One year lockdown-iversary
Tuesday this week marked a year exactly since the coronavirus lockdown began in the U.K. A minute long silence was held to commemorate those who have lost their lives to the virus—this currently stands at over 126,000 within the U.K. PM Boris Johnson said the anniversary was an opportunity to ‘reflect on the past year—one of the most difficult in our country’s history.’ On the 23rd March 2020, he announced tougher measures to reduce the spread of COVID 19, following initial school closures and encouraging people to work from home. A year later, the prime minister says the U.K. is “step by step, jab by jab” on the path to “reclaiming freedom” with the government on target to meet its vaccination goal. As of Monday, more than 28.3 million people have received a first vaccine dose, with more than 2.3 million having had a second shot. So, after a dark year for our country, it seems there is some light ahead!
Israel holds presidential elections
This week, Israel has held its fourth election within two years, and the president of 14 years, Benjamin Netanyahu, is currently short of a majority, but is seeking to form a coalition with the Religious Zionist Party or Jewish Power, both of which are far-right and could result in Israel’s most right-leaning government yet. However, he may also use Arab party Raam to gain a majority. Netanyahu, leader of centre-right party Likud, has been embroiled in corruption, fraud and bribery scandals, but maintained a lead over his rival, Yair Lapid, during the election. Lapid is chairman of the central Yesh Atid party, which was also found to have the best environmental agenda by Vote Green’s ‘Green Index’, launched on Monday. Overall, though the results of the election currently indicate a deadlock, a coalition agreement may be passed by the end of the week.
Colorado mass shooting
In Boulder, Colorado, a mass shooting at a grocery store resulted in 10 fatalities, including one police officer. This is the seventh mass killing in America this year, and President Biden subsequently urged Congress to pass strict gun laws to prevent further such attacks. Biden has said he will take action on his own to stop mass violence, saying he ‘will not wait another minute—let alone an hour—to take common sense steps that will save lives in the future.’ It is estimated that 430,000 gun-related deaths happened in 2020. To combat gun violence, Biden’s possible measures include strengthening background checks, giving money to cities to fight gun violence, and regulating the market for ‘ghost guns’, which partially assembled guns that aren’t subject to the same rules as most firearms.
Bristol protests against new anti-protest bill
Bristol’s ‘kill the bill’ protests this week have continued since Monday, with several arrests so far after violent scenes and police casualties. They were organised against the police, crime, courts and sentencing bill, which would give police in England and Wales more power to impose conditions on non-violent protests, including those branded as too noisy or a public nuisance. 3,000 people took part in largely peaceful protests against the bill in Bristol early this week. However, when around 500 protesters descended on Bridewell police station in the city centre, the station and police vehicles were vandalised and 21 officers injured.
Queen becomes a great grandmother for the 10th time
For some good news this week, Zara Tindall, the Queen’s granddaughter, has given birth to a baby boy. This is her third child, as she already has two daughters Lena and Mia, aged 2 and 7 respectively. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are “delighted” at the news, Buckingham Palace said, and look forward to meeting their 10th great-grandchild once lockdown is lifted. This new baby is 22nd in line to the throne – at the top is the Prince of Wales, then the Duke of Cambridge, followed by his children (George, Charlotte, and Louis).
Bionic lamb can walk again thanks to wheelchair
Last but not least, a newborn lamb left paralysed by an infection has been able to walk again through the modification of a dog wheelchair. Six-day-old Steven lost the use of his back legs shortly after he was born on a rescue farm in Oakworth, West Yorkshire. Steven’s owner adapted a dog wheelchair she bought in order to fit him, and since being kitted out with it, he can now finally keep up with other lambs. Steven has befriended the farm’s foster dog, Lilly, and is getting stronger daily. His owner hopes that one day, he will be able to walk and run again!
