1. EU diplomats say draft Brexit deal nearly agreed
European Union diplomats say Brussels and the UK are close to a breakthrough on the draft of a Brexit deal but are still wrestling with disputes over fishing rights and the “backstop” arrangements for the Irish border. Despite the obstacles, EU negotiators said there was broad consensus on the structure of an exit treaty. The two sides hope to seek political approval for the draft next week.
2. Met chief says government have left cops 'hamstrung'
Cressida Dick, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, says the government is leaving police “hamstrung” in the battle against violent crime. Britain’s most senior police officer adds that the Home Office has “stepped back a lot” and needs to show “greater leadership”. Earlier this week, the Met investigated its 120th murder of the year, three more than in the whole of 2017.
3. California wildfire hits celebrity district of Malibu
Wildfire in southern California has reached the exclusive beach resort of Malibu leaving buildings burning and sending residents fleeing. The neighbourhood is home to many celebrities. Kim Kardashian wrote on Instagram: “Just landed back home and had one hour to pack up and evacuate our home. I pray everyone is safe.” More than 250,000 people have been evacuated across the California areas struck by three major fires.
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4. Michelle Obama reveals she underwent IVF treatment
Michelle Obama has revealed that she and husband Barack sought marriage counselling and struggled to get pregnant after she suffered a miscarriage. The couple underwent in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatments to conceive daughters Malia and Sasha. In her forthcoming memoir, America’s first black first lady also says she will “never forgive” Donald Trump for his false conspiracy theories about her husband’s birthplace.
5. Corbyn meets M16 head amid snap election speculation
Jeremy Corbyn has held his first meeting with the head of MI6 amid speculation there might be a snap election triggered by the collapse of the Brexit negotiations. The Labour leader met with Alex Younger, the Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, for a briefing on the agency’s work and details of the security threats facing Britain.
6. Anxiety as Yemen peace talks are delayed again
Peace talks over the Yemen conflict have been delayed to the end of the year. The development has caused fears that violence in Hodeidah will deepen and the beleaguered country will fall into famine. The Saudi-backed coalition is aiming to completely retake the vital port city. More than 200 coalition airstrikes have hit civilian neighbourhoods. Half of Hodeidah’s vulnerable 600,000 population are children.
7. European Commission turns screw on Isle of Man
The European commission is clamping down on the Isle of Man and Italy over allegedly illegal tax breaks given to some of the world’s wealthiest people on private jets and yachts. The Isle of Man has allowed billionaires and multinational companies to avoid £790m of VAT on more than 200 aircraft imported to Europe since 2011. The crown dependency is answerable to the British government.
8. Jo Johnson resigns from cabinet over 'terrible' Brexit
Transport minister Jo Johnson has resigned from the cabinet and called for the public to have a fresh say on Brexit. Johnson, who voted Remain in the referendum, said the deal being negotiated with the European Union “will be a terrible mistake” and warned that Britain was “on the brink of the greatest crisis” since World War Two. He is the brother of leading Brexiteer Boris Johnson.
9. Lawyer suspended after being filmed watching porn
A leading law firm’s solicitor has been suspended after he was filmed watching pornography by a lawyer in another building. The partner at Hogan Lovells was spotted looking at the raunchy video on his work computer by a lawyer who worked in the opposite office block. The incident has led to concerns that confidential client documents could be spotted by passers by.
10. Fergie says she and Andrew are 'happiest divorced couple'
Sarah Ferguson says she is “not divorced from” her ex husband Prince Andrew who she separated from 22 years ago, but “divorced to him”. She adds: “We’re the happiest divorced couple in the world.” Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall has described her husband, the Prince of Wales, as “incredibly kind, very funny” ahead of his 70th birthday next week.
