"He's trying to get them onside, to work with him and help the public understand the issues, " Ryfe adds.

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This move from Beijing, assuming it will be backed up with action, will allow the G-20 to get back onside.

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Coe and Mills, who won the Olympics for London, were both on the original England 2018 board and they have been working behind the scenes to get Thompson onside.

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