'This Week in the News' discusses the latest in Brexit negotiations, heavy snowfall in the UK, the theft of $70 million worth of Bitcoin and Peter Kay cancelling his tour.
The government have lost a key vote on its Brexit bill in the House of Commons. The narrow defeat of 309 to 305 votes came after a rebellion of 11 Tory MPs. This setback will not prevent the UK from leaving the European Union in 2019, Ministers say.
Democrat Doug Jones has been elected Senator of Alabama. He defeated Republican candidate Roy Moore with 49.9% to 48.4%. The state in the southern US is known to vote Republican. However, Roy Moore has been amidst allegations of sexual assault.
Heavy snowfall has shut down schools, cut power and disrupted travel in wide parts of the UK. At least 2,700 schools were closed, and hundreds of flights and trains were cancelled. Temperatures were as low -15°C on Monday night, making it the coldest day in seven years.
Hackers have stolen $70 million worth of Bitcoin on their mining service NiceHash. A spokesman said that approximately 4,700 Bitcoins were missing from NiceHash’s online wallet. The service recommended users to change their passwords.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the withdrawal of their troops from Syria. He said the Russian and Syrian armies had achieved their mission to defeat ISIS.
Comedian Peter Kay has cancelled his comeback tour due to family reasons. He said the circumstances were unforeseen and that he was “very sorry”. He asked the media and public to respect his family’s privacy.