Possible joint UK, EU status for N. Ireland

LONDON • Britain could propose giving Northern Ireland joint UK and European Union status so it can trade freely with both, in an attempt to break the deadlock in Brexit negotiations, a government official said.

The plan would be to create a 16km wide trade buffer zone along the border for local traders after Britain leaves the bloc, said an official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

REUTERS

Saudi prince warned over 'sinful' projects

DUBAI • Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has warned Saudi Arabia's reformist Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over his "sinful projects", in a bulletin released yesterday.

Prince Mohammed has spearheaded a string of policy changes in ultraconservative Saudi Arabia, including reinstating cinemas and allowing women to drive.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Dire warning from ex-UN climate chief

LONDON • The world must limit global warming to 1.5 deg C to give vulnerable populations even a 50 per cent chance of surviving the impact of climate change, said the former United Nations climate chief yesterday.

Ms Christiana Figueres said this was necessary so that those populations could survive climate shocks such as flooding, cyclones and droughts.

REUTERS