Brexit Day

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 31 January 2020 > In the News

After more than three and a half years, three Prime Ministers and two elections, but with no celebratory ringing of Big Ben, Brexit finally means Brexit. Sort of. While Britain officially leaves the EU at midnight on 31 Jan 2020, it is only to enter a transition period that will last till 31 December. So, … Continue reading “Brexit Day”

Brexit is Back On

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 20 December 2019 > In the News

With the Conservative Party winning an overall majority in the UK Parliament for the first time since 2017, Prime Minister Boris Johnson means to make good on his promise to, “Get Brexit done.” The Conservatives won at least a 78 seat majority on 12 December, with 364 seats,a much more comfortable position than the minority … Continue reading “Brexit is Back On”

Impeached

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 20 December 2019 > In the News

On 18 December, President Donald Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives, only the third president in U.S. history to be rebuked in this way. The second stage of impeachment, before the Senate, is unlikely to succeed, but it will run into the beginning of primary season for the November presidential election. The impeachment … Continue reading “Impeached”

Greta’s Year

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 19 December 2019 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

It’s been quite a year for Greta Thunberg. As well as leading millions of people in climate protests around the world, the 16-year-old activist has addressed the United Nations, met and harangued world leaders. It’s no wonder that Time Magazine named her its Person of the Year. Thunberg never imagined her solo protest would have … Continue reading “Greta’s Year”

Word of the moment: Impeachment

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 18 October 2019 > In the News

There has been talk of impeaching President Trump practically from the day he took office in 2017, originally over alleged electoral irregularities. But on 24 September, impeachment proceedings were actually launched in the House of Representatives, although they have little chance of being approved by Congress. What exactly is impeachment? “The President, Vice President and … Continue reading “Word of the moment: Impeachment”

Word of the Moment: Prorogation

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 13 September 2019 > In the News

The noun prorogation and the verb prorogue were not part of most British people’s vocabulary until August 2019. Now, they’re the words on everyone’s lips. Prorogation is the suspension of Parliament. It’s not a dissolution, which happens before a new election. It’s as if the pause button has been hit. Prorogations usually happen about once … Continue reading “Word of the Moment: Prorogation”

Payback for Slavery

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 16 August 2019 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

Students at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, have voted to pay reparations to the descendants of 272 slaves sold by the Jesuit university in 1838. A long-running campaign by students has identified descendants of the 272, who were sold to plantations in Louisiana. A student referendum voted for each student to pay a small amount … Continue reading “Payback for Slavery”

Boris Johnson at Number Ten

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 24 July 2019 > In the News

Britain has a new Prime Minister. After a two-month voting process following Theresa May’s resignation, the Conservative Party announced the name of its new leader on 23 July. On 24 July the Queen invited Boris Johnson to form a government. The new government has just over three months to try to find a solution to … Continue reading “Boris Johnson at Number Ten”

Singing for Freedom

Posted by Speakeasy News > Thursday 18 July 2019 > In the News Shine Bright Lycée

South African singer, musician, dancer and activist Johnny Clegg has died at the age of 66. His music was an influential part of his participation in the anti-Apartheid campaign. His songs “Asimbonanga” and “Scatterlings of Africa” took his message of protest but also of unity around the world. Johnny Clegg was born in England. His … Continue reading “Singing for Freedom”