Evening Update Thursday 21 September 2023

King Charles III is continuing his state visit to France. The monarch received a standing ovation for his speech to the French Senate in Paris this morning, which he delivered with sections in French and English. He visited a flower market in Paris this afternoon before going to Notre-Dame Cathedral where he talked to members of the team involved in the restoration work. He has also been to the National Museum of Natural History for a discussion on climate issues. Tomorrow the King and his wife Queen Camilla will move on to Bordeaux for the final day of the visit where they will go on board a Royal Navy vessel.

A group of elected officials, including Nice mayor Christian Estrosi, have called for a national and European plan against drugs trafficking. In an article in French newspaper Le Monde the group of about fifty officials, which also includes the Mayor of Marseille, Benoit Peyran, said that over seventy victims linked to drugs trafficking had been recorded by the government so far this year. They said that what they called "this scourge" is no longer confined to certain large cities.

The mayor of Menton has clarified the steps the town is taking in relation to the processing of migrants at the border with Italy. Speaking to France 3, Yves Juhel said that he wanted to make it clear that there will be no migrant camp in Menton. He said that a space was needed to process migrants and three small portable buildings would be installed for this purpose behind the already existing police station at the border on the upper road just above the coast road. He also confirmed that the housing of minor migrants in a hotel in Menton would not go ahead but discussions were being held about other possible accommodation.

Meteo France have issued yellow alerts for heavy rain and flooding in both the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes until midnight tonight. There are currently no warnings in force for the two departments after tonight.

A conference on the fishing industry has opened in Nice today. Nice mayor Christian Estrosi said that supporting this sector is "a duty, as it is so important for our country". He said that Nice is deeply committed to the preservation of maritime spaces.

Christian Estrosi has also been visiting a day centre in Nice today on the occasion of World Alzheimer's Day. The centre is run by the France Alzheimer 06 association.

A town councillor in the northern French town of Dunkerque has been placed in police custody following the death of her husband. She had called police who found her husband with stab wounds and had claimed that he had been attacked by a burglar. The incident happened on Sunday night and an investigation was opened on Monday.

 

BUSINESS

UK interest rates have been left unchanged. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said that inflation "has fallen a lot in recent months", and the Bank thinks that "it will continue to do so." However, he added that there was "no room for complacency". The Bank had previously raised rates fourteen times in a row.

Switzerland's central bank has also left rates on hold today. The Swiss National Bank held rates at 1.75% and said that inflation had declined in recent months.

Rupert Murdoch has said that he is stepping down as chairman of Fox and News Corp, with his son Lachlan to head both companies. In a memo to employees, the 92 year old said "the time is right" for him to take on "different roles". Murdoch said he will transition to the role of Chairman Emeritus of both companies in mid-November.

UK government borrowing was higher than economists had expected in August, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics. Borrowing rose to £11.6bn last month which was £3.5bn more than a year earlier and the fourth highest August borrowing since monthly records began in 1993.

 

SPORT

Cricket... Jason Roy has turned down the chance to play in the remainder of England's one-day series against Ireland. Uncapped Somerset player Tom-Kohler Cadmore is called up to replace Joe Root, who will rest for the last two matches against Ireland before the World Cup.

Football... England women's team players have reached agreement with the Football Association after a dispute over performance-related bonuses, according to captain Millie Bright. She said that the agreement is "bigger than just the bonuses. For us, it's about being world leaders on and off the pitch".

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