1. Chief Whip: softer Brexit ‘inevitable’
Conservative Chief Whip Julian Smith has highlighted divisions in the Cabinet by telling the BBC that the Government should have admitted after losing its majority in the 2017 election that a softer version of Brexit was “inevitable”. The Commons will hold more indicative votes today in an attempt to choose a withdrawal deal that will satisfy MPs.
2. Vigilance urged after north London stabbings
Police have warned the public to remain vigilant after a series of apparently random stabbings in the north London district of Edmonton. Two men have been arrested after four people were stabbed, with two of the victims in a critical condition. However, police say the investigation is still “live”. All four victims were stabbed from behind while alone.
3. Broadband compensation scheme launches
Customers of five leading broadband providers – BT, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Zen Internet – will automatically be compensated from today for any delayed repairs and installations or missed engineer appointments. The providers have signed up to a voluntary Ofcom scheme, with others including EE committed to following suit.
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4. Turkey’s Erdogan loses control of capital
The party of Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lost control of capital Ankara in local elections, in a major setback following 16 years in power. However, the ruling AKP-led alliance has won more than 51% of the vote nationally. The AKP and the opposition are both claiming to have won the ballot in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul.
5. Fossils from asteroid impact found in US
US researchers have uncovered a “mother lode” of fossils of animals killed minutes after the impact of the asteroid that ended the reign of dinosaurs on Earth. The team say the “exquisitely preserved” fossils, found in North Dakota, date from the creation of the Chicxulub Crater in Mexico, where the asteroid hit 66 million years ago.
6. Shared ownership households ‘segregated’
People living in homes bought on shared ownership schemes are being “segregated” from residents who own their properties outright, according to The Guardian. Social housing tenants claim they are being denied access to open spaces, car parks, gymnasiums and swimming pools. The newspaper says segregation is often achieved through electronic key fobs that are programmed to deny access to parts of complexes.
7. Queen to stop driving on public roads
The Queen has decided to follow Prince Philip’s lead and stop driving on public roads. The 92-year-old monarch is the only person in Britain not required to have a driving licence. It is believed she may continue to drive on private land. Prince Philip voluntarily surrendered his licence after being involved in a car crash near the Sandringham Estate in January.
8. Japan unveils name of new imperial era
Japan has announced the name of its new imperial era, to begin when Emperor Akihito abdicates next month. The new era will be called “Reiwa”, signifying order and harmony, and will replace Akihito’s Heisei era. Crown Prince Naruhito will become emperor of Japan on 1 May, when his 85-year-old father gives up the role due to his age and declining health.
9. Geldof to be ‘Brexit tsar’ on 1 April?
Bob Geldof is the top choice of a secret committee to become a “Brexit healing tsar”, in a bid to bring the country together amid widening social divisions, The Guardian claims today. In the April Fools’ Day report, the newspaper also asserts that Lib Dem leader Vince Cable is insisting on performing on stage with the Irish singer.
10. Wow Air collapses: what to do if you are booked to travel
Icelandic budget airline Wow Air has ceased operation and grounded all flights - leaving thousands of passengers in the lurch.
Wow Air collapses: what to do if you are booked to travel
