theweekuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: could ‘social bubbles’ ease the UK lockdown?

The UK could allow people contact with a limited number of family and friends as part of easing the lockdown, Downing Street has hinted.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman signalled the prime minister was open to the idea of so-called social bubbles, saying No. 10 was “very alive to the issue of social isolation and the need for mental wellbeing”.
What are “social bubbles”?
Social bubbles would allow people from one household to mix with a limited number of people from other households.
There would continue to be restrictions on who and what number of people each person would be allowed to mix with, and bubbles would need to be contained.
“If X can see Y and Z, can Y and Z see A? If they can, then the virus could still spread. If they could not, the scheme quickly encounters problems,” says The Times.
Forming bubbles might promote a degree of social awkwardness – “not unlike leaving that friend or relative off your wedding guest list”, says CNN - and are difficult to police.
But some sociologists see it as a sensible way to ease the burden of isolation, especially for those living alone.
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How would they play a role in lockdown?
Speaking in the House of Lords, James Bethell, a health minister, suggested softening isolation to allow for social bubble mixing was actively under review, The Guardian reports.
“The question of isolation remains one for which we are reviewing our advice. We are in constant contact with other countries to learn more about best practice,” he said.
While most people are sticking to lockdown measures, the government is keen to address the fraying at the edges of compliance that emerged over the weekend. It believes that people being prevented from seeing close family is the aspect of lockdown that people are finding toughest.
Under the government’s social bubble suggestion, people would be allowed to combine their household with one or two others, up to a maximum of ten people.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Coronavirus: why Britain’s death toll just jumped by 17%

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The number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has jumped by 17% in one day, as the government officially expanded the daily count to include deaths outside of hospitals.
During the government’s daily briefing on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab revealed the death toll for the UK was now 26,097, an increase of 4,419 from Tuesday.
The figures have led experts to suggest that the virus front-line has switched from hospitals to care homes, where fatalities have been mounting, Sky News reports.
However, Raab claimed that this change did not represent “a sudden surge”, as the figure includes deaths since 2 March.
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Why have the figures jumped?
Dominic Raab announced on Wednesday that the number of people who have died with coronavirus in the UK has now passed 26,000, having been just below 22,000 on Tuesday.
This jump, representing a 17% increase in just 24 hours, is a result of official figures being altered to include deaths in the community, such as in care homes, dating back to the beginning of the outbreak.
Of the new deaths added, around 70% were thought to have occurred outside hospital settings and around 30% were in hospital. The figure also includes 85 NHS workers and 23 social care workers.
Also at Wednesday’s press conference was Yvonne Doyle, director of health protection at Public Health England, who said that the official figure for deaths in care homes may be revised up further.
“We may expect more than we are seeing at the moment, yes,” she said, adding that there was “about a 20% divergence” between the deaths in hospitals and the new total figure, which factored in fatalities in care homes and in the community, ITV News reports.
What has the reaction been?
At the briefing, BBC health editor Hugh Pym asked why testing in care homes had not started sooner.
Raab said such a move would have required “enormous testing capacity”, but admitted that there had been a “distribution issue”.
“There is no sugar coating the challenge we have had with that,” he said.
The shadow minister for social care, Labour MP Liz Kendall, said the “daily reporting of Covid-19 death rates outside hospital, including in care homes, is important for our fight against this pandemic”.
But she added that Wednesday’s figures “show that further action is urgently required to reduce the spread of the virus and keep care users and staff safe”.
The news also comes just days after Vic Rayner, the director of the National Care Forum, which represents charitable care home operators, said: “We are nowhere near a peak in care homes and this is absolutely the wrong time to turn away from actions to fight the virus.
“This isn’t a one-round fight. We need to make sure the care sector gets the resources it needs, and we haven’t yet seen the level of action we need to get this right. The frontline of this virus has moved into care homes and the clinical focus now needs to shift,” The Guardian reports.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--How Brexit shaped the UK’s coronavirus response

Boris Johnson’s government has insisted that the UK will not prolong the Brexit transition period beyond 31 December, despite the disruption to negotiations caused by coronavirus. The UK formally left the European Union on 31 January, and at that point the government had not realised the threat that the coronavirus posed to public health, the economy and society. In mid-April, with the UK at the height of the coronavirus crisis, Britain’s top Brexit negotiator, David Frost, said bluntly: “Transition ends on 31 December this year. We will not ask to extend it. If the EU asks we will say no,” Politico reported. Did Brexit impact the coronavirus response? When Johnson took the UK out of the EU at the end of January, he said it was an opportunity to “unleash the full potential of this brilliant country and to make better the lives of everyone in every corner of our United Kingdom”, The Sun said. The day before, the emergency committee of the World Health Organization (WHO) had formally declared coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Earlier this month, Johnson’s government was criticised for failing to explain why the UK did not take part in an EU scheme to source medical supplies urgently needed to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Ministers were forced to deny that a “political decision” was taken to opt out of the programme to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) for front-line healthcare workers, despite that being their original line. A government spokesperson said in March that the UK was not taking part in the scheme because it was “not in the EU”. But after a backlash, they changed that line, claiming that the EU email inviting the UK to join the scheme had been sent to an out-of-date and defunct email address. Then, last week, the Foreign Office’s most senior civil servant, Simon McDonald, said that the UK’s opt-out of the EU scheme had been a deliberate choice. “It was a political decision. The UK mission in Brussels briefed ministers about what was available, what was on offer, and the decision is known,” The Guardian reports. Skip advert Health Secretary Matt Hancock subsequently denied those claims, and McDonald was forced to retract his comments.
As Politico notes, the crisis has made “abundantly clear [that] London does not want to lean on the EU to help coordinate its response”. The site reports that “Matt Hancock is not attending – and has not been invited to – meetings of EU health ministers”, adding that “Brexit means Brexit, even when it comes to coronavirus”. “While still paying into the EU budget and able to access EU infectious disease databases until the end of the transition period, the UK is officially out of the club… and no exception has been made for the growing international health crisis, the first such event to test the post-Brexit relationship.” The government responded in unequivocal terms earlier this month to an online petition requesting a Brexit transition extension: “The transition period ends on 31 December 2020, as enshrined in UK law. The Prime Minister has made clear he has no intention of changing this. We remain fully committed to negotiations with the EU.” Should negotiations be suspended? As The Guardian reports, “viewed from today’s unimaginably changed perspective, this year’s pre-crisis months can seem like a parallel world”. Prior to the arrival of the coronavirus, “Johnson’s media backers were feting him then for winning the ‘Get Brexit Done’ election”. However, with the coronavirus delaying talks, the Conservatives’ election slogan has become even more contentious. Negotiations between the UK and EU about a long-term trade deal are ongoing, though they have been disrupted and moved online owing to the spread of coronavirus. The EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said progress in four areas of discussion had been “disappointing”, while the UK government released a statement saying there had been only “limited progress was made in bridging the gaps between us and the EU,” says the BBC. What is agreed with the EU will dictate the UK’s new customs and immigration arrangements, and businesses, officials and the public will need time to prepare for those changes. The UK is using this need for clarity as a reason to push ahead with talks, claiming that businesses need to know about the new trading arrangements. Skip advert And some economists believe that the British government may hope to use the economic damage of coronavirus to strengthen its hand, given the City of London’s status as a finance centre. “The City of London is going to be very important as a way for governments to raise money,” Tony Travers, a professor of politics at the London School of Economics, told The New York Times. “They may think the EU will be more concerned about upsetting things, given the scale of coronavirus, and may give them a better deal.”


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Man Utd chief Ed Woodward is uncertain if Premier League season will finish

On the day that Italy ’ s sports minister declared it was “ unlikely ” Serie A would restart any time soon , Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward queried whether this season ’ s Premier League will be completed .
Woodward will tune into a video conference call tomorrow as Premier League clubs discuss the possibility of resuming matches behind closed doors on 8 June , but he has admitted his doubt whether it ’ s feasible the 2019-20 season can be finished given that Britain is still in the throes of the coronavirus crisis .
“ From a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we will keep fans informed as soon as decisions are made , ” said Woodward .
“ We ’ ve got to have clarity on what the future holds .
What will happen with the remainder of this season ?
What is the impact on next season ?
Is it behind closed doors or in front of fans ?
What ’ s the impact on broadcast deals , sponsorship deals ?
What ’ s the impact on domestic cups ?
” These questions will be pondered at tomorrow ’ s meeting but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fans ’ forum conference call prior to France ’ s announcement that their season is terminated , will surely look closely at the decision to close down Ligue 1 .
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Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The French decision appears to have prompted a change of heart in the Italian government .
Last weekend Italy ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sports can resume training on 18 May .
That led to fevered speculation among fans that Serie A matches would restart in June , but on Wednesday sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said he was sceptical that football would return in the summer .
“ I always said that resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season , ” Spadafora told Italian television channel LA7 .
“ I understand some people saying that , but that leaves us with uncertainty .
If we don ’ t want uncertainty then we need to follow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everything .
“ Honestly , I see the path to restarting Serie A getting ever narrower .
Resuming training is an important sign but if I was among the presidents of the soccer teams I would be thinking about next season.
” Serie A ’ s governing body meets this week to discuss the situation but Spadafora said he wouldn ’ t be surprised if they decide to abandon the 2019-20 season .
“ I think there could be a majority of presidents ready to ask for the season to be ended so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
German football will learn later today whether it can plan for a restart next month with concern growing that Chancellor Angela Merkel will also be influenced by the French announcement and also the word of Lars-Christer Olsson , president of European Leagues and a member of Uefa ’ s executive committee .
In an interview with the BBC , Olsson said he would “ rather see a scenario where the current season is not finished than not kicking off the new season ” .
It had been expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May , but that date is now in doubt after a slight increase in coronavirus cases .
Merkel will host a meeting of leaders of German states today and the return of football will be high on the agenda .
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On the day that Italy’s sports minister declared it was “unlikely” Serie A would restart any time soon, Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward queried whether this season’s Premier League will be completed.
Woodward will tune into a video conference call tomorrow as Premier League clubs discuss the possibility of resuming matches behind closed doors on 8 June, but he has admitted his doubt whether it’s feasible the 2019-20 season can be finished given that Britain is still in the throes of the coronavirus crisis.
“From a UK perspective there is still huge uncertainty so we will keep fans informed as soon as decisions are made,” said Woodward.
“We’ve got to have clarity on what the future holds. What will happen with the remainder of this season? What is the impact on next season? Is it behind closed doors or in front of fans? What’s the impact on broadcast deals, sponsorship deals? What’s the impact on domestic cups?”
These questions will be pondered at tomorrow’s meeting but Woodward, who gave his interview in a fans’ forum conference call prior to France’s announcement that their season is terminated, will surely look closely at the decision to close down Ligue 1.
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Serie A season in doubt
The French decision appears to have prompted a change of heart in the Italian government.
Last weekend Italy’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced that professional sports can resume training on 18 May. That led to fevered speculation among fans that Serie A matches would restart in June, but on Wednesday sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora said he was sceptical that football would return in the summer.
“I always said that resuming training absolutely does not mean resuming the season,” Spadafora told Italian television channel LA7.
“I understand some people saying that, but that leaves us with uncertainty. If we don’t want uncertainty then we need to follow other countries which have already shut down everything.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Instant Opinion: Fatherhood ‘unlikely to make Boris a new man’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
Boris Johnson ’ s baby and brush with coronavirus aren ’ t going to magically make him a new man “ Having a baby , that does change people , a fact it is particularly important for men to acknowledge .
But it is not as if Johnson hasn ’ t had children before , and to assume that either of his significant personal events has transformed wild Prince Hal into a wise and noble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If anything , Johnson is King Lear : ‘ They told me I was everything .
’ Tis a lie , I am not ague-proof.
’ He thought he was all-powerful , but even he wasn ’ t immune to the plague .
If Johnson is changed by anything , it will be having dealt with the coronavirus pandemic at a national level .
We can call his recent personal experiences life-changing , and they are , but they are unlikely to transform him into a different kind of leader.
” on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ son “ It may not seem as if being born in the midst of a global pandemic that almost killed his father is a very auspicious start in life , but on the longer view , Britain in 2020 is an excellent place and time to enter the world .
Today ’ s babies can reasonably be expected to live long into the 22nd century .
Even those who attain only the 2019 average life expectancy at birth , of just under 80 years for males , should just about see in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s father was born in 1964 , life expectancy at birth for men in Britain was a full decade lower .
Back in those days , homosexuality was illegal .
Divorce was difficult and stigmatised .
Racism and sexism were so rife that they weren ’ t considered as “ isms ” at all , but perfectly acceptable behaviour .
Social and class divisions were similarly assumed to be part of the natural order of things .
Today , while progress is still required , such prejudices have been placed beyond the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only advise , it ’ s Boris Johnson who must make the decisions “ Now that Johnson is tentatively back , the balance between science and politics will be recalibrated as the crucial decisions about how to organise an exit strategy loom .
A simplistic formula of letting “ the science ” decide for us is a fantasy .
For one thing , there is no unitary science but a spread of hypotheses , views and analysis of risk .
A simplistic formula of letting ‘ the science ’ decide for us is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ science but a spread of views .
Some might suit our existing bias better than others .
Left-of-centre folk seem broadly keener on perpetuating the lockdown and more comfortable with the accompanying collectivism than the brisk sorts on the Right , insisting we should toughen up , accept the risk and head back to the production line to keep UK Plc afloat .
There is no easy middle way .
We all have to face the policy choices which will haunt us — keeping schools off for much longer is likely to widen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will , in the end , hit those most dependent on public services .
And while we can water the magic money tree for a while in the circumstances , there are always downsides to high borrowing without end and propping up businesses which simply will not make it.
” A mass breakdown over the limits of science has plunged us into post-Orwellian nightmare “ The fascinating question is not why an inexperienced Government , still shell-shocked by its landslide , should be too crippled by opinion polls to show an ounce of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ itself .
Instead , we should ask why so many people lean instinctively towards scorched earth lockdown .
The answer may be found in popular scientific culture .
Man 2.0 is in denial about where he comes on the civilisational timeline ; drowning in gadgetry , and doped up on anti-depressants , he falsely views science is a sort of black magic – a force that can solve all problems and , ultimately , save him even from the terror of his own death .
This , coupled with the rise of managerialism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feedback loop , with a public that expects to be shielded from all risks , and a political class that justifies its existence based on the myth that it can manage such dangers.
” Has Trump 's coronavirus response sunk him ?
Do n't bet on it “ The Democrats are caught in a classic catch-22 .
Faced with a misinformation campaign from the White House and conservative media , they might be tempted to overemphasize the Covid-19 threat in an attempt to ensure that even reluctant Americans follow public health guidelines .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to raise the bar too high , and thereby give Trump an opening to trumpet his “ Reopen America ” policy despite severe casualties .
After all , populists don ’ t need to be correct .
They just need mainstream politicians to not be correct either.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. John Rentoul in The Independent
on fatherhood
Boris Johnson’s baby and brush with coronavirus aren’t going to magically make him a new man
“Having a baby, that does change people, a fact it is particularly important for men to acknowledge. But it is not as if Johnson hasn’t had children before, and to assume that either of his significant personal events has transformed wild Prince Hal into a wise and noble national leader is a bit much. If anything, Johnson is King Lear: ‘They told me I was everything. ’Tis a lie, I am not ague-proof.’ He thought he was all-powerful, but even he wasn’t immune to the plague. If Johnson is changed by anything, it will be having dealt with the coronavirus pandemic at a national level. We can call his recent personal experiences life-changing, and they are, but they are unlikely to transform him into a different kind of leader.”
2. The Times leader
on the birth of Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds’ son
Life Goes On
“It may not seem as if being born in the midst of a global pandemic that almost killed his father is a very auspicious start in life, but on the longer view, Britain in 2020 is an excellent place and time to enter the world. Today’s babies can reasonably be expected to live long into the 22nd century. Even those who attain only the 2019 average life expectancy at birth, of just under 80 years for males, should just about see in the 2100s. When the younger Johnson’s father was born in 1964, life expectancy at birth for men in Britain was a full decade lower. Back in those days, homosexuality was illegal. Divorce was difficult and stigmatised. Racism and sexism were so rife that they weren’t considered as “isms” at all, but perfectly acceptable behaviour. Social and class divisions were similarly assumed to be part of the natural order of things. Today, while progress is still required, such prejudices have been placed beyond the bounds of civilised society.”
3. Anne McElvoy in the London Evening Standard
on lifting the lockdown
Scientists can only advise, it’s Boris Johnson who must make the decisions
“Now that Johnson is tentatively back, the balance between science and politics will be recalibrated as the crucial decisions about how to organise an exit strategy loom. A simplistic formula of letting “the science” decide for us is a fantasy. For one thing, there is no unitary science but a spread of hypotheses, views and analysis of risk. A simplistic formula of letting ‘the science’ decide for us is a fantasy. There is no unitary science but a spread of views. Some might suit our existing bias better than others. Left-of-centre folk seem broadly keener on perpetuating the lockdown and more comfortable with the accompanying collectivism than the brisk sorts on the Right, insisting we should toughen up, accept the risk and head back to the production line to keep UK Plc afloat. There is no easy middle way. We all have to face the policy choices which will haunt us — keeping schools off for much longer is likely to widen divides in opportunity. A deflated economy will, in the end, hit those most dependent on public services. And while we can water the magic money tree for a while in the circumstances, there are always downsides to high borrowing without end and propping up businesses which simply will not make it.”
4. Sherelle Jacobs in The Daily Telegraph
on governing
A mass breakdown over the limits of science has plunged us into post-Orwellian nightmare
“The fascinating question is not why an inexperienced Government, still shell-shocked by its landslide, should be too crippled by opinion polls to show an ounce of authentic leadership. The question rather answers itself. Instead, we should ask why so many people lean instinctively towards scorched earth lockdown. The answer may be found in popular scientific culture. Man 2.0 is in denial about where he comes on the civilisational timeline; drowning in gadgetry, and doped up on anti-depressants, he falsely views science is a sort of black magic – a force that can solve all problems and, ultimately, save him even from the terror of his own death. This, coupled with the rise of managerialism in politics, has created an unhealthy feedback loop, with a public that expects to be shielded from all risks, and a political class that justifies its existence based on the myth that it can manage such dangers.”
5. Cass Mudde in The Guardian
on US Democrat’s catch-22 moment
Has Trump's coronavirus response sunk him? Don't bet on it
“The Democrats are caught in a classic catch-22. Faced with a misinformation campaign from the White House and conservative media, they might be tempted to overemphasize the Covid-19 threat in an attempt to ensure that even reluctant Americans follow public health guidelines. Yet Democrats have to be careful not to raise the bar too high, and thereby give Trump an opening to trumpet his “Reopen America” policy despite severe casualties. After all, populists don’t need to be correct. They just need mainstream politicians to not be correct either.”
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theweekuk--2020-04-30--Today’s back pages: Gary Neville condemns profit before player welfare

“ Your money or your life ” is the uncompromising headline on the back page of the Daily Mirror above a photo of Gary Neville .
The former Manchester United star turned pundit claims that the Premier League ’ s “ Project Restart ” is driven purely by financial necessity and he worries over the health and safety implications for players .
“ If this was a non-economic decision , there would be no football for months , ” Neville told Sky Sports .
“ There will be people who will look at it as a risk factor , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health first , we wouldn ’ t be discussing football returning at this moment.
” Neville also believes that the prospect of losing millions in TV money had prompted football bosses to lose sight of the bigger picture .
He added : “ There are big prizes up for grabs and huge economic loss that ’ s going to be incurred and it does cloud minds in terms of the level of risk people are willing to place on lives in order for the return of football.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Sun and The Times adorn their back pages with the same photograph of a masked Jose Mourinho making a delivery of food to local communities produced at Tottenham ’ s Kitchen Garden .
Spurs manager Mourinho has volunteered to help out as a delivery driver during the coronavirus crisis and he earns praise from the papers for doing his bit and for taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Daily Express report that if a Saudi Arabian consortium buys Newcastle United their first choice to manage the club will be Mauricio Pochettino .
The Argentine has been unemployed since leaving Tottenham at the end of last year , but apparently he could soon be quids in on the Tyne .
The consensus among the press is that the new owners are prepared to pay him a mouthwatering £19m-per-year deal , which works out at £355,000-per-week .
Not a bad little earner for a sport apparently facing a financial crisis on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says if those sums are right then Poch would be the second highest-paid manager in the Premier League after Pep Guardiola and his £20m at Man City .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Prem return is risky business
“Your money or your life” is the uncompromising headline on the back page of the Daily Mirror above a photo of Gary Neville.
The former Manchester United star turned pundit claims that the Premier League’s “Project Restart” is driven purely by financial necessity and he worries over the health and safety implications for players.
“If this was a non-economic decision, there would be no football for months,” Neville told Sky Sports. “There will be people who will look at it as a risk factor, but if people are really serious about putting health first, we wouldn’t be discussing football returning at this moment.”
Neville also believes that the prospect of losing millions in TV money had prompted football bosses to lose sight of the bigger picture.
He added: “There are big prizes up for grabs and huge economic loss that’s going to be incurred and it does cloud minds in terms of the level of risk people are willing to place on lives in order for the return of football.”
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The Special Delivery One
The Sun and The Times adorn their back pages with the same photograph of a masked Jose Mourinho making a delivery of food to local communities produced at Tottenham’s Kitchen Garden.
Spurs manager Mourinho has volunteered to help out as a delivery driver during the coronavirus crisis and he earns praise from the papers for doing his bit and for taking the necessary precautions.
Poch to pocket Saudi millions?
The Daily Star and the Daily Express report that if a Saudi Arabian consortium buys Newcastle United their first choice to manage the club will be Mauricio Pochettino.
The Argentine has been unemployed since leaving Tottenham at the end of last year, but apparently he could soon be quids in on the Tyne.
The consensus among the press is that the new owners are prepared to pay him a mouthwatering £19m-per-year deal, which works out at £355,000-per-week.
Not a bad little earner for a sport apparently facing a financial crisis on account of coronavirus.
The Daily Mail says if those sums are right then Poch would be the second highest-paid manager in the Premier League after Pep Guardiola and his £20m at Man City.
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-04-30--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 30 Apr 2020

This year ’ s US presidential election will take place against the backdrop of never-before-seen circumstances , with a rising @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus and an economy reeling from the pandemic ’ s impact .
CNN reports that @ @ @ @ @ response to the virus has “ upended Republican plans for how to run against Democrats @ @ @ @ @ “ worried about November ’ s election ” .

Briefing: is Trump on course to win the 2020 election?
This year’s US presidential election will take place against the backdrop of never-before-seen circumstances, with a rising death toll from the new coronavirus and an economy reeling from the pandemic’s impact.
CNN reports that President Donald Trump’s response to the virus has “upended Republican plans for how to run against Democrats”, leaving the party “worried about November’s election”.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Remdesivir: potential coronavirus drug not a ‘magic bullet’ warn experts

Experts have warned that a drug that might be able to help people recover from coronavirus is not a “ magic bullet ” for the disease .
US officials say there is “ clear-cut ” evidence that remdesivir can cut the duration of symptoms , after clinical trials in hospitals around the world found it reduced it from 15 days down to 11 .
Analysts say the drug could “ have the potential to save lives , ease pressure on hospitals and allow parts of lockdown to be lifted ” and the New York Times says US Food and Drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ emergency-use authorisation for remdesivir .
The drug is an antiviral and works by attacking an enzyme that a virus needs in order to replicate inside human cells .
It was originally developed as a treatment for Ebola .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Dr Anthony Fauci who runs the NIAID said : “ The data shows remdesivir @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect in diminishing the time to recovery.
” He claimed the results prove “ a drug can block this virus ” and were “ opening the door to the fact that we now have the capability of treating ” patients .
However , Professor Babak Javid , a consultant in infectious diseases at Cambridge University Hospitals , said remdesivir “ is not a magic bullet ” .
Professor Mahesh Parmar , who has run the trial in Europe , also urged caution .
He said : “ Before this drug can be made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things need to happen : the data and results need to be reviewed by the regulators to assess whether the drug can be licensed and then they need assessment by the relevant health authorities in various countries .
“ While this is happening we will obtain more and longer term data from this trial , and other ones , on whether the drug also prevents deaths from Covid-19.
” Dr Maria Van Kerkhove , the World Health Organisation ’ s technical lead for the coronavirus response , told CNN : “ Typically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will come out that will be a game changer.
” A report in the Lancet medical journal says a trial of the same drug in China found it was ineffective .
However , the China trial was incomplete because the success of lockdown in Wuhan meant doctors ran out of patients .
The BBC says there are several unanswered questions over the drug : “ Is it allowing people who would have recovered anyway to do so more quickly ?
Or is it preventing people from needing treatment in intensive care ?
Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ older people ?
Or those with or without other diseases ?
Do patients have to be treated early when the virus is thought to peak in the body ?
”

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theweekuk--2020-04-30--Coroners told to ignore PPE shortages in NHS worker death inquests

Coroners have been told that inquests into coronavirus deaths among NHS workers should avoid examining systemic failures in provision of personal protective equipment ( PPE ) .
The Evening Standard reports that Mark Lucraft QC , the chief coroner for England and Wales , has issued guidance that “ an inquest would not be a satisfactory means of deciding whether adequate general policies and arrangements were in place for provision of PPE to healthcare workers ” .
He added that although “ if there were reason to suspect that some human failure contributed to the person being infected with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ necessary , “ an inquest is not the right forum for addressing concerns about high-level government or public policy.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Labour has expressed concern over the move .
Lord Falconer , the shadow attorney general , said : “ I am very worried that an impression is being given that coroners will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ PPE led to the death of a key worker .
This guidance may have an unduly restricting effect on the width of inquests arising out of Covid-19-related deaths.
” Rinesh Parmar , the chair of the Doctors Association UK , has also expressed concern .
He said : “ The provision of PPE is so vital to the safety of health workers that to suggest coroners do not consider its supply in detail misses a big part of the picture.
” He added : “ Only comprehensive inquests into the deaths of every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bereaved the ability to ask questions and have the circumstances of their loved ones ’ deaths fully explained.
” Explaining his guidance , Lucraft cited a court ruling that found that while it was right for an inquest to consider whether a soldier had died because a flak jacket had been pierced by a sniper ’ s bullet , it was not within its scope to rule on whether more effective flak jackets should have been supplied by the Ministry of Defence .
However , The Conversation points out that coroners have previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker , who investigated the death of Steve Roberts , a tank commander who died in Iraq , concluded that the lack of appropriate basic equipment was “ unforgivable and inexcusable and represents a breach of trust that those soldiers have in the government ” .
Although the government says there have been 49 verified deaths of NHS staff from Covid-19 during the pandemic , an estimated 127 deaths have been reported in the media .
The Guardian says “ the true figure is likely to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the public domain ” .

Coroners have been told that inquests into coronavirus deaths among NHS workers should avoid examining systemic failures in provision of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Evening Standard reports that Mark Lucraft QC, the chief coroner for England and Wales, has issued guidance that “an inquest would not be a satisfactory means of deciding whether adequate general policies and arrangements were in place for provision of PPE to healthcare workers”.
He added that although “if there were reason to suspect that some human failure contributed to the person being infected with the virus”, an inquest may be necessary, “an inquest is not the right forum for addressing concerns about high-level government or public policy.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced takeon the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Labour has expressed concern over the move. Lord Falconer, the shadow attorney general, said: “I am very worried that an impression is being given that coroners will never investigate whether a failure to provide PPE led to the death of a key worker. This guidance may have an unduly restricting effect on the width of inquests arising out of Covid-19-related deaths.”
Rinesh Parmar, the chair of the Doctors Association UK, has also expressed concern. He said: “The provision of PPE is so vital to the safety of health workers that to suggest coroners do not consider its supply in detail misses a big part of the picture.”
He added: “Only comprehensive inquests into the deaths of every NHS and care worker will give the bereaved the ability to ask questions and have the circumstances of their loved ones’ deaths fully explained.”
Explaining his guidance, Lucraft cited a court ruling that found that while it was right for an inquest to consider whether a soldier had died because a flak jacket had been pierced by a sniper’s bullet, it was not within its scope to rule on whether more effective flak jackets should have been supplied by the Ministry of Defence.
However, The Conversation points out that coroners have previously ruled on the provision of protective equipment. Oxfordshire assistant deputy coroner Andrew Walker, who investigated the death of Steve Roberts, a tank commander who died in Iraq, concluded that the lack of appropriate basic equipment was “unforgivable and inexcusable and represents a breach of trust that those soldiers have in the government”.
Although the government says there have been 49 verified deaths of NHS staff from Covid-19 during the pandemic, an estimated 127 deaths have been reported in the media. The Guardian says “the true figure is likely to be higher because not all deaths will be in the public domain”.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Kentucky governor apologises for accusing Tupac Shakur of benefit fraud

The governor of Kentucky has apologised for accusing a man named Tupac Shakur of benefit fraud .
Andy Beshear , who had publicly accused the man of making a false claim under the deceased rapper ’ s name , then discovered it was the man ’ s real name .
“ I talked to him on the phone today .
I apologised .
I told him how it happened , but I owned it , ” said Beshear .
A coronavirus-era restaurant is being launched in Sweden that will only serve one customer per day .
The solo guest will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ field , with a basket attached to a rope used to serve them .
The owner of the restaurant , named Bord för En , or Table for One , said : “ It will be the only COVID-19-safe restaurant in the world.
” A man in Idaho took 43 hits to the face with wet sponges to break a Guinness World Record .
David Rush , who has broken more than 100 Guinness records to promote STEM education , said he abided by social distancing .
“ There is also no evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a thrown wet sponge , ” he said .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

The governor of Kentucky has apologised for accusing a man named Tupac Shakur of benefit fraud. Andy Beshear, who had publicly accused the man of making a false claim under the deceased rapper’s name, then discovered it was the man’s real name. “I talked to him on the phone today. I apologised. I told him how it happened, but I owned it,” said Beshear.
One-person restaurant opens in Sweden
A coronavirus-era restaurant is being launched in Sweden that will only serve one customer per day. The solo guest will be seated in the middle of a field, with a basket attached to a rope used to serve them. The owner of the restaurant, named Bord för En, or Table for One, said: “It will be the only COVID-19-safe restaurant in the world.”
Idaho man breaks wet sponge record
A man in Idaho took 43 hits to the face with wet sponges to break a Guinness World Record. David Rush, who has broken more than 100 Guinness records to promote STEM education, said he abided by social distancing. “There is also no evidence that COVID-19 has ever been spread by a thrown wet sponge,” he said.
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theweekuk--2020-04-30--Odeon owner bans Universal Pictures films from its screens

AMC Theatres , the global chain that owns Odeon Cinemas , has told Universal Pictures it will no longer screen its films anywhere in the world , as it makes a stand against the prospect of releasing new movies on domestic digital platforms .
The controversy erupted when , on Tuesday , NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell spoke to The Wall Street Journal about the success of Trolls World Tour - the sequel to the animated 2016 hit Trolls - which it released to rent on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime because of the coronavirus pandemic The experiment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ functioning cinemas , had exceeded the movie-maker ’ s expectations , and as a result , Shell said , “ as soon as theatres reopen , we expect to release movies on both formats.
” AMC , the largest cinema chain in the world , took strong exception to this change in release policy being announced unilaterally .
“ This radical change by Universal to the business model that currently exists between our two companies represents nothing but downside for us and is categorically unacceptable to AMC Entertainment , ” wrote AMC Theatres @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a letter sent to Universal Studios chair Donna Langley .
He continued : “ Accordingly , we want to be absolutely clear , so that there is no ambiguity of any kind .
AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously , Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies.
” “ It is disappointing to us , but Jeff ’ s comments as to Universal ’ s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice , ” Aron wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theatres in the United States , Europe or the Middle East.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The retaliation sets up a confrontation that strikes at the heart of the future of film and cinema .
Of course , it remains to be seen how films @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic lockdowns in place , but still , the success of Trolls World Tour in consumers ’ living rooms was striking .
“ The film , released three weeks ago , has reportedly generated $ 100m ( £80m ) as a premium video-on-demand ( PVOD ) title , priced at $ 19.99 , with 5m rentals on services such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video , ” The Guardian reports .
“ Universal gets a greater cut of revenue from streaming services than cinema box office take , which means the film @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money as the first Trolls film did during its entire run in US cinemas.
” In response , Universal seemed unperturbed by AMC ’ s decision - setting up the prospect of an ongoing competition between physical cinema and on-demand digital platforms for new-release films .
“ Going forward , we expect to release future films directly to theatres , as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense .
We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this… attempt from AMC… to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” a Universal representative said .

AMC Theatres, the global chain that owns Odeon Cinemas, has told Universal Pictures it will no longer screen its films anywhere in the world, as it makes a stand against the prospect of releasing new movies on domestic digital platforms.
The controversy erupted when, on Tuesday, NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell spoke to The Wall Street Journal about the success of Trolls World Tour - the sequel to the animated 2016 hit Trolls - which it released to rent on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime because of the coronavirus pandemic
The experiment, forced on Universal in the absence of functioning cinemas, had exceeded the movie-maker’s expectations, and as a result, Shell said, “as soon as theatres reopen, we expect to release movies on both formats.”
AMC, the largest cinema chain in the world, took strong exception to this change in release policy being announced unilaterally.
“This radical change by Universal to the business model that currently exists between our two companies represents nothing but downside for us and is categorically unacceptable to AMC Entertainment,” wrote AMC Theatres CEO and president Adam Aron, in a letter sent to Universal Studios chair Donna Langley.
He continued: “Accordingly, we want to be absolutely clear, so that there is no ambiguity of any kind. AMC believes that with this proposed action to go to the home and theatres simultaneously, Universal is breaking the business model and dealings between our two companies.”
“It is disappointing to us, but Jeff’s comments as to Universal’s unilateral actions and intentions have left us with no choice,” Aron wrote. “Therefore, effectively immediately AMC will no longer play any Universal movies in any of our theatres in the United States, Europe or the Middle East.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
The retaliation sets up a confrontation that strikes at the heart of the future of film and cinema. Of course, it remains to be seen how films released in the two formats compete without economic lockdowns in place, but still, the success of Trolls World Tour in consumers’ living rooms was striking.
“The film, released three weeks ago, has reportedly generated $100m (£80m) as a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) title, priced at $19.99, with 5m rentals on services such as Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video,” The Guardian reports.
“Universal gets a greater cut of revenue from streaming services than cinema box office take, which means the film has made it the same amount of money as the first Trolls film did during its entire run in US cinemas.”
In response, Universal seemed unperturbed by AMC’s decision - setting up the prospect of an ongoing competition between physical cinema and on-demand digital platforms for new-release films.
“Going forward, we expect to release future films directly to theatres, as well as on PVOD when that distribution outlet makes sense. We look forward to having additional private conversations with our exhibition partners but are disappointed by this… attempt from AMC… to confuse our position and our actions,” a Universal representative said.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--US economy nosedives with worst yet to come

The United State ’ s gross domestic product ( GDP ) shrank 4.8 % in the first quarter of 2020 - three months where the country ’ s economy was hit hard by lockdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic .
The figures , however , do not take April into account , and as such do not show the effect of some of the most comprehensive economic shutdowns that have closed businesses and seen 26.5 million citizens file for unemployment benefits .
Because of this , many analysts are convinced the next tranche of economic data will reveal an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has not been seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s .
The slump - announced by the commerce department yesterday - ends the longest period of uninterrupted economic growth in America ’ s history , and was the largest single quarterly decline since the 2008 financial crash .
“ There is much worse to come , ” says The New York Times .
“ Widespread layoffs and business closings didn ’ t hit until late March in most of the country .
Economists expect figures from the current quarter , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more fully , to show that GDP contracted at an annual rate of 30 percent or more.
” As a recession is an economic contraction that lasts for two consecutive quarters , the US can now be said with confidence to be in the midst of a severe recession .
Jerome Powell , the chairman of the Federal Reserve , acknowledged in the wake of yesterday ’ s bleak report that the US economy was in ” sharp decline , “ and said the scale of the downturn was unprecedented .
” We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the second quarter that is worse than any data we have seen for the economy , “ Powell said .
” These are direct consequences of the disease and measures we are taking to protect ourselves from it.
“ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– He continued that his central bank would act to prop up the economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ We will continue to use these powers forcefully , proactively and aggressively until we are confident that we are solidly on the road to recovery , ” said Powell in a video news conference .
“ These are lending powers and not spending powers.
” Attention is beginning to turn to recovery , and how best to stimulate it .
If the economy can start to tick again quickly after the pandemic eases , then it should be able to avoid a depression , which must go on for years to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is how long the pain will linger for the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs and for small-business owners on the verge of bankruptcy , ” says The Washington Post .
While the economy would have to contend with whole sectors creaking back into action , it would also have to lower consumer confidence , Powell said .
“ Until [ consumers ] are confident the virus is well and truly under control , they will be somewhat reluctant to undertake certain kinds of activity , ” he explained .

The United State’s gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 4.8% in the first quarter of 2020 - three months where the country’s economy was hit hard by lockdowns in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The figures, however, do not take April into account, and as such do not show the effect of some of the most comprehensive economic shutdowns that have closed businesses and seen 26.5 million citizens file for unemployment benefits.
Because of this, many analysts are convinced the next tranche of economic data will reveal an even bigger contraction, the likes of which has not been seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.
The slump - announced by the commerce department yesterday - ends the longest period of uninterrupted economic growth in America’s history, and was the largest single quarterly decline since the 2008 financial crash.
“There is much worse to come,” says The New York Times. “Widespread layoffs and business closings didn’t hit until late March in most of the country. Economists expect figures from the current quarter, which will capture the shutdown’s impact more fully, to show that GDP contracted at an annual rate of 30 percent or more.”
As a recession is an economic contraction that lasts for two consecutive quarters, the US can now be said with confidence to be in the midst of a severe recession.
Jerome Powell, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, acknowledged in the wake of yesterday’s bleak report that the US economy was in ”sharp decline,“ and said the scale of the downturn was unprecedented.
”We are going to see economic data for the second quarter that is worse than any data we have seen for the economy,“ Powell said. ”These are direct consequences of the disease and measures we are taking to protect ourselves from it.“
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
He continued that his central bank would act to prop up the economy - including keeping interest rates at zero.
“We will continue to use these powers forcefully, proactively and aggressively until we are confident that we are solidly on the road to recovery,” said Powell in a video news conference. “These are lending powers and not spending powers.”
Attention is beginning to turn to recovery, and how best to stimulate it. If the economy can start to tick again quickly after the pandemic eases, then it should be able to avoid a depression, which must go on for years to earn the name.
“The question is how long the pain will linger for the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs and for small-business owners on the verge of bankruptcy,” says The Washington Post.
While the economy would have to contend with whole sectors creaking back into action, it would also have to lower consumer confidence, Powell said.
“Until [consumers] are confident the virus is well and truly under control, they will be somewhat reluctant to undertake certain kinds of activity,” he explained.


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Can you go on holiday this summer?

Can you go on holiday this summer?

As summer approaches , authorities , communities and individuals in Britain and Europe are weighing up whether or to what extent to allow holidaymakers to travel .
At the heart of the decision lies a difficult tension .
On one hand , just as many societies begin to ease internal lockdown conditions , the prospect of millions of people travelling raises fears of a second wave of infections .
Travellers from ski holidays in the winter just passed were some of the early spreaders of Covid-19 in the UK .
Conversely , many of the most popular travel destinations depend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significant part of their economies ; as a severe global recession looms , trade and travel , if managed safely , will only help the recovery , providing jobs to millions .
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council , one in 10 jobs worldwide are sustained by tourism , while Europe ’ s travel and tourism sector directly and indirectly employs 37.1 million people , contributing 9.1 % of the region ’ s total GDP .
“ The situation is serious , ” said the European Commission ’ s Thierry Breton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We estimate that revenue losses at European level are 50 % for hotels/restaurants , 70 % for tour operators and travel agencies , and 90 % for cruises and airlines.
” It is hardly surprising that attempts are being made to get tourism going again as soon as is safely possible .
Yesterday , Vera Jourova , a vice-president for the European Commission , called on EU member states to lift travel restrictions “ as soon as possible ” .
For the duration of 2020 ’ s Brexit transition period , UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free movement enshrined in the EU Single Market and Customs Union , and as such will be included in EU efforts to stimulate intra-bloc tourism this summer .
“ It ’ s quite clear that we do not want to have any discrimination… on the basis of citizenship or even nationality , ” Jourova said yesterday , adding that the commission would publish a detailed communication on the issue on 13 May - one guided by “ specific guidance on health and safety ” .
Already , places like Sicily in Italy are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they consider the annual influx of visitors - the island “ will pay half the cost of flights and for one of every three nights stayed at a hotel if travellers visit later this year , ” Newsweek reports .
The Telegraph ’ s Anne Hanley is sceptical , though : “ This doesn ’ t get round the fact that no one can come into the country without a two-week quarantine .
And Sicily can ’ t do anything until they get central government go ahead , ” she said .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Indeed , national governments seem reluctant to open up movement too soon .
Yesterday , Spain ’ s foreign minister , Arancha Gonzalez Laya , said visitors would only be welcomed once safety could be assured .
“ Spain always gives its visitors the warmest possible welcome and wants to do so under the best possible safety conditions , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spain will gradually open to tourism when it ’ s in a position to guarantee tourists ’ safety.
” Germany , meanwhile , announced it would extend its travel warnings until mid June at the earliest .
In the UK , Michael Gove addressed citizens considering domestic trips : “ at the moment and for some time to come , don ’ t. ” Yesterday , Tui , the UK ’ s biggest tour operator , extended the cancellation of its holidays to include all those booked before 11 June , having previously @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the absence of the European Commission ’ s 13 May report , there is little consensus about how best to safely allow tourism .
Greece is even considering the introduction of “ health passports ” , while Croatia is mulling opening its borders in May by establishing “ travel corridors ” whereby visitors will only be allowed to enter if they are arriving from countries with relatively controlled outbreaks .
One major factor limiting holidays may be the price of plane tickets .
Airlines may be compelled to leave empty seats , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than usual to operate flights .

As summer approaches, authorities, communities and individuals in Britain and Europe are weighing up whether or to what extent to allow holidaymakers to travel.
At the heart of the decision lies a difficult tension. On one hand, just as many societies begin to ease internal lockdown conditions, the prospect of millions of people travelling raises fears of a second wave of infections.
Travellers from ski holidays in the winter just passed were some of the early spreaders of Covid-19 in the UK.
Conversely, many of the most popular travel destinations depend on the income from tourism as a significant part of their economies; as a severe global recession looms, trade and travel, if managed safely, will only help the recovery, providing jobs to millions.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, one in 10 jobs worldwide are sustained by tourism, while Europe’s travel and tourism sector directly and indirectly employs 37.1 million people, contributing 9.1% of the region’s total GDP.
“The situation is serious,” said the European Commission’s Thierry Breton at the European Parliament last week. “We estimate that revenue losses at European level are 50% for hotels/restaurants, 70% for tour operators and travel agencies, and 90% for cruises and airlines.”
It is hardly surprising that attempts are being made to get tourism going again as soon as is safely possible.
Yesterday, Vera Jourova, a vice-president for the European Commission, called on EU member states to lift travel restrictions “as soon as possible”.
For the duration of 2020’s Brexit transition period, UK citizens are still afforded the benefits of free movement enshrined in the EU Single Market and Customs Union, and as such will be included in EU efforts to stimulate intra-bloc tourism this summer.
“It’s quite clear that we do not want to have any discrimination… on the basis of citizenship or even nationality,” Jourova said yesterday, adding that the commission would publish a detailed communication on the issue on 13 May - one guided by “specific guidance on health and safety”.
Already, places like Sicily in Italy are reacting in ways that illuminate how important they consider the annual influx of visitors - the island “will pay half the cost of flights and for one of every three nights stayed at a hotel if travellers visit later this year,” Newsweek reports.


theweekuk--2020-04-29--Pochettino is Saudi-backed consortium’s ‘No.1 choice’ for Newcastle job

Sky Sports reports that the prospective new owners of Newcastle United want Mauricio Pochettino to be the club ’ s next manager .
Steve Bruce currently holds the position but he is only likely to remain in charge at St James ’ Park until the end of the season .
The Saudi-backed consortium which is in talks to take over Newcastle are keen to recruit “ No.1 choice ” Pochettino and are willing to pay the Argentine £19m a year .
Sky says the former Spurs manager wants to return to the Premier League and is “ known to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Auba could be sold for £30m Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be sold by Arsenal for just £30m , The Sun reports , because the Gunners are “ desperate ” not to lose their captain for nothing next year when his contract expires .
The Sun also leads on its back page with the declaration from Fifa ’ s top doctor Michel d ’ Hooghe that football should forget about any resumption in the coming months and concentrate on starting afresh in September .
His comments will be an embarrassment for the British government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the idea of restarting the Premier League in order to lift the nation ’ s spirits .
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Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4 .
Three more MotoGPs are off The June and July MotoGP races in Germany , Holland and Finland have been cancelled .
As things stand the opening 11 races of the MotoGP season are off and a revised calendar is not yet published @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in 2021 The next Tour de Yorkshire cycling event looks set to take place in 2021 .
After the event was postponed there were hopes it could take place later this year but Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive James Mason said : “ The longer this goes on the more likely it is that it will be next year .
There are too many imponderables as to when mass sporting events can take place again and they ’ re all backing up.
” England cricket star Moeen Ali has backed a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hundred .
English cricket ’ s new 100-ball competition is due to start this summer but the sport is currently suspended until 1 July at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic .
Moeen , who is set to captain Birmingham Phoenix , said : “ It is better for it to be delayed .
As players , we want The Hundred played with all best players around the world available to come and play so it makes more sense that way .
“ It is probably going to be too much to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the season .
It would be hard work to squeeze in The Hundred as well .
It is such a big deal for us in this country and we want it to be played when everything is right and no problems around the world.
” Le Havre midfielder Pape Gueye has signed a five-year contract with Premier League side Watford .
The 21-year-old ’ s current deal expires this summer and he will officially become a Watford player from 1 July .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– International Olympic Committee ( IOC ) president Thomas Bach says the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to next year will cost the organisation “ several hundred million dollars ” .
In an open letter Bach said : “ Although it is too early to give an exact figure , we already know that we have to shoulder several hundred million US dollars of postponement costs .
This is why we also need to look into and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for these postponed Games.
” 9 .
Vettel and Sainz to swap teams in 2021 ?
Sebastian Vettel could leave Ferrari for McLaren in 2021 with Carlos Sainz tipped to go the other way .
That ’ s according to German Formula 1 commentator Sascha Roos who said : “ Sebastian Vettel is not about money .
He is interested in having a successful car with the status he likes within the team .
McLaren is also going to have a Mercedes engine , which is not a bad thing .
It could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Vettel , rather than having poor terms and being the less popular choice at Ferrari.
” Dr Brian McCloskey , a public health adviser to the World Health Organization , has told BBC Sport that hosting big sporting events this summer will be a “ challenge ” and that community events could be first to return after the lockdown .
He said : “ The bigger the match , the bigger the competition , the more complicated those mitigating actions will have to be - and therefore the less likely it is that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local event - community football , community running - is much easier to see how that happens .
Bigger events will be a challenge this summer.
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1. Poch is ‘No.1 choice’ for Toon
Sky Sports reports that the prospective new owners of Newcastle United want Mauricio Pochettino to be the club’s next manager.
Steve Bruce currently holds the position but he is only likely to remain in charge at St James’ Park until the end of the season.
The Saudi-backed consortium which is in talks to take over Newcastle are keen to recruit “No.1 choice” Pochettino and are willing to pay the Argentine £19m a year.
Sky says the former Spurs manager wants to return to the Premier League and is “known to be interested in the role”.
2. Auba could be sold for £30m
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be sold by Arsenal for just £30m, The Sun reports, because the Gunners are “desperate” not to lose their captain for nothing next year when his contract expires.
3. Prem restart fears
The Sun also leads on its back page with the declaration from Fifa’s top doctor Michel d’Hooghe that football should forget about any resumption in the coming months and concentrate on starting afresh in September.
His comments will be an embarrassment for the British government who apparently have been quietly supportive of the idea of restarting the Premier League in order to lift the nation’s spirits.
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4. Three more MotoGPs are off
The June and July MotoGP races in Germany, Holland and Finland have been cancelled. As things stand the opening 11 races of the MotoGP season are off and a revised calendar is not yet published.
5. Tour de Yorkshire likely to be in 2021
The next Tour de Yorkshire cycling event looks set to take place in 2021. After the event was postponed there were hopes it could take place later this year but Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive James Mason said: “The longer this goes on the more likely it is that it will be next year. There are too many imponderables as to when mass sporting events can take place again and they’re all backing up.”
6. Moeen: Hundred should be delayed
England cricket star Moeen Ali has backed a delay for the inaugural season of The Hundred. English cricket’s new 100-ball competition is due to start this summer but the sport is currently suspended until 1 July at the earliest because of the coronavirus pandemic.


theweekuk--2020-04-29--Is the Premier League restart a pipe dream?

The Sun leads on its back page with the declaration from Fifa ’ s top doctor Michel d ’ Hooghe that football should forget about any resumption in the coming months and concentrate on starting afresh in September .
His comments will be an embarrassment for the British government who apparently have been quietly supportive of the idea of restarting the Premier League in order to lift the nation ’ s spirits .
But The Daily Telegraph says that “ many Premier League players are fearful of the health risks of games behind closed doors ” , and believe they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
That view is shared by some Premier League executives , says the Telegraph , which claims there is “ pressure from the government as politicians seek to lift morale amid mounting tension over lockdown measures ” .
With the government facing growing criticism about the lack of clarity over its lockdown measures , several clubs and Premier League officials suspect that government officials “ will use the resumption of top-flight football as a tool to deflect criticism ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The Times says there is a revolt brewing over “ Project Restart ” , not just because of fears over player safety but also strong opposition in some quarters to the idea of matches being played at neutral grounds .
That is said to be a cornerstone of the project , in order to minimise the health risks , but many clubs argue that the “ sporting integrity of the competition could be undermined by teams losing home advantage ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enough problems already , the Daily Star ’ s back page headline - “ Docs kick off over testing ” - covers a story that could cause more controversy for football and the government .
According to the paper the Premier League will conduct ( and pay for ) 1,000 coronavirus tests every week in order to reassure players remain safe when the season resumes .
But club doctors are “ voicing serious ethical concerns about the morality of testing players twice-a-week if the NHS are still in short supply ” .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ delayed for a second time if the coronavirus crisis is still with us in 2021 .
The Times says a growing number of medical experts believe that it will be impossible to stage the Olympics if no vaccine for coronavirus has been introduced .
Yoshiro Mori , the president of the Tokyo Olympic committee , has made it clear that the summer of 2021 is make or break time for the Games , and that having already been moved from 2020 to next year there will be no repeat .
But the prognosis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Times , quoting Kentaro Iwata , a professor of infectious disease at Kobe University .
“ I am very pessimistic about holding the Games next summer , ” he said “ Unless you hold the Games in a totally different structure such as [ with ] no audience or a very limited participation.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Prem restart fears
The Sun leads on its back page with the declaration from Fifa’s top doctor Michel d’Hooghe that football should forget about any resumption in the coming months and concentrate on starting afresh in September.
His comments will be an embarrassment for the British government who apparently have been quietly supportive of the idea of restarting the Premier League in order to lift the nation’s spirits.
But The Daily Telegraph says that “many Premier League players are fearful of the health risks of games behind closed doors”, and believe they are being rushed back for the wrong reasons.
That view is shared by some Premier League executives, says the Telegraph, which claims there is “pressure from the government as politicians seek to lift morale amid mounting tension over lockdown measures”.
With the government facing growing criticism about the lack of clarity over its lockdown measures, several clubs and Premier League officials suspect that government officials “will use the resumption of top-flight football as a tool to deflect criticism”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Restart revolt
The Times says there is a revolt brewing over “Project Restart”, not just because of fears over player safety but also strong opposition in some quarters to the idea of matches being played at neutral grounds.
That is said to be a cornerstone of the project, in order to minimise the health risks, but many clubs argue that the “sporting integrity of the competition could be undermined by teams losing home advantage”.
And if there weren’t enough problems already, the Daily Star’s back page headline - “Docs kick off over testing” - covers a story that could cause more controversy for football and the government.
According to the paper the Premier League will conduct (and pay for) 1,000 coronavirus tests every week in order to reassure players remain safe when the season resumes.
But club doctors are “voicing serious ethical concerns about the morality of testing players twice-a-week if the NHS are still in short supply”.
Uncertain future for the Olympics
The Tokyo Olympics will be cancelled and not delayed for a second time if the coronavirus crisis is still with us in 2021.
The Times says a growing number of medical experts believe that it will be impossible to stage the Olympics if no vaccine for coronavirus has been introduced.
Yoshiro Mori, the president of the Tokyo Olympic committee, has made it clear that the summer of 2021 is make or break time for the Games, and that having already been moved from 2020 to next year there will be no repeat.
But the prognosis isn’t good, reports the Times, quoting Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious disease at Kobe University.
“I am very pessimistic about holding the Games next summer,” he said “Unless you hold the Games in a totally different structure such as [with] no audience or a very limited participation.”
Today’s sport headlines
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-04-30--Is lower air pollution under lockdown saving lives?

Improvements in air quality during coronavirus lockdowns have resulted in 11,000 fewer deaths across Europe over the past month , according to a new study .
Researchers at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air ( CREA ) say the effects of the significant reduction in air travel and road traffic are comparable to “ everyone in Europe stopping smoking for a month ” .
So what do the numbers say ?
Since the start of the pandemic , lockdown measures have dramatically reduced the consumption of coal and oil , both key sources of pollution in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the month up to 24 April , power generation from coal dropped by 37 % and oil consumption by around a third .
As a result , levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in Europe fell by 40 % , and particulate matter pollution by 10 % .
The researchers say the decreases have resulted in 11,000 fewer deaths across the Continent from the direct effects of air pollution , “ which include asthma and strokes ” , than would otherwise be expected , reports The Telegraph .
The UK had the second-highest estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , at 1,752 , after Germany ( 2,083 ) , said CREA analyst Lauri Myrylvitta , who pointed to the two countries ’ large populations and heavy reliance on cars for transport .
Italy was next for estimated lives saved ( 1,490 ) , followed by France ( 1,230 ) and Spain ( 1,083 ) .
The Guardian reports that reduced fossil fuel consumption during the pandemic has also “ resulted in 1.3 million fewer days of work absence , 6,000 fewer children developing asthma , 1,900 avoided emergency room visits and 600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton , said the report was “ a timely reminder of how deadly air pollution is ” .
“ The NHS is fighting Covid-19 with everything it has and returning to previous levels of air pollution would only make that fight harder , ” he added .
“ As we look forward to the lockdown lifting , we must protect the most vulnerable to the effects of dirty air.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Is there a link between air pollution and Covid-19 ?
According to Brussels-based newspaper New Europe , prolonged exposure to air pollution prior to the coronavirus pandemic “ could have caused or exacerbated diseases such as diabetes , lung disease , heart disease and cancer ” - all of which are conditions that “ can make people more vulnerable to develop severe symptoms of Covid-19 ” .
New Scientist points to the findings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researcher Marco Travaglio , who “ overlaid nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) and nitrogen oxide ( NO ) levels from more than 120 monitoring stations across England with figures on coronavirus infections and deaths ” .
The research revealed “ a link between poor air quality and the lethality of Covid-19 in those areas ” , the science magazine reports .
A similar study at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany mapping NO2 levels and coronavirus deaths at a regional level in four European countries - Germany , Italy , Spain and France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air pollution “ could be an important contributor ” to high fatality rates .

Improvements in air quality during coronavirus lockdowns have resulted in 11,000 fewer deaths across Europe over the past month, according to a new study.
Researchers at the Helsinki-based Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) say the effects of the significant reduction in air travel and road traffic are comparable to “everyone in Europe stopping smoking for a month”.
So what do the numbers say?
Since the start of the pandemic, lockdown measures have dramatically reduced the consumption of coal and oil, both key sources of pollution in Europe. According to CREA, in the month up to 24 April, power generation from coal dropped by 37% and oil consumption by around a third.
As a result, levels of nitrogen dioxide pollution in Europe fell by 40%, and particulate matter pollution by 10%. The researchers say the decreases have resulted in 11,000 fewer deaths across the Continent from the direct effects of air pollution, “which include asthma and strokes”, than would otherwise be expected, reports The Telegraph.
The UK had the second-highest estimate of any European nation for avoided deaths, at 1,752, after Germany (2,083), said CREA analyst Lauri Myrylvitta, who pointed to the two countries’ large populations and heavy reliance on cars for transport.
Italy was next for estimated lives saved (1,490), followed by France (1,230) and Spain (1,083).
The Guardian reports that reduced fossil fuel consumption during the pandemic has also “resulted in 1.3 million fewer days of work absence, 6,000 fewer children developing asthma, 1,900 avoided emergency room visits and 600 fewer preterm births”.
Stephen Holgate, a professor of immunopharmacology at the University of Southampton, said the report was “a timely reminder of how deadly air pollution is”.
“The NHS is fighting Covid-19 with everything it has and returning to previous levels of air pollution would only make that fight harder,” he added. “As we look forward to the lockdown lifting, we must protect the most vulnerable to the effects of dirty air.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Is there a link between air pollution and Covid-19?
According to Brussels-based newspaper New Europe, prolonged exposure to air pollution prior to the coronavirus pandemic “could have caused or exacerbated diseases such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and cancer” - all of which are conditions that “can make people more vulnerable to develop severe symptoms of Covid-19”.
New Scientist points to the findings of a study by University of Cambridge researcher Marco Travaglio, who “overlaid nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and nitrogen oxide (NO) levels from more than 120 monitoring stations across England with figures on coronavirus infections and deaths”.
The research revealed “a link between poor air quality and the lethality of Covid-19 in those areas”, the science magazine reports.
A similar study at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany mapping NO2 levels and coronavirus deaths at a regional level in four European countries - Germany, Italy, Spain and France - also found that long-term exposure to air pollution “could be an important contributor” to high fatality rates.


theweekuk--2020-05-01--Coronavirus: is loneliness a hidden lockdown killer?

A man whose grandfather killed himself following weeks under lockdown is urging people to “ pick up the phone to your parents , grandparents and friends ” .
In a tribute posted to facebook , James Parnaby said the death of 82-year-old Dennis Ward was one of the “ hidden effects of coronavirus ” .
Ward was found dead at his Birmingham home last week by his wife , Valerie , who said he had never had issues with his mental health before , reports The Times .
She added that her husband , a father of two and grandfather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would go out every single day and always looked forward to seeing his family .
The impact of this lockdown became too much for him.
” Ward ’ s death comes weeks after the Police Federation warned of “ early indications ” of a rise in suicides during lockdown .
Experts believe loneliness is a major factor in the increase in the number of people taking their own lives .
“ Loneliness is a subjective experience , so it ’ s not always obvious to us , ” Pamela Qualter , a University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian .
“ There are some people who are currently isolated who will not get lonely and there are others who will really struggle.
” The problem of loneliness has long been in danger of becoming a “ plague ” , says Time .
Now , “ its intersection with another pandemic - Covid-19 - is creating widespread alarm ” , the magazine continues .
The extent of the danger was not immediately apparent , however .
Initially , the coronavirus outbreak and resulting lockdown “ acted as a social catalyst , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people checking in on their neighbours ” , says Ian Hamilton , a lecturer at York University ’ s Department of Health Science , in an article for The Independent .
But this camaraderie gradually slipped .
Two-thirds of people quizzed in a survey at the start of the quarantine said they had checked in on their neighbours , yet “ this has fallen to just 52 % ” , Hamilton writes .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For some people , a lack of real-world interaction has been mitigated by digital communication , with online tools allowing them to “ reach out to more people than they ever did before ” , says the BBC .
But technology alone is not the solution , says Professor Rory O ’ Connor of the University of Glasgow .
O ’ Connor , who conducts research on suicide , told The Guardian that “ people are reporting elevated levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s why it ’ s so urgent that we identify who is vulnerable so we can put measures in place.
” For York University lecturer Hamilton , one vital measure to tackle the loneliness crisis is to create a more cohesive society .
Yet “ we are already returning to our old ways of looking out for number one ” , he warns .
Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland , or email jo @ samaritans.org or jo @ samaritans.ie .
Information on other international @ @ @ @ @ @ @


theweekuk--2020-05-01--Instant Opinion: Dominic Cummings’s critics ‘simply deluded’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
on unfair attacks on the PM ’ s closest advisor “ The government and its critics have colluded in the deceptively simple idea that political decisions and scientific advice are different things .
Ministers insist they are following the science ; critics counter that they are not .
Any hope that lockdown would usher in a more civilised political debate has vanished as the critics of austerity replay all their old tunes .
Slowly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their residual anger on a government they claim is pursuing cod-Darwinian population control or , at best , mere quackery ...
Indeed , the presence of Mr Cummings on Sage contradicts the simplistic view of his critics because it shows that politics and science mesh right at the top .
In fact , they mesh all the way down .
Scientists , like politicians , approach their experiments with preconceived ideas .
‘ There is no such thing as philosophy-free science , ’ says Daniel Dennett in Darwin ’ s Dangerous Idea.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A cavalier Tory leader and a botched pandemic response ?
It must be 1957 “ For Johnson ’ s critics , the fate of Macmillan ’ s government in the aftermath of the 1957 pandemic is not a reassuring precedent .
During the later months of the crisis – not a point the government has reached yet – the Tories ’ poll ratings did fall sharply .
But by the time the next general election came , in 1959 , the pandemic had receded .
The Labour manifesto didn ’ t even raise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Conservatives talked up their economic record instead , and won easily , increasing their Commons majority to 100 .
In Britain , it remains disconcertingly easy – and a sign of how lopsided our democracy is – for Tory governments responsible for disasters to change the subject .
The rightwing bias of the press , worse now than in the 1950s , as there are fewer left-leaning papers , is the obvious villain .
But equally important is a reluctance from voters to face up to the sheer scale of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 3 .
Tim Hartford in the Financial Times on the link between coronavirus-control and climate change Saving the planet demands sacrifices just as Covid-19 does “ The virus has taught us that our way of life is more vulnerable than we might hope .
It has taught us the importance of making sacrifices now to prepare for predictable risks in the future .
It may even have reminded us that driving to work , or flying half way around the world for a meeting , are not always necessary , and of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets .
These lessons may help us deal with the threat of climate change that still looms over us .
But my friends in the environmental movement should take one more lesson to heart : if degrowth is the only solution we can find to our problems , perhaps we haven ’ t looked hard enough.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ian Hamilton , associate professor of addiction at York University , in The Independent on the fast dissipation of goodwill Goodbye big society - already we are seeing a return to looking out for number one “ Seductive as it is to believe that Covid-19 is the great leveller , it is not .
The pandemic has in effect widened another rift that was alive and well pre-pandemic : that of class and inequality .
Low-paid shopworkers , porters , cleaners and so on all have maximum exposure to the virus and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ risk .
The middle class stay shielded , spending their time learning a new language or some other form of self-improvement that must be despairing to hear about if you don ’ t have equal economic , social or psychological capacity and you ’ re struggling to survive ...
Predictions about how life would be radically different after Covid-19 – that we would be more cohesive as a society – are beginning to look overly optimistic .
Indeed , we are already returning to our old ways of looking out for number one.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Emmanuel Macron is experiencing the calm before the storm “ All in all , I reckon I ’ ve had a good ‘ war ’ , as have in general the French , a point made last week by Christophe Castaner , the interior minister , who praised the country ’ s discipline [ during lockdown ] .
I can ’ t help thinking , however , that president Macron ’ s problems will really start post confinement .
France has plunged into recession as its GDP contracted by 5.8 per cent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the worst contraction since the second war .
With such a grim outlook it ’ s probably just as well the police have had their feet up these past seven weeks because also making the most of the unseasonably good weather have been the anarchists , extremists , unionists , opportunists and yellow vests .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Philip Collins in The Times
on unfair attacks on the PM’s closest advisor
Dominic Cummings’s critics are simply deluded
“The government and its critics have colluded in the deceptively simple idea that political decisions and scientific advice are different things. Ministers insist they are following the science; critics counter that they are not. Any hope that lockdown would usher in a more civilised political debate has vanished as the critics of austerity replay all their old tunes. Slowly, the Brexit tribes are regrouping to expend their residual anger on a government they claim is pursuing cod-Darwinian population control or, at best, mere quackery... Indeed, the presence of Mr Cummings on Sage contradicts the simplistic view of his critics because it shows that politics and science mesh right at the top. In fact, they mesh all the way down. Scientists, like politicians, approach their experiments with preconceived ideas. ‘There is no such thing as philosophy-free science,’ says Daniel Dennett in Darwin’s Dangerous Idea.”
2. Andy Beckett in The Guardian
on the contemporary echoes of Harold Macmillan
A cavalier Tory leader and a botched pandemic response? It must be 1957
“For Johnson’s critics, the fate of Macmillan’s government in the aftermath of the 1957 pandemic is not a reassuring precedent. During the later months of the crisis – not a point the government has reached yet – the Tories’ poll ratings did fall sharply. But by the time the next general election came, in 1959, the pandemic had receded. The Labour manifesto didn’t even raise the government’s handling of it. The Conservatives talked up their economic record instead, and won easily, increasing their Commons majority to 100. In Britain, it remains disconcertingly easy – and a sign of how lopsided our democracy is – for Tory governments responsible for disasters to change the subject. The rightwing bias of the press, worse now than in the 1950s, as there are fewer left-leaning papers, is the obvious villain. But equally important is a reluctance from voters to face up to the sheer scale of what the Conservatives have sometimes got wrong.”
3. Tim Hartford in the Financial Times
on the link between coronavirus-control and climate change
Saving the planet demands sacrifices just as Covid-19 does
“The virus has taught us that our way of life is more vulnerable than we might hope. It has taught us the importance of making sacrifices now to prepare for predictable risks in the future. It may even have reminded us that driving to work, or flying half way around the world for a meeting, are not always necessary, and of the joys of walking or cycling through quiet streets. These lessons may help us deal with the threat of climate change that still looms over us. But my friends in the environmental movement should take one more lesson to heart: if degrowth is the only solution we can find to our problems, perhaps we haven’t looked hard enough.”