Trump administration reverses child separation policy. Following international outcry at thousands of children being detained at US government facilities, the President signed an executive order to halt the separation of families at the border with Mexico. President Trump had initially blamed the Democrats for the policy, before insisting that it was necessary to prevent immigrants from “infesting” America. In a rare intervention, former First Lady Laura Bush called the policy “cruel” and “immoral.” There remains considerable confusion as to how families will be reunited. Having softened one part of the administration’s immigration policy, the President is doubling down on a hardline approach overall, describing immigrants as “invaders” and current laws “a mockery.”

Arlene Foster attends GAA final between Fermanagh and Donegal. It marks the first time the DUP leader has attended a major Gaelic games match. Her predecessor, Peter Robinson, attended a match when he was First Minister in 2012. “I do realise that there might be some people who may be uncomfortable, with me being here today,” she said, before adding, “I am a leader of a political party that promotes a shared society in Northern Ireland and to do that you have to take steps.” Mrs Foster, who stood for the Irish national anthem, was praised by Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill: “We all have our part to play in building an inclusive society for all.”

Airbus warns of possible post-Brexit relocation from the UK. The aircraft manufacturer, which employs 14,000 in its UK operations, said that it could move in the event of the UK leaving the single market and customs union without a transition deal. It comes after the House of Commons voted against Dominic Grieve’s amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, which could have given Parliament the opportunity to direct the government’s position in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario. Brexiteers accused Airbus of lobbying to keep the UK in the single market and customs union. Former Conservative minister Stephen Crabb called the announcement a “wake-up call.” On the second anniversary of the referendum, thousands marched in London calling for a ‘people’s vote’ on the final Brexit deal.

 Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women driving. There were celebrations in Riyadh and Jeddah when clocks struck midnight on Saturday. Samar Almogren, a writer and broadcaster, said, “I always knew this day would come. But it came fast. Sudden. I feel free like a bird.” However, a number of women’s rights activists remain in prison having fought for the right to drive, while the guardianship system, requires women to seek permission from relatives to travel and work.  The ban was lifted after King Salman issued a royal decree in September. His 32-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is understood to have pressed for the reform.

New Zealand PM gives birth to baby girl. On Thursday Jacinda Ardern became only the second elected world leader to have a child when still in office. “I am not the first woman to multitask,” Ardern said when she announced her pregnancy last year. “I am not the first woman to work and have a baby.” Fittingly, her newborn daughter Neve shares a birthday with former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto – the first female world leader to give birth during office. Ardern hopes the “novelty” will soon wear off: “I hope for little girls and boys that there is a future where they can make choices about how they raise their family and what sort of career they have.”

 

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