theweekuk--2020-07-03--Coronavirus: is it safe to travel without insurance?

British travellers hoping to travel to one of the dozens of countries soon to be excluded from the UK ’ s 14-day quarantine rules may face one more hurdle before they head off on holiday : a frustrating search for insurance .
“ The situation with travel insurance is complex , ” says MoneySavingExpert , with many insurers refusing to offer any cover and others specifically excluding claims related to the coronavirus pandemic .
For some , that will defeat the whole purpose of insurance .
“ Three-quarters of Brits say they will not take out a policy if Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Telegraph .
Can you travel without insurance ?
The Foreign Office strongly advises against it .
“ Make sure you have appropriate insurance for overseas travel , and purchase it as soon as you book your travel , ” says the Gov.UK website .
However , says The Independent ’ s travel correspondent Simon Calder , “ you might , after careful thought , rationally decide not to insure if you are travelling within Europe ” .
The main benefit of travel insurance is to pay for emergency medical treatment , Calder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re unlikely to end up out of pocket .
“ Until the end of 2020 , British travellers are covered by the European Health Insurance Card ( Ehic ) scheme , offering treatment in public hospitals on the same basis as local citizens , ” he explains .
Outside of Europe , healthcare may be more expensive - and potentially ruinously so .
The Seattle Times reports that one Covid-19 survivor was handed a 181-page hospital bill that came to $ 1,122,501.04 ( about £900,000 ) .
What if you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ insurers have withdrawn cover is that the Foreign Office is still advising against all but essential travel to all destinations .
“ For as long as the FCO ’ s advice remains in place , many policies won ’ t cover you for anything if you choose to travel – from lost baggage to life-threatening injuries , ” Which ?
says .
However , there are a few exceptions , “ and your insurance may also remain valid if your trip ’ s deemed ‘ essential ’ ” , adds MoneySavingExpert .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your insurer.
” What about cover for holidays ?
The Foreign Office is expected to change its advice within days , when quarantine rules are relaxed for travellers returning from many destinations .
But finding insurance may still be a challenge .
“ While most [ policies ] will cover treatment for illness and injury while overseas , not all will do so for coronavirus-related illness , ” says the BBC .
Even if you have an annual policy , renewals “ may now be unavailable , or have coronavirus exclusions ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the FCO first warned against non-essential travel abroad - are likely to reactivate when the government advice changes , but some “ may have a general exclusion for claims triggered by pandemics ” , says The Independent ’ s Calder .
Policies including coverage for Covid-19 treatment are beginning to appear on the market , and more are likely to appear as demand increases .
“ Staysure has a policy for medical cover only ” , starting at £9 per trip , but “ premiums are likely to be ten or 20 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , according to Calder .
What if you have to cancel ?
Staysure ’ s policy will cover medical bills , but won ’ t reimburse holders for the cost of a cancelled trip if they have to self-isolate .
Nor will it pay for extra accommodation if they ’ re turned away from their return flight for failing a temperature check .
Indeed , very few policies offer such protection , meaning people “ face considerable financial risk if they can not travel because of a Leicester-style second lockdown or if the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed down again ” , The Guardian reports .
Trailfinders is an exception to the rule .
“ Uniquely , among policies we ’ ve seen ” , says Which ?
, this policy will pay out “ if you have to cancel a holiday because you catch the virus , or are personally ordered to self-isolate or into quarantine because it ’ s suspected you ’ ve been exposed ” .
The cost varies according to age , but a 40-year-old with a clean bill of health can expect to pay less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or about £155 for an annual policy .

British travellers hoping to travel to one of the dozens of countries soon to be excluded from the UK’s 14-day quarantine rules may face one more hurdle before they head off on holiday: a frustrating search for insurance.
“The situation with travel insurance is complex,” says MoneySavingExpert, with many insurers refusing to offer any cover and others specifically excluding claims related to the coronavirus pandemic.
For some, that will defeat the whole purpose of insurance. “Three-quarters of Brits say they will not take out a policy if Covid-19 cancellations are not covered,” says The Telegraph.
Can you travel without insurance?
The Foreign Office strongly advises against it. “Make sure you have appropriate insurance for overseas travel, and purchase it as soon as you book your travel,” says the Gov.UK website.
However, says The Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder, “you might, after careful thought, rationally decide not to insure if you are travelling within Europe”.
The main benefit of travel insurance is to pay for emergency medical treatment, Calder argues, but in the EU you’re unlikely to end up out of pocket.
“Until the end of 2020, British travellers are covered by the European Health Insurance Card (Ehic) scheme, offering treatment in public hospitals on the same basis as local citizens,” he explains.
Outside of Europe, healthcare may be more expensive - and potentially ruinously so. The Seattle Times reports that one Covid-19 survivor was handed a 181-page hospital bill that came to $1,122,501.04 (about £900,000).
What if you have to travel?
Part of the reason that insurers have withdrawn cover is that the Foreign Office is still advising against all but essential travel to all destinations.
“For as long as the FCO’s advice remains in place, many policies won’t cover you for anything if you choose to travel – from lost baggage to life-threatening injuries,” Which? says.
However, there are a few exceptions, “and your insurance may also remain valid if your trip’s deemed ‘essential’”, adds MoneySavingExpert. “So if in doubt, check with your insurer.”
What about cover for holidays?
The Foreign Office is expected to change its advice within days, when quarantine rules are relaxed for travellers returning from many destinations. But finding insurance may still be a challenge.


theweekuk--2020-07-02--Ten ways to improve your home and garden

With summer now in full swing , it ’ s the ideal time to make a few changes and freshen up your living space for the rest of the year .
You might be planning to renovate , or maybe you ’ re keen to invest in new furniture or artwork to make life a little more stylish and comfortable .
Here is where to begin with upgrading your home and garden .
If you ’ ve grown tired of the same old dishes – or your own home cooking – and you are looking for new ideas in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long way .
We Brits may be partial to Italian cuisine , and while a dab hand in the kitchen will be able to whip up a worthy pasta dish , an authentically Italian pizza isn ’ t so easy to create at home .
Upgrading your outdoor cooking kit to include a gas- or wood-fired pizza oven won ’ t just solve the monotony of cooking at home , it ’ ll also ensure you ’ re geared up to host garden parties as soon as we get the green light @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from The Pizza Oven Shop , priced from £229 to £10,000 , you can cook amazing , restaurant-quality stone-baked pizza in just 60 seconds .
thepizzaovenshop.com Add a little ‘ je ne sais quoi ’ to your home and garden without embarking on a total design overhaul by picking up a sculpture .
Bronze lasts a lifetime and , with more than 500 designs from Avant Garden Bronze Collection to choose from , there ’ s a style to suit every taste .
The range includes life-sized animals , birds and figurines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sphere sundials , abstract modern creations and memorial urns .
The solid bronze sculptures are water- and weather-resistant , meaning they won ’ t rust , and each is entirely handcrafted .
Display your chosen piece inside or outside on a Chinese Limestone Pedestal , currently half price with every bronze sculpture or statue .
avantgardenguernsey.com With self-builds revitalising the construction industry , adding an annexe , pool house or entirely new second home is easier than you may think .
Caber House has developed and delivered some of the greenest houses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , energy-efficiency and clever design .
The houses are modern , robust and elegant , with turnkey costs to suit most budgets .
Your home will be unique , as Caber House doesn ’ t take a ‘ one size fits all ’ approach .
The design of each building is optimised using site-specific data , and each one is devised specifically for the UK climate by architects who specialise in sustainability .
What ’ s more , Passivhaus detailing ensures the houses meet low-energy standards .
caberhouse.co.uk This year has seen record-breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spend much more time outdoors – and with a simple upgrade to your home , the summer atmosphere need never end .
A bespoke sun awning lets you relax outdoors in the heat , while a glass veranda lets you enjoy the outdoor experience all year round .
Crocodile offers a range of options to ensure you can make use of your garden in all seasons , from privacy screens and awnings to glass canopies and winter gardens – with the bonus of adding value to your property .
Alternatively , installing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ save energy and add insulation .
Shutters also provide weather protection , increased security and , most importantly , provide extra peace of mind .
crocodile.co.uk Perfect posture is rare , so your back will undoubtedly thank you for investing in bespoke furniture that provides support and complements your body ’ s natural positions .
For those with mobility restrictions and conditions such as poor circulation , arthritis or osteoporosis , such products can bring relief .
New Life Mobility specialises in the design and manufacture of rise and recline chairs and adjustable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upgraded with indulgent heat and massage options to soothe daily aches and pains .
Personal comfort at home is important – particularly when travel and movement are limited .
New Life Mobility makes every effort to ensure that each item of furniture is specifically designed to suit individual needs .
This extra level of support and relief could well improve your standard of life .
newlifemobility.co.uk Rather than making multiple journeys to the nearby garage or petrol station , invest in equipment to keep your car in tip-top condition at home .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be easily carried out on your vehicle , whether it ’ s a family car or a prized motorbike .
Tyres can be swiftly inflated at home with Ring ’ s award-winning range of tyre inflators ( from less than £40 ) , and its tyre sealant is ideal for quickly patching up small punctures .
You could also look into getting an LED inspection light – get under your bonnet , get to know your vehicle and learn a bit more about the basics of mechanics.With it , you can stop exhaust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ radiator , clean out the fuel system and improve engine performance .
Everything you need is easy to use and affordable with Ring .
speeding.co.uk It may seem like an odd suggestion , but patios are often overlooked or unnecessarily replaced .
It ’ s only when you deep-clean them that you realise how much a refresh was required – and how simple a task it can be .
A finalist in the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2020 competition , the Patio Black Spot Removal System has turned the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This complete restoration solution gently lifts layers of organic growth without damaging either the stone beneath or surrounding plants .
It restores your patio to how it looked when it was first laid and helps to permanently prevent the return of black spot and other organic growth .
To use , remove loose surface dirt , apply the solution suitable for your paving as instructed , and watch the transformation take place before your eyes .
It ’ ll save you the expense of replacing your patio and let you concentrate on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting as good as new .
patioblackspotremoval.com Installing a water filtration system , or a boiling tap , can be costly .
But instant filtered boiling and chilled water on demand is available at an affordable price with BIBO .
The system ’ s handsome design means it will sit proudly on any countertop .
It simply connects to a cold-water supply and transforms tap water into an unlimited source of filtered water .
You won ’ t have to wait for the kettle to boil again , and if you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( which one in ten of us are ) , then you ’ ll save money and reduce your impact on the environment at the same time .
Set it to the temperature you want it , with boiling water as high as 98C and cold set as low as 4C .
Use offer code ‘ WATERWEEK ’ at checkout to receive £50 off your rental or purchase .
bibowater.co.uk Be the host with the most interesting glassware Whether you ’ re planning for a garden gathering in keeping with lockdown regulations or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ return of dinner parties , luxury glassware will elevate your event .
Legacy Antiques specialises in glass and crystal dating all the way back to 1750 .
It stocks both stemware and tableware from British makers like Dartington and Royal Doulton , curating a collection of classics from all over the UK as well as Europe , Scandinavia and worldwide — you can tailor your search accordingly , depending on your interest .
You can even choose from pharmaceutical glassware from the 19th and 20th centuries , making for a wonderful conversation starter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an investment or just feeding your nostalgia , antiques are often more affordable and better quality than their modern-day equivalents , with green credentials to boot .
legacyantiques.co.uk Beds , toys and other pet accessories can complement your home and fit in with your décor with a little thought and research .
Wolfybeds makes designer dog beds and luxury pet accessories for discerning pets ( and their owners ) .
Selling internationally , it offers stylish , comfortable and supportive beds , all available in a wide range of colours to complement your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get away this year and take your dog with you , there ’ s even crate and travel beds with waterproof mattresses for multipurpose use .
All bed covers are machine washable at 30C , so they always look and smell as good as new .
You can even have them personalised with their own names — or whatever you fancy — in a range of fonts and thread colours .
Get 10 % off with the exclusive discount code ‘ THEWEEK10 ’ .
Offer ends 10 August 2020. wolfybeds.co.uk

With summer now in full swing, it’s the ideal time to make a few changes and freshen up your living space for the rest of the year. You might be planning to renovate, or maybe you’re keen to invest in new furniture or artwork to make life a little more stylish and comfortable. Here is where to begin with upgrading your home and garden. Build a sustainable home With self-builds revitalising the construction industry, adding an annexe, pool house or entirely new second home is easier than you may think. Caber House has developed and delivered some of the greenest houses in the UK, all based on flexibility, energy-efficiency and clever design. The houses are modern, robust and elegant, with turnkey costs to suit most budgets. Your home will be unique, as Caber House doesn’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The design of each building is optimised using site-specific data, and each one is devised specifically for the UK climate by architects who specialise in sustainability. What’s more, Passivhaus detailing ensures the houses meet low-energy standards.caberhouse.co.uk Add value while increasing security This year has seen record-breaking temperatures and sunshine, allowing us all to spend much more time outdoors – and with a simple upgrade to your home, the summer atmosphere need never end. A bespoke sun awning lets you relax outdoors in the heat, while a glass veranda lets you enjoy the outdoor experience all year round. Crocodile offers a range of options to ensure you can make use of your garden in all seasons, from privacy screens and awnings to glass canopies and winter gardens – with the bonus of adding value to your property. Alternatively, installing shutters can increase your property value, save energy and add insulation. Shutters also provide weather protection, increased security and, most importantly, provide extra peace of mind.crocodile.co.uk Make life more comfortable Perfect posture is rare, so your back will undoubtedly thank you for investing in bespoke furniture that provides support and complements your body’s natural positions. For those with mobility restrictions and conditions such as poor circulation, arthritis or osteoporosis, such products can bring relief. Skip advert New Life Mobility specialises in the design and manufacture of rise and recline chairs and adjustable beds, all of which can be upgraded with indulgent heat and massage options to soothe daily aches and pains.
Personal comfort at home is important – particularly when travel and movement are limited. New Life Mobility makes every effort to ensure that each item of furniture is specifically designed to suit individual needs. This extra level of support and relief could well improve your standard of life.newlifemobility.co.uk Upgrade your garage kit Rather than making multiple journeys to the nearby garage or petrol station, invest in equipment to keep your car in tip-top condition at home. There’s plenty of DIY that can be easily carried out on your vehicle, whether it’s a family car or a prized motorbike. Tyres can be swiftly inflated at home with Ring’s award-winning range of tyre inflators (from less than £40), and its tyre sealant is ideal for quickly patching up small punctures. You could also look into getting an LED inspection light – get under your bonnet, get to know your vehicle and learn a bit more about the basics of mechanics.With it, you can stop exhaust smoke, reduce emissions, flush a radiator, clean out the fuel system and improve engine performance. Everything you need is easy to use and affordable with Ring.speeding.co.uk Deep clean your garden It may seem like an odd suggestion, but patios are often overlooked or unnecessarily replaced. It’s only when you deep-clean them that you realise how much a refresh was required – and how simple a task it can be. A finalist in the RHS Chelsea Garden Product of the Year 2020 competition, the Patio Black Spot Removal System has turned the idea of DIY exterior cleaning on its head. This complete restoration solution gently lifts layers of organic growth without damaging either the stone beneath or surrounding plants. It restores your patio to how it looked when it was first laid and helps to permanently prevent the return of black spot and other organic growth. To use, remove loose surface dirt, apply the solution suitable for your paving as instructed, and watch the transformation take place before your eyes. It’ll save you the expense of replacing your patio and let you concentrate on making the most of summer in a setting as good as new.patioblackspotremoval.com Save yourself time and money Installing a water filtration system, or a boiling tap, can be costly. But instant filtered boiling and chilled water on demand is available at an affordable price with BIBO. Skip advert The system’s handsome design means it will sit proudly on any countertop. It simply connects to a cold-water supply and transforms tap water into an unlimited source of filtered water.


theweekuk--2020-07-04--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 4 Jul 2020

Ghislaine Maxwell will “ never ” offer any information about the Duke of York as part of a plea deal @ @ @ @ @ the Daily Telegraph .
Laura Goldman , who has been friends with Maxwell for several @ @ @ @ @ socialite would “ never sell out ” Prince Andrew .
“ The only way she @ @ @ @ @ gives someone up , but that definitely won ’ t be Andrew , ” said @ @

Friend says Maxwell will not offer information on Prince Andrew
Ghislaine Maxwell will “never” offer any information about the Duke of York as part of a plea deal, a friend has told the Daily Telegraph. Laura Goldman, who has been friends with Maxwell for several years, said the arrested socialite would “never sell out” Prince Andrew. “The only way she can walk is if she gives someone up, but that definitely won’t be Andrew,” said Goldman.


theweekuk--2020-07-05--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 5 Jul 2020

Major sporting events , as well as TV and film productions , will be allowed to go ahead this summer @ @ @ @ @ loosened .
Some sports teams and production crews will not have to quarantine upon arrival @ @ @ @ @ essential to the event or production , say ministers .
Formula One , international football @ @ @ @ @ will be able to return .

Sport and film events can go ahead after quarantine reform
Major sporting events, as well as TV and film productions, will be allowed to go ahead this summer after quarantine rules were further loosened. Some sports teams and production crews will not have to quarantine upon arrival in England if they are essential to the event or production, say ministers. Formula One, international football, golf and snooker tournaments will be able to return.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Met police urged to investigate Dominic Cummings’s Durham trip

The former chief prosecutor for northwest England is urging police in London and Durham and the Crown Prosecution Service to launch new investigations into alleged lockdown breaches by Dominic Cummings .
Lawyers for Nazir Afzal have written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick demanding a probe into whether Boris Johnson ’ s chief adviser broke the law when he drove 260 miles from London to Durham at the height of the coronavirus outbreak , The Guardian says .
The “ continuing pressing public imperative to ensure strict compliance ” with pandemic restrictions “ makes this matter urgent ” , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who The Independent describes as the “ figurehead of a citizens ’ s bid ” to ensure Cummings faces prosecution .
The former prosecutors legal team has also written to the chief constable of Durham Police , Jo Farrell , and Public Prosecutions Director Max Hill calling for further investigation of the Downing Street aide ’ s behaviour .
Dick , Farrell and Hill have been given 14 days to respond , according to The Guardian .
Durham Constabulary has already conducted a short probe into Cummings ’ actions , but only assessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his trip from London .
That investigation , which concluded in May , found that Cummings “ might have ” breached coronavirus legislation by making a 52-mile round trip to Barnard Castle with his wife and son on her birthday .
The force decided to take no further action , however .
Afzal - whose brother died in early April after battling Covid-19 - says he is “ concerned that police and prosecutors have not received all relevant information and that their decision-making will be incomplete as a result ” .
The call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public filed a High Court challenge to the CPS decision not to investigate Cummings ’ alleged lockdown breaches .
Martin Redston , who is crowdfunding the legal bid , said an urgent judicial review was needed to counter a “ Cummings effect ” that he claims has undermined the government message on social distancing , as the London Evening Standard reported at the time .

The former chief prosecutor for northwest England is urging police in London and Durham and the Crown Prosecution Service to launch new investigations into alleged lockdown breaches by Dominic Cummings.
Lawyers for Nazir Afzal have written to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick demanding a probe into whether Boris Johnson’s chief adviser broke the law when he drove 260 miles from London to Durham at the height of the coronavirus outbreak, The Guardian says.
The “continuing pressing public imperative to ensure strict compliance” with pandemic restrictions “makes this matter urgent”, says the letter on behalf on Afzal - who The Independent describes as the “figurehead of a citizens’s bid” to ensure Cummings faces prosecution.
The former prosecutors legal team has also written to the chief constable of Durham Police, Jo Farrell, and Public Prosecutions Director Max Hill calling for further investigation of the Downing Street aide’s behaviour. Dick, Farrell and Hill have been given 14 days to respond, according to The Guardian.
Durham Constabulary has already conducted a short probe into Cummings’ actions, but only assessed his movements within the county and not his trip from London.
That investigation, which concluded in May, found that Cummings “might have” breached coronavirus legislation by making a 52-mile round trip to Barnard Castle with his wife and son on her birthday. The force decided to take no further action, however.
Afzal - whose brother died in early April after battling Covid-19 - says he is “concerned that police and prosecutors have not received all relevant information and that their decision-making will be incomplete as a result”.
The call for action comes weeks after a member of the public filed a High Court challenge to the CPS decision not to investigate Cummings’ alleged lockdown breaches.
Martin Redston, who is crowdfunding the legal bid, said an urgent judicial review was needed to counter a “Cummings effect” that he claims has undermined the government message on social distancing, as the London Evening Standard reported at the time.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Instant Opinion: England is ‘powerless, rudderless and adrift’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on exclusion and abandonment in Brexit and coronavirus Powerless , rudderless and adrift : Covid-19 has crystallised how England feels “ Mix together condescension , vagueness and government by edict , and one thing will spread faster than any virus : the same feeling of local powerlessness that has gripped England for well over 10 years .
It is now as central to our experience of the Covid-19 crisis as it was to how millions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and it has manifested in the strange , slightly hysterical national mood that seems to be defining the summer .
Beyond exhortations to go to the pub and shop for Britain , no one in Westminster and Whitehall seems to know where we might be heading .
Whenever I speak to members of the public , there is a strong sense that they feel as if they are being left to drift , with no direction from anyone at the top .
We seem to have arrived in the worst of all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ignored , while power at the centre is proved to be not just distant , but useless.
” on sleaze and corruption in British politics Britain ’ s cosy establishment is the product of a dysfunctional political system “ Senior officials retire from unelected and unaccountable executive power , only to gain unelected and unaccountable legislating power .
Senior business figures mark one another ’ s homework thanks to slack corporate governance .
Some take the shilling of foreign businesses whose interests they must know clash with those of our country .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and even titles and political positions of their own .
And some politicians succumb to pressure and temptation while reassuring themselves that they are serving a higher purpose .
We should not be surprised that members of this privileged class scratch one another ’ s backs , but that does not mean we should meekly and passively accept it .
The cosiness of our establishment is related to the state of our state , with its informality and amateurishness .
For reasons of probity as much as efficiency , it all needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Keir Starmer don ’ t have much in common but they share a nemesis : Rishi Sunak ... What unites Johnson and Starmer is that Sunak represents their biggest threat to remaining or becoming prime minister after the next election .
Starmer ’ s main political project , thus far , has been to play down the ideological divisions between himself and Johnson , particularly over hot-button culture war issues , in order to focus on advancing the case that he is more competent than the prime minister ... Labour ’ s big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country really needs is to replace Boris Johnson with a hard-working , well-qualified man with great hair : a description that applies equally well to the current chancellor as it does to the former director of public prosecutions.
” Brexit didn ’ t break the UK - but , thanks to Boris Johnson , coronavirus will finally kill off the union “ It is hardly a surprise after these past couple of years that the majority of Scottish people believe they can order things better than the clowns in London , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a troublesome afterthought .
No wonder the Scots want independence - just the same as the British ( though , of course , not the Scots ) wanted their ‘ independence ’ from an unaccountable EU in 2016 .
They are still being governed by Conservatives in London that few of them voted for .
It ’ s becoming intolerable .
The Scots would rather like to take back control ...
The democratic world ’ s most successful but now most unhappy marriage will just get even more sour and acrimonious .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no sustainable basis , no sense of ‘ Britishness ’ holding it together , no shared national endeavour , as building an empire once was ( and even that historic mission is now derided ) .
Divorce is often bitter and invariably it makes couples much the poorer .
But it can be a happy release all the same.
” Everyone ’ s an Antiracist .
Now What ?
“ White people previously oblivious to the worst kind of racial oppression had their obviousness shattered by the images of a police officer killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reality rushed in , and a critical mass of whites and others finally saw - and heard , and felt - Black people as they never had before .
Suddenly everyone is paying attention , loudly declaring their support and commitment to anti-racism , almost as if to make up for all the time they ’ d been in denial or silent ... Recognizing that Black people matter as much as all other Americans is only acknowledging what ’ s always been true .
Embracing Blackness as a something of value and dignity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress ; it is moving into position at the starting line , but it is not the race .
Going from the current enthusiasm to doing the million things that need to be done - simultaneously - to start correcting systemic racism ( whoever thought that phrase would trend on social media ? )
will be daunting , not least because it is unprecedented .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. John Harris in The Guardian
on exclusion and abandonment in Brexit and coronavirus
Powerless, rudderless and adrift: Covid-19 has crystallised how England feels
“Mix together condescension, vagueness and government by edict, and one thing will spread faster than any virus: the same feeling of local powerlessness that has gripped England for well over 10 years. It is now as central to our experience of the Covid-19 crisis as it was to how millions of people voted in the Brexit referendum, and it has manifested in the strange, slightly hysterical national mood that seems to be defining the summer. Beyond exhortations to go to the pub and shop for Britain, no one in Westminster and Whitehall seems to know where we might be heading. Whenever I speak to members of the public, there is a strong sense that they feel as if they are being left to drift, with no direction from anyone at the top. We seem to have arrived in the worst of all words: local decision-makers being all but ignored, while power at the centre is proved to be not just distant, but useless.”
2. Nick Timothy in The Daily Telegraph
on sleaze and corruption in British politics
Britain’s cosy establishment is the product of a dysfunctional political system
“Senior officials retire from unelected and unaccountable executive power, only to gain unelected and unaccountable legislating power. Senior business figures mark one another’s homework thanks to slack corporate governance. Some take the shilling of foreign businesses whose interests they must know clash with those of our country. Some manage to buy political access and influence, and even titles and political positions of their own. And some politicians succumb to pressure and temptation while reassuring themselves that they are serving a higher purpose. We should not be surprised that members of this privileged class scratch one another’s backs, but that does not mean we should meekly and passively accept it. The cosiness of our establishment is related to the state of our state, with its informality and amateurishness. For reasons of probity as much as efficiency, it all needs to change.”
3. Stephen Bush in The Times
on Boris Johnson’s dangerous Downing Street neighbour
Tories’ rising star is now PM’s biggest threat
“Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer don’t have much in common but they share a nemesis: Rishi Sunak... What unites Johnson and Starmer is that Sunak represents their biggest threat to remaining or becoming prime minister after the next election. Starmer’s main political project, thus far, has been to play down the ideological divisions between himself and Johnson, particularly over hot-button culture war issues, in order to focus on advancing the case that he is more competent than the prime minister... Labour’s big message at the moment is that what the country really needs is to replace Boris Johnson with a hard-working, well-qualified man with great hair: a description that applies equally well to the current chancellor as it does to the former director of public prosecutions.”
4. Sean O’Grady in The Independent
on the dis-united kingdom
Brexit didn’t break the UK - but, thanks to Boris Johnson, coronavirus will finally kill off the union
“It is hardly a surprise after these past couple of years that the majority of Scottish people believe they can order things better than the clowns in London, who treat Scotland, at best, as a troublesome afterthought. No wonder the Scots want independence - just the same as the British (though, of course, not the Scots) wanted their ‘independence’ from an unaccountable EU in 2016. They are still being governed by Conservatives in London that few of them voted for. It’s becoming intolerable. The Scots would rather like to take back control... The democratic world’s most successful but now most unhappy marriage will just get even more sour and acrimonious. It cannot go on like this with no sustainable basis, no sense of ‘Britishness’ holding it together, no shared national endeavour, as building an empire once was (and even that historic mission is now derided). Divorce is often bitter and invariably it makes couples much the poorer. But it can be a happy release all the same.”
5. Erin Aubry Kaplan in The New York Times
on what real racial progress might look like
Everyone’s an Antiracist. Now What?
“White people previously oblivious to the worst kind of racial oppression had their obviousness shattered by the images of a police officer killing George Floyd. The dam burst, reality rushed in, and a critical mass of whites and others finally saw - and heard, and felt - Black people as they never had before. Suddenly everyone is paying attention, loudly declaring their support and commitment to anti-racism, almost as if to make up for all the time they’d been in denial or silent... Recognizing that Black people matter as much as all other Americans is only acknowledging what’s always been true. Embracing Blackness as a something of value and dignity is a baseline for progress, not progress; it is moving into position at the starting line, but it is not the race. Going from the current enthusiasm to doing the million things that need to be done - simultaneously - to start correcting systemic racism (whoever thought that phrase would trend on social media?) will be daunting, not least because it is unprecedented.”


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Prince Andrew’s team ‘talked to US lobbyists’ linked to Donald Trump about Epstein scandal

Lawyers representing Prince Andrew approached a US lobbyist with links to Donald Trump for help dealing with the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal , according to reports .
A “ person familiar with the circumstances ” claims that the Duke ’ s London-based legal team has consulted in recent weeks with lobbyist Robert Stryk , but that “ talks about the potential representation appear to have fizzled ” , says The New York Times ( NYT ) .
Stryk reportedly “ expressed discomfort about the possibility of assisting Prince Andrew ” , despite his record of “ taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stryk “ is well connected in Trump administration foreign policy circles ” and has “ developed a reputation in recent years for taking on clients other Washington lobbyists and consultants shy away from ” , the newspaper adds .
His clients include Isabel dos Santos , “ the daughter of the former Angolan president , who is accused of embezzling millions , and the government of Joseph Kabila , former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo , who has been sanctioned for human rights abuses ” , says UK paper The Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal ’ s legal team and Stryk have made no comment about the talks claims .
But according to The Times , a source close to Andrew has refuted the reports , saying : “ This looks like a lobbying firm advertising .
No engagements have been made or sought.
” The newspaper adds : “ It is understood that an introductory conversation took place but it was not initiated by Prince Andrew ’ s team and went no further.
” Meanwhile , a close confidant of Epstein ’ s former ex-girlfriend Ghislaine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ will ‘ never ’ offer any information about the Duke as part of a plea deal ” following her arrest last week .
New York prosecutors claim that Maxwell played a “ critical role ” in helping the late paedophile “ identify , befriend and groom ” victims , and took part in some of the abuse .
“ It is thought Ms Maxwell ’ s arrest could have significant implications for the Duke ” , who was “ reportedly introduced to the billionaire paedophile by her ” , the paper says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Goldman , a former New York stockbroker , insists that while “ the only way ” the British socialite can walk free is “ if she gives someone up ” to investigators , “ that definitely won ’ t be Andrew ” .

Lawyers representing Prince Andrew approached a US lobbyist with links to Donald Trump for help dealing with the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, according to reports.
A “person familiar with the circumstances” claims that the Duke’s London-based legal team has consulted in recent weeks with lobbyist Robert Stryk, but that “talks about the potential representation appear to have fizzled”, says The New York Times (NYT).
Stryk reportedly “expressed discomfort about the possibility of assisting Prince Andrew”, despite his record of “taking on clients with unsavory reputations”.
Stryk “is well connected in Trump administration foreign policy circles” and has “developed a reputation in recent years for taking on clients other Washington lobbyists and consultants shy away from”, the newspaper adds.
His clients include Isabel dos Santos, “the daughter of the former Angolan president, who is accused of embezzling millions, and the government of Joseph Kabila, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who has been sanctioned for human rights abuses”, says UK paper The Times.
The NYT reports that both the Royal’s legal team and Stryk have made no comment about the talks claims.
But according to The Times, a source close to Andrew has refuted the reports, saying: “This looks like a lobbying firm advertising. No engagements have been made or sought.”
The newspaper adds: “It is understood that an introductory conversation took place but it was not initiated by Prince Andrew’s team and went no further.”
Meanwhile, a close confidant of Epstein’s former ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell told The Telegraph that the socialite “will ‘never’ offer any information about the Duke as part of a plea deal” following her arrest last week. New York prosecutors claim that Maxwell played a “critical role” in helping the late paedophile “identify, befriend and groom” victims, and took part in some of the abuse.
“It is thought Ms Maxwell’s arrest could have significant implications for the Duke”, who was “reportedly introduced to the billionaire paedophile by her”, the paper says.
But Maxwell’s friend Laura Goldman, a former New York stockbroker, insists that while “the only way” the British socialite can walk free is “if she gives someone up” to investigators, “that definitely won’t be Andrew”.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Mysterious explosions at Iran’s nuclear facilities - accidents or attacks?

A massive fire caused by an explosion at one of Iran ’ s main nuclear facilities has caused “ significant damage ” , the authorities have admitted .
The blast at the Natanz nuclear facility was reported on Thursday , when officials initially insisted it was only a minor incident .
But Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organisation now says the damage caused could set back the country ’ s programme to develop a new generation of centrifuges by months .
And the explosion is just one of six “ curious incidents ” in Iran in less than two weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a timeline of the mysterious events .
An explosion is reported near a weapons depot linked to the regime ’ s nuclear testing programme , as The Telegraph reported at the time .
The Defence Ministry said the explosion in Parchin , about 20 miles southeast of Tehran , was down to a “ gas storage facility ” leak .
But open-source satellite images showed a burnt patch of land that “ was not located within the military base , as Iran had claimed , but next to it , at a missile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Sky News .
The Khojir complex is understood to contain a research , development and manufacturing facility that was visited by nuclear inspectors in 2015 after renovations there prompted international suspicion of nuclear activity .
At almost the same time as the Parchin explosion , a major power outage was reported 600 miles south , in the city of Shiraz .
The city is home to a major air base and the Iranian military ’ s 55th Airborne Brigade , says military specialist site Global Security .
An explosion at a medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iranian officials again blamed a gas leak .
The Natanz nuclear facility explosion occurs , at around 2am .
The authorities confirmed later in the day that there had been an incident , but did not say who or what was responsible .
However , a Middle Eastern intelligence official told The New York Times that the blast was caused by an explosive device planted inside the facility .
The unnamed sourced reportedly claimed that the explosion “ destroyed much of the above-ground parts of the facility where new centrifuges - delicate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are balanced before they are put into operation ” .
The following day , a large fire hits Shiraz , the city hit by the power outage on 26 June .
Another fire is reported , a power station in Ahvaz , in southern Iran .
A power station transformer was knocked out , with firefighters telling local television that a generator had exploded .
What is behind the incidents ?
Reporting on the Parchin incident , Kuwait ’ s al Jarida newspaper quoted a “ senior security source ” who claimed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack by an Israeli F-35 stealth fighter jet .
Meanwhile , the NYT reports that the Natanz nuclear facility damaged days later is adjacent to an underground fuel production facilities where , in 2010 , the US and Israel conducted “ the most sophisticated cyberattack in modern history ” .
“ The early evidence strongly suggested on Thursday the damage was in fact sabotage ” , according to the newspaper .
And cryptic statements from the Israeli Foreign Minister have done nothing to quell suspicion .
Asked about the Natanz blast , Gabi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term policy ... not to allow Iran to have nuclear abilities .
“ This regime with those abilities is an existential threat to Israel ... we take actions that are better left unsaid.
” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was equally opaque , telling reporters that “ clearly we can ’ t get into that ” .
What happens next ?
Iran has not formally blamed Israel for the recent incidents .
But Civil Defence Chief Gholamreza Jalali told state TV that “ if it is proven that our country has been targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Various unnamed Iranian officials have been quoted by news agencies saying that they believed the Natanz fire was the result of a cyberattack , reports the BBC .
On Sunday , a spokesperson for Iran ’ s Atomic Energy Organisation said that the authorities were not making official statements about what caused the Natanz fire “ because of security reasons ” .
“ The incident could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges in the medium term ... Iran will replace the damaged building with a bigger one that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesperson added .

The head of the Israeli spy agency has apparently confirmed Israeli involvement in an attack on Iran’s main uranium enrichment plant last Thursday.
Yossi Cohen, director of Mossad, is accused of leaking details of the Israeli move to sabotage Iran’s nuclear weapons programme.
Avigdor Lieberman, the former defence minister, did not mention Cohen by name but told Army Radio: “The country’s entire security echelon knows who it is.”
“I expect the prime minister to shut [the leaker’s] mouth, especially since he has started his Likud primary campaign,” Lieberman said, apparently referring to talk of Cohen as a possible successor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Times of Israel reports.
The explosion at the Natanz nuclear plant on 2 July destroyed a building housing Iran’s new-generation centrifuge programme, says The Times of London.
It is just one of six “curious incidents” in Iran in less than two weeks, says Sky News. Here is a timeline of the mysterious events.
26 June
An explosion is reported near a weapons depot linked to the regime’s nuclear testing programme, as The Telegraph reported at the time.
The Defence Ministry said the explosion in Parchin, about 20 miles southeast of Tehran, was down to a “gas storage facility” leak. But open-source satellite images showed a burnt patch of land that “was not located within the military base, as Iran had claimed, but next to it, at a missile production facility in Khojir”, according to Sky News.
The Khojir complex is understood to contain a research, development and manufacturing facility that was visited by nuclear inspectors in 2015 after renovations there prompted international suspicion of nuclear activity.
At almost the same time as the Parchin explosion, a major power outage was reported 600 miles south, in the city of Shiraz. The city is home to a major air base and the Iranian military’s 55th Airborne Brigade, says military specialist site Global Security.
30 June
An explosion at a medical clinic in central Tehran kills 19 people. Iranian officials again blamed a gas leak.
2 July
The Natanz nuclear facility explosion occurs, at around 2am. The authorities confirmed later in the day that there had been an incident, but did not say who or what was responsible.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Reaction: Boris Johnson pledges ‘game-changing’ £1.6bn bailout for cultural sector

Boris Johnson is throwing a £1.57bn lifeline to the UK ’ s struggling arts and heritage sector in a bid to prevent further lay-offs and permanent closures of institutions nationwide .
The long-awaited rescue package is being described by the government as “ the biggest one-off investment in UK culture ” and follows “ weeks of desperate warnings that the UK was facing an irreversible cultural catastrophe without targeted support ” , The Guardian says .
Ministers say that the package will “ protect the future of the country ’ s museums , galleries , theaters and music venues ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announcement comes weeks after arts industry leaders told the Commons Culture Select Committee that half of all music venues and 70 % of theatres across the UK faced closing their doors for good as a result of the coronavirus crisis .
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the government “ accepted the argument made by Britain ’ s artistic leaders that the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future could devastate the cultural life of the country ” , the Financial Times reports .
The settlement was secured by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ financial year to April 2021 , as well as £270m of repayable loans .
Dowden is also due to announce a further “ £100m of targeted support for national cultural institutions in England and £120m to restart construction work at cultural sites ” , according to the paper .
Decisions on where the bailout money will be spent will be made by bodies including the British Film Institute , Arts Council England , the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England .
But the sector is facing continuing uncertainty about when arts venues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up the curtain .
The prime minister has pledged to set out a “ timetable this week for when mass events can resume , but it is thought theatres , concerts and festivals may have to wait until 2021 to restart ” , says the Daily Mail .
All the same , cultural leaders have welcomed the unprecedented funding boost “ as a game changer for the creative industries ” , The Times reports .
In a joint statement , the directors of the Science , Natural History , British and V & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Tate galleries , said that the payments showed the “ government has recognised its duty of care for the national collections ” .
“ Emergency assistance this year will enable us both to care for the collections and secure safe , free access to our galleries , ” they added .
Playwright James Graham told The Guardian of his “ absolute relief and gratitude ” for the “ surprisingly ambitious package , especially when you compare it to some of our European neighbours ” .
Alex Beard , chief executive of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bailout .
“ There is much to achieve over the coming months and this package will be a catalyst for unlocking the extraordinary creativity embedded in the UK ’ s world-renowned creative industries , ” he said .
Some critics are unconvinced , however .
While welcoming the bailout , The Telegraph ’ s arts editor Ben Lawrence argues that “ the funding announcement currently offers more questions than answers ” .
For some institutions , the bailout “ is far too late ” , he says , adding that the money “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when live venues can reopen ” .
“ My feeling is that loans on easy terms will be given to bigger institutions such as the Royal Albert Hall ... while smaller operations such as the country ’ s repertory theatres will be in line for grants , ” Lawrence concludes .
“ Most importantly , there are still no government guidelines on theatres reopening , so the package might still end up as a sticking plaster .
”

Boris Johnson is throwing a £1.57bn lifeline to the UK’s struggling arts and heritage sector in a bid to prevent further lay-offs and permanent closures of institutions nationwide.
The long-awaited rescue package is being described by the government as “the biggest one-off investment in UK culture” and follows “weeks of desperate warnings that the UK was facing an irreversible cultural catastrophe without targeted support”, The Guardian says.
Ministers say that the package will “protect the future of the country’s museums, galleries, theaters and music venues”, the newspaper adds. The bailout announcement comes weeks after arts industry leaders told the Commons Culture Select Committee that half of all music venues and 70% of theatres across the UK faced closing their doors for good as a result of the coronavirus crisis.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak said that the government “accepted the argument made by Britain’s artistic leaders that the need for social distancing for the foreseeable future could devastate the cultural life of the country”, the Financial Times reports.
The settlement was secured by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden and includes £880m of grants for the financial year to April 2021, as well as £270m of repayable loans. Dowden is also due to announce a further “£100m of targeted support for national cultural institutions in England and £120m to restart construction work at cultural sites”, according to the paper.
Decisions on where the bailout money will be spent will be made by bodies including the British Film Institute, Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
But the sector is facing continuing uncertainty about when arts venues and events will be able to pull up the curtain.
The prime minister has pledged to set out a “timetable this week for when mass events can resume, but it is thought theatres, concerts and festivals may have to wait until 2021 to restart”, says the Daily Mail.
All the same, cultural leaders have welcomed the unprecedented funding boost “as a game changer for the creative industries”, The Times reports.
In a joint statement, the directors of the Science, Natural History, British and V&A museums, and of the National and Tate galleries, said that the payments showed the “government has recognised its duty of care for the national collections”.
“Emergency assistance this year will enable us both to care for the collections and secure safe, free access to our galleries,” they added.
Playwright James Graham told The Guardian of his “absolute relief and gratitude” for the “surprisingly ambitious package, especially when you compare it to some of our European neighbours”.
Alex Beard, chief executive of the Royal Opera House, also applauded the bailout. “There is much to achieve over the coming months and this package will be a catalyst for unlocking the extraordinary creativity embedded in the UK’s world-renowned creative industries,” he said.
Some critics are unconvinced, however.
While welcoming the bailout, The Telegraph’s arts editor Ben Lawrence argues that “the funding announcement currently offers more questions than answers”.
For some institutions, the bailout “is far too late”, he says, adding that the money “must be paired with clear guidelines on when live venues can reopen”.
“My feeling is that loans on easy terms will be given to bigger institutions such as the Royal Albert Hall... while smaller operations such as the country’s repertory theatres will be in line for grants,” Lawrence concludes.
“Most importantly, there are still no government guidelines on theatres reopening, so the package might still end up as a sticking plaster.”


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 6 Jul 2020

Suspicions are growing in Iran that the country is under attack from an international sabotage operation after a fire at @ @ @ @ @ third incident in nine days .
The blaze broke out in the transformer of an @ @ @ @ @ There was also an explosion at a missile factory at Khojir near Tehran last week @ @ @ @ @ at the country ’ s main uranium enrichment facility on Thursday .

Iran fears it faces an international sabotage operation
Suspicions are growing in Iran that the country is under attack from an international sabotage operation after a fire at a power station - the third incident in nine days. The blaze broke out in the transformer of an electricity plant in Ahvaz. There was also an explosion at a missile factory at Khojir near Tehran last week and an explosion and fire at the country’s main uranium enrichment facility on Thursday.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Airport offers fake flights for people missing air travel

A Taiwan airport is running fake two-hour flights , including the full check-in experience , for anyone who has missed flying during the coronavirus pandemic .
Those who signed up are given itineraries , boarding passes , and go through security and immigration checks before boarding an Airbus A330 , with cabin crew to greet them .
A cat emerged alive from a 12-minute cycle in a washing machine after his owner did n't realise he 'd fallen asleep inside .
The owner of the two-year-old Burmese cat named Oscar realised what had happened when she heard a peculiar meowing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their bed sheets into the washer .
“ The poor little cat had his hands on the glass as he was doing the rotations and he was looking at me , ” she said .
Vets were able to save Oscar .
Monkeys take over city in Thailand Residents of a city in Thailand have been forced to hide from monkeys who are taking over their neighbourhoods .
Locals say that rival monkey gangs are rampaging through Lopburi creating no-go zones for humans .
“ We live in a cage but the monkeys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One simian gang has established its headquarters in an abandoned cinema .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Taiwan airport is running fake two-hour flights, including the full check-in experience, for anyone who has missed flying during the coronavirus pandemic. Those who signed up are given itineraries, boarding passes, and go through security and immigration checks before boarding an Airbus A330, with cabin crew to greet them.
Cat survives washing machine cycle
A cat emerged alive from a 12-minute cycle in a washing machine after his owner didn't realise he'd fallen asleep inside. The owner of the two-year-old Burmese cat named Oscar realised what had happened when she heard a peculiar meowing sound, after her husband had loaded their bed sheets into the washer. “The poor little cat had his hands on the glass as he was doing the rotations and he was looking at me,” she said. Vets were able to save Oscar.
Monkeys take over city in Thailand
Residents of a city in Thailand have been forced to hide from monkeys who are taking over their neighbourhoods. Locals say that rival monkey gangs are rampaging through Lopburi creating no-go zones for humans. “We live in a cage but the monkeys live outside,” said a resident. One simian gang has established its headquarters in an abandoned cinema.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-07-06--French spy facing treason charges for allegedly passing secrets to Chinese lover

Two former intelligence agents have gone on trial in Paris for allegedly passing on state secrets to China , according to reports .
The two men , known only as Henry M and Pierre-Marie H , are each facing 15 years in prison if convicted of charges of “ delivering information to a foreign power ” and “ damaging the fundamental interests of the nation ” , The Telegraph reports .
The former was the Beijing station chief for the General Directorate for External Security ( DGSE ) , France ’ s equivalent to MI6 , but “ was dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1997 after only a few months ” for starting a relationship with the French ambassador ’ s Chinese interpreter , says The Times .
Henry M , now 74 , retired a few years later and returned to China in 2003 , where he married the interpreter and set up a British-registered business called HM China .
The other accused former spy , 68-year-old Pierre-Marie H , was allegedly recruited by Beijing when he was approaching retirement and looking for extra income .
He was arrested at Zurich Airport in December 2017 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than €25,000 in cash .
No information explaining a link between the two men has been revealed as yet .
But a former colleague of the pair told Paris-based news magazine that they believed “ Henri M betrayed out of love and began working with the Chinese .
He would appear to have served as liaison agent with Pierre-Marie H and his import-export business justified his travels.
” The wife of Pierre-Marie , Laurence H , is also going on trial accused of “ concealment of property derived from intelligence with a foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nation ” .
Because of the highly sensitive nature of the case , the trial opened behind closed doors , and the court will be “ made up exclusively of professional magistrates ” , says France24 .
The verdict is due to be handed down on 10 July .

Two former intelligence agents have gone on trial in Paris for allegedly passing on state secrets to China, according to reports.
The two men, known only as Henry M and Pierre-Marie H, are each facing 15 years in prison if convicted of charges of “delivering information to a foreign power” and “damaging the fundamental interests of the nation”, The Telegraph reports.
The former was the Beijing station chief for the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), France’s equivalent to MI6, but “was dismissed from the intelligence service and sent home in 1997 after only a few months” for starting a relationship with the French ambassador’s Chinese interpreter, says The Times.
Henry M, now 74, retired a few years later and returned to China in 2003, where he married the interpreter and set up a British-registered business called HM China.
The other accused former spy, 68-year-old Pierre-Marie H, was allegedly recruited by Beijing when he was approaching retirement and looking for extra income. He was arrested at Zurich Airport in December 2017 after arriving from Sri Lanka carrying more than €25,000 in cash.
No information explaining a link between the two men has been revealed as yet. But a former colleague of the pair told Paris-based news magazine that they believed “Henri M betrayed out of love and began working with the Chinese. He would appear to have served as liaison agent with Pierre-Marie H and his import-export business justified his travels.”
The wife of Pierre-Marie, Laurence H, is also going on trial accused of “concealment of property derived from intelligence with a foreign power likely to harm the fundamental interests of the nation”.
Because of the highly sensitive nature of the case, the trial opened behind closed doors, and the court will be “made up exclusively of professional magistrates”, says France24.
The verdict is due to be handed down on 10 July.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--Labour: could a ‘wealth tax’ help pay off coronavirus costs?

A new wealth tax should be imposed on the rich to help the UK recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis , Labour has urged .
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has called on the government to introduce a “ new settlement ” to support low and middle-income people hit by the pandemic .
Capital incomes ( wealth generated by assets ) are currently taxed less heavily than labour incomes ( salaries ) , says the Institute for Fiscal Studies ( IFS ) .
Basic-rate taxpayers can currently earn £1,000 of interest on their savings tax-free , while higher-rate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Telegraph .
A wealth tax would tax a small percentage of rich individual ’ s net wealth and assets , either as an ongoing tax or a one-off windfall measure to raise funds .
Speaking ahead of Chancellor Rish Sunak ’ s mini-Budget on Wednesday , Dodds said : “ Over the last ten years , the gap in income and wealth has increased , and living standards for low and middle-income people have stagnated – at the same time as taxes for the very best-off have been reduced .
“ So finally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very least , to not increase taxes or cut support for low and middle-income people , during the period while we recover from this crisis .
“ Because just like the small business that fears for its future , what people want – what they deserve – is fairness.
” A recent You Gov poll found that 61 % of the British public backed the introduction of a wealth for people with assets worth more than £750,000 , excluding pensions and the value of their main home , reports the Financial Times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Andrew Marr Show and Sky ’ s Sophy Ridge on Sunday , Dodds said a higher tax burden ought to fall on those with the “ broadest shoulders ” .
“ I think , where there needs to be additional funds going into the system , they should be coming from those with the broadest shoulders , and we have seen an increase in income and wealth inequality over recent years , ” she said .
Who else supports the concept ?
Former civil service chief Gus O ’ Donnell said last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely than every because of the coronavirus pandemic .
The fallout from the virus had created “ a clear burning platform ” for tax reform , including increased taxes on wealth , because it had exposed and worsened inequality in the UK , he said at the launch of an IFS project to investigate the proposal .
Could such a tax help pay for the Covid tab ?
Labour MP Lucy Powell told Good Morning Britain on Monday that “ the very best off ” people might need to make “ more of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nation ’ s coronavirus costs , reports Metro .
“ At some stage , there may need to be some clawing back , ” she said .
“ When the government needs to do that , we don ’ t want them to make the same mistakes and get the poorer society to pay for that.
” Nick O ’ Donovan , an economics lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University , believes UK voters would back a one-off wealth tax to help address the coronavirus deficit .
“ If the costs of the crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be serviced out of conventional future tax revenues , we are essentially saying that those who engage in economic activity after the crisis should pay for the emergency healthcare spending and economic bailout enjoyed by taxpayers today , ” he told FT tax reporter Emma Agyemang .

A new wealth tax should be imposed on the rich to help the UK recover from the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis, Labour has urged.
Shadow chancellor Anneliese Dodds has called on the government to introduce a “new settlement” to support low and middle-income people hit by the pandemic.
What is a wealth tax?
Capital incomes (wealth generated by assets) are currently taxed less heavily than labour incomes (salaries), says the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS).
Basic-rate taxpayers can currently earn £1,000 of interest on their savings tax-free, while higher-rate taxpayers can earn £500, reports The Telegraph.
A wealth tax would tax a small percentage of rich individual’s net wealth and assets, either as an ongoing tax or a one-off windfall measure to raise funds.
Speaking ahead of Chancellor Rish Sunak’s mini-Budget on Wednesday, Dodds said: “Over the last ten years, the gap in income and wealth has increased, and living standards for low and middle-income people have stagnated – at the same time as taxes for the very best-off have been reduced.
“So finally, government must commit, at the very least, to not increase taxes or cut support for low and middle-income people, during the period while we recover from this crisis.
“Because just like the small business that fears for its future, what people want – what they deserve – is fairness.”
A recent You Gov poll found that 61% of the British public backed the introduction of a wealth for people with assets worth more than £750,000, excluding pensions and the value of their main home, reports the Financial Times.
During appearances on the BBC’s The Andrew Marr Show and Sky’s Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Dodds said a higher tax burden ought to fall on those with the “broadest shoulders”.
“I think, where there needs to be additional funds going into the system, they should be coming from those with the broadest shoulders, and we have seen an increase in income and wealth inequality over recent years,” she said.
Who else supports the concept?
Former civil service chief Gus O’Donnell said last week that a wealth tax looked more likely than every because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The fallout from the virus had created “a clear burning platform” for tax reform, including increased taxes on wealth, because it had exposed and worsened inequality in the UK, he said at the launch of an IFS project to investigate the proposal.
Could such a tax help pay for the Covid tab?
Labour MP Lucy Powell told Good Morning Britain on Monday that “the very best off” people might need to make “more of a contribution” to help cover the nation’s coronavirus costs, reports Metro.
“At some stage, there may need to be some clawing back,” she said. “When the government needs to do that, we don’t want them to make the same mistakes and get the poorer society to pay for that.”
Nick O’Donovan, an economics lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University, believes UK voters would back a one-off wealth tax to help address the coronavirus deficit.
“If the costs of the crisis are added to the public debt, to be serviced out of conventional future tax revenues, we are essentially saying that those who engage in economic activity after the crisis should pay for the emergency healthcare spending and economic bailout enjoyed by taxpayers today,” he told FT tax reporter Emma Agyemang.


theweekuk--2020-07-06--How coronavirus eventually gripped India - and why it took so long

British travellers hoping to travel to one of the dozens of countries soon to be excluded from the UK ’ @ @ @ @ @ face one more hurdle before they head off on holiday : a frustrating search for @ @ @ @ @ with travel insurance is complex , ” says MoneySavingExpert , with many insurers refusing to @ @ @ @ @ specifically excluding claims related to the coronavirus pandemic .
For some , that will defeat @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Three-quarters of Brits say they will not take out a policy if Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ ” says The Telegraph .
Can you travel without insurance ?
The Foreign Office strongly @ @ @ @

As Covid-19 spread through Europe in February and March, India braced for a similar wave of infections.
Worried politicians placed the billion-strong population under a strict lockdown and sent healthcare workers out into villages to look for coronavirus symptoms - yet at first, medics found little to report.
“South Asia’s relatively low case numbers are a bit of a puzzle, especially given high population density and poor health care systems across the region”, Foreign Policy reported in April.
Now, however, India’s coronavirus count is “rising at an alarming rate”, says the BBC.
The authorities today reported 23,000 new cases, pushing India ahead of Russia to become the country with the third-highest number of confirmed infections, behind only the US and Brazil. According to latest figures, India has recorded a total of more than 700,000 cases and nearly 20,000 Covid-related deaths.
What’s happening?
Infection rates across India have been climbing as a strict lockdown in place since late March is gradually lifted, with most activities now allowed “after the economy nose-dived during the shutdown”, The Guardian reports.
Even though masks remain compulsory and commuter trains are suspended, many Indians are complacent about Covid-19, says Jayaprakash Muliyil, an epidemiologist at the Christian Medical College in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
“The general population’s anxiety about the disease is low,” he told the journal Nature.
A sharp increase in Covid-related fatalities may soon change that. Indian officials “recorded 421 new deaths from the virus” on Sunday, “taking the toll to over 2,300 in the five days of this month alone”, The Times of India reports.
And the official numbers almost certainly don’t tell the whole story.
A nationwide testing programme found that 0.73% of the population had Covid-19 antibodies in their blood by early June. That would imply that ten million Indians had already “contracted the deadly contagion”, The Hindustan Times reports.
The official death toll, too, is likely to be well below the true figure. “At least half of all deaths will happen in rural villages - around 66% of our population,” says diseases expert Muliyil. “And there are no real mechanisms to ascertain causes of deaths in these villages.”
Why did coronavirus seem to spread slowly at first?
At least part of the explanation probably lies in the size of India’s population and the relatively small proportion of the country’s people who had been tested. By the end of April, India had conducted 830,201 tests, or 614 for every million people - among the lowest testing rates in the world.
Other potential explanations have also been advanced. “After coronavirus entered India, speculations were rife that it won’t be able to survive the scorching heat or humid weather conditions,” says India.com. Even a “unique Indian genome” was credited with protecting the country - but those theories have now “fallen flat”, adds the news site.
While scientists do believe that the coronavirus spreads less rapidly in hot weather, high temperatures alone do not offer complete protection.
Some researchers also believe that the BCG vaccine, widely used in India to prevent tuberculosis, may offer some protection against Covid-19 - but only to the extent of slowing, rather than stopping, its spread.
What next?
Epidemiologists now expect the outbreak to accelerate, especially in India’s crowded cities.
The Guardian reports that “state government officials fear Delhi, home to 25 million people, could record more than half-a-million cases by the end of the month”, with disastrous consequences for public health.
In Delhi and Mumbai, hospitals are already “struggling to accommodate critically ill patients”, says Nature.
Some restrictions are likely to be reimposed and others that would have been lifted will be retained. “The Taj Mahal, which was scheduled to reopen on Monday, will remain closed,” reports Al Jazeera.
But a repeat of the India-wide shutdown is unlikely.
“The lockdown all over the country was not the right response,” Muliyil told Nature. “It brought misery to untold numbers of people and destroyed lives. And we haven’t been able to repair its consequences for society.”


theweekuk--2020-07-07--Herd immunity doubts as Spanish study finds just 5% of population have Covid antibodies

Hopes of achieving sufficient levels of herd immunity to combat the coronavirus pandemic are unrealistic , a new Spanish study suggests .
The research , outlined in a paper in The Lancet , found that just 5.2 % of more than 60,000 people tested three times in as many months had developed coronavirus antibodies .
But “ around 70 % to 90 % of a population needs to be immune to protect the uninfected ” , the BBC says .
Study co-author Dr Marina Pollan , director of Spain ’ s National Centre of Epidemiology , said that the results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way from reaching so-called herd immunity ” , reports The Telegraph .
And “ it would be very unethical to expose the population to the coronavirus in an indiscriminate way , ” she added .
The study paper says that the low rate of antibodies found “ despite the high impact of Covid -19 in Spain ” indicates that herd immunity “ can not be achieved without accepting the collateral damage of many deaths in the susceptible population and overburdening of health systems ” .
Spain has reported almost 251,800 coronavirus infections , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to latest figures .
Similar studies in China and the US have also found “ that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed ” to the virus , “ even in areas with widespread virus circulation ” , the Spanish researchers report .
“ Social distance measures and efforts to identify and isolate new cases and their contacts are imperative for future epidemic control , ” they conclude .
British Society for Immunology spokesperson Danny Altmann , a professor of immunology at Imperial College London , described the study findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show that “ the challenge is to identify the best vaccine strategies able to overcome these problems and stimulate a large , sustained , optimal , immune response in the way the virus failed to do ” , he said .

Hopes of achieving sufficient levels of herd immunity to combat the coronavirus pandemic are unrealistic, a new Spanish study suggests.
The research, outlined in a paper in The Lancet, found that just 5.2% of more than 60,000 people tested three times in as many months had developed coronavirus antibodies.
But “around 70% to 90% of a population needs to be immune to protect the uninfected”, the BBC says.
Study co-author Dr Marina Pollan, director of Spain’s National Centre of Epidemiology, said that the results show that “Spain is a long way from reaching so-called herd immunity”, reports The Telegraph.
And “it would be very unethical to expose the population to the coronavirus in an indiscriminate way,” she added.
The study paper says that the low rate of antibodies found “despite the high impact of Covid -19 in Spain” indicates that herd immunity “cannot be achieved without accepting the collateral damage of many deaths in the susceptible population and overburdening of health systems”.
Spain has reported almost 251,800 coronavirus infections, and just under 28,400 related deaths, according to latest figures.
Similar studies in China and the US have also found “that most of the population appears to have remained unexposed” to the virus, “even in areas with widespread virus circulation”, the Spanish researchers report.
“Social distance measures and efforts to identify and isolate new cases and their contacts are imperative for future epidemic control,” they conclude.
British Society for Immunology spokesperson Danny Altmann, a professor of immunology at Imperial College London, described the study findings as “sobering”.
The results show that “the challenge is to identify the best vaccine strategies able to overcome these problems and stimulate a large, sustained, optimal, immune response in the way the virus failed to do”, he said.


theweekuk--2020-07-07--Instant Opinion: ‘in-your-face’ Covid rulebreakers ‘out of control’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on Brits not getting the social distancing memo In-your-face rulebreakers are out of control “ We are all free to risk our own health by overdrinking or overeating or overscubadiving , or whatever , but responsible behaviour in a pandemic is not just about us .
It speaks to a sort of social responsibility that is , or at least should be , literally step one in civilised behaviour ...
I had dared to dream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Back in April , you might recall , people kept saying it had .
Covid is a unique crisis but it is also the template for every crisis , from tax avoidance , to funding health and social care , to the big looming horror of environmental collapse .
Over and again , I read that this crisis was a dress rehearsal and a test , and that humanity was on a learning curve .
We are all each other , all intertwined , all responsible for attuning our own behaviour for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though , that we keep forgetting.
” 2 .
Paul Harrison , Downing Street press secretary under Theresa May , in The Guardian No 10 is changing the way it does politics - and it 's a major risk “ Press briefings – like newspapers – work best when the people involved have something to say .
Inevitably , there will be days when No 10 doesn ’ t have a big announcement , and some of them will coincide with moments of real political pressure .
While there ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news during a bad week ( under the last prime minister we described those weeks as ‘ sporty ’ or , when people started resigning , ‘ choppy ’ ) , it definitely won ’ t look tremendous on television .
That is where format will be crucial .
At the moment , behind closed doors , there ’ s nothing to stop the lobby asking the same question 100 times in their briefings ( there ’ s usually an inverse relationship between how many times a question gets asked and how much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dodging a question once is one thing – but refusing to answer the same question 10 times is another .
Whether the new system operates more like a press conference – one outlet , one question – or the current free-for-all , will affect the public ’ s impressions a lot.
” on the enforcing of restrictive gender stereotypes JK Rowling ’ s tweets perfectly illustrate the ‘ gender critical ’ fixation with using gay issues against trans people “ Counter to Rowling ’ s assertion to the contrary , the ideas espoused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trans people that they are not trans , which is , in fact , a form of conversion therapy .
This is because gender , much like sexuality , is innate and it is impossible and cruel to attempt to force trans children to conform to the gender they were assigned at birth .
Organisations such as The Trevor Project include attempts to change gender identity in their definition of conversion therapy , because forcing people to deny their very identities , utilising a range of invasive and damaging methods , is wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is actually the opposite of this harmful practice .
Gay children have been subjected to horrific abuse through so-called ‘ reparative ’ therapy .
Conflating this abuse with the legitimate medical guidelines set by experts far more knowledgeable than her in this particular field trivialises a practice many are still fighting to make illegal in the UK.
” 4 .
Imran Ahmed , CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate , in The Daily Telegraph It ’ s time the tech giants cracked down on the anti-vaxx infodemic “ Social platforms chose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we estimate is worth up to $ 1 billion a year to them .
Some platforms have even broken their own promises by profiting directly from anti-vaxx content .
In one mind-boggling case , we found that an advert from the pro-vaccine Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was being displayed on anti-vaxx content on YouTube , while Facebook ’ s Ads Library reveals that it has accepted money for anti-vaxx adverts .
All of this powers a vast anti-vaxx ecosystem .
It includes anti-vaxx campaigns funded by a tiny number of millionaires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every social media platform for over a decade in some cases ... All of these actors exploit the spaces provided by Facebook groups in order to turn vaccine sceptics into die-hard anti-vaxxers .
It ’ s now time to bring the anti-vaxx industry to heel before it ’ s too late .
How Germany Fell Back in Love With Angela Merkel “ Before the pandemic , with a healthy economy and the government boasting a surplus of €19 billion , over $ 21 billion , Ms. Merkel was criticized for not doing enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and Europe ; she was merely managing them .
The criticism now seems excessive .
As Germany held its breath during those terrifying weeks of lockdown , it saw Angela Merkel afresh .
No longer overcautious and hesitant , she was instead the duteous and utterly capable leader who was there when her country needed her most .
Not that she seems to care much about her new popularity .
‘ When you ’ re in politics , ’ she said last month , ‘ you just have to adjust to new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our job .
’ ”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Hugo Rifkind in The Times
on Brits not getting the social distancing memo
In-your-face rulebreakers are out of control
“We are all free to risk our own health by overdrinking or overeating or overscubadiving, or whatever, but responsible behaviour in a pandemic is not just about us. It speaks to a sort of social responsibility that is, or at least should be, literally step one in civilised behaviour... I had dared to dream that the pandemic might have changed that. Back in April, you might recall, people kept saying it had. Covid is a unique crisis but it is also the template for every crisis, from tax avoidance, to funding health and social care, to the big looming horror of environmental collapse. Over and again, I read that this crisis was a dress rehearsal and a test, and that humanity was on a learning curve. We are all each other, all intertwined, all responsible for attuning our own behaviour for the greater good. What a shame, though, that we keep forgetting.”
2. Paul Harrison, Downing Street press secretary under Theresa May, in The Guardian
on Downing Street’s plans for televised lobby briefings
No 10 is changing the way it does politics - and it's a major risk
“Press briefings – like newspapers – work best when the people involved have something to say. Inevitably, there will be days when No 10 doesn’t have a big announcement, and some of them will coincide with moments of real political pressure. While there’s a certain skill in saying little that makes news during a bad week (under the last prime minister we described those weeks as ‘sporty’ or, when people started resigning, ‘choppy’), it definitely won’t look tremendous on television. That is where format will be crucial. At the moment, behind closed doors, there’s nothing to stop the lobby asking the same question 100 times in their briefings (there’s usually an inverse relationship between how many times a question gets asked and how much they like the answer). Artfully dodging a question once is one thing – but refusing to answer the same question 10 times is another. Whether the new system operates more like a press conference – one outlet, one question – or the current free-for-all, will affect the public’s impressions a lot.”
3. Matrim Tait in The Independent
on the enforcing of restrictive gender stereotypes
JK Rowling’s tweets perfectly illustrate the ‘gender critical’ fixation with using gay issues against trans people
“Counter to Rowling’s assertion to the contrary, the ideas espoused by the gender-critical movement aim to persuade trans people that they are not trans, which is, in fact, a form of conversion therapy. This is because gender, much like sexuality, is innate and it is impossible and cruel to attempt to force trans children to conform to the gender they were assigned at birth. Organisations such as The Trevor Project include attempts to change gender identity in their definition of conversion therapy, because forcing people to deny their very identities, utilising a range of invasive and damaging methods, is wrong. Supporting trans children, therefore, is actually the opposite of this harmful practice. Gay children have been subjected to horrific abuse through so-called ‘reparative’ therapy. Conflating this abuse with the legitimate medical guidelines set by experts far more knowledgeable than her in this particular field trivialises a practice many are still fighting to make illegal in the UK.”
4. Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, in The Daily Telegraph
on the billion-dollar anti-vaxx industry
It’s time the tech giants cracked down on the anti-vaxx infodemic
“Social platforms chose not to alienate an anti-vaxx user base that we estimate is worth up to $1 billion a year to them. Some platforms have even broken their own promises by profiting directly from anti-vaxx content. In one mind-boggling case, we found that an advert from the pro-vaccine Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was being displayed on anti-vaxx content on YouTube, while Facebook’s Ads Library reveals that it has accepted money for anti-vaxx adverts. All of this powers a vast anti-vaxx ecosystem. It includes anti-vaxx campaigns funded by a tiny number of millionaires that have been pumping out misinformation on every social media platform for over a decade in some cases... All of these actors exploit the spaces provided by Facebook groups in order to turn vaccine sceptics into die-hard anti-vaxxers. It’s now time to bring the anti-vaxx industry to heel before it’s too late.
5. Anna Sauerbrey in The New York Times
on the long reign of Mutti Merkel
How Germany Fell Back in Love With Angela Merkel
“Before the pandemic, with a healthy economy and the government boasting a surplus of €19 billion, over $21 billion, Ms. Merkel was criticized for not doing enough. She wasn’t leading her country and Europe; she was merely managing them. The criticism now seems excessive. As Germany held its breath during those terrifying weeks of lockdown, it saw Angela Merkel afresh. No longer overcautious and hesitant, she was instead the duteous and utterly capable leader who was there when her country needed her most. Not that she seems to care much about her new popularity. ‘When you’re in politics,’ she said last month, ‘you just have to adjust to new realities and situations. That’s our job.’”


theweekuk--2020-07-07--Who are the ‘human rights violators’ targeted by new UK sanctions?

The UK is imposing sanctions on 49 people and organisations accused of “ notorious ” human rights abuses , the government has announced .
A total of 25 Russian nationals will see their UK assets frozen and be banned from entering the country over their links to the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky , “ who uncovered widespread corruption by a group of Russian tax and police officials ” , the BBC reports .
The sanctions list also includes 20 Saudi nationals implicated in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi .
Foreign Secretary Raab , an ex-human rights lawyer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ send a “ clear message ” that the UK would take action against “ thugs of despots and henchmen of dictators ” , and prevent them from laundering their “ blood-drenched ill-gotten gains ” through Britain .
The government is targeting a number of high-profile figures including Saud al-Qahtani , “ who US authorities believe oversaw the team that killed Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul ” , The Guardian says .
Sanctions are also being slapped on two high-ranking generals implicated in the systematic killing of the Rohingyas in Myanmar , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ North Korea .
The Foreign Office says the new sanctions could be activated immediately after Brexit , on 31 January .
Secondary legislation to “ beef up the new regime - including a list of new asset freezes - is expected in February or March ” , the Financial Times reports .
The legislation will allow the government to “ to target individuals and organisations around the world unlike conventional geographic sanctions regimes , which only target a country ” , says the Gov.UK website .
The long-awaited move has been welcomed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lisa Nandy has “ urged the government to draw wider conclusions about its alliance with Saudi Arabia ” , The Guardian reports .
The Conservative chair of the foreign affairs select committee , Tom Tugendhat , also highlighted Downing Street ’ s silence about any Chinese officials implicated in the repression of Uighur Muslims .
And some MPs are calling for action against Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam , over her support for controversial new security laws imposed by Beijing .

The UK is imposing sanctions on 49 people and organisations accused of “notorious” human rights abuses, the government has announced.
A total of 25 Russian nationals will see their UK assets frozen and be banned from entering the country over their links to the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, “who uncovered widespread corruption by a group of Russian tax and police officials”, the BBC reports.
The sanctions list also includes 20 Saudi nationals implicated in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Foreign Secretary Raab, an ex-human rights lawyer, told Parliament that the move would send a “clear message” that the UK would take action against “thugs of despots and henchmen of dictators”, and prevent them from laundering their “blood-drenched ill-gotten gains” through Britain.
The government is targeting a number of high-profile figures including Saud al-Qahtani, “who US authorities believe oversaw the team that killed Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul”, The Guardian says.
Sanctions are also being slapped on two high-ranking generals implicated in the systematic killing of the Rohingyas in Myanmar, and two organisations using forced labour in North Korea.
The Foreign Office says the new sanctions could be activated immediately after Brexit, on 31 January. Secondary legislation to “beef up the new regime - including a list of new asset freezes - is expected in February or March”, the Financial Times reports.
The legislation will allow the government to “to target individuals and organisations around the world unlike conventional geographic sanctions regimes, which only target a country”, says the Gov.UK website.
The long-awaited move has been welcomed by MPs. However, shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has “urged the government to draw wider conclusions about its alliance with Saudi Arabia”, The Guardian reports.
The Conservative chair of the foreign affairs select committee, Tom Tugendhat, also highlighted Downing Street’s silence about any Chinese officials implicated in the repression of Uighur Muslims.
And some MPs are calling for action against Hong Kong chief executive Carrie Lam, over her support for controversial new security laws imposed by Beijing.