theweekuk--2020-10-13--Revealed: the expert advice Boris Johnson ignored as UK coronavirus cases spiralled

Downing Street ignored advice from the government ’ s own experts to implement an immediate “ circuit breaker ” lockdown in September in order to curb the spread of Covid-19 , newly published documents show .
Following Boris Johnson ’ s announcement yesterday of a new three-tier lockdown system , the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies ( Sage ) published a series of minutes that show the prime minister overruled scientists who called warned three weeks ago that the country faced a “ very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences ” unless urgent action was taken .
The revelation comes amid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s response to the pandemic - and throws into doubt claims that ministers are simply “ following the science ” .
The Sage documents show that government scientists “ pressed for national lockdown measures such as stopping all household mixing and closing all pubs ” , The Telegraph reports .
Ministers were also advised to “ consider for immediate introduction ” the closure of restaurants , cafes and gyms , and a return to official guidance that all staff should work from home if possible .
And all university and college teaching should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ absolutely essential ” , Sage said .
“ The more rapidly interventions are put in place , and the more stringent they are , the faster the reduction in incidence and prevalence and the greater the reduction in Covid-related deaths , ” the experts advised .
“ Both local and national measures are needed ; measures should not be applied in too specific a geographical area.
” But rather than acting on the recommendation for a nationwide “ circuit-breaker ” lockdown , Johnson opted instead for more localised restrictions that failed to curb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a Zoom meeting on 21 September “ show in stark terms that Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty , Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and the government ’ s other scientific advisers are now publicly at odds with the policy being pursued by Boris Johnson and his ministers ” , says Politico London Playbook ’ s Alex Wickham .
Only one of the measures recommended by the experts was implemented , with the PM issuing a statement the following day urging employees to work from home .
Others restrictions advocated by Sage , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality sector , were implemented only in the worst-hit areas of the country .
Ministers were also warned that failure to act would see a second wave of the virus “ fall disproportionately on the frailest in our society , but also those on lower incomes and BAME communities ” .
The scientists said that as “ over 90 % of the population remain susceptible , not acting now to reduce cases will result in a very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences in terms of direct Covid-related deaths and the ability of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since the global outbreak reached the UK back in early spring , Johnson and his cabinet have repeatedly insisted that they have consulted scientists on how to tackle the health crisis effectively .
But as Politico ’ s Wickham says , “ you can expect the prime minister ’ s critics to spend today asking whether the government is doing enough to prevent a disastrous death toll during the second wave [ and ] why it rejected the advice of its experts ” .
Sage “ conceded its advice would have a negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pundit , who suggests that “ the economic argument ultimately quite simply won out over the public health concerns ” .
On 22 September - a day after the Zoom meeting with Whitty and Vallance - Johnson was reported to have sided with Chancellor Rishi Sunak against lockdown hawks in his cabinet who were also calling for nationwide measures .
Despite scientists ’ verdict that “ single interventions by themselves ” would not bring the reproduction rate of the virus below one , Downing Street continued with the strategy of imposing only localised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ documents is now raising fresh “ questions over the prime minister ’ s decision to introduce the tightest restrictions only on Merseyside ” , reports The Times , which notes that the PM is “ pressing other northern cities to agree to similar restrictions ” .
“ This all helps to explain why Whitty not very subtly dumped on Johnson ’ s three-tier strategy while standing next to him at yesterday ’ s [ daily government ] press conference , ” adds Politico ’ s Wickham .
“ While he was careful to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ help ’ slow the spread of the virus , the chief medical officer said he was ‘ not confident ’ the base level of restrictions in ‘ very high ’ alert areas would be enough to get on top of it.
” The Sage files also offer a “ damning assessment ” of the NHS Test and Trace scheme , which the panel of government advisers had previously said “ needed to be working effectively before the national lockdown was lifted , and when schools reopened ” , says The Guardian .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that “ low levels of engagement ” and testing delays meant the system was “ having a marginal impact on transmission ” .
“ Unless the system grows at the same rate as the epidemic , and support is given to people to enable them to adhere to self-isolation , it is likely that the impact of test , trace and isolate will further decline in the future , ” the scientists added .
Despite the guidance , Johnson said on 22 September that testing and tracing has “ very little or nothing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” of the Covid-19 coronavirus .
During a debate in Commons , he insisted that the spread “ is caused by contact between human beings and all the things that we ’ re trying to minimise ” - a statement that shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth dismissed as “ nonsense ” in a subsequent tweet .
The system has so far cost £12bn , and 2,000 contact tracing staff have been laid off in recent weeks despite rising infection rates .

Only one of the measures recommended by the experts was implemented, with the PM issuing a statement the following day urging employees to work from home. Others restrictions advocated by Sage, such as closing down parts of the hospitality sector, were implemented only in the worst-hit areas of the country.
Minutes from a Zoom meeting on 21 September “show in stark terms that Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty, Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance and the government’s other scientific advisers are now publicly at odds with the policy being pursued by Boris Johnson and his ministers”, says Politico London Playbook’s Alex Wickham.
But rather than acting on the recommendation for a nationwide “circuit-breaker” lockdown , Johnson opted instead for more localised restrictions that failed to curb the spike in coronavirus infections .
“The more rapidly interventions are put in place, and the more stringent they are, the faster the reduction in incidence and prevalence and the greater the reduction in Covid-related deaths,” the experts advised. “Both local and national measures are needed; measures should not be applied in too specific a geographical area.”
Ministers were also advised to “consider for immediate introduction” the closure of restaurants, cafes and gyms, and a return to official guidance that all staff should work from home if possible. And all university and college teaching should be online “unless face-to-face teaching is absolutely essential”, Sage said.
The Sage documents show that government scientists “pressed for national lockdown measures such as stopping all household mixing and closing all pubs”, The Telegraph reports.
The revelation comes amid growing criticism of No. 10’s response to the pandemic - and throws into doubt claims that ministers are simply “following the science”.
Following Boris Johnson’s announcement yesterday of a new three-tier lockdown system , the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) published a series of minutes that show the prime minister overruled scientists who called warned three weeks ago that the country faced a “very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences” unless urgent action was taken.
Downing Street ignored advice from the government’s own experts to implement an immediate “circuit breaker” lockdown in September in order to curb the spread of Covid-19, newly published documents show.
Ministers were also warned that failure to act would see a second wave of the virus “fall disproportionately on the frailest in our society, but also those on lower incomes and BAME communities”.
The scientists said that as “over 90% of the population remain susceptible, not acting now to reduce cases will result in a very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences in terms of direct Covid-related deaths and the ability of the health service to meet needs”.
‘Following the science’
Since the global outbreak reached the UK back in early spring, Johnson and his cabinet have repeatedly insisted that they have consulted scientists on how to tackle the health crisis effectively.
But as Politico’s Wickham says, “you can expect the prime minister’s critics to spend today asking whether the government is doing enough to prevent a disastrous death toll during the second wave [and] why it rejected the advice of its experts”.
Sage “conceded its advice would have a negative economic impact”, notes the political pundit, who suggests that “the economic argument ultimately quite simply won out over the public health concerns”.
On 22 September - a day after the Zoom meeting with Whitty and Vallance - Johnson was reported to have sided with Chancellor Rishi Sunak against lockdown hawks in his cabinet who were also calling for nationwide measures.
Despite scientists’ verdict that “single interventions by themselves” would not bring the reproduction rate of the virus below one, Downing Street continued with the strategy of imposing only localised restrictions.
The publication of the Sage documents is now raising fresh “questions over the prime minister’s decision to introduce the tightest restrictions only on Merseyside”, reports The Times, which notes that the PM is “pressing other northern cities to agree to similar restrictions”.
“This all helps to explain why Whitty not very subtly dumped on Johnson’s three-tier strategy while standing next to him at yesterday’s [daily government] press conference,” adds Politico’s Wickham.
“While he was careful to insist the government’s policy would ‘help’ slow the spread of the virus, the chief medical officer said he was ‘not confident’ the base level of restrictions in ‘very high’ alert areas would be enough to get on top of it.”
Testing times
The Sage files also offer a “damning assessment” of the NHS Test and Trace scheme, which the panel of government advisers had previously said “needed to be working effectively before the national lockdown was lifted, and when schools reopened”, says The Guardian.
The experts warned the government last month that “low levels of engagement” and testing delays meant the system was “having a marginal impact on transmission”.
“Unless the system grows at the same rate as the epidemic, and support is given to people to enable them to adhere to self-isolation, it is likely that the impact of test, trace and isolate will further decline in the future,” the scientists added.
Despite the guidance, Johnson said on 22 September that testing and tracing has “very little or nothing to do with the spread and transmission” of the Covid-19 coronavirus.
During a debate in Commons, he insisted that the spread “is caused by contact between human beings and all the things that we’re trying to minimise” - a statement that shadow health secretary Jon Ashworth dismissed as “nonsense” in a subsequent tweet.
The system has so far cost £12bn, and 2,000 contact tracing staff have been laid off in recent weeks despite rising infection rates.


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Coronavirus polls: how Brits are feeling about new lockdown rules

Most people in the UK believe the government “ has no clear plan ” for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic , according to a poll conducted following Boris Johnson ’ s announcement of a new three-tier lockdown system .
Only 20 % of voters now think that Downing street has a strategy to tackle coronavirus outbreaks in Britain , while 64 % of almost 3,000 adults quizzed by YouGov yesterday believe there is no plan , with the remaining 16 % undecided .
The widespread disapproval of the government ’ s handling of the crisis is split across party lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convinced that No .
10 has no strategy , compared with 54 % of Tory supporters .
But even among Conservative voters , confidence in the government is low , with fewer than four in ten ( 37 % ) telling the pollsters that they do think Johnson and his team have a clear plan .
The new three-tier system for lockdowns has been met with fierce resistance from many political leaders in the North , who say they were left out of key planning discussions .
The plan also been savaged by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Johnson of losing control of the pandemic “ long ago ” .
And many voters seem to share that view .
The latest results from YouGov ’ s government approval weekly tracker , from 5 October , shows 55 % of Brits disapproving of Downing Street , with just 27 % approving .
In late March , the government ’ s approval rating was as high as 52 % .
But fast-forward to last week and Starmer continued to lead Johnson in the latest YouGov/Times “ best prime minister ” question , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 and 7 October backing the Labour leader , compared with 29 % who still favour the current PM for the top job .
There is some good polling news for the Conservatives , however .
Latest voting intention figures , also from last week , saw the Conservatives retake their lead over Labour , at 41 % to 38 % .
In the week beginning 28 September , both parties were polling neck-and-neck at 39 % each .

Most people in the UK believe the government “has no clear plan” for dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a poll conducted following Boris Johnson’s announcement of a new three-tier lockdown system.
Only 20% of voters now think that Downing street has a strategy to tackle coronavirus outbreaks in Britain, while 64% of almost 3,000 adults quizzed by YouGov yesterday believe there is no plan, with the remaining 16% undecided.
The widespread disapproval of the government’s handling of the crisis is split across party lines, with 81% of Labour voters convinced that No. 10 has no strategy, compared with 54% of Tory supporters.
But even among Conservative voters, confidence in the government is low, with fewer than four in ten (37%) telling the pollsters that they do think Johnson and his team have a clear plan.
The new three-tier system for lockdowns has been met with fierce resistance from many political leaders in the North, who say they were left out of key planning discussions. The plan also been savaged by Labour leader Keir Starmer, who yesterday accused Johnson of losing control of the pandemic “long ago”.
And many voters seem to share that view. The latest results from YouGov’s government approval weekly tracker, from 5 October, shows 55% of Brits disapproving of Downing Street, with just 27% approving.
In late March, the government’s approval rating was as high as 52%.
But fast-forward to last week and Starmer continued to lead Johnson in the latest YouGov/Times “best prime minister” question, with 33% of respondents quizzed on 6 and 7 October backing the Labour leader, compared with 29% who still favour the current PM for the top job.
There is some good polling news for the Conservatives, however. Latest voting intention figures, also from last week, saw the Conservatives retake their lead over Labour, at 41% to 38%.
In the week beginning 28 September, both parties were polling neck-and-neck at 39% each.


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Why a UK-French spat over fishing rights may trigger a no-deal Brexit

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France will show “no weakness” during crunch negotiations over Brexit fishing rights, President Emmanuel Macron’s Europe minister has warned.
As Britain and the EU prepare to return to the negotiating table in a bid to hammer out a free trade deal, Clement Beaune insisted that France “will not accept a bad deal and a bad deal in fisheries in particular. We will have no weakness on this issue of fisheries, that is clear.”
The warning follows a phone call on Saturday between Boris Johnson and Macron during which the UK leader threatened to quit the talks if the “shape” of a trade deal is not in sight by Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels, The Telegraph reports.
A defiant Beaune yesterday told “the UK and his EU allies that Paris would not allow French fishermen to be sacrificed just to get the free trade agreement over the line”, the newspaper adds.
Some EU countries, including Denmark, Spain and the Netherlands, are expected to support France on the issue, but others, such as Germany, believe a zero tariff trade deal is more important than the demands of the fishing sector.
The dispute centres on the question of who will have the right to catch what and in which waters when the Brexit transition period ends on 31 December. Boats from member states land about eight times more fish in UK waters than British fishermen do in EU waters, but the UK is dependent on the European export market.
Economics aside, fishing has also long been “an emotional issue” in the UK’s relationship with the bloc, and Brexiteers “see it as a symbol of sovereignty that will now be regained”, says the BBC.
And that means an industry worth a “minuscule share of GDP - an economic sprat, a mere tiddler - could still sink the talks” this week, says Politico.
“As things stand, a poisonous mixture of political over-bidding and technical complexity threatens to capsize the entire post-Brexit negotiation,” the news site adds.


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Tuesday 13 Oct 2020

A man from the US state of Nevada has become one of only a few people in the world to @ @ @ @ @ The 25-year-old required hospital treatment after his lungs could not get enough oxygen into his @ @ @ @ @ .
The BBC says the case “ raises questions about how much immunity can be @ @ @ @ @ ” , however , reinfection remains rare and he has now recovered .

Immunity under scrutiny as man catches Covid twice
A man from the US state of Nevada has become one of only a few people in the world to have caught Covid-19 twice. The 25-year-old required hospital treatment after his lungs could not get enough oxygen into his body following the second infection. The BBC says the case “raises questions about how much immunity can be built up to the virus”, however, reinfection remains rare and he has now recovered.


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Woman ‘cursed with cancer’ after stealing items from Pompeii

A woman who stole pieces from the ancient Italian city of Pompeii has returned the fragments 15 years later with a letter explaining how they brought a “ curse ” to her life .
The unnamed Canadian woman said she visited the Archaeological Park of Pompeii when she was “ young and dumb ” .
Since she took the mosaic tiles , parts of an amphora and a piece of ceramic she has had a string of misfortune , including two bouts of breast cancer .
Man wins lottery twice in one day A man in Michigan struck lucky twice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( £766,235 ) lottery jackpot on the same day he won a $ 5,000 ( £3,831 ) prize .
The 24-year-old said that after he won $ 5,000 from a Super Bonus Cashword scratch-off ticket he was “ still feeling pretty lucky , ” so he “ bought a couple Ruby Mine tickets and hit $ 1 million ” .
He plans to buy a new home and a new car .
A pumpkin weighing 2,350 pounds ( 1,066 kilograms ) has won this year ’ s Half Moon Bay pumpkin contest .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ second-heaviest ever weighed at the 40-year-old California event .
The heaviest of all time was recorded in 2018 when a grower in New Hampshire produced a pumpkin weighing more than 2,500 pounds ( 1,134 kilograms ) .

A woman who stole pieces from the ancient Italian city of Pompeii has returned the fragments 15 years later with a letter explaining how they brought a “curse” to her life. The unnamed Canadian woman said she visited the Archaeological Park of Pompeii when she was “young and dumb”. Since she took the mosaic tiles, parts of an amphora and a piece of ceramic she has had a string of misfortune, including two bouts of breast cancer.
Man wins lottery twice in one day
A man in Michigan struck lucky twice when he won a $1 million (£766,235) lottery jackpot on the same day he won a $5,000 (£3,831) prize. The 24-year-old said that after he won $5,000 from a Super Bonus Cashword scratch-off ticket he was “still feeling pretty lucky,” so he “bought a couple Ruby Mine tickets and hit $1 million”. He plans to buy a new home and a new car.
Huge pumpkin wins California contest
A pumpkin weighing 2,350 pounds (1,066 kilograms) has won this year’s Half Moon Bay pumpkin contest. Travis Gienger’s specimen was the second-heaviest ever weighed at the 40-year-old California event. The heaviest of all time was recorded in 2018 when a grower in New Hampshire produced a pumpkin weighing more than 2,500 pounds (1,134 kilograms).


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Electing serial abusers will ‘entirely discredit’ UN human rights body, campaigners warn

A string of countries accused of perpetrating human rights abuses are on course to win election to the United Nations Human Rights Council , despite protests from activists and political dissidents .
China , Saudi Arabia , Russia , Cuba and Pakistan are expected to secure places on the governing board of the organisation in a vote today - a move described by Geneva-based monitoring group UN Watch as “ like making a gang of arsonists into the fire brigade ” .
Each country must win 97 votes in the UN General Assembly to be appointed as one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ meaning a concerted campaign among democracies could still stand a chance of blocking their election ” , The Times reports .
But “ thanks to backroom deals ” , Cuba and Russia are running unopposed , while China , Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are competing with Nepal and Uzbekistan for Asia ’ s four seats , the newspaper says .
The UK government is among the global powers that have been urged to oppose their election .
Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has written to her opposite number Dominic Raab citing UN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and protection of human rights ” when voting , The Guardian reports .
Arguing that the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang is “ prima facie , a crime against humanity ” , Nandy and Labour are calling on Downing Street to “ oppose China ’ s election ” and “ make clear to the world the reasons for doing so ” .
If elected , it would be China ’ s fifth term on the council , having waited nine months to be eligible again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jianli , an exiled dissident , last week told a press conference organised by UN Watch that during the past year , Beijing has “ escalated human rights repression across the board ” .
Downing Street has refused to confirm how Britain will vote , with a Foreign Office spokesperson simply saying that “ as the foreign secretary has said , the international community will not turn a blind eye to egregious human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang ” .
Human Rights Watch ( HRW ) has warned that the appointment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held a seat on the council until 2019 , would “ prevent scrutiny of their abuses and those by their allies ” .
The New York City-based organisation ’ s UN director , Louis Charbonneau , argues that “ serial rights abusers should not be rewarded with seats on the Human Rights Council ” , adding : “ It ’ s not good for human rights or for the rights council when the worst rights violators get elected.
” In September , “ dozens of nations condemned Saudi Arabia before the council over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the murder Jamal Khashoggi ” , the dissident journalist killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey in October 2018 , Al Jazzera reports .
The council has “ alleged other serious rights violations in Saudi Arabia , including reports of torture , arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances , and HRW noted the Saudi-led coalition also continues to commit war crimes against civilians in Yemen ” , the news site adds .
The potential election of Russia is extremely controversial too , with Moscow accused of repeatedly carrying out state sanctioned attacks on dissidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the body would “ entirely discredit ” the UN as a defender of human rights , according to Bill Browder , who founded the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign following his close adviser Sergei Magnitsky ’ s death in a Moscow prison after being denied medical treatment .

A string of countries accused of perpetrating human rights abuses are on course to win election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, despite protests from activists and political dissidents.
China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Cuba and Pakistan are expected to secure places on the governing board of the organisation in a vote today - a move described by Geneva-based monitoring group UN Watch as “like making a gang of arsonists into the fire brigade”.
Each country must win 97 votes in the UN General Assembly to be appointed as one of the council’s 14 member states, “meaning a concerted campaign among democracies could still stand a chance of blocking their election”, The Times reports.
But “thanks to backroom deals”, Cuba and Russia are running unopposed, while China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are competing with Nepal and Uzbekistan for Asia’s four seats, the newspaper says.
The UK government is among the global powers that have been urged to oppose their election. Shadow foreign secretary Lisa Nandy has written to her opposite number Dominic Raab citing UN guidance that countries should “take into account the contribution of candidates to the promotion and protection of human rights” when voting, The Guardian reports.
Arguing that the treatment of Uighurs in Xinjiang is “prima facie, a crime against humanity”, Nandy and Labour are calling on Downing Street to “oppose China’s election” and “make clear to the world the reasons for doing so”.
If elected, it would be China’s fifth term on the council, having waited nine months to be eligible again under the terms of re-election. Yang Jianli, an exiled dissident, last week told a press conference organised by UN Watch that during the past year, Beijing has “escalated human rights repression across the board”.
Downing Street has refused to confirm how Britain will vote, with a Foreign Office spokesperson simply saying that “as the foreign secretary has said, the international community will not turn a blind eye to egregious human rights violations and abuses in Xinjiang”.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned that the appointment of China and Saudi Arabia, which also held a seat on the council until 2019, would “prevent scrutiny of their abuses and those by their allies”.
The New York City-based organisation’s UN director, Louis Charbonneau, argues that “serial rights abusers should not be rewarded with seats on the Human Rights Council”, adding: “It’s not good for human rights or for the rights council when the worst rights violators get elected.”
In September, “dozens of nations condemned Saudi Arabia before the council over serious rights violations and demanded accountability for the murder Jamal Khashoggi”, the dissident journalist killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey in October 2018, Al Jazzera reports.
The council has “alleged other serious rights violations in Saudi Arabia, including reports of torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, and HRW noted the Saudi-led coalition also continues to commit war crimes against civilians in Yemen”, the news site adds.
The potential election of Russia is extremely controversial too, with Moscow accused of repeatedly carrying out state sanctioned attacks on dissidents living in foreign countries.
Appointing Russia to the body would “entirely discredit” the UN as a defender of human rights, according to Bill Browder, who founded the Global Magnitsky Justice campaign following his close adviser Sergei Magnitsky’s death in a Moscow prison after being denied medical treatment.


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Red Claire: Keir Starmer’s top policy chief was ‘hard-left student activist’

Keir Starmer ’ s close aide Claire Ainsley is a former member of a Trotskyist party who opposed Nato intervention in Kosovo , it has emerged .
Ainsley is now “ the opposition ’ s well-regarded director of policy ” , but while serving as president of the student union at the University of York , she campaigned against Tony Blair ’ s Labour government as a member of the Socialist Workers ’ Party ( SWP ) , The Times reports .
In 1998 , Ainsley told students that she had joined the SWP - “ a self-styled revolutionary party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far-left ” , according to the newspaper - “ because I don ’ t believe that our views are represented by those in power ” .
She also helped to organise marches opposing Nato ’ s intervention in Slobodan Milosevic ’ s campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Albanian population in Kosovo .
At one protest , attendees were said to have chanted : “ Blair and Clinton , hear us say , how many kids have you killed today ?
” Ainsley compared the conflict to the Vietnam War and tried unsuccessfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ condemn the US-led intervention in Kosovo .
“ People see that what Nato is doing is wrong , ” she told Nouse , the university ’ s student paper , at the time .
She would go on to write music reviews for the Morning Star , a communist newspaper , and also worked for the Transport and General Workers ’ Union .
More recently , she has written a book titled The New Working Class : How to Win Hearts , Minds and Votes , published in 2018 , and worked as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tank before joining Starmer ’ s policy operation in April .
Ainsley ’ s influence in Starmer ’ s team is considerable , with the London Economic last month describing her as “ Labour ’ s answer to Dominic Cummings ” .
Her rise is all the more notable given that little more than two years ago , she was still openly criticising Labour .
In an article published in The Times shortly after the release of her book , Ainsley wrote that the party had “ steadily seen its working-class vote fall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not comprehend that “ what it means to be working class today has significantly changed ” , she added .
Ainsley and Labour declined to comment when asked by the paper this week about her hard-left past .

Keir Starmer’s close aide Claire Ainsley is a former member of a Trotskyist party who opposed Nato intervention in Kosovo, it has emerged.
Ainsley is now “the opposition’s well-regarded director of policy”, but while serving as president of the student union at the University of York, she campaigned against Tony Blair’s Labour government as a member of the Socialist Workers’ Party (SWP), The Times reports.
In 1998, Ainsley told students that she had joined the SWP - “a self-styled revolutionary party divisive even by the standards of the far-left”, according to the newspaper - “because I don’t believe that our views are represented by those in power”.
She also helped to organise marches opposing Nato’s intervention in Slobodan Milosevic’s campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Albanian population in Kosovo. At one protest, attendees were said to have chanted: “Blair and Clinton, hear us say, how many kids have you killed today?”
Ainsley compared the conflict to the Vietnam War and tried unsuccessfully to convince her student union to formally condemn the US-led intervention in Kosovo. “People see that what Nato is doing is wrong,” she told Nouse, the university’s student paper, at the time.
She would go on to write music reviews for the Morning Star, a communist newspaper, and also worked for the Transport and General Workers’ Union.
More recently, she has written a book titled The New Working Class: How to Win Hearts, Minds and Votes, published in 2018, and worked as head of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation think tank before joining Starmer’s policy operation in April.
Ainsley’s influence in Starmer’s team is considerable, with the London Economic last month describing her as “Labour’s answer to Dominic Cummings”.
Her rise is all the more notable given that little more than two years ago, she was still openly criticising Labour.
In an article published in The Times shortly after the release of her book, Ainsley wrote that the party had “steadily seen its working-class vote fall”.
Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour did not comprehend that “what it means to be working class today has significantly changed”, she added.
Ainsley and Labour declined to comment when asked by the paper this week about her hard-left past.


theweekuk--2020-10-12--Recipe for success: best baking equipment

Coronavirus lockdowns have given rise to a trend that has added a welcome slice of comfort to countless peoples ’ live .
As Reuters reported back in April , Britain has been home to a “ baking frenzy ” , with online recipe searches hitting all-time highs and flour stocks running low .
Not everyone is going to make it into the tent as a contender for The Great British Bake Off , but we can all create tasty breads , cakes and sweet treats in our own kitchens using a few key pieces of kit .
Here we pick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the market ...
This extensive collection of cake piping nozzles in a great-value buy to help you take your cake decorating to the next level .
Ideal for techniques from writing names to icing on zigzags , stars and more , the 32 nozzles come with a special case for tidy storage .
Beloved by seasoned bakers , this stand mixer is a versatile piece of kit that includes a dough hook for kneading , a whisk , and a flat beater for mixing heavy ingredients .
Smaller models are also available @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these Salter scales will weigh out your ingredients in exact qualities in both imperial and metric measurements .
The “ Add and Weigh ” function allows you to measure multiple ingredients in the same bowl or pan , and the sleek design is compact , with an easy-to-clean stainless steel top .
This clever new tool is like a hand mixer and a hairdryer combined .
It blows warm air through the ingredients as you mix , which can cut down on preparation time if you ’ re using cold butter .
When @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to hold the dough while it rests will allow the outer skin to dry out , helping the loaf keep its shape and forming the foundation of the crust .

Coronavirus lockdowns have given rise to a trend that has added a welcome slice of comfort to countless peoples’ live.
As Reuters reported back in April, Britain has been home to a “baking frenzy”, with online recipe searches hitting all-time highs and flour stocks running low.
Not everyone is going to make it into the tent as a contender for The Great British Bake Off, but we can all create tasty breads, cakes and sweet treats in our own kitchens using a few key pieces of kit.
Here we pick out some of the best baking equipment on the market...
InnoGear 32-Pieces Cake Piping Nozzles Tips Kit
This extensive collection of cake piping nozzles in a great-value buy to help you take your cake decorating to the next level. Ideal for techniques from writing names to icing on zigzags, stars and more, the 32 nozzles come with a special case for tidy storage.
£7.99; amazon.co.uk
KitchenAid Artisan 5KSM125BLT Stand Mixer
Beloved by seasoned bakers, this stand mixer is a versatile piece of kit that includes a dough hook for kneading, a whisk, and a flat beater for mixing heavy ingredients. Smaller models are also available.
£349; currys.co.uk
Salter Disc Electronic Digital Kitchen Scales
Baking is a precision science and these Salter scales will weigh out your ingredients in exact qualities in both imperial and metric measurements. The “Add and Weigh” function allows you to measure multiple ingredients in the same bowl or pan, and the sleek design is compact, with an easy-to-clean stainless steel top.
£20; salterhousewares.co.uk
Breville Hand Mixer with HeatSoft Technology VFM021
This clever new tool is like a hand mixer and a hairdryer combined. It blows warm air through the ingredients as you mix, which can cut down on preparation time if you’re using cold butter.
£50; lakeland.co.uk
Round Homemade Bread Dough Proving Basket
When making bread, a breathable proving basket to hold the dough while it rests will allow the outer skin to dry out, helping the loaf keep its shape and forming the foundation of the crust.
£11; lakeland.co.uk


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Instant Opinion: Boris Johnson should ‘hug Keir Starmer close’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
“ As with the Second World War , when Labour leader Clement Attlee served as deputy prime minister to Churchill but a Labour spokesman continued to challenge the government , the opposition could continue to ask questions about Covid policy but Sir Keir would be bringing his party behind the national effort .
It is perhaps a startling suggestion , one Sir Keir may reject and Conservatives will resist .
I make it not because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precisely because I don ’ t .
These are not normal circumstances and we all need to work together.
” Trump thrived in the ‘ attention economy , ’ but now he is hitting its limits “ ‘ Trump is pretending it ’ s 2016 again , ’ Ryan Lizza wrote Tuesday night , and he ’ s ‘ lost the populist message that won him an unlikely victory.
’ This doesn ’ t mean Trump support is boring or irrelevant .
I think voters ’ choices should constantly be getting more attention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ show ’ that seems to be fading .
Reporters are picking up on a whiff of desperation at the rallies ... As sensed in Trump ’ s comment in Johnstown on Tuesday night : ‘ Suburban women , will you please like me ?
’ The headline on Kathryn Watson ’ s ensuing story for CBS : ‘ Trump makes plea to suburban women in Pennsylvania.
’ A plea ... ” on handing power to an ‘ economic elite ’ The Conservatives are shrinking the state – to make room for money and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] promises to restore sovereignty are lies .
While using the language of liberation , he denies power to both people and parliament .
He promised to curtail the state , but under his government , the state is bursting back into our lives , breaking down our doors , expanding its powers while reducing ours .
Instead , he gives power away to a thing he calls ‘ the market ’ , which is a euphemism for the power of private money .
This power is concentrated in a small number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back and letting the private sector get on with it , he means that democratic power is being surrendered to oligarchs.
” 4 .
Anna Sauerbrey in The New York Times on tensions between Berlin and Moscow “ Germany is seeking the support of its European partners .
On Monday , the European Union ’ s foreign ministers approved the proposal , put forth by Germany and France , to impose sanctions on Russian officials suspected of poisoning Mr. Navalny .
Turning the conflict into a European issue is a smart move .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to split the European Union ; this is a chance for Europe to respond with one voice ...
The confrontation may have progressed too far already : Mr. Putin is unlikely to forget , or forgive , the actions of the past weeks .
And as Russia confronts the coronavirus at home and conflicts among its neighbors , there ’ s no guessing what might come next .
Germany ought to be prepared — and know how it will respond.
” on faith in the prime minister Yes , Boris , this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in you “ If Boris doesn ’ t trust the British people with the truth – according to the most recent peer-reviewed paper on Covid-19 , 99.8 per cent of all people who get the virus survive , including 99.96 per cent of those under 70 – then why on earth should we trust him ?
Treat us like children and we ’ ll act like them .
They call this a tipping point and they well could be right , but not in the way they think .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Daniel Finkelstein in The Times
on winning cross-party support
Why Johnson should hug Starmer close
“As with the Second World War, when Labour leader Clement Attlee served as deputy prime minister to Churchill but a Labour spokesman continued to challenge the government, the opposition could continue to ask questions about Covid policy but Sir Keir would be bringing his party behind the national effort. It is perhaps a startling suggestion, one Sir Keir may reject and Conservatives will resist. I make it not because I agree with the Labour leader but precisely because I don’t. These are not normal circumstances and we all need to work together.”
2. Brian Stelter on CNN
on the president’s fading star
Trump thrived in the ‘attention economy,’ but now he is hitting its limits
“‘Trump is pretending it’s 2016 again,’ Ryan Lizza wrote Tuesday night, and he’s ‘lost the populist message that won him an unlikely victory.’ This doesn’t mean Trump support is boring or irrelevant. I think voters’ choices should constantly be getting more attention. It’s ‘the Trump show’ that seems to be fading. Reporters are picking up on a whiff of desperation at the rallies... As sensed in Trump’s comment in Johnstown on Tuesday night: ‘Suburban women, will you please like me?’ The headline on Kathryn Watson’s ensuing story for CBS: ‘Trump makes plea to suburban women in Pennsylvania.’ A plea...”
3. George Monbiot in The Guardian
on handing power to an ‘economic elite’
The Conservatives are shrinking the state – to make room for money and privilege
“[Boris Johnson’s] promises to restore sovereignty are lies. While using the language of liberation, he denies power to both people and parliament. He promised to curtail the state, but under his government, the state is bursting back into our lives, breaking down our doors, expanding its powers while reducing ours. Instead, he gives power away to a thing he calls ‘the market’, which is a euphemism for the power of private money. This power is concentrated in a small number of hands. When Johnson talks of standing back and letting the private sector get on with it, he means that democratic power is being surrendered to oligarchs.”
4. Anna Sauerbrey in The New York Times
on tensions between Berlin and Moscow
Is Germany Turning Against Russia?
“Germany is seeking the support of its European partners. On Monday, the European Union’s foreign ministers approved the proposal, put forth by Germany and France, to impose sanctions on Russian officials suspected of poisoning Mr. Navalny. Turning the conflict into a European issue is a smart move. It is Mr. Putin’s aim to split the European Union; this is a chance for Europe to respond with one voice... The confrontation may have progressed too far already: Mr. Putin is unlikely to forget, or forgive, the actions of the past weeks. And as Russia confronts the coronavirus at home and conflicts among its neighbors, there’s no guessing what might come next. Germany ought to be prepared — and know how it will respond.”
5. Allison Pearson in The Daily Telegraph
on faith in the prime minister
Yes, Boris, this is the tipping point – for our trust in you
“If Boris doesn’t trust the British people with the truth – according to the most recent peer-reviewed paper on Covid-19, 99.8 per cent of all people who get the virus survive, including 99.96 per cent of those under 70 – then why on earth should we trust him? Treat us like children and we’ll act like them. They call this a tipping point and they well could be right, but not in the way they think.”


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Two coronavirus trials paused over safety concerns

Clinical trials of a potential vaccine for Covid-19 and a treatment for people with severe cases of the disease have been put on hold because of separate safety concerns .
The treatment , produced by US drug company Eli Lilly , is “ similar to one taken by US President Donald Trump this month ” , says the Financial Times .
It involves an infusion of “ monoclonal antibodies ” - artificially produced cells that mimic the human body ’ s natural immune response to the coronavirus .
“ Ambiguity ” in Eli Lilly ’ s statements mean the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a trial may be halted if a treatment “ has a very low chance of working , based on the data so far ” or if “ patients in one group are faring much worse than those in the other ” , The New York Times reports .
The Eli Lilly announcement came a day after Johnson & Johnson said trials of its coronavirus vaccine were being suspended after a patient in the study fell ill .
The injection is “ one of six coronavirus vaccines being tested in the US , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Phase 3 stage ” , reports CNN .
Trials of another vaccine in the final stage of testing , developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca , were twice put on hold due to unexplained illnesses , but have now resumed in most participating countries .
“ In large clinical trials , pauses are not unusual , and declines in health in volunteers are not necessarily the result of the experimental drug or vaccine , ” says The New York Times .
“ Such halts are meant to allow an independent board of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determine whether the event may have been related to the treatment or occurred by chance.
” Dr Ashish Jha of the Brown University School of Public Health told CNN that delays of this sort were “ completely expected ” in a trial involving 60,000 people .
Johnson & Johnson said yesterday that its team had not yet established whether the ill patient had received the potential vaccine or a placebo .

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theweekuk--2020-10-14--iPhone 12 launch: what we learned from the Apple ‘Hi, Speed’ event

Another month , another exciting Apple launch .
Just weeks after the unveiling of the Watch Series 6 and new iPad Air , the iPhone 12 has finally landed .
The tech giant presented the new smartphone to the world last night at a “ Hi , Speed ” virtual event , with details of the HomePod mini and range of MagSafe accessories also revealed .
Available in four options - the iPhone 12 , iPhone 12 mini , iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max - the new flagship handsets are the first from Apple that work on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s boss Tim Cook said : “ 5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads , higher-quality video streaming , more responsive gaming , real-time interactivity and so much more.
” The iPhone 12 models also introduce MagSafe , a magnetic attachment system “ which offers high-powered wireless charging and an all-new ecosystem of accessories that easily attach to iPhone ” , according to a statement from Apple .
But “ for the first time , none of the devices will be bundled with headphones or a charger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ company says the move is intended to reduce the impact on the environment .
Here we look at what else Apple , and tech journalists , have had to say about the new iPhone 12 range .
The standard iPhone 12 , which has a 6.1in display , is joined by the iPhone 12 mini , featuring a 5.4in display .
Both are “ packed with 5G technology ” and the latest A14 Bionic chip , CNBC reports , and the 12 series “ instantly reminds of the classic iPhone 4 with flat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ major bet on 5G ” , but despite that investment the 12 mini is the “ most affordable flagship-series phone the company has announced in several years ” , says The Daily Telegraph .
Described by Apple as heralding a “ new era ” for the iPhone , the handsets offer an “ advanced dual-camera system , and a Super Retina XDR display with the Ceramic Shield front cover ” .
Both will be available in 64GB , 128GB , and 256GB models , with a choice of five aluminum finishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ white , and ( Product ) Red .
Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 open on 16 October , with availability from 23 October .
The iPhone 12 mini can be pre-ordered from 6 November and will be in stores from 13 November .
The iPhone 12 Pro features the powerful A14 Bionic chip , all-new design with Ceramic Shield , pro camera system , LiDAR Scanner , and the biggest Super Retina XDR display yet .
And like the standard iPhone 12 , the Pro model has a 6.1in OLED screen – larger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 Pro .
The iPhone 12 Pro Max , meanwhile , is the largest Apple smartphone , with a 6.7in OLED screen .
Both the Pro and Pro Max get “ premium materials and three cameras , as well as lidar for depth mapping , AR and low-light autofocus ” , CNet reports .
Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 Pro open on 16 October , with the handsets in stores from 23 October .
iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-orders start on 6 November and general sale starts from 13 November .
Both are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 512GB models , with colour choices comprising graphite , silver , gold , and pacific blue .
As well as launching its new range of iPhone devices , Apple has also revealed details of the MagSafe accessories for the 12 and 12 Pro .
Designed specifically for the new smartphones , the accessories range includes cases and wallets with built-in magnets for faster wireless charging .
The newest addition to the HomePod smart speaker family is designed to work with Apple ’ s range of devices to play Apple Music , podcasts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the HomePod mini is “ packed with innovative technologies and advanced software ” , according to Apple , and offers Siri assistance .
Available in white or space grey , the HomePod mini is powered by Apple ’ s S5 chip , “ the same one in the Apple Watch SE and Series 5 ” , says the Daily Mail .

Another month, another exciting Apple launch. Just weeks after the unveiling of the Watch Series 6 and new iPad Air, the iPhone 12 has finally landed.
The tech giant presented the new smartphone to the world last night at a “Hi, Speed” virtual event, with details of the HomePod mini and range of MagSafe accessories also revealed.
Available in four options - the iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max - the new flagship handsets are the first from Apple that work on faster 5G networks.
The California-based company’s boss Tim Cook said: “5G will bring a new level of performance for downloads and uploads, higher-quality video streaming, more responsive gaming, real-time interactivity and so much more.”
The iPhone 12 models also introduce MagSafe, a magnetic attachment system “which offers high-powered wireless charging and an all-new ecosystem of accessories that easily attach to iPhone”, according to a statement from Apple.
But “for the first time, none of the devices will be bundled with headphones or a charger”, reports the BBC. The company says the move is intended to reduce the impact on the environment.
Here we look at what else Apple, and tech journalists, have had to say about the new iPhone 12 range.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini
The standard iPhone 12, which has a 6.1in display, is joined by the iPhone 12 mini, featuring a 5.4in display. Both are “packed with 5G technology” and the latest A14 Bionic chip, CNBC reports, and the 12 series “instantly reminds of the classic iPhone 4 with flat edges design”.
Apple has placed a “major bet on 5G”, but despite that investment the 12 mini is the “most affordable flagship-series phone the company has announced in several years”, says The Daily Telegraph.
Described by Apple as heralding a “new era” for the iPhone, the handsets offer an “advanced dual-camera system, and a Super Retina XDR display with the Ceramic Shield front cover”.
Both will be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models, with a choice of five aluminum finishes: blue, green, black, white, and (Product)Red.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 12 open on 16 October, with availability from 23 October. The iPhone 12 mini can be pre-ordered from 6 November and will be in stores from 13 November.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Ghislaine Maxwell’s lawyers try to block release of ‘sex trafficking’ deposition

Ghislaine Maxwell has launched a legal bid to prevent the release of a deposition containing “ testimony about intimate matters ” from a previous case relating to her relationship with late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein .
During a civil lawsuit in 2016 , Epstein ’ s key accuser , Virginia Roberts Giuffre , claimed that Maxwell trafficked her as a teenager to become a sex slave for the billionaire financier .
Guiffre also alleged that Maxwell and Epstein pressured her to have sex with other wealthy and powerful men , including Prince Andrew .
Following Maxwell ’ s arrest this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perjury linked to Epstein , Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered that the 418-page deposition from the previous case be unsealed .
Maxwell secured a delay , however .
The British socialite is now urging the US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to reverse Preska ’ s decision , arguing that unsealing the deposition “ will lead to a violation of [ her ] due process right to a fair trial by an impartial jury ” in the on-going criminal case .
The row “ stems from a legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the files released , The Guardian reports .
A lawyer for the newspaper told a panel of three judges on Tuesday that documents relating “ to the sex trafficking of young girls for years on behalf of the wealthy and the powerful ” have been “ kept secret for too long ” .
The judges will issue a written ruling at a later date , but “ appeared unconvinced ” by the arguments made by Maxwell ’ s lawyers , says The Independent .
Maxwell , who is being held in federal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hearing .
She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges .
Prince Andrew also denies the allegations against him relating to Epstein , who was found hanged in his prison cell last August while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges .

Ghislaine Maxwell has launched a legal bid to prevent the release of a deposition containing “testimony about intimate matters” from a previous case relating to her relationship with late convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
During a civil lawsuit in 2016, Epstein’s key accuser, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, claimed that Maxwell trafficked her as a teenager to become a sex slave for the billionaire financier. Guiffre also alleged that Maxwell and Epstein pressured her to have sex with other wealthy and powerful men, including Prince Andrew.
Following Maxwell’s arrest this summer for alleged sex crimes, conspiracy and perjury linked to Epstein, Manhattan federal court judge Loretta Preska ordered that the 418-page deposition from the previous case be unsealed. Maxwell secured a delay, however.
The British socialite is now urging the US Circuit Court of Appeals in New York to reverse Preska’s decision, arguing that unsealing the deposition “will lead to a violation of [her] due process right to a fair trial by an impartial jury” in the on-going criminal case.
The row “stems from a legal push by the Miami Herald” to have the files released, The Guardian reports. A lawyer for the newspaper told a panel of three judges on Tuesday that documents relating “to the sex trafficking of young girls for years on behalf of the wealthy and the powerful” have been “kept secret for too long”.
The judges will issue a written ruling at a later date, but “appeared unconvinced” by the arguments made by Maxwell’s lawyers, says The Independent.
Maxwell, who is being held in federal custody in Brooklyn, did not attend the hearing. She has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Prince Andrew also denies the allegations against him relating to Epstein, who was found hanged in his prison cell last August while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--White privilege theory leaves working-class boys with ‘status deficit’, MPs told

Pressure to apologise for “ white privilege ” is pushing white working-class boys even further “ behind everyone else ” , MPs have been warned .
Professor Matthew Goodwin , a politics professor at the University of Kent , told the Commons Education Select Committee yesterday that “ over the last ten years our national conversation has become more consumed about other groups in society ” .
White working-class boys , who are among the worst educational performers , are landed with “ a status deficit ” and made “ to feel as though they are not being given as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Goodwin said .
“ If you go into these communities and try to tell them that they ’ re suffering from white privilege - it seems to me a completely nonsensical response to this problem , ” he added .
“ They are way behind everybody else , they ’ re falling through the cracks.
” Appearing alongside Goodwin , Professor Dianne Reay , emeritus professor of education at the University of Cambridge , said it was important to look at whether the intention of the education system was “ to educate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The two academics ’ remarks have been met with anger on social media .
Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley , a history lecturer at the University of Southampton , tweeted that “ ‘ white working class ’ is not a useful category of analysis : it ’ s the ‘ working class ’ bit that leads to inequality , not the whiteness ” .
Author Priyamvada Gopal also weighed in , tweeting that academics “ who use the term ‘ white working classes ’ typically only care about the first word .
They are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of class and economic justice.
” But Goodwin mounted an online defence of his views following his committee appearance .
In a post on Twitter , he wrote : “ I just don ’ t think these kids - who are the least likely of all to progress - need another reason to feel bad about themselves .
”

Pressure to apologise for “white privilege” is pushing white working-class boys even further “behind everyone else”, MPs have been warned.
Professor Matthew Goodwin, a politics professor at the University of Kent, told the Commons Education Select Committee yesterday that “over the last ten years our national conversation has become more consumed about other groups in society”.
White working-class boys, who are among the worst educational performers, are landed with “a status deficit” and made “to feel as though they are not being given as much recognition and esteem as others”, Goodwin said.
“If you go into these communities and try to tell them that they’re suffering from white privilege - it seems to me a completely nonsensical response to this problem,” he added.
“They are way behind everybody else, they’re falling through the cracks.”
Appearing alongside Goodwin, Professor Dianne Reay, emeritus professor of education at the University of Cambridge, said it was important to look at whether the intention of the education system was “to educate and empower the working-class children”.
“A narrow, elitist, exclusive curriculum does not work well, as I say, in enabling working-class children to succeed through the system,” she argued.
The two academics’ remarks have been met with anger on social media. Dr Charlotte Lydia Riley, a history lecturer at the University of Southampton, tweeted that “‘white working class’ is not a useful category of analysis: it’s the ‘working class’ bit that leads to inequality, not the whiteness”.
Author Priyamvada Gopal also weighed in, tweeting that academics “who use the term ‘white working classes’ typically only care about the first word. They are not usually known for campaigning on matters of class and economic justice.”
But Goodwin mounted an online defence of his views following his committee appearance. In a post on Twitter, he wrote: “I just don’t think these kids - who are the least likely of all to progress - need another reason to feel bad about themselves.”


theweekuk--2020-10-14--EU warns UK against bid to divide bloc ahead of crunch Brexit summit

Two leading EU officials have warned Britain to stop trying to divide the bloc during negotiations over a post-Brexit trade agreement .
Germany ’ s Europe Minister Michael Roth and European Commission Vice-president Maros Sefcovic criticised Britain ’ s tactics ahead of crunch talks at the EU leaders ’ summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday .
Insisting that unity among the 27 members nations remains strong , the pair accused Boris Johnson ’ s government of repeatedly attempting to “ bilateralize ” the negotiations , which have been “ deadlocked for months ” , says Politico .
The scalding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luxembourg yesterday - come little more than two weeks after Roth told London not to “ play games ” , and warned that Johnson ’ s efforts to override the withdrawal agreement had cast a “ dark shadow ” over the relationship between the UK and the bloc .
Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief negotiator , has also weighed in with criticism of Britain , mocking Johnson for this week issuing a “ third unilateral deadline ” for reaching an agreement .
The Guardian reports that Barnier “ suggested a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible ’ , according to diplomatic sources ” .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday urged EU states to take a pragmatic approach to Britain ’ s negotiating position in the trade talks .
“ We are going to continue to stand together in these withdrawal talks , ” she told a meeting of European mayors .
“ But we also have to take into account the reality : an agreement has to be in the interests of both parties , in British interests as well as the interests of the 27-member EU.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as British sources blamed EU divisions and sabre-rattling from France ” for the failure to agree a deal , The Times reports .
Meanwhile , Johnson told a cabinet meeting that Britain should have “ no fear ” of leaving without a deal when the transition period ends on 31 December .

Two leading EU officials have warned Britain to stop trying to divide the bloc during negotiations over a post-Brexit trade agreement.
Germany’s Europe Minister Michael Roth and European Commission Vice-president Maros Sefcovic criticised Britain’s tactics ahead of crunch talks at the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.
Insisting that unity among the 27 members nations remains strong, the pair accused Boris Johnson’s government of repeatedly attempting to “bilateralize” the negotiations, which have been “deadlocked for months”, says Politico.
The scalding comments - at a news conference in Luxembourg yesterday - come little more than two weeks after Roth told London not to “play games”, and warned that Johnson’s efforts to override the withdrawal agreement had cast a “dark shadow” over the relationship between the UK and the bloc.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, has also weighed in with criticism of Britain, mocking Johnson for this week issuing a “third unilateral deadline” for reaching an agreement.
The Guardian reports that Barnier “suggested a deal was ‘very difficult but still possible’, according to diplomatic sources”.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday urged EU states to take a pragmatic approach to Britain’s negotiating position in the trade talks.
“We are going to continue to stand together in these withdrawal talks,” she told a meeting of European mayors. “But we also have to take into account the reality: an agreement has to be in the interests of both parties, in British interests as well as the interests of the 27-member EU.”
The German leader made the plea “as British sources blamed EU divisions and sabre-rattling from France” for the failure to agree a deal, The Times reports.
Meanwhile, Johnson told a cabinet meeting that Britain should have “no fear” of leaving without a deal when the transition period ends on 31 December.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Wednesday 14 Oct 2020

HMRC has admitted that Amazon will not be affected by the new digital services tax , while small traders who @ @ @ @ @ be penalised .
Despite the boasts of ministers that the new tax would make “ @ @ @ @ @ in the UK pay their fair share towards supporting our public services , ” Amazon @ @ @ @ @ the levy on goods it sells itself .

Amazon will be exempt from digital services tax
HMRC has admitted that Amazon will not be affected by the new digital services tax, while small traders who use its online marketplace will be penalised. Despite the boasts of ministers that the new tax would make “global giants with profitable businesses in the UK pay their fair share towards supporting our public services,” Amazon will not have to pay the levy on goods it sells itself.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Feeling stressed? Why not hug a cow?

Feeling stressed? Why not hug a cow?

A Dutch farm is offering cow cuddling as a form of therapy .
Those who want a spot of “ koe knuffelen ” ( or cow hugging ) start by taking a tour of the farm before hugging one of the cows for up to three hours .
The cow ’ s warmer body temperature and slower heartbeat is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans , the hormone released in social bonding .
Diners have snapped up the chance to pay up to £360 per head to eat a meal on a stationary plane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stationary A380 superjumbos , with meals at seats and the chance to watch a movie , as the plane sits on the tarmac .
“ Flights to nowhere ” have proved popular in Asia and beyond , with the Taiwanese carrier EVA , Japan ’ s ANA and the Australian carrier Qantas offering options .
Peru has re-opened the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for a single Japanese tourist who had waited almost seven months to visit the citadel .
Jesse Katayama had travelled Peru in March “ with the dream of being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heritage site , explained Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra .
However , it closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
Katayama said afterwards that this tour had been “ truly amazing ” .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Dutch farm is offering cow cuddling as a form of therapy. Those who want a spot of “koe knuffelen” (or cow hugging) start by taking a tour of the farm before hugging one of the cows for up to three hours. The cow’s warmer body temperature and slower heartbeat is believed to promote positivity and reduce stress by boosting oxytocin in humans, the hormone released in social bonding.
Punters pay £360 to eat a meal on stationary plane
Diners have snapped up the chance to pay up to £360 per head to eat a meal on a stationary plane. Singapore Airlines offered sittings on-board two stationary A380 superjumbos, with meals at seats and the chance to watch a movie, as the plane sits on the tarmac. “Flights to nowhere” have proved popular in Asia and beyond, with the Taiwanese carrier EVA, Japan’s ANA and the Australian carrier Qantas offering options.
Peru opens site for single tourist
Peru has re-opened the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu for a single Japanese tourist who had waited almost seven months to visit the citadel. Jesse Katayama had travelled Peru in March “with the dream of being able to enter,” the world heritage site, explained Culture Minister Alejandro Neyra. However, it closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Katayama said afterwards that this tour had been “truly amazing”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-10-13--No.5 Maddox St review: a cosy weekend in London

These days we must be ready to seize any opportunity to travel safely .
So it was with pleasure that my partner and I hopped aboard the 2.12pm train to London Waterloo .
Never mind that I was retreading my pre-pandemic commute - I was on holiday !
It felt odd to be wandering the streets of central London with my visitor ’ s hat on .
Everything was familiar – the black cabs , the buses , Oxford Circus .
And yet it all seemed slightly different .
Exciting , even .
I wasn ’ t in a rush @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to enjoy all the things London has to offer .
Leaving Oxford Circus tube station , we headed down Regent Street .
Then a right turn took us to our hideaway for the night .
No.5 Maddox St in Mayfair is a collection of a dozen serviced apartments run by London-based Living Rooms .
It also owns The Laslett hotel in Notting Hill , as well as several other apartments dotted around the capital .
Stepping though the door at No.5 we were greeted by white walls , wooden floors and neat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interiors are the work of Tracy Lowy , who got the whole “ home away from home ” concept off the ground when she started Living Rooms in 1993 .
All of the flats were recently refurbished to celebrate No.5 turning 20 .
The retro elements are , however , timeless .
Hanging in the bedroom , for example , was a black and white photo from 1968 of “ Halinka ” modelling a mini-skirt on a bench in Soho Square .
She complemented others in the living room of the local area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outside , through the double doors onto the snug balcony , the urban view was one of tumbledown fire escapes reminiscent of M. C. Escher ’ s famous 1953 lithograph Relativity , otherwise known as “ Crazy Stairs ” .
Meanwhile , the white tiles on black grouting in the en-suite bathroom ( with bath tub and products by REN ) is very hipster chic .
In the living room , there was a Marshall DAB retro-style radio .
The gas fireplace completed the cosy feel , especially on an autumnal evening .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything you need for a few days in the big city : a fridge , electric hob , microwave , dishwasher , along with a few essentials to get you started , including milk , bread , butter , jams , tea , coffee and a bottle of Chablis – so very Mayfair .
But as tempting as it was to stay put and nestle down , London was calling .
So we dropped our bags and took ourselves off to the British Museum ’ s fascinating new Tantra exhibition – full of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a mention of rock god Sting .
But then , as I discovered , we ’ ve been getting Tantra – a medieval Indian philosophy based on the power of divine feminine energy – all wrong in the West for centuries , before finally mixing it up with the sexual politics of the 1960s cultural revolution .
The exhibition is certainly worth a visit and runs until 24 January .
Be sure to book ahead .
Once we ’ d had our fill of divine feminine energy we wandered back towards Mayfair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to indulge in a cocktail or two .
The luxury of being able to stumble back to your Mayfair apartment afterwards can not be overstated .
There was no rush back to Waterloo station to catch the last train , slaloming through the hordes of burger-munchers .
We were at leisure to relax , find that bottle of Chablis again , and settle down to a Chinese takeaway delivery from Hakkasan Mayfair , which we found just around the corner .
Hot food , chilled wine and cosiness – that , to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a weekend in London .
Chris Carter was a guest of No.5 Maddox St. Prices start from £240 a night ( three-night minimum stay ) ; living-rooms.co.uk This article was originally published in MoneyWeek

These days we must be ready to seize any opportunity to travel safely. So it was with pleasure that my partner and I hopped aboard the 2.12pm train to London Waterloo. Never mind that I was retreading my pre-pandemic commute - I was on holiday!
It felt odd to be wandering the streets of central London with my visitor’s hat on. Everything was familiar – the black cabs, the buses, Oxford Circus. And yet it all seemed slightly different. Exciting, even. I wasn’t in a rush to get anywhere. I could stop to enjoy all the things London has to offer.
Leaving Oxford Circus tube station, we headed down Regent Street. Then a right turn took us to our hideaway for the night. No.5 Maddox St in Mayfair is a collection of a dozen serviced apartments run by London-based Living Rooms. It also owns The Laslett hotel in Notting Hill, as well as several other apartments dotted around the capital.
Stepping though the door at No.5 we were greeted by white walls, wooden floors and neat, crisp lines. The modern, minimalist interiors are the work of Tracy Lowy, who got the whole “home away from home” concept off the ground when she started Living Rooms in 1993. All of the flats were recently refurbished to celebrate No.5 turning 20.
The retro elements are, however, timeless. Hanging in the bedroom, for example, was a black and white photo from 1968 of “Halinka” modelling a mini-skirt on a bench in Soho Square. She complemented others in the living room of the local area from the 1950s and 1960s.
Stepping outside, through the double doors onto the snug balcony, the urban view was one of tumbledown fire escapes reminiscent of M. C. Escher’s famous 1953 lithograph Relativity, otherwise known as “Crazy Stairs”. Meanwhile, the white tiles on black grouting in the en-suite bathroom (with bath tub and products by REN) is very hipster chic.
In the living room, there was a Marshall DAB retro-style radio. The gas fireplace completed the cosy feel, especially on an autumnal evening.
In the kitchen, you will find everything you need for a few days in the big city: a fridge, electric hob, microwave, dishwasher, along with a few essentials to get you started, including milk, bread, butter, jams, tea, coffee and a bottle of Chablis – so very Mayfair.
But as tempting as it was to stay put and nestle down, London was calling. So we dropped our bags and took ourselves off to the British Museum’s fascinating new Tantra exhibition – full of befanged Hindu goddesses and not so much as a mention of rock god Sting.
But then, as I discovered, we’ve been getting Tantra – a medieval Indian philosophy based on the power of divine feminine energy – all wrong in the West for centuries, before finally mixing it up with the sexual politics of the 1960s cultural revolution.
The exhibition is certainly worth a visit and runs until 24 January. Be sure to book ahead.
Once we’d had our fill of divine feminine energy we wandered back towards Mayfair via Carnaby Street and found a spot to indulge in a cocktail or two. The luxury of being able to stumble back to your Mayfair apartment afterwards cannot be overstated.
There was no rush back to Waterloo station to catch the last train, slaloming through the hordes of burger-munchers. We were at leisure to relax, find that bottle of Chablis again, and settle down to a Chinese takeaway delivery from Hakkasan Mayfair, which we found just around the corner. Hot food, chilled wine and cosiness – that, to me, is the perfect way to spend a weekend in London.
Chris Carter was a guest of No.5 Maddox St. Prices start from £240 a night (three-night minimum stay); living-rooms.co.uk
This article was originally published in MoneyWeek


theweekuk--2020-10-13--Moët & Chandon’s bijou bar pops up at Selfridges London

Never mind that 6pm dinner booking , Moët & Chandon has created a champagne hideaway that requires no reservation .
The London Calling pop-up at Selfridges on Oxford Street is a ten-seater bar situated in the heart of the store ’ s Beauty Workshop on the ground floor .
Serving high-brow snacks and all things Moët , the minimalist space riffs of the design of a London phone box , only infinitely more chic and futuristic looking .
The bar also doubles as an art exhibition , with the walls adorned with photographs that capture key “ Moët moments ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the last century through to the 1990s .
These images include a 1967 snap of singer Lulu pouring a glass of bubbly to toast her first US hit single , and another showing a group of Royal Toastmasters celebrating the birth of Princess Anne ’ s first baby outside the city ’ s St Mary ’ s Hospital in 1977 .
The pop-up bar ’ s patrons can also drink in an image shot by late US photographer and Magnum legend Burt Glinn that shows young socialites arriving at The Savoy Hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ below ) .
The photo captures the buzzy energy of London ; an energy that , thanks to fun endeavours such as this new attraction at Selfridges , will slowly but surely come to the fore once again despite the coronavirus pandemic .
Small but perfectly formed , there is indeed much to learn at this bijou bar .
For example , did you know that in 1893 Moët & Chandon became an official supplier to Queen Victoria ?
Or that the first recorded delivery of Moët & Chandon to England was 270 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ drinks menu is an education in itself , featuring recipes from top London cocktail bars including Soho ’ s Disrepute : the members ’ bar is represented by “ Feline Fugitive ” , a zingy mix of fruit-infused gin , lemon juice , mint , teapot bitters and Moët & Chandon Impérial champagne .
Aspiring mixologists can book cocktail masterclasses as well , with two coming up ; the first on 11 November with Andrei Marcu from London ’ s French cocktail house Coupette , and the second on 25 November with Andrei @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the wise for those planning a visit : Moët shouldn ’ t be pronounced the French way .
Claude Moët , the founder of the House , was of Dutch origins , so it ’ s actually pronounced Mo-wet with a hard T .

Never mind that 6pm dinner booking, Moët & Chandon has created a champagne hideaway that requires no reservation. The London Calling pop-up at Selfridges on Oxford Street is a ten-seater bar situated in the heart of the store’s Beauty Workshop on the ground floor. Serving high-brow snacks and all things Moët, the minimalist space riffs of the design of a London phone box, only infinitely more chic and futuristic looking.
The bar also doubles as an art exhibition, with the walls adorned with photographs that capture key “Moët moments” in the English capital from the turn of the last century through to the 1990s. These images include a 1967 snap of singer Lulu pouring a glass of bubbly to toast her first US hit single, and another showing a group of Royal Toastmasters celebrating the birth of Princess Anne’s first baby outside the city’s St Mary’s Hospital in 1977.
The pop-up bar’s patrons can also drink in an image shot by late US photographer and Magnum legend Burt Glinn that shows young socialites arriving at The Savoy Hotel on a Saturday night in 1957 (below). The photo captures the buzzy energy of London; an energy that, thanks to fun endeavours such as this new attraction at Selfridges, will slowly but surely come to the fore once again despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Small but perfectly formed, there is indeed much to learn at this bijou bar. For example, did you know that in 1893 Moët & Chandon became an official supplier to Queen Victoria? Or that the first recorded delivery of Moët & Chandon to England was 270 years ago, in 1750?
The drinks menu is an education in itself, featuring recipes from top London cocktail bars including Soho’s Disrepute: the members’ bar is represented by “Feline Fugitive”, a zingy mix of fruit-infused gin, lemon juice, mint, teapot bitters and Moët & Chandon Impérial champagne. Aspiring mixologists can book cocktail masterclasses as well, with two coming up; the first on 11 November with Andrei Marcu from London’s French cocktail house Coupette, and the second on 25 November with Andrei Pantiru from Disrepute.
Just a word to the wise for those planning a visit: Moët shouldn’t be pronounced the French way. Claude Moët, the founder of the House, was of Dutch origins, so it’s actually pronounced Mo-wet with a hard T.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--‘National vs. regional’: how and when will the UK impose a ‘circuit breaker’ lockdown?

Keir Starmer squared up against Boris Johnson today over the prime minister ’ s refusal to act on expert advice to impose a national two-week lockdown .
During a “ fiery ” Prime Minister ’ s Questions , the Labour leader accused Johnson of “ ignoring top scientific advisers ” and “ abandoning the science ” as coronavirus infections rates continue to rise across the UK , The Guardian reports .
The PM hit back by pointing out that Starmer yesterday backed calls for a “ circuit breaker ” lockdown but then “ failed to even show up ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stringent measures ” on a regional basis .
Responding to Starmer ’ s criticisms during their Commons clash , Johnson insisted that his new three-tier system for local shutdowns would “ avoid the misery of a national lockdown ” .
But “ the prime minister would not rule out imposing a circuit breaker if those measures fail to work ” , after Starmer “ argued that the regional approach doesn ’ t ‘ go far enough ’ ” , says The Telegraph .
Documents published by the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Johnson was warned in September that without an immediate two-week lockdown , the country faced a “ very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences ” .
Today , Starmer told Johnson that rising coronavirus rates and hospital admissions across the country were “ the cost of rejecting Sage advice ” .
In response , the PM accused his rival of U-turning , after the Labour leader backed the three tier-strategy on Monday before calling for a circuit break last night , following the publication of the Sage documents .
Johnson told MPs : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , in combating the virus , but we 're going to do it with the local , regional approach that can drive down and will drive down the virus if it is properly implemented.
” The fresh wave of Covid infections makes further restrictions inevitable .
But what remains to be seen is how and when those stricter regulations are implemented .
Northern Ireland has today imposed a four-week circuit breaker lockdown , with pubs and restaurants forced to close as of Friday , although places of worship and gyms are allowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ First Minister Arlene Foster “ said the half-term holiday would be extended , and now last from 19 to 30 October ” , Sky News reports .
Foster added that “ we do not take this step lightly ” and that “ small acts can have large and important contributions to managing Covid-19 ” .
Wales may be set to follow Northern Ireland , with First Minister Mark Drakeford telling Sky News ’ Kay Burley that ministers are “ planning very seriously ” for a circuit breaker lockdown .
“ We want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worst from happening , ” he said .
Drakeford did not set any dates for further restrictions , but has “ called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to convene a Cobra meeting so that all four UK nations could discuss the measure ” , the BBC reports .
Welsh Health Minister Vaughan Gething said earlier today that a decision would be made this week on whether to introduce a blanket lockdown .
Meanwhile , Johnson is said to be “ considering a series of regional circuit-breaker lockdowns to target Covid-hit areas and avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
How this would differ from the patchwork of local regulations for England that are being replaced by the three-tier system is unclear .
Pressure on Johnson to take drastic action will be increased by a new research paper seen by the BBC that suggest a two-week circuit breaker at the end of October could halve deaths in the UK between now and the end of the year .
The analysis , by a team from the University of Warwick and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine , has not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers believe that “ deaths could be reduced by between 29 % and 49 % ” , depending on “ the trajectory of the epidemic ” , says the BBC ’ s health and science correspondent James Gallagher .
The number of lives saved between now and the start of 2021 range from 80 , if the UK outbreaks spread slowly and mild restrictions are introduced , to 106,000 , if infections spread rapidly and severe restrictions are required , according to the projections .
The scientists behind the report emphasise that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but study co-author Dr Michael Tildesley insists that “ overall , the results are very common sense ” .
“ The key thing is we would get a decline in cases and similar reductions in hospital admission and mortality , ” he added .
“ We ’ re getting into a period where we know the NHS is facing high demands , so the benefit is protecting the NHS from a wave of admission of Covid cases.
” More than half ( 54 % ) of people surveyed by YouGov on Tuesday said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown when advised to do so in September .
Only 28 % of the 4,222 adults polled backed Downing Street ’ s decision .

Keir Starmer squared up against Boris Johnson today over the prime minister’s refusal to act on expert advice to impose a national two-week lockdown.
During a “fiery” Prime Minister’s Questions, the Labour leader accused Johnson of “ignoring top scientific advisers” and “abandoning the science” as coronavirus infections rates continue to rise across the UK, The Guardian reports.
The PM hit back by pointing out that Starmer yesterday backed calls for a “circuit breaker” lockdown but then “failed to even show up” for a Commons vote on imposing “more stringent measures” on a regional basis.
Sage advice
Responding to Starmer’s criticisms during their Commons clash, Johnson insisted that his new three-tier system for local shutdowns would “avoid the misery of a national lockdown”.
But “the prime minister would not rule out imposing a circuit breaker if those measures fail to work”, after Starmer “argued that the regional approach doesn’t ‘go far enough’”, says The Telegraph.
Documents published by the Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (Sage) earlier this week show that Johnson was warned in September that without an immediate two-week lockdown, the country faced a “very large epidemic with catastrophic consequences”.
Today, Starmer told Johnson that rising coronavirus rates and hospital admissions across the country were “the cost of rejecting Sage advice”.
In response, the PM accused his rival of U-turning, after the Labour leader backed the three tier-strategy on Monday before calling for a circuit break last night, following the publication of the Sage documents.
Johnson told MPs: “I rule out nothing, of course, in combating the virus, but we're going to do it with the local, regional approach that can drive down and will drive down the virus if it is properly implemented.”
Regional or national?
The fresh wave of Covid infections makes further restrictions inevitable. But what remains to be seen is how and when those stricter regulations are implemented.
Northern Ireland has today imposed a four-week circuit breaker lockdown, with pubs and restaurants forced to close as of Friday, although places of worship and gyms are allowed to remain open.
Announcing the move, First Minister Arlene Foster “said the half-term holiday would be extended, and now last from 19 to 30 October”, Sky News reports.


theweekuk--2020-10-14--Palladium yes, stadium no: ‘inconsistencies’ frustrate sports fans

Pictures showing hundreds of people at the London Palladium have left sports fans angry and confused as to why they can ’ t go to open-air stadiums .
On Sunday the Palladium held two performances of musical Songs for a New World while on Monday former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was on stage speaking about his career .
Football fans were allowed to watch the Frenchman discuss his 22-year stint with the Gunners , but they are still banned from stadiums for live matches .
This has left many fans and pundits accusing the government of hypocrisy over coronavirus social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Tweeting an image from the Palladium , TV presenter Piers Morgan said he was “ completely bemused ” that the theatre could have 1,000 people for the Q & A with Wenger , but fans are still not allowed to watch matches outside even when socially distanced .
Meanwhile , former England striker and TV pundit Gary Lineker quoted Morgan ’ s tweet and responded : “ Makes no sense whatsoever .
You can listen to football chat in a relatively crowded indoor arena , but you can ’ t watch football @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arena.
” It had been planned that a limited number of fans would return to sports stadiums and arenas at the start of October as part of a pilot scheme , but this idea was scrapped after a rise in Covid-19 cases across the UK .
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden has admitted there have been “ inconsistencies ” in the government ’ s approach to handling the coronavirus pandemic , The Independent reports .
Facing questions at the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport ( DCMS ) select committee today , Dowden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can watch socially distanced indoor performances but not sports .
Dowden replied : “ Of course I accept people ’ s frustration at the inconsistency there .
The simple reason for it is that we had sports on a path to return on 1 October and to have socially distanced spectators , that ’ s what we wanted to happen .
“ The clear advice from the scientists was that we should be imposing restrictions and not further easements .
It is worth noting the difference in terms of quantity .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into stadiums week in and week out up and down the country .
“ Clearly people have noticed the London Palladium but it ’ s a different scale .
If people are unhappy with indoor performances going ahead it ’ s a separate decision whether we stop those .
“ If we had gone ahead on 1 October people would have seen very large numbers of fans going into stadiums at the very time that the virus was rising rapidly .
This is not saying we are not going ahead with it , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are doing things that are positively hateful , but the reason we are doing it is to secure public safety.
” The English Football League ( EFL ) issued a statement to The Daily Telegraph saying it remains “ deeply frustrated ” at the decision to suspend plans for the return of fans .
“ While we recognise that the UK is facing a significant public health crisis , football and football supporters should be treated fairly , ” said the EFL .
Malcolm Clarke , chairman of the Football Supporters ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ London Palladium is considered to be safe then , certainly , football grounds should be considered to be safe .
What we can not tolerate is a football ground being subject to different regimes than any other cultural or entertainment facility.
” In response to the reactions a spokesperson for LW Theatres , which operates the London Palladium , said : “ The London Palladium was not ‘ packed ’ for ‘ An Evening with Arsene Wenger ’ .
We were operating at 50 % capacity .
This is fully in line with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Government ’ s current Stage 4 guidance for the reopening of theatres .
”