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10 things we learned this week 10 things we learned this week
(about 1 month later)
Tesco is missing £250mTesco is missing £250m
Tesco shares slumped this week when the company admitted its guidance to the City overstated expected first-half profits by about £250m. After the announcement, BlackRock, a major investor, revealed that it had sold its stake in the supermarket chain, and Standard and Poor’s put its credit rating under review. The chairman of the Commons business select committee, Adrian Bailey, said Tesco executives may have to face MPs over its “stratospheric error”.Tesco shares slumped this week when the company admitted its guidance to the City overstated expected first-half profits by about £250m. After the announcement, BlackRock, a major investor, revealed that it had sold its stake in the supermarket chain, and Standard and Poor’s put its credit rating under review. The chairman of the Commons business select committee, Adrian Bailey, said Tesco executives may have to face MPs over its “stratospheric error”.
A whistleblower reported the huge overstatement to Tesco’s general counsel last Friday. The supermarket group says it has asked the accountancy firm Deloitte and legal advisers Freshfields to investigate. It has also contacted the Financial Conduct Authority.A whistleblower reported the huge overstatement to Tesco’s general counsel last Friday. The supermarket group says it has asked the accountancy firm Deloitte and legal advisers Freshfields to investigate. It has also contacted the Financial Conduct Authority.
Dave Lewis, who joined Tesco as chief executive three weeks ago after 27 years at Unilever, said he had never seen revenue accounted for in this way. “Certainly not in my Unilever career.”Dave Lewis, who joined Tesco as chief executive three weeks ago after 27 years at Unilever, said he had never seen revenue accounted for in this way. “Certainly not in my Unilever career.”
Miliband needs notes more than he thinksMiliband needs notes more than he thinks
Ed Miliband provoked mixed reactions when he gave his speech to this year’s Labour party conference in Manchester. The Labour leader spoke for more than an hour without notes on Tuesday, announcing plans to lower the voting age to 16 and fund the NHS with taxes on tobacco companies and homes worth more than £2m.Ed Miliband provoked mixed reactions when he gave his speech to this year’s Labour party conference in Manchester. The Labour leader spoke for more than an hour without notes on Tuesday, announcing plans to lower the voting age to 16 and fund the NHS with taxes on tobacco companies and homes worth more than £2m.
Commenters on Twitter were critical, focusing on his use of personal anecdotes about members of the “ordinary public” he’d spoken to. Journalists scrabbled to track down a man called Gareth, who was mentioned regularly in the speech.Commenters on Twitter were critical, focusing on his use of personal anecdotes about members of the “ordinary public” he’d spoken to. Journalists scrabbled to track down a man called Gareth, who was mentioned regularly in the speech.
Gareth is trending. Good old Gareth.Gareth is trending. Good old Gareth.
Comment on immigration and the budget deficit was conspicuous by its absence, and Miliband later admitted that he had planned to set out Labour’s stance on these issues but forgot the passage because he was giving his speech without notes. Despite media criticism, a poll from Survation suggested that 70% of the British public supported Miliband’s policies.Comment on immigration and the budget deficit was conspicuous by its absence, and Miliband later admitted that he had planned to set out Labour’s stance on these issues but forgot the passage because he was giving his speech without notes. Despite media criticism, a poll from Survation suggested that 70% of the British public supported Miliband’s policies.
Nicola Sturgeon would be a ‘willing partner for progress’Nicola Sturgeon would be a ‘willing partner for progress’
In case you missed it, Scotland nearly became independent last week. Scots voted 44.7/55.3 against breaking ties with the UK, and Alex Salmond, the country’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National party, stepped down the day the result was announced.In case you missed it, Scotland nearly became independent last week. Scots voted 44.7/55.3 against breaking ties with the UK, and Alex Salmond, the country’s first minister and leader of the Scottish National party, stepped down the day the result was announced.
On Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon, his deputy in both roles, launched her bid to replace him as party leader. She has the support of all her senior colleagues and is expected to be elected unopposed. She said Westminster had better follow through on its promise to devolve further powers to Scotland, adding that they would find in her a “willing partner for progress” if they did. “I am not prepared for another referendum,” she said. “We’ve just had a referendum.”On Wednesday, Nicola Sturgeon, his deputy in both roles, launched her bid to replace him as party leader. She has the support of all her senior colleagues and is expected to be elected unopposed. She said Westminster had better follow through on its promise to devolve further powers to Scotland, adding that they would find in her a “willing partner for progress” if they did. “I am not prepared for another referendum,” she said. “We’ve just had a referendum.”
Eric Holder will resignEric Holder will resign
Eric Holder, the first black US attorney general, has announced that he will resign from his post as soon as a successor is confirmed. Barack Obama said in a speech that Holder and his wife were great friends to him and Michelle: “Like me, Eric married up,” he said.Eric Holder, the first black US attorney general, has announced that he will resign from his post as soon as a successor is confirmed. Barack Obama said in a speech that Holder and his wife were great friends to him and Michelle: “Like me, Eric married up,” he said.
This is bitter sweet, but with his typical dedication Eric has agreed to stay on until I nominate a successor and a successor is confirmed by the senate.This is bitter sweet, but with his typical dedication Eric has agreed to stay on until I nominate a successor and a successor is confirmed by the senate.
An official from the justice department said that Holder, 63, didn’t have any immediate plans for when he leaves office, but that he would continue to devote energy to some of the causes he’d focused on in recent years. Holder was a key figure for peace when protests and riots erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, after a policeman shot dead an unarmed black teenager.An official from the justice department said that Holder, 63, didn’t have any immediate plans for when he leaves office, but that he would continue to devote energy to some of the causes he’d focused on in recent years. Holder was a key figure for peace when protests and riots erupted in Ferguson, Missouri, after a policeman shot dead an unarmed black teenager.
The official said:The official said:
Following his recent visit to Ferguson, Missouri, he has spoken with friends and associates about his wish to find a way to continue helping to restore trust between law enforcement and minority communities.Following his recent visit to Ferguson, Missouri, he has spoken with friends and associates about his wish to find a way to continue helping to restore trust between law enforcement and minority communities.
Sierra Leone has quarantined a million peopleSierra Leone has quarantined a million people
Areas of eastern Sierra Leone, on the border with Guinea, have been under quarantine for months, because of the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. Travel is now restricted in three more areas where an estimated 1.5 million people live. About a third of the population is now under curfew. The government is establishing transport corridors between non-quarantined districts, with a curfew that only allows travel between the hours of 9am and 5pm.Areas of eastern Sierra Leone, on the border with Guinea, have been under quarantine for months, because of the spread of the deadly Ebola virus. Travel is now restricted in three more areas where an estimated 1.5 million people live. About a third of the population is now under curfew. The government is establishing transport corridors between non-quarantined districts, with a curfew that only allows travel between the hours of 9am and 5pm.
The move came three days after a nationwide lockdown ended, and as world leaders met at the UN to discuss the crisis. Various aid organisations have expressed concern that quarantines provoke panic among the population and make it harder for authorities to monitor the disease. The British charity Street Child said that because there had been no warning of the latest quarantine, there was a chance that it could cause mass starvation in poverty-stricken areas.The move came three days after a nationwide lockdown ended, and as world leaders met at the UN to discuss the crisis. Various aid organisations have expressed concern that quarantines provoke panic among the population and make it harder for authorities to monitor the disease. The British charity Street Child said that because there had been no warning of the latest quarantine, there was a chance that it could cause mass starvation in poverty-stricken areas.
MPs will vote on a third military campaign in IraqMPs will vote on a third military campaign in Iraq
MPs are due to vote on Friday on whether the UK should join the US-led air strikes on Islamic State (Isis) in Iraq. David Cameron recalled parliament after the cabinet agreed a Commons motion, which is due to be debated for seven hours. It excludes air strikes in Syria without a further Commons vote.MPs are due to vote on Friday on whether the UK should join the US-led air strikes on Islamic State (Isis) in Iraq. David Cameron recalled parliament after the cabinet agreed a Commons motion, which is due to be debated for seven hours. It excludes air strikes in Syria without a further Commons vote.
The government says that UK air strikes would be legal because the Iraqi government had asked for help, and the cabinet was handed clear advice from the attorney general on the point. It is thought that RAF Tornado jets will be put into action within 24 hours of the vote.The government says that UK air strikes would be legal because the Iraqi government had asked for help, and the cabinet was handed clear advice from the attorney general on the point. It is thought that RAF Tornado jets will be put into action within 24 hours of the vote.
The motion is supported by the three major parties, but a few MPs have spoken out against the action. They include Labour’s Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, who signed a letter to the Guardian which said thatbombing Iraq would only exacerbate the situation. “Along with most British people, we opposed an attack on Iraq in 2003. The brutal reality of the invasion and occupation confirmed our worst fears,” they said. The motion is supported by the three major parties, but a few MPs have spoken out against the action. They include Labour’s Diane Abbott, Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell, who signed a letter to the Guardian which said that bombing Iraq would only exacerbate the situation. “Along with most British people, we opposed an attack on Iraq in 2003. The brutal reality of the invasion and occupation confirmed our worst fears,” they said.
More bombing, let alone boots on the ground, will only exacerbate the situation. We urge the government to rule out any further military action in Iraq or Syria.More bombing, let alone boots on the ground, will only exacerbate the situation. We urge the government to rule out any further military action in Iraq or Syria.
Anjem Choudary has been arrestedAnjem Choudary has been arrested
Scotland Yard’s counterterrorism police arrested the Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary and eight others in raids on 19 premises on Thursday. Police said the men had been arrested on suspicion of being members of a banned organisation, or supporting a banned organisation, and encouraging terrorism.Scotland Yard’s counterterrorism police arrested the Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary and eight others in raids on 19 premises on Thursday. Police said the men had been arrested on suspicion of being members of a banned organisation, or supporting a banned organisation, and encouraging terrorism.
Choudary, 47, was the spokesman for the extremist group al-Muhajiroun, which became notorious in 2002 for its “Magnificent 19” rallies praising the 11 September 2001 attacks. The former lawyer has always denied allegations that he has glorified terrorist acts.Choudary, 47, was the spokesman for the extremist group al-Muhajiroun, which became notorious in 2002 for its “Magnificent 19” rallies praising the 11 September 2001 attacks. The former lawyer has always denied allegations that he has glorified terrorist acts.
One of the properties raided included Choudary’s Yummy Yummy sweet shop in east London.One of the properties raided included Choudary’s Yummy Yummy sweet shop in east London.
Fox News presenters just can’t help themselvesFox News presenters just can’t help themselves
In a brief segment on the Fox News discussion show The Five, the presenter Kimberly Guilfoyle tried to pay tribute to Major Mariam al-Mansouri, a female UAE fighter pilot who took part in the bombing of Isis targets in Syria.In a brief segment on the Fox News discussion show The Five, the presenter Kimberly Guilfoyle tried to pay tribute to Major Mariam al-Mansouri, a female UAE fighter pilot who took part in the bombing of Isis targets in Syria.
“Major Mariam al-Mansouri is who did this,” said Guilfoyle. “Remarkable, very excited. I wish it was an American pilot. I’ll take a woman doing this any day to them.”“Major Mariam al-Mansouri is who did this,” said Guilfoyle. “Remarkable, very excited. I wish it was an American pilot. I’ll take a woman doing this any day to them.”
Co-host Greg Gutfeld, however, couldn’t help himself. “The problem is after she bombed it she couldn’t park it,” he said. Fellow presenter Eric Bolling interjected: “Would that be considered boobs on the ground or no?”Co-host Greg Gutfeld, however, couldn’t help himself. “The problem is after she bombed it she couldn’t park it,” he said. Fellow presenter Eric Bolling interjected: “Would that be considered boobs on the ground or no?”
Another British jihadi was killed in SyriaAnother British jihadi was killed in Syria
A 19-year-old from Brighton is believed to be the latest British jihadi killed in Syria. The Guardian spoke to militants in the country who said Khalil al-Britani, whose real name is Ibrahim Kamara, died after a US air strike on Aleppo this week.A 19-year-old from Brighton is believed to be the latest British jihadi killed in Syria. The Guardian spoke to militants in the country who said Khalil al-Britani, whose real name is Ibrahim Kamara, died after a US air strike on Aleppo this week.
The Guardian wasn’t able to independently verify how Kamara was killed, but if the account is correct he would be the first British fighter known to have been killed by US air strikes in Syria. A picture posted on Facebook on Tuesday night appeared to show Kamara’s body in an unzipped body bag.The Guardian wasn’t able to independently verify how Kamara was killed, but if the account is correct he would be the first British fighter known to have been killed by US air strikes in Syria. A picture posted on Facebook on Tuesday night appeared to show Kamara’s body in an unzipped body bag.
The teenager travelled to Syria last February to fight for Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaida affiliate. Kamara’s mother, who runs a charity to help war victims from Sierra Leone, told the Guardian she felt so numb she had no tears left to cry for her eldest son.The teenager travelled to Syria last February to fight for Jabhat al-Nusra, an al-Qaida affiliate. Kamara’s mother, who runs a charity to help war victims from Sierra Leone, told the Guardian she felt so numb she had no tears left to cry for her eldest son.
I cried when I could not do anything about it. I cried then. What’s left to cry now? He’s gone. I have three other boys, I have to be strong for them.I cried when I could not do anything about it. I cried then. What’s left to cry now? He’s gone. I have three other boys, I have to be strong for them.
NHS waiting times are ‘a national disgrace’NHS waiting times are ‘a national disgrace’
The chair of the Royal College of GPs, Dr Maureen Baker, has said the intolerably long waiting times to see a GP have become a national disgrace and could put people’s health at risk. She said increasingly long waits to see a doctor risk illness not being spotted in time, and that NHS figures showed that one in six patients had to wait at least a week before they saw a GP or nurse.The chair of the Royal College of GPs, Dr Maureen Baker, has said the intolerably long waiting times to see a GP have become a national disgrace and could put people’s health at risk. She said increasingly long waits to see a doctor risk illness not being spotted in time, and that NHS figures showed that one in six patients had to wait at least a week before they saw a GP or nurse.
Even more worrying is that we have no way of finding out how many patients decide not to seek treatment because they cannot get an appointment, which means we might be missing opportunities of detecting illnesses at an early stage or preventing them happening in the first place.Even more worrying is that we have no way of finding out how many patients decide not to seek treatment because they cannot get an appointment, which means we might be missing opportunities of detecting illnesses at an early stage or preventing them happening in the first place.