1. Gun salutes for Prince Philip
Gun salutes are due to take place later across the UK, in Gibraltar and from warships at sea, to mark the passing of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband of 73 years, who died on Friday. Saluting batteries will fire 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. Britain will enter eight days mourning.
2. Tributes to ‘Dear Uncle Philip’
World leaders have paid tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh. US President Joe Biden said: “He was a heck of a guy... 99 years old, he never slowed down at all.” Spain’s king and queen telegrammed “Dear Aunt Lilibet” to mourn the passing of “Dear Uncle Philip”. Pakistan’s PM Imran Khan said the Duke had been a “wise leader” and his “role in promoting Pakistan-UK relations will always be remembered”.
3. Volcano erupts in St Vincent
The island of St Vincent has been shaken by a string of eruptions at La Soufrière volcano, which spewed clouds of ash miles into the air and forced thousands to flee for safety. After decades of dormancy, La Soufrière started showing volcanic activity again in December. Authorities have said it is likely that explosive eruptions could continue to occur “for days and possibly weeks”.
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4. ‘Failure’ led to Belfast unrest
Loyalist paramilitary groups were not involved in orchestrating the violence in Northern Ireland, say police. As the number of officers injured rose to 74, the Loyalist Communities Council said there had been a “spectacular collective failure” to understand their anger over Brexit and other issues. There was more unrest in areas of north Belfast on Friday night – the 12th consecutive night of violence in Northern Ireland.
5. Egypt discovers ancient city
Egypt has announced the discovery of what is believed to be a large ancient city in an archaeological breakthrough experts have called the most important since finding Tutankhamun’s tomb. Egyptologist Zahi Hawass announced the discovery of the “lost golden city” near Luxor. The city is believed to date from the reign of Amenhotep III, one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs, who ruled from 1391 to 1353 BC.
6. PM urged to withdraw race report
Boris Johnson has been urged to reject last week’s controversial race disparity report, which critics say downplayed racism in the UK. An open letter, with signatories including the race equality thinktank Runnymede Trust and civil rights campaign group Liberty, says the report “whitewashes” daily challenges faced by minority communities. The letter, also signed by Black Lives Matter, says the report’s claims have prompted “public incredulity and national indignation”.
7. Anger over masks in beer gardens
Pub drinkers in some regions will be required to wear masks even when drinking outside, reports the Daily Telegraph. Despite national guidance that only requires face coverings indoors, some local authorities have told landlords they must also enforce mask-wearing by their customers when they are walking around beer gardens. One publican asked: “Why on earth would you need to wear a mask outside in a pub?”
8. French trade ‘bounces back’
Trade between the UK and France was close to pre-Brexit levels in March, according to analysis by French officials. Imports from Britain reached 107% of normal levels after taking Covid effects into account, the research found - with exports back at 96%. At the start of the year, French trade with Britain fell by 20% as the two nations adjusted to life after Brexit.
9. Man jailed for MP threats
A man has been jailed for more than two years after sending more than 300 threatening, misogynistic and racist messages to Labour MP Jess Phillips. Tony Eckersley, 52, from Salford, sent the Labour MP the messages over a nine-month period. In one, he attached a photograph of Jo Cox, the Labour MP who was murdered in 2016, accompanied with the message: “I will have you dealt with.”
10. Rapper DMX dies at 50
The rapper DMX has died aged 50. He was hospitalised after a heart attack on 2 April, and had been placed in a critical care unit at White Plains hospital, New York. His family said the rapper, whose real name was Earl Simmons, “was a warrior who fought till the very end”. He had five US No 1 albums, featuring iconic songs such as Party Up (Up in Here), What’s My Name? and X Gon’ Give It to Ya.
