News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

Scotland says no to independence

Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom, rejecting independence by a substantial majority. The referendum attracted a record turn-out of 85%. The “Better Together” campaign won by about 10 percentage points. Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted with the result: "I am a passionate believer in our United Kingdom and I wanted more than anything for our United Kingdom to stay together. But I am also a Democrat and it was right that we respected the SNP's majority in Holyrood and gave the Scottish people their right to have their say." The leader of the pro-independence campaign, Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond, has accepted defeat. But he said those behind the Better Together Campaign must now deliver on the promises they'd made to Scotland: "I accept the result. And I pledge to work constructively in the interests of Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom. Secondly, the unionist parties made vows late in the campaign to devolve more powers to Scotland. Scotland will expect these to be honoured in rapid course." The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso has welcomed the result of the referendum, saying the outcome was positive for Europe.

France launches air strikes on IS in Iraq

France says it's carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq. The group has taken over large areas of the country. A statement from President Francois Hollande's office said fighter jets had destroyed a logistics depot in northeastern Iraq.

Medvedev speaks on Ukraine crisis

As tensions continue over the crisis in Ukraine, the Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev says he's signed an order to introduce tariffs on Ukrainian goods, but added that it would not take effect immediately. His statement follows the signing of an association agreement between Kiev and the EU earlier this month which was aimed at strengthening economic and political ties. Medvedev also said Russia was ready to listen to Western concerns, if the West learned to listen to Moscow.

Severe flooding in the Philippines

In the Philippines, thousands of people have been evacuated in the capital Manila and nearby provinces because of severe flooding caused by a tropical storm. Schools and government offices have been closed and several flights have been grounded.

Sierra Leone begins Ebola lockdown

In response to the Ebola virus, the authorities in Sierra Leone have imposed a three-day curfew on all of its citizens. The population has been ordered to stay in their homes while health workers isolate new cases. Some aid agencies have criticised the move saying that it would jeopardise the trust between the public and doctors.

The weather

There'll be frequent sunshine and it'll be relatively warm. Isolated showers and thunderstorms forecast towards the evening in the far West. There'll be a lively föhn wind. And highs are ranging between 19 and 28 degrees.

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