UK government wants Canada-style free trade deal with EU: spokesman for PM Johnson
The British government has been clear it is seeking a Canada-style free trade agreement with the European Union after Brexit, Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said on Friday.
Plane repatriating French nationals from China’s coronavirus regions lands in France: BFM TV
The first plane repatriating French nationals from China’s coronavirus regions landed in France, French TV station BFM reported on Friday.
Singapore bans China travelers to keep out coronavirus
Singapore said on Friday it was banning entry to all Chinese visitors and foreigners with a recent history of travel to China in some of the most far-reaching moves worldwide to deter the fast-spreading coronavirus.
Talks between Thailand, insurgents to resume in March: Thai official
Talks will resume in early March between representatives of the Thai government and the main insurgent group fighting for independence in the country largely Muslim-Malay south, the head of the government team on Friday.
British, EU level trade playing field possible but difficult: Irish PM
There is scope for the European Union and Britain to agree to maintain equal standards in a future trade deal, but coming to such an agreement will be hugely difficult, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Friday.
Britain reports first two cases of new coronavirus
Two patients from the same family in England have tested positive for coronavirus, the first such cases in Britain, England’s chief medical officer said on Friday.
U.S. warns citizens against travel to China as virus toll passes 200
The United States warned Americans not to travel to China as the death toll from a new virus reached 213 on Friday and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global health emergency, and Britain confirmed its first two cases.
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.
