Germany in world war two

It’s fine to mention the war after all. A survey of international attitudes to BBC programmes has found that the Germans adore Basil Fawlty. Audiences from different countries were asked to name their favourite television characters, both comedic and dramatic, for a BBC Worldwide showcase poll. Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock came top in every territory. But while most of the other countries nominated Doctor Who as the next most popular character, Germany chose John Cleese’s 1970s hotelier. They also showed a fondness for Edmund Blackadder, placing him sixth in their top 10. The final Blackadder series was set in the First World War trenches, with Rowan Atkinson playing Blackadder as a wily captain doing his best to avoid a deadly encounter with “Fritz”. Fawlty Towers was not shown in Germany until 1993, such was the sensitivity around the episode titled The Germans. It featured a goose-stepping Cleese yelling: ‘Don’t mention the war!’ before a group of mortified … [Read more...] about Which BBC characters are most popular across the world? The Germans adore Basil Fawlty

Before Russia's war with Ukraine, director Anna Demidova used to run an independent theatre company in Moscow. But the Kremlin's so-called 'special military operation' changed all that. At the start of March, she decided to leave Russia in protest against the invasion. Anna is convinced about the social and political role that art can play. I met her in Berlin's central district of Mitte, where she had recently moved in the hope of a fresh start. She explained to me that her family, fearing for her safety, had pushed her to leave Russia following her frequent participation in anti-war protests inside the country. "Before Putin started this war, I was trying to invest my all, as a person, as a citizen, and also as an artist to make people understand that we need more responsibility, that we should participate in our political life. Because people do not understand politics. They're not interested. They don't give a f**k about what's going on in Russia." … [Read more...] about Russia’s brain drain: War with Ukraine prompts tens of thousands to flee abroad

Ukrainian and Russian forces battled fiercely for control of a key eastern city Wednesday, while fears of a global food crisis escalated as millions of tons of grain pile up inside the besieged country, unable to be exported by sea because of the war. Follow our live updates below. 06.08.2022 07:00 Wednesday's key points The embattled eastern city of Sievierodonetsk is now "largely" under Russian control, according to the region's governor. Russia and Turkey have voiced support for the creation of a safe maritime corridor in the Black Sea so Ukraine can export grain to global markets but Ukraine says Russian promise not to use safe shipping corridors to attack Odesa is not credible. Zelenskyy has said that victory will only be achieved when Russian forces are out of the 'entire' Ukraine, including Crimea and separatist areas. Hundreds of dead Ukrainian fighters were handed over to Kyiv by Russia. Most were killed defending the Azovstal steel mill in the … [Read more...] about Ukraine war: Row over grain exports intensifies

A crossbow-wielding intruder in the grounds of Windsor Castle approached a police officer and announced he was there “to kill the Queen”, a court has heard. Jaswant Singh Chail is charged with intending to injure or alarm the Queen under the little-used Treason Act after he was arrested on Christmas Day last year. The 20-year-old, from Southampton, is the first person in more than 40 years to be charged with offences under the 1842 legislation. He is also charged with making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, namely a crossbow. The defendant appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday via video link from Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital. Wearing a black bomber jacket and black T-shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address. Kathryn Selby, prosecuting, said that Mr Singh was spotted in the grounds of Windsor Castle at around 8.10am on Christmas Day, wearing a hood and mask. As … [Read more...] about Windsor Castle trespasser said ‘I am here to kill the Queen’, court hears

Russia has warned of a nuclear disaster at Europe's biggest nuclear plant and accused Ukraine of planning an "accident" when the UN secretary general visits the country today. The Zaporizhzhia facility, in the southeast, was captured by Russia in the early days of the war and in recent weeks has repeatedly come under fire. Both sides point the finger at each other for the shelling. Ukraine news live: Russia calls proposal to demilitarise nuclear plant 'unacceptable' Russia's defence ministry claimed Ukraine would stage a "minor accident" and "provocation" - and blame it on them - to coincide with Antonio Guterres' visit. The UN chief is due to meet Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and Turkey's President Erdogan in the western city of Lviv on Thursday. Talks will focus on efforts to deescalate the war, speeding up grain exports and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear situation. More on Ukraine Germany to miss gas storage target amid warnings of winter shortages … [Read more...] about Russia says Ukraine planning to stage Zaporizhzhia nuclear ‘provocation’ as UN chief and Turkish president visit

Russia: TV host says Europe wants revenge for historic defeats SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info GDP in the European Union (EU) and the Euro zone grew by 0.6 percent between the months of April and June this year, according to a flash estimate produced by the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat . This represents a slight downward revision from the preliminary estimate released a month ago, and many analysts predict the European economy will begin contracting by the end of the year. Related articles Brexit LIVE: Femi blasted over bitter Truss sabotage in leaked audio EU blasted over 'another gas mistake' as von der Leyen signs new deal Europe is the region the most directly affected by … [Read more...] about EU’s economy teetering on edge as growth figures hint at crushing recession — VDL on brink

Brexit: Truss aims to secure deal on NI Protocol SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info An audit carried out by the European Commission claimed the system for checks on agri-food at Northern Ireland's seaports is "not fit for purpose". The draft analysis, which is based on examinations from June 2021, warned the processes did not comply with EU rules. It said inadequate resources was the root cause of the problem. Related articles Play by our rules! Now EU turns screw on Truss EU motoring law scrapped for British drivers This has led Conservative Party peer Lord Moylan to launch a blistering attack against the EU and the stranglehold it has over Northern Ireland. He tweeted: "The EU’s noose around … [Read more...] about Brutal arrogance! EU sparks fresh outrage – ‘noose’ around UK’s neck tightens

Ukraine has said Russia is preparing to stage a "provocation" at Europe's biggest nuclear power plant on Friday. The country's intelligence agency made the claim just hours after Moscow accused Ukraine of trying to stage an "accident" there, which may involve a radiation leak, during the UN secretary-general's visit to the war-ravaged nation. Located in the southeast of Ukraine, the Zaporizhzhia plant was captured by Russia in the early days of the war and in recent weeks has repeatedly come under fire. Both sides have pointed the finger at each other for the shelling. Ukraine news live: Russia calls proposal to demilitarise nuclear plant 'unacceptable' Russia's defence ministry claimed Ukraine would stage a "minor accident" and "provocation" - and blame it on them - to coincide with Antonio Guterres' trip. And Ukraine's defence intelligence agency said it had information that staff with Russia's Rosatom nuclear company had left the site and that the facility … [Read more...] about Ukraine claims Russia is preparing to stage ‘provocation’ at Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant on Friday

Harry and Meghan ‘greatest living soap opera’ says Rae SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step down as senior royals in 2020. The couple's popularity worldwide has since plummeted, following various vocal potshots towards the Royal Family. According to royal expert Charles Rae, the couple are offering the public the "greatest ever living soap opera. The royal expert and journalist spoke on GB News about the Sussexes. Related articles Meghan and Harry 'more in love now than ever' as Duke 'hits jackpot' Kate and William's lavish new home questioned as 'hardly norm' Mr Rae said: "This is the greatest ever living soap opera that we have, and … [Read more...] about Prince Harry and Meghan giving public ‘greatest ever living soap opera’ with royal drama