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- EPP pushes for EU-US trade deal discussions, Socialist chair insists on 19 May
- Laos detains hostel owner as investigation into methanol poisoning continues
- Sanctions target Hamas amid international criticism of Israel’s settlements
- Manchester’s Gay Village Sealed Off as Hotel Evacuated Following ‘Chemical Incident’
- Turkish Airlines plane catches fire upon landing at Kathmandu airport
- Keir Starmer pledges to restore hope and rebuild ties with Europe
- EU to approve sanctions on Israeli settlers, says Kallas
- Trump Rejects Iran’s Peace Proposal, Fuelling Escalation in Oil Prices
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EPP pushes for EU-US trade deal discussions, Socialist chair insists on 19 May
6:00 pm
EPP pushes for EU-US trade deal discussions, Socialist chair insists on 19 May
trade negotiations
The EPP seeks to advance discussions on the EU-US trade deal, while Socialist chair Lange insists on 19 May for the next round of negotiations.
The EPP seeks to advance discussions on the EU-US trade deal, while Socialist chair Lange insists on 19 May for the next round of negotiations.
Negotiation Timeline
Keeping 19 May as the date for the next negotiating round emphasises the urgency and commitment both sides have towards progressing the EU-US trade deal.
Keeping 19 May as the date for the next negotiating round emphasises the urgency and commitment both sides have towards progressing the EU-US trade deal.
Negotiation Stance
“We are committed to maintaining 19 May as the date for the next negotiating round,” stated Socialist chair Lange, opposing the EPP’s push for earlier discussions.
“We are committed to maintaining 19 May as the date for the next negotiating round,” stated Socialist chair Lange, opposing the EPP’s push for earlier discussions.
Key developments
The EPP has called for expedited discussions regarding the EU-US trade deal, highlighting their push for progression in negotiations amidst varying viewpoints on scheduling.
Meanwhile, Socialist chair Bernd Lange has firmly rejected the EPP’s request, maintaining that 19 May remains set for the subsequent negotiating round, ensuring a clear timeline.
Socialists rebuff EPP push to advance EU-US trade deal talks
EPP pushes to advance the next round of discussions to implement the EU-US trade deal, but Socialist chair Lange insists on keeping 19 May as the date for the next negotiating round, according to people familiar with the matter.
Laos detains hostel owner as investigation into methanol poisoning continues
4:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Laos detains hostel owner as investigation into methanol poisoning continues
Simone White, a 28-year-old British lawyer from Orpington, Kent, died in a hospital in Laos on November 21, 2024, after consuming drinks served at the Nana Backpacker Hostel. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) reported that there is no evidence of contamination by hostel workers, and an investigation into the distillery owner and factory workers is ongoing.
An investigation into the death of Simone White, who died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos, is ongoing, with charges referred to prosecutors against the factory distillery owner, according to Assistant Coroner Sebastian Naughton. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have stated that there is “no evidence that the hostel workers were involved in contaminating the drink with methanol.”
An investigation into the distillery owner and factory workers involved in the production of the drink consumed by Simone White and the other victims is ongoing, with charges being referred to prosecutors under Laos criminal law. The Assistant Coroner, Sebastian Naughton, intends to wait for the outcomes of this investigation before holding a full inquest, with a pre-inquest review hearing scheduled for six months if no new information emerges.
Inquest finds hostel didn’t ‘contaminate’ drinks where British backpacker died | News World
Kent native Simone White was rushed to the hospital after drinking free drinks in a hostel (Picture: PA)
A British backpacker who died from methanol poisoning in Laos did not have her drinks ‘contaminated’ by hostel workers, an inquest has heard.
Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, was one of several people taken to hospital while she had been staying in the popular backpacking town of Vang Vieng.
She died in the hospital on November 21, 2024, along with five other people who died after consuming free drinks served at the Nana Backpacker Hostel – two Australian teenagers, an American and two Danish tourists.
Assistant coroner for South London, Sebastian Naughton, told South London Coroners’ Court that Australian Federal Police (AFP), who have been investigating the case, have ‘advised there is no evidence that the hostel workers were involved in contaminating the drink with methanol’.
Mr Naughton said an investigation into the distillery owner and factory workers involved with the production of the drink is still ongoing.
She and her friend Bethany Clarke had been travelling together (Picture: Facebook)
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‘The investigators have referred charges to prosecutors under the Laos criminal law for various articles for the factory distillery owner, based on test results from various samples from the hostel and the factory and information provided by the AFP,’ he added.
The update came through an overseas crime agency based in Vietnam and covering Laos.
Mr Naughton first told the hearing he intended to wait for the outcome of the investigation into the distillery before holding a full inquest.
She told the inquest the FCDO has received one form of formal written communication from the Laos authorities in the entire process, and said the government is ‘closed and secretive’.
She added: ‘It’s very unlikely that we will get any documentation,’ referencing the distillery case.
Simone died in 2024 after consuming a drink in Laos (Picture: Facebook)
Speaking to Neil White, a relative of Ms White, during Monday’s hearing, Mr Naughton acknowledged the ‘frustration from Simone’s family at the delays and lack of an investigation of the criminal process in Laos.’
He said: ‘It is quite usual in this court for deaths overseas tragically to be delayed pending investigations and sometimes different legal processes taking place in other countries.’
Mr Naughton requested an update with any new information in five months from Ms Price and Detective Sergeant Peter Duke, from the Joint International Crime Centre, who was also at the hearing.
If there is new information, another pre-inquest review hearing will be held in six months.
However, if there is no new information, a full inquest will instead be scheduled within that same timeframe, when Mr Naughton will call the pathologist who carried out the post-mortem examination of Ms White to answer questions on methanol poisoning.
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Sanctions target Hamas amid international criticism of Israel’s settlements
3:00 pm
Sanctions target Hamas amid international criticism of Israel’s settlements
New Sanctions Imposed
The sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, will specifically target Hamas members amid increasing international criticism of Israel’s settlement expansion.
The sanctions, including asset freezes and travel bans, will specifically target Hamas members amid increasing international criticism of Israel’s settlement expansion.
Targeted measures
The sanctions specifically focus on Hamas members, reflecting a strategic approach to international relations and heightened scrutiny over actions in the occupied territories.
The sanctions specifically focus on Hamas members, reflecting a strategic approach to international relations and heightened scrutiny over actions in the occupied territories.
International Response
“The sanctions are a necessary step in addressing the ongoing violence and settlement expansion that has drawn widespread condemnation,” a spokesman for a humanitarian organisation stated.
“The sanctions are a necessary step in addressing the ongoing violence and settlement expansion that has drawn widespread condemnation,” a spokesman for a humanitarian organisation stated.
Key developments
New sanctions targeting Hamas members, including asset freezes and travel bans, were announced following escalating violence in the occupied territories and international criticism of Israel’s settlement expansion.
The sanctions aim to address the tensions associated with recent events in the region, fostering a collaborative effort among nations to mitigate conflict and ensure stability.
EU approves sanctions on Israeli settlers after Hungarian backing
The sanctions — which include asset freezes and travel bans and will also target Hamas members — come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s settlement expansion and escalating violence in the occupied territories.
Manchester’s Gay Village Sealed Off as Hotel Evacuated Following ‘Chemical Incident’
1:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Manchester’s Gay Village Sealed Off as Hotel Evacuated Following ‘Chemical Incident’
CHEMICAL INCIDENT
A hotel on Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village has been evacuated after police reported a suspected chemical smell, resulting in one arrest.
A hotel on Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village has been evacuated after police reported a suspected chemical smell, resulting in one arrest.
CHEMICAL INCIDENT
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man was arrested as specialist crews continue to examine the material linked to the reported chemical smell at the hotel.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a man was arrested as specialist crews continue to examine the material linked to the reported chemical smell at the hotel.
CHEMICAL INCIDENT
Specialist crews are investigating the hotel room on Canal Street, Manchester, where a man has been arrested following reports of a chemical smell.
Specialist crews are investigating the hotel room on Canal Street, Manchester, where a man has been arrested following reports of a chemical smell.
What we know so far
A hotel on Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, has been evacuated amid a ‘chemical incident’. Police have cordoned off the area, focusing their investigation on a room within the hotel.
One man staying at the hotel has been arrested, and specialist crews are currently examining the material reported to emit a chemical smell. The police confirmed that the situation is under control and no injuries have been reported.
A cordon is in place extending from the junction with Abingdon Street to the junction with Sackville Street as authorities work to establish the full circumstances of the incident. A police spokesperson stated, “We are currently searching a hotel room at a premises on Canal Street, Manchester. This follows a report of a smell – currently believed to be chemicals – causing suspicion.”
The police have thanked the public for their patience as the investigation continues, assuring that further details will be provided as they become available.
Read in full
Manchester’s Gay Village cordoned off and hotel evacuated after ‘chemical incident’ | News UK
A hotel on Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village, has been evacuated amid a ‘chemical incident’.
A man staying at an unspecified hotel has been arrested and specialist crews are ‘examining the material’ inside the room.
A cordon from the junction with Abingdon Street to the junction with Sackville Street is in place.
The force said at about 1pm: ‘We are currently searching a hotel room at a premises on Canal Street, Manchester.
‘This follows a report of a smell – currently believed to be chemicals – causing suspicion.’
It added: ‘No one has been injured and we are working to establish the full circumstances.
‘We thank people for their patience as we continue with our work.’
Turkish Airlines plane catches fire upon landing at Kathmandu airport
12:00 pm
Get you up to speed: Turkish Airlines plane catches fire upon landing at Kathmandu airport
A Turkish Airlines jet caught fire while landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, leading to the airport’s closure. The fire originated in the aircraft’s right rear tyre, and passengers were successfully evacuated by emergency crews.
A Turkish Airlines Airbus 330 experienced a fire in its right rear tyre upon landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, leading to the airport’s closure, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal. Yahya Ustun, the airline’s senior vice president of communications, stated that initial assessments indicated the smoke resulted from a “technical malfunction in a hydraulic pipe.”
Nepal’s Tribhuvan International Airport is currently closed as officials investigate the fire incident involving a Turkish Airlines Airbus 330. Another flight has been planned for the return of passengers to their destinations.
Turkish Airlines flight with 288 passengers catches fire as it lands | News World
A Turkish Airlines jet caught fire landing at Nepal’s main airport, forcing the airport to shut down.
The flight from Istanbul, with 277 passengers on board, landed at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport with fire and smoke billowing from the right-side landing gear.
Emergency crews responded to control the fire on the Airbus 330 and passengers were safely evacuated, according to airport officials.
Several flights bound for Kathmandu were put on hold while officials investigated the incident and attempted to clear the airport’s only runway.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal said the fire broke out in the Airbus’ right rear tyre.
‘Technical inspections of the aircraft have been initiated by our teams. Initial assessments indicate that the smoke was caused by a technical malfunction in a hydraulic pipe,’ Yahya Ustun, the airline’s senior vice president of communications, said.
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The aircraft was evacuated after landing (Picture: Reuters)
Another flight has been planned for the return of passengers to their destinations.
Nepal is notorious for its relatively frequent plane crashes due to its mountainous terrain and variable weather, which create difficult flying conditions.
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In 2015, a Turkish Airlines jet landing in dense fog at Kathmandu skidded off a slippery runway, shutting the airport down for several days.
Thankfully, the incident resulted in no injuries, and the plane was eventually towed out of the airport and converted into a museum.
The back right tyre caught on fire before landing (Picture: AP)
In 2023, an aeroplane carrying 72 people crashed near another airport in central Nepal.
The domestic Yeti Airlines flight from Kathmandu caught on fire moments before crashing.
It was described as the Himalayan country’s worst air incident in almost five years.
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Keir Starmer pledges to restore hope and rebuild ties with Europe
11:00 am
Keir Starmer pledges to restore hope and rebuild ties with Europe
Labour’s Local Losses
Keir Starmer pledged to restore hope to the UK following devastating local election results, including plans to nationalise British Steel.
Keir Starmer pledged to restore hope to the UK following devastating local election results, including plans to nationalise British Steel.
Political Fragmentation
Recent local elections revealed a significant shift in British politics, with Labour experiencing losses to both Reform UK and the Green Party, highlighting increasing fragmentation.
Recent local elections revealed a significant shift in British politics, with Labour experiencing losses to both Reform UK and the Green Party, highlighting increasing fragmentation.
Starmer’s Intentions
“I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong and I will,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a speech in London.
“I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong and I will,” stated Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a speech in London.
Key developments
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed on Monday his commitment to face significant challenges and restore public hope, as Labour continues to struggle after recent local election losses across England.
Starmer announced plans to introduce legislation this week for the nationalisation of Chinese-owned British Steel, reaffirming Labour’s approach to controlling national resources and improving economic security.
Internal dissent is growing, with former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner highlighting a need for change within Labour, as calls for Starmer to step down mount following disappointing electoral results.
UK PM Starmer vows to put ‘Britain at the heart of Europe’ in key post-polls speech
Prime Minister Keir Starmer pledged on Monday to prove the “doubters” in his own party and among the electorate as a whole wrong as he tries to fight off demands to step down after devastating local election results for his Labour Party.
Starmer argued that he will “face up to the big challenges” and restore “hope” to the country.
That includes getting closer to the European Union and “putting Britain at the heart of Europe,” a decade after the UK voted to leave the EU.
“I know I have my doubters and I know I need to prove them wrong and I will,” Starmer said during a speech in London.
He vowed to prove to millions of people “tired of a status quo that has failed them” that the government is on their side.
He said Labour is in “a battle for the soul of our nation,” and the UK will go down “a dark path” if Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Nigel Farage, comes to power.
But Starmer’s position is fragile, with dozens of lawmakers calling for him to announce a date for his departure.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, a powerful lawmaker often seen as a potential challenger, said “what we are doing isn’t working and it needs to change.”
Rayner did not explicitly call for Starmer to quit, but accused him of presiding over “a toxic culture of cronyism” and said the government must “stay true to labour and social democratic values” and ease the cost of living for working people.
“This may be our last chance,” Rayner said in a statement on Sunday.
Labour has been plunged into gloom by heavy losses last week in local elections across England and legislative votes in Scotland and Wales.
The elections have been interpreted as an unofficial referendum on Starmer, whose popularity has plummeted since he swept to power in a landslide less than two years ago.
His government has struggled to deliver promised economic growth, repair tattered public services and ease the cost of living and been hamstrung by repeated missteps and policy U-turns on issues including welfare reform.
He has been further hurt by his disastrous decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a scandal-tarnished friend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as Britain’s ambassador to the United States.
Last week’s elections saw Labour squeezed from both right and left, losing votes to both Reform UK and the “eco-populist” Green Party. It reflects the increasing fragmentation of British politics, long dominated by Labour and the Conservatives.
Starmer hopes to regain momentum with Monday’s speech and an ambitious set of legislative plans to be set out in a speech Wednesday by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament.
He told an audience of party lawmakers and activists in his speech that the government will take control of Britain’s energy, economic and defence security and make the country fairer.
He announced he would introduce legislation to nationalise Chinese-owned British Steel, after the government took control of the company last year.
“Legislation will be brought forward this week to give the government powers…to take full national ownership of British Steel,” Starmer said.
A key policy is closer ties with the EU, which the United Kingdom left in 2020, four years after the “leave” side narrowly won a membership referendum.
Starmer’s government has already moved to ease some of the trade restrictions that have burdened British businesses since Brexit and he says he will secure a youth mobility deal so young people can spend a few years working across the continent.
Starmer said the government would be “defined by rebuilding our relationship with Europe.”
Labour campaigned to stay in the EU during the 2016 referendum campaign, but has been reluctant to reopen a debate that bitterly divided the country.
Starmer has ruled out seeking to re-enter the EU, or to rejoin the bloc’s customs union or single market, things that would make a big difference to British businesses.
Additional sources • AP, AFP
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