BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING

In today’s briefing update, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex have announced they are to step back as ‘senior’ royals. The surprise announcement also said they will work towards becoming financially independent. 

Millions of workers are on strike in India, leading to banks and markets being closed. People are angry with PM Modi’s “anti-people” government and have been taking to the streets since the controversial citizenship bill was passed in December.

Candian PM Trudeau says that he expects Canada to be involved in any investigations into the jet crash in Tehran. Because the bulk of passengers were heading to Canada.

In the US, Two Republican Senators have slammed Trump’s Iran briefing, with one saying it was the worst briefing he’d ever had. 

Entertainment, Justin Bieber reveals he is battling Lyme disease but vows to be back better than ever. 

IN LONDON

A new cycle route for South East London has been confirmed by Transport for London (TfL) and will reduce danger on a road that has been plagued by accidents. The 6.5km Woolwich to Greenwich cycle path along the A206 Woolwich Road will connect Cycle Superhighway 4 to Tower Bridge. 

IN MANCHESTER

Northern leaders are calling on the government to fix a rail “bottleneck” in Manchester causing delays to the “whole of the north of England.” The Greater Manchester Mayor told a Transport for the North board meeting promised upgrades to Manchester stations were “absolutely essential.” It is set to cost between £700m and £800m. 

All this and more in today’s news briefing – A daily roundup of all the news headlines that you need to know, summarised as part of WTX News Briefing.

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Prince Harry and Meghan step back as senior royals

BBC News says Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex have said they will be stepping back as “senior” Royals and work to become financially independent.

In a statement, they said they will be splitting their time between the UK and North America. 

It has been reported no other royal –including the Queen or Prince William– was consulted before the statement and Buckingham Palace is “disappointed.” 

Senior royals are said to be “hurt” by the announcement. 

Read the full story on BBC News

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Millions strike in India amid citizenship law

Arab News says more resistance against the ruly party BJP is gaining momentum as millions of workers have joined the opposition to the Indian government’s “anti-people” policies.

10 trade unions went on strike on Wednesday, and banks and markets were shut down. 

“The attitude of the government is that of contempt towards labor, as we construe from its policies and actions,” the unions said in a joint statement. 

Workers are angry with PM Modi’s government and have been taking to the streets since December when a new citizenship law was passed. 

Read the full story on Arab News

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Trudeau says Canada should take part in probe to ensure ‘proper’ investigation of Ukrainian jet crash in Tehran

RT News reports the Canadian Prime Minister is calling for a “proper” investigation into the Ukrainian jet that crashed in Iran’s capital. PM Justin Trudeau said that most of the passengers were en route to Canada. 

He said Canada’s foreign minister would speak with his Iranian counterpart to discuss the need for a probe. But added it would be “dangerous” to speculate about what caused the jet to crash at such an early stage. He added, he expected Canada would have a role in any investigation into the crash.

Read the full story on RT News

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‘The worst briefing I’ve ever had’: Senate Iran briefing gets heated

CNN says senior Democrats and two key GOP senators slammed the briefing Wednesday on the strike that killed Qasem Soleimani. They say the administration officials failed to provide evidence to show the attack was imminent and dismissed the role Congress should play in deciding to take military action. 

The sharpest criticism came from Trump’s Senate allies: Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Rand Paul of Kentucky. Lee said that the briefing was “the worst briefing I’ve had on a military issue.” And Paul said in an interview on “The Situation Room” that the briefing was “an insult to the Constitution.” 

Read the full story on CNN

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Justin Bieber reveals he has Lyme disease but vows to be back ‘better than ever’

Sky News says pop star Justin Bieber announced, via Instagram, that he has Lyme disease – a bacterial infection commonly carried by ticks. Symptoms can range from a rash and fever to tiredness, aches and loss of energy that can last years. 

In a long message, the singer said it had been “a rough couple of years,” – but vowed to be “back better than ever.” 

He continued: “While a lot of people kept saying Justin Bieber looks like s***, on meth etc, they failed to realise I’ve been recently diagnosed with Lyme disease. 

“Not only that, but had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my skin, brain function, energy, and overall health.” 

Read the full story on Sky News