races on 29 March and Grand National on 4 April .
The Jockey Club said “ it is no longer appropriate ” to stage the National in the wake of the UK government ’ s advice against mass gatherings .
Sandy Dudgeon , senior steward of the Jockey Club , said : “ We were working on a plan to stage the Grand National behind closed doors given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beyond .
But following the new government measures confirmed this evening to help to tackle the coronavirus outbreak , this is not a viable option.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– There is one major horse racing event that will go ahead .
The Dubai World Cup will be held on 28 March but there will be no fans at Meydan Racecourse .
A Dubai Racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ongoing global health implications of the COVID-19/coronavirus and precautionary measures being implemented by the UAE government , Dubai Racing Club will host the Dubai World Cup meeting on 28 March without paid hospitality spectators.
” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has announced that the 2020 NFL Draft will go ahead as scheduled from 23-25 April but there are no events for the public in Las Vegas .
Goodell said : “ This decision reflects our foremost priority - the health and safety of all fans and citizens .
While this outcome is disappointing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Las Vegas community , we look forward to partnering with the Raiders , the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future , including the Super Bowl.
” NFL : Tom Brady is leaving the Patriots - what next for the ‘ goat ’ ?
The BBC reports that the proposed Premier Golf League has suffered a “ near-fatal blow ” after being spurned by the world ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rory McIlroy recently said he will remain with the PGA Tour and now Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm have followed suit .
American four-time major winner Koepka said : “ I am out of the PGL .
I ’ m going with the PGA Tour.
” Spaniard Rahm added : “ I think what I ’ m going to do is focus on just the PGA Tour .
At the end of the day I ’ m a competitor .
I ’ m a PGA Tour member and I ’ m going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the CIES Football Observatory Liverpool are top of European football ’ s squad valuation league with an aggregate value of €1.4bn ( £1.27bn ) .
Man City are second ( €1.36bn/£1.23bn ) while La Liga rivals FC Barcelona ( €1.17bn/£1.06bn ) and Real Madrid ( €1.1bn/£1bn ) are third and fourth respectively .
£1.27bn : Liverpool are top of the table - for most valuable squad in Europe ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is his idol .
Like Ronaldo , Fernandes signed for United from Sporting Lisbon and the 25-year-old said of his Portugal team-mate : “ He [ Ronaldo ] welcomed me very well to the Portugal national team .
We look at him as an idol , he has always been an idol for me .
I followed his example , he is one of my favourites .
When I was called up by Portugal , he came to me saying , ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sporting , I like it ’ .
Words like these make the difference.
” Fernandes : Man Utd star has the X factor to become an Old Trafford legend Man Utd have triggered a one-year option in Nemanja Matic ’ s contract .
The 31-year-old ’ s current deal was set to expire this summer but he is now tied to the club until 2021 .
It ’ s also reported that the Serbian is in talks with the Old Trafford bosses over a new deal .
According to the Daily Express there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year with the Daily Star also leading with the story on a back page headlined : “ Gareth ’ s Lions caged ” .
Uefa has today postponed Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021 and it ’ s expected that the decision will allow the completion of domestic leagues , the Champions League and Europa League in May and June .
England ’ s Three Lions are caged for a year ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Euro 2020 put back to 2021
European football’s governing body Uefa has today confirmed that Euro 2020 has been postponed until 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The tournament, which was planned to be held in 12 locations this summer, will now take place on the proposed dates of 11 June to 11 July 2021.
Uefa president Aleksander Čeferin said: “We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent. It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
“The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and in that spirit, Uefa tabled a range of options so that competitions can finish this season safely and I am proud of the response of my colleagues across European football. There was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result.
“It was important that, as the governing body of European football, Uefa led the process and made the biggest sacrifice. Moving Euro 2020 comes at a huge cost for Uefa but we will do our best to ensure that the vital funding for grassroots, women’s football and the development of the game in our 55 countries is not affected.
“Purpose over profit has been our guiding principle in taking this decision for the good of European football as a whole.”
2. Japan aims for ‘complete’ Olympics
Ahead of today’s meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto has said that the country is still aiming to host the summer games on time and with fans in attendance, BBC Sport reports.
The coronavirus pandemic has seen international sport across the world cancelled but the Tokyo 2020 Olympics remain on the schedule for a 24 July start.
Hashimoto said: “A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for. We will do our utmost to prepare [to hold the Olympics] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the games. [The event would be] started on time and with spectators in attendance.”
3. Grand National and Boat Races are off
The two latest sporting events to be curtailed by coronavirus are the Boat Races on 29 March and Grand National on 4 April. The Jockey Club said “it is no longer appropriate” to stage the National in the wake of the UK government’s advice against mass gatherings.


theweekuk--2020-03-17--Why Iran has freed 85,000 prisoners to combat coronavirus

Iran has temporarily freed around 85,000 prisoners , including political prisoners , as part of a drastic response to combat the spread of the new coronavirus .
According to Reuters , the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran , Javaid Rehman , said on 10 March that he had asked Tehran to free all political prisoners temporarily from its “ overcrowded and disease-ridden jails ” , with Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili confirming the decision this week .
During the announcement , Esmaili stated that “ some 50 % of those released are security-related prisoners ” , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prisoners , says Patrick Wintour at The Guardian .
“ Also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak , ” Esmaili added .
Iran has been one of the hardest-hit nations so far , with its death toll from the coronavirus reaching 988 from a total of 16,169 cases so far .
Only China and Italy have recorded more cases and fatalities .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world – and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Daily Mail notes that Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to prison , nor did Iran clarify which prisoners had been released .
“ In a February report , Rehman described how overcrowded and unhygienic conditions were causing the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis C. Quoting inmates , he said prisoners even had to provide their own soap , ” says Reuters .
Human Rights Watch said last Wednesday that it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had tested positive for coronavirus , prompting fears that the entire system may be at risk .
And one British-Iranian political prisoner being held in Tehran on spying charges last month sent a recorded message saying that the jail he is in was in “ chaos ” , The Guardian reports .
He was reportedly transferred three days earlier within Iran ’ s notorious Evin prison to ward four – one of the wards he claims housed coronavirus victims previously .
ITV News reports that one high-profile prisoner to be released under Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karroubi , the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi , who was in jail for nearly two months .
It is not yet known if British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe will be released from prison , having been imprisoned on espionage charges in 2016 .

Iran has temporarily freed around 85,000 prisoners, including political prisoners, as part of a drastic response to combat the spread of the new coronavirus.
According to Reuters, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Javaid Rehman, said on 10 March that he had asked Tehran to free all political prisoners temporarily from its “overcrowded and disease-ridden jails”, with Iranian judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Esmaili confirming the decision this week.
During the announcement, Esmaili stated that “some 50% of those released are security-related prisoners”, a term that Iran uses to describe political prisoners, says Patrick Wintour at The Guardian.
“Also in the jails we have taken precautionary measures to confront the outbreak,” Esmaili added.
Iran has been one of the hardest-hit nations so far, with its death toll from the coronavirus reaching 988 from a total of 16,169 cases so far. Only China and Italy have recorded more cases and fatalities.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world – and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda – try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The Daily Mail notes that Esmaili did not elaborate on when those released would have to return to prison, nor did Iran clarify which prisoners had been released.
“In a February report, Rehman described how overcrowded and unhygienic conditions were causing the spread of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and hepatitis C. Quoting inmates, he said prisoners even had to provide their own soap,” says Reuters.
Human Rights Watch said last Wednesday that it had received reports that prisoners in Iran had tested positive for coronavirus, prompting fears that the entire system may be at risk. And one British-Iranian political prisoner being held in Tehran on spying charges last month sent a recorded message saying that the jail he is in was in “chaos”, The Guardian reports. He was reportedly transferred three days earlier within Iran’s notorious Evin prison to ward four – one of the wards he claims housed coronavirus victims previously.
ITV News reports that one high-profile prisoner to be released under Iran’s new strategy is Mohammad Hossein Karroubi, the son of opposition leader Mehdi Karroubi, who was in jail for nearly two months.
It is not yet known if British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe will be released from prison, having been imprisoned on espionage charges in 2016.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Divorce, baby boom, domestic violence: predictions for families in virus lockdowns

The UK government is trying to stem the coronavirus outbreak by urging households with suspected cases to self-isolate for 14 days - but experts says the nationwide lockdowns may have additional consequences for couples and families .
Side effects of being forced to spend such an unusually large amount of time together are expected to range from a baby boom to a surge in domestic abuse .
Here are a look at some of the predictions for self-isolating households during the coronavirus pandemic : A leading divorce lawyer has warned that the coronavirus outbreak is “ very likely ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Baroness Shackleton of Belgravia made the comments in the House of Lords after Boris Johnson urged affected households to go into voluntary lockdown in order to avoid potentially infecting other people , reports The Independent .
“ The prediction amongst divorce lawyers is that following self-imposed confinement , it is very likely that the divorce rate will rise , ” said Lady Shackleton , who has represented clients include Paul McCartney , Prince Charles and Madonna .
“ Our peak times are after long exposure during the summer holidays and over Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s going to be like when families are sealed in a property for a long period of time.
” Sky News reports that the Chinese city of Xi ’ an , where strict isolation measures had been introducted , has seen a record number of divorce requests in recent weeks .
“ As offices have been closed for a month , they are likely to have been hit with delayed requests ” , but officials believe that “ another reason is that couples have been quarantined in close quarters ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you self-isolate when being alone with your partner isn ’ t simply a question of noticing how he picks his toenails , or how she gives a running commentary on the plot of every TV show ?
” asks Prospect Magazine .
“ When instead , being stuck at home all day for two weeks means you are more at risk of controlling behaviour ... of bullying and verbal abuse ?
Of being hit ?
” Domestic abuse charity Women ’ s Aid is warning that self-isolation is “ likely to shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who may face even greater barriers to finding time away from the perpetrator to seek help ” .
Many support organisations are offering online support to domestic abuse victims forced into isolation with their partners .
Hera Hussain , founder of women ’ s rights group Chayn , said : “ We are anticipating domestic abuse will increase during coronavirus and we are preparing services for this .
We are producing more content online .
If you are living in the vicinity of an abuser , you need coping mechanisms .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now working in the evenings too .
A lot of survivors go to local trauma groups and group therapy but can ’ t get that anymore , so we are running a trauma group on Telegram – a highly secure instant messaging app.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world – and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda – try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Daily Express suggests that the world may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in about nine months ” , as couples in lockdown entertain themselves .
Dr Kevin Kathrotia , of North Carolina-based healthcare provider Millennium Neonatology , told Fox Business this week that a baby boom is “ going to happen ” , adding : “ It ’ s probably going to be the biggest baby boom we ’ ve seen.
” “ Everyone ’ s at home .
Those already with kids are less likely to have a kid , but those married without kids - there ’ s going to be kids in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he predicted .
Surges in pregnancies following other lockdown situations suggest that Kathrotia may be proved correct .
As the Express notes , an ice storm in Greater Toronto in 2014 is thought to be the reason for a subsequent uptick in babies born in the area , after “ people were forced to work from home due to downed power lines ” .
In some parts of the world , a coronavirus-linked baby boom is being actively encouraged .
This week , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on young people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine ” by getting pregnant during self-isolation .

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theweekuk--2020-03-18--‘Insensitive and irresponsible’: IOC slammed over Tokyo 2020 Olympics coronavirus stance

The coronavirus pandemic may have seen the sporting schedule wiped out but for the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) it ’ s business as usual ahead of Tokyo 2020 .
Yesterday , before an IOC meeting , Japan ’ s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said the country is still aiming to host a “ complete ” summer games on time and with fans in attendance , BBC Sport reported .
Hashimoto said : “ A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for .
We will do our utmost to prepare [ to hold the Olympics ] as scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be convinced we are capable of hosting the games .
[ The event would be ] started on time and with spectators in attendance.
” Yesterday also saw international football governing bodies postpone Euro 2020 and the Copa America until the summer of 2021 .
The IOC , however , has made its position clear ... for now .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ‘ No @ @ @ @ @ @ @ summer ’ s Olympic Games are set to start in the Japanese capital city on 24 June and despite calls for the event to be cancelled or postponed the IOC says it “ remains fully committed ” to Tokyo 2020 and “ no drastic action ” will be taken yet .
In a statement the IOC said : “ This is an unprecedented situation for the whole world , and our thoughts are with all those affected by this crisis .
We are in solidarity with the whole of society to do everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the COVID-19 virus is also impacting the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 , and is changing day by day .
“ The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 , and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage ; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.
” IOC president Thomas Bach added : “ The health and well-being of all those involved in the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures are being taken to safeguard the safety and interests of athletes , coaches and support teams .
We are an Olympic community ; we support one another in good times and in difficult times .
This Olympic solidarity defines us as a community.
” ‘ 90 % certain to be delayed ’ Despite the bullish claims emanating from Japan and the IOC , The Times reports that senior figures in British sport are now “ 90 % certain ” that the Olympics won ’ t escape unscathed from the coronavirus chaos .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Games will be delayed or even cancelled and The Times says the committee has “ until 60 days before the start of competition ” , which would be 26 May , to delay Tokyo 2020 .
In the United States swimming coach Dave Marsh told The New York Times that a decision must be made sooner rather than later .
“ If things don ’ t change dramatically , I don ’ t see how they don ’ t change the schedule , ” said Marsh .
“ Let ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The sooner we make that kind of decision the better.
” I % u2019ve given this a lot of thought , and over the past few days my perspective has changed .
I was voted to represent and protect athletes .
As an IOCAC member , 6x Olympian and Medical doctor in training on the front lines in ER up until this week , these are my thoughts on @ Olympics : pic.twitter.com/vrvfsQZ1GO ‘ Crisis is bigger than even the Olympics ’ The statement by the IOC has been labelled “ insensitive and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members .
Canadian Hayley Wickenheiser , a four-time ice hockey Olympic gold medallist , said : “ This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics .
We don ’ t know what ’ s happening in the next 24 hours , let alone the next three months .
“ From an athlete perspective , I can only imagine and try to empathise with the anxiety and heartbreak athletes are feeling right now .
“ Athletes can ’ t train , attendees can ’ t travel plan .
Sponsors and marketers can ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead , with such conviction , is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity.
” French Open farce creates ‘ confusion and anger ’ and Champions League could be played on weekend ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The coronavirus pandemic may have seen the sporting schedule wiped out but for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) it’s business as usual ahead of Tokyo 2020.
Yesterday, before an IOC meeting, Japan’s Olympic minister Seiko Hashimoto said the country is still aiming to host a “complete” summer games on time and with fans in attendance, BBC Sport reported.
Hashimoto said: “A complete Olympics is what we are aiming for. We will do our utmost to prepare [to hold the Olympics] as scheduled so that the International Olympic Committee will be convinced we are capable of hosting the games. [The event would be] started on time and with spectators in attendance.”
Yesterday also saw international football governing bodies postpone Euro 2020 and the Copa America until the summer of 2021. The IOC, however, has made its position clear... for now.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘No need for any drastic action’
This summer’s Olympic Games are set to start in the Japanese capital city on 24 June and despite calls for the event to be cancelled or postponed the IOC says it “remains fully committed” to Tokyo 2020 and “no drastic action” will be taken yet.
In a statement the IOC said: “This is an unprecedented situation for the whole world, and our thoughts are with all those affected by this crisis. We are in solidarity with the whole of society to do everything to contain the virus. The situation around the COVID-19 virus is also impacting the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and is changing day by day.
“The IOC remains fully committed to the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and with more than four months to go before the Games there is no need for any drastic decisions at this stage; and any speculation at this moment would be counter-productive.”
IOC president Thomas Bach added: “The health and well-being of all those involved in the preparations for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is our number-one concern.
“All measures are being taken to safeguard the safety and interests of athletes, coaches and support teams. We are an Olympic community; we support one another in good times and in difficult times. This Olympic solidarity defines us as a community.”
‘90% certain to be delayed’
Despite the bullish claims emanating from Japan and the IOC, The Times reports that senior figures in British sport are now “90% certain” that the Olympics won’t escape unscathed from the coronavirus chaos.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Why everyone’s talking about coronavirus testing

The UK government has vowed to accelerate coronavirus testing as health experts urge authorities worldwide to step up their screening efforts .
The UK currently has 1,950 confirmed infections but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000 , the BBC reports .
Amid fears that countless people in countries worldwide may be carrying the virus but not showing symptoms , the World Health Organization ( WHO ) has urged governments to “ test , test , test ” .
Who is getting tested ?
Testing is generally being carried out only on those admitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is tested .
People with symptoms that do not require hospital treatment are instructed to self-isolate but have no way of knowing if they have the virus , which causes Covid-19 disease .
England ’ s chief medical officer , Professor Chris Whitty , said this week that there is “ complete surveillance ” testing in intensive care and that hospitals are also testing patients with pneumonia .
When there is a cluster of infections - for instance , an outbreak in a care home - those people would also be tested , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Public Health England is “ rapidly ” developing “ transformational ” tests that can identify if people have had - rather than do have - the virus .
But many experts are concerned that health workers - including doctors and nurses on the front line - are not being tested .
An unnamed nurse told The Guardian that the question mark over testing was causing significant worry for health workers .
She said : “ I have just had a cold , and it could be coronavirus .
I feel worried about at-risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ve had to keep kids off school , and it ’ s affecting my earnings .
I said to my trust , ‘ Can I come in to a mobile screening unit and be screened ?
’ “ I was told no as it is not Public Health England guidance – they are not swabbing staff .
But I have been in contact with patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.
” Is the government doing enough ?
WHO officials have criticised authorities in countries worldwide for failing to conduct widespread testing .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough escalation in testing , isolation and contact tracing , which is the backbone of the response .
And to do that , you must test and isolate , , ” said the UN agency ’ s Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
“ You can not fight the fire blindfolded .
And we can not stop this pandemic , if we don ’ t know who is infected .
“ We have a simple message for all countries : Test , test , test .
Test every suspected case.
” The most effective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was “ breaking the chains of transmission ” , he added .
Anthony Costello , a UK paediatrician and former WHO director , said he had personally written to Whitty to say that more coronavirus tests need to be done , reports The Guardian .
And more than 835,000 thousand people have signed a petition for doctors and nurses in the UK to be tested if they show symptoms .
“ We ’ re never going to know how really widespread the infection is , ” Neil Bhatia , a GP based in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was echoed by Martin Hibberd from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , who said : “ I think this is not sufficient .
I would like to see more testing.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What have the UK authorities said ?
Whitty has defended the government ’ s approach to testing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - but that the government intends to scale up testing .
England ’ s deputy chief medical officer , Professor Jonathan Van-Tam , added that there were “ significant moves afoot ” to accelerate testing for the virus by the NHS .
But “ for now ” , he said , tests would continue to be reserved for identifying suspected cases that would “ help us most ” , such as patients in intensive care or with pneumonia .
Emergency powers being pushed through Parliament this week without a vote will allow police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and force them to be tested .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the powers would be used only “ when it is absolutely necessary ” to deal with the impact of the virus .
In guidance published on Gov.uk on Tuesday , the government said : “ Public support and compliance is crucial and we are grateful for the flexibility people have shown , but we need to ensure police and immigration officers have the authority to enforce these measures where necessary .
”

The UK government has vowed to accelerate coronavirus testing as health experts urge authorities worldwide to step up their screening efforts.
The UK currently has 1,950 confirmed infections but the actual number of cases is estimated to be between 35,000 and 50,000, the BBC reports.
Amid fears that countless people in countries worldwide may be carrying the virus but not showing symptoms, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to “test, test, test”.
Who is getting tested?
Testing is generally being carried out only on those admitted to hospital - and not everyone admitted is tested.
People with symptoms that do not require hospital treatment are instructed to self-isolate but have no way of knowing if they have the virus, which causes Covid-19 disease.
England’s chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said this week that there is “complete surveillance” testing in intensive care and that hospitals are also testing patients with pneumonia.
When there is a cluster of infections - for instance, an outbreak in a care home - those people would also be tested, he added.
According to Whitty, Public Health England is “rapidly” developing “transformational” tests that can identify if people have had - rather than do have - the virus.
But many experts are concerned that health workers - including doctors and nurses on the front line - are not being tested.
An unnamed nurse told The Guardian that the question mark over testing was causing significant worry for health workers.
She said: “I have just had a cold, and it could be coronavirus. I feel worried about at-risk people in my family, I’ve had to keep kids off school, and it’s affecting my earnings. I said to my trust, ‘Can I come in to a mobile screening unit and be screened?’
“I was told no as it is not Public Health England guidance – they are not swabbing staff. But I have been in contact with patients who have tested positive for coronavirus.”
Is the government doing enough?
WHO officials have criticised authorities in countries worldwide for failing to conduct widespread testing.
“We have not seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing, which is the backbone of the response. And to do that, you must test and isolate,,” said the UN agency’s Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Euro 2020 postponed: Uefa president says ‘health of fans and players is the priority’

For the first time in the tournament’s 60-year history the European Championships have been postponed.
The decision announced by Uefa yesterday that the 2020 competition, scheduled to be staged in 12 cities, will now kick off in 2021 took no one by surprise.
But nonetheless it was still a momentous declaration, underlining the extent to which the world - and not just that of sport - has been turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.
European football’s governing body took the unprecedented decision during an emergency video conference involving major stakeholders.
The reasoning behind the rescheduling of the Euros to 11 June to 11 July 2021 is to allow Europe’s domestic leagues to complete their seasons.
With football across the continent expected to be closed down until the beginning of May, there could - if the virus is contained - still be time to finish league and cup competitions in May and June.
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Solidarity
“We are at the helm of a sport that vast numbers of people live and breathe that has been laid low by this invisible and fast-moving opponent,” said Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.
“It is at times like these, that the football community needs to show responsibility, unity, solidarity and altruism.
“The health of fans, staff and players has to be our number one priority and… there was a real spirit of co-operation, with everyone recognising that they had to sacrifice something in order to achieve the best result.”
Clash
BBC Sport reports that one result of the rescheduled Euros is that they will now clash with the Women’s European Championship, which is due to be held in England in July 2021, while the Nations League and the European Under-21 Championships are also inked in for that month.
Asked about the clash, Uefa said those tournaments will be “rescheduled accordingly”. According to the BBC “it is currently unclear if that involves minor tweaks to dates, or large-scale postponements”.
Working group
Euro 2020 was due to start on 12 June although there were still some qualifying play-offs to be completed. They were scheduled for this month but have been put back to June, as have a series of friendly international matches.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 18 Mar 2020

British-Iranian political prisoner Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been granted a temporary release from the Tehran prison where she has been held @ @ @ @ @ as part of emergency measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Iran .
@ @ @ @ @ with an electronic tag and may not travel further than 300 metres from her parents @ @ @

Zaghari-Ratcliffe on temporary release from Iran jail
British-Iranian political prisoner Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe has been granted a temporary release from the Tehran prison where she has been held for almost four years, as part of emergency measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Iran. The 41-year-old has been fitted with an electronic tag and may not travel further than 300 metres from her parents’ house.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Today’s back pages: French Open farce creates ‘confusion and anger’ and Champions League could be pl

Today’s back pages: French Open farce creates ‘confusion and anger’ and Champions League could be played on weekend

The news that the French Open has been rescheduled for September is reported on the back pages of many of the papers .
The tournament becomes the first tennis major to fall victim to coronavirus although Wimbledon is also expected to be affected by the pandemic .
Roland Garros was supposed to host the world ’ s finest from 24 May to 7 June but it will now start on 20 September , making it the last of the year ’ s majors .
However , The Guardian reports that the decision by the French tennis federation to reschedule the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anger across the game ” .
The reason , as the Daily Express explains , is that the new dates not only come just a week after the conclusion of the US Open but they also clash with the Laver Cup .
This popular and established exhibition team competition is a favourite for some of the top stars , including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal , and the Guardian says the French Open could be boycotted by many players .
Nadal is a 12-time French Open champion and the clash with the Laver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more obviously embarrassing position ” .
Not only is he a key figure for Team Europe in the Laver Cup but he ’ s also the “ king of Roland Garros ” .
The Guardian says without Nadal , the French Open is “ seriously diminished ” .
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Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Something for the weekend ?
Like their rivals , i Sport reports on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s European Championships to 2021 .
But the paper also leads on its back page with what it claims is an exclusive : namely , that Champions League matches could be moved to the weekend in order to complete the tournament this season .
The paper says Uefa has previously sought to play Champions League matches on primetime weekend slots , but the attempts “ have been blocked by the major European leagues ” , such as the Premier League , Bundesliga and La Liga , who have jealously guarded this lucrative time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday ’ s video conference , a working group composed of club , league and Uefa representatives has been established to find a solution to finishing the domestic leagues , Champions League and Europa League .
i Sport says the football calendar will be “ meticulously analysed and a raft of possible solutions devised and debated ” .
Euro 2020 postponed : Uefa president says ‘ health of fans and players is the priority ’ The Times claims that contrary to the bullish statements emanating from Japan in recent days that the Olympic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior figures in British sport are now “ 90 % certain ” that they won ’ t escape unscathed from the coronavirus chaos that has ravaged the rest of the sporting calendar .
The Games are due to start in Tokyo on 24 July and yesterday the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) conducted a video conference with the international federations and “ insisted that it was still its intention for the Games to go ahead despite the coronavirus crisis ” .
But despite the optimistic declaration , in private the IOC is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed or even cancelled .
The Times says that the IOC has “ until 60 days before the start of competition ” , which would be 26 May , to delay Tokyo 2020 .
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French farce
The news that the French Open has been rescheduled for September is reported on the back pages of many of the papers.
The tournament becomes the first tennis major to fall victim to coronavirus although Wimbledon is also expected to be affected by the pandemic.
Roland Garros was supposed to host the world’s finest from 24 May to 7 June but it will now start on 20 September, making it the last of the year’s majors.
However, The Guardian reports that the decision by the French tennis federation to reschedule the clay-court event has “created confusion and anger across the game”.
The reason, as the Daily Express explains, is that the new dates not only come just a week after the conclusion of the US Open but they also clash with the Laver Cup.
This popular and established exhibition team competition is a favourite for some of the top stars, including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and the Guardian says the French Open could be boycotted by many players.
Nadal is a 12-time French Open champion and the clash with the Laver Cup puts the Spaniard in an “more obviously embarrassing position”.
Not only is he a key figure for Team Europe in the Laver Cup but he’s also the “king of Roland Garros”. The Guardian says without Nadal, the French Open is “seriously diminished”.
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Something for the weekend?
Like their rivals, i Sport reports on the decision to postpone this summer’s European Championships to 2021. But the paper also leads on its back page with what it claims is an exclusive: namely, that Champions League matches could be moved to the weekend in order to complete the tournament this season.
The paper says Uefa has previously sought to play Champions League matches on primetime weekend slots, but the attempts “have been blocked by the major European leagues”, such as the Premier League, Bundesliga and La Liga, who have jealously guarded this lucrative time slot for their domestic fixtures.
Following yesterday’s video conference, a working group composed of club, league and Uefa representatives has been established to find a solution to finishing the domestic leagues, Champions League and Europa League.
i Sport says the football calendar will be “meticulously analysed and a raft of possible solutions devised and debated”.
Euro 2020 postponed: Uefa president says ‘health of fans and players is the priority’
Olympics in peril
The Times claims that contrary to the bullish statements emanating from Japan in recent days that the Olympic Games will go ahead as planned, senior figures in British sport are now “90% certain” that they won’t escape unscathed from the coronavirus chaos that has ravaged the rest of the sporting calendar.
The Games are due to start in Tokyo on 24 July and yesterday the International Olympic Committee (IOC) conducted a video conference with the international federations and “insisted that it was still its intention for the Games to go ahead despite the coronavirus crisis”.
But despite the optimistic declaration, in private the IOC is increasingly fearful that the Games will be delayed or even cancelled.
The Times says that the IOC has “until 60 days before the start of competition”, which would be 26 May, to delay Tokyo 2020.
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-03-18--Will Rishi Sunak’s £350bn coronavirus package rescue the economy?

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Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday said the government will do “whatever it takes” to support the UK economy through the coronavirus crisis, as Boris Johnson promised to put the country on a “wartime” footing.
Sunak unveiled an “unprecedented” £330bn loan scheme to support businesses, alongside a raft of “direct support” measures including tax cuts, millions in grants and three month “mortgage holidays”.
Addressing the press, Sunak said the UK has “never in peacetime faced an emergency like this”, adding that he would abandon “orthodoxy” and “ideology” in response.
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What has the Chancellor promised?
Sunak announced £330bn of government-backed loans for businesses and another £20bn in direct cash support less than a week after an initial £7bn package announced in the budget.
People struggling to pay their mortgages will be given payment holidays of up to three months, while Sunak also said: “We want to build a bold and ambitious employment support package.”
According to The Times, the Treasury is looking into options for where this funding could come from, as it could cost billions of pounds more than the £32bn already pledged to fight the effects of the coronavirus.
In another eye catching annoucement, Sunak also said that he would give all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses a one-year holiday from their business rates bill.
Does the plan go far enough?
“There are still holes in the vast plans,” writes BBC political editor Laura Kuenssberg. “It’s not yet clear what will happen to people who rent their homes rather than have mortgages.”
The chancellor has faced criticism for including “mortgage holidays” in the stimulus package while failing to address the needs of people who rent.
However, he did say that Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick will announce new measures to “protect” people who rent shortly.
The Guardian reports the £330bn loan package can be viewed as “merely a large sticking-plaster,” adding that “a loan is not a handout”.
Ian Cass, managing director of the Forum of Private Business, echoed this, telling The Times: “A loan is not going to solve the problems of a company that’s on the brink, it risks pushing the problem down the road.”
However, Sky News economics editor Ed Conway, said that the £330bn loan guarantee “might represent the difference between life and death for a restaurant or retailer considering whether they can make it through the next 12 months”.
Conway added while it may keep businesses afloat, “it is unlikely to prevent them laying off workers” and “there will still have to be another scheme to support those who lose their jobs”.
Labour leadership hopeful Keir Starmer attacked the plans, arguing in The Guardian that “the Chancellor's stimulus package doesn't go nearly far enough”.
Pointing to the lack of support for renters, social care and local authorities, Starmer called on Sunak to commit to making regular financial statements throughout the pandemic to allow Parliament to “subject the government’s approach to effective scrutiny”.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Joe Biden close to sealing nomination after primaries hat-trick

Joe Biden swept three key primaries last night , dominating a third week of consecutive presidental nomination elections .
Biden ’ s comfortable victories in Florida , Illinois and Arizona all but eliminated his rival Bernie Sanders , and came as Donald Trump formally sealed the Republican presidential nomination .
Biden now has more than 1,100 delegates , more than half of those needed to clinch the nomination .
Sanders , who trails with just over 800 , would need to win several of the upcoming primaries by huge margins to remain in the race .
“ Biden is well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democratic nominee , ” said USA Today , with CNN adding that he has a “ near-insurmountable lead ” over Sanders .
“ Our campaign has had a very good night – and is a little closer to securing the Democratic party ’ s nomination for president , ” Biden said in a speech from his home in Wilmington , Delaware .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Yesterday ’ s primaries took place to the backdrop of stringent measures to control the spread of coronavirus in the US , with President Trump advising Americans not to gather in groups of more than 10 .
Mike DeWine , the Republican governor of Ohio , announced on Monday afternoon that he would seek to postpone his state ’ s election until 2 June .
An Ohio county judge rejected the request , saying it would set a “ terrible ” precedent , however the vote was delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ director of health to declare a public health emergency .
Tom Perez , chairman of the Democratic National Committee , attacked the delay , claiming that it caused “ more chaos and confusion ” .
Meanwhile , pressure is now growing on Sanders to drop out of the race so that Democrats can unite behind one candidate .
“ # DropOutBernie ” was trending on Twitter last night , with The Guardian reporting that the Vermont senator is facing calls “ to make a gesture worthy of wartime and call it quits for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes that Biden has built up a “ nearly indomitable lead ” , with former George W. Bush aide , Lloyd Green , writing : “ Biden has now amassed more than 1,000 delegates , more than half way to clinching the nomination .
The primary battle is over in all but name .
November looms.
” Sanders “ needs to take a long , hard look at how and why he would stay in the race , ” Chris Meagher , a former adviser to ex-presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg , told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waited to drop out of the race in 2016 , that pressure to drop out of the race when the writing is clearly on the wall is even greater .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-18--New insect species named after Lady Gaga

A new type of insect has been named after Lady Gaga because of its “ wacky fashion sense ” .
University of Illinois graduate student Brendan Morris named the treehopper species Kaikaka Gaga after the pop idol .
Morris said : “ If there is going to be a Lady Gaga bug , it 's going to be a treehopper , because they 've got these crazy horns , they have this wacky fashion sense about them.
” Police in Spain have chastised a man who took to the streets dressed up as a dinosaur during the lockdown .
After @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Murcia , they wrote on Twitter that “ a Tyrannosaurus rex ” costume is not part of the permitted etiquette for leaving the house during the coronavirus crisis .
When a couple in Melbourne , Australia , had their cruise cancelled due to the coronavirus , they recreated their planned treat in their living room .
Wearing robes , sipping drinks , and with a personal supply of toilet roll , Norma and Dave Trill relaxed in front of a video of the ocean playing on their TV .
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A new type of insect has been named after Lady Gaga because of its “wacky fashion sense”. University of Illinois graduate student Brendan Morris named the treehopper species Kaikaka Gaga after the pop idol. Morris said: “If there is going to be a Lady Gaga bug, it's going to be a treehopper, because they've got these crazy horns, they have this wacky fashion sense about them.”
Spanish police tick off man in dinosaur costume
Police in Spain have chastised a man who took to the streets dressed up as a dinosaur during the lockdown. After cops encountered the man on the streets of Murcia, they wrote on Twitter that “a Tyrannosaurus rex” costume is not part of the permitted etiquette for leaving the house during the coronavirus crisis.
Couple re-create cancelled cruise in bedroom
When a couple in Melbourne, Australia, had their cruise cancelled due to the coronavirus, they recreated their planned treat in their living room. Wearing robes, sipping drinks, and with a personal supply of toilet roll, Norma and Dave Trill relaxed in front of a video of the ocean playing on their TV.
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theweekuk--2020-03-17--Coronavirus: will the Brexit transition period be extended?


theweekuk--2020-03-17--Trump calls for $850bn coronavirus stimulus package

Donald Trump has called for an emergency $ 850bn ( £702bn ) economic stimulus package to deal with the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic .
Speaking at a press conference yesterday , the president said : “ It ’ s going to be big , it ’ s going to be bold , and the level of enthusiasm to get something done , I don ’ t think I ’ ve seen anything quite like it.
” With talks between the White House and Congress expected to be fast-tracked , the package would constitute the “ most dramatic stimulus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2009 ” , The Independent reports .
The Washington Post explains that the plan “ would be mostly devoted to flooding the economy with cash ” , either through a payroll tax cut or some other mechanism .
Some $ 50bn ( £41bn ) will also be directed specifically to helping the airline industry , the paper adds .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The $ 850bn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 100bn-plus ( £82.5bn ) package that aims to provide paid sick leave , unemployment insurance and other benefits for workers impacted by the virus ’ spread .
In what The Daily Telegraph labels a “ sudden embrace of what has been a signature policy of left-wing politicians ” , Trump also wants to hand Americans more than $ 1,000 ( £825 ) in direct payments , as part of a further economic relief programme .
However , whether the massive cash injections will stave off economic catastrophe is not yet know .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ rippling through US stocks are forcing investors to contemplate outcomes more dire than a recession ” .
The news agency adds that these outcomes include several quarters of declining economic activity , a credit crisis or a depression .
“ This market looks like it has already priced in most of a garden variety recession , ” said Frances Donald , global chief economist at Manulife Investment Management .
“ It is now on top of that having to price in some probability of a credit crisis.
” Forecasters at Goldman Sachs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic contraction in at least the second quarter , as governments in the United States and Europe start shutting restaurants , closing schools and calling on citizens to stay home .
“ But there is hope among some economists that economy will start expanding again later this year - depending in part on efforts to contain the virus ” says Reuters .


theweekuk--2020-03-17--China expels US media as stand-off escalates

In an escalation of tension between two world superpowers , China is to expel three major US new outlets in retaliation against American restrictions on Chinese journalists .
The decision by China requires US citizens working for The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post to stop their work and hand in their press cards within 10 days , if their press credentials expire at the end of this year .
It follows an announcement earlier this month that Washington was slashing the number of Chinese nationals permitted to work at the US offices of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s decision came after what US Secretary of State , Mike Pompeo , described as Beijing ’ s “ long-standing intimidation and harassment of journalists ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The retaliatory move by China is “ a hugely damaging attack on foreign media coverage of the country ” and an “ escalation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing ” , reports The Guardian .
Both Chinese state media and US new outlets are currently involved in a tit-for-tat exchange over the origin of the coronavirus .
The NYT also notes that “ reporters at foreign news outlets were among those who aggressively reported on the coronavirus pandemic in January and February ” , during which time the Chinese government sought to downplay its severity .
The paper also highlights that foreign media has also reported on other issues deemed “ extremely sensitive ” by Chinese officials in the past year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese Muslims in the Xinjiang region and the “ shadowy business dealings of family members of leaders , including President Xi Jinping ” .
The latest move will “ decimate some of the biggest newsrooms in China and force reporters with decades of experience covering the country to leave , ” says the Guardian .
The banned reporters will also be barred from reporting from Hong Kong which has been gripped by nearly a year of protest directed against Beijing .
“ That Beijing is preventing the expelled reporters from reporting from Hong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the further erosion of press freedoms in those territories , ” adds the NYT .
The Washington Post reports that the move “ widens another rift in US-China relations already strained by trade disputes ” .
The act of hostiliy also raises questions about how the world ’ s two biggest economies will “ recalibrate their ties after the coronavirus pandemic ” , the paper adds .

In an escalation of tension between two world superpowers, China is to expel three major US new outlets in retaliation against American restrictions on Chinese journalists.
The decision by China requires US citizens working for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post to stop their work and hand in their press cards within 10 days, if their press credentials expire at the end of this year.
It follows an announcement earlier this month that Washington was slashing the number of Chinese nationals permitted to work at the US offices of state-owned Chinese media outlets.
Washington’s decision came after what US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, described as Beijing’s “long-standing intimidation and harassment of journalists”.
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The retaliatory move by China is “a hugely damaging attack on foreign media coverage of the country” and an “escalation of the showdown over the press between Washington and Beijing”, reports The Guardian.
Both Chinese state media and US new outlets are currently involved in a tit-for-tat exchange over the origin of the coronavirus.
The NYT also notes that “reporters at foreign news outlets were among those who aggressively reported on the coronavirus pandemic in January and February”, during which time the Chinese government sought to downplay its severity.
The paper also highlights that foreign media has also reported on other issues deemed “extremely sensitive” by Chinese officials in the past year. This includes the mass internment of Chinese Muslims in the Xinjiang region and the “shadowy business dealings of family members of leaders, including President Xi Jinping”.
The latest move will “decimate some of the biggest newsrooms in China and force reporters with decades of experience covering the country to leave,” says the Guardian.
The banned reporters will also be barred from reporting from Hong Kong which has been gripped by nearly a year of protest directed against Beijing.
“That Beijing is preventing the expelled reporters from reporting from Hong Kong and Macau... is a sign of the further erosion of press freedoms in those territories,” adds the NYT.
The Washington Post reports that the move “widens another rift in US-China relations already strained by trade disputes”.
The act of hostiliy also raises questions about how the world’s two biggest economies will “recalibrate their ties after the coronavirus pandemic”, the paper adds.


theweekuk--2020-03-17--NFL ‘goat’ Tom Brady leaves the Patriots and looks set to sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has announced his departure from the New England Patriots .
The 42-year-old quarterback , who is regarded as the greatest of all time ( goat ) , was a free agent following the expiry of his contract in New England .
Brady joined the Pats in 2000 and as well as winning six Super Bowls in nine appearances , he was also named Super Bowl MVP a record four times and NFL MVP three times .
In his 20-year spell with the Patriots he threw for 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns .
Patriots owner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a positive , respectful discussion .
It ’ s not the way I want it to end , but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest .
After 20 years with us , he has earned that right .
I love him like a son.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– After the announcement was made by the American football star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it a historic day in NFL history .
Yahoo ’ s Frank Schwab said : “ Everyone knew that was a possibility as Brady hit free agency for the first time at age 42 , but it was still a shock to see him announce it on Tuesday morning with a statement titled ‘ Forever a Patriot ’ on his social media channels .
“ No matter what happens next , Tuesday will be remembered as a historic day in the NFL .
Brady is no longer the Patriots quarterback.
” Echoing Schwab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dussault said : “ While Brady ’ s departure from the Pats was always a possibility , it ’ s truly shocking that his time in New England is now coming to an end .
“ For the Patriots , it will be a seismic shift and in the coming days their plans for rebuilding the offense post-Brady will continue to take shape .
“ It ’ s hard to imagine him in another uniform , but Brady will join the likes of his hero Joe Montana by finishing his career for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teammates , coaches , executives , and staff , Coach Belichick , RKK , and the Kraft family , and the entire organisation : I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values .
“ I am grateful for all that you have taught me - I have learned from everyone .
You all have allowed me to maximise my potential and that is all a player can ever hope for .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joy and the lessons I have learned will carry on with me forever .
I couldn ’ t be the man I am today without the relationships you have allowed me to build with you .
“ I have benefited from all you have given me .
I cherished every opportunity I had to be a part of our team , and I love you all for that .
Our team has always set a great standard in pro sports and I know it will continue to do just that .
“ Pats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , I don ’ t know what my football future holds .
It is time for me to open a new stage for my life and career .
“ Although my football journey will take place elsewhere , I appreciate everything that we have achieved and am grateful for your incredible TEAM accomplishments .
“ I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to know each and every one of you , and to have the memories we ’ ve created together.
” The # Bucs % u2019 contract with new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him up to $ 30M on a per-year basis , is agreed to and finalized , sources say .
Not that there was any doubt , but there were no issues .
All that % u2019s left is for @ TomBrady to announce it .
As mentioned in his statement , Brady ’ s football journey will now “ take place elsewhere ” and Sky Sports reports that he is set to agree a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The Los Angeles Chargers were also keen on the free agent , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the race .
Sky says that a deal in the region of $ 30m ( £25m ) per year is understood to have been agreed .
NFL Network ’ s Ian Rapoport said : “ With the Chargers out of the running , the Bucs offer to QB Tom Brady is believed to be roughly $ 30m per year .
They are the only known team to make an offer .
“ Tampa Bay has been confident all day and for good reason .
To be clear : Former Patriots QB Tom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ join the Bucs , source said .
It is believed to be roughly $ 30m per year.
” Rapoport added on Wednesday that the deal is “ agreed and finalised ” and all that ’ s left is for Brady to announce it .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Six-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has announced his departure from the New England Patriots.
The 42-year-old quarterback, who is regarded as the greatest of all time (goat), was a free agent following the expiry of his contract in New England.
Brady joined the Pats in 2000 and as well as winning six Super Bowls in nine appearances, he was also named Super Bowl MVP a record four times and NFL MVP three times. In his 20-year spell with the Patriots he threw for 74,571 yards and 541 touchdowns.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft said: “We had a positive, respectful discussion. It’s not the way I want it to end, but I want him to do what is in his best personal interest. After 20 years with us, he has earned that right. I love him like a son.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘A seismic shift’
After the announcement was made by the American football star on social media, Yahoo Sports called it a historic day in NFL history.
Yahoo’s Frank Schwab said: “Everyone knew that was a possibility as Brady hit free agency for the first time at age 42, but it was still a shock to see him announce it on Tuesday morning with a statement titled ‘Forever a Patriot’ on his social media channels.
“No matter what happens next, Tuesday will be remembered as a historic day in the NFL. Brady is no longer the Patriots quarterback.”
Echoing Schwab’s words, Patriots.com writer Mike Dussault said: “While Brady’s departure from the Pats was always a possibility, it’s truly shocking that his time in New England is now coming to an end.
“For the Patriots, it will be a seismic shift and in the coming days their plans for rebuilding the offense post-Brady will continue to take shape.
“It’s hard to imagine him in another uniform, but Brady will join the likes of his hero Joe Montana by finishing his career for a different team.”
What Brady said
“To all my teammates, coaches, executives, and staff, Coach Belichick, RKK, and the Kraft family, and the entire organisation: I want to say thank you for the past twenty years of my life and the daily commitment to winning and creating a winning culture built on great values.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Sport shorts: NHS accepts hotel offer from Chelsea owner Abramovich and Bale could leave Real Madrid

Sport shorts: NHS accepts hotel offer from Chelsea owner Abramovich and Bale could leave Real Madrid on a free

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has offered to pay for NHS staff to stay at the club ’ s Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge for the next two months .
Independent reports that Abramovich has personally taken the decision to help during the coronavirus crisis and the offer of free accommodation for staff has been accepted by the NHS .
The Premier League club said : “ Chelsea Football Club is joining the medical response to the coronavirus outbreak in London with the news the National Health Service [ NHS ] has accepted the club ’ s offer to make the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NHS staff .
“ The initiative came from club owner Roman Abramovich and , after contact with the NHS was made by chairman Bruce Buck , it was decided the best way Chelsea can assist the NHS is to provide accommodation for NHS staff .
Mr Abramovich will be covering the costs of providing the accommodation.
” The International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) says “ no drastic action ” will be taken yet over the future of the Tokyo 2020 games amid the coronavirus crisis .
However , the IOC ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irresponsible ” by one of its own members .
Canadian Hayley Wickenheiser , a four-time ice hockey Olympic gold medallist , said : “ This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics .
I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead , with such conviction , is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity.
” The PGA Championship has become the second golf major to be postponed .
The event was scheduled for 11-17 May at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco .
PGA of America chief executive officer Seth Waugh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision for all involved .
Throughout our evaluation process , we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities .
“ This is a reflection of a thoughtful process .
We are and have been working in concert with [ PGA Tour ] commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA Tour to find an alternative date that works for all .
We are all very hopeful for a great outcome.
” The Masters in April has also been postponed .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The British Horseracing Authority ( BHA ) has announced that all racing in the United Kingdom will be suspended until the end of April .
However , today ’ s meetings at Wetherby and Taunton go ahead without spectators .
BHA chief executive Nick Rust said : “ This is a national emergency the like of which most of us have never seen before .
“ We ’ re a sport that is proud @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the local businesses that support our industry .
But our first duty is to the health of the public , our customers and to racing industry participants and staff so we have decided to suspend racing following the government 's latest advice.
” 5 .
No Parkrun events anywhere this week Parkrun organisers have announced that for the first time in 15 years there will be no events taking place on a weekend .
All Parkrun events in the UK , Russia , South Africa , Namibia and Eswatini have now been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March .
According to talkSPORT Real Madrid could allow Gareth Bale to leave the club on a free transfer this summer .
The 30-year-old forward has struggled to force his way into Zinedine Zidane ’ s starting XI and the Real head coach may look to offload the Welshman at the end of the season .
Manchester United and Tottenham have both regularly been linked with making a move to bring Bale back to the Premier League .
Spanish giants Barcelona are preparing to swoop for Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang .
The Gunners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Daily Mail reports , and have placed a £50m price on his head .
Aubameyang ’ s contract at the Emirates expires in the summer of 2021 and Arsenal may be forced to cash in .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– American boxing icon Floyd Mayweather is in mourning following the death of his uncle and former trainer Roger .
The 43-year-old , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ Roger was a great champion and one of the best trainers in boxing .
My uncle was one of the most important people in my life inside and outside of the ring .
“ Unfortunately , his health was failing him for several years and now he can finally rest in peace .
Roger meant the world to me , my father Floyd Sr , my uncle Jeff , our whole family , everyone in and around the Mayweather Boxing Gym and the entire boxing world .
It is a terrible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Brady is set for the Bucs Tom Brady , a six-time NFL Super Bowl winner , is on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
The 42-year-old quarterback yesterday announced he was leaving the New England Patriots after 20 years and NFL Network ’ s Ian Rapoport reports that he will sign for the Bucs .
Rapoport said the deal is “ agreed and finalised ” and all that ’ s left is for Brady to announce it .
The news that the French Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September is reported on the back pages of many of the papers .
Roland Garros was supposed to host the world ’ s finest from 24 May to 7 June but it will now start on 20 September , making it the last of the year ’ s majors .
The Guardian says that the decision by the French Tennis Federation to reschedule the clay-court major has “ created confusion and anger ” as it will clash with the Laver Cup and start just a week after the US Open .
French Open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Champions League could be played on weekend ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Chelsea hotel offer accepted by the NHS
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has offered to pay for NHS staff to stay at the club’s Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge for the next two months.
Independent reports that Abramovich has personally taken the decision to help during the coronavirus crisis and the offer of free accommodation for staff has been accepted by the NHS.
The Premier League club said: “Chelsea Football Club is joining the medical response to the coronavirus outbreak in London with the news the National Health Service [NHS] has accepted the club’s offer to make the Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available for NHS staff.
“The initiative came from club owner Roman Abramovich and, after contact with the NHS was made by chairman Bruce Buck, it was decided the best way Chelsea can assist the NHS is to provide accommodation for NHS staff. Mr Abramovich will be covering the costs of providing the accommodation.”
2. IOC member calls stance ‘irresponsible’
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) says “no drastic action” will be taken yet over the future of the Tokyo 2020 games amid the coronavirus crisis.
However, the IOC’s stance has been labelled “insensitive and irresponsible” by one of its own members.
Canadian Hayley Wickenheiser, a four-time ice hockey Olympic gold medallist, said: “This crisis is bigger than even the Olympics. I think the IOC insisting this will move ahead, with such conviction, is insensitive and irresponsible given the state of humanity.”
‘Insensitive and irresponsible’: IOC slammed over Tokyo 2020 Olympics coronavirus stance
3. PGA Championship postponed
The PGA Championship has become the second golf major to be postponed. The event was scheduled for 11-17 May at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.
PGA of America chief executive officer Seth Waugh said: “Postponement is the best decision for all involved. Throughout our evaluation process, we have been committed to following the guidance of public health authorities.
“This is a reflection of a thoughtful process. We are and have been working in concert with [PGA Tour] commissioner Jay Monahan and our partners and friends at the PGA Tour to find an alternative date that works for all. We are all very hopeful for a great outcome.”
The Masters in April has also been postponed.


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus NHS measures: which routine operations will be cancelled?

All non-urgent operations in England and Scotland will be postponed to free up NHS beds for coronavirus patients, the government has announced.
According to The Times, NHS hospitals in England will halt all routine operations for at least three months from 15 April and send as many patients as possible home, with the aim of freeing up a third of the NHS’s 100,000 hospital beds.
Simon Stevens, the head of NHS England, said this week that “there is no health service in the world that would be able to cope if this virus let rip”.
He added that the NHS will be “suspending elective non-urgent surgery with an assumption that will be suspended everywhere from 15 April at the latest for at least three months, with a discretion for hospitals to take action earlier if they need it”.
The service will also discharge thousands of patients without full assessments to free up more space, refresh its staff training within a fortnight on how to care for patients with respiratory problems and bulk-buy space in private hospitals to increase bed numbers.
And NHS Scotland is “moving to an emergency footing for at least the next three months”, according to Scottish Health Secretary Jeane Freeman. It is postponing all non-urgent elective care.
The Guardian reports that the moves are intended to “help the already overstretched health service manage the ‘intense pressure’ that the growing epidemic will put on it”.
The paper reports that the operations likely to be put on hold will include cataract removal, hernia repair and hip or knee replacements. Cancer operations will continue to go ahead, the NHS clarified.
The move has been welcomed by experts, with Chris Hopson, chief executive of NHS Providers, stating: “This is sensible. Trusts need to increase bed capacity to deal with the added pressures of coronavirus.
“Postponing elective operations in this way will free up beds, space and staff to support this effort, strengthening their ability to provide critical care. While this will be disappointing for those waiting for treatment, it is clearly a necessary move.”


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus bill: can the police detain infected patients?


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Coronavirus lockdown: pictures of an empty world


theweekuk--2020-03-18--Instant Opinion: ‘Brits will find a way to laugh in the time of corona’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Stoic Brits will find a way to laugh in the time of corona “ Given the censorious society we have become in recent years , I predict demands from the modern-day Mary Whitehouses to ensure we cause no offence whatsoever by taking the ongoing saga as seriously as possible .
And with pubs , theatres and comedy clubs rapidly shutting their doors on Government advice , the number of places where we can come together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit is rapidly approaching zero .
But as doctors , firefighters and soldiers will tell you , dark humour is one of the best ways of dealing with traumatic events… We may struggle to muster a song about how the Coronavirus is short of a testicle , but we do need to come together and laugh at ourselves and each other .
From a distance of over 6 feet , obviously.
” British democracy is about to be tested .
I believe it can pass “ Boris Johnson is deeply flawed , dishonest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a murderer .
His unserious style doesn ’ t suit the gravity of the moment , but he is a creature of British political tradition and not a despot .
Those who hate seeing him in Downing Street can be consoled by the knowledge that he is not our prime minister for life .
Despair at election results is tempered by the belief that other outcomes were genuinely possible .
There is democratic privilege hidden in political disappointment , so long as it comes with an element of surprise.
” 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inc wrestles with the ‘ unthinkable ’ prospect of no Olympics “ The tacit plan has been to let the glow bathe all corporate Japan .
Front of house , the organisers could talk convincingly about these being a ‘ recovery games ’ , after the devastation of the 2011 Tohoku quake .
But the subtler and more important message , said the CEO of one of the 15 gold sponsors that each paid about $ 100m for that privilege , is that the games would give Japan Inc its moment to finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed the bursting of the 1989 stock market and property bubble .
From that viewpoint , said the same CEO , even a year ’ s postponement would be as much a corporate disaster as a sporting one.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4 .
The editorial board at The New York Times “ China ’ s crackdown on journalists from The Times and other American news organizations is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it couldn ’ t come at a worse time .
The global spread of the coronavirus demands independent and trusted information from the country where the scourge began ... Expelling independent reporters over an intergovernmental dispute for which they have no responsibility is unwarranted and , in the current crisis , counterproductive.
” on the PM becoming a support act Rishi Sunak is the star of the latest coronavirus show – but the Johnson family can ’ t help but add some drama “ Still nobody understands what they are and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
What does and doesn ’ t constitute non-essential travel ?
Twenty-four hours ago , everybody , and especially the over-70s , were told to avoid such travel , and so why shouldn ’ t the prime minister ’ s 79-year-old dad , Stanley Johnson , turn up on ITV ’ s This Morning to tell Phillip Schofield and Vanessa Feltz : ‘ Course I ’ ll go to the pub if I have to go to the pub.
’ When does a man ‘ have ’ to go to the pub , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are not Stanley Johnson , a man for whom a call to a 24-hour news studio or breakfast TV sofa is indistinguishable from the village church bells that once called men to the trenches… If the prime minister can ’ t take any of it seriously , why should the rest of us ?
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Konstantin Kisin in The Telegraph
on dark humour for dark times
Stoic Brits will find a way to laugh in the time of corona
“Given the censorious society we have become in recent years, I predict demands from the modern-day Mary Whitehouses to ensure we cause no offence whatsoever by taking the ongoing saga as seriously as possible. And with pubs, theatres and comedy clubs rapidly shutting their doors on Government advice, the number of places where we can come together to have a laugh without a hazmat suit is rapidly approaching zero. But as doctors, firefighters and soldiers will tell you, dark humour is one of the best ways of dealing with traumatic events… We may struggle to muster a song about how the Coronavirus is short of a testicle, but we do need to come together and laugh at ourselves and each other. From a distance of over 6 feet, obviously.”
2. Rafael Behr in The Guardian
on living under martial law
British democracy is about to be tested. I believe it can pass
“Boris Johnson is deeply flawed, dishonest and cavalier, but not a thief or a murderer. His unserious style doesn’t suit the gravity of the moment, but he is a creature of British political tradition and not a despot. Those who hate seeing him in Downing Street can be consoled by the knowledge that he is not our prime minister for life. Despair at election results is tempered by the belief that other outcomes were genuinely possible. There is democratic privilege hidden in political disappointment, so long as it comes with an element of surprise.”
3. Leo Lewis in the Financial Times
on the 2020 Games
Japan Inc wrestles with the ‘unthinkable’ prospect of no Olympics
“The tacit plan has been to let the glow bathe all corporate Japan. Front of house, the organisers could talk convincingly about these being a ‘recovery games’, after the devastation of the 2011 Tohoku quake. But the subtler and more important message, said the CEO of one of the 15 gold sponsors that each paid about $100m for that privilege, is that the games would give Japan Inc its moment to finally stand tall after the 30-year shoulder-slump that followed the bursting of the 1989 stock market and property bubble. From that viewpoint, said the same CEO, even a year’s postponement would be as much a corporate disaster as a sporting one.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. The editorial board at The New York Times
on reporting the truth
China’s ill-timed attack on the free press
“China’s crackdown on journalists from The Times and other American news organizations is an unfortunate echo of the Cold War, and it couldn’t come at a worse time. The global spread of the coronavirus demands independent and trusted information from the country where the scourge began... Expelling independent reporters over an intergovernmental dispute for which they have no responsibility is unwarranted and, in the current crisis, counterproductive.”
5. Tom Peck in The Independent
on the PM becoming a support act
Rishi Sunak is the star of the latest coronavirus show – but the Johnson family can’t help but add some drama
“Still nobody understands what they are and aren’t meant to be doing? What does and doesn’t constitute non-essential travel? Twenty-four hours ago, everybody, and especially the over-70s, were told to avoid such travel, and so why shouldn’t the prime minister’s 79-year-old dad, Stanley Johnson, turn up on ITV’s This Morning to tell Phillip Schofield and Vanessa Feltz: ‘Course I’ll go to the pub if I have to go to the pub.’ When does a man ‘have’ to go to the pub, you might ask? But then, you are not Stanley Johnson, a man for whom a call to a 24-hour news studio or breakfast TV sofa is indistinguishable from the village church bells that once called men to the trenches… If the prime minister can’t take any of it seriously, why should the rest of us?”