Government wins Brexit deal vote – despite Tory rebellion and DUP anger

Government wins Brexit deal vote – despite Tory rebellion and DUP anger


The government has won support in parliament for part of its new Brexit deal by 515 votes to 29, despite a rebellion from some of its own MPs and a backlash from members of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris said the Stormont brake was “one of the most significant changes” in the post-Brexit plan for the region – “a robust change that gives the UK a veto over dynamic alignment with EU rules”.

But former prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss refused to back the policy, with Mr Johnson saying it would mean the “whole of the UK” was unable “properly to diverge and take advantage of Brexit”.

And DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said he cannot commit his party “will restore the political institutions” in Northern Ireland as a result of the deal.

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Priti Patel, Jacob Rees-Mogg and Sir Jake Berry were also among the other high profile names to against the measure – a total of 22 Tories, six DUP MPs and one independent.

But hundreds more from across the Commons, including 280 Conservatives, backed the government’s plan.

Rishi Sunak reached the new Brexit agreement, known as the Windsor Framework, in February with the European Commission in an attempt to fix ongoing issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Unionists have been refusing to form a government in the region while the protocol is in place, saying it had created trade barriers in the Irish Sea and threatened Northern Ireland’s place in the UK’s internal market.

The prime minister said his plan, including new trade lanes, the reduction in EU laws, and the so-called Stormont brake – to stop changes to or new laws being brought in from the EU – offered a better future for Northern Ireland post-Brexit.

But the measures have not won over pro-Brexit Tories who form the European Research Group (ERG) or the DUP, who believe the EU will still have too much of a say over what happens in Northern Ireland.

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Mark Francois says the Stormont brake – a key feature of the new agreement that aimed to resolve issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol – is ‘practically useless’

Mr Sunak promised to give MPs a say on the plan in the Commons – and today they were given a vote specifically on the Stormont brake – the result of which would be seen by Number 10 as approving the whole deal.

A number of Conservative politicians gave the plan their support, with former Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith saying the framework had made “huge strides”.

He pointed to polls in the region that showed the majority of Northern Ireland voters backed the plan, adding: “We must cherish, nurture and expand that support and consent at every opportunity.”

Conservative former minister Vicky Ford, who grew up in Northern Ireland, echoed his point, adding: “The people of Northern Ireland, and indeed the people in the UK, need to move on.”

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Steve Baker says he believes both Liz Truss and Boris Johnson ought to be voting for the deal

But Tory former minister Sir John Redwood said: “What is the point of rushing through a vote on this protocol when it is the protocol and the agreement behind it that prevents Stormont meeting, which means the protocol would never be used?”

The new agreement got the backing of Labour, with shadow Northern Ireland secretary Peter Kyle saying: “My party will be voting in unanimity today. It is [the Conservative] party that is getting in the way of getting this across the line, because it is [their] party that is split over how to vote on the issue before today.

“We are acting in the national interest. They are riven with division.”

The Liberal Democrats also gave their support. Speaking afterwards, MP Layla Moran said: “Conservative MPs are like mutinous pirates who no longer care what their captain says. After today’s latest debacle, it is time they abandoned ship and made way for serious politicians.”

However, DUP MP Jim Shannon also believed the framework was being “shoved” through, and saw the UK giving the EU “sovereignty over the courts and power over Northern Ireland”.

He added: “It… is being shoved through the House by the government – the Conservative and Unionist Party. With some dismay I actually question now, Conservative, and where is the unionist?”

Sir Jeffrey said his party would continue to “work intensively to solve these issues… in the knowledge that what has already been achieved has been because we were not prepared to accept the undermining of Northern Ireland’s place within the union of the United Kingdom”.



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K-pop star issues 'sincere apology' for wearing Nazi swastika on T-shirt

K-pop star issues 'sincere apology' for wearing Nazi swastika on T-shirt


Chaeyoung, a member of Twice – one of the most globally successful K-pop groups – has “sincerely apologised” after wearing a T-shirt featuring a Nazi swastika.

In the now deleted photo, Chaeyoung, 23, posed wearing a T-shirt featuring Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, who was sporting the symbol.

The young South Korean K-pop star posted an apology to her 8.6 million followers on Instagram, saying that she did not “correctly recognise the meaning of the tilted swastika in the T-shirt”.

The statement said: “I deeply apologise for not thoroughly reviewing it, causing concern. I will pay absolute attention in the future to prevent any situation similar from happening again.

“Sincerely apologise again.”

This was the second clothing-related controversy for the vocalist this week.

According to reports, Chaeyoung sparked backlash after performing in a crop top with the QAnon phrase “where we go one, we go all”, written across it.

The top also had an American flag in the shape of a Q printed on it.

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(From left) Tzuyu, Dahyun, Jihyo, Momo, Mina, Nayeon, Chaeyoung, Sana, and Jeongyeon of South Korean girl group Twice perform during the Pocari Challenge Teen Festa in Seoul, South Korea, 4 September 2018. (Imaginechina via AP Images)
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Chaeyoung (third from right) and other members of Twice performing in 2018. Pic: AP

Twice, the nine-member pop group which Chaeyoung is a member, have enjoyed success both inside and outside of South Korea since their debut in 2015, with four of their albums reaching the US top 10.

Their first official English-language single, The Feels, became their first song to enter the UK Singles Chart, peaking at 80.

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While modern K-pop (Korean pop) grew in the 1990s, the genre’s popularity has grown exponentially in the past few years.

Other successes include fellow girl group Blackpink, who became the first Korean group to perform at US music festival Coachella, and seven-member boy band BTS, who became the first ever Korean act to land a UK number one album.



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Multiple people injured as large ship dislodges in dry dock sparking 'major incident'

Multiple people injured as large ship dislodges in dry dock sparking 'major incident'


Multiple people have been injured after a large ship became dislodged from the dry dock in Edinburgh, Sky News understands.

A major rescue operation is ongoing at Imperial Dock in Leith after the vessel lurched towards its right-hand side.

The Scottish Ambulance Service sent five ambulances, an air ambulance, three trauma teams and other resources to the scene, while the fire service and police also attended after being alerted at 8.35am.

Sky News believes there are multiple casualties.

Leith docks, Edinburgh. Pic: @Tomafc83
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Pic: @Tomafc83

Pictures show the Petrel, a research vessel, leaning at a 45-degree angle.

The Petrel was bought and outfitted by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen.

Leith councillor Adam McVey said the ship became dislodged in strong winds and he described the incident as “terrifying” for those on board.

He tweeted: “Emergency services are responding to a major incident at Leith docks – a ship has been dislodged from its holding in strong winds.

“Terrifying for those on board, my thoughts are with those who’ve been injured and hope everyone recovers quickly. Please avoid area.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Officers and emergency service colleagues are responding to an incident at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, whereby a ship on dry dock has become dislodged from its holding.

“Police were called to attend at around 8.35am on Wednesday and officers remain at the scene.

“The public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency service access.”

The coastguard also sent teams to the scene.

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Leith docks, Edinburgh. Pic: @Tomafc83
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Pic: @Tomafc83
Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, where a ship has become dislodged from its holding and is partially toppled over. Picture date: Wednesday March 22, 2023.
Emergency services at Imperial Dock in Leith, Edinburgh, where a ship has become dislodged from its holding and is partially toppled over. Picture date: Wednesday March 22, 2023.

A spokesman said: “HM Coastguard is currently assisting Police Scotland in responding to a major incident at Imperial Dry Dock in Edinburgh.

“At around 9.30am, Coastguard rescue teams from Fisherrow, South Queensferry and Kinghorn were sent to the scene.

“This is a multi-agency response, with the Scottish Ambulance Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue also in attendance.”

Dales Marine Services, which runs the dry dock, said it had no comment.



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'So many are already dead': France ordered to ban fishing to protect dolphins amid 'serious danger of extinction'

'So many are already dead': France ordered to ban fishing to protect dolphins amid 'serious danger of extinction'


The French government has been ordered to ban fishing off parts of its western coastline amid fears the common dolphin is in “serious danger” of becoming extinct.

Oceanographic institute Pelagis has estimated that nearly 1,000 dolphins have washed up on the country’s Atlantic coast this winter due to “accidental capture during fishing”.

French judiciary body the State Council has given government officials six months to ban fishing in parts of the Bay of Biscay and to better protect common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises.

Government-affiliated scientists estimate that around 10,000 dolphins and porpoises are killed every year in that maritime zone of western France alone – while the figure was as high as 18,000 deaths in one recent year.

The deaths are mostly blamed on industrial fishing and although the council’s intervention was welcomed by conservationists, campaigners said they “hope it’s not too late” to save many of the animals.

Most of the dolphins are found mutilated
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Many of the dolphins sustain injuries blamed on the fishing industry’s methods. File pic: AP

Experts also said the dolphins have changed their reproductive patterns to give birth faster – a recognised sign before extinction.

Several species are now in a state of “unfavourable conservation” with the common dolphin and harbour porpoise in “serious danger of extinction” in the region, officials have said.

The controversial fishing methods involve French nets, sometimes 31 miles long, trawling the ocean for regular fish, indiscriminately pulling in a full range of sea creatures.

Autopsies carried out on some dolphins have revealed extreme levels of mutilation.

Activists have said it is common for fishermen to cut body parts off the suffocated dolphins after they become entangled in the nets so they can save their equipment.

Lamya Essemlali, of Sea Shepherd France, a group that has campaigned for trawlers and boats to stop their deadly practices, said: “Of course, this move is a ray of hope for us but it’s bittersweet.

“So many dolphins are already dead, we see dead creatures washed up every day. I hope it’s not too late.”

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Dolphins in the zone are already behaving in ways scientifically consistent with a dying population, conservation groups have said.

“The dolphins have already changed their reproductive pattern – they are giving birth faster. This is a sign just before extinction,” Ms Essemlali added.

The French authorities have been under pressure for a number of years to do more to prevent the high death rate of sea creatures – and have been criticised for not introducing stronger measures.



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'Happy Ramadan' lights up London's Piccadilly Circus for the first time ever

'Happy Ramadan' lights up London's Piccadilly Circus for the first time ever


For the first time ever, London’s Piccadilly Circus has been lit up with Ramadan lights to welcome the Islamic holy month of fasting.

Mayor Sadiq Khan switched on the display to mark the occasion, as many gathered to celebrate the historic moment on Tuesday.

The words “Happy Ramadan” illuminated the streets, with the installation carrying thousands of lights.

London's first ever Ramadan lights to celebrate the start of Ramadan, at the Piccadilly Lights in central London. Picture date: Tuesday March 21, 2023.

The concept has been curated by Ramadan Lights UK, a not-for-profit organisation which aims to spread awareness of the month of fasting.

“This carefully curated concept depicts the phases of the moon throughout the blessed month, bringing the light of Ramadan to the streets of London,” Ramadan Lights UK said in an Instagram post.

The initiative, led by founder Aisha Desai, began three years ago and has since grown.

In 2021, the project launched its first showing in Henley’s Corner on the North Circular and in 2022, the idea made its way to Trafalgar Square.

On the project’s website, Ms Desai said: “As a child, a trip into central London to see the festive lights was an annual treat.

“As a proud Muslim, I wanted to bring some of that magic to my community.

“This year, I am so proud that our lights will line one of London’s most famous streets – Coventry Street, the road that joins Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square.”

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London's first ever Ramadan lights to celebrate the start of Ramadan, at the Piccadilly Lights in central London. Picture date: Tuesday March 21, 2023.
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Sadiq Khan seen in Piccadilly Circus launching the first ever Ramadan lights

Sadiq Khan said that it was an “honour to switch them on.”

“London is now the first major city in Europe to host a spectacular light display to mark Ramadan. It’s a true symbol of how our capital celebrates our diversity,” the mayor tweeted.

In a social media post, the mayor was pictured enjoying the lights with the project’s founder.

When is Ramadan and what is it?

Ramadan is marked by many Muslims worldwide as people prepare to celebrate the month by fasting from dawn to sunset.

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on 23 March and end on 21 April – subject to the sighting of the moon.

Muslims fast as it is believed to be one of the five pillars of faith in Islam – these are practices Muslims are advised to follow.

The month focuses on self-restraint, charity, mindfulness and worship.

London's first ever Ramadan lights to celebrate the start of Ramadan, at the Piccadilly Lights in central London. Picture date: Tuesday March 21, 2023.
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London’s first ever Ramadan lights to celebrate the start of Ramadan

A spokesperson from the Muslim Council of Britain told Sky News: “Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims across the world; a time for worship, reflection and charity – all with the express purpose of achieving greater God-consciousness.

“Ramadan presents a real opportunity for communities to come together and learn more about Islam and Muslims.”



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Death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality' set to be introduced in Uganda

Death penalty for 'aggravated homosexuality' set to be introduced in Uganda


Uganda has passed a bill to make it a crime to identify as LGBT – with the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”.

It is one of the harshest laws in the world targeting the LGBT community, in a country where gay people already face legal discrimination and mob violence.

More than 30 African countries, including Uganda, have already banned same-sex relations.

Supporters of the new law say a broader range of LGBT activities need to be punished, claiming they threaten traditional values.

Under the law, people will be banned from “promoting and abetting” homosexuality, as well as conspiracy to engage in same-sex relations.

Severe penalties will be in place, including death for so-called aggravated homosexuality and life in prison for having gay sex.

Aggravated homosexuality involves gay sex with people under the age of 18 or when the perpetrator is HIV positive, among other categories, according to the law.

The bill was passed late on Tuesday inside a packed parliamentary chamber, and was supported by nearly all the 389 representatives in the Ugandan capital Kampala.

Uganda's Speaker Anita Annet Among leads the session during the debate of the Anti-Homosexuality bill
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Uganda’s Speaker Anita Annet Among leads the session during the debate on the bill

The legislation now will go to President Yoweri Museveni who can either veto the bill or sign it into law.

He recently suggested he was supportive of the move, accusing Western nations of “trying to impose their practices on other people”.

The bill was introduced last month by an opposition politician who said his goal was to punish “promotion, recruitment and funding” of homosexuality.

During a debate on the bill, politician David Bahati said: “Our creator God is happy [about] what is happening… I support the bill to protect the future of our children.

“This is about the sovereignty of our nation, nobody should blackmail us, nobody should intimidate us.”

But politician Fox Odoi said the bill was “ill-conceived” and unconstitutional because it “criminalises individuals instead of conduct”.

An earlier version of the bill enacted in 2014 was later nullified by a court on procedural grounds.

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Human Rights Watch described the legislation as “a more egregious version” of the 2014 law, which drew widespread international concern and was struck down amid pressure from Uganda’s development partners.

If signed into law, the bill “would violate multiple fundamental rights, including rights to freedom of expression and association, privacy, equality, and non-discrimination”, Human Rights Watch said.

“One of the most extreme features of this new bill is that it criminalises people simply for being who they are as well as further infringing on the rights to privacy, and freedoms of expression and association that are already compromised in Uganda,” the group’s spokesperson Oryem Nyeko said in a statement earlier this month.

“Ugandan politicians should focus on passing laws that protect vulnerable minorities and affirm fundamental rights and stop targeting LGBT people for political capital.”



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