Evening News Update Friday 28 December

Yellow Vest protestors were still present this afternoon in the vicinity of Fort Brégançon, the French President’s holiday residence in Bormes-les-Mimosas in the Var. Police are currently blocking their path. Last night, about 40 protestors attempted to enter the building but were prevented by police. 

New Yellow Vest protests are being planned on a national basis for tomorrow, the New Year and further into January. According to reports, representatives of the movement have called for a so-called Seventh Act, involving demonstrations tomorrow in Paris, Lyon, Nantes, Toulouse and Bordeaux. A rally is also expected to be held on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on New Year’s Eve. During Act 6 of the demonstrations, on Saturday 22nd December an estimated 38,600 demonstrators took part in protests nationally. 220 arrests were made by police.

The French government is intending to distribute 20,000 extra doses of flu vaccine next week.  The vaccine was originally destined for overseas. Reports say that the flu vaccine is currently out of stock in many pharmacies in the PACA region. Last year, influenza was responsible for the deaths of 13,000 people in France. 

Road diversions were set up this morning in the Roya Valley near the border with Italy during a demonstration by the association of Italian truckers. Trucks were involved in an “escargot” go slow on the RD 6204 from 6am to midday today.  Traffic was diverted via Sospel.

BUSINESS
China has accused the UK of what it called "deep-rooted pride and prejudice" over security fears raised about Huawei. The Chinese company's chairman has also complained of his firm's "incredibly unfair treatment" abroad. The UK's Defence Secretary and chief of MI6 have been among those to say that use of Huawei's 5G equipment poses risks that need fuller consideration. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the US and Japan have also expressed concerns.

SPORT

Cricket…India built up a commanding lead over Australia on day three of the third Test, despite a second innings collapse which saw Australian Pat Cummins take four wickets in just nine balls. In their second innings India were 54 for 5 after 27 overs meaning that India lead Australia by 346 runs with 5 wickets remaining.

Football…Former Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has died at the age of 82. He became chairman in 1982 and presided over the appointments of George Graham and Arsene Wenger as managers and they won five league titles, five FA Cups, the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup between them. The club have said that he was also instrumental in the move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium in 2006.