Browsing: France

Good morning! Grab a coffee and let’s dive into today’s headlines.

In a significant development, the UK, France, and Canada have jointly warned Israel of “concrete actions” if it continues its military operations in Gaza and restricts humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has secured a landmark “Brexit reset” deal with the EU, aiming to revitalise UK-EU relations. The agreement includes easing trade barriers, reintroducing the UK into the Erasmus programme, and establishing a new defence partnership. While the deal promises economic benefits, it has faced criticism over concessions like extended EU fishing access to UK waters.

On the trade front, the UK is actively pursuing a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, comprising six Gulf nations. Recent discussions between UK officials and Gulf leaders indicate progress towards strengthening economic ties in the region.

Internationally, tensions remain high as global leaders respond to the escalating situation in Gaza, with calls for ceasefires and increased humanitarian assistance.

Donald Trump has said Russia and Ukraine will “immediately” start negotiating towards a ceasefire and an end to the war – after a two-hour phone call with Putin.

New documents surfaced in September indicating that Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel may have played a double role during World War II, serving not only as an informant for the Nazis but also as a member of the French Resistance. But a historian who has analysed the new evidence says he has “serious doubts” about her alleged membership in La Résistance, suggesting the French fashion icon may have used the documents to restore her reputation after the war.

Around 2,480 taxi drivers will embark on another round of their latest legal fight against Uber in Paris on Friday accusing the American giant of unfair competition as they seek around 455 million euros in damages.

The start of the new school year marks the introduction of the “teachers’ pact” for French schools, a new scheme enabling teachers to take on additional better-paid assignments. But unions have denounced the measure, calling for unconditional pay rises.