Political News
US SEC warns market participants to follow rules, warns on volatility
America's stockmarket regulator warned of the possible fallout from the recent sharp volatility in the share prices of smaller firms.
Moderna cuts vaccine deliveries to Italy and France
Moderna has told Italy and France they will get fewer vaccine doses than expected in February in a further setback for EU vaccination programmes, according to a report.
Chinese warplanes simulate attacking US aircraft carrier
Chinese military aircraft simulated attacking a nearby US carrier with missiles during an incursion into Taiwan’s air defence zone this week.
Iran will not reverse nuclear steps unless US first lifts sanctions
Iran will not reverse the acceleration of its nuclear programme until Washington lifts economic sanctions, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Friday.
UK grants Hong Kong citizens route to British passports
Britain on Friday announced it would be offering Hong Kong citizens a route to citizenship but China said it would no longer recognise special British passports.
EU considers legal means if Covid-19 vaccines delayed, Council President says
The European Union should explore legal means to secure supplies of Covid-19 vaccines if companies do not deliver them on time and if negotiations with pharmaceutical companies prove unsuccessful, the European Council President, Charles Michel, said on Thursday.
IMF warns of heightened risks from slow rollout of vaccines in developing countries
The world's financial stability watchdog warned governments that emergency economic measures needed to be retained in order to stave off the risk of a "correction" in stock markets.
Boris Johnson delays reopening English schools
Boris Johnson said English schools would not reopen until 8 March at the earliest and that people arriving in the UK from 22 countries would be quarantined because of Covid-19.
Two-thirds of people want action against climate change - UN global poll
Two-thirds of people around the world believe climate change is a global emergency and seek action, revealed a global survey carried out by the United Nations.
UN chief makes case for increasing access to vaccines globally
The head of the United Nations warned that it was in the self-interest of countries in the Northern Hemisphere to help those in the South to access vaccines.
Yellen makes history as first female Treasury chief
Janet Yellen has been confirmed as the next US Treasury Secretary, the first woman to hold the role.
Italian PM Conte set to step down on Tuesday
Italy's Prime Minister is set to step down on Tuesday.
Johnson refuses to say when schools will reopen
Boris Johnson said he was considering relaxing some Covid-19 measures before mid-February but refused to say schools would be open as normal before Easter.
Heathrow workers to strike in February over fire and rehire dispute
Unite members working at Heathrow Airport will undertake renewed strike action in February in response to the increasingly “bitter” dispute with the company.
UK will not grant EU ambassador full diplomatic status
The Foreign Office refused to deny the European Union’s ambassador full diplomatic status over claims that the bloc should not be treated as a nation state.
China imposes sanctions on top Trump officials
China has imposed sanctions on 28 Trump administration officials including former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for violating its sovereignty.
WHO chief welcomes EU proposal for pandemic preparedness treaty
World Health Organization (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed on Wednesday a proposal from the European Council to negotiate a global treaty on pandemic preparedness.
Iran urges Biden to return to 2015 nuclear deal
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged US President-elect Joe Biden on the day of his inauguration to return to the 2015 nuclear deal and to lift the sanctions on the Middle Eastern country.
CBI calls for furlough scheme to be extended
The Confederation of British Industry has called on the chancellor to extend the furlough scheme, warning that companies had been hit hard by the latest round of lockdown restrictions.
US needs to 'act big' to counter Covid impact on economy - Yellen
The US needs to take "act big" to counter the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Treasury Secretary nominee Janet Yellen was expected to say at her Senate confirmation hearing later on Tuesday,.