Scotland’s Sturgeon says could test power to call consultative independence vote
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said on Friday she did not rule out testing the legality of calling a consultative referendum on independence if Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative government continued to oppose another vote.
Brexit to bring new start for EU, no fewer opportunities: Commission chief
The EU will start a new chapter after Britain leaves, with no fewer opportunities as a united force on global issues from climate change to technological transformation, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
Italy government agrees state of emergency after confirmed coronavirus cases: government source
Italy’s cabinet on Friday decided to declare a state of emergency after the first two cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the country, a government source said.
Irish PM says EU, Britain not that far away on trade
The European Union and Britain are further apart in rhetoric than substance as they begin future trade talks, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said ahead of Britain’s departure from the bloc on Friday.
Joy and sadness: how the world is reacting on Brexit Day
The United Kingdom leaves the European Union at 2300 GMT on Friday, ending its 47-year membership of the world’s biggest trading bloc.
French couple living off-grid wants to leave a trace
In a forested area in central France, a young couple lives off-grid in a wood-and-straw cabin. Their aim is not to hide from the law, but to change it.
Italy cabinet to discuss declaring coronavirus emergency after first two cases confirmed
Italy’s government is set to discuss declaring a state of national emergency after confirming the first two cases of the new coronavirus in the country since the outbreak in China, a cabinet statement said on Friday.
WHO says countries should keep borders open, trade & people moving despite coronavirus
Borders should be kept open and people and trade flowing in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, although countries have a sovereign right to take measures to try to protect their citizens, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.
Doctors acquitted at end of Belgium’s first euthanasia trial
A Belgian court on Friday cleared three doctors accused of murder for helping a woman end her life, in the country’s first criminal case concerning euthanasia.
Singapore suspends entry, transit to visitors with recent China travel history
Singapore said on Friday it was banning entry and transit to all visitors with a recent history of travel to China and suspending visas for Chinese passport holders, its latest moves to try to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus.
