UK government calls on Russia to cease Syria airstrikes October 3, 2015 The UK government has called on Russia to cease its air strikes on Syria "immediately", claiming many of the attacks so far have resulted in civilian deaths rather than Islamic State militants. Along with governments from the US, France, Germany, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the UK said it was deeply concerned by the [...]
Two people confirmed dead in plane crash near Chigwell, Essex October 3, 2015 A small plane burst into flames after crashing in a field near Chigwell in Essex this morning, killing two people According to Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, the light aircraft came down just before 10.20am this morning, and was “100 per cent alight” when crews arrived. It is believed that the aircraft was [...]
Russian airstrikes mainly hitting Syrian civilians, says defence secretary Michael Fallon October 3, 2015 UK defence secretary Michael Fallon has accused Russia of protecting Syria's Assad regime by targeting airstrikes at civilians. He told The Sun that very few strikes by the country, which began its launches there earlier this week, were hitting Islamic State (IS) militants. We're analysing where the strikes are going every morning. The vast [...]
EU migrant crisis: Eurotunnel services resume following migrant “attack” October 3, 2015 Eurotunnel services have started running again after being closed overnight due to a “well-organised attack” by migrants. In a statement this morning, the company said the service had started operating at 8.30am with “some timetable disruption”. Travellers can expect delays of around 30 minutes at each end of the terminal. We anticipate to [...]
The world is cutting its carbon emissions – but which countries are doing the most to help? October 3, 2015 Today, India revealed its plan to signficantly cut its carbon emissions by 2030. In its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution plan, it says it will reduce the release of harmful gases by between 33 and 35 per cent relative to 2005 levels over the next 15 years. It isn't the only country to deliver [...]
Supermoon, Uber’s drama and Jeremy Corbyn’s 80s flashback: Here’s what got us talking this week October 2, 2015 It was the week in which everyone saw red – from water on the red planet to the rare super-blood moon to a sudden surge in the popularity of Donald Trump Halloween wigs. And, of course, the Labour Party conference. In fact, the only one not wearing rose-coloured glasses was Burger King, which unveiled a [...]
Scientists come a step closer to creating the world’s first male contraceptive pill – but there’s a strong chance the pharma industry won’t be thrilled October 2, 2015 For years, scientists have attempted to create a male version of the contraceptive pill. They haven't quite managed it yet, but a new discovery by a group of researchers at Osaka University in Japan has given them a big push in the right direction. By carrying out tests in mice, they managed to [...]
Non-farm payroll: Weak US jobs growth pushes back rate hike expectations October 2, 2015 Lacklustre US jobs growth has stoked concerns over the strength of the US economy and could push back expectations for a widely-anticipated rate hike. The Bureau of Labour Statistics said that the US economy added 142,000 jobs last month, below economists' estimates for 201,000. The August reading was also revised sharply downwards from 170,000 to 135,000. [...]
From the Chinese economy to a US rate rise: Why hot money is pouring out of emerging markets October 2, 2015 China's slowing economy. alongside a looming US rate hike, is creating a headache for emerging markets. Investors feeling the heat are set to pull around $540bn (£355bn) of cash out of emerging markets economies this year, as net flows turn negative for the first time since 1988. Residents sending cash out of the emerging markets has [...]
Uber wars: We must fight for the transport service London deserves October 2, 2015 We are at a critical juncture of London’s transport future. Debate has raged over TfL’s recent consultation to consider a set of rules to improve the private hire industry. This debate will continue in the coming weeks and months. It is important though that a debate has many voices and, currently, we are [...]