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8. April 2017, 21:58

Osborne warns of Brexit consequences

With fears rising of a British exit from the EU following next week's referendum, Finance Minister, George Osborne has warned that a decision to leave would lead to higher taxes and sharp cuts public spending if Britain votes to leave the EU. With surveys showing the leave campaign gaining momentum, Osborne has warned that the consequences will be so severe that an emergency "Brexit Budget" would be needed to plug a 40 Billion euro "black hole" in the nation's finances: "We'd wake up in just over a week's time with no economic plan for out country, with financial instability, with years of uncertainty. You know, the country would not be able to afford the size of the public services we have at the moment and we would have to raise taxes." Despite such warnings, a research team team from the investment bank, JPMorgan unveiled a new survey a short time ago showing the "Leave" campaign is clearly in the lead.

Obama directly criticizes Trump

In the United States, President Obama has launched a strong attack on the response to Donald Trump and his response to Sunday's mass shooting in Florida. Obama says the presumptive Republican presidential nominee's proposed ban on Muslims travelling to the United States will only fuel extremist propaganda and make the country less safe: "If we fall into the trap of painting all Muslims with a broad brush and imply that we are at war with an entire religion, then we are doing the terrorist's work for them."

French government committed to controversial reforms

French prime minister, Manuel Valls, has vowed to stand firm on a disputed set of labour reforms, despite mass protests against them that have spiraled into violence. Protests yesterday in Paris turned violent, with at least 40 people injured, including 29 police officers, and there were 58 arrests. The reform, which is expected to become law by July, would relax the limit on working hours and make it easier for employers to hire and fire workers.

Protests turn violent in Venezuela

There are increasing reports of looting and food riots in crisis-hit Venezuela. At least four people have been killed and dozens injured in the growing wave of unrest. The latest fatality came during a day of chaos and violence in the coastal town of Cumana where crowds chanting "We want food!" clashed with security forces who are struggling to keep order.

All eyes on Russian fans at Euro 2016

The behavior of Russian soccer fans is under tight scrutiny as their team prepares to play against Slovakia this afternoon at the Euro 2016 Championships. Following stadium violence at the match against England on Saturday, Russia has been fined 150-thousand euros and threatened with expulsion from the tournament if their fans cause further trouble.

The weather

While the west and south can expect scattered rain and thundershowers, the rest of the country can look forward to increasingly dry and sunny conditions. Highs are ranging from 14 to 24 degrees.

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