Issue 1247

06 Aug 2018
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About this issue: Overview

With his fourth Mission Impossible film just out and a new Star Trek in the offing, Simon Pegg’s career has hit the Hollywood heights, and he’s also set up a production company. But the affable star has recently disclosed a battle with alcohol and depression too. By Simon Bland.

From new wonder stuff like graphene to natural products like ground-up seafood shells, researchers are keenly looking for alternatives to damaging plastic packaging. But without changes in legislation and consumer attitudes, can the scourge of plastic waste ever be banished, asks Clare Speak. Illustration: Steph Coathupe.

A 2017 survey rated Cairo as the world’s most dangerous mega-city for women. While women usually keep a low profile in Egypt, one group are attempting to challenge social norms in the city using the sport of parkour, writes Ahmed Fahmy.

On the news pages, MPs and victims criticise the financial regulator’s decision not to take further action against Royal Bank of Scotland over its restructuring division’s mistreatment of business customers, while union officials urge government action to ensure waiting staff in restaurants get their fair share of the tips they receive.

Plus arts and entertainment, columnist Saskia Murphy on maternity leave and New Zealand’s prime minister, ex-footballer Tony Adams with a very candid letter to his younger self, crossword, Sudoku and more.