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Loyalist paramilitary organizations in Northern Ireland were on Thursday reported to have told London they are temporarily withdrawing support for the 1998 peace agreement, often called the Good Friday Agreement. The decision was taken amid concerns over the UK's Brexit deal with the European Union, Northern Irish newspaper the Belfast Telegraph reported . A letter from an umbrella body representing loyalist groups said its opposition was because of the Northern Irish Protocol — part of the Brexit divorce deal. They oppose the additional checks and paperwork for goods moving between Great Britain and Northern Ireland — implemented to prevent the need for a hard border on the island of Ireland. What did the letter say? The communication — sent to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson — said the opposition should remain "peaceful and democratic." However, it will raise fears about the future of the loyalist ceasefire. The letter, from the Loyalist Communities Council, claimed … [Read more...] about Northern Ireland loyalists pull support for Good Friday peace deal

Italy and the European Commission have blocked a shipment of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine destined for Australia. The British-Swedish drug manufacturer had failed to meet its EU contract commitments so the Italian government refused its request to export 250,000 doses from its Anagni plant near Rome, according to the Reuters news agency. Italy made the request and it was signed off by the European Commission under a new export control system that came into law on 30 January. This is the first time it has been used by a member state. It is understood the doses will now be redistributed within the EU, where about 8% of the population has been vaccinated, compared with more than 30% in the UK. Live COVID updates from the UK and around the world Advertisement Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Pfizer CEO: An EU vaccine ban would be lose-lose situation Australia is set to start its rollout of the Oxford … [Read more...] about COVID-19: Italy and EU block Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine shipment to Australia as shortages row escalates

A terror suspect had to be wrestled out of the dock during the closing speech of his trial as he protested suggestions that he was anti-British. Muhamed Abu , 32, swore at the prosecutor, John McGuinness QC, as he was dragged from the Old Bailey courtroom on Thursday, insisting he had "nothing against Britannia". His comments came in response to Mr McGuinness' closing statement in which he questioned whether the jury could believe the defendant had no animosity toward the UK. Mr Abu, from South Norwood, London, is accused of failing to inform police of an act of terrorism that he is alleged to have known was being planned by his brother, 27-year-old Sahayb Abu . The pair had previously been caught on CCTV at an east London takeaway looking at swords on an iPad. Advertisement During the trial, the jury heard how Sahayb Abu, from Dagenham, east London, bought an 18in (47cm) gladiator-style sword, a combat vest, two balaclavas, fingerless gloves … [Read more...] about Muhamed Abu: Terror suspect dragged from courtroom as he insists he has ‘nothing against Britannia’

Buckingham Palace tonight launched a probe into allegations of bullying by Meghan Markle in the latest explosive twist in the Megxit saga. In an unprecedented move the Palace released a statement saying "we are very concerned" at claims the Duchess bullied staff . The bombshell statement said: "We are clearly very concerned about allegations in The Times following claims made by former staff of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex . Accordingly our HR team will look into the circumstances outlined in the article. "Members of staff involved at the time, including those who have left the Household, will be invited to participate to see if lessons can be learned. "The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace." The statement came amid further claims of rows between the duchess and aides over designer clothes . One source said: "As an actress it was … [Read more...] about Meghan Markle latest – Bullying investigation is RACIST, Duchess’ pal claims, despite ‘humiliated staff left in tears’