Card carrying members of the communist party

Beijing has declared that only "patriots" should rule Hong Kong - and unveiled plans to change the city's electoral system to ensure just that. Candidates for election to the Legislative Council - Hong Kong 's parliament - will be vetted, according to the proposed changes. And elections scheduled for 2020, already postponed for a year, will be pushed back to 2022. "The rioting and turbulence that occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals that the existing electoral system in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has clear loopholes and deficiencies," said Wang Chen, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, according to state media. The NPC, China 's annual parliament, is meeting in Beijing this week. The changes to Hong Kong's electoral system are only a proposal but will almost certainly be approved given the rubber stamp nature of the NPC. "Loopholes" is one of Beijing's favourite terms for describing aspects of … [Read more...] about Beijing declares only ‘patriots’ should rule Hong Kong as elections delayed again

When Melanie Leupolz was presented with the chance to swap Bayern Munich for Chelsea last year, it was an offer she simply couldn’t refuse. The allure of the Women's Super League (WSL), and the opportunity to experience something new was a dream come true. After finishing the season at Bayern, she packed her bags and headed for London. "I always wanted to play abroad," she told DW. "For me the English league is the best in the world because it is really equal and there are so many good teams. It was my first wish to go here, and I am really happy that everything worked out." It had been going so well at Bayern — where Leupolz was club captain. She had joined in 2014 from Freiburg and won back-to-back Women's Bundesliga titles in her first two years in Bavaria. But Leupolz explained how the German top flight had become repetitive over the years, with the same two teams winning the league over and over again. She had a point. Since 2012, the title has been won exclusively by … [Read more...] about Melanie Leupolz: Germany can learn from Women’s Super League

Germany's domestic intelligence agency must not declare the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party a case for surveillance until proceedings brought by the party to challenge such a move have concluded, a court order stated on Friday. German media had reported a day earlier that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), had placed the entire AfD under surveillance. The BfV was apparently unable to announce the decision officially due to the ongoing legal dispute. Watch video 02:58 Share Germany sees rise in extremism Send Facebook Twitter reddit EMail Facebook Messenger Web Whatsapp Web Telegram linkedin Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/3f4Sy Germany sees rise in extremist violence What is happening in the courts? The AfD filed two legal cases and two emergency motions against the BfV, German press agency dpa reported last week. It filed the cases after reports leaked … [Read more...] about German court suspends surveillance of far-right AfD, for now

TESCO shoppers can get a free bunch of daffodils from the supermarket. The offer is available to 1million Clubcard customers, who've been selected at random. The flowers currently cost just £1 at Tesco , but it could be a nice freebie to welcome spring. Daffodils are typically one of the most common signs that spring is here. If you're been selected by Tesco for the freebie, you'll find the offer on the Clubcard app under the "offers and coupons" section. It can then be redeemed both in-store and online before next Sunday, March 14. Here's how to cut the cost of your grocery shop SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Money.co.uk about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills: Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping Never shop hungry – you are far more likely … [Read more...] about Tesco is giving out free daffodils to Clubcard customers

The public are being urged to join a mass slow handclap in protest at a government recommendation for a 1% pay rise for NHS workers - as unions warn of possible strike action. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has set up a £35m strike fund that can be used to provide compensation for loss of earnings and campaigning should members decide to down tools. RCN chief executive and general secretary Dame Donna Kinnair condemned health minster Nadine Dorries' claim that 1% was "the most" the government could afford , calling it "pitiful and bitterly disappointing". Live COVID updates from the UK and across the world Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Minister defends NHS 1% pay increase And Unite, which also represents tens of thousands of health service staff, has warned it too is considering industrial action amid growing anger at the pay proposals they branded an "insult" and "hypocrisy in its greatest form". … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Public urged to join slow handclap protest as nursing unions being strike discussions over pay row