Calls mount for Johnson to resign
Former British cabinet minister David Davis has joined calls for Boris Johnson to stand down, telling the prime minister: “In the name of God, go.” He said Johnson had failed to take responsibility for his actions over lockdown parties in Downing Street. However, Johnson urged people to wait for the outcome of an investigation into the revelations. Yesterday, Conservative MP Christian Wakeford defected to Labour, saying the Prime Minister is incapable of offering the leadership the country deserves. Meanwhile, Johnson announced that as of next Thursday, mandatory face coverings in public places and COVID passports would both be dropped. The government would immediately drop its advice for people to work from home.
Ukraine ‘shocked’ by Biden’s statements – CNN
CNN reports from Kiev that Ukraine officials were “shocked” by US President Joe Biden, who read in his statements “a green light” for Vladimir Putin to invade their country. During a two-hour marathon media conference in Washington, marking his first full year in office, Biden said he expected Putin to take some action and invade Ukraine and that the American response “will depend on what Russia does”. The White House was quick to clarify Biden’s statement, saying “President Biden was clear: if any Russian military force moves across the Ukrainian border” it would be an invasion to which “there will be a harsh and unified response from United States and its allies”. The US president acknowledged, however, that NATO countries were not united on how to respond to the Russian threat. Moscow has about 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine but denies it’s planning an invasion.
US Republicans block laws defending voting rights
American Republicans in the Senate have blocked the provision for the defence of the right to vote, arguing that this “stripped states from their powers”. The vote was 49 in favour and 51 against. The green light would have required 60 yes votes. President Biden said he was “profoundly disappointed” that his reforms had failed to pass.
First aid flight lands in Tonga
The first flight from New Zealand, carrying aid to Tonga following last week’s massive undersea volcanic eruption and tsunami, has landed. Aircarfts from Australia and Japan are also on their way along with several ships. Saturday’s eruption and tsunami wave saw volcanic ash blanketing the islands, posing a serious health risk. The ash and sea water have contaminated water supplies.
Macron: ‘environment, abortion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights’
President Emmanuel Macron of France wants the protection of the environment and the recognition of access to abortion to be included in an updated Charter of Fundamental Rights. French news channel BFM TV reported that Macron’s reference to abortion was well received by lawmakers. Presenting the French presidency of the EU to the European Parliament, he also proposed to have informal discussions in March between heads of states and governments on investments, without which “we would lag behind the US and China”. He said Europe was founded on three great promises: democracy, progress and peace and Europeans should be supported by the values that unite them: freedom, solidarity, tradition and progress”.
Oldest man in the world dies
The Guinness Book of Records has announced the death of the oldest man in the world: Spaniard Saturnino de la Fuente Garcia. Born on February 11, 1909, he was 112 years and 341 days. Due to his short stature, being only five feet tall, Saturnino de la Fuente Garcia had not been called to fight in the1936 Spanish Civil War and had started a successful footwear business. He had seven children, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Saturnino cultivated another passion: playing football. Always a supporter of Leon’s team, Cultural y Deportiva Leonesa, he also co-founded the local team of Puente Castro.
Dortmund tops ranking of European football stadia
Based on the opinions of those who visit football stadia in Europe, Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion, home of Borussia, is the best while the worst is Empoli’s Castellani. The ranking was compiled by the British site ‘Money’ and based on reviews posted by fans and visitors on three different platforms: Tripavdisor, Google and Football Ground Map. Among the worst 15 venues on the continent, no less than five host Italian Serie A teams: in addition to that of Empoli,there is also the “Penzo” of Venice, the “Bentegodi” of Verona, the “Franchi” of Florence and the “Maradona” of Naples. Spain has three stadia in the top ten (Santiago Bernabeu, Camp Nou and Wanda Metropolitano), while the best Italian stadium is San Siro, which is in 11th place on par with the Allianz Arena in Monaco. Six other facilities tied for second place: the Arena Nationala in Bucharest, the Camp Nou, the “Bernabeu”, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Stadion Narodowy in Warsaw and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. High scores also went for the semi-unknown “Stadion An der alten foersterei” in Berlin, the home of the Union club, which precedes the Wanda and the legendary Wembley in London.
Court confirms 9 years for Robinho for gang rape
Rome’s Supreme court has confirmed the nine-year prison sentence for former Real and Milan striker Robinho and his friend Ricardo Falco for gang violence against a 23-year-old Albanian woman. The appeal presented by the former AC Milan player’s lawyers, who had defined the relationship as “consensual”, was rejected. The facts date back to 2013. The first conviction was in 2017, later confirmed in the second instance by the Milan Court of Appeal. However, observers said Robinho was unlikely to serve his sentence as Brazil’s constitution bans the extradition of its citizens.
