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Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam announces split with MoscowClergy takes ‘difficult decision’ to cut ties with the Moscow patriarchate over the invasion of UkraineA Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam has announced it is to split with the Moscow patriarchate, in the first known instance of a western-based church cutting ties over the invasion of Ukraine.The head of the Russian Orthodox church, Patriarch Kirill, a trusted ally of Vladimir Putin, has declined to condemn the Kremlin’s decision to invade its neighbour, referring to Russia’s opponents in Ukraine as “evil forces”. In a Sunday sermon last week he also said gay pride parades organised in the west were part of the reason for the war in Ukraine.Kirill’s position on the war has led to unease among some Russian Orthodox priests who object to the invasion of a country often referred to as a “brotherly nation” in religious circles.More than 280 Russian Orthodox priests and church officials from around the world signed an open letter expressing their opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It said “eternal torment” awaited those who gave “murderous orders”.
Rolling Stones announce first UK dates since Charlie Watts' deathThe Rolling Stones have announced their first UK shows since the death of their drummer Charlie Watts last year.The band will play in Liverpool and London as part of their 60th anniversary tour of Europe this summer.
Britons should brace for rising Covid cases, says Sajid JavidHealth secretary says jump in cases to be expected after scrapping of rules, but UK is in ‘good position’Britons should brace for a rise in Covid infections after the easing of restrictions, the health secretary has said, as the latest figures show rates are increasing as people socialise more.Sajid Javid said the UK remained in a “very good position” but rising infection rates were to be “expected”. To reduce the risk of serious infection, he urged adults eligible for a booster vaccine to have one, given that one in five had not yet received it.
All UK travel rules to end on Friday, says governmentThe transport secretary has confirmed that all remaining Covid travel measures will be scrapped.Currently, everyone travelling to the UK must complete a passenger locator form before they arrive.Travellers who are not fully vaccinated have to take a Covid test before departure, fill in the form, and book and pay for a PCR test after arriving.Grant Shapps confirmed in a tweet that these rules will end at 04:00 on Friday.His announcement means that passengers who are not fully vaccinated will no longer have to take Covid tests before and after travelling to the UK. The passenger locator form will no longer be necessary either.People planning an overseas trip will still need to be aware of other countries' entry rules.
Petrol prices set to ease after hitting record highsPetrol prices are likely to fall back from record levels due to the costs of wholesale fuel and global oil easing, UK motoring groups have said.The average price for a litre of petrol hit £1.63 on Sunday after rising above £1.60 for the first time last week.Diesel remained above £1.73 a litre, but the AA said "wild" pump prices should stabilise, unless global oil prices take off again.But MPs were told this was a "lull before the storm" of more price hikes.
Protests rock Albania after huge rise in living costs caused by Ukraine warFuel prices are highest in Europe, amid fears of food and power shortages in one of Europe's poorest countriesMass protests have broken out in Albania amid fears of power blackouts and food shortages as the ex-Communist state becomes the first to buckle under the economic devastation of the war in Ukraine....
UK petrol prices could hit £2.50 a litre and diesel £3, experts tell MPsDiesel rationing a possibility after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Treasury select committee told