Totalitarianism 2.0

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has apologised for attending a party in the Downing Street garden during the first lockdown, but said he believed "implicitly that this was a work event".

It is the latest in a number of alleged parties to have taken place under Covid restrictions, which are currently being investigated by senior civil servant Sue Gray.

What was the party?An email, sent to as many as 100 people in Downing Street, invited them to "socially distanced drinks in the No 10 garden this evening".

The email, revealed by ITV News, was sent on behalf of Mr Johnson's principal private secretary, Martin Reynolds.

It is understood that about 30 people attended the event on 20 May 2020. Two eyewitnesses had already told the BBC they saw Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie there.

www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-59577129

Novak Djokovic is set to be detained on Saturday after Australia cancelled his visa for a second time, in a row over his right to remain in the country unvaccinated.

The decision on "health and good order" grounds means he faces deportation and a three-year visa ban.Djokovic's lawyers called the decision "patently irrational" and will appeal.

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the decision followed "careful consideration.

"Alluding to the heavy criticism his government has faced for allowing the unvaccinated player into Australia, Mr Morrison said: "Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected.

"At an emergency late-night court hearing shortly after the decision was announced on Friday, Judge Anthony Kelly ruled that Djokovic cannot be deported while the appeal proceedings are happening. An appeal hearing is expected on Sunday.

www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-59991762

Novak Djokovic has been detained in Australia ahead of a court hearing that will determine whether the tennis star can stay in the country unvaccinated.

The Serbian faces deportation after his visa was cancelled for a second time, with the government labelling the 34-year-old a threat to the public.

His lawyers are appealing against what they called an "irrational" judgement, with the hearing due on Sunday.

Djokovic, however, is still scheduled to play the Australian Open on Monday.

If he were to win the tournament for a tenth time, he would become the most successful men's tennis player in the history of the sport.

But Sunday's hearing, which has been scheduled for 09:30 local time (22:30 GMT on Saturday) is crucial if Djokovic is to be able to defend his title just hours later.

If he loses the appeal, the world men's tennis number one faces deportation and a three-year visa ban.

www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60004874

Quebec to impose 'significant' financial penalty against people who refuse to get vaccinated

Quebec Premier François Legault announced the province will apply a "significant" financial penalty for residents who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for non-medical reasons.

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The tax would apply to all adults in Quebec who refuse to get their first dose of the vaccine "in the next few weeks," according to the premier. People who have medical exemptions to vaccination will not have to pay the tax. 

montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-to-impose-significant-financial-penalty-against-people-who-refuse-to-get-vaccinated-1.5735536

Novak Djokovic has been deported from Australia after losing a last-ditch court bid to stay in the country.

Judges rejected a challenge by the unvaccinated tennis star after the government cancelled his visa on "health and good order" grounds.

Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed" but accepted the ruling. He has left on a flight to Dubai.

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Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison welcomed "the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe" but his government faces criticism at home and abroad for its handling of the affair.

www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-60014059