theweekuk--2020-10-14--Coronavirus: how the UK’s response to expert advice compares with other EU countries

With the UK topping the EU table that no country wants to lead , Downing Street is facing growing pressure to curb the nation ’ s rising Covid-19 death toll .
After coming under fire for failing to act quickly during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic , No .
10 is facing further flak following the publication of documents that show the government has ignored advice from its senior scientific advisers .
Experts on the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies ( Sage ) urged ministers to introduce an immediate “ circuit breaker ” lockdown last month , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead for localised restrictions despite warnings that more drastic action was needed to stem infections .
So what can we learn from countries with leaders who did follow the science ?
Since the virus arrived in Europe , Germany has been championed as a nation that responded quickly and efficiently to the threat .
The country has so far reported 337,314 cases and 9,685 related deaths in a population of 83 million , according to latest figures .
By contrast , the UK , with a population of 67 million , has recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ higher tally of fatalities than any other country in the EU and the fifth-highest in the world .
In April , Germany ’ s leading coronavirus expert Christian Drosten told The Guardian that “ people are claiming we overreacted ” and that there was “ political and economic pressure to return to normal ” .
“ For many Germans , I ’ m the evil guy who is crippling the economy , ” said Drosten , director of the Institute of Virology at the Charite Hospital in Berlin .
The scientist revealed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country to enter a full lockdown early in the pandemic .
But importantly , Droseten does have the full support of Angela Merkel .
The chancellor - who has a doctorate in quantum chemistry and previously worked as a research scientist - has reinvented herself as “ less a commander in chief and more a scientist in chief ” , says The Atlantic .
From the outset , Merkel has “ relied on experts from well-funded scientific-research organisations , including public-health agencies such as the Robert Koch Institute and the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the magazine continues .
And Merkel ’ s faith in Germany ’ s scientific community has been echoed in the public ’ s trust in the her , Kekst CNC polling shows .
The chair of the Berlin Institute of Health , Axel Radlach Pries , told The Atlantic “ that what [ Germans ] get from both Drosten and Angela Merkel are real and very well-considered facts ” .
Because they are “ honest with respect to their information ” , Pries added , the public follow their rules , creating “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While Germany serves as a lesson in trusting the experts , Sweden ’ s anti-lockdown coronavirus experiment has proved far more controversial .
On the advice of chief epidemiologist Anders Tegnell , leaders in Stockholm have refused to impose lockdowns , insisting that doing so would be akin to “ using a hammer to kill a fly ” .
But data on Covid infections and deaths in Sweden tells a different story .
Sweden has reported more than five times as many coronavirus deaths per capita as neighbouring Denmark , and around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Norway .
And Tegnell ’ s previous claim in that up to 30 % of Sweden ’ s population could be immune to Covid-19 is “ backed up by little data ” , says Business Insider .
Health experts had predicted that 40 % of the population in Stockholm would have developed antibodies to the disease by May .
But the actual figure was 17 % , according to a review of evidence published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine .
The comparable figure for London was also 17 % @ @ @ @ @ @ @ badly too , with GDP falling by 8.6 % in the second quarter of 2020 - a “ record decline ” that was “ significantly worse than even the fourth quarter of 2008 , when the Nordic country recorded a fall of 3.8 % during the global financial crisis ” , CNBC reports .
David Oxley , senior Europe economist at Capital Economics , told the broadcaster that Sweden ’ s sharp GDP contraction “ confirms that it has not been immune to Covid , despite the government ’ s well-documented light-touch lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the run-up to the referendum on whether Britain should quit the EU , Michael Gove claimed that “ the people of this country have had enough of experts , with organisations with acronyms saying that they know what is best and getting it consistently wrong ” .
But since the onset of the Covid pandemic , Johnson has “ claimed his government was following the science at every step of its plan for dealing with the coronavirus ” , says CNN .
Unlike both Germany and Sweden , however , the prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom he had previously placed front and centre .
At a press conference on Monday , England ’ s Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty ( pictured top , left ) said he was not confident that Johnson ’ s latest measures “ would be enough to get on top of ” outbreaks across the UK .
The scientist ’ s warning has fuelled fears that Gove ’ s scathing verdict on experts has become government policy at a pivotal moment for the country .

With the UK topping the EU table that no country wants to lead, Downing Street is facing growing pressure to curb the nation’s rising Covid-19 death toll.
After coming under fire for failing to act quickly during the early weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, No. 10 is facing further flak following the publication of documents that show the government has ignored advice from its senior scientific advisers.
Experts on the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) urged ministers to introduce an immediate “circuit breaker” lockdown last month, the papers show. But Downing Street opted instead for localised restrictions despite warnings that more drastic action was needed to stem infections.
So what can we learn from countries with leaders who did follow the science?
Uber-efficiency
Since the virus arrived in Europe, Germany has been championed as a nation that responded quickly and efficiently to the threat.
The country has so far reported 337,314 cases and 9,685 related deaths in a population of 83 million, according to latest figures. By contrast, the UK, with a population of 67 million, has recorded 637,725 cases and 43,108 deaths - a higher tally of fatalities than any other country in the EU and the fifth-highest in the world.
In April, Germany’s leading coronavirus expert Christian Drosten told The Guardian that “people are claiming we overreacted” and that there was “political and economic pressure to return to normal”.
“For many Germans, I’m the evil guy who is crippling the economy,” said Drosten, director of the Institute of Virology at the Charite Hospital in Berlin. The scientist revealed that he had received death threats after advising the country to enter a full lockdown early in the pandemic.
But importantly, Droseten does have the full support of Angela Merkel.
The chancellor - who has a doctorate in quantum chemistry and previously worked as a research scientist - has reinvented herself as “less a commander in chief and more a scientist in chief”, says The Atlantic.
From the outset, Merkel has “relied on experts from well-funded scientific-research organisations, including public-health agencies such as the Robert Koch Institute and the country’s network of public universities”, the magazine continues.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Instant Opinion: ‘vicious cycle of lockdowns will destroy us’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
A vicious cycle of lockdowns would condemn Britain to terminal decline “ In reality , most deaths would not be avoided , merely delayed , and there will be plenty of additional fatalities caused by the lockdown itself – including out of despair – to set against that .
Unemployment would have surged , tens of thousands more businesses ruined , family and community life laid to waste , and immense misery created .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so much to save so little ?
If he agrees to the lockdown fanatics ’ every demand , Boris Johnson ’ s legacy would have been to sweep away the Eurocrats , and cut back on the juristocrats , just to replace them with a new medicocracy .
A gang of well-meaning scientists and doctors would be empowered to impose their narrow vision of the good on the rest of us , the first therapeutic , zero-risk state in world history.
” Here ’ s why the 2016 polls were wrong about Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should believe in 2020 “ The obvious implication being that Donald Trump trailing by 10 points in national polls with three weeks until the election is nothing to worry about .
Right .
Like soldiers about to be led to a slaughter , Trump ’ s supporters desperately need assurance that the battle can be won , lest they desert their posts .
On the other hand , Biden might be inclined to look at the polls and coast all the way to the November 3 .
He ’ s a fool if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shout at our clients until we ’ re blue in the face about the dangers of early victory laps , especially in a case like this .
The numbers do actually spell out a potential path to another Trump term without a popular mandate.
” on the reactionary right Reactionary right keeps getting it wrong “ A month before I was born the Bletchley Park codebreaker Alan Turing killed himself ; homosexual acts were illegal and gay men went to prison .
When I was a year old Ruth Ellis was hanged in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lived .
Until I was 11 it was perfectly legal to operate a workplace ‘ colour bar ’ against black people .
Pupils at my school were caned .
Until I was 21 it was legal to discriminate against women in the workplace .
Trains were full of cigarette smoke right up to the 1980s .
In every case the same thing happened .
Reformers - liberals , nanny staters , environmentalists , human rights campaigners - would point to a problem and campaign for change .
And conservatives ( Tory or otherwise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter of freedom of choice but homosexuality wasn ’ t and schools needed protecting from proselytisers turning their pupils gay .
The white Rhodesians were our ‘ kith and kin ’ and apartheid in South Africa was better than the alternatives.
” on the weaponisation of art The UK government is trying to draw museums into a fake culture war “ Oliver Dowden ’ s ad hoc attempts to cancel the normal functioning of the arts and heritage sectors along party-political lines begins by conjuring the spectre of a mob that hates statues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and you ’ ll see communities and audiences are not ‘ cancelling culture ’ , but resisting racism while expanding and improving our collective knowledge of history .
An impossible logic –in which buildings and exhibits would never change – underlies the minister ’ s edicts and his threats to overrule the normal functioning of listed building consent , democratic consultations , curatorial expertise , and funding agreements.
” 5 .
Aaron E. Carroll in The New York Times on trick or treating in the pandemic “ We can figure out the logistics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tell children where to wait in line until it ’ s their turn to go collect the candy .
We can walk around the neighborhood with them , even to the far-off house that gives out the king-size candy bar , to steer them to houses that are doing this right .
We can put hand sanitizer everywhere , or carry it around ourselves .
This one day , let ’ s make it entirely about kids .
They look forward to it all year ; they ’ ve suffered enough .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ our individual wants and desires for one evening and do everything in our power to make trick-or-treating happen safely .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Allister Heath in The Daily Telegraph
on a second national shutdown
A vicious cycle of lockdowns would condemn Britain to terminal decline
“In reality, most deaths would not be avoided, merely delayed, and there will be plenty of additional fatalities caused by the lockdown itself – including out of despair – to set against that. Unemployment would have surged, tens of thousands more businesses ruined, family and community life laid to waste, and immense misery created. What kind of society is ready to destroy so much to save so little? If he agrees to the lockdown fanatics’ every demand, Boris Johnson’s legacy would have been to sweep away the Eurocrats, and cut back on the juristocrats, just to replace them with a new medicocracy. A gang of well-meaning scientists and doctors would be empowered to impose their narrow vision of the good on the rest of us, the first therapeutic, zero-risk state in world history.”
2. George Ajjan in The Independent
on calling the Trump-Biden battle
Here’s why the 2016 polls were wrong about Trump — and these are the polls you should believe in 2020
“The obvious implication being that Donald Trump trailing by 10 points in national polls with three weeks until the election is nothing to worry about. Right. Like soldiers about to be led to a slaughter, Trump’s supporters desperately need assurance that the battle can be won, lest they desert their posts. On the other hand, Biden might be inclined to look at the polls and coast all the way to the November 3. He’s a fool if he does. Election strategists like me shout at our clients until we’re blue in the face about the dangers of early victory laps, especially in a case like this. The numbers do actually spell out a potential path to another Trump term without a popular mandate.”
3. David Aaronovitch in The Times
on the reactionary right
Reactionary right keeps getting it wrong
“A month before I was born the Bletchley Park codebreaker Alan Turing killed himself; homosexual acts were illegal and gay men went to prison. When I was a year old Ruth Ellis was hanged in a prison two miles from where we lived. Until I was 11 it was perfectly legal to operate a workplace ‘colour bar’ against black people. Pupils at my school were caned. Until I was 21 it was legal to discriminate against women in the workplace. Trains were full of cigarette smoke right up to the 1980s. In every case the same thing happened. Reformers - liberals, nanny staters, environmentalists, human rights campaigners - would point to a problem and campaign for change. And conservatives (Tory or otherwise) would oppose. Smoking was a matter of freedom of choice but homosexuality wasn’t and schools needed protecting from proselytisers turning their pupils gay. The white Rhodesians were our ‘kith and kin’ and apartheid in South Africa was better than the alternatives.”
4. Dan Hicks in The Guardian
on the weaponisation of art
The UK government is trying to draw museums into a fake culture war
“Oliver Dowden’s ad hoc attempts to cancel the normal functioning of the arts and heritage sectors along party-political lines begins by conjuring the spectre of a mob that hates statues or museums. But look more carefully and you’ll see communities and audiences are not ‘cancelling culture’, but resisting racism while expanding and improving our collective knowledge of history. An impossible logic –in which buildings and exhibits would never change – underlies the minister’s edicts and his threats to overrule the normal functioning of listed building consent, democratic consultations, curatorial expertise, and funding agreements.”
5. Aaron E. Carroll in The New York Times
on trick or treating in the pandemic
Let Kids Have Halloween
“We can figure out the logistics of marking off a lawn or street to tell children where to wait in line until it’s their turn to go collect the candy. We can walk around the neighborhood with them, even to the far-off house that gives out the king-size candy bar, to steer them to houses that are doing this right. We can put hand sanitizer everywhere, or carry it around ourselves. This one day, let’s make it entirely about kids. They look forward to it all year; they’ve suffered enough. The rest of us could put aside our individual wants and desires for one evening and do everything in our power to make trick-or-treating happen safely.”


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Audi Q8 review: an SUV that’s easy on the eye and effortless to drive

With its sloping saloon-style roofline , four-wheel steering and Bang & Olufsen sound system , the Audi Q8 perfectly sums up the 4x4 ’ s evolution from burly off-roader to luxury family SUV .
Audi ’ s flagship Q8 is fantastic looking , sporty and jam-packed with innovative features .
Granted , it isn ’ t their biggest in terms of boot space - a little confusingly the squarer looking Q7 holds the ace here - but it ’ s just as roomy for passengers who will be very comfortable in the deluxe interior .
We got behind the wheel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all-dancing top spec Vorsprung .
There are two other trim levels available , starting at £67,050 for the S-Line and then the Black , but rest assured , even the most entry level maintains the good looks and luxury - basic doesn ’ t feature in the Q8 ’ s vocabulary .
The 286hp , 3.0-litre V6 diesel that we drove ticks off 0-60 in a swift 6.3 seconds .
We found this performance to be more than adequate - particularly for a 2.1 tonne SUV - when overtaking and some moments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very smooth and easy too .
Fuel economy for this diesel engine is around 33mpg ; we achieved this driving some 500 miles on motorways and country lanes , and a full tank offers a generous range of around 550 miles .
With adaptive air suspension , you can choose a stiffer performance setting should you wish , but we left it largely in Comfort setting which was ideal for typical everyday driving - more than adequately planted on the road .
Stepping inside , the elegant frameless door - which incidentally in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the floor - will soft close and you ’ ll find yourself cocooned in sumptuous surroundings .
The quilted style leather seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable , plus in the front there ’ s integrated ventilation and massage features - all as standard in the Vorsprung .
Under the armrest you ’ ll find a wireless charging pad and USB ports to charge your bevvy of devices , and the central console has two cup holders - although these could be more generously sized in order to hold larger bottles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly all functionally and hooks up with Apple CarPlay allowing you to play Spotify or navigate using Google Maps .
The steering wheel has a host of buttons on it so you rarely need to remove your hands , and the head up display notes current speed , speed limit and any live driver assist functions .
The Bang & Olufsen sound system is , as one would expect , sublime complete with a big subwoofer for huge bass .
Audi has , perhaps , taken a more traditional approach to aspects like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - which we never touched once - and a big gear stick .
These all take up valuable space , and with the likes of Tesla removing all physical features like this , leaving more space for storage and a cleaner interior , perhaps we ’ ll see a more paired back central console in future editions ?
Boot space is pretty generous , particularly considering the Q8 ’ s swept back design .
With the seats up , you have 605 litres - sufficient for all but the most luggage-heavy trips - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ ll reach 1,755 litres .
If you need a tow-bar , this is a £1,100 option which in a Houdini-like way folds away at the press of a button in the boot , thereby keeping the car ’ s aesthetics when not in use - we ’ ve never seen that before !
Cruising on the motorway is effortless - with eight-speed transmission the engine ticks over at very low RPMs so is very quiet , and the driver assist will keep you in your lane as well as a safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some self-driving systems in reality can be quite unrelaxing to use , with loud warning sounds , but we found this not to be the case for Audi ’ s so it was a welcome aide .
Four-wheel steering comes as standard on the Vorsprung which particularly helps to reduce turning circle as well as coming to the fore for parallel parking in a tight spot .
With coupe-style design , it ’ s inevitable that the Q8 ’ s boot space won ’ t stack up against some of the more traditionally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you get all the other benefits of an SUV bundled into a car that is very comfortable to sit in , effortless to drive and exceptionally easy on the eye .
Edging towards the £100k marker for the Vorsprung , it ’ s unquestionably pricey , however the peace of mind that comes with Audi ’ s engineering expertise , as well as an exhaustive specs list , it does start to stack up .

With its sloping saloon-style roofline, four-wheel steering and Bang & Olufsen sound system, the Audi Q8 perfectly sums up the 4x4’s evolution from burly off-roader to luxury family SUV.
Audi’s flagship Q8 is fantastic looking, sporty and jam-packed with innovative features. Granted, it isn’t their biggest in terms of boot space - a little confusingly the squarer looking Q7 holds the ace here - but it’s just as roomy for passengers who will be very comfortable in the deluxe interior.
We got behind the wheel of the £84,375 brilliantly named all-singing, all-dancing top spec Vorsprung. There are two other trim levels available, starting at £67,050 for the S-Line and then the Black, but rest assured, even the most entry level maintains the good looks and luxury - basic doesn’t feature in the Q8’s vocabulary.
The 286hp, 3.0-litre V6 diesel that we drove ticks off 0-60 in a swift 6.3 seconds. We found this performance to be more than adequate - particularly for a 2.1 tonne SUV - when overtaking and some moments of fun, yet normal everyday driving was very smooth and easy too.
Fuel economy for this diesel engine is around 33mpg; we achieved this driving some 500 miles on motorways and country lanes, and a full tank offers a generous range of around 550 miles. With adaptive air suspension, you can choose a stiffer performance setting should you wish, but we left it largely in Comfort setting which was ideal for typical everyday driving - more than adequately planted on the road.
Sumptuous surroundings
Stepping inside, the elegant frameless door - which incidentally in the dark projects the Audi logo onto the floor - will soft close and you’ll find yourself cocooned in sumptuous surroundings. The quilted style leather seats are very comfortable and highly adjustable, plus in the front there’s integrated ventilation and massage features - all as standard in the Vorsprung. Under the armrest you’ll find a wireless charging pad and USB ports to charge your bevvy of devices, and the central console has two cup holders - although these could be more generously sized in order to hold larger bottles.
The dual-touchscreen infotainment system takes care of nearly all functionally and hooks up with Apple CarPlay allowing you to play Spotify or navigate using Google Maps. The steering wheel has a host of buttons on it so you rarely need to remove your hands, and the head up display notes current speed, speed limit and any live driver assist functions.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--‘When Harry met Silly’: Maguire’s nightmare season continues

Everything seems to be going from bad to worse for Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire.
Life was good for Maguire after he starred for the Three Lions in their run to the Fifa World Cup semi-final in 2018. A year later he secured a big-money transfer from Leicester City to United for a reported £80m - a record fee for a defender - and was also made captain of the Red Devils.
However, after the highs of the World Cup and his move to Old Trafford, the 27-year-old has suffered lows both on and off the pitch.
In August he was arrested on the Greek island of Mykonos and found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult after arrest. After the trial he was handed a suspended sentence of 21 months and ten days in prison.
Maguire’s legal team has appealed this and he insists he did nothing wrong and that his “conscience is clear”.
The off-field issues have no doubt affected his performances on the pitch. With United he was part of the team that was hammered 6-1 by Tottenham at Old Trafford on 4 October then on Wednesday evening he saw red for two bookable offences as England lost 1-0 to Denmark in the Nations League.
‘Amateurish’
On its back page on Wednesday, the Daily Mail did not hold back with its headline, which read, “When Harry met Silly! Hapless Maguire sees red and England limp to defeat”.
It was a “shambolic” 31 minutes for Maguire at Wembley, BBC Sport reports. He was lucky not to be sent off for his first offence, a reckless early lunge at Yussuf Poulsen, but just after the half-hour mark he “put himself out of his own misery”.
After “amateurish” control Maguire then lunged in again, this time on Kasper Dolberg, and the referee had no hesitation showing him a second yellow, then red.
Maguire looked “totally devoid of confidence, a lost soul and an accident waiting to happen”, says the BBC’s Phil McNulty. He questions whether Maguire, who is sadly looking like a defensive liability for club and country, now needs a longer break from the game.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Why everybody’s talking about the cabinet split over a circuit breaker lockdown

The last time Boris Johnson fell out with his chancellor , Rishi Sunak ended up replacing his political mentor Sajid Javid in 11 Downing Street .
But now Sunak is causing a headache for the prime minister , as Johnson considers imposing some form of circuit breaker lockdown in a bid to curb rising Covid infections .
The chancellor is leading a chorus of Conservative MPs voicing concerns about the economic impact of closing down the economy - further widening a growing fault line in Downing Street over the response to the pandemic .
Johnson is facing pressure from both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to introduce “ a national ‘ circuit-breaker ’ lockdown lasting two to three weeks over half term in England ” , The Times reports .
But the PM faces fierce opposition from his man in the Treasury , who has described the measures as “ a blunt instrument ” .
Doubling down on his dovish stance on Covid restrictions , Sunak yesterday “ made clear his opposition ” to the lockdown proposals , after the prime minister said he would “ rule nothing out ” to control spiralling coronavirus cases and deaths , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Commons that the country is facing an “ economic emergency ” and argued that a national lockdown would “ cause needless damage to parts of our country where virus rates are low ” .
The damage “ can be counted in jobs lost , businesses closed and children ’ s educations harmed ” , and in the “ increase in long-term health conditions that unemployment causes ” , Sunak told MPs .
That message may have got through to his boss , who is understood to be shunning a full lockdown in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circuit-breaker in England , beginning in the last week of the month ” , the paper says .
Pressure is building for Johnson to act quickly and decisively .
Polling by YouGov yesterday found that 68 % of Britons support the proposals for a two-week nationwide lockdown later this month , with just 20 % opposed .
According to The Times , the PM “ is working on plans to introduce regional circuit breakers in areas with higher Covid-19 rates as a potential compromise ” .
This compromise would be in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while avoiding a dispute with Sunak over nationwide restrictions .
However , a Whitehall source told Politico ’ s London Playbook that “ there are many options on the table if the tier system doesn ’ t work , which might have the benefits of a national circuit-breaker without being called a circuit-breaker or having some of the downsides ” .
With coronavirus cases and deaths continuing to rise across the country , ministers are briefing local leaders on the risk status of their areas .
London will shift to Tier 2 as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people in the capital are banned from meeting indoors .
Meanwhile , Chief Medical Office Chris Whitty “ is said to have recommended placing most of the Northwest and Northeast , as well as parts of Yorkshire and the Midlands , into Tier 3 , at a meeting of the Joint Biosecurity Centre ’ s Local Action Committee Gold last night ” , PoliticsHome reports .
Johnson was “ expected to sign off on the new measures for millions more northerners ” at his ministerial committee this morning , but “ faces a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaders ” , says Politico ’ s Alex Wickham .
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last night tweeted that “ at no point during tonight ’ s briefing was this news communicated to us .
Media told first once again .
Our position has not changed.
” As Wickham notes , unless Downing Street has a change of heart about the new tier announcement , “ an almighty row - and potential legal action from the Manchester leaders against the government - will explode ” .
As the row escalates , junior health minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester ’ s local leaders this evening , Sky News ’ Beth Rigby reports .
In an embarrassing oversight , the Tory MP for Hazel Grove , William Wragg , was not informed about the meeting , with Labour MP Afzal Khan , who represents neighbouring Manchester Gorton , tweeting that he had forwarded the Conservative an invite .
Health minister Jo Churchill was also leading a call with Lancashire MPs this morning .
But The Guardian ’ s north of England correspondent Josh Halliday last night tweeted that it “ sounds like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the region ’ s Covid status , and cited an unnamed local MP who complained that the area was being “ shafted on a daily basis ” .

The last time Boris Johnson fell out with his chancellor, Rishi Sunak ended up replacing his political mentor Sajid Javid in 11 Downing Street.
But now Sunak is causing a headache for the prime minister, as Johnson considers imposing some form of circuit breaker lockdown in a bid to curb rising Covid infections.
The chancellor is leading a chorus of Conservative MPs voicing concerns about the economic impact of closing down the economy - further widening a growing fault line in Downing Street over the response to the pandemic.
Lockdown frenemies
Johnson is facing pressure from both Labour and some of his own MPs to introduce “a national ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown lasting two to three weeks over half term in England”, The Times reports. But the PM faces fierce opposition from his man in the Treasury, who has described the measures as “a blunt instrument”.
Doubling down on his dovish stance on Covid restrictions, Sunak yesterday “made clear his opposition” to the lockdown proposals, after the prime minister said he would “rule nothing out” to control spiralling coronavirus cases and deaths, The Telegraph reports.
The chancellor warned the Commons that the country is facing an “economic emergency” and argued that a national lockdown would “cause needless damage to parts of our country where virus rates are low”.
The damage “can be counted in jobs lost, businesses closed and children’s educations harmed”, and in the “increase in long-term health conditions that unemployment causes”, Sunak told MPs.
That message may have got through to his boss, who is understood to be shunning a full lockdown in favour of “plans for a region-by-region circuit-breaker in England, beginning in the last week of the month”, the paper says.
Pressure is building for Johnson to act quickly and decisively. Polling by YouGov yesterday found that 68% of Britons support the proposals for a two-week nationwide lockdown later this month, with just 20% opposed.
According to The Times, the PM “is working on plans to introduce regional circuit breakers in areas with higher Covid-19 rates as a potential compromise”.
This compromise would be in line with Johnson’s current three-tier system, while avoiding a dispute with Sunak over nationwide restrictions.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--‘Long Covid’ could be caused by combination of four syndromes, experts claim

“ Long Covid ” , when patients experience lasting health impacts after recovering from a bout of Covid-19 , could be caused by four different syndromes , research has revealed .
As thousands of survivors report a range of long-lasting symptoms , academics at the National Institute for Health Research - led by Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty - were asked to investigate the trend .
The research , published today , found the symptoms can be grouped into four separate categories : post-intensive care syndrome , post-viral fatigue syndrome ( PVFS ) , permanent organ damage and long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned that “ even children can suffer and it can ’ t be assumed that people who are at lower risk of severe illness and death from Covid-19 are also at low risk of lasting side effects ” , the Daily Mail reports .
Also known as “ ongoing Covid ” , longer term impacts include damage to the lungs , brain , heart and cardiovascular system , as well as the kidneys , gut , liver and skin , the report says .
Symptoms include anxiety , fatigue , shortness of breath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rhythm problems .
The researchers also warned of the psychological damage caused by ongoing Covid , with patients experiencing “ fatigue and brain fog in a way that ’ s consistent with PVFS ” , an issue seen after enterovirus or rubella infection .
Dr Elaine Maxwell , the lead author of the report , said the “ overwhelming message is this is not a linear condition ” , adding that the “ lack of distinction between these syndromes may explain the challenges people are having in being believed and accessing services ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ working diagnosis for ongoing Covid-19 ” to help people get the support they need .
Although most people with Covid-19 recover within two or three weeks , it is “ increasingly clear ” that there may be “ tens of thousands of people , if not hundreds of thousands , who have been left experiencing symptoms months after becoming infected ” , The Guardian says .

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theweekuk--2020-10-15--Ikea to buy back unwanted furniture in ‘green’ scheme

With people worldwide spending more time at home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic , sales of furniture and interior items have soared .
But house-proud consumers are also becoming more environmentally savvy too , leading to increased demand for recycled or sustainable home products .
And now Ikea is getting in on the act , by launching a new scheme that encourages customers to return unwanted furniture from the global chain to be resold or recycled in return for vouchers .
The Covid-related furniture boom has left factories “ unable to keep up with demand ” , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their homes , says The Guardian ’ s money editor Patrick Collinson .
Peter Campbell , finance director of Long Eaton Sofas , told Collinson that “ sales have been flying ever since we came back from lockdown ” .
With millions of people saving money on commuting costs and trips abroad , more cash is being invested instead on household items such as sofas .
And home artwork sales are up by 50 % year-on-year - a trend that industry insiders attribute to the so-called “ Zoom backdrop ” effect .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hot , hot ” this year , according to Livingetc , which points out that the availability of “ eco-friendly concepts , recycled products , biodegradable designs and stylish takes on natural materials ” is making it easier than ever for homeowners to be green .
Swap that old ‘ Billy ’ bookcase for vouchers Swedish group Ikea is joining the eco-friendly push by launching a second-hand “ Buy Back ” venture .
From 27 November - Black Friday - the chain will buy back unwanted furniture from customers to resell or recycle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Ikea in the UK and Ireland , said : “ Sustainability is the defining issue of our time and Ikea is committed to being part of the solution to promote sustainable consumption and combat climate change .
“ With the launch of Buy Back , we are giving a second life to many more Ikea products and creating more easy and affordable solutions to help people live more sustainably .
It is an exciting step forward in our journey towards becoming a fully circular and climate positive business by 2030.
” Unwanted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ products such as sideboards , shelving , small tables , dining tables and desks can be returned after customers register and log the items .
Customers “ should then return them - fully assembled - to the returns desk , where they will be checked and the final value agreed ” , the BBC reports .
In return , customers will receive vouchers to spend in store , with the value calculated according to the condition of the items returned .
Items deemed to be “ as new ” , with no scratches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the original price , while “ very good ” items , with minor scratches , will command 40 % , and “ well used ” , with several scratches , will get 30 % .

With people worldwide spending more time at home as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, sales of furniture and interior items have soared.
But house-proud consumers are also becoming more environmentally savvy too, leading to increased demand for recycled or sustainable home products.
And now Ikea is getting in on the act, by launching a new scheme that encourages customers to return unwanted furniture from the global chain to be resold or recycled in return for vouchers.
Furnishing frenzy
The Covid-related furniture boom has left factories “unable to keep up with demand”, as families “spend big” on improving their homes, says The Guardian’s money editor Patrick Collinson.
Peter Campbell, finance director of Long Eaton Sofas, told Collinson that “sales have been flying ever since we came back from lockdown”.
With millions of people saving money on commuting costs and trips abroad, more cash is being invested instead on household items such as sofas. And home artwork sales are up by 50% year-on-year - a trend that industry insiders attribute to the so-called “Zoom backdrop” effect.
But sustainable living is also “hot, hot, hot” this year, according to Livingetc, which points out that the availability of “eco-friendly concepts, recycled products, biodegradable designs and stylish takes on natural materials” is making it easier than ever for homeowners to be green.
Swap that old ‘Billy’ bookcase for vouchers
Swedish group Ikea is joining the eco-friendly push by launching a second-hand “Buy Back” venture. From 27 November - Black Friday - the chain will buy back unwanted furniture from customers to resell or recycle.
Peter Jelkeby, country retail manager for Ikea in the UK and Ireland, said: “Sustainability is the defining issue of our time and Ikea is committed to being part of the solution to promote sustainable consumption and combat climate change.
“With the launch of Buy Back, we are giving a second life to many more Ikea products and creating more easy and affordable solutions to help people live more sustainably. It is an exciting step forward in our journey towards becoming a fully circular and climate positive business by 2030.”
Unwanted “Billy” bookcases and other Ikea products such as sideboards, shelving, small tables, dining tables and desks can be returned after customers register and log the items. Customers “should then return them - fully assembled - to the returns desk, where they will be checked and the final value agreed”, the BBC reports.
In return, customers will receive vouchers to spend in store, with the value calculated according to the condition of the items returned. Items deemed to be “as new”, with no scratches, will be bought for 50% of the original price, while “very good” items, with minor scratches, will command 40%, and “well used”, with several scratches, will get 30%.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Dominic Cummings ‘let off’ 20 years of back taxes on Durham home

Dominic Cummings is not liable for almost 20 years of unpaid council taxes on the second home in Durham where he stayed with his wife and child during the coronavirus lockdown , the Valuation Office Agency ( VOA ) has decided .
Following an investigation , the government agency has ruled that while Boris Johnson ’ s closest adviser must now start paying tax on the Durham property , thousands of pounds in backdated bills should be waived because the home was built on his parents ’ North Lodge estate without permission .
The case “ was referred to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found there had been historical breaches of planning and building control regulation ” during the construction of the property , in 2002 , and the conversion of another on the estate , The Guardian reports .
The council tax for the two homes over the past two decades would have totalled between £30,000 and £50,000 , but the entire bill has been “ written off ” , adds The Northern Echo .
Criticising the decision , independent Durham councillor John Shuttleworth told the regional newspaper that “ if it was anybody else , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would be backdated , or they would be getting taken to court ” .
That verdict was echoed by Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Brown , who told The Guardian that “ it appears once again there is one law for the government ’ s cronies and another for ordinary people .
I ’ m fairly sure that you or I wouldn ’ t be given an amnesty over back council tax.
” Council tax “ is used in a great many ways to benefit the whole county ” , so the VOA decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , she added .
Cummings triggered widespread anger earlier this year by driving 260 miles from London to Durham with his family during the coronavirus lockdown after his wife developed Covid symptoms .
At the height of the controversy , he told a Downing Street press conference that he had acted “ responsibly and legally ” and did not “ regret what I did ” .
A subsequent University College London study , outlined in a paper in The Lancet , found that news of his trip coincided with a drop in “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and guidelines from the government ” .

Dominic Cummings is not liable for almost 20 years of unpaid council taxes on the second home in Durham where he stayed with his wife and child during the coronavirus lockdown, the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) has decided.
Following an investigation, the government agency has ruled that while Boris Johnson’s closest adviser must now start paying tax on the Durham property, thousands of pounds in backdated bills should be waived because the home was built on his parents’ North Lodge estate without permission.
The case “was referred to the VOA in June after Durham County Council found there had been historical breaches of planning and building control regulation” during the construction of the property, in 2002, and the conversion of another on the estate, The Guardian reports.
The council tax for the two homes over the past two decades would have totalled between £30,000 and £50,000, but the entire bill has been “written off”, adds The Northern Echo.
Criticising the decision, independent Durham councillor John Shuttleworth told the regional newspaper that “if it was anybody else, they would be getting charged and it would be backdated, or they would be getting taken to court”.
That verdict was echoed by Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Brown, who told The Guardian that “it appears once again there is one law for the government’s cronies and another for ordinary people. I’m fairly sure that you or I wouldn’t be given an amnesty over back council tax.”
Council tax “is used in a great many ways to benefit the whole county”, so the VOA decision is effectively “penalising” Durham residents, she added.
Cummings triggered widespread anger earlier this year by driving 260 miles from London to Durham with his family during the coronavirus lockdown after his wife developed Covid symptoms. At the height of the controversy, he told a Downing Street press conference that he had acted “responsibly and legally” and did not “regret what I did”.
A subsequent University College London study, outlined in a paper in The Lancet, found that news of his trip coincided with a drop in “people’s willingness to follow rules and guidelines from the government”.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--UK’s chief Brexit negotiator urges Boris Johnson not to quit summit as no-deal looms

Britain ’ s chief Brexit negotiator has urged Boris Johnson not to walk out of EU trade talks if the two sides fail to meet the prime minister ’ s self-imposed deadline of agreeing a deal by the end of today .
According to The Times , a source close to the talks says that “ Frost advised Mr Johnson that a deal with the EU was not impossible , although time was tight to agree 500 pages of legal text this month ” .
Frost “ told Downing Street both sides would need to work hard , with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a deal could be reached in time ” , the newspaper reports .
Disputes over security and fishing rights remain the two biggest obstacles , with Johnson upping the ante last month by warning that if no breakthrough were achieved at today ’ s summit in Brussels , the UK would “ move on ” and accept that a deal can not be struck .
Hopes remain low after the PM last night held a conference call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Charles Michel .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s spokesperson said : “ The prime minister noted the desirability of a deal , but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks.
” Meanwhile , Von der Leyen tweeted that “ the EU is working on a deal , but not at any price .
Conditions must be right.
” Johnson is now expected to postpone his decision on whether to quit the Brexit trade negotiations until after the European Council summit ends on Friday .
A British official told The Times that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fisheries being the starkest ” , adding that Johnson was “ very clear about the significance ” of the summit .
“ We need to get substance settled , and not having a common text to work from has made progress doubly difficult , ” the official added .
As a no-deal Brexit looms , The Guardian argues in an editorial that “ raw self-interest is rarely far from the prime minister ’ s attention ” , increasing the likelihood he will “ steer hard for compromise and land the deal ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a last-minute agreement , he needs to agree terms “ faster ” , the paper adds .

Britain’s chief Brexit negotiator has urged Boris Johnson not to walk out of EU trade talks if the two sides fail to meet the prime minister’s self-imposed deadline of agreeing a deal by the end of today.
According to The Times, a source close to the talks says that “Frost advised Mr Johnson that a deal with the EU was not impossible, although time was tight to agree 500 pages of legal text this month”.
Frost “told Downing Street both sides would need to work hard, with a shift to daily talks, but that a deal could be reached in time”, the newspaper reports.
Disputes over security and fishing rights remain the two biggest obstacles, with Johnson upping the ante last month by warning that if no breakthrough were achieved at today’s summit in Brussels, the UK would “move on” and accept that a deal cannot be struck.
Hopes remain low after the PM last night held a conference call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Charles Michel. In a statement following the call, Johnson’s spokesperson said: “The prime minister noted the desirability of a deal, but expressed his disappointment that more progress had not been made over the past two weeks.”
Meanwhile, Von der Leyen tweeted that “the EU is working on a deal, but not at any price. Conditions must be right.”
Johnson is now expected to postpone his decision on whether to quit the Brexit trade negotiations until after the European Council summit ends on Friday.
A British official told The Times that “there are still differences, with fisheries being the starkest”, adding that Johnson was “very clear about the significance” of the summit.
“We need to get substance settled, and not having a common text to work from has made progress doubly difficult,” the official added.
As a no-deal Brexit looms, The Guardian argues in an editorial that “raw self-interest is rarely far from the prime minister’s attention”, increasing the likelihood he will “steer hard for compromise and land the deal”.
But if he is to pull off a last-minute agreement, he needs to agree terms “faster”, the paper adds.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Google Pixel 4a review: shoot for the moon - and the stars

There are obvious downsides when summer finishes and winter begins - and the cold , wet , dark days are now upon us .
But there are some upsides to the winter months too , and one such positive , when it ’ s not raining or snowing , are the clear skies at night .
Cold winter nights bring clearer skies “ because chilly air can not hold as much moisture as warm air can ” , writes skywatching expert Joe Rao on NBC News .
Clear skies also means more stars will be visible - and with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s latest smartphone , you can capture them on this nifty device ’ s screen at the click of a button .
As someone who ’ s been fascinated with astronomy from an early age , I ’ ve spent hours and hours looking at stars and constellations , both here in the UK and when abroad .
This week , I ’ ve been out stargazing equipped with the Google Pixel 4a , which was released at the start of October .
Using its Night Sight mode , the smartphone can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most fun is trying to capture the cosmos .
To take photos of the starry night sky , head to a dark area , away from bright lights , and use a tripod or a flat surface to keep the Pixel 4a still .
When the phone is steady , and when the camera ’ s Night Sight mode is activated , a message will appear on the display screen saying “ astrophotography on ” .
Press capture and don ’ t touch or move the phone until it ’ s finished @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few minutes , but the phone ’ s countdown timer will indicate how long remains to process the image .
Be patient and have a few attempts - once you crack it , you ’ ll love the results .
The Night Sight mode is a nifty feature of the Pixel range and makes this device a must-have accessory for any stargazer .
For the point-and-shoot night images below ( no editing , no filters ) , I just placed the phone flat on a wall , pressed capture and waited for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4a is also great for everyday photography .
The handset features a 12.2 megapixel dual-pixel rear camera and 8 megapixel “ selfie ” front camera , along with HDR+ , which automatically adjusts colour and lighting .
As well as offering modes including portrait , panorama , slow motion and time lapse , the phone can also shoot high-quality 4K video at 30 frames per second ( FPS ) or 1080p at 30 FPS , 60 FPS or 120 FPS .
Like millions of other people , I am signed up to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Meet for work , and YouTube and Chrome for downtime .
This means I can be on my phone quite a lot throughout the day .
I tested the Pixel 4a for writing emails , attending work video meetings and also for watching videos and listening to music on YouTube , and it did the job really well in every case .
With Google suite apps installed via the Android 10 operating system , it ’ s just a matter of logging in and you ’ re ready to go .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ size : not too small for work tasks or to watch video , but not so big that you can ’ t carry it around in your pocket or use with one hand .
Google describes the “ all-day ” battery in the Pixel 4a as “ adaptive ” , meaning it “ learns which apps are your favourite and reduces power to the ones that you rarely use ” .
During my tests , I could easily get a full day ’ s use out of the phone without needing to recharge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connect it to the mains , the charging was very fast via the USB-C adaptor .
How much does it cost ?
Along with the Night Sight mode , long battery life and sleek display , the Pixel 4a ’ s other major positive is the price .
Google has also recently released a Pixel 4a with 5G ( £499 ) and Pixel 5a with 5G devices ( £599 ) , but the standard Pixel 4a is a snip at £349 .
Samuel Gibbs , consumer technology editor at The Guardian , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ phone Google has made in years ” , while Tech Advisor ’ s reviews editor Chris Martin agrees that the price tag “ represents good value ” .
Display : full-screen 5.8in display Memory and storage : 128GB 6GB RAM Operating system : Android 10 Processor : Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G4 Rear camera : 12.2 MP dual-pixel Front camera : 8 MP Charging : USB-C 18 W adaptor with USB-PD 2.0 ; 18 W fast charging Colours : available in black only What other critics are saying “ If you ’ re after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too much of a bulge in your pocket , then it ’ s definitely the phone for you .
Although it isn ’ t as fast as the Apple iPhone SE ( 2020 ) , it is a better all-rounder , with a bigger screen , superior portrait photography and far superior battery life.
” “ While technically not as powerful or as feature-packed as flashier handsets boasting £1,000-plus price tags , the a-series does pack a punch .
In particular , what the a-series delivers is the best of Google ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a much more attractive price than the mainstream Pixel series - and with a better battery life , to boot .
The Pixel 4a is the perfect package ; a smart shell containing a quality camera , intuitive user interfaces and a belter of a battery , all offered at a preposterously penny-saving price.
” “ The compact size , clean interface and great point-and-shoot camera of the Pixel 4a will appeal to those looking for an affordable , reasonably sized handset with enough grunt to handle the basics , plus the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

There are obvious downsides when summer finishes and winter begins - and the cold, wet, dark days are now upon us.
But there are some upsides to the winter months too, and one such positive, when it’s not raining or snowing, are the clear skies at night. Cold winter nights bring clearer skies “because chilly air cannot hold as much moisture as warm air can”, writes skywatching expert Joe Rao on NBC News.
Clear skies also means more stars will be visible - and with the Night Sky camera mode on Google’s latest smartphone, you can capture them on this nifty device’s screen at the click of a button.
‘Astrophotography on’
As someone who’s been fascinated with astronomy from an early age, I’ve spent hours and hours looking at stars and constellations, both here in the UK and when abroad.
This week, I’ve been out stargazing equipped with the Google Pixel 4a, which was released at the start of October.
Using its Night Sight mode, the smartphone can take clear pictures in low light, but the most fun is trying to capture the cosmos.
To take photos of the starry night sky, head to a dark area, away from bright lights, and use a tripod or a flat surface to keep the Pixel 4a still.
When the phone is steady, and when the camera’s Night Sight mode is activated, a message will appear on the display screen saying “astrophotography on”. Press capture and don’t touch or move the phone until it’s finished taking the picture. This may take a few minutes, but the phone’s countdown timer will indicate how long remains to process the image.
Be patient and have a few attempts - once you crack it, you’ll love the results. The Night Sight mode is a nifty feature of the Pixel range and makes this device a must-have accessory for any stargazer.
For the point-and-shoot night images below (no editing, no filters), I just placed the phone flat on a wall, pressed capture and waited for the magic to happen.
Other camera modes
The Pixel 4a is also great for everyday photography. The handset features a 12.2 megapixel dual-pixel rear camera and 8 megapixel “selfie” front camera, along with HDR+, which automatically adjusts colour and lighting.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 15 Oct 2020

Waitrose , Morrisons and John Lewis say they won ’ t be using glitter in their own-brand Christmas products this @ @ @ @ @ of plastic can wash into oceans , harm wildlife and enter the food chain .
@ @ @ @ @ it would be cutting out all single-use plastic packaging from Christmas gifts .
Up to @ @ @ @ @ waste makes its way into the world ’ s oceans every year .

Supermarkets cut Xmas glitter to avoid plastic waste
Waitrose, Morrisons and John Lewis say they won’t be using glitter in their own-brand Christmas products this year as the tiny pieces of plastic can wash into oceans, harm wildlife and enter the food chain. Boots, meanwhile, said it would be cutting out all single-use plastic packaging from Christmas gifts. Up to 12 million tonnes of plastic waste makes its way into the world’s oceans every year.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Burglar caught after leaving left name and address at scene of crime

A burglar has been caught after leaving a rucksack containing his name and address at the scene of a crime .
Malcolm Pyke broke into a garage in East Herrington , Sunderland , and stole £150 of cleaning equipment .
Police found a bag he had left behind which contained letters featuring both his name and address .
When officers visited his home , they found the stolen equipment .
Airline food to go on sale in supermarkets An airline in Finland is offering those who miss the taste of airline food the chance to enjoy it at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ meals will be available to buy at supermarkets across Finland .
“ We want to offer the opportunity for a Finnair experience and everyday luxury at home , now that travel has been restricted in many ways , ” a spokesperson said .
A pizza delivery driver has unofficially broken a Guinness World Record by folding 18 cardboard pizza boxes in one minute .
Randy DeGregorio , from New Jersey , said he discovered his skill during downtime at work .
“ You kind of compete with other drivers and say who can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , I started to realize that , hey , I ’ m pretty good at this , ” he said .
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A burglar has been caught after leaving a rucksack containing his name and address at the scene of a crime. Malcolm Pyke broke into a garage in East Herrington, Sunderland, and stole £150 of cleaning equipment. Police found a bag he had left behind which contained letters featuring both his name and address. When officers visited his home, they found the stolen equipment.
Airline food to go on sale in supermarkets
An airline in Finland is offering those who miss the taste of airline food the chance to enjoy it at home. Finnair has announced that Taste of Finnair meals will be available to buy at supermarkets across Finland. “We want to offer the opportunity for a Finnair experience and everyday luxury at home, now that travel has been restricted in many ways,” a spokesperson said.
Pizza delivery driver breaks world record
A pizza delivery driver has unofficially broken a Guinness World Record by folding 18 cardboard pizza boxes in one minute. Randy DeGregorio, from New Jersey, said he discovered his skill during downtime at work. “You kind of compete with other drivers and say who can fold them the fastest. And over time, I started to realize that, hey, I’m pretty good at this,” he said.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-10-14--Very busy indeed: a celebration of pattern

Glasgow ’ s princes of print Timorous Beasties are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand , which has brought the world vibrantly patterned wallpaper and textiles that have been compared to William Morris on acid , or Damien Hirst on Ovaltine .
The duo behind Timorous Beasties , Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons ( pictured below ) , first met at the Glasgow School of Art and quickly discovered that they shared a love of printed pattern .
“ We realised quite early on that we wanted to produce our own fabrics , ” says Simmons , “ but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have to do it yourself .
Physically , it takes two people to print a fabric – one to push and one to pull the squeegee.
” In 1994 , they made headlines with their best-known design , the Glasgow Toile , which looks like a traditional French toile de Jouy until closer inspection reveals scenes of Glaswegian debauchery .
Their less edgy designs have been commissioned by the likes of Nike , and also feature in the St Pancras Eurostar business class lounge , on The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hyatt Andaz hotel in Liverpool Street , London .
The punks of print have retained their dour wit throughout their career .
A question posed by we-heart.com back in 2014 - “ what ’ s the most important thing to know about Timorous Beasties ?
” - received the deadpan answer : “ That we ’ re not a veterinary practice.
” When we asked about their career highlights from the last three decades , Simmons said “ not winning Designer of the Year 2005 ” .
McAuley was in more reflective mood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I ’ m proud of it all .
We have built a business that has great staff , a substantial website , a lovely studio , two showrooms – and we get to utilise the skills that we trained for.
” How to use pattern : experts give their advice Lucy Barlow , design director of Barlow & Barlow , says : “ Growing up in the 1980s , pattern was huge – people used one print on six things in a room !
In the 1990s and noughties , it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m using pattern again , but it ’ s not Eighties-style – it ’ s ‘ clever clashing ’ .
“ Pattern ’ s in our DNA .
As an English designer , I grew up in an old-fashioned house in the countryside and I love that layering of history , furniture and fabrics from all over the world .
I ’ m not keen on minimalism , I like stuff !
“ There ’ s always a grounding element from colours in a painting , or a rug , or wallpaper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organically around that .
The trick is to throw in some seemingly random colours to add an unexpected feel .
Strong clashing colours I adore are green and pink , and purple and red – they look fantastic .
“ If you ’ re experimenting with pattern , my tips are to be brave , and don ’ t try to finish a room in a week .
People try to rush things and buy from one place , matching things to the last cushion .
The house ends up looking like a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bit of patience and collect things over time ( and if you ’ re not working to a deadline like me ) then as long as you love it , I ’ d call it a success.
” Lynn Watt of Ribbonreal makes beautiful and unique cushions from vintage Japanese kimono silk .
“ I felt it was my mission to preserve the art of the kimono even if it meant re-purposing the silk into something else to be loved and appreciated , ” she says .
“ Up-cycling the silk into articles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me – I have never come across the same design twice.
” Paris ’ s annual design show , Maison & Objet , this year featured work by 11 Hungarian designers – aka “ Budapest Select ” .
Anna Regős was one of them .
Her geometric patterned fabric , inspired by the work of Hungarian-born op-art painter Victor Vasarely , really caught our eye .
Regős is also inspired by the environmental need to create long-lasting materials , made in her native Hungary .
“ I don ’ t keep up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life and style , ” she says .
Her Lattice textile collection is pictured above .

Glasgow’s princes of print Timorous Beasties are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand, which has brought the world vibrantly patterned wallpaper and textiles that have been compared to William Morris on acid, or Damien Hirst on Ovaltine.
The duo behind Timorous Beasties, Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons (pictured below), first met at the Glasgow School of Art and quickly discovered that they shared a love of printed pattern. “We realised quite early on that we wanted to produce our own fabrics,” says Simmons, “but to do anything your way, you have to do it yourself. Physically, it takes two people to print a fabric – one to push and one to pull the squeegee.”
In 1994, they made headlines with their best-known design, the Glasgow Toile, which looks like a traditional French toile de Jouy until closer inspection reveals scenes of Glaswegian debauchery. Their less edgy designs have been commissioned by the likes of Nike, and also feature in the St Pancras Eurostar business class lounge, on The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s theatre curtain, and at the refurbished Hyatt Andaz hotel in Liverpool Street, London.
The punks of print have retained their dour wit throughout their career. A question posed by we-heart.com back in 2014 - “what’s the most important thing to know about Timorous Beasties?” - received the deadpan answer: “That we’re not a veterinary practice.”
When we asked about their career highlights from the last three decades, Simmons said “not winning Designer of the Year 2005”. McAuley was in more reflective mood, however, replying: “Everything. I’m proud of it all. We have built a business that has great staff, a substantial website, a lovely studio, two showrooms – and we get to utilise the skills that we trained for.”
timorousbeasties.com
How to use pattern: experts give their advice
Clever clashing
Lucy Barlow, design director of Barlow & Barlow, says: “Growing up in the 1980s, pattern was huge – people used one print on six things in a room! In the 1990s and noughties, it all went beige and minimalist. Now I’m using pattern again, but it’s not Eighties-style – it’s ‘clever clashing’.
“Pattern’s in our DNA. As an English designer, I grew up in an old-fashioned house in the countryside and I love that layering of history, furniture and fabrics from all over the world. I’m not keen on minimalism, I like stuff!


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Who in Labour is backing a second lockdown - and who is not?

Keir Starmer ’ s decision to back calls for a national circuit-breaker lockdown in response to the UK ’ s rising Covid-19 infection rate has put the Labour leader at odds with Boris Johnson - and also several prominent members in his own party .
In Westminster , Labour is pushing a reluctant Conservative government towards tighter controls , but those positions are reversed in many northern English cities .
Several Labour mayors and council leaders have argued against new lockdown measures and have accused the prime minister of imposing unnecessary restrictions on their regions .
Steve Rotheram , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ region , has “ questioned the wisdom of closing gyms and leisure centres as part of the tier three Covid-19 lockdown for the area ” , says the Liverpool Echo .
While urging the public to “ follow the guidance on social distancing , face coverings and washing hands ” , Rotheram has accused Johnson of using the North as a “ petri dish ” to test closures affecting the hospitality industry .
“ What we ’ ve asked for is the scientific evidence that supports the contention by our national government that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work in our local area , ” the Liverpool mayor told Channel 4 News .
Greater Manchester is expected to join Liverpool in tier three soon , but “ local leaders are resisting ” , says the Manchester Evening News .
Andy Burnham , the city ’ s Labour mayor , is among those “ arguing that there is no evidence that transmission in hospitality is driving transmission ” , the paper adds .
“ Burnham has vowed to consider legal action if the strictest tier of coronavirus restrictions is imposed on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like Liverpool ’ s Rotheram , Burnham has also criticised the manner in which restrictions have been introduced , along with their economic impact .
At an online press conference yesterday , he vowed not to “ cave into the pressure ” to accept a new lockdown and said that decisions were being taken “ by imposition , not consent ” .
In London , by contrast , Labour mayor Sadiq Khan had actively supported tighter restrictions even before the decision was announced today to move the capital from tier one to two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may no longer mix indoors , but restaurants and pubs may remain open .
“ The mayor has previously insisted London should move as a whole into higher restrictions despite variable rates across the capital , ” the Daily Mail reports .
Khan was an early proponent of the nationwide shutdown earlier this year and has also backed Starmer ’ s call for another UK-wide lockdown to coincide with half-term .
“ I think there is a virtue in the government following the advice from Sage [ the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for two or so weeks beginning next week , ” Khan told ITV News on Tuesday .

Keir Starmer’s decision to back calls for a national circuit-breaker lockdown in response to the UK’s rising Covid-19 infection rate has put the Labour leader at odds with Boris Johnson - and also several prominent members in his own party.
In Westminster, Labour is pushing a reluctant Conservative government towards tighter controls, but those positions are reversed in many northern English cities. Several Labour mayors and council leaders have argued against new lockdown measures and have accused the prime minister of imposing unnecessary restrictions on their regions.
Liverpool
Steve Rotheram, the Labour metro mayor of the Liverpool city region, has “questioned the wisdom of closing gyms and leisure centres as part of the tier three Covid-19 lockdown for the area”, says the Liverpool Echo.
While urging the public to “follow the guidance on social distancing, face coverings and washing hands”, Rotheram has accused Johnson of using the North as a “petri dish” to test closures affecting the hospitality industry.
“What we’ve asked for is the scientific evidence that supports the contention by our national government that these are the only measures that will work in our local area,” the Liverpool mayor told Channel 4 News.
Manchester
Greater Manchester is expected to join Liverpool in tier three soon, but “local leaders are resisting”, says the Manchester Evening News. Andy Burnham, the city’s Labour mayor, is among those “arguing that there is no evidence that transmission in hospitality is driving transmission”, the paper adds.
“Burnham has vowed to consider legal action if the strictest tier of coronavirus restrictions is imposed on the region,” reports Sky News.
Like Liverpool’s Rotheram, Burnham has also criticised the manner in which restrictions have been introduced, along with their economic impact. At an online press conference yesterday, he vowed not to “cave into the pressure” to accept a new lockdown and said that decisions were being taken “by imposition, not consent”.
London
In London, by contrast, Labour mayor Sadiq Khan had actively supported tighter restrictions even before the decision was announced today to move the capital from tier one to two. Under the new regulations, households may no longer mix indoors, but restaurants and pubs may remain open.
“The mayor has previously insisted London should move as a whole into higher restrictions despite variable rates across the capital,” the Daily Mail reports.
Khan was an early proponent of the nationwide shutdown earlier this year and has also backed Starmer’s call for another UK-wide lockdown to coincide with half-term.
“I think there is a virtue in the government following the advice from Sage [the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies], and having a national circuit-breaker for two or so weeks beginning next week,” Khan told ITV News on Tuesday.


theweekuk--2020-10-15--Which countries have tried circuit breaker lockdowns - and do they work?

Boris Johnson is considering imposing a two-week circuit breaker lockdown after warning earlier this week that infection “ figures are flashing at us like dashboard warnings in a passenger jet , and we must act now ” .
The proposed measure , which may not cover the entire country , is being backed by Keir Starmer .
He has attacked the prime minister ’ s handling of the crisis after newly published documents revealed that Downing Street rejected advice from government scientists to introduce an immediate circuit breaker lockdown in September .
So which countries have tried short shutdowns , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was one of the first global leaders to deploy a circuit breaker , following a rise in cases in the city-state in early April .
The lockdown was due to last for a month but was extended until 1 June after cases initially continued to increase .
The restrictions forced “ non-essential workplaces to close , schools to move to home-learning , and businesses selling food were only able to offer take-away services ” , ITV News reports .
According to the Singaporean Ministry of Trade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have reduced 2020 GDP by 2.2 % ” - a decline that will do nothing to calm the nerves of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and other lockdown doves in Johnson ’ s cabinet .
But a string of other countries have shrugged off economic concerns to impose lockdowns .
A national shutdown in New Zealand that began on 26 March was extended by an extra week , continuing until late April , with all non-essential services halted and schools closed .
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said of the extension : “ We considered that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the less likely it is we will need to go back.
” South Korea also deployed a circuit breaker in mid-August , after nine days of triple-digit increases that saw the national coronavirus caseload top 17,000 .
Under the rules , church gatherings , nightclubbing , and crowds at sports games were all banned .
More recently , Israel last month become the first country in the world to impose a second full national lockdown .
It began on 18 September and was initially supposed to be lifted this week , but has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Although Covid cases have been rising in Israel , critics view “ the move as an attempt to stop weekly protests ” against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged corruption and his government ’ s handling of the pandemic , the BBC reports .
Naftali Bennett , leader of right-wing party Yamina , “ tore into ” Netanyahu after the lockdown was announced , The Times of Israel reports .
“ A lockdown isn ’ t an image of victory .
A lockdown is an image of a failure .
A terrible failure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Knesset .
Singapore ’ s circuit breaker could be considered a success by most measures .
By early to mid-May , “ cases - excluding infections among migrant workers that have spiked sharply in recent weeks - dropped ” , the Financial Times says .
Likewise , South Korea was able to relax the restrictions in the East Asian nation within a few weeks , following a fall in new cases .
The measures “ worked in Asia because case numbers have been small - measured in dozens rather than the tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a professor of infectious disease Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene , told The Telegraph .
“ They have well-drilled track and trace teams at the ready to hunt down cases the moment the switch is flicked , ” he added .
The New Zealand government also appears to have been vindicated by the results of their circuit-breaking extension .
On 18 April , New Zealand recorded 13 cases , but the country did not have another day where more than ten were recorded until 12 August , The Independent reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s lockdown has shown “ preliminary signs of success ” , although infection rates rose “ from 4,764 new cases on 14 September to more than 11,000 on 23 September ” , Sky News reports .
Judging by latest figures , however , the drastic measures are now paying off , with Israel recording a total of 17,019 new cases over the past week .

Boris Johnson is considering imposing a two-week circuit breaker lockdown after warning earlier this week that infection “figures are flashing at us like dashboard warnings in a passenger jet, and we must act now”.
The proposed measure, which may not cover the entire country, is being backed by Keir Starmer. He has attacked the prime minister’s handling of the crisis after newly published documents revealed that Downing Street rejected advice from government scientists to introduce an immediate circuit breaker lockdown in September.
So which countries have tried short shutdowns, and with how much success?
Cases up, locking down
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was one of the first global leaders to deploy a circuit breaker, following a rise in cases in the city-state in early April.
The lockdown was due to last for a month but was extended until 1 June after cases initially continued to increase. The restrictions forced “non-essential workplaces to close, schools to move to home-learning, and businesses selling food were only able to offer take-away services”, ITV News reports.
According to the Singaporean Ministry of Trade, the measures are “estimated to have reduced 2020 GDP by 2.2%” - a decline that will do nothing to calm the nerves of Chancellor Rishi Sunak and other lockdown doves in Johnson’s cabinet.
But a string of other countries have shrugged off economic concerns to impose lockdowns.
A national shutdown in New Zealand that began on 26 March was extended by an extra week, continuing until late April, with all non-essential services halted and schools closed. Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said of the extension: “We considered that the longer we are in lockdown, the less likely it is we will need to go back.”
South Korea also deployed a circuit breaker in mid-August, after nine days of triple-digit increases that saw the national coronavirus caseload top 17,000. Under the rules, church gatherings, nightclubbing, and crowds at sports games were all banned.
More recently, Israel last month become the first country in the world to impose a second full national lockdown. It began on 18 September and was initially supposed to be lifted this week, but has been extended until at least Sunday.


theweekuk--2020-10-16--Is this the day Boris Johnson committed the UK to a no-deal Brexit?

Little more than a week ago , senior cabinet ministers were claiming that Britain had a 66 % chance of walking away from the negotiating table in Brussels with a trade agreement .
But those odds appeared to have plummeted today , as Boris Johnson laid out plans for the UK to leave the EU without a deal unless “ there is a fundamental change of approach ” from the bloc .
The prime minister said the EU was not willing to offer a Canada-style trade deal and that the UK should prepare for an “ Australia solution ” - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street following two days of talks at a crunch summit in Brussels , Johnson said that the EU had “ abandoned the idea of a free trade deal ” and has “ refused to negotiate seriously for much of the last few months ” .
“ From the outset , we were totally clear that we wanted nothing more complicated than a Canada-style relationship based on friendship and free trade ” , he continued , but “ to judge by the latest EU summit in Brussels , that won ’ t work for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU27 of wanting “ the continued ability to control our legislative freedom , our fisheries , in a way that is completely unacceptable to an independent country ” , Johnson said the UK should now “ get ready for 1 January with arrangements that are more like Australia ’ s , based on simple principles of global free trade ” .
Canada trades with the EU under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement ( CETA ) , which took seven years to negotiate .
The deal came into effect in 2017 , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The arrangement eliminates 98 % of all tariffs on goods , but does not remove regulatory barriers as Canada is not a member of the single market .
As such , Canadian products are still subject to border checks .
However , Johnson today claimed that “ it ’ s becoming clear that the EU don ’ t want to do the type of Canada deal that we originally asked for ” , adding that it is “ curious that after 45 years of membership , they can offer Canada terms they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instead , the PM has said that the UK would now be prepared to leave the EU on Australia-style terms .
Australia currently trades with the EU on WTO terms , which means an Australia-style deal is “ another way of saying the UK would leave with no trade deal in place ” , according to the BBC .
That point has been reiterated by several experts and commentator , “ who have taken issue with the prime minister ’ s choice of language ” when announcing the negotiating stalemate today , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Devon tweeted : “ Just a reminder that ‘ Australian-style deal ’ is an unnecessarily complex way of saying ‘ no deal ’ .
Absolutely no deal whatsoever .
Nothing .
Nada.
” And that means “ we ’ re screwed ” , she added .
So this the end of negotations ?
Asked by press whether he was set to walk away from the talks , Johnson said that “ if there ’ s a fundamental change of approach , of course we ’ re always willing to listen ” .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seem particularly encouraging from the summit in Brussels yesterday and today ” .
“ What we ’ re saying to [ the EU ] is ‘ Only come here , come to us , if there ’ s some fundamental change of approach ’ , ” he added .
Meanwhile , European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has moved to “ downplay ” the no-deal rhetoric , The Guardian says .
This afternoon she tweeted : “ The EU continues to work for a deal , but not at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team will go to London next week to intensify these negotiations.
” Earlier today , Ireland ’ s Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the EU ’ s chief negotiator Michel Barnier has been given the “ necessary flexibility ” to continue Brexit deal talks .
But Johnson ’ s message to prepare for a no-deal exit came with the warning that Downing Street has “ to make a judgement about the likely outcome and to get us all ready ” .
“ Despite the hardline rhetoric , Johnson did not say that the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are due to resume in London next week , ” The Times notes .
But after failing yet again to secure an agreement recently tipped to be on the verge of completion , “ he suggested that the government would change its emphasis and assume that a deal would not be reached ” , the paper adds .

Little more than a week ago, senior cabinet ministers were claiming that Britain had a 66% chance of walking away from the negotiating table in Brussels with a trade agreement.
But those odds appeared to have plummeted today, as Boris Johnson laid out plans for the UK to leave the EU without a deal unless “there is a fundamental change of approach” from the bloc.
The prime minister said the EU was not willing to offer a Canada-style trade deal and that the UK should prepare for an “Australia solution” - namely, no-deal.
‘Refused to negotiate’
Speaking from Downing Street following two days of talks at a crunch summit in Brussels, Johnson said that the EU had “abandoned the idea of a free trade deal” and has “refused to negotiate seriously for much of the last few months”.
“From the outset, we were totally clear that we wanted nothing more complicated than a Canada-style relationship based on friendship and free trade”, he continued, but “to judge by the latest EU summit in Brussels, that won’t work for our EU partners”.
Accusing the EU27 of wanting “the continued ability to control our legislative freedom, our fisheries, in a way that is completely unacceptable to an independent country”, Johnson said the UK should now “get ready for 1 January with arrangements that are more like Australia’s, based on simple principles of global free trade”.
Australia vs. Canada
Canada trades with the EU under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which took seven years to negotiate. The deal came into effect in 2017, and will be fully implemented over seven years.
The arrangement eliminates 98% of all tariffs on goods, but does not remove regulatory barriers as Canada is not a member of the single market. As such, Canadian products are still subject to border checks.
However, Johnson today claimed that “it’s becoming clear that the EU don’t want to do the type of Canada deal that we originally asked for”, adding that it is “curious that after 45 years of membership, they can offer Canada terms they wouldn’t offer us”.
Instead, the PM has said that the UK would now be prepared to leave the EU on Australia-style terms.


theweekuk--2020-10-16--The Week Unwrapped podcast: German gender, Insta-unions and the Moon

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code : POD25 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In this week ’ s episode , we discuss : An argument has broken out in Germany after the country ’ s justice ministry drafted a bill using only the feminine version of words , such as ‘ employee ’ or ‘ landlord ’ .
Is this a step towards gender equality ?
Or a recipe for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undermine the battle for women ’ s rights ?
The race for space is back on – this week , Britain and seven other nations signed up to US space agency Nasa ’ s Artemis Accords , which set out the principles governing America ’ s 2024 mission to the moon .
But Russia and China were notable by their absence .
Are we facing a lunar land grab ?
A group of social media influencers are attempting to set up a trade union to protect independent creatives such as themselves from exploitation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatically in recent years , but performers - often young and inexperienced - have few rights .
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player , Spotify , Apple podcasts , SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––To get six free issues of The Week magazine and a moleskine notebook visit theweek.co.uk/offer and enter promo code: POD25–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
German gender
An argument has broken out in Germany after the country’s justice ministry drafted a bill using only the feminine version of words, such as ‘employee’ or ‘landlord’. Is this a step towards gender equality? Or a recipe for confusion, and something that will ultimately undermine the battle for women’s rights?
A new space race
The race for space is back on – this week, Britain and seven other nations signed up to US space agency Nasa’s Artemis Accords, which set out the principles governing America’s 2024 mission to the moon. But Russia and China were notable by their absence. Are we facing a lunar land grab?
Socialising media
A group of social media influencers are attempting to set up a trade union to protect independent creatives such as themselves from exploitation. The £15bn influence industry has grown dramatically in recent years, but performers - often young and inexperienced - have few rights.
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Spotify, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts


theweekuk--2020-10-16--Instant Opinion: Boris Johnson is ‘sleepwalking’ into a second lockdown

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 patchwork of local Covid restrictions Boris is sleepwalking into the national lockdown he claims to despise “ Theresa May recently told Johnson that he needed a business person on Sage : he replied that he could not , otherwise it would be pronounced ‘ beige ’ .
But her point is a good one : he ’ s losing the argument .
He needs reinforcements .
Boris can tell himself that there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re legally forbidden from meeting your friends and family , as most Brits now are , the difference is pretty moot .
For reasons even the Cabinet can ’ t quite understand , it seems that we ’ re about to enter the cycle all over again – and a Prime Minister who isn ’ t quite sure how he got into this mess may well struggle to find a way out.
” A defeated Trump will have no way to stay “ Of course Mr Trump can certainly use whatever time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform all kinds of mischief .
He can grant presidential pardons for associates , in line with what most lame-duck presidents have done .
He can issue executive orders ( President Obama issued no fewer than 17 between the November 2016 election and Mr Trump ’ s inauguration ) and national security directives .
He might start some sort of dramatic foreign policy initiative that may complicate things for his successor ...
The Republican Party has bowed to Mr Trump for just as long as it has been worth its while .
If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost , expect the party to move swiftly and tell him to obey the law and go .
Don ’ t forget that much of this storm is pre-election posturing in which the president is certainly not the only participant.
” This pandemic has been the making of England ’ s elected mayors “ Suddenly , mayors matter .
The 20 years since elected mayors were introduced half-heartedly by Tony Blair in 2000 had been years of obscurity .
Now coronavirus has thrust them into the spotlight .
We hear daily from Andy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ , from Liverpool ’ s Steve Rotheram , Birmingham ’ s Andy Street , Sheffield ’ s Dan Jarvis and London ’ s Sadiq Khan .
So is the country breaking apart – or perhaps becoming a little more democratic ?
Among local politicians the increase in Covid infections has produced an aversion to another lockdown and a demand for greater local control over the response.
” on inequality in the Covid-age A pandemic should be the great equalizer .
This one had the opposite effect .
“ This week , CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nancy Pelosi ( D-Calif. ) on why she would not take the administration ’ s offer of $ 1.8 trillion .
Her response was defensive and combative .
She unfairly accused Blitzer of being an apologist for the Republican Party .
She said something about how Republicans ‘ do not share our values.
’ ( Of course they don ’ t , that ’ s why there are two parties and you have to make compromises . )
None of it added up to a coherent position in a time of national emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whether the relative normalcy of life for elites has prevented us from understanding the true severity of the problem .
For those of us using Zoom , things have been a bit disruptive and strange .
But for tens of millions of people in the United States — and hundreds of millions around the world — this is the Great Depression .
Can we please help them ?
” on what the US means for Israel “ While a Biden administration is likely to do much that will upset the Israeli right , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his former pose as Israel ’ s champion against American bullies .
Netanyahu won ’ t cheer Trump ’ s exit , but the notion that a Trump loss will topple him is misplaced .
If anything , a Biden administration ’ s revival of Obama ’ s policies might just give the prime minister the ammunition to further prolong his tenure in office .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Fraser Nelson in The Daily Telegraph
on the patchwork of local Covid restrictions
Boris is sleepwalking into the national lockdown he claims to despise
“Theresa May recently told Johnson that he needed a business person on Sage: he replied that he could not, otherwise it would be pronounced ‘beige’. But her point is a good one: he’s losing the argument. He needs reinforcements. Boris can tell himself that there is no proper lockdown – but when you’re legally forbidden from meeting your friends and family, as most Brits now are, the difference is pretty moot. For reasons even the Cabinet can’t quite understand, it seems that we’re about to enter the cycle all over again – and a Prime Minister who isn’t quite sure how he got into this mess may well struggle to find a way out.”
2. Gerard Baker in The Times
on vacating the White House
A defeated Trump will have no way to stay
“Of course Mr Trump can certainly use whatever time he may have left in office to perform all kinds of mischief. He can grant presidential pardons for associates, in line with what most lame-duck presidents have done. He can issue executive orders (President Obama issued no fewer than 17 between the November 2016 election and Mr Trump’s inauguration) and national security directives. He might start some sort of dramatic foreign policy initiative that may complicate things for his successor... The Republican Party has bowed to Mr Trump for just as long as it has been worth its while. If the result is clear and he has lost, expect the party to move swiftly and tell him to obey the law and go. Don’t forget that much of this storm is pre-election posturing in which the president is certainly not the only participant.”
3. Simon Jenkins in The Guardian
on the country’s regional leaders
This pandemic has been the making of England’s elected mayors
“Suddenly, mayors matter. The 20 years since elected mayors were introduced half-heartedly by Tony Blair in 2000 had been years of obscurity. Now coronavirus has thrust them into the spotlight. We hear daily from Andy Burnham, ‘leader of the north’, from Liverpool’s Steve Rotheram, Birmingham’s Andy Street, Sheffield’s Dan Jarvis and London’s Sadiq Khan. So is the country breaking apart – or perhaps becoming a little more democratic? Among local politicians the increase in Covid infections has produced an aversion to another lockdown and a demand for greater local control over the response.”
4. Fareed Zakaria in The Washington Post
on inequality in the Covid-age
A pandemic should be the great equalizer. This one had the opposite effect.
“This week, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer pressed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on why she would not take the administration’s offer of $1.8 trillion. Her response was defensive and combative. She unfairly accused Blitzer of being an apologist for the Republican Party. She said something about how Republicans ‘do not share our values.’ (Of course they don’t, that’s why there are two parties and you have to make compromises.) None of it added up to a coherent position in a time of national emergency... I cannot help but wonder whether the relative normalcy of life for elites has prevented us from understanding the true severity of the problem. For those of us using Zoom, things have been a bit disruptive and strange. But for tens of millions of people in the United States — and hundreds of millions around the world — this is the Great Depression. Can we please help them?”
5. Jonathan S Tobin in Haaretz
on what the US means for Israel
How a Biden Victory Could Save Netanyahu
“While a Biden administration is likely to do much that will upset the Israeli right, it would actually help Netanyahu return to his former pose as Israel’s champion against American bullies. Netanyahu won’t cheer Trump’s exit, but the notion that a Trump loss will topple him is misplaced. If anything, a Biden administration’s revival of Obama’s policies might just give the prime minister the ammunition to further prolong his tenure in office.”


theweekuk--2020-10-16--Russians spreading fake news about Oxford vaccine

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