The centrist favourite to win the French presidency is losing his lead over his far-right rival with just a week to go until the vote.
Emmanuel Macron's lead over Marine Le Pen has slipped six points since polls conducted just before the first round last Sunday.
However, he is still as much as 20 points ahead.
According to pollster Harris Interactive, who correctly predicted the result of the first round with remarkable accuracy, Mr Macron now has a lead of 61% against Ms Le Pen's 39%.
:: Marine Le Pen: Who is National Front candidate in France election?
That compares to a poll carried out under the same conditions just before last Sunday's vote which put Mr Macron at 67% and Ms Le Pen at 33%.
Importantly, the most recent Harris poll was conducted before Ms Le Pen announced an alliance with the defeated first round presidential candidate Nicolas Dupont-Aignan.
Mr Dupont-Aignan was sixth in the first round contest, securing 4.7% of the vote.
His party, Debout La France (Stand Up France), is an off-shoot of the conservative right. The alliance will be seen by some right-wing voters as attractive.
Ms Le Pen has said that Mr Dupont-Aignan would become her prime minister.
He once claimed he could never form an alliance with the far-right.
:: French presidential election: Who is Emmanuel Macron?
His policies are less extreme than hers, though he is deeply eurosceptic and a longstanding critic of the eurozone.
The newly formed duo released a joint statement on Saturday alongside a modified manifesto.
Within it, some of Ms Le Pen's campaign pledges seem to have become more ambiguous.
There is no explicit mention of her promise to quit the single currency, and only a looser reference to ditching French membership of the EU.
Sections of the French media are claiming it represents an important u-turn designed to lure more voters.
Elderly right-wing voters had been particularly concerned about the pledge to quit the eurozone because of the effect it could have on their savings.
The two candidates have spent the weekend campaigning in different parts of the country.
Ms Le Pen was in the south of France on Sunday with a particular campaign message on the environment - a key issue for the now defeated far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon.
It's possible that far-right Ms Le Pen could, curiously, attract a proportion of far-left voters because despite their opposing views on immigration, Mr Melenchon and Ms Le Pen share some anti-establishment and anti-globalisation visions.
Ms Le Pen and her campaign team claim Mr Macron represents a bubble that will burst at the first national crisis.
He is, they say, representative of the globalist, borderless elite of politicians and financiers who have no interest in looking after real people.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
More wonky veg should be sold to cut food waste
Knobbly and crooked vegetables should not be banished from supermarket shelves simply because they aren't a perfect shape, MPs have said.
Around £10bn worth of food is thrown away by households every year, much of it simply because it looks unusual, according to a report by Parliament's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
Chairman Neil Parish, who is MP for Tiverton and Honiton, said: "It's ridiculous that perfectly good vegetables are wasted simply because they're a funny shape.
"Farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to UK supermarkets currently get their produce rejected on the grounds that it fails to meet cosmetic quality standards set by the big retailers.
"Knobbly carrots and parsnips don't cook or taste any different. It's high time we saved them from the supermarket reject bins," he said.
Some supermarkets recently launched wonky veg lines which were positively received by shoppers.
Asda was the first, with a "wonky veg box" containing 5kg of fresh produce including carrots, potatoes, peppers, cucumber, cabbage, leeks, parsnips and onions.
The committee made a range of suggestions, including a national reduction target to cut the food waste that costs the average person £200 a year; raising awareness from a young age; more funding for waste reduction body Wrap and a review of food date labelling, particularly "best before" dates.
Other suggestions included requiring food businesses over a certain size to separate food waste for collection; increasing the amount of surplus food given to charities; and requiring supermarkets to publish data on the amount of food they throw out, something already done by Tesco and being looked at by Sainsbury's.
Mr Parish added: "Economically, food waste costs households hundreds of pounds a year and causes increased disposal costs to local authorities, pushing up council tax bills.
"Socially, it is a scandal that people are going hungry and using food banks when so much produce is being wasted.
"And environmentally it is a disaster, because energy and resources are wasted in production only for the food to end up rotting in landfills where it produces methane - a potent climate-changing gas."
Around £10bn worth of food is thrown away by households every year, much of it simply because it looks unusual, according to a report by Parliament's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.
Chairman Neil Parish, who is MP for Tiverton and Honiton, said: "It's ridiculous that perfectly good vegetables are wasted simply because they're a funny shape.
"Farmers supplying fruits and vegetables to UK supermarkets currently get their produce rejected on the grounds that it fails to meet cosmetic quality standards set by the big retailers.
"Knobbly carrots and parsnips don't cook or taste any different. It's high time we saved them from the supermarket reject bins," he said.
Some supermarkets recently launched wonky veg lines which were positively received by shoppers.
Asda was the first, with a "wonky veg box" containing 5kg of fresh produce including carrots, potatoes, peppers, cucumber, cabbage, leeks, parsnips and onions.
The committee made a range of suggestions, including a national reduction target to cut the food waste that costs the average person £200 a year; raising awareness from a young age; more funding for waste reduction body Wrap and a review of food date labelling, particularly "best before" dates.
Other suggestions included requiring food businesses over a certain size to separate food waste for collection; increasing the amount of surplus food given to charities; and requiring supermarkets to publish data on the amount of food they throw out, something already done by Tesco and being looked at by Sainsbury's.
Mr Parish added: "Economically, food waste costs households hundreds of pounds a year and causes increased disposal costs to local authorities, pushing up council tax bills.
"Socially, it is a scandal that people are going hungry and using food banks when so much produce is being wasted.
"And environmentally it is a disaster, because energy and resources are wasted in production only for the food to end up rotting in landfills where it produces methane - a potent climate-changing gas."
RESPECT! Best Twitter reactions to Joshua victory over Klitschko
The biggest heavyweight fight in over a decade had something for everyone, but in the end it was Anthony Joshua who finally turned things around for good in the 11th round.
Here is how the world of sport and its fans have reacted to the spectacular showdown on social media.
Tyson Fury, who beat Klitschko to become world heavyweight champion in 2015, said: "Wellldone @anthonyfjoshua good fight, you had life & death with @Klitschko & I played with the guy, let's dance ='."
Here is how the world of sport and its fans have reacted to the spectacular showdown on social media.
Tyson Fury, who beat Klitschko to become world heavyweight champion in 2015, said: "Wellldone @anthonyfjoshua good fight, you had life & death with @Klitschko & I played with the guy, let's dance ='."
Five people killed as three tornadoes hit eastern Texas
Five people have been killed and dozens more injured after tornadoes swept through eastern Texas.
At least three tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service east of Dallas - in Canton, Eustace and Caney City.
Local media reported that as many as five may have hit the region, but that has not yet been confirmed.
Canton Fire Department Captain Brian Horton told local media that five people had died, but added: "We still may have people unaccounted for."
At least three tornadoes were confirmed by the National Weather Service east of Dallas - in Canton, Eustace and Caney City.
Local media reported that as many as five may have hit the region, but that has not yet been confirmed.
Canton Fire Department Captain Brian Horton told local media that five people had died, but added: "We still may have people unaccounted for."
'Philip Green Charter': PM vows to protect pensions from 'irresponsible' bosses
Theresa May has unveiled a plan to crack down on "irresponsible bosses" who fail to protect workers' pensions from a repeat of the BHS scandal.
In what some have dubbed the "Philip Green Charter", the Government is considering a new criminal offence for bosses who put pension schemes at risk.
The Conservative Party's General Election manifesto will contain a commitment to increase the punishments for those found mismanaging schemes.
The Prime Minister also wants to give more powers to the Pensions Regulator to block takeovers where there is a risk of insolvency to the pension scheme.
Mrs May says the plans would "ensure the pensions of ordinary working people are protected against the actions of unscrupulous company bosses".
"Safeguarding pensions to ensure dignity in retirement is about security for families, and it's another example of the choice in this election," she said.
Sir Philip faced widespread calls to be stripped of his knighthood over his alleged role in the collapse of BHS, which he owned for 15 years before selling it to Dominic Chappell for £1 in 2015.
The Topshop owner came under fire for taking more than £400m in dividendsfrom the chain, leaving it with a £571m pension deficit.
Mr Chappell, a former racing driver, had previously been bankrupt and had no retail experience.
Sir Philip has now agreed to pay £363m to help settle the BHS pension scheme.
A Government statement about the new proposals does not mention Sir Philip directly but states: "In recent years, the employees of several large, household-name companies have had their pensions put at risk by the irresponsible behaviour of bosses.
"Meanwhile, responsible companies managing their pension schemes in the right way have found their competitive position suffer as a result. This is bad for ordinary working families and bad for the market."
In what some have dubbed the "Philip Green Charter", the Government is considering a new criminal offence for bosses who put pension schemes at risk.
The Conservative Party's General Election manifesto will contain a commitment to increase the punishments for those found mismanaging schemes.
The Prime Minister also wants to give more powers to the Pensions Regulator to block takeovers where there is a risk of insolvency to the pension scheme.
Mrs May says the plans would "ensure the pensions of ordinary working people are protected against the actions of unscrupulous company bosses".
"Safeguarding pensions to ensure dignity in retirement is about security for families, and it's another example of the choice in this election," she said.
Sir Philip faced widespread calls to be stripped of his knighthood over his alleged role in the collapse of BHS, which he owned for 15 years before selling it to Dominic Chappell for £1 in 2015.
The Topshop owner came under fire for taking more than £400m in dividendsfrom the chain, leaving it with a £571m pension deficit.
Mr Chappell, a former racing driver, had previously been bankrupt and had no retail experience.
Sir Philip has now agreed to pay £363m to help settle the BHS pension scheme.
A Government statement about the new proposals does not mention Sir Philip directly but states: "In recent years, the employees of several large, household-name companies have had their pensions put at risk by the irresponsible behaviour of bosses.
"Meanwhile, responsible companies managing their pension schemes in the right way have found their competitive position suffer as a result. This is bad for ordinary working families and bad for the market."
Jeremy Corbyn: 'Insecure' Theresa May will make damaging mistakes
Jeremy Corbyn has accused Theresa May of being "insecure" about her authority - and retreating into a "presidential bunker mentality" reminiscent of Tony Blair.
The Labour leader said he believed in "empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready", while the Prime Minister was obsessed with stifling dissent.
Mr Corbyn said Tony Blair's premiership showed what can go wrong if leaders go unchallenged.
:: Corbyn urges young voters to stop 'Brexit for few'
Speaking to an audience of supporters in London's East End, he said he recognised similar characteristics in Mrs May.
He said: "It taught me that if leaders go unchallenged, they can make some of the most damaging mistakes.
"And if party leaders put themselves ahead of serving the people, they stop listening and even put our country at risk.
"Barely nine months into Theresa May's premiership, there are clear warning signs that she and her closest advisers are slipping into that presidential bunker mentality.
"Whereas it is the job of leadership to hold open the space for dissent, new thinking and fit-for-purpose policy.
"So while it might not be the stuff of soundbites, I have always believed in standing firm and empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready.
"It is the mindset that gets community centres and nurseries built, and increasingly defends them from closure.
"It is the mindset that negotiates hard for better conditions in the workplace. It is the mindset that serves the many, not the few."
:: Why it might be worth a punt on a Corbyn win
Mr Corbyn said he had previously thought political leaders had no choice but to give in to "vested interests" while manipulating the public.
"I didn't want to be like that. And it wasn't clear to me there could be another way," he said.
"But I've learned there is. Whereas insecure leaders want to feel stronger by asking you to give them more power, I recognise strong leadership as equipping you with more power."
The Labour leader said he believed in "empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready", while the Prime Minister was obsessed with stifling dissent.
Mr Corbyn said Tony Blair's premiership showed what can go wrong if leaders go unchallenged.
:: Corbyn urges young voters to stop 'Brexit for few'
Speaking to an audience of supporters in London's East End, he said he recognised similar characteristics in Mrs May.
He said: "It taught me that if leaders go unchallenged, they can make some of the most damaging mistakes.
"And if party leaders put themselves ahead of serving the people, they stop listening and even put our country at risk.
"Barely nine months into Theresa May's premiership, there are clear warning signs that she and her closest advisers are slipping into that presidential bunker mentality.
"Whereas it is the job of leadership to hold open the space for dissent, new thinking and fit-for-purpose policy.
"So while it might not be the stuff of soundbites, I have always believed in standing firm and empowering others to make up their minds and come on board when they are ready.
"It is the mindset that gets community centres and nurseries built, and increasingly defends them from closure.
"It is the mindset that negotiates hard for better conditions in the workplace. It is the mindset that serves the many, not the few."
:: Why it might be worth a punt on a Corbyn win
Mr Corbyn said he had previously thought political leaders had no choice but to give in to "vested interests" while manipulating the public.
"I didn't want to be like that. And it wasn't clear to me there could be another way," he said.
"But I've learned there is. Whereas insecure leaders want to feel stronger by asking you to give them more power, I recognise strong leadership as equipping you with more power."
British woman dies after falling from Benidorm apartment
A British woman has died after falling from a 10th-floor apartment in the Spanish resort of Benidorm.
There are reports she had been partying with other Britons at the Apartamentos Payma block in the area known as 'Little England' when she fell.
Police said they were questioning people at the party, but it is not yet clear how the incident occurred and whether the woman was on holiday or lived in the resort.
Local newspaper Diario Informacion reported she was 25 years old.
Benidorm's apartment blocks, fast-food outlets, bars and nightclubs have long drawn British tourists looking for cheap package holiday.
Last November, 21-year-old Danielle Hall from Newcastle also died after falling from a ninth-floor Benidorm apartment.
There are reports she had been partying with other Britons at the Apartamentos Payma block in the area known as 'Little England' when she fell.
Police said they were questioning people at the party, but it is not yet clear how the incident occurred and whether the woman was on holiday or lived in the resort.
Local newspaper Diario Informacion reported she was 25 years old.
Benidorm's apartment blocks, fast-food outlets, bars and nightclubs have long drawn British tourists looking for cheap package holiday.
Last November, 21-year-old Danielle Hall from Newcastle also died after falling from a ninth-floor Benidorm apartment.
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