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1. Vladimir Putin ‘plotting chemical weapons attack in Ukraine’
Vladimir Putin is plotting to use chemical weapons in Ukraine, Western officials fear, after his air force bombed a maternity hospital in a "depraved attack" that shocked the world.
There is now “serious concern” that the Russian president will order an “utterly horrific” attack using chemical or biological weapons, as Moscow ramped up allegations that Kyiv is itself planning to deploy them in the battlefield. Read the full story.
2. Boris Johnson could broker oil deal after Saudi Arabia refuses Joe Biden’s phone call
Boris Johnson is facing calls to intervene to urge Saudi Arabia to release more oil after the country’s crown prince refused to take a call from Joe Biden, US president.
Mohammed bin Salman reportedly rebuffed Mr Biden’s request to talk as he seeks immunity over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the dissident journalist. Read the full story.
3. Universities under pressure to cut ties with ‘serial bully’ John Bercow
Two universities are under pressure to remove John Bercow from academic posts after a parliamentary report found he bullied House of Commons staff on 21 occasions.
MPs said Royal Holloway and Birkbeck, both colleges of the University of London, should disown the former Speaker of the House of Commons after appointing him to honorary roles since he stood down from Parliament in 2019. Read the full story.
4. What is a woman? Labour frontbenchers don’t seem to be sure
Labour’s frontbenchers have been unable to define what a woman is, with one saying the issue is a “rabbit hole”.
On Wednesday, Yvette Cooper became the second shadow cabinet minister to refuse to give a definition of a woman. Read the full story.
5. A cancer diagnosis or an all-clear within 28 days under new NHS plans
Patients with suspected cancer should get a diagnosis or all-clear within 28 days, under NHS proposals - but promises that they can see a specialist within two weeks will be scrapped.
Health chiefs said the “faster diagnosis standards”, which could be introduced this autumn, would save lives and mean patients got the answers they needed more quickly. Read the full story.
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