Brexit Deal ‘Down to Political Will’ From UK, Says Irish PM
The prime minister of Ireland—where the impact of a Brexit deal will be felt most keenly within the European Union—says he hopes the outline of a free-trade deal between the UK and the EU will emerge by the end of the week. The fate of the deal rests on UK political will, he said. Talks started up again on Monday, albeit online, with the EU’s chief negotiator saying that “fundamental divergences remain.” In just six weeks the UK will sever ties with the trading bloc, regardless of whether a deal has been struck or not. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he had received a sense of progress from both negotiating teams. “I would be hopeful that, by the end of this week, that we could see the outlines of a…
SAO PAULO鈥擜t least 40 people died in Brazil on Wednesday after a crash between a bus and a truck in the state of Sao Paulo, the fire service said.
Local TV images showed an eviscerated bus near the city of Tagua铆, roughly 350 kilometers (217 miles) west from the state capital Sao Paulo. The fire service said 37 people died at the scene and three more were in hospital. It was not immediately clear how many, if any, people are injured.
“The incident is still live. We’re looking to see if there are people trapped in the wreckage,” a Sao Paulo state road police spokesman said. An investigation will take place to ascertain what happened, they added.
By Eduardo Simoes
Focus News: At Least 40 Killed in Brazil After Bus and Truck Collide
Kirkup to Step up as the Youngest Leader of WA Liberals
The 33-year-old Member of Parliament Zak Kirkup will become the youngest West Australian Liberal leader in 20 years as his rival pulled out shortly before the party room meeting. Kirkup’s opponent, former cabinet minister Dean Nalder, announced his withdrawal in a statement released on Tuesday, saying it was clear that the numbers were not on his side, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “It has become apparent that I don’t have the majority support of my parliamentary colleagues and therefore will clear a path for the new leader,” Nalder told AAP. “I have been humbled at the level of support from my electorate and the wider community.” Kirkup’s victory means the Liberal party would welcome its youngest leader since Matt Birney’s short-lived reign in the mid-2000s. “I think anyone should judge a…
