Eddie Jones has named Owen Farrell and Jonny May in his 36-player squad for England’s opening Autumn Nations Series fixture against Argentina on Sunday
Last Updated: 31/10/22 2:45pm
Owen Farrell has been included in Eddie Jones’ 36-player squad for England’s opening Autumn Nations Series fixture against Argentina
Injury doubts Owen Farrell and Jonny May have both included in England’s squad for their opening Autumn Nations Series fixture against Argentina on Sunday.
Saracens fly-half Farrell (concussion) and Gloucester wing May (dislocated elbow) suffered injuries playing in the Premiership but head coach Eddie Jones has named both men in his 36-player squad for the visiting Pumas.
Farrell returned to the squad and will continue through the latter stages of his graduated return to play protocols in camp. There is also a return for May, despite dislocating his elbow two weeks ago.
Jamie George, Henry Arundell and Will Stuart will be continuing their rehab in camp, while Lewis Ludlam was unavailable for selection following an abdominal wall injury sustained before he joined with the squad in Jersey.
Newcastle Falcons’ Sean Robinson has also been called up to the squad.
Eddie Jones’ England squad are in Jersey for a training camp ahead of facing Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham over successive weekends.
More to follow…
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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA: In this image released on May 2, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, speaks … [+] onstage during Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Global Citizen VAX LIVE: The Concert To Reunite The World will be broadcast on May 8, 2021. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE)
Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE
The first rumors that Harry might be wanting to tone down some of his recollections in his $20-million as-told-to autobiography, Spare, surfaced in the publishing lunchrooms of Manhattan last summer, which is to say, after Harry returned from the rather grand but toned down April funeral of his grandfather, Prince Philip. It was at that funeral in Windsor that Harry came face to face with his immediate family and his larger, extended family, seeing many of them for the first time since the announcement of his upcoming book, and since he and Meghan Markle sat for their extended televised sit-down with Oprah Winfrey in the CBS /global broadcasting event in March 2021.
His grandfather’s funeral — that of a rather grand and blustery old-school patriarch — would ordinarily be an occasion for the Windsors to come together to celebrate a long, well-lived life. But the event was the opposite of that for the prince. He soldiered through it, and, though he was seen speaking with them, not a lot of his family really knew what they should do with him. There was a distinct distance and a chill that most of them kept. Kate made a notable effort to include him, and Harry and his brother walked up the hill together. But what Harry confronted, two years after moving to Canada and thence to the States, was that his strivings in Hollywood, on television, on podcasts, in speeches and in print, had had an effect back home.
The title of the his upcoming book is simple, quite blunt, and carries gravitas precisely because it deftly exploits the old rhymed cliche “an heir and a spare,” the British polity’s wry gift to the language, rooted in Cockney rhyming-slang, in assessment of their monarch’s breeding duties to ensure the stability of succession. Suffice it to say, Charles and Diana gave Britain an exact fulfillment of the cliche’s requirements. Prince Harry would likely have himself joked about and/or been robustly teased with the designation across decades, at Eton, at Sandhurst, in the Army, wherever his crew of blokes would have wanted to rag him.
But whether or not he came up with the idea of using it in this instance, the act of taking on the cutting derogation as his book title is Harry’s own move. It’s a bold one, and it dovetails nicely with what we know of the straight-spoken combat chopper pilot and his two tours in Afghanistan. The prince’s use of the word opens a cosmos of connotations, bringing weaponly swagger as well as going straight into Harry’s role as an outsider in the monarchy. There’s power in that level of ownership; this usage shows Prince Harry recognizes it. Not least, it makes deft literary and enormous marketing sense. You want a tome on a royal family from an outsider who gives his book a title like that. There could be no better or simpler flag to get the browsing masses to ask themselves this book-buying question: What could lie between the covers of that?
Seven thousand miles east of Montecito, California, the proud use of the word as a derogatory noun — along with a few other words describing the book’s narrative in the promotional jacket copy, notably, the participle “unflinching” — will have caused some concern in Buckingham Palace. To say that King Charles, Prince William, and/or their senior courtiers have been “dreading” the book is arguably an overstatement, with the possible exception of those courtiers whose direct mandates include spinning webs of positivity around any negative anecdotal flotsam coming off the book’s reviews or its drop date of January 10. Those courtiers would be well within their rights to dread the first few weeks of the British press playing hacky-sack with the thing. But the regent Charles, and the lone heir in the cliche that the book’s title so eloquently evokes, William, have a kingdom to run and with it, more productive things to do than worry about how they’re being portrayed by Harry. Harry’s given Charles, particularly, a couple of good solid years of practice. Charles can take it.
That’s not to say that the book won’t have impact. Spare will make an enormous splash, first, across America and the 54 countries of the Commonwealth, and secondly on the Continent, some of whose royal families are related to the Windsors, and whose people still look to the British royals as the preeminent noble family in Europe. Harry is particularly beloved on the Continent for his Invictus Games in service of disabled military veterans, the next installment of which will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, a few short months after his book drops.
Ergo, the coverage will be global, and varied. We can look forward to much of the same breathless television coverage that attends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle whatever they do or wherever they go, both pro and con. Some of Prince Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s more vocal detractors in England — such as Fox broadcaster Piers Morgan, who was fired by his former network, ITV, for not publicly apologizing for expressing his opinions about Meghan Markle on air, when in fact his opinions were one big reason for his and his program’s immense popularity — will be quick off the mark, both on air and in print. More sympathetic interlocutors will be scheduled by Harry and his hardworking phalanx of publicists with certain outlets. Certainly, with Oprah Winfrey and CBS This Morning’s Gayle King being friends with the couple, those bookings will be widely awaited. This is not to mention the robust advertising campaign that the publisher will be engineering.
The point is that, no matter the platform and no matter the slant — whether it is Harry himself making an appearance on at a book-signing, Piers Morgan exploding on talkTV about Harry’s take on certain royal family events, or Tina Brown creatively doubling down upon and/or having to eat her words that the book would “never see the light of day” — Spare will be Topic A for weeks.
The security around the Spare manuscript, in whatever format, has been admirably and understandably tight thus far. Eventually, actual review copies will have to be sent out, presumably with some architecture of an embargo. With an embargo or without, at that review-copy moment, the cat’s out of the bag on Fleet Street. Some sort of leak will occur. Somebody — and there are a thousands of somebodies on both sides of the Atlantic who can be classified as parties whose commercial interests would mean that they’d be highly interested in a peek at an advance copy of Spare — will get a leak. It can be digital, it can be in manuscript form, it can be incomplete, or it can be read and simply chatted about over drinks. And that leak, in whatever form, will find its way to the people who care about it the most, namely, Fleet Street. Whether that happens this month or next will matter to Harry and his publisher, which is why security is tight, but its date of occurrence doesn’t materially affect what happens when the dam is eventually breached, which will be that the British press will kick into high gear and begin parsing Harry’s every adjective about his family. The appetite will be especially great among those actors who have axes to grind, such as the Daily Mail, or any of the publishers whom Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sued and/or personally blacklisted from any kind of cooperation.
First serial rights, meaning, the publication of a serious extract from the book rather than quotes and/or opinions of it, can have been retained by Harry and team or can reside with the publisher. It can be assumed that they will be spectacularly sold, but it also can be that, in this special instance, they remain unexercized in favor of making the January 10 splash all that much bigger. Usually, first serial are considered, a way to recoup part of an advance, and as good advertisement for the book. But it’s unclear whether first serial would work for any periodical trying to bring a chunk of it out.
Most significantly, the production and news-stand (read: sales) time is getting short between now and January 10 for a monthly, or even for a weekly, to wade in with presumably big cash for a piece of the Spare action. That (theoretical) excerpt would have to be in the teeth of production (fact checking, copy editing and art) now, for a monthly to recoup any sales. For a weekly, the latest they would want to put it into production would be by early December. Time would be capable of performing what they call “crashing” the story into print somewhat later than that, but not many others could do it. It’s not outside the realm of possibility for anybody to do it of course, given the manpower, and it would only be entertaining if they did, but for a monthly, the editors would really have to be on their toes. It’s possible that a bright and tidy excerpt could go to one of Prince Harry’s and Meghan Markle’s few friends in print journalism. Edward Enninful, editor of British Vogue, springs to mind.
Whether first serial rights are exercised or not, it seems Harry’s book will debut on two very different stages at once. The first stage will be rather more serious, involving book review pages, critics, and that possible serialization. That will be international, but its starting point will be in New York, seat of Penguin Random House US and of many of the best periodicals in the English-speaking world. The second, far louder stage will be the book’s minute, generally hostile dissection in the UK, where Fleet Street will instantly put it through the food processor and then probe the resulting puree for any possible inaccuracy, exaggeration and/or insult to the Crown, the Queen, Charles, or William made by Harry.
For his part, Harry’s dad is a busy king. Charles has shown a remarkably fleet turn of foot since the day after his mother’s death on September 8, blasting out to seal the official transfer of the crown before the parliaments of Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, and the Welsh Senedd. During all that, he seamlessly led the nation in mourning from Balmoral down to Buckingham Palace and on to Westminster, where Elizabeth lay in state. Those stages of the cross included not just the grand military sendoff procession from Balmoral, in Scotland, but the Vigil of the Princes both in Scotland and in London, as well as the reception of Commonwealth and world leaders.
At each turn Charles gave short, graceful speeches, open about his own grief, taking the time to thank everyone for their moving tributes to his mother. In short, he led. It was what he was brought up to do.
GALLIPOLI, TURKEY – APRIL 25: Prince Harry chats with Prince Charles, Prince of Wales during a visit … [+] to The Nek, a narrow stretch of ridge in the Anzac battlefield on the Gallipoli Peninsula, as part of commemorations marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli on April 25, 2015 in Gallipoli,Turkey. Turkish and Allied powers representatives, as well as family members of those who served, are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign with ceremonies at memorials across the Gallipoli Peninsula. The Gallipoli land campaign, in which a combined Allied force of British, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops sought to occupy the Gallipoli Peninsula and the strategic Dardanelles Strait during World War I, began on April 25, 1915 against Turkish forces of the Ottoman Empire. The Allies, unable to advance more than a few kilometers, withdrew after eight months. The campaign cost the Allies approximately 50,000 killed and up to 200,000 wounded, the Ottomans approximately 85,000 killed and 160,000 wounded. (Photo by Niall Carson-Pool/Getty Images)
Getty Images
He’s limning his mother still, making the Commonwealth and parliamentary rounds, ushering Liz Truss out the door of 10 Downing and welcoming Rishi Sunak in, full of old-fashioned get-up-and-go. Nothing gets in his way. In shaping his team, he’s quietly drawing his younger siblings Edward and Anne into the day-to-day core family team in the absence of Harry. In the ultra-traditional latter-day Greek stage play that the British Royal Family present when they publicly appear, Charles’ has been a performance that perfectly communicated the thousand-year monarchy’s one basic message: Continuity. It’s going to be a fun, fit, no-nonsense reign. He lets nothing get in his way.
Not so Charles III’s younger son. Though Harry’s been back to England and to his family since he left for his “vacation” in western Canada in 2019, perhaps his most remarkable accomplishment is his thorough alienation of himself from his family, beginning with his father and brother. Harry was caught somewhat flat-footed down in London by his grandmother’s death in early September. He had refused an invitation from her to Balmoral; this was to be a charity trip for him and for Meghan Markle, including a pop over to Germany to check on Invictus preparations for next year.
When he got the summons to Balmoral, he was late getting in the air, and his grandmother died while he was en route. A lot of things both big and small shifted for Harry as his father assumed the kingship. Over the next days of the family vigils and the funeral, Harry’s “otherness” shone through, exactly as it did at his grandfather’s funeral last year. Yes, he walked with them behind Elizabeth’s caisson down the Mall. But he was faced with the fact that, in his absence, his home and his family had changed forever.
Portia Woodman’s two tries ended Wales’ Rugby World Cup hopes as hosts New Zealand triumphed 55-3 in their quarter-final in Whangarei; the Black Ferns now take on France, who overcame Italy 39-3, in Auckland on November 5
Last Updated: 29/10/22 10:38am
New Zealand’s Portia Woodman became the highest World Cup try-scorer of all time with her double against Wales
New Zealand eased past Wales 55-3 in Whangarei to reach the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
In a convincing victory for the reigning champions, Portia Woodman scored two tries to become the Rugby World Cup all-time top try-scorer on 20 – overtaking England’s Sue Day.
In Saturday’s earlier quarter-final, France produced a dominant second-half performance to blow Italy away 39-3, meaning they will face New Zealand in the semi-final in Auckland on November 5.
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Woodman opened the scoring against Wales on 13 minutes before Ruby Tui, Sarah Hirini and Amy Rule powered the Black Ferns into a 26-3 half-time lead.
It got no better for Wales after the break, with Woodman’s second coming three minutes into the restart, and the defending champions pulled further clear as Luka Connor scored twice, Alana Bremner crossed and Ruahei Demant finished things off.
Wales, beaten 56-12 by New Zealand in the pool stages two weeks ago, were never able to get a grip on the game as the Black Ferns’ powerful pack overran them.
The opening try came from a line-out, with New Zealand quickly shifting the ball across the field and finding Woodman with the space to power over.
Sarah Hirini was one of four New Zealand try-scorers in the first half
Wales replied with a penalty from Keira Bevan but that was only a temporary reprieve, and moments later, Woodman hauled in a high cross-field kick from Demant and laid it off for Tui to do the rest.
Theresa Fitzpatrick raced through the middle of the field and, although she was stopped short of the line, Woodman laid it off for Hirini to go over in the corner.
Ayesha Leti-I’iga was stopped short of the line after a scrum but with Wales struggling to get out of their own 22, the next try was only a matter of time.
Keira Bevan, with a first-half penalty, was the only Wales player to get on the scoresheet in Whangarei
It arrived in the 39th minute when Woodman charged forward after a line-out and Rule finished it off.
After the break, New Zealand picked up where they left off, turning it over from a breakdown as Woodman crossed to break Day’s record.
Six minutes later the Black Ferns tore up a Wales scrum and replacement Connor, just on for Georgia Ponsonby, grabbed the try.
The contest was over but the hosts were out to make a statement – and they did just that as Bremner, Connor again and Demant pushed the score beyond the half-century.
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Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham told ITV Sport: “There’s still a fairly big gap between Wales and the top teams in the world – the scoreboard doesn’t lie.
“The intensity and speed they (New Zealand) can play at and sustain for 80 minutes is somewhere we’ve got to try and get to.
“But I’m so proud of the girls’ efforts tonight, especially in the first half. We asked them to front up physically and I thought we really did.
“So much effort, commitment and sacrifice is made by these players. We’ve only been professional since January so I’m excited as to where this team can go over the next few years.”
Ruahei Demant rounded off the Black Ferns’ resounding victory with their final try of the game
France power past Italy to reach last four
New Zealand now take on France, who brushed aside quarter-final debutants Italy with a dominant second-half performance to triumph 39-3 in Whangarei.
Winger Joanna Grisez scored three of her side’s five tries, including a score on the overlap in the 70th minute to cap an impressive team effort.
The French, who enjoyed 61 per cent of possession, led 10-3 at the break before stepping up a gear in the second period.
Their other scores came from Laure Touye and a penalty try. Caroline Drouin registered two conversions – with Lina Queyroi adding a third – and two penalties, while the boot of Michela Sillari provided Italy’s solitary score.
Sarah Hunter will earn her 138th cap in England’s World Cup quarter-final vs Australia
Sarah Hunter is set to become England’s most-capped player when she leads the team against Australia in their Rugby World Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Hunter will earn her 138th cap and captain the side wearing the No 8 jersey with Alex Matthews and Marlie Packer alongside her in the back-row.
It will be a milestone match too for Sarah Bern, who will earn her 50th cap having been selected to start in the front-row. Harlequins team-mates Vickii Cornborough and Amy Cokayne join Bern there.
Tatyana Heard retains her place in the starting XV at inside-centre after being named player of the match in the Roses’ victory over South Africa last weekend. Zoe Harrison starts at fly-half and vice-captain Emily Scarratt at outside-centre.
Helena Rowland, Lydia Thompson and Abby Dow form an exciting back-three, while Zoe Aldcroft and Abbie Ward are England’s lock pairing.
Bristol Bears’ Lark Davies is among the players named on the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.
England’s Red Roses have won their last 28 successive matches and have beaten Australia on each of the five occasions they have faced them.
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“England against Australia is always a huge occasion in any sport and we are looking forward to playing against a team we don’t face very often,” head coach Simon Middleton said.
“Excitement has certainly built this week ahead of what is a massive game.
“We know the importance of a fast start on Sunday. Australia have had some very fast starts in their pool games so it is important we better their effort and set the tempo and physicality levels.
“Off the back of three strong pool games, in which I think it’s fair to say every player has put their hand up, we have gone for a 23 we believe fits the bill for this particular game.”
Hunter leads England by example and is respected by her team-mates and coaches
When captain Hunter equalled Rocky Clark’s record of caps, Middleton said she was about ‘breaking records and not equalling them’ and he would reserve his comments for her next cap. Now, he’s been effusive in his praise.
“To earn 138 caps for your country is a remarkable achievement and deserves to be celebrated,” he said.
“The way she conducts herself in everything she does both on and off the field is admirable. Her people skills, ability to lead and communicate with people from all walks of life makes her stand out. She takes pride in everything she does and does it to the best of her ability.
“I think as a sports person the one thing you hope you can do when you look back is to be able to say to yourself ‘I couldn’t have given more, I’ve been the best I could be’ – Sarah is one of the very few who will be able to unequivocally do that – she is a unique person and captain.”
Hunter: England in right place for knockouts
Hunter made her debut for England back in 2007, she has multiple World Cup campaigns behind her and believes that the Roses are on track as the competition reaches the knockout stages.
“We had a really good training day on Thursday. The whole group was in a really good place,” she said.
“Every member, whether they’re playing or not playing (stood up). I’m not sure we’ve seen as good a session as we saw for a long time, if ever.
“We’re exactly where we need to be. We’re fully respectful of Australia, the threats that they have and the statement of intent they’ve made throughout this competition. But, we control what we can control.
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“I think we’ve got the right game plan; we’ve had a good training week and we’ve now got some downtime before we go in and polish things in our team run.
“From a playing point of view and where I think the team are, we’re just where we need to be in terms of going out and performing.”
Middleton agreed with his captain and simply added:
“If the players are happy and they’re thinking that, then we’re in a good place.”
The Red Roses’ potential route to World Cup glory
Victory against Australia in Sunday’s quarter-final would see England face the winners of Canada’s clash against the United States, which takes place immediately after their match in Auckland.
Canada topped Pool B after three bonus-point victories, including a 29-14 win against the USA in their final pool fixture. A semi-final fixture between Canada and England would represent a repeat of the 2014 final won by the Red Roses.
France – who finished second to England in Pool C – face an Italian side through to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The winners will then face either tournament hosts New Zealand or Wales in the last four.
The semi-finals both take place at Eden Park on Saturday November 5, with the first match – potentially involving England – kicking off at 3.30am GMT ahead of the other fixture – likely to include New Zealand – beginning at 6.30am.
England and New Zealand have contested four of the last five World Cup finals, with the Black Ferns coming out on top each time. This year’s final takes place on Saturday November 12 (6.30am GMT).
LONDON — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Sunday he will not run to lead the Conservative Party, ending a short-lived attempt to return to the prime minister’s job he was ousted from little more than three months ago.
His withdrawal leaves former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak the strong favorite to be Britain’s next prime minister. He could win the contest as soon as Monday.
Johnson, who was ousted in July amid ethics scandals has been widely expected to run to replace Liz Truss, who quit last week after her tax-cutting economic package caused turmoil in financial markets and obliterated her authority inside the governing party.
Johnson spent the weekend trying to gain support from fellow lawmakers after flying back from a Caribbean vacation.
Late Sunday he said he had amassed more than 100 names, the threshold to run.
But he was far behind Sunak in support. Johnson said he had concluded that “you can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in Parliament.”
Sunak garnered the public support of well over 100 Tory lawmakers to forge ahead of his two main rivals: Johnson and ex-Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt.
The Conservative Party hastily ordered a contest that aims to finalize nominations Monday and install a new prime minister — its third this year — within a week.
Sunak, 42, was runner-up after Truss in this summer’s Tory leadership race to replace Johnson after he was forced out by a string of ethics scandals. On Sunday, he confirmed he was running again in the latest leadership contest.
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done,” Sunak said in a statement.
Johnson’s exit came after allies insisted he would run.. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC on Sunday that he spoke with Johnson and “clearly he’s going to stand” after flying back to London Saturday from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
A possible return to power for Johnson, 58, who officially quit only in early September, deeply divided the Conservatives and alarmed many others. Supporters say he is a vote winner and has enough support from lawmakers, but many critics warn that another Johnson government would be catastrophic for the party and the country.
Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker, a former backer of Johnson and an influential politician within the Conservative Party, warned a Johnson comeback would be a “guaranteed disaster.” Baker noted that Johnson still faces an investigation into whether he lied to Parliament while in office about breaking his government’s own coronavirus restrictions during parties at Downing Street.
If found guilty, Johnson could be suspended as a lawmaker.
“This isn’t the time for Boris and his style,” Baker told Sky News on Sunday. “What we can’t do is have him as prime minister in circumstances where he’s bound to implode, taking down the whole government … and we just can’t do that again.”
But Johnson won the backing of several senior Conservatives, including Nadhim Zahawi, another former Treasury chief.
“He was contrite and honest about his mistakes. He’d learned from those mistakes how he could run No 10 and the country better,” Zahawi said.
Truss quit Thursday after a turbulent 45 days, conceding that she could not deliver on her botched tax-cutting economic package, which she was forced to abandon after it sparked fury within her party and weeks of turmoil in financial markets.
Sunak, who was Treasury chief from 2020 until this summer, steered Britain’s slumping economy through the coronavirus pandemic. He quit in July in protest of Johnson’s leadership.
In the summer contest to replace Johnson, Sunak called promises by Truss and other rivals to immediately slash taxes reckless “fairy tales” and argued that climbing inflation must be controlled first.
Tory voters backed Truss over Sunak, but he was proved right when Truss’ unfunded tax-cutting package triggered chaos in the markets in September.
Dozens among Britain’s 357 Conservative lawmakers have not yet publicly declared whom they are backing to replace Truss.
LONDON (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Sunday he will not run to lead the Conservative Party, ending a short-lived attempt to return to the prime minister’s job he was ousted from little more than three months ago.
His withdrawal leaves former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak the strong favorite to be Britain’s next prime minister. He could win the contest as soon as Monday.
Johnson, who was ousted in July amid ethics scandals has been widely expected to run to replace Liz Truss, who quit last week after her tax-cutting economic package caused turmoil in financial markets and obliterated her authority inside the governing party.
Johnson spent the weekend trying to gain support from fellow lawmakers after flying back from a Caribbean vacation.
Late Sunday he said he had amassed more than 100 names, the threshold to run.
But he was far behind Sunak in support. Johnson said he had concluded that “you can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in Parliament.”
Sunak garnered the public support of well over 100 Tory lawmakers to forge ahead of his two main rivals: Johnson and ex-Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt.
The Conservative Party hastily ordered a contest that aims to finalize nominations Monday and install a new prime minister — its third this year — within a week.
Sunak, 42, was runner-up after Truss in this summer’s Tory leadership race to replace Johnson after he was forced out by a string of ethics scandals. On Sunday, he confirmed he was running again in the latest leadership contest.
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done,” Sunak said in a statement.
Johnson’s exit came after allies insisted he would run.. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC on Sunday that he spoke with Johnson and “clearly he’s going to stand” after flying back to London Saturday from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
A possible return to power for Johnson, 58, who officially quit only in early September, deeply divided the Conservatives and alarmed many others. Supporters say he is a vote winner and has enough support from lawmakers, but many critics warn that another Johnson government would be catastrophic for the party and the country.
Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker, a former backer of Johnson and an influential politician within the Conservative Party, warned a Johnson comeback would be a “guaranteed disaster.” Baker noted that Johnson still faces an investigation into whether he lied to Parliament while in office about breaking his government’s own coronavirus restrictions during parties at Downing Street.
If found guilty, Johnson could be suspended as a lawmaker.
“This isn’t the time for Boris and his style,” Baker told Sky News on Sunday. “What we can’t do is have him as prime minister in circumstances where he’s bound to implode, taking down the whole government … and we just can’t do that again.”
But Johnson won the backing of several senior Conservatives, including Nadhim Zahawi, another former Treasury chief.
“He was contrite and honest about his mistakes. He’d learned from those mistakes how he could run No 10 and the country better,” Zahawi said.
Truss quit Thursday after a turbulent 45 days, conceding that she could not deliver on her botched tax-cutting economic package, which she was forced to abandon after it sparked fury within her party and weeks of turmoil in financial markets.
Sunak, who was Treasury chief from 2020 until this summer, steered Britain’s slumping economy through the coronavirus pandemic. He quit in July in protest of Johnson’s leadership.
In the summer contest to replace Johnson, Sunak called promises by Truss and other rivals to immediately slash taxes reckless “fairy tales” and argued that climbing inflation must be controlled first.
Tory voters backed Truss over Sunak, but he was proved right when Truss’ unfunded tax-cutting package triggered chaos in the markets in September.
Dozens among Britain’s 357 Conservative lawmakers have not yet publicly declared whom they are backing to replace Truss.
LONDON (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will not run to lead the Conservative Party, ending intense speculation about a comeback.
Johnson, who was ousted in July amid ethics scandals, was widely expected to run to replace Liz Truss, who quit last week.
He has spent the weekend trying to gain support from fellow lawmakers, and said he had amassed more than 100 votes, the threshold to run.
But he was far behind former Treasury chief Rishi Sunak in support. Johnson said he had concluded that “you can’t govern effectively unless you have a united party in Parliament.”
THIS IS BREAKING NEWS. The previous story follows below:
Former British Treasury chief Rishi Sunak was the frontrunner Sunday in the Conservative Party’s race to replace Liz Truss as prime minister. Sunak garnered the public support of over 100 Tory lawmakers to forge ahead of his two main rivals: former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and ex-Cabinet minister Penny Mordaunt.
But widespread uncertainty remained after British media reported that Sunak held late-night talks with Johnson on Saturday. Speculation mounted that the pair could strike a deal to unite the fractured governing party after it was left reeling from Truss’ rapid downfall following Johnson’s ouster.
The Conservative Party hastily ordered a contest that aims to finalize nominations Monday and install a new prime minister — its third this year — within a week.
Sunak, 42, was runner-up after Truss in this summer’s Tory leadership race to replace Johnson after he was forced out by a string of ethics scandals. On Sunday, he confirmed he was running again in the latest leadership contest.
Sunak has the backing of at least 124 Conservative lawmakers, according to unofficial tallies compiled by British news organizations. That’s well ahead of the 100 nominations required to qualify.
“There will be integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level of the government I lead and I will work day in and day out to get the job done,” Sunak said in a statement.
Johnson, who has not yet declared if he is running, has public support from about 50 lawmakers so far, while Mordaunt had support from about 23, according to the unofficial tallies.
U.K. Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg told the BBC on Sunday that he spoke with Johnson and “clearly he’s going to stand” after flying back to London Saturday from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.
Mordaunt and Johnson — if he confirms he is running — have until Monday afternoon to garner 100 nominations. If all three meet the threshold, lawmakers will vote to knock out one and then hold an indicative vote on the final two.
The party’s 172,000 members would then get to decide between the two finalists in an online vote. The new leader is due to be selected by Friday.
A possible return to power for Johnson, 58, who officially quit only in early September, has deeply divided the Conservatives and alarmed many others. Supporters say he is a vote winner and has enough support from lawmakers, but many critics warn that another Johnson government would be catastrophic for the party and the country.
Northern Ireland minister Steve Baker, a former backer of Johnson and an influential politician within the Conservative Party, warned a Johnson comeback would be a “guaranteed disaster.” Baker noted that Johnson still faces an investigation into whether he lied to Parliament while in office about breaking his government’s own coronavirus restrictions during parties at Downing Street.
If found guilty, Johnson could be suspended as a lawmaker.
“This isn’t the time for Boris and his style,” Baker told Sky News on Sunday. “What we can’t do is have him as prime minister in circumstances where he’s bound to implode, taking down the whole government … and we just can’t do that again.”
But Johnson won the backing of several senior Conservatives, including Nadhim Zahawi, another former Treasury chief.
“He was contrite and honest about his mistakes. He’d learned from those mistakes how he could run No 10 and the country better,” Zahawi said.
Truss quit Thursday after a turbulent 45 days, conceding that she could not deliver on her botched tax-cutting economic package, which she was forced to abandon after it sparked fury within her party and weeks of turmoil in financial markets.
Sunak, who was Treasury chief from 2020 until this summer, steered Britain’s slumping economy through the coronavirus pandemic. He quit in July in protest of Johnson’s leadership.
In the summer contest to replace Johnson, Sunak called promises by Truss and other rivals to immediately slash taxes reckless “fairy tales” and argued that climbing inflation must be controlled first.
Tory voters backed Truss over Sunak, but he was proved right when Truss’ unfunded tax-cutting package triggered chaos in the markets in September.
Dozens among Britain’s 357 Conservative lawmakers have not yet publicly declared whom they are backing to replace Truss.
Australia booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Rugby World Cup on Saturday with a hard-fought 13-7 victory over Wales in Whangarei; Hosts New Zealand eased past Scotland 57-0 to make it three wins from three in Pool A
Last Updated: 22/10/22 7:48am
Renee Holmes scored two tries for New Zealand in their latest bonus-point victory at the Rugby World Cup
Tournament hosts New Zealand racked up their third consecutive bonus point win of the Rugby World Cup with a 57-0 thrashing of Scotland, who have been eliminated.
The Black Ferns brushed Scotland aside with a devastating first-half display with Renee Holmes notching up 22 points, including two tries and six conversions, as the defending champions ran rampant.
Holmes’ first try put New Zealand in front in the second minute and Wayne Smith’s team were never challenged by a heavily out-gunned Scotland side.
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Ayesha Leti-i’iga added the second eight minutes later and further tries from Sarah Hirini, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Theresa Fitzpatrick opened up a significant gap, before Renee Wickliffe scored twice late in the half.
Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Holmes crossed the line in the second half as the defending champions eased to victory.
Wales wait on other results after Australia loss
Australia booked their place in the quarter-finals and left Wales sweating on their future in the competition with a hard-fought 13-7 victory in Whangarei.
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Two penalties from Lori Cramer were the difference between the teams, with the win ensuring the Australians finish second in Pool A behind already-qualified New Zealand.
The result leaves Wales, who picked up a losing bonus point, in third place in the standings. Ioan Cunningham’s side could still advance as one of the two best third-placed finishers, depending on the outcome other group matches.
Siwan Lillicrap and Wales can still make it through to the quarter-finals
Australians took the lead in the fifth minute when Iliseva Batibasaga gathered the ball at the back of a ruck before a dummied pass bought her the space to sprint under the posts to score, with Cramer striking a successful conversion.
Wales levelled in the 23rd minute when Sioned Harries touched down after a pick-and-go from close range, and Elinor Snowsill’s kick made it over the bar via the inside of the post.
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Cramer’s sweetly struck penalty on the stroke of half-time gave the Australians a slender advantage at the interval before both teams cancelled each other out throughout the second half.
Wales were given late hope when Australian replacement Kaitlan Leaney was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Alex Callender with 10 minutes remaining, but Cramer’s penalty two minutes from time sealed the win.
Fiji, on four points in Pool C, need to beat France later on Saturday to have any chance of progressing. Defeat for Fiji would mean an England victory over South Africa on Sunday would be enough to see Wales through.
Officials from the RFU and Premiership Rugby are set to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee next month, to answer questions on the problems facing Wasps and Worcester Warriors, and the wider sustainability of the game
Last Updated: 17/10/22 7:08pm
Premiership clubs Wasps and Worcester have both gone into administration in recent weeks
The RFU and Gallagher Premiership will face a parliamentary committee next month to address the sport’s financial crisis.
Wasps joined Worcester Warriors in administration on Monday, making 167 members of staff, including players and coaches, redundant. Both clubs had already been suspended from the Gallagher Premiership, which now contains 11 teams after kicking off the 2022/23 season with 13.
Officials from the Rugby Football Union and Premiership Rugby are now set to appear before the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) committee next month, to answer questions on the problems facing those clubs and the wider sustainability of the game. A precise date is still to be confirmed.
“The fact that two of the country’s top clubs have now suffered the fate of falling into administration raises serious concerns about the future of the sport and its financial viability,” DCMS committee chair Julian Knight said.
“The RFU and Premiership Rugby have acknowledged the need to set a more sustainable path for club rugby.
“We will be pressing them to ensure they are putting the foundations in place to guarantee the health of the sport from the top level right down to the grassroots.”
Wasps were hit by by a winding-up order from HM Revenue and Customs for £2m in unpaid tax, and they also faced having to repay a £35m bond which had helped finance the club’s relocation to Coventry during 2014.
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Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan confirms the club are in dialogue with the RFU over their potential relegation from the Premiership after entering administration while head coach Lee Blackett and caretaker Sam Saunders reflect on the mood at the club.
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan confirms the club are in dialogue with the RFU over their potential relegation from the Premiership after entering administration while head coach Lee Blackett and caretaker Sam Saunders reflect on the mood at the club.
Wasps have been ever-present in the Premiership since the competition began 25 years ago, winning it in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008.
They were also crowned European champions twice, in addition to achieving one European Challenge Cup triumph, and have fielded some of England’s most well-known players during rugby union’s professional era.
The RFU’s chief executive Bill Sweeney says the governing body supports a move to a 10-team Premiership from the 2024-25 season onwards to try and avoid the current overlap between domestic and international matches.
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2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood describes Wasps’ administration as ‘enormously worrying’ and highlights whether high wage caps might be a reason for many clubs’ financial problems.
2003 Rugby World Cup winner Will Greenwood describes Wasps’ administration as ‘enormously worrying’ and highlights whether high wage caps might be a reason for many clubs’ financial problems.
“I don’t know if 10 is the absolute number but that’s the one being used now, but in that and the central distribution around broadcast and commercial revenues, clearly there’s a financial benefit for less teams in that league.
“Clearly one of the major issues we’ve got to grapple with is the calendar and one of the things that’s held us back in England is the overlap between the international game and the club game.
“So, a reduction in the size of PRL (Premiership Rugby Limited) will help us with that.”
Blackett: Wasps administration is ‘sickening’ | Vaughan on takeover prospects
Former Wasps head coach Lee Blackett revealed the impact Tuesday’s news of the club going into administration and 167 staff being made redundant had on the squad and the non-playing staff.
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Former Wasps hooker Phil Greening says the players will be devastated with the news of the club entering administration with some players searching for jobs already.
Former Wasps hooker Phil Greening says the players will be devastated with the news of the club entering administration with some players searching for jobs already.
“I’m just sad,” Blackett said, speaking outside the club’s training ground. “I think if you look at the players I’ve just seen through there, staff upset, it’s sickening
“There’s things probably ongoing [regarding a takeover]. Hopefully, it’s at some point, but there’s players and staff that wanted to play Premiership Rugby this year and unless something happens very quickly I just cannot see how that’s going to actually happen.
“I’m extremely sad because the people in this environment care massively about those guys and seeing them where they are is devastating. It’s more extreme than that – it’s so sad. We worked so hard as a group to get together. There are staff and players who have been here for a long time so to have this day, where this group have split up, it’s really sad.
“I’ve got to take a little bit of time to digest this over the next few days and see if there’s any positive news that comes out the other side. You realise it’s not just the players and staff here, there’s massive families behind them and my thoughts are with everyone.”
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England head coach Eddie Jones says the news of Wasps entering administration is ‘distressing’ to the players and that Jack Willis will get the support he needs coming into the England squad.
England head coach Eddie Jones says the news of Wasps entering administration is ‘distressing’ to the players and that Jack Willis will get the support he needs coming into the England squad.
Wasps CEO Stephen Vaughan confirmed the club remain in dialogue with the RFU and Premiership Rugby, and offered hope of an announcement regarding a possible takeover at some point this week.
“Hard to say [how close a takeover is],” Vaughan said. “People are aware that we’ve been on the market for a long time now, so it’s not like this is a surprise to anybody.
“We are in genuine dialogue with people, we’ve got more conversations happening tomorrow and the day after, and we really hope we can get the right people involved.
“If it’s going to happen we imagine there will be a decision and announcement in the next three or four days.”
Jeremy Hunt is interviewed for Sophie Raworth’s ‘Sunday Morning’ at BBC Broadcasting House in London.
Tejas Sandhu | Lightrocket | Getty Images
LONDON — U.K. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt used his first Monday on the job to announce that almost all of the controversial tax measures announced by his predecessor would be reversed.
The major U-turn includes scrapping the cut for the lowest rate of income tax from 20% to 19%, as well as reductions to dividend tax rates, the reversal of off-payroll working reforms, VAT claim-backs for tourists and the freeze on alcohol duty rates.
Hunt said the reversed tax cuts totaled £32 billion ($36 billion) a year.
The only fiscal policies of previous Finance Minister Kwasi Kwarteng to remain are the cancellation of the planned rise in National Insurance, a general taxation, by 1.25%; and a cut in taxes paid on property purchases.
Markets cheered the announcement, with sterling trading up over 1% against the dollar by 11:30 a.m. London time. Yields on U.K. government bonds also fell sharply, with the 10-year yield trading down 35 basis points at 3.974%. Yields move inversely to prices.
Hunt also announced that the energy package designed to subsidize consumer and business energy bills would only run until April and then be reviewed in order to “cost the taxpayer significantly less than planned.”
Under the current plan, the government is capping the amount paid per kilowatt hour for gas and electricity lower than the market rate amid soaring wholesale prices. The average household is now expected to pay £2,500 per year, still up from 2021’s average £1,400 annual bill but far lower than the £4,650 that had been predicted without intervention.
“A central responsibility for any government is to do what is necessary for economic stability,” Hunt said in a short statement statement Monday morning.
“No government can control markets, but every government can give certainty about the sustainability of public finances. That is one of the many factors that influence how markets behave. For that reason, although the prime minister and I are both committed to cutting corporation tax, on Friday she listened to concerns about the mini budget.”
Hunt said a full statement with questions would come in Parliament later Monday, but because the details were market sensitive he wanted to give a brief summary in an effort to instill “confidence and stability.”
On Friday, Prime Minister Liz Truss fired Finance Minister Kwarteng less than six weeks after the pair took office, appearing to blame the chaos sparked in financial markets by the budget he announced on Sept 23.
It included unfunded tax cuts forecast to total £45 billion ($50.78 billion), which were billed by Truss and Kwarteng as a radical plan to turbocharge the U.K.’s sluggish economic growth and were a key part of Truss’s leadership campaign.
However, markets were spooked by a range of factors including the prospect of significantly higher government debt given the impending subsidies of consumer and business energy bills, and the perceived mismatch between the Bank of England’s current monetary tightening to tame inflation and the government’s stimulus package. The lack of economic forecast from the U.K.’s Office for Budget Responsibility also weighed on markets.
Along with the potential effects of a weaker pound, the public has also been impacted by market volatility as mortgage offers were pulled and mortgage rates spiked as lenders assessed new rate hike expectations.
John Gieve, former deputy governor at the Bank of England, told the BBC Monday morning that leaks from the Treasury showed the U.K. deficit was nearing £70 billion.
“Hunt realised even if he squeezes public expenditure hard he won’t be able to square the books doing that,” he told the Today program. “So he can’t afford the sort of tax cuts, even the £25 billion that remain on the table.”
Paul Dales, chief U.K. economist, said that Hunt had wiped out the Truss/Kwarteng package in an attempt to reassure markets that the government has some fiscal discipline.
“It seems to be working, with most of the rise in the pound and the large fall in gilt yields earlier today having being sustained,” he said in a note.
“But while the Chancellor has reduced fiscal uncertainty, by guaranteeing that utility prices will be frozen only until April 2023 rather than October 2024, he has introduced more economic uncertainty.”
Dales said that this means inflation could be higher for longer, households’ real incomes could fall more steeply and any recession may be deeper.
“There are a lot of moving parts, but our existing forecasts that interest rates will rise from 2.25% now to 5.00% and that GDP will fall by 2% during a recession don’t seem that wide of the mark,” he added.
The latest U.K. inflation figures are due Wednesday.
“Today was probably an admission that you can’t just do things on the hoof without thinking about what the market reaction is going to be,” Tim Sarson, U.K. head of tax policy at KPMG, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.”
Sarson said there was limited evidence that the form of ‘trickle-down’ economics espoused by Truss, which views lower taxes as a way to boost growth and raise overall prosperity, was effective, or that altering tax rates was the most important factor in determining the success of an economy.
Even putting that aside, Truss’s approach was particularly misguided, he said.
“It was just the way that it was done, the lack of clear costing, the fact that it was being done at a time when government finances are being stretched by the need to support consumers from energy, and a time when global interest rates and gilt yields are rising. There couldn’t have been a worse time to start experimenting with that sort of trickle-down policy,” Sarson added.
The ruling Conservative Party will be hoping that the arrival of Hunt, who has held previous roles as health and foreign secretary but was a so-called “backbench” member of parliament until Friday, will give the government a much-needed boost in support.
Media reports have emerged of discontent with Truss’s premiership from her own MPs just 40 days since she took the job. However, under current Conservative party rules a fresh leadership election cannot be held for 12 months.
LONDON (AP) — Three climate activists appeared in a London court on Saturday on charges of criminal damage after protests including throwing soup over Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting in the National Gallery.
Two women, age 20 and 21, were charged in relation to the soup-throwing protest on Friday, while a third was charged over paint sprayed on a rotating sign at the Metropolitan Police’s headquarters in central London. The three women pleaded not guilty to criminal damage at Westminster Magistrates’ Court during two brief hearings Saturday.
Demonstrators from climate change protest groups Extinction Rebellion and Just Stop Oil, which wants the U.K. government to halt new oil and gas projects, staged a series of protests in London on Friday.
Just Stop Oil said activists dumped two cans of tomato soup over the Van Gogh oil painting, one of the Dutch artist’s most iconic works. The two protesters also glued themselves to the gallery wall.
Prosecutor Ola Oyedepo said the pair didn’t harm the oil painting, which was covered by a glass protective case, but damage was caused to the frame.
The painting, one of several versions of “Sunflowers” that Van Gogh painted in the late 1880s, was cleaned and returned to its place in the National Gallery on Friday afternoon.
District judge Tan Irkam released the women on bail on condition that they don’t have paint or adhesive substances on them in a public place.
Police said they made some 28 arrests in relation to Friday’s protests, and 25 others were bailed pending further investigation. On Saturday, police arrested a further 26 people after Just Stop Oil protesters blocked a major road in east London. Some demonstrators glued themselves to the road surface.
Just Stop Oil has drawn attention, and criticism, for their disruptive tactics, including targeting artworks in museums. In July, activists glued themselves to the frame of an early copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, and to John Constable’s “The Hay Wain” in the National Gallery.
Activists have also blocked bridges and intersections across London during two weeks of protests against the U.K. government’s approach to climate change.
The latest wave of demonstrations came as Prime Minister Liz Truss ′ Conservative government opened a new licensing round for oil and gas operations in the North Sea and reversed a 2019 ban on fracking in England. Environmentalists say the U.K. government was undermining the fight against climate change.
Kwarteng told reporters Thursday that he was returning from the U.S. ahead of schedule, without providing further details. Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources, that the finance minister planned to meet with colleagues to work on the government’s medium-term budget plan.
Earlier, Kwarteng insisted that he is “not going anywhere” and that he and Truss would “100%” still be in their jobs next month.
Kwarteng’s abrupt departure from a series of international finance meetings in Washington, D.C. comes amid a growing political backlash against the Conservative government’s proposed tax cuts.
Sky News reported Thursday that discussions were underway in Downing Street over whether to reconsider some of the tax cuts that Kwarteng announced in the government’s so-called “mini-budget.” It is thought changes to corporation tax and dividend tax could be in the cards.
The British pound rose by 2% to trade at $1.1319 on Thursday, shrugging off stronger-than-expected U.S. inflation data. Sterling was last seen trading down 0.3% at $1.129.
Meanwhile, long-dated U.K. government bonds — known as gilts — rallied on Friday morning, with 30-year yields trading at 4.38%.
Truss is under immense pressure to rethink her economic policies as opinion polls show support for her government has collapsed.
Jacob King | Pa Images | Getty Images
Truss and Kwarteng have repeatedly defended the government’s radical spending plan, insisting the proposals are necessary to stimulate economic growth.
Last week, Kwarteng reversed a plan to scrap the top 45% rate of income tax paid on earnings above £150,000 ($167,646) a year.
Speaking from the U.S. on Thursday, Kwarteng responded to questions about a possible U-turn by saying he is “totally focused on delivering the growth plan.”
Asked by Sky News Friday morning if reversals on some aspects of the government’s mini-budget were possible, U.K. International Trade Minister Greg Hands replied: “Let’s wait and see. You won’t have long to wait for the 31st of October for the chancellor to lay out those plans.”
Hands said both Truss and Kwarteng were “absolutely resolute” on their plans to grow the economy.
“The growth plan [is] the centerpiece, but we’ll have to see some of the detail including a full forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility on the 31st of October.”
Downing Street and the Bank of England have taken steps to try to reassure financial markets throughout the week, albeit with limited success.
Kwarteng on Monday sought to assuage lingering concerns by bringing forward the date of his plan to balance the government’s finances to Oct. 31. The decision was welcomed by the International Monetary Fund. Kwarteng had initially said the government would not offer more details on its fiscal plan until Nov. 23.
The Bank of England on Tuesday announced an extension of its emergency bond-buying operation as the pound fell and borrowing costs soared. It warned that “the prospect of self-reinforcing ‘fire sale’ dynamics pose a material risk to UK financial stability.”
The Bank of England on Tuesday warned that “the prospect of self-reinforcing ‘fire sale’ dynamics pose a material risk to UK financial stability.”
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
The intervention marked the second expansion of the Bank’s rescue package in as many days after it increased the limit for its daily gilt purchases on Monday ahead of the planned end of the purchase scheme on Friday.
By the middle of the week, Truss told lawmakers in the House of Commons that she would not be making cuts to public spending to help pay for the government’s tax cuts.
“No. Definitely not. It [2023 World Cup] won’t be [a swansong]. I can’t guarantee you that, but I don’t think it will be. I reckon there’s still a bit to do. There’s still a bit in the tank” – England head coach Eddie Jones on retirement talk
Last Updated: 13/10/22 11:13pm
England coach Eddie Jones has said he does not believe the 2023 World Cup will be his last
Eddie Jones is determined for his long-standing association with the World Cup to continue beyond the conclusion of his England tenure next autumn.
Jones will step down after eight years in charge once France 2023 is complete and could return to his homeland Australia having been linked with a director of rugby role with the Wallabies.
Whatever his destination, the 62-year-old does not see his fifth World Cup being his last despite previously declaring that he would retire to Barbados to watch cricket when his time with England was over.
“No. Definitely not. It won’t be. I can’t guarantee you that, but I don’t think it will be,” said Jones, who has led England and Australia to World Cup finals and also won the competition as an assistant coach with South Africa.
“I reckon there’s still a bit to do. There’s still a bit in the tank. I rang up the boss of the Barbados IPL and he’s not interested…”
England begin the countdown to the World Cup this autumn when they face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa at Twickenham.
Once the Six Nations is complete they will play four warm-up games and the challenge facing Jones is to propel the team forwards while not revealing the details of their masterplan for the tournament.
“The one thing you want to be doing from here to the World Cup – and every coach will say the same – is improving,” he said.
Jones will lead England to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France and then depart the job, having been head coach since 2016
“You don’t want to be static and you don’t want to show everything. If you show everything then teams come up with plans to stop you doing that.
“We want to win every Test in November but we don’t want to be showing any tactical developments that maybe we’ll want to use in the World Cup.
“You don’t want to show it in the warm-up games. You want to be able to do it on the training paddock consistently then be able to do it bang at the World Cup.”
US President Joe Biden arrives to speak at the Volvo Group powertrain manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, Maryland, on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.
Craig Hudson | Bloomberg | Getty Images
President Joe Biden said he doesn’t believe there will be a recession in the near future and if there is, he expects it to be a “slight” economic dip.
“Every six months they say this. Every six months, they look down the next six months and say what’s going to happen,” Biden said in an interview with Jake Tapper on CNN that was aired Tuesday, referring to recent economic projections by major U.S. banks.
“It hadn’t happened yet. It hadn’t… I don’t think there will be a recession. If it is, it’ll be a very slight recession. That is, we’ll move down slightly.”
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Monday warned of the likelihood of a recession in six to nine months.
The concerns come as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates aggressively in an effort to reduce inflation. In September, the U.S. central bank raised benchmark interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point — it was the Fed’s third consecutive hike.
Biden didn’t fully discount the odds of a recession but told CNN the odds were low.
The president acknowledged the U.S. has “real problems” but credited legislation passed under his administration like the Inflation Reduction Act with putting the United States in “a better position than any other major country in the world economically and politically.”
Europe is facing a tough winter, as inflation and energy prices continue to rise. The continent also faces tough decisions following its scorching hot summer
Unlike the U.S., European countries don’t rely on air conditioning to cope with high temperatures. Fewer than 10% of households in Europe owned air conditioners as of 2016, according to the International Energy Agency.
“If we were looking at the beginning of this summer, it was fairly quiet. We were getting typically 20 inquiries a day maybe for people interested in air conditioning,” said Richard Salmon, director of The Air Conditioning Co., which is based in central London.
“I’ve been here for 15 years and I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” Salmon said.
As countries around the globe rapidly adopt ways to cool their homes and businesses, it becomes more important to install cooling technology that doesn’t contribute to higher temperatures in the future via carbon emissions.
“It is clear that if no effective mitigation strategies will be put in place on a global scale to cut emissions then this kind of summer and these kinds of events will become the new norm,” said Andrea Toreti, senior climate researcher at the European Commission, the executive body of the EU.
Watch the video to learn more about why large parts of Europe don’t have air conditioning, how ACs contribute to climate change, and new kinds of efficient cooling technologies that can mitigate carbon emissions.
Maggie Alphonsi believes England are the team to beat as they aim for World Cup glory; the tournament gets under way on Saturday in New Zealand as South Africa face France, England come up against Fiji and Australia and New Zealand clash
By Megan Wellens
Last Updated: 03/10/22 5:13pm
England hope to be celebrating World Cup success in New Zealand next month
When it comes to Rugby World Cup glory, no one knows the highs and lows as well as Maggie Alphonsi, and for the England legend there is only one team to beat this year: the Red Roses.
As a leader in the team that ended a 20-year drought and won the 2014 Rugby World Cup, Alphonsi knows the euphoria of claiming the biggest prize and believes the current Red Roses side have the capabilities to go all the way.
However, with England considered as firm favourites heading into the tournament – a record 25-match unbeaten run and No 1 world ranking cementing them as the ones to beat – many teams will be out to show they are the ones who can topple this side.
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“They are very much expected to win,” said Alphonsi.
“The odds are in their favour, they are number one in the world, they are the reigning Six Nations champions, they are full of confidence and have the resources, the investments and the players.
“I just think these players are prepared for it and many will be saying if they don’t win it would be a failure.”
‘They don’t know how to lose’
The World Cup will certainly present some challenging clashes for the Red Roses and they will be pushed to their limit as sides look to put them in a situation they do not encounter very often: A match in which they are losing.
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England Women head coach Simon Middleton says despite his side’s No 1 ranking and record unbeaten run they cannot guarantee victory at the World Cup
England Women head coach Simon Middleton says despite his side’s No 1 ranking and record unbeaten run they cannot guarantee victory at the World Cup
Some see this as the best way to get under England’s skin, but Alphonsi believes they are well prepared for all scenarios, even ones they do not often have to face.
“They have a ‘we don’t know how to lose’ mindset because to go that many games unbeaten, they will naturally have that,” she added.
“Some will see that as a negative because they have not lost or been tested it is hard to know what to do when put in that scenario.
“But knowing (coach) Simon Middleton and the quality of players, they will have covered all bases, including those scenarios and how to deal with it.
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“They were tested a few times in the Six Nations, especially first half against Wales in the set-piece.
“However, you can’t count out New Zealand, Canada and France because they are also feeling like it is their time.
“I think England will get to the final – crazy to say they won’t.
“If New Zealand get to the final as a home nation it would be great for the crowd and interest.
“But I am also excited by the fact that an outsider could do it, like France who always finish third.
“They might do something completely different, who knows. There are some dark horses.”
A record-breaking Rugby World Cup
Women’s sport is in a constant state of growth as more coverage and visibility drives its viewership and this year’s World Cup is expected to continue to boost those numbers.
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England captain Sarah Hunter says tournament experience could be a big factor going into the World Cup
England captain Sarah Hunter says tournament experience could be a big factor going into the World Cup
With record attendances and media interest, Alphonsi thinks, if they can claim World Cup victory, we could see the Red Roses reach the heights of the Lionesses in this summer’s Euros when the tournament takes place in England in 2025.
She said: “My expectations are incredibly high.
Maggie Alphonsi believes an England vs New Zealand World Cup final on November 12 would be brilliant for rugby as it rides a wave of momentum
“This World Cup will break many records. There are over 30,000 tickets sold for the opening game so for that many people to come and watch in New Zealand is huge, that in itself Is amazing.
“It will be the most-covered World Cup in terms of television, print and radio and I think it is going to be a tournament that will captivate the world.
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“It will add to the momentum of women’s sport especially over here and we get to put women’s sport back in the spotlight. We saw that in the summer with the Lionesses and that still blows my mind.
“The FA and the Lionesses set the bar high with an amazing tournament across the country and the amount of people that attended was brilliant.
“In 2010 we got to the final and we had a crowd of just under 14,000 which was significant back then.
“2025 is not that far away and women’s sport is on the crest of a wave and hopefully we can emulate what women’s football has done, making sure we can take it around the country and put out a statement.
“Then we can see the final at Twickenham with a sell-out capacity and good build-up.”
National Lottery players raise more than £30m a week for good causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. Find out how your numbers make amazing happen at: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk
LONDON (AP) — Jason Godrick plans to “dominate” as an NFL offensive lineman. The first hurdle seems like a big one, though.
“I’ve never played an organized game of football before,” the 6-foot-5, 293-pound Nigerian said. “I’ve been blessed to be a quick learner, a very good student.”
The 21-year-old Lagos native, who goes by “Chu,” was one of the more than 40 prospects — representing 13 countries — who competed in the NFL’s international combine Tuesday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
They’re hoping to join the league’s International Player Pathway program.
Godrick switched from basketball to football in January — coaches were impressed by his hoops “mixtape” — and a few months later he saw countryman Roy Mbaeteka sign with the New York Giants despite having not played in high school or college.
“Roy is a big inspiration for us back home,” Godrick said of the 6-9, 320-pound offensive tackle. “It was very big in Nigeria when he got signed.”
Mbaeteka, who was released from the Giants practice squad last week, had participated in last year’s combine in London and earned an invitation to the Pathway program, whose most notable alum is Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata of Australia.
The two-time Super Bowl winner was on hand at Tottenham’s stadium, where his former team plays the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
“They have the athletic ability, they have the size, a lot of them have the speed. All they need is just the technique refinement,” said the British-born Umenyiora, who spent part of his childhood in Nigeria.
A handful of the prospects at the combine have some U.S. college exposure, but many have played only in European leagues or universities — or not at all. Some are in their mid-20s. Many work regular jobs.
Emmanuel Falola, an inside linebacker with the Bristol Aztecs, is an accountant. The East London native took the day off for the combine.
“I haven’t been taking time off to prepare though — I’ve been working and preparing,” said the 24-year-old Falola, who also tried out last year.
Those selected for the Pathway program will begin training in the U.S. in January and could join rookies in minicamps in May.
“We don’t have that much time, especially the guys that come from other sports,” said Will Bryce, head of football development for NFL International. “Their bodies have to change. They’re used to playing rugby or soccer — you’re running a lot more, whereas in football it’s repeated sprints, different positions.”
Like last year, there were no quarterbacks, punters or kickers at the combine. The NFL listed eight Nigerian participants — the largest contingent among the countries, which included Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Panama, Mexico and several in Europe.
NFL coaches, scouts and general managers flock to Indianapolis each winter for the league’s annual scouting combine. There, pro prospects test their skills in various elements such as the bench press, 40-yard dash and vertical jump.
In London on Tuesday, it was the NFL conducting the evaluations as prospects were put through tests such as the broad jump, various sprints and the shuttle drill, which records lateral quickness.
“Let’s go Chu!” fellow prospects yelled as Godrick ran around small cones placed near the 20-yard line.
Godrick has been applying some tips he picked up from Cameroon-born Roman Oben, a former offensive tackle who is now NFL vice president of football development.
“I’ve been watching film and with his guidance, I can say my growth has been good,” said Godrick, who plans to continue training back home in Nigeria, where he recently earned a college degree in human anatomy.
“Ultimate goal? Get to the NFL, dominate, show the world that it doesn’t matter how late you start, it doesn’t matter where you are coming from, as long as you believe, you work hard, anything is possible.”
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International travel may still have its challenges.
But finding a solid hotel for a business trip isn’t one of them.
CNBC Travel and the market data firm Statista today release aranking of the “Best Hotels for Business Travelers” in Europe.
This is the first ranking of its kind between CNBC and Statista, who are also releasing hotel rankings in the Middle East today. Asia-Pacific rankings were published in September.
In total, we analyzed more than 10,000 four- and five-star hotels in 117 locations to produce lists corporate travelers can trust. We did this using a three-step process:
Asking business travelers and hotel industry professionals to answer a CNBC reader survey which ran from May 3 to June 7, 2022.
Reviewing more than 1 million hotel data points, which included objective information (location, business facilities, food, leisure activities and room characteristics) and subjective reviews (gathered from Google, TripAdvisor, Expedia and similar websites).
Weighting the data to prioritize the hotel characteristics deemed most important in the reader survey.
For full details about our research methodology, click here.
Canal House Suites at Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Hotel Okura Amsterdam
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Conservatorium Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Source: Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
The Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam tied for the highest scores for customer reviews among Europe’s largest financial centers, a distinction it shared with Rome’s Villa Spalletti Trivelli. Travelers rave about the canal-side location, but they say it’s the smaller points — the turndown service, fresh tulips in the room, the luxurious bedding — that make it one of Amsterdam’s finest hotels.
In a city with ample competition from major hotel brands, the owner-run Louisa’s Place — named after Queen Louise of Prussia — topped our list. Built around 1900, the boutique hotel in West Berlin has 47 spacious rooms, each with high ceilings and separate bedrooms.
Steigenberger Wiltcher’s location on the prestigious Avenue Louise — and its style, aptly described as “luxurious simplicity” — make it a favorite with business travelers in Belgium. Travelers can take an online tour of the hotel before visiting, virtually walking the hallways to peer into its restaurants and ballrooms.
Charlottehaven has hotel apartments in two areas — the larger units in the “Garden” and the newer apartments in the “Tower” which have 180-degree views of the city. The hotel combines kitchens, laundry areas and other comforts of a house with the amenities of a hotel. Nearby metro and train stations make it easy to commute around the city too.
Scoring 3.78 (out of a possible 4 points), the five-star Merrion hotel in the center of Dublin tied for the second highest overall score in Europe. Its 142 rooms and suites are inside four restored Georgian townhouses dating to the 1760s. There’s also a two-star Michelin restaurant — Ireland’s first — plus two bars, a spa and six meeting spaces.
The Sofitel Frankfurt Opera is on Opera Square, or the Opernplatz, near the city’s famed opera house. In addition to its central location, the hotel wins over business travelers for the small touches that make for seamless stays: complimentary car valets and minibar beverages, 24-hour room service and stylish rooms outfitted with Illy espresso machines and Bose sound systems.
Marble bathrooms, down pillows and balconettes with unobstructed views of Lake Geneva — these are some of the reasons the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva consistently ranks among the city’s most luxurious places to stay. Business travelers can take meetings to the next level with private tours of the nearby Patek Philippe Museum or helicopter tours over Mont Blanc — with all details organized by the hotel.
The Langham London is a U.K. institution. It’s got a West End location, restaurants helmed by the two-Michelin starred chef Michel Roux Jr., and a bar, Artesian, that was named the world’s best four times in a row. Travelers who book executive rooms or higher get access to The Langham Club, which comes with perks like private check-ins, pressing services, all-day dining options and private meeting spaces.
It’s rare for a small property to outrank major hospitality companies, but Gran Hotel Ingles has done exactly that. “Pure luxury” is how the 48-room hotel is described by travelers, from its sleek interior to its cocktail weekend events accompanied by live music. Opened in 1886, the hotel is said to be Madrid’s oldest.
The website for Hotel Viu Milan leads off — not with its rooms or restaurants — but with one word: bleisure. That’s because this hotel is serious about blending business stays with relaxation: morning yoga on the terrace, aperitives after work and dinner at the on-site restaurant Morelli, helmed by the Italian Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli.
The Thief Hotel on Tjuvholmen, or “Thief Islet,” takes its name from its seedy past as a hotbed of criminals. Now it’s an upmarket neighborhood known for art and architecture. Art features prominently in the hotel too, as do designer furniture and upmarket Nordic cuisine.
The historic Hotel de la Ville, next to the Spanish Steps, is a Rocco Forte Hotel — a company bearing the name of one of Italy’s most famous hotelier families. Business travelers love its rooftop bar and central courtyard, but it’s the concierge — known to help with insider tips and hard-to-book restaurant reservations — that gives the hotel the edge in Italy’s capital city.
Guests of Le Bristol Paris can count President Emmanuel Macron as a neighbor — Elysee Palace, the official residence of France’s president — is just steps away. From white-gloved service to its three-Michelin-starred restaurant Epicure, the hotel is the height of Parisian elegance and culinary excellence.
Tying for No. 2 in overall points with Dublin’s The Merrion, the stylish Grand Hotel Stockholm secured the top score for its amenities and facilities, not only in Sweden, but in all of Europe. Its waterfront location is bolstered by four restaurants, a champagne bar, spa and gym, the latter with personal trainers. Room service is available round the clock for those with late-night work to complete.
This grand hotel built in 1845 is the former home of Austrian royalty. The all-suite boutique hotel has a restaurant with two Michelin stars and a wine cellar that is said to house some 60,000 bottles of wine.
The Dolder Grand may have opened in 1899, but this hotel outside of Zurich’s city center has an almost futuristic feel. The interior features works by Salvador Dali and Jean Tinguely, and it has a two-Michelin starred restaurant and a 4,000-square-foot spa. From royalty to rock legends, former guests include King Charles and The Rolling Stones.
Read more
Shanghai, Mumbai, Melbourne and beyond: CNBC names the best Asia-Pacific hotels for business travel
The NFL returns to London on Sunday as the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) and New Orleans Saints (1-2) contest the first of five international slate of games scheduled this season.
With Justin Jefferson and the Vikings taking on Alvin Kamara and the Saints at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sunday’s game will mark the 100th game played outside of the US regular and preseason.
After edging out a victory against the Detroit Lions in week 3, the Vikings are looking to reprise the magic of the ‘Minneapolis Miracle’ – Stefon Diggs scored a remarkable 61-yard touchdown in a NFC Divisional semifinal four years ago – against a struggling Saints team, which will be without starting quarterback Jameis Winston and All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas.
This year, 10 teams will travel to three different countries, including the first-ever regular season game in Germany, when Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Seattle Seahawks at Allianz Arena – home of Bundesliga football club Bayern Munich – in November.
During weeks 4 and 5 over 200 players, coaches and executives will celebrate their heritage by sporting international flags on their helmets and attire.
Players like Arizona Cardinals star Kyler Murray, who will don a South Korea flag, and Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown – Germany’s flag will be on his helmet – will highlight the NFL’s global diversity within the league.
“My mom is from Germany, so having German grandparents, speaking German, every summer the heritage and culture has been a part of my whole life,” said St. Brown.
“I’m half German. It’s a part of me. I love it. In my young career, I have already been amazed to see the influence my culture and heritage has had and I’m excited to continue to see the German representation have an impact within our game.”
Brady and the Bucs (2-1) will play at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday night against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1).
Earlier this week, the Bucs were forced to practice at the Miami Dolphins’ team facility due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, leaving the primetime matchup in Tampa in limbo.
Despite the destruction caused by the hurricane, the team confirmed the game would go on as scheduled, with Brady highlighting how the match could serve as a moment where fans can come together.
“I always feel like sports has brought people together over a long period of time,” Brady said on Thursday during a regularly scheduled media session.
“Watching different adversities, whether that was 9/11, whether that was Katrina, sports has an amazing way of healing wounds and bringing people together and bringing communities together and start to cheer for a common interest for the common good.”
Weather concerns aside, both teams enter week 4 coming off their first losses of the season.
In a rematch of Super Bowl LV, in which Brady won his seventh career championship, the two superstar quarterbacks will meet again for a sixth time and first since the title game.
Brady, who owns a 3-2 record over Mahomes, will enter Sunday’s game with the return of some much-needed offensive weapons – star wide receiver Mike Evans is back from his one-game suspension for an on field scuffle with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
However receivers Chris Godwin and Julio, who have been out since the season opened with hamstring and knee injuries, are doubts for the Bucs.
“Any time you get your starters back you’ll happy to have them back and have them healthy,” said Bucs head coach Todd Bowles on Friday about the possibility of having the three wide receivers back on the field. “So, we just want to make sure they’re all healthy when they come back.”
The game on Sunday is at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has started the season at a historic pace, tallying 12 total touchdowns through the first three weeks of the season while leading the team to a 2-1 record.
Jackson, who is playing on the final year of his contract, will lead the Ravens against fellow MVP candidate Josh Allen and the tough Buffalo Bills defense.
Both teams have suffered their only defeats this season in epic showdowns against the resilient Miami Dolphins.
The 2018 NFL first round picks have been a big part of their team’s early success as Allen is coming off a 400-plus yard passing game against the Dolphins, and at nine passing touchdowns trails only Jackson for most this season.
Jackson and Allen are the only two players in the NFL’s 103-year history to reach both nine touchdown passes and 100 rushing yards over the first three games of a season.
Sunday’s showdown kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams (2-1) will travel to San Francisco to take on the division and in-state rival 49ers (1-2) on Monday Night Football.
In recent years, the 49ers have been the Rams’ Achilles heel, as Los Angeles has failed to notch a victory at Levi’s Stadium since 2018.
Notably, before their victory in the NFC Championship last season, the Rams had lost six games in a row to San Francisco.
After losing quarterback Trey Lance for the season with an ankle injury in week 2, Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers will look to continue their recent success against the Rams to fix a rough start to the season in which they sport a 1-2 record in the highly competitive NFC West.
The game between the NFC West rivals kicks off on Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The British currency has taken a plunge, sliding against the U.S. dollar to touch an all-time low. It’s a sign of the alarm in financial markets over new Prime Minister Liz Truss’ emergency budget measures unveiled last week aimed at jump-starting the ailing economy.
Investors are spooked by a sweeping package of tax cuts likely to cost tens of billions of pounds in extra government borrowing and amounts to a risky gamble to stave off a looming recession.
The pound’s slump threatens to make it even worse. One of the most visible ways is by feeding into the energy crisis because oil and natural gas is priced in dollars. The impact is being felt at the pump.
British drivers are paying 5 pounds ($5.45) more on average to fill up their cars since the beginning of the year as the pound has fallen, according to an analysis by motoring association AA. U.K. gas prices would be at least 9 pence per liter cheaper if the pound was still at its mid-February level of $1.35, compared with the now-outdated $1.14 level that the group used last week for its calculation.
“There’s every chance that a falling pound will make life more expensive,” said Sarah Coles, senior personal finance analyst at financial services firm Hargreaves Lansdown. Anything bought from overseas — components, raw materials, supermarket staples and household basics — will be pricier.
“These rising costs will feed into higher prices, and push inflation even higher,” Coles said. “For anyone whose budget was already stretched to breaking point, this will mean even more pain at the tills.”
Finance minister Kwasi Kwarteng hopes that big tax cuts will spur economic growth and generate wealth, but the sliding pound raises the possibility that will be offset if the central bank steps in with bigger-than-expected interest rate increases.
Some analysts are speculating rates could rise as high as 6% by next spring, a sharp contrast to the near zero level they were at just a few years ago. Rising rates mean many homeowners face bigger monthly mortgage bills, leaving them less to spend on other goods and services.
HOW LOW CAN IT GO?
Fifteen years ago, 1 British pound was able to buy $2. Now, the pound is getting closer to parity with the greenback, a once-unthinkable event and a psychologically important milestone. The pound has tumbled more than 5% since the government outlined its economic plans Friday, dropping as low as $1.0373 early Monday, before bouncing back to above $1.06.
The markets are raising the prospect that the two currencies might soon reach equal footing. A lot of the decline has been driven by the strength of the dollar, which has climbed against a wide range of other currencies as the U.S. Federal Reserve aggressively raises rates, drawing interest from investors fleeing riskier assets.
The euro, for example, has been on a similar trajectory to the pound, having fallen below parity with the dollar recently and then hitting a fresh 20-year low Monday.
The pound has dropped more than most, though, because of local factors. Investors are alarmed at Kwarteng’s “lack of focus on fiscal prudence,” which outweighs any optimism about his pro-growth, anti-red tape agenda, said Victoria Scholar, head of investment at interactive investor.
“On top of being bullish towards the dollar, the international investor community is now also very bearish towards the pound amid fears about the UK’s economic outlook and investment case,” Scholar said.
TUG OF WAR
The plummeting pound highlights what analysts are calling a “tug of war” between Britain’s Treasury and the central bank, which has independence from the government to operate free of political influence.
The Truss government is gambling that slashing taxes and borrowing more to pay for it will kick-start economic growth as a recession looms.
That puts government officials at odds with the Bank of England, where policymakers are trying to rein in inflation that threatens financial stability by raising interest rates, with seven hikes so far this year and more in the pipeline.
The central bank said Monday that it wouldn’t hesitate to raise interest rates by as much as needed at its next meeting in November, which did little to soothe markets. An interim meeting to decide on an emergency rate hike could be needed, “though that would risk escalating tensions with the new government,” said Jeremy Lawson, chief economist at asset manager abrdn.
“There are no good options from here, just less bad ones, with the U.K.’s already struggling household and businesses left to pick up the pieces,” Lawson said.
IS THERE ANY UPSIDE?
British exports will be cheaper for buyers paying in dollars. But the economic impact is likely to be limited, given that the United Kingdom runs a trade deficit with the rest of the world by importing more than it exports.
It’ll be a lot cheaper for foreign visitors, especially Americans. Pub beers, theater tickets for shows in London’s West End, and hotel bills will be more affordable for tourists.
And for investors and wealthy people, the slumping pound makes it cheaper to buy real estate in Britain, especially in exclusive London neighborhoods that have long been favored by the global superrich.
