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Thursday April 29 2021

 
 

By Chris Evans,
EDITOR

Dear Reader,

The UK’s post-Brexit free trade deal with the EU was finally ratified by the European Parliament this week. It may seem like a mere ceremonial moment, but it could have rather more significance. With the deal confirmed, the British government is now free to stand up to Brussels, writes Allister Heath in his column. It’s time, he argues, for this country to set out a new foreign policy doctrine and fight ruthlessly for its own self-interest.

The next stage of Britain’s reopening is a little under three weeks away, yet the date really on people’s minds is June 21, when all restrictions are set to be lifted. Or are they? The Government’s emergency powers have been extended until September, meaning some rules could stay. Here we explain the five ways in which life may not be quite as free as you might have thought.

Boris Johnson has had something of a difficult week. Dominating headlines at present is how exactly the expensive refurbishment of Downing Street was paid for. It’s a complicated tale, but Gordon Rayner lays it out clearly, including what we know so far and what the consequences could be for the Prime Minister, in this in-depth piece.

(If you would like to stay up to date with the latest political news, sign up to our free Front Bench newsletter - delivered every weekday morning.)

Today marks the 10th wedding anniversary of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. For the past decade, the couple have been a pillar of stability for the Royal family. How have they managed it? Camilla Tominey tells the inside story of their relationship and how a “seesaw” approach has helped them balance the personal and the public.

Chris

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My Choices

Illustration of Boris Johnson, Covid marshalls, Covid vaccination passports and calendars with the date June 21

Five reasons why June 21 won’t be the return to normal we thought: Learn more about the growing signs that Covid-19 restrictions will remain in place long after the summer solstice.

Boris Johnson in the House of Commons

In this in-depth piece, Gordon Rayner examines the gilded makeover of the No 11 flat and Boris Johnson’s battle to pay for it. (Free to read)

Ursula von der Leyen

'The EU's stupidity will spark a new Brexit war': Allister Heath argues that Britain is free to start the fightback against Brussels now that the trade deal has finally been ratified.

 
Two pictures of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge: one from 2011 and one from 2021

Find out the 'seesaw' secret to William and Kate's marriage. We reveal the formula behind the Cambridges' enduring love affair as they celebrate 10 years together. (Free to read)

Illustration of a white collar worker being picked up by a robot claw

Are the robots coming for the white collar worker? As part of our Future of Work series, we look at how automation could change everything for the middle class employee.

Close ups of two figures in paintings in the State Gallery in Augsburg.

The child hidden in plain sight: How one painting has upended the Holbein world. Read about the discovery of an early, unknown portrait of one of the world's greatest painters.

 
 

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