Author: News Desk

Tuesday’s papers.

BBC News says Conservative MP Crispin Blunt is facing criticism after defending a fellow Tory MP convicted of sexual assault.

Sky News says the UK is “working urgently” to verify details following unconfirmed reports of a Russian chemical attack in a besieged city in Ukraine.

Euronews says Sweden’s ruling Social Democrats have begun an internal debate about joining NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Finnish PRIME MINISTER Sanna Marin (SDP) stated on YLE TV1 on Saturday that the EU must be prepared to pay a price to end the war and the European Union has yet to do enough in imposing sanctions against Russia. Marin stated to the public broadcasting company that the 27-country bloc has to muster the ability to decide not only on a ban on coal imports but also on a long-overdue ban on oil and possibly natural gas imports from Russia. “It’s clear that unless energy is part of the sanctions, we’re continuing to finance Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war. And that’s…

France24 says rescuers hampered by mud and rain searched Tuesday for survivors of landslides that smashed into villages in the central Philippines, as the death toll from tropical storm Megi rose to 27.

Sweden to debate on joining NATO as pressure rises on EU nations to isolate Russia. Sweden’s ruling party begins an internal debate on joining NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Members of the party — who have previously opposed Swedish membership of the alliance — have met to discuss the country’s strategic situation. Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said in a u-turn last month that she “does not rule out” a bid to join NATO. Neighbouring EU member state Finland is also set to decide on joining the military alliance by the summer. A referendum might not be the right…

Arab News says PM Mario Draghi announced a deal on Monday to boost gas deliveries from energy heavyweight Algeria, as he steps up efforts to reduce Rome’s heavy reliance on Russian imports.

Aljazeera says Shanghai has eased a punishing citywide lockdown that it imposed to break a surge in cases that is the biggest test of China’s two-year strategy to stamp out the disease wherever it appears.

Ferrero factory shut down in Belgium after a salmonella outbreak. Authorities in Belgium Friday ordered Italian candy maker Ferrero to close its Arlon production facility over a salmonella outbreak. The company says it discovered salmonella bacteria in material filters at Arlon on December 15, but that it had taken steps to rectify the situation as well as disposing of tainted products. On Friday, Belgian authorities said that all products from the plant must be recalled regardless of the production date. “The agency is today withdrawing the authorization of the Ferrero production plant in Arlon. The entire Kinder range of products from…