theweekuk--2020-04-02--Ten Things You Need to Know Today: Thursday 2 Apr 2020

Academics say three recently discovered letters written by Thomas Hardy ’ s second wife , Florence Dugdale , have shed @ @ @ @ @ - and her weariness with media attention .
Hardy was one of England ’ s @ @ @ @ @ married Dugdale , 39 years his junior , in 1914 .
In one letter she @ @ @ @ @ the kindest , most humane men in the world ” , but in another she @ @ @ @ @ me and my portrait have been printed in every paper , I think , in @ @ @ @ @ of this publicity .
”

Letters from Thomas Hardy’s second wife found
Academics say three recently discovered letters written by Thomas Hardy’s second wife, Florence Dugdale, have shed new light on their relationship - and her weariness with media attention. Hardy was one of England’s most celebrated writers when he married Dugdale, 39 years his junior, in 1914. In one letter she calls him “one of the kindest, most humane men in the world”, but in another she says: “Accounts of me and my portrait have been printed in every paper, I think, in England... I am tired of this publicity.”


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Today’s back pages: Premier League heads for civil war over pay cuts, Germany are calling Klopp and

Today’s back pages: Premier League heads for civil war over pay cuts, Germany are calling Klopp and Wimbledon is off

The Times and the Daily Mirror carry the comments on their back pages of MP Julian Knight , the chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport committee .
Knight has accused the Premier League of “ living in a moral vacuum ” after several clubs furloughed non-playing staff while continuing to pay the astronomical salaries of their players .
“ Wages war ” is the Mirror ’ s headline , as is the Daily Express ’ s , with both papers reporting that in fact several clubs want to do their bit to help those in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the Daily Star there ’ s going to be a “ civil war ” in the English top-flight with clubs and players ready to “ scrap it out over pay cuts ” .
The Mirror alleges that a campaign has been launched to “ try and get all 20 clubs to sign up to a collective bargaining agreement to bring in wage cuts , deferrals and the Government ’ s furlough scheme ” .
However , the problem is the Professional Footballers ’ Association ( PFA ) , which has allegedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ telling them not to accept wage cuts or deferrals without speaking to them first ” .
The Guardian says that during a video conference between senior executives from the leagues and the PFA , the Premier League ’ s executive director , Bill Bush , “ stressed the scale of the financial hit clubs are facing during the suspension of competitions ” .
But the paper says this position cut little ice with PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor , who reportedly said that while they are willing to consider deferrals of wages they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Daily Star , Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror claim that Germany have earmarked Jurgen Klopp as the successor to Joachim Low .
Klopp is committed to Liverpool until 2024 but apparently the German Football Association is determined to bring him back home to take over the national team .
There is a problem , however , explains the Mirror , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expires in 2022 and it ’ s highly unlikely that the Germans would be able to raise the readies to buy Klopp out of the final two years of his Anfield deal .
The Daily Mail claims that Klopp is “ interested in taking charge of Germany in the future ” , but the 52-year-old is highly valued by Liverpool ’ s owners .
The Fenway Sports Group is “ desperate to see him extend his stay even further , and establish a legacy just like Sir Alex Ferguson [ at Manchester United @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be no Wimbledon this summer makes most of the back pages with the Daily Mirror leading its coverage of the story with Roger Federer ’ s reaction : “ Devastated ” .
The Swiss star has won the championship eight times and has vowed to return next year , as has Andy Murray , who says he ’ s “ sad ” at the cancellation .
The Daily Express plasters Murray on its back page and wonders whether he , Federer and Serena Williams will ever be seen again at the grass-court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ records in recent years .
The Daily Express reports that England cricket hero Ben Stokes has launched a broadside at what he calls the “ utter lies ” being spread about him and some of his teammates .
A report on ESPNCricinfo alleged that England ’ s centrally contracted players had “ declined the offer to accept a temporary pay cut ” as part of cricket ’ s response to the coronavirus crisis .
Metro says that the initial article quoted a letter by England and Wales Cricket Board ( ECB ) chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professional Cricket Association in which Harrison claimed that he had received “ a less than enthusiastic response ” to the idea of a wage cut .
While Stokes has challenged the veracity of the report there has been no official announcement from the ECB about a wage reduction for the sport ’ s top stars .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Prem wages war
The Times and the Daily Mirror carry the comments on their back pages of MP Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.
Knight has accused the Premier League of “living in a moral vacuum” after several clubs furloughed non-playing staff while continuing to pay the astronomical salaries of their players.
“Wages war” is the Mirror’s headline, as is the Daily Express’s, with both papers reporting that in fact several clubs want to do their bit to help those in the sport less fortunate than themselves.
And according to the Daily Star there’s going to be a “civil war” in the English top-flight with clubs and players ready to “scrap it out over pay cuts”.
The Mirror alleges that a campaign has been launched to “try and get all 20 clubs to sign up to a collective bargaining agreement to bring in wage cuts, deferrals and the Government’s furlough scheme”.
However, the problem is the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), which has allegedly “written to all of its members telling them not to accept wage cuts or deferrals without speaking to them first”.
The Guardian says that during a video conference between senior executives from the leagues and the PFA, the Premier League’s executive director, Bill Bush, “stressed the scale of the financial hit clubs are facing during the suspension of competitions”.
But the paper says this position cut little ice with PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor, who reportedly said that while they are willing to consider deferrals of wages they will not countenance pay cuts.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Germany calling Klopp
Daily Star, Daily Mail and the Daily Mirror claim that Germany have earmarked Jurgen Klopp as the successor to Joachim Low.
Klopp is committed to Liverpool until 2024 but apparently the German Football Association is determined to bring him back home to take over the national team.
There is a problem, however, explains the Mirror, and that is that Low’s contract expires in 2022 and it’s highly unlikely that the Germans would be able to raise the readies to buy Klopp out of the final two years of his Anfield deal.


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Will warmer weather halt the march of coronavirus?

Speculation is growing over whether the coronavirus outbreak could be tempered by the warmer weather of the summer months after scientists said it has hallmarks of a seasonal virus .
The data for infection rates supports a climactic dimension to Covid-19 .
“ Look at the World Health Organization ( WHO ) map of the coronavirus outbreak , and it is difficult to avoid spotting a pattern , ” writes Tom Whipple , science editor of The Times .
“ This seems to be a disease of the temperate north .
If you live somewhere that sees a frost , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infect you .
If you don ’ t , generally it hasn ’ t. ” So , will the coronavirus disappear as the warmer weather of spring and summer reaches the UK ?
Experts are resisting the temptation to offer a definite answer but there is some evidence to help planners address this question .
Harvard scientists who studied two previous coronaviruses , HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1 , which were relatively benign compared to the current SARS-CoV-2 , found that they were indeed seasonal .
“ This is not surprising , ” says Whipple @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like warm and wet conditions , viruses generally prefer the cold .
They need dry air behind shut windows to spread reliably .
Like flu , it seemed that these viruses liked the cold.
” However , these two viruses appeared to only offer nine months of immunity once caught , meaning that annual outbreaks were possible .
A separate study by the Centre for Infectious Diseases at the University of Edinburgh , found that three types of coronavirus showed “ marked winter seasonality ” .
Mohammad Sajadi , an associate professor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Virology , who has been studying the current outbreak , told the Financial Times : “ Based on what we have documented so far , it appears that the virus has a harder time spreading between people in warmer climates.
” The FT notes that there are dissenting scientific voices .
Marc Lipsitch , a Harvard University epidemiology professor , says there might be “ modest declines ” in the contagiousness of the new coronavirus in warmer , wetter weather but it was “ not reasonable to expect these declines alone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dent ” .
In another study of Covid-19 , researchers from Beihang University in China analysed the “ reproduction number ” , which tells how many new infections result from each previous one .
Governments want to bring this number down below 1 because if each person infects fewer than one person , then the epidemic is defeated .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Britain , the reproduction number is currently between 2.5 and 3.5 .
The researchers found that for each degree change in average temperature , the number fell by 0.04 .
In Britain , this would mean it might fall to somewhere between 1.9 and 2.9 over the summer – far from the target figure of 1 .
Neil Ferguson , the Imperial College professor whose modelling has shaped the government ’ s response to the outbreak , said : “ transmissibility of the virus will be somewhat reduced in the summer , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cent .
Our best guess is that you could still get a large epidemic in the summer ” .
Also , any benefit of warmer weather is dependent on a sustained period of such conditions .
Over the past decade , British summers have varied from the cool and wet to savage heatwaves .
So there is yet to be any firm evidence that the summer months will be enough to save us from the pandemic .

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theweekuk--2020-04-02--Just 2,000 NHS staff have been tested for coronavirus

Officials have admitted that just 2,000 NHS England staff have been tested for the coronavirus , out of a workforce of about 1.2 million .
The revelation that a tiny proportion of healthcare workers being exposed to the virus have been tested so far has added to a “ huge political backlash ” against the government , says The Guardian .
Labour ’ s shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth has demanded to know why the UK ’ s Covid-19 testing is lagging behind other countries .
He said : “ NHS staff are rightly asking if we ’ ve left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and chemicals we need , or whether our lab capacity is too overstretched after years of tight budgets.
” Sky News added : “ NHS staff have expressed frustration that they are being forced to self-isolate just as they are most needed , because tests are not available to show whether they are clear of the disease.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ response to the growing clamour for wider testing , the government has blamed a global lack of chemical reagents needed to carry out tests .
However , the British chemical industry says are no shortages .
Yvonne Doyle , chief medical officer of Public Health England , said at yesterday 's government briefing that testing for frontline staff should increase from “ thousands to hundreds of thousands within the coming weeks ” .
She added that there was currently capacity for about 3,000 tests a day for doctors and nurses .
But The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in chaos ” .
It adds that hospitals have revealed how they had to “ beg ” for testing supplies from vets and brew their own chemicals to check staff because of shortages .
In a video message , Prime Minister Boris Johnson admitted that the UK needs to “ massively ramp up ” testing for coronavirus .
He said it was “ crucial ” that people with the disease have access to tests .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said he had spoken to industry bodies about using private labs to expand testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ industry and government to come together to build a UK diagnostic capability that hasn ’ t previously been seen .
I am entirely open-minded about how we do this , but I am determined that it should happen .
”


theweekuk--2020-04-02--K-pop star apologises for coronavirus prank

K-pop star Kim Jaejoong has apologised for pretending that he was in hospital with Covid-19 , admitting his Instagram post was an April Fool ’ s Day joke .
The singer had claimed he caught the virus after “ ignoring ” government advice , but faced the wrath of fans once he confessed it was not true .
“ How can you pull a prank like this when the situation right now is so serious ?
” asked one .
A British knitting group is hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the longest knitted bunting .
Due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are having to work remotely and then send their finished triangles to the home of the group ’ s founder , where she is stringing them together with about five miles of tape .
A medical fetish company has donated all of its stock of disposable scrub garments to the National Health Service .
MedFet UK said : “ Today we donated our entire stock of disposable scrubs to an NHS hospital .
It was just a few sets , because we don ’ t carry large stocks , but they were desperate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charge.
” –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– – For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile , sign up for our Tall Tales email ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

K-pop star Kim Jaejoong has apologised for pretending that he was in hospital with Covid-19, admitting his Instagram post was an April Fool’s Day joke. The singer had claimed he caught the virus after “ignoring” government advice, but faced the wrath of fans once he confessed it was not true. “How can you pull a prank like this when the situation right now is so serious?” asked one.
Knitting group works remotely for record
A British knitting group is hoping to break the Guinness World Record for the longest knitted bunting. Due to the lockdown, members of the group are having to work remotely and then send their finished triangles to the home of the group’s founder, where she is stringing them together with about five miles of tape.
Medical fetish firm donates scrubs to NHS
A medical fetish company has donated all of its stock of disposable scrub garments to the National Health Service. MedFet UK said: “Today we donated our entire stock of disposable scrubs to an NHS hospital. It was just a few sets, because we don’t carry large stocks, but they were desperate, so we sent them free of charge.”
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For more outlandish tales and news to make you smile, sign up for our Tall Tales email–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Could oil prices fall below zero?

Could oil prices fall below zero?

The cost of crude has fallen to 18-year lows in recent weeks , with US oil experiencing its worst quarter on record .
Amid shutdowns across the world to halt the spread of coronavirus , global demand was predicted to be almost 23 % lower this month than a year ago , according to research firm Rystad Energy .
Despite this , Russia and Saudi Arabia have been letting the global supply of oil flow ever faster , causing the price to plummet .
While global oil prices jumped overnight after US President Donald Trump said he expected Saudi Arabia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to end their oil war , others have warned that the price of crude could fall below zero .
What is going on ?
Both Moscow and Riyadh believe they have more to gain than lose by continuing to drive prices down - as weaker competitors buckle from falling profits , both oil-producing giants will move to increase their share of the global market .
There is a bigger strategic objective too .
Russia , in particular , wants to check the rapid expansion of the American oil industry , pioneered as it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or fracking - process , which relies on high oil prices to turn a profit .
In the meantime , however , as supply continues unabated , and buyers take advantage of rock-bottom prices , the world ’ s storage capacity for oil is quickly filling up .
When this happens , some may even start paying to have others take barrels off their hands .
In short , the price of oil will drop below zero .
This is already happening in some areas .
Last week , in an “ obscure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , oil prices turned negative , meaning consumers were requesting payment to take the oil off producers ’ hands , Bloomberg reports .
The main factor that will determine if this happens on a larger scale will be global storage capacity - if oil literally has nowhere to be stored , owners will start paying to move it on .
How close are we to full storage capacity ?
With motorways clear , airliners grounded and populations around the world compelled to limit their economic activity , the steady flow of oil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being used , and storage facilities are reaching their limit .
“ The fuller storage capacity gets , the closer oil prices will get to zero .
When and if capacity is maxed out , oil prices will turn negative , ” said the Financial Times on Wednesday .
“ On current trends , this could happen within months if not weeks.
” CNN said that one storage option could be to load all that extra crude onto ships .
“ About 20 % of the global fleet of very large crude carriers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But even that would not absorb the surplus .
In April , some 6 million barrels per day of ‘ homeless crude ’ might literally have nowhere to go… a figure that would rise to 7 million barrels per day in May , ” it said .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Why fight an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The oil price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia is a game of chicken both sides are willing to play because , in the end , neither of them are the real losers from the crisis .
High oil prices benefit oil producers , but they also allow new producers to enter the market .
In particular , propelled by new technologies like improved hydraulic fracturing , but also by high oil prices , the United States has seen its oil production skyrocket in the last decade .
In 2018 , they overtook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world ’ s largest oil producer .
This trend has only continued , and the newcomer now produces 19 % t of the world ’ s oil , compared to Saudi Arabia ’ s 12 % , and Russia ’ s 11 % .
Between the late 1990s and 2018 , the latter two were the world ’ s leading oil producers .
An arrangement by Opec+ ( members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries as well as non-Opec producers ) meant they curbed their production to reduce global supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ensuring their output was lucrative .
The US , however , was never part of this arrangement , and has as a result benefited - its booming shale oil sector in particular - from the high price of oil , without ever having to curb its production , as its competitors have .
Frustrated by this set of circumstances , and knowing that their power was being threatened by a burgeoning US oil industry , it was Russia that collapsed Opec+ in Vienna last month .
The Saudis , unwilling to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ went on the offensive .
Russia and Saudi Arabia will certainly suffer from the low prices , but the vast cash reserves secured from decades of oil-selling mean they can weather the storm .
Their pain will be short-term , but in the long-term they will increase their global market share , and US oil will no longer be able to expand production while the rest of the world cuts it to prop up prices .
There will be collateral damage .
In particular , Iran and Venezuela - normally allies of Russia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports in the short term , and will see a major contraction of their oil industries as they are undercut by plummeting prices .
By ensuring a surge in production just as the coronavirus crashes demand for oil , however , Russia is hoping to bring US oil down to size , and perhaps even force it to play its part reducing production to bring prices back up .
Last night , Donald Trump said he had spoken to both countries ’ leaders and said he expected them to “ work it out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s very bad for Russia , it ’ s very bad for Saudi Arabia .
I mean , it ’ s very bad for both .
I think they ’ re going to make a deal , ” he said .
Global oil prices later rose , but the BBC says : “ Traders have suggested that prices may also have been boosted by expectations that American shale oil producers , which have relatively high production costs , are coming under pressure to cut production.
” Reuters said that other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long way to go before any output cut agreement is struck ” .

US oil prices fell into negative territory for the first time in history on Monday, as the coronavirus pandemic wipes out global demand.
With fewer people driving and flying worldwide, a flood of unwanted oil in the market caused the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) - the benchmark price for US oil - to drop to around -$40 a barrel. Or to put it another way, “producers were paying buyers to take oil off their hands”, says The Guardian.
How can oil prices drop below zero?
Oil-producing countries agreed a historic deal earlier this month to cut production by 10% in order to protect the market. However, that decrease is far less than the drop in demand amid the coronavirus crisis, leaving a large surplus of oil and no buyers.
As a result, storage capacity has filled up quickly.
All the same, only WTI has fallen into negative territory as yet. Brent crude, the grade used in the UK and elsewhere, was trading at around $26 a barrel on Monday, and WTI has since rebounded above zero, with experts describing the drop below zero as a quirk.
Explaining how the so-called quirk came about, the BBC notes that current oil prices are actually the “market price for future months”, taking into account the cost of physically delivering the stuff at a later date.
Owing to the dramatic drop in global oil consumption and lack of space to store the surplus, traders holding WTI contracts for May - which expire at the end of trading today - were unable to find buyers. Faced with the prospect of having to pick up the oil “at a massive hub in Cushing, Oklahoma, known as the Pipeline Crossroads of the world”, and store it themselves, traders became “desperate to get rid of the contract”, says The Telegraph.
On the other side of the equation, shutting down production is expensive for producers, so they were willing to pay a premium for buyers to take the oil.
A combination of these factors caused US crude oil prices to crash from around $18 a barrel to as low as –$40.32 in a matter of hours on Monday evening.
What does this mean for the future?
The future of WTI is highly uncertain.
June WTI (oil contracts expiring a month from now) is trading at $22 a barrel - a significant increase from Monday’s low - suggesting traders believe the oversupply crisis will be resolved in a month’s time.
But the main US storage hub in Cushing is expected to be full within a matter of weeks - and the World Economic Forum has warned that June WTI is falling overall, signalling a potentially turbulent few months ahead.
“Today it's pretty clear that a major issue in the market is a glut in the US and lack of storage capacity,” said Michael McCarthy, chief strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney.
In the longer term, WTI futures for delivery in May 2021 are currently at $35.50, which “suggests anyone who can hold onto oil for a while can make a tidy profit – as long as they have somewhere to keep it”, says The Telegraph.
What does this mean for global oil prices and petrol?
Although the WTI crash has left oil traders reeling, the downturn will probably have less impact on other regions of the oil market.
In the UK, oil prices are still above zero, “in part because they face lower transport costs and easier access to ports”, The Guardian says.
And with fuel duty and VAT - factors not dictated by oil prices - accounting for more than two-thirds of the price of petrol in the UK, consumers are unlikely to see significantly lower prices at the pumps any time soon, although a gradual slump is expected over 2020.


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: what should prisons do?

Coronavirus: what should prisons do?

As the coronavirus pandemic strains societies around the world , the fate of the incarcerated has become an increasingly contentious issue .
Prison populations are particularly at risk from infectious diseases .
While they are isolated from the world outside , that containment is far from complete .
Staff and inmates come and go , and once the disease is inside , the close quarters , vulnerable population and lower hygiene standards means infection spreads rapidly , with devastating effects .
Panic is also a danger .
The prospect of Covid-19 running rampant has already led to violent uprisings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ add to this staffing shortages caused by the illness , and prison authorities are understably on a crisis footing .
The situation in prisons now As of Tuesday in the UK , 1,250 prisoners and 8,500 staff were self-isolating with coronavirus symptoms , and last week an 84-year-old man became the first prisoner in the UK to die after contracting Covid-19 .
The latest Ministry of Justice figures , released on Monday , reveal that 55 prisoners have tested positive for coronavirus in 21 English and Welsh prisons - the availability of testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We are managing a huge risk , and the measures taken don ’ t completely mitigate against the risk , ” Andrea Albutt , president of the Prison Governors Association , told the Daily Express yesterday .
“ Sometimes the risk can even be too big to manage and we ’ re moving into unknown territory .
We are expecting to see significant staff shortfall .
We just don ’ t know if we will have the staff , ” she said .
As far as prisoners are concerned , all non-essential transfers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested positive will be isolated alongside their cell-mates , even if those cell-mates are asymptomatic , according to government guidelines published on Tuesday .
Prison visits have also been suspended .
According to The Guardian , authorities have implemented a policy of “ cohorting ” , whereby all prisoners showing symptoms will be sent to an isolation wing .
With a scarcity of tests to confirm the presence of Covid-19 , this raises the prospect “ that inmates with conventional flu symptoms risk contracting the more serious coronavirus ” , says the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yesterday that pregnant prisoners could be released temporarily under licence conditions , but there are currently no plans to release low-risk prisoners .
This is not the case in Northern Ireland , where almost 200 people incarcerated for less severe crimes who are entering the last three months of their sentences will be released in response to a staffing crisis that has seen 20 % of prison workers call in sick , according to the BBC .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the week ’ s news agenda - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Prison systems around the world in crisis In America - the country with the world ’ s largest incarcerated population - inmates are already being released , and calls are growing to release more .
“ Hundreds of Covid-19 diagnoses have been confirmed at local , state and federal correctional facilities - almost certainly an undercount , leading to hunger strikes in immigrant detention centers and demands for more protection from prison employee unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
David E. Patton , head of the federal public defender ’ s office in New York City , said : “ By keeping more people in the jails , you are increasing the overall number of people who contract the virus.
” Pointing out that prisoners will take up valuable life-saving resources in hospitals , he said : “ They are playing roulette with people ’ s lives.
” Recently convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein has contracted the coronavirus in prison and , in New York , Rikers Island inmates are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mass graves .
The prison ’ s chief physician has taken to Twitter to decry the “ public health disaster unfolding before our eyes ” .
Hard-hit Italy has seen some of the worst prison violence as the new coronavirus has savaged the country .
Last month , 16 prisoners in Foggia escaped following an insurrection and , in Modena and Rome , a total of 12 died of drug overdoses after gaining access to the prison pharmacy in the violence .
“ The immediate cause of the Italian riots appeared to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visits for two weeks , ” reports The Telegraph .
“ While prison guards inside the jails were suppressing unrest , officers standing outside in riot gear faced down inmates ’ family members as they demanded access to loved ones.
” And in a Montpellier prison in Villeneuve-les-Maguelones , southern France , 31 detainees have filed a complaint against the government for failing to protect them against the outbreak .
In recent weeks , prison authorities in Iran have temporarily released as many as 100,000 prisoners - roughly two thirds of its incarcerated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spread of the virus .
Some political prisoners have been transferred to an unknown location , while those who are left fear for their lives in a country with over 3,000 deaths from the novel virus and almost 50,000 confirmed cases .
“ Around 20 prisoners were killed on March 30 and 31 during disturbances in two prisons in Ahvaz , the capital of Iran ’ s oil-rich Khuzestan province , ” reports Radio Farda .


theweekuk--2020-04-02--British banks cancel dividends: what does it mean?

Banks in the UK are cancelling their standard payments to shareholders - known as dividends - and are considering scrapping bonuses too , following advice by the Bank of England ( BoE ) .
The BoE urged the move to ensure such institutions were as cushioned as they could be against the financial storm the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause , and will be able to support lending in an economy hit by the lockdown .
Lloyds , RBS , Barclays , HSBC , Standard Chartered and the British arm of Santander all said they would cancel their dividends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roughly £7.5bn , and would also avoid share buybacks in the foreseeable future .
The move by the banks was not entirely voluntary , however .
While the request from the Prudential Regulation Authority , the regulatory arm of the BoE , was not binding , it warned it was “ ready to consider use of our supervisory powers ” if they did not accede .
The authority also said it “ expects ” the banks to refrain from paying out bonuses to senior staff .
Since the 2008 financial crash , banks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as protection against sudden downturns , and as a result most insisted they would not need bailouts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important business stories and tips for the week ’ s best shares - try The Week magazine .
Get your first six issues free ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nevertheless , the BBC points out , “ banks were criticised during the financial crisis 12 years ago when they paid dividends months before needing the biggest bailouts in history.
” Barclays chairman Nigel Higgins said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ base ” , but explained “ we think it is right and prudent , for the many businesses and people that we support , to take these steps now , and ensure that Barclays is well placed to continue doing what we can to help through this crisis ” .
The decision is not a harmless one .
It “ will prove unpopular with some investors , especially retail shareholders who rely on the payout for their income , ” says the Financial Times .
Threadneedle Street also sent a warning to insurance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to pay close attention to the need to protect policyholders and maintain safety and soundness , and in so doing to ensure that their firm can play its full part in supporting the real economy throughout the economic disruption arising from Covid-19.
” The BoE ’ s “ announcement comes after it faced mounting pressure to follow in the footsteps of the European Central Bank , which last week urged lenders to stop dividend payments and share buybacks until at least 1 October , ” says The Guardian .

Banks in the UK are cancelling their standard payments to shareholders - known as dividends - and are considering scrapping bonuses too, following advice by the Bank of England (BoE).
The BoE urged the move to ensure such institutions were as cushioned as they could be against the financial storm the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause, and will be able to support lending in an economy hit by the lockdown.
Lloyds, RBS, Barclays, HSBC, Standard Chartered and the British arm of Santander all said they would cancel their dividends for 2019, which would have totalled roughly £7.5bn, and would also avoid share buybacks in the foreseeable future.
The move by the banks was not entirely voluntary, however. While the request from the Prudential Regulation Authority, the regulatory arm of the BoE, was not binding, it warned it was “ready to consider use of our supervisory powers” if they did not accede.
The authority also said it “expects” the banks to refrain from paying out bonuses to senior staff.
Since the 2008 financial crash, banks have been required to hold larger reserves as protection against sudden downturns, and as a result most insisted they would not need bailouts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Nevertheless, the BBC points out, “banks were criticised during the financial crisis 12 years ago when they paid dividends months before needing the biggest bailouts in history.”
Barclays chairman Nigel Higgins said his bank had a “strong capital base”, but explained “we think it is right and prudent, for the many businesses and people that we support, to take these steps now, and ensure that Barclays is well placed to continue doing what we can to help through this crisis”.
The decision is not a harmless one. It “will prove unpopular with some investors, especially retail shareholders who rely on the payout for their income,” says the Financial Times.
Threadneedle Street also sent a warning to insurance companies, saying: “We expect them to pay close attention to the need to protect policyholders and maintain safety and soundness, and in so doing to ensure that their firm can play its full part in supporting the real economy throughout the economic disruption arising from Covid-19.”
The BoE’s “announcement comes after it faced mounting pressure to follow in the footsteps of the European Central Bank, which last week urged lenders to stop dividend payments and share buybacks until at least 1 October,” says The Guardian.


theweekuk--2020-04-01--How the pandemics of the 20th century ended

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide is nearing one million , a troubling milestone in a pandemic that has caused significant upheaval in people ’ s lives across the globe .
As experts try to predict when the figures might level off and finally decrease , The Week looks back at pandemics of the 20th century .
In 1918 , as the First World War was coming to a close , a devastating flu virus spread across the globe , killing somewhere between 50 million to 100 million people in the deadliest flu pandemic of all time .
Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which became known as Spanish flu , revealed “ just how many lives can be saved by social distancing ” , Quartz says , noting that “ cities that cancelled public events had far fewer cases ” .
“ Just as the outbreak was unfolding , Philadelphia threw a parade with 200,000 people marching in support of the World War I effort ; by the end of the week , 4,500 people were dead from the flu , ” the news site adds .
“ Meanwhile , St Louis shuttered public buildings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate there was half of Philadelphia ’ s. ” Problematically , the virus came with not one peak but two – the first in June and July , followed by a second even deadlier wave in October and November .
But by the summer of 1919 , the flu pandemic had come to an end , “ as those that were infected either died or developed immunity ” , History.com writes , as a vaccine had not been developed .
Another major 20th-century pandemic was so-called Asian flu , which took hold in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to two million deaths worldwide .
As Encyclopaedia Britannica notes , the 1957 Asian flu outbreak is “ generally considered to have been the least severe of the three influenza pandemics of the 20th century ” .
New Scientist reports that the 1957 pandemic was “ triggered by the hybridisation of human H1 flu with flu viruses from birds which carried another surface protein , H2 ” , which created a virus “ more lethal than the then-circulating H1 strains because no human had ever encountered the H2 protein before , and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The disease spread rapidly and was reported in Singapore in February , Hong Kong in April and the coastal cities of the US in the summer of 1957 , says CDC .
However , a vaccine was developed by the autumn and rolled out worldwide , while the availability of antibiotics allowed doctors to treat people with secondary infections , limiting the spread and mortality .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise , refreshing and balanced take on the week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week magazine .
Start your trial subscription today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– The third influenza pandemic to occur in the 20th century , so-called Hong Kong flu , came in 1968 .
It was an outbreak of influenza A subtype H3N2 , which is suspected to have evolved from the strain of influenza that caused the 1957 pandemic .
As Britannica notes , Hong Kong flu “ caused illness of varying degrees of severity in different populations ” , adding : “ For example , whereas illness was diffuse and affected only small numbers of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deadly in the United States.
” Although a vaccine was developed , it became available only after the pandemic had peaked in many countries , and somewhere between one million and four million people died from the virus .
But Medicine Net notes that “ instead of peaking in September or October , like pandemic influenza had in the previous two pandemics ” , the 1968 outbreak “ did not gain momentum until near the school holidays in December ” .
“ Since children were at home and did not infect one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illness among schoolchildren and their families declined , ” it says .

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases worldwide is nearing one million, a troubling milestone in a pandemic that has caused significant upheaval in people’s lives across the globe.
As experts try to predict when the figures might level off and finally decrease, The Week looks back at pandemics of the 20th century.
Spanish flu
In 1918, as the First World War was coming to a close, a devastating flu virus spread across the globe, killing somewhere between 50 million to 100 million people in the deadliest flu pandemic of all time.
Despite the staggering death toll, the outbreak, which became known as Spanish flu, revealed “just how many lives can be saved by social distancing”, Quartz says, noting that “cities that cancelled public events had far fewer cases”.
“Just as the outbreak was unfolding, Philadelphia threw a parade with 200,000 people marching in support of the World War I effort; by the end of the week, 4,500 people were dead from the flu,” the news site adds. “Meanwhile, St Louis shuttered public buildings and curtailed transit; the flu death rate there was half of Philadelphia’s.”
Problematically, the virus came with not one peak but two – the first in June and July, followed by a second even deadlier wave in October and November. But by the summer of 1919, the flu pandemic had come to an end, “as those that were infected either died or developed immunity”, History.com writes, as a vaccine had not been developed.
Asian flu
Another major 20th-century pandemic was so-called Asian flu, which took hold in 1957 and caused an estimated one million to two million deaths worldwide. As Encyclopaedia Britannica notes, the 1957 Asian flu outbreak is “generally considered to have been the least severe of the three influenza pandemics of the 20th century”.
New Scientist reports that the 1957 pandemic was “triggered by the hybridisation of human H1 flu with flu viruses from birds which carried another surface protein, H2”, which created a virus “more lethal than the then-circulating H1 strains because no human had ever encountered the H2 protein before, and so lacked any immunity to the new strain”.


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Eddie Large: five things you didn’t know

Scottish comedian Eddie Large , best known as one half of TV double act Little and Large , has died after contracting coronavirus .
The 78-year-old , who was a prime-time TV celebrity in the 1970s and 80s , had reportedly already been suffering with heart failure and contracted the virus in hospital , his family confirmed .
“ Dad fought bravely for so long , ” they said in a statement .
“ Due to this horrible disease we had been unable to visit him at the hospital but all of the family and close friends spoke to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him terribly and we are so proud of everything he has achieved in his career with Syd [ Little ] and know that he was much loved by the millions that watched them every week.
” Here ’ s a look at five things you might not have known about Eddie Large : ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pub Large was born Edward Hugh McGinnis in Glasgow in 1941 and reportedly met singer and guitarist Cyril Mead in the Stonemason ’ s Arms pub in Wythenshawe , Manchester in the 1960s .
According to the Daily Mail , Large heckled Mead during a gig , with the latter later switching to comedy full-time and changing his name to Syd Little .
Together , the pair became Little and Large .
The BBC reports that the pair went on to win talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 and launched their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on BBC One soon after .
“ In its heyday , their BBC One show was a staple of early Saturday evening TV entertainment , drawing millions of viewers , ” the broadcaster adds .
According to the Daily Mail , at their peak up to 25 million viewers would watch the show .
Large , who grew up in Moss Side , Manchester , was a Manchester City fan , and the club also paid tribute to the late comedian , saying : “ Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Large has passed away aged 78 .
“ Our thoughts are with Eddie ’ s friends and family at this difficult time.
” In a tweet , comedian Jason Manford – a fellow diehard City fan – said : “ So sorry to hear about Eddie Large passing away .
Came to every comedy and musical show I did whenever I hit Bristol and was always around for a chat about comedy and Man City afterwards .
Such a gentle , funny man .
RIP Eddie.
” He had suffered from ill health @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something his agent alluded to in a statement on his passing this week .
Peter Mansfield said Large ’ s family “ wanted to say how grateful they are for the extra 17 years that they have had with Eddie ” following the procedure , and offered “ a huge thank you to the donor and the donor ’ s family ” .
However , the life-saving operation was bittersweet for the comedian as it “ put an end to his and Syd ’ s double act ” , the Daily Mirror @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 , he said : “ That phone call to Syd was the most painful I ’ ve ever had to make .
I was crying my eyes out because I knew I was putting him out of work .
He had bills to pay .
“ I felt horrible .
We weren ’ t just a double act .
We were mates , right from the start , ” he added .
“ Syd was living it with me every minute of every day .
When we did panto in Wimbledon he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying stuff to help me breathe.
” He had another major health crisis in a hospital In 2013 , Large found himself recovering in hospital after a serious fall near his home – the comedian had reportedly tripped over a road sign close to his home in Portishead , near Bristol .
He was taken to hospital but contracted pneumonia , had pancreatic problems and a collapsed lung , landing him in the high dependency unit .

Scottish comedian Eddie Large, best known as one half of TV double act Little and Large, has died after contracting coronavirus.
The 78-year-old, who was a prime-time TV celebrity in the 1970s and 80s, had reportedly already been suffering with heart failure and contracted the virus in hospital, his family confirmed.
“Dad fought bravely for so long,” they said in a statement. “Due to this horrible disease we had been unable to visit him at the hospital but all of the family and close friends spoke to him every day.
“We will miss him terribly and we are so proud of everything he has achieved in his career with Syd [Little] and know that he was much loved by the millions that watched them every week.”
Here’s a look at five things you might not have known about Eddie Large:
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He met his comedy partner in a pub
Large was born Edward Hugh McGinnis in Glasgow in 1941 and reportedly met singer and guitarist Cyril Mead in the Stonemason’s Arms pub in Wythenshawe, Manchester in the 1960s.
According to the Daily Mail, Large heckled Mead during a gig, with the latter later switching to comedy full-time and changing his name to Syd Little. Together, the pair became Little and Large.
The pair’s TV audience was enormous
The BBC reports that the pair went on to win talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1971 and launched their own TV series The Little And Large Show on BBC One soon after.
“In its heyday, their BBC One show was a staple of early Saturday evening TV entertainment, drawing millions of viewers,” the broadcaster adds.
According to the Daily Mail, at their peak up to 25 million viewers would watch the show.
He was a lifelong Manchester City fan
Large, who grew up in Moss Side, Manchester, was a Manchester City fan, and the club also paid tribute to the late comedian, saying: “Everyone at Manchester City is sad to hear that lifelong City fan and celebrity Eddie Large has passed away aged 78.


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Sport shorts: Eddie Jones to lead England at 2023 Rugby World Cup and Barcelona want Neymar-Griezman

Sport shorts: Eddie Jones to lead England at 2023 Rugby World Cup and Barcelona want Neymar-Griezmann deal

England head coach Eddie Jones has signed a contract extension that will see him lead the nation until the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 .
The Australian was appointed England chief in November 2015 and in four years he has won two Six Nations titles , including the grand slam in 2016 .
He also led England to last year ’ s Rugby World Cup final where they lost 32-12 to South Africa .
The 60-year-old has unfinished business and he said : “ The extension is a great honour for me , but in the current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledge what a difficult time the world is facing .
“ We are all looking forward to a time when we can get back to playing rugby and use the sport as a force for good in bringing people back together .
“ I never thought coming here four years ago I would be doing a second four years but the circumstances are right .
Obviously it is important for the team that we keep improving and my focus will be solely on that .
“ I am excited about raising the standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world and unfortunately we missed that by 80 minutes .
“ Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen .
It ’ s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it .
“ We have players with an enhanced reputation , we have a team that is expected to do well , so it ’ s a great opportunity for us to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray is “ very sad ” that Wimbledon has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak but he has vowed to return next year .
The two-time winner said on Facebook : “ Very sad that the Fever-Tree Championships and Wimbledon have been cancelled this year but with all that is going on in the world right now , everyone ’ s health is definitely the most important thing .
“ Looking forward to getting back on the grass next year already !
Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy # StayHomeSaveLives.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the opening ceremony from the London 2012 Olympic Games , the best of Euro 96 and Andy Murray ’ s maiden triumph at Wimbledon in 2013 .
Barbara Slater , BBC director of sport , said : “ In these unprecedented and difficult times we are delighted to bring some of the most incredible sporting events from years gone by to our audiences over the next few months .
“ From glorious moments at the Olympics including the magic of London 2012 , thrilling Euro 96 matches , wonderful Wimbledon moments and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is something for everyone to enjoy.
” We 're opening the archives across the BBC to relive some of sport 's greatest moments .
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Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 4 .
The Open is still on the schedule ... for now Martin Slumbers , chief executive of The R & A , has denied reports that The 149th Open at Royal St George ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no decision has yet been made regarding the golf major in July discussions are ongoing .
Slumbers said : “ We are continuing to work through our options for The Open this year , including postponement .
Due to a range of external factors , that process is taking some time to resolve .
“ We are well aware of the importance of being able to give clear guidance to fans , players and everyone involved and are working to resolve this as soon as we can .
“ We will give a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a position to do so and thank everyone for their support and understanding in this challenging situation.
” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is being earmarked by Germany as the successor to Joachim Low .
The Daily Mirror reports that Klopp is committed to Liverpool until 2024 but apparently the German Football Association is determined to bring him back home to take over from Low .
Rashford wants to play alongside Sancho in Man Utd ’ s attack Sky Sports reports that Spanish champions Barcelona are hoping to strike a part-exchange deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Camp Nou and Antoine Griezmann go to the French capital .
Barca value France international Griezmann at £88m ( €100m ) while PSG reportedly value Neymar at £135m ( €150m ) .
The 40 runners have been confirmed for Saturday ’ s Virtual Grand National .
Oddschecker says Tiger Roll is the clear favourite at 5/1 , ahead of Any Second Now ( 10/1 ) and Burrows Saint ( 12/1 ) .
Tiger Roll will also go head-to-head against Red Rum in a Race of Champions featuring 40 legendary National horses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff has denied reports that he could leave to join Aston Martin ’ s works team in 2021 .
Aston Martin will make its return to F1 next year and with Wolff out of contract at the end of the 2020 season it ’ s speculated that he could be brought in to lead the new outfit .
Wolff said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that I ’ m going to be CEO of Aston Martin .
I ’ m in a partnership with Daimler in the F1 team and that ’ s my priority.
” Metro reports that England cricket hero Ben Stokes has launched a broadside at what he calls the “ utter lies ” being spread about him and some of his team-mates .
A report on ESPNCricinfo alleged that England ’ s centrally contracted players had “ declined the offer to accept a temporary pay cut ” as part of cricket ’ s response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Daily Mirror carry the comments on their back pages of MP Julian Knight , the chair of the Digital , Culture , Media and Sport committee .
Knight has accused the Premier League of “ living in a moral vacuum ” after several clubs furloughed non-playing staff while continuing to pay the astronomical salaries of their players .
“ Wages war ” is the Mirror ’ s headline , as is the Daily Express ’ s , with both papers reporting that in fact several clubs want to do their bit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fortunate than themselves .
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1. Jones reveals big ambition
England head coach Eddie Jones has signed a contract extension that will see him lead the nation until the end of the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
The Australian was appointed England chief in November 2015 and in four years he has won two Six Nations titles, including the grand slam in 2016.
He also led England to last year’s Rugby World Cup final where they lost 32-12 to South Africa.
The 60-year-old has unfinished business and he said: “The extension is a great honour for me, but in the current environment, it is only right to acknowledge what a difficult time the world is facing.
“We are all looking forward to a time when we can get back to playing rugby and use the sport as a force for good in bringing people back together.
“I never thought coming here four years ago I would be doing a second four years but the circumstances are right. Obviously it is important for the team that we keep improving and my focus will be solely on that.
“I am excited about raising the standards again. We have a great team. We set out four years ago to be the best team in the world and unfortunately we missed that by 80 minutes.
“Now we want to be the team that is remembered as being the greatest team the game has ever seen. It’s a big ambition but I believe we are capable of doing it.
“We have players with an enhanced reputation, we have a team that is expected to do well, so it’s a great opportunity for us to keep moving forward.”
2. Murray: I’ll be back at Wimbledon
British tennis ace Andy Murray is “very sad” that Wimbledon has been cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak but he has vowed to return next year.
The two-time winner said on Facebook: “Very sad that the Fever-Tree Championships and Wimbledon have been cancelled this year but with all that is going on in the world right now, everyone’s health is definitely the most important thing.
“Looking forward to getting back on the grass next year already! Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy #StayHomeSaveLives.”


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Why police are backing scheme to give heroin to addicts

A scheme that sees heroin addicts given free supplies of the Class A drug in an effort to reduce reoffending has been backed by the chief inspector of probation .
In a newly published report on probation in the Northeast , Justin Russell says that a “ drug-assisted treatment ” pilot launched last year in Middlesborough by the police and crime commissioner could save the NHS and other services tens of thousands in treatment and crime costs .
“ Research found that the detected offending of 20 individuals who met the proposed criteria for the Heroin-Assisted Treatment scheme over a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equivalent to £5.58 per head of population in Middlesbrough , ” the report says .
A total of 11 of the offenders have taken part in the programme , the first of its kind in the UK , The Telegraph reports .
The addicts make twice daily visits to a clinical facility , where they inject themselves with pharmaceutical-grade heroin - known as diamorphine - up to three times a day “ supervised by health staff ” , according to the newspaper .
The probation report says that “ once their drug use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with specialists from other agencies to help them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society ” .
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Putting an individual through the scheme costs about £12,000 , The Guardian reported in October , prior to the launch of the pilot .
“ The coalition of groups behind it – including South Tees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group – have said this represents a fraction of the cost their drug misuse places on the criminal justice system , health service and other public services , ” according to the newspaper .
The 11 participants in the pilot had previously carried out a total of 900 crimes at a cost of £3.7m to society , says The Telegraph .
Barry Coppinger , the police and crime commissioner for Cleveland , said : “ We are the first area in the country to launch such a scheme .
“ It recognises that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entrenched street heroin users they will continue to offend on release , probably until they die and at great cost to residents , businesses and local public services .
“ [ The scheme ] treats addiction as an illness and the results so far have been extremely encouraging.
” Until 1967 , about 1,000 people dependent on heroin were prescribed diamorphine under the auspices of what was known as the “ British System ” .
However , that scheme was brought to an end when authorities moved away from a public health approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of heavy criminal sentences for drug use .
According to online information service DrugWise , a total of 268,390 adults in England were in contact with drug and alcohol services between 2017 and 2018 .


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Coronavirus: British environment flourishing during lockdown

The UK coronavirus lockdown has resulted in significant drops in air pollution levels in cities across the country , newly released data shows .
Statistics from the Leeds-based National Centre for Atmospheric Science ( NCAS ) show marked reductions in levels of nitrogen dioxide ( NO2 ) and particulate matter ( PM2.5 ) in many urban areas , with levels of toxic pollutants expected to fall even further as the shutdown continues .
“ If you look at traffic volumes , they ’ re still going down .
And so we probably haven ’ t reached the bottom yet , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ally Lewis .
“ A few days ago , we were talking about journeys by car going down by about a third , and now it ’ s nearly a 50 % -60 % reduction.
” The trend in the UK “ mirrors that seen across continental Europe as people have spent less time in vehicles , offices and factories and more time at home ” as a result of lockdown measures aimed at curbing the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic , says the BBC .
Scientists have recorded an especially steep drop in levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from car engines , power plants and other industrial processes and is thought to exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma ” , explains The Guardian .
“ While not a greenhouse gas itself , the pollutant originates from the same activities and industrial sectors that are responsible for a large share of the world ’ s carbon emissions and that drive global heating , ” the newspaper adds .
Paul Monks , professor of air pollution at the University of Leicester , hopes that important lessons will be learned from what he describes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen on the effects of reducing these activities and industrial practices .
“ Are we looking at what we might see in the future if we can move to a low-carbon economy ?
Not to denigrate the loss of life , but this might give us some hope from something terrible .
To see what can be achieved , ” Monks said .
So exactly what does latest data show ?
The European Space Agency this week revealed that imaging from its Sentinel-5P satellite show that levels of NO2 over cities and industrial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past six weeks have been markedly lower than in the same period last year .
Meanwhile , the NCAS data reveals that in ten UK cities studied , NO2 levels dropped by around a third to a half compared with the yearly average in London , Birmingham , Bristol and Cardiff , with drops of between 10 % and 20 % recorded in the other cities : Belfast , Glasgow , Leeds , Manchester , Newcastle and York .
The figures also reveal that PM2.5 - formed as a result of burning fuel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a half in London , Birmingham , Bristol and Cardiff , and has dropped by about a quarter in Manchester , York and Belfast , with smaller declines in the other cities .
“ The air is definitely much healthier , ” said NCAS Professor James Lee .
“ These are big changes – pollution levels are the equivalent at the moment of a holiday , say an Easter Sunday .
“ And I think we will see an even starker drop-off when the weather changes.
” The BBC ’ s science correspondent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be interesting to see now is whether other pollutants follow the lead of NO2 and PM2.5 ” .

The UK coronavirus lockdown has resulted in significant drops in air pollution levels in cities across the country, newly released data shows.
Statistics from the Leeds-based National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS) show marked reductions in levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5) in many urban areas, with levels of toxic pollutants expected to fall even further as the shutdown continues.
“If you look at traffic volumes, they’re still going down. And so we probably haven’t reached the bottom yet,” said NCAS director of science Professor Ally Lewis. “A few days ago, we were talking about journeys by car going down by about a third, and now it’s nearly a 50%-60% reduction.”
Why is pollution dropping?
The trend in the UK “mirrors that seen across continental Europe as people have spent less time in vehicles, offices and factories and more time at home” as a result of lockdown measures aimed at curbing the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, says the BBC.
Scientists have recorded an especially steep drop in levels of NO2, which is “produced from car engines, power plants and other industrial processes and is thought to exacerbate respiratory illnesses such as asthma”, explains The Guardian.
“While not a greenhouse gas itself, the pollutant originates from the same activities and industrial sectors that are responsible for a large share of the world’s carbon emissions and that drive global heating,” the newspaper adds.
Paul Monks, professor of air pollution at the University of Leicester, hopes that important lessons will be learned from what he describes as “the largest-scale experiment” ever seen on the effects of reducing these activities and industrial practices.
“Are we looking at what we might see in the future if we can move to a low-carbon economy? Not to denigrate the loss of life, but this might give us some hope from something terrible. To see what can be achieved,” Monks said.
So exactly what does latest data show?
The European Space Agency this week revealed that imaging from its Sentinel-5P satellite show that levels of NO2 over cities and industrial clusters in Asia and Europe over the past six weeks have been markedly lower than in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the NCAS data reveals that in ten UK cities studied, NO2 levels dropped by around a third to a half compared with the yearly average in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, with drops of between 10% and 20% recorded in the other cities: Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and York.
The figures also reveal that PM2.5 - formed as a result of burning fuel - is down by a third to a half in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff, and has dropped by about a quarter in Manchester, York and Belfast, with smaller declines in the other cities.
“The air is definitely much healthier,” said NCAS Professor James Lee. “These are big changes – pollution levels are the equivalent at the moment of a holiday, say an Easter Sunday.
“And I think we will see an even starker drop-off when the weather changes.”
The BBC’s science correspondent Jonathan Amos adds that “what will be interesting to see now is whether other pollutants follow the lead of NO2 and PM2.5”.


theweekuk--2020-04-02--Is there a risk of a UK lockdown ‘rebellion’?

The UK is risking a public “ rebellion ” if lockdown measures continue for too long , the former governor of the Bank of England warned yesterday .
Mervyn King , who was in charge of the bank during the 2008 financial crisis , said strict physical distancing measures could not continue for “ months and months ” .
Will there be a 'rebellion ' in the UK ?
Lord King of Lothbury said that government rules designed to “ help prolong life expectancy of older people ” disproportionately affected the younger generation , who had already “ suffered ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports .
An exit strategy from the current lockdown “ is going to become more and more urgent now , ” he said .
“ The idea that we can simply maintain this lockdown for months and months on end according to the development of the virus I think is unrealistic…the government needs to find an exit strategy which is going to be gradual and it may need to examine methods by which those people who have had the virus are able to go back , travel and go to work.
” He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation divide : “ I also fear that if we maintain the lockdown for too long there will be a rebellion against it , because an awful lot of young people will say , ‘ Well the younger generations have suffered in the last 20 years .
Why on earth is our future being put at stake in order to help prolong life expectancy of older people whose life expectancy may not be very high in any event ?
’ ” King ’ s comments followed those by retired supreme court judge Jonathan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ real question is : is this serious enough to warrant putting our population into house imprisonment , wrecking our economy for an indefinite period , destroying businesses that honest and hardworking people have taken years to build up ?
” , The Spectator says .
There are already signs that patience with the lockdown and home-working is already fraying .
An online survey of more than 1,000 British adults conducted by Ipsos Mori between 20 and 23 March found that half ( 49 % ) of those in employment were finding it more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the outbreak .
Public health officials and ministers have also pointed to a recent jump in the number of vehicle journeys , reports the Times .
On Sunday , use of cars was down 73 % compared with 27 February , Department for Transport figures showed .
But Monday ’ s figures revealed a 63 % decline – the first daily rise for two weeks .
“ It is feared that the sunny forecast for the weekend , which could see temperatures of 20C in London , will prompt more people to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialise as the Easter holidays begin , ” says The Telegraph .
Yvonne Doyle , director of health protection for Public Health England , said it was a “ slightly concerning trend ” , adding : “ The message here is really people do need to stay at home .
Most are doing the right thing , as you can see from the rapid decline in public transport use .
Everyone needs to do that.
” What has happened elsewhere ?
There have been signs of unrest in other countries around the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conditions .
In a shocking video clip shared online , police in Spain ’ s Basque Country are seen stopping a 22-year-old man of Moroccan origin and questioning why he was out on the street with his mother .
After reportedly refusing to explain , the man is beaten with a baton and his mother is knocked to the ground .
SOS Racismo , an anti-racism organisation , said in a statement : “ The police are subjecting people to police abuse , intensified by the lockdown that we are living at present @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fined more than 100,000 people for flouting lockdown regulations , says Al Jazeera .
There has been similar unrest in Italy .
“ They are no longer singing or dancing on the balconies , ” said Salvatore Melluso , a priest at a church-run charity in Naples .
“ Now people are more afraid – not so much of the virus , but of poverty .
Many are out of work and hungry .
There are now long queues at food banks.
” Tensions are rising across the poorest southern Italian regions of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with shopkeepers pressured into giving away food for free and police patrolling supermarkets , reports The Guardian .
In the Philippines , fascist president Rodrigo Duterte has given orders to police and military to “ shoot dead ” anyone “ causing trouble ” over lockdown rules .
“ My orders are to the police and military , also village officials , that if there is trouble or the situation arises that people fight and your lives are on the line , shoot them dead , ” Duterte said .
“ Instead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the grave , ” The Telegraph reports .
But there are signs that China appears to have made it through the lockdown without mass unrest .
The country has announced it will finally be ending lockdown in the virus ’ s original epicentre , Wuhan , on 8 April , a “ huge milestone for the country and a signal that the crisis – for them at least – is nearing its end ” , The Telegraph adds .

The UK is risking a public “rebellion” if lockdown measures continue for too long, the former governor of the Bank of England warned yesterday.
Mervyn King, who was in charge of the bank during the 2008 financial crisis, said strict physical distancing measures could not continue for “months and months”.
Will there be a 'rebellion' in the UK?
Lord King of Lothbury said that government rules designed to “help prolong life expectancy of older people” disproportionately affected the younger generation, who had already “suffered” from the financial crisis, The Times reports.
An exit strategy from the current lockdown “is going to become more and more urgent now,” he said.
“The idea that we can simply maintain this lockdown for months and months on end according to the development of the virus I think is unrealistic…the government needs to find an exit strategy which is going to be gradual and it may need to examine methods by which those people who have had the virus are able to go back, travel and go to work.”
He added that there would otherwise be a generation divide: “I also fear that if we maintain the lockdown for too long there will be a rebellion against it, because an awful lot of young people will say, ‘Well the younger generations have suffered in the last 20 years. Why on earth is our future being put at stake in order to help prolong life expectancy of older people whose life expectancy may not be very high in any event?’”
King’s comments followed those by retired supreme court judge Jonathan Sumption, who said: “The real question is: is this serious enough to warrant putting our population into house imprisonment, wrecking our economy for an indefinite period, destroying businesses that honest and hardworking people have taken years to build up?”, The Spectator says.
There are already signs that patience with the lockdown and home-working is already fraying. An online survey of more than 1,000 British adults conducted by Ipsos Mori between 20 and 23 March found that half (49%) of those in employment were finding it more difficult to work than they had before the outbreak.


theweekuk--2020-04-03--F1: introducing McLaren’s new driver... #BaldoNorris

McLaren Formula 1 driver and avid gamer Lando Norris has a new hair do after making good on a promise to shave his head for charity .
The 20-year-old last week took part in Twitch ’ s “ Stream Aid ” event where he played F1 2019 , Rocket League and iRacing to raise money for the Covid-19 Solidarity Respond Fund .
Briton Norris promised to cut his locks if he could raise more than $ 10,000 ( £8,147 ) - and thanks to generous donations from fans he beat the total by $ 2,000 ( £1,629 ) .
Last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on his Twitch channel and F1.com welcomed the look by introducing the sport ’ s newest star - “ # BaldoNorris ” .
Norris said the new do “ feels so weird ” and Williams rival George Russell also had his say on his fellow Brit ’ s charity promise .
“ Firstly - incredible , ” Russell told Sky Sports F1 .
“ But to be honest if I had hair as bad as that I ’ d probably shave it off as well .
Fair play to him.
” THE MOMENT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everyone say hello to # BaldoNorris % uD83D % uDE0E pic.twitter.com/MzG1zMa2F1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Ex-Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes that a shorter season could help Max Verstappen ’ s chances of winning the title .
The 2020 calendar has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic , with the opening eight races either cancelled or postponed .
F1 CEO Chase Carey said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see “ between 15 and 18 races ” take place once the sport gets the go-ahead .
Speaking to Sky Sports News , former Mercedes driver Rosberg said this could hand Red Bull and Verstappen a boost .
“ It increases the chances of there being a surprise champion if there ’ s fewer races because then of course luck plays a bigger role , ” said Rosberg .
“ I always thought that Red Bull and Max Verstappen were really going to be in the hunt this year and really be able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and give them a run for their money .
“ If there was a shorter season maybe his chances would be even bigger.
” As things stand the first race of the 2020 season will be the Canadian Grand Prix on 14 June in Montreal .
Which races have been called off ?
Hamilton and Verstappen are the sport ’ s ‘ only two stars ’ ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
@ @ @ @ @

McLaren Formula 1 driver and avid gamer Lando Norris has a new hair do after making good on a promise to shave his head for charity.
The 20-year-old last week took part in Twitch’s “Stream Aid” event where he played F1 2019, Rocket League and iRacing to raise money for the Covid-19 Solidarity Respond Fund.
Briton Norris promised to cut his locks if he could raise more than $10,000 (£8,147) - and thanks to generous donations from fans he beat the total by $2,000 (£1,629).
Last night Norris live streamed the hair cut on his Twitch channel and F1.com welcomed the look by introducing the sport’s newest star - “#BaldoNorris”.
Norris said the new do “feels so weird” and Williams rival George Russell also had his say on his fellow Brit’s charity promise.
“Firstly - incredible,” Russell told Sky Sports F1. “But to be honest if I had hair as bad as that I’d probably shave it off as well. Fair play to him.”
THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR. Everyone say hello to #BaldoNorris 😎 pic.twitter.com/MzG1zMa2F1 — #LN4 (@LN4) April 2, 2020
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Nico: short season may help Max
Ex-Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes that a shorter season could help Max Verstappen’s chances of winning the title.
The 2020 calendar has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with the opening eight races either cancelled or postponed.
F1 CEO Chase Carey said last week that the revised calendar could see “between 15 and 18 races” take place once the sport gets the go-ahead.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, former Mercedes driver Rosberg said this could hand Red Bull and Verstappen a boost.
“It increases the chances of there being a surprise champion if there’s fewer races because then of course luck plays a bigger role,” said Rosberg.
“I always thought that Red Bull and Max Verstappen were really going to be in the hunt this year and really be able to annoy Mercedes in a big way and give them a run for their money.
“If there was a shorter season maybe his chances would be even bigger.”
As things stand the first race of the 2020 season will be the Canadian Grand Prix on 14 June in Montreal.
Which races have been called off?
15 March: Australian Grand Prix - cancelled
22 March: Bahrain Grand Prix - postponed
5 April: Vietnam Grand Prix - postponed
19 April: Chinese Grand Prix - postponed
3 May: Dutch Grand Prix - postponed
10 May: Spanish Grand Prix - postponed
14 May: Monaco Grand Prix - cancelled
7 June: Azerbaijan Grand Prix - postponed
Hamilton and Verstappen are the sport’s ‘only two stars’
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theweekuk--2020-04-03--Europe’s Wuhan: inside Germany’s groundbreaking coronavirus experiment

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Germany’s worst-hit district will be used as a real-life laboratory to study the spread of coronavirus.
A team of virologists and researchers have turned Heinsberg, a town in western Germany that borders the Netherlands, into a “Covid-19 case cluster study”.
Why Heinsberg?
The town and surrounding district is the worst affected area in Germany, with 1,281 confirmed Covid-19 infections and 34 deaths.
It has been labelled “Germany’s Wuhan”, after the Chinese city where the global pandemic began, and it is believed to be more than two weeks ahead of the rest of the country’s outbreak, says The Guardian.
Heinsberg is “something like a portal into the near future”, says The Times. “The full force of the coronavirus hit the district earlier and harder than any other part of Germany.”
Hundreds of people were infected after attending the annual Langbroker Dicke Flaa carnival parade in the villages of Langbroich and Harzelt on 15 February.
Surrounding areas began to shun their Heinsberg neighbours. “People in other west German cities took fright as soon as they saw a car with the ‘HS’ numberplate,” said Frank Reifenrath, the managing director of a financial consultancy in Heinsberg.
“Some fitters [from Heinsberg] were turned away at the door by their clients purely because of their numberplates, even though they had recently tested negative.”
But now, “Heinsberg is no longer a leper colony so much as the vanguard of Germany’s efforts to keep a lid on Covid-19”, says the Times.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What are researchers looking for?
The study will track the health progression of 1,000 people in the district, chosen because they are representative of the German population as a whole.
The aim is to create a blueprint for how the whole of Germany could deal with the virus outbreak over the coming years, says Professor Hendrik Streeck, head virologist at the University of Bonn.
“This is a big chance for the whole of Germany,” Streeck told a meeting of politicians in a televised live-stream. “We’ll be gathering information and practical tips as to how to deal with Covid-19 and how we can achieve further containment of it, without our lives having to come to a standstill over a period of years.”


theweekuk--2020-04-03--‘F@@@@@g cheek’: Gary Neville hits back at Matt Hancock over Premier League pay and NHS testing

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has blasted Health Secretary Matt Hancock for calling out Premier League footballers to cut their pay amid the coronavirus crisis .
Speaking at the daily government briefing , Hancock said yesterday : “ I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too .
“ Given the sacrifices people are making , including some of my colleagues in the NHS , who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died , I think the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is make a contribution ; take a pay cut and play their part.
” Former England striker Gary Lineker has urged for “ patience ” amid the debate over player pay cuts and Neville has also had his say regarding the player salaries and NHS testing .
Sky Sports pundit Neville has assisted the NHS by allowing the use of two hotels he co-owns in Manchester .
In response to Hancock ’ s comments he said on Twitter : “ I wish I was a player for 10 more mins .
The PL @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a proposal to help clubs , communities and The NHS .
“ It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together .
Matt Hancock calling them out when he can ’ t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f @ @ @ @ @ g cheek !
” Could the Premier League play out the season in China ?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many Premier League clubs and players have already offered to help assist the NHS in the fight against Covid-19 , but the dispute over salaries is proving to be a “ PR disaster ” for the English top-flight .
A YouGov poll this week revealed that 92 % of the public believe Premier League players should accept a wage cut or deferral .
However , some pundits have questioned why aren ’ t bankers and billionaires also being called out by the government ?
The Guardian ’ s Barnay Roney tweeted : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Why footballers ?
Why not hedge funders or retail magnates or those with vast unearned inherited wealth ?
Why not the Prince of Wales ?
“ Footballers always get blamed for everything .
Commoners with money !
Release the hounds .
On the other hand , no one anywhere needs 300k a week ... but that ’ s another story.
” In a column for the Daily Mirror Andy Dunn says that while Premier League footballers are “ out of touch ” and do need to take a pay cut , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earning a fortune during the crisis .
Dunn writes : “ No matter how out of touch you consider Premier League footballers , they do not need to listen to lectures from Conservative politicians - and that includes Matt Hancock , who can not even get a decent amount of coronavirus tests sorted for NHS staff .
“ Indeed , they might want to ask why MPs are not on the case of the rich bankers , hedge fund managers , currency speculators who still make financial hay in a city at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Well , not on their case with the same gusto used in their attacks on Premier League footballers.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ s news - try The Week magazine .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville has blasted Health Secretary Matt Hancock for calling out Premier League footballers to cut their pay amid the coronavirus crisis.
Speaking at the daily government briefing, Hancock said yesterday: “I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too.
“Given the sacrifices people are making, including some of my colleagues in the NHS, who have made the ultimate sacrifice and gone into work and caught the disease and have sadly died, I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution; take a pay cut and play their part.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker has urged for “patience” amid the debate over player pay cuts and Neville has also had his say regarding the player salaries and NHS testing.
Sky Sports pundit Neville has assisted the NHS by allowing the use of two hotels he co-owns in Manchester.
In response to Hancock’s comments he said on Twitter: “I wish I was a player for 10 more mins. The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS.
“It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f@@@@@g cheek!”
Could the Premier League play out the season in China?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Premier League players do not need lectures from grandstanding, inept politicians ... but they do need to take a pay cut soon. Column https://t.co/xNsIn2nCzA — Andy Dunn (@andydunnmirror) April 2, 2020
What about the rich bankers?
Many Premier League clubs and players have already offered to help assist the NHS in the fight against Covid-19, but the dispute over salaries is proving to be a “PR disaster” for the English top-flight.
A YouGov poll this week revealed that 92% of the public believe Premier League players should accept a wage cut or deferral.
However, some pundits have questioned why aren’t bankers and billionaires also being called out by the government?
The Guardian’s Barnay Roney tweeted: “This is fairly pathetic predictable stuff. Why footballers? Why not hedge funders or retail magnates or those with vast unearned inherited wealth? Why not the Prince of Wales?
“Footballers always get blamed for everything. Commoners with money! Release the hounds. On the other hand, no one anywhere needs 300k a week... but that’s another story.”
In a column for the Daily Mirror Andy Dunn says that while Premier League footballers are “out of touch” and do need to take a pay cut, they are not the only people in society still earning a fortune during the crisis.
Dunn writes: “No matter how out of touch you consider Premier League footballers, they do not need to listen to lectures from Conservative politicians - and that includes Matt Hancock, who cannot even get a decent amount of coronavirus tests sorted for NHS staff.
“Indeed, they might want to ask why MPs are not on the case of the rich bankers, hedge fund managers, currency speculators who still make financial hay in a city at the centre of this country’s crisis. Well, not on their case with the same gusto used in their attacks on Premier League footballers.”
Today’s back pages
Gary Lineker calls for patience over Premier League pay cut debate
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theweekuk--2020-04-03--What are ‘immunity passports’?

What are ‘immunity passports’?


theweekuk--2020-04-03--The Week Unwrapped: Happiness, coral and gay Singapore

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 : This week gay rights campaigners failed in their attempt to overturn section 377A of Singapore ’ s criminal code , which outlaws gay sex between men .
Although prosecutions are rare and lawyers had argued that the law was obsolete , judges said it was still “ important in reflecting public sentiment and beliefs ” .
This comes at a time when the coronavirus outbreak is raising questions about privacy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state and police - specifically in Singapore but in the rest of the world too .
While the world ’ s attention is on coronavirus , the Great Barrier Reef has suffered another mass bleaching event - in which coral is damaged and potentially destroyed by rising sea temperatures .
It ’ s part of a broader pattern , in which reefs around the world are under threat from rising sea temperatures , which could lead to their extinction .
An increasing number of people are turning to science for answers on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times , with 1.7 million enrolled in a Yale University online class about achieving well-being , according to latest figures .
But can we really train our brains to feel this elusive emotion - and if so , how ?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player , Apple podcasts , SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts .
It is produced by Sarah Myles and the music is by Tom Mawby .

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:
Gay rights in Singapore
This week gay rights campaigners failed in their attempt to overturn section 377A of Singapore’s criminal code, which outlaws gay sex between men. Although prosecutions are rare and lawyers had argued that the law was obsolete, judges said it was still “important in reflecting public sentiment and beliefs”. This comes at a time when the coronavirus outbreak is raising questions about privacy, social contact and the power of the state and police - specifically in Singapore but in the rest of the world too.
Coral in distress
While the world’s attention is on coronavirus, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered another mass bleaching event - in which coral is damaged and potentially destroyed by rising sea temperatures. It’s part of a broader pattern, in which reefs around the world are under threat from rising sea temperatures, which could lead to their extinction.
In search of happiness
An increasing number of people are turning to science for answers on how to be happy in these turbulent times, with 1.7 million enrolled in a Yale University online class about achieving well-being, according to latest figures. But can we really train our brains to feel this elusive emotion - and if so, how?
You can subscribe to The Week Unwrapped on the Global Player, Apple podcasts, SoundCloud or wherever you get your podcasts. It is produced by Sarah Myles and the music is by Tom Mawby.


theweekuk--2020-04-03--Premier League news: Paul Pogba’s ‘priority’ is to join Real Madrid

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba remains keen on signing for Real Madrid this summer .
The French World Cup winner has a desire to work with Real head coach Zinedine Zidane and 90min says his “ priority ” is to secure a switch to Spain .
Pogba ’ s future at Old Trafford has been the topic of conversation for months .
Real have regularly been linked with the 27-year-old as have his former club Juventus .
According to 90min Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also “ monitoring his situation ” .
However , despite interest from many clubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Could the Premier League play out the season in China ?
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 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 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Another Premier League star linked with Real Madrid recently is Wolves striker Raul Jimenez .
The Mexican has scored 22 times in all competitions this season and his form in front of goal has seen the likes of Real and Manchester United take notice .
Jimenez ’ s future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spotlight today .
According to the Daily Mail the 28-year-old has revealed he has no release clause in his contract , which expires in 2023 .
In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca , he said : “ They [ Wolves ] bought me for €40m [ £34.5m ] , they won ’ t sell me for less .
There is no release clause , but the clubs [ in England ] , it is different how they are managed.
” According to the Daily Mail Liverpool have put all contract talks and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus pandemic .
This means the Anfield club ’ s move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner is off for now .
The Mail says : “ Werner is hugely admired by Liverpool and he has spoken favourably on a number of occasions in recent months about their team - and manager Jurgen Klopp - but any ambitions he has of securing a move to England will have to be placed on hold.
” ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– For analysis of the biggest sport stories - and a concise , balanced take on the week ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Start your trial today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba remains keen on signing for Real Madrid this summer.
The French World Cup winner has a desire to work with Real head coach Zinedine Zidane and 90min says his “priority” is to secure a switch to Spain.
Pogba’s future at Old Trafford has been the topic of conversation for months. Real have regularly been linked with the 27-year-old as have his former club Juventus.
According to 90min Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also “monitoring his situation”.
However, despite interest from many clubs, Real are Pogba’s first-choice.
Could the Premier League play out the season in China?
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Jimenez: no release clause in contract
Another Premier League star linked with Real Madrid recently is Wolves striker Raul Jimenez.
The Mexican has scored 22 times in all competitions this season and his form in front of goal has seen the likes of Real and Manchester United take notice.
Jimenez’s future at Wolves is even more under the spotlight today. According to the Daily Mail the 28-year-old has revealed he has no release clause in his contract, which expires in 2023.
In an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, he said: “They [Wolves] bought me for €40m [£34.5m], they won’t sell me for less. There is no release clause, but the clubs [in England], it is different how they are managed.”
Werner move on hold
According to the Daily Mail Liverpool have put all contract talks and recruitment plans on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. This means the Anfield club’s move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner is off for now.
The Mail says: “Werner is hugely admired by Liverpool and he has spoken favourably on a number of occasions in recent months about their team - and manager Jurgen Klopp - but any ambitions he has of securing a move to England will have to be placed on hold.”
Today’s back pages
Gary Lineker calls for patience over Premier League pay cut debate
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––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 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––