Latest News
- Francesca Albanese Refuses To Resign as UN Rapporteur Amid Controversy
- Germany Confirms No Plans to Purchase Additional F-35 Fighter Jets
- Former Man Utd target backed to replace Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager
- Majority of Europeans Support Changing ECHR Migrant Rules, YouGov Survey Finds
- 23-Year-Old British Skier Caught in Massive Avalanche in the French Alps
- Arsenal or Man City? Paul Merson says £20m signing could decide title race
- How the European Union looks to counter China in Africa
- UK Influencer Arrested for Allegedly Poisoning Husband with Wine
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Francesca Albanese Refuses To Resign as UN Rapporteur Amid Controversy
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Get you up to speed: UN Rapporteur Stands Firm Amid Controversy
Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, remains resolute in her position despite calls from Germany, France, and the Czech Republic for her resignation. The controversy began over alleged anti-Semitic comments she denies making, which she attributes to misinformation efforts.
Albanese described the accusations as “ludicrous,” asserting they are intended to distract from her reports condemning support for Israel from multiple countries, including France. She stated, “Let’s not make it about me,” redirecting focus to the “damning reports” she has documented.
Despite the backlash, Albanese stated she retains “the trust of the [UN] Human Rights Council” and will not resign. The controversy includes claims from French MPs who alleged she labelled Israel “an enemy of humanity,” a claim supported by a now-debunked video.
What we know so far
UN Rapporteur for Palestine says she won’t resign despite French backlash
Francesca Albanese, the UN’s special rapporteur for the Palestinian territories, declared she will not resign from her post. This announcement followed criticism from Germany, France, and the Czech Republic over alleged anti-Semitic remarks she denies making, attributing such claims to misinformation efforts.
Albanese called the accusations “ludicrous” and suggested they are a distraction from her condemnation of numerous countries, including France, for their military support to Israel. She remarked, “Let’s not make it about me,” and emphasised the importance of the content of her reports over personal attacks.
The controversy arose after a group of French MPs accused her of calling Israel “an enemy of humanity” at a forum organised by Al Jazeera. One of the involved MPs, Caroline Yadan, referenced two video clips as evidence, although one clip has been identified as falsified, altered by artificial intelligence.
In a contrasting video, Albanese argued that financial and political support for Israel is a global challenge. Supporters of Albanese claim she is the target of a smear campaign, labelling her as “the last barrier of Israel’s impunity.”
As the situation develops, Albanese remains firm in her role, maintaining trust from the UN Human Rights Council amid the ongoing scrutiny of her statements.
Germany Confirms No Plans to Purchase Additional F-35 Fighter Jets
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Get you up to speed: Germany’s Fighter Jet Strategy and the Future of European Defence
Germany has confirmed it has no plans to acquire additional F-35 fighter jets, despite earlier speculation that such moves might be necessary due to delays in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. This decision was articulated by a spokesperson for the German Defence Ministry, asserting there are no “concrete” or “political” plans for further purchases.
Mixed reactions have emerged regarding Germany’s commitment to the FCAS project, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggesting the country might abandon it entirely. French President Emmanuel Macron defended the importance of a common European fighter jet, emphasising the need for collaboration.
A decision regarding the future of the FCAS project is expected by the end of the month, with analysts predicting that should it be abandoned, France may independently pursue a new jet. Meanwhile, Germany’s Defence Ministry highlights a focus on European defence production in its budget amidst concerns over reliability from US partnerships.
What we know so far
Germany’s fighter jet dilemma: Faltering European dream and US reality
Germany’s Defence Ministry has firmly stated it will not pursue additional F-35 fighter jets, countering earlier claims regarding the need to fill potential capabilities gaps while the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project faces delays. A spokesperson mentioned there are no “concrete” plans for such purchases.
The Future Combat Air System has struggled due to disagreements between Airbus and Dassault, with discussions ongoing between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron. Merz’s comments hinted at a potential abandonment of the project, asserting that France, as a nuclear power, has “different needs” than Germany and Spain.
Macron defended the FCAS concept during his recent visit to India, advocating for a unified European defence strategy centred around a collaborative fighter jet. Luigi Scazzieri from the European Union Institute for Security Studies indicated that if the FCAS were to be sidelined, France could produce an aircraft independently.
Germany is contemplating several paths forward, including the possibility of joining the British-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme or enhancing its own defence capabilities. Scazzieri noted that with its current involvement in F-35 acquisitions, Germany may choose to redirect its focus to different military priorities.
As the end of the month approaches, a decision on the FCAS project looms, while Germany continues to allocate a significant budget towards defence, with an emphasis on European manufacturers for future contracts. This approach reflects an ongoing evaluation of Germany’s defence strategy against the backdrop of fluctuating transatlantic relations.
Former Man Utd target backed to replace Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager
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Former Man Utd target backed to replace Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Dietmar Hamann endorsed Diego Simeone as a potential replacement for Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, who took charge last month after Enzo Maresca’s dismissal. Chelsea’s performance under Rosenior included eight wins from 12 matches, although they suffered a Carabao Cup semi-final setback against Arsenal and drew with Leeds United and Burnley recently.
Dietmar Hamann has endorsed a former Manchester United managerial target to replace Liam Rosenior as Chelsea manager. This development follows Chelsea’s recent performance under Rosenior, who took over at Stamford Bridge last month after Enzo Maresca’s dismissal.
Since Rosenior’s arrival, Chelsea has recorded a commendable eight wins out of twelve matches. However, the team has faced challenges, including a semi-final defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup and dropping points in draws against Leeds United and Burnley.
Hamann predicts managerial change
Hamann has suggested that Chelsea could soon see a managerial shift, proposing Diego Simeone, the current boss of Atlético Madrid, as a potential candidate. Simeone, who has managed Atlético for 15 years, has achieved significant success, including two La Liga titles and two Europa League trophies.
Hamann stated, “I can see Diego Simeone at Chelsea. I think that’s probably where he’d go.” He added that recent seasons have shown Chelsea lacking “a bit of steel” and expressed enthusiasm at the prospect of Simeone managing in the Premier League.
Current managerial landscape
The speculation comes as Manchester United prepares to appoint a permanent replacement for Ruben Amorim, who was sacked last month. Michael Carrick is currently the frontrunner for the United managerial position after a resurgence in form since returning as caretaker manager.
In the meantime, Chelsea’s management structure remains under scrutiny as they continue to assess Rosenior’s capabilities in the wake of mixed results. Following the recent draw against Burnley, the club faces ongoing pressure to improve performance in upcoming fixtures.
Majority of Europeans Support Changing ECHR Migrant Rules, YouGov Survey Finds
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Get you up to speed: Europeans’ Opinions on the ECHR and Migrant Rules
The majority of Europeans are dissatisfied with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), with many desiring changes to migrant rules. A YouGov survey shows significant support for modifying the convention’s rules to allow deportation of immigrants committing serious crimes, especially among German respondents at 75%.
Despite a call from 27 European nations for a new migration framework, only 2% to 4% of Europeans claim to know a great deal about the ECHR’s purpose. For instance, only 8% of Spanish and Italian respondents understood that the ECHR does not address the right to migrate.
Nonetheless, between half and two-thirds of respondents in five EU countries want to remain members of the ECHR, believing it positively affects national security cooperation. Citizens generally feel the ECHR improves their everyday rights, despite acknowledging a lack of knowledge about its operations.
What we know so far
Most Europeans don’t know what the ECHR does, but do they want to leave it?
The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) faces significant scrutiny across Europe, as many citizens express dissatisfaction with its current rules, especially regarding migration. A YouGov survey revealed that a notable majority of EU citizens favour modifications that would permit the deportation of immigrants who have committed serious crimes, with support peaking at 75% among Germans.
In a joint statement to the Council of Europe, Italy and Denmark, along with 27 other European nations, called for a new ECHR migration framework, stressing that current challenges were not foreseen during the convention’s drafting process. The call reflects a growing concern about immigration issues impacting societal stability.
Despite the significant majority wanting to modify ECHR rules, awareness of the convention’s purpose remains alarmingly low. According to the survey, only 2% to 4% of Europeans profess to know a “great deal” about the ECHR, and many misunderstand its scope, including the misconception that it governs the right to migrate.
Moreover, even with limited understanding, some citizens perceive that the ECHR is performing effectively. For example, half of Polish respondents believe the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) effectively carries out its functions, while opinions among Spanish, Germans, Italians, and French citizens are more divided.
Interestingly, despite their lack of knowledge about the ECHR, a significant portion of Europeans do not wish to withdraw from it. Between half and two-thirds of respondents across five EU countries expressed a desire to remain part of the ECHR, citing its positive impact on national security cooperation and their everyday rights.
23-Year-Old British Skier Caught in Massive Avalanche in the French Alps
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TL:DR – 23-Year-Old British Skier Caught in Massive Avalanche in the French Alps
- Miraculous rescue: British skier Daniel Matthews, 23, was caught in a 1,300ft avalanche near Tignes, buried under 7ft of snow.
- Quick discovery: Friends located him within six minutes; he regained consciousness after nine minutes.
- Warning ignored: Daniel admitted making an uneducated decision to ski in unsafe conditions during a rare red alert.
- Survival insights: Survival rates drop significantly after 15 minutes buried; wearing proper equipment is crucial for safety.
British skier, 23, swept away in huge avalanche in the French Alps | News World
Daniel Matthews was buried under 7ft of snow after being caught by a 1,300ft avalanche while skiing near Tignes in the French Alps (Picture: Instagram)
A British skier was miraculously rescued after being hit by a 1,300ft avalanche in the French Alps.
Daniel Matthews, 23, was left unconscious for minutes after being buried under 7ft of snow in Tignes.
A video shared on Instagram showed the dramatic moment Mr. Matthews was knocked over while skiing downhill on an off-piste route near the Palafour lift at the French resort.
He was discovered by friends six minutes after being covered in snow.
After nine minutes buried, he was able to free his head and regain consciousness.
Daniel Matthews was unconscious for several minutes before he managed to get his head out of the snow before being lifted out to safety by his friends (Picture: Instagram/daniel_matthews12)
Accepting that he had been both ‘lucky and unlucky,’ Daniel insisted his trip had nonetheless been ‘one hell of a thrill’.
He wrote: ‘Friday 13th was an unlucky and incredibly lucky day for me. I made a very bad decision and uneducated decision to ski Skimans Couloir just off the Palafour lift in Tignes.
‘Just 30 mins before I had skied the wider couloir about 25 metres further up the ridge (also not the best decision) but it was a hell of a thrill!’
Recalling his ordeal, he said the experience was like being thrown around in a ‘washing machine’ for 35 seconds and snow falling on him as if ‘someone had poured concrete on me’.
What are chances of surviving an avalanche?
The survival rate will largely depend on how long the person is buried under, with changes in survival decreasing the longer they are buried, experts say.
Most people die as a result of suffocation (around 57%) or injuries (30%), the Snow Institute says.
- First 15 minutes after burial: if people are pulled out within this time, 93% will live, according to the Utah Avalanche Center
- After 45 minutes under snow: the survival rate drops to around 20% to 30%
- Two hours after burial: very few can make it out alive
He added: ‘I hope I and others may be able to learn some things. I didn’t follow the signs that day that were clearly there! and I paid for it.
‘The only person to blame is myself.
‘Luckily I was wearing the right equipment and was with people who knew what they were doing.
‘So please wear the right equipment, do training, listen to mother nature and be with people you trust!’
Skiers had been given a rare day-long red alert warning of dangerous conditions on February 13 across several areas in the French Alps, including in the area of Haute-Tarentaise where Tignes is.
It was only the third time the highest alert had been issued since the system was introduced 25 years ago, prompting many resorts to close pistes.
Two Britons were among three killed by an avalanche in the nearby resort of Val d’Isere last week.
Stuart Leslie, 46, and Shaun Overy, 51, were in a group of five skiers with a professional instructor when they were swept away by a blanket of snow.
Both men were thought to be keen enthusiasts, with Mr. Leslie having written about his love of going off-piste.
Across the mountain range in Austria, at least three people were killed yesterday when avalanches hit in Tyrol, including a dad who was out skiing with his teen son.
In California, the community in Lake Tahoe is reeling after the death of six friends, who were on a guided backcountry ski trip when they were struck by an avalanche.
Dry slabs of avalanche snow can reach up to 186mph (300kmh), with the mass itself powerful enough to injure and kill, while victims can also be hit by rocks, debris, and trees.
Arsenal or Man City? Paul Merson says £20m signing could decide title race
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Arsenal or Man City? Paul Merson says £20m signing could decide title race | Football
TL;DR – Two-minute read
Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are now just five points clear following two draws against Brentford and Wolves. City’s late goals against Liverpool put pressure on Arsenal ahead of their north London derby against Tottenham, while City’s Marc Guehi impressed since his £20m signing from Crystal Palace.
Paul Merson fears for Arsenal’s title charge
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expressed concerns over the club’s Premier League title aspirations following a disappointing recent run. He noted that Manchester City is now in a position to challenge effectively for the title after recent slips from Arsenal, particularly after their draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.
Merson indicated that the situation has dramatically shifted, with Arsenal’s lead in the title race reduced to just five points ahead of their crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday. According to Merson, Manchester City now have the title race firmly in their hands, stating, “If they win every game from now, they win the league title.”
Merson highlights recent performances
Arsenal’s recent form has raised eyebrows, with a draw against Brentford and a troubling collapse from a two-goal lead against Wolves. Merson told Sportskeeda, “The way everything is playing out in front of us, it’s not looking good for Arsenal. Imagine leading 2-0 and then conceding a draw against Wolves, that is worrying.” He pointed out that if Newcastle United manages to win against Manchester City on Saturday, it could alter the dynamics of the title race, although he remains sceptical about that outcome.
Manchester City prepares to close the gap
Merson also commented on how Manchester City, under manager Pep Guardiola, approaches their upcoming fixture against Newcastle. He believes that City will put significant pressure on Arsenal, especially if they secure a win at the Etihad Stadium. “This is not Pep Guardiola’s best Manchester City side but I expect them to beat Newcastle,” he noted, while also mentioning the impact of new signing Marc Guehi.
With Arsenal aiming to lift their first Premier League trophy since 2004, the pressure continues to mount as City seeks to further solidify their position, having won six of the previous eight titles.
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