News in English

8. April 2017, 21:58

White House “unconcerned” about TTIP leaks

The White House has reacted calmly to the publication of confidential leaked details about the proposed transatlantic trade agreement between the US and the EU, known as TTIP. Negotiators from the two sides are aiming to clinch a deal before President Barack Obama leaves office next January. Greenpeace says the leaked documents show TTIP would lower European food safety and environmental standards. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US administration was "not particularly concerned" about the leak: "We believe that there should be high standards when it comes to human rights, and labour rights, and worker rights, and environmental standards. But we also know that if the rest of the world observes those higher standards, that's going to level the playing field for American businesses and workers that already observe those standards."

The UN urges Russia to save Syria truce

The United Nations Special Envoy on Syria will try to rescue the country's fragile ceasefire at a meeting in Moscow today. Staffan de Mistura is urging Russia and the United States to work together to try to restore the truce. Government airstrikes and rebel shelling in Aleppo are reported to have killed at least 250 people, including dozens of children.

Spain’s king dissolves parliament

King Felipe of Spain has formally dissolved parliament, and called for fresh elections after months of political stalemate. The vote is scheduled for June the 26th, and follows the failure of rival parties to form a coalition in the wake of inconclusive elections in December.

EU expected to back visa-free travel for Turks

The European Commission is expected to grant conditional approval for Turkish people to travel without visas, across much of Europe. The move is part of a deal in which Turkey is taking back refugees and migrants who have crossed the Aegean Sea to Greece. Critics say it would reward the Ankara government, which has clamped down on free speech and human rights.

Leicester wins Premier League title

Leicester City football club has defied the odds to win the English Premier League. They were 5,000 to 1 outsiders to win at the start of the season, after almost being relegated. These fans were amongst thousands celebrating last night: "For Leicester to win the premiership is the biggest thing ever! I've been a Leicester fan for years. I never thought I'd ever see anything like this in my entire life."

The weather

Scattered rain showers this afternoon in the east and west. Some sunshine in the south. Top temperatures from 9 to 17 degrees, and up to 21 degrees in the south east.

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