Evening Update Friday 27 November 2020

Meteo France have a Yellow warning in operation for high winds in the Var from 8am to at least 4pm tomorrow, Saturday. The departments of Pyrénées-Orientales, Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud have been placed under a Meteo France Orange warning for heavy rain, flooding and storms. Meteo France said that while November has been generally dry and sunny across France, a "Mediterranean episode" will affect the Pyrénées-Orientales in particular this Saturday and heavy accumulations of rain are also expected this weekend in eastern Corsica.

Four police officers suspected of involvement in the beating of a black music producer during an arrest in Paris have been summoned to appear before the IGPN, the General Inspectorate of the National Police, according to reports in French media. The IGPN, sometimes refered to as the "police of the police" ensures that officers comply with laws and regulations and act ethically. Security camera video was released yesterday showing three officers kicking, punching and using their truncheons on the man after he entered his studio. A canister of tear gas was also apparently thrown into the room. The producer said that he was also subjected to racist abuse. President Macron was "more than shocked" by the video according to members of his inner circle quoted by French media today. The four people referred to the IGPN are believed to be the three police officers involved in attempting the arrest and one officer who is alleged to have thrown the tear gas canister.

A man is in a serious condition after being stabbed in the throat in Marseille. The incident took place on a street in the 5th arrondissement yesterday afternoon. He was taken to La Timone Hospital. Investgations are continuing.

The Mayor of Antibes, Jean Leonetti, this morning visited the site of the new multiplex cinema under construction in the city centre. The mayor said that work is progressing well and underground infrastructure will be completed before the end of the year. The shell and cranes will be gone before summer to make way for "a more peaceful work environment". When completed, there will be a rooftop terrace and a restaurant with a panoramic view. The eight cinema complex is scheduled to open on 15 December 2021.

The food bank network across France has launched its annual collection weekend today. Stocks at food banks have been badly depleted by increased demand during the coronavirus crisis and the organizations are looking for donations to help people in need. You can find more information at the website https://monpaniersolidaire.org/

The City of Cannes is launching a Christmas competition for the most beautiful decorations and lights. The “Christmas on the Balcony” competition will run from 1 to 24 December. You can upload a photo of your decorations on www.cannes.com The photos selected by the City will be posted on social media and the most popular will win a night in a Cannes hotel for two people. The Christmas lights in Cannes are being turned on tomorrow.


BUSINESS

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has confirmed that he is travellling to the UK this evening to continue talks. He said that in line with Belgian rules, he and his team are no longer in quarantine and physical negotiations can continue. However, he said that the "same significant divergences persist". M. Barnier briefed Member States and the European Parliament on the negotiations earlier today.

The UK government has said that it's committed to introducing a new regulatory regime to tackle the market power of tech giants like Google and Facebook. It follows a report into the sector by the UK Competition and Markets Authority. In the final report from its online platforms and digital advertising market study the CMA outlined a number of factors that it said undermine competition and entrench the market power of Google and Facebook. The new regime will be enforced by a newly created dedicated unit within the CMA.

China has announced the imposition of preliminary tariffs on Australian wine. Tarrifs of between 107% to 212% will be imposed starting from tomorrow. The Australian Government said it was "extremely disappointed" by the decision. China has recently targeted other Australian imports including coal, sugar, barley and lobsters.

Household appliance company Dyson has said that it will invest an additional $3.67bn into new technologies and products over the next five years. The investments will be focused on Singapore, the UK, and the Philippines.

 

SPORT

Motorsports... Lewis Hamilton was fastest in first and second practice for the Behrain Grand Prix today. In first practice this morning Valtteri Bottas was in second place, with Racing Point's Sergio Perez in third. This afternoon in second practice Max Verstappen was second and Valterri Bottas in third.

Cricket... Australia have beaten India by 66 runs in the  one-day international at Sydney Cricket Ground today. 20,000 socially-distanced fans were present. The final score was India 308 for 8 and Australia 374 for 6.

England's one-day international tour of the Netherlands has been postponed because of what the teams called "continuing uncertainty" over the pandemic. The three match tour, which is part of qualifying for the 2023 World Cup was scheduled for May 2021 but has now been put back to May 2022.

Rugby Union... The Autumn Nations Cup continues this weekend with Wales against England at 5pm tomorrow. France play Italy in Paris at 9.10pm tomorrow night in Group B. On Sunday Ireland play Georgia in Group A.

In the southern hemisphere Rugby Championship tomorrow morning Argentina playNew Zealand at 9.45 our time.

There’s one game in the Gallagher Premiership in England tonight. Newcastle play Sale.

Football... In the English Premier League this weekend Crystal Palace play Newcastle tonight. On Saturday Brighton host Liverpool.Manchester City play Burnley.Everton play Leeds and West Brom play Sheffield United. On Sunday Southampton play Manchester United.Chelsea host Spurs and Arsenal play Wolves. Leicester play Fulham and West Ham play Aston Villa on Monday night.

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