theweekuk--2020-03-11--Sport shorts: Rory McIlroy praises ‘unbelievable’ Tiger Woods and Melbourne is ‘lucky’ to host F1 Au

Sport shorts: Rory McIlroy praises ‘unbelievable’ Tiger Woods and Melbourne is ‘lucky’ to host F1 Australian GP

Defending champion Rory McIlroy heads to The Players Championship celebrating a 100th week in his career as golf ’ s world No.1 .
However , he knows there ’ s a long way to go if he was ever to match Tiger Woods ’ s 683 weeks as the world ’ s best golfer .
Speaking at TPC Sawgrass ahead of The Players , which starts tomorrow , Northern Irishman McIlroy said : “ I ’ m very proud to think that I ’ ve spent two years of my career at the top of the world rankings , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tiger ’ s 683 , I can ’ t fathom .
“ I mean , it ’ s just unbelievable .
I just don ’ t think anyone can speak highly enough of what Tiger did over that stretch of golf .
It was just insane.
” The Players Championship gets underway at 11.40am ( GMT ) tomorrow and is live on Sky Sports Golf .
McIlroy tees off at 5.51pm but Woods will not play because of a back injury .
If Champions League holders Liverpool are to remain in the competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deficit against Atletico Madrid at Anfield tonight .
The Reds trail 1-0 from the first leg and boss Jurgen Klopp is concerned at what tactics their visitors may adopt .
“ You need always a referee who is aware of situations like this , we can not do it by ourselves , ” said the German .
“ We expect a really ‘ experienced ’ performance from Atletico , let me say that .
In all different departments [ they are ] experienced and we have to deal with that.
” In tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leg Borussia Dortmund take a 2-1 aggregate lead to Paris Saint-Germain .
Both ties kick off at 8pm and are live on BT Sport .
3 .
Man City vs. Arsenal is off Manchester City ’ s match against Arsenal this evening has become the first Premier League fixture to fall victim to coronavirus .
The decision to call off the Etihad clash was taken after Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for coronavirus a fortnight after watching his Greek team beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wolves ’ s request to Uefa to postpone tomorrow night ’ s Europa League last-16 tie against Olympiacos has been rejected .
The Greek club ’ s owner , Evangelos Marinakis , has tested positive for coronavirus , which is why the Man City game has been shelved with Arsenal because he came into contact with some Gunners players and staff in the last round of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that the Europa League match between Olympiacos and Wolves will go ahead tomorrow , behind closed doors , in line with the Greek government ’ s enforced temporary suspension of spectators attending sporting events .
Coronavirus impact on sport events : what ’ s postponed , cancelled or being played behind closed doors ?
% uD83D % uDD34Breaking news : # ASRoma will not travel to Spain for the @ EuropaLeague match against @ SevillaFC_ENG after the plane from Italy was not authorised to land in Spain .
More details from UEFA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last-16 first leg matches are also in doubt .
Italian team AS Roma say they will not travel to Seville in Spain because their plane is not authorised to land while Spanish club Getafe are refusing to go to Italy to play Inter Milan .
Getafe president Angel Torres said : “ The Spanish government , which is what we have to follow , has banned return flights between Spain and Italy .
“ It would be great to play the tie against Inter and we were very excited as a club and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t happen and we have to lose the tie , we ’ ll do so with our heads held high.
” Coronavirus has also been the major talking point in Formula 1 ahead of this weekend ’ s season-opening race in Melbourne .
The BBC reports that three F1 teams members - two from Haas and one from McLaren - are in self-isolation after being tested for coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix .
However the event ’ s chief executive Andrew Westacott says the city is “ lucky ” to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such uncertainty .
He told Sky Sports : “ “ The event is going on , all the teams are here , the freights are being unloaded , and we ’ ve got 1,500 workers putting finishing touches to the venue .
Different circumstances exist in different countries .
We ’ re lucky that we ’ ve got the opportunity to stage this big event in the current period of time and you ’ ve got to capitalise on that.
” The opening match of the 2021 ICC Women ’ s World Cup @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia in Auckland , New Zealand on Sunday 7 February .
The final will be played in Christchurch on 7 March .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Danny Drinkwater ’ s future at Aston Villa is in doubt after the midfielder was sent home by manager Dean Smith yesterday following a training ground bust-up .
The 30-year-old , who is on loan at Villa from Chelsea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 9 .
From the Super Bowl to the wrestling ring According to Fox Sport ’ s WWE Backstage show three-time NFL Super Bowl winner Rob Gronkowski is close to signing a deal with WWE .
The 30-year-old retired last year after winning his third Super Bowl with the New England Patriots .
10 .
Spurs crash out of the UCL The dominant story on the back pages is Tottenham Hotspur ’ s dismal defeat against RB Leipzig in the last 16 of the Uefa Champions League last night .
“ That was Dier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mirror , above a photo of a glum Jose Mourinho and Eric Dier , the pair coming to terms with the 3-0 hammering by the German outfit .
The tie finished 4-0 on aggregate to Leipzig .
Spurs crash out and Klopp warns of Atletico ’ s ‘ dark arts ’ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Rory: Tiger’s No.1 run was just insane
Defending champion Rory McIlroy heads to The Players Championship celebrating a 100th week in his career as golf’s world No.1.
However, he knows there’s a long way to go if he was ever to match Tiger Woods’s 683 weeks as the world’s best golfer.
Speaking at TPC Sawgrass ahead of The Players, which starts tomorrow, Northern Irishman McIlroy said: “I’m very proud to think that I’ve spent two years of my career at the top of the world rankings, which is a pretty nice feeling. But Tiger’s 683, I can’t fathom.
“I mean, it’s just unbelievable. I just don’t think anyone can speak highly enough of what Tiger did over that stretch of golf. It was just insane.”
The Players Championship gets underway at 11.40am (GMT) tomorrow and is live on Sky Sports Golf. McIlroy tees off at 5.51pm but Woods will not play because of a back injury.
2. Klopp warns of Atletico antics
If Champions League holders Liverpool are to remain in the competition they will have to overturn a one-goal deficit against Atletico Madrid at Anfield tonight.
The Reds trail 1-0 from the first leg and boss Jurgen Klopp is concerned at what tactics their visitors may adopt.
“You need always a referee who is aware of situations like this, we cannot do it by ourselves,” said the German. “We expect a really ‘experienced’ performance from Atletico, let me say that. In all different departments [they are] experienced and we have to deal with that.”
In tonight’s other Champions League last-16 second leg Borussia Dortmund take a 2-1 aggregate lead to Paris Saint-Germain. Both ties kick off at 8pm and are live on BT Sport.
3. Man City vs. Arsenal is off
Manchester City’s match against Arsenal this evening has become the first Premier League fixture to fall victim to coronavirus.
The decision to call off the Etihad clash was taken after Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis tested positive for coronavirus a fortnight after watching his Greek team beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the Europa League.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Wolves must play
Wolves’s request to Uefa to postpone tomorrow night’s Europa League last-16 tie against Olympiacos has been rejected.


theweekuk--2020-03-11--Rishi Sunak’s debut Budget: how did the new chancellor do?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is being widely praised after presenting his first Budget , which ends a decade of Tory austerity .
The spending plan includes a £30bn stimulus package to counter the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak , with Sunak pledging “ whatever it takes , whatever it costs ” to help the NHS tackle the crisis .
Overall , his Budget brings “ significant increases in capital and day-to-day spending , financed primarily by extra borrowing ” , reports the Financial Times .
The newspaper ’ s Sebastian Payne says the Budget speech was “ masterfully delivered ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than a month to prepare , after replacing Sajid Javid in Boris Johnson ’ s February reshuffle .
“ Tory MPs are impressed .
But it also has to be the least Conservative budget in living memory .
Sunak occupying a new political centre ground , ” Payne tweeted .
The Spectator ’ s assistant editor Isabel Hardman agrees that Sunak delivered “ a truly impressive Budget speech on its own terms , let alone as a debut ” , a view echoed by HuffPost editor Paul Waugh .
Standing at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ riffed on the Conservative election promise to “ Get Brexit done ” , repeating that the Tories were the party of “ getting things done ” - and even pledging to “ get the A303 done ” as part of infrastructure plans .
He also gave a shout-out to his predecessor , saying : “ Saj , we ’ re getting it done.
” At one point , a cry of “ Nailed it , Rishi ” could be heard from the benches as the chancellor made a joke at his Labour Party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no VAT on historical fiction by Hilary Mantel , textbooks like Gray ’ s Anatomy or indeed works of fantasy like John McDonnell ’ s Economics for the Many , ” Sunak quipped .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Times ’ Gemma Godfrey is among a number of commentators suggesting that Sunak might already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , The Guardian ’ s Andrew Sparrow notes that Jeremy Corbyn faced a tough task in talking down Sunak ’ s spending package , as “ a set of measures that would have sat very happily in a Labour budget ” .
“ The opposition has spent the last five years at least denouncing austerity and demanding higher spending on public services and a massive programme of investment .
And that is what the Treasury has delivered , ” Sparrow adds .
BBC presenter Andrew Neil agrees , describing the package as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , reports the Daily Express .
“ [ Sunak ] splashed the cash from everything to more money for the NHS , roads , to research and development .
He also mentioned various tax cuts and various freezing of taxes like the fuel levy , ” said Neil .
“ It was a huge budget in terms of its content and it will take a lot of unpicking .
”

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theweekuk--2020-03-11--Carrie Symonds denies Dilyn the dog rumours

Carrie Symonds has denied reports that the Jack Russell cross puppy which she adopted with Boris Johnson last year may be re-homed .
The Times reports that the dog , called Dilyn , has proved quite a “ sickly animal ” and may be booted out before Symonds gives birth to her first child with the prime minister in early summer .
The newspaper claims that the upheaval created by Dilyn ’ s arrival , combined with Johnson ’ s “ own less than scrupulous house-keeping ” , has created tensions .
A Whitehall source is quoted as saying : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dog is going to make it through the next reshuffle.
” But in a post on Twitter today , Symonds has dismissed the report as “ a load of total crap ” and “ 100 % bs ” .
“ There has never been a happier , healthier and more loved dog than our Dilyn , ” she wrote , adding : “ The people behind this story should be ashamed of themselves.
” A Downing Street source also denied the claims , telling The Times yesterday that Dilyn was “ great shape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s completely untrue that there are plans for him to be re-homed.
” Dilyn was 15 weeks old when he moved to Downing Street last September from the Friends of Animals Wales shelter in Rhondda .
He had been rescued after being abandoned by puppy farmers because he had a misaligned jaw .
Announcing the adoption , a No .
10 spokesperson said : “ The prime minister has always been a passionate supporter of animal welfare and believes in giving animals the best start in life.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Symonds also tweeted about Dilyn ’ s arrival , writing : “ Thanks to the wonderful Eileen who rescued Dilyn after she got a tip-off that he was to be dumped by a puppy dealer because he was born with a crooked jaw .
Eileen fixed his little jaw and saved his life .
She is a hero.
” The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election campaign trail wearing his own “ Get Brexit Done ” rosette , and has become something of a star on social media .
Dilyn gets regular mentions on Symonds ’ social media feed , while a spoof Twitter account set up in his name has attracted more than 4,500 followers .

Carrie Symonds has denied reports that the Jack Russell cross puppy which she adopted with Boris Johnson last year may be re-homed.
The Times reports that the dog, called Dilyn, has proved quite a “sickly animal” and may be booted out before Symonds gives birth to her first child with the prime minister in early summer.
The newspaper claims that the upheaval created by Dilyn’s arrival, combined with Johnson’s “own less than scrupulous house-keeping”, has created tensions.
A Whitehall source is quoted as saying: “I’m not sure that dog is going to make it through the next reshuffle.”
But in a post on Twitter today, Symonds has dismissed the report as “a load of total crap” and “100% bs”.
“There has never been a happier, healthier and more loved dog than our Dilyn,” she wrote, adding: “The people behind this story should be ashamed of themselves.”
A Downing Street source also denied the claims, telling The Times yesterday that Dilyn was “great shape”. The insider added: “It’s completely untrue that there are plans for him to be re-homed.”
Dilyn was 15 weeks old when he moved to Downing Street last September from the Friends of Animals Wales shelter in Rhondda. He had been rescued after being abandoned by puppy farmers because he had a misaligned jaw.
Announcing the adoption, a No. 10 spokesperson said: “The prime minister has always been a passionate supporter of animal welfare and believes in giving animals the best start in life.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Symonds also tweeted about Dilyn’s arrival, writing : “Thanks to the wonderful Eileen who rescued Dilyn after she got a tip-off that he was to be dumped by a puppy dealer because he was born with a crooked jaw. Eileen fixed his little jaw and saved his life. She is a hero.”
The pup subsequently joined his owners on the election campaign trail wearing his own “Get Brexit Done” rosette, and has become something of a star on social media.
Dilyn gets regular mentions on Symonds’ social media feed, while a spoof Twitter account set up in his name has attracted more than 4,500 followers.


theweekuk--2020-03-11--Emergency interest rate cut: the winners and losers

Interest rates have been cut by the Bank of England in a bid to counter the effects of the global coronavirus outbreak on the UK economy .
The Bank of England ’ s Monetary Policy Committee has agreed to reduce the main bank rate from 0.75 % to 0.25 % , “ leaving almost no room to cut rates further ” , says the Financial Times .
The decision was announced as Chancellor Rishi Sunak prepared to announce the 2020 Budget , with constraints on government spending and borrowing expected to be lifted .
So who will benefit - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest rate cut ?
The cut is bad news for savers , because High Street banks use the Bank of England base rate as a reference point for savings accounts .
That said , savers have “ had to endure years of low returns anyway ” , notes the BBC , which adds : “ They may take heart from the fact this is a temporary measure from the Bank.
” According to Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com , the average UK saver currently earns just 0.4 % , while the best easy-access accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates will likely drop .
Yet at the very least make sure your money is in the top payer , not the poorest , ” he says .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The rate cut may benefit homeowners , although it will not affect fixed-rate mortgages , which account for roughly half of home borrowing in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or tracker-rate mortgages , or those about to take out a new mortgage or remortgage , are likely to be better off as a result of the decision .
Meanwhile , some banks are offering breaks from mortgage repayments for customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak .
MoneySavingExpert.com expert Lewis says that “ most loans , credit cards and other debts will likely be unaffected or only minimally affected , because the Bank ’ s interest rate only plays a small part in their rates ” .
Again , some banks are offering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or waived fees for missed payments for people affected by the epidemic .
The Bank of England ’ s “ emergency action is clearly designed to help protect businesses , particularly small and medium-sized ones , and in turn the employment of millions of people ” , says the BBC .
The broadcaster ’ s economics editor Faisal Islam says the key goal is to protect the cash flow of these companies , which may face “ slumping demand , trade difficulties and staff absence ” as the virus spreads across the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and highly unpredictable ” , the Bank of England measures “ should provide the firepower for banks to boost lending well above current lending levels ” , Islam adds .

Interest rates have been cut by the Bank of England in a bid to counter the effects of the global coronavirus outbreak on the UK economy.
The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee has agreed to reduce the main bank rate from 0.75% to 0.25%, “leaving almost no room to cut rates further”, says the Financial Times.
The decision was announced as Chancellor Rishi Sunak prepared to announce the 2020 Budget, with constraints on government spending and borrowing expected to be lifted.
So who will benefit - and who will lose out - from the interest rate cut?
Savers
The cut is bad news for savers, because High Street banks use the Bank of England base rate as a reference point for savings accounts.
That said, savers have “had to endure years of low returns anyway”, notes the BBC, which adds: “They may take heart from the fact this is a temporary measure from the Bank.”
According to Martin Lewis of MoneySavingExpert.com, the average UK saver currently earns just 0.4%, while the best easy-access accounts pay 1.3%.
“All these rates will likely drop. Yet at the very least make sure your money is in the top payer, not the poorest,” he says.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Homeowners
The rate cut may benefit homeowners, although it will not affect fixed-rate mortgages, which account for roughly half of home borrowing in the UK.
But people with variable or tracker-rate mortgages, or those about to take out a new mortgage or remortgage, are likely to be better off as a result of the decision.
Meanwhile, some banks are offering breaks from mortgage repayments for customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
Credit card and personal loan borrowers
MoneySavingExpert.com expert Lewis says that “most loans, credit cards and other debts will likely be unaffected or only minimally affected, because the Bank’s interest rate only plays a small part in their rates”.
Again, some banks are offering temporary credit limit increases, repayment breaks or waived fees for missed payments for people affected by the epidemic.
Business owners
The Bank of England’s “emergency action is clearly designed to help protect businesses, particularly small and medium-sized ones, and in turn the employment of millions of people”, says the BBC.
The broadcaster’s economics editor Faisal Islam says the key goal is to protect the cash flow of these companies, which may face “slumping demand, trade difficulties and staff absence” as the virus spreads across the UK.
Although the outbreak is “unique and highly unpredictable”, the Bank of England measures “should provide the firepower for banks to boost lending well above current lending levels”, Islam adds.


theweekuk--2020-03-11--How did coronavirus start?

How did coronavirus start?

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theweekuk--2020-03-11--Coronavirus impact on sport: which events are postponed, cancelled or being played behind closed doo

Coronavirus impact on sport: which events are postponed, cancelled or being played behind closed doors?

As things stand the Olympics and Euro 2020 will go ahead as scheduled , but in other sports the spread of coronavirus is having a major knock-on effect .
The Olympic and Paralympic Games take place in Tokyo this summer and The Guardian reported that “ fresh questions ” have been raised about the viability of the event .
Rugby union ’ s Six Nations championship has been hit hard with three matches postponed while in Italy there ’ s a full lockdown with all sport suspended until 3 April .
The NBA has announced that the 2019-20 season has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to coronavirus .
Sky Sports reports that a Utah Jazz player had tested positive for the virus and the decision was taken to suspend the campaign .
The league said : “ The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic .
A player on the Utah Jazz preliminarily tested positive for COVID-19 .
The test result was reported shortly prior to the tip-off .
At that time , [ Wednesday ’ s ] game was cancelled .
The affected player was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports that Formula 1 ’ s season-opening race , the Australian Grand Prix , will be called off .
This follows McLaren ’ s decision to withdraw after a member of their team tested positive for coronavirus .
In a statement McLaren Racing said : “ The decision has been taken based on a duty of care not only to McLaren F1 employees and partners , but also to the team ’ s competitors , Formula 1 fans and wider F1 stakeholders.
” ATP Tour shuts down for six weeks The men ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for six weeks due to coronavirus .
All ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour events scheduled up to and inclusive of the week of 20 April will not take place .
ATP Tour chairman Andrea Gaudenzi said : “ This is not a decision that was taken lightly .
It represents a great loss for our tournaments , players , and fans worldwide .
“ However , we believe this is the responsible action needed at this time in order to protect the health and safety of our players , staff , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the face of this global pandemic.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– What ’ s off or behind closed doors ?
• None All sport suspended until at least 3 April • None Major League Baseball : start of season delayed by two weeks • NBA 2019-20 season is suspended until further notice • None Thursday 26 March : Slovakia vs. Republic of Ireland - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : next two rounds of matches suspended • Spanish Cup final : Athletic Bilbao vs. Real Sociedad on 18 April is postponed • France Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 : matches behind closed doors until 15 April • French League Cup final : Paris Saint-Germain vs. Lyon on 4 April is postponed • Poland Ekstraklasa : fixtures behind closed doors until further notice • Denmark : all football cancelled for two weeks • None 23-31 March : South American qualifiers for the Fifa World Cup Qatar 2022 - matches postponed to later dates @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all Tours – will proceed as scheduled , but will do so without fans • ATP Tour and ATP Challenger Tour : all events suspended up to and including the week of 20 April ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
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theweekuk--2020-03-11--Instant Opinion: Coronavirus ‘not a crisis of globalisation’

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Robert Armstrong in the Financial Times
on an interconnected world
Coronavirus is a global crisis, not a crisis of globalisation
“There is no longer any doubting the seriousness of the coronavirus crisis. But we need to be clear about what kind of crisis this is. It has the potential to do worldwide economic and human harm. But it is not the result of a flaw in the organisation of the world economy, in the way people, goods and money flow across the globe. It is a global crisis, not a crisis of globalisation. The distinction is important, because if politicians and business leaders take the wrong lessons from this crisis, the world will be less prepared for the next. It is not surprising that, when Covid-19 still looked like a Chinese rather than a global problem, US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross said that the virus, regrettable though it was, would ‘help accelerate’ the return of jobs to North America. If you see the world economy as a zero-sum game, one country’s loss must be another’s gain.”
2. Rafael Behr in The Guardian
on an inexperienced chancellor
Rishi Sunak’s impossible task: sticking to a plan Johnson doesn’t have
“Sunak’s rapid ascent to the job of chancellor gives him status, not stature, and he goes into his first budget with authority already diminished by the circumstances of his promotion. Sajid Javid resigned rather than surrender his Treasury advisers to a command-and-control structure based in Downing Street. By accepting the job on terms that were unacceptable to his predecessor, Sunak advertised himself as the most submissive chancellor in living memory. If he has an independent streak, he keeps it covered in public. He is fluent in that polystyrene dialect that politicians use to pad out space in interviews when they would rather say nothing. That makes it hard to distinguish between caginess and mediocrity.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in The i
on the hardships of womanhood
After the optimism of International Women’s Day, it’s back to the hard reality of misogyny
“Online the worst of men spume misogynist vitriol; in public spaces they leer, touch and intimidate; at work they find ways to keep us in our places; and at home women and girls are forced to submit to them. Let me say emphatically, that this is not a slur on all men and boys. Many men are kind, supportive and stalwartly feminist. But reactionary maleness is resurgent and needs to be recognised.”
4. Hana Al-Khamri in Al Jazeera
on a dynasty of tyranny
MBS and the Saudi crisis of legitimacy
“Just like his predecessors, MBS [Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud] has struggled to resolve the most pressing problem of the House of Saud - that of legitimacy. His grandfather, King Abdulaziz Ibn Al Saud, the man who founded modern Saudi Arabia, set up the fledgeling Saudi state on two pillars: the distribution of oil wealth among the kingdom’s people in return for allegiance to the House of Saud and an alliance with the Wahabi religious establishment. He also concluded a strategic alliance with the US to ensure the country’s regional security, which one could see as the third pillar of the Saudi state. Despite MBS’s best efforts, however, cracks have appeared in all three.”
5. Sean Guillory in The Moscow Times
on America’s memory
Why should Bernie Sanders apologize for communism?
“No matter how much Sanders genuflects in the ritual denunciation of communist authoritarianism — and make no mistake it is a ritual — he will continue to be treated as if his signature had been alongside Stalin’s on NKVD execution orders. This is because the ritual isn’t about any real memory of the lived experience of communism, rather, it is an exercise in white-washing the US’s social and economic injustice and focusing the lens on imagined dark regimes elsewhere. Like most memory politics, the American memory politics of the communist past and how it is narrated is first and foremost a whip for ideological disciplining. At a time when the hegemony of the American political center trembles, the thrashes of this lash only intensify.”


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Instant Opinion: coronavirus could ‘delay Brexit’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Do n't be surprised if this virus delays Brexit “ ... if the virus causes the European economy to collapse into recession , sparking renewed crisis in the single currency , Brussels won ’ t want to pile on the agony by risking an acrimonious trade rupture with the UK .
Brexit will become seen as a comparatively trivial matter to be settled in a needs-must , least-damage manner .
They ’ ll cut a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other way of looking at the choice is that there would be no face to lose in agreeing an extension if the world is by then still gripped by the natural disaster of a killer disease .
In the scale of things , a minor delay to Brexit would be of no significance.
” 2 .
Ian Johnson in The New York Times China bought the West time .
The West squandered it .
“ Until recently , one dominant story line was that the epidemic in China spiraled out of control @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whistle-blowers in late December , allowing the virus to spread .
When China put in place a draconian lockdown and quarantine measures in January , some mainstream foreign reports didn ’ t just criticize the program as excessive ; they described the entire exercise as flat-out backward or essentially pointless .
China did get props for building two hospitals in just over a week , but even the awe over that feat was tinged with a sense that something nefarious was at work — in a Hitler-built-the-autobahn kind of way .
And when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infected people so that they wouldn ’ t spread the disease to family members at home , the effort was portrayed as dystopian or , at best , chaotic.
” Johnson ’ s egocentric budget gives him everything and local councils nothing “ Central government can borrow and spend at will .
Local government is allowed no such liberality for its services .
There was no whisper from Sunak of a let-up in rate capping , no new sources of local revenue , no hope of council tax revaluation .
If cuts continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s responsibility .
Blame your hapless , wasteful local council .
In contrast , Downing Street is splurge central .
Anything the NHS asks for , says [ Rishi ] Sunak , be it ‘ millions or billions ’ , it can have .
He pledges to pay for 50m more surgery appointments .
What other government on Earth would boast such implausible specificity ?
No such offer is made for local care visits , on which the NHS relies for backup .
This is built-in unfairness and inefficiency.
” The fall of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wars “ Moscow made the move to allow Opec+ to collapse because it believed it could keep a balanced budget amid a drop in oil prices , at least for a while .
It also probably expected other participants to get scared and succumb to its demand to not deepen production cuts without taking any major retaliatory action .
It never expected Opec+ countries to start preparations for a fully-fledged trade war .
The unexpectedly harsh response it received scared Moscow.
” on the complicated world of stalkers I wrote about my complicated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to account “ The story is far from straightforward .
A woman came into the bar I used to work in in London .
Her infatuation with me was apparent from the start .
I indulged that fascination – let her compliment me and complimented her back – even flirted with her at times to satisfy whatever part of my confidence was lacking at that period in my life .
The story darkens .
Her fascination with me grows .
Following me home , bus stops , comedy gigs , letters , tweets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life is in tatters and my mental health bordering on ruin .
I hated her .
She hated me .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Jeremy Warner in The Daily Telegraph
on getting Brexit undone
Don't be surprised if this virus delays Brexit
“... if the virus causes the European economy to collapse into recession, sparking renewed crisis in the single currency, Brussels won’t want to pile on the agony by risking an acrimonious trade rupture with the UK. Brexit will become seen as a comparatively trivial matter to be settled in a needs-must, least-damage manner. They’ll cut a deal to avoid further nuisance. Yet the other way of looking at the choice is that there would be no face to lose in agreeing an extension if the world is by then still gripped by the natural disaster of a killer disease. In the scale of things, a minor delay to Brexit would be of no significance.”
2. Ian Johnson in The New York Times
on an unfairly maligned victim
China bought the West time. The West squandered it.
“Until recently, one dominant story line was that the epidemic in China spiraled out of control because the authorities cracked down on early whistle-blowers in late December, allowing the virus to spread. When China put in place a draconian lockdown and quarantine measures in January, some mainstream foreign reports didn’t just criticize the program as excessive; they described the entire exercise as flat-out backward or essentially pointless. China did get props for building two hospitals in just over a week, but even the awe over that feat was tinged with a sense that something nefarious was at work — in a Hitler-built-the-autobahn kind of way. And when quarantine shelters were set up to host infected people so that they wouldn’t spread the disease to family members at home, the effort was portrayed as dystopian or, at best, chaotic.”
3. Simon Jenkins in The Guardian
on questionable spending
Johnson’s egocentric budget gives him everything and local councils nothing
“Central government can borrow and spend at will. Local government is allowed no such liberality for its services. There was no whisper from Sunak of a let-up in rate capping, no new sources of local revenue, no hope of council tax revaluation. If cuts continue, they are not central government’s responsibility. Blame your hapless, wasteful local council. In contrast, Downing Street is splurge central. Anything the NHS asks for, says [Rishi] Sunak, be it ‘millions or billions’, it can have. He pledges to pay for 50m more surgery appointments. What other government on Earth would boast such implausible specificity? No such offer is made for local care visits, on which the NHS relies for backup. This is built-in unfairness and inefficiency.”
4. Nikolay Kozhanov in Al Jazeera
on Russia’s backfiring gamble
The fall of OPEC+ and the age of oil price wars
“Moscow made the move to allow Opec+ to collapse because it believed it could keep a balanced budget amid a drop in oil prices, at least for a while. It also probably expected other participants to get scared and succumb to its demand to not deepen production cuts without taking any major retaliatory action. It never expected Opec+ countries to start preparations for a fully-fledged trade war. The unexpectedly harsh response it received scared Moscow.”
5. Richard Gadd in The i
on the complicated world of stalkers
I wrote about my complicated relationship with my stalker to hold myself to account
“The story is far from straightforward. A woman came into the bar I used to work in in London. Her infatuation with me was apparent from the start. I indulged that fascination – let her compliment me and complimented her back – even flirted with her at times to satisfy whatever part of my confidence was lacking at that period in my life. The story darkens. Her fascination with me grows. Following me home, bus stops, comedy gigs, letters, tweets, messages – and six years later my life is in tatters and my mental health bordering on ruin. I hated her. She hated me.”


theweekuk--2020-03-13--‘FIAsco’: F1 slammed for handling of Australian Grand Prix cancellation

It did not come as a surprise that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak , but the timing of last night ’ s announcement left fans and media angry at race organisers .
Yesterday morning at around 11.30am ( GMT ) McLaren confirmed they had withdrawn from the 2020 season-opening race after one of their team tested positive for coronavirus .
However , confusion then reigned for the next 12 hours as to whether the Australian GP would go ahead , be cancelled or take place behind closed doors at Albert Park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ trends as fans searched for information about the race down under .
But finally , at 11pm last night , it was confirmed that the first race of the season would be called off .
The announcement came just two hours before the scheduled start of first practice .
A statement issued by F1 , governing body the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation ( AGPC ) said : “ We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement will be communicated in due course .
“ All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC , Motorsport Australia , staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne , however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community , as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.
” Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott on the cancellation of the # AusGP pic.twitter.com/UiuIvlwix8 F1 managing director Ross Brawn defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ We had so many issues to work through .
We had to get the teams together again and hold a meeting .
It all takes time .
“ It ’ s not a total autocracy , as in we just can ’ t make a decision .
We have so many factors to take into account .
I think we did a pretty good job of reaching the right conclusion with so many stakeholders involved.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The decision to cancel was obviously the correct one in terms of public health and safety , but the hours of limbo between the two announcements added chaos to an already busy start to the season .
Describing it as “ one of the most chaotic days in a very long time ” , Planet F1 reports on a dramatic chain of events that led to the race being cancelled .
GPFans called it a “ farcical situation ” and the website ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Media by saying the Australian GP nightmare “ highlights the greed of F1 ” .
Hall wrote : “ Formula One has always been a sport for the rich and the elite , but the money involved now is too vast , too gargantuan and it needs to be reigned in .
Not only the money being spent by teams , but also the fees charged by Liberty Media .
“ This embarrassment will haunt both F1 and Liberty Media for years to come and has shown that those running the show value @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and well being of both those within and outside of the paddock .
A disgrace that will take time to recover from.
” Coronavirus impact on sport : which events are cancelled , postponed or being played behind closed doors ?
Chase Carey really is clueless .
I 'll do the honours for him : **CANCELLED : # F1 BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX** Unless any remaining $ FWONK shareholders want to lose their socks as well as their shirt and shoes I advise them to DEMAND THAT CAREY IS REMOVED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT https @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that the Chinese Grand Prix in April would be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak , while last weekend Bahrain Grand Prix officials confirmed that the 22 March race would be held behind closed doors .
Crash.net reports that F1 and the FIA are “ evaluating ” next week ’ s Bahrain GP and the Vietnam GP on 5 April , but there ’ s also speculation that the 2020 season could now start in June at the Azerbaijan GP in Baku .
Lewis Larkam of Crash.net writes : “ Both events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ F1 understood to also be considering whether to postpone the Dutch , Spain and Monaco grands prix and start the season in Baku on June 7.
” How fans and pundits reacted on Twitter to a crazy day in F1 history… ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

It did not come as a surprise that the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the timing of last night’s announcement left fans and media angry at race organisers.
Yesterday morning at around 11.30am (GMT) McLaren confirmed they had withdrawn from the 2020 season-opening race after one of their team tested positive for coronavirus.
However, confusion then reigned for the next 12 hours as to whether the Australian GP would go ahead, be cancelled or take place behind closed doors at Albert Park.
Conflicting reports and speculation dominated the Twitter trends as fans searched for information about the race down under.
But finally, at 11pm last night, it was confirmed that the first race of the season would be called off. The announcement came just two hours before the scheduled start of first practice.
A statement issued by F1, governing body the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) said: “We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course.
“All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.”
Australian Grand Prix Corporation CEO Andrew Westacott on the cancellation of the #AusGP pic.twitter.com/UiuIvlwix8 — Formula 1 (@F1) March 13, 2020
F1 managing director Ross Brawn defended the handling of the cancellation and said: “We had so many issues to work through. We had to get the teams together again and hold a meeting. It all takes time.
“It’s not a total autocracy, as in we just can’t make a decision. We have so many factors to take into account. I think we did a pretty good job of reaching the right conclusion with so many stakeholders involved.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
‘Greed of F1’
The decision to cancel was obviously the correct one in terms of public health and safety, but the hours of limbo between the two announcements added chaos to an already busy start to the season.


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus cover-up: satellite images reveal mass graves in Iran


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Justin Trudeau enters isolation after wife tests positive for coronavirus


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 13 Mar 2020

Donald Trump is “ very concerned ” about coming into contact with anyone who may have the coronavirus , according @ @ @ @ @ president posed for a photograph last weekend with a Brazilian official who has since tested @ @ @ @ @ being worried and the White House says he will not self-isolate , but a source @ @ @ @ @ He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it , including @ @ @ @

Trump ‘very concerned’ after posing with infected man
Donald Trump is “very concerned” about coming into contact with anyone who may have the coronavirus, according to CNN. The US president posed for a photograph last weekend with a Brazilian official who has since tested positive. Trump has denied being worried and the White House says he will not self-isolate, but a source told the broadcaster: “He is very concerned about all the people he met who have it, including the Brazilian.”


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Football in turmoil: Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi test positive for coronavirus

Football was thrown into turmoil last night as it emerged that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had both tested positive for coronavirus.
The news came after the Premier League announced that this weekend’s fixtures would go ahead. However, it was confirmed today that all matches are now postponed until 3 April at the earliest.
Spaniard Arteta was, according to the Daily Mail, “the first confirmed member of staff of a Premier League team to contract the disease”.
But the paper says that the 37-year-old did not come into contact with Olympiakos owner Evangelos Marinakis, who earlier this week revealed he is infected, during their Europa League game on 27 February.
In a statement released on Arsenal’s official website, Arteta said: “This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed.”
The Gunners also confirmed that their London Colney training centre has been closed. The north London club said: “Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines.
“We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution.”
Arteta is said to be “in good spirits” and Arsenal’s head of football Raul Sanllehi told the club website: “Mikel and the full first-team squad, players and staff, will be fully supported, and we look forward to getting back to training and playing as soon as medical advice allows. Obviously Mikel’s full recovery is the priority now for us all.”
Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60 — Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020
A few hours after Arteta’s announcement, Chelsea revealed that 19-year-old Hudson-Odoi had also tested positive.
A club statement said: “Chelsea personnel who had recent close contact with the player in the men’s team building will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. These will include initially the full men’s team squad, coaching staff and a number of backroom staff.”
Coronavirus impact on sport: which events are cancelled, postponed or being played behind closed doors?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Return on 4 April?
Following Arteta and Hudson-Odoi testing positive for coronavirus the Premier League, Football Association (FA), English Football League (EFL) and the Women’s Super League (WSL) have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until 3 April at the earliest.
A statement said: “Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.”
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.
“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.
“Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so. In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
Today’s back pages
Five-star Man Utd march on and Euro 2020 could be put back a year
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Today’s back pages: five-star Man Utd march on and Euro 2020 could be put back a year

Newspapers , like governments , are struggling to keep pace with the impact of coronavirus and some of the papers went to press before the news that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi had both tested positive for the virus .
Nonetheless the virus dominates the headlines with i Paper claiming that England ’ s cricket tour to Sri Lanka is set to be called off .
The Independent reports on the cancellation of Sunday ’ s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix , which was confirmed after McLaren withdrew .
“ We share the disappointment of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can not go ahead as planned , ” said champions Mercedes , one of the teams that had urged organisers to postpone the race .
“ However , the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority.
” Could this summer ’ s Uefa European Championships also be in jeopardy ?
The question occupies most of the back pages with The Guardian and the Daily Express forecasting that the tournament will be pushed back a year .
The Daily Mirror and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Premier League has not followed the example of their European counterparts in aborting fixtures .
However , it is reported that the Premier League will hold an emergency meeting this morning and that could alter the situation .
Coronavirus impact on sport : which events are cancelled , postponed or being played behind closed doors ?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– On a normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of LASK in their Europa League last-16 first leg would dominate the back pages , but these are not normal times and most papers struggle to squeeze in a report of their dominant display .
The Daily Mirror does with its headline “ the ... err ... .crowd pleasers ” above a photo of Odion Ighalo celebrating his goal in front of an empty stand .
The match was played behind closed doors in an attempt by the Austrian government to contain the spread of coronavirus and so United ’ s latest emphatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it deserved .
The Independent and The Times also carry photos of Ighalo celebrating with the empty seats but their win - and the spirited 1-1 draw between Wolves and Olympiakos in Greece - are overshadowed by other events .
The Daily Express and The Times report that England prop Joe Marler has been slapped with a ten-week ban for interfering with the testicles of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in last weekend ’ s Six Nations clash .
Marler ’ s England team-mate Manu Tuilagi , who was sent off late on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has been banned for four weeks while Courtney Lawes , also cited for a dangerous tackle , escaped punishment .
Describing yesterday ’ s disciplinary hearing in Dublin as “ highly unusual ” the panel found Marler guilty of “ grabbing , twisting or squeezing ” Jones by the genitals and banned him until Monday 8 June .
French prop Mohamed Haouas , who was sent off for punching Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie in the face , was banned for a surprisingly lenient three weeks .
The Times says there is “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bans if the Premiership season is halted due to coronavirus ” because World Rugby ’ s regulations state that each week of a suspension must correspond to a meaningful match .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Coronavirus: Euro 2020 to be pushed back?
Newspapers, like governments, are struggling to keep pace with the impact of coronavirus and some of the papers went to press before the news that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi had both tested positive for the virus.
Nonetheless the virus dominates the headlines with i Paper claiming that England’s cricket tour to Sri Lanka is set to be called off. The Independent reports on the cancellation of Sunday’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which was confirmed after McLaren withdrew.
“We share the disappointment of the sport’s fans that this race cannot go ahead as planned,” said champions Mercedes, one of the teams that had urged organisers to postpone the race.
“However, the physical and mental health and wellbeing of our team members and of the wider F1 community are our absolute priority.”
Could this summer’s Uefa European Championships also be in jeopardy? The question occupies most of the back pages with The Guardian and the Daily Express forecasting that the tournament will be pushed back a year.
The Daily Mirror and the Daily Star express “disbelief” that the Premier League has not followed the example of their European counterparts in aborting fixtures.
However, it is reported that the Premier League will hold an emergency meeting this morning and that could alter the situation.
Coronavirus impact on sport: which events are cancelled, postponed or being played behind closed doors?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Man Utd march on in Europe
On a normal day Manchester United’s 5-0 thrashing of LASK in their Europa League last-16 first leg would dominate the back pages, but these are not normal times and most papers struggle to squeeze in a report of their dominant display.
The Daily Mirror does with its headline “the...err....crowd pleasers” above a photo of Odion Ighalo celebrating his goal in front of an empty stand.
The match was played behind closed doors in an attempt by the Austrian government to contain the spread of coronavirus and so United’s latest emphatic victory didn’t get the applause it deserved.
The Independent and The Times also carry photos of Ighalo celebrating with the empty seats but their win - and the spirited 1-1 draw between Wolves and Olympiakos in Greece - are overshadowed by other events.
Marler banned for ten weeks
The Daily Express and The Times report that England prop Joe Marler has been slapped with a ten-week ban for interfering with the testicles of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in last weekend’s Six Nations clash.
Marler’s England team-mate Manu Tuilagi, who was sent off late on for a dangerous tackle on George North, has been banned for four weeks while Courtney Lawes, also cited for a dangerous tackle, escaped punishment.
Describing yesterday’s disciplinary hearing in Dublin as “highly unusual” the panel found Marler guilty of “grabbing, twisting or squeezing” Jones by the genitals and banned him until Monday 8 June.
French prop Mohamed Haouas, who was sent off for punching Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie in the face, was banned for a surprisingly lenient three weeks.
The Times says there is “confusion as to what will happen to the bans if the Premiership season is halted due to coronavirus” because World Rugby’s regulations state that each week of a suspension must correspond to a meaningful match.
Today’s sport headlines
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-13--US strikes back after rocket attack in Iraq

US forces have carried out air strikes in Iraq against what the Pentagon claims are five weapons storage sites run by an Iranian-back militia .
The strikes came in response to a rocket attack which killed two American and one British soldier near Baghdad on Wednesday .
The Pentagon said the strikes were aimed at Kata ’ ib Hezbollah , a paramilitary group with strong ties with Tehran , which Washington blames for the attack .
A spokeswoman said the strikes were “ defensive , proportional , and in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coalition forces ” .
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said that Donald Trump had authorised him to take whatever action he deemed necessary .
“ We ’ re going to take this one step at a time , but we ’ ve got to hold the perpetrators accountable , ” Esper said .
“ You don ’ t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.
” The Washington Post reports that a separate Iran-backed militia , Harakat al-Nujaba , accused the US of hitting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as a civilian airport .
In a statement , it warned that further strikes could prompt retaliation involving an “ eye for an eye ” .
The latest exchange of fire comes two months after an escalation brought the US and Iran to the brink of direct conflict .
At least 12 people were injured in the rocket attack on Camp Taji , of Baghdad .
Coalition and Iraqi officials say 18 Katyusha rockets struck the base , with a “ rocket-rigged truck ” later discovered a few miles away , reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the attack as “ deplorable ” , while Defence Secretary Ben Wallace condemned the “ cowardly and retrograde act ” .
The soldier who died was identified yesterday as Lance Cpl .
Brodie Gillon , 26 .
She was a reservist and combat medical technician with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues @ @ @

US forces have carried out air strikes in Iraq against what the Pentagon claims are five weapons storage sites run by an Iranian-back militia.
The strikes came in response to a rocket attack which killed two American and one British soldier near Baghdad on Wednesday.
The Pentagon said the strikes were aimed at Kata’ib Hezbollah, a paramilitary group with strong ties with Tehran, which Washington blames for the attack.
A spokeswoman said the strikes were “defensive, proportional, and in direct response to the threat posed by Iranian-backed Shia militia groups who continue to attack bases hosting … coalition forces”.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said that Donald Trump had authorised him to take whatever action he deemed necessary.
“We’re going to take this one step at a time, but we’ve got to hold the perpetrators accountable,” Esper said. “You don’t get to shoot at our bases and kill and wound Americans and get away with it.”
The Washington Post reports that a separate Iran-backed militia, Harakat al-Nujaba, accused the US of hitting militia and Iraqi army headquarters, as well as a civilian airport. In a statement, it warned that further strikes could prompt retaliation involving an “eye for an eye”.
The latest exchange of fire comes two months after an escalation brought the US and Iran to the brink of direct conflict.
At least 12 people were injured in the rocket attack on Camp Taji, of Baghdad. Coalition and Iraqi officials say 18 Katyusha rockets struck the base, with a “rocket-rigged truck” later discovered a few miles away, reports Sky News.
Boris Johnson has described the attack as “deplorable”, while Defence Secretary Ben Wallace condemned the “cowardly and retrograde act”.
The soldier who died was identified yesterday as Lance Cpl. Brodie Gillon, 26. She was a reservist and combat medical technician with the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Chelsea Manning released on judge’s order

Former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning has been released from prison .
Manning , who leaked hundreds of thousands of documents and diplomatic cables to WikiLeaks in 2010 , had been held since May 2019 when she was taken back into custody for refusing to testify to a grand jury investigating the pro-transparency organisation .
Explaining her refusal , she had told the judge : “ I have had these values since I was a child , and I 've had years of confinement to reflect on them .
For much of that time , I depended for survival @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and my conscience .
I will not abandon them now.
” The Intercept , an investigative news site says that has campaigned on her behalf , said she had faced “ a year of torturous treatment ” in prison .
Her release order on Thursday came shortly after her legal team said she had tried to commit suicide and was recovering in hospital .
The Daily Mail says was found in her jail cell where she had attempted to hang herself with a bed sheet .
Police confirmed there was “ an incident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Virginia on Wednesday afternoon .
“ It was handled appropriately by our professional staff and [ she ] is safe , ” a police statement said .
The former intelligence analyst completed several tours of Iraq during her country ’ s military operations there , when she was known as Bradley Manning .
However , in early 2010 , after becoming - in her own words - “ beyond frustrated with people and society at large ” , she made contact with WikiLeaks and Assange in order to leak military and diplomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of the leaked documents contradicted official reports , especially in relation to civilian casualties , and their release contributed to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 .
She was convicted in 2013 for leaking to WikiLeaks millions of State Department cables and a classified video of a US helicopter firing on civilians and journalists in Iraq in 2007 .
Her sentence was commuted by former President Barack Obama and she served about seven years in military prison until her release in May 2017 .
In 2014 , Manning , who was born @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense , claiming it was refusing to give her medical treatment for gender dysphoria .
She tried to commit suicide on at least two occasions and went on hunger strike before being granted hormone therapy .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Airlines in crisis: coronavirus bites hard

Donald Trump ’ s ban on most Europeans travelling to the US has deepened a crisis for the aviation industry which has been brewing since the outbreak of coronavirus .
Smoe are now appealing to governments for emergency support .
From today , people from the 26 European nations in the Schengen area - the UK and Ireland are not included - are barred from entering the US for a month .
Airline share prices plummeted following the news .
Delta and United Airlines dropped by more than 13 % , while British Airways ’ parent company and Lufthansa both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The new flight restrictions to Europe affect around 7,300 flights and two million seats over the 30-day period outlined by the administration , ” says The Wall Street Journal .
Many flights will be cancelled , but airlines will still have to pay their staff and other fixed costs .
“ This crisis is going to be grim , ” said Jon Horne , president of the European Cockpit Association , which represents more than 40,000 European pilots .
“ It is neither a Gulf war nor Sars , nor 9/11 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of them together.
” Norwegian Air , which relies more than most on transatlantic travel , was hit hard by the news , cancelling up to 4,000 flights , grounding 40 % of its long-haul planes and temporarily laying off half its staff until the end of May .
Explaining the decision , Jacob Schram , chief executive of Norwegian - which will continue to operate flights between the US and London - said the White House ’ s unilateral travel ban put “ extra pressure on an already difficult situation ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aid .
It was crucial , he said , that “ international governments… act now to ensure that the aviation industry can protect jobs and continue to be a vital part of the global economic recovery ” .
The discount airline has benefitted from years of expansion fuelled by large-scale borrowing , and its debt makes it vulnerable - but it is far from the only flight operator in difficulty .
Earlier this month Flybe went into administration after coronavirus exascerbated existing financial difficulties .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Thomas Reynaert , managing director at Airlines for Europe , the trade body that represents airlines including Lufthansa and Air France-KLM , asked governments and the EU to delay new aviation taxes that are due to be implemented and change the rules that govern carriers ’ obligations to compensate passengers .
“ It is also vital that any national measures proposed by countries to support their national industries do not undermine the competitiveness of European airlines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reynaert added .
Before the ban , the coronavirus outbreak was already estimated to have had an £88bn impact on the industry .
Bookings were already down by 70 % - but now many fear , the BBC says , the “ financial loss could grow substantially.
” Many airlines are promosing passengers they can cancel or change the date of their flights at no cost to encourage bookings .
“ The broader travel and leisure sector was also hit hard on Thursday , as the scale of disruption to the busy summer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” The Financial Times reports .
“ The index tracking travel and leisure shares on the Europe-wide Stoxx 600 fell 8 per cent , leaving it down 36 per cent this year .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Global markets in freefall as Trump adds to jitters


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus: the pros and cons of closing schools

As the coronavirus coronavirus pandemic spreads disruption and anxiety across the globe , many governments are closing schools in a bid to slow the contagion .
Schools in Italy , Japan , Norway and parts of China and the US have been shut , and yesterday the Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced his country would do the same .
The UK , however , has decided not to follow suit , taking a different path from its European neighbours .
Last night Boris Johnson was clear that while the government was not ruling out closing schools at some point , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ more harm than good ” .
Johnson has said he is following “ scientific advice ” , but critics of the decision say that a failure to act quickly could allow coronavirus to spread more quickly .
More than 400,000 people have signed a petition demanding the immediate closure of schools .
Varadkar addressed the Irish people from Washington DC , where he was marking St Patrick ’ s day , to announce a partial lockdown that includes school closures .
“ I know that some of this is coming as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s going to involve big changes in the way we live our lives , and I know that I ’ m asking people to make enormous sacrifices , but we ’ re doing it for each other.
” Ireland ’ s deputy PM , Simon Coveney , called the drastic step of closing schools “ the right measures at the right time based on the best public health advice , not only in Ireland but in the EU.
” Many agree that if closing schools is to be effective , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you wait for the case to occur , ” said Nicholas Christakis , a sociologist and physician at Yale University , “ you still have wound up closing the school , but now you ’ ve missed the opportunity to have the real benefit that would have accrued had you closed the school earlier.
” The theory behind closing schools is that it will slow the rate of infection , thereby limiting the burden on the health service - the proper functioning of which is essential to saving as many lives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of people that get infected all at the same time , the hospitals and ICUs have not enough hospital beds , ” said Marco Ajelli , a computational epidemiologist at the Bruno Kessler Foundation in Italy .
There is “ scientific evidence ” , Ajelli said , that closing schools can slow the spread and delay the peak of an epidemic .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– While many see school closures as an important part of the strategy for fighting the Covid-19 pandemic , the issue is more complex than simply weighing public health against the country ’ s economy .
A 2009 paper in The Lancet found that “ for many countries , school closure might be particularly disruptive for health-care systems ” .
In the UK , the paper found , 21 % of doctors and nurses “ reported they would likely be absent from work if schools closed during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with very high levels of bed occupancy in a typical winter , even a small absence of health-care staff might have immediate and deleterious effects.
” What ’ s more , says Channel 4 , if parents have to stay at home to look after children , then “ factories that produce vital medicines like insulin ” might have “ to shut down , with devastating consequences for patients.
” In short , while limiting the spread of the disease is crucial , so are more proactive measures to combat it , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more generally making sure infrastructure and supply chains are moving smoothly .
As such , school closures might help to counter Covid-19 in one way , but hinder the fight in another .
There are also concerns for children themselves , many of whom rely on school for safety and food .
The Guardian reports that “ three million children are at risk of being hungry in the school holidays ” .
“ For so many families now , schools are the first line of defence against hunger , ” said Andrew Forsey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In many cases it is breakfast as well as lunch , so if the schools close it ’ s two meals we have to find .
There is early-stage planning going on around ensuring supplies of food and the extent of voluntary support that could be drawn upon if some schools do need to close .
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theweekuk--2020-03-12--The Week Unwrapped podcast: Arctic chlamydia, oil and alcohol-free beer

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days .
In this week ’ s episode , we discuss : British Naturism chief Dr Mark Bass has said that his members are receiving abuse because of their decision to go naked , and that this should be prohibited under hate crime laws .
So should nudism be considered a free speech issue ?
A comedian has changed his name to Hugo Boss in a stunt designed to expose the fashion label as a trademark bully .
Is shame and bad @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against such companies ?
This week , the latest version of the Domestic Abuse Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons .
There are some 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse a year aged 16 to 74 ( two thirds of whom are women ) and more than one in ten of all offences recorded by the police are domestic abuse related .
What does the bill contain , and could its measures have a lasting impact on justice in the UK ?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts .
It is produced by Sarah Myles and the music is by Tom Mawby .

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
Nudism
British Naturism chief Dr Mark Bass has said that his members are receiving abuse because of their decision to go naked, and that this should be prohibited under hate crime laws. So should nudism be considered a free speech issue?
Hugo Boss
A comedian has changed his name to Hugo Boss in a stunt designed to expose the fashion label as a trademark bully. Is shame and bad press the only way to fight back against such companies?
Zero shades of grey
This week, the latest version of the Domestic Abuse Bill had its first reading in the House of Commons. There are some 2.4 million victims of domestic abuse a year aged 16 to 74 (two thirds of whom are women) and more than one in ten of all offences recorded by the police are domestic abuse related. What does the bill contain, and could its measures have a lasting impact on justice in the UK?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts. It is produced by Sarah Myles and the music is by Tom Mawby.


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Coronavirus crisis: football suspended in England and Scotland

Football in England and Scotland is on hold in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
It was reported on Thursday night that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi had tested positive for the virus.
Then in major announcements on Friday the leagues and associations of both UK countries confirmed that matches were now suspended.
The Premier League, Football Association (FA), English Football League (EFL) and the Women’s Super League (WSL) collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England until Friday 3 April at the earliest.
And the Scottish FA and Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) joint response group also confirmed that all domestic professional and grassroots football was suspended until further notice.
Internationals and Euro 2020
The decision to postpone football in England means the Three Lions’s international friendlies against Italy and Denmark at Wembley Stadium this month will not go ahead.
Euro 2020 is also in doubt because many domestic leagues across Europe have stopped playing. Sky Sports reports that Uefa will meet next week and it’s likely that Euro 2020 will be postponed until next year.
Uefa postpones UCL matches
Meanwhile, next week’s Uefa Champions League and Uefa Europa League matches have been postponed. This includes the remaining Champions League round of 16 second legs on 17-18 March; all Europa League round of 16 second legs on 19 March; and all Uefa Youth League quarter-final matches scheduled on 17-18 March.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Football postponed: what the statements said
English FA
“This action, which will be kept under constant review, has been taken due to the increasing numbers of clubs taking steps to isolate their players and staff because of the Covid-19 virus. It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the Emirates FA Cup and the Women’s FA Cup, along with academy and youth-team matches. The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities. Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative but for today’s action. However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.”
Premier League
“Following a meeting of shareholders today, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time. Despite the challenges, it is the Premier League’s aim to reschedule the displaced fixtures, including those played by Academy sides, when it is safe to do so. In this fast-moving environment, further updates will be provided when appropriate.”
Richard Masters, Premier League chief executive
“Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19. In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”
Scottish FA
“The Joint Response Group can confirm the decision of the Scottish FA Board to suspend ALL domestic professional and grassroots football under the jurisdiction of the Scottish FA until further notice. The Scottish FA and SPFL will continue to liaise with governments and Uefa in relation to domestic, European and International fixtures in the coming days and more information will be communicated at the appropriate time. The Scottish FA Board made its decision in the interests of the health and safety of players, match officials, staff, supporters and the general public.”
Ian Maxwell, Scottish FA chief executive
“Since the guidance outlined by governments last night we have been engaged in extensive dialogue to clarify the position and implications of that guidance for Scottish football. Today’s announcement is made in the interests of public health but, equally, the health and safety of players, match officials, and staff across the game. This is of paramount importance as the country enters the ‘delay’ phase of the coronavirus pandemic. It is also why the Scottish FA is compelled to ensure that the suspension is cascaded through the non-professional and grassroots games until further notice.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL chief executive
“As everyone knows, this is a fast-moving and unprecedented situation for the entire country. The health and safety of fans, players and officials is absolutely paramount. We have not yet had any confirmed cases of coronavirus amongst players in Scotland, but, given the nature of this outbreak, it seems only a matter of time. We realise that many people will be bitterly disappointed, and we would obviously prefer to be in a position where we can continue as normal, but that’s neither realistic nor possible.”
English Football League
“The postponements include all matches in the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as all academy and youth team fixtures. In addition, Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings. Whilst the EFL Board has continued to take the advice and guidance offered by the Government and its health advisors, emerging developments mean now is the time to implement football’s contingency plans in response to the crisis. A further update on these plans will be given post an EFL Board Meeting next week. This decision has not been taken lightly, but the EFL must prioritise the health and well-being of players, staff and supporters while also acknowledging the Government’s national efforts in tackling this outbreak.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-13--How to clean your phone and keep it coronavirus-free

As people across the globe become more and more vigilant about the spread of coronavirus, many are going to great lengths to keep themselves disease-free, including wearing masks at all times and frequently using hand sanitiser.
But some members of the public are now worried that one highly ubiquitous piece of personal technology may be undermining our efforts: our smartphones.
Multiple studies in recent years have shown that smartphones often carry a remarkable number of germs. A University of Arizona paper in 2012 found that phones can often be covered in more bacteria than a toilet bowl – and sometimes up to ten times as much.
Our phones carry bacteria from virtually everything we touch, with many even having fecal matter on them. Yahoo Finance says a smartphone is “more or less, a rectangular petri dish”.
With the spread of coronavirus making people much more aware of health and hygiene issues, our attention if focused on our phones even more than usual.
How dirty are our phones?
Research on exactly how many germs are crawling on the average mobile phone has given a variety of results.
A 2017 study found more than 17,000 bacterial gene copies on the phones of secondary school students, while Reader’s Digest reports that every square inch of your phone has around 25,000 germs – compared to just 1,200 for a regularly cleaned toilet seat.
While doorknobs, light switches and the like all get wiped down – as well as toilet bowls – you may not think to give your smartphone a thorough cleaning.
But as CIO notes, this is the device you “handle constantly and often press to the side of your face, specifically your ear, nose and mouth, which means that any bacteria, virus or other germs that make its way onto your phone or case could easily transfer to your skin”.
Time magazine says that human skin is “naturally covered in microbes that don’t usually have any negative health consequences, and that natural bacteria, plus the oils on your hands, get passed on to your phone every time you check a text or send an email”.


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Sport shorts: Joe Marler gets ten-week ban for testicle grab and Wales vs. Scotland is off

1. Ten-week ban for Marler
England prop Joe Marler has been slapped with a ten-week ban for interfering with the testicles of Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in last weekend’s Six Nations rugby championship clash.
Marler’s England team-mate Manu Tuilagi, who was sent off late on for a dangerous tackle on George North, has been banned for four weeks while Courtney Lawes, also cited for a dangerous tackle, escaped punishment.
Describing yesterday’s disciplinary hearing in Dublin as “highly unusual” The Times reports that the panel found Marler guilty of “grabbing, twisting or squeezing” Jones by the genitals and banned him until Monday 8 June.
French prop Mohamed Haouas, who was sent off for punching Scotland flanker Jamie Ritchie in the face, was banned for a surprisingly lenient three weeks.
2. Wales vs. Scotland called off
Tomorrow’s Six Nations clash between Wales and Scotland has been called off.
“The Welsh Rugby Union [WRU] has maintained an open dialogue with, and continued to seek advice and direction from, the Welsh Government and other stakeholders, including the Six Nations, on this fast-moving issue,” the WRU said in a statement.
“Whilst medical advice remains consistent, we have decided that it is in the best interests of supporters, players and staff to fall in line with recent measures taken across the UK and global sports industries.
“The WRU would like to thank all parties for their counsel on the subject and will make further announcements with respect to rescheduling the fixture in the coming days.
“Every effort has been made to stage this game and we appreciate that individuals will have been inconvenienced. Given the fluid and unprecedented nature of this issue a postponement became the only viable option.”
3. Bahrain and Vietnam races postponed
Late last night it was confirmed that this Sunday’s Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix was cancelled. McLaren withdrew after a team member had tested positive for coronavirus.
Today, F1 has also announced that next week’s race in Bahrain and the inaugural grand prix in Vietnam are postponed.
A statement said: “As a result, Formula 1 and the FIA expect to begin the [2020] championship in Europe at the end of May but given the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in Europe in recent days, this will be regularly reviewed.”


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Ten ways to make the most of time in coronavirus quarantine


theweekuk--2020-03-13--Quiz of The Week: 7 - 13 March 2020

Quiz of The Week: 7 - 13 March 2020

The coronavirus outbreak was officially declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization this week and branded “ the worst public health crisis for a generation ” by Boris Johnson .
The UK ’ s tactics in tackling the deadly virus continue to diverge from those of the rest of the world , with UK schools remaining open and no restrictions on mass gatherings .
To find out how closely you ’ ve been paying attention to the unfolding crisis and other global events , put your knowledge to the test with our Quiz of The Week .
Need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the past seven days ?
The UK ’ s Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled his debut national spending plan - the biggest “ Budget giveaway ” since 1992 , according to the Office for Budget Responsibility ( OBR ) .
The new Budget mark an end to a decade of austerity that has seen the Tories slashing funding for public services in a bid to balance the books .
In the US , a federal judge ordered that former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning be released from jail after being held since last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give in an inquiry into WikiLeaks is no longer needed .
Manning , who leaked hundreds of thousands of US secret documents to WikiLeaks in 2010 , was reported earlier this week to have attempted suicide .
Meanwhile , President Donald Trump ’ s ban on all flights from the European Schengen area to the US sent shock waves through the airline industry and stock markets .
In Iraq , a British soldier and two Americans were killed in a rocket attack on a military base that was believed to have been carried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Revolutionary Guard Corp. Lance Corporal Brodie Gillon was the first British serviceperson killed by enemy fire since the UK joined the operation against Islamic State in 2014 .


theweekuk--2020-03-13--What is herd immunity - and will it stop coronavirus?

The UK ’ s long-term plan to fight coronavirus is to rely on “ herd immunity ” to stop the spread of the disease , government scientists say .
Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that the country was being stepped up from the “ contain ” to the “ delay ” phase of the government ’ s four-part response to the Covid-19 outbreak .
Anyone with a “ new , continuous ” cough or high temperature is being advised to self-isolate for seven days .
The prime minister told a press conference that the virus was “ the worst public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and warned that many families would “ lose loved ones before their time ” .
The UK has reported 590 cases and 10 deaths so far , according to latest figures from real-time statistics site Worldometer .
ITV ’ s Robert Peston said the government ’ s plan is now “ to allow the virus to pass through the entire population so that we acquire herd immunity ” .
However , Sir Patrick Vallance , the government ’ s chief scientific adviser , implied a more limited spread .
“ Communities will become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going to be an important part of controlling this longer term , ” he told Sky News .
“ About 60 % is the sort of figure you need to get herd immunity.
” People gain immunity to diseases after being exposed to them , whether through vaccination or organic transmission .
Once enough people are immune to a disease , it will stop circulating through the population .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– So what could actually happen in the UK ?
The head of the government-owned Behavioural Insights Team , Dr David Halpern , has told the BBC that the plan is to “ cocoon ” the elderly and other at-risk groups from the spread of the virus .
The rest of the population , who are better equipped to fight the virus , would then achieve immunity before the at-risk groups were reintroduced into mainstream society .
This is the Nudge unit % u201Cbehavioural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to @ BBCMarkEaston about the plan for most population to get % u201Cherd immunity % u201D - which I think means getting Coronavirus , while protecting the vulnerable - ie elderly via % u201Ccocooning % u201D Studies carried out on coronavirus cases so far suggest that around 80 % of people with the virus develop “ mild ” symptoms , while 5 % experience “ critical ” symptoms , including respiratory failure , septic shock and multiple organ failure .
About 2.3 % of infections lead to death .
If 60 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost 44 million people , were to become infected as part of the government plan , that 2.3 % mortality rate would see around 910,000 deaths as the virus spreads far enough to lead to herd immunity - unless cocooning the most vulnerable people substantially reduces the death rate .
Is this approach preferable to contain and delay measures ?
Other badly affected countries - notably China , South Korea and Italy - have gone down the more obvious path of trying to contain the virus by introducing “ social distancing ” measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass gatherings .
Jeremy Rossman , a virologist at the University of Kent , told Wired that the herd immunity strategy is risky .
“ I think it ’ s very likely that with continued containment and delay strategies we will be able to stop the virus spread well before reaching even 50 % , ” he said .
“ Even spread over a period of months , [ widespread infection ] is obviously not an acceptable plan .
Nor is this a necessary or inevitable outcome , especially with good surveillance , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enacted.
” The figures from China and South Korea - where the numbers of new cases are now growing more slowly than in the UK - suggest reaching organic herd immunity is not the only way to stop the virus .
In China , the number of new cases per day has reached single figures .
By contrast , 130 new cases were confirmed in the UK on Thursday .
And the actual number of people infected in the UK could be between 5,000 and 10,000 , chief scientific adviser Vallance has estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now deploying draconian containment measures may see further outbreaks once quarantines are lifted and people without immunity become infected .
What is clear is that the UK strategy is unique .
While Europrean nations including Denmark , Spain and the Republic of Ireland doubled down their efforts to contain the virus , British racing fans this week flocked in their thousands to the Cheltenham Festival .

The UK’s long-term plan to fight coronavirus is to rely on “herd immunity” to stop the spread of the disease, government scientists say.
Boris Johnson announced on Thursday that the country was being stepped up from the “contain” to the “delay” phase of the government’s four-part response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Anyone with a “new, continuous” cough or high temperature is being advised to self-isolate for seven days.
The prime minister told a press conference that the virus was “the worst public health crisis for a generation” - and warned that many families would “lose loved ones before their time”. The UK has reported 590 cases and 10 deaths so far, according to latest figures from real-time statistics site Worldometer.
ITV’s Robert Peston said the government’s plan is now “to allow the virus to pass through the entire population so that we acquire herd immunity”.
However, Sir Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, implied a more limited spread. “Communities will become immune to it and that’s going to be an important part of controlling this longer term,” he told Sky News.
“About 60% is the sort of figure you need to get herd immunity.”
What is herd immunity?
People gain immunity to diseases after being exposed to them, whether through vaccination or organic transmission.
Once enough people are immune to a disease, it will stop circulating through the population.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
So what could actually happen in the UK?
The head of the government-owned Behavioural Insights Team, Dr David Halpern, has told the BBC that the plan is to “cocoon” the elderly and other at-risk groups from the spread of the virus.
The rest of the population, who are better equipped to fight the virus, would then achieve immunity before the at-risk groups were reintroduced into mainstream society.
This is the Nudge unit “behavioural scientists” talking on the record to @BBCMarkEaston about the plan for most population to get “herd immunity” - which I think means getting Coronavirus, while protecting the vulnerable - ie elderly via “cocooning” . pic.twitter.com/WzLLDF9oNJ — Faisal Islam (@faisalislam) March 12, 2020
Studies carried out on coronavirus cases so far suggest that around 80% of people with the virus develop “mild” symptoms, while 5% experience “critical” symptoms, including respiratory failure, septic shock and multiple organ failure. About 2.3% of infections lead to death.
If 60% of the UK population, which equates to almost 44 million people, were to become infected as part of the government plan, that 2.3% mortality rate would see around 910,000 deaths as the virus spreads far enough to lead to herd immunity - unless cocooning the most vulnerable people substantially reduces the death rate.
Is this approach preferable to contain and delay measures?
Other badly affected countries - notably China, South Korea and Italy - have gone down the more obvious path of trying to contain the virus by introducing “social distancing” measures, including closing public spaces and banning mass gatherings.
Jeremy Rossman, a virologist at the University of Kent, told Wired that the herd immunity strategy is risky.
“I think it’s very likely that with continued containment and delay strategies we will be able to stop the virus spread well before reaching even 50%,” he said.
“Even spread over a period of months, [widespread infection] is obviously not an acceptable plan. Nor is this a necessary or inevitable outcome, especially with good surveillance, containment, delay and social distancing measures enacted.”
The figures from China and South Korea - where the numbers of new cases are now growing more slowly than in the UK - suggest reaching organic herd immunity is not the only way to stop the virus.
In China, the number of new cases per day has reached single figures. By contrast, 130 new cases were confirmed in the UK on Thursday.
And the actual number of people infected in the UK could be between 5,000 and 10,000, chief scientific adviser Vallance has estimated.
Graph from Worldometer
On the other hand, countries now deploying draconian containment measures may see further outbreaks once quarantines are lifted and people without immunity become infected.
What is clear is that the UK strategy is unique. While Europrean nations including Denmark, Spain and the Republic of Ireland doubled down their efforts to contain the virus, British racing fans this week flocked in their thousands to the Cheltenham Festival.