Dubai's ruler has sacked nine senior officials and ordered a shake-up of the city's management after a spot check revealed a significant number of absent employees.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum conducted the no-warning spot check himself - and posted a video of it on his Instagram account.
Posting the footage of the unannounced visit to a government office building on social media was intended to "send a message", according to a Dubai media official.
The action has been deemed as part of a widespread move by Gulf governments to make their bureaucracies more efficient amid low oil prices.
On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the prime minister and vice president of the United Arab Emirates, fast-forwarded the retirement of nine members of the municipality's executive management.
These included directors and assistant director-generals in departments such as legal affairs and planning, the UAE's state news agency WAM reported.
He thanked them for their service, but said he wanted to allow a new generation of young leaders to take control and provide top-quality services to the public, according to WAM.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Francois Hollande Says Brexit Talks Must End By 2019
Talks on Britain leaving the European Union must be finished by 2019, French President Francois Hollande has said.
"This choice means that Britain, once it leaves, cannot take part in European decisions," Mr Hollande told an annual gathering of French ambassadors.
"It will not be able to access the single market unless it accepts the four freedoms, all its regulation and budgetary solidarity."
He said Prime Minister Theresa May had tough decisions to take and that she needed time, but that she could not wait on triggering exit talks.
"It would neither be good for Britain nor acceptable for Europe," Mr Hollande continued.
"For France, everything must be concluded by 2019."
To begin the formal process of leaving the EU, Mrs May needs to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will start the two-year process of splitting from the bloc.
There has been constant speculation since Mrs May replaced David Cameron last month about when that will happen.
The PM is expected to ask her Cabinet ministers to set out how how their department is preparing for Brexit when they gather on Wednesday.
Her top team will meet at the PM's country retreat Chequers to discuss the next steps.
Reports in recent days have suggested Mrs May could trigger Article 50 without holding a vote in Parliament.
"This choice means that Britain, once it leaves, cannot take part in European decisions," Mr Hollande told an annual gathering of French ambassadors.
"It will not be able to access the single market unless it accepts the four freedoms, all its regulation and budgetary solidarity."
He said Prime Minister Theresa May had tough decisions to take and that she needed time, but that she could not wait on triggering exit talks.
"It would neither be good for Britain nor acceptable for Europe," Mr Hollande continued.
"For France, everything must be concluded by 2019."
To begin the formal process of leaving the EU, Mrs May needs to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, which will start the two-year process of splitting from the bloc.
There has been constant speculation since Mrs May replaced David Cameron last month about when that will happen.
The PM is expected to ask her Cabinet ministers to set out how how their department is preparing for Brexit when they gather on Wednesday.
Her top team will meet at the PM's country retreat Chequers to discuss the next steps.
Reports in recent days have suggested Mrs May could trigger Article 50 without holding a vote in Parliament.
Workers 'Could Lose Rights' In Wake Of Brexit, Labour MP Warns
Workers could lose many of their employment rights in the wake of Brexit unless the Government passes new laws to protect them, a senior Labour MP has warned.
Prominent backers of leaving the European Union rubbished claims during the campaign that leaving the bloc could result in the loss of workers' rights.
But former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has commissioned research by the House of Commons library highlighting the EU laws that enshrine employment rights.
Mr Umunna, chairman of Vote Leave Watch - which scrutinises claims made by Brexit campaigners - has written to the Prime Minister, warning her that a failure to protect these rights would amount to "a betrayal of British workers".
He is calling on Theresa May to confirm the Government will make sure all employment rights currently dependent on EU law remain in place by passing new legislation if required.
Mr Umunna also wants a full audit of all instances where decisions by the European Court of Justice have delivered rights for British workers, and a commitment to ensure these judgments are kept post-Brexit.
Finally, he wants Mrs May to make clear Britain's full support for the Equality Act 2010.
He told Sky News the PM's oft-repeated mantra that "Brexit means Brexit" is a "completely meaningless phrase" that "doesn't tell you anything about what life will really be like once we leave".
Mr Umunna added: "They (the House of Commons library) have told me there is a whole swathe of your rights at work, employment law, that will fall away.
"For example, your right to annual paid leave is one of the rights that will fall away.
"Your right to daily rest of at least 11 hours so you're not working 24 hours a day, that type of thing could fall away.
"Your right to not be dismissed if your employer is bought by another company.
"Those are the kinds of rights we're talking about.
"The government must not allow people to be left in the lurch."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Britain voted decisively to leave the EU - and this Government will deliver the people's verdict. In every step we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.
"We don't need to be part of the EU to have strong protections for workers' rights."
Prominent backers of leaving the European Union rubbished claims during the campaign that leaving the bloc could result in the loss of workers' rights.
But former shadow business secretary Chuka Umunna has commissioned research by the House of Commons library highlighting the EU laws that enshrine employment rights.
Mr Umunna, chairman of Vote Leave Watch - which scrutinises claims made by Brexit campaigners - has written to the Prime Minister, warning her that a failure to protect these rights would amount to "a betrayal of British workers".
He is calling on Theresa May to confirm the Government will make sure all employment rights currently dependent on EU law remain in place by passing new legislation if required.
Mr Umunna also wants a full audit of all instances where decisions by the European Court of Justice have delivered rights for British workers, and a commitment to ensure these judgments are kept post-Brexit.
Finally, he wants Mrs May to make clear Britain's full support for the Equality Act 2010.
He told Sky News the PM's oft-repeated mantra that "Brexit means Brexit" is a "completely meaningless phrase" that "doesn't tell you anything about what life will really be like once we leave".
Mr Umunna added: "They (the House of Commons library) have told me there is a whole swathe of your rights at work, employment law, that will fall away.
"For example, your right to annual paid leave is one of the rights that will fall away.
"Your right to daily rest of at least 11 hours so you're not working 24 hours a day, that type of thing could fall away.
"Your right to not be dismissed if your employer is bought by another company.
"Those are the kinds of rights we're talking about.
"The government must not allow people to be left in the lurch."
A Downing Street spokesman said: "Britain voted decisively to leave the EU - and this Government will deliver the people's verdict. In every step we will work to ensure the best possible outcome for the British people.
"We don't need to be part of the EU to have strong protections for workers' rights."
State Funeral For 37 Victims Of Italy Earthquake
Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi will attend a service for 37 earthquake victims on Monday after agreeing to change the venue following fury from relatives.
The second state funeral since last Wednesday's quake - which killed a total of 292 people - will mark the passing of victims from in and around the town of Amatrice
The town has suffered 2,500 aftershocks and has just one access road - and safety concerns prompted the government to arrange a service in an airport hangar 40 miles away.
The residents of Amatrice were told they would be bussed to the ceremony or could watch it on TV.
But an outcry forced the government to rethink and the service will now be staged in a large tent on the outskirts of the town's destroyed medieval centre.
It will begin at 5pm UK time.
Among those attending is Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, as 11 of the dead were Romanians.
So far, 231 bodies have been found in Amatrice and 11 more in nearby Accumoli. The bodies of at least 10 more people are still believed to be under rubble.
There were 50 people killed in Le Marche.
Meanwhile, Italy is investigating possible responsibility for the buildings that collapsed, as many had been recently renovated using public funds meant for anti-seismic improvements.
These buildings include a school and church tower.
Giuseppe Saieva, a prosecutor from the city of Rieti, told the Il Messaggero newspaper: "First we must obtain all the documents from the contract and bidding processes, through to the inspections.
"Only then can we know what the responsibilities were of all those involved."
The second state funeral since last Wednesday's quake - which killed a total of 292 people - will mark the passing of victims from in and around the town of Amatrice
The town has suffered 2,500 aftershocks and has just one access road - and safety concerns prompted the government to arrange a service in an airport hangar 40 miles away.
The residents of Amatrice were told they would be bussed to the ceremony or could watch it on TV.
But an outcry forced the government to rethink and the service will now be staged in a large tent on the outskirts of the town's destroyed medieval centre.
It will begin at 5pm UK time.
Among those attending is Romanian Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos, as 11 of the dead were Romanians.
So far, 231 bodies have been found in Amatrice and 11 more in nearby Accumoli. The bodies of at least 10 more people are still believed to be under rubble.
There were 50 people killed in Le Marche.
Meanwhile, Italy is investigating possible responsibility for the buildings that collapsed, as many had been recently renovated using public funds meant for anti-seismic improvements.
These buildings include a school and church tower.
Giuseppe Saieva, a prosecutor from the city of Rieti, told the Il Messaggero newspaper: "First we must obtain all the documents from the contract and bidding processes, through to the inspections.
"Only then can we know what the responsibilities were of all those involved."
John Lennon's Killer Mark Chapman Denied Parole Again
John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman has been denied parole for the ninth time since the former Beatle's murder stunned the world in 1980.
The New York state Board of Parole announced its decision in relation to Chapman, 61, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is serving a sentence of 20 years to life in western New York's Wende Correctional Facility.
The parole board noted that Chapman - who shot and killed the star outside New York's Dakota building - has described the murder as "selfish and evil".
But it concluded that his contrition and other factors supporting his release were outweighed by the premeditated and "celebrity-seeking" nature of the crime.
Former Beatle John Lennon was gunned down outside his luxury apartment block
The board said: "Your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate that seriousness of the crime as to undermine respect for the law."
Chapman will be eligible to seek parole again in 2018.
He was last denied parole in 2014, when he said he still received letters about the pain he caused in his pursuit of notoriety.
"I am sorry for causing that type of pain," he said.
"I am sorry for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory."
In a 1992 interview Chapman told of the moment when Lennon got out of a limousine and approached him after he asked for an autograph.
Chapman said: "I heard this voice - not an audible voice, an inaudible voice - saying over and over, 'Do it, do it, do it'.
"I thought that by killing him I would acquire his fame."
At a 2010 hearing, Chapman said he had considered shooting Johnny Carson or Elizabeth Taylor instead, but settled on Lennon because the ex-Beatle was more accessible as his century-old apartment building by Central Park "wasn't quite as cloistered".
The New York state Board of Parole announced its decision in relation to Chapman, 61, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and is serving a sentence of 20 years to life in western New York's Wende Correctional Facility.
The parole board noted that Chapman - who shot and killed the star outside New York's Dakota building - has described the murder as "selfish and evil".
But it concluded that his contrition and other factors supporting his release were outweighed by the premeditated and "celebrity-seeking" nature of the crime.
Former Beatle John Lennon was gunned down outside his luxury apartment block
The board said: "Your release would be incompatible with the welfare of society and would so deprecate that seriousness of the crime as to undermine respect for the law."
Chapman will be eligible to seek parole again in 2018.
He was last denied parole in 2014, when he said he still received letters about the pain he caused in his pursuit of notoriety.
"I am sorry for causing that type of pain," he said.
"I am sorry for being such an idiot and choosing the wrong way for glory."
In a 1992 interview Chapman told of the moment when Lennon got out of a limousine and approached him after he asked for an autograph.
Chapman said: "I heard this voice - not an audible voice, an inaudible voice - saying over and over, 'Do it, do it, do it'.
"I thought that by killing him I would acquire his fame."
At a 2010 hearing, Chapman said he had considered shooting Johnny Carson or Elizabeth Taylor instead, but settled on Lennon because the ex-Beatle was more accessible as his century-old apartment building by Central Park "wasn't quite as cloistered".
'Funny Doing Something And Nothing': Gene Wilder Celebrated
Co-stars, directors and admirers have been remembering Gene Wilder, the beloved actor who has died at the age of 83 after suffering complications linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Among those mourning the comedy legend's passing are the actors who played the five lucky Golden Ticket winners in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Julie Dawn Cole, who was just 12 years old when she played spoilt Veruca Salt in the 1971 film, described him as a "father figure" to the cast who was "quiet, gently, funny and patient".
Cole said her four child co-stars in the movie, who she continues to see once every year, were "very, very sad" to hear of his death. They had last heard from Wilder in 2015, when he sent them "lots of love".
Wilder was also celebrated for his collaborations with director Mel Brooks, who said: "He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with friendship."
The daughter of the late Richard Pryor, with whom Gene Wilder created several box office hits, said "nothing could beat their magic on screen nor ever will".
Countless household names in TV and film have also described how they were inspired to pursue comedy after seeing Wilder on the stage and screen.
Actor Rob Lowe said: "Gene Wilder was one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing."
"Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven, he has a Golden Ticket," Jim Carrey wrote.
Russell Crowe tweeted: "I saw Blazing Saddles seven times at the cinema with my school friends. George St. Cows outside. Gene Wilder you were a genius."
The director Edgar Wright asked for a moment of silence for Wilder, describing him as the master of the comedic pause.
"Gene Wilder: funny doing something and funny doing nothing," Wright added.
Eric McCormack, who played Will Truman in the long-running sitcom Will And Grace, said Wilder was "a genius I stole from constantly".
In 1997, Wilder won an Emmy for his guest appearance in the show - and McCormack added that he was "humbled and thrilled" to have worked with him.
Josh Gad, known appearing in Book Of Mormon and Frozen, described Wilder as "a supernova of unmatched energy on screen" - adding: "He dared you to take your eyes off him and we the audience always lost the bet."
Also paying tribute was the actor and writer Stephen Fry, who thanked Gene Wilder for "all those happy happy hours" in a tweet accompanied by a picture of Wilder as Willy Wonka.
Among those mourning the comedy legend's passing are the actors who played the five lucky Golden Ticket winners in Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.
Julie Dawn Cole, who was just 12 years old when she played spoilt Veruca Salt in the 1971 film, described him as a "father figure" to the cast who was "quiet, gently, funny and patient".
Cole said her four child co-stars in the movie, who she continues to see once every year, were "very, very sad" to hear of his death. They had last heard from Wilder in 2015, when he sent them "lots of love".
Wilder was also celebrated for his collaborations with director Mel Brooks, who said: "He blessed every film we did together with his special magic and he blessed my life with friendship."
The daughter of the late Richard Pryor, with whom Gene Wilder created several box office hits, said "nothing could beat their magic on screen nor ever will".
Countless household names in TV and film have also described how they were inspired to pursue comedy after seeing Wilder on the stage and screen.
Actor Rob Lowe said: "Gene Wilder was one of my earliest heroes. Blazing Saddles, Willy Wonka, are CLINICS on comic acting. Sad to hear of his passing."
"Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there's a heaven, he has a Golden Ticket," Jim Carrey wrote.
Russell Crowe tweeted: "I saw Blazing Saddles seven times at the cinema with my school friends. George St. Cows outside. Gene Wilder you were a genius."
The director Edgar Wright asked for a moment of silence for Wilder, describing him as the master of the comedic pause.
"Gene Wilder: funny doing something and funny doing nothing," Wright added.
Eric McCormack, who played Will Truman in the long-running sitcom Will And Grace, said Wilder was "a genius I stole from constantly".
In 1997, Wilder won an Emmy for his guest appearance in the show - and McCormack added that he was "humbled and thrilled" to have worked with him.
Josh Gad, known appearing in Book Of Mormon and Frozen, described Wilder as "a supernova of unmatched energy on screen" - adding: "He dared you to take your eyes off him and we the audience always lost the bet."
Also paying tribute was the actor and writer Stephen Fry, who thanked Gene Wilder for "all those happy happy hours" in a tweet accompanied by a picture of Wilder as Willy Wonka.
Twin Girls Who Were Conjoined At Birth To Start School In Kent
Twins girls who were given a slim chance of survival after being born conjoined are preparing for their first day at school.
Rosie and Ruby Formosa, aged four, were joined at the abdomen and shared part of the intestine when they were born in 2012.
Parents Angela and Daniel Formosa, from Bexleyheath in Kent, could only wait and hope as their daughters underwent a five-hour operation at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Thankfully it was successful - and Mrs Formosa said the girls had now met their teacher and were "very excited" to be following big sister Lily, who is nine, to school.
The girls were born joined at the abdomen and shared part of the intestine
She said: "Four years ago it wasn't in my mind that this would ever happen.
"When I was pregnant I didn't think I'd ever see their first day at school so it is really amazing and all thanks to GOSH really."
Mrs Formosa said it was "heartbreaking" when she discovered the girls had the rare medical condition - it accounts for one in every 200,000 live births.
She went on: "At 16 weeks they sent me to King's College Hospital and it was there that they discovered the connection between the girls.
"It was heartbreaking, really - I was already worried that they were monoamniotic (where twins share an amniotic sac), and conjoined was the worst-case scenario.
"I was really, really, really scared and really upset because at that point I was told that there was a high possibility that the girls wouldn't survive the pregnancy.
"And if they did survive the pregnancy they might not survive the birth, then they might not survive surgery.
"They couldn't tell what was connecting them.
"I didn't prepare to bring them home. It wasn't until they were in hospital and they'd had their operation that my husband started painting the bedroom and getting everything ready for them."
Mrs Formosa, 35, said it felt like "a million years" ago since she was waiting for the girls to come out of their surgery.
"The time has just flown by, I can't believe how fast it has gone."
GOSH's Professor Paolo De Coppi said: "Over the last 30 years we have treated 27 sets of conjoined twins.
"It's always a joy to witness patients' progress and to hear that they are reaching new milestones - this makes the job we do all the more rewarding."
The Formosa family are supporting GOSH's Back To School Campaign - which raises funds to support the hospital.
Anyone want to support the campaign can donate £3 by texting SCHOOL to 70020.
Rosie and Ruby Formosa, aged four, were joined at the abdomen and shared part of the intestine when they were born in 2012.
Parents Angela and Daniel Formosa, from Bexleyheath in Kent, could only wait and hope as their daughters underwent a five-hour operation at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH).
Thankfully it was successful - and Mrs Formosa said the girls had now met their teacher and were "very excited" to be following big sister Lily, who is nine, to school.
The girls were born joined at the abdomen and shared part of the intestine
She said: "Four years ago it wasn't in my mind that this would ever happen.
"When I was pregnant I didn't think I'd ever see their first day at school so it is really amazing and all thanks to GOSH really."
Mrs Formosa said it was "heartbreaking" when she discovered the girls had the rare medical condition - it accounts for one in every 200,000 live births.
She went on: "At 16 weeks they sent me to King's College Hospital and it was there that they discovered the connection between the girls.
"It was heartbreaking, really - I was already worried that they were monoamniotic (where twins share an amniotic sac), and conjoined was the worst-case scenario.
"I was really, really, really scared and really upset because at that point I was told that there was a high possibility that the girls wouldn't survive the pregnancy.
"And if they did survive the pregnancy they might not survive the birth, then they might not survive surgery.
"They couldn't tell what was connecting them.
"I didn't prepare to bring them home. It wasn't until they were in hospital and they'd had their operation that my husband started painting the bedroom and getting everything ready for them."
Mrs Formosa, 35, said it felt like "a million years" ago since she was waiting for the girls to come out of their surgery.
"The time has just flown by, I can't believe how fast it has gone."
GOSH's Professor Paolo De Coppi said: "Over the last 30 years we have treated 27 sets of conjoined twins.
"It's always a joy to witness patients' progress and to hear that they are reaching new milestones - this makes the job we do all the more rewarding."
The Formosa family are supporting GOSH's Back To School Campaign - which raises funds to support the hospital.
Anyone want to support the campaign can donate £3 by texting SCHOOL to 70020.
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