Cross-party talks aimed at a Brexit compromise have yet to show signs of progress, but David Lidington, the de facto deputy prime minister, signaled Wednesday that the government is aiming for some kind of customs deal with the European Union that both main parties can agree to. Meanwhile, the Scottish government is planning another referendum on independence, driven in part by Brexit. Source: Bloomberg
The police have put an end to the crowds in the Vondelpark. Due to the beautiful weather, thousands of visitors were present in the park. Mayor Halsema called the crowds ‘a massive violation of the corona rules’. In a statement, she writes: “Those present show no respect whatsoever for anyone in the city who is doing their best to prevent more infections.” Source AT5
France may need to impose new local restrictions to deal with a worsening Covid-19 situation as it scrambles to avoid a new national lockdown, a government spokesman said Wednesday. Infections have reached worrying levels in several parts of the country, spokesman Gabriel Attal told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting. Source France 24
European Union leaders will agree on Thursday to work on certificates of vaccination for EU citizens who have had an anti-Covid shot, with southern EU countries that depend heavily on tourism desperate to rescue this summer’s holiday season. Source Ekathimerini
