Diana interview scandal
The BBC has been involved in a scandal, involving resurfaced claims that Martin Bashir amorally obtained the infamous Diana interview. The 1995 interview is said to have contributed significantly to her, “fear, paranoia and isolation”, according to Prince William. On Thursday, an independent report headed by former senior judge Lord Dyson found Bashir was, “unreliable and dishonest”. It also found that Bashir used fake documents to secure the interview, which is the main point of criticism. The BBC’s internal investigation, in which Bashir was cleared, was called “woefully ineffective” by Lord Dyson. Bashir has said he “never wanted to harm [Diana], I don’t believe we did.” In speaking to the Sunday Times, he said he was “deeply sorry” to her sons.
Hidden lockdowns across England
Over the last few days, eight councils have had their Covid guidance changed online overnight. These areas include, Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Bolton, Burnley, Kirklees, Leicester, Hounslow, North Tyneside. Local council leaders of said areas were not informed of these changes, leading to confusion and widespread criticism of these “stealth” lockdowns. It is thought these changes were imposed due to the Indian variant and increasing case levels. Subsequently, the government has backtracked, saying that people in these areas should “minimise” travel, instead of “avoid” it, yet there remain accusations that the government is secretly imposing a tier system across the UK.
Israel-Gaza ceasefire
The ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, that was agreed on May the 21st, appears to be holding. The 11-day war erupted when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. At least 230 Palestinians and 12 people in Israel were killed during the conflict. Both sides were involved in the fighting, 4,000 rockets flying into Israel and hundreds of airstrikes being carried out on Hamas. The United States, Israel’s most important ally, backed Israel’s right to self-defence, however increasingly pushed for an Israeli led ceasefire.
Belarus hijacks Ryan Air
Ryan Air flight FR4978 was hijacked by the Belarusian state, when flying over Belarus yesterday, so that a dissident journalist could be arrested. Flying over Belarusian airspace, on the way to Lithuania from Athens, air traffic controllers told the pilot at 09:30 GMT, “You have a bomb onboard and it can be activated over Vilnius.” The plane was then diverted to Minsk, where Mr Protasevich and his girlfriend, Sofia Sapega were subsequently arrested. Mr Protasevich is the former editor of Nexta, a dissident media operation – this is thought to be why Protasevich has become a target for the state. The incident has prompted international condemnation: the EU has imposed economic sanctions on Belarus and both President Biden and the UK have spoken out against their actions.
