Potent antibiotics found in use on farm animals

pillsSome of the strongest antibiotics available for humans have been found to be in use on farms in large parts of European Union countries.

Antibiotics to fight lift-threatening infections are in frequent use in animals, according to the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Germany welcomes more babies

baby2012The birth rate in Germany has been rising over the last four years, pushing the level to 1.5 infants per woman last year.

The last time the rate was this high was in 1982.

Norwegian Air set to offer more flights from Gatwick

airplane2Norwegian Air says it has plans to increase its flights from Gatwick Airport no matter what the British government decides on airport expansion.

The UK government has been mulling over the idea of enlarging London air capacity and may one day decide between either Heathrow or Gatwick.

Islamic State has recruited from Portugal

isisPortugal’s secret service has identified for the first time, citizens living in Portugal with links to the Islamic State.

Previous instances have involved Portuguese living abroad but retaining their Portuguese citizenship so this is the first time that a senior figure has admitted that there are home-grown supporters of the Islamic State.

Portugal has "too much poverty" says social security minister

childpovertyPortugal is a "country with too much poverty," according to the Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security, Vieira da Silva

In Viera’s Monday message to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, the minister said that this is a situation that "is urgent" and that change is "highest priority" to combat child poverty.

More Brits forced to rent

londonhouseAs another marker in the decline of home ownership in the UK, the property rental market has been so active that it could surpass sales for the first time in eight decades.

House sales are reported to have tapered off since the June referendum on Brexit with many owners having withdrawn their homes from the market as a result. The number of houses for sales has  dipped close to a record low.

'A-Surf' road name change quashed by government

macnamaraPortugal’s A8 road was destined to be renamed as the ‘Autoestrada do Surf’, or just 'ASurf', to reflect the sport that is practiced in Ericeira, Nazaré and Peniche - a sport that has made Portugal famous as an international surfing destination.

The A8, will stay as the boring old A8, dashing the plans of Caldeira Cabral, Minister of the Economy, Turismo de Portugal and road concession holders Brisa, Lena and MSF which control Autoestradas do Atlântico, to rename the road with something more fun that the A8. This would coincide with a world surfing circuit event in Peniche starting this coming Tuesday.

Germany indicates that Nigerian migrants will be deported

refugeesChancellor Angela Merkel last week focussed her attention on Africa with the intent of reducing migrant numbers entering Europe.

She visited Mali, Niger and Ethiopia and also met the heads of state of Nigeria and Chad.