Brief. Me Better Faster December 7, 2025 9:12 pm
UK economy facing ‘Italy-style decline’, as Britain warns EU of NI protocol ‘turbulence’
The UK economy could see Italy-style stagnation within the next decade because of Brexit and the pandemic, a think-tank has warned.
The Resolution Foundation said that Britain’s economic outlook could resemble Italy more closely than Europe’s powerhouse Germany if it does not rise to the challenges it faces. – The Independent
France holds global talks to offer debt relief for Sudan
Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday the cancellation of Sudan’s $5 billion debt to France as part of efforts to help the country in its transition to democracy. –Euronews
US Boosting Exports of Coronavirus Vaccines
Announcing that the United States is taking additional steps to help the world combat the coronavirus pandemic, President Joe Biden on Monday said the country will be sending 20 million more doses of its COVID-19 vaccines abroad by the end of June. – VOA
Turkey kills top Kurdish commander: Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that Turkish forces had killed a top Syrian Kurdish commander during an offensive in neighbouring Iraq.
The Turkish army last month launched a new ground and air offensive against militants from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party dubbed Operation Claw Lightning. – Arab News
127 missing after vessel sinks in India cyclone: Navy
About 127 people were missing on Tuesday after a vessel adrift off Mumbai’s coast sank during Cyclone Tauktae, the Indian Navy said as two ships and helicopters were deployed to assist in the search. – CNA
Just 20 firms behind more than half of single-use plastic waste – study
Just 20 companies are the source of more than half of all the single-use plastic items thrown away globally.
The study looked at approximately 1,000 factories that make the raw materials needed for single-use products. – BBC World
Israel-Gaza violence: Joe Biden calls for ceasefire
BBC News says Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire after eight days of violence between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.
Joe Biden told Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the US was working with Egypt and other countries on halting hostilities.
But the US again blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for a cessation of violence.
96% of Britons develop antibodies after one Covid-19 jab, study finds
The Guardian says more than 90% of Britons develop antibodies to coronavirus after having one dose of the AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines, and almost 100% do so after their second jab, research shows.
The findings are the latest evidence to show that the two mainstays of Britain’s vaccine drive are proving highly effective.
Israeli army launches artillery towards Lebanon in response to rocket fire
France24 says the Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit Israel.
“Six failed launch attempts were identified from Lebanon that did not cross into Israeli territory,” the army said in a statement.
“Artillery forces fired toward the sources of the launches.”
Gaza facing water, power crisis after deadly Israeli attacks lift death toll to 200
Arab News says residents of the Gaza Strip were awakened by the heaviest Israeli bombardment since the conflict escalated a week ago as residential buildings were hit and vital power and water links destroyed.
The overnight attacks brought the Palestinian death toll to almost 200, including 59 children and 35 women, while more than 1,300 have been injured.
India’s COVID cases cross 25 million, deaths rise by record 4,329
Aljazeera says India’s total coronavirus cases have surged past the 25 million mark, boosted by 263,533 new infections over the last 24 hours, while deaths from COVID-19 rose by a record 4,329.
India becomes the world’s second nation after the US to pass the grim milestone. The country’s total case load is now at 25.23 million, while the death toll is at 278,719, according to health ministry data on Tuesday.
Microsoft confirms probe into Bill Gates affair with employee
TRT World says Bill Gates’s tenure at Microsoft has come under fresh scrutiny amid revelations that the tech giant probed the billionaire founder’s intimate relationship with a staffer before he left the board of directors.
The latest news on Monday, days after Gates and his wife Melinda announced their divorce, could have major repercussions for the tech founder who has cultivated an image as one of the world’s most dedicated philanthropists.
WHO cautions COVID-19 pandemic is not over
VOA says the WHO has warned that while global infection and death rates are declining, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, contrary to the behavior in some nations where high numbers of people have been vaccinated.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is a long way from over, and it will not be over anywhere until it’s over everywhere,” Tedros said.
Live Updates
- Israel-Gaza violence: Joe Biden calls for ceasefire
- 96% of Britons develop antibodies after one Covid jab, study finds
- Israeli army launches artillery towards Lebanon in response to rocket fire
- Gaza facing water, power crisis after deadly Israeli attacks lift death toll to 200
- India’s COVID cases cross 25 million, deaths rise by record 4,329
- Microsoft confirms probe into Bill Gates affair with employee
Most of Tuesday’s front pages carry the growing fears over the spread of the Indian variant.
Daily Mirror describes scenes of emotional reunions across Britain on Monday as Covid-19 restrictions eased in the latest step in the roadmap out of lockdown. The paper says the relaxation of rules brought “joy for millions.” The front splash image includes loved ones hugging and indoor socialising.
The Daily Telegraph’s front page leads with British tourists being given the “green light” by the EU to use vaccine passports to travel to Europe. The paper says that EU ambassadors are set to approve a plan that would allow fully vaccinated Brits to fly to places like France, Italy and Spain without needing a test or quarantine.
The Times front-page reports that ministers are weighing up plans for local lockdowns, or a delay to the planned easing of restrictions, on 21 June amid concern over the Indian variant.
The i newspaper leads with the new advice on mask wearing and social distancing being “delayed” as scientists “want more time” to consider the risk posed by the Indian Covid variant – the paper says it will be a “huge blow” for the arts and hospitality industries as they welcomed back customers indoors on Monday.
Lockdown easing fails to lure back shoppers – BBC Business
UK and Ireland ‘could face shortage of Flake 99s’ – just as temperatures expected to pick up – Sky Business
London e-scooter trial to launch in the City next month – CityAM
Anthony Joshua v Tyson Fury: Deontay Wilder arbitration casts doubt over Saudi Arabia bout – read on
Sergio Aguero: Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola warns of ‘cold’ approach to striker’s selection – read on
Harry Kane again tells Tottenham he wants to leave as Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea lie in wait – read on
A spat over Covid vaccine doses has erupted between the European Union and the UK threatens to have far reaching implications over coronavirus jab disruption.
Brussels demanded access to AstraZeneca vaccines manufactured in UK plants to make up for a shortfall after the pharmaceutical giant said it would have to cut the amount of doses delivered to the bloc by the end of March.
What do we know about the dispute? And what potential implications could the rumbling dispute have on future Covid vaccine rollouts? – (ITV)
Recent and upcoming changes
Restrictions are easing across the UK.
In England
Step 1 of the roadmap out of lockdown has begun. Shielding ends on 31 March.
In Scotland
People will be asked to ‘Stay Local’ from 2 April. A timetable for further lockdown easing from 5 April is on GOV.SCOT.
In Wales
The stay at home restriction was lifted on 13 March. Read about the rules on GOV.WALES.
In Northern Ireland
The next review will happen on or before 15 April. You can read the guidance on current restrictions on nidirect.
latest Covid-19 news
For the latest Covid-19 news visit the UK governement website
