The Week Unwrapped: Fashion for rent, a chip shortage and euthanasia

Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days.

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In this week’s episode, we discuss:

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Fashion for rent

A company which rents out clothes instead of selling them is experiencing a surge in demand as lockdown comes to an end. Is fashion about to undergo the sort of cultural shift as music, with people subscribing to subscribing to a library instead of owning individual outfits or tracks? And if people really are willing to borrow clothes, how will this affect what we wear?

Microchip shortage

A surge in demand for consumer electronics, combined with disruption to supply chains and a combination of freak circumstances has led to a severe shortage of microchips. The knock-on effects has resulted in delays to production lines building everything from cars to games consoles - and is likely to lead to higher prices

Assisted dying

A private member’s bill which received its first reading in the House of Lords this week proposes legalising assisted dying in England and Wales for adults who are terminally ill, mentally competent and in the final six months of their life. It’s the first time the issue has been debated in Westminster for more than five years - and while it is unlikely to become law without government backing, it restarts the debate at a time when public opinion appears to be shifting.

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