News in English

14. April 2017, 02:00

ECJ allows headscarf ban

The European Union’s top court has ruled that employers may bar workers from wearing Islamic headscarves as long as they ban all other visible religious, philosophical and political symbols. The EU’s Court of Justice says any ban may not be discriminatory against Muslims. The ruling by the court is in response to the cases of two women, in France and Belgium, who were dismissed for refusing to remove headscarves.

Brexit bill passes British Parliament

The British parliament has approved the government's bill on leaving the European Union, opening the way for Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger article 50 and begin the Brexit process, expected by the end of this month. MPs overturned amendments passed by the House of Lords aimed at guaranteeing the rights of EU citizens in Britain and giving parliament a vote on the final Brexit deal. Conservative MP Owen Paterson: “One thing that came up clearly in all the debate, it’s uncertainty that’s bad for business, it’s uncertainty that’s bad for foreign nationals resident in the UK, so I think the quicker we get on with this process, the better.”

Scotland seeks new independence referendum

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced that she will seek a second referendum on whether Scotland should remain in the UK. Sturgeon says Scots should be given a choice, once the Brexit deal is clear, on whether to pursue EU membership.

Netherlands readies for election

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has clashed with far right leader Geert Wilders, in a televised debate ahead of tomorrow’s parliamentary election in the Netherlands. Rutte rejected a call from Wilders for the Netherlands to leave the EU, saying Brexit showed how irresponsible a position that is.

Turkey rejects EU calls for restraint

Turkey has rejected a call by European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn to show restraint in the dispute with the Netherlands over political campaigning. Turkey has suspended high-level political talks and barred the Dutch ambassador from returning to Ankara.

Syrian opposition boycotts peace talks

Syrian opposition groups have boycotted the latest round of peace talks in the Kazakh capital Astana, accusing Russia of failing to enforce a ceasefire in the Syrian conflict. Meanwhile a United Nations inquiry has concluded that the Syrian airforce deliberately bombed the water supply for Damascus last December, cutting off water for over 5 million people.

Merkel-Trump talks postponed

The first face-to-face talks between German Chancellor Angela Merkel and United States President Donald Trump have been postponed due to heavy winter storms in Washington and much of the north east United States. The White House says the visit will now take place on Friday.

US healthcare repeal queried

The Trump administration has rejected a report by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office which says its new healthcare bill to replace Obamacare would leave up to 24 million people without insurance within the next decade. The report also says the plan would reduce the US budget deficit by over 300 billion dollars over the same period.

The weather

A mix of sun and cloud. Top temperatures 7 to 17 degrees.

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