theweekuk--2020-02-28--Why everyone’s talking about Sun Yang

Why everyone’s talking about Sun Yang

Three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang , China ’ s most popular sports star , has been handed an eight-year ban for doping violations .
During an out-of-competition test at his home in September 2018 the 28-year-old was accused of not cooperating with officials and it was also reported that a hammer was used to smash the vials that contained his blood samples .
Although he was initially cleared of any wrongdoing by Fina , swimming ’ s governing body , the decision has today been overturned after the World Anti-Doping Agency ( Wada ) appealed to the Court of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The BBC says that because this is Sun ’ s second offence the maximum eight-year ban has been issued .
In 2014 he served a three-month suspension after testing positive for prohibited stimulant trimetazidine .
Sun ’ s ban also means he will miss this summer ’ s Olympic games in Tokyo and The Daily Telegraph says the decision by Cas “ effectively ends his career ” .
The most decorated swimmer in Chinese history , Sun won the 200m freestyle gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and the 400m and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Wada appealed to Cas after Fina had ruled the doping sample collection at Sun ’ s home in 2018 was invalid , China Daily reports .
In its verdict Cas said : “ The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling justification to destroy his sample collection containers and forego the doping control when , in his opinion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the ISTI [ international standard for testing and investigations ] .
“ As the Cas panel noted , it is one thing , having provided a blood sample , to question the accreditation of the testing personnel while keeping the intact samples in the possession of the testing authorities ; it is quite another thing , after lengthy exchanges and warnings as to the consequences , to act in such a way that results in destroying the sample containers , thereby eliminating any chance of testing the sample at a later stage.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision and director general Olivier Niggli said : “ Wada decided to appeal the original Fina ruling having carefully reviewed it and having concluded that there were a number of points that seemed to be incorrect under the Code .
“ Today ’ s Cas ruling confirms those concerns and is a significant result .
We will now need to take time to review the decision in full , and we will continue to review diligently all anti-doping decisions taken by Code Signatories to ensure they are in line with the Code and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ independent right of appeal.
” What happens next : Sun will appeal China Daily reports that Sun ’ s team questioned the credentials of the testers in 2018 and in an interview with news agency Xinhua he says he will “ definitely ” appeal the Cas verdict and eight-year ban .
Shocked by the Cas decision , he said : “ This is unfair .
I firmly believe in my innocence .
I have entrusted a lawyer to appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in accordance with the law .
“ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Believe that facts must overcome lies !
“ I will fight to the end to defend my legitimate rights and interests.
” Cas confirmed that Sun has 30 days to challenge the decision before the Swiss Federal Tribunal .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Three-time Olympic swimming champion Sun Yang, China’s most popular sports star, has been handed an eight-year ban for doping violations.
During an out-of-competition test at his home in September 2018 the 28-year-old was accused of not cooperating with officials and it was also reported that a hammer was used to smash the vials that contained his blood samples.
Although he was initially cleared of any wrongdoing by Fina, swimming’s governing body, the decision has today been overturned after the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
The BBC says that because this is Sun’s second offence the maximum eight-year ban has been issued. In 2014 he served a three-month suspension after testing positive for prohibited stimulant trimetazidine.
Sun’s ban also means he will miss this summer’s Olympic games in Tokyo and The Daily Telegraph says the decision by Cas “effectively ends his career”.
The most decorated swimmer in Chinese history, Sun won the 200m freestyle gold medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and the 400m and 1,500m freestyle golds at London 2012.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What happened: Cas verdict
Wada appealed to Cas after Fina had ruled the doping sample collection at Sun’s home in 2018 was invalid, China Daily reports.
In its verdict Cas said: “The athlete failed to establish that he had a compelling justification to destroy his sample collection containers and forego the doping control when, in his opinion, the collection protocol was not in compliance with the ISTI [international standard for testing and investigations].
“As the Cas panel noted, it is one thing, having provided a blood sample, to question the accreditation of the testing personnel while keeping the intact samples in the possession of the testing authorities; it is quite another thing, after lengthy exchanges and warnings as to the consequences, to act in such a way that results in destroying the sample containers, thereby eliminating any chance of testing the sample at a later stage.”
Wada also “welcomed” the decision and director general Olivier Niggli said: “Wada decided to appeal the original Fina ruling having carefully reviewed it and having concluded that there were a number of points that seemed to be incorrect under the Code.
“Today’s Cas ruling confirms those concerns and is a significant result. We will now need to take time to review the decision in full, and we will continue to review diligently all anti-doping decisions taken by Code Signatories to ensure they are in line with the Code and, when warranted, to exercise our independent right of appeal.”
What happens next: Sun will appeal
China Daily reports that Sun’s team questioned the credentials of the testers in 2018 and in an interview with news agency Xinhua he says he will “definitely” appeal the Cas verdict and eight-year ban.
Shocked by the Cas decision, he said: “This is unfair. I firmly believe in my innocence. I have entrusted a lawyer to appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court in accordance with the law.
“I will let more people know the truth. Believe that facts must overcome lies!
“I will fight to the end to defend my legitimate rights and interests.”
Cas confirmed that Sun has 30 days to challenge the decision before the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-01--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Sunday 1 Mar 2020

David Beckham 's US football club Inter Miami plays its first game today .
Beckham said there had been “ @ @ @ @ @ in the six years it has taken to get his project to this point .
@ @ @ @ @ he wants to create the best team in America - and has talked about one @ @ @ @ @ as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo .

Government battle plan for coronavirus is revealed
Recently-retired doctors and nurses could be asked to return to the NHS as part of a battle plan to combat a possible further spread of coronavirus. The government contingency proposals could also see people asked to work from home. Three more cases have been confirmed in the UK, taking the total to 23. The prime minister will chair a COBRA meeting on the virus on Monday.


theweekuk--2020-02-29--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Saturday 29 Feb 2020

Sajid Javid says he wanted to cut 2p from the basic rate of income tax in the budget he was @ @ @ @ @ former chancellor has told The Times he also wished to cut stamp duty and to @ @ @ @ @ investment in a radical tax-cutting programme .
He said he wanted to send a “ @ @ @ @ @ ” that the government was “ absolutely on their side ” .

Javid claims he planned cuts to tax and stamp duty
Sajid Javid says he wanted to cut 2p from the basic rate of income tax in the budget he was due to announce. The former chancellor has told The Times he also wished to cut stamp duty and to offer generous reliefs for capital investment in a radical tax-cutting programme. He said he wanted to send a “huge signal for working people” that the government was “absolutely on their side”.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Sport shorts: Joshua to face Pulev on 20 June at Tottenham and Fury vs. Wilder III set for 18 July i

Sport shorts: Joshua to face Pulev on 20 June at Tottenham and Fury vs. Wilder III set for 18 July in Las Vegas

Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF , WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in a homecoming fight against Kubrat Pulev on 20 June .
After bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York and Saudi Arabia , Joshua will return to London and face Bulgarian Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium .
Mandatory IBF challenger Pulev , 38 , said : “ I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am.
” Many UK boxing fans want to see Joshua face WBC champion Tyson Fury in an all-British battle to decide the undisputed heavyweight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s reported today that Fury will face Deontay Wilder for a third time .
Wilder , who was beaten by Fury , has triggered the rematch clause and the pair are set to go head-to-head again in Las Vegas with an 18 July date pencilled in by promoters .
Should Fury and Joshua win their bouts the all-British title fight could then take place later this year .
The coronavirus outbreak is putting many major sporting events at risk of cancellation but officials insist that the season-opening Formula 1 Australian Grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going ahead .
Martin Pakula , Australia ’ s minister for tourism , sport and major events , said : “ I ’ ve got the latest information from both the Commonwealth and Formula 1 management and the grand prix is going ahead as planned.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Host nation and defending champions Australia have progressed to the semi-finals of the ICC Women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ New Zealand by four runs this morning .
The defeat sees New Zealand knocked out of the competition .
Australia join England , India and South Africa in the final four .
The semi-final fixtures will be confirmed after tomorrow ’ s final group games .
• All times GMT and matches are live on Sky Sports David Beckham ’ s new Major League Soccer ( MLS ) side Inter Miami were beaten 1-0 in their first ever match last night against Los Angeles FC .
Carlos Vela scored the winning goal for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minutes .
The FA Cup fifth round gets underway this evening with League One Portsmouth taking on Premier League side Arsenal at Fratton Park .
Tonight ’ s match kicks off at 7.45pm and is live on BT Sport .
• Tomorrow : Chelsea vs. Liverpool ( 7.45pm , live on BBC One ) ; Reading vs. Sheffield United ( 8pm , live on BBC iPlayer ) ; West Bromwich Albion vs. Newcastle United ( 8pm , live on Facebook ) • Wednesday 4 March : Leicester City vs. Birmingham City ( 7.45pm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday vs. Manchester City ( 7.45pm , live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer ) ; Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City ( 7.45pm , live on BBC iPlayer ) BBC Sport reports that England prop Mako Vunipola is available for selection for this weekend ’ s Six Nations clash against Wales .
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie is included in a 34-man training squad for the Twickenham fixture .
• None Saturday 7 March : England vs. Wales ( 4.45pm GMT ; live on ITV and S4C ) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In yesterday ’ s Premier League matches Tottenham were beaten 3-2 by Wolves while Everton drew 1-1 with Manchester United .
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho gave a scathing assessment of his side after they twice surrendered the lead against Wolves .
The Portuguese said : “ I think we are too good , we are too nice and that was the only thing that made a difference in the game .
“ I can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , about their fighting , I can complain about some psychological characteristics that are not easy to change… we don ’ t have that aggression , that ruthlessness.
” British athletics star Mo Farah says questions raised in a recent BBC Panorama documentary over his relationship with his banned former coach Alberto Salazar are “ depressing ” .
The four-time Olympic champion said : “ I can sleep at night knowing I 've done nothing wrong.
” Farah , who has never failed a drugs test or been accused of doping , added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to feel sorry for me , but I 've always done the right thing.
” 10 .
Back pages : third league cup in a row for City “ Champers ” is the headline on the back of the Daily Star , beneath a photo of Pep Guardiola swigging a bottle of bubbly after watching his Manchester City side clinch a third Carabao Cup title in a row .
City beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday and the Daily Mail , Daily Express and The Times use the same photo on their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Blues lifting the cup on the hallowed Wembley turf .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Joshua to face Pulev at Tottenham
Anthony Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles in a homecoming fight against Kubrat Pulev on 20 June.
After bouts against Andy Ruiz Jr in New York and Saudi Arabia, Joshua will return to London and face Bulgarian Pulev at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Mandatory IBF challenger Pulev, 38, said: “I am happy to have the opportunity to show the world how strong I really am.”
2. Fury vs. Wilder III set for 18 July
Many UK boxing fans want to see Joshua face WBC champion Tyson Fury in an all-British battle to decide the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.
However, it’s reported today that Fury will face Deontay Wilder for a third time. Wilder, who was beaten by Fury last week, has triggered the rematch clause and the pair are set to go head-to-head again in Las Vegas with an 18 July date pencilled in by promoters.
Should Fury and Joshua win their bouts the all-British title fight could be planned for later this year.
3. Australian GP ‘going ahead’ for now
The coronavirus outbreak is putting many major sporting events at risk of cancellation but officials insist that the season-opening Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 15 March is going ahead.
Martin Pakula, Australia’s minister for tourism, sport and major events, said: “I’ve got the latest information from both the Commonwealth and Formula 1 management and the grand prix is going ahead as planned.”
F1: Red Bull have high hopes for Max Verstappen’s title bid
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Hosts through to T20 World Cup semi-finals
Host nation and defending champions Australia have progressed to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup after beating New Zealand by four runs this morning. The defeat sees New Zealand knocked out of the competition.
Australia join England, India and South Africa in the final four. The semi-final fixtures will be confirmed after tomorrow’s final group games.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures
Tuesday 3 March: Pakistan vs. Thailand (4am); West Indies vs. South Africa (8am)
Thursday 5 March: 1st semi-final, Sydney (4am); 2nd semi-final, Sydney (8am)
Sunday 8 March: Final, Melbourne (7am GMT)
All times GMT and matches are live on Sky Sports
5. Inter Miami lose first game
David Beckham’s new Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami were beaten 1-0 in their first ever match last night against Los Angeles FC. Carlos Vela scored the winning goal for LAFC with a brilliant chip after 44 minutes.
6. Pompey host Arsenal in FA Cup
The FA Cup fifth round gets underway this evening with League One Portsmouth taking on Premier League side Arsenal at Fratton Park. Tonight’s match kicks off at 7.45pm and is live on BT Sport.
FA Cup fifth round ties
Tonight: Portsmouth vs. Arsenal (7.45pm, live on BT Sport)
Tomorrow: Chelsea vs. Liverpool (7.45pm, live on BBC One); Reading vs. Sheffield United (8pm, live on BBC iPlayer); West Bromwich Albion vs. Newcastle United (8pm, live on Facebook)
Wednesday 4 March: Leicester City vs. Birmingham City (7.45pm, live on Facebook); Sheffield Wednesday vs. Manchester City (7.45pm, live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer); Tottenham Hotspur vs. Norwich City (7.45pm, live on BBC iPlayer)
Thursday 5 March: Derby County vs. Manchester United (7.45pm, live on BT Sport)
7. Mako Vunipola available for England
BBC Sport reports that England prop Mako Vunipola is available for selection for this weekend’s Six Nations clash against Wales.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Are UK food prices about to surge?

Are UK food prices about to surge?

The UK ’ s wettest February on record and the ongoing coronavirus have fuelled fears of steep food price increases for UK consumers in the coming months .
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board ( AHDB ) is warning that the nation ’ s farmers are in crisis following months of rain that has left land too waterlogged to sow crops , reports The Telegraph ’ s industry editor Alan Tovey .
With flood warnings still in place , time is running out for farms to save the harvest with spring planting , according to the board , which represents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has confirmed that more rain fell last month than in any other February since accurate records began , with a UK average of 202.1mm ( 7.96ins ) - beating the previous record of 193.4mm ( 7.61in ) in 1990 .
The downpours follow floods last autumn , when The Guardian reported that poor yields of winter vegetables such as potatoes , cauliflowers and cabbages was expected to result in food price hikes “ in the new year ” .
Following heavy rain that saw six months worth of rain fall in six weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were also unable to sow crops such as winter barley , which germinate in the autumn and rise for an early harvest in the late spring .
The AHDB is now forecasting that wheat crops during the 2020-21 growing season will total around 10.7 million tons , which would be the lowest for 20 years .
“ Lower harvests may mean producers have to import grain to make up the shortfall , raising costs and pushing up food prices , ” says The Telegraph ’ s Tovey .
Andrew Opie , of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ will do their best to shield consumers from potential cost implications ” .
What about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak ?
Consumers are also set to feel the economic effects of the global coronavirus outbreak , as the infection spreads to countries worldwide after the first cases were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December .
Almost 90,000 people have been infected worldwide , with more than 3,000 deaths .
A total of 36 cases have been confirmed in the UK , but no fatalities .
Fear about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK consumers beginning to panic buy household productions , with some families “ even setting up ‘ isolation ’ rooms at home in case coronavirus closes down their communities ” , reports The Sun .
“ Among the essentials worried families have been said to be stockpiling are nappies , toilet roll , soup , tinned fruit , pet food , medicine , bottled water - and booze ” , says the newspaper .
Demand for hand sanitiser is soaring , with Boots chemists stores restricting purchases to two bottles per customer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of medical faces masks , “ despite warnings by health officials they are of limited use in everyday circumstances , and online scammers have begun exploiting fears by selling stocks at vastly inflated prices ” , adds The Telegraph .
And disruptions to foreign food imports as a result of the virus are expected to send the prices of a range of products even higher .
Professor Tim Lang , an expert in food policy at City , University of London , said : “ The food sector today runs on a ‘ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ idea is to not have storage .
Britain is catastrophically dependent on external sources .
”

The UK’s wettest February on record and the ongoing coronavirus have fuelled fears of steep food price increases for UK consumers in the coming months.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) is warning that the nation’s farmers are in crisis following months of rain that has left land too waterlogged to sow crops, reports The Telegraph’s industry editor Alan Tovey.
With flood warnings still in place, time is running out for farms to save the harvest with spring planting, according to the board, which represents farmers and growers.
The Met Office has confirmed that more rain fell last month than in any other February since accurate records began, with a UK average of 202.1mm (7.96ins) - beating the previous record of 193.4mm (7.61in) in 1990.
The downpours follow floods last autumn, when The Guardian reported that poor yields of winter vegetables such as potatoes, cauliflowers and cabbages was expected to result in food price hikes “in the new year”.
Following heavy rain that saw six months worth of rain fall in six weeks from the end of September, farmers were also unable to sow crops such as winter barley, which germinate in the autumn and rise for an early harvest in the late spring.
The AHDB is now forecasting that wheat crops during the 2020-21 growing season will total around 10.7 million tons, which would be the lowest for 20 years.
“Lower harvests may mean producers have to import grain to make up the shortfall, raising costs and pushing up food prices,” says The Telegraph’s Tovey.
Andrew Opie, of the British Retail Consortium, said supermarket chains “will do their best to shield consumers from potential cost implications”.
What about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak?
Consumers are also set to feel the economic effects of the global coronavirus outbreak, as the infection spreads to countries worldwide after the first cases were reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
Almost 90,000 people have been infected worldwide, with more than 3,000 deaths. A total of 36 cases have been confirmed in the UK, but no fatalities.
Fear about the outbreak has seen a growing number of UK consumers beginning to panic buy household productions, with some families “even setting up ‘isolation’ rooms at home in case coronavirus closes down their communities”, reports The Sun.
“Among the essentials worried families have been said to be stockpiling are nappies, toilet roll, soup, tinned fruit, pet food, medicine, bottled water - and booze”, says the newspaper.
Demand for hand sanitiser is soaring, with Boots chemists stores restricting purchases to two bottles per customer.
Many stores have also reported selling out of medical faces masks, “despite warnings by health officials they are of limited use in everyday circumstances, and online scammers have begun exploiting fears by selling stocks at vastly inflated prices”, adds The Telegraph.
And disruptions to foreign food imports as a result of the virus are expected to send the prices of a range of products even higher.
Professor Tim Lang, an expert in food policy at City, University of London, said: “The food sector today runs on a ‘just-in-time’ logistics system. The whole idea is to not have storage. Britain is catastrophically dependent on external sources.”


theweekuk--2020-03-02--F1: Red Bull have high hopes for Max Verstappen’s title bid and are ready to fight for Australian GP

F1: Red Bull have high hopes for Max Verstappen’s title bid and are ready to fight for Australian GP win

Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko believes the team can rival reigning champions Mercedes for the victory in the season-opening Formula 1 grand prix in Australia on 15 March .
With pre-season testing now complete , all ten teams are now preparing for the first race of the 2020 campaign .
Red Bull have ambitions of ending Mercedes ’ s domination and for Max Verstappen , 22 , to become the youngest-ever F1 world champion .
Speaking after testing in Barcelona , Marko said : “ The car does what we expected and what we hoped for .
We start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We have come a step closer to our goal of making Max Verstappen the youngest world champion .
“ Testing is deceiving and the teams hide what they really are doing .
But we are certainly much better prepared than in recent years .
I think we can fight with Mercedes for victory in Australia.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The coronavirus outbreak is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cancellation but F1 Australian Grand Prix officials insist that the Melbourne race is going ahead .
F1 ’ s 2020 season starts down under on Sunday 15 March and with two weeks to go it ’ s reported that ticket sales for the Albert Park event are up this year .
Martin Pakula , Australia ’ s minister for tourism , sport and major events , told the Sydney Morning Herald that although the situation may change because of the coronavirus spread , the Australian GP is still on .
Pakula said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest information from both the Commonwealth and Formula 1 management and the grand prix is going ahead as planned.
” Australian GP boss Andrew Westacott said it was “ all systems go ” in Melbourne , which is gearing up to host its 25th Formula 1 GP .
Westacott added : “ The finishing touches are being put on the circuit , Formula 1 freight and personnel are arriving in the coming days and we ’ re looking forward to opening the gates to the public .
“ The health and safety of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prix 2020 is paramount .
The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has robust health , safety and emergency management arrangements in place at each event and we are working collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency services organisations in addressing this matter .
“ We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the grand prix and are taking guidance from subject matter experts , including Victorian and National Chief Health Officers and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
” Despite officials declaring that the Australian GP is going ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ within the paddock , especially for the contingent based in Italy - Ferrari , Alpha Tauri and Pirelli .
GrandPX reports that there ’ s a “ very dark cloud ” hanging over F1 ’ s 2020 season , with a number of races in doubt following the postponement of the Chinese GP .
Italy has the most confirmed cases of coronavirus in Europe , Crash.net reports , but Australian GP boss Westacott said : “ At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans , nor is there any indication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be arriving as usual .
“ Formula 1 has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead and we ’ re looking forward to welcoming them and the teams to Melbourne.
” However , Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is seeking clarity before the team jets off to Melbourne , GrandPX adds .
“ We need to protect our employees , ” said Binotto .
“ I don ’ t think we can discover on a plane what can be or what will be the situation.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Marko: Red Bull ready to fight Mercedes
Red Bull Racing advisor Helmut Marko believes the team can rival reigning champions Mercedes for the victory in the season-opening Formula 1 grand prix in Australia on 15 March.
With pre-season testing now complete, all ten teams are now preparing for the first race of the 2020 campaign.
Red Bull have ambitions of ending Mercedes’s domination and for Max Verstappen, 22, to become the youngest-ever F1 world champion.
Speaking after testing in Barcelona, Marko said: “The car does what we expected and what we hoped for. We start the season with a very positive feeling. We have come a step closer to our goal of making Max Verstappen the youngest world champion.
“Testing is deceiving and the teams hide what they really are doing. But we are certainly much better prepared than in recent years. I think we can fight with Mercedes for victory in Australia.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Australian GP ‘going ahead’ for now
The coronavirus outbreak is putting many major sporting events at risk of cancellation but F1 Australian Grand Prix officials insist that the Melbourne race is going ahead.
F1’s 2020 season starts down under on Sunday 15 March and with two weeks to go it’s reported that ticket sales for the Albert Park event are up this year.
Martin Pakula, Australia’s minister for tourism, sport and major events, told the Sydney Morning Herald that although the situation may change because of the coronavirus spread, the Australian GP is still on.
Pakula said: “I’ve got the latest information from both the Commonwealth and Formula 1 management and the grand prix is going ahead as planned.”
‘All systems go’
Australian GP boss Andrew Westacott said it was “all systems go” in Melbourne, which is gearing up to host its 25th Formula 1 GP.
Westacott added: “The finishing touches are being put on the circuit, Formula 1 freight and personnel are arriving in the coming days and we’re looking forward to opening the gates to the public.
“The health and safety of everyone at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020 is paramount. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has robust health, safety and emergency management arrangements in place at each event and we are working collaboratively with health agencies and related government and emergency services organisations in addressing this matter.
“We continue to closely monitor the situation in the lead-up to the grand prix and are taking guidance from subject matter experts, including Victorian and National Chief Health Officers and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.”
Concerns for Italian contingent
Despite officials declaring that the Australian GP is going ahead as planned, there are major concerns within the paddock, especially for the contingent based in Italy - Ferrari, Alpha Tauri and Pirelli.
GrandPX reports that there’s a “very dark cloud” hanging over F1’s 2020 season, with a number of races in doubt following the postponement of the Chinese GP.
Italy has the most confirmed cases of coronavirus in Europe, Crash.net reports, but Australian GP boss Westacott said: “At this stage there is no indication of further travel bans, nor is there any indication that Formula 1 and the teams will not be arriving as usual.
“Formula 1 has again confirmed overnight that the Australian Grand Prix is going ahead and we’re looking forward to welcoming them and the teams to Melbourne.”
However, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is seeking clarity before the team jets off to Melbourne, GrandPX adds.
“We need to protect our employees,” said Binotto. “I don’t think we can discover on a plane what can be or what will be the situation.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Instant Opinion: Pete Buttigieg ‘undone’ by homophobia

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
1 .
Matthew Walther on The Week US on Pete Buttigieg pulling out of the Democratic race “ Mayor Pete ’ s undoing was his utterly predictable failure to connect with white working-class , Hispanic , and , especially , black voters .
There are a number of reasons for this — his thin resume , his vague platform , his record with South Bend ’ s African-American population — but the most obvious one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public discussion : namely , the fact that many millions of poor and minority voters still disapprove of same-sex marriage .
When footage emerged last month of an Iowa caucus participant asking to retract her vote upon learning that Buttigieg is married to a person of the same sex , the woman was discussed as if she were a curiosity as opposed to a fairly typical representative of the Democratic electorate outside of the party establishment and activist circles.
” 2 .
Maureen Dowd in The New York Times on how to mishandle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing his orange clown pufferfish routine , acting as though he knows more about viruses than anyone , just as he has bragged that he knows more about the military , taxes , trade , infrastructure , ISIS , renewables , visas , banking , debt and ‘ the horror of nuclear ’ ... Trump ’ s history in business — he makes people feel good for a while and then it ends badly — could presage a stock market crash before he exits .
And it ’ s conceivable that a crash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the uninsured — could lead to the election of a real populist promising Medicare for All .
And that would be a very Trumpian arc indeed.
” 3 .
The editorial board in The Telegraph on the rise of a new evil Africa ’ s Sahel must not replace Afghanistan as a haven for international terrorists “ The absolute condition on the Taliban is that they do not allow Afghanistan to become once again the headquarters of Islamist terrorists intent upon striking against the West .
If that were to happen , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go back with a force like no one ’ s ever seen ’ .
But for Washington , this marks the point where the American heavy lifting ends and other countries are expected to step into the breach .
As we report today , this is precisely what is going on in sub-Saharan Africa , where the Islamist fanatics kicked out of Afghanistan and the Middle East have been regrouping.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Israel vote : Two incumbents and two proud Jews “ Even if Sanders falls behind in the primaries , he has already let the genie out of the bottle .
Young Americans , including American Jewish youth from all walks of life , are determined to take a fresh and daring stance on religious fanaticism , racism and inequality in both the United States and Israel .
No Democratic nominee will be able to win without them , as Hillary Clinton learned the hard way in 2016 .
Today , they stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supremacist and fanatical evangelical supporters who love Israel , because of a biblical prophecy , but hate Jews .
This is a hugely important milestone in the fight against both racism and anti-Semitism.
” Older women are needlessly going blind .
Why isn ’ t it a national scandal ?
“ If hundreds of children were losing their sight for no good medical reason , it would be on the front page of every paper .
Somehow , old women losing their sight doesn ’ t seem to be a scandal .
Hey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we should expect horrible things to happen to us medically .
It ’ s not like most of us are economically active , so who cares ?
Of course , the extra scandal about all of this is that elderly people who lose sight become a burden on health and care services .
A study showed that saving the sight of people with GCA actually saves the health service money .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Matthew Walther on The Week US
on Pete Buttigieg pulling out of the Democratic race
The undoing of Mayor Pete
“Mayor Pete’s undoing was his utterly predictable failure to connect with white working-class, Hispanic, and, especially, black voters. There are a number of reasons for this — his thin resume, his vague platform, his record with South Bend’s African-American population — but the most obvious one has been the subject of comparatively little public discussion: namely, the fact that many millions of poor and minority voters still disapprove of same-sex marriage. When footage emerged last month of an Iowa caucus participant asking to retract her vote upon learning that Buttigieg is married to a person of the same sex, the woman was discussed as if she were a curiosity as opposed to a fairly typical representative of the Democratic electorate outside of the party establishment and activist circles.”
2. Maureen Dowd in The New York Times
on how to mishandle a health crisis
Trump makes us ill
“Trump is already doing his orange clown pufferfish routine, acting as though he knows more about viruses than anyone, just as he has bragged that he knows more about the military, taxes, trade, infrastructure, ISIS, renewables, visas, banking, debt and ‘the horror of nuclear’... Trump’s history in business — he makes people feel good for a while and then it ends badly — could presage a stock market crash before he exits. And it’s conceivable that a crash — along with hospitals being overwhelmed by the uninsured — could lead to the election of a real populist promising Medicare for All. And that would be a very Trumpian arc indeed.”
3. The editorial board in The Telegraph
on the rise of a new evil
Africa’s Sahel must not replace Afghanistan as a haven for international terrorists
“The absolute condition on the Taliban is that they do not allow Afghanistan to become once again the headquarters of Islamist terrorists intent upon striking against the West. If that were to happen, said President Trump, ‘we’ll go back with a force like no one’s ever seen’. But for Washington, this marks the point where the American heavy lifting ends and other countries are expected to step into the breach. As we report today, this is precisely what is going on in sub-Saharan Africa, where the Islamist fanatics kicked out of Afghanistan and the Middle East have been regrouping.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Marwan Bishara on Al Jazeera
on redefining modern Judaism in America
US and Israel vote: Two ‘racist’ incumbents and two proud Jews
“Even if Sanders falls behind in the primaries, he has already let the genie out of the bottle. Young Americans, including American Jewish youth from all walks of life, are determined to take a fresh and daring stance on religious fanaticism, racism and inequality in both the United States and Israel. No Democratic nominee will be able to win without them, as Hillary Clinton learned the hard way in 2016. Today, they stand evermore united against Trump’s white supremacist and fanatical evangelical supporters who love Israel, because of a biblical prophecy, but hate Jews. This is a hugely important milestone in the fight against both racism and anti-Semitism.”
5. Dorothy Byrne in The Guardian
on a forgotten demographic
Older women are needlessly going blind. Why isn’t it a national scandal?
“If hundreds of children were losing their sight for no good medical reason, it would be on the front page of every paper. Somehow, old women losing their sight doesn’t seem to be a scandal. Hey, we’re getting on; we should expect horrible things to happen to us medically. It’s not like most of us are economically active, so who cares? Of course, the extra scandal about all of this is that elderly people who lose sight become a burden on health and care services. A study showed that saving the sight of people with GCA actually saves the health service money.”


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Where are the coronavirus cases in the UK?

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The number of Covid-19 cases confirmed in the UK has passed 165,000, with more than 26,000 related deaths.
The total leapt up on Wednesday as deaths in the community, such as in care homes, were added to the tally for hospitals in daily official figures for the first time.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who has been standing in for Boris Johnson, said the significantly increased total included previously unrecorded community deaths dating back to 2 March and did not indicate “a sudden surge” in fatalities.
Meanwhile, latest figures show that 52,429 coronavirus tests were carried out on Tuesday - well short of the government’s target of 100,000 daily tests by the end of April.
So which regions of the UK have been hardest hit?
The total
A total of 166,441 people have tested positive and 26,097 have died from the Covid-19 coronavirus in the UK, according to the latest figures - although there are believed to be many more unreported cases.
A total of 765 new deaths were confirmed in the 24 hours to 5pm on Tuesday.
How did the virus spread?
The first confirmed UK case of coronavirus was recorded in York at the end of January. Since then, the number of cases has increased dramatically, spreading fastest in urban centres with international transport connections.
As of Wednesday, London had reported more cases (24,090) than anywhere else in the country. Greater Manchester had confirmed 6,224 cases, with a further 2,782 infections in Birmingham, reports The Times.
Northwick Park in northwest London was one of the hospitals to first declare an emergency over the outbreak, with more than 50 coronavirus patients dying in a fortnight.
Another early hotspot was in the West Midlands, where an outbreak near a church caused a cluster of deaths at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital.
Where are the UK's cases now?


theweekuk--2020-03-02--‘Winning is great’: Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s incredible consistency

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described his side ’ s third consecutive Carabao Cup title as “ awesome ” .
Speaking after the Sky Blues had beaten Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday , the City boss said : “ It was awesome… it ’ s the consistency , incredible.
” The league cup has now found its way to the Etihad in five of the last seven seasons and their hat-trick of wins is a feat emulated only by Liverpool , who lifted the trophy a record four times from 1981 to 1984 .
For Guardiola , yesterday ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ six as the Spaniard has won all his cup finals with City : two Community Shields , three League Cups and one FA Cup .
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Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– City will have their eyes on equalling Liverpool ’ s record - particularly as they won ’ t be competing in Europe next season after their two-year ban imposed by Uefa - and Guardiola issued a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wembley .
“ We ’ ve won a lot , ” he declared .
“ Every game we play we try to win it , every competition we try to win it , and three times in a row , being here and winning is great.
” The result seemed set in stone as City went 2-0 up within half an hour .
Sergio Aguero ’ s strike put the holders ahead on 20 minutes and ten minutes later Rodri ’ s header doubled their advantage , although the Sky Blue who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Foden .
Mbwana Samatta got a goal back for Villa just before the break , and the underdogs almost levelled in the dying moments of the second half when Bjorn Engels ’ s powerful header was brilliantly kept out by City stopper Claudio Bravo .
Although City are out of the title race , lying 22 points behind leaders Liverpool , who actually lost a game on Saturday , they are still in with a shout of a hat-trick of cup titles this season .
On Wednesday they visit Sheffield Wednesday in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash having come away from the Bernabeu last week with a priceless 2-1 victory .
“ What is important is everybody knows we have the responsibility to fight and try to win the games and titles and that means a lot , ” said Guardiola .
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Carabao Cup final Aston Villa 1 Manchester City 2
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola described his side’s third consecutive Carabao Cup title as “awesome”.
Speaking after the Sky Blues had beaten Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday, the City boss said: “It was awesome… it’s the consistency, incredible.”
The league cup has now found its way to the Etihad in five of the last seven seasons and their hat-trick of wins is a feat emulated only by Liverpool, who lifted the trophy a record four times from 1981 to 1984.
For Guardiola, yesterday’s victory was about the joy of six as the Spaniard has won all his cup finals with City: two Community Shields, three League Cups and one FA Cup.
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Fab four?
City will have their eyes on equalling Liverpool’s record - particularly as they won’t be competing in Europe next season after their two-year ban imposed by Uefa - and Guardiola issued a statement of intent as his side celebrated at Wembley.
“We’ve won a lot,” he declared. “Every game we play we try to win it, every competition we try to win it, and three times in a row, being here and winning is great.”
The result seemed set in stone as City went 2-0 up within half an hour. Sergio Aguero’s strike put the holders ahead on 20 minutes and ten minutes later Rodri’s header doubled their advantage, although the Sky Blue who really caught the eye was young Phil Foden.
Mbwana Samatta got a goal back for Villa just before the break, and the underdogs almost levelled in the dying moments of the second half when Bjorn Engels’s powerful header was brilliantly kept out by City stopper Claudio Bravo.
Cups runneth over
Although City are out of the title race, lying 22 points behind leaders Liverpool, who actually lost a game on Saturday, they are still in with a shout of a hat-trick of cup titles this season.
On Wednesday they visit Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup fifth round and on 17 March they host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash having come away from the Bernabeu last week with a priceless 2-1 victory.
“What is important is everybody knows we have the responsibility to fight and try to win the games and titles and that means a lot,” said Guardiola.
Today’s back pages
‘Champers’ City win Carabao Cup and Tottenham must toughen up
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theweekuk--2020-03-02--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Monday 2 Mar 2020

The Maldives has hired British-Lebanese lawyer Amal Clooney to represent its case against Myanmar in an ongoing trial at the @ @ @ @ @ ICJ ) in The Hague .
Clooney , the wife of Hollywood actor and producer @ @ @ @ @ on board by the tiny island nation as part of the country ’ s move @ @ @ @ @ in filing a case of genocide against Myanmar over its treatment of Rohingya Muslims .

Canaletto painting of Westmister Abbey on show
A painting of Westminster Abbey by Italian master Canaletto is to go on public show in the building that it depicts for the first time in more than two centuries. The 1749 canvas, called Westminster Abbey with a procession of the Knights of the Bath, has been kept in the Dean’s private quarters since 1792 and has been loaned out to be exhibited in public only a handful of times over the past 100 years.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Today’s back pages: ‘Champers’ City win Carabao Cup and Tottenham must toughen up

“ Champers ” is the headline on the back of the Daily Star , beneath a photo of Pep Guardiola swigging a bottle of bubbly after watching his Manchester City side clinch a third Carabao Cup title in a row .
City beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday and the Daily Mail , Daily Express and The Times use the same photo on their back pages - of the jubilant Sky Blues lifting the cup on the hallowed Wembley turf .
The Mail quotes Guardiola declaring that “ no team will ever match City ’ s amazing trophy haul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spaniard ’ s boast in its headline , “ the history boys ” .
Independent is generous in its praise of Villa , describing them as “ spirited ” but not strong enough to deny City a hat-trick of league cup triumphs .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tottenham ’ s hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League suffered a setback yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wolves , and the Daily Express and the Independent report on Jose Mourinho ’ s scathing assessment of his side .
“ Mourinho : nice guys finish last ” is the headline in the Indy , describing how Spurs twice surrendered the lead against their visitors with Matt Doherty , Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez scoring for Wolves and Steven Bergwijn and Serge Aurier netting for the north London outfit .
“ I think we are too good , we are too nice and that was the only thing that made a difference @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ I can not complain to the players about the spirit , about their fighting , I can complain about some psychological characteristics that is not easy to change… we don ’ t have that aggression , that ruthlessness.
” The defeat leaves Tottenham in seventh spot on 40 points , while Wolves move into sixth on 42 points , the same number as Manchester United , who were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton .
The game was noticeable for another mistake by United keeper David De Gea , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ clanger ” .
De Gea ’ s gaffe handed Everton the lead - Bruno Fernandes levelled for United - but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is quoted by Metro saying that the Spanish stopper “ remains the best in the world ” .
The Daily Star ’ s focus from Goodison Park is the red card received by Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti for venting his fury at officials after his side had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee .
The Times , Daily Star and the Independent report that Deontay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Tyson Fury , scuppering the fervent hopes of UK fight fans to see an all-British bout between the Gypsy King and Anthony Joshua .
Fury demolished Wilder last week in Las Vegas to win the WBC heavyweight belt , and the talk was of a summer showdown between the two British bruisers , but The Times says that won ’ t now happen “ until the end of the year at the earliest ” .
It will also be dependent on Fury seeing off Wilder again , in a bout which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States in July .
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Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

City win the Carabao Cup
“Champers” is the headline on the back of the Daily Star, beneath a photo of Pep Guardiola swigging a bottle of bubbly after watching his Manchester City side clinch a third Carabao Cup title in a row.
City beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Wembley yesterday and the Daily Mail, Daily Express and The Times use the same photo on their back pages - of the jubilant Sky Blues lifting the cup on the hallowed Wembley turf.
The Mail quotes Guardiola declaring that “no team will ever match City’s amazing trophy haul”, and the Times interprets the Spaniard’s boast in its headline, “the history boys”.
Independent is generous in its praise of Villa, describing them as “spirited” but not strong enough to deny City a hat-trick of league cup triumphs.
‘Winning is great’: Pep Guardiola hails Man City’s incredible consistency
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Toughen up, Tottenham
Tottenham’s hopes of finishing in the top four of the Premier League suffered a setback yesterday when they lost 3-2 at home to Wolves, and the Daily Express and the Independent report on Jose Mourinho’s scathing assessment of his side.
“Mourinho: nice guys finish last” is the headline in the Indy, describing how Spurs twice surrendered the lead against their visitors with Matt Doherty, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez scoring for Wolves and Steven Bergwijn and Serge Aurier netting for the north London outfit.
“I think we are too good, we are too nice and that was the only thing that made a difference in the game,” lamented Mourinho.
“I cannot complain to the players about the spirit, about their fighting, I can complain about some psychological characteristics that is not easy to change… we don’t have that aggression, that ruthlessness.”
Solskjaer backs De Gea
The defeat leaves Tottenham in seventh spot on 40 points, while Wolves move into sixth on 42 points, the same number as Manchester United, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton.
The game was noticeable for another mistake by United keeper David De Gea, which Metro describes on its back page as a “clanger”.
De Gea’s gaffe handed Everton the lead - Bruno Fernandes levelled for United - but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is quoted by Metro saying that the Spanish stopper “remains the best in the world”.
The Daily Star’s focus from Goodison Park is the red card received by Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti for venting his fury at officials after his side had a goal ruled out by the video assistant referee.
Wilder wants Fury trilogy
The Times, Daily Star and the Independent report that Deontay Wilder has officially triggered his rematch clause with Tyson Fury, scuppering the fervent hopes of UK fight fans to see an all-British bout between the Gypsy King and Anthony Joshua.
Fury demolished Wilder last week in Las Vegas to win the WBC heavyweight belt, and the talk was of a summer showdown between the two British bruisers, but The Times says that won’t now happen “until the end of the year at the earliest”.
It will also be dependent on Fury seeing off Wilder again, in a bout which is likely to take place in the United States in July.
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-03-02--What’s behind the surge in suicides by UK veterans of the Afghan war?

There has been a surge in suicides this year among former British soldiers who took part in the war in Afghanistan .
More than 70 former and serving personnel took their lives in 2018 and at least 50 suicides occurred last year .
Fourteen former and serving personnel are thought to have taken their own lives in the past two months alone .
In response to the news , the minister for veterans , Johnny Mercer said that he would accelerate government plans for a new mental health service for veterans .
Speaking to The Times , he said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” adding that plans would be brought forward by two months for a “ high-intensity ” mental health programme for those who are “ at their most poorly ” .
He said he was particularly concerned about a cluster of recent deaths from “ a specific unit that served at a specific time in Afghanistan ... the bloodiest time ” .
The unit concerned is not being named to avoid the chance of publicity causing further loss of life .
Research suggests that delayed-onset post-traumatic stress disorder can arrive a decade or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ m scratching around looking at evidence from across the globe , including the US , Israel and Australia , to understand if there is an event at the ten-year point .
I ’ m yet to see a conclusive basis for that , ” said Mercer .
The government has previously been accused of turning a blind eye to the issue , because it did not gather data on veterans , unlike the US , Canada and Australia .
The Ministry of Defence has agreed to expand a study into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 2014 .
In February , it was revealed that suicides in the active-duty US Air Force surged in 2019 to the highest total in at least three decades .
If you or a person you ’ re worried about expresses suicidal feelings , you or they should contact a GP or NHS 111 .
You can also call the Samaritans free on 116 123 for confidential , 24-hour support , or Mind , the mental health charity , on 0300 123 3393 .

There has been a surge in suicides this year among former British soldiers who took part in the war in Afghanistan.
More than 70 former and serving personnel took their lives in 2018 and at least 50 suicides occurred last year. Fourteen former and serving personnel are thought to have taken their own lives in the past two months alone.
In response to the news, the minister for veterans, Johnny Mercer said that he would accelerate government plans for a new mental health service for veterans.
Speaking to The Times, he said that “one suicide is one too many,” adding that plans would be brought forward by two months for a “high-intensity” mental health programme for those who are “at their most poorly”.
He said he was particularly concerned about a cluster of recent deaths from “a specific unit that served at a specific time in Afghanistan... the bloodiest time”. The unit concerned is not being named to avoid the chance of publicity causing further loss of life.
Research suggests that delayed-onset post-traumatic stress disorder can arrive a decade or more after the event in question.
“I’m scratching around looking at evidence from across the globe, including the US, Israel and Australia, to understand if there is an event at the ten-year point. I’m yet to see a conclusive basis for that,” said Mercer.
The government has previously been accused of turning a blind eye to the issue, because it did not gather data on veterans, unlike the US, Canada and Australia. The Ministry of Defence has agreed to expand a study into deaths among those who served between 2001 and 2014.
In February, it was revealed that suicides in the active-duty US Air Force surged in 2019 to the highest total in at least three decades.
If you or a person you’re worried about expresses suicidal feelings, you or they should contact a GP or NHS 111. You can also call the Samaritans free on 116 123 for confidential, 24-hour support, or Mind, the mental health charity, on 0300 123 3393.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--Pete Buttigieg quits the race for the White House

Pete Buttigieg has announced he is ending his campaign for the White House after his campaign lost momentum in recent weeks .
The 38-year-old former Indiana mayor was the first openly gay presidential candidate from a major party .
He told supporters : “ We must recognise that at this point in the race , the best way to keep faith with those goals and ideals is to step aside and help bring our party and our nation together .
“ So tonight I am making the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for the presidency.
” CNN says Buttigieg @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adding that “ he broke barriers by becoming the first gay candidate to earn primary delegates for a major party 's presidential nomination ” .
The BBC points out that his decision to drop out comes ahead of a key day tomorrow in the Democratic race to take on Trump .
It says that by the end of Super Tuesday , “ staunch left-winger Bernie Sanders could have an unbeatable lead ” .
“ He studied the math , ” a leading Democrat familiar with the Buttigieg campaign said .
“ He knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ President Donald Trump predicted that the main beneficiary of Buttigieg ’ s exit would be Joe Biden .
He tweeted : “ Pete Buttigieg is OUT .
All of his SuperTuesday votes will go to Sleepy Joe Biden .
Great timing .
This is the REAL beginning of the Dems taking Bernie out of play - NO NOMINATION , AGAIN !
” Fox News agreed , saying the development “ likely will harm frontrunner Sanders by providing a coalescing boost to more moderate candidates , as Buttigieg had gone on the offensive against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the centrist base of the party ” .
The departure leaves six Democrats still in the running .
Buttigieg has not endorsed any single candidate , but has pledged he would do “ everything in my power ” to ensure a Democratic win in November 's election .
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theweekuk--2020-03-01--South Korea cult chief faces homicide probe over coronavirus

The head of a religious sect in South Korea could face a homicide investigation over some of the country 's coronavirus deaths .
As South Korea battles the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China , authorities in the capital Seoul have asked prosecutors to charge Lee Man-hee , the founder of the fringe Christian group the Shincheonji Church of Jesus , and 11 others .
Prosectors accuse them of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients .
The BBC says the complaint reflects “ growing public anger towards the religious group ” whose “ leader Lee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
However , one member defended the sect to The Guardian , saying : “ Our church didn ’ t invent the virus .
This is just an excuse to shift blame .
Throughout history , minority groups have always been blamed for bad things happening in society .
The same is happening to us.
” The country has reported 3,730 cases and 21 deaths , with more than half of all infections involving members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus .
Members of the sect infected one another in the southern city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out around the country .
Former sect member Duhyen Kim told CNN that illness has never been considered an excuse to miss services and that members would have to physically swipe in and out of services with a special card .
“ The culture was , even though you 're sick you come in on Sunday .
If you 're so sick you ca n't come Sunday , you have to come on Monday or Tuesday - you have to make up for the time , ” he says .
He said followers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services “ packed together like sardines ” .
In a statement , the group said : “ We are sanitising every church and annex buildings all across the nation , including Daegu branch .
We will actively participate in disease prevention activity , following the government 's measure.
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The head of a religious sect in South Korea could face a homicide investigation over some of the country's coronavirus deaths.
As South Korea battles the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China, authorities in the capital Seoul have asked prosecutors to charge Lee Man-hee, the founder of the fringe Christian group the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, and 11 others.
Prosectors accuse them of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients.
The BBC says the complaint reflects “growing public anger towards the religious group” whose “leader Lee Man-hee claims he is the Messiah”.
However, one member defended the sect to The Guardian, saying: “Our church didn’t invent the virus. This is just an excuse to shift blame. Throughout history, minority groups have always been blamed for bad things happening in society. The same is happening to us.”
The country has reported 3,730 cases and 21 deaths, with more than half of all infections involving members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
Members of the sect infected one another in the southern city of Daegu last month, before spreading out around the country.
Former sect member Duhyen Kim told CNN that illness has never been considered an excuse to miss services and that members would have to physically swipe in and out of services with a special card.
“The culture was, even though you're sick you come in on Sunday. If you're so sick you can't come Sunday, you have to come on Monday or Tuesday - you have to make up for the time,” he says.
He said followers would sit on the floor during hours-long services “packed together like sardines”.
In a statement, the group said: “We are sanitising every church and annex buildings all across the nation, including Daegu branch. We will actively participate in disease prevention activity, following the government's measure.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-01--Bank of England passed tech firm for diligence three times

The Bank of England carried out due diligence three times on a tech firm that was later revealed to have passed paying clients early access to market-sensitive information .
The technology supplier Encoded Media was probed three times between 2008 and 2019 , yet its status as a supplier to the BoE was only revoked following media inquiries in December .
The revelation has struck a fresh blow to the BoE ’ s credibility in securing crucial national infrastructure .
The BoE disabled the company ’ s access to a backup audio feed after The Times revealed the breach and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in future press conferences , calling the sale of access “ wholly unacceptable ” and saying the feed was “ misused ” .
Although non-public information was not revealed , the audio feed potentially allowed unidentified paying customers to hear the governor Mark Carney ’ s highly influential words at press conferences as much as eight seconds ahead of rivals listening via other means – giving a potentially lucrative advantage .
“ Eight seconds may not sound like a long time .
But in the modern financial world , it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a crucial edge , ” explained The Guardian last year .
Mel Stride , the chair-elect of parliament ’ s Treasury select committee , said he expected the MPs to ask “ searching questions ” of the outgoing governor , Carney , and his replacement , Andrew Bailey , at hearings this week .
Encoded Media director Wand insisted Encoded did not hijack audio feeds , adding that previous reports had “ already caused economic loss to Encoded Media and Statisma , as well as considerable distress to its directors who run an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resources ” .
The BoE has previously stated that its restructuring was carried out to strengthen its information security and that it is confident in its ability to protect against security threats .
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The Bank of England carried out due diligence three times on a tech firm that was later revealed to have passed paying clients early access to market-sensitive information.
The technology supplier Encoded Media was probed three times between 2008 and 2019, yet its status as a supplier to the BoE was only revoked following media inquiries in December.
The revelation has struck a fresh blow to the BoE’s credibility in securing crucial national infrastructure.
The BoE disabled the company’s access to a backup audio feed after The Times revealed the breach and said the company would have no part in future press conferences, calling the sale of access “wholly unacceptable” and saying the feed was “misused”.
Although non-public information was not revealed, the audio feed potentially allowed unidentified paying customers to hear the governor Mark Carney’s highly influential words at press conferences as much as eight seconds ahead of rivals listening via other means – giving a potentially lucrative advantage.
“Eight seconds may not sound like a long time. But in the modern financial world, it’s a valuable head start that can give traders a crucial edge,” explained The Guardian last year.
Mel Stride, the chair-elect of parliament’s Treasury select committee, said he expected the MPs to ask “searching questions” of the outgoing governor, Carney, and his replacement, Andrew Bailey, at hearings this week.
Encoded Media director Wand insisted Encoded did not hijack audio feeds, adding that previous reports had “already caused economic loss to Encoded Media and Statisma, as well as considerable distress to its directors who run an entirely reputable small technology business with limited resources”.
The BoE has previously stated that its restructuring was carried out to strengthen its information security and that it is confident in its ability to protect against security threats.
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theweekuk--2020-03-01--Hancock defends Patel as bullying storm worsens

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has described Priti Patel as “ courteous '' following bullying claims made by the former top civil servant in her department .
The defence came after Philip Rutnam , the Home Office 's most senior official , hit the headlines when he resigned on Saturday blaming a “ vicious and orchestrated ” campaign against him .
Rutnam said he received allegations that Patel 's conduct towards employees included “ swearing , belittling people , making unreasonable and repeated demands ” .
He said he now intended to take legal action against the Home Office on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been a very difficult decision but I hope that my stand may help in maintaining the quality of government in our country – which includes hundreds of thousands of civil servants , loyally dedicated to delivering this government ’ s agenda , ” he said .
Allegations that Patel bullied staff emerged two weeks ago in The Times , which reported she had been accused of belittling officials in meetings , making unreasonable demands and creating an “ atmosphere of fear ” .
Then , The Guardian reported that she was accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Why is everyone so f***ing useless ?
” Rutnam claims that in the wake of these reports he was briefed against by sources said to be from either Downing Street or allies of Patel .
He was accused of being unable to do his job , of being undeserving of his pension , and was compared to Eeyore , the ponderous donkey character from AA Milne ’ s Winnie the Pooh .
Meanwhile , the BBC reports that a formal complaint about Patel 's conduct was made when she was employment minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although a spokesman for Patel said she was “ not aware ” of the complaint , a Whitehall insider said she had created a `` hostile and unhappy '' environment for civil servants by questioning their capability and undermining their performance .
The Observer says Patel is expected to face questions in Parliament about her behaviour .
Labour leadership front runner Keir Starmer said : “ The home secretary has a duty to come to parliament on Monday to explain the allegations made about her own conduct.
” The shadow chancellor John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ unprecedented ” and suggested that Patel was “ on the way out ” .
The episode is the latest in a series of controversies between Boris Johnson ’ s government and Whitehall aides .
It comes two weeks after Sajid Javid dramatically quit as chancellor when Boris Johnson ordered him to fire his team of aides .
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theweekuk--2020-02-29--Did a 1981 horror novel predict the coronavirus?

A horror novel written in 1981 by Dean Koontz features a partial prediction of the coronavirus. In The Eyes of Darkness, which tells the story of a grieving mother investigating the mysterious circumstances of her son’s death, there is a reference to a killer virus known as “Wuhan-400”, the name of the city where the coronavirus originated.
Fibre-glass skeleton and president's dagger pinched from libraries
President Harry S. Truman’s diamond-studded swords and daggers, President John F. Kennedy’s rocking chair, and a fibre-glass skeleton are among the strangest things to have been stolen from libraries. A dagger owned by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, has also been swiped from a library.
Ohio man gives up everything but beer for lent
A man in Ohio is giving up solid food for Lent and switching to a beer-only diet in a bid to set a world record. Del Hall, who lost 44 pounds in 46 days last year on his beer-only Lent diet, said he is planning to extend his fast to 50 days this year to set a world record for the beer diet. “I don't think the extra days are going to be a struggle,” he said.
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theweekuk--2020-03-02--Inside Mille Fleurs: Meghan and Harry’s new home in Canada

Prince Harry is expected to be joined by his wife Meghan Markle later this month for their “ farewell tour ” of the UK before beginning their new life outside the royal family .
Harry and Meghan are currently living in British Columbia , in a house called Mille Fleurs , and there are rumours they may choose to stay there or buy somewhere nearby .
Where is the Sussexes ’ current Canadian home ?
Mille Fleurs is a mansion in North Saanich which , according to the community ’ s own website , northsaanich.ca , is a “ highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end of Vancouver Island , Canada .
It is located at the tip of a peninsula north of Victoria , the capital of the province of British Columbia .
The area is on the west coast of Canada , close to the border with the US , specifically Washington state .
As the crow flies , Mille Fleurs is less than 90 miles from the major US city of Seattle .
Even nearer , over the Strait of Georgia to the north of North Saanich , lies Vancouver , the third largest city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like ?
“ Its long coastline on three sides affords many housing sites with excellent views of water , islands and mountains , ” while “ its rolling interior lands afford views of hills and valleys and a generous feeling of open space and rapport with nature ” , says the North Saanich community site .
Civic pride doesn ’ t stop there : according to northsaanich.ca , along with neighbouring Sidney and Victoria , North Saanich is “ said to be the finest rural-residential area in all of Canada ” .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there ?
No longer allowed to use the word “ royal ” in their promotional material , Harry and Meghan can console themselves with a lot of outdoor activities .
According to the Evening Standard , Meghan has already been spotted in Horth Hill Regional Park walking with her dogs and her baby Archie , now almost ten months old .
Northsaanich.ca promotes the region ’ s “ extensive park and trails network ” , which make it “ a very popular area for day hiking , cycling and horse back riding ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Owned by a Russian oligarch , according to US property site realtor.com , Mille Fleurs is set in a 10,000-square-foot estate overlooking the Saanich Inlet , the house itself being right on the waterfront .
The Sussexes ’ Canadian home is a mansion with eight bedrooms , a wine room and a double-height living room , says realtor.com .
It comes with a pizza oven , a 17th-century fireplace imported from France and a “ game room with a wet bar ” .
Is there space for guests ?
Yes .
If the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meghan will be able to put visitors up in a 2,000-square-foot guest cottage .
Realtor.com suggests that baby Archie ’ s grandmother , Meghan ’ s mother Doria Ragland , is sure to stay and be a “ big help ” .
What if the Sussexes want to get away ?
The couple could take a ferry to Vancouver if they want to get off Vancouver Island – it would take around three and a half hours and they could take a car with them .
It ’ s probably more likely they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are scheduled flights from Victoria to Vancouver and Seattle .
The total journey time to Los Angeles by a commercial flight is a manageable five and a half hours .
That could be handy for Meghan .
According to this Saturday ’ s Daily Mail , the former Suits star is looking to return to acting and has told her agent to find her a role as a superhero – perhaps in the Marvel or DC Comics film franchises .
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Harry and Meghan are expected to still spend part of each year at their home in Windsor – Frogmore Cottage .
There are direct flights from Vancouver to Heathrow operated by several airlines .
The flight is around nine and a half hours .

Prince Harry is expected to be joined by his wife Meghan Markle later this month for their “farewell tour” of the UK before beginning their new life outside the royal family.
Harry and Meghan are currently living in British Columbia, in a house called Mille Fleurs, and there are rumours they may choose to stay there or buy somewhere nearby.
Where is the Sussexes’ current Canadian home?
Mille Fleurs is a mansion in North Saanich which, according to the community’s own website, northsaanich.ca, is a “highly desirable rural-residential area” at the south end of Vancouver Island, Canada. It is located at the tip of a peninsula north of Victoria, the capital of the province of British Columbia.
The area is on the west coast of Canada, close to the border with the US, specifically Washington state. As the crow flies, Mille Fleurs is less than 90 miles from the major US city of Seattle.
Even nearer, over the Strait of Georgia to the north of North Saanich, lies Vancouver, the third largest city in Canada.
What is the area like?
“Its long coastline on three sides affords many housing sites with excellent views of water, islands and mountains,” while “its rolling interior lands afford views of hills and valleys and a generous feeling of open space and rapport with nature”, says the North Saanich community site.
Civic pride doesn’t stop there: according to northsaanich.ca, along with neighbouring Sidney and Victoria, North Saanich is “said to be the finest rural-residential area in all of Canada”.
What sort of life are the ex-royals living there?
No longer allowed to use the word “royal” in their promotional material, Harry and Meghan can console themselves with a lot of outdoor activities. According to the Evening Standard, Meghan has already been spotted in Horth Hill Regional Park walking with her dogs and her baby Archie, now almost ten months old.
Northsaanich.ca promotes the region’s “extensive park and trails network”, which make it “a very popular area for day hiking, cycling and horse back riding”.
What is the house like?
Owned by a Russian oligarch, according to US property site realtor.com, Mille Fleurs is set in a 10,000-square-foot estate overlooking the Saanich Inlet, the house itself being right on the waterfront.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--England’s goalkeeper dilemma: should Jordan Pickford be No.1 for Euro 2020?

Jordan Pickford ’ s position as England ’ s No.1 is under scrutiny once more after the Everton goalkeeper ’ s inconsistent performance against Manchester United .
In the 1-1 Premier League draw at Goodison Park on Sunday Pickford was at fault after failing to stop Bruno Fernandes ’ s long-range effort .
However , he redeemed himself with a superb double save from Fernandes and Odion Ighalo in stoppage time .
Watching on in the Sky Sports studio former United captain Roy Keane was scathing of Pickford ’ s display and despite the late double save the Irishman did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the England keeper .
Keane said : “ We give credit where it is due but keepers do that every day of the week .
They make the save and get across the goals .
Excellent save .
“ But if he doesn ’ t make the mistake in the first half , you end up winning matches .
I am not going to come away praising the goalkeeper for drawing .
It ’ s about winning football matches , surely .
“ The bottom line with Pickford , I don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I know he ’ s not a good goalkeeper .
He ’ s not up to it.
” Roy Keane is not holding back about Jordan Pickford ... % uD83D % uDE32 `` I do n't need to see those stats , He is not a good goalkeeper , I do n't care '' pic.twitter.com/6VAgcMU4hY ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Pickford was also at fault in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February when Christian Benteke ’ s shot went underneath his leg .
BBC Sport reports that last season the 25-year-old made four errors that led to goals and his temperament was also called into question during the 3-2 loss at Newcastle .
In an interview with the BBC Pickford said he is not affected by the criticism and believes it ’ s unfair .
“ Everyone hates you , for some reason , that ’ s part of being an England player , ” said Pickford , who has been capped 24 times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press and everybody , the punters - look at Gary Neville - they just want to come for England players .
“ You have got to live with it , you have got to learn .
I know what I am capable of and I know what I am good at .
“ Look at Joe Hart when he was number one .
He got pelters every week .
You just keep it away from your head as the only person who can sort things out is yourself as an individual , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s looking after things on the pitch for Everton that is my main aim .
That gets you picked for England .
It ’ s funny because everyone raves about you when you are with England but then you get back to your club and everyone wants to slate you .
As a person , I don ’ t let it affect me.
” There ’ s no doubt that Pickford has the ability .
At the Fifa World Cup in 2018 he was England ’ s match-winner in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the “ save of the World Cup ” by The Daily Telegraph ’ s Chris Graham , Pickford somehow kept out Mateus Uribe ’ s vicious 30-yard volley with a magnificent finger-tip save .
Then in the penalty shoot-out he dived to his right to stop Carlos Bacca ’ s spot-kick as England progressed to the quarter-finals .
Pickford was England ’ s youngest-ever tournament goalkeeper and the form in Russia saw the former Sunderland player linked with big-money moves to Bayern Munich , Man Utd and Chelsea .
In September 2018 he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signing a new six-year deal at Goodison .
Since the World Cup in Russia the spotlight has been on Pickford as he aims to keep hold of the No.1 jersey .
With a few months to go until Euro 2020 England boss Gareth Southgate is keeping a close eye on his squad and on Sunday was at Goodison to see Pickford in action against United .
No doubt Southgate would have been impressed by Pickford ’ s double save , but he will also be concerned with the fault made by his first-choice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cascarino believes Pickford “ lacks the authority ” needed to be England ’ s No.1 this summer .
Cascarino wrote : “ Here ’ s the positive side of Jordan Pickford as England ’ s first-choice goalkeeper : you can ’ t question his performances at major finals for his country .
At the last World Cup he was very good .
He had a swagger to him and don ’ t underestimate that .
But as we go towards this summer ’ s Euros you have to be thinking - can we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everton against Manchester United yesterday typified his season .
The goal he conceded was a bad one .
A top-class goalkeeper should be saving that shot from Bruno Fernandes .
And there was a certain rashness about a lot of what he did , which even included the double save at the end , though that was him at his best , saving his team.
” Who should be England 's number 1 % u20E3 at the Euros ?
pic.twitter.com/GKIDr16ce0 Henderson to rival Pickford for the No.1 shirt ?
If Pickford isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England in this summer ’ s European Championship then who is ?
Sheffield United stopper Dean Henderson , who is on loan from Man Utd , and Burnley ’ s Nick Pope are two names being mentioned in terms of an England starting place .
Henderson , 22 , had been in superb form in the Blades ’ s return to the Premier League while Pope has impressed between the sticks at Turf Moor .
Robert O ’ Connor of i News says Henderson will have watched the Goodison game with interest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible replacement for Pickford in an England shirt , but he ’ s also being talked about as the long-term successor for David De Gea at Old Trafford .
O ’ Connor said : “ If both goalkeepers lose the confidence of their managers - Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for De Gea , Southgate for Pickford - 22-year-old Henderson might just be the most ready replacement for either role ; capable , dependable , available.
” At Turf Moor , Burnley keeper Pope is also enjoying a strong season and is “ hot on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talkSPORT .
However , the radio broadcaster also tipped Henderson to be Pickford ’ s main competition for the No.1 shirt .
Sean O ’ Brien said last month : “ Henderson is by far and away the standout performer out of the options available to Southgate.
” Pickford , Henderson and Pope will all hope to impress Southgate in the run-up to Euro 2020 .
This month the Three Lions play against Italy and Denmark at Wembley then away in Austria in June .
Also in June is the final warm-up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 England are in group D with Croatia , the Czech Republic and the winners of the play-off path C. • None Group D : England vs. Play-Off Winner C* ( Wembley ; 8pm live on ITV ) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
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Jordan Pickford’s position as England’s No.1 is under scrutiny once more after the Everton goalkeeper’s inconsistent performance against Manchester United.
In the 1-1 Premier League draw at Goodison Park on Sunday Pickford was at fault after failing to stop Bruno Fernandes’s long-range effort. However, he redeemed himself with a superb double save from Fernandes and Odion Ighalo in stoppage time.
Watching on in the Sky Sports studio former United captain Roy Keane was scathing of Pickford’s display and despite the late double save the Irishman did not hold back when giving his opinion of the England keeper.
Keane said: “We give credit where it is due but keepers do that every day of the week. They make the save and get across the goals. Excellent save.
“But if he doesn’t make the mistake in the first half, you end up winning matches. I am not going to come away praising the goalkeeper for drawing. It’s about winning football matches, surely.
“The bottom line with Pickford, I don’t need to see the stats. I know he’s not a good goalkeeper. He’s not up to it.”
Roy Keane is not holding back about Jordan Pickford... 😲 " I don't need to see those stats, He is not a good goalkeeper, I don't care" pic.twitter.com/6VAgcMU4hY — Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 1, 2020
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‘Everyone hates you’
Pickford was also at fault in the 3-1 win over Crystal Palace in February when Christian Benteke’s shot went underneath his leg.
BBC Sport reports that last season the 25-year-old made four errors that led to goals and his temperament was also called into question during the 3-2 loss at Newcastle.
In an interview with the BBC Pickford said he is not affected by the criticism and believes it’s unfair.
“Everyone hates you, for some reason, that’s part of being an England player,” said Pickford, who has been capped 24 times at international level.
“I think the press and everybody, the punters - look at Gary Neville - they just want to come for England players.
“You have got to live with it, you have got to learn. I know what I am capable of and I know what I am good at.


theweekuk--2020-03-02--UK troops in the Sahel: the ‘new terror frontline’

Britain is to step up its military support of the UN mission in the Sahel , the semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert that is being described as the “ new frontline ” in the war against Islamist terror .
In Senegal over the past month , 30 UK soldiers and Royal Marines have been training special forces from several West African countries , and later this year 250 troops will assist a mission in Mali alongside French , UN and local forces .
The aim is to combat the spread of groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as “ the most dangerous peacekeeping operation in the world ” , says the BBC .
Where is the Sahel ?
The Sahel spreads across the width of Africa on the southern border of the Sahara Desert , from northern Senegal and Mauritania on the Atlantic coast , through parts of Mali , Burkina Faso , Niger , Nigeria , Chad , and into Sudan and Eritrea .
The countries principally affected by the spread of Islamist violence in the region , and those whose forces are working together to combat it – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Niger and Chad – are known as the G5 Sahel group .
The stretch of semi-desert is sparsely populated and over the past decade it has become a target for jihadist groups , who have expanded their reach beyond strongholds in northern Mali .
What is going on ?
The “ security crisis ” in the Sahel started in 2012 , said Al Jazeera , “ when an alliance of separatists and armed groups took hold of northern Mali ” .
France , the former colonial power , moved in troops to halt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Malian state .
There are several local jihadist groups fighting in the Sahel , principally the al-Qa ’ eda-linked Jama ’ at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin ( JNIM ) , the Isis-affiliated Islamic State in the Greater Sahara ( ISGS ) , and Ansar ul Islam in Burkina Faso , said The Daily Telegraph .
They work by deliberately stirring existing ethnic and religious animosities in the region , particularly in Mali .
Forces led by France , the UN and the G5 Sahel group have been trying to stop the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past seven years , but the efforts have so far widely been seen as unsuccessful .
In 2019 , 5,366 people were killed across the five countries , says The Telegraph , and 1,214 more have lost their lives so far this year .
The paper adds that 208 UN peacekeepers have died in Mali since 2013 .
The death toll in 2019 rose by 600 % in Burkina Faso alone , where the UN says 700,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in the past 12 months .
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The UK ’ s 250 troops may seem like a small contribution to the UN ’ s Sahel mission , officially known as Minusma , which consists of 11,620 troops stationed in Mali .
There are also 4,500 French troops on the ground across the Sahel already .
But while most troops are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with UN troops stationed in bases near important towns , the British contingent is being assigned to spearhead a new , more risky operation .
They will carry out long-range reconnaissance patrols of up to 30 days , deep into jihadist territory , and be on stand-by for “ rapid deployment ” .
The tactics of the jihadist groups in the Sahel , for example the use of improvised explosive devices ( IEDs ) or roadside bombs , are similar to those that British forces have faced in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gen Dennis Gyllensporre , Minusma ’ s Swedish commanding officer , said : “ With a manoeuvrable force , we can be more proactive in anticipating attacks , projecting force and deterring and going in where there are confrontations .
”

Britain is to step up its military support of the UN mission in the Sahel, the semi-arid region south of the Sahara Desert that is being described as the “new frontline” in the war against Islamist terror.
In Senegal over the past month, 30 UK soldiers and Royal Marines have been training special forces from several West African countries, and later this year 250 troops will assist a mission in Mali alongside French, UN and local forces.
The aim is to combat the spread of groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qa’eda, and has been described as “the most dangerous peacekeeping operation in the world”, says the BBC.
Where is the Sahel?
The Sahel spreads across the width of Africa on the southern border of the Sahara Desert, from northern Senegal and Mauritania on the Atlantic coast, through parts of Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, and into Sudan and Eritrea. The countries principally affected by the spread of Islamist violence in the region, and those whose forces are working together to combat it – Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad – are known as the G5 Sahel group.
The stretch of semi-desert is sparsely populated and over the past decade it has become a target for jihadist groups, who have expanded their reach beyond strongholds in northern Mali.
What is going on?
The “security crisis” in the Sahel started in 2012, said Al Jazeera, “when an alliance of separatists and armed groups took hold of northern Mali”. France, the former colonial power, moved in troops to halt their advance and prevent a collapse of the Malian state.
There are several local jihadist groups fighting in the Sahel, principally the al-Qa’eda-linked Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), the Isis-affiliated Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), and Ansar ul Islam in Burkina Faso, said The Daily Telegraph. They work by deliberately stirring existing ethnic and religious animosities in the region, particularly in Mali.
Forces led by France, the UN and the G5 Sahel group have been trying to stop the spread of jihadism in the region for the past seven years, but the efforts have so far widely been seen as unsuccessful.