Author: News Desk

Failed PM Liz Truss builds her Cold Warrior rebrand with China speech CANARY says Failed prime minister Liz Truss has used her first major speech since leaving office to attack China. She also took a swipe at France’s president Emmanuel Macron for visiting the Asian economic powerhouse. Truss was already hawkish, but that commitment seems to have become central to her politics since her short time as PM. She made a similar intervention in February 2023. Speaking at a conference in Tokyo, Truss tried to encourage Rishi Sunak, who succeeded her as PM after her abysmal tenure, that he should…

Environment Agency workers strike over pay Thousands of Environment Agency workers in England are set to stage a three-day strike from Friday over their claims of “endemic low pay”. The action from the Unison trade union will involve staff working on flood defences, river pollution and fires. Emergency response teams argue that they are too thinly stretched to be able to protect communities and maintain environmental safety. The strike follows months of industrial action by Environment Agency workers who have protested against a 2% pay increase offered by the government, claiming that it does not cover inflation and represents a…

Ford launches hands-free driving on UK motorways The UK government has approved Ford’s BlueCruise technology, which allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel while driving on certain motorways. The system can control steering, acceleration and braking, but requires a camera to monitor the driver’s eyes so they stay focused on the road.  Initially, the technology will only be available for 2023 models of the electric Mustang Mach-E SUV, and will be offered on a subscription basis. The first 90 days of the subscription are included with the purchase of the £50,830 car, after which drivers will have to…

Fashion designer Dame Mary Quant dies aged 93 Dame Mary Quant, the British fashion designer credited with popularising the miniskirt and helping to define the Swinging ’60s, has passed away peacefully at home in Surrey at the age of 93. Twiggy, who became a style icon during the era, led the tributes to Dame Mary, describing her as “a brilliant female entrepreneur” who revolutionised fashion and had “such an influence on young girls in the late 50s early 60s.” Her far-sighted and creative talents quickly established a unique contribution to fashion, and she was one of the most influential figures…

North Korea says it tested “most powerful” missile to date North Korea has test-fired a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), described by the state media as its “most powerful” missile to date. The missile was reportedly launched to confirm the performance of the high-thrust solid-propellant multistage motors, the stage separation technology and the reliability of various functional control systems.  The launch sparked confusion in northern Japan, where an evacuation order was issued and then retracted within 30 minutes. Analysts said the North’s launch of a new, more powerful weapon did not come as a surprise.  Solid-fuel missiles can be…

Cyclone Ilsa: Powerful storm hits Western Australia Severe Tropical Cyclone Ilsa hit Western Australia as a category five storm with winds reaching 218km/h, breaking a wind speed record for Australia. The storm struck close to Port Hedland, the world’s largest iron ore export hub, causing some damage to the Pardoo roadhouse, which lay directly in its path. “Once we can get crews onto the ground and helicopters in the air… we will move along the coast just to check to see roads and other critical infrastructure”, Peter Sutton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). However, no injuries have been reported,…

US airman behind classified documents leak to appear in court Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old US Air National Guardsman, has been arrested and charged with the unauthorised removal and transmission of classified military documents.  Authorities believe Teixeira is behind the massive US documents leak which has embarrassed Washington and highlighted American spying on allies, information regarding the war in Ukraine and other sensitive secrets.  Teixeira was identified as the leader of an online chat group where the documents first emerged. He had reportedly been leaking sensitive material online for some but it was not until the intelligence material was posted outside…

Today’s news summary – Paper Talk Friday’s front pages report nurses are set to reject a government pay deal, and tributes are paid to fashion designer Dame Mary Quant, who died yesterday.   Unions to reject pay deal The government’s pay deal with the main nursing union is expected to be rejected on Friday, leading to another round of strikes, reports The Times. Members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) could return to the picket line soon, with leaders preparing for a “prolonged campaign.” Frontline staff are disappointed with the 5% pay increase this year and a one-off bonus offered…

French President Emmanuel Macron has visited Netherlands on the 11th and 12th of April. On the agenda: strengthening the existing scientific, economic, and artistic collaborations between the 2 countries. FRANCE 24’s Khadija Hadjab went to a quantum start-up incubator to see where pooled European resources to stay ahead of the quantum race.

Telegraph Sport – ‘Boehly’s 3-0 brag backfires’ Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory at home to Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final dominates today’s back pages. The Telegraph says Todd Boehly had arrogantly predicted a 3-0 win for Chelsea but that was as deluded as buying a club for £2.5billion, spending more than £600million on players and not even signing a centre-forward. Instead of the smugness of his expected victory Chelsea’s co-owner was only the five goals out as he sat in Real Madrid’s stadium to see the Champions League holders take a firm grip of…