Evening Update Monday 20 June 2022

Firefighters have continued to tackle a fire at Canjuers military camp in the Var today. Firefighters said that more than 700 hectares had been destroyed and late this morning nearly 300 were still engaged in fighting the fire. There were some resumptions of fire in difficult to access sectors and two helicopter water bombers were used to help bring the fires under control. Authorities have opened an investigation to establish the cause of the incident.

New data shows that France issued almost 100,000 residence permits to UK nationals last year because of Brexit. The figure was revealed in the French government's annual publication of immigration statistics.

The trial is beginning in Aix-en-Provence of nine people accused in conection with an alleged settling of accounts in the criminal community in February 2017. The charges result from a car chase on the A55 motorway during which ther driver of a vehicle was shot dead.

The French High Authority of Health has specified the vaccination strategy to be implemented around a confirmed case of monkey pox. The strategy is for two population groups - people who were vaccinated against smallpox in childhood, and children. The HAS  recommends administering a single dose of vaccine to at-risk contact persons vaccinated against smallpox before 1980, except for immunocompromised persons. In addition, HAS proposes that the vaccination of children exposed to the virus and likely to develop a severe form of the disease can be considered on a case-by-case basis, by specialists only and after a strict assessment of the benefits and risks.

As the heatwave gradually draws to a close, many departments in the west of France are on Meteo France orange alerts for storms. About forty trains were cancelled in the vicinity of Orleans after lightening struck signalling equipment. About a dozen departments in central eastern areas of the country are still under orange alerts for extreme heat.

 

BUSINESS

The biggest rail strike in 30 years is set to cause disruption to train services in England, Scotland and Wales unless last-minute talks between unions and rail companies are successful. Strikes are planned on most major lines on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Disruption is expected on non-strike days because less staff will be working and Network Rail has urged passengers to only travel by train if necessary. A strike will also be affecting London Underground services tomorrow. 

Heathrow airport has asked airlines to cut 10% of flights from their schedules across terminals two and three today. It comes after problems at baggage reclaim areas in recent days. 

Meanwhile, EasyJet has announced plans to cut 7% of its flights scheduled between July and September. The move comes after Gatwick airport said it will reduce the number of flights taking off during the peak summer season because of staff shortages.


SPORT

Football... West Ham have completed the signing of Nayef Aguerd from French club Rennes. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract. He joined Rennes from Dijon in 2020.

Rugby Union... Billy Vunipola has been named in England's squad for their three-Test tour in Australia next month. He last played in the 2021 Six Nations. Danny Care is also named alongside eight uncapped players. The first Test is in Perth on 2 July, followed by matches in Brisbane on the 9 th and Sydney on the 16 th.

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