Author: BBC

BBC political editor Chris Mason asked Rishi Sunak if the government was challenging the full release of messages between ministers and officials during the pandemic, to the Covid inquiry, because he was worried about something embarrassing him. The PM said: “Not at all”. He said it was “right that we learn the lessons of Covid” and he was “co-operating and providing information” to the inquiry. But on one issue, there was a legal matter he could not comment on.The inquiry will sit in public from next week, although the government has so far withheld some phone messages it has claimed…

Widely regarded as one of the 20th Century’s greatest writers, it’s been nearly 10 years since Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s death. Having suffered from dementia in his latter years, he decided in his final days that his latest novel, Until August, should not be released upon his death. But now his sons have have had a change of heart and it will go on sale on 12 March (Viking). It tells the story of a middle-aged woman’s search for freedom, a sensual tale set against the backdrop of the Caribbean. Source link

Moscow says it destroyed dozens of projectiles a day after massive Russian attack on Ukrainian cities. Source link

In a speech to the European Parliament four years ago, Wolfgang Schäuble said that without European unification, east and west, there would have been no German reunification, and he warned that the “rules-based international order was under pressure”. Source link

The UK may not have been well prepared “at all”, says the lead lawyer for the Covid inquiry.

Commercial regulations in China prohibit lip syncing before paying audiences because it is “deceptive”. The offence is punishable by a fine of 100,000 yuan ($14,110, £11,240). Artists can also be banned from performing and their show organisers could have their licences revoked. Source link

Officers in Utah say they believe Kai Zhuang, 17, is being held against his will for ransom. Source link

The speech could be the government’s last opportunity to make tax changes before a general election. Source link

Decisions were “finely balanced” and, with hindsight, might have been different, Fiona Scolding KC says.

Relentless media coverage over allegations of drug use stalked Lee Sun-kyun’s final months. Source link