⏳ Friday Fix: u-turn, then turn again
Morning all,
A double u-turn on conversion therapy in the UK, a likely vote of no confidence in Pakistan, and a consequential election in Hungary.
Until tomorrow,
Your Fixers
GOOD LISTENER?
Click the screenshot below to access the podcast version of today's NewsFix.
UKRAINE - WHAT'S THE LATEST?
A Russian governor has accused Ukraine of sending two helicopters across its border (into Russia) to bomb an oil depot in Belgorod.
It is very important to note that at this point Ukrainian authorities have not claimed any responsibility. However, below is an extraordinary video reportedly showing the two helicopters.
What else? The Washington Post noted President Zelensky has fired two senior members of the country's national security service, accusing them of being traitors. No further details were provided.
Meanwhile, France's intelligence chief was also fired. BBC News said it was down to his "failing to predict Russia's war in Ukraine".
Keeping an eye: The President of the European Parliament - Roberta Metsola - is currently travelling to Kyiv.
POLITICAL PROMISES
The UK government made two extraordinary u-turns in an evening, relating to their views on conversion therapy.
What's the background here? The government committed to imposing a ban on conversion therapy in the UK as far back as 2018 - a practice often used by religious organisations to suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.
Okay, so what happened? On Thursday, ITV News published an exclusive report claiming Prime Minister Johnson "has agreed we should not move forward" with the legislation.
Then what happened? Within hours of the ITV News report, the government made another u-turn. As The Times noted, the government will now look to move forward with the legislation, but "exclude gender dysphoria from the legislation".
PIN DROP - WHAT'S GOING ON IN PAKISTAN?
Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a vote of no confidence - possibly on Sunday - in what BBC News described as "arguably the biggest challenge of his political career".
According to The New York Times, despite Khan making a defiant speech on Thursday - he is facing a "near certain prospect of being removed from office".
The former cricket start turned politician lost the support of a critical number of coalition members this week. Some reports cite "rocketing inflation and ballooning foreign debt" as reasons for the waning support.
Khan has laid the blame on an American conspiracy to have his ousted from power. The State Department said there is "no truth" to these allegations.
"A simple majority of 172 in the 342-seat National Assembly against the former cricket legend would cut short his tenure as PM. On Wednesday, the magic number was breached when his main coalition ally, the MQM, joined the opposition. It means on paper the opposition now commands 175 votes to the government's 164." - BBC context
CARTOON COVERAGE
Plenty of stories wrapped into one illustration! From the fantastic Peter Brookes for The Times.
SURREAL HEADLINE OF THE DAY
Yes, you read that correctly. According to The Guardian, the 28-year-old woman is called Lauren Handy and is the leader of a group called the Progressive Anti-Abortion Uprising.
Although authorities have not disclosed where the remains came from, Handy has spoken in the past about her desire to "liberate" fetal remains from "med waste companies" and "give them a proper burial".
STARK STATISTIC
When it comes to coronavirus vaccines, 44 countries have a vaccination rate of less than 20%.
As Axios reported, the vast majority of those countries are in Africa. Also, 19 of those countries have rates of less than 10%.
MEDIA MATTERS
Channel 4 News has announced the shows long-running presenter, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, will take over as main anchor of the programme.
The move comes following the retirement of Jon Snow back in December.
KEEPING AN EYE THIS WEEKEND...
Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, seeks re-election and another four-year term when voters go to the polls on Sunday.
MOST READ
- BBC News: Foetuses found at home of anti-abortion activist
- The Guardian: Russians fled Chernobyl with radiation sickness, says Ukraine as IAEA investigates
- The Financial Times: Putin 'massively misjudged' Ukraine war, says UK spy chief
- Al Jazeera: Zelensky says Russia preparing 'powerful strikes' on Donbas
- The Irish Times: Sacked solicitor has 'victim mentality', Arthur Cox partner tells WRC
TRENDING ONLINE
#LewisHamilton
Why? The Formula 1 champion said he has "struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time", in a candid Instagram post. Hamilton went on to say it has been "such a tough year", telling his followers "it's okay to feel the way you do".
ON A LIGHTER NOTE...
Not a single care in the world.
