Here at HCX we know it can be hard to keep track of what’s going on in the news. So we’ve rounded up a handful of stories that have made headlines…
1. Louvre Knife Attack
A man was shot last Friday after thrusting a knife at soldiers near the Louvre in Paris. The incident began in the Carrousel du Louvre shopping centre which leads into the world famous museum. While there were no fatalities, one soldier was injured during the attack. Hundreds of visitors who were inside at the time of the event had to be evacuated. The suspect, believed to be 29 year old Egyptian Abdullah Hamamy, is being held at a Paris hospital, refusing to speak to the police. Francois Hollande has issued a statement calling this a terrorist attack after it was alleged that the suspect shouted Islamic phrases as he wielded his knife.
While Hamamy remains silent, his father claims that he is neither a terrorist nor a victim of radicalisation. Hamamy has a wife and young son in the United Arab Emirates and was apparently in France on a business trip. It is believed, however, that Abdullah Hamamy purchased two machetes upon arrival. The attack contributes to the increased security in France following the series of attacks in recent years. Security is likely to be a defining feature of the presidential elections due to be held in April.
2. Scotland Opposes Brexit Bill
Scottish MPs officially opposed the UK government’s steps towards a Brexit deal when they voted on the issue on Tuesday tonight. MPs are against enacting Article 50, which would see the UK leave the single market, since last June’s referendum where Scotland voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining in the European Union.
The SNP failed to block the UK government’s Brexit Bill last week. Despite 58 out of 59 Scottish MPs opposing the bill, it was still passed with 498 votes to 114. The vote on Tuesday was largely symbolic – Brexit minister Michael Russell says that the vote was a significant test of whether Scotland’s voice is being heard. The vote brought to the surface key questions about devolution and Scottish nationalism once again.
3. The Queen Reaches her Sapphire Jubilee
Providing some much-needed positive news this week is the Queen, who is celebrating her sapphire Jubilee. She becomes the first British monarch to reach such a milestone, after reigning for an impressive 65 years.
Among the celebrations were ceremonial gun salutes across the country and the release of a special photograph of the Queen by British photographer David Bailey. The Royal Mint is releasing commemorative coins while Royal Mail has issued a special sapphire jubilee stamp to commemorate the occasion. The Queen, who is currently in good health following her cold over Christmas, is set to celebrate the landmark date privately at her Sandringham estate.
Courgettes in Crisis
Just weeks after we learned of a national shortage of courgettes, some of the biggest supermarkets have been forced to introduce limits on vegetable purchases in light of fresh shortages. Weekly shop staples such as broccoli and lettuce have also taken a hit, with Tesco’s and Morrison introducing a maximum of three lettuces per customer.
The shortage is believed to be due to unexpectedly cold weather conditions in the Mediterranean. However, critics are suggesting that the real problem is our unsustainable food system and supermarkets insistence on stocking all fruit and veg all year round. Green advocates are suggesting that eating local, seasonal produce is what is needed to solve this problem.