Independent United Kingdom

Marcus Rashford strikes late again to earn Manchester United another famous win in Paris - The Independent

Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 Manchester United: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates deserved win in opening Champions League group game

If the victory at the Parc des Princes in March of last year was Ole Gunnar Solskjaers greatest night in charge of Manchester United, this may be their greatest performance. On their return to Paris, Marcus Rashford once again struck late to ensure that United made a winning start to their Champions League campaign. There has been much valid criticism of Solskjaer - not least in these pages, not least in the last few weeks - but even the sceptics must admit that his preferred style of play is tailor-made to produce results like this. Paris Saint-Germain were a shadow of the side which reached the final of this competition just two months ago. Neymar was largely anonymous. Kylian Mbappé carried more menace but was expertly handled by Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe. United both nullified Paris greatest threats and posed some of their own. Yet one moment appeared as though it would be their undoing. Anthony Martials own goal at the start of the second half looked as though it would deny United three important points. Solskjaers side had taken the lead through a re-taken Bruno Fernandes penalty and were excellent value for their lead, but a momentary lapse in concentration from Martial on a corner could have proved costly. But with three minutes of normal time remaining, Rashford spun on his heels and struck to inflict Paris first group stage home defeat in 16 years. Semi-finalists RB Leipzig due to visit Old Trafford next week and though Group H was touted as the most difficult following the draw at the start of this month, it may just suit United right down to the ground. Uniteds only disappointment at the end of the first half was that they were only one goal ahead. Solskjaers players executed his game plan to perfection in the opening 45 minutes, flummoxing Paris in the process. Like on their last visit to the Parc des Princes, United were happy to cede possession in exchange for space on the counter-attack. It worked. But even with practically everything going to plan, United still required a Fernandes penalty to put them ahead. Solskjaers captain for the evening put his miss at Newcastle on Saturday to the back of his mind and stepped up once again after Martial was tripped by Amadou Diallo.   His tame kick was saved by Keylor Navas, but only after the Paris goalkeeper had encroached with both feet off the goal-line. Much to Neymars annoyance, referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz ordered a re-take and Fernandes won the battle of wits at the second attempt, rolling the ball to the bottom-right once again but sending Navas to the bottom-left. Those expecting an immediate response from Paris would be disappointed. Last seasons runners-up had drawn two saves from David de Gea in early stages but otherwise badly struggled for momentum. It said everything that Tuanzebe - making his first United appearance of the calendar year - had Mbappé in his pocket. Very few defences keep Mbappé quiet for long, however. At the start of the second half, shortly after Marcus Rashford had wasted one promising United counter-attack, De Gea denied European footballs most explosive young forward, parrying a goal-bound shot after Mbappé had turned Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka inside out. Paris were improving - Tuchel had responded to their lack of attacking presence by introducing Everton loanee Moise Kean - but their equaliser was a gift. Martial knew very little about his own goal until he opened his eyes, turned around and saw the ball behind De Gea and nestling in the far side of the net. It was a mistake and mistakes are punished at this rarefied level, while rare chances to rectify them must be taken. Martial nearly atoned for his error at the other end of the pitch minutes later, meeting a Luke Shaw cross after the breakdown of a corner, but his header cleared the crossbar from six yards. But Paris could not make United pay. Mbappé was foiled time and again by the magnificent Tuanzebe and De Gea denied Neymar a goal from his first telling contribution. Otherwise, it was all United. It fell to Rashford to make the difference, only this time not from the penalty spot. Instead, he collected substitute Paul Pogbas pass outside the penalty area, turned away from the attentions of Danilo Pereira and took aim. Thomas Tuchel is a known admirer of Rashfords talents, though he will not have enjoyed the sight of the ball arcing out Navas reach and into the far corner.  This may only have been an opening group game rather than a knock-out, but Solskjaer has his second famous night in Paris.

2020 polls: Biden leads Trump by 10 points – but polling finds warning signs for Democrat - The Independent

Exclusive: Former VP is lagging behind Hillary Clinton’s support among white college-educated and Black voters with two weeks to go, Independent poll reveals

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden maintains a double-digit national lead over Donald Trump, but a new poll conducted on behalf of The Independent shows some warning signs for the former vice president. Mr Biden has the support of 52 per cent of voters against the presidents 42 per cent, with Americans deeply concerned about Mr Trumps handling of the coronavirus crisis, according to a survey conducted byJL Partners and The Independent. There are deep partisan divides among voters over the two candidates endorsement of a coronavirus vaccine. Mr Trump saying a potential vaccine is safe drives confidence in one lower than Mr Biden saying the same. The president received low marks on a number of other issues and has just two weeks to change enough voters minds if he wants to secure a second term. But the poll found ample reasons for Mr Biden and his campaign team to worry. Political prognosticators for months have said he needs large numbers of white college-educated and Black voters to cast ballots in his favor. But the survey of more than 1,000 people shows Mr Biden lagging behind the last Democratic presidential nominee with both groups. Pundits say, because this appears to be a turnout election, he needs big numbers of both in the right states to offset an expected big conservative turnout. Watch more Mr Biden leads among white people with a college degree by 10 percentage points, which would be worse than Hillary Clintons 2016 performance with that voting bloc. Among Black voters, Mr Biden has a 72 per cent lead over 10 points worse than Ms Clinton. Mr Biden has struggled at times to reach out to the Black community. During a town hall last week, a participant referred to Mr Bidens appearance on a radio show hosted by Charlamagne tha God, and asked: Besides you aint Black, what do you have to say to young Black voters who see voting for you as further participation in a system that continually fails to protect them?  Mr Biden had told the show: I tell you if you have a problem figuring out whether youre for me or Trump, then you aint Black. The president has tried to lock up some support from Black voters by describing their collective economic situation as stronger since he took office and by saying Democratic politicians have let them down for decades. Obama is going to start campaigning. I said, is that good or bad? Because I think its a good thing because you know they did a lousy job and I wouldnt be president of the United States if they did a good job, Mr Trump said during a campaign rally late last week. African-American income, think of this, grew nine times more than it did under Biden and Obama, right? he added. Thats a big number. Mr Trumps claims are in line with data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But that agency notes in a report that the unemployment rate for Black Americans is 6.1 per cent, while in 2019 it was considerably higher than the overall rate of 3.7 per cent. On the flip side, the survey shows Mr Biden doing better with Latino voters than Ms Clinton did four years ago. He has a 57 per cent lead, compared to her 38 per cent. But in another possible warning for team Biden, JL partners adds this caveat: Note that the September poll showed Trump performing slightly better than in 2016. There are indicators Mr Biden is underperforming compared to a Democratic nominee who lost the Electoral College race to Mr Trump, but James Johnson, a former Downing Street pollster andJL Partners founder, says time could be the former vice presidents biggest ally with just two weeks of campaigning left. With two weeks to go, Donald Trump is running out of time. After all the trials and tribulations of the last few weeks, Biden continues to hold a clear 10-point lead with likely voters, he said, a margin which would take him into the White House even in the event of significant polling error. JL Partners was commissioned to poll American voters on behalf of The Independent and spoke to 1,034 respondents across the US.

Boris Johnson still refusing to restart Brexit negotiations despite ticking no-deal clock - The Independent

Second phone call on Tuesday fails to convince UK to return to table

Brexit negotiators remained stood-down on Tuesday, despite a ticking clock and a further bid by the European Commission to restart collapsed talks The UK rejected Brussels' proposals for further discussions in London this week after Boris Johnson accused the EU being too harsh and demanded a "fundamental change in approach" Michel Barnier and his UK counterpart Lord Frost spoke on the telephone for the second day running in an attempt to patch up the situation but to no avail. The EU's chief negotiator said his message to his British counterpart during the call was that "we should be making the most out of the little time left", adding that the EU "door remains open". Downing Street had been angered by a statement by EU leaders issued last week stating that the UK would have to be the one making concessions if a deal was to be agreed. Watch more Mr Barnier and some EU leaders like Ms Merkel have spent the days since the statement trying to assuage British concerns. Asked whether the EU would have to make concessions as well as the UK, a European Commission spokesperson said: "This is a question 101 for students in international negotiations. I think it's pretty obvious in order to come to an agreement both sides need to meet." A statement issued from Downing Street following the call repeated word-for-word a previous comment from Monday. No.10 said the pair had "a constructive discussion" and that the would remain in contact. Despite new reports that Mr Barnier might be planning to come to London later this week, his team said in the wake of the call that nothing had yet been confirmed. In the pair's previous call on Monday the EUs chief negotiator had said the bloc would be happy to hold talks on all subjects, and based on legal texts a demand Mr Johnson had made as a condition for restarting negotiations. But despite cabinet minister Michael Gove branding the intervention a constructive move, Downing Street was less upbeat, warning that the UK continues to believe there is no basis to resume talks. Mr Barnier had wanted to come to London on Monday to hold discussions, and promised to work through the weekend, but No 10 had told him to stay away and said there would be no point. 1/66Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A message projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover Sky News/AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Pro Brexit supporters attend the Brexit Day Celebration Party hosted by Leave Means Leave at Parliament Square on January 31, 2020 in London, England. At 11.00pm on Friday 31st January the UK and Northern Ireland exits the European Union, 188 weeks after the referendum on June 23rd, 2016. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Jeff J Mitchell Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Big Ben, shows the hands at eleven o'clock at night AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Nigel Farage speaks to pro-Brexit supporters PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit demonstrators celebrate on Parliament Square REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The Union flag is taken down outside the European Parliament in Brussels PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter jumps on an EU flag in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU EU Council staff removed the Union Jack-British flag from the European Council in Brussels, Belgium EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter pours beer onto an EU flag PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pedestrians pass in front of the Ministry of Defence Building on Whitehall, illuminated by red, white and blue lights in central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supporter shouts during a rally in London AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners take part in a 'Missing EU Already' rally outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A large pro-EU banner is projected onto Ramsgate cliff in Kent PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU supporters light candles in Smith Square in Westminster PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man waves Union flags from a small car as he drives past Brexit supporters gathering in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The five-year old Elisa Saemann, left, and her seven-year old sister Katie hold a placard during a rally by anti-Brexit protesters outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Europe supporters gather on Brexit day near the British embassy in Berlin, Germany EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit protester hugs a man while holding a placard REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A decorated, old fashioned fire pump in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit Elvis impersonator performs at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexiteers stands with his dog in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Paddy from Bournemouth wears Union colours as he sits next to an EU flag decorated bag in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-EU activist plays a guitar decorated with the EU flag during a protest organised by civil rights group New Europeans outside Europe House, central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Pro Brexit supporter has a Union Jack painted onto his face at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Men hold placards celebrating Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters dance in the street draped with Union Jack flags at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexit demonstrator spreads his wings during a gathering near Downing Street AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters display a banner ' Here to Stay, Here to Fight, Migrants In, Tories Out' from Westminster bridge EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit supporters burn European Union flags at Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses for a picture on Parliament Square in a 'Brexit Day' t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-EU anti-Brexit protester holds up a placard showing Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and US businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri in Parliament Square in central London on January 31, 2020 on the day that the UK formally leaves the European Union. - Britain on January 31 ends almost half a century of integration with its closest neighbours and leaves the European Union, starting a new -- but still uncertain -- chapter in its long history. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) GLYN KIRK AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man wears a pro-Brexit t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators visit Europe House to give flowers to the staff on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporter wears a novelty Union Jack top hat outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Customers Scott Jones and Laura Jones at the Sawmill Bar in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, where a Brexit party is being held throughout the day PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit demonstrator clenches his fist during a rally in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Britain officially leaves the European Union on Friday after a debilitating political period that has bitterly divided the nation since the 2016 Brexit referendum. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Pro-EU activists protest at Parliament Square as people prepare for Brexit on January 31, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. At 11.00pm on Friday 31st January the UK and Northern Ireland will exit the European Union 188 weeks after the referendum on June 23rd 2016. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Jeff J Mitchell Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: Pro Brexit supporters hold up placards at Parliament Square as people prepare for Brexit on January 31, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. At 11.00pm on Friday 31st January the UK and Northern Ireland will exit the European Union 188 weeks after the referendum on June 23rd 2016. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Jeff J Mitchell Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU activists protest Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit demonstrator burns a European Union flag AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supports holds a sign in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man carries an EU themed wreath Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Ann Widdecombe reacts with other members of the Brexit party as they leave en masse from the European Parliament PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters let off flares from Westminster Bridge Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British MEPs Jonathan Bullock, holding the Union Jack flag and Jake Pugh leave the European Parliament, in Brussels on the Brexit day AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Newspapers and other souvenirs at a store, near Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit supporters hold signs in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU French newspapers PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald with a Border Communities Against Brexit poster before its unveiling in Carrickcarnon on the Irish border PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU National growers organisation British Apples & Pears has renamed a British apple to EOS, the Greek goddess of dawn, to commemorate Brexit day AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Britain's departure from the European Union was set in law on January 29, amid emotional scenes, as the bloc's parliament voted to ratify the divorce papers. After half a century of membership and three years of tense withdrawal talks, the UK will leave the EU at midnight Brussels time (23.00 GMT) on January 31 Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses with paintings on Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People sporting Union Flags gather in Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man walks with a St. George's flag at Westminster bridge on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A British bulldog toy and other souvenirs at a souvenir store Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British pro-brexit Members of the European Parliament leave the EU Parliament for the last time Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Jonathan Bullock waves the Union Jack as he leaves the European Parliament EPA Brexit trade talks have been at an impasse over issues including fishing access and state aid rules. If no trade deal is agreed with the EU and implemented before the end of the year, the UK will leave the single market and customs union and begin to trade on World Trade Organisation (WTO) terms. UK businesses would have to pay high tariffs on goods and abide by restrictive quotas, which would cause serious economic disruption in both the short and long term. The arrangement is a default state of affairs and does not require the agreement of either side.

Brexit: Peers inflict heaviest defeat for more than 20 years over bill that will break international law - The Independent

Warning that legislation ‘would undermine rule of law and damage reputation of UK’ passes with thumping majority of 226

Peers opposing the Brexit bill that the government admitted will break international law have inflicted the heaviest defeat for more than 20 years. A motion warning the legislation would undermine the rule of law and damage the reputation of the United Kingdom was passed by 395 votes to 169 a majority of 226. A total of 39 Conservative peers rebelled against Boris Johnson, including Lord Keen of Elie, the former advocate general for Scotland, who resigned over the Internal Market Bill last month. Lord Judge, a former lord chief justice, who proposed the regret amendment, said: "The fact of the matter is the law would be broken. There can be no getting away from it. You don't have to be a lawyer to understand the reputational damage to the United Kingdom. Watch more We cannot resile from the fact that we are breaking the law if this bill is enacted. The Constitution Unit, a research centre, said the defeat was the biggest government defeat in the House of Lords since reform in 1999. The defeat, on a regret motion, is essentially symbolic and does not, by itself, overturn any of the provisions in the legislation. However, it signals to the government that there is almost no chance of it getting through its remaining stages in the Lords without significant changes. The legislation provoked uproar in the EU and the USA, by paving the way to override the withdrawal agreement on the use of state aid and the customs checks required on goods crossing the Irish Sea. Read more The prime minister was accused of bringing a no-deal Brexit significantly closer and of undermining the still-fragile peace in Northern Ireland. Downing Street has argued the measures are a fallback option, should the trade talks fail, and insisted it remains committed to the withdrawal deal, an international treaty. It was able to deflect a major Conservative revolt in the Commons after agreeing that MPs must give approval before the powers in the bill can be enacted. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, former Commons speaker Baroness Boothroyd and ex-Tory leader Lord Howard of Lympne were among the bills critics in the upper house. Lord True, the Cabinet Office minister opened with a dig at the group of archbishops which attacked the legislation at the weekend. I did have some reflections during the course of the debate and, at one point, found myself asking if Henry VIII's foundation of the Church of England was fully in accord both with our domestic law and international obligations, he said. But he insisted: We share a full and fundamental respect for and belief in the rule of law. And, defending the limited, contingent proposals" in the bill, he said the government does not accept that these safeguard provisions render our country, as has been claimed, an international pariah.

Orionid meteor shower: How to watch 'shooting star' spectacle tonight - The Independent

Up to 20 meteors per hour will be visible at their peak this week

The annual Orionid meteor shower is set to peak on Wednesday night, giving sky gazers in the UK an opportunity to watch the celestial spectacle throughout the week. The event will bring prolonged explosions of light, according to Nasa, with up to 20 shooting stars illuminating the sky each hour. Scattered cloud and rain in many parts of the UK on Wednseday mean that the best chance to see the Orionids could be on Thursday, when weather conditions appear more favourable. The UK Met Office forecasts heavy and persistent rain for periods on Tuesday and Wednesday, but a mainly dry Thursday. Despite peaking this week, the Orionid meteor shower will continue to be visible until 7 November, having first appeared on 2 October. Read more The best way to view them is to look up to an area of the sky near the upraised club of the Orion constellation, which is best observed just before dawn. Meteors will shoot out in all directions but will emanate from just above Orion best known for its three-star belt. Named after a hunter from Greek mythology, Orion is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations, and is located in the southwestern sky in the Northern Hemisphere. There are various free and premium smartphone apps for both Android and iOS devices that can be used to locate Orion using a phones in-built gyroscope. The Orion constellation is one of the most prominent star patterns in the night sky(Getty Images/iStockphoto) Useful astronomy apps include SkyView Lite, SkySafari and Sky Map. When looking at the night sky, Nasa advises allowing up to 45 minutes to allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. During this time, people are encouraged to not look at phone screens or other light sources. Once adjusted, it should be possible to see light trails from the meteors with the naked eye, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to minutes. A recent blog post on Nasas website stated: Fast meteors can also sometimes become fireballs: Look for prolonged explosions of light when viewing the Orionid meteor shower." The US space agency also said that hopeful viewers should head to an area that is as far away as possible from urban light pollution.  The International Meteor Organisation has said that the 2020 Orionid meteor shower could see an unusually large peak. Occurring when Earth passes through the trail of Halleys Comet, the Orionids can produce up to 70 meteors per hour in a good year.

Next presidential debate will mute Trump and Biden's microphones to prevent interruptions - The Independent

Organisers hope move will prevent chaotic scenes of first debate

The next presidential debate will see organisers mute Donald Trump and Joe Bidens microphones to allow each candidate two minutes of uninterrupted time per segment. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced the rule changes for the second and final debate to prevent a repeat of the chaotic scenes of the first. Mr Trump received heavy criticism from political observers and moderator Chris Wallace for repeatedly interrupting his opponent. After the changes were announced the Trump campaign committed to attending the debate regardless of last minute rule changes from the biased commission in their latest attempt to provide advantage to their favoured candidate. Immediately after the first event, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio, last month, the commission announced it would look at changes for the second debate, which ended up being cancelled in the wake of Mr Trumps positive  Covid-19 test when he refused to debate remotely. Instead he and Mr Biden held rival televised town hall events. The commission said it had determined that it is appropriate to adopt measures intended to promote adherence to agreed upon rules and inappropriate to make changes to those rules." Read more Thursdays debate is scheduled to take place in Nashville, Tennessee, and will be moderated by NBCs Kristen Welker. The 90 minute debate will be divided into six segments of 15 minutes and each candidate will be allowed to deliver their initial two minutes without interruption. However, the open discussion part of each segment will not see a mute button used on the microphones, said the commission.  This means that both candidates will still potentially be able to talk over the other after the initial two minutes. The first debate was universally criticised for the manner in which it unfolded. Mr Trump interrupted Mr Biden from the very start, with the former vice president growing frustrated during the opening segment on the Supreme Court.   Will you shut up man? Mr Biden eventually asked Mr Trump as he talked over him. As Mr Wallace tried to move onto the coronavirus, Mr Biden told him: That was a really productive segment. During a discussion on healthcare, Mr Wallace repeatedly tried to get his question over to Mr Trump, who continued to interrupt him. I guess Im debating you, not him, said Mr Trump to Mr Wallace. Following the debate Mr Wallace told the New York Times that it had been a terrible missed opportunity for the country. I never dreamt that it would go off the tracks the way it did, he said. The veteran broadcaster admitted that he never grasped full control of the debate when it became clear the president was not going to stick to the rules they had agreed. Mr Wallace was asked if muting Mr trumps microphone would have helped him maintain some control. As a practical matter, even if the presidents microphone had been shut, he still could have continued to interrupt, and it might well have been picked up on Bidens microphone, and it still would have disrupted the proceedings in the hall, he said. Mr Wallace also said he was uncomfortable with the idea of muting the two men competing for the White House. People have to remember, and too many people forget, both of these candidates have the support of tens of millions of Americans, he said. The second debate, which was supposed to have taken place on 15 October, was initially postponed by the commission following Mr Trumps positive coronavirus test. The commission then announced that the debate would be held virtually but Mr Trump quickly refused to take part under that format. Once the president backed out of the debate Mr Bidens campaign booked him an ABC town hall. This was followed by the president agreeing to take part in an NBC town hall that was controversially scheduled to go directly up against Mr Bidens event. Mr Biden in the end drew a larger TV audience than Mr Trump with an average of 15.1 million viewers compared to 13.5 million for the president. The cancellation of the second debate had created some doubt as to whether both candidates would agree to go through with the third and final debate. Hours before the changes were announced on Monday, Mr Trumps campaign had urged the commission to rethink and reissue a set of topics for the debate. In an open letter posted on Twitter Mr Trumps campaign manager Bill Stepien demanded the debate be focused on foreign policy. In it he argued that Americans deserved to know "if a major party candidate for President of the US is compromised by the Communist Party of China." Moderator Kristen Welker has said that the topics for the debate will be  Fighting COVID-19, American Families, Race in America, Climate Change, National Security, and Leadership. Mr Stepien argued that it was a tradition in past campaigns for topics to be reissued, and said that the commission did not need "to consult with the Biden campaign before replying because we all know what they think." Mr Trump has also started to try and cast doubt on Ms Welkers impartiality, telling a campaign rally in Arizona on Monday that the NBC White House correspondent was a radical Democrat.

Raul Jimenez strikes as Wolves down Leeds to move up to sixth - The Independent

The Mexican’s shot deflected off Kalvin Phillips to hand Marcelo Bielsa his first loss in the top flight at Elland Road

Raul Jimenez's deflected strike clinched Wolves a 1-0 win at Leeds and catapulted them up to sixth place in the Premier League table. The Mexico striker's tame second-half effort wrong-footed Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier after hitting Kalvin Phillips on the head to seal his side's third league win of the season. Wolves had seen an earlier effort from Romain Saiss ruled out by the video assistant referee for offside. But Nuno Espirito Santo's side, rewarded for an improved second-half display, were fortunate to leave Elland Road with all three points having been outplayed in the first period. Leeds made a flying start. Bamford's early header was ruled out for offside and they had a penalty appeal turned down after Helder Costa went down under Joao Moutinho's challenge. Rodrigo headed over and Costa dragged his effort wide after more slick build-up down the right, with Wolves pinned in their own half. Luke Ayling, Leeds' captain on the night following Liam Cooper's late withdrawal due to a groin injury, saw his fierce shot blocked by Max Kilman and Rodrigo was wayward with another header. Twice in quick succession from Phillips' corners, Rodrigo's thumping drives were blocked as Leeds chased the opening goal they deserved. Wolves served warning of their threat on the break in time added on at the end of the first half when a fierce Daniel Podence shot was well saved by Meslier. The visitors enjoyed their best spell at the start of the second period and were denied the opening goal by the video assistant referee. Saiss thought he had given his side a 54th-minute lead with a superb finish from the edge of the area, but VAR ruled Podence was in an offside position. Meslier produced a flying save to turn away Podence's effort shortly afterwards and Leeds all of a sudden had a different fight on their hands. Wolves added more bite to every challenge and were rewarded for their extra aggression when Jimenez gave them the lead in the 70th minute. He was allowed too much time to cut inside from the right and after switching onto his right foot, his shot deflected off Phillips' head, wrong-footing Meslier and into the opposite corner. Pablo Hernandez went close for Leeds soon after replacing Pascal Struijk in the 75th minute, but his effort was blocked by Willy Boly. Leeds sent on latest signing Raphinha for Jack Harrison with eight minutes left and continued to press for the equaliser, but failed to carve out a clear opening and Wolves held on. PA

‘He continues to lie to us’: Biden hammers Trump on coronavirus in emerging battleground North Carolina - The Independent

‘My grandfather would say this guy’s gone around the bend if he thinks we’ve turned the corner’

As early voting begins in North Carolina, Joe Biden urged supporters in the state to cast their ballots as soon as possible and slammed his opponent Donald Trump for his response to the coronavirus pandemic and failure to protect Americans from its economic fallout. Infections reached a single-day high in several states on Friday, with total confirmed cases reaching nearly 70,000 the highest point since July amid a third surge of infections eight months into the public health crisis. The former vice president took issue with the presidents claim at a campaign rally in Wisconsin on Saturday that the US had turned the corner". "My grandfather would say this guys gone around the bend if he thinks weve turned the corner, Mr Biden said from the parking lot of Riverside High School in Durham, one of his campaigns socially distant drive-thru rallies, with supporters blaring their horns in parking lots. Turned the corner? Its getting worse," he said. "He continues to lie to us about the circumstances." Read more Supporters could be heard calling out to send him home, Joe. The state emerged as a critical battleground that the Democratic presidential candidate aims to flip no Democratic presidential candidate has won the state since the election of Barack Obama in 2008. A recent poll from The New York Times/Siena College gave Mr Biden the support of 46 per cent of likely voters, compared with 42 per cent for the president. In a virtual event on Friday, Biden campaign manager Jennifer OMalley Dillon said that without North Carolina, its very hard to imagine Donald Trump winning. Since early voting began in North Carolina on Thursday, more than 1.7 million votes have been cast, including more than 828,000 ballots from in-person voters. Within days, almost 20 per cent of the states voting population had cast their ballot. The candidate urged residents to vote in a number of down-ballot races aiming for key Democratic victories, including a US Senate race between Republican Senator Thom Tillis and Democratic opponent Cal Cunningham. "Dont just vote for me and Senator Harris," Mr Biden said. Youve got a governors race, a Senate race, a record number of Black women on the ballot, Congress and lieutenant governor, labour commissioner and the courts. Mr Biden underscored that times are hard in the US and in North Carolina, particulary among communities of colour. "How do we break that cycle where in good times, you lag behind, in bad times, you get hit the hardest and first? Mr Biden said. The answer is about justice. Nearly 20,000 people claimed unemployment benefits in the state last week, up more than 22 per cent from the previous week a second consecutive week of rising jobless claims. Peak unemployment claims during the pandemic hit more than 170,000 in March. He criticised the White House response and failed efforts from the president to negotiate relief for out-of-work Americans facing a potential rental crisis and looming threats to healthcare. The president has known how bad this virus would be since January and he hid it from you, Mr Biden said. His excuse is that he didnt want Americans to panic. Americans dont panic. Donald Trump panics. In his pitch to expand the Affordable Care Act, Mr Biden condemned Republican-led efforts to confirm the presidents Supreme Court nominee in the Senate instead of addressing the significant economic needs of local communities. "Its about wiping Obamacare off the books," he said. Democrats have argued that Amy Coney Barretts appointment to the nations high court could tip the court in favour of the Trump administrations attempt to dismantle the law, which could eliminate health insurance for millions of Americans without a replacement measure that the president has claimed is imminent.

Virgil van Dijk releases emotional statement ahead of ACL surgery - The Independent

Defender is likely facing between six and nine months on the sidelines as a result of a challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford

Virgil van Dijk has released a statement following the news that he is set to undergo ACL surgery for an injury he suffered in Liverpools Merseyside derby draw at Everton on Saturday. Van Dijk was scythed down by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford early in the first half of the Premier League fixture at Goodison Park, a challenge for which the Toffees shotstopper went unpunished. Van Dijk was forced off, and Liverpool confirmed on Sunday that the centre-back would require surgery to repair anterior cruciate ligament damage.  It is anticipated that the Netherlands defender could miss between six and nine months of action as a result. This afternoon I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday, Van Dijk wrote on social media on Sunday. Im now fully focussed on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible. Despite the obvious disappointment, Im a firm believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with Gods help Im going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before. In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and its important to try and keep level headed whether going through the highs or the lows. With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool, Im ready for the challenge ahead. Id like to thank everyone for the messages of support, its meant a huge amount to me and my family, and Ill now be doing everything possible to support my teammates in any way I can ahead of a big few weeks ahead as I take my own recovery day by day.  Ill be back. Club sources are reluctant to rule out a return to action this season for the 29-year-old, who had played every minute of the 74 league games prior to being forced off the pitch on Saturday, a spell stretching back to his substitution in the 3-0 home win over Southampton in September 2018.

UK shop closures reach record high amid coronavirus pandemic - The Independent

More than 11,000 chain store outlets shut in first half of year

A record number of shops closed during the first half of 2020 due to the coronavirus lockdown, new figures show. Some 11,120 chain store outlets shut between January and August this year, according to research from the Local Data Company and accountancy firm PwC. Around 5,000 shops opened, leaving a net decline of  over 6,000 stores, almost double the drop during the same period last year. Lisa Hooker, consumer markets leader at PwC, said: We know that the pandemic will continue to impact the way we work, rest and play; however, in terms of how we shop, this isn't new. What we have seen is an acceleration of existing changes in shopping behaviours alongside forced experimentation from Covid-19 restrictions. We all knew that consumers were shifting to shopping online or changing their priorities in terms of the things they buy, but what Covid-19 has done is create a step-change in these underlying trends to where they have now become the new normal. Read more The data shows there has been a steady rise in shop closures since 2017, when the total was 6,453, increasing by at least 1,000 almost every year. The types of businesses that have seen consistent growth over the last five years include value retailers and discount supermarkets. The Local Data Company predicted a rise in local tradesmen outlets, building products and locksmiths, as services such as banks and post offices move away from the high street. Lucy Stainton, of the Local Data Company, said: As with any economic turmoil, there are opportunities for retailers who are able to weather this storm, with the availability of prime property, increased activity and spend in local centres, and changing consumer habits. Agile retailers who are able to innovate and adapt quickly, such as Pret launching its coffee subscription service or e-bike retailer Pure Electric who have opened 13 stores this year, will be the most resilient as we head towards the end of a year which arguably has been the most challenging in recent history. PA