theweekuk--2020-08-24--Tory MPs demand overhaul of ‘not fit for purpose’ asylum system - but what are alternatives?

More than 40 Conservative MPs have called on the prime minister to “ take back control of our borders ” by introducing a new bill that ends asylum claims by migrants who have passed through “ safe ” countries .
In a letter seen by The Telegraph , the newly formed Common Sense Group of Tory politicians tell Boris Johnson that the government must overhaul the UK ’ s asylum system , which “ is unfit for purpose ” , as “ a matter of urgency ” .
“ Nothing less than root and branch reform is acceptable , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prohibit “ claims from asylum seekers who have travelled through ‘ safe ’ countries and are not lodged immediately after the individual has arrived in the UK ” .
What are the current rules ?
“ Record numbers of asylum seekers have crossed the Channel to reach the UK this year ” , with more than 5,000 migrants making the crossing so far , says The Telegraph .
The hike in new arrivals from France has prompted “ locals to call for the boats to be blocked ” , while campaign groups are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the UK for legitimate refugees and asylum seekers , particularly children ” , adds The Times .
Under current asylum laws in the UK , crossing the Channel without authorisation is not a legal way to enter the country .
But Article 31 of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention , also known as the Geneva Convention , states that refugees can not be penalised for entering the country to claim asylum if they are “ coming directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened ” , FullFact reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the authorities and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence ” , the fact-checking site notes .
One of the most common complaints about the UK ’ s current law is that many asylum seekers who attempt to cross the Channel to Britain have already transited through countries such as France or Germany .
However , neither the Geneva Convention nor EU law requires a person to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach .
The only exceptions relate to an EU directive known as the Dublin Regulation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be sent back to another EU country if they have already been fingerprinted and claimed asylum there .
But “ the Dublin system only operates within the EU and it will almost certainly cease to apply to the UK following Brexit ” , according to London-based charity Refugee Action .
What do the MPs want ?
Earlier this month , Home Secretary Priti Patel told MPs that migrants were seeking to cross the Channel to Britain because they believed that France was a “ racist country ” where they may be “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been rebuked by the new Common Sense Group of Tory MPs , who argue that the crossings have become a “ highly lucrative industry ” by a “ motivated elite ” who are “ expertly gaming the immigration system for their own ends ” .
In their letter to Johnson , the politicians say that “ geography dictates that the vast majority of asylum seekers who arrive in the United Kingdom have travelled through numerous safe countries .
Not only does this illustrate that safety is not the primary motive for many migrants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exploitation of unscrupulous people traffickers.
” The MPs , who include Edward Leigh and former security minister John Hayes , say that the UK offer of “ refuge to those at genuine risk of persecution is a long and noble national commitment ” .
But “ that noble cause is undermined by those determined to take advantage of the compassion and generosity of the British people ” , they add .
According to data from EU statistical office Eurostat , Germany received the most first-time asylum applications in the EU last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 19.6 % ) and Spain ( 18.8 % ) .
Each of the three countries took in well over 100,000 refugees , while Britain took 44,156 in the same period .

More than 40 Conservative MPs have called on the prime minister to “take back control of our borders” by introducing a new bill that ends asylum claims by migrants who have passed through “safe” countries.
In a letter seen by The Telegraph, the newly formed Common Sense Group of Tory politicians tell Boris Johnson that the government must overhaul the UK’s asylum system, which “is unfit for purpose”, as “a matter of urgency”.
“Nothing less than root and branch reform is acceptable,” warn the MPs, who want to prohibit “claims from asylum seekers who have travelled through ‘safe’ countries and are not lodged immediately after the individual has arrived in the UK”.
What are the current rules?
“Record numbers of asylum seekers have crossed the Channel to reach the UK this year”, with more than 5,000 migrants making the crossing so far, says The Telegraph.
The hike in new arrivals from France has prompted “locals to call for the boats to be blocked”, while campaign groups are “urging the government to improve routes into the UK for legitimate refugees and asylum seekers, particularly children”, adds The Times.
Under current asylum laws in the UK, crossing the Channel without authorisation is not a legal way to enter the country.
But Article 31 of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, also known as the Geneva Convention, states that refugees cannot be penalised for entering the country to claim asylum if they are “coming directly from a territory where their life or freedom was threatened”, FullFact reports.
They must “present themselves without delay to the authorities and show good cause for their illegal entry or presence”, the fact-checking site notes.
One of the most common complaints about the UK’s current law is that many asylum seekers who attempt to cross the Channel to Britain have already transited through countries such as France or Germany.
However, neither the Geneva Convention nor EU law requires a person to claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.
The only exceptions relate to an EU directive known as the Dublin Regulation, which dictates that an asylum seeker can be sent back to another EU country if they have already been fingerprinted and claimed asylum there.


theweekuk--2020-08-24--Six million furloughed workers ‘broke rules by carrying on working during lockdown’

Almost two-thirds of the 9.4 million workers furloughed during the UK ’ s lockdown carried on doing their jobs at home , a major new study suggests .
And about fifth of staff on furlough in April and May were “ explicitly compelled ” by their bosses to break the rules by continuing to work , according to the researchers .
Under Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’ s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme scheme , the government has paid 80 % of the salaries of furloughed staff up to a maximum of £2,500 a month , in a bid to save millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by academics at Oxford , Cambridge and Zurich universities reveals “ widespread abuse ” of the £30bn system , The Mail on Sunday reports .
Surveys of almost 9,000 furloughed workers found that 63 % - which equates to around six million nationwide - carried on working , putting in an average of 15 hours of illegal labour a week .
The research reveals that the highest percentage of those who continued to work were people with jobs in computing ( 44 % ) , while in the information and communication sectors , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worked from home .
Across the board , workers on higher incomes were more likely to have defied the work ban .
In a newly published report , the academics conclude that “ the prohibition of working whilst furloughed was routinely ignored , especially by men who can do a large percentage of their work tasks from home ” .
The Mail on Sunday reports that HM Revenue & Customs ( HMRC ) is currently investigating 8,000 tip-offs to its fraud hotline , having already rejected 30,000 claims considered “ dubious ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ HMRC on the issue next month , The Telegraph reports .
The committee ’ s chair , MP Meg Hillier , has called on the department to “ urgently get a grip on these issues around fraud of the furlough scheme ” .
“ Employees are being put in incredibly vulnerable positions and employers need to face tough sanctions for this , ” Hillier said .
“ We know people are trying it on and it ’ s right they should be tackled.
” Pledging to take “ tough action on fraud ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are now starting to investigate claims in depth , paying particular attention to Job Retention Scheme claims that are out of step with the payroll data that we hold and drawing on the 8,000 calls that have come into our fraud hotline from members of the public .
“ We have legal powers to recover any money that has been overclaimed and we have already made an arrest in relation to suspected criminal activity.
” The blanket ban on working for employees who had been furloughed ended at the start of July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work and claim subsidies for typical hours that they did not work ” , as the Mail explains .
“ From the beginning of this month , employers began making increasing contributions , with the scheme due to end next month.
” The Chancellor has warned of “ hardship ahead ” for many people when the furlough programme wraps up on 31 October .

Almost two-thirds of the 9.4 million workers furloughed during the UK’s lockdown carried on doing their jobs at home, a major new study suggests.
And about fifth of staff on furlough in April and May were “explicitly compelled” by their bosses to break the rules by continuing to work, according to the researchers.
Under Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme scheme, the government has paid 80% of the salaries of furloughed staff up to a maximum of £2,500 a month, in a bid to save millions of jobs.
But a new study by academics at Oxford, Cambridge and Zurich universities reveals “widespread abuse” of the £30bn system, The Mail on Sunday reports.
Surveys of almost 9,000 furloughed workers found that 63% - which equates to around six million nationwide - carried on working, putting in an average of 15 hours of illegal labour a week.
The research reveals that the highest percentage of those who continued to work were people with jobs in computing (44%), while in the information and communication sectors, more than a third of furloughed employees worked from home.
Across the board, workers on higher incomes were more likely to have defied the work ban.
In a newly published report, the academics conclude that “the prohibition of working whilst furloughed was routinely ignored, especially by men who can do a large percentage of their work tasks from home”.
HMRC investigating fraud
The Mail on Sunday reports that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is currently investigating 8,000 tip-offs to its fraud hotline, having already rejected 30,000 claims considered “dubious”.
The Commons Public Accounts Committee will question HMRC on the issue next month, The Telegraph reports. The committee’s chair, MP Meg Hillier, has called on the department to “urgently get a grip on these issues around fraud of the furlough scheme”.
“Employees are being put in incredibly vulnerable positions and employers need to face tough sanctions for this,” Hillier said. “We know people are trying it on and it’s right they should be tackled.”
Pledging to take “tough action on fraud”, an HMRC spokesperson said: “We are now starting to investigate claims in depth, paying particular attention to Job Retention Scheme claims that are out of step with the payroll data that we hold and drawing on the 8,000 calls that have come into our fraud hotline from members of the public.
“We have legal powers to recover any money that has been overclaimed and we have already made an arrest in relation to suspected criminal activity.”
The blanket ban on working for employees who had been furloughed ended at the start of July. Employers “could bring staff back to work and claim subsidies for typical hours that they did not work”, as the Mail explains. “From the beginning of this month, employers began making increasing contributions, with the scheme due to end next month.”
The Chancellor has warned of “hardship ahead” for many people when the furlough programme wraps up on 31 October.


theweekuk--2020-08-24--School children at more risk from ‘flu or road accident’ than coronavirus, says deputy CMO

School children are at greater risk from “ seasonal flu ” or a “ road traffic accident ” than from coronavirus , England ’ s deputy chief medical officer has insisted .
Dr Jenny Harries told Sky News this morning that she “ can understand entirely ” why parents are wary about sending their children back to classrooms when the new academic year begins next week .
But “ a well-controlled school environment , with the information and knowledge that we have about Covid now , should be a safe one ” , she said .
“ No environment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Every time a parent sent their child off to school pre-Covid , they may have been involved in a road traffic accident , there are all sort of things .
“ And , in fact , that risk , or the risk from seasonal flu , we think is probably higher than the current risks of Covid.
” Harries ’ intervention comes as Boris Johnson “ moves to seize control of the schools agenda ” after being criticised for heading off for a holiday in Scotland amid the “ exams chaos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning to Downing Street , prime minister has insisted in a statement today that the risk of contracting coronavirus in school is low and that “ it is far more damaging for a child ’ s development and their health and well-being to be away from school any longer ” .
“ We have always been guided by our scientific and medical experts , and we now know far more about coronavirus than we did earlier this year , ” Johnson said .
“ As the chief medical officer has said , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very small.
” The PM ’ s “ plea to parents ” comes amid fears that parental concerns are “ the final stumbling block in ministers ’ efforts to return youngsters to full-time education ” , says The Telegraph .
“ Johnson ’ s message has been given the added backing of new Public Health England figures showing the reopening of schools in June did not lead to a single child being hospitalised with coronavirus , ” the paper adds .

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theweekuk--2020-08-24--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 24 Aug 2020

Boris Johnson says it is “ vitally important ” children go back to school , with the life chances of @ @ @ @ @ The prime minister said the risk of contracting coronavirus at school was “ very small @ @ @ @ @ have been warned that they may spread Covid-19 : a leading government scientist said adults @ @ @ @ @ more likely to transmit the virus than children .

Warning for teachers as Johnson plays down school risk
Boris Johnson says it is “vitally important” children go back to school, with the life chances of a generation at stake. The prime minister said the risk of contracting coronavirus at school was “very small”. However, teachers have been warned that they may spread Covid-19: a leading government scientist said adults working in schools were far more likely to transmit the virus than children.


theweekuk--2020-08-24--Study delivers more bad news for Karens

Study delivers more bad news for Karens

The “ Karen ” meme has left most Britons with negative thoughts about the name , a new study has revealed .
Karen is being used to describe middle-class women who act in a privileged and demanding manner .
New data shows 62 % of UK adults now associate the name with traits including entitlement , obnoxiousness , and privilege .
A South African thought to be the world 's oldest man has died at the age of 116 .
Fredie Blom was born in the Eastern Cape in May 1904 .
He lived through both world wars and also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Blom ’ s family told the AFP news agency that he had died of natural causes .
An owner was baffled when her cat arrived home one day with an unusual paper collar around her neck .
The owner unwrapped the paper to discover it was a note that read : “ Does this cat have a home ?
Always at Toby Carvery.
” When the woman arrived at the carvery restaurant , she was told the 11-year-old cat kept appearing there , spending hours meowing at diners .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The “Karen” meme has left most Britons with negative thoughts about the name, a new study has revealed. Karen is being used to describe middle-class women who act in a privileged and demanding manner. New data shows 62% of UK adults now associate the name with traits including entitlement, obnoxiousness, and privilege.
‘World’s oldest man’ dies
A South African thought to be the world's oldest man has died at the age of 116. Fredie Blom was born in the Eastern Cape in May 1904. He lived through both world wars and also survived the Spanish flu and Covid-19 pandemics. Blom’s family told the AFP news agency that he had died of natural causes.
Cat arrives home with odd message
An owner was baffled when her cat arrived home one day with an unusual paper collar around her neck. The owner unwrapped the paper to discover it was a note that read: “Does this cat have a home? Always at Toby Carvery.” When the woman arrived at the carvery restaurant, she was told the 11-year-old cat kept appearing there, spending hours meowing at diners.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-08-24--Northern Ireland restaurants and pubs: best places to eat

Northern Ireland may be renowned for its landscapes , coastlines , golf and Game of Thrones but for foodies it ’ s also a magical place .
The AA Restaurant Guide 2020 includes 18 establishments from Northern Ireland on its shortlist and across the country there are also many amazing pubs , shacks and eateries to dine in .
Here we pick out some of the best places to eat when you visit Northern Ireland .
Michelin-starred restaurant OX offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan in Belfast .
With their combined wealth of experience in fine dining , co-owners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide the same quality of food and attentive service , but in a more relaxed , simple environment .
Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully and creatively designed so every element of the dish has an integral role in showcasing the best quality seasonal produce .
The natural scenery at Harry ’ s Shack is as memorable as the food .
The rustic seafood restaurant is situated on the fringes of Portstewart Strand beach and has stunning views of the Causeway Coastal Route .
Fish fresh from local boats , local beers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it unique and a favourite amongst locals and visitors .
Brunel ’ s is in the seaside town of Newcastle , situated on the coast of Northern Ireland with the stunning Mourne Mountains standing tall over the town .
Head chef Paul Cunningham has ensured that the restaurant ’ s menu focuses on bold and creative gourmet dishes using the freshest regionally sourced ingredients , really showcasing seasonal produce at its best .
The Walled City Brewery is a multi-award winning restaurant and brewhouse based in Ebrington Square , Derry-Londonderry .
By having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the same building , it is the first of its kind in the country .
Guests can get a real “ taste of the North West ” with some incredible beer and food on offer .
Those wanting to find out more about the brewery can take part in the Beer Masterclass , a 1.5-hour interactive experience where beer enthusiasts will learn all about the history of brewing whilst tasting the ten craft beers on offer .
The Fullerton Arms is a fantastic pub in Ballintoy that serves authentic Irish cuisine using @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be sure to try the famous Strangford Rope Mussels available in a range of different sauces .
Ballintoy was also used as one of the filming locations for smash hit TV show Game of Thrones , with some of the scenes in the Iron Islands shot in the harbour .
Visitors to the Fullerton Arms can sneak a peek at the stunning carved wooden door that is on display at the pub , created as part of a campaign to commemorate season six of Game of Thrones .
With only ten on display @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit extra special .
This busy restaurant located in Belfast has a superb menu featuring fresh shellfish carefully hand-selected from its independently-run shellfish beds .
Mourne Seafood has been praised by top critics including the Observer Food Monthly Awards and was also voted as a “ top choice ” by Lonely Planet .
If you ’ re looking for some place warm and cosy , then Sleepy Hollow may be the perfect choice .
One of the 18 Northern Irish establishments shortlisted by the AA for its Restaurant Guide 2020 , this Newtownabbey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food as well as serving classic dishes using new innovative techniques .
Located in the heart of Belfast , Deanes EIPIC serves the best of local ingredients cooked to award-winning standards .
The restaurant retained its Michelin star last year and in May head chef Alex Greene scored a double win during finals week of the Great British Menu .
He cooked two of the courses ( starter and dessert ) in this year ’ s banquet .

Northern Ireland may be renowned for its landscapes, coastlines, golf and Game of Thrones but for foodies it’s also a magical place.
The AA Restaurant Guide 2020 includes 18 establishments from Northern Ireland on its shortlist and across the country there are also many amazing pubs, shacks and eateries to dine in.
Here we pick out some of the best places to eat when you visit Northern Ireland.
OX - Belfast
Michelin-starred restaurant OX offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan in Belfast. With their combined wealth of experience in fine dining, co-owners Stephen Toman and Alain Kerloch aim to provide the same quality of food and attentive service, but in a more relaxed, simple environment. Each dish on the menu is thoughtfully and creatively designed so every element of the dish has an integral role in showcasing the best quality seasonal produce.
1 Oxford Street, Belfast BT1 3LA; oxbelfast.com
Harry’s Shack - Portstewart, Co Antrim
The natural scenery at Harry’s Shack is as memorable as the food. The rustic seafood restaurant is situated on the fringes of Portstewart Strand beach and has stunning views of the Causeway Coastal Route. Fish fresh from local boats, local beers, quality wines and fabulous views make it unique and a favourite amongst locals and visitors.
118 Strand Road, Portstewart, BT55 7PG; resdiary.com
Brunel’s - Newcastle, Co Down
Brunel’s is in the seaside town of Newcastle, situated on the coast of Northern Ireland with the stunning Mourne Mountains standing tall over the town. Head chef Paul Cunningham has ensured that the restaurant’s menu focuses on bold and creative gourmet dishes using the freshest regionally sourced ingredients, really showcasing seasonal produce at its best.
32 Downs Road, Newcastle BT33 0AG; brunelsrestaurant.co.uk
Walled City Brewery Restaurant - Derry-Londonderry
The Walled City Brewery is a multi-award winning restaurant and brewhouse based in Ebrington Square, Derry-Londonderry. By having a fully operating brewery and accompanying restaurant in the same building, it is the first of its kind in the country. Guests can get a real “taste of the North West” with some incredible beer and food on offer. Those wanting to find out more about the brewery can take part in the Beer Masterclass, a 1.5-hour interactive experience where beer enthusiasts will learn all about the history of brewing whilst tasting the ten craft beers on offer.


theweekuk--2020-08-24--Instant Opinion: ‘British hypocrisy to blame’ for migrant deaths

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on failing to oppose the anti-migrant politics British hypocrisy is to blame for the deadly plight of migrants “ It is often argued that once it became clear that the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting wasn ’ t going to tip the United States towards adopting national gun control laws , that was the moment the gun control argument was lost for good .
The equivalent moment , as far as British and European attitudes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was when the body of Alan Kurdi washed up on the shores of Turkey , almost five years ago .
Despite the global grief , the front pages , the renderings of Kurdi ’ s little body in paintings , his elevation into a symbol of a world that had lost its way , nothing happened .
In fact , EU migration policies became even harsher .
Last week , the British public was again moved when the body of a Sudanese migrant , Abdulfatah Hamdallah , was found on French shores @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Britain .
In the same time frame , another more fortunate migrant made it safely to Kent , and was immediately assaulted .
This duality lies at the heart of our attitudes towards migrants , asylum seekers and refugees : an outpouring of grief one minute , a political pummelling the next.
” Boris Johnson ’ s ‘ mend and make do ’ approach to government just won ’ t cut it anymore “ Nobody expects the government to cure every ill , and everyone appreciates this crisis has thrown up a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ put enormous pressures on the public purse .
But we are entitled to expect the government at least to be aware what the challenges are , and think of how to deal with them before a problem become a crisis .
That we are heading to a homelessness crisis , and a mental health crisis , seems fairly evident .
The problem here is not just government competence , woeful though their performance on so many aspects of Covid-19 has been ; it is a question of values .
When it comes to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the economic and social scale , or those deemed ‘ weak ’ – the homeless , the mentally ill , the victim of domestic violence – from Johnson down , they seem to have a blind spot.
” on the president ’ s fight against the establishment Don ’ t write off Trump – he is the candidate of unfashionable America “ In 2016 , Trump was the candidate of the unfashionable Americans , particularly the working-class , and the growing social gulf between the two parties is stark .
The Democrat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars and comedians .
Who has Trump got ?
A couple famous for defending their property with guns ; the widow of a cop murdered during the riots ; a school boy who was slandered by the media ; and a black grandmother who was given life for drug trafficking , and who Trump set free .
The breadth of this coalition is extraordinary , yet the more the media laughs at Trump , the more coherent it feels .
Many Americans , even if they didn ’ t like Trump to begin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight against the establishment as symbolic of their own alienation .
If he loses , they lose - even if , by some metrics , he ’ s letting them down.
” on ways the president could challenge the result “ Now imagine that on election night Trump starts with a narrow lead in Florida .
This is quite likely : suburban and rural Republican counties often count faster .
Then as results from urban counties and postal votes come in , a ‘ blue shift ’ takes place .
What if Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ votes are in , or claims that the blue shift is a result of massive voter fraud ?
This is not far-fetched either .
Trump claimed that there was widespread fraud in 2016 , even though he won .
And on election night in 2018 he did call for Florida to certify its midterm elections before all the results were in ( and when Republican candidates , including DeSantis , were in front ) .
What would happen next ?
Would Florida ’ s Republicans put principle ahead of loyalty to Trump ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
DeSantis and his secretary of state would have a decision to make .
Depending which way they went , one of the parties might sue .
If that happened the case would probably come before Florida ’ s supreme court , all seven members of which were appointed by Republican governors.
” 5 .
Jennifer Senior in The New York Times on historic echoes at the Republican convention Let the Culture Wars Begin .
Again .
“ The Republican convention at last begins this week , and much of it will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet as strange as it is to say - and bear with me here - something about this moment brings to mind the Republican convention of 1992 .
Does anyone remember that dark pageant of apocalyptica ?
The parallel circumstances are worth noting .
Like Donald Trump , George H.W .
Bush was a Republican incumbent with pitiful approval ratings and terrible poll numbers compared with his moderate challenger ( then a young Arkansas governor named Bill Clinton ) ; like Trump , Bush presided over a nation scarred and exhausted by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men , Trump and Bush .
A decades-long public servant , Bush believed in international alliances and the power of our institutions ; he was a hard worker , a courteous colleague , a modest fellow — the superego to Trump ’ s id , the string trio to Trump ’ s death metal band .
But he always had a goon squad on hand to fire up the party ’ s base of religious conservatives and social reactionaries , which lived in a curious coalition with the party ’ s elite cadre @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Nesrine Malik in The Guardian
on failing to oppose the anti-migrant politics
British hypocrisy is to blame for the deadly plight of migrants
“It is often argued that once it became clear that the Sandy Hook elementary school shooting wasn’t going to tip the United States towards adopting national gun control laws, that was the moment the gun control argument was lost for good. The equivalent moment, as far as British and European attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers is concerned, was when the body of Alan Kurdi washed up on the shores of Turkey, almost five years ago. Despite the global grief, the front pages, the renderings of Kurdi’s little body in paintings, his elevation into a symbol of a world that had lost its way, nothing happened. In fact, EU migration policies became even harsher. Last week, the British public was again moved when the body of a Sudanese migrant, Abdulfatah Hamdallah, was found on French shores, drowned after trying to make it to Britain. In the same time frame, another more fortunate migrant made it safely to Kent, and was immediately assaulted. This duality lies at the heart of our attitudes towards migrants, asylum seekers and refugees: an outpouring of grief one minute, a political pummelling the next.”
2. Alastair Campbell in The Independent
on political long-term planning
Boris Johnson’s ‘mend and make do’ approach to government just won’t cut it anymore
“Nobody expects the government to cure every ill, and everyone appreciates this crisis has thrown up a stack of off-the-scale hard challenges, and put enormous pressures on the public purse. But we are entitled to expect the government at least to be aware what the challenges are, and think of how to deal with them before a problem become a crisis. That we are heading to a homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis, seems fairly evident. The problem here is not just government competence, woeful though their performance on so many aspects of Covid-19 has been; it is a question of values. When it comes to problems facing people at the wrong end of the economic and social scale, or those deemed ‘weak’ – the homeless, the mentally ill, the victim of domestic violence – from Johnson down, they seem to have a blind spot.”
3. Tim Stanley in The Daily Telegraph
on the president’s fight against the establishment
Don’t write off Trump – he is the candidate of unfashionable America
“In 2016, Trump was the candidate of the unfashionable Americans, particularly the working-class, and the growing social gulf between the two parties is stark. The Democrat convention was hosted by actors, rock stars and comedians. Who has Trump got? A couple famous for defending their property with guns; the widow of a cop murdered during the riots; a school boy who was slandered by the media; and a black grandmother who was given life for drug trafficking, and who Trump set free. The breadth of this coalition is extraordinary, yet the more the media laughs at Trump, the more coherent it feels. Many Americans, even if they didn’t like Trump to begin with, have come to see his fight against the establishment as symbolic of their own alienation. If he loses, they lose - even if, by some metrics, he’s letting them down.”
4. John Prideux in The Times
on ways the president could challenge the result
Trump could dispute a defeat into a victory
“Now imagine that on election night Trump starts with a narrow lead in Florida. This is quite likely: suburban and rural Republican counties often count faster. Then as results from urban counties and postal votes come in, a ‘blue shift’ takes place. What if Trump declares himself the victor before all the votes are in, or claims that the blue shift is a result of massive voter fraud? This is not far-fetched either. Trump claimed that there was widespread fraud in 2016, even though he won. And on election night in 2018 he did call for Florida to certify its midterm elections before all the results were in (and when Republican candidates, including DeSantis, were in front). What would happen next? Would Florida’s Republicans put principle ahead of loyalty to Trump? Would they even see it that way? DeSantis and his secretary of state would have a decision to make. Depending which way they went, one of the parties might sue. If that happened the case would probably come before Florida’s supreme court, all seven members of which were appointed by Republican governors.”
5. Jennifer Senior in The New York Times
on historic echoes at the Republican convention
Let the Culture Wars Begin. Again.
“The Republican convention at last begins this week, and much of it will be virtual, which makes it very 2020. Yet as strange as it is to say - and bear with me here - something about this moment brings to mind the Republican convention of 1992. Does anyone remember that dark pageant of apocalyptica? The parallel circumstances are worth noting. Like Donald Trump, George H.W. Bush was a Republican incumbent with pitiful approval ratings and terrible poll numbers compared with his moderate challenger (then a young Arkansas governor named Bill Clinton); like Trump, Bush presided over a nation scarred and exhausted by a recession. They were very different men, Trump and Bush. A decades-long public servant, Bush believed in international alliances and the power of our institutions; he was a hard worker, a courteous colleague, a modest fellow — the superego to Trump’s id, the string trio to Trump’s death metal band. But he always had a goon squad on hand to fire up the party’s base of religious conservatives and social reactionaries, which lived in a curious coalition with the party’s elite cadre of internationalists seeking lower taxes.”


theweekuk--2020-08-24--NHS care homes told to put ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ orders on all residents at Covid peak

Care homes were told to introduce blanket “ do not resuscitate ” ( DNR ) orders for all residents at the height of the coronavirus pandemic , according to a new report .
A survey of 128 care home managers and nurses by the Queen ’ s Nursing Institute charity found that one in ten of the institutions was ordered by NHS bosses to introduce DNRs without permission from the residents , family members or fellow staff , in order to free up hospital beds .
Half of the staff members who said they had been asked to change DNRs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the other half worked in homes for younger people with learning or cognitive disabilities , The Times reports .
A fifth of the survey respondents also said that they received residents from the hospital sector who had tested positive for Covid-19 during March and April .
An unnamed respondent told the researchers that care homes “ were advised to have [ DNR orders ] in place for all residents ” , adding : “ We acted in accordance with medical advice and resident wishes , not as advised by a directive to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical care group representative .
We challenged this as unethical.
” Report author Professor Alison Leary has described the findings as “ worrying ” and is calling for a public inquiry .
“ These decisions were being made by NHS managers not clinicians , ” Leary , a professor of healthcare and workforce modelling at London South Bank University , told The Telegraph .
She added that “ the way the situation for care homes has been handled needs a retrospective view , particularly because winter is coming , which is always a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other vulnerable people .
Reports over the treatment of residents in care homes hit by Covid outbreaks sparked widespread outrage back in April .
In response to the public anger , ministers forbid the use of blanket DNR agreements and instructed the Care Quality Commission to “ urgently ” tell homes to tear up agreements that “ would stop residents getting access to full healthcare if they choose it ” , as the London Evening Standard reported at the time .


theweekuk--2020-08-24--The Primodos scandal: why Theresa May is calling for ‘redress’

Theresa May is demanding that women who were given an unsafe drug during pregnancy should be compensated for their suffering - and for their long wait for justice .
“ I think this is a very sad example of a situation where people were badly affected , not just by the physical and mental aspect of what Primodos actually did , but by the fact that nobody then listened to them , ” former prime minister May told Sky News documentary Bitter Pill : Primodos .
The pregnancy test drug was widely prescribed by GPs in the UK for almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the introduction of Primodos , pregnancy tests “ involved injecting the woman ’ s urine into a female toad that would then ovulate only if the woman was pregnant ” , says The Guardian .
But safety concerns led to the withdrawal of the hormone-packed drug in 1978 .
“ Campaigners claim it caused birth defects in their children , such as blindness , deafness , spina bifida , and heart and limb defects , or even killed their babies , ” the BBC reports .
Primodos manufacturer Schering - later bought by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caused the deformities .
But in July this year , the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review found that the tests had caused “ avoidable harm ” , and ruled that the manufacturer had “ an ethical responsibility ” to fund financial compensation .
Speaking on the Sky documentary , which airs tonight at 9pm , May says the government must now look “ at the whole question of redress and about how that redress can be brought up for people ” .
The call for actions marks a rare intervention from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ silent since leaving office a year ago .
“ While some will always remember her premiership as a period of stalled Brexit negotiations and Tory party infighting , ” says Sky News , “ it is clear that Theresa May sees righting this apparent historic injustice as a key plank of her legacy .
”


theweekuk--2020-08-24--Are warnings of a second wave of coronavirus backed by ‘dodgy data’?

The government ’ s contingency plans for the reintroduction of lockdown regulations are based on “ dodgy data ” that has sparked unwarranted fears of a second wave of infections , a leading academic is claiming .
Professor John Clancy , a visiting professor at Birmingham City University , argues that implementing strict new social distancing rules would be “ lunacy ” as around “ 91 % of England ” , or 51 million people , “ live in neighbourhoods where there hasn ’ t been a recorded Covid-19 case in the last four weeks ” .
Coronavirus testing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and that the official figures are “ all over the place ” , claims Clancy , the former leader of Birmingham City Council .
“ And policy responses based on it will be chaos too , ” he adds .
So is a second wave coming ?
The UK death toll from Covid-19 climbed by six on Sunday , bringing the total to 41,429 .
Although the levels of fatalities and new infections has dropped significantly from the April peak , the likelihood and severity of a second wave is a subject @ @ @ @ @ @ @ John Bell , regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford , warned last week that the UK was set for a “ really bumpy ” winter , as the coronavirus crisis is exacerbated by seasonal flu outbreaks , Cambridge Live reports .
“ My bet is that we will get a second wave , and the vaccines won ’ t get here in time to stop the second wave , ” Bell told a Royal Society of Medicine webinar .
“ Just to be crystal clear , it ’ s going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he added .
“ There ’ s nothing I can see that ’ s going to make this an easy winter.
” But in a blog post titled “ Local lockdown lunacy ” that centres on local restrictions being considered for Birmingham , Professor Clancy points out that the government ’ s own figures show that 87 % of the city ’ s 132 neighbourhoods did not record a single positive case of Covid-19 in the past week .
And “ so-called ‘ spikes ’ are occurring here , there and everywhere up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regimes are causing them either with false positives , picking up residual infections or ( usually more likely ) suddenly increased testing in specific areas , ” writes Clancy , who argues that “ Covid-19-related deaths are the only real reliable figure throughout this pandemic ” .
In Birmingham , 53 of the neighbourhoods have not recorded any new cases in the last four weeks , while 46 have not registered a single infection in eight weeks , he reports .
“ When you are dealing with such low ( and unreliable ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ become spikes , ” he continues , noting that the rate of infection per 100,000 in Birmingham “ went up from 16 per 100,000 people two weeks ago to 22 per 100,000 last week ” .
“ That ’ s seems a jump of almost 40 % .
But it ’ s actually just six more people in 100,000 .
These are micro-numbers , and talking about them in terms of spikes just won ’ t do .
It is certainly not enough to spark policy change.
” How is the government responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others , Boris Johnson announced earlier this month that wedding receptions , sporting events and indoor performances would be allowed from 15 August , as the BBC reported at the time .
Bowling alleys , casinos and soft play centres are also permitted to reopen .
During an interview with The Telegraph last month , the prime minister described implenting another nationwide shutdown as akin to a “ nuclear deterrent ” .
But a senior government source told the newspaper last week that in the event of a significant rise in Covid-related hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ need to think about whether measures need to be taken to reverse things ” .
“ The strategy is to manage this through local outbreak management , but if it moves in the direction of Spain , then clearly you can see what ’ s happening there , and in France , people are making more nationwide measures , ” the source added .
“ It depends on the trajectory , and how quickly we can get on top of outbreaks.
” According to latest figures from the European Centre for Disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new Covid cases per 100,000 people , and 0.2 related deaths , over the past 14 days .
By comparison , Spain recorded 152.7 new cases per 100,000 people and 0.7 deaths , while France recorded 67.1 and 0.3 respectively .

The government’s contingency plans for the reintroduction of lockdown regulations are based on “dodgy data” that has sparked unwarranted fears of a second wave of infections, a leading academic is claiming.
Professor John Clancy, a visiting professor at Birmingham City University, argues that implementing strict new social distancing rules would be “lunacy” as around “91% of England”, or 51 million people, “live in neighbourhoods where there hasn’t been a recorded Covid-19 case in the last four weeks”.
Coronavirus testing in the UK is in “total chaos” and that the official figures are “all over the place”, claims Clancy, the former leader of Birmingham City Council. “And policy responses based on it will be chaos too,” he adds.
So is a second wave coming?
The UK death toll from Covid-19 climbed by six on Sunday, bringing the total to 41,429. Although the levels of fatalities and new infections has dropped significantly from the April peak, the likelihood and severity of a second wave is a subject of debate in academic circles.
Professor John Bell, regius professor of medicine at the University of Oxford, warned last week that the UK was set for a “really bumpy” winter, as the coronavirus crisis is exacerbated by seasonal flu outbreaks, Cambridge Live reports.
“My bet is that we will get a second wave, and the vaccines won’t get here in time to stop the second wave,” Bell told a Royal Society of Medicine webinar.
“Just to be crystal clear, it’s going to be a bumpy winter,” he added. “There’s nothing I can see that’s going to make this an easy winter.”
But in a blog post titled “Local lockdown lunacy” that centres on local restrictions being considered for Birmingham, Professor Clancy points out that the government’s own figures show that 87% of the city’s 132 neighbourhoods did not record a single positive case of Covid-19 in the past week.
And “so-called ‘spikes’ are occurring here, there and everywhere up and down the country because new testing regimes are causing them either with false positives, picking up residual infections or (usually more likely) suddenly increased testing in specific areas,” writes Clancy, who argues that “Covid-19-related deaths are the only real reliable figure throughout this pandemic”.


theweekuk--2020-08-24--Tory MPs demand overhaul of ‘not fit for purpose’ asylum system


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Man City ‘crunch numbers’ for Lionel Messi deal - but do they need him?

The world of football is in shock after Lionel Messi handed in a transfer request at FC Barcelona.
According to BBC Sport, the Argentine sent a fax to the Spanish club requesting his right to exercise a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave for free with immediate effect.
Barcelona do not agree that the clause is still active, Sky Sports reports: it is said to have expired on 10 June. However, Messi and his team believe the clause should be extended to reflect the prolonged season.
His current deal expires in 2021 and he has a buy-out clause set at a whopping €700m (£631.7m). The BBC says a legal battle is set to follow between the club and player.
Sources have told ESPN that Manchester City are “crunching the numbers” to see if they can afford the six-time Ballon d’Or winner without breaching Financial Fair Play rules.
The Daily Mail reports that Messi has “already contacted Pep Guardiola over a sensational move to Manchester City”. But Barcelona believe Manchester United have started negotiations with the player’s agent.
Barca in crisis
Messi’s future has been the subject of rumour following a torrid season for Barcelona in which they failed to win a trophy.
Since the turn of the year the Catalans have sacked two head coaches, lost the La Liga title to Real Madrid and suffered a humiliating 8-2 defeat against Bayern Munich in the Uefa Champions League quarter-final.
In February Messi was also involved in a “row” with sporting director Eric Abidal following the sacking of Ernesto Valverde - which had already put Man City on “red alert”.
After Quique Setién’s firing last week, Ronald Koeman was appointed as the new head coach at Barca and Messi is regarded as a key “pillar” in the rebuild of the Camp Nou squad.
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu says Messi is not for sale, but The Sun reports that City are willing to pay “whatever it takes” to clinch a deal for the world’s best footballer.
Do City really need Messi?
Man City head coach Guardiola would surely welcome Messi to the Etihad Stadium having previously managed the forward when he was Barcelona boss.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Jeremy Corbyn’s stance on Salisbury attack was ‘wrong’, says former adviser

Jeremy Corbyn ’ s failure to condemn Russian following the Salisbury novichok attacks marked the beginning of the end of his leadership , a close ex-aide has claimed .
Following the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia , then-foreign secretary Boris Johnson told the Commons that the Kremlin was “ in many respects a malign and disruptive force ” .
But Corbyn “ misread ” the situation , says ex-adviser Andrew Murray , adding that until then , “ we were doing all right in the polls .
That started bringing all the doubts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office to the surface again.
” According to newly published extracts in The Times from new book Left Out : The Inside Story of Labour Under Corbyn , by the newspaper ’ s journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire , Murray views the attack as a “ turning point ” for Corbyn ’ s national standing and “ the uneasy relationship that the leader ’ s office had with the parliamentary Labour Party ( PLP ) ” .
“ The Salisbury attack is something we got wrong .
When it happened , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Russians behind this , because of the use of novichok ’ , ” Murray said .
“ You don ’ t run into saying ‘ This is Putin ’ s responsibility ’ when you haven ’ t produced the evidence of it .
In fact , this evidence has now been produced .
Had we known then what we know now , we ’ d have taken a different view , I think.
” Along with various other revelations in their tell-all new book , Pogrund and Maguire claim that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blame Russia over the attack “ was in no small part ” due to the influence of his director of communications , ex-Guardian editor Seamus Milne .
“ To his MP critics , ” says the book , Milne took a “ Manichean view of geopolitics , and during his career at The Guardian had on several occasions ended up on the same side of the argument as Putin ” .
Milne would also go on to “ compare the incident to the build-up to the Iraq War ” , telling journalists that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government has access to information and intelligence on this matter which others don ’ t .
“ However , also , there ’ s a history in relation to WMD [ weapons of mass destruction ] and intelligence which is problematic , to put it mildly.
” So “ remarkable ” were the comments , that the Press Association - a news organisation without political affiliation - defied an “ unspoken rule ” of the parliamentary press corps by attibuting the comments to Milne , rather than simply “ a Labour spokesperson ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time , in the ensuing row over Labour ’ s stance , Corbyn was accused of “ appeasement ” towards Russia and was “ heckled ” in the Commons .

Jeremy Corbyn’s failure to condemn Russian following the Salisbury novichok attacks marked the beginning of the end of his leadership, a close ex-aide has claimed.
Following the attack on former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, then-foreign secretary Boris Johnson told the Commons that the Kremlin was “in many respects a malign and disruptive force”.
But Corbyn “misread” the situation, says ex-adviser Andrew Murray, adding that until then, “we were doing all right in the polls. That started bringing all the doubts about Jeremy and the leader’s office to the surface again.”
According to newly published extracts in The Times from new book Left Out: The Inside Story of Labour Under Corbyn, by the newspaper’s journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Patrick Maguire, Murray views the attack as a “turning point” for Corbyn’s national standing and “the uneasy relationship that the leader’s office had with the parliamentary Labour Party (PLP)”.
“The Salisbury attack is something we got wrong. When it happened, I thought, ‘Well, probably there’s Russians behind this, because of the use of novichok’,” Murray said.
“You don’t run into saying ‘This is Putin’s responsibility’ when you haven’t produced the evidence of it. In fact, this evidence has now been produced. Had we known then what we know now, we’d have taken a different view, I think.”
Along with various other revelations in their tell-all new book, Pogrund and Maguire claim that the failure of Corbyn’s team to blame Russia over the attack “was in no small part” due to the influence of his director of communications, ex-Guardian editor Seamus Milne.
“To his MP critics,” says the book, Milne took a “Manichean view of geopolitics, and during his career at The Guardian had on several occasions ended up on the same side of the argument as Putin”.
Milne would also go on to “compare the incident to the build-up to the Iraq War”, telling journalists that “I think, obviously, the government has access to information and intelligence on this matter which others don’t.
“However, also, there’s a history in relation to WMD [weapons of mass destruction] and intelligence which is problematic, to put it mildly.”
So “remarkable” were the comments, that the Press Association - a news organisation without political affiliation - defied an “unspoken rule” of the parliamentary press corps by attibuting the comments to Milne, rather than simply “a Labour spokesperson”.
As Sky News reported at the time, in the ensuing row over Labour’s stance, Corbyn was accused of “appeasement” towards Russia and was “heckled” in the Commons.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Key moments from first night of Republicans’ ‘dark convention’

The US Republican Party ’ s 2020 convention has opened with claims from multiple speakers that the country will be doomed if Donald Trump loses the upcoming election to his Democratic rival Joe Biden .
The launch of the “ dark convention ” on Monday night saw Republican leaders arguing that re-electing the incumbent “ is the only way to save the country from falling into socialism , economic ruin , violence and anarchy ” , The Guardian reports .
With Trump trailing in national polls as his approval rating slumps , the Republicans were in need of a strong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte , North Carolina .
Trump and other speakers at the convention , which is being live streamed , made speeches “ filled with false claims about the integrity of mail-in voting and the policy positions of his Democratic opponent ” , says The New York Times .
Monday night ’ s theme was officially the “ land of promise ” , adds The Guardian ’ s US political reporter Daniel Strauss , but the “ collection of speeches offered an almost apocalyptic vision of what ’ s at stake in November ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of misleading claims ” .
Florida congressman Matt Gaetz warned that if elected , the Democrats will “ disarm you , empty the prisons , lock you in your home and invite MS-13 to live next door ” - a reference to a violent street gang .
Former Fox News host and Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle made an equally inflammatory speech that earned her some ridicule on social media .
“ The same socialist policies which destroyed places like Cuba and Venezuela must not take root in our cities and our schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has necessitated the expansion of mail-in voting across the US for the November election - a move that Trump has repeatedly claimed will result in widespread fraud that could swing the vote in Biden ’ s favour .
Repeating those claims at the convention yesterday , the president warned that “ the only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election ” .
Continuing his attack on the Democrats , he said : “ What they ’ re doing is using Covid to steal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid to defraud the American people - all of our people - of a fair and free election.
” Trump ’ s handling of the coronavirus pandemic also took centre stage at the convention , with a number of widely disputed claims made about the spread of Covid-19 .
In a video played at the beginning of the night , a voiceover claimed that “ from the very beginning , Democrats , the media , and the World Health Organization got coronavirus wrong ” , adding : “ One leader took decisive action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” The video “ drew plenty of criticism from fact-checkers ” , who pointed out that the president has repeatedly claim the virus would “ disappear ” or was “ under control ” in the US , reports Australia ’ s ABC News .
But “ the reality is that , under President Trump ’ s leadership , the US has one of the highest rates of coronavirus in the world - far higher than our peer nations ” , says Vox .
The convention also heard from Dr G.E .
Ghali , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who “ praised Trump for speeding up testing and supplies - the very things that many public health experts have cited as the administration ’ s biggest shortcomings ” , adds Politico .
Ghali said : “ As a physician , I have seen how these breakthroughs have saved many lives .
President Trump moved mountains to save lives .
“ Thank you , Mr President , for your strong leadership during these challenging times.
” In a statement on Sunday , the Republican Party said it would not be announcing a new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convention but would instead pledge to “ enthusiastically ” support Trump , Business Insider reports .
According to New York Magazine , “ what ’ s most remarkable about the personality-cult character of the Republican Party is that its leader is deeply unpopular with the public ” .
Yet “ it is probably because Trump is so deeply and historically unpopular that his party has embraced him so tightly ” , the mag continues .
“ The Republican Party elite harbours quiet doubts about the president ’ s basic competence , morality and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result , Trump feels the need to force them to make public commitments of loyalty , to place their reputations in his hands so that no escape is possible .
”

The US Republican Party’s 2020 convention has opened with claims from multiple speakers that the country will be doomed if Donald Trump loses the upcoming election to his Democratic rival Joe Biden.
The launch of the “dark convention” on Monday night saw Republican leaders arguing that re-electing the incumbent “is the only way to save the country from falling into socialism, economic ruin, violence and anarchy”, The Guardian reports.
With Trump trailing in national polls as his approval rating slumps, the Republicans were in need of a strong showing at the annual summer meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bleak vision of future
Trump and other speakers at the convention, which is being live streamed, made speeches “filled with false claims about the integrity of mail-in voting and the policy positions of his Democratic opponent”, says The New York Times.
Monday night’s theme was officially the “land of promise”, adds The Guardian’s US political reporter Daniel Strauss, but the “collection of speeches offered an almost apocalyptic vision of what’s at stake in November’s elections, and a dizzying array of misleading claims”.
Florida congressman Matt Gaetz warned that if elected, the Democrats will “disarm you, empty the prisons, lock you in your home and invite MS-13 to live next door” - a reference to a violent street gang.
Former Fox News host and Trump campaign adviser Kimberly Guilfoyle made an equally inflammatory speech that earned her some ridicule on social media.
“The same socialist policies which destroyed places like Cuba and Venezuela must not take root in our cities and our schools,” Guilfoyle claimed.
Rigged election claims
The coronavirus pandemic has necessitated the expansion of mail-in voting across the US for the November election - a move that Trump has repeatedly claimed will result in widespread fraud that could swing the vote in Biden’s favour.
Repeating those claims at the convention yesterday, the president warned that “the only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election”.
Continuing his attack on the Democrats, he said: “What they’re doing is using Covid to steal an election. They’re using Covid to defraud the American people - all of our people - of a fair and free election.”
Coronavirus crisis
Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic also took centre stage at the convention, with a number of widely disputed claims made about the spread of Covid-19.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Tesco to reward lockdown temps with 16,000 permanent jobs

Tesco has announced plans to create 16,000 permanent jobs to support the supermarket chain ’ s online business following “ exceptional growth ” during lockdown .
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic , around 9 % of Tesco ’ s sales were online , but this has now doubled to 16 % .
Online customer numbers have risen from around 600,000 at the start of the outbreak to nearly 1.5 million .
And the supermarket giant is predicting online sales of more than £5.5bn in 2020 - up from £3.3bn last year .
In late April , after Tesco became the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ online grocery orders in a week , CEO Dave Lewis said in a statement that “ we ’ ve built a grocery delivery business which is probably the biggest in the world , but we know we need to do more - and we will ” .
The 16,000 new job roles are in addition to 4,000 permanent jobs already created by the supermarket giant since the start of the Covid crisis .
The new positions will include 10,000 pickers to assemble customer orders and 3,000 delivery drivers , plus other roles in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the permanent jobs will be filled by staff , also known as colleagues , who joined on a temporary basis during the lockdown , with remaining vacancies to be recruited externally .
Annoucing the jobs boom , Tesco UK and Ireland ’ s chief executive Jason Tarry said : “ Since the start of the pandemic , our colleagues have helped us to more than double our online capacity , safely serving nearly 1.5 million customers every week and prioritising vulnerable customers to ensure they get the food they need .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to meet online demand for the long term , and will create permanent employment opportunities for 16,000 people across the UK.
” A recent study on UK shopping habits by Waitrose suggests that the shift to online shopping will be permanent .
The poll of 2,000 people across the UK found that 77 % now do at least some of their grocery shopping online , compared with 61 % a year ago .
Meanwhile , a report published last week by O2 said that 44 % of the telecommunication company ’ s customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact on the way they shop .

Tesco has announced plans to create 16,000 permanent jobs to support the supermarket chain’s online business following “exceptional growth” during lockdown.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, around 9% of Tesco’s sales were online, but this has now doubled to 16%. Online customer numbers have risen from around 600,000 at the start of the outbreak to nearly 1.5 million.
And the supermarket giant is predicting online sales of more than £5.5bn in 2020 - up from £3.3bn last year.
In late April, after Tesco became the first UK retailer to fulfil a million online grocery orders in a week, CEO Dave Lewis said in a statement that “we’ve built a grocery delivery business which is probably the biggest in the world, but we know we need to do more - and we will”.
The 16,000 new job roles are in addition to 4,000 permanent jobs already created by the supermarket giant since the start of the Covid crisis. The new positions will include 10,000 pickers to assemble customer orders and 3,000 delivery drivers, plus other roles in stores and distribution centres.
A majority of the permanent jobs will be filled by staff, also known as colleagues, who joined on a temporary basis during the lockdown, with remaining vacancies to be recruited externally.
Annoucing the jobs boom, Tesco UK and Ireland’s chief executive Jason Tarry said: “Since the start of the pandemic, our colleagues have helped us to more than double our online capacity, safely serving nearly 1.5 million customers every week and prioritising vulnerable customers to ensure they get the food they need.
“These new roles will help us continue to meet online demand for the long term, and will create permanent employment opportunities for 16,000 people across the UK.”
A recent study on UK shopping habits by Waitrose suggests that the shift to online shopping will be permanent. The poll of 2,000 people across the UK found that 77% now do at least some of their grocery shopping online, compared with 61% a year ago.
Meanwhile, a report published last week by O2 said that 44% of the telecommunication company’s customers believe the pandemic will have a lasting impact on the way they shop.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Isis Beatles facing ‘fate worse than death’ in ‘America’s toughest jail’

Two of the Isis Beatles are in fear of a “ fate worse than the death penalty ” if convicted and sentenced to life in a US maximum security prison after being extradited .
Alexanda Kotey and El-Shafee el-Sheikh , both from London , are facing rendition to the US after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the UK that the duo would not face death sentences .
But the two jihadists - who are accused of belonging to a four-man cell of executioners in Syria - have said that “ the worst thing that could happen ” would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what the Daily Mail describes as “ America ’ s toughest jail ” .
The United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility in Colorado is “ currently home to 490 convicted terrorists , gang leaders and neo-Nazis ” , says the newspaper .
“ Many have been transferred from other prisons after killing inmates or prison staff.
” Current inmates in the supermax jail - also known as “ the Alcatraz of the Rockies ” - include so-called “ Shoe Bomber ” Richard Reid , 9/11 terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui , and al-Qa ’ eda @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trade Center in 1993 .
According to The Sun , prisoners in the “ hellhole ” prison “ are locked up alone for 23 hours a day in 12ft by 7ft cells without windows ” .
An Amnesty International report found that inmates spend years in solitary confinement and can go days “ with only a few words spoken to them ” .
One former convict who served time there told The Boston Globe that the jail was a “ hi-tech version of hell , designed to shut down all sensory perception ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the reputation of such prisons .
In an interview with Daily Mirror last year , Kotey said : “ I would not want to spend time in a prison in the US .
That would not be good .
`` That would be the worst thing that could happen.
” A former British military intelligence officer has told the newspaper that those fears are justified when it comes to the Colorado jail , which is where they could end up if convicted .
“ Justice in the States for Kotey and el-Sheikh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious punishment and revenge , ” said the unnamed source .
“ Theirs will be a life of aching drudgery and boredom .
The supermax strips away any comfort and distraction .
It will be their worst nightmare .
“ In many ways being locked up for the rest of your life in a featureless and excruciatingly monotonous place is for some people a fate worse than the death penalty .
”

Two of the Isis Beatles are in fear of a “fate worse than the death penalty” if convicted and sentenced to life in a US maximum security prison after being extradited.
Alexanda Kotey and El-Shafee el-Sheikh, both from London, are facing rendition to the US after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured the UK that the duo would not face death sentences.
But the two jihadists - who are accused of belonging to a four-man cell of executioners in Syria - have said that “the worst thing that could happen” would be ending up incarcerated in the likes of what the Daily Mail describes as “America’s toughest jail”.
The United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility in Colorado is “currently home to 490 convicted terrorists, gang leaders and neo-Nazis”, says the newspaper. “Many have been transferred from other prisons after killing inmates or prison staff.”
Current inmates in the supermax jail - also known as “the Alcatraz of the Rockies” - include so-called “Shoe Bomber” Richard Reid, 9/11 terrorist Zacarias Moussaoui, and al-Qa’eda operatives behind the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993.
According to The Sun, prisoners in the “hellhole” prison“are locked up alone for 23 hours a day in 12ft by 7ft cells without windows”. An Amnesty International report found that inmates spend years in solitary confinement and can go days “with only a few words spoken to them”.
One former convict who served time there told The Boston Globe that the jail was a “hi-tech version of hell, designed to shut down all sensory perception”.
Kotey and el-Sheikh are well aware of the reputation of such prisons. In an interview with Daily Mirror last year, Kotey said: “I would not want to spend time in a prison in the US. That would not be good.
"That would be the worst thing that could happen.”
A former British military intelligence officer has told the newspaper that those fears are justified when it comes to the Colorado jail, which is where they could end up if convicted.
“Justice in the States for Kotey and el-Sheikh will not be about rehabilitation, but serious punishment and revenge,” said the unnamed source. “Theirs will be a life of aching drudgery and boredom. The supermax strips away any comfort and distraction. It will be their worst nightmare.
“In many ways being locked up for the rest of your life in a featureless and excruciatingly monotonous place is for some people a fate worse than the death penalty.”


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Bank holiday virtual music festivals: Reading, Leeds, Creamfields and more

If you thought the August bank holiday weekend was going to be a quiet one then think again .
Music fans are unable to attend festivals this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic , but that isn ’ t stopping event organisers from putting on a virtual show .
So forget muddy fields , lukewarm drinks and dodgy loos , the best parties will be at home this long weekend , with the choice of entertainment ranging from epic sets from Creamfields to re-runs of legendary performances at Leeds and Reading .
28-30 August 2020 ; readingfestival.com The Reading and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the bank holiday weekend to look back at some of the classic performances from years gone by .
Between midday and midnight , Friday to Sunday , BBC iPlayer will have a pop-up channel streaming live sets from acts including Billie Eilish , Radiohead and The 1975 .
A rerun of last year ’ s Reading headline set by the Foo Fighters will also be screened on BBC Four from midnight on Friday .
28-30 August ; southwestfour.com Filmed at the Electric Brixton , # SW4Live2020 will be streamed online throughout the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours of exclusive sets from acts including Holy Goof , Dash Berlin , Eli & Fur , Macky Gee , Skepsis and IndiKa .
The event is in a good cause too , with donations raising through the live streams to go to mental health charity Mind .
29-30 August ; shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Organisers of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival are throwing a two-day virtual event with a long line-up of musical acts performing on the Bellstone stage .
Events for kids include lantern making and singing , while adults can take part in workshops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ukulele playing .
29-30 August ; creamfields.com Dance the weekend away at the Creamfields House Party .
Taking place from 2pm on Saturday until 2am on Sunday , and then 12pm until 11pm on Sunday , the two-day festival will feature some of the very best sets from Creamfields over the last few years .
Fans can watch online or via YouTube , Twitch and Beatport .
29-31 August ; nhcarnival.org History is being made with the first ever digital Notting Hill Carnival .
Fans can register for free to enjoy the three-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Culture , Parade , Sounds Systems and the Main Stage .
30-31 August ; facebook.com/21CProgressiveHouse This 36-hour , non-stop virtual music festival is being organised by the 21CPH platform and will feature 26 of the world ’ s best progressive house DJs .
Robert Babicz , Emi Galvan and GMJ are just three of the acts confirmed for the digital line-up .

If you thought the August bank holiday weekend was going to be a quiet one then think again.
Music fans are unable to attend festivals this summer because of the coronavirus pandemic, but that isn’t stopping event organisers from putting on a virtual show.
So forget muddy fields, lukewarm drinks and dodgy loos, the best parties will be at home this long weekend, with the choice of entertainment ranging from epic sets from Creamfields to re-runs of legendary performances at Leeds and Reading.
Get ready to celebrate #RANDL20 with BBC Music 🙌 From Friday 28th - Sunday 30th August head to @BBCiPlayer, @BBCSounds, TV and Radio as they dive into the #RandL archive 🤘 Head to our website for more details 🍻 https://t.co/gZwWqNCsne ❤https://t.co/GzMA27yPjc 💛 pic.twitter.com/bwAIVGIQK6 — Reading & Leeds Fest (@OfficialRandL) August 13, 2020
Reading & Leeds Festivals BBC Weekend
28-30 August 2020; readingfestival.com The Reading and Leeds festivals are partnering with BBC Music over the bank holiday weekend to look back at some of the classic performances from years gone by. Between midday and midnight, Friday to Sunday, BBC iPlayer will have a pop-up channel streaming live sets from acts including Billie Eilish, Radiohead and The 1975. A rerun of last year’s Reading headline set by the Foo Fighters will also be screened on BBC Four from midnight on Friday.
Every August Bank Holiday for the last 16 years has seen us prepare for our yearly ritual on the Common. This year we present SW4 Live, broadcasting 30hrs of exclusive sets 🥳 Organise your raving crews, grab your drinks - we'll do the rest for your Bank Holiday Weekend 🍻🕺💃 pic.twitter.com/4gIAiAlyO7 — SW4 Festival (@southwest4) August 7, 2020
South West Four Live
28-30 August; southwestfour.com Filmed at the Electric Brixton, #SW4Live2020 will be streamed online throughout the long weekend, with more than 30 hours of exclusive sets from acts including Holy Goof, Dash Berlin, Eli & Fur, Macky Gee, Skepsis and IndiKa. The event is in a good cause too, with donations raising through the live streams to go to mental health charity Mind.
🎪 Virtually Shrewsbury Folk Festival programme 🎪 View the full programme and explore what's on here: https://t.co/nGTDjTQC58It's all FREE but please donate to our fundraising campaign that will also support @HopeHouseKids: https://t.co/IKaL4BiLDn#vsff20 pic.twitter.com/b2adyUQfx2 — Shrewsbury Folk Festival (@shrewsburyfolk) August 18, 2020
Virtually Shrewsbury Folk Festival
29-30 August; shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk Organisers of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival are throwing a two-day virtual event with a long line-up of musical acts performing on the Bellstone stage. Events for kids include lantern making and singing, while adults can take part in workshops ranging from yoga and body percussion to ukulele playing.
Our MASSIVE #CreamfieldsHouseParty lineup is here! 🔥 With donations to mental health charity @MindCharity pic.twitter.com/NzOXxm8STI — Creamfields (@Creamfields) August 5, 2020
Creamfields House Party
29-30 August; creamfields.com Dance the weekend away at the Creamfields House Party. Taking place from 2pm on Saturday until 2am on Sunday, and then 12pm until 11pm on Sunday, the two-day festival will feature some of the very best sets from Creamfields over the last few years. Fans can watch online or via YouTube, Twitch and Beatport.
We are going to make history together with the 1st Digital #NottingHillCarnival - Let the spirit take over your home from Aug 29th- 31st. Register for exclusive Access All Areas at https://t.co/pjjp3ZftFV 🧡#NHCATHOME #NHC2020 #NOTTINGHILLCARNIVAL #NHCAAA powered by @letsgodo pic.twitter.com/xmLjCtJkr1 — Notting Hill Carnival (@NHCarnivalLDN) August 23, 2020
Notting Hill Digital Carnival
29-31 August; nhcarnival.org History is being made with the first ever digital Notting Hill Carnival. Fans can register for free to enjoy the three-day extravaganza, plus enjoy exclusive access to Culture, Parade, Sounds Systems and the Main Stage.
Odyssey by 21CPH
30-31 August; facebook.com/21CProgressiveHouse This 36-hour, non-stop virtual music festival is being organised by the 21CPH platform and will feature 26 of the world’s best progressive house DJs. Robert Babicz, Emi Galvan and GMJ are just three of the acts confirmed for the digital line-up.
The ReGeneration Festival
26-29 August; newgenerationfestival.org The ReGen Festival is a four-day programme of concerts and productions taking place at Boboli Gardens in Florence, Italy. Streamed lived for free, the festival’s highlights include a full production of Rossini’s adaptation of Charles Perrault’s Cinderella fairy tale - La Cenerentola.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 25 Aug 2020

Police and protesters have clashed for a second night in Wisconsin after officers shot a black man on Sunday .
@ @ @ @ @ a stable condition after he was shot multiple times as he tried to get into @ @ @ @ @ of Kenosha .
Footage of the shooting went viral on social media , sparking protests @ @ @ @ @ impose a curfew .
Reports suggest up to 200 members of the National Guard were @ @ @ @ @ .

Protests in Wisconsin after Jacob Blake shooting
Police and protesters have clashed for a second night in Wisconsin after officers shot a black man on Sunday. Jacob Blake is reportedly in a stable condition after he was shot multiple times as he tried to get into a car in the city of Kenosha. Footage of the shooting went viral on social media, sparking protests and leading county officials to impose a curfew. Reports suggest up to 200 members of the National Guard were to be deployed on Monday.


theweekuk--2020-08-25--Dead bodies emerge on UK island

Dead bodies emerge on UK island

Human remains are appearing on an island just off the Kent coast where visitors have been banned for 200 years .
Deadman ’ s Island was used as a burial ground for convicts who died aboard prison ships en route to Australia , but rising sea levels and coastal erosion mean wooden coffins , skulls and fragments of bones have now become visible .
A curious website shows you what standard-issue wheely bins look like in different areas of the UK .
Designer Harry Trimble has been photographing bins across the country since 2016 , with the aim of documenting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When you look at a bin , ” he says , “ you can see how a council thinks about itself.
” A woman who played the same lottery numbers every week for six years won a $ 1.8m ( £1.3m ) jackpot the first week she changed them .
The woman from New South Wales said : “ The first thing that came to mind was no more renting .
It will mean everything to me and my family to own our very own home .
We ’ re going to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so all our family can come and stay.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Human remains are appearing on an island just off the Kent coast where visitors have been banned for 200 years. Deadman’s Island was used as a burial ground for convicts who died aboard prison ships en route to Australia, but rising sea levels and coastal erosion mean wooden coffins, skulls and fragments of bones have now become visible.
Website documents nation’s wheely bins
A curious website shows you what standard-issue wheely bins look like in different areas of the UK. Designer Harry Trimble has been photographing bins across the country since 2016, with the aim of documenting a country’s bins. “When you look at a bin,” he says, “you can see how a council thinks about itself.”
Woman hits jackpot after changing lottery numbers
A woman who played the same lottery numbers every week for six years won a $1.8m (£1.3m) jackpot the first week she changed them. The woman from New South Wales said: “The first thing that came to mind was no more renting. It will mean everything to me and my family to own our very own home. We’re going to buy a big house with a granny flat so all our family can come and stay.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-08-27--Instant Opinion: Britain’s quarantine rules ‘are phoney nonsense’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ The logic of imposing quarantine is that the threat of spreading the virus on return is significant , justifying drastic restrictions on freedom , havoc for the struggling travel industry and huge costs for those who must isolate but can not work from home .
Quarantine is not lockdown by another name .
It is far fiercer .
Those in it may not leave home , even to shop , exercise or walk a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buy food or medicine if deliveries can ’ t be arranged .
Nobody may visit except to give care .
Only a handful of reasons justify stepping beyond the front door : medical emergencies , a family funeral , imminent danger .
People must isolate for 14 days but they have no right to be paid .
You would assume that a government decreeing that these serious restrictions were vital would be monitoring them with equal seriousness .
You would be mistaken .
The system for overseeing and enforcing quarantine is a shabby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ designed it to be anything else.
” on why the UK has little to gain from Scotland There are some things the English definitely shouldn ’ t want to copy from Scotland “ Historically , Scots were cynical and critical of their political leaders .
A mountain range of comedy and literature was founded on ordinary people ’ s healthy mistrust of , and disrespect for , all kinds of authority .
Deference was a dirty word .
No longer .
Devolution has succeeded in at least this respect : it has inculcated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of direct rule from London , alien to Scots .
While references to ‘ Boris ’ are looked upon with suspicion about the user ’ s political views , it is de rigueur to refer to the first minister as ‘ Nicola ’ ... A culture in which voters remain determined to vote for the party of government irrespective of that government ’ s actions or policies is the antithesis of democratic accountability .
It gives ministers carte blanche to pursue any policy they wish while knowing that however ill-judged it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their electoral prospects.
” on a continent acting in its self-interest Greece has a deadly new migration policy – and all of Europe is to blame “ A vital part of international refugee law is the principle of non-refoulement : the idea that states should not push people seeking asylum back to unsafe countries .
In a country like the UK , which does not sit next to a war zone , advocates of ‘ tougher ’ policies to deter asylum seekers will claim that the principle does not apply , since people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have passed through several peaceful countries before they get there .
But if every country looks only to its own interests , and behaves as if asylum seekers are someone else ’ s problem , then you very quickly end up with a system that traps people in situations where their lives are at risk .
That is the system bequeathed by Europe ’ s panicked response to the 2015 refugee crisis , and in recent months , partly under cover of the emergency conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blow in The New York Times on the role of black speakers in Trump ’ s Republican Party “ So far the Republican National Convention isn ’ t so much presenting a record of America and an administration as it is inventing one .
The speakers at the event haven ’ t admitted to the pathological pursuit of a white nationalist , white power agenda that has become a signature of Donald Trump ’ s presidency .
So what we ’ ve heard bears little relation to the fullness of truth and is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Instead , we have been feted to a parade of Black and brown faces that have sought to soften or even erase Trump ’ s overt history of racism to falsify an American story into one in which liberals are worse racial offenders than conservatives .
In this inside-out world , Trump has been an exemplar on racial inclusion and his defeat would usher in an era of racial division.
” It turns out Mike Pence is even more radical than we all feared “ It turns out that when Pence is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permatanned bully beside him , he is just as radical and unhinged as we always suspected .
In fact , as he bellowed in an uncharacteristically uncontrolled moment that ‘ we will have law and order on the streets of this country !
’ I began to realize he ’ s probably even worse than we thought .
Because the lies that stacked up were blatant , brazen and unabashed .
‘ Democrats support abortion up to the point of birth ’ ; ‘ Joe Biden is for free lawyers and healthcare for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been a cheerleader for communist China ’ ; Donald Trump was singlehandedly responsible for the defeat of Isis , which happened without ‘ one American casualty ’ ; Obama caused a recession ; the US is known the world over for its fantastic response to coronavirus .
It was like a compilation of Trump ’ s own worst takes , and for the first time I genuinely wondered whether poisonous little Mike Pence might be the main inspiration for a lot of what we ’ re subjected to from the President in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Jenni Russell in The Times
on haphazard checks and individual conscience
Our quarantine rules are phoney nonsense
“The logic of imposing quarantine is that the threat of spreading the virus on return is significant, justifying drastic restrictions on freedom, havoc for the struggling travel industry and huge costs for those who must isolate but cannot work from home. Quarantine is not lockdown by another name. It is far fiercer. Those in it may not leave home, even to shop, exercise or walk a dog. They must ask others to buy food or medicine if deliveries can’t be arranged. Nobody may visit except to give care. Only a handful of reasons justify stepping beyond the front door: medical emergencies, a family funeral, imminent danger. People must isolate for 14 days but they have no right to be paid. You would assume that a government decreeing that these serious restrictions were vital would be monitoring them with equal seriousness. You would be mistaken. The system for overseeing and enforcing quarantine is a shabby, incoherent mess, because nobody has designed it to be anything else.”
2. Tom Harris in The Daily Telegraph
on why the UK has little to gain from Scotland
There are some things the English definitely shouldn’t want to copy from Scotland
“Historically, Scots were cynical and critical of their political leaders. A mountain range of comedy and literature was founded on ordinary people’s healthy mistrust of, and disrespect for, all kinds of authority. Deference was a dirty word. No longer. Devolution has succeeded in at least this respect: it has inculcated a mentality that was, in the days of direct rule from London, alien to Scots. While references to ‘Boris’ are looked upon with suspicion about the user’s political views, it is de rigueur to refer to the first minister as ‘Nicola’... A culture in which voters remain determined to vote for the party of government irrespective of that government’s actions or policies is the antithesis of democratic accountability. It gives ministers carte blanche to pursue any policy they wish while knowing that however ill-judged it is, it will have no impact on their electoral prospects.”
3. Daniel Trilling in The Guardian
on a continent acting in its self-interest
Greece has a deadly new migration policy – and all of Europe is to blame
“A vital part of international refugee law is the principle of non-refoulement: the idea that states should not push people seeking asylum back to unsafe countries. In a country like the UK, which does not sit next to a war zone, advocates of ‘tougher’ policies to deter asylum seekers will claim that the principle does not apply, since people who reach Britain’s shores will have passed through several peaceful countries before they get there. But if every country looks only to its own interests, and behaves as if asylum seekers are someone else’s problem, then you very quickly end up with a system that traps people in situations where their lives are at risk. That is the system bequeathed by Europe’s panicked response to the 2015 refugee crisis, and in recent months, partly under cover of the emergency conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, it has got worse.”
4. Charles M. Blow in The New York Times
on the role of black speakers in Trump’s Republican Party
R.N.C. Rewrites Trump’s Racism - and America’s
“So far the Republican National Convention isn’t so much presenting a record of America and an administration as it is inventing one. The speakers at the event haven’t admitted to the pathological pursuit of a white nationalist, white power agenda that has become a signature of Donald Trump’s presidency. So what we’ve heard bears little relation to the fullness of truth and is not the correct distillation of a record. Instead, we have been feted to a parade of Black and brown faces that have sought to soften or even erase Trump’s overt history of racism to falsify an American story into one in which liberals are worse racial offenders than conservatives. In this inside-out world, Trump has been an exemplar on racial inclusion and his defeat would usher in an era of racial division.”
5. Holly Baxter in The Independent
on the previously quiet vice president
It turns out Mike Pence is even more radical than we all feared
“It turns out that when Pence is allowed to open his mouth by the permatanned bully beside him, he is just as radical and unhinged as we always suspected. In fact, as he bellowed in an uncharacteristically uncontrolled moment that ‘we will have law and order on the streets of this country!’ I began to realize he’s probably even worse than we thought. Because the lies that stacked up were blatant, brazen and unabashed. ‘Democrats support abortion up to the point of birth’; ‘Joe Biden is for free lawyers and healthcare for illegal immigrants’; ‘Biden has been a cheerleader for communist China’; Donald Trump was singlehandedly responsible for the defeat of Isis, which happened without ‘one American casualty’; Obama caused a recession; the US is known the world over for its fantastic response to coronavirus. It was like a compilation of Trump’s own worst takes, and for the first time I genuinely wondered whether poisonous little Mike Pence might be the main inspiration for a lot of what we’re subjected to from the President in the White House and on Twitter.”