theweekuk--2020-09-02--‘Hard rain’s gonna fall’: what are Dominic Cummings’ plans to reform the civil service?

Dominic Cummings has launched his long-awaited Whitehall reshuffle , relocating 10 Downing Street ’ s top team to a new “ control centre ” in the Cabinet Office ’ s current home at 70 Whitehall .
According to a “ senior government source ” , Boris Johnson ’ s right-hand man and around 20 other political officials including Downing Street policy unit director Munira Mirza will be based in the new open-plan office in the neighbouring building , the i news site reports .
The move comes days after Johnson ally Simon Case was appointed head of the civil service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Cummings ’ promised “ hard rain ” for the “ incoherent ” Cabinet Office .
So what else does he have planned ?
Cummings has long been an outspoken critic of the civil service , calling the concept “ an idea for history books ” and proposing the abolition of the role of permanent secretaries .
The senior adviser has also claimed in the past that the Cabinet Office , which serves as the corporate headquarters of the civil service , is “ often used to limit the autonomy of individual ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , the i says .
Last year , he “ proposed a major overhaul ” of the system , with experts “ operating next to , and in some senses above , the Cabinet Office ” , the news site adds .
Civil servants have been warned that the proposed reforms are designed to “ drive culture change ” , reports The Times .
In January , Cummings offered a hint of what was to come when when he called for “ super-talented weirdos ” to apply to work at 10 Downing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not more drivel about ‘ identity ’ and ‘ diversity ’ from Oxbridge humanities graduates but more genuine cognitive diversity , ” the job post said .
So what exactly are his plans ?
The shifting of policy advisers out of Downing Street and into the Cabinet Office appears to be the first major offensive in what commentators are describing as the “ war ” on the Whitehall being spearheaded by Cummings and Johnson .
The new workspace has been described by the Cabinet Office as a “ collaboration hub ” , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in effect create a de facto ‘ Department for the Prime Minister ’ at the heart of Whitehall , with officials working under far closer political direction than ever before ” .
The door that currently connects 70 Whitehall to 10 Downing Street is also “ being removed in a symbolic move that unites the two office complexes ” , adds the i site .
Cummings ’ s machinations have already forced the hands of a number of senior civil servants , with five major departures this year alone .
Mark Sedwill announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as cabinet secretary , amid reports of clashes with Cummings .
And Jonathan Slater was removed from the post of permanent secretary at the Department of Education last week , following the controversy surrounding this year ’ s A-levels and GCSEs .
A further three permanent secretaries have also resigned in recent months : the Home Office ’ s Philip Rutnam , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office ’ s Simon McDonald and Richard Heaton from the Ministry of Justice .
What do critics say ?
Concerns have been raised over the hastiness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fears that Cummings is attempting to politicise the civil service .
Some critics have suggested that Cummings is leading a “ rapid , and dangerous , politicisation of the traditionally independent and non-partisan administrative machine ” , reports The Independent ’ s associate editor Sean O ’ Grady .
And in article in The Guardian last month , an anonymous civil servant wrote that the reforms represent “ a threat to democracy itself ” .
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has also spoken out against the war on the Cabinet Office , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ready to grant Cummings his every wish when it comes to politicising the civil service and sweeping out those who may try to hold his government to account ” .
Meanwhile , the general secretary of the FDA trade union , which represents senior civil servants , has warned that Johnson ’ s allies are exhibiting a “ fundamental misunderstanding ” of the modern civil service .
“ If it wasn ’ t clear before , then it certainly is now – this administration will throw civil service leaders under a bus without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ministers from any kind of accountability , ” FDA boss Dave Penman continued .
“ After this government ’ s continuous anonymous briefings to the press , trust between ministers and civil servants is already at an all-time low and this will only damage it further .
”

Dominic Cummings has launched his long-awaited Whitehall reshuffle, relocating 10 Downing Street’s top team to a new “control centre” in the Cabinet Office’s current home at 70 Whitehall.
According to a “senior government source”, Boris Johnson’s right-hand man and around 20 other political officials including Downing Street policy unit director Munira Mirza will be based in the new open-plan office in the neighbouring building, the i news site reports.
The move comes days after Johnson ally Simon Case was appointed head of the civil service and appears to be the first drop in Cummings’ promised “hard rain” for the “incoherent” Cabinet Office. So what else does he have planned?
What’s his issue with Whitehall?
Cummings has long been an outspoken critic of the civil service, calling the concept “an idea for history books” and proposing the abolition of the role of permanent secretaries.
The senior adviser has also claimed in the past that the Cabinet Office, which serves as the corporate headquarters of the civil service, is “often used to limit the autonomy of individual ministers and impose the will of senior mandarins”, the i says.
Last year, he “proposed a major overhaul” of the system, with experts “operating next to, and in some senses above, the Cabinet Office”, the news site adds.
Civil servants have been warned that the proposed reforms are designed to “drive culture change”, reports The Times. In January, Cummings offered a hint of what was to come when when he called for “super-talented weirdos” to apply to work at 10 Downing Street.
“What SW1 needs is not more drivel about ‘identity’ and ‘diversity’ from Oxbridge humanities graduates but more genuine cognitive diversity,” the job post said.
So what exactly are his plans?
The shifting of policy advisers out of Downing Street and into the Cabinet Office appears to be the first major offensive in what commentators are describing as the “war” on the Whitehall being spearheaded by Cummings and Johnson.
The new workspace has been described by the Cabinet Office as a “collaboration hub”, but The Times claims the move will “in effect create a de facto ‘Department for the Prime Minister’ at the heart of Whitehall, with officials working under far closer political direction than ever before”.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Kickstart scheme explained: the plan to get young people back in work

The government is launching a £2bn employment scheme today to get young people back into work after publishing data showing that a record number are claiming Universal Credit .
The number of under-25s on benefits increased by 250,000 to 538,000 during the coronavirus lockdown .
The surge , “ which took place between March and July , means one in 13 of seven million Britons in the 16 to 24 demographic now claim the benefit ” , the Daily Mail reports .
The new “ Kickstart Scheme ” is intended to help reverse the worrying hike by creating hundreds of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for young people across the country .
Unveiling the plan , Chancellor Rishi Sunak said : “ This isn ’ t just about kickstarting our country ’ s economy - it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic .
“ The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.
” What is the Kickstart Scheme and how does it work ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jobs , the Kickstart Scheme is open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment .
From November , six-month placements will be available across a range of different sectors in England , Scotland and Wales .
Employers will receive funding to pay the national minimum wage for 25 hours a week , plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions .
Businesses can join the scheme from today , with the state to provide £1,500 to help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can also “ top up pay out of their own pockets , or extend the hours if they wish ” , reports the BBC .
And “ employers offering fewer than 30 placements will be asked to make a bid through a council or business group to save time and money ” , adds The Telegraph .
The scheme will be overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions and is scheduled to run until December 2021. Who is backing the scheme ?
Tesco , the UK ’ s largest retailer , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new Kickstart scheme , Sky News reports .
The supermarket chain ’ s UK boss Jason Tarry said : “ We plan to welcome around 1,000 Kickstarters to Tesco , supporting more young people to start their careers and build skills for the future.
” The Federation of Small Businesses ( FSB ) has welcomed the new scheme but says more action is needed to help prevent a “ lost generation of young people ” , The Guardian reports .
“ More must be done to ensure small firms have all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thrive after this pandemic , ” said FSB chair Mike Cherry .
“ If more small businesses are unable to afford an apprentice , without the means to offer an industry placement for T-level pupils or provide a traineeship or Kickstart role , we will be letting down the next generation .
”

The government is launching a £2bn employment scheme today to get young people back into work after publishing data showing that a record number are claiming Universal Credit.
The number of under-25s on benefits increased by 250,000 to 538,000 during the coronavirus lockdown. The surge, “which took place between March and July, means one in 13 of seven million Britons in the 16 to 24 demographic now claim the benefit”, the Daily Mail reports.
The new “Kickstart Scheme” is intended to help reverse the worrying hike by creating hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised placements for young people across the country.
Unveiling the plan, Chancellor Rishi Sunak said: “This isn’t just about kickstarting our country’s economy - it is an opportunity to kickstart the careers of thousands of young people who could otherwise be left behind as a result of the pandemic.
“The scheme will open the door to a brighter future for a new generation and ensure the UK bounces back stronger as a country.”
What is the Kickstart Scheme and how does it work?
Part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, the Kickstart Scheme is open to young people aged 16 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
From November, six-month placements will be available across a range of different sectors in England, Scotland and Wales.
Employers will receive funding to pay the national minimum wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer minimum auto-enrolment pension contributions.
Businesses can join the scheme from today, with the state to provide £1,500 to help set up support and training. Employers can also “top up pay out of their own pockets, or extend the hours if they wish”, reports the BBC.
And “employers offering fewer than 30 placements will be asked to make a bid through a council or business group to save time and money”, adds The Telegraph.
The scheme will be overseen by the Department for Work and Pensions and is scheduled to run until December 2021.
Who is backing the scheme?
Tesco, the UK’s largest retailer, and Network Rail are among the firms backing the new Kickstart scheme, Sky News reports.
The supermarket chain’s UK boss Jason Tarry said: “We plan to welcome around 1,000 Kickstarters to Tesco, supporting more young people to start their careers and build skills for the future.”
FSB warns of ‘lost generation’
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the new scheme but says more action is needed to help prevent a “lost generation of young people”, The Guardian reports.
“More must be done to ensure small firms have all the support they need to survive and then thrive after this pandemic,” said FSB chair Mike Cherry.
“If more small businesses are unable to afford an apprentice, without the means to offer an industry placement for T-level pupils or provide a traineeship or Kickstart role, we will be letting down the next generation.”


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Government’s reliance on ‘following the science’ in Covid response cost lives, says report

The UK government ’ s failure to act in the “ absence of scientific certainty ” during the initial coronavirus outbreak cost a “ significant ” number of lives , a new report claims .
Researchers from the Institute for Government ( IfG ) who analysed the UK ’ s early response to the pandemic found that ministers “ lacked a wider sense of strategy ” and failed to take responsibility for the national response .
As the Daily Mail reports , “ ministers repeatedly claimed they were being ‘ led by the science ’ after making tough and controversial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ face masks ” .
Another such decision was not to test 25,000 hospital patients who were discharged into care homes .
Downing Street “ said it did not test them because the ‘ scientific advice ’ was that asymptomatic transmission was uncommon ” , but “ critics accused the government of trying to shift blame and abdicate their political duty ” , the newspaper adds .
Those claims appear to be backed up by the IfG report , which also criticises the government ’ s “ heavy reliance ” on the Scientific Advisory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notes that the group “ frequently pointed out the limits of their knowledge ” .
“ Gaps in the evidence base , some of Sage ’ s operating methods and the impact of politics on Sage ’ s work all inhibited earlier school closures and lockdown , ” the report says .
The think tank “ also claimed the government ’ s response to the pandemic had a lack of foresight ” , says The Telegraph .
Although plans for schools closures and social distancing were discussed in February , the government did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making them work ” such as remote-learning for schoolchildren , the IfG found .
The newly published report is equally damning about Health Secretary Matt Hancock ’ s ambition of reaching 100,000 tests per day by the end of April .
According to the London Evening Standard , the think tank concluded that the plan “ had not been well thought through as the diagnostics industry and the NHS were not consulted before the decision was made ” .

The UK government’s failure to act in the “absence of scientific certainty” during the initial coronavirus outbreak cost a “significant” number of lives, a new report claims.
Researchers from the Institute for Government (IfG) who analysed the UK’s early response to the pandemic found that ministers “lacked a wider sense of strategy” and failed to take responsibility for the national response.
As the Daily Mail reports, “ministers repeatedly claimed they were being ‘led by the science’ after making tough and controversial decisions from closing schools to advising against face masks”.
Another such decision was not to test 25,000 hospital patients who were discharged into care homes. Downing Street “said it did not test them because the ‘scientific advice’ was that asymptomatic transmission was uncommon”, but “critics accused the government of trying to shift blame and abdicate their political duty”, the newspaper adds.
Those claims appear to be backed up by the IfG report, which also criticises the government’s “heavy reliance” on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) and notes that the group “frequently pointed out the limits of their knowledge”.
“Gaps in the evidence base, some of Sage’s operating methods and the impact of politics on Sage’s work all inhibited earlier school closures and lockdown,” the report says.
The think tank “also claimed the government’s response to the pandemic had a lack of foresight”, says The Telegraph.
Although plans for schools closures and social distancing were discussed in February, the government did not work out “key aspects of making them work” such as remote-learning for schoolchildren, the IfG found.
The newly published report is equally damning about Health Secretary Matt Hancock’s ambition of reaching 100,000 tests per day by the end of April.
According to the London Evening Standard, the think tank concluded that the plan “had not been well thought through as the diagnostics industry and the NHS were not consulted before the decision was made”.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 2 Sep 2020

One-way systems , plastic screens and staggered start times will be in place as millions of children start to return @ @ @ @ @ .
Almost six months after schools were closed by the government , teachers will set @ @ @ @ @ children have fallen behind during lockdown .
England ’ s schools minister Nick Gibb said @ @ @ @ @ everything they can to make sure that their pupils and their staff are safe .
@

Distancing and tests as children return to school
One-way systems, plastic screens and staggered start times will be in place as millions of children start to return to school in England today. Almost six months after schools were closed by the government, teachers will set tests to assess how far children have fallen behind during lockdown. England’s schools minister Nick Gibb said: “Schools are doing everything they can to make sure that their pupils and their staff are safe.”


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Does the Sun have a long-lost twin?

Does the Sun have a long-lost twin?

Our Sun may have a twin , according to astrophysicists at Harvard University .
Avi Loeb and collaborator Amir Siraj have suggested that a second star must have helped the sun collect passing debris because the Sun 's gravity alone would n't have been powerful enough to pull so many objects into its orbit .
They believe the twin broke away and has ended up in a completely different area of space .
A UFO expert is encouraging “ extraterrestrial actors ” to audition for alien parts in his new plays .
John Steiger , 61 , said alien actors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone else ” and warned that “ they ’ re going to have a tough time winning any role ” .
However , he is not expecting an avalanche of applications .
“ I fear though that my plays are not at the top of the list of alien concerns about human activities here on Earth , ” he said .
A diver who found a prosthetic leg in California 's American River was able to return it to its owner thanks to social media .
Karl Bly said : “ I realised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just knew immediately somebody needed it back.
” He posted about the discovery on Facebook and the “ very , very thankful ” owner came and collected it .
“ He just went on and on about how he needed it to get back to work , ” said Bly .
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Our Sun may have a twin, according to astrophysicists at Harvard University. Avi Loeb and collaborator Amir Siraj have suggested that a second star must have helped the sun collect passing debris because the Sun's gravity alone wouldn't have been powerful enough to pull so many objects into its orbit. They believe the twin broke away and has ended up in a completely different area of space.
‘Extraterrestrial actors’ sought for new plays
A UFO expert is encouraging “extraterrestrial actors” to audition for alien parts in his new plays. John Steiger, 61, said alien actors would “have to audition just like everyone else” and warned that “they’re going to have a tough time winning any role”. However, he is not expecting an avalanche of applications. “I fear though that my plays are not at the top of the list of alien concerns about human activities here on Earth,” he said.
Diver returns leg found in river
A diver who found a prosthetic leg in California's American River was able to return it to its owner thanks to social media. Karl Bly said: “I realised it was a prosthetic leg and I just knew immediately somebody needed it back.” He posted about the discovery on Facebook and the “very, very thankful” owner came and collected it. “He just went on and on about how he needed it to get back to work,” said Bly.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-09-02--Cycling holidays: explore the world on two wheels

A study commissioned during lockdown by Maier Sports revealed that Brits are keen to get outdoors and to book an activity holiday .
In the survey of 1,740 respondents , 30 % said they have taken up a new activity with walking , running , hiking and camping the most popular outdoor choices .
Cycling has also become very popular : 23 % say they are now more likely to book a biking holiday than they were before lockdown .
We pick out some of the best trips and experiences you can have on two wheels .
The Isle of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles of traffic-free cycle routes through some of the most scenic countryside in the UK .
Those up for an Isle of Wight two-wheel challenge should take on the circular “ Round the Island ” route which starts in Whippingham and offers 70 miles of superb on- and off-road trails .
Lonely Planet rated the Isle of Wight as one of the best places in the world to explore by mountain bike , so visitors can expect a selection of fantastic natural trails with a wide variety of terrain and breath-taking views .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors from the mainland on to the island in 22 minutes , and bicycles come on free with foot passengers ; wightlink.co.uk Cycling tours of Loch Ness and the Highlands , Scotland Besides the scenic views , which include multiple gorges , lochs and waterfalls , the Scottish Highlands offers cyclists superb bird-spotting opportunities of species such as ospreys , red kites , peregrines , buzzards and magnificent golden eagles .
Eagle-eyed bikers may also spot red squirrels , red deer , pine martens and even dolphin sightings .
Headwater has a four-day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tour starting from £915 per person including Scottish breakfasts , high quality bikes , GPS directions and luggage transfers between hotels ; headwater.com New for 2021 , join one of Wilderness Scotland ’ s self-guided cycling trips in the Cairngorms National Park .
Enjoying a combination of loop rides and point to point rides ( with luggage transferred ahead ) , guests will discover the highlights of this region of the Highlands , as they cycle up to 25 miles a day on quiet roads through outstanding scenery .
In their free time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nearby distilleries and a range of other local attractions , staying each night in carefully selected small hotels and guest houses , which reflect the character of this region .
From £850pp sharing , including five nights ’ B & B accommodation , bike hire and luggage transfers ; wildernessscotland.com The east Jutland town of Vejle in Denmark has plenty to offer two-wheel enthusiasts and will be the starting point of the third stage of the 2022 Tour de France ’ s Grand Départ .
Denmark ’ s undisputed toughest bike route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 3,000m of total ascent , is located on the outskirts of Vejle .
Other cycling initiatives include the newly-opened Vejle Bikepark in the forest of Sønderskoven .
The bike park has five different levels of difficulty ranging from “ easy ” to “ extreme ” , including two-metre high jumps and almost 100 different challenges , and easy access nearby to an 8km ( 5 mile ) mountain bike track .
Escape to the Danish countryside and explore the new “ Fjordmino ” cycling route .
The aim is for the route @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will take you through the scenic and lesser known region of south east Jutland , an area called Kystlandet - the coastal land .
Located an easy 40-minute drive from either Aarhus or Billund airport , Kystlandet comprises the three small towns of Horsens , Odder and Hedensted and surrounding areas .
The new 52km ( 32 mile ) circular cycling or hiking route around the Horsens Fjord goes through forests , fields and villages , as well as along beaches .
Circling back to the charming coastal town of Horsens .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a couple of small islands at the entrance to the Horsens Fjord .
The islands Alrø and Hjarnø are served by a small ferry with room for 12 passengers and their bikes .
One of Trentino ’ s most famous cycling routes begins in Tesero and journeys through to Pompaego , offering majestic views in both summer and winter over the region ’ s dramatic alpine setting .
When cyclists first set off they will be riding through history , as they cycle the same ascent as legendary cyclists Marco Pantani and Pavel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giro d ’ Italia finish line in 1998 .
This route is classified as having a high level of difficulty and is most suited to experienced riders .
The trail will take cyclists down a route bursting with picturesque scenery and incredible mountainous views which make the challenging ascents worthwhile .
Andorra - the country of the Pyrenees - is known for its winter activities ; yet its rugged mountain landscape , natural beauty spots and sub-Mediterranean climate make it an ideal adventure playground during the summer and autumn too .
In recent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the most thrilling ways to enjoy Andorra ’ s breathtaking scenery .
Family-friendly Vallnord Bike Park is widely regarded as among the best in Europe for its facilities and circuits with trails and descents for everyone from beginner to expert .
The park has used the natural mountain surroundings to create downhill circuits , a wood park , cross country and Four-Cross , in addition to a children ’ s wood park ( from six to ten years of age ) and a bike trial area .
A one-hour mountain bike lesson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from €31 ( £27.60 ) per person for a private lesson ; visitandorra.com Saalfelden Leogang is the destination for mountain biking in Austria .
It ’ s where professionals come to play , train and compete in events such as the UCI World Championships .
It ’ s therefore no surprise that this legendary bike region is home to some of the world ’ s best schools , workshops and bike camps for beginners .
The Elements Outdoorsports Bike School has programmes designed for everyone from kids through to those looking to improve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Riders Playground - one of Europe ’ s largest bike parks for beginners - is perfect for getting to grips with new mountain biking skills safely and securely , enhanced by a range of recently introduced features .
Once ready , holidaymakers can venture out onto the region ’ s vast network of easy tours , drinking in the incredible alpine scenery - and a refreshing drink or two in one of Saalfelden Leogang ’ s friendly mountain huts - before returning for an evening of fun and relaxation at a specially designed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project making use of former US railway lines which are converted into long-distance walking and cycling pathways .
The project launched in 2019 with the vision of creating an entire cross-country , car-free route which will eventually become the first contiguous multi-use pathway across America .
The route is opening in stages , and once completed it will offer a safe , seamless and scenic cycle pathway across the entire country spanning more than 3,700 miles from Washington D.C. to Seattle , Washington .
One of the most picturesque portions of the trail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy , is Montana ’ s 4.5-mile Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail where the vast openness of Big Sky Country gives way to backcountry pine tree beauty .
Framed by the majestic Rocky Mountains , the route is roughly equidistant between two national parks - just a half-day ’ s drive from both Yellowstone and Glacier .
The Milwaukee Road Rail-Trail is perfect for mountain biking in the milder seasons and fat-tire cycling in the snowy winter .
Explore sand dunes and the desert in Namibia Adventurous cyclists looking to challenge themselves can book @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chance to cycle across open sand dunes , between granite hills and over challenging rocky outcrops .
Beginning in Windhoek , cyclists will visit the towering dunes of Sossusvlei and climb Dune 45 where the contrast of rusty-red sand against the blue sky is breath-taking .
Travelling north , cyclists will ride across the Tropic of Capricorn where they ’ ll zoom past ostriches , gembok and mountain zebras before heading to Swakopmund to try fat biking , where the wider tyres allow visitors to explore remote areas that traditional mountain bikes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include spotting the “ Big Five ” on a safari in Etosha National Park before sleeping under the stars at a tented camp .
An eight-day Exodus Cycle Namibia trip starts from £3,099 per person ; see exodus.co.uk and namibiatourism.com.na

A study commissioned during lockdown by Maier Sports revealed that Brits are keen to get outdoors and to book an activity holiday. In the survey of 1,740 respondents, 30% said they have taken up a new activity with walking, running, hiking and camping the most popular outdoor choices. Cycling has also become very popular: 23% say they are now more likely to book a biking holiday than they were before lockdown. We pick out some of the best trips and experiences you can have on two wheels. ‘Round the Island’ route, Isle of Wight, UK The Isle of Wight is home to more than 200 miles of traffic-free cycle routes through some of the most scenic countryside in the UK. Those up for an Isle of Wight two-wheel challenge should take on the circular “Round the Island” route which starts in Whippingham and offers 70 miles of superb on- and off-road trails. Lonely Planet rated the Isle of Wight as one of the best places in the world to explore by mountain bike, so visitors can expect a selection of fantastic natural trails with a wide variety of terrain and breath-taking views. Isle of Wight ferry company Wightlink takes visitors from the mainland on to the island in 22 minutes, and bicycles come on free with foot passengers; wightlink.co.uk Cycling tours of Loch Ness and the Highlands, Scotland Besides the scenic views, which include multiple gorges, lochs and waterfalls, the Scottish Highlands offers cyclists superb bird-spotting opportunities of species such as ospreys, red kites, peregrines, buzzards and magnificent golden eagles. Eagle-eyed bikers may also spot red squirrels, red deer, pine martens and even dolphin sightings. Headwater has a four-day Loch Ness & The Highlands Cycling self-guided tour starting from £915 per person including Scottish breakfasts, high quality bikes, GPS directions and luggage transfers between hotels; headwater.com Self-guided cycling tours in the Cairngorms, Scotland New for 2021, join one of Wilderness Scotland’s self-guided cycling trips in the Cairngorms National Park. Enjoying a combination of loop rides and point to point rides (with luggage transferred ahead), guests will discover the highlights of this region of the Highlands, as they cycle up to 25 miles a day on quiet roads through outstanding scenery. In their free time, cyclists will explore the local villages, nearby distilleries and a range of other local attractions, staying each night in carefully selected small hotels and guest houses, which reflect the character of this region. Skip advert
From £850pp sharing, including five nights’ B&B accommodation, bike hire and luggage transfers; wildernessscotland.com Denmark’s toughest bike route The east Jutland town of Vejle in Denmark has plenty to offer two-wheel enthusiasts and will be the starting point of the third stage of the 2022 Tour de France’s Grand Départ. Denmark’s undisputed toughest bike route, a 230km (140-mile) trail with 3,000m of total ascent, is located on the outskirts of Vejle. Other cycling initiatives include the newly-opened Vejle Bikepark in the forest of Sønderskoven. The bike park has five different levels of difficulty ranging from “easy” to “extreme”, including two-metre high jumps and almost 100 different challenges, and easy access nearby to an 8km (5 mile) mountain bike track. See visitvejle.com and visitdenmark.com Fjordmino cycling route in Kystlandet, Denmark Escape to the Danish countryside and explore the new “Fjordmino” cycling route. The aim is for the route to officially open next year, and it will take you through the scenic and lesser known region of south east Jutland, an area called Kystlandet - the coastal land. Located an easy 40-minute drive from either Aarhus or Billund airport, Kystlandet comprises the three small towns of Horsens, Odder and Hedensted and surrounding areas. The new 52km (32 mile) circular cycling or hiking route around the Horsens Fjord goes through forests, fields and villages, as well as along beaches. Circling back to the charming coastal town of Horsens. The Fjordmino also includes a hop across a couple of small islands at the entrance to the Horsens Fjord. The islands Alrø and Hjarnø are served by a small ferry with room for 12 passengers and their bikes. See visitdenmark.com Passo Pompaego, Trentino, Italy One of Trentino’s most famous cycling routes begins in Tesero and journeys through to Pompaego, offering majestic views in both summer and winter over the region’s dramatic alpine setting. When cyclists first set off they will be riding through history, as they cycle the same ascent as legendary cyclists Marco Pantani and Pavel Tonko when they famously raced towards the Giro d’Italia finish line in 1998. This route is classified as having a high level of difficulty and is most suited to experienced riders. The trail will take cyclists down a route bursting with picturesque scenery and incredible mountainous views which make the challenging ascents worthwhile. Skip advert See visittrentino.info Mountain bike lessons in Andorra Andorra - the country of the Pyrenees - is known for its winter activities; yet its rugged mountain landscape, natural beauty spots and sub-Mediterranean climate make it an ideal adventure playground during the summer and autumn too.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--New civil service head was ‘forced out’ by Theresa May’s Brexit negotiator

New cabinet secretary Simon Case was reportedly forced out of the civil service during Theresa May ’ s reign in Downing Street following disagreements over Brexit .
Case , a former director of strategy at GCHQ , has been appointed to head the civil service following the resignation of Mark Sedwill .
But Case was “ effectively forced out ” of the civil service only two years ago , after butting heads with May ’ s chief Brexit adviser Olly Robbins while serving in the now-defunct Department for Exiting the European Union ( DexEU ) , The Times reports .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ was leading work to find a solution to the Irish border question , out of key meetings and left him in the dark over the government ’ s negotiating strategy ” , the newspaper says .
Case was “ not a part ” of Robbins ’ “ tight inner circle ” , agrees The Telegraph .
And his “ penchant for occasionally having a quiet word with carefully chosen journalists ” also landed Case “ in hot water with Mrs May ’ s joint chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hilland ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as signifying a changing of the guard on Brexit , Case ’ s cabinet secretary appointment has divided opinion .
Some insiders describe him as an “ indespensible ” force on Whitehall , while others claim he is a “ yes man ” who “ only got the job because the prime minister is determined to hold on to people in the Downing Street bunker ” , the Financial Times reports .
According to The Telegraph , a source who worked closely with Case said that the new cabinet secretary “ boasted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ being able to see across both sides of the EU divide ’ ” .
“ Simon ’ s the kind of guy who signs up to serve Queen and country .
He could absolutely understand why people voted to leave , ” the source added .

New cabinet secretary Simon Case was reportedly forced out of the civil service during Theresa May’s reign in Downing Street following disagreements over Brexit.
Case, a former director of strategy at GCHQ, has been appointed to head the civil service following the resignation of Mark Sedwill.
But Case was “effectively forced out” of the civil service only two years ago, after butting heads with May’s chief Brexit adviser Olly Robbins while serving in the now-defunct Department for Exiting the European Union (DexEU), The Times reports.
Robbins “cut Mr Case, who was leading work to find a solution to the Irish border question, out of key meetings and left him in the dark over the government’s negotiating strategy”, the newspaper says.
Case was “not a part” of Robbins’ “tight inner circle”, agrees The Telegraph. And his “penchant for occasionally having a quiet word with carefully chosen journalists” also landed Case “in hot water with Mrs May’s joint chiefs of staff Nick Timothy and Fiona Hilland”, says the newspaper.
As well as signifying a changing of the guard on Brexit, Case’s cabinet secretary appointment has divided opinion. Some insiders describe him as an “indespensible” force on Whitehall, while others claim he is a “yes man” who “only got the job because the prime minister is determined to hold on to people in the Downing Street bunker”, the Financial Times reports.
According to The Telegraph, a source who worked closely with Case said that the new cabinet secretary “boasted the rare quality in a civil servant of ‘being able to see across both sides of the EU divide’”.
“Simon’s the kind of guy who signs up to serve Queen and country. He could absolutely understand why people voted to leave,” the source added.


theweekuk--2020-09-02--Why the WHO is warning that coronavirus pandemic won’t end with a vaccine

Widespread hopes that a coronavirus vaccine will end the global pandemic are unrealistic , a senior World Health Organization ( WHO ) official has warned .
Hans Kluge , the UN health agency ’ s regional director for Europe , told Bloomberg that while there has been an “ unprecedented coordinated effort globally ” to create a working vaccination against Covid-19 , the drug is “ not the issue ” .
“ The vaccine is not going to be the end of the pandemic , ” Kluge said .
“ The end of the pandemic is going to be when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic , and that can begin tomorrow.
” What else did Kluge say ?
Kluge has said repeatedly that while a Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by the end of the year , it would not be a “ silver bullet ” to end the pandemic .
He told Bloomberg that world governments must instead adopt a more wide-ranging approach to tackling the health crisis , and urged leaders to “ take the responsibility and communicate clearly ” in order to “ instil public trust and hope ” .
The public has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added , and should “ embrace ” measures introduced to fight the spread of the virus .
His plea echoes comments made recently by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus .
In an address to reporters last month , Tedros said that while a vaccine would be a “ vital tool ” in the global fight against the coronavirus , “ it won ’ t end the pandemic on its own ” .
“ We must all learn to control and manage this virus using the tools we have now , and to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are needed to keep ourselves and each other safe , ” he said .
“ That means every person and family has a responsibility to know the level of transmission locally , and to understand what they can do to protect themselves and others.
” How seasons could impact the spread In a separate interview with the BBC , Kluge warned that European hospitals may face a major surge in coronavirus cases as we move into autumn .
“ Let 's not forget that we 're entering three phenomena , ” he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Radio 4 .
“ One is the reopening of the schools for the academic year , the second is the flu season and the third is the excess mortality in the elderly population during the winter .
“ So I wouldn ’ t be surprised , unfortunately , if we see an increase in October , especially towards late November - there ’ s no reason for panic but we have to be aware.
” In a further note of caution , “ Kluge said , unlike back in March , a national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because the negative impact it would have on schools , the economy and society as a whole was too great ” , the Daily Mail reports .
The top WHO official is advocating instead for targeted local lockdowns in regions hit by fresh outbreaks .
“ This is the key message : if we look back in February , the full option was lockdown and re-booting but now we should target the virus , ” he said .
In his Bloomberg interview , Kluge said that although the coronavirus pandemic has caused “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has also served as a “ dress rehearsal for future threats ” .
WHO boss Tedros has also suggested that the world is likely to be changed forever as a result of the crisis .
“ Throughout history , outbreaks and pandemics have changed economies and societies , ” he said during his media briefing address last month .
“ In particular , the Covid-19 pandemic has given new impetus to the need to accelerate efforts to respond to climate change .
“ The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a glimpse of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skies and rivers .
”

Widespread hopes that a coronavirus vaccine will end the global pandemic are unrealistic, a senior World Health Organization (WHO) official has warned.
Hans Kluge, the UN health agency’s regional director for Europe, told Bloomberg that while there has been an “unprecedented coordinated effort globally” to create a working vaccination against Covid-19, the drug is “not the issue”.
“The vaccine is not going to be the end of the pandemic,” Kluge said. “The end of the pandemic is going to be when we as people learn to live with the pandemic, and that can begin tomorrow.”
What else did Kluge say?
Kluge has said repeatedly that while a Covid-19 vaccine may be ready by the end of the year, it would not be a “silver bullet” to end the pandemic.
He told Bloomberg that world governments must instead adopt a more wide-ranging approach to tackling the health crisis, and urged leaders to “take the responsibility and communicate clearly” in order to “instil public trust and hope”.
The public has a role to play too, Kluge added, and should “embrace” measures introduced to fight the spread of the virus.
His plea echoes comments made recently by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. In an address to reporters last month, Tedros said that while a vaccine would be a “vital tool” in the global fight against the coronavirus, “it won’t end the pandemic on its own”.
“We must all learn to control and manage this virus using the tools we have now, and to make the adjustments to our daily lives that are needed to keep ourselves and each other safe,” he said.
“That means every person and family has a responsibility to know the level of transmission locally, and to understand what they can do to protect themselves and others.”
How seasons could impact the spread
In a separate interview with the BBC, Kluge warned that European hospitals may face a major surge in coronavirus cases as we move into autumn.
“Let's not forget that we're entering three phenomena,” he told the broadcaster’s Today programme on Radio 4. “One is the reopening of the schools for the academic year, the second is the flu season and the third is the excess mortality in the elderly population during the winter.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised, unfortunately, if we see an increase in October, especially towards late November - there’s no reason for panic but we have to be aware.”
In a further note of caution, “Kluge said, unlike back in March, a national lockdown was not an option this time because the negative impact it would have on schools, the economy and society as a whole was too great”, the Daily Mail reports.
The top WHO official is advocating instead for targeted local lockdowns in regions hit by fresh outbreaks.
“This is the key message: if we look back in February, the full option was lockdown and re-booting but now we should target the virus,” he said.
Predictions for the future
In his Bloomberg interview, Kluge said that although the coronavirus pandemic has caused “far too much devastation”, it has also served as a “dress rehearsal for future threats”.
WHO boss Tedros has also suggested that the world is likely to be changed forever as a result of the crisis.
“Throughout history, outbreaks and pandemics have changed economies and societies,” he said during his media briefing address last month. “In particular, the Covid-19 pandemic has given new impetus to the need to accelerate efforts to respond to climate change.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has given us a glimpse of our world as it could be: cleaner skies and rivers.”


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Instant Opinion: ‘a closed mind is key to a happy life’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on thinking of ourselves as open-minded Why a closed mind is key to a happy life “ Openness to experience is one of the “ big five ” traits that psychologists use to measure human personality along with conscientiousness , agreeableness , neuroticism and extraversion .
It describes an inspiring-sounding cluster of associated qualities such as aesthetic sensitivity , intellectual curiosity , imagination and preference for variety over sameness ... [ But ] In large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : conspiracy theorists love to boast that they ‘ keep an open mind ’ about the moon landings or 9/11 .
Very high levels of openness correlate with a propensity to dangerous drug use and increased risk of mental illness .
This may explain why there is some truth in the idea of the tortured artist .
It is possible to be so open to life that it hurts you .
The vivid perceptions of the world in the poetry of Sylvia Plath and the paintings of Van Gogh seem painful as well @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strong enough to live so openly .
We choose how much of life we are able to bear — how much newness and contradiction and excitement and suffering — and close our minds to the rest.
” The left is not dead .
Britain is still crying out for a radical alternative “ To put Farage against Corbyn is to see two divergent paths for British politics .
On the one hand , the culture-baiting , migrant-bashing , grifting after victimhood that now characterises the radical right ; on the other , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeals to the class interests of both the precariously employed graduate and the Uber driver .
The first is clearly winning , but only the second is compatible with a pluralist democracy .
Some of the anti-system left will leave the Labour party , while others will work half-in , half-out .
But I ’ d wager they ’ ll be back with a fresh challenge .
Next time round , there may be fewer sessions at The World Transformed festival dedicated to ‘ decolonising yoga ’ .
There may be less policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provide welfare and workplace advice , and which fight for tenants ’ rights ( something Momentum is only now just getting round to doing ) .
And ultimately they ’ ll be animated by the same question that propelled Corbyn to the Labour leadership : this country isn ’ t working – what ’ s the alternative ?
” 3 .
Farhad Manjoo in The New York Times on making it through election year “ My wife , Helen , and I got into a quarrel the other day about how to plan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our family needs to replace an aging car , but I ’ ve been hesitant , wary of making any new financial commitments as the nation accelerates into the teeth of political chaos or cataclysm .
What if , after the election , we need to make a run for it ?
Why squander spare cash on a new car ?
Helen thinks I ’ m being alarmist — that I ’ m LARPing ‘ The Handmaid ’ s Tale , ’ nursing some revolutionary fantasy of escape from Gilead .
But I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other white , Gen X native-born Americans who ’ ve known mostly domestic peace and stability — is being entirely too blasé about the approaching storm .
As an immigrant who escaped to America from apartheid-era South Africa , I feel that I ’ ve cultivated a sharper appreciation for political trouble .
To me , the signs on the American horizon are flashing blood red.
” 4 .
Barnabas Reynolds , partner at law firm Shearman & Sterling .
in The Daily Telegraph on the negotiations in Brussels Here is the magic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win-win post-Brexit deal “ There is a ‘ magic key ’ that would ensure the UK leaves the transition at the end of the year with full sovereignty and a highly attractive win-win trade deal .
Understanding how this key works requires an understanding of the implications of the half-built legal structure of the Eurozone and the processes that support it .
The Eurozone ’ s structure , which artificially suppresses the euro currency value , leads to dumping of underpriced Eurozone goods on the UK market .
Eurozone exporters are also subsidised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ technical TARGET2 system .
These represent systematic breaches of WTO law .
Additionally , the Eurozone structure and associated financial regulations provide artificially cheap banking that runs itself at the expense and risk of the rest of the world , in breach of international capital standards .
Dealing with these characteristics means the magic key needs to be turned three times – benefitting the UK , but also the EU.
” 5 .
Mo Salah , footballer for Liverpool FC and Egypt , in The Independent The world ’ s displaced children risk @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus just makes it harder “ For many refugee children , the vast majority of whom live in the developing world , the coronavirus has added new challenges to lives already torn apart by conflict and persecution .
Many of them may never return to school .
Hard-won gains , built up slowly and patiently over decades , risk being reversed indefinitely .
Young lives could be ruined forever ... Children who have been uprooted from their homes need books , schools , qualified teachers and more , but they also need the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest of the world .
That means better partnerships with the private sector , which is stepping up to create and deliver technology solutions – providing software , hardware and connectivity ... As we face this pandemic together , innovation will play a crucial role if the world ’ s displaced children and youth are not to lose all hope of getting an accredited , quality education – and not only innovation measured in silicon chips , but bold and imaginative thinking across the board to make that education a reality .
Unless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children – millions of them in some of the world ’ s poorest regions – will face a bleak future .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. James Marriott in The Times
on thinking of ourselves as open-minded
Why a closed mind is key to a happy life
“Openness to experience is one of the “big five” traits that psychologists use to measure human personality along with conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism and extraversion. It describes an inspiring-sounding cluster of associated qualities such as aesthetic sensitivity, intellectual curiosity, imagination and preference for variety over sameness... [But] In large doses it is not a good thing: conspiracy theorists love to boast that they ‘keep an open mind’ about the moon landings or 9/11. Very high levels of openness correlate with a propensity to dangerous drug use and increased risk of mental illness. This may explain why there is some truth in the idea of the tortured artist. It is possible to be so open to life that it hurts you. The vivid perceptions of the world in the poetry of Sylvia Plath and the paintings of Van Gogh seem painful as well as electrifying. But few people are strong enough to live so openly. We choose how much of life we are able to bear — how much newness and contradiction and excitement and suffering — and close our minds to the rest.”
2. Aditya Chakrabortty in The Guardian
on a country riven with injustice
The left is not dead. Britain is still crying out for a radical alternative
“To put Farage against Corbyn is to see two divergent paths for British politics. On the one hand, the culture-baiting, migrant-bashing, grifting after victimhood that now characterises the radical right; on the other, an attempt to craft a social-democratic economics that appeals to the class interests of both the precariously employed graduate and the Uber driver. The first is clearly winning, but only the second is compatible with a pluralist democracy. Some of the anti-system left will leave the Labour party, while others will work half-in, half-out. But I’d wager they’ll be back with a fresh challenge. Next time round, there may be fewer sessions at The World Transformed festival dedicated to ‘decolonising yoga’. There may be less policy and more politics – creating institutions that provide welfare and workplace advice, and which fight for tenants’ rights (something Momentum is only now just getting round to doing). And ultimately they’ll be animated by the same question that propelled Corbyn to the Labour leadership: this country isn’t working – what’s the alternative?”
3. Farhad Manjoo in The New York Times
on making it through election year
Can America Survive 2020?
“My wife, Helen, and I got into a quarrel the other day about how to plan for America’s bleak future. Our family needs to replace an aging car, but I’ve been hesitant, wary of making any new financial commitments as the nation accelerates into the teeth of political chaos or cataclysm. What if, after the election, we need to make a run for it? Why squander spare cash on a new car? Helen thinks I’m being alarmist — that I’m LARPing ‘The Handmaid’s Tale,’ nursing some revolutionary fantasy of escape from Gilead. But I think she — like a lot of other white, Gen X native-born Americans who’ve known mostly domestic peace and stability — is being entirely too blasé about the approaching storm. As an immigrant who escaped to America from apartheid-era South Africa, I feel that I’ve cultivated a sharper appreciation for political trouble. To me, the signs on the American horizon are flashing blood red.”
4. Barnabas Reynolds, partner at law firm Shearman & Sterling. in The Daily Telegraph
on the negotiations in Brussels
Here is the magic key to unlock the path to a win-win post-Brexit deal
“There is a ‘magic key’ that would ensure the UK leaves the transition at the end of the year with full sovereignty and a highly attractive win-win trade deal. Understanding how this key works requires an understanding of the implications of the half-built legal structure of the Eurozone and the processes that support it. The Eurozone’s structure, which artificially suppresses the euro currency value, leads to dumping of underpriced Eurozone goods on the UK market. Eurozone exporters are also subsidised through unique mechanisms, including the highly technical TARGET2 system. These represent systematic breaches of WTO law. Additionally, the Eurozone structure and associated financial regulations provide artificially cheap banking that runs itself at the expense and risk of the rest of the world, in breach of international capital standards.Dealing with these characteristics means the magic key needs to be turned three times – benefitting the UK, but also the EU.”
5. Mo Salah, footballer for Liverpool FC and Egypt, in The Independent
on schooling the planet’s poorest
The world’s displaced children risk losing out on a quality education. Coronavirus just makes it harder
“For many refugee children, the vast majority of whom live in the developing world, the coronavirus has added new challenges to lives already torn apart by conflict and persecution. Many of them may never return to school. Hard-won gains, built up slowly and patiently over decades, risk being reversed indefinitely. Young lives could be ruined forever... Children who have been uprooted from their homes need books, schools, qualified teachers and more, but they also need the digital technology that connects them to the rest of the world. That means better partnerships with the private sector, which is stepping up to create and deliver technology solutions – providing software, hardware and connectivity... As we face this pandemic together, innovation will play a crucial role if the world’s displaced children and youth are not to lose all hope of getting an accredited, quality education – and not only innovation measured in silicon chips, but bold and imaginative thinking across the board to make that education a reality. Unless everyone plays their part, generations of children – millions of them in some of the world’s poorest regions – will face a bleak future.”


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Revealed: the ‘brutal’ torture methods used by Iranian security forces

Amnesty International has accused Iran ’ s security forces of torturing hundreds of prisoners in order to extract confessions in the wake of anti-government protests .
Price hikes on fuel introduced in November last year became the catalyst for demonstrations across Iran , leading to “ mass arrests amid a near-total internet blackout ” , the Daily Mail reports .
Amnesty ’ s Middle East deputy director Diana Eltahawy says that “ in the days following the mass protests , videos showing Iran ’ s security forces deliberately killing and injuring unarmed protesters and bystanders sent shockwaves around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been the catalogue of cruelty meted out to detainees and their families by Iranian officials away from the public eye ” , she adds .
In a report outlining the alleged abuses , Amnesty claims that the techniques used by Iran ’ s security forces to secure confessions included electric shocks , solitary confinement , stress positions , waterboarding and the forced administration of chemical substances .
The human rights watchdog also says that prisoners were beaten , denied medical care and subject to sexual violence and humiliation .
“ It felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with millions of needles , ” a man who claims to have been subject to electric shocks told Amnesty investigators .
The NGO claims that more than 500 people were “ held incommunicado ” and denied access to legal aid .
A total of around 7,000 men , women and children as young as ten were arrested .
The newly published report says that prison terms for those subsequently convicted “ have ranged from between one month and ten years for vague or spurious national security charges ” including “ spreading propaganda against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ order ” and “ insulting ” Iran ’ s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei .
According to Eltahawy , prosecutors brought charges “ against hundreds of people solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression , association and peaceful assembly , while judges doled out guilty verdicts on the basis of torture-tainted ‘ confessions ’ ” .
Iran blamed last year ’ s violence on “ thugs ” supported by the US , Israel and Saudi Arabia .
Iran ’ s interior minister also “ suggested that up to 225 people died during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set on fire , police stations attacked and stores looted ” , Deutsche Welle reports .

Amnesty International has accused Iran’s security forces of torturing hundreds of prisoners in order to extract confessions in the wake of anti-government protests.
Price hikes on fuel introduced in November last year became the catalyst for demonstrations across Iran, leading to “mass arrests amid a near-total internet blackout”, the Daily Mail reports.
Amnesty’s Middle East deputy director Diana Eltahawy says that “in the days following the mass protests, videos showing Iran’s security forces deliberately killing and injuring unarmed protesters and bystanders sent shockwaves around the world”.
But “much less visible has been the catalogue of cruelty meted out to detainees and their families by Iranian officials away from the public eye”, she adds.
In a report outlining the alleged abuses, Amnesty claims that the techniques used by Iran’s security forces to secure confessions included electric shocks, solitary confinement, stress positions, waterboarding and the forced administration of chemical substances.
The human rights watchdog also says that prisoners were beaten, denied medical care and subject to sexual violence and humiliation.
“It felt like my entire body was being pierced with millions of needles,” a man who claims to have been subject to electric shocks told Amnesty investigators.
The NGO claims that more than 500 people were “held incommunicado” and denied access to legal aid. A total of around 7,000 men, women and children as young as ten were arrested.
The newly published report says that prison terms for those subsequently convicted “have ranged from between one month and ten years for vague or spurious national security charges” including “spreading propaganda against the system”, “disrupting public order” and “insulting” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
According to Eltahawy, prosecutors brought charges “against hundreds of people solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, while judges doled out guilty verdicts on the basis of torture-tainted ‘confessions’”.
Iran blamed last year’s violence on “thugs” supported by the US, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran’s interior minister also “suggested that up to 225 people died during the protests, when petrol pumps were set on fire, police stations attacked and stores looted”, Deutsche Welle reports.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Premier League urged to ‘follow spirit of Project Restart’

The UK government has urged the Premier League to broadcast more matches live on TV while fans continue to be locked out of stadiums.
When the delayed 2019-20 season was concluded the “Project Restart” saw all 92 remaining fixtures shown live across Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime or the BBC, says The Sun. However, current plans for the new campaign, which starts on 12 September, will see 160 of the 380 top-flight matches not televised.
While 220 games will be broadcast in 2020-21, the season will start behind closed doors and even if fans do return to grounds the numbers will be limited due to social distancing restrictions.
Following the launch of a #LetUsWatch campaign ahead of today’s Premier League shareholders’ meeting, The Telegraph revealed that ministers staged a “dramatic last-ditch intervention” as the row escalated over allowing games to be screened while fixtures take place behind closed doors or at reduced capacity.
A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport told the BBC: “Our focus is on working with the football authorities, safety and medical experts to get fans back in stadia as quickly as possible.
“It is for the Premier League and its broadcast partners to come to an agreement on screening matches, however we urge them to follow the spirit of Project Restart and listen to clubs’ loyal fans and consider what can be achieved in the meantime.”
FSA warns of illegal piracy
The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) launched the #LetUsWatch campaign for all games to be shown live in the UK.
The FSA “welcomes the government intervention”, the BBC reports, and its chief executive Kevin Miles said: “We all want to get back to games when it’s safe to do so but it’s not in anyone’s interests to have a situation where fans excluded from grounds for reasons of health or Covid-related capacity reductions feel they have no option but to resort to illegal pirate broadcast schemes.”
It has been widely reported that the opening weekend of October could see fans return to Premier League stadiums.
The Daily Mail says Arsenal are planning to welcome up to 15,000 fans for their home clash against Sheffield United on 3 October.
Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium has a capacity of nearly 61,000 but will be reduced to between 15% and 25%. This would mean between 9,000 and 15,000 supporters being allowed in to watch games.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Coronavirus: UK herd immunity ‘may be closer than thought’

Many more people than previously thought are likely to have Covid-19 antibodies , according to new research that suggests the UK may be closer to herd immunity than previously thought .
“ Current antibody tests fail to identify people who had mild infections , ” scientists write in a newly published paper in the British Medical Journal .
One of the team behind the research , Dr Stephen Burgess of Cambridge University , says that widely used tests are also highly selective in what they can detect .
“ It ’ s possible that somebody could have antibodies present in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it ’ s possible that somebody could have one class of antibody but not another class of antibodies , ” he told The Times .
“ This might explain why , in cities such as London , we have seen the breakdown of widespread social distancing but infection rates have still not increased sharply.
” Random antibody testing suggests that 17 % of Londoners and 5 % of people across the UK have an immune response to the virus .
But these figures refer only to bloodborne IgG and IgM antibodies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the mouth , eyes and nose , the new study paper says .
“ IgA also has an important role in the immune response to respiratory tract infections and seems immunologically relevant in Covid-19 , particularly in asymptomatic people , ” the researchers report .
According to the scientists , 15 % of UK health workers with negative results from standard antibody tests are found to have IgA antibodies .
And in Luxembourg , IgA antibodies have been found in five times as many people as have IgG antibodies .
Many experts believe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population would need to be exposed to the coronavirus before it would naturally stop spreading - resulting in large numbers of deaths .
But others , including Oxford University theoretical epidemiologist Sunetra Gupta , have suggested the figure could be more like 20 % , owing to partial immunity resulting from exposure to related viruses .
“ Her views have split the scientific community , ” says ITV News .
“ While few disagree with the theory , they argue we don ’ t know enough to be sure that stepping back and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice.
” Burgess says that some scientists are reluctant to question the received wisdom about the prevalence of antibodies .
“ We ’ ve been asking ourselves the question of why this has not got more attention , ” he told The Times .
“ It is clearly very important to our understanding of the disease .
“ I think scientists are cautious , and would prefer to say nothing if they are not sure , even when saying nothing also has consequences .
”

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theweekuk--2020-09-03--Has Rishi Sunak’s rising star made him the target of ‘malign forces’ in the Conservative Party?

When Rishi Sunak moved into 11 Downing Street , he could have walked down Whitehall without anyone but the most plugged in Westminster-watchers recognising him .
Yet just five months , in July , a YouGov poll found that he was the most popular chancellor since Gordon Brown before the 2008 financial crisis hit .
A total of 59 % of Britons approved of Sunak ’ s efforts to mitigate the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic , with The Independent branding him “ the most popular politician in the country ” .
YouGov political research manager Chris Curtis told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s popularity with the public will be the envy of all across Westminster ” .
But could that envy fuel efforts to derail the rising star of the Tory party ?
With Sunak ’ s popularity currently outstripping the prime minister , the entire cabinet and Labour leader Keir Starmer , according to latest polling , “ some , perhaps more paranoid , Tories fear Mr Sunak ’ s soaring popularity may have made him a target ” , says The Telegraph .
Suggestions are spreading about “ malign forces ” within his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richmond MP .
One unnamed Tory MP told the newspaper that “ Rishi is a serious threat – not necessarily to the prime minister , to whom he remains fiercely loyal – but other , ambitious cabinet ministers ” .
The rumours of possible plots against Sunak come amid rising anger among backbench MPs following reports of proposed tax hikes to fund the Covid response bill .
“ Confusion still reigns over who exactly briefed the tax rises story , ” The Telegraph says .
But ex-House of Commons clerk Eliot Wilson argues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ it does not take the mind of a conspiracy theorist ” to imagine that Downing Street may have been behind what now appears to have been a false flag .
The mere suggestion of tax increases was widely condemned by Tory MPs , with one unnamed cabinet minister saying that “ putting taxes up now would be like acid rain falling on the green shoots of recovery ” .
However , in a sign that Sunak has developed some political nous during his tenure in the Treasury , he was later photographed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be no “ horror show of tax rises ” , Sky News reports .
Some commentators have suggested that the leak was a carefully staged public message to rebel Tory MPs - a claim the Treasury has refused to confirm or deny .
But if the leak was deliberate , Sunak may have been responding to negative briefings .
“ The need to fire shots across the chancellor ’ s bow is indicative of insecurity in Mr Johnson ’ s court , ” Wilson writes in The Telegraph .
“ Downing Street briefing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be said ) against a chancellor is not front-page , blood-soaked civil war .
But if it sets a pattern then the optics change.
” Sunak ’ s rise has been nothing short of meteoric , but “ while throwing money around has boosted his ratings , he may soon discover that dealing with a recession rarely helps a chancellor ’ s popularity ” , says The Observer .
“ Sunak ’ s allies are acutely aware that his current popularity is a double-edged sword , with the danger of a backlash just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adds .
“ All he can do , they say , is try to make the right decisions , whether or not they ’ re popular.
” The question of what happens once Sunak turns off the money taps is his allies ’ biggest fear .
New Statesman political editor Stephen Bush says “ the problem is that Sunak is allowed to do as he pleases because of his high approval rating ” .
This approval rating is “ the product of an era in which he has spent freely , on everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving them a tenner off their dinner ” , Bush adds .
But those close to the chancellor fear that once the spending ends , “ his popularity can only head one way ” .
As The Spectator points out , “ doling out billions – over £30bn in the case of the furlough scheme alone – does tend to make you rather popular with the client groups who are receiving the cash .
“ But now comes the more difficult bit : when the Chancellor Sunak attempts to bring the public finances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , despite the current mixed messages , could be through unpopular tax rises , or through another round of painful austerity measures .

When Rishi Sunak moved into 11 Downing Street, he could have walked down Whitehall without anyone but the most plugged in Westminster-watchers recognising him.
Yet just five months, in July, a YouGov poll found that he was the most popular chancellor since Gordon Brown before the 2008 financial crisis hit. A total of 59% of Britons approved of Sunak’s efforts to mitigate the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, with The Independent branding him “the most popular politician in the country”.
YouGov political research manager Chris Curtis told the newspaper that “the chancellor’s popularity with the public will be the envy of all across Westminster”. But could that envy fuel efforts to derail the rising star of the Tory party?
‘Green eyed-monster’
With Sunak’s popularity currently outstripping the prime minister, the entire cabinet and Labour leader Keir Starmer, according to latest polling, “some, perhaps more paranoid, Tories fear Mr Sunak’s soaring popularity may have made him a target”, says The Telegraph.
Suggestions are spreading about “malign forces” within his own party who feel threatened by the Richmond MP. One unnamed Tory MP told the newspaper that “Rishi is a serious threat – not necessarily to the prime minister, to whom he remains fiercely loyal – but other, ambitious cabinet ministers”.
The rumours of possible plots against Sunak come amid rising anger among backbench MPs following reports of proposed tax hikes to fund the Covid response bill.
“Confusion still reigns over who exactly briefed the tax rises story,” The Telegraph says. But ex-House of Commons clerk Eliot Wilson argues in an article for the paper that “it does not take the mind of a conspiracy theorist” to imagine that Downing Street may have been behind what now appears to have been a false flag.
The mere suggestion of tax increases was widely condemned by Tory MPs, with one unnamed cabinet minister saying that “putting taxes up now would be like acid rain falling on the green shoots of recovery”.
However, in a sign that Sunak has developed some political nous during his tenure in the Treasury, he was later photographed holding notes that said “there will be no “horror show of tax rises”, Sky News reports.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Prince Andrew visits Queen for ‘crisis talks’ over links to Jeffrey Epstein

Prince Andrew has been to Balmoral for crisis talks with the Queen about his relationship with the late billionaire and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein , it has emerged .
The Duke of York travelled to the Scottish Highlands after he was “ accused of failing to help US prosecutors in their investigation into the financier and Ghislaine Maxwell ” , the Daily Mail reports .
“ The Queen and Andrew will have lots to discuss ” , a Royal source told The Sun .
“ So much has come out over the summer .
The Queen wants to be kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Windsor until early October.
” Virginia Giuffre , who has alleged that Andrew had sex with her on three occasions , last month claimed that the Duke of York “ played a ‘ guessing game ’ with Maxwell about her age when she was just 17 and compared her to his daughters ” , the paper adds .
Court documents seen by the Daily Mirror also revealed that Giuffre claimed the Duke of York assaulted her with a Spitting Image puppet of himself when she was trafficked to have sex with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Giuffre alleges that the Prince had been given the puppet in April 2001 by Epstein and Maxwell , who is accused by US prosecutors of procuring girls for the late financier to abuse .
Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing and his lawyers insist he offered to aid the FBI in their investigations after the bureau submitted a request to the Home Office in April , the Daily Express says .
The prince has kept a low profile for almost a year now , officially stepping back from public life last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Newsnight .
A spokesperson for Prince Andrew refused to comment on the trip to Balmoral .
Maxwell ’ s trial is expected to take place next July .

Prince Andrew has been to Balmoral for crisis talks with the Queen about his relationship with the late billionaire and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, it has emerged.
The Duke of York travelled to the Scottish Highlands after he was “accused of failing to help US prosecutors in their investigation into the financier and Ghislaine Maxwell”, the Daily Mail reports.
“The Queen and Andrew will have lots to discuss”, a Royal source told The Sun. “So much has come out over the summer. The Queen wants to be kept informed and she will not be back at Windsor until early October.”
Virginia Giuffre, who has alleged that Andrew had sex with her on three occasions, last month claimed that the Duke of York “played a ‘guessing game’ with Maxwell about her age when she was just 17 and compared her to his daughters”, the paper adds.
Court documents seen by the Daily Mirror also revealed that Giuffre claimed the Duke of York assaulted her with a Spitting Image puppet of himself when she was trafficked to have sex with the Royal at the age of 17.
Giuffre alleges that the Prince had been given the puppet in April 2001 by Epstein and Maxwell, who is accused by US prosecutors of procuring girls for the late financier to abuse.
Andrew has repeatedly denied all allegations of wrongdoing and his lawyers insist he offered to aid the FBI in their investigations after the bureau submitted a request to the Home Office in April, the Daily Express says.
The prince has kept a low profile for almost a year now, officially stepping back from public life last November after a disastrous interview with BBC Newsnight.
A spokesperson for Prince Andrew refused to comment on the trip to Balmoral. Maxwell’s trial is expected to take place next July.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--Why everybody’s talking about Home Office failings on immigration

A record-breaking number of migrants attempted to reach British shores on Wednesday , according to newly-published Home Office data .
At least 409 people crossed the Channel in small boats , with hundreds intercepted on route by British and French coastguards and others making it to shore .
The tally is almost double the last record , set on 6 August , when 235 people made the crossing , and has prompted the Home Affairs Select Committee to call on senior Home Office officials to explain their failure to tackle the issue in a hearing today .
So what exactly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Home Office doing enough ?
What is the current situation in the Channel ?
Thousands of people have attempted to reach the UK during the present migrant crisis , with a single-month record for crossing attempts set in August , when 1,468 attempted the dangerous journey .
The regular tumbling of records has brought into sharp focus claims made by Home Secretary Priti Patel last year that such crossings would become an “ infrequent phenomenon ” by spring 2020 .
The Ministry of Defence has made efforts to curb the influx and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army drone previously used in Afghanistan to fly over the Channel to monitor migrant boats , The Telegraph says .
Boris Johnson yesterday told MPs that he has “ a great deal of sympathy ” for parents so desperate that they are putting their children in dinghies and even paddling pools to cross the Channel , but said these families risk falling prey to criminal gangs , vowing to change the law to help tackle the crisis .
Immigration minister Chris Philp told MPs that the Home Office is “ working closely with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Measures include “ patrols of the beaches by French officers , some of whom we fund , surveillance and intelligence sharing ” , he said .
Why is the Home Office under fire ?
The Home Office has long faced criticism for its policy relating to migrants and immigration , which has intensified with the current crisis .
In August , Patel vowed make the dangerous route across the Channel “ unviable ” for migrants , but analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank found “ systemic flaws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortcomings are “ forcing illegal immigrants to the margins of society , without access to legitimate housing and jobs while they were still not leaving ” , The Times says .
Under the so-called “ hostile environment ” strategy , introduced by Theresa May when she was home secretary , the Home Office has “ put the onus on landlords , employers and even hospital staff to check the immigration status of those with whom they have contact ” , the paper adds .
Furthermore , the think tank ’ s analysis showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK voluntarily has fallen since 2014 , when most of the policies were introduced .
The Home Affairs Select Committee will today hear from leaders in immigration policy as part of an ongoing inquiry into the crisis , with the committee seeking answers from the government on the precise number of asylum claims and repatriations , as well as its approach to combating organised crime .
The Independent reports that Robert Jones , the National Crime Agency director of threat leadership , and Dan O ’ Mahoney , the new clandestine Channel threat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

A record-breaking number of migrants attempted to reach British shores on Wednesday, according to newly-published Home Office data.
At least 409 people crossed the Channel in small boats, with hundreds intercepted on route by British and French coastguards and others making it to shore.
The tally is almost double the last record, set on 6 August, when 235 people made the crossing, and has prompted the Home Affairs Select Committee to call on senior Home Office officials to explain their failure to tackle the issue in a hearing today.
So what exactly is happening in the Channel and is the Home Office doing enough?
What is the current situation in the Channel?
Thousands of people have attempted to reach the UK during the present migrant crisis, with a single-month record for crossing attempts set in August, when 1,468 attempted the dangerous journey.
The regular tumbling of records has brought into sharp focus claims made by Home Secretary Priti Patel last year that such crossings would become an “infrequent phenomenon” by spring 2020.
The Ministry of Defence has made efforts to curb the influx and last week offered the services of an Army drone previously used in Afghanistan to fly over the Channel to monitor migrant boats, The Telegraph says.
Boris Johnson yesterday told MPs that he has “a great deal of sympathy” for parents so desperate that they are putting their children in dinghies and even paddling pools to cross the Channel, but said these families risk falling prey to criminal gangs, vowing to change the law to help tackle the crisis.
Immigration minister Chris Philp told MPs that the Home Office is “working closely with our French colleagues to prevent these crossings”. Measures include “patrols of the beaches by French officers, some of whom we fund, surveillance and intelligence sharing”, he said.
Why is the Home Office under fire?
The Home Office has long faced criticism for its policy relating to migrants and immigration, which has intensified with the current crisis.
In August, Patel vowed make the dangerous route across the Channel “unviable” for migrants, but analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research think tank found “systemic flaws” in Home Office policy.
These shortcomings are “forcing illegal immigrants to the margins of society, without access to legitimate housing and jobs while they were still not leaving”, The Times says.
Under the so-called “hostile environment” strategy, introduced by Theresa May when she was home secretary, the Home Office has “put the onus on landlords, employers and even hospital staff to check the immigration status of those with whom they have contact”, the paper adds.
Furthermore, the think tank’s analysis showed that the number of migrants leaving the UK voluntarily has fallen since 2014, when most of the policies were introduced.
The Home Affairs Select Committee will today hear from leaders in immigration policy as part of an ongoing inquiry into the crisis, with the committee seeking answers from the government on the precise number of asylum claims and repatriations, as well as its approach to combating organised crime.
The Independent reports that Robert Jones, the National Crime Agency director of threat leadership, and Dan O’Mahoney, the new clandestine Channel threat commander, will appear at the hearing.


theweekuk--2020-09-03--‘Rise of the kidult’: Lego builds profit and sales as all ages enjoy play

The Lego Group has credited a steep hike in demand for the company ’ s toys to an increase in families “ playing and learning together ” during coronavirus lockdowns .
As growing numbers of grown-ups get in on the fun , in what The Guardian describes as the “ rise of the kidult ” , the Danish firm has recorded revenues of 15.7bn Danish kroner ( £1.8bn ) for the first half of 2020 , a year-on-year increase of 7 % .
And operating profit increased by 11 % to 3.9bn Danish kroner ( £465.6m ) .
Attracting new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ factor in Lego ’ s positive H1 results , according to the group ’ s CEO Niels B. Christiansen .
“ More families are playing and learning together with Lego bricks and we are seeing more adults than ever before enjoying building our more challenging sets , ” he said .
Lego ’ s first-half results prove that it ’ s not all “ doom and gloom ” for the toy industry despite the global pandemic , with the company seeing sales rise by double-digit percentages in Asia , Western Europe and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We ’ ve done it despite Covid-19 , ” Lego boss Christiansen told the newspaper .
“ Over the last 18 to 24 months , we ’ ve invested behind our product portfolio , ecommerce and our brand .
“ Fundamentally , this is paying off .
It ’ s less connected to where stores are closed or there are lockdowns.
” Indeed , while the retail sector suffers from job losses and store closures , Lego is on course to open 120 new shops this year , the BBC reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ future ” , Christiansen says , despite social distancing restrictions and a drop in footfall .
“ When our stores have reopened after lockdown , there have been queues , ” he told the broadcaster .
“ We give people the brand experience in our shops which we can ’ t do outside.
” Lego currently has 612 retail outlets around the world , including 14 .
Of the new stores set to open , 80 will be in China .
Along with new products such as Lego Super Mario , this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kid , the first theme designed around Chinese folklore .
Across the world , theme sets including Star Wars , Disney Princess , and Harry Potter continue to be Lego ’ s most popular items .
Market research firm NPD told the Guardian that complex construction kits such as Lego ’ s Technic sets for a Bugatti and a Land Rover Defender were among the top-selling toys in the UK during the first half of 2020 .

The Lego Group has credited a steep hike in demand for the company’s toys to an increase in families “playing and learning together” during coronavirus lockdowns.
As growing numbers of grown-ups get in on the fun, in what The Guardian describes as the “rise of the kidult”, the Danish firm has recorded revenues of 15.7bn Danish kroner (£1.8bn) for the first half of 2020, a year-on-year increase of 7%. And operating profit increased by 11% to 3.9bn Danish kroner (£465.6m).
Attracting new customers of all ages was a major factor in Lego’s positive H1 results, according to the group’s CEO Niels B. Christiansen. “More families are playing and learning together with Lego bricks and we are seeing more adults than ever before enjoying building our more challenging sets,” he said.
New stores to open
Lego’s first-half results prove that it’s not all “doom and gloom” for the toy industry despite the global pandemic, with the company seeing sales rise by double-digit percentages in Asia, Western Europe and the United States, the Financial Times reports.
“We’ve done it despite Covid-19,” Lego boss Christiansen told the newspaper. “Over the last 18 to 24 months, we’ve invested behind our product portfolio, ecommerce and our brand.
“Fundamentally, this is paying off. It’s less connected to where stores are closed or there are lockdowns.”
Indeed, while the retail sector suffers from job losses and store closures, Lego is on course to open 120 new shops this year, the BBC reports.
Bricks-and-mortar stores have a “solid future”, Christiansen says, despite social distancing restrictions and a drop in footfall.
“When our stores have reopened after lockdown, there have been queues,” he told the broadcaster. “We give people the brand experience in our shops which we can’t do outside.”
Building business in China
Lego currently has 612 retail outlets around the world, including 14. Of the new stores set to open, 80 will be in China.
Along with new products such as Lego Super Mario, this year has seen the group launch Lego Monkie Kid, the first theme designed around Chinese folklore.
Across the world, theme sets including Star Wars, Disney Princess, and Harry Potter continue to be Lego’s most popular items.
Market research firm NPD told the Guardian that complex construction kits such as Lego’s Technic sets for a Bugatti and a Land Rover Defender were among the top-selling toys in the UK during the first half of 2020.