News

News. 11^th December
Boris says there is “strong possibility” the UK will fail to strike a trade deal with the EU.  He says the EU want to tie the UK in and they will “punish” the UK if they do not follow the same rules.  The public and businesses have to prepare now … is he joking? … there is only 3 weeks to go.  Boris claims that UK can have the same relationship with the EU as Australia…. The only trouble with that is that Australia does not have a deal with the EU.
It is 5 years since the Paris climate agreement.  Greta Thunberg (she started the school strikes) in a speech says, “the world is speeding in the wrong direction on climate.  There is a “state of complete denial about the immediate action which is needed” – just “empty words and promises”.   Since the Paris agreement, there have been the five warmest years for the planet.  The leaders are not telling the truth about the emergency.  They should be acting now not in 2030 or 2050.  Very strong words.
The trial of Loujain al Hathloul, a prominent women’s activist has begun in Saudi Arabia.  She was arrested in May 2018 and put in jail.  She campaigned for women to be allowed to drive and against the rules which allow men to control women.  She was arrested with other women – no explanation and no charge.  The driving ban was lifted. Her sister said there was sexual abuse and torture in the jail – Saudi authorities deny it.  The charges are not known.  She is in a court for terrorists.  UN human rights experts complain and are worried about her poor health.