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Concerned Brits believe the nation needs to do more to enhance its preparedness for pandemics and combat climate change.

The impact of coronavirus restrictions is continuing to take its toll and across the UK, the publics awareness of improving provision and capacity for dealing with crises is being heightened.

Over four in five of us (83 per cent) reckon it is essential for the country to invest more in emerging technology and skills to improve our ability to address major issues like pandemics and climate change, with almost nine in ten (89 per cent) believing that the use of technology is vital for the future of the economy.

And with a huge volume of our investment being dedicated to young people, almost two-thirds (63 per cent) admit the current level of focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Technology) in schools is not enough to futureproof the UK and could leave our society vulnerable in years to come.

These new findings come as IBM launches a new campaign to encourage the uptake of STEM subjects amongst young people. The company has released a series of videos for schoolchildren explaining Quantum computing, an emerging technology with the potential address big societal issues like sustainability and climate change.

Dr James Wootton, a Quantum researcher at IBM, said: Quantum computing is a really good example of an emerging technology that requires STEM education and skills. It promises game-changing applications across almost every sector, such as better batteries for electric cars, quicker discovery of new medicines, or the discovery of new materials for things like solar panels or carbon capture.

But to take advantage of this opportunity, the UK needs to ensure that young people are developing skills in the right areas.

Brits are determined for this trend to change, however, with almost all of us (94 per cent) claiming there are numerous benefits to children having a good STEM education.

Whether its helping young people understand the world around us (71 per cent), promoting problem solving skills (69 per cent), improving career prospects (66 per cent) or supporting innovation and future economic growth (57 per cent), the nation is key to ensuring young people are provided with the appropriate skills to help protect the UK in the future.

IBM has extensive and successful programmes including P-TECH and SkillsBuild to address these skills gaps, and in October the company made a commitment to upskill 30 million people globally by 2030.

The new video series, entitled What How Why, invited students from schools and colleges in London Leeds and Dublin to directly ask IBM Research experts to explain Quantum computing. Introduced by teacher and mathematician Bobby Seagull, these conversations covered what Quantum computing is, why it is important for the skills they will need in future and how it will make a difference to the world they are growing up in.

And Dr Wootton added: The videos helped us explore Quantum computing in terms everyone can understand, the applications and skills needed for a future, and the impact it can make on some of the big challenges we face.

Even though we created these videos for young people, they are a great primer for anyone that wants to demystify quantum computing and understand its potential to change the world.

To watch the new series of videos, visit the IBM UK & Ireland Think blog: https://www.ibm.com/blogs/think/uk-en/what-how-why-quantum-explained/

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UK needs more investment in tech and skills, say Brits - Wales Online

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What do the Apache Log4j Vulnerability, Security Community Outreach Efforts, Cognitive Infrastructure, Resilience, Anti-Fragility, John Boyd and Dune...

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A growing roster of Republican lawmakers are encouraging Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to consider crossing the aisle permanently to join the GOP.

Some left-wing Democrats are imploring the moderate Manchin to leave the party following his opposition to President Biden's $1.8 trillion Build Back Better spending package, but the senator has not publicly expressed an intention of defecting.

Last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told reporters that "it would be a great idea" if Manchin were to switch.

MANCHIN SAYS HE OFFERED TO BECOME INDEPENDENT IF DEMS FOUND HIM EMBARRASSING, NEVER CONSIDERED JOINING GOP

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., who made headlines in 2019 when he left the Democratic Party to join the Republicans, likewise assured Manchin that he would be well-received if he made the move.

"I am not sure whether Senator Manchin will switch parties, but I have no doubt the Republican Party will welcome him with open arms, as they did with me," Van Drew told Fox News in a statement. "Personally, I hope Senator Manchin does make the switch, and speaking from experience, I can say it was one of the best decisions I ever made."

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., echoed the sentiment during a Tuesday interview on Fox News' "The Story," saying, "I think its pretty rich when Bernie Sanders, who wasnt even a Democrat at all until six years ago, is criticizing Joe Manchin for not being a good Democrat. So maybe it is time for Sen. Manchin to come over, and wed welcome him with open arms if he did."

Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the conclusion of military operations in Afghanistan and plans for future counterterrorism operations on Capitol Hill on Sept. 28, 2021, in Washington, D.C. (Patrick Semansky-Pool/Getty Images)

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also told Fox News Digital this week that Manchin would be welcome in the ranks of the GOP but noted such a move would be an uphill battle for him.

"A lot of folks ask, Well, gosh, is Manchin going to become a Republican? I hope he does. I've asked him to. I think every Republican senator has made that case a dozen times to Joe," Cruz said.

"I will say I think it's a tough hill for him to climb. He's just culturally, he's a Democrat. He's been a Democrat his whole life, and he's really the godfather of Democrats in West Virginia. So I get why switching parties, that's hard. That being said, if they're nasty enough, the best thing that could happen is they could drive him over to the Republican Party, and we would welcome him."

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks during the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, on Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. (Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, told local Austin outlet KXAN that he sent a note to Manchin saying of the Democrats, "Joe, if they dont want you, we do."

"I dont know what he will decide to do," Cornyn said. "But I do know West Virginia has gotten increasingly red, and I think his vote on Build Back Better is reflective of what hes hearing from his constituents in West Virginia. So yeah, wed love to have him. That would change the majority."

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Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., also told Fox News host Neil Cavuto that Manchin would be welcome. "Were in a dead set 50-50 Senate," he said. "The only reason they have control is because they control the White House. And of course, wed be happy to have Joe Manchin."

A source close to Manchin told Fox News on Tuesday, "In the 10 years Ive known him, hes never once discussed switching parties with me."

Fox News' Joseph Wulfsohn contributed to this report.

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Growing number of Republican lawmakers beckon Manchin to switch parties: Wed welcome him - Fox News

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin Editorial Board| Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Voting is the beating heart of democracy, the way we claim control of this government ofthe people. But in Wisconsin, an infection in the bloodstream of the body politicis threatening our ability to be self-governing.

Donald Trumps repeated lies about the 2020 election over the past year have put our democracy at grave risk, but he has not done this alone. His enablers, from U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson to Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, haverefused to stand up to a dangerous man.

If they wont do their duty, then citizens must: TellJohnson, Vos and the rest to stop undermining confidencein Wisconsin elections.

EDITORIAL: Ron Johnson's dangerous shilling for Donald Trump makes him unfit to represent Wisconsin in the U.S. Senate

EDITORIAL: Ron Johnson, Scott Fitzgerald and Tom Tiffany should resign or be expelled for siding with Trump against our republic

EDITORIAL: Michael Gableman's sham investigation is a threat to democracy. A Republican leader just called him out.

Here are the facts. Donald Trump lost the popular vote in Wisconsin by about 20,600 votes; he lost nationally by 7 million. Recounts in Milwaukee and Dane counties last year confirmed that he lost. Courts repeatedly threw out ludicrous challenges by Trump backers.

A legislative audit found nothing that would call the results into question.

A conservative group found no widespread fraud.

And an Associated Press review of every potential case of voter fraud in six battleground states that the former president complained about foundfewer than 475 votes in dispute.Biden won Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin; thedisputed ballots represent just 0.15% of his margin in those states.

In other words, there was no steal and nothing to investigate. Just lies.

But the Republican sycophants in Wisconsininsist on appeasing Trump.

After Trump hectored him last summer for not doing enough to investigate and spread the former presidents lies, Vos launched a partisan review with former state Supreme Court Justice Michael Gableman at the helm. Gableman bungled it, choosing to talk to more conspiracy theorists than electionexperts. His work has been anembarrassment to the state,even to many Republicans.

In November, Johnson literally called for the takeover of federal elections by the partisans in the Wisconsin Legislature. In other words, his own party. Johnsonsaidlocal officials should ignore the bipartisan Elections Commission that his own party set up six years ago.

Thestench of racism permeates much of this, especiallyefforts by Republicans to clamp down on access to voting. People of color are likely to be most affected.

But the lying also corrodes trust in the most basic act of democracy.

A wide majority of Republicans 68% nationwide according to a Marquette University Law School Poll in November dont have confidence in the 2020 election.

This growing lack of trust opens the door for more problems in 2024. If every election a politician loses is now somehow rigged, then the very idea of elections is suspect.

This breakdown in faith could lead to what Trump falsely claims happened to him: a stolen election.

Imagine if in 2024 a Democrat once again carries the popular vote in Wisconsin in a close presidential election, but the Republican-dominated Legislature chooses to certify an alternative slate of electors to cast the state's 10 electoral votes. It could make the chaos following the 2020 vote look like child's play.

Johnson would be happy to take the first step toward such a corruption: He would seizecontrol of election oversight taking that job away from a bipartisan commission. Similar efforts are ongoingin other battleground states.

Laura Thornton, director of the Alliance for Securing Democracy of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, has seen it all before. The German Marshall Fund is a non-partisan policy organization that advocates for democracy and human rights around the world.

I spent more than two decades living and working overseas to advance democracy and credible elections giving me plenty of opportunity to see the lengths to which autocrats will go to gain power,"Thornton wrote of Wisconsin recently.

"Even so, the proposed Wisconsin power grab is shocking in its brazenness. If this occurred in any of the countries where the United States provides aid, it would immediately be called out as a threat to democracy.

RELATED: Why international election observers would give Wisconsin a failing grade

We believe the state should do all it can to make it easier for everyone to vote. With that in mind, we supported drop boxes and other outreach, especially with a deadly pandemic raging. But there is also no doubt that the conduct of elections can be improved.

Installing cameras to monitor drop boxes strikes us as a reasonable idea. Beginning the counting of absentee ballots before election night so the final results can be learned earlier is another.

EDITORIAL: Wisconsin should allow clerks to start counting absentee ballots before Election Day

Unfortunately, instead of actually caring about improvingelections, Johnson,Vos,and others in the Legislature have chosento pander to Trump.

Citizens canstill have the final say, but they mustband together now to protest this nonsense. Now is the time not next year, not the year after.

Now is the time to tell these so-called leaders to find their backbones and stand up to Trump.

To tell them to cut off the charlatan Gablemans $676,000 slush fund.

To tell them towork with Gov. Tony Evers on constructive changes that strengthensthe electoral process for all Wisconsinites.

To tell them to let the Elections Commission do its work.

And, perhaps most important,to insist that they respect the results of elections.

When leaders are so willingto put at risk the most successful democratic experiment in human history, the beating heart of democracy is in danger.

But it's not too late to defend it.

Editorials are a product of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin editorial board, which operatesindependently fromthe network's news departments. Email:jsedit@jrn.com

Why we write editorials. Meet theeditorial board.

Continued here:
Democracy is at risk from repeated Republican lying about the 2020 election. You can stop this nonsense. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

As U.S. Republicans cheered impressive gains in state elections in the fall, their leader may not have been so delighted as he followed the results from his fiefdom in southern Florida.

For the results of the gubernatorial races victory in leftward-trending Virginia and an unexpectedly narrow defeat in deeply Democratic New Jersey proved one thing beyond doubt: Republicans can win without Donald Trump.

Whisper it, but five years after submitting entirely to the will of its mercurial leader, and one year ahead of the crucial midterm elections, the Republican Party is tentatively picturing life after Donald.

At this stage, he would be the front-runner if he chose to enter the 2024 presidential race, said Matt Lacombe, an assistant professor of political science at New York liberal arts school Barnard College.

But its also very possible that coordination among potential candidates and party officials would be sufficient to prevent him from pursuing or succeeding in a second run.

After Trump secured the Republican presidential nomination in May 2016, the party abandoned its policy platform at its next two conventions, instead opting to simply declare fealty to its rambunctious chieftain.

The consensus remains that all paths to Congress go through Mar-a-Lago that to succeed in Washington you had to kiss the ring in Palm Beach, flattering Trump and his ultraloyal base of tens of millions of ardent devotees.

Republican politicians who fail to toe the line know they risk a public dressing down and primary challenge at best and death threats to their families if his supporters were particularly inflamed.

Despite losing his social media megaphone, his endorsements still energize grassroots supporters, drive donations, and in some cases clear away competitors and force retirements, said Tommy Goodwin, a Washington-based political consultant and lobbyist.

Some prominent Republicans are seizing on the recent governors races to call for a course correction, however, navigating around Trump and his big lie that the 2020 election was stolen from him by the Democrats.

In Virginia, Republican multimillionaire Glenn Youngkin won by far exceeding Trumps 2020 showing in the suburbs, especially among independents and women.

Trump immediately took credit, but in reality, Youngkin soft-pedaled the former reality TV stars support and did all he could in the final weeks to keep his high-profile endorser at arms length.

In New Jersey too, Republican Jack Ciattarelli started out very pro-Trump, even speaking at a Stop the Steal rally in 2020, but distanced himself from the ex-president during the campaign proper.

The suburbs are likely to be the key battlegrounds again next year, when the stakes will be control of the House of Representatives and Senate and 36 governorships yet Trump is far less popular there than in the countryside.

The takeaway for many Republicans is that borrowing heavily from Trumps playbook while assiduously avoiding the man himself could be the key.

The former presidents approval sank to an all-time low of 34% after the Jan. 6 insurrection, when thousands of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to stop lawmakers certifying Joe Bidens victory.

Trump has since issued a number of statements praising the insurrectionists and defending their threats on the life of his vice president, Mike Pence.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has urged the 75-year-old real estate tycoon to stay out of the midterms, telling reporters: I do think we need to be talking about the future, and not the past.

Yet Rick Scott, the chairman of the Republicans Senate campaign committee for 2022, told NBC any Republican would be foolish to reject Trumps endorsement underlining the dilemma Republicans face.

Donald Trump is where he wants to be the center of attention, a crying child in the candy aisle of a packed grocery store, demanding more soda while he throws bags of candy bars at other children, said Peter Loge, an associate professor at George Washington University.

It is difficult to imagine him demurring so that others can have their turn in the spotlight.

Trumps bully pulpit isnt what it was before social media bans effectively curbed his day-to-day influence and, in any case, his electoral secret sauce was never as powerful as he claimed.

Republicans did fairly well down-ballot in 2020 keeping their Senate loss to the narrowest possible margin and almost taking the House but stumbled at the presidential level.

And Trump is the first president since Herbert Hoover nearly a century ago to lose the House, the Senate and the White House during a single term.

So far, Trump-endorsed candidates havent fared particularly well, said Sam Nelson, associate professor and chair of the University of Toledos political science department.

While Republican primary candidates actively seek his endorsement, valuable in Republican races, that same endorsement can be somewhat dangerous in a general election in that it motivates Democrats to turn out to vote against the Trump-supported candidate.

Loge believes challengers who think they have nothing to lose may emerge, alongside others concerned about the future of the Republican Party and the country.

The 2022 midterm elections will also go a long way to determining Trumps level of support in 2024, Loge said.

If Trump-backed candidates win primary and general elections, Trumps stock will go up. If Trump-backed candidates lose primary and general elections, Trumps stock will go down.

But Trump remains a hero to the millions of disaffected new voters he brought to the Republican cause in 2016, and is credited with remaking the federal judiciary in the image of his right-wing backers.

His deficit-busting tax cuts remain popular among the working classes, although they tilt increasingly toward the mega-rich over the longer term.

William Faulkner famously wrote The past is never dead. Its not even past,' said Mark Bayer, a former chief of staff in the Senate and the House.

The same can be said about Trumps trance-inducing influence over the Republican Party. His grip is as strong as it was when he was president.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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Trumpism without Trump: The Republican playbook for 2022? - The Japan Times