theweekuk--2020-03-25--Coronavirus coalition: does the UK need a cross-party government?

Senior Conservatives are urging Boris Johnson to consider introducing an emergency national unity government to tackle the ongoing coronavirus crisis .
The call comes as the number of reported infections in the UK rises to more than 8,000 , according to latest figures from real-time statistics website Worldometer .
What is a government of national unity ?
A government of national unity is a broad coalition of MPs from various different parties as well as independents , who come together to form a new cabinet and government behind a prime minister .
This type of government is usually formed during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as war .
Who is calling for a unity government ?
A number of Tory MPs have privately said that Johnson will need to introduce cross-party governing if emergency coronavirus measures continue for months .
In a public call for such a move , George Freeman , a former minister in the Tory government , told The Guardian that a “ Covid coalition ” government may be “ unavoidable ” .
“ The scale of this national emergency – the suspension of usual freedoms and democracy , the economic consequences and the likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – demands a suspension of politics as usual , ” Freeman said .
“ When Labour have a sensible new leader , Keir Starmer [ if elected ] should be invited to Covid cabinet , Cobra and joint No .
10 briefings.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Why do Tories want a unity government ?
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from sharing responsibility for the strict measures required to tackle the virus , and the potential economic and social fallout .
According to The Guardian , one unnamed Tory MP said the PM might want to “ drag Labour in ” so that the public do not associate the draconian measures - and the crisis overall - with a solely Conservative government , if the situation were to worsen .
There are fears that Johnson could see public support for his measures dwindle if it appears that he alone is responsible for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths reach the tens of thousands .
And a Tory insider told the newspaper that even if Johnson ’ s leadership during the crisis is seen favourably , the public may want to install another leader - such as Starmer - to rebuild public services afterwards .
Another Tory MP said Downing Street would be considering a cross-party coronavirus council if emergency measures continue , “ as democratic consensus will be needed for a continued suspension of everyday life , especially if Parliament can not sit ” .
Parliament is shutting down for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What do opposition figures make of the idea ?
Labour leadership front-runner Starmer is said to be focusing on trying to put pressure on the government to introduce measures such as guaranteed income and stricter social distancing , rather than calling for a national unity government .
However , leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey is not ruling out cross-party cooperation or a government of national unity .
Meanwhile , fellow candidate Lisa Nandy has said that opposition figures , unions , business groups and others should form a “ national Cobra ” emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Decisions are being made in real time , ” she said .
“ Rather than having a reshuffle and trying to bed in a new government , what you really need is a decision-making body that essentially takes this over until it ’ s dealt with .
“ There is absolutely no reason I can see why someone like Gordon Brown wouldn ’ t be in the meeting room , helping to steer us through this .
He ’ s dealt with not just the global financial crash , but foot and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need to start drawing on a wider pool of expertise.
” Liberal Democrat leadership candidate Layla Moran agrees that rather than a national unity government , a better approach would be what she describes as a “ formal arrangement of cross-party working , through joint Cobra and subject-specific committee meetings ” .
Johnson ’ s government has allowed London Mayor Sadiq Khan into Cobra meetings in recent weeks , after initially failing to invite him to attend .
When has this happened before ?
During the First World War , “ a coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1915 and then David Lloyd George in 1916 ” , as Andrew Blick , a King ’ s College London lecturer in politics and history , explains in an article on The Conversation .
And in 1931 , Ramsay MacDonald clung to power by forming a coalition with the Conservatives and Liberals , as well as some members of his Labour party , under the banner of a national government .
Johnson ’ s hero Winston Churchill also ran a national unity government , between 1940 and 1945 , with Labour ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: risk statistics for the young and healthy

The threat posed to older people and those with underlying health conditions by the coronavirus outbreak is dominating public health warnings , but younger people are “ not invincible ” either , the World Health Organization has cautioned .
So what do we know about coronavirus and the threat that it might pose to the young and healthy ?
A WHO report published last month on the outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan , the epicentre of the pandemic , found that the “ individuals at highest risk for severe disease and death include people aged over 60 years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hypertension , diabetes , cardiovascular disease , chronic respiratory disease and cancer ” .
The report says that “ disease in children appears to be relatively rare and mild ” , with 2.4 % of the total reported cases affecting under-19s .
Only a very small proportion of these children developed severe ( 2.5 % ) or critical disease ( 0.2 % ) .
A separate analysis by America ’ s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) of data for US patients from 12 February to 16 March found that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 27 % for people over 85 ; between 3 % and 11 % for people aged 65-84 ; from 1 % to 3 % for people aged 55-64 ; and less than 1 % for people aged 20-54 .
At the time , there were no fatalities for under-19s , but Los Angeles Public Health this week announced the first death of a coronavirus patient aged under 18 .
No further details were given about their age or if they had any underlying health conditions .
Spain has also reported one death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 19 .
A report published on 22 March by the country ’ s Ministry of Health said that around 95 % of Spain ’ s coronavirus deaths were among over-60s .
In the UK , the youngest person with the virus to have died is believed to be an 18-year-old with an underlying health condition .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fauci , director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases , cautions that the virus “ isn ’ t a mathematical formula ” .
“ There are going to be people who are young who are going to wind up getting seriously ill , ” he told the BBC .
Dr Rosena Allin-Khan , a Labour MP and A & E doctor , said she had treated previously “ fit and well ” patients in their 30s and 40s who were now “ fighting for their lives ” .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 28-year-old businessman and marathon runner - told Good Morning Britain : “ The aches and pains , it ’ s not an exaggeration to say you feel like you ’ ve been in a car crash.
” Meanwhile , the sister of Areema Nasreen , a 36-year-old nurse in critical care after being diagnosed with coronavirus , told news site Birmingham Live : “ I want everyone to know how dangerous this is .
My sister is only 36 and is normally fit and healthy .
People are not taking this seriously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is not just the elderly who are at risk.
” Underlining that point last week , WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said : “ I have a message for young people : You are not invincible , this virus could put you in hospital for weeks or even kill you .
“ Even if you don ’ t get sick , the choices you make about where you go could be the difference between life and death for someone else .
”

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theweekuk--2020-03-25--Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi each donate €1m for fight against coronavirus

A crisis like the coronavirus is nothing if not a test of a person ’ s character and Pep Guardiola has shown his mettle by donating €1m ( £920,000 ) to help fight the pandemic in his homeland .
Spain has been hit hardest of all European nations after Italy , with nearly 3,000 deaths and more than 42,000 cases .
The Manchester City manager has returned to his home in Barcelona to be close to his family , and according to BBC Sport Guardiola has been “ working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
A decision has now been reached and the money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation .
Like every country badly affected by coronavirus , Spain desperately needs more medical equipment to deal with the growing number of people hospitalised with breathing difficulties .
The BBC says that Guardiola ’ s donation will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff working on the frontline of the war with coronavirus .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Guardiola ’ s munificence has been matched by that of FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi .
CBS reports that the Barca captain has also donated €1m which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario , Argentina .
Although there have been fewer than 300 cases of coronavirus in Argentina so far , the country is in its third year of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic takes hold it will struggle to respond .
It ’ s not the first time that Messi has acted in such a manner ; in the past he helped fund a new cancer wing at the Sant Joan de Deu children ’ s hospital in Barcelona .
A study by France Football magazine has this week revealed that Messi is the world ’ s highest-paid player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar .
The publication reports that the Argentine will have a total annual income this year of €131m ( £121m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Spain Messi and his team-mates could be hit hard in the pocket .
Barcelona are “ locked in talks ” with senior players - including Messi - to try and reduce their wage bill because of the economic impact of the virus .
According to reports the Catalan giants ’ s annual wage bill of £438m is the highest in Europe and Messi earns a staggering £1.15m a week .
Spanish newspaper Marca said : “ The Barcelona board are in discussions with the captains of the club over a possible reduction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic impact of the coronavirus .
“ One of the measures that was discussed at a board meeting was the possibility of a wage cut until the end of the season .
“ The reaction from the players has been positive , but no agreement can currently be reached without knowing for how long official competitions will be suspended.
” In Germany Bayern Munich have followed the example of rivals Borussia Dortmund and “ agreed to take a 20 % pay cut while there is no football ” .
The Times reports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measure in order to prevent the club laying off administrative staff .
Bayern ’ s annual wage bill is “ roughly £308m , so the gesture has saved the club tens of millions of pounds ” , and the Times predicts it will increase the pressure on Premier League players to show similar altruism in the coming weeks as English clubs struggle financially .
Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo , football ’ s transfer window of opportunity , Kane on the mend ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A crisis like the coronavirus is nothing if not a test of a person’s character and Pep Guardiola has shown his mettle by donating €1m (£920,000) to help fight the pandemic in his homeland.
Spain has been hit hardest of all European nations after Italy, with nearly 3,000 deaths and more than 42,000 cases.
The Manchester City manager has returned to his home in Barcelona to be close to his family, and according to BBC Sport Guardiola has been “working with his lawyers over the past few days to work out the best way of using the money”.
A decision has now been reached and the money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.
Like every country badly affected by coronavirus, Spain desperately needs more medical equipment to deal with the growing number of people hospitalised with breathing difficulties.
The BBC says that Guardiola’s donation will be used to purchase medical equipment and protective material for the hospital staff working on the frontline of the war with coronavirus.
Arsenal support community in Covid-19 crisis
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Magnificent Messi
Guardiola’s munificence has been matched by that of FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.
CBS reports that the Barca captain has also donated €1m which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Although there have been fewer than 300 cases of coronavirus in Argentina so far, the country is in its third year of recession and there are concerns that if the pandemic takes hold it will struggle to respond.
It’s not the first time that Messi has acted in such a manner; in the past he helped fund a new cancer wing at the Sant Joan de Deu children’s hospital in Barcelona.
Barca stars to take a pay cut?
A study by France Football magazine has this week revealed that Messi is the world’s highest-paid player ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The publication reports that the Argentine will have a total annual income this year of €131m (£121m).


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 25 Mar 2020

Boris Johnson has introduced drastic new measures to curb the spread of coronavirus , including banning public meetings of more @ @ @ @ @ not live together .
As people across the country adapt to their new way of @ @ @ @ @ that the tightened restrictions will have a wide range of both positive and negative long-term @ @ @ @ @

Trump asks international allies for medicine
Donald Trump has appealed in private to allies in Europe and Asia for help obtaining medical supplies to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak in the US, despite publicly insisting that he will not turn to the rest of the world for aid. South Korea has issued a statement describing a phone call on Tuesday between Trump and President Moon Jae-In that focused on the outbreak. Testing kits and other equipment are said to be in desperately short supply in the US.


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Today’s back pages: Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s transfer window of oppo

Today’s back pages: Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo, football’s transfer window of opportunity, Kane on the mend

Time up for Tokyo… for now “ Time runs out for Tokyo ” is the headline on the back page of the Independent above a striking photo of the illuminated Olympic rings against the night sky of Japan ’ s capital .
Not surprisingly the papers all lead with the news that the summer Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed until 2021 .
“ Hope to the world ” , is the lead headline on the Daily Mirror back page , with the paper reporting that the games ’ s organisers intend to keep the Olympic flame burning for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of hope to the world as it battles the coronavirus pandemic .
Metro and The Guardian relay the response of some of the British athletes to the news that the games have been rescheduled for the first since the Second World War .
“ It ’ s bigger than any of us ” , declares the Guardian , passing on the thoughts of swimmer Adam Peaty .
Triathlete Alistair Brownlee tells the paper : “ From an athlete perspective , it was really important it was done now and not in another month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard in preparing for the Olympic Games only to be told weeks out that it would be postponed would be so much worse.
” Asked how he ’ ll adapt mentally and physically to be ready for 2021 , Brownleee replied : “ My approach will be about a change of focus - about staying healthy , and making the right decisions to keep the people around me healthy.
” The Times ’ s focus is on the financial implications of the postponement with the paper reporting that “ the cost to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
There will also be ramifications for other sporting tournaments planned for 2021 , and which now find themselves clashing with sport ’ s showpiece event .
‘ The only decision we can support ’ : reactions to the postponement of Tokyo 2020 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Daily Mirror and Daily Express both report that the summer football transfer window could “ stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in an historic limbo , and no matches envisaged before May , there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work .
The Mirror reports that if the season does start again in May and go until the start of July that will “ cause havoc for the transfer market ” .
As a result talks are underway between the relevant bodies to reach a solution , and one option is to extend the summer transfer window until January , instead of closing it on 1 September .
The country needs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it with an update on his hamstring injury , reports Metro and the Daily Star .
The England and Tottenham striker has been sidelined since January with the injury and there were fears - before the coronavirus crisis - that he would be sidelined until the summer .
But Kane has revealed that he could be fully fit by the end of April , meaning he ’ ll be able to help Tottenham push for a top four finish if the Premier League returns .
“ I ’ m good , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of view and personal point of view , I ’ m doing really well .
I ’ m at a good stage now and just working hard , doing a lot of recovery , a lot of rehab and just waiting to see what happens to the season.
” Kane also had a message for fans as the country adapts to the lockdown .
He added : “ My family is well , and obviously everyone is thinking about coronavirus at the moment and it ’ s a time to be together , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be alright.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Time up for Tokyo… for now
“Time runs out for Tokyo” is the headline on the back page of the Independent above a striking photo of the illuminated Olympic rings against the night sky of Japan’s capital.
Not surprisingly the papers all lead with the news that the summer Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed until 2021.
“Hope to the world”, is the lead headline on the Daily Mirror back page, with the paper reporting that the games’s organisers intend to keep the Olympic flame burning for the next 15 months to send a message of hope to the world as it battles the coronavirus pandemic.
Metro and The Guardian relay the response of some of the British athletes to the news that the games have been rescheduled for the first since the Second World War.
“It’s bigger than any of us”, declares the Guardian, passing on the thoughts of swimmer Adam Peaty.
Triathlete Alistair Brownlee tells the paper: “From an athlete perspective, it was really important it was done now and not in another month’s time. To go so hard in preparing for the Olympic Games only to be told weeks out that it would be postponed would be so much worse.”
Asked how he’ll adapt mentally and physically to be ready for 2021, Brownleee replied: “My approach will be about a change of focus - about staying healthy, and making the right decisions to keep the people around me healthy.”
The Times’s focus is on the financial implications of the postponement with the paper reporting that “the cost to the organisers is estimated to be about £2bn”.
There will also be ramifications for other sporting tournaments planned for 2021, and which now find themselves clashing with sport’s showpiece event.
‘The only decision we can support’: reactions to the postponement of Tokyo 2020
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Transfer window of opportunity
The Daily Mirror and Daily Express both report that the summer football transfer window could “stay open until January”.
With football in an historic limbo, and no matches envisaged before May, there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work.


theweekuk--2020-03-25--What is the NHS volunteering scheme - and how do I sign up?

To keep reading The Week ’ s concise , refreshing and balanced take on the world , please register your @ @ @ @ @ use the details you have shared to manage your registration.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your registration as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the details you have shared to manage your newsletter subscription.You agree to the processing , @ @ @ @ @ of this information for the purpose of managing your subscription as described in our Privacy @ @ @ @ @ the information you have shared for carefully considered and specific purposes , where we believe @ @ @ @ @ to do so , for example to send you communications about similar products and services @ @ @ @ @ more about our legitimate interest activity in our privacy policy .
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theweekuk--2020-03-25--Coronavirus: 1.3 billion Indians placed into lockdown

India ’ s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed a nationwide lockdown in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
The restrictions came into force at midnight local time and will be enforced for 21 days , after India reported a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in recent days .
“ There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes , ” Modi said in a televised address .
“ The entire country will be in lockdown , total lockdown .
“ To save India , to save its every citizen , you , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ neighbourhood is being put under lockdown.
” For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– There have been 519 confirmed cases of coronavirus across India and 10 reported deaths .
However , analysts say the figure may be so low because of a lack of testing .
Deutsche Welle reports that people displaying symptoms of the disease have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even with referrals from private clinics .
The virus has spread to almost all states in India , with the highest number of cases in Maharashtra and the southern state of Kerala .
Healthcare facilities are limited in India , says The Guardian , with only 40,000 ventilators , one isolation bed per 84,000 people and one doctor per 11,600 Indians .
Despite Modi ’ s insistence that there is no need to panic , the lockdown has triggered frenzied scenes , with many Indians reverting to panic buying .
“ I have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life , ” the owner of one store in the Shakarpur district of Delhi , told the Press Trust of India .
“ All our stocks , including rice , flour , bread , biscuits , edible oils , have been sold out.
” Rajini Vaidyanathan , South Asian correspondent for the BBC , writes : “ The implications of a total lockdown in India are huge , not just economically , but socially .
“ This is a nation where community is everything .
Going to worship at a temple , mosque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daily life for so many .
This is a seismic cultural shift.
” CNN says that at the last count there were around 400 million people in India ’ s labour market .
Of those , more than half were self-employed , and 121 million were casual workers , meaning they were only paid for the days they worked .
This makes the lockdown a frightening prospect for many .
Ramesh Kumar , who comes from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh state , told the BBC : “ I earn 600 rupees ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ five people to feed .
We will run out of food in a few days.
” However , Modi insists the measure are necessary , warning that if India does not “ handle these 21 days well , then our country ... will go backwards by 21 years ” .


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Runner completes cancelled marathon on his balcony

A French athlete whose marathon was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic ran the entire 26.2 miles on his 23-foot-long balcony .
Elisha Nochomovitz completed the run in six hours and 48 minutes after performing approximately 3,000 laps of the balcony .
His girlfriend fed him M & M 's and Coca-Cola as he ran .
A six-year-old Indian boy broke a Guinness World Record when he performed 5,500 drum beats in only three minutes .
Devaagyh Dixit was awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for most drumbeats using drumsticks in the allotted time .
The verified cool dude says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fighter jet pilot .
An Australian shopkeeper has come up with a clever tactic to stop people clearing the shelves .
Hazem Sedda , who runs a convenience Store in Sydney , charges $ 3.50 for one pack of toilet roll but anyone trying to buy a second pack is charged $ 99 .
A sign on his toilet roll shelves says : “ Don ’ t be greedy .
Think of the other people.
” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– – For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile , sign up for @ @ @ @ @

A French athlete whose marathon was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic ran the entire 26.2 miles on his 23-foot-long balcony. Elisha Nochomovitz completed the run in six hours and 48 minutes after performing approximately 3,000 laps of the balcony. His girlfriend fed him M&M's and Coca-Cola as he ran.
Six-year-old boy breaks drumming record
A six-year-old Indian boy broke a Guinness World Record when he performed 5,500 drum beats in only three minutes. Devaagyh Dixit was awarded a Guinness World Records certificate for most drumbeats using drumsticks in the allotted time. The verified cool dude says he plans to grow up to be a fighter jet pilot.
Shopkeeper's clever tactic to stop loo roll hoarding
An Australian shopkeeper has come up with a clever tactic to stop people clearing the shelves. Hazem Sedda, who runs a convenience Store in Sydney, charges $3.50 for one pack of toilet roll but anyone trying to buy a second pack is charged $99. A sign on his toilet roll shelves says: “Don’t be greedy. Think of the other people.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile, sign up for our Tall Tales email–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Seven of the best stage shows to watch from home

Theatres may have gone dark , but that needn ’ t mean missing out on the thrill and excitement of a play or musical .
Your TV , computer or tablet can transform your sofa into the best seat in the house for curtain up .
Add to the atmosphere by dressing up and dimming the lights before you press play , and if you want to share the experience , you can synchronise your viewing with friends .
Here ’ s how to get your “ smell of the greasepaint , the roar of the crowds ” fix… Shakespeare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now , but it has more than 130 filmed productions available on its video-on-demand service , Globe Player .
This includes the 2012 production of Twelfth Night , which starred Stephen Fry as Malvolio and Mark Rylance as Olivia and won three Whatsonstage.com awards .
Performed by an all-male cast authentically dressed in period costume , and accompanied by traditional instruments , this is “ a radical production that makes Shakespeare seem completely contemporary ” , said Alex Needham in The Guardian .
Available on Globe Player to rent for £5.99 , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for £11.99 Filmed over three 2019 performances at the Theatre Royal , Drury Lane , this classic , unashamedly escapist , musical - originally released in film form in 1933 - sees a chorus-line wannabe soar from small-town girl to Broadway star .
Tim Bano in The Stage said : “ When that army of dancers gets going , when the rows of lights start twinkling and tap shoes hit the bleachers extending towards the audience from the back of the stage , it ’ s simply , overwhelmingly , stunning.
” Available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the whole subscription service - then $ 8.99 a month Based on a true story , Arthur Miller ’ s three-act tale , written in 1946 , stands as a criticism of American society , with themes of betrayal , guilt , grief and faulty family dynamics .
Captured at London ’ s Apollo Theatre in 2010 , it stars Zoe Wanamaker and David Suchet .
Charles Spencer in The Telegraph said : “ Miller ’ s theme of man ’ s responsibility towards his fellow men feels genuinely noble rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ modern classic and one that those who see it will never forget.
” Available on Digital Theatre to rent for £7.99 or pay £9.99 a month for the whole subscription service Billed as “ a show about staying positive in a negative world ” , this autobiographical work by Nathaniel Hall about contracting and living with HIV was hailed as one of the best shows at the Edinburgh Fringe 2019 - and described as “ a show that packs an emotional punch that resonates even after you ’ ve left the theatre ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immerse yourself in this solo show by watching it in virtual reality .
Available on Livr.co.uk with a free one-month subscription , including a free ultra-light smartphone VR headset posted to you - then £5.99 a month David Ireland ’ s story follows a Belfast loyalist who mistakes his baby granddaughter for Gerry Adams and takes what he considers to be appropriate action .
Starring Stephen Rea – giving “ a phenomenal performance ... terrifying and hilarious ” , reported The Stage – this dark comedy , recorded in 2016 .
Available on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as its Facebook , YouTube and Twitter pages , from 12pm on 27 March – World Theatre Day – until 26 April “ There ’ s a freshness here that 's very attractive , ” says Paul Taylor , in The Independent , of this 2018 production of Oscar Wilde ’ s play directed by Kathy Burke .
Coming from the Vaudeville Theatre , with a set that ’ s very fan-focused , and “ inspired casting ” with Jennifer Saunders as the Duchess , and Samantha Spiro as Mrs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ believes to be having an affair with her husband .
Available on Marquee TV with 30-day free trial for the whole subscription service - then £8.99 a month Hampstead Theatre ’ s 2018 production of I and You has gained new relevance during the pandemic .
It features a young girl ( played by Game of Thrones ’ s Maisie Williams ) trapped by a serious illness at home , where her boyfriend introduces her to the work of poet Walt Whitman .
Holly Williams in Time Out dubs it a “ really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : [ Lauren ] Gunderson is good at capturing both that soft-centre earnestness , and the hard , self-protective casing around it , produced by fear and confusion and the desire to be cool ” .
Available on Hampstead Theatre ’ s Instagram for free until 29 March

Theatres may have gone dark, but that needn’t mean missing out on the thrill and excitement of a play or musical. Your TV, computer or tablet can transform your sofa into the best seat in the house for curtain up.
Add to the atmosphere by dressing up and dimming the lights before you press play, and if you want to share the experience, you can synchronise your viewing with friends. Here’s how to get your “smell of the greasepaint, the roar of the crowds” fix…
Twelfth Night
Shakespeare’s Globe might be closed for now, but it has more than 130 filmed productions available on its video-on-demand service, Globe Player. This includes the 2012 production of Twelfth Night, which starred Stephen Fry as Malvolio and Mark Rylance as Olivia and won three Whatsonstage.com awards. Performed by an all-male cast authentically dressed in period costume, and accompanied by traditional instruments, this is “a radical production that makes Shakespeare seem completely contemporary”, said Alex Needham in The Guardian.
Available on Globe Player to rent for £5.99, or to buy or send as a gift for £11.99
42nd Street
Filmed over three 2019 performances at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, this classic, unashamedly escapist, musical - originally released in film form in 1933 - sees a chorus-line wannabe soar from small-town girl to Broadway star. Tim Bano in The Stage said: “When that army of dancers gets going, when the rows of lights start twinkling and tap shoes hit the bleachers extending towards the audience from the back of the stage, it’s simply, overwhelmingly, stunning.”
Available on BroadwayHD with a seven-day free trial for the whole subscription service - then $8.99 a month
All My Sons
Based on a true story, Arthur Miller’s three-act tale, written in 1946, stands as a criticism of American society, with themes of betrayal, guilt, grief and faulty family dynamics. Captured at London’s Apollo Theatre in 2010, it stars Zoe Wanamaker and David Suchet. Charles Spencer in The Telegraph said: “Miller’s theme of man’s responsibility towards his fellow men feels genuinely noble rather than merely didactic... stunning production of a modern classic and one that those who see it will never forget.”


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: businesses under fire for not protecting workers


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Why is the US cutting $1bn aid to Afghanistan?

The US is to cut aid to Afghanistan by $ 1bn ( £840m ) following a continued failure to agree on a unity government to take part in peace talks with the Taliban .
The US Secretary of State , Mike Pompeo , paid a surprise visit to Kabul yesterday , hoping to save an agreement signed between the Taliban and the US last month .
However , Pompeo failed to persuade Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival , Abdullah Abdullah , to agree on a deal to form a unity government and continue talks with the militant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a prisoner swap , the BBC reports , which under the US-Taliban agreement would see some 5,000 Taliban prisoners freed by the Afghan authorities , in return for 1,000 government troops .
Gahni claims he had not agreed to this .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The political situation in Afghanistan is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ themselves president following hotly disputed elections last year .
Escalating his warning , Pompeo said a further $ 1bn could be cut from its aid package next year , though he suggested the budget could be restored if the two politicians came to a deal .
In a statement described as “ unusally harsh ” by Time , Pompeo said Washington was “ disappointed ” in both men , adding that their behaviour had “ harmed US-Afghan relations ” .
Pompeo said that the failure to agree a deal “ dishonours those Afghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country ” .
Nearly 3,500 members of the international coalition forces have died since the 2001 invasion , as well as an estimated 32,000 civilians .
A defiant Ghani said in a televised address yesterday that “ the US reduction in aid will have no direct impact on our key sectors ” , but nevertheless expressed hope that the Afghan government could try to satisfy the US “ through talks and negotiations ” .
However , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” in Kabul has “ hampered efforts to create a negotiating team and the talks with the Taliban… have yet to begin ” .

The US is to cut aid to Afghanistan by $1bn (£840m) following a continued failure to agree on a unity government to take part in peace talks with the Taliban.
The US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, paid a surprise visit to Kabul yesterday, hoping to save an agreement signed between the Taliban and the US last month.
However, Pompeo failed to persuade Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival, Abdullah Abdullah, to agree on a deal to form a unity government and continue talks with the militant group.
The next step was supposed to be a prisoner swap, the BBC reports, which under the US-Taliban agreement would see some 5,000 Taliban prisoners freed by the Afghan authorities, in return for 1,000 government troops. Gahni claims he had not agreed to this.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The political situation in Afghanistan is in turmoil after both Gahni and Abdullah declared themselves president following hotly disputed elections last year.
Escalating his warning, Pompeo said a further $1bn could be cut from its aid package next year, though he suggested the budget could be restored if the two politicians came to a deal.
In a statement described as “unusally harsh” by Time, Pompeo said Washington was “disappointed” in both men, adding that their behaviour had “harmed US-Afghan relations”.
Pompeo said that the failure to agree a deal “dishonours those Afghan, American, and coalition partners who have sacrificed their lives and treasure in the struggle to build a new future for this country”.
Nearly 3,500 members of the international coalition forces have died since the 2001 invasion, as well as an estimated 32,000 civilians.
A defiant Ghani said in a televised address yesterday that “the US reduction in aid will have no direct impact on our key sectors”, but nevertheless expressed hope that the Afghan government could try to satisfy the US “through talks and negotiations”.
However, says the BBC, the “political disunity” in Kabul has “hampered efforts to create a negotiating team and the talks with the Taliban… have yet to begin”.


theweekuk--2020-03-24--Coronavirus: police warn enforcing lockdown ‘may be impossible’

Police have warned that enforcing Britain ’ s coronavirus lockdown may be impossible due to a lack of officers and insufficient powers to enforce the government rules .
Peter Fahy , a former chief constable of Greater Manchester Police , told The Guardian that UK police “ can ’ t really enforce ” the lockdown because to do so would require a “ paramilitary style of policing ” .
“ The police in this country don ’ t have that presence on the ground , ” Fahy said .
“ The police have withdrawn from lots of small towns .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Comparing the UK to Italy , where a tight lockdown has been closely enforced , he added : “ Italy has twice the number of police officers we do .
“ How are you going to disprove someone is going to Sainsbury ’ s or Morrisons for the first time that day ?
It ’ s going to have to be community pressure and making it clear it is socially unacceptable.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Guardian reports that internal police estimates suggest one in 10 police officers are already off sick or self-isolating because of the virus .
The paper adds that the absence rate is expected to grow as the virus spreads , while police may also have to step in to cover gaps in mental health support services and delays in ambulances arriving .
John Apter , the chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rely on social pressure to enforce the new measures .
Forces are currently awaiting guidance from the government on how it is expected to handle the new measures .
Apter said : “ We police by consent .
Police officers are not going to be militaristic in their approach .
The practicalities of policing it are going to be incredibly difficult… We still have emergency calls to attend and we don ’ t have enough officers.
” The prime minister announced on Monday evening that people may only leave home to exercise once @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from work where “ absolutely necessary ” , to shop for essential items and to fulfil any medical or care needs .
Boris Johnson added that if people do not follow the rules , police will have the power to enforce the measures through fines and dispersing gatherings .
However , according to The Independent , chair of the National Police Chiefs ’ Council , Martin Hewitt , said that the legislation required to enforce the lockdown has not been enacted yet .
He said this time was an “ opportunity ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to go back home , but added : “ Ultimately , if people do refuse to abide by the rules then we will need to enforce them.
” Amid public confusion over what is and is not permitted , phone lines have become jammed at some police stations , The Guardian says .
On Monday night , the chief constable of Northamptonshire police tweeted : “ Please do not cripple our phone lines with enquiries as to what you can and can not do during the conditions imposed by the Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve had many calls on our 101 line from people seeking answers , but at this stage we are not able to answer all of your enquiries .
”


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Most watched UK TV broadcasts ever: from Boris’s lockdown address to Princess Diana’s wedding

Monday ’ s televised announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - in which he announced strict new measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak - has become one of the most watched TV broadcasts in UK history .
The statement , the first prime ministerial address of its kind in the UK since Tony Blair announced Britain ’ s involvement in the invasion of Iraq in 2003 , attracted a total audience of 27.1 million viewers across a number of channels , according to the BBC .
“ That makes it the most watched broadcast for years , ” says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eighth most watched UK broadcast in history , behind such events as the 1970 FA Cup final replay between Chelsea and Leeds United , and the Apollo 13 splashdown the same year .
The 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany is the record holder for the nation ’ s most watched broadcast , with a combined audience of 32.3 million across the BBC and ITV – though The Guardian notes that “ measurement methods were much less sophisticated ” in that era .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues for £6 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– In second place is the 1997 funeral of Diana , Princess of Wales , which drew a peak television audience of 32.10 million .
However , the paper also notes that it is “ possible that the final official viewing figures , compiled over the course of the next four weeks , could push it close ” to the 1966 final , as catch-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thought not to have been counted yet .
Here is the current list of the most-watched broadcasts in UK history :

Monday’s televised announcement by Prime Minister Boris Johnson - in which he announced strict new measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak - has become one of the most watched TV broadcasts in UK history.
The statement, the first prime ministerial address of its kind in the UK since Tony Blair announced Britain’s involvement in the invasion of Iraq in 2003, attracted a total audience of 27.1 million viewers across a number of channels, according to the BBC.
“That makes it the most watched broadcast for years,” says the broadcaster.
The figures make it the eighth most watched UK broadcast in history, behind such events as the 1970 FA Cup final replay between Chelsea and Leeds United, and the Apollo 13 splashdown the same year.
The 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany is the record holder for the nation’s most watched broadcast, with a combined audience of 32.3 million across the BBC and ITV – though The Guardian notes that “measurement methods were much less sophisticated” in that era.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues for £6–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
In second place is the 1997 funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, which drew a peak television audience of 32.10 million.
However, the paper also notes that it is “possible that the final official viewing figures, compiled over the course of the next four weeks, could push it close” to the 1966 final, as catch-up and online viewings of the speech are thought not to have been counted yet.
Here is the current list of the most-watched broadcasts in UK history:


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Instant Opinion: Salmond trial ‘deepens faultlines’ in Scottish politics

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Alex Salmon trial has deepened the faultlines in Scottish politics “ Alex Salmond and his successor , Nicola Sturgeon , were once the closest of allies , and genuine friends .
She once stood aside when he indicated he would like to return as Scottish National Party leader .
Both worked together on the 600-plus page white paper published in advance of the 2014 independence referendum .
And when that vote was lost by 55 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ persuade him not to resign .
Inevitably , that relationship was to break down .
Not least because some of the women who made allegations against Salmond were close to both Sturgeon and the SNP .
And , indeed , all of them operated within the Scottish political village .
Further , Salmond became openly critical of Sturgeon as pre-trial battle lines were joined .
The trial also highlighted – some would argue promoted – divisions between those who still hankered after the bullish style of a Salmond leadership and those thankful for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his successor.
” 2 .
Eric Schliesser and Eric Winsberg in the New Statesman Climate and coronavirus : the science is not the same “ Given the disparate level of scientific scrutiny applied to climate change and Covid-19 , it is misleading to compare the industry-financed and bad-faith questioning of climate science , to questioning the rapid response of scientists using limited models of the coronavirus and drawing on data that is at best incomplete .
And while there is a growing policy consensus about how to respond to Covid-19 , consensus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliability if the relevant group of scientists is an appropriately structured and communicative community .
Unfortunately , there is currently no well-ordered scientific community studying Covid-19 and its impact , so the emerging consensus could be the result of any number of all-too-human biases.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Coronavirus is being used to roll back abortion rights by stealth “ During the coronavirus outbreak , it is likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demand for abortion , for a number of reasons , including economic hardship , relationship breakdown and lack of access to contraception .
Given this , it is vital that we maintain safe and effective abortion care during this critical time .
Lead organisations including the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health have produced clear guidance for abortion providers , and it is time that the government does the same.
” on troubling times for the former VP “ Through it all - the fairly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ garbled debate performances - the idea of the former vice president has somehow remained consistent , and apparently convincing , as both Trump ’ s inverse and co-equal .
Senator Bernie Sanders may still be in the race , but this is a detail .
Democrats have chosen Biden as their vessel for Trump ’ s defeat , and that choice is the entire point : The vanquishing matters more than anything else .
In all likelihood , the desire to oust Trump will be piercing in the coming days , as death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been reckless , duplicitous , and morally hazardous in his leadership during a pandemic that is likely to be the defining event of a generation - forget about a campaign cycle .
But the many union members looking at their closed casinos and the mothers in lockdown with their children and the students forced off their campuses and the older Americans living in complete isolation may find it impossible to imagine that their earlier fears about another four years of Trump have abated , or that the ferocity of their desire to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Indeed , the emotion of this moment may displace any that has come before it.
” Forty years on , El Salvador 's war is still not over “ Nowadays , the US charmingly persists in backing Salvadoran state security forces known for extrajudicial executions and other grave human rights abuses - while Salvadorans fleeing the violent milieu find themselves up against an ever more fanatically militarised US border .
Indeed , a February Human Rights Watch report documented how the US has literally been deporting Salvadoran migrants to their deaths .
And @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence in a country long terrorised , one can safely say that - 40 years after the launch of the civil war in El Salvador - the war rages on .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Ruth Wishart in The Guardian
on Scotland’s ruling party
Alex Salmond’s trial has deepened the faultlines in Scottish politics
“Alex Salmond and his successor, Nicola Sturgeon, were once the closest of allies, and genuine friends. She once stood aside when he indicated he would like to return as Scottish National Party leader. Both worked together on the 600-plus page white paper published in advance of the 2014 independence referendum. And when that vote was lost by 55% to 45% Sturgeon tried to persuade him not to resign. Inevitably, that relationship was to break down. Not least because some of the women who made allegations against Salmond were close to both Sturgeon and the SNP. And, indeed, all of them operated within the Scottish political village. Further, Salmond became openly critical of Sturgeon as pre-trial battle lines were joined. The trial also highlighted – some would argue promoted – divisions between those who still hankered after the bullish style of a Salmond leadership and those thankful for the more cautious, measured tones of his successor.”
2. Eric Schliesser and Eric Winsberg in the New Statesman
on denial and disinformation
Climate and coronavirus: the science is not the same
“Given the disparate level of scientific scrutiny applied to climate change and Covid-19, it is misleading to compare the industry-financed and bad-faith questioning of climate science, to questioning the rapid response of scientists using limited models of the coronavirus and drawing on data that is at best incomplete. And while there is a growing policy consensus about how to respond to Covid-19, consensus is only a good guide to credibility and reliability if the relevant group of scientists is an appropriately structured and communicative community. Unfortunately, there is currently no well-ordered scientific community studying Covid-19 and its impact, so the emerging consensus could be the result of any number of all-too-human biases.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. Annabel Sowemimo, a sexual health doctor, in The Independent
on reproductive rights during self-isolation
Coronavirus is being used to roll back abortion rights by stealth
“During the coronavirus outbreak, it is likely that we will see an increase in demand for abortion, for a number of reasons, including economic hardship, relationship breakdown and lack of access to contraception. Given this, it is vital that we maintain safe and effective abortion care during this critical time. Lead organisations including the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the Faculty of Sexual & Reproductive Health have produced clear guidance for abortion providers, and it is time that the government does the same.”
4. Alex Wagner in The Atlantic
on troubling times for the former VP
Stay alive, Joe Biden
“Through it all - the fairly awful campaign events and confusing statements and garbled debate performances - the idea of the former vice president has somehow remained consistent, and apparently convincing, as both Trump’s inverse and co-equal. Senator Bernie Sanders may still be in the race, but this is a detail. Democrats have chosen Biden as their vessel for Trump’s defeat, and that choice is the entire point: The vanquishing matters more than anything else. In all likelihood, the desire to oust Trump will be piercing in the coming days, as death and chaos escalate. The president has been reckless, duplicitous, and morally hazardous in his leadership during a pandemic that is likely to be the defining event of a generation - forget about a campaign cycle. But the many union members looking at their closed casinos and the mothers in lockdown with their children and the students forced off their campuses and the older Americans living in complete isolation may find it impossible to imagine that their earlier fears about another four years of Trump have abated, or that the ferocity of their desire to get him out of office has lessened. Indeed, the emotion of this moment may displace any that has come before it.”
5. Belen Fernandez on Al Jazeera
on ugly developments in Central America
Forty years on, El Salvador's war is still not over
“Nowadays, the US charmingly persists in backing Salvadoran state security forces known for extrajudicial executions and other grave human rights abuses - while Salvadorans fleeing the violent milieu find themselves up against an ever more fanatically militarised US border. Indeed, a February Human Rights Watch report documented how the US has literally been deporting Salvadoran migrants to their deaths. And as the US continues to back institutional violence in a country long terrorised, one can safely say that - 40 years after the launch of the civil war in El Salvador - the war rages on.”


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Three things we’ve learned about coronavirus today

The Week rounds up the latest coronavirus news from the past 24 hours .
Scientists at Johns Hopkins University near Baltimore say the coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is displaying “ a relatively small number of mutations for having passed through a large number of people ” .
This is “ encouraging news for researchers hoping to create a long-lasting vaccine ” , says The Washington Post .
Flu , by contrast , mutates more quickly and therefore requires a new vaccine every year .
Half the UK population may have already had the virus , according to new analysis of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University ’ s Evolutionary Ecology of Infectious Disease group .
If correct , this is another piece of good news .
The conclusion would “ imply that fewer than one in 1,000 of those infected with Covid-19 become ill enough to need hospital treatment ” , says the Financial Times - and mean that many people already have immunity to the disease .
But “ the accuracy of the Oxford model has not yet been confirmed ” , the paper says .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Even the most optimistic forecasters expect a sharp rise in UK coronavirus cases within the next two weeks .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced yesterday that the ExCeL exhibition centre in London ’ s docklands would be turned into a 4,000-bed hospital to relieve pressure on existing hospitals and called for 250,000 volunteers to help transport food , medicines and recovered patients .
Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intensive care is likely to “ peak in approximately two to three weeks and then decline ” .
The ExCeL facility , named the NHS Nightingale Hospital , “ is expected to be operational from next week ” , says ITV News .


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Sport shorts: Ronaldo or Messi? Pele says he is the best footballer ever

1 .
Pele : there won ’ t be anyone else like me In the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate Pele has opted for the Juventus and Portugal superstar .
However , in terms of the greatest footballer ever the Brazilian legend believes he ’ s still the No.1 .
The 79-year-old , who won three World Cups , said on YouTube channel Pilhado : “ Right now I think Cristiano Ronaldo is the most consistent player out there , but you can ’ t forget about Messi.
” On who is the best ever player , he added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zico and Ronaldinho .
People always talk about European players like [ Franz ] Beckenbauer and [ Johan ] Cruyff .
“ It ’ s not my fault , but I think I was better than all of them .
There will only be one Pele .
There won ’ t be anyone else like me.
” Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated €1m ( £920,000 ) to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain .
The money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain Lionel Messi has also donated €1m , which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario , Argentina .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the current Liverpool team is “ more impressive ” than the Gunners ’ s “ Invincibles ” side who went a season unbeaten in 2003-04 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s amazing what they [ Liverpool ] are doing - it is rare to see a team winning so many games and being so dominant against their opponents all the time .
“ They were both great teams in history , but for me this Liverpool team have something special .
It is hard to explain what I feel when I look at Liverpool , but I don ’ t remember thinking the same way when I was looking at the Invincibles .
“ They have impressed me more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty sure Arsenal fans won ’ t be happy with that .
But I have to be honest .
When I look at this team , the motivation , the intensity , so many talented players .
Something is different with them.
” Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that the Championship club held talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the Swedish star rejoined AC Milan in January .
Radrizzani told Sky in Italy : “ I spoke with Zlatan Ibrahimovic more concretely .
He could have given us that decisive push but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has been very honest and transparent with me.
” The 30-year-old spent nine years with the Panthers and led them to the Super Bowl in 2015 where they lost to the Denver Broncos .
But in recent seasons he has struggled with injuries to his shoulder and foot .
“ Cam has meant a lot to this organisation and the Carolinas , ” said general manager Marty Hurney .
“ Everyone saw his performances on the field .
I had the privilege of seeing how hard he worked off the field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when no one was watching.
” Premier League club Watford have offered all of their facilities for exclusive use of West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust ( WHHT ) during the coronavirus pandemic .
Scott Duxbury , Watford ’ s chairman and CEO , said : “ We need to forget football right now and concentrate on doing all we can to support the NHS and , in particular , Watford General Hospital .
“ Our proximity as a football club next door to a hospital puts us in a great position to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do whatever we possibly can to support NHS staff and their families.
” Christine Allen , chief executive of West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust , said : “ Right now , we are doing all we can to make sure we can focus on caring for our sickest patients .
We have found ourselves needing extra space very quickly .
“ For example , we are running refresher training to our clinical staff so that they can care for patients with breathing difficulties .
And we also need more space so that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing for our staff induction sessions and for key meetings when we need our senior leadership teams around the table .
“ The club ’ s support is helping us to run our organisation safely and we are very grateful for their support at this challenging time.
” 7 .
Sterling : Liverpool are always in my heart Despite leaving Liverpool for Manchester City in a controversial transfer in 2015 Raheem Sterling admits that the Anfield club are “ always in my heart ” .
England striker Sterling spent five years at Anfield @ @ @ @ @ @ @ & A he was asked if he would ever return to the Reds .
On the Colossal Sports Management Instagram account , Sterling said : “ Would I ever go back to Liverpool ?
To be honest with you , I love Liverpool .
Don ’ t get it twisted , they are always in my heart , do you know what I mean ?
It ’ s a team that [ has ] done a lot for me growing up.
” Juventus may turn to Jesus and Kane gives injury update ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Daily Mirror reports that the summer football transfer window could “ stay open until January ” .
With football in an historic limbo , and no matches envisaged before May , there is confusion about how the summer transfer market will work .
The Mirror says that if the season does start again in May and go until the start of July that will “ cause havoc for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks are underway between the relevant bodies to reach a solution , and one option is to extend the summer transfer window until January , instead of closing it on 1 September .
Transfer ‘ free-for-all ’ as summer window could stay open until January A French athlete whose marathon was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic ran the entire 26.2 miles on his 23-foot-long balcony .
Elisha Nochomovitz completed the run in six hours and 48 minutes after performing approximately 3,000 laps of the balcony .
His girlfriend fed him M & @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran .
10 .
Back pages : Time up for Tokyo… for now “ Time runs out for Tokyo ” is the headline on the back page of the Independent above a striking photo of the illuminated Olympic rings against the night sky of Japan ’ s capital .
Not surprisingly the papers all lead with the news that the summer Olympics and Paralympics have been postponed until 2021 .
Olympic flame will continue to burn in Tokyo , football ’ s window of opportunity , Kane on the mend ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Pele: there won’t be anyone else like me
In the Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Lionel Messi debate Pele has opted for the Juventus and Portugal superstar.
However, in terms of the greatest footballer ever the Brazilian legend believes he’s still the No.1.
The 79-year-old, who won three World Cups, said on YouTube channel Pilhado: “Right now I think Cristiano Ronaldo is the most consistent player out there, but you can’t forget about Messi.”
On who is the best ever player, he added: “We mustn’t forget Zico and Ronaldinho. People always talk about European players like [Franz] Beckenbauer and [Johan] Cruyff.
“It’s not my fault, but I think I was better than all of them. There will only be one Pele. There won’t be anyone else like me.”
2. Guardiola and Messi donate €1m
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has donated €1m (£920,000) to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in Spain.
The money will be donated to a campaign spearheaded by the Medical College of Barcelona and the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation.
Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has also donated €1m, which will be split between the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
3. Petit: Liverpool ‘more impressive’ than the Arsenal Invincibles
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes the current Liverpool team is “more impressive” than the Gunners’s “Invincibles” side who went a season unbeaten in 2003-04.
Petit told the Daily Mirror: “It’s amazing what they [Liverpool] are doing - it is rare to see a team winning so many games and being so dominant against their opponents all the time.
“They were both great teams in history, but for me this Liverpool team have something special. It is hard to explain what I feel when I look at Liverpool, but I don’t remember thinking the same way when I was looking at the Invincibles.
“They have impressed me more than Arsenal’s Invincibles. I am pretty sure Arsenal fans won’t be happy with that. But I have to be honest. When I look at this team, the motivation, the intensity, so many talented players. Something is different with them.”
4. Zlatan held talks with Leeds
Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed that the Championship club held talks with Zlatan Ibrahimovic before the Swedish star rejoined AC Milan in January.


theweekuk--2020-03-25--How coronavirus changed UK abortion law - briefly

The UK government is under fire for backtracking on a law change that would have allowed women to undergo early medical abortions at home during the coronavirus outbreak .
On Monday , the Department of Health published revised guidance stating that “ to limit the transmission of coronavirus ( Covid-19 ) and ensure continued access to early medical abortion services ” , temporary measures had been approved to let women take pills to terminate an early pregnancy without having to go to a hospital or a clinic .
This is already permitted under Scottish and Welsh law , but current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two pills required for a medical abortion must be collected and taken at a registered medical facility .
The move to change that stipulation came after “ a number of organisations wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging him to amend the law ” , reports the BBC .
The letter was signed by organisations including the Royal College of Midwives ( RCM ) , the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ( RCOG ) , and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service ( BPAS ) .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– But just hours after the revised guidance was published on the Gov.UK website , the changes were deleted and replaced with a message saying that the information had been “ published in error ” and that “ there will be no changes to abortion regulations ” .
The Department of Health did not clarify how or why the guidance was published and then retracted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the charity was “ staggered by the reversal ” , adding : “ We can only assume it is a bureaucratic blunder which will soon be rectified .
“ It simply makes no sense at all that as the prime minister was ordering people to stay in their homes last night , the Department of Health was overturning a decision that would have enabled tens of thousands of women to access early abortion care lawfully at home , protecting their own health , that of their families , and that of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for them.
” Meanwhile , the RCOG and the RCM condemned the backtracking over the abortion law as “ reckless ” , reports The Independent .
In a joint statement , the two organisations said that allowing women to have abortions at home “ would have reduced pressure on an already overwhelmed health system , limited risk of coronavirus infection for women , their families and healthcare professionals , while ensuring safe and timely access to abortion care ” .
But the U-turn has been welcomed by the Society for the Protection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This radical and most disturbing policy would have placed more women at risk .
”

The UK government is under fire for backtracking on a law change that would have allowed women to undergo early medical abortions at home during the coronavirus outbreak.
On Monday, the Department of Health published revised guidance stating that “to limit the transmission of coronavirus (Covid-19) and ensure continued access to early medical abortion services”, temporary measures had been approved to let women take pills to terminate an early pregnancy without having to go to a hospital or a clinic.
This is already permitted under Scottish and Welsh law, but current English regulations state that the first of the two pills required for a medical abortion must be collected and taken at a registered medical facility.
The move to change that stipulation came after “a number of organisations wrote to Health Secretary Matt Hancock urging him to amend the law”, reports the BBC.
The letter was signed by organisations including the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), and the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS).
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But just hours after the revised guidance was published on the Gov.UK website, the changes were deleted and replaced with a message saying that the information had been “published in error” and that “there will be no changes to abortion regulations”.
The Department of Health did not clarify how or why the guidance was published and then retracted, reports The Guardian.
A BPAS spokesperson said the charity was “staggered by the reversal”, adding: “We can only assume it is a bureaucratic blunder which will soon be rectified.
“It simply makes no sense at all that as the prime minister was ordering people to stay in their homes last night, the Department of Health was overturning a decision that would have enabled tens of thousands of women to access early abortion care lawfully at home, protecting their own health, that of their families, and that of the doctors, nurses and midwives who care for them.”
Meanwhile, the RCOG and the RCM condemned the backtracking over the abortion law as “reckless”, reports The Independent.
In a joint statement, the two organisations said that allowing women to have abortions at home “would have reduced pressure on an already overwhelmed health system, limited risk of coronavirus infection for women, their families and healthcare professionals, while ensuring safe and timely access to abortion care”.
But the U-turn has been welcomed by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, which said: “This radical and most disturbing policy would have placed more women at risk.”


theweekuk--2020-03-25--What will happen when China lifts its coronavirus restrictions?


theweekuk--2020-03-25--Why economic crash could cost more lives than coronavirus

Coronavirus lockdown measures implemented in the UK may trigger an economic downturn that could kill more people than the virus itself, a new study warns.
Philip Thomas, a professor of risk management at Bristol University, says that a fall in GDP of more than 6.4% could lead to a devastating recession in which “more years of life will be lost... than will be saved through beating the virus”, reports The Times.
In an academic paper published before peer review, Thomas argues that Boris Johnson’s sweeping social distancing rules may “do more harm than good” unless the UK economy is kept afloat over the next year, adding: “I’m worried that in order to solve one problem we’d create a bigger problem.”
The bleak prediction comes as Chris Williamson, chief business economist at global information provider IHS Markit, warns that “a recession of a scale we have not seen in modern history is looking increasingly likely”.
Are we heading for a recession?
The global economy is straining under the weight of the coronavirus pandemic, with some of the world’s richest nations enacting unprecedented economic stimulus programmes in a bid to fend off a potential recession.
In an article for The Guardian, US economist Nouriel Roubini says that the “shock to the global economy from Covid-19 has been faster and more severe than the 2008 global financial crisis and even the Great Depression”.
“In those two previous episodes, stock markets collapsed by 50% or more, credit markets froze up, massive bankruptcies followed, unemployment rates soared above 10% and GDP contracted at an annualised rate of 10% or more,” he continues.
“But all of this took around three years to play out. In the current crisis, similarly dire macroeconomic and financial outcomes have materialised in three weeks.”
Why might a crash lead to deaths?
Experts are predicting that the economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus outbreak will probably be “at least as bad” as the 2008 global financial crisis - “and possibly worse”, says Sky News.
And as The Times notes, there is a “clear link between GDP and life expectancy, in part due to richer countries being able to spend more on healthcare, safety and environmental regulations”.
As such, it is possible to calculate roughly the effect of increased, or decreased, wealth on the health of a population.
A 2016 study outlined in a paper in the Lancet medical journal found that the 2008 crash may have caused an additional 500,000 cancer deaths worldwide in the two years to 2010, with patients “locked out of treatment because of unemployment and healthcare cuts”, according to The Telegraph.
The figures were extrapolated from an observed rise in cancer deaths for every percentage increase in unemployment, and every drop in public healthcare spending.
This week, similar warnings about the potential effects of the current financial situation were made by Steve Hilton, who served as then-PM David Cameron’s director of strategy from 2010 to 2012.
The New Statesman says that Hilton was “one of the architects of austerity” in the wake of the 2008 economic crisis.
Yet in an article published on the Fox News website on Tuesday, Hilton cites a 2019 report by the Institute for Public Policy Research, a London-based left-wing think tank, that said at least 130,000 people in the UK had died as a result of such austerity measures in the 2010s.
“You know, that famous phrase? ‘The cure is worse than the disease,’ Hilton writes. ”That is exactly the territory we are hurtling towards.
“You think it is just the coronavirus that kills people? This total economic shutdown will kill people.”


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Sport shorts: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III may be held in October and lottery losses will hit T

Sport shorts: Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder III may be held in October and lottery losses will hit Team GB Olympic athletes

Boxing promoter Frank Warren says the third heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will not happen on 18 July and could now take place in October .
In their rematch last month in Las Vegas British fighter Fury defeated American Wilder to win the WBC belt and the duo were set to go head-to-head for a third time in the summer .
However , the coronavirus pandemic means that boxing is off the calendar for now .
Warren said : “ The 18th will not happen .
The commission in Nevada has said ‘ no boxing ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has closed down all the casinos - it ’ s like a ghost town there .
“ No-one knows what ’ s happening day to day , all we can do is hope for the best and push it back as far as possible so October looks like the date for the fight .
“ A fight between them behind closed doors just won ’ t happen – these guys are too big names to be fighting behind closed doors.
” 2 .
Wimbledon decision to be made next week Another major sporting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to coronavirus is this summer ’ s Wimbledon tennis grand slam .
The 2020 Championships is scheduled to start on 29 June but the All England Club will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss whether to take the unprecedented decision to cancel this year ’ s event .
BBC Sport reports that UFC star Conor McGregor will personally pledge €1m ( £920,000 ) worth of protective medical equipment for hospitals in Ireland .
In a discussion with Irish Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe on Twitter , McGregor said : “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worth of personal protective equipment to be deployed to all the fighting hospitals in the region.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– i News has asked a number of sporting figures what books , films and TV box sets they recommend for a lockdown .
Sale Sharks and England rugby player Tom Curry is a fan of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens while England cricket Test @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Batman film trilogy .
Root said : “ I love all the DC and Marvel films .
This Batman trilogy is my favourite though .
If I had to pick one of the three films then The Dark Night Rises edges it.
” 5 .
RFU to lose up to £50m of revenue Rugby Football Union ( RFU ) chief executive Bill Sweeney says the coronavirus pandemic will have a significant impact on revenues with estimated losses of up to £50m in the next 18 months .
Sweeney said : “ The RFU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a four-year cycle due to the costs of the 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign and hosting only two home Six Nations games .
The loss will now be considerably more as we face challenges similar to businesses across the country .
“ The RFU ’ s biggest asset is also a major cost and the closure of Twickenham Stadium has a significant impact on the revenues we can generate to reinvest back into the game.
” The Times reports that Britain ’ s Olympic athletes are facing a “ funding black hole over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slump in sales of lottery tickets ” .
More than two thirds of funding provided by UK Sport to Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes is derived from the sales of lottery tickets , and it ’ s inevitable that this sum will be reduced in the years ahead .
“ The scale of the funding gap will not be known until the pandemic and associated restrictions are over , ” says the Times .
7 .
Shearer : Kane will be off If Tottenham Hotspur fail to win a trophy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry Kane .
That ’ s the opinion of former England striker Alan Shearer when asked about the future of the current Three Lions skipper .
Shearer said on the Match of the Day : Top 10 podcast : “ My guess is , if he doesn ’ t win anything in the next 12 months then he has to leave .
He ’ ll do another year , I think , and if nothing comes in terms of trophies , then he ’ ll be off.
” Shearer : ‘ Kane has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ win a trophy in the next 12 months ’ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Harry Kane ’ s future is not the only transfer speculation doing the rounds today .
The Daily Mirror says Manchester United are ready to make a club-record £120m bid for Jadon Sancho while Sky Sports understands that United , Arsenal , Chelsea and Tottenham are all keen on signing Philippe Coutinho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has recently been linked with Man Utd , Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and the Daily Star says Real Madrid are now in the mix .
Odion Ighalo has been offered a £400,000-a-week deal to stay with parent club Shanghai Shenhua .
The Nigerian striker is currently on loan at Man Utd , where he has scored four goals in his first three starts .
Sky Sports reports that the Chinese club want to reward Ighalo for his form by extending his contract a further two years until December 2024 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offer him a permanent deal before making a final decision on his future .
The Guardian , Daily Express and the Daily Star are three of the papers to give prominence to reports that Premier League and English Football League clubs will start slashing the salaries of their stars as the coronavirus shutdown begins to bite .
According to the Daily Mail the lockdown , which will last to at least early May , will be felt from the top flight down to League Two .
The Mail said : “ Clubs face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fear losing their livelihoods , not to mention the support staff behind the scenes , from physios to press office.
” Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatch Sancho ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Fury vs. Wilder III in October?
Boxing promoter Frank Warren says the third heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder will not happen on 18 July and could now take place in October.
In their rematch last month in Las Vegas British fighter Fury defeated American Wilder to win the WBC belt and the duo were set to go head-to-head for a third time in the summer.
However, the coronavirus pandemic means that boxing is off the calendar for now.
Warren said: “The 18th will not happen. The commission in Nevada has said ‘no boxing’ for the foreseeable future and Las Vegas has closed down all the casinos - it’s like a ghost town there.
“No-one knows what’s happening day to day, all we can do is hope for the best and push it back as far as possible so October looks like the date for the fight.
“A fight between them behind closed doors just won’t happen – these guys are too big names to be fighting behind closed doors.”
2. Wimbledon decision to be made next week
Another major sporting event that is expected to fall victim to coronavirus is this summer’s Wimbledon tennis grand slam.
The 2020 Championships is scheduled to start on 29 June but the All England Club will hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss whether to take the unprecedented decision to cancel this year’s event.
Thank you sincerely for your message, Minister Paschal Donohoe. Here is my reply. pic.twitter.com/0NcnVgrKaA — Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) March 25, 2020
3. McGregor pledges €1m of medical equipment
BBC Sport reports that UFC star Conor McGregor will personally pledge €1m (£920,000) worth of protective medical equipment for hospitals in Ireland.
In a discussion with Irish Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe on Twitter, McGregor said: “I am purchasing myself, one million euros worth of personal protective equipment to be deployed to all the fighting hospitals in the region.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Sport stars reveal lockdown activities
i News has asked a number of sporting figures what books, films and TV box sets they recommend for a lockdown.
Sale Sharks and England rugby player Tom Curry is a fan of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens while England cricket Test captain Joe Root likes to watch the Batman film trilogy. Root said: “I love all the DC and Marvel films. This Batman trilogy is my favourite though. If I had to pick one of the three films then The Dark Night Rises edges it.”
5. RFU to lose up to £50m of revenue
Rugby Football Union (RFU) chief executive Bill Sweeney says the coronavirus pandemic will have a significant impact on revenues with estimated losses of up to £50m in the next 18 months.


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: has the Foreign Office abandoned Brits abroad?


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Coronavirus: where did Spain go so wrong in outbreak response?

Spain’s coronavirus death toll has overtaken that in China after climbing to more than 4,000 - the second-highest tally in the world after Italy.
More than 56,000 cases of the deadly virus have now been reported in Spain, with 6,673 new infections and 442 deaths recorded in the past 24 hours alone.
Madrid is the European country’s worst-affected region, but Catalonia has also seen a rapid increase in cases, according the BBC.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What went wrong in Spain?
Italy could have served as as a warning for how the virus might spread in Europe, but Spain’s reaction to the threat appears to have been slow.
The authorities in Madrid confirmed the country’s first coronavirus case on 31 January, on the Spanish island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
A week later, Dr Fernando Simon, head of medical emergencies in Madrid, predicted that “Spain will only have a handful of cases”, reports the The Guardian.
Life in Spain continued as normal, with a Champions League football match between Italian team Atalanta and Spanish side Valencia held at Milan’s San Siro stadium in mid-February. The fixture brought together 40,000 fans from Bergamo, now Italy’s worst-affected province, and 2,500 Valencia fans.
Within seven days, hospitals in the Valencia area began reporting their first coronavirus-related admissions - with sports journalists and fans who attended the game in Italy accounting for the majority of the patients.
Yet other sports events, political party conferences and massive demonstrations to mark International Women’s Day continued to go ahead. And around 3,000 Atletico Madrid fans flew to Liverpool for a Champions League clash on 11 March.
Three days later, the Spanish government finally declared a state of emergency and imposed a national lockdown – initially for two weeks – with citizens told to leave their homes only to buy food or seek medical treatment.
Some commentators have linked the Spanish authorities’ slow response to the weak political position held by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez after forming a minority government in January. Critics claim that Sanchez did not want to “risk his fragile hold on power” by banning large gatherings of people in the early days of the outbreak, reports Vox.
Angela Hernandez Puente, an official at a health trade union in Madrid, told the news site: “What makes me most angry is that we had a month and a half to get ready after our first case, and we had weeks to prepare after watching what’s happened in Italy.”
As the crisis escalates, soldiers have been drafted in to help police cities and disinfect contaminated sites.
This week, Spain’s state prosecutor launched an investigation after troops helping to tackle the outbreak found elderly people dead and abandoned in retirement homes, reports Al Jazeera.
For a nation “that takes justified pride in its family bonds, its conviviality and its national health service, these are bleak and sobering days,” says The Guardian’s Madrid correspondent Sam Jones.
With Spain’s lockdown currently due to continue until 11 April, people across the country are gathering on their patios, balconies and at their doors at 8pm each day to applaud health workers working on the front line.
“But when the ritual thanks are no longer needed, the clamour for answers will be just as loud and insistent,” predicts Jones.


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Alan Shearer: ‘Harry Kane has to leave if Spurs don’t win a trophy in the next 12 months’

Shearer : Kane will be off If Tottenham Hotspur fail to win a trophy in the next 12 months they will risk losing Harry Kane .
That ’ s the opinion of former England striker Alan Shearer when asked about the future of the current Three Lions skipper .
Last season , under Mauricio Pochettino , Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League table and reached the final of the Uefa Champions League , where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool .
However , Pochettino was sacked in November and his replacement , Jose Mourinho , has struggled to bring results @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eighth in the table before fixtures were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic .
With Spurs seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea their hopes of Champions League qualification may rest on Kane returning from a hamstring injury for the remainder of the season .
Shearer , the Premier League ’ s record goalscorer , said on the Match of the Day : Top 10 podcast : “ My guess is , if he doesn ’ t win anything in the next 12 months then he has to leave .
He ’ ll do another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nothing comes in terms of trophies , then he ’ ll be off.
” According to reports in Spain Kane is a target for Real Madrid .
Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the 26-year-old .
Transfer ‘ free-for-all ’ as summer window could stay open until January ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Daily Star reports that Manchester United are poised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Jadon Sancho .
“ Sancho snatch ” is the back page headline in the Star with the paper claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “ winning the race ” for the Borussia Dortmund ace .
The England winger , 20 , has attracted interest from Liverpool , Chelsea , Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent months but the Daily Mirror claims that United are determined to get their man , “ despite the club record-breaking price it would take to do ” .
United ’ s previous biggest transfer fee was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2016 .
Since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in the 2018 January transfer window Philippe Coutinho has struggled to make an impact at the Camp Nou .
The Brazilian found himself loaned out to German champions Bayern Munich and now it ’ s reported that he could be on his way back to the English top flight .
Bayern are unlikely to take up an option to buy the 27-year-old and Sky Sports says Premier League clubs Arsenal , Chelsea , Manchester United and Tottenham are all understood to want to take him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Star says Real Madrid are keen on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and are prepared to “ pull out all the stops ” to secure the transfer of the Arsenal captain .
Aubameyang has also recently been linked with Man Utd , Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain , but the Star reports that Real are hoping a “ cash-plus-player deal ” will be enough to persuade Arsenal to part with their star striker .
Spanish outlet Diario Madridista claims that Arsenal have already made contact with Real regarding a deal for Aubameyang , who is out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Gunners could cash in rather than risk losing him on a free transfer .
Dani Ceballos , who is on loan at Arsenal from Real , could be offered as part of a potential deal between the two clubs .
Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatch Sancho ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Shearer: Kane will be off
If Tottenham Hotspur fail to win a trophy in the next 12 months they will risk losing Harry Kane.
That’s the opinion of former England striker Alan Shearer when asked about the future of the current Three Lions skipper.
Last season, under Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League table and reached the final of the Uefa Champions League, where they lost 2-0 to Liverpool.
However, Pochettino was sacked in November and his replacement, Jose Mourinho, has struggled to bring results to north London. The club were eighth in the table before fixtures were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With Spurs seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea their hopes of Champions League qualification may rest on Kane returning from a hamstring injury for the remainder of the season.
Shearer, the Premier League’s record goalscorer, said on the Match of the Day: Top 10 podcast: “My guess is, if he doesn’t win anything in the next 12 months then he has to leave. He’ll do another year, I think, and if nothing comes in terms of trophies, then he’ll be off.”
According to reports in Spain Kane is a target for Real Madrid. Manchester United and Manchester City have also been linked with the 26-year-old.
Transfer ‘free-for-all’ as summer window could stay open until January
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United plan to snatch £120m Sancho
The Daily Star reports that Manchester United are poised to make a club record £120m bid for Jadon Sancho.
“Sancho snatch” is the back page headline in the Star with the paper claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “winning the race” for the Borussia Dortmund ace.
The England winger, 20, has attracted interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent months but the Daily Mirror claims that United are determined to get their man, “despite the club record-breaking price it would take to do”.
United’s previous biggest transfer fee was the £89m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Coutinho to return to England?
Since leaving Liverpool for Barcelona in the 2018 January transfer window Philippe Coutinho has struggled to make an impact at the Camp Nou.
The Brazilian found himself loaned out to German champions Bayern Munich and now it’s reported that he could be on his way back to the English top flight.
Bayern are unlikely to take up an option to buy the 27-year-old and Sky Sports says Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham are all understood to want to take him on loan next season.
Real plan deal for Auba
The Daily Star says Real Madrid are keen on signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and are prepared to “pull out all the stops” to secure the transfer of the Arsenal captain.
Aubameyang has also recently been linked with Man Utd, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, but the Star reports that Real are hoping a “cash-plus-player deal” will be enough to persuade Arsenal to part with their star striker.
Spanish outlet Diario Madridista claims that Arsenal have already made contact with Real regarding a deal for Aubameyang, who is out of contract in the summer of 2021. The Gunners could cash in rather than risk losing him on a free transfer.
Dani Ceballos, who is on loan at Arsenal from Real, could be offered as part of a potential deal between the two clubs.
Today’s back pages
Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatch Sancho
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