Stories for January 16th 2018

Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 10:12 UTC
UK government moves in to attempt avoid complete collapse of construction giant Carillion

Thousands of small firms working for failed construction giant Carillion are waiting to learn if they will be paid, amid growing fears some could close. Carillion used an extensive network of sub-contractors and local suppliers, paying them almost £1bn a year, according to its latest annual report.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 10:09 UTC
Vatican protocol message to President Macri when Pope overflew Argentina

While overflying Argentine territory on Monday, in his trip to Chile for a three-day visit, Pope Francis sent his “warm greetings” to President Mauricio Macri and called on his fellow Argentines not to forget to pray for him, in his twenty second apostolic trip, which also includes Peru.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 10:04 UTC
Scotland reveals impact on its economy of UK leaving the European Union

Scotland's economy would be £12.7bn a year worse off under a so-called hard Brexit, according to analysis by the Scottish government. The figure is contained in a paper on the impact of UK withdrawal from the European Union. It calculates the cost to Scotland of the UK leaving the single market with or without a trade deal.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 10:01 UTC
UK to reorient aid to developing countries that “put their hands in their pockets”

The UK could cut its aid to developing countries that fail to invest in their own people, the international development secretary has said. Penny Mordant told the Daily Telegraph she “won't invest” when others should put “their hands in their pockets”.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:57 UTC
Far less Argentines than expected crossed to Chile for the Pope's visit

Argentine born pope Francis three-day visit to neighboring Chile attracted less of his countrypeople than was expected according to the preparations and border controls. The Argentine Gendarmerie at the Christ Redempteur pass, reported that on Sunday, 4.283 people in 1.995 vehicles crossed to Chile plus another 2.966 faithfull in 77 coaches.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:52 UTC
Support for Lula's presidential bid despite his corruption conviction

Four South American ex-presidents are among more than 170,000 people who signed a petition supporting former president Lula da Silva bid for another term as Brazil's president, despite his corruption conviction. US film-maker Oliver Stone also signed the online petition supporting Lula, whose electoral aspirations are at risk of being blocked.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:48 UTC
Petrobras and Total confirm completion of Strategic Alliance involving US$ 1.9bn

Petrobras has completed the previously announced sale of shares in several Brazilian fields to France’s Total for US$1.95 billion it was confirmed. The deal was announced as part of the two companies’ Strategic Alliance, signed in March 2017.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:44 UTC
Meirelles brushes aside impact of S&P's lower rating: 'growth will continue'

Brazilian Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said that a recent decision by Standard & Poor’s to cut the nation’s credit rating will not affect 2018 economic growth. Speaking to journalists in Rio de Janeiro, Meirelles added that he was expecting close to 2.5 million jobs to be created in Brazil this year and GDP growth of around 3%.
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:34 UTC
Economic activity in Brazil expands for third month running

Economic activity in Brazil expanded for a third straight month in November, the longest stretch of gains since 2014, suggesting strong momentum at the end of the year. The central bank’s economic activity index rose 0.49% from October after seasonal adjustments
Tuesday, January 16th 2018 - 09:32 UTC
Francis in Chile: modest enthusiasm for a Laitn American country, and protest groups

Pope Francis flew in to Chile's capital Monday evening for a visit expected to be met with protests over sexual abuse by priests and confronted by many Chileans deeply skeptical about the Roman Catholic Church. It's the pope's first visit to Chile, a nation of 17 million people since taking the reins of the church in 2013.