
War Budget Leaves Netanyahu Caught Between Markets and Politics
With Israel’s war against Hamas costing the economy around $260 million every day, payouts to ultra-orthodox schools and
2023-11-12 17:26

Iceland earthquakes: What are your rights if you are on holiday or are planning to go?
The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes. The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights. I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave? Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: “Our flights are operating as planned and we continue to monitor the situation closely. “We will be in touch with customers directly should the situation change.” The easyJet statement is very similar: “Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.” But didn’t an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week? Yes. Travellers may remember where they were March 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week because of fears that volcanic ash spreading southeast from Iceland could damage aircraft engines and endanger travellers. More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled. So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst. What if I am booked on a package holiday? Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel. The Foreign Office advice to British travellers is that it is “increasingly possible” that a volcanic eruption could occur. The official warning on “volcanic eruption and earthquakes” reads: “Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. “The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. “The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. “Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.” Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal. The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon – an increasingly popular “wellness” destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site. The Blue Lagoon is currently closed. Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future. Can I claim on insurance? No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare “cancel for any reason” policies. On standard travel insurance, “disinclination to travel” is not an acceptable reason for a claim. Would you go to Iceland at the moment? Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Late November is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show to the Northern Lights, which are at a peak of the usual 11-year cosmic cycle. I also know that the Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place. I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund. Read More Iceland earthquakes: Your rights if you are on holiday there or are planning to go Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption? In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus Airbnb rules go ‘step too far’ with guidance on how to clean up blood Passenger claims tequila in his luggage came back with ‘shot’ missing after flight
2023-11-12 17:21

Victor Lindelof: Scoring more goals is next step for Manchester United
Victor Lindelof says Manchester United must keep building after Erik ten Hag’s below-par side fought for a fourth narrow win in five Premier League matches. This has been a difficult second campaign to date for the Dutchman, who oversaw a ninth loss in 17 games in Wednesday’s 4-3 Champions League collapse at Copenhagen. United rallied at a packed Old Trafford on Saturday and Lindelof’s second-half goal secured a 1-0 win against unfancied Luton, easing pressure before an international break they head into in a surprisingly good spot. Despite relentless scrutiny and some chastening defeats, no team has won more points over their last five Premier League games than a Red Devils team with plenty of improvements to make. “We want to score more goals and that’s the next step for us,” Lindelof said. “Right now the most important thing is the three points and the result. “But after that we have to keep going, keep working and building and hopefully we can score goals, close the game and not make it difficult for ourselves. But it’s step by step. We want to score more goals and that’s the next step for us Victor Lindelof “We haven’t been playing at the highest level and we know that. We’ve just got to keep working hard. “”We’re (not far) off the top four, and it shows that even if we’re not playing at the highest level, we can still get a result.” All seven of United’s Premier League wins this term have come by a one-goal margin. Ten Hag believes things will improve when his goal-shy frontmen’s form turns and is happy how others have stepped up in the meantime, with defender Lindelof lashing home just his fourth for the club on Saturday. “It’s always special and nice to score a goal – I don’t score that many anymore,” the Sweden skipper told MUTV. “To score the match-winner in front of the Stretford End is a special feeling and I felt that today. “I saw the ball drop and I was thinking to myself ‘just try and hit it quite hard and quite high’. It was a good goal, I think. “After the goal we dropped a little bit but, like I said, three points was the most important thing.” Lindelof and many of his team-mates now turn their attention to international matters with United now not back in action until the trip to Everton on November 26. Luton return to Premier League matters a day earlier at home to Crystal Palace as Rob Edwards’ promoted side look for a second victory of a season after a pair of promising displays. “We are disappointed,” the Hatters boss said after a narrow loss at Old Trafford followed a 1-1 home draw with Liverpool. “Of course, there was hard work in the performance and there was good quality in the second half from us. “We showed a lot of bravery on the ball, and our fans know we aren’t a team that necessarily dominates on the ball. “To grow on the ball in one of the best stadiums in the world and in the toughest league in the world is difficult, so the boys showed incredible bravery. “It was harder to break United down later in the game as they got more players behind the ball, we just needed to find moments in the game at the right times and create some chances. “I saw a determination, a steel, a grit about us in that first half, we rode our luck once or twice but had a chance of our own through the Carlton (Morris) header and it was important to stay in the game. “The support we had from the fans was incredible today. It was very important at the beginning that we showed that respect which we did immaculately, and then I could hear them the whole game. “It made me really proud to be representing this club and I hope everyone has a safe journey home. “Take a lot from it, be proud of the football club today, but we are greedy and we want more points.” Read More Rob Key ready to take share of blame for England’s poor World Cup Tom Aspinall beats Sergei Pavlovich to become UFC interim heavyweight champion On this day in 2004: John Toshack becomes Wales boss on five-year deal Gareth Southgate: England have won over the world – now for our own fans It is hard to overtake Manchester City under Pep Guardiola – Mauricio Pochettino Pep Guardiola: Only small clubs worry about selling players to their rivals
2023-11-12 17:20

Turkish Air Order Splash Pushes Dubai Show Into Record Territory
Dubai has long lived by the adage that more is more, and this year’s edition of the biennial
2023-11-12 17:17

Ukraine Recap: Officer Linked in Reports to Nord Stream Sabotage
A senior Ukrainian military officer with deep ties to the country’s intelligence services played a central role in
2023-11-12 16:58

Afghanistan's first female orchestra 'inspiring'
Sisters follows musician Dan Blackwell who travels Kabul to meet the Zohra orchestra.
2023-11-12 16:50

'I could relate to it on a personal level': Mia McKenna-Bruce identified with How to Have Sex character
Mia McKenna-Bruce found it straightforward to relate to her character Tara in the movie 'How to Have Sex'.
2023-11-12 16:21

Traders Says UK Inflation Risks Undoing Aggressive Rate-Cut Bets
Bets that the Bank of England is getting closer to lowering UK interest rates are misguided, according to
2023-11-12 16:15

Israel Latest: Fighting Surrounds Hospitals as Cease-Fire Urged
Israel vowed to press on with military operations in Gaza, as France added to rising international calls for
2023-11-12 15:27

What’s It Really Like to Go to a Football Match in Saudi Arabia?
The game at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Buraydah had the atmosphere of any spirited local
2023-11-12 15:21

On this day in 2004: John Toshack becomes Wales boss on five-year deal
John Toshack signed a five-year contract to become the new manager of Wales on this day in 2004. Former Liverpool striker Toshack, then 55, took the helm for the second time 10 years after lasting just a single game in his first spell. He had been appointed on a part-time basis in 1994, combining his duties with his role as manager at Real Sociedad, but resigned to concentrate on his club responsibilities following a 3-1 defeat by Norway. The Football Association of Wales turned to a man who had won 40 caps for his country for a second time a decade later having drawn up a three-man shortlist which also included Dean Saunders and Philippe Troussier after Gerard Houllier had declined an interview. Toshack, who had been outspokenly critical of predecessor Mark Hughes in his role as a pundit, arrived with the Welsh having missed out on qualification for the Euro 2004 finals after a play-off defeat by Russia and with their World Cup qualification hopes hanging in the balance following a return of just two points from their opening four games of the campaign. He said at the time: “While it’s mathematically possible that we can qualify, we realise that this particular campaign is by no means easy. “But by the time the European Championship qualifiers come round in September 2006, we’ll have a pretty good idea what sort of side I’ve got. Hopefully by results and hard work, we’ll be able to achieve our objectives.” Toshack, who launched his coaching career as player-manager at Swansea and guided the club from the fourth to the first division before heading for Sporting Lisbon, Sociedad, Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas, went to work with his eyes wide open. Draws with Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland and defeats by England and Poland meant he inherited a difficult situation, and it was not improved by back-to-back defeats by Austria. Wales ultimately finished fifth in the group despite wins over Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland in their final two games. Toshack remained at the helm for almost six years, blooding a new generation of players as the likes of Robbie Savage, Gary Speed, Ryan Giggs, Jason Koumas and Simon Davies made way for youngsters Gareth Bale, Joe Ledley, Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter and Jack Collison. However, appearances at the finals of major tournaments continued to elude them and, after a 1-0 defeat by Montenegro in their opening Euro 2012 qualifier in Podgorica in September 2010, he left his post by mutual consent. Toshack departed having overseen 21 wins in 53 games during which he capped 43 new senior internationals and was succeeded three months later by Gary Speed. Read More Gareth Southgate: England have won over the world – now for our own fans It is hard to overtake Manchester City under Pep Guardiola – Mauricio Pochettino Pep Guardiola: Only small clubs worry about selling players to their rivals Rob Page: Harry Wilson has been one of Wales’ main men since Gareth Bale retired Kieran Trippier confronted by angry Newcastle fans after defeat at Bournemouth She’s a tough cookie – Jodie Burrage backed to bounce back from nightmare debut
2023-11-12 14:22

Big 12 Championship Game scenarios after Oklahoma State upset, Oklahoma win
What are the Big 12 Championship Game scenarios after Week 11? Who is in the driver's seat and who needs to win out? Find out now!
2023-11-12 13:50