Stories for October 23rd 2017

Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:55 UTC
Two of Italy's richest regions vote for more autonomy

Two of Italy's richest northern regions have voted for more autonomy, according to their leaders. More than 90% of voters in Lombardy, home to Italy's financial capital Milan, and the Veneto region around Venice, voted yes in the non-binding referendum, their presidents claimed.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:51 UTC
Brexit countdown: PM May faces Parliament and Davis travels to Paris

UK Brexit Secretary David Davis will travel to Paris on Monday for talks days after French President Emmanuel Macron suggested Britain would need to up its divorce payment offer to unlock trade negotiations. Davis will have dinner with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in the UK’s latest attempt to jump-start withdrawal talks with the European Union.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:45 UTC
UK's biggest business lobbies calling for urgent Brexit transition deal

Britain's five biggest business lobby groups are calling for an urgent Brexit transition deal, or they warn the UK risks losing jobs and investment. In a joint letter being sent to Brexit Secretary David Davis, the groups, including the Institute of Directors and CBI, will say time is running out.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:40 UTC
Staunch Remainer convinced there's no way to prevent UK leaving the EU

The conservative former chancellor Ken Clarke has said he believes there is now no way to prevent the UK leaving the EU. The staunch Remainer said there was “little doubt” that Brexit would take place and argued a second referendum on any deal would be “folly”.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 07:25 UTC
UN Human Rights High Commissioner visits Peru and Uruguay

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein will visit Peru and Uruguay this week to discuss progress and challenges concerning human rights in these countries. He will also launch a joint plan of action by the UN Human Rights Office and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to address the protection of human rights defenders in the Americas.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 06:25 UTC
Sweeping victory for Macri consolidating his reform plans and 2019 reelection bid

Candidates allied with Argentine President Mauricio Macri enjoyed sweeping victories in Sunday’s mid-term election, strengthening his position in Congress while dimming prospects for a political comeback by his predecessor Cristina Fernandez. free-spending populist who nearly bankrupted the country during her 2007-2015 rule.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 05:29 UTC
WHO Director General rescinds Goodwill Ambassador appointment

World Health Organization, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has announced that after much listening and reflection, he has decided to rescind the appointment of Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for NCDs in Africa.
Monday, October 23rd 2017 - 05:05 UTC
Catalonia parties meet to decide how to react to Rajoy's announced measures

Catalonia’s separatists weighed their options Sunday ahead of a week that will see Spain take the drastic step of sacking the region’s government as well as calling fresh elections to try and stop the country breaking up.