Evening Update Tuesday 7 November 2023

The prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes has said that three radicalized people have been expelled from the department since October 13 and five since the beginning of the year. Speaking to French media this morning Hughues Moutouh said that they were amongst several hundred people in the department on the so-called S-file which concerns people which France or another country suspects of terrorist aims or of undermining state security.

400 litres of fuel were spilled at a motorway service station last night after a collision between two trucks. The incident happened at the Aire de Mornas-les-Adrets on the A7 motorway near Avignon. Firefighters attended the scene. There was no pollution thanks to their quick intervention and no injuries were reported.

The Pas-de-Calais department in north-west France is experiencing its worst flooding since 2002, according to the organization which measures flood levels. Vigicrues had put two rivers in the department on its highest level red alert, which denotes a risk of major flooding and a "direct and generalized threat to the safety of people and property". The red warnings have been reduced to orange warnings this evening. Several hundred interventions have been carried out by firefighters, some of whom have come from nearby departments to strengthen local forces. Many local schools have been closed since yesterday. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said this morning that several people had been injured.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this afternoon that more than a hundred French nationals have so far been evacuated from Gaza. It said that they had crossed from Gaza into Egypt via the Rafah crossing. The Ministry said they were being taken care of by the French embassy in Egypt and the consulate in Cairo.

The town hall in Hyeres has filed a complaint after several swastikas were painted in public places in the town at the weekend. Security has been reinforced around Jewish places of worship and in the local cemetery.

Four new ambassadors to the Principality of Monaco have been accredited. They are from Japan, Finland, Sudan and Brunei. The diplomats presented their Letters of Credence to HSH Prince Albert II yesterday morning.

A local Riviera writer has won a prestigious French literary prize. Jean-Baptiste Andrea, who is from Cannes, has been awarded this year's Prix Goncourt. The prize is given by the Académie Goncourt to the author of "the best and most imaginative prose work of the year". Cannes Mayor David Lisnard offered his congratulations, saying “it is a source of great pride for Cannes to see one of its own named as winner of the Goncourt”.

 

BUSINESS

Grocery prices in the UK have fallen for the eighth month in a row according to data company Kantar. In the four weeks to the 29 October grocery prices were 9.7% higher than the previous year. Kantar said that the figure under ten per cent is "somewhat of a watershed" but added that prices had only fallen in a small number of major food categories.

Revenues at clothing retailer Primark rose by about 15% compared to its previous financial year. Owner Associated British Foods said that sales increased in both halves of the year - in the first half, by 17% to £4.2bn against the same period in the prior year; and in the second half, by 14% to £4.8bn. Chief Executive George Weston said that trading at Primark "was excellent under the circumstances" after it implemented selective price increases partially to protect profitability at the beginning of the year.

German industrial output fell by 1.4% in September compared to October. Year on year it was down by 3.7%. September's figure is the eighth consecutive monthly fall in industrial output.

 

SPORT

Cricket... Australia have beaten Afghanistan by 3 wickets in the World Cup today. Afghanistan batted first and were 291 for 5. Australia were 293 for 7. Australia now go through to the semi-finals.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is out of the tournament with a fractured finger. He sustained the injury in the match against Sri Lanka yesterday.

Rugby Union... Wales player Sam Costelow is out with an injury he sustained in the match against Barbarians last Saturday. He was replaced at half-time by Cai Evans. His club Scarlets said that he isn't expected to return until January.

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