World
UK police motorcyclist under criminal probe over royal escort crash
A British police motorcyclist faced a criminal investigation Tuesday over the death of a woman who was struck in a collision with the officer’s vehicle, which was escorting Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, at the time.
Helen Holland, 81, was hit in west London on May 10. She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said the constable was told a criminal investigation was underway for causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving.
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The officer is also being investigated for potential gross misconduct.
Following the crash, Holland’s son Martin told the BBC she died after sustaining “multiple broken bones and massive internal injuries.” He said she was using a pedestrian crossing when she was struck by the motorcycle.
Sophie, who is the wife of Prince Edward, King Charles III’s younger brother, has said she was “deeply saddened” that Holland died.
World
France President Macron to outline vision for Europe as global power ahead of European Parliament elections
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to outline his vision for Europe to become a more assertive global power against a backdrop of war in Ukraine and other security and economic challenges, in a speech on Thursday ahead of pivotal European Parliament elections in June.
The French president plans to focus on strategic and geopolitical issues in Europe, including defense, the economy, protecting the environment and safeguarding democracy, his advisers said. Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its third year, is expected to be the main theme of the speech Macron will deliver at Paris’ Sorbonne University on Thursday.
France has been a firm supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, and Macron has often clashed with other Western leaders as he has insisted that Europe must stand by the country at any cost. Last month, the French president alarmed European leaders by saying that sending Western troops into Ukraine to shore up its defenses shouldn’t be ruled out.
EUROPE MUST KEEP INCREASING AID TO UKRAINE AFTER US APPROVES NEW MILITARY HELP, GERMAN LEADER SAYS
Macron, a staunch European, is also expected to rally support for his centrist Renaissance party ahead of the June 6-9 elections for the European Parliament. The French president lost his majority in France’s most influential house of parliament, the National Assembly, after the 2022 election to the far-left coalition and the far-right National Rally party.
The social situation in France remains tense as Paris prepares to host the Olympic Games this summer, amid protests from teachers, police officers, and farmers in recent weeks. The protests follow huge demonstrations last year against Macron’s ultimately successful proposal to rise the retirement age.
World
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez suspends public duties to 'reflect'
Sanchez has said he is considering resigning from his position as his wife Begoña Gómez is accused of corruption.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez denied corruption allegations against his wife but said he will consider resigning after the launch of a judicial investigation into accusations by a right-wing legal platform that Begoña Gomez used her position to influence business deals.
Sánchez said in a letter posted on his X account that while the allegations against his wife are false, he is cancelling his public agenda until Monday when he will announce whether he will continue or step down.
“I need to stop and reflect,” Sánchez wrote. “I must answer the question if it is worth it to continue, given the mud pit the right and far-right have made out of our politics, if I must continue at the helm of the government or renounce that highest of honours.”
Sánchez, 52, has been Spain’s prime minister since 2018. He was able to form a new left-wing coalition government in November to start another four-year term. He is one of Europe’s longest-serving Socialist leaders.
Manos Limpias, or “Clean Hands” accuses Gómez of allegedly having used her position to influence business deals. The court did not provide further information and said that the probe was under seal.
Manos Limpias describes itself as a union, but its main activity is pursuing legal cases. Many have been linked to right-wing causes. It acts as the “popular prosecution,” a peculiarity of Spanish law that allows individuals or entities to take part in certain criminal cases even when they haven’t been directly harmed by the accused.
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