theweekuk--2020-07-14--Coronavirus: how llama blood could save seriously ill Covid patients

Antibodies taken from the blood of llamas can be engineered to target the Covid-19 coronavirus to create a treatment that could save countless lives , new research suggests .
Scientists led by a team from Oxford University have tested the virus-fighting potential of antibodies from Fifi , a llama living in Reading , in laboratory trials .
Transfusions of antibody-rich blood plasma from recovered Covid-19 patients are already being trialled in hospitals across the UK , “ but the new findings herald the prospect of a more potent and easily available treatment ” , The Telegraph reports .
Llamas , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of small antibodies with a simple structure , meaning they can be turned into nanobodies ” , the newspaper explains .
The researchers found that these nanobodies bind tightly to the spike protein of Sars-CoV-2 , the virus that causes Covid-19 , which blocks and prevents the viral invader from entering human cells .
The team behind the study - outlined in a newly published paper in the journal Nature - hope that “ llama-derived nanobodies could eventually be developed as a treatment for humans struck down with a severe case of Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the research is still in a very early stage , with “ academics at the Rosalind Franklin Institute at Oxford University condensing a process which would normally take almost a year into just 12 weeks ” , the newspaper adds .
Study leader James Naismith , a professor of structural biology and director of the institute , said that the “ nanobodies have the potential to be used in a similar way to convalescent serum , effectively stopping progression of the virus in patients who are ill ” .

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theweekuk--2020-07-14--Reaction: second Covid wave ‘could kill 120,000’ in UK this winter

Britain must begin “ intense preparations ” to avoid a second coronavirus spike that could claim up to 120,000 lives in a “ reasonable worst-case scenario ” , ministers have been warned .
A new report from leading doctors and scientists says that unless urgent action is taken , infections could grow “ out of control ” and overwhelm the NHS this winter - when as The Guardian notes , “ services are already stretched because of flu and other seasonal pressures ” .
The experts also predict that over the coming months , Britain ’ s R rate could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 0.7 and 0.9 to reach 1.7 in September , which “ would likely see the UK go back into lockdown ” , says Sky News .
The 37 scientists and academics behind the report were commissioned by Patrick Vallance , the government ’ s chief scientific adviser , to model a “ reasonable worst-case scenario ” for Covid-19 this winter .
They believe the peak in hospital admissions and deaths could come in January and February 2021 .
And the levels of fatalities projected “ does not include deaths in the community or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ A peak of coronavirus infection in the winter could be more serious than the one we ’ ve just been through , ” report chair Stephen Holgate , a professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton , told a press briefing .
“ We ’ re anticipating the worst , which is the best we can do.
” The modelling was based on “ the known impact of Covid-19 on healthcare resources , combined with that of flu and other seasonal infections , during a time when health services are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The researchers also “ looked to the experiences of other countries , particularly what happened to the R number in US states that have recently eased lockdown restrictions ” , the magazine continues .
Based on their conclusions , the experts are calling “ for a series of measures to prepare the NHS , including immediately reorganising social care services and increasing testing capacity ” , says ITV News .
Flu vaccinations must also be available for the vulnerable and health and social care workers , according to report chair Holgate .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases at the moment , this is a critical window of opportunity to help us prepare for the worst that winter can throw at us , ” he added .
Professor Azra Ghani , an infectious disease epidemiologist from Imperial College London who worked on the report , told Sky News that the findings are “ not a prediction ” but a “ worst-case scenario ” .
“ As we move into winter , the weather gets worse , people stay indoors more , windows aren ’ t open so the likelihood of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said .
“ We also have all sorts of other pressures on the NHS that increase during the winter and therefore extra admissions into hospitals.
” A government spokesperson also emphasised that the report “ represents a worst-case scenario based on no government action ” .
“ We remain vigilant and the government will ensure the necessary resources are in place to avoid a second peak that would overwhelm our NHS , ” the spokesperson said .

Britain must begin “intense preparations” to avoid a second coronavirus spike that could claim up to 120,000 lives in a “reasonable worst-case scenario”, ministers have been warned.
A new report from leading doctors and scientists says that unless urgent action is taken, infections could grow “out of control” and overwhelm the NHS this winter - when as The Guardian notes, “services are already stretched because of flu and other seasonal pressures”.
The experts also predict that over the coming months, Britain’s R rate could rise from the current levels of between 0.7 and 0.9 to reach 1.7 in September, which “would likely see the UK go back into lockdown”, says Sky News.
The 37 scientists and academics behind the report were commissioned by Patrick Vallance, the government’s chief scientific adviser, to model a “reasonable worst-case scenario” for Covid-19 this winter. They believe the peak in hospital admissions and deaths could come in January and February 2021.
And the levels of fatalities projected “does not include deaths in the community or care homes”, the broadcaster adds.
“A peak of coronavirus infection in the winter could be more serious than the one we’ve just been through,” report chair Stephen Holgate, a professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, told a press briefing. “We’re anticipating the worst, which is the best we can do.”
The modelling was based on “the known impact of Covid-19 on healthcare resources, combined with that of flu and other seasonal infections, during a time when health services are often overstretched”, New Scientist reports.
The researchers also “looked to the experiences of other countries, particularly what happened to the R number in US states that have recently eased lockdown restrictions”, the magazine continues.
Based on their conclusions, the experts are calling “for a series of measures to prepare the NHS, including immediately reorganising social care services and increasing testing capacity”, says ITV News.
Flu vaccinations must also be available for the vulnerable and health and social care workers, according to report chair Holgate.
“With relatively low numbers of Covid-19 cases at the moment, this is a critical window of opportunity to help us prepare for the worst that winter can throw at us,” he added.
Professor Azra Ghani, an infectious disease epidemiologist from Imperial College London who worked on the report, told Sky News that the findings are “not a prediction” but a “worst-case scenario”.
“As we move into winter, the weather gets worse, people stay indoors more, windows aren’t open so the likelihood of transmission does of course increase,” she said. “We also have all sorts of other pressures on the NHS that increase during the winter and therefore extra admissions into hospitals.”
A government spokesperson also emphasised that the report “represents a worst-case scenario based on no government action”.
“We remain vigilant and the government will ensure the necessary resources are in place to avoid a second peak that would overwhelm our NHS,” the spokesperson said.


theweekuk--2020-07-14--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 14 Jul 2020

Britain must start “ intense preparations ” for a second wave of coronavirus that has the potential to kill as @ @ @ @ @ according to health chiefs at the Academy of Medical Sciences .
The experts warned that @ @ @ @ @ winter could overwhelm the NHS .
“ The risk of this happening could be reduced @ @ @ @ @ , ” said Stephen Holgate , professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton .

Second wave ‘could kill up to 120,000 Britons’
Britain must start “intense preparations” for a second wave of coronavirus that has the potential to kill as many as 120,000 people, according to health chiefs at the Academy of Medical Sciences. The experts warned that a resurgence of cases this winter could overwhelm the NHS. “The risk of this happening could be reduced if we take action immediately,” said Stephen Holgate, professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton.


theweekuk--2020-07-14--Did leprechauns come from Italy?

Did leprechauns come from Italy?

Leprechauns originated in Italy rather than Ireland , according to new research .
After a five-year study , researchers at Queen ’ s University Belfast and Cambridge University have concluded that the word “ leprechaun ” originated in Ancient Rome .
According to their findings , the Irish “ leipreachan ” comes from the Latin “ lupercus ” , the name of a Roman god in charge of protecting flocks and also his cheeky male followers .
The Empire Strikes Back was last weekend 's biggest US box office hit .
The open-air screens of local drive-ins accounted for most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter , first released in 1980 .
The coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in drive-in screenings in the US and old classic films are proving popular .
A new species of shark has been discovered that uses its fins to walk on land .
The sharks walk around on the bottom of the sea floor in waters off Australia , making it easier for them to catch their prey .
According to Marine & Freshwater Research , this helps the sharks hunt for ground-dwelling prey .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Leprechauns originated in Italy rather than Ireland, according to new research. After a five-year study, researchers at Queen’s University Belfast and Cambridge University have concluded that the word “leprechaun” originated in Ancient Rome. According to their findings, the Irish “leipreachan” comes from the Latin “lupercus”, the name of a Roman god in charge of protecting flocks and also his cheeky male followers.
Empire Strikes Back a US box office hit again
The Empire Strikes Back was last weekend's biggest US box office hit. The open-air screens of local drive-ins accounted for most of the earnings from the Star Wars chapter, first released in 1980. The coronavirus pandemic has seen a surge in drive-in screenings in the US and old classic films are proving popular.
Walking shark found in Australia
A new species of shark has been discovered that uses its fins to walk on land. The sharks walk around on the bottom of the sea floor in waters off Australia, making it easier for them to catch their prey. According to Marine & Freshwater Research, this helps the sharks hunt for ground-dwelling prey.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-07-13--Exclusive: Gucci teams up with Mytheresa

Earlier this year , Mytheresa added menswear to its offering .
As cooked up at its Munich base , the German luxury e-tailer 's recipe for success has been two-fold : in addition to a list of approximately 120 international brands , Mytheresa issues special capsule collections , unveiled periodically and only available on the site .
Since the January 2020 launch , marquee brands Bottega Veneta , Loro Piana and Fendi have sat next to independent makes ( Raf Simons , The Elder Statesman and London menswear talent Martine Rose all feature ) and special collections forged in partnership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Browne .
For Mytheresa , Prada recently revisited some of 41 of its much beloved sportswear-infused designs from the early 2000s .
So far , it 's been a successful formula .
`` From day one we stood for luxury , timeless and modern fashion , '' says Chris Kyvetos , Mytheresa 's Menswear Buying Director .
Available from this week , Mytheresa 's latest exclusive menswear capsule collection is in partnership with Gucci .
`` No other Italian label in history has been able to infiltrate mainstream culture like Gucci , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when fashion trends , fashion tastes and fashion priorities are changing so dramatically , we felt that Gucci was the best partner to send a true message . ''
For Mytheresa , the Gucci team-up is marks the biggest collection it has issued to date , counting 47 designs in total across ready to wear clothing to accessories and footwear .
Modelled by Australian electropop outfit Parcels in a campaign lensed by photographer Bella Lieberberg , the Roman fashion house 's Mytheresa collection is heavy on 70s silhouetted tailoring cut from crinkle corduroy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ windowpane pattern .
Come for the classics : tasselled Gucci loafers fashioned from black , cognac or Bordeaux leather and accented with the brand 's signature green-red-green Web and silk carres printed with nostalgic patterns .

Earlier this year, Mytheresa added menswear to its offering. As cooked up at its Munich base, the German luxury e-tailer's recipe for success has been two-fold: in addition to a list of approximately 120 international brands, Mytheresa issues special capsule collections, unveiled periodically and only available on the site.
Since the January 2020 launch, marquee brands Bottega Veneta, Loro Piana and Fendi have sat next to independent makes (Raf Simons, The Elder Statesman and London menswear talent Martine Rose all feature) and special collections forged in partnership with the likes of Valentino and Thom Browne.
For Mytheresa, Prada recently revisited some of 41 of its much beloved sportswear-infused designs from the early 2000s. So far, it's been a successful formula.
"From day one we stood for luxury, timeless and modern fashion," says Chris Kyvetos, Mytheresa's Menswear Buying Director.
Available from this week, Mytheresa's latest exclusive menswear capsule collection is in partnership with Gucci.
"No other Italian label in history has been able to infiltrate mainstream culture like Gucci," Kyvetos enthuses. "At a time when fashion trends, fashion tastes and fashion priorities are changing so dramatically, we felt that Gucci was the best partner to send a true message."
For Mytheresa, the Gucci team-up is marks the biggest collection it has issued to date, counting 47 designs in total across ready to wear clothing to accessories and footwear. Modelled by Australian electropop outfit Parcels in a campaign lensed by photographer Bella Lieberberg, the Roman fashion house's Mytheresa collection is heavy on 70s silhouetted tailoring cut from crinkle corduroy, two-tone yarn-dyed flannel and a bold windowpane pattern.
Come for the classics: tasselled Gucci loafers fashioned from black, cognac or Bordeaux leather and accented with the brand's signature green-red-green Web and silk carres printed with nostalgic patterns.


theweekuk--2020-07-14--Instant Opinion: why was Britain last to ‘do the right thing’ on face masks?

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on Britain being behind its neighbours ... again Face masks make us all safer .
So why was Britain , once again , the last to do the right thing ?
“ There are downsides to this latest ruling from Boris Johnson that masks must be worn in shops , which are obvious .
It makes social interaction weird , and it can feel a bit uncomfortable .
But this is trivial compared with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rates , saving lives and boosting the economy .
Like so much in this pandemic , it ’ s about individuals ’ liberties being balanced against the impact on others .
You can make your own mind up about the risks you take , but you should not make such judgements on behalf of others .
Confidence is the key to restoring economic life : consumer confidence to spend , and business confidence to invest .
If people feel safer ( and indeed are safer ) by wearing masks in shops , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then the ruling will benefit us all.
” on stomaching the risk of a commute What if we don ’ t want to go back to the office ?
“ Masks , at any rate , aren ’ t going to get us back into offices .
The question is , will anything ?
‘ Cultures are formed through shared working , which is in turn the basis of shared values , ’ wrote Salma Shah for The Times yesterday , highlighting the eventual cost of us all staying at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the office are to do with my new radio gig ... but on a daily , newspaper basis I now work with formerly close colleagues whom I haven ’ t seen for four months .
Our shared values , I hope , linger on but I do wonder whether , had we all always worked like this , they ’ d have been so easily forged in the first place .
A bigger problem is the way that , as soon as vast numbers of people stop leaving the house , going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ having bought at least a sandwich along the way , huge swathes of our cities simply cease to make any sense .
Forgive my Londoncentricism , but parts of the capital paint the problem most starkly .
Without tens of thousands of civil servants coming and going en route to Whitehall , Victoria looks like it has been hit by , well , a plague.
” In Some Countries , Normal Life Is Back .
Not Here .
“ If you ’ re lucky enough to live in New Zealand , the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After more than two weeks with no new cases , the government lifted almost all restrictions that month .
The borders are still shut , but inside the country , normal life returned ... And America ?
We had 68,241 .
As of last week , the worst per capita outbreak on the planet was in Arizona , followed by Florida .
The world is closed to us ; American passports were once coveted , but now only a few dozen nations will let us in .
Lawrence O. Gostin , professor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told me he doesn ’ t expect American life to feel truly normal before summer 2022 .
Two years of our lives , stolen by Donald Trump.
” 4 .
Mark Lowcock , UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs , in The Daily Telegraph on a human tragedy more brutal than Covid ’ s health impacts The developing world faces a health , economic and security crisis that will dwarf the impact of Covid “ Economic downturn , rising unemployment and reduced school attendance one year significantly increases the likelihood of civil war the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass displacement .
Based on current forecasts for food insecurity , refugee outflows could increase significantly .
These problems might not be immediately apparent the way virus deaths are , but it is not hard to see that they are coming down the track .
When they do materialise , it will be hard to explain why we did not act now .
We can claim to have been taken by surprise by Covid-19 , but we won ’ t be able to say the same of the development and security crises it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for money right now can be a difficult ask .
But spending a little money now is a wise investment .
It will save lives , protect decades of investment in development , and reduce the scale of the problems in the future.
” 5 .
Dorothy Byrne , editor-at-large at Channel 4 , in The Guardian on showing the truth about our past We can ’ t erase outdated TV shows , but we can hold their views to account “ If much-loved characters in the past made homophobic comments or dressed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or pretended to be people who used wheelchairs , should we destroy that evidence of the social attitudes of the times ?
Cleaning up our past erases evidence of how views that we would now consider reprehensible were once normalised .
Channel 4 is an anti-racist organisation with a particular remit to reach and reflect the lives of people from diverse backgrounds .
But we are also committed to freedom of expression and being deliberately daring and controversial .
There are bound to be moments when those principles come into conflict .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are so offensive that a public service broadcaster should not leave them on any platform .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Sean O’Grady in The Independent
on Britain being behind its neighbours... again
Face masks make us all safer. So why was Britain, once again, the last to do the right thing?
“There are downsides to this latest ruling from Boris Johnson that masks must be worn in shops, which are obvious. It makes social interaction weird, and it can feel a bit uncomfortable. But this is trivial compared with the role they play in reducing Covid-19 transmission rates, saving lives and boosting the economy. Like so much in this pandemic, it’s about individuals’ liberties being balanced against the impact on others. You can make your own mind up about the risks you take, but you should not make such judgements on behalf of others. Confidence is the key to restoring economic life: consumer confidence to spend, and business confidence to invest. If people feel safer (and indeed are safer) by wearing masks in shops, on public transport and in other indoor spaces, then the ruling will benefit us all.”
2. Hugo Rifkind in The Times
on stomaching the risk of a commute
What if we don’t want to go back to the office?
“Masks, at any rate, aren’t going to get us back into offices. The question is, will anything? ‘Cultures are formed through shared working, which is in turn the basis of shared values,’ wrote Salma Shah for The Times yesterday, highlighting the eventual cost of us all staying at home. She was right. My trips to the office are to do with my new radio gig... but on a daily, newspaper basis I now work with formerly close colleagues whom I haven’t seen for four months. Our shared values, I hope, linger on but I do wonder whether, had we all always worked like this, they’d have been so easily forged in the first place. A bigger problem is the way that, as soon as vast numbers of people stop leaving the house, going to work and coming back again, often having bought at least a sandwich along the way, huge swathes of our cities simply cease to make any sense. Forgive my Londoncentricism, but parts of the capital paint the problem most starkly. Without tens of thousands of civil servants coming and going en route to Whitehall, Victoria looks like it has been hit by, well, a plague.”
3. Michelle Goldberg in The New York Times
on Donald Trump’s pandemic incompetence
In Some Countries, Normal Life Is Back. Not Here.
“If you’re lucky enough to live in New Zealand, the coronavirus nightmare has been mostly over since June. After more than two weeks with no new cases, the government lifted almost all restrictions that month. The borders are still shut, but inside the country, normal life returned... And America? We had 68,241. As of last week, the worst per capita outbreak on the planet was in Arizona, followed by Florida. The world is closed to us; American passports were once coveted, but now only a few dozen nations will let us in. Lawrence O. Gostin, professor of global health law at Georgetown, told me he doesn’t expect American life to feel truly normal before summer 2022. Two years of our lives, stolen by Donald Trump.”
4. Mark Lowcock, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs, in The Daily Telegraph
on a human tragedy more brutal than Covid’s health impacts
The developing world faces a health, economic and security crisis that will dwarf the impact of Covid
“Economic downturn, rising unemployment and reduced school attendance one year significantly increases the likelihood of civil war the next. Violent conflict drives famine and mass displacement. Based on current forecasts for food insecurity, refugee outflows could increase significantly. These problems might not be immediately apparent the way virus deaths are, but it is not hard to see that they are coming down the track. When they do materialise, it will be hard to explain why we did not act now. We can claim to have been taken by surprise by Covid-19, but we won’t be able to say the same of the development and security crises it is set to trigger. A call for money right now can be a difficult ask. But spending a little money now is a wise investment. It will save lives, protect decades of investment in development, and reduce the scale of the problems in the future.”
5. Dorothy Byrne, editor-at-large at Channel 4, in The Guardian
on showing the truth about our past
We can’t erase outdated TV shows, but we can hold their views to account
“If much-loved characters in the past made homophobic comments or dressed up as people from other ethnic groups or pretended to be people who used wheelchairs, should we destroy that evidence of the social attitudes of the times? Cleaning up our past erases evidence of how views that we would now consider reprehensible were once normalised. Channel 4 is an anti-racist organisation with a particular remit to reach and reflect the lives of people from diverse backgrounds. But we are also committed to freedom of expression and being deliberately daring and controversial. There are bound to be moments when those principles come into conflict. There may be elements in our programmes which are so offensive that a public service broadcaster should not leave them on any platform.”


theweekuk--2020-07-14--Gough Whitlam: did the Queen dismiss Australia’s prime minister?

A collection of more than 200 letters between Australia ’ s former governor-general John Kerr and the Queen has revealed the extent of the Palace ’ s role in the 1975 sacking of Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam .
So just what part did the British monarch play , if any , in one of the most controversial political events in Australian history ?
What are the so-called Palace Letters ?
Released this week by the National Archives of Australia , the collection is a trove of more than 1,200 pages of letters , telegrams and clippings exchanged between governor-general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Elizabeth ’ s private secretary .
Spanning from 1974 to 1977 , the correspondence offers insight into an array of subjects including , critically , Kerr ’ s dismissal of the Whitlam government in November 1975 .
The move was prompted by opposition leader Malcolm Fraser ’ s decision to use his party ’ s control of the Senate to block the government ’ s supply bills , effectively cutting off the flow of funds and triggering a constitutional crisis .
Buckingham Palace has “ long fought ” the public release of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ essential “ to preserve the constitutional position of the Monarch and the Monarchy ” , The Times reports .
What do the letters show ?
According to The Times , “ suspicions about the Queen ’ s role in Whitlam ’ s dismissal have long helped to fuel Australia ’ s republican movement , which seeks to break constitutional ties with Britain and abolish the role of governor-general ” .
But Buckingham Palace insists the newly released letters have “ proved the Queen played no part in the decision by her representative ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t the whole story , argues Australian news site Crikey .
The letters also reveal that Kerr “ discussed the legal validity of dismissing Whitlam for months with the Queen ’ s private secretary ” , the site says .
The exchanges amount to Kerr seeking guidance from Charteris on his powers to dismiss the Whitlam government and “ about whether it would be wise ” to do so , adds The Sydney Morning Herald .
In one letter sent prior to the dismissal , Charteris tells Kerr that while he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he should “ only use them in the last resort and then only for constitutional and not for political reasons ” .
Later , in the wake of Whitlam ’ s sacking , the Queen ’ s aid says that Kerr ’ s decision not to inform Her Majesty showed “ admirable consideration ” - a comment that suggests the Palace was grateful that the governor-general had “ shielded her from criticism ” , says the newspaper .
Monash University emeritus professor Jenny Hocking , who fought for the Palace Letters to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of correspondence alone raises questions about the Queen ’ s possible involvement in the affair .
The sheer quantity of correspondence was “ dramatic ” , says Hocking , and a major departure from the convention of governors-general either before or since .
“ The conventional arrangement was that governors would report on some sort of basis each year , ” she told Crikey .
“ Some did that annually , the most they would have done that was quarterly .
so you might have expected 12 letters from Kerr over a three-year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ existence of so much corresponcence directly refutes the idea that the Palace was a neutral player in the dismissal of Whitlam , agrees Australian National University emeritus professor John Warhurst , a former chair of the Australian Republican Movement .
“ Living through 1975 you saw the Queen as barely even an observer , being 12,000 miles away , as if these were essentially Australian politics between the governor-general and the prime minister , as if Buckingham Palace had no prior knowledge about what was going on , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Queen is part of the story of which we were unaware back in 1975.
” Warhurst concludes that the Palace Letters show “ the essential one-ness of the relationship between the governor-general and the British monarchy .
For republicans , that ’ s the important thread in this whole story .
”

A collection of more than 200 letters between Australia’s former governor-general John Kerr and the Queen has revealed the extent of the Palace’s role in the 1975 sacking of Labor prime minister Gough Whitlam.
So just what part did the British monarch play, if any, in one of the most controversial political events in Australian history?
What are the so-called Palace Letters?
Released this week by the National Archives of Australia, the collection is a trove of more than 1,200 pages of letters, telegrams and clippings exchanged between governor-general Kerr and Martin Charteris, then Queen Elizabeth’s private secretary.
Spanning from 1974 to 1977, the correspondence offers insight into an array of subjects including, critically, Kerr’s dismissal of the Whitlam government in November 1975.
The move was prompted by opposition leader Malcolm Fraser’s decision to use his party’s control of the Senate to block the government’s supply bills, effectively cutting off the flow of funds and triggering a constitutional crisis.
Buckingham Palace has “long fought” the public release of the letters, arguing that their suppression was essential “to preserve the constitutional position of the Monarch and the Monarchy”, The Times reports.
What do the letters show?
According to The Times, “suspicions about the Queen’s role in Whitlam’s dismissal have long helped to fuel Australia’s republican movement, which seeks to break constitutional ties with Britain and abolish the role of governor-general”.
But Buckingham Palace insists the newly released letters have “proved the Queen played no part in the decision by her representative”, the newspaper reports.
Yet that isn’t the whole story, argues Australian news site Crikey. The letters also reveal that Kerr “discussed the legal validity of dismissing Whitlam for months with the Queen’s private secretary”, the site says.
The exchanges amount to Kerr seeking guidance from Charteris on his powers to dismiss the Whitlam government and “about whether it would be wise” to do so, adds The Sydney Morning Herald.
In one letter sent prior to the dismissal, Charteris tells Kerr that while he may have the powers to dissolve parliament, he should “only use them in the last resort and then only for constitutional and not for political reasons”.


theweekuk--2020-07-14--Labour EHRC report: everything you need to know about the anti-Semitism investigation

Labour has been handed a draft report on the Equality and Human Rights Commission ( EHRC ) investigation into anti-Semitism in the party , officials have confirmed .
The party has 28 days to respond to the watchdog ’ s findings , during which time the report will remain private .
In a statement last night , Labour said that anti-Semitism had been “ a stain ” on the party that had caused “ unimaginable levels of grief and distress for many in the Jewish community , as well as members of staff ” .
Why was the investigation opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacted the Labour Party after receiving a number of complaints about allegations of anti-Semitism in the party ” .
Having “ carefully considered ” the party ’ s response , a formal investigation was launched into “ whether unlawful acts have been committed by the party or its employees or agents ” .
The inquiry has also look at whether the party “ has responded to complaints of unlawful acts in a lawful , efficient and effective manner ” .
“ Anti-Semitism was generally not regarded as a big problem in the Labour @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as leader in September 2015 , ” says the BBC .
During his reign , however , the party was dogged by allegations of anti-Jewish prejudice and a failure to act against such discrimination .
The row hit the media spotlight in April 2016 , when Labour MP Naz Shah posted Facebook messages comparing Israel to Nazi Germany .
Days later , while seeking to defend Shah , former London mayor Ken Livingstone said Adolf Hitler had been a Zionist “ before he went mad and ended up killing six million Jews ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corbyn .
In 2018 , a round of protests “ flared up after the leader gave his backing to an anti-Semitic London mural , something he later retracted and apologised for ” , as The Independent reported in the aftermath .
Former Labour MP Frank Field subsequently claimed that the party had become “ a force for anti-Semitism in British politics ” .
Corbyn ’ s opponents have also “ accused him of being too close to Hamas , a militant Islamist group , and Hezbollah , a Lebanese paramilitary group ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are widely viewed in the West as terrorist organisations.
” Throughout his leadership , Corbyn said repeatedly that he opposed anti-Semitism .
In 2016 , he established an inquiry led by Baroness Chakrabarti , the former head of Amnesty International , to examine the allegations .
She criticised an “ occasionally toxic atmosphere ” in the party , but concluded that Labour was “ not overrun by anti-Semitism , Islamophobia , or other forms of racism ” .
But three years later , during the 2019 election campaign , Corbyn appeared to concede @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with anti-Semitism .
Invited by ITV ’ s Good Morning Britain to apologise to Jewish voters , he said : “ Obviously , I ’ m very sorry for everything that ’ s happened , but I want to make this clear : I am dealing with it .
I have dealt with it.
” Yet despite Corbyn ’ s seeming admission , some of his supporters maintained that “ the problem had been exaggerated and was being used as a stick to beat him by people who didn ’ t like his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the Middle East ” , says the BBC .
An internal inquiry completed earlier this year “ found ‘ no evidence ’ of anti-Semitism complaints being treated differently to other forms of complaint ” , Sky News reports .
And where allegations were found to have been inadequately investigated , the inquiry blamed anti-Corbyn staff in Labour ’ s headquarters for creating a “ hyper-factional atmosphere [ that ] affected the expeditious and resolute handling of disciplinary complaints ” .
Last month , as Labour awaited the findings of the EHRC investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the commission .
In his first interview after stepping down as party leader , Corbyn told Middle East Eye that he believed the watchdog was “ part of the government machine ” .
Will the inquiry name names ?
James Libson of law firm Mishcon de Reya , who represents the Jewish Labour Movement , said in June that he thought the EHRC would be “ a little reluctant ” to name specific people accused of anti-Semitism or of thwarting the investigation .
However , Labour List argues that “ it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that individuals will be censured ” .
What happens next ?
Although EHRC reports are not always made public , Labour officials have said the party would like to see the investigation findings published .
That is likely to happen in September .
“ If the EHRC concludes after the investigation that the party has committed an unlawful act , it can give Labour an ‘ unlawful act notice ’ under Section 21 of the Equality Act , ” says Labour List .
“ This notice can require the party to prepare an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or repeating the unlawful act.
” Labour last night said that “ we are committed to cooperating fully with the commission ’ s investigation and implementing its recommendations when the final report is published ” .


theweekuk--2020-07-15--Estonia launches ‘digital nomad visa’ scheme to attract remote workers

The Estonian government is hoping to boost the country ’ s Covid-hit economy with a new visa scheme that ministers say “ will strengthen Estonia ’ s image as an e-state ” .
The small Baltic state is home to just 1.3 million , but hopes to increase its working population by offering a “ digital nomad visa ” targeting non-European remote-working employees or freelancers .
Applicants for the scheme must show they are making at least €3,504 ( £3,174 ) per month and “ provide evidence , such as client lists , which prove their professional role ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ digital nomads will be able to remain in Estonia for 12 months , as well as getting the green light for up to 90 days of travel across Europe ’ s borderless 26-country Schengen Area .
The plan should boost Estonia ’ s “ growing credentials as a bureaucratic innovator ” while “ closing a legal loophole ” that previously meant many remote workers could not legally work in the countries they were visiting , the news site adds .
Ruth Annus , head of the Interior Ministry Department , told Politico that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a tailor-made visa for the digital nomad community ” .
“ Digital nomads also use services which are taxed in Estonia , and we believe they create diversity and enrich the community , ” she said .
Minister of the Interior Mart Helme added : “ The digital nomad visa will strengthen Estonia ’ s image as an e-state and give Estonia a more influential voice on the international level.
” Lonely Planet notes that “ forward-thinking ” Estonia has already introduced an e-residency programme allowing entrepreneurs to “ access the government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business within the European Union ” without needing to be present in the country .

The Estonian government is hoping to boost the country’s Covid-hit economy with a new visa scheme that ministers say “will strengthen Estonia’s image as an e-state”.
The small Baltic state is home to just 1.3 million, but hopes to increase its working population by offering a “digital nomad visa” targeting non-European remote-working employees or freelancers.
Applicants for the scheme must show they are making at least €3,504 (£3,174) per month and “provide evidence, such as client lists, which prove their professional role”, reports Politico.
If successful, so-called digital nomads will be able to remain in Estonia for 12 months, as well as getting the green light for up to 90 days of travel across Europe’s borderless 26-country Schengen Area.
The plan should boost Estonia’s “growing credentials as a bureaucratic innovator” while “closing a legal loophole” that previously meant many remote workers could not legally work in the countries they were visiting, the news site adds.
Ruth Annus, head of the Interior Ministry Department, told Politico that Estonia was “unique” in offering “a tailor-made visa for the digital nomad community”.
“Digital nomads also use services which are taxed in Estonia, and we believe they create diversity and enrich the community,” she said.
Minister of the Interior Mart Helme added: “The digital nomad visa will strengthen Estonia’s image as an e-state and give Estonia a more influential voice on the international level.”
Lonely Planet notes that “forward-thinking” Estonia has already introduced an e-residency programme allowing entrepreneurs to “access the government’s digital services and start a business within the European Union” without needing to be present in the country.


theweekuk--2020-07-15--Rare horse ‘saved from extinction’ as scientists welcome birth of foal with pre-selected sex

One of Britain ’ s rarest horse breeds is being pulled back from the brink of extinction after scientists successfully bred a foal of pre-determined sex .
The “ milestone ” birth of the Suffolk Punch filly is “ believed to be the first time a horse has been born in the UK after its sex was chosen by scientists ” , The Telegraph reports .
The unusual breed has long been associated with Britain ’ s agricultural industry , but the industrialisation of farming has seen Suffolk Punch numbers dwindle .
Today , only 72 remain in the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meaning every filly born is vital to their survival ” , says the Daily Mail .
As breeders battle to save the rare horse , 19 colts and 15 fillies were born in Britain last year , but “ more mares are desperately needed to widen the breeding pool ” , The Telegraph adds .
The unique birth was a result of “ insemination using equine-breeding technology ” provided by Shropshire-based lab and stud farm Stallion AI Services , which teamed up with other breeders , scientists and academics for the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breeds , ‘ female ’ sperm cells were selected , giving a 96 % chance of a filly foal , ” according to Horse & Hound .
The selected mare became pregnant after the second imsemination attempt , and gave birth to her world-first offspring last Thursday .
“ The foal , which is yet to be named , and mum , Euston Ruby , are both doing well , ” says The Telegraph .
Stallion AI founder Tullis Matson said that shifting the gender balance of Suffolk Punch foals by just 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge difference ” to the breed , which is on the “ border of extinction ” .
“ What this technology can do for all rare breeds is outstanding , ” Matson added .
“ Hopefully , this may be a way to stop these breeds from disappearing .
”

One of Britain’s rarest horse breeds is being pulled back from the brink of extinction after scientists successfully bred a foal of pre-determined sex.
The “milestone” birth of the Suffolk Punch filly is “believed to be the first time a horse has been born in the UK after its sex was chosen by scientists”, The Telegraph reports.
The unusual breed has long been associated with Britain’s agricultural industry, but the industrialisation of farming has seen Suffolk Punch numbers dwindle. Today, only 72 remain in the UK, with fewer than 300 worldwide - “meaning every filly born is vital to their survival”, says the Daily Mail.
As breeders battle to save the rare horse, 19 colts and 15 fillies were born in Britain last year, but “more mares are desperately needed to widen the breeding pool”, The Telegraph adds.
The unique birth was a result of “insemination using equine-breeding technology” provided by Shropshire-based lab and stud farm Stallion AI Services, which teamed up with other breeders, scientists and academics for the project.
“In a first for rare breeds, ‘female’ sperm cells were selected, giving a 96% chance of a filly foal,” according to Horse & Hound.
The selected mare became pregnant after the second imsemination attempt, and gave birth to her world-first offspring last Thursday. “The foal, which is yet to be named, and mum, Euston Ruby, are both doing well,” says The Telegraph.
Stallion AI founder Tullis Matson said that shifting the gender balance of Suffolk Punch foals by just 10% per year could make a “huge difference” to the breed, which is on the “border of extinction”.
“What this technology can do for all rare breeds is outstanding,” Matson added. “Hopefully, this may be a way to stop these breeds from disappearing.”


theweekuk--2020-07-15--Donald Trump ‘twists stats’ with police brutality against whites claim

Donald Trump has stoked simmering racial tensions by claiming that US police kill “ more white people ” than black people .
The president made the controversial claim after describing the death of George Floyd during an arrest in Minneapolis in May as “ terrible ” .
Asked why black Americans are “ still dying at the hands of law enforcement in this country ” , Trump told CBS News : “ And so are white people.
” “ What a terrible question to ask , ” he continued .
“ So are white people .
More white people , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Official data paints a less clear picture , however .
A federal study into deaths at the hands of US police between 2009 and 2012 found that while a majority of victims were white , a disproportionate number were black , with a fatality rate 2.8 times higher .
Separate research by US academics who analysed data on deaths between 2012 and 2018 found that black men were around 3.5 times more likely to be killed by law enforcement than white men .
And an academic study published last year concluded that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US “ can expect to be killed by police ” - a rate about 2.5 times higher than that for their white peers .
Trump ’ s apparent dismissal of such data has sparked widespread condemnation .
CNN says the president “ repeated racist talking points in downplaying police violence against Black Americans ” .
The Guardian compares Trump ’ s defensive retort to his “ fine people on both sides ” comment after white nationalist marchers and counter-protesters clashed in the Virginia city of Charlottesville in 2017 .
The row follows weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Floyd ’ s death , with growing calls for police reform in the US .
In June , Trump signed an executive order paving the way for the creation of a federal database of police officers with a history of using excessive force .
Yet even while signing the order into law , Trump launched what CNN describes as a “ full-throated defence of police ” , suggesting that a “ very tiny ” number of officers were behind the killings of unarmed black Americans .


theweekuk--2020-07-15--What is capital gains tax and why is it being reviewed?

Rishi Sunak has launched a tax review that could leave Britain ’ s wealthiest citizens out of pocket as the government scrambles to keep the economy afloat during the coronavirus crisis .
Tory MPs were reportedly caught off guard by the chancellor ’ s decision to order a wide-ranging examination of the capital gains tax ( CGT ) , which “ reaps billions of pounds for the Exchequer each year ” , The Guardian says .
CGT is the main tax “ levied on the profit made when an asset that has increased in value is sold ” , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payable on investments held outside a tax wrapper such as an Isa ; property in the UK that is not the owner ’ s main home ; overseas property , property that is inherited ; some businesses ; and valuable personal possessions ( such as jewellery , antiques , paintings , stamps and coins ) that are sold for more than £6,000 .
The CGT allowance in 2020-21 is £12,300 , up from £12,000 in 2019-20 .
This is “ the amount of profit you can make from an asset this tax year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Which ?
says .
As The Independent notes , that “ there have long been protests that wealthy households exploit tax avoidance to pay too little for the sale of second homes , works of art and stocks and shares ” .
Why is it being reviewed ?
Public spending on the coronavirus response has reached nearly £190bn , according to latest Treasury figures , leaving the chancellor with what The Independent describes as a “ budget black hole ” .
Sunak ’ s request for the CGT review came after an Office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ highlighted how the growing deficit in government spending was likely to exceed £350bn this year ” , says The Guardian .
The OBR warned that the government “ would come under pressure to fill the shortfall with tax rises or spending cuts to bring the government finances back into balance ” , the newspaper adds .
In a letter to the Office for Tax Simplification outlining the parameters of the review , Sunak said that he “ would be interested in any proposals from the OTS on the regime of allowances , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ losses within CGT , and the interactions of how gains are taxed compared to other types of income ” .
Tom Selby , a senior analyst at financial adviser AJ Bell , warns that “ with UK borrowing set to hit its highest level in peacetime history , Sunak ’ s request for a review of CGT feels like the starting pistol for a tax grab ahead of the Autumn Budget ” .
Tory MPs are expected to push back against any tax rises for wealthy families , “ arguing it is punishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Rishi Sunak has launched a tax review that could leave Britain’s wealthiest citizens out of pocket as the government scrambles to keep the economy afloat during the coronavirus crisis.
Tory MPs were reportedly caught off guard by the chancellor’s decision to order a wide-ranging examination of the capital gains tax (CGT), which “reaps billions of pounds for the Exchequer each year”, The Guardian says.
What is capital gains tax?
CGT is the main tax “levied on the profit made when an asset that has increased in value is sold”, the Financial Times explains.
This tax is payable on investments held outside a tax wrapper such as an Isa; property in the UK that is not the owner’s main home; overseas property, property that is inherited; some businesses; and valuable personal possessions (such as jewellery, antiques, paintings, stamps and coins) that are sold for more than £6,000.
The CGT allowance in 2020-21 is £12,300, up from £12,000 in 2019-20. This is “the amount of profit you can make from an asset this tax year before any tax is payable”, Which? says.
As The Independent notes, that “there have long been protests that wealthy households exploit tax avoidance to pay too little for the sale of second homes, works of art and stocks and shares”.
Why is it being reviewed?
Public spending on the coronavirus response has reached nearly £190bn, according to latest Treasury figures, leaving the chancellor with what The Independent describes as a “budget black hole”.
Sunak’s request for the CGT review came after an Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) report “highlighted how the growing deficit in government spending was likely to exceed £350bn this year”, says The Guardian.
The OBR warned that the government “would come under pressure to fill the shortfall with tax rises or spending cuts to bring the government finances back into balance”, the newspaper adds.
In a letter to the Office for Tax Simplification outlining the parameters of the review, Sunak said that he “would be interested in any proposals from the OTS on the regime of allowances, exemptions, reliefs and the treatment of losses within CGT, and the interactions of how gains are taxed compared to other types of income”.
Tom Selby, a senior analyst at financial adviser AJ Bell, warns that “with UK borrowing set to hit its highest level in peacetime history, Sunak’s request for a review of CGT feels like the starting pistol for a tax grab ahead of the Autumn Budget”.
Tory MPs are expected to push back against any tax rises for wealthy families, “arguing it is punishing success”, The Independent reports.


theweekuk--2020-07-15--Reaction: global population to ‘start shrinking in 44 years’ as fertility rates crash

Countries worldwide are heading for a steep decline in birth rates that will have a “ jaw-dropping ” impact on societies , researchers are warning .
Almost every nation across the globe is expected to see their populations shrink by the end of the century as fewer children are born , with 23 countries on track to be home to just half as many people .
The birth rates crash will see the global population peak in 2064 at around 9.7 billion before beginning to shrink , according to scientists “ who predict that Nigeria will eventually be home to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Daily Mail reports .
By 2100 , the global population is expected to have fallen by 900 million to a total of 8.8 billion .
The researchers , from the University of Washington ’ s Institute for Health Metrics , say that populations can only grow or remain stable if women have an average of 2.1 children each .
In 1950 , women were having an average of 4.7 children in their lifetime , but that fertility rate was down to 2.4 by 2017 .
And according to the new analysis , outlined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the global average will be below 1.7 by the end of the century .
Study co-author Christopher Murray , a leading researcher in global health and public health , told the BBC that “ most of the world is transitioning into natural population decline ” .
“ I think it ’ s incredibly hard to think this through and recognise how big a thing this is .
It ’ s extraordinary , we ’ ll have to reorganise societies , ” he added .
As the London Evening Standard notes , experts say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directly linked to a lack of fertility , but instead reflects “ continued trends in female education and improved access to contraception ” that are “ speeding up the decline in fertility and slowing population growth ” .
The new study predicts that the number of under-fives will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401 million by 2100 , while the number of over 80-year-olds will soar from 141 million to 866 million over the same period .
This shift in demographics will “ create enormous social change ” and bring major @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the BBC asks , “ who pays tax in a massively aged world ?
Who pays for healthcare for the elderly ?
Who looks after the elderly ?
Will people still be able to retire from work ?
” Which countries will be most impacted ?
The researchers say that many countries already have lower birth rates than are necessary to sustain population sizes , including Russia , Canada and the US , Brazil , China , Australia and most of Europe .
Some countries , including Japan , Spain and Thailand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shrink by a staggering 50 % or more ” as a result of the rapid decline in birth rates , says the Daily Mail .
Japan ’ s population is predicted to fall from a peak of 128 million in 2017 to 60 million by the end of the century .
Meanwhile , the number of Italy - where birth rates are at their lowest point since 1861 , according to The Times - is expected to drop from 61 million to 31 million over that period .
As populations decline at varying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to overtake China to become the world ’ s most populated country by 2100 , with 1.09 billion people .
Nigeria will be in second place , with 791 million , followed by China ( 732m ) , the US ( 336m ) , Pakistan ( 248m ) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ( 246m ) .
The scientists predict that the population of the UK , which currently stands 66 million , will peak at 75 million in 2063 before dropping to 71.5 million by the turn of the @ @

Countries worldwide are heading for a steep decline in birth rates that will have a “jaw-dropping” impact on societies, researchers are warning.
Almost every nation across the globe is expected to see their populations shrink by the end of the century as fewer children are born, with 23 countries on track to be home to just half as many people.
The birth rates crash will see the global population peak in 2064 at around 9.7 billion before beginning to shrink, according to scientists “who predict that Nigeria will eventually be home to more people than China”, the Daily Mail reports.
By 2100, the global population is expected to have fallen by 900 million to a total of 8.8 billion.
The researchers, from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics, say that populations can only grow or remain stable if women have an average of 2.1 children each.
In 1950, women were having an average of 4.7 children in their lifetime, but that fertility rate was down to 2.4 by 2017. And according to the new analysis, outlined in a paper in The Lancet, the global average will be below 1.7 by the end of the century.
Study co-author Christopher Murray, a leading researcher in global health and public health, told the BBC that “most of the world is transitioning into natural population decline”.
“I think it’s incredibly hard to think this through and recognise how big a thing this is. It’s extraordinary, we’ll have to reorganise societies,” he added.
As the London Evening Standard notes, experts say that the falling birth rate is not directly linked to a lack of fertility, but instead reflects “continued trends in female education and improved access to contraception” that are “speeding up the decline in fertility and slowing population growth”.
The new study predicts that the number of under-fives will fall from 681 million in 2017 to 401 million by 2100, while the number of over 80-year-olds will soar from 141 million to 866 million over the same period.
This shift in demographics will “create enormous social change” and bring major new challenges, says Murray.
As the BBC asks, “who pays tax in a massively aged world? Who pays for healthcare for the elderly? Who looks after the elderly? Will people still be able to retire from work?”
Which countries will be most impacted?
The researchers say that many countries already have lower birth rates than are necessary to sustain population sizes, including Russia, Canada and the US, Brazil, China, Australia and most of Europe.
Some countries, including Japan, Spain and Thailand, are expected to see “their communities shrink by a staggering 50% or more” as a result of the rapid decline in birth rates, says the Daily Mail.
Japan’s population is predicted to fall from a peak of 128 million in 2017 to 60 million by the end of the century. Meanwhile, the number of Italy - where birth rates are at their lowest point since 1861, according to The Times - is expected to drop from 61 million to 31 million over that period.
As populations decline at varying rates across the globe, India is expected to overtake China to become the world’s most populated country by 2100, with 1.09 billion people. Nigeria will be in second place, with 791 million, followed by China (732m), the US (336m), Pakistan (248m) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (246m).
The scientists predict that the population of the UK, which currently stands 66 million, will peak at 75 million in 2063 before dropping to 71.5 million by the turn of the century.


theweekuk--2020-07-15--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 15 Jul 2020

The chancellor has ordered a review of capital gains tax in his bid to claw back the costs of the @ @ @ @ @ said last week that he was prepared to take difficult decisions after spending £188bn on @ @ @ @ @ Experts said that he may raise historically low rates of capital gains tax to the @ @ @ @ @ , which could bring in £90bn over five years .

Rishi Sunak orders review of capital gains tax
The chancellor has ordered a review of capital gains tax in his bid to claw back the costs of the coronavirus pandemic. Rishi Sunak said last week that he was prepared to take difficult decisions after spending £188bn on the pandemic since March. Experts said that he may raise historically low rates of capital gains tax to the same levels as income tax, which could bring in £90bn over five years.


theweekuk--2020-07-15--UFO investigator says ‘woke’ aliens have already dealt with racism

A UFO investigator says the universe is filled with “ woke ” aliens who have already dealt with issues such as racism and religious differences and now live in peace .
Philip Mantle , who has spent more than 40 years researching UFOs , said extra-terrestrials had likely gone through “ social issues like racism , gender issues , political differences , religious and ethical differences.
” It is believed that competitive hotdog eaters are nearing the limit of human performance .
A maximum of 84 hotdogs in 10 minutes is possible , according to a sports science study .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a record of 75 earlier this month , a sports medicine specialist at High Point University in North Carolina concluded that 84 hotdogs is “ the maximum possible limit for a Usain Bolt-type performance ” .
A worm was found in the tonsil of a Japanese woman with a sore throat .
The nematode roundworm , which was nearly four centimetres long , is thought to have come from raw fish .
Doctors at St Luke ’ s International hospital in the Japanese capital removed the long black worm with tweezers after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ irritation .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A UFO investigator says the universe is filled with “woke” aliens who have already dealt with issues such as racism and religious differences and now live in peace. Philip Mantle, who has spent more than 40 years researching UFOs, said extra-terrestrials had likely gone through “social issues like racism, gender issues, political differences, religious and ethical differences.”
Humanity reaches limit of competitive hotdog eating
It is believed that competitive hotdog eaters are nearing the limit of human performance. A maximum of 84 hotdogs in 10 minutes is possible, according to a sports science study. After Joey “Jaws” Chestnut set a record of 75 earlier this month, a sports medicine specialist at High Point University in North Carolina concluded that 84 hotdogs is “the maximum possible limit for a Usain Bolt-type performance”.
Worm found in woman's throat
A worm was found in the tonsil of a Japanese woman with a sore throat. The nematode roundworm, which was nearly four centimetres long, is thought to have come from raw fish. Doctors at St Luke’s International hospital in the Japanese capital removed the long black worm with tweezers after the patient had complained of throat pain and irritation.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-07-16--Instant Opinion: Labour will not win by ‘pandering to rightwing voters’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on the route to victory for Starmer Labour will win by changing minds – not pandering to rightwing voters “ Since succeeding Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in April , Starmer hasn ’ t just shown caution on social issues that are deemed to put ‘ red wall ’ voters into a red mist .
He appears to have assumed that in order to win those voters back , Labour must try and prove its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take positions that will lose him as many supporters as he possibly stands to gain ?
It ’ s impossible to imagine an 18-year-old hear him equivocate over the Black Lives Matter movement and believe he had any desire , let alone a vision , to help society move forward .
Nor when he blindly applauded the police , shortly after it transpired that police officers had taken selfies with the bodies of the murdered black women Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman.
” on the coup against Chris Grayling The sacking of Julian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country is under absolute rule by Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings “ Agent Grayling , absurd as it may seem , was Number 10 ’ s secret weapon in its attempt to eliminate independent scrutiny of its actions , and to do what it likes in the field of national security .
Independent minded advice is out ; absolute rule by Johnson and Dominic Cummings is in .
That is why they forced Sir Mark Sedwill out of his role as National Security Adviser , and replaced him with a political appointee , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspicious and disturbing development .
As with the continuing wider efforts – which will intensify – to evade media attention , bully the BBC , curb the Supreme Court , politicise the civil service , suppress the franchise and crush parliamentary dissent , this is a government that regards itself as ‘ the people ’ s government ’ yet has a mandate to do as it likes : an elective dictatorship .
The only saving grace is that Number 10 is so incompetent at its grab for power .
That ’ s why @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and mix ups over the coronavirus crisis .
Not quite in the Grayling league for cluelessness , perhaps , but they are failing too.
” on the battle between tech giants and the public The great divide will be tech barons and serfs “ In a new book that is receiving much attention in the US , The Coming of Neo-Feudalism , [ author Joel Kotkin ] anticipates a world dominated by the irresistible power and wealth of techno-oligarchs .
Inequality will worsen .
The propertied middle class will be squeezed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the arts and media , will serve as what he dubs the clerisy , roughly approximating to the medieval priesthood , without the religion .
They will derive legitimacy from their brains and knowledge .
He reserves his grimmest forecast for the relatively unskilled and uneducated , who are doomed to serfdom .
They will be imprisoned in menial roles as cleaners , park-keepers , domestic servants : their children will have little more prospect of advancement than did those of the bonded peasants of the Middle Ages .
After three quarters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the relatively clever and wealthy will reserve economic and educational advantage for their own descendants , as assuredly as did the aristocracy of old .
‘ History , ’ Kotkin writes , ‘ does not always move forward.
’ ” 4 .
Matt Kilcoyne , deputy director of the Adam Smith Institute , in The Times on the cost of flip-flopping on Covid safety We ’ re paying the price for the Government ’ s lie that masks are worse than useless “ There are now thousands of online stores selling cloth masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has no effect on the supply of the medical-grade devices .
But it all came months after the height of the risk .
The Government ’ s anti-mask position hampered the dynamic market process that could have increased supplies earlier , and helped prevent the spread and saved lives - their much touted goal .
The about-turn by the government , from rejecting mask use to subtly recommending it to rapidly forcing it on people with penalty fines if people don ’ t comply , all comes from that earlier lie .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trust in our institutions at this extremely dangerous time .
People have stopped trusting the government ’ s advice .
We have seen them flip flop and flail on these issues .
For too long , the Government blatantly pushed falsehoods to put the NHS ahead of lives.
” 5 .
Ilhan Omar , Democrat congresswoman for Minnesota ’ s 5th Congressional District , in The Washington Post on the US right ’ s response to structural racism When I spoke out about systematic oppression , the Republican response was vicious “ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members and state lawmakers to push for more change in the wake of George Floyd ’ s killing in Minneapolis .
Floyd was killed in my Minnesota district — and his death was the catalyst for conversations around police brutality and structural racism that have begun to transform the nation .
Afterward , I told reporters , ‘ We are not merely fighting to tear down systems of oppression in the criminal justice system — we are fighting to tear down systems of oppression that exist in housing , in education , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the very air we breathe ’ ...
But minutes after my news conference , the Republican National Committee clipped 27 seconds of my speech and added a false caption that said I had just called for getting rid of the entire U.S. economy and government ...
Such continued distortions are a sign of the president ’ s weakness among voters .
We know his team wouldn ’ t be relying so heavily on racist distortions if it were confident in its policies ’ popularity .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Lynsey Hanley in The Guardian
on the route to victory for Starmer
Labour will win by changing minds – not pandering to rightwing voters
“Since succeeding Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in April, Starmer hasn’t just shown caution on social issues that are deemed to put ‘red wall’ voters into a red mist. He appears to have assumed that in order to win those voters back, Labour must try and prove its cultural conservatism. Why else would Starmer take positions that will lose him as many supporters as he possibly stands to gain? It’s impossible to imagine an 18-year-old hear him equivocate over the Black Lives Matter movement and believe he had any desire, let alone a vision, to help society move forward. Nor when he blindly applauded the police, shortly after it transpired that police officers had taken selfies with the bodies of the murdered black women Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman.”
2. Sean O’Grady in The Independent
on the coup against Chris Grayling
The sacking of Julian Lewis proves what we feared: this country is under absolute rule by Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings
“Agent Grayling, absurd as it may seem, was Number 10’s secret weapon in its attempt to eliminate independent scrutiny of its actions, and to do what it likes in the field of national security. Independent minded advice is out; absolute rule by Johnson and Dominic Cummings is in. That is why they forced Sir Mark Sedwill out of his role as National Security Adviser, and replaced him with a political appointee, David Frost. It is a highly suspicious and disturbing development. As with the continuing wider efforts – which will intensify – to evade media attention, bully the BBC, curb the Supreme Court, politicise the civil service, suppress the franchise and crush parliamentary dissent, this is a government that regards itself as ‘the people’s government’ yet has a mandate to do as it likes: an elective dictatorship. The only saving grace is that Number 10 is so incompetent at its grab for power. That’s why we’ve seen so many U-turns and mix ups over the coronavirus crisis. Not quite in the Grayling league for cluelessness, perhaps, but they are failing too.”
3. Max Hastings in The Daily Telegraph
on the battle between tech giants and the public
The great divide will be tech barons and serfs
“In a new book that is receiving much attention in the US, The Coming of Neo-Feudalism, [author Joel Kotkin] anticipates a world dominated by the irresistible power and wealth of techno-oligarchs. Inequality will worsen. The propertied middle class will be squeezed. The intellectual class, represented by academe, the arts and media, will serve as what he dubs the clerisy, roughly approximating to the medieval priesthood, without the religion. They will derive legitimacy from their brains and knowledge. He reserves his grimmest forecast for the relatively unskilled and uneducated, who are doomed to serfdom. They will be imprisoned in menial roles as cleaners, park-keepers, domestic servants: their children will have little more prospect of advancement than did those of the bonded peasants of the Middle Ages. After three quarters of a century of social mobility, henceforward the relatively clever and wealthy will reserve economic and educational advantage for their own descendants, as assuredly as did the aristocracy of old. ‘History,’ Kotkin writes, ‘does not always move forward.’”
4. Matt Kilcoyne, deputy director of the Adam Smith Institute, in The Times
on the cost of flip-flopping on Covid safety
We’re paying the price for the Government’s lie that masks are worse than useless
“There are now thousands of online stores selling cloth masks, with options to customise. This has no effect on the supply of the medical-grade devices. But it all came months after the height of the risk. The Government’s anti-mask position hampered the dynamic market process that could have increased supplies earlier, and helped prevent the spread and saved lives - their much touted goal. The about-turn by the government, from rejecting mask use to subtly recommending it to rapidly forcing it on people with penalty fines if people don’t comply, all comes from that earlier lie. The real victim of this jumpy approach is trust in our institutions at this extremely dangerous time. People have stopped trusting the government’s advice. We have seen them flip flop and flail on these issues. For too long, the Government blatantly pushed falsehoods to put the NHS ahead of lives.”
5. Ilhan Omar, Democrat congresswoman for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, in The Washington Post
on the US right’s response to structural racism
When I spoke out about systematic oppression, the Republican response was vicious
“This past week, I met with community members and state lawmakers to push for more change in the wake of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis. Floyd was killed in my Minnesota district — and his death was the catalyst for conversations around police brutality and structural racism that have begun to transform the nation. Afterward, I told reporters, ‘We are not merely fighting to tear down systems of oppression in the criminal justice system — we are fighting to tear down systems of oppression that exist in housing, in education, in health care, in employment and in the very air we breathe’... But minutes after my news conference, the Republican National Committee clipped 27 seconds of my speech and added a false caption that said I had just called for getting rid of the entire U.S. economy and government... Such continued distortions are a sign of the president’s weakness among voters. We know his team wouldn’t be relying so heavily on racist distortions if it were confident in its policies’ popularity.”


theweekuk--2020-07-16--Is now a good time to buy or sell homes - and will there be a post-Covid city exodus?

The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the UK property market , forcing estate agents to close their doors and @ @ @ @ @ the country now beginning to open up again and many people considering a move , @ @ @ @ @ to buy or sell a home ?
What has happened to house prices ?
When @ @ @ @ @ thousands of house moves were put on hold , causing many sales to fall through @ @ @ @ @ mortgage approvals were made in February alone – the highest monthly figure in six years @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But then Covid-19 hit , causing havoc for housing chains across the country @ @

The coronavirus crisis has wreaked havoc on the UK property market, forcing estate agents to close their doors and suppressing demand.
But with the country now beginning to open up again and many people considering a move, is now a good time to buy or sell a home?
What has happened to house prices?
When Britain first entered lockdown, thousands of house moves were put on hold, causing many sales to fall through entirely.
“Some 73,500 mortgage approvals were made in February alone – the highest monthly figure in six years”, says The Sun. “But then Covid-19 hit, causing havoc for housing chains across the country.”
The Guardian reported in April that almost 400,000 home sales worth a total of £82bn were in hiatus.
The impact on the market of this nationwide freeze was severe. Mortage lender Halifax last week confirmed that house prices had fallen for four consecutive months, for the first time since 2010. Property prices in March were 0.3% lower than in February, followed by further dips of 0.6% in April, 0.2% in May and 0.1% in June.
However, despite the declines, property values in June across the UK were still 2.5% higher than the same time the previous year.
And Halifax managing director Russell Galley is predicting the outlook for house prices going forward is brighter than many people may think, The Independent reports.
“We do expect greater downward pressure on prices in the medium term, the extent of which will depend on the success of government support measures and the speed at which the economy can recover,” he said.
Will prices rise or fall in the future?
“It’s a complex picture,” according to The Independent.
North London estate agent Jeremy Leaf, a former residential chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), says that while prices have fallen in recent months, “new mortgage inquiries are surging as buyers and sellers emerge from lockdown”.
“The direction of travel in coming months will depend on the degree of support offered by the government and how quickly the economy can recover when furlough in particular is withdrawn,” Leaf explains.
In a bid to boost the market, Chancellor Riski Sunak has unveiled plans to increase the stamp duty threshold from £125,000 to £500,000 on residential properties sold in England and Northern Ireland between 8 July 2020 and 31 March 2021.


theweekuk--2020-07-16--Declassified tapes give new insight into inner workings of East German Stasi

The release of a series of top-secret Stasi tapes is shedding light on the inner workings of the once-feared German police agency .
The 14 highly classified recordings were once held by the agency ’ s elite training school , the Institute of Operative Psychology in Potsdam , and “ offer a rare and candid glimpse into the corrupt heart ” of one of the most hated and feared institutions of the East German communist government , The Times reports .
Files and other information about the work done by the Stasi are already available to the public , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says the newspaper , which was granted access to the recordings by the Stasi Records Authority following their release for a podcast series by regional public broadcaster SWR .
According to The Times , the tapes reveal the agency ’ s “ tradecraft , its insecurities , its obsessions , its internecine power struggles , and above all the ideological blinkers that blinded it to the forces that would bring about its eventual collapse ” .
Among the most disturbing recordings is the 1984 interrogation of a young woman branded a traitor for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in West Germany .
The woman has already been stripped of her socialist party membership card - “ her passport to security and status , ” the paper explains - and lost her job as a teacher , and is working as a cleaner in order to feed her son .
In a striking example of “ the silken glove that sometimes concealed the iron fist ” , she finally agrees to serve as a Stasi informant in return for being allowed to go the West to care for her mother .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed me , ” says the Stasi agent , who adds : “ You must commit this rule to memory : no one can know you ’ re working for us.
” The release of the tapes comes after files kept by the Stasi were published on a German government website in 2015 .
However , the authorities did not publicly release any files on living individuals , for privacy reasons , as The Telegraph reported at the time .
Stasi officers “ kept an iron grip on every aspect of life inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destroy their internal records when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 , says the newspaper .
But the files were saved by East German citizens who stormed Stasi offices in the city of Erfurt .
Earlier this year , researchers at the Stasi Records Agency released an analysis of the former police institution ’ s vast photographic archive , which illustrated the state ’ s “ untrammelled paranoia ” about the dangers of being overthrown , according to The Guardian ’ s Berlin bureau chief Philip Oltermann .
“ A football kicked over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a window , a suspiciously unkempt lawn ; for East Germany ’ s secret police , even the most mundane event was recorded as potential proof of the capitalist enemy trying to sabotage life in the socialist republic , ” Oltermann wrote .

The release of a series of top-secret Stasi tapes is shedding light on the inner workings of the once-feared German police agency.
The 14 highly classified recordings were once held by the agency’s elite training school, the Institute of Operative Psychology in Potsdam, and “offer a rare and candid glimpse into the corrupt heart” of one of the most hated and feared institutions of the East German communist government, The Times reports.
Files and other information about the work done by the Stasi are already available to the public, but “these tapes are different”, says the newspaper, which was granted access to the recordings by the Stasi Records Authority following their release for a podcast series by regional public broadcaster SWR.
According to The Times, the tapes reveal the agency’s “tradecraft, its insecurities, its obsessions, its internecine power struggles, and above all the ideological blinkers that blinded it to the forces that would bring about its eventual collapse”.
Among the most disturbing recordings is the 1984 interrogation of a young woman branded a traitor for seeking permission to visit her sick mother in West Germany.
The woman has already been stripped of her socialist party membership card - “her passport to security and status,” the paper explains - and lost her job as a teacher, and is working as a cleaner in order to feed her son.
In a striking example of “the silken glove that sometimes concealed the iron fist”, she finally agrees to serve as a Stasi informant in return for being allowed to go the West to care for her mother.
“I’m glad you have not disappointed me,” says the Stasi agent, who adds: “You must commit this rule to memory: no one can know you’re working for us.”
The release of the tapes comes after files kept by the Stasi were published on a German government website in 2015. However, the authorities did not publicly release any files on living individuals, for privacy reasons, as The Telegraph reported at the time.
Stasi officers “kept an iron grip on every aspect of life inside East Germany”, but tried to destroy their internal records when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, says the newspaper. But the files were saved by East German citizens who stormed Stasi offices in the city of Erfurt.
Earlier this year, researchers at the Stasi Records Agency released an analysis of the former police institution’s vast photographic archive, which illustrated the state’s “untrammelled paranoia” about the dangers of being overthrown, according to The Guardian’s Berlin bureau chief Philip Oltermann.
“A football kicked over a wall, a lightbulb thrown out of a window, a suspiciously unkempt lawn; for East Germany’s secret police, even the most mundane event was recorded as potential proof of the capitalist enemy trying to sabotage life in the socialist republic,” Oltermann wrote.


theweekuk--2020-07-16--Why everybody’s talking about Chris Grayling and the intelligence committee coup

The committee responsible for supervising British secret agents has spun its own web of intrigue by pulling off a “ very British coup ” against the man chosen by Boris Johnson to become the parliamentary body ’ s leader .
Chris Grayling , the former cabinet minister , had seemed certain to be the next chair of the powerful Intelligence and Security Committee ( ISC ) , which has access to classified intelligence .
“ Mr Johnson had picked Mr Grayling , and given the Conservative majority on the committee , his election had appeared to be a formality , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last minute , however , a veteran Conservative backbencher swooped in yesterday and secured the backing of all the opposition members .
“ Grayling was a picture of incredulity and puzzlement as he saw Julian Lewis ’ candidacy in black and white next to his , before the swift realisation kicked in that he had been outmanoeuvred , ” says HuffPost .
Grayling voted for himself , as did three other Conservative committee members .
The four opposition members - three Labour and one SNP - backed Lewis , who also voted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to four .
“ To lose an election on which your side has got a majority is to take incompetence to another level , ” an unnamed MP told The Times .
Downing Street immediately withdrew the whip from Lewis - effectively expelling him from the party - on the grounds that he had “ worked with Labour and other opposition MPs to his own advantage ” , The Guardian reports .
“ Grayling had been the prime minister ’ s choice for months , but his appointment was controversial even amongst Conservatives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cabinet minister , ” says The Guardian .
Among other failures , the paper explains , “ he presided over the collapse of Northern and Thameslink rail services and the granting of a no-deal Brexit ferry contract to a company with no ships ” .
Johnson ’ s support for Grayling had been interpreted as an attempt by No .
10 to exert executive control over Parliament and evade scrutiny of its decisions - particularly the decision not to publish a report on alleged Russian interference in British elections .
MPs ’ willingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the removal of Mark Sedwill , a senior civil servant , from another national security post - and his replacement with a political loyalist .
“ Johnson ’ s decision to appoint David Frost , a political adviser in charge of EU trade negotiations , as his national security adviser , has played badly with MPs , securocrats and Whitehall because the post has previously been held by a civil servant , ” says The Independent ’ s political columnist Andrew Grice .
“ So the rebellion against the appointment of Grayling , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , was a neat way for Parliament to make a point.
” “ Tory whips were furious , and No .
10 more furious still at this very British coup , ” says HuffPost , but MPs on all sides appear to be delighted .
One “ high-ranking ” Conservative backbencher told The Telegraph that “ folk are mostly just laughing at Grayling and the incompetence of No .
10 ” .
Why does it matter ?
The ISC is “ arguably the country ’ s most important parliamentary watchdog ” , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence and security services ” , adds The Times , and “ holds the decision over when and whether the delayed Russia report is published ” .
But the rejection of the PM ’ s chosen candidate has a broader significance , says The Telegraph .
The “ cloak-and-dagger operation ” was hailed by MPs “ as proof of Parliament ‘ fighting back against an overpowering executive ’ ” .
He may look like an unlikely rebel , but “ Maverick is his middle name ” , says HuffPost .
A “ right-wing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed an independent-minded streak that made him a more suitable ISC appointment than Grayling , who was widely seen as someone who would not rock Johnson ’ s boat ” , according to The Independent ’ s Grice .
Lewis also “ has long experience of security and intelligence issues ” , having chaired the Defence Select Committee , sat on the ISC for five years and been in the Navy reserve , adds HuffPost .
What happens next ?
While No .
10 could seek to overturn the committee ’ s decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intervention is considered to be unlikely .
Instead , says The Times , “ Downing Street now risks losing control of the committee , which could bring forward the controversial report into alleged Russian interference ” for publication as soon as next week .
“ The document examines Kremlin interference in British public life , ” The Guardian explains .
“ Earlier this week , the senior Labour MP on the committee , Kevan Jones , said ‘ there was no reason why ’ it could not be released by next Wednesday.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is “ relatively anodyne ” , the newspaper adds , “ others who have read it say there is considerable detail of interest worth examining ” .
However , an unnamed former minister who welcomed Grayling ’ s defeat told The Telegraph that “ the infamous Russia report was ‘ a red herring ’ ” .


theweekuk--2020-07-16--How to buy a private island for the price of a London flat

The coronavirus lockdown has left many homeowners longing for a change of scenery - but some buyers are thinking bigger than others for their next move .
According to agents , demand for private islands is booming as increasing numbers of Britons seek solitude and safety during the pandemic .
Farhad Vladi , founder of Vladi Private Islands , says that enquiries have tripled since Covid-19 hit compared with the same period in 2019 .
And as The Telegraph notes , “ you do n't need to be a billionaire , or even a millionaire ” , to get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private island market in Britain and Ireland is one of serious quirks ” , says the newspaper , “ islands in Scotland can be snapped up for a fraction of the price of a one-bedroom London flat ” .
Cameron Ewer of Savills estate agents told The Telegraph that “ there are some very , very small islands that people buy because they just want to say ‘ I own an island ’ ” .
Savills recently sold the 14-acre Creinch Island in Loch Lomond for just £90,000 .
But living on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ owner .
Creinch has no running water or electricity , although on the plus side , the island is “ covered in wood anemones and wild garlic ” , The Telegraph says .
There are also plenty of options for those looking to splash a little more cash .
An island off the coast of Ireland was sold for more than $ 6.3m ( £5m ) earlier this month , “ with the anonymous buyer not even visiting the location in person before going through with the purchase ” , CNN reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainland , Horse Island covers 157 acres that includes “ three beaches , seven houses and natural wildlife ” , the broadcaster adds .
The island haven proved so enticing that the unnamed European buyer “ relied on video footage to view ” the site , and conducted most of the negotiations via WhatsApp , says The Guardian .
“ The owner fell in love with the scenery , ” said Thomas Balashev , chief executive of Montague Real Estate , which helped broker the deal .
“ The island will be used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy the natural beauty and calm the landscape affords.
” Some visionaries are thinking even bigger , however .
With land borders worldwide closed during the pandemic , shipbuilding giant Ferretti Group is producing “ portable private islands ” , Forbes says .
“ Describing its superyachts as ‘ private islands ’ might seem far-fetched , but it makes a lot of sense , ” according to the news site .
“ The interior is essentially a luxury resort… while outside , sun decks supplement beaches and wherever you roam , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ”

The coronavirus lockdown has left many homeowners longing for a change of scenery - but some buyers are thinking bigger than others for their next move.
According to agents, demand for private islands is booming as increasing numbers of Britons seek solitude and safety during the pandemic. Farhad Vladi, founder of Vladi Private Islands, says that enquiries have tripled since Covid-19 hit compared with the same period in 2019.
And as The Telegraph notes, “you don't need to be a billionaire, or even a millionaire”, to get in on the action.
While “the private island market in Britain and Ireland is one of serious quirks”, says the newspaper, “islands in Scotland can be snapped up for a fraction of the price of a one-bedroom London flat”.
Cameron Ewer of Savills estate agents told The Telegraph that “there are some very, very small islands that people buy because they just want to say ‘I own an island’”.
Savills recently sold the 14-acre Creinch Island in Loch Lomond for just £90,000. But living on the island may prove tricky for the new owner. Creinch has no running water or electricity, although on the plus side, the island is “covered in wood anemones and wild garlic”, The Telegraph says.
There are also plenty of options for those looking to splash a little more cash. An island off the coast of Ireland was sold for more than $6.3m (£5m) earlier this month, “with the anonymous buyer not even visiting the location in person before going through with the purchase”, CNN reports.
Located to the southwest of the Irish mainland, Horse Island covers 157 acres that includes “three beaches, seven houses and natural wildlife”, the broadcaster adds.
The island haven proved so enticing that the unnamed European buyer “relied on video footage to view” the site, and conducted most of the negotiations via WhatsApp, says The Guardian.
“The owner fell in love with the scenery,” said Thomas Balashev, chief executive of Montague Real Estate, which helped broker the deal. “The island will be used as a tranquil retreat – a place to enjoy the natural beauty and calm the landscape affords.”
Some visionaries are thinking even bigger, however.
With land borders worldwide closed during the pandemic, shipbuilding giant Ferretti Group is producing “portable private islands”, Forbes says.
“Describing its superyachts as ‘private islands’ might seem far-fetched, but it makes a lot of sense,” according to the news site.
“The interior is essentially a luxury resort… while outside, sun decks supplement beaches and wherever you roam, you’re always by the sea.”


theweekuk--2020-07-16--Coronavirus reaches remote Amazon tribe left devastated by flu deaths following first contact

The Covid-19 pandemic has reached vulnerable indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon who have already paid a heavy price after first being forced into contact with the outside world in the 1980s .
At least six coronavirus cases have been recorded among the Nahua people , who number “ fewer than 1,000 ” and live in a federally protected area in Peru ’ s southern Amazon called the Kugapakori Nahua Nanti Territorial Reserve , The Guardian reports .
The infections have triggered alarm among Amazonian indigenous activists , “ who have repeatedly warned that coronavirus could cause a disastrous repeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” following the arrival of outsiders , says the newspaper .
“ More than more than half of the Nahua died of influenza and whooping cough , for which they had no immunity ” , after loggers and oil workers first reached the remote reserve , “ bringing with them terrifying diseases without cure ” , ABC News reports .
According to Peru ’ s Culture Ministry , the Covid cases were recorded in Santa Rosa de Serjali , a settlement of 391 Nahua people that has been in “ initial contact ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delivered seven tonnes of food , as well as masks and other supplies , to the community .
But experts say that such groups remain ill-equipped to tackle the coronavirus , “ as a result of extreme poverty , inadequate access to modern medical care , and a way of life incompatible with social distancing ” , as well as a lack of natural immunity , says the Australian news broadcaster .
“ The people who have survived [ earlier epidemics ] may have the genetic capacity to resist ... but it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable .
They have to avoid contact with potential bearers of outside diseases , ” said Thomas Moore , an anthropologist who has studied tribal peoples in Peru ’ s Amazon for decades .
Health workers have also found more than 150 coronavirus cases among eight indigenous populations in Sepahua , the nearest town to the Nahua , “ which is thought to have been the point of infection ” for the Santa Rosa de Serjali community , according to The Guardian .

The Covid-19 pandemic has reached vulnerable indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon who have already paid a heavy price after first being forced into contact with the outside world in the 1980s.
At least six coronavirus cases have been recorded among the Nahua people, who number “fewer than 1,000” and live in a federally protected area in Peru’s southern Amazon called the Kugapakori Nahua Nanti Territorial Reserve, The Guardian reports.
The infections have triggered alarm among Amazonian indigenous activists, “who have repeatedly warned that coronavirus could cause a disastrous repeat of previous pandemics that devastated their populations” following the arrival of outsiders, says the newspaper.
“More than more than half of the Nahua died of influenza and whooping cough, for which they had no immunity”, after loggers and oil workers first reached the remote reserve, “bringing with them terrifying diseases without cure”, ABC News reports.
According to Peru’s Culture Ministry, the Covid cases were recorded in Santa Rosa de Serjali, a settlement of 391 Nahua people that has been in “initial contact” for three decades. Health workers have delivered seven tonnes of food, as well as masks and other supplies, to the community.
But experts say that such groups remain ill-equipped to tackle the coronavirus, “as a result of extreme poverty, inadequate access to modern medical care, and a way of life incompatible with social distancing”, as well as a lack of natural immunity, says the Australian news broadcaster.
“The people who have survived [earlier epidemics] may have the genetic capacity to resist... but it’s not enough. They're still vulnerable. They have to avoid contact with potential bearers of outside diseases,” said Thomas Moore, an anthropologist who has studied tribal peoples in Peru’s Amazon for decades.
Health workers have also found more than 150 coronavirus cases among eight indigenous populations in Sepahua, the nearest town to the Nahua, “which is thought to have been the point of infection” for the Santa Rosa de Serjali community, according to The Guardian.