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16 September 2019

Five things you need to know: Johnson “infantile” over Hulk comparison says Verhofstadt

Plus, oil price surges after attacks in Saudi Arabia and Liberal Democrats pledge to cancel Brexit.

By New Statesman

Prime minister’s comparison to Hulk “infantile”

Boris Johnson has been called “infantile” for comparing himself to the Incredible Hulk preparing to break free from the EU, ahead of meetings aimed at securing a Brexit deal. Johnson told the Mail on Sunday that he would ignore an attempt by the House of Commons to delay the UK’s departure if the talks break down. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament’s representative on Brexit, described Johnson’s comments as “infantile”. 

Oil price surges after attacks in Saudi Arabia

Two attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on Saturday knocked out 5 per cent of global operation, causing oil prices to rise by as much as 19 per cent. The strikes have been claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels but the US says it believes Iran to be responsible.

Liberal Democrat government would cancel Brexit

The Liberal Democrats have pledged to revoke article 50 and stop Brexit if the party wins a majority. Members overwhelmingly voted to adopt the policy at the party’s conference in Bournemouth on Sunday.

Welsh rugby hero reveals he has HIV

Gareth Thomas, the former Wales and Lions rugby captain, has revealed he has HIV and said he hopes that coming forward will help reduce stigma around the disease. The 45-year-old said in Twitter video that he had been forced to go public by “evils” who threatened to reveal the diagnosis. 

US nineteen-year-old sentenced for role in “swatting” death

A teenager in the US has been jailed for 15 months for his role in a a prank call to police which resulted in them shooting a man dead. The court found that 19-year-old Casey Viner from Ohio conspired in the incident of so-called “swatting” with fellow gamer Tyler Barriss, who earlier this year was given a 20-year sentence for making the fatal call. 

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