theweekuk--2020-03-26--Instant Opinion: A national government now ‘is a dangerous idea’

The Week ’ s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media , with excerpts from each .
1 .
Robert Saunders in the New Statesman on the importance of opposition Why a national government now is a dangerous idea “ In times of crisis , there is a romantic allure to the idea of old enemies forging new alliances , of statesmen and women sinking their petty differences and standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of danger .
But governments of national unity ( or ‘ national governments ’ ) come at a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections and suspend the normal working of democracy .
By bringing opposition parties inside the government , they prevent the opposition playing its crucial role of probing and contesting the government ’ s decisions .
At the very moment when the actions of government are most momentous – when lives are at stake and the economy in the balance – they shut down the part of our system that exists to challenge the exercise of power.
” Let the fizz explode as Corbyn steps aside “ At the end of it all , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he achieve ?
As a long-standing Eurosceptic who wanted a massive expansion in the size of the state funded by huge government borrowing , and the nationalisation of the railways and private hospitals , he could look around now and think job done .
Albeit , none of it actually down to him.
” It 's farewell , then , to Jeremy Corbyn after his final PMQs .
Or is it ?
“ Corbyn and the years of his leadership have been significant , one way or the other .
The last four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country and all the signs are that Corbyn will continue to perform that service in the years ahead .
As for his legacy , there are competing contenders : Labour ’ s renewed commitment to public ownership , Brexit , a party membership of more than half a million .
But his defining legacy will surely be the fact that at PMQs today he was still standing on the opposition side , with his opponent , the prime minister , enjoying an 80-seat Commons majority and 50 per cent support in recent polls.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad , try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Under the Home Office ’ s hostile environment , surviving coronavirus is a luxury reserved for UK citizens “ Though Boris Johnson has referred to helping ‘ British citizens ’ , nothing has been said of a crucial group in the population – working immigrants .
Hundreds of thousands of workers and families present in the UK are on time-limited visas , permitted to work but with no recourse to public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sick pay .
Many are working in essential services like the NHS , social care and child care , as well as in hospitality and food processing .
If these people stop work in order to self-isolate , they will be unable to claim any benefits without a complicated application to the Home Office , which could take months .
From a public health perspective , the Home Office should assure workers and families that they , as equal contributors to society , must be protected and supported through our crisis.
” on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't believe the myth that we must sacrifice lives to save the economy “ It wasn ’ t the sharp fall in GDP in 2008-9 that reduced , over the course of the next decade , life expectancy for the poorest in our society .
It was how the government chose to address the economic fallout of the global financial crisis – by underfunding and understaffing the NHS and social care , and by eroding the basic welfare safety net that people depend on when times are hard .
As we are now @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left us less , not more , prepared for this crisis .
Similarly , if we allow Covid-19 to permanently damage our economic and social fabric , it will be our own fault , not that of the virus .
This time we can , and must , do better .
”

The Week’s daily round-up highlights the five best opinion pieces from across the British and international media, with excerpts from each.
1. Robert Saunders in the New Statesman
on the importance of opposition
Why a national government now is a dangerous idea
“In times of crisis, there is a romantic allure to the idea of old enemies forging new alliances, of statesmen and women sinking their petty differences and standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the face of danger. But governments of national unity (or ‘national governments’) come at a price. They override the verdicts of elections and suspend the normal working of democracy. By bringing opposition parties inside the government, they prevent the opposition playing its crucial role of probing and contesting the government’s decisions. At the very moment when the actions of government are most momentous – when lives are at stake and the economy in the balance – they shut down the part of our system that exists to challenge the exercise of power.”
2. Matt Chorley in The Times
on Jeremy Corbyn’s achievements
Let the fizz explode as Corbyn steps aside
“At the end of it all, what was the point? What did he achieve? As a long-standing Eurosceptic who wanted a massive expansion in the size of the state funded by huge government borrowing, and the nationalisation of the railways and private hospitals, he could look around now and think job done. Albeit, none of it actually down to him.”
3. Tom Harris in The Telegraph
on the Labour leader’s legacy
It's farewell, then, to Jeremy Corbyn after his final PMQs. Or is it?
“Corbyn and the years of his leadership have been significant, one way or the other. The last four years have divided the party and the country and all the signs are that Corbyn will continue to perform that service in the years ahead. As for his legacy, there are competing contenders: Labour’s renewed commitment to public ownership, Brexit, a party membership of more than half a million. But his defining legacy will surely be the fact that at PMQs today he was still standing on the opposition side, with his opponent, the prime minister, enjoying an 80-seat Commons majority and 50 per cent support in recent polls.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a weekly round-up of the best articles and columns from the UK and abroad, try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Sheona York in The Independent
on working immigrants
Under the Home Office’s hostile environment, surviving coronavirus is a luxury reserved for UK citizens
“Though Boris Johnson has referred to helping ‘British citizens’, nothing has been said of a crucial group in the population – working immigrants. Hundreds of thousands of workers and families present in the UK are on time-limited visas, permitted to work but with no recourse to public funds, and may find themselves denied sick pay. Many are working in essential services like the NHS, social care and child care, as well as in hospitality and food processing. If these people stop work in order to self-isolate, they will be unable to claim any benefits without a complicated application to the Home Office, which could take months. From a public health perspective, the Home Office should assure workers and families that they, as equal contributors to society, must be protected and supported through our crisis.”
5. Jonathan Portes in The Guardian
on the economic trade-off of halting coronavirus
Don't believe the myth that we must sacrifice lives to save the economy
“It wasn’t the sharp fall in GDP in 2008-9 that reduced, over the course of the next decade, life expectancy for the poorest in our society. It was how the government chose to address the economic fallout of the global financial crisis – by underfunding and understaffing the NHS and social care, and by eroding the basic welfare safety net that people depend on when times are hard. As we are now discovering, these were false economies that left us less, not more, prepared for this crisis. Similarly, if we allow Covid-19 to permanently damage our economic and social fabric, it will be our own fault, not that of the virus. This time we can, and must, do better.”


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Wimbledon under threat: key decision to be made next week

Like dominoes the world ’ s most cherished sporting events have fallen in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and next to go could be this summer ’ s Wimbledon tennis grand slam .
The 2020 Championships is scheduled to start on 29 June but the All England Club will convene an emergency meeting next week and discuss whether to take the unprecedented decision to cancel this year ’ s event .
Wimbledon is the world ’ s oldest tennis tournament , having first been staged in 1877 , and since then only the two world wars have stopped the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ south-west London every summer .
According to The Guardian , there is a “ downbeat ” mood within the All England Club after Britain went into lockdown at the start of this week .
The professional tennis ATP and WTA tours have been suspended until 7 June and it would appear unrealistic to stage the sport ’ s showpiece tournament three weeks later with players out of shape following a three-month shutdown .
Additionally , says the Daily Mail , it takes two months to get the site ready for the championships “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made by the end of April or the start of May at the latest ” .
On Wednesday night the All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said that the board are “ working hard to bring certainty to our plans ” .
It ’ s believed they are in consultation with representatives from all the main bodies in the sport , as well as the organisers of the other grand slams in Australia , France and the United States .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The French Open has already been controversially moved from its customary May time slot to September , risking a clash with the popular Laver Cup , and were Wimbledon to be postponed it ’ s hard to see when it could be rescheduled given that it ’ s an outdoor tournament played on grass .
All England Club chief Lewis said : “ The unprecedented challenge presented by the Covid-19 crisis continues to affect our way of life in ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our thoughts are with all those affected in the UK and around the world .
“ The single most important consideration is one of public health , and we are determined to act responsibly through the decisions we make .
“ We are working hard to bring certainty to our plans for 2020 and have convened an emergency meeting of the main board for next week , at which a decision will be made.
” The Guardian quotes an industry insider who is described as an experienced negotiator between broadcasters and sports @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With such uncertainty about , changing big , long-term contracts and setting mutually acceptable new dates is difficult and complicated , as can be seen from what has been happening with the Olympics .
“ For that reason , I ’ d say the chances of Wimbledon going ahead in June are slim to zero .
You go with it now or you call it off.
” The Daily Mail claims that one decision reached by the All England Club is that the Championships will not be held behind closed doors in order @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Like dominoes the world’s most cherished sporting events have fallen in the face of the coronavirus pandemic and next to go could be this summer’s Wimbledon tennis grand slam.
The 2020 Championships is scheduled to start on 29 June but the All England Club will convene an emergency meeting next week and discuss whether to take the unprecedented decision to cancel this year’s event.
Wimbledon is the world’s oldest tennis tournament, having first been staged in 1877, and since then only the two world wars have stopped the sound of ball on racquet in leafy south-west London every summer.
According to The Guardian, there is a “downbeat” mood within the All England Club after Britain went into lockdown at the start of this week.
The professional tennis ATP and WTA tours have been suspended until 7 June and it would appear unrealistic to stage the sport’s showpiece tournament three weeks later with players out of shape following a three-month shutdown.
Additionally, says the Daily Mail, it takes two months to get the site ready for the championships “so realistically a decision needs to be made by the end of April or the start of May at the latest”.
On Wednesday night the All England Club chief executive Richard Lewis said that the board are “working hard to bring certainty to our plans”.
It’s believed they are in consultation with representatives from all the main bodies in the sport, as well as the organisers of the other grand slams in Australia, France and the United States.
Will Novak Djokovic miss chance to defend Wimbledon title?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Health comes first
The French Open has already been controversially moved from its customary May time slot to September, risking a clash with the popular Laver Cup, and were Wimbledon to be postponed it’s hard to see when it could be rescheduled given that it’s an outdoor tournament played on grass.
All England Club chief Lewis said: “The unprecedented challenge presented by the Covid-19 crisis continues to affect our way of life in ways that we could not have imagined, and our thoughts are with all those affected in the UK and around the world.
“The single most important consideration is one of public health, and we are determined to act responsibly through the decisions we make.
“We are working hard to bring certainty to our plans for 2020 and have convened an emergency meeting of the main board for next week, at which a decision will be made.”
Slim to zero
The Guardian quotes an industry insider who is described as an experienced negotiator between broadcasters and sports tournaments.
The insider said: “With such uncertainty about, changing big, long-term contracts and setting mutually acceptable new dates is difficult and complicated, as can be seen from what has been happening with the Olympics.
“For that reason, I’d say the chances of Wimbledon going ahead in June are slim to zero. You go with it now or you call it off.”
The Daily Mail claims that one decision reached by the All England Club is that the Championships will not be held behind closed doors in order to meet broadcasters’ needs.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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--2020-03-26--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 26 Mar 2020

The UK government has bought 3.5 million home-testing kits for the Covid-19 coronavirus and is ordering millions more , Public @ @ @ @ @ The finger-prick antibody tests are being evaluated this week and should then become available to @ @ @ @ @ the general public will be able to get the kits from Amazon or Boots chemists @ @ @ @ @ key workers to find out whether they have had the virus and are safe to @ @ @ @ @

Home-testing kits for virus to reach millions in UK
The UK government has bought 3.5 million home-testing kits for the Covid-19 coronavirus and is ordering millions more, Public Health England has announced. The finger-prick antibody tests are being evaluated this week and should then become available to NHS staff, while members the general public will be able to get the kits from Amazon or Boots chemists. The tests should enable key workers to find out whether they have had the virus and are safe to go back to work.


theweekuk--2020-03-26--Today’s back pages: Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatc

Today’s back pages: Premier League and EFL stars braced for pay cuts and Man Utd are poised to snatch Sancho

The Guardian , Daily Express and the Daily Star are three of the papers to give prominence to reports that Premier League clubs will start slashing the salaries of their stars as the coronavirus shutdown begins to bite .
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have trimmed the wage packets of their squads in recent days , and according to the Guardian , something similar will soon be introduced at Spanish champions Barcelona , with negotiations underway “ to cut player wages by up to 70 % ” .
The Daily Star has a photo of Paul Pogba proudly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the paper warns the Manchester United midfielder that his hair won ’ t be the only thing to be cut .
According to the Daily Mail the lockdown , which will last to at least early May , will be felt from the top flight down to League Two .
“ Clubs face going out of business , many players fear losing their livelihoods , not to mention the support staff behind the scenes , from physios to press office , ” reports the paper .
And the lack of football could have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with broadcasting executives bracing themselves for more than £750m in lost revenue .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The message that belts will have to be tightened doesn ’ t appear to have reached Old Trafford with the Daily Mirror and the Daily Star devoting their back page to the claim that Manchester United are poised to make a record £120m bid for Jadon Sancho .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Star with the paper claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “ winning the race ” for the Borussia Dortmund ace .
The Mirror says that the Red Devils are “ raring to go ” with the transfer swoop for Sancho , who turned 20 yesterday .
The England winger has attracted interest from Liverpool , Chelsea , Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent months but the Mirror claims that United are determined to get their man , “ despite the club record-breaking price it would take to do ” .
United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the £89m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016 .
Transfer ‘ free-for-all ’ as summer window could stay open until January It ’ s not just footballers who may find their finances taking a hit as a consequence of coronavirus .
According to The Times , Britain ’ s Olympic athletes are facing a “ funding black hole over the next four years because of a slump in sales of lottery tickets ” .
The sale of lottery tickets is in freefall and as a result there will be less cash @ @ @ @ @ @ @ describes as good causes .
More than two thirds of funding provided by UK Sport to Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes is derived from the sales of lottery tickets , and it ’ s inevitable that this sum will be reduced in the years ahead .
“ The scale of the funding gap will not be known until the pandemic and associated restrictions are over , ” says the Times .
But with so many business and organisations expected to be hit hard by the economic lockdown , funding for sport will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when life starts returning to normal .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Football feels the pinch
The Guardian, Daily Express and the Daily Star are three of the papers to give prominence to reports that Premier League clubs will start slashing the salaries of their stars as the coronavirus shutdown begins to bite.
German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have trimmed the wage packets of their squads in recent days, and according to the Guardian, something similar will soon be introduced at Spanish champions Barcelona, with negotiations underway “to cut player wages by up to 70%”.
The Daily Star has a photo of Paul Pogba proudly showing off his shaved head, and the paper warns the Manchester United midfielder that his hair won’t be the only thing to be cut.
According to the Daily Mail the lockdown, which will last to at least early May, will be felt from the top flight down to League Two.
“Clubs face going out of business, many players fear losing their livelihoods, not to mention the support staff behind the scenes, from physios to press office,” reports the paper.
And the lack of football could have a major bearing on future TV deals with broadcasting executives bracing themselves for more than £750m in lost revenue.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Sancho swoop
The message that belts will have to be tightened doesn’t appear to have reached Old Trafford with the Daily Mirror and the Daily Star devoting their back page to the claim that Manchester United are poised to make a record £120m bid for Jadon Sancho.
“Sancho snatch” is the headline in the Star with the paper claiming that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is “winning the race” for the Borussia Dortmund ace.
The Mirror says that the Red Devils are “raring to go” with the transfer swoop for Sancho, who turned 20 yesterday.
The England winger has attracted interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent months but the Mirror claims that United are determined to get their man, “despite the club record-breaking price it would take to do”.
United’s previous biggest transfer fee was the £89m they paid Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.
Transfer ‘free-for-all’ as summer window could stay open until January
Lottery losses to hit Olympic athletes
It’s not just footballers who may find their finances taking a hit as a consequence of coronavirus.
According to The Times, Britain’s Olympic athletes are facing a “funding black hole over the next four years because of a slump in sales of lottery tickets”.
The sale of lottery tickets is in freefall and as a result there will be less cash available to distribute to what the paper describes as good causes.
More than two thirds of funding provided by UK Sport to Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes is derived from the sales of lottery tickets, and it’s inevitable that this sum will be reduced in the years ahead.
“The scale of the funding gap will not be known until the pandemic and associated restrictions are over,” says the Times.
But with so many business and organisations expected to be hit hard by the economic lockdown, funding for sport will be a low priority for the government when life starts returning to normal.
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--2020-04-16--Sport shorts: Captain Tom Moore is tipped to rival Joe Wicks for SPOTY award and Man Utd pay NHS tri

Sport shorts: Captain Tom Moore is tipped to rival Joe Wicks for SPOTY award and Man Utd pay NHS tribute

There could be two surprising contenders for this year ’ s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award .
According to Oddschecker WBC boxing champion Tyson Fury is favourite at 5/4 to win the 2020 gong .
However , Joe Wicks , The Body Coach , is a 10/1 shot following his online morning PE sessions during the coronavirus lockdown .
Another person who is being talked about as a potential SPOTY winner is Captain Tom Moore .
The 99-year-old Army veteran has raised more than £14m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden .
Following his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have called for Captain Tom to be nominated for the BBC ’ s prestigious sporting award .
The English Premier League will hold a video conference call tomorrow to discuss when , or indeed , if , the 2019-20 season will be completed .
With nine rounds of matches remaining , Sky Sports reports that time is running out for the Premier League , particularly as an increasing number of clubs want the season concluded by 30 June because of player contracts .
The problem facing the clubs is that while they want @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it null and void , dozens of player contracts expire on 30 June .
Premier League to be given season deadline ‘ ultimatum ’ from clubs Wolves forward Diogo Jota says Liverpool deserve to be awarded the Premier League title if the season fails to be completed .
Liverpool are 25 points clear of Manchester City and Jota said : “ In case we have the misfortune of not being able to end the season , I think that few people would oppose this .
Of course , there are always rival clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think 95 % of the people would agree .
For me they would be fair champions.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The British Horseracing Authority ( BHA ) says the suspension of racing , which is due to finish at the end of April , is to be extended indefinitely .
A statement said : “ Our plans continue to allow for a resumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We assume it would be behind closed doors only , at a point when the safety of participants can be assured and the pressure on the health service allows .
Tough biosecurity measures would be in place to keep any risks to a minimum.
” Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will race alongside six Formula 1 drivers in Sunday ’ s F1 Chinese Virtual Grand Prix .
Courtois and Alex Albon will drive for Red Bull and they will face Ferrari ’ s Charles Leclerc , Williams duo George Russell and Nicholas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Alfa Romeo ’ s Antonio Giovinazzi .
Coverage starts at 6pm and is live on Sky Sports F1 .
Manchester United paid tribute to the NHS with a unique light display at their Old Trafford stadium .
The Premier League club left the letters N , H and S illuminated and said : “ You can ’ t have Manchester without the NHS.
” Golf ’ s PGA Tour has announced plans for tournaments to return in June , but the first four events will be played behind closed doors .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Challenge starting on 8 June at the Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth , Texas .
The PGA has also confirmed that the season-ending TOUR Championship will be held from 3-7 September at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta , Georgia .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– According to Spanish media La Liga rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid are both keen on Chelsea midfielder N @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the French World Cup winner is on Barca ’ s target list while AS claims Real are also interested .
The Times reports that the Saracens fly-half , who reputedly earns £750,000 a year from the Premiership club , will pocket “ around £31,000 between now and September - just over a third of which will be paid by the government - instead of £310,000 , an initial sacrifice in the region of £280,000 ” .
Anthony Joshua has called out British boxing rival Tyson Fury over a unification fight to decide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Joshua holds the IBF , WBA and WBO belts while Fury is the WBC champion .
“ Come fight me , ” Joshua said in an interview with Sky Sports .
“ If you really want to say you ’ re No.1 , come fight me .
Let ’ s get it on .
I ’ ve got the rest of the belts so it only makes sense.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

1. Early SPOTY contenders...
There could be two surprising contenders for this year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.
According to Oddschecker WBC boxing champion Tyson Fury is favourite at 5/4 to win the 2020 gong. However, Joe Wicks, The Body Coach, is a 10/1 shot following his online morning PE sessions during the coronavirus lockdown.
Another person who is being talked about as a potential SPOTY winner is Captain Tom Moore. The 99-year-old Army veteran has raised more than £14m for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his garden.
Following his fundraising heroics, hundreds of Twitter users have called for Captain Tom to be nominated for the BBC’s prestigious sporting award.
Why everyone’s talking about Tom Moore
2. Prem clubs want 30 June deadline
The English Premier League will hold a video conference call tomorrow to discuss when, or indeed, if, the 2019-20 season will be completed.
With nine rounds of matches remaining, Sky Sports reports that time is running out for the Premier League, particularly as an increasing number of clubs want the season concluded by 30 June because of player contracts.
The problem facing the clubs is that while they want to complete the season rather than declare it null and void, dozens of player contracts expire on 30 June.
Today’s back pages
Premier League to be given season deadline ‘ultimatum’ from clubs
3. Jota: Reds should be champions
Wolves forward Diogo Jota says Liverpool deserve to be awarded the Premier League title if the season fails to be completed.
Liverpool are 25 points clear of Manchester City and Jota said: “In case we have the misfortune of not being able to end the season, I think that few people would oppose this. Of course, there are always rival clubs that could be against that, but I think 95% of the people would agree. For me they would be fair champions.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise, balanced take on the week’s news - try The Week magazine. Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
4. Racing suspended indefinitely
The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) says the suspension of racing, which is due to finish at the end of April, is to be extended indefinitely.
A statement said: “Our plans continue to allow for a resumption in May, if that is possible. We assume it would be behind closed doors only, at a point when the safety of participants can be assured and the pressure on the health service allows. Tough biosecurity measures would be in place to keep any risks to a minimum.”
5. Courtois to race in F1 Virtual GP
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will race alongside six Formula 1 drivers in Sunday’s F1 Chinese Virtual Grand Prix.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Ten cocktails delivered to your door during lockdown

Heartfelt announcements across TV and radio ; the Queen ’ s speech lighting up Piccadilly Circus ; religiously clapping every Thursday at 8pm until your hands hurt ; the message to stay home couldn ’ t be any clearer - but lockdown doesn ’ t mean you have to miss out entirely .
Although bars and restaurants have shut their doors , their teams remain working behind the scenes so that you can get cocktails delivered right to your door .
We got in touch with DesignMyNight for the best ones out there .
Whisky cocktail fans are about to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - East London ’ s coolest bar - has started to bottle and deliver 13 of its most popular sips .
There are plenty to choose from ; think rum old fashioneds and manhattans , to more unique recipes like Into The Woods and a very special mezcal negroni .
With 500ml bottles and 50ml bundles where you can mix and match as you like , stocking up is a no-brainer .
As far as launches go Tincture hasn ’ t had the best of luck , opening just one month before lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though - if anything it ’ s made them peddle faster .
Literally .
This zero waste bar in the heart of East London is delivering cocktails via bicycle to those who live within a two-mile radius of the premises , and for your sake , we hope your postcode says you do .
Otherwise , you ’ re missing out on lip-smacking and seasonal sips like rhubarbaritas and a moreish poddington martini .
Heads + Tails hasn ’ t been open that long but it ’ s already made a name for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brunch menu and beautiful interiors .
Although these guys are shut for lockdown , they have turned to delivering a handful of their favourite cocktails in pretty bottles .
Anyone across the UK can place an order , and with negronis , old fashioneds and their Russeliana number ( a mix of Wild Turkey 101 , sage-infused Tio Pepe , agave syrup , sour cherry liqueur and mezcal mist ) on the menu there ’ s no need to make mediocre cocktails at home ever again .
Constantly featured on the World ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s no secret that Callooh Callay is one of the top cocktails spots around .
It has hidden rooms and menus disguised as TFL Oyster cards , and although we can ’ t experience any of that right now , you can order drinks to your front door .
Coming in at 750ml each , there ’ s a staggering eight concoctions to make your way through , ranging between £39 and £44 .
Not bad for one of the world ’ s best bars , eh ?
All you have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the booking widget as if you were making a table booking .
It can be difficult to stand out in a place like Bethnal Green but The Sun Tavern has lots of quirks to ensure it ’ s never forgotten ( shout out to the establishment ’ s Irish whiskey collection - the biggest in London - and poitín cocktails ) .
During lockdown you can order several kinds of boozy kits from the bar , from highballs to diabolos , and if you ’ re a classic cocktail drinker the quarantini kit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eight serves of two different drinks for £30 .
If you ’ re an imbiber who loves variety , Boxed Up & Delivered should be right up your street .
The Nelson ’ s Pub in Shoreditch has teamed up with 1929 Agency to create a bespoke selection of bottled cocktails delivered across zones 1 , 2 and 3 in London .
200ml in size , you ’ ll have a top time sampling the different mixes .
Miracle , clear vegan punch , negroni and the lifted spirit are the four included @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more commonly known for its Breaking Bad and WWII-themed experiences but due to the current lockdown , it ’ s decided to close its doors and work on something else instead .
Bottling up its best-selling drinks from its new playhouse in Chelsea , you can now order mixes to enjoy them at home .
They come in boxes of six or 12 and there ’ s a litre option for the bar ’ s bellini-like drink , valentina .
Happiness Forgets is another one of the crowning jewels in London ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reasons .
While its doors are closed the team are delivering hand-crafted cocktails within a three-mile radius of their award-winning bar in Shoreditch .
Cutting no corners , you can expect each delivery to come with ice and garnishes and they ’ ve even introduced two guest cocktails each week .
Last week ’ s coming in from The Little Red Door , a Paris hangout which happens to be one of the best bars in the world .
Mac & Wild are the fathers of London ’ s best burger and , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won ’ t be able to benefit from its deliverable DIY burger kits .
You can , however , look forward to trying some in-house cocktails at home as it delivers those across the nation during lockdown .
With nine bottles to salivate over , each one is just as thirst-quenching as the last , especially the Dundee sour and black witch espresso martini .
The Four Sisters is an incredible date night spot in Islington with a mighty menu of signature cocktails you won ’ t find anywhere else .
You ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your own sofa during lockdown , but that isn ’ t such a bad thing when you can still order cocktails to enjoy at home .
Pick from fig palmetto , cafe au lait , chamomile gimlet and a bold tea old fashioned and have the ultimate night in ... minus making a mess in the kitchen .
For more information on cocktail bars in London , visit DesignMyNight.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook ; @ DesignMyNight .

Heartfelt announcements across TV and radio; the Queen’s speech lighting up Piccadilly Circus; religiously clapping every Thursday at 8pm until your hands hurt; the message to stay home couldn’t be any clearer - but lockdown doesn’t mean you have to miss out entirely.
Although bars and restaurants have shut their doors, their teams remain working behind the scenes so that you can get cocktails delivered right to your door. We got in touch with DesignMyNight for the best ones out there.
Map Maison
Whisky cocktail fans are about to have their spirits lifted as MAP Maison - East London’s coolest bar - has started to bottle and deliver 13 of its most popular sips. There are plenty to choose from; think rum old fashioneds and manhattans, to more unique recipes like Into The Woods and a very special mezcal negroni. With 500ml bottles and 50ml bundles where you can mix and match as you like, stocking up is a no-brainer.
Tincture
As far as launches go Tincture hasn’t had the best of luck, opening just one month before lockdown. That hasn’t stopped them though - if anything it’s made them peddle faster. Literally. This zero waste bar in the heart of East London is delivering cocktails via bicycle to those who live within a two-mile radius of the premises, and for your sake, we hope your postcode says you do. Otherwise, you’re missing out on lip-smacking and seasonal sips like rhubarbaritas and a moreish poddington martini.
Heads + Tails
Heads + Tails hasn’t been open that long but it’s already made a name for itself in West Hampstead thanks to its brunch menu and beautiful interiors. Although these guys are shut for lockdown, they have turned to delivering a handful of their favourite cocktails in pretty bottles. Anyone across the UK can place an order, and with negronis, old fashioneds and their Russeliana number (a mix of Wild Turkey 101, sage-infused Tio Pepe, agave syrup, sour cherry liqueur and mezcal mist) on the menu there’s no need to make mediocre cocktails at home ever again.
Callooh Callay
Constantly featured on the World’s 50 Best Bars list, it’s no secret that Callooh Callay is one of the top cocktails spots around. It has hidden rooms and menus disguised as TFL Oyster cards, and although we can’t experience any of that right now, you can order drinks to your front door. Coming in at 750ml each, there’s a staggering eight concoctions to make your way through, ranging between £39 and £44. Not bad for one of the world’s best bars, eh?
The Sun Tavern
It can be difficult to stand out in a place like Bethnal Green but The Sun Tavern has lots of quirks to ensure it’s never forgotten (shout out to the establishment’s Irish whiskey collection - the biggest in London - and poitín cocktails). During lockdown you can order several kinds of boozy kits from the bar, from highballs to diabolos, and if you’re a classic cocktail drinker the quarantini kit is the way to go, offering eight serves of two different drinks for £30.
Boxed up & Delivered by 1929 Agency
If you’re an imbiber who loves variety, Boxed Up & Delivered should be right up your street. The Nelson’s Pub in Shoreditch has teamed up with 1929 Agency to create a bespoke selection of bottled cocktails that can be delivered nationwide. 200ml in size, you’ll have a top time sampling the different mixes. Miracle, clear vegan punch, negroni and the lifted spirit are the four included in the £24.99 offer, with a mixed box of eight coming in at £47.50.
Cocktails By Lollipop
ABQ is more commonly known for its Breaking Bad and WWII-themed experiences but due to the current lockdown, it’s decided to close its doors and work on something else instead. Bottling up its best-selling drinks from its new playhouse in Chelsea, you can now order mixes to enjoy them at home. They come in boxes of six or 12 and there’s a litre option for the bar’s bellini-like drink, valentina.
Happiness Forgets
Happiness Forgets is another one of the crowning jewels in London’s cocktail crown and for plenty of good reasons. While its doors are closed the team are delivering hand-crafted cocktails within a three-mile radius of their award-winning bar in Shoreditch. Cutting no corners, you can expect each delivery to come with ice and garnishes and they’ve even introduced two guest cocktails each week. Last week’s coming in from The Little Red Door, a Paris hangout which happens to be one of the best bars in the world.
Mac & Wild
Mac & Wild are the fathers of London’s best burger and, unless you live in Colchester, you won’t be able to benefit from its deliverable DIY burger kits. You can, however, look forward to trying some in-house cocktails at home as it delivers those across the nation during lockdown. With nine bottles to salivate over, each one is just as thirst-quenching as the last, especially the Dundee sour and black witch espresso martini.
The Four Sisters
The Four Sisters is an incredible date night spot in Islington with a mighty menu of signature cocktails you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll have to swap the velvet furnishings for your own sofa during lockdown, but that isn’t such a bad thing when you can still order cocktails to enjoy at home. Pick from fig palmetto, cafe au lait, chamomile gimlet and a bold tea old fashioned and have the ultimate night in... minus making a mess in the kitchen.
For more information on cocktail bars in London, visit DesignMyNight.com and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Seven ways to beat coronavirus when lockdown ends

A team of Cambridge University biosecurity and conservation experts has put together a list of 275 suggestions to reduce the spread of coronavirus after lockdown is eased .
Featured on the list are stopping pet cats from roaming outdoors , making shoppers pick up products with tongs and suggesting that people walk clockwise around parks at specific times of the day , depending on their age .
It was created by “ documenting our experience of options , consulting guidance , contacting people working in different countries to explore the range of options and crowd-sourcing ideas through social media ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ highlights : The list suggests that physical contact be banned outside of household groups or an officially listed “ bubble ” of friends .
“ Ask people to identify their bubble – being everyone they live with or must have contact with during ‘ lockdown ’ – and ask people to stay as much as possible within their bubble , ” the researchers recommend , citing New Zealand as an example .
This would mean any Tinder dates planned for the end of lockdown would have to remain at a distance .
Handshakes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prevented , while “ alternative forms of physical contact with a reduced risk of transmission , such as alternative handshakes ” should be identified and promoted .
The government instruction at present is that all non-essential workers should work from home where possible .
However , the Cambridge University researchers suggest that working from home continues for as many people as possible even after the lockdown is officially relaxed .
They say that the government and employers should continue to “ enforce working from home for all jobs where this is possible ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs where home working is not possible ” .
The Cambridge academics recommend that governments offer bicycles so that people can avoid public transport , citing Prague as an example of this .
In London , this could be as simple as making the existing Santander bikes free to use for a limited period .
To complement this , officials should also widen existing bike lanes and create new ones , to encourage bike use and allow cyclists more physical space .
In countries like China , routine temperature testing of people entering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been carried out since the start of the outbreak .
The idea is that people with a fever should not be allowed access and should be sent home , because they may be unknowingly carrying and spreading the virus .
To help prevent physical contact between strangers , card payments should be encouraged to avoid shoppers and cashiers handling money or touching hands .
Paying via contactless is even better , because it removes the need for a customer to touch the card machine they are using .
The Cambridge team recommends that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ limits should be increased from the £30-£40 maximum payments that are allowed by most UK banks today .
Shops should also “ make paying by contactless the default option at self-checkouts ( as done in Estonia ) to reduce the need to touch the screen ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Tools used in shops , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from a supermarket bakery section , should be disinfected between each use .
Where possible , individuals should “ bring their own tools , such as tongs to pick up shopping and probes to press PIN ( tools ideally designed to be multifunctional ) .
Tool decontamination available at entry and exit.
” Using gloves at common facilities such as petrol pumps should be encouraged .
People should eat with clean utensils rather than using their fingers .
“ Individuals have sole use of usually shared objects , such as staplers ” , @ @ @ @

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theweekuk--2020-04-16--UK hospital to trial blood plasma Covid-19 treatment

A hospital in Wales is trialling a potential new treatment for coronavirus that could offer patients a “ glimmer of hope ” , experts say .
The University Hospital of Wales ( UHW ) in Cardiff hopes to offer the plasma therapy as part of a study within a month .
Blood would be taken from people who have recovered from coronavirus and the plasma in that blood is then given to ill patients .
It is thought that antibodies in the blood of previously infected patients could help others to fight the infection .
Dr Stuart Walker , medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Board , said : “ At the moment there are no other treatments per se for the viral infection itself , so this does give us a glimmer of hope .
“ When you have an illness like this you produce a response in the form of antibodies in the bloodstream .
Those antibodies can potentially negate the effects of the virus in people who are suffering from it in a more severe way.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The BBC reports that Public Health Wales will identify and write to potential donors , with the plasma collected and processed by the Welsh Blood Service .
“ Donors will need to have tested positive for Covid-19 and now be fully recovered , ” the report adds .
The broadcaster has also been told that other hospitals across the UK are also looking to trial the plasma treatment , with further announcements imminent .
According to Sky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government for failing to approve trials for plasma therapy faster .
Trials are already under way in other countries including China , France , Germany and the US , the broadcaster adds .
Earlier this week , Dr Colin Hamilton-Davies , who heads the acute cardiac critical care unit at Bart ’ s Hospital in London , told Sky News : “ We have a national health service and blood service that is the envy of the world , we have a very substantially-sized department of blood transfusion , and for people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up within a week .
“ We could be administering it , not just to one or two people , but hundreds of patients.
” Plasma treatment has been used with some success for Ebola and Sars , according to the World Health Organization .
However , there is no known effective treatment for Covid-19 .
Dr Muhammad Munir , a molecular virologist at Lancaster University , added : “ Plasma treatment is an interim solution and should be done at all costs because what we ’ re looking into is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is something we can offer and it is in our hands .
”


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Labour leak: why Lord McNicol left his role over anti-Semitism report

Former Labour general secretary Iain McNicol has stepped down as a frontbencher in the House of Lords in the wake of a leaked report into the conduct of high-profile figures in the party during Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership .
McNicol was Labour ’ s chief administrator from 2011 to 2018 and previously served as a whip in the House of Lords .
He is referred to and quoted extensively in the 860-page document , which revealed failings in Labour ’ s handling of anti-Semitism allegations along with accusations that factions within the party had sought to undermine Corbyn in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
As the New Statesman notes , McNicol 's decision to quit his front bench role is “ temporary and voluntary ” , while an investigation over the leaked report takes place .
Why has he stepped aside ?
On Sunday , a lengthy report – entitled “ The work of the Labour Party ’ s Governance and Legal Unit in relation to antisemitism , 2014-2019 ” – was leaked to Sky News , revealing deep divisions within the party over the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn .
The report suggested that senior figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader Tom Watson , were apparently actively undermining the party leadership to prevent success in the 2017 election and topple Corbyn as leader .
The report includes “ lengthy extracts of private WhatsApp conversations between former senior Labour staff in which they are scathing about left-wing MPs and advisers – and Corbyn himself ” , The Guardian says .
The paper notes that McNicol is repeatedly mentioned in the report – upwards of 240 times – and is one of a number of party figures repeatedly accused of speaking ill of Corbyn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For example , after a 2015 NEC meeting which decided to allow Corbyn on to the ballot paper for the leadership election – at the time seen as a radical move – McNicol reportedly said : “ This is the first time the unions have actually chosen to f*** the party rather than support it.
” But more problematic for McNicol is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to adequately deal with allegations of anti-Semitism – something which dogged the party for much of Corbyn ’ s reign .
According to the report , when faced with allegations of anti-Semitism , McNicol repeatedly “ insisted that all complaints were dealt with promptly ” , “ justified delays ” , “ provided timetables for the resolution of cases that were never met ” , “ falsely claimed to have processed all antisemitism complaints ” , “ falsely claimed that most antisemitism complaints the party received were not about Labour members ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inaccurate statistics of antisemitism complaints ” .
The report prompted new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to launch an independent investigation , which in turn precipitated the resignation of McNicol from his House of Lords role .
What else does the report say ?
In a summary of its findings , the authors of the report note that Labour Party staff are “ employed by the Party rather than as political advisers to politicians ” and “ are expected to act impartially and serve the Party , regardless of the current Leader ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report suggests that “ much of the Labour Party machinery from 2015-18 was openly opposed to Jeremy Corbyn ” and “ worked to directly undermine the elected leadership of the party .
“ The priority of staff in this period appears to have been furthering the aims of a narrow faction aligned to Labour ’ s right rather than fulfilling the organisation ’ s objectives , from winning elections to building a functioning complaints and disciplinary process , ” it adds .
“ Labour Party staff based at Labour HQ were not obeying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn ] .
” This faction allegedly worked to “ remove supporters of the incumbent leader during the 2016 leadership election ” and “ work to hinder the leader ’ s campaign in the 2017 General Election ” , while Labour officials , including senior staff , expressed open hostility towards Corbyn and other prominent Labour MPs including Andy Burnham , Ed Miliband , Sadiq Khan , Emily Thornberry , Diane Abbott and Dawn Butler .
The report also finds that staff “ repeatedly used abusive and inappropriate language ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ hanging and burning ” Corbyn , called him a “ lying little toerag ” , said that any Labour MP “ who nominates Corbyn ‘ to widen the debate ’ deserves to be taken out and shot ” .
One senior member of staff allegedly said they hoped that one Labour member on the left of the party “ dies in a fire ” .
The report suggests that the attitude in Labour HQ towards Corbyn “ could be summed up in one comment from a senior staff member , who said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for LOTO [ leader of the opposition ] ’ ” .

Former Labour general secretary Iain McNicol has stepped down as a frontbencher in the House of Lords in the wake of a leaked report into the conduct of high-profile figures in the party during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership.
McNicol was Labour’s chief administrator from 2011 to 2018 and previously served as a whip in the House of Lords. He is referred to and quoted extensively in the 860-page document, which revealed failings in Labour’s handling of anti-Semitism allegations along with accusations that factions within the party had sought to undermine Corbyn in the run-up to the 2017 general election.
As the New Statesman notes, McNicol's decision to quit his front bench role is “temporary and voluntary”, while an investigation over the leaked report takes place.
Why has he stepped aside?
On Sunday, a lengthy report – entitled “The work of the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit in relation to antisemitism, 2014-2019” – was leaked to Sky News, revealing deep divisions within the party over the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn.
The report suggested that senior figures at Labour HQ, working alongside deputy leader Tom Watson, were apparently actively undermining the party leadership to prevent success in the 2017 election and topple Corbyn as leader.
The report includes “lengthy extracts of private WhatsApp conversations between former senior Labour staff in which they are scathing about left-wing MPs and advisers – and Corbyn himself”, The Guardian says.
The paper notes that McNicol is repeatedly mentioned in the report – upwards of 240 times – and is one of a number of party figures repeatedly accused of speaking ill of Corbyn’s leadership.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For more political analysis - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Get your first six issues free–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
For example, after a 2015 NEC meeting which decided to allow Corbyn on to the ballot paper for the leadership election – at the time seen as a radical move – McNicol reportedly said: “This is the first time the unions have actually chosen to f*** the party rather than support it.”
But more problematic for McNicol is the report’s accusations that he failed to adequately deal with allegations of anti-Semitism – something which dogged the party for much of Corbyn’s reign.


theweekuk--2020-04-16--Joe Biden: the sexual assault claim dividing Democrats

Fault lines are emerging in the Democratic Party over a sexual assault claim made against presumptive presidential nominee Joe Biden by a former aide .
With the US election just seven months away , Biden ’ s campaign has been hit by allegations that he sexually assaulted Tara Reade nearly 30 years ago while a US senator .
Reade , who worked briefly in Biden ’ s office , claims that the veteran Democratic senator assaulted her while she was working for him .
Biden , 77 , has denied the claim , saying that it “ absolutely did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ light of the young Democratic left , Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez , has said that it is “ legitimate ” to discuss the claim , says The Times .
What is the allegation against Biden ?
Reade , now 56 , described the allegation in an interview with podcast host Katie Halper in March .
She said that she was asked to deliver a gym bag to the senator in the spring of 1993 and found herself alone with Biden .
“ There was no exchange , really , he just had me up against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I remember it happened all at once… his hands were on me and underneath my clothes.
” She claims that Biden then penetrated her with his fingers .
“ I remember him saying , first , as he was doing it ‘ Do you want to go somewhere else ?
’ and then him saying to me , when I pulled away… he said ‘ Come on man , I heard you liked me , ’ ” she said .
“ That phrase stayed with me.
” According to the BBC , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April this year in which she said she was a victim of sexual assault , but did not name Biden .
She said in a tweet that she filed the complaint “ for safety reasons ” , as the statute of limitations for her claim has expired .
Reade was one of eight women who came forward last year to accuse Biden of inappropriate touching , hugging or kissing , though , at the time , none of the women described his actions as sexual assault .
Biden denies the claim of sexual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more mindful ” in his interactions regarding the other inappropriate behaviour .
The New York Times also spoke to “ several people ” who worked for Biden at the same time as Reade .
All said they could not recall the incident .
How has the claim split the party ?
Ocasio-Cortez , a popular figure among the party ’ s left-wing supporters , said that “ silencing of all dissent is a form of gaslighting ” when asked about the claim .
As a prominent Bernie Sanders supporter , her intervention could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unite the party before the presidential election in November .
Ocasio-Cortez expressed concern when asked about the allegation in an online event with the Wing , a women ’ s networking organisation , where another attendee suggested that Biden is the only alternative to Trump in the election , despite a “ really long history of being creepy to women ” .
Ocasio-Cortez replied : “ What you ’ re voicing is so legitimate and real .
That ’ s why I find this kind of silencing of all dissent to be a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s legitimate to talk about these things .
And if we again want to have integrity , you can ’ t say , you know , both believe women , support all of this until it inconveniences you.
” Reade has said that she was “ very humbled and honoured ” by the comments , adding that Ocasio-Cortez was “ the only politician that has spoken up on my behalf ” .
Kate Bedingfield , Biden ’ s campaign communications director , said last month : “ Women have a right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have an obligation to rigorously vet those claims .
We encourage them to do so , because these accusations are false.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– According to BBC World News presenter Katty Kay , “ it seems unlikely ” .
“ Americans already know about the ‘ touchy feely-ness ’ of the former Vice President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chose him to be their nominee , ” Kay writes .
“ He put out a video saying he ’ d learned from # metoo that times have changed and that his history of rubbing women ’ s shoulders , kissing their heads etc was not appropriate .
Evidently , that was seen as apology enough by most primary voters.
” However , The Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi notes that the allegations have been “ gleefully seized upon ” by right-wing media in the US .
“ It is hugely frustrating to see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a damn about the multiple sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump , weaponize the accusations against Biden , ” Mahdawi writes .
“ However , it ’ s also frustrating to see so many liberals turning a blind eye .
”


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: how the pandemic is changing attitudes about immigration

A video showing UK residents of foreign heritage reciting an anti-racist poem has emphasised the role of immigrant workers in fighting the coronavirus outbreak .
The poem , Darren James Smith ’ s You Clap for Me Now , features workers of black , Asian and minority ethnic ( BAME ) backgrounds , including doctors , nurses , teachers , shopkeepers and delivery drivers , many of whom have previously experienced discrimination , says The Guardian .
The video begins : “ That thing you were afraid of…something 's come from overseas , and taken your jobs , made it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ echoing the language used by racists to refer to the coronavirus .
The hashtag # YouClapForMeNow was trending on UK Twitter on Wednesday morning , as the video was shared by users celebrating its pro-immigration message .
Video of You Clap for Me Now : the coronavirus poem on racism and immigration in Britain “ I definitely wasn ’ t expecting it to go viral , but am so glad that it has as I feel like it ’ s such an important message to send out , ” said the video ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus outbreak has shifted the conversation on immigration , with broadly right-wing commentators lauding the good that immigrants are doing in the fight against the virus .
“ In a country where anti-immigrant sentiment gave rise to the Brexit movement , Britain ’ s healthcare system depends heavily on foreign doctors , who are now on the front lines fighting the epidemic , ” says The New York Times .
“ When people were standing on the street clapping for NHS workers , I thought , ‘ A year and a half ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ how these immigrants have come into our country and want to take our jobs , ’ ” said Dr Hisham el-Khidir , whose cousin Dr Adil el-Tayar , a transplant surgeon , died on 25 March from coronavirus in London .
Piers Morgan , who has previously dismissed acts of solidarity with immigrants to the UK as “ utterly absurd ” , according to The Independent , is now touting the benefits of immigration .
“ We forget about this extraordinary work force who comes from all round the world to help the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Good Morning Britain .
“ And at the end of this I hope we have a different sentiment , a different feeling about what immigration has done for this country.
” “ I think we particularly value them right now , ” said Morgan ’ s Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid .
Whether we will continue to value immigrants after the pandemic remains to be seen .
Even the right-wing Daily Mail , which analysis shows has led the way in negative coverage of asylum-seekers , refugees and immigrants , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming to the UK .
The paper carried news of “ 150 ‘ critically important ’ Romanian fruit and vegetable pickers ” being flown into Stansted to join a “ land army battling to save Britain ’ s harvest ” .
2020 sure is wild : this is currently the front page of the Daily Mail .
pic.twitter.com/snIg0pZqiU Is the change here to stay ?
Some commentators are sceptical that the new-found appreciation for immigrants in the UK is genuine , or that it will last when the pandemic is putting less pressure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ immigrants now .
Really ?
” writes Yasmin Alibhai-Brown in The i , pointing out that before the new coronavirus , “ NHS surcharges were imposed on migrants working in the UK , including nurses , doctors , care workers and ancillary staff .
“ Six months ago these men and their cabal were placating bigots and nationalists and didn ’ t appear to give much of a damn about the NHS , ” she says .
Even now , foreign doctors are paying thousands of pounds in visa fees , and an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the health service they work for .
And while immigration may now be lauded in some spaces , coronavirus has had the opposite effect in some notable instances .
Earlier this year there were racist attacks on people of East Asian appearance in Italy , and even in the heart of the UK ’ s metropolitan and diverse capital , London , reports The Guardian .
Jonathan Mok , a Singaporean student in London , was last month punched and beaten by men shouting “ coronavirus ” in an attack which police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Mok told the BBC that the coronavirus outbreak has been used by some as an excuse to “ further hatred for people different from them ” .
Alibhai-Brown says : “ The contributions of migrants always fall into oblivion .
These corona heroes will go the same way .
“ The Government will revert to perfidy and duplicity .
Phase 11 of the hostile environment will be here sooner than we think .
”

A video showing UK residents of foreign heritage reciting an anti-racist poem has emphasised the role of immigrant workers in fighting the coronavirus outbreak.
The poem, Darren James Smith’s You Clap for Me Now, features workers of black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, including doctors, nurses, teachers, shopkeepers and delivery drivers, many of whom have previously experienced discrimination, says The Guardian.
The video begins: “That thing you were afraid of…something's come from overseas, and taken your jobs, made it unsafe to walk the streets”, echoing the language used by racists to refer to the coronavirus.
The hashtag #YouClapForMeNow was trending on UK Twitter on Wednesday morning, as the video was shared by users celebrating its pro-immigration message.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting it to go viral, but am so glad that it has as I feel like it’s such an important message to send out,” said the video’s producer, Sachini Imbuldeniya.
Changing attitudes to immigration
The coronavirus outbreak has shifted the conversation on immigration, with broadly right-wing commentators lauding the good that immigrants are doing in the fight against the virus.
“In a country where anti-immigrant sentiment gave rise to the Brexit movement, Britain’s healthcare system depends heavily on foreign doctors, who are now on the front lines fighting the epidemic,” says The New York Times.
“When people were standing on the street clapping for NHS workers, I thought, ‘A year and a half ago, they were talking about Brexit and how these immigrants have come into our country and want to take our jobs,’” said Dr Hisham el-Khidir, whose cousin Dr Adil el-Tayar, a transplant surgeon, died on 25 March from coronavirus in London.
Piers Morgan, who has previously dismissed acts of solidarity with immigrants to the UK as “utterly absurd”, according to The Independent, is now touting the benefits of immigration.
“We forget about this extraordinary work force who comes from all round the world to help the NHS,” he said on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“And at the end of this I hope we have a different sentiment, a different feeling about what immigration has done for this country.”


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Oxford professor arrested for theft of ancient Bible fragments

The mysterious disappearance of priceless fragments of ancient biblical papyrus has led to the arrest of an Oxford University classics professor on suspicion of theft and fraud .
Dirk Obbink , an associate professor in papyrology and Greek literature at the university , was detained by officers from Thames Valley police .
The arrest concerns the alleged theft of papyrus fragments that had been housed at the Sackler Library in Oxford .
The Guardian reports that Obbink , 63 , has denied any wrongdoing , and has said the claims are a “ malicious attempt ” to harm his reputation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first accused of stealing and selling the ancient Greek texts written on fragments of papyrus in November 2019 , according to the BBC .
Obbink was suspended from duties at Oxford in October 2019 , The Guardian adds .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– According to university newspaper The Oxford Blue , which first reported the arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been located in the Museum of the Bible in Washington and another six in the collection of a man in California .
Both are returning these fragments to Oxford .
The Museum of the Bible was founded in 2017 by the Green family , billionaire American evangelical Christians who own a chain of craft stores .
Carl Graves , director of Oxford ’ s Egypt Exploration Society , said the society had given statements to the police investigation about what had gone missing .
Graves said : “ These are early fragments of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are testament to Egypt ’ s early Christian heritage and are early evidence of biblical scripture .
We don ’ t value them monetarily but they are priceless and irreplaceable.
” The ancient Greek texts written on fragments of papyrus were originally found during the early 20th century in the Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus .
In a statement , Obbink previously told The Guardian : “ The allegations made against me that I have stolen , removed or sold items owned by the Egypt Exploration Society collection at the University of Oxford are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ betray the trust of my colleagues and the values which I have sought to protect and uphold throughout my academic career in the way that has been alleged .
I am aware that there are documents being used against me which I believe have been fabricated in a malicious attempt to harm my reputation and career .
”

The mysterious disappearance of priceless fragments of ancient biblical papyrus has led to the arrest of an Oxford University classics professor on suspicion of theft and fraud.
Dirk Obbink, an associate professor in papyrology and Greek literature at the university, was detained by officers from Thames Valley police.
The arrest concerns the alleged theft of papyrus fragments that had been housed at the Sackler Library in Oxford.
The Guardian reports that Obbink, 63, has denied any wrongdoing, and has said the claims are a “malicious attempt” to harm his reputation and damage his career.
Obbink was first accused of stealing and selling the ancient Greek texts written on fragments of papyrus in November 2019, according to the BBC. Obbink was suspended from duties at Oxford in October 2019, The Guardian adds.
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According to university newspaper The Oxford Blue, which first reported the arrest, 13 of the missing pieces have been located in the Museum of the Bible in Washington and another six in the collection of a man in California. Both are returning these fragments to Oxford.
The Museum of the Bible was founded in 2017 by the Green family, billionaire American evangelical Christians who own a chain of craft stores.
Carl Graves, director of Oxford’s Egypt Exploration Society, said the society had given statements to the police investigation about what had gone missing.
Graves said: “These are early fragments of the gospels or biblical fragments. They are testament to Egypt’s early Christian heritage and are early evidence of biblical scripture. We don’t value them monetarily but they are priceless and irreplaceable.”
The ancient Greek texts written on fragments of papyrus were originally found during the early 20th century in the Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus.
In a statement, Obbink previously told The Guardian: “The allegations made against me that I have stolen, removed or sold items owned by the Egypt Exploration Society collection at the University of Oxford are entirely false.
“I would never betray the trust of my colleagues and the values which I have sought to protect and uphold throughout my academic career in the way that has been alleged. I am aware that there are documents being used against me which I believe have been fabricated in a malicious attempt to harm my reputation and career.”


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Quiz of The Week: 11 - 17 April 2020

Quiz of The Week: 11 - 17 April 2020

The number of recorded coronavirus cases around the world raced past two million this week , with the virus not yet at its peak in many countries , including the UK .
De facto leader Dominic Raab has extended the UK lockdown for a minimum of three weeks , saying : “ There is light at the end of the tunnel but we are now at both a delicate and a dangerous stage in this pandemic.
” A team of Cambridge University biosecurity and conservation experts has put together a list of 275 suggestions to reduce the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the list are stopping pet cats from roaming outdoors and suggesting that people walk clockwise around parks at specific times of the day , depending on their age .
Away from coronavirus , the Labour Party has seen its former general secretary step down as a frontbencher in the House of Lords , following the leaking of a report into the conduct of high-profile figures in the party during Jeremy Corbyn ’ s leadership .
ITV drama The Quiz has offered some escapism for television viewers across the country .
“ Quiz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex people , ” says Lucy Mangan in The Guardian .
“ It seemed to me that to enter with the apparent intention of cheating and walking away with the top prize is much more sensible than entering a quiz under any other conditions .
Not more admirable , obviously .
But much more sensible.
” Take the Quiz of The Week below – but no cheating .


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Coronavirus: who are the ‘super-survivors’?

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People over the age of 100 are part of a “special group” whose biological make-up means that they are more likely to survive coronavirus, according to experts.
The Times reports that despite mortality data suggesting that people over the age of 70 are at greater risk of dying due to coronavirus, there is a “select group for whom this seems not to apply”.
This trend was demonstrated this week, when the NHS discharged 106-year-old Connie Titchen from a Birmingham hospital. Titchen is the oldest known person in Britain to have survived the disease.
But why are the over-100s surviving coronavirus – and what can we learn from them?
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Why are older people surviving?
Older people surviving coronavirus is not necessarily unusual, with recent figures suggesting that the virus has a fatality rate of around 14.8% among sufferers aged 80 and up. This means that more than 85% of sufferers recover.
The Times reports that stories of people in their 90s and centenarians surviving the disease that has killed scores of young and healthy individuals “continue to emerge from Italy, the US, China and the Netherlands”.
Experts currently believe the survival of this small group of very old adults is likely to be because of the heterogeneity, or diverse characteristics, within each age group.
“This may give them a physical or psychological advantage over the majority of those in their age cohort,” The Times notes.
Sarah Harper, a professor of gerontology at Oxford University, said: “If we look at people who live to a very old age and make it over 105 years there is some indication that they are genetically or biologically different from the rest of the population.
“They have very little cancer, very little cardiovascular disease, very little diabetes. We do know that there is a special group. They are obviously exceptional for their age group. That does not make [their survival] less special – it is wonderful to see that these older adults have come through this illness and are now well.”
Last month Professor Chris Whitty, the country’s chief medical officer, sought to reassure the public that the elderly have a good chance of surviving Covid-19 if infected.
Whitty said that “even in the most vulnerable, oldest groups, in a very stressed health service…the great majority of people who caught this virus survived it”, reported The Telegraph.
“I think it’s easy to get a perception that if you’re older and you get this virus, you’re a goner. Absolutely not – the great majority of people will recover from this virus, even if they are in their 80s,” he added.


theweekuk--2020-04-17--29 August: new date for the Champions League final in Istanbul?

Uefa is striving to complete this season’s Champions League competition even if it means playing the final on 29 August.
Normally, the qualifying rounds of Europe’s showpiece tournament are well underway by late August but in the exceptional circumstances that the world now finds itself, Uefa is mulling the feasibility of staging the 2019-20 final at the start of the 2020-21 European football season.
According to BBC Sport, Istanbul will host the final (as was always the intention) with the Europa League final taking place in Gdansk on 26 August.
European football’s governing body is scheduled to hold a video conference on 23 April in which the idea will be discussed in the context of the coronavirus crisis.
With football unlikely to restart before June, Uefa is said to be keen to finish domestic leagues first before completing the Champions League and its sister tournament.
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Two scenarios
BBC Sport says that two scenarios are under consideration. The first is to run the quarter-finals and semi-finals as two-legged matches in July and August, as normal, and the second is to condense the ties into one-off fixtures once the domestic seasons is finished, in effect staging a mini tournament in one week.
However, there remains the problem of what to do about the last-16 matches.
Four of the eight Champions League round of 16 ties were completed before football shutdown last month, but four - including Manchester City’s tie against Real Madrid - are incomplete.
Fixture headache
In the Europa League none of the last-16 second-leg ties are completed and two first-leg games are yet to be played. It has been suggested that those two matches could be decided on the toss of the coin but it is more complicated for the ties that are incomplete.
Should Uefa decide that the winners of the first leg will go through to the quarter-final there could be legal ramifications from disgruntled clubs.
Today’s back pages
Premier League deadlock over pay and schedule, cricket’s in crisis and Toon deal to be finalised by May
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theweekuk--2020-04-17--Today’s back pages: Premier League deadlock over pay and schedule, cricket’s in crisis and Toon deal

Today’s back pages: Premier League deadlock over pay and schedule, cricket’s in crisis and Toon deal to be finalised by May

EPL meets with much to discuss The Times describes the stand-off as “ deadlock ” , while The Guardian deploys “ loggerheads ” , but one thing is certain : the issue of Premier League players ’ pay cuts just won ’ t go away .
Last week the top-flight stars were accused by politicians of living in a “ moral vacuum ” , and although a scheme to donate money to the NHS was later launched , it appears there is still disagreement about what to do next about wages .
The Times says that some of the leading @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impasse with their players on the wage cuts or deferrals needed to manage the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis ” .
Naming Manchester City , Chelsea , Arsenal and Tottenham as among the clubs whose players are proving resistant to wage cuts , the Times says that a “ depressing picture ” is emerging of clubs struggling financially as the lockdown starts to bite .
Only Southampton and West Ham United have agreed deals with the players .
Tony Bloom , the Brighton & Hove Albion chairman , has mooted the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players , which will be discussed today in a Premier League shareholders ’ meeting .
The Guardian says that also on the agenda is the “ thorny issue ” of the cut-off date for completing the season with many of the top-flight clubs adamant it has to end before 30 June otherwise a good number of their players will be out of contract .
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Start your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League ( IPL ) having been suspended until further notice , there could be further bad news on the horizon for cricket .
The Daily Mail says that the England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) will meet next week to discuss the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis .
It ’ s expected that the upshot will be : • None the postponement of the Test series against the West Indies • None the cancellation of the inaugural Hundred tournament • None the rescheduling of the T20 Blast to the late @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Mail , Sky Sports agree with their thinking “ and are unlikely to demand an immediate rebate on their £1.1bn television deal ” .
As for the West Indies series , the paper says that a three-Test series could be arranged in early July or , more likely , in September , “ which would allow England to play their three-Test series against Pakistan as planned in August ” .
Magpies deal done by 1 May Newcastle United ’ s new owners could be installed by 1 May , claims the Independent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takeover is progressing smoothly and is expected to be finalised by the end of April .
The takeover bid is led by Saudi Arabia ’ s Public Investment Fund ( PIF ) , which will own 80 % of the club , and the Indy says it does not anticipate any hold-up during the Premier League ’ s Owners ’ and Directors ’ Test .
Concerns have been raised by human rights group Amnesty that the takeover amounts to “ sportswashing ” , but the deal is expected to go through this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
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EPL meets with much to discuss
The Times describes the stand-off as “deadlock”, while The Guardian deploys “loggerheads”, but one thing is certain: the issue of Premier League players’ pay cuts just won’t go away.
Last week the top-flight stars were accused by politicians of living in a “moral vacuum”, and although a scheme to donate money to the NHS was later launched, it appears there is still disagreement about what to do next about wages.
The Times says that some of the leading Premier League clubs have “reached an impasse with their players on the wage cuts or deferrals needed to manage the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis”.
Naming Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham as among the clubs whose players are proving resistant to wage cuts, the Times says that a “depressing picture” is emerging of clubs struggling financially as the lockdown starts to bite. Only Southampton and West Ham United have agreed deals with the players.
Tony Bloom, the Brighton & Hove Albion chairman, has mooted the idea of introducing a salary cap for top-flight players, which will be discussed today in a Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
The Guardian says that also on the agenda is the “thorny issue” of the cut-off date for completing the season with many of the top-flight clubs adamant it has to end before 30 June otherwise a good number of their players will be out of contract.
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Cricket in crisis
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) having been suspended until further notice, there could be further bad news on the horizon for cricket.
The Daily Mail says that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) will meet next week to discuss the devastating impact of the coronavirus crisis.
It’s expected that the upshot will be:
the postponement of the Test series against the West Indies
the cancellation of the inaugural Hundred tournament
the rescheduling of the T20 Blast to the late summer
Crucially for the ECB, says the Mail, Sky Sports agree with their thinking “and are unlikely to demand an immediate rebate on their £1.1bn television deal”.
As for the West Indies series, the paper says that a three-Test series could be arranged in early July or, more likely, in September, “which would allow England to play their three-Test series against Pakistan as planned in August”.
Magpies deal done by 1 May
Newcastle United’s new owners could be installed by 1 May, claims the Independent, with the paper reporting the £300m takeover is progressing smoothly and is expected to be finalised by the end of April.
The takeover bid is led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which will own 80% of the club, and the Indy says it does not anticipate any hold-up during the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.
Concerns have been raised by human rights group Amnesty that the takeover amounts to “sportswashing”, but the deal is expected to go through this month.
Today’s sport headlines
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theweekuk--2020-04-17--The Week Unwrapped: Memorabilia, hunting and ‘Cinderella’ abuse

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days .
In this week ’ s episode , we discuss : Paul McCartney ’ s handwritten lyrics to The Beatles ’ song Hey Jude sold at auction this week for $ 910,000 , nine times their original estimate .
The sale comes as auction houses around the world have reported huge increases in online activity and as pop memorabilia sales continue to rise .
Are McCartney ’ s reassuring lyrics a sound investment in uncertain times ?
Figures from the Metropolitan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by sisters doubled between 2010 and 2018 , and female perpetrators now account for 28 % of cases , up from 19 % a decade ago .
Why doesn ’ t female , and particularly sibling violence get the attention it deserves ?
And will lockdown change that ?
Prince Harry may have shot his last pheasant , according to the primatologist and friend of the royal family Dr Jane Goodall .
Asked if William and Harry were champions of the natural world , she replied : “ Yes , except they hunt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will stop because Meghan doesn ’ t like hunting , so I suspect that is over for him.
” To the extent this got any attention it was mainly around the idea that Meghan was stopping Harry doing something he wanted to do , but it also raises the question of whether hunting and conservation are incompatible , as Goodall implies , or whether one activity can support the other .
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player , Apple podcasts , SoundCloud or wherever you get you get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speak to someone about domestic violence in the UK , call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 , or visit Women ’ s Aid .
Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.
In this week’s episode, we discuss:
Memorabilia
Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics to The Beatles’ song Hey Jude sold at auction this week for $910,000, nine times their original estimate. The sale comes as auction houses around the world have reported huge increases in online activity and as pop memorabilia sales continue to rise. Are McCartney’s reassuring lyrics a sound investment in uncertain times?
Read our full briefing here.
‘Cinderella’ abuse
Figures from the Metropolitan Police show that domestic abuse offences committed by sisters doubled between 2010 and 2018, and female perpetrators now account for 28% of cases, up from 19% a decade ago. Why doesn’t female, and particularly sibling violence get the attention it deserves? And will lockdown change that?
Hunting vs. conservation
Prince Harry may have shot his last pheasant, according to the primatologist and friend of the royal family Dr Jane Goodall. Asked if William and Harry were champions of the natural world, she replied: “Yes, except they hunt and shoot - but I think Harry will stop because Meghan doesn’t like hunting, so I suspect that is over for him.” To the extent this got any attention it was mainly around the idea that Meghan was stopping Harry doing something he wanted to do, but it also raises the question of whether hunting and conservation are incompatible, as Goodall implies, or whether one activity can support the other.
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get you get your podcasts.
If you need to speak to someone about domestic violence in the UK, call the national domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247, or visit Women’s Aid. Other international helplines may be found via www.befrienders.org


theweekuk--2020-04-17--‘Opening Up America Again’ - what is Trump’s plan?

Donald Trump has announced a three-phase plan aimed at helping the US return to normal amid the coronavirus pandemic .
The US president said the guidelines - known as “ Opening Up America Again ” - are designed to ease restrictions in areas with low transmission of the virus .
Revealing the plan , Trump said “ America wants to be open and Americans want to be open .
A national shutdown is not a sustainable long-term solution.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agenda - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The plan has three phases to reopen state economies , with each phase lasting at least 14 days .
Phase one retains much of the current lockdown measures such as avoiding non-essential travel , explains the BBC , but allows large venues such as restaurants and sports venues to operate “ under strict physical distancing protocols ” .
Phase two allows non-essential travel to resume with schools reopening and bars operating “ with diminished standing-room occupancy ” .
In phase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interactions ” with physical distancing and the unrestricted staffing of worksites .
Bars can increase their standing room capacity .
The new guidelines are not mandatory and many governors have already extended restrictions into May .
Indeed , in what CNN describes as a “ retreat ” from his recent claim of “ absolute authority ” to restart the economy , the president told governors it was their decision on when and how to reopen .
“ You are going to call your own shots , ” Trump said during a call with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know almost all of you , most of you I 've known and some very well .
You are all very capable people , I think in all cases , very capable people .
And you 're going to be calling your shots.
” The Guardian says that Trump ’ s plan “ is still full of unanswered questions , ” pointing out that the plan “ neglects to mention a firm target date or give an explicit strategy for national testing ” .
The US has 654,301 confirmed cases and 32,186 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ poll suggests that Trump ’ s approval rating has slipped 6 % over the past month .
The same poll found just 30 % of Americans are satisfied with the way things are going in the country .


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Friday 17 Apr 2020

Public health experts are considering the idea of “ segmenting ” the population into different risk groups , with enhanced @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable people , as a route out of the coronavirus lockdown .
The million-plus people @ @ @ @ @ danger if they caught the virus would be told to continue self-isolating even after close @ @ @ @ @ lifted .

EU offers Italy ‘heartfelt apology’ for early coronavirus inaction
The EU Commission’s president Ursula von der Leyen has acknowledged that the Union was too slow to assist Italy when the coronavirus outbreak began. “Yes, it is true that no one was really ready for this. It is also true that too many were not there on time when Italy needed a helping hand at the very beginning,” she said. “For that, it is right that Europe as a whole offers a heartfelt apology.”


theweekuk--2020-04-17--Helsinki bakery launches toilet roll cake

A bakery in Helsinki has lauched a cake that looks like a roll of toilet paper .
As consumers began to hoard toilet roll during the coronavirus pandemic , the bakery team came up with the idea of a toilet roll cake made of oat batter , passion fruit mousse and covered with white fondant .
As the product became a social media hit , the bakery received hundreds of orders .
A man accidentally ejected himself from a fighter jet during an outing in the plane .
An investigation heard that the 64-year-old civilian panicked when the sheer force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out off his seat , causing him to stand up and inadvertently grab the ejection handle in a bid to steady himself .
His parachute deployed and he had a soft landing .
Woman gives birth to twins weeks after previous birth A woman has given birth to a set of twins , just 26 days after her first child was born .
Arifa Sultana , 20 , reportedly has two wombs and had the two pregnancies concurrently .
She gave birth to her first child , a son , in February , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later complaining of abdominal pain , when it was discovered she was expecting two more babies .
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Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A bakery in Helsinki has lauched a cake that looks like a roll of toilet paper. As consumers began to hoard toilet roll during the coronavirus pandemic, the bakery team came up with the idea of a toilet roll cake made of oat batter, passion fruit mousse and covered with white fondant. As the product became a social media hit, the bakery received hundreds of orders.
Sexagenarian accidentally ejects himself from jet
A man accidentally ejected himself from a fighter jet during an outing in the plane. An investigation heard that the 64-year-old civilian panicked when the sheer force of take-off made him “float” out off his seat, causing him to stand up and inadvertently grab the ejection handle in a bid to steady himself. His parachute deployed and he had a soft landing.
Woman gives birth to twins weeks after previous birth
A woman has given birth to a set of twins, just 26 days after her first child was born. Arifa Sultana, 20, reportedly has two wombs and had the two pregnancies concurrently. She gave birth to her first child, a son, in February, and then returned to hospital four weeks later complaining of abdominal pain, when it was discovered she was expecting two more babies.
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