1. Boris Johnson and EU agree to ‘final roll of the dice’
Boris Johnson has told the European Union that Britain must have “freedom” to make its own rules as he and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, agreed to a “final throw of the dice” this week to salvage a deal. Cabinet ministers have said the PM should pursue a no-deal Brexit unless Brussels backs down.
2. Trump urges Georgia to overturn ‘rigged’ election
Donald Trump has pressed the Republican governor of Georgia to help overturn Joe Biden’s election victory in the state. Taking to Twitter, the US president urged governor Brian Kemp to call a special session of the state legislature. Later, in a rally in Georgia, Trump claimed: “They cheated and they rigged our presidential election, but we will still win it.”
3. Poll shows scale of ‘lonely’ Christmases
Twice as many people as normal are expecting to spend Christmas alone this year, according to a poll in The Observer. Among the over-64s, the figure has risen from 7% to 14% – or 1.7 million people. Just 23% of adults say they will spend Christmas with their parents, down from 35% in normal times. The data has raised concerns about a “silent epidemic of loneliness”.
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4. Saudis say Biden must consult them over Iran
Saudi Arabia has insisted that the Gulf states must be consulted if a US nuclear agreement with Iran is revived. Amid expectations that president-elect Joe Biden will return the US to a nuclear accord with Tehran, Prince Faisal bin Farhan has warned that his kingdom and its regional allies’ involvement is only way to achieve “sustainable” outcome.
5. Survey finds majority do not trust Boris on Covid
A majority of the British public does not trust Boris Johnson’s government to manage the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new poll. Some 57% of people said they did not trust the government to control the spread of Covid-19 - the first time since April that a majority of people have been distrusting of the government’s ability to handle the pandemic.
6. Roald Dahl’s relatives apologise for his antisemitism
Roald Dahl’s family have posted a discreet statement apologising for the late author’s views on Jewish people. The author once said: “There is a trait in the Jewish character that does provoke animosity, maybe it’s a kind of lack of generosity towards non-Jews. Even a stinker like Hitler didn’t just pick on them for no reason.” In a statement on Dahl’s website, the family say they “deeply apologise” for his views.
7. Millwall fans boo as players take the knee
Millwall fans have been branded an “absolute disgrace” for booing as players took the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Football Association said it “strongly condemns” supporters who “actively voice their opposition” to players taking a stand against discrimination. The ‘knee’ gesture is to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement for racial equality.
8. Queen may reveal when she has had coronavirus vaccine
The Queen may “let it be known” that she has received the coronavirus vaccine once she and the Duke of Edinburgh have had the jab. Although royal aides feel it is a “personal decision” and “private matter” to have the vaccine it is also thought that the Queen’s public backing would be seen as a powerful counter to the anti-vaccination movement.
9. Rita Ora ‘deeply sorry’ for second lockdown breach
The pop star Rita Ora has apologised for a second breach of lockdown restrictions. According to the Mail on Sunday, the British singer should have been self-isolating when she celebrated her birthday at a London restaurant last month. She had flown to Egypt in a private jet to perform at a five-star hotel, an appearance for which she was paid a six-figure sum, the Mail on Sunday reported.
10. German police want to continue Madeleine McCann probe
German police want to return to Portugal to continue their investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann following “excellent” leads from British holidaymakers. Prosecutors in Germany say they are confident they can charge prime suspect Christian Brueckner over McCann’s disappearance from the Praia da Luz resort in 2007. Meanwhile, Scotland Yard said this week that it has no plans to end its missing person investigation.
