Stories for August 2017

Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 21:59 UTC
UK names expert to negotiate free trade deals in the post Brexit world

The man charged with helping to negotiate Britain's free trade deals around the world post-Brexit has said the agreements can help improve global security. Crawford Falconer, who will work with International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox, said there was a “powerful political and security element to getting this right”.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 17:56 UTC
UK sets out post Brexit papers; EU insists citizens rights, financial settlement and Ireland come first

The UK government has set out proposals to ensure trade in goods and services can continue on the day the UK leaves the EU in March 2019. A position paper calls for goods already on the market to be allowed to remain on sale in the UK and EU without additional restrictions. It also calls for consumer protections to remain in place.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 14:05 UTC
Falklands commends officers, and Toby, for drug seizure in a trawler

The Falklands government and the UK Ministry of Defense held an event to congratulate officers involved in a drug seizure from a trawler. Corporal Amanda Matthews and Customs Officer Matt Jenkins attended Government House on Tuesday night to receive commendations for their recent successful joint operation which resulted in a drug seizure.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 07:11 UTC
UK controversy over tactical voting; reform campaigners want proportional representation

Tactical voting reached a new peak at June's general election as voters tried to get round a failed system, according to electoral reform campaigners. The Electoral Reform Society branded the poll a “hold your nose election,” claiming 6.5 million voted tactically rather than for what they believed in.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 07:04 UTC
Brexit: A paper on the role of the European Court of Justice expected this week

In the latest in a series of papers setting out its Brexit negotiating plans, the government will say disputes need to be resolved “in a clear and sensible way”, saying it is determined to agree new arrangements. This will be crucial for both UK and EU citizens and businesses that buy and sell across borders, it says.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:51 UTC
J&J loses ovarian cancer case and has been ordered to pay US$ 417 million

Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay US$417m to a woman who says she developed ovarian cancer after using products such as baby powder. The California jury's decision marks the largest award yet in a string of lawsuits that claim the firm did not adequately warn about cancer risks from talc-based products.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:45 UTC
Abortion under certain circumstances finally becomes legal in Chile

Chilean Constitutional court on Monday ruled that a law legalizing abortion in certain cases is constitutional, a win for President Michelle Bachelet’s ruling coalition and for groups that have campaigned for years against the country’s strict ban.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:23 UTC
Chinese automaker “deeply interested” in buying Jeep from Fiat Chrysler

A Chinese automaker is “deeply interested” in buying Jeep, an iconic American brand, from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in a move that likely would face political opposition in the U.S. and create angst among workers. Great Wall Motor told trade publication Automotive News it also has “indirectly expressed interest” in acquiring the brand known for its rugged, off-road vehicles.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 06:10 UTC
Trump announces greater involvement in Afghanistan; Taliban pledge to fight on

President Donald Trump announced on Monday night his administration’s plans to continue the engagement of the United States military in Afghanistan, a strategy meant to combat the influence of the Taliban and the ISIS affiliate in the country that will for go a formal timetable and instead rely upon “conditions on the ground” to guide U.S. activities.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2017 - 05:45 UTC
Big Ben falls silent after Monday's midday bongs until Remembrance Sunday and New Year

The Big Ben has fallen silent for major repair work expected to last until 2021. The Monday midday bongs were the last regular chimes from the famous bell until the repairs to its tower are complete. It will still be used for special occasions, including New Year's Eve and Remembrance Sunday.