World
Europe
‘Divided down the middle’: Scottish independence suffers an election setback
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is on course to win 64 seats but needed 65 for a SNP majority and a strong case for a new referendum.
- by Bevan Shields
Latest
‘Forget Australia’: Britain snaps up stranded international students
Shaiz Javaid felt abandoned by Australia when borders closed. He is among thousands making up a record surge of university enrolments in Britain.
- by Latika Bourke
EU says US stand on patent virus waiver is no ‘magic bullet’
European Union leaders cranked up their criticism of the US call to waive COVID-19 vaccine patents Saturday, arguing the move would bring no short or midterm relief.
- by RAF CASERT and BARRY HATTON
Experts baffled by rare grey whale lost in the Med
With global warming opening northern routes, it is believed “Wally” became lost and swam into the Atlantic via the Arctic.
- by Henry Samuel and Nick Squires
Pleased Mister Postman: Paul McCartney gets own set of Royal Mail stamps
The Royal Mail said it was paying tribute to “one of the most iconic and enduring music artists of all time”.
- by Marie-Louise Gumuchian
China’s Sinopharm becomes first non-Western vaccine to win WHO approval
The World Health Organisation has made its long-awaited decision on China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, approving the jab for emergency use in all adults, meaning it can be rolled out globally.
- by Latika Bourke
‘The overall risk is high:’ CHOGM delayed again
The Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting that was scheduled for Rwanda in June has been postponed, despite urgings from Australia and Britain not to delay for a second time.
- by Latika Bourke
101 carat diamond to be auctioned in Geneva jewellery sale
The largest diamond ever cut in Russia - a 100.94 carat stone called the Alrosa Spectacle - will be auctioned in Geneva later this month.
‘Abundance of caution’: UK’s thirtysomething to get AstraZeneca alternatives
It follows a decision in April to steer adults under 30 away from the Oxford-designed jab over the rare risk of blood clots. But Germany has gone the other way.
- by Henry Bodkin
Germany rejects US proposal to waive patents on COVID-19 vaccines
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday voiced support for a waiver in a sharp reversal of the US position, and his top trade negotiator.
- by Andreas Rinke
Updated
Brexit
France sends patrol boats as tensions flare with UK on fish
French fishermen angry over loss of access to waters off their coast have gathered their boats in protest off the English Channel island of Jersey.
- by Jill Lawless and John Leicester