RTD 24

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Anastasia to get two teams as stadium plans announced

Before the chaos of the day good news was announced for Anastasia with the government of United Duchies announced a grant of 1,000,000,000 Euros to build stadiums near the city centre of Anastasia City. The stadiums will be operated by a new company owned by Anastasian government called Anastasia Convention and Sports Venues Ltd. The stadiums will be home to two clubs each to be funded by the Duchies government with seed funding to encourage professional sports and also home to Anastasian Duchy team for the High Dukes Cup. Conditions are that any stadium should be able to support a mixture athletics, football and rugby between the two stadiums to allow increased use and to house multiple clubs in one stadium. The government also will give money to develop an indoor arena and convention centre for culture, conventions and music again to the operated by the companies. The move is hoped to generate money for the economy by boosting visitors and provide sporting teams to root for for Anastasians.

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Government announce plan to devolve langauge education
A new plan by government will devolve language regulations in education. While Duchian Sign Language will still be mandatory throughout the country for ease of communication with the deaf the second langauge of a Duchy will be devolved allowing them to choose German or a language of the local legislatures choice as a second mandatory language course. The move is believed to have come at the concerns of the Anastasian government who want to make Nicolezian the main secondary langauge in duchy of Anastasia. It also means Anastasia people will likely be allowed to be taught in Duchian English or Nicolezian instead of Duchian English or German. However the countries government will still require English and German to have a job with national government agencies except if the job is only dealing with local groups in non-german majority Duchies such as Anastasia, Supseaxe and Baltica. The move is designed to increase local autonomy and recognise the fact there is now a Duchy where German is not a major secondary langauge.

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Utilities to vast majority of city back online
The utility company of Anastasia has confirmed today that most utilities are back online and where they aren't army are currently distributing water and compost toilets kits. The government said in a statement "The Copalan Appeal are involved in fake news and frankly reports that utilities are down in most of the city is false. Utilities were restored fairly quickly thanks to an effective local government and national government response. We will continue to work to restore services to the streets around the blasts." The government today have reportedly condemned the Copalan Appeal for scaremongering and irresponsible journalism that could endanger lives.

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21st January 2022
Coronation of High Duke Nikolai III to modernity with tradition
The coronation of High Duke Nikolai III will reflect a major change in how the High Duke role is conducted and the direction High Duke Nikolai III intends to take the role. The High Duke well known in his Duchy for his activism will bring a new "humanitarian activism" to the role of High Duke. He intends to rule as the "Peoples High Duke" , this in his words means he will "Take a more active role in charity, key humanitarian issues and on social issues relating to acceptance of people as they are while remaining non-partisan in terms of party support." The move might be controversial in the role depending on if people perceive this as getting political but it remains to see how he implements this approach. The High Duke has already took a radical decision of hosting autistic children and neurodivergent children as well as vulnerable adults in preparatory sleepovers for a night or two or a visit before events in the palace to get them used to the environment and give the palace time to explain and show exactly how events will take place so children can prepare. This has already happened for the pre-coronation preparations. He intends to meet every Autistic or neurodivergent Child or vulnerable adult who comes to events hosted by him. He said in a statement " I understand as an autistic monarch the challenge big events can cause to some neurodivergent people. I myself would have to have dad prepare me for events and even today rehearse alot for big events in my mind. Knowing this I want to make visits to the palace and events here more comfortable four our Neurodivergent guests. "

The palace has unveiled the choir will be all Neurodivergent to "Honour that God loves all people and designed every person including neurodivergent people perfectly and show that Neurodivergent people are capable of amazing and beautiful things" . The service has been described by some as progressive with concerns from some commentators it is getting political but Nikolai III says that it will not be political but humanitarian and humanitarian values should not be seen as political. The PM weighed in saying he supports the High Dukes approach and said " I think left, centrist or right we should all agree that accepting people as they are , loving people and ensuring all get a fair chance in life should not be political values. Maybe some of the big picture policies are and there is a question of how we reach it but I'd hope all would hold these Duchian values dear." The coronation will be broadcast on RTD live as it happens so tune in to see the event of a generation for Duchians.

Concerns as trafficking increases 56% in 1 year
Today a report has stated that people traficking and slavery in the Duchies needs new policies to combat it including stricter checks at entry points into the country. The reports showed traficking reports have gone up 56% in a year with it being estimated by police this is undershooting the actual increase in trafficking . Prosperity in the Duchies has been good for the nation however there are concerns some of that wealth is encouraging increased trafficking with the police saying they are concerned that Duchies is becoming a slavery capital of the EU along with other nations like Inquista and Duxburion Union as gangs attempt to exploit the extra wealth in the Duchian economy. The source nations appear to be poor nations where victims are promised jobs , a better life or love and then traficked with all those promises broken. They are then traficked for illegal slave labour in places like cheap car washes or cleaning businesses or for sex traficking. There is concern at least 45% of victims are younger than 18 with them slipping into the country as "families on holiday" or tourists.

The report calls for EU wide co-operation on the issue but in response the border control have said they are considering creating increased border control including extra checks on any citizen from countries with a gdp per capita less than €15,000 euros per capita and Istkalen in addition to standard ID , fingerprint, iris and facial scans and photos. The country said the measures are likely to come in next month and be made permanent. The move is splitting security experts and some have stated concerns that is could cause potential issues around discrimination. The police have also stated they will check in more on people from these communities and try to build up more connections as well randomly check their visas and ID more to ensure that they catch trafficking cases earlier and help the victims.

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Roscoes to partner with Unions to etablish fair wage scheme throughout Europe
Roscoes has announced it is to partner with unions to set up a Europe wide Fair Wage Council. Each nation will have a council which would have any unions who want to be involved on it and experts on cost of living on it. The councils would set a Fair Wage Rate for each country regardless of what the government rate is , the service is to be funded by companies paying to be recognised as fair wage employers though this would require checks to make sure they are paying any wage or above the council recconomends per country. The fair wage would be set excluding any benefits such as health benefits , profit sharing or any access to welfare funds or extra benefits such as subsidised housing or cars. It would focus purely on the wage paid to the employee. The organisation would also required all breaks to be paid.

Other employe in the Duchies are signing up to the scheme with any company signing being exprsected to follow reccomended wages in every country it operates. The hope is the scheme will benefit workers throughout Europe. The council in each country will consist of two members from every member union with over 100,000 members in each country and each councils will publish reccomendations yearly in December. The 100,000 member requirement may be reduced for specialised of sector unions or in countries with lower populations or unionisation rates , this will be set by the Fair Wage Council in each country.The Fair Wage will be defined as " A wage that two people working 30 Hours per week can afford a 3 bedroom property, transport , energy and a holiday domestically each year." . The scheme was announced jointly with TUI Abbott , Roscoes ,RTD, the DHS, Hopkins and M&S among others. The Fair Wage Duchies said so far over 35 major companies have signed up with more interested in the scheme. They said in a statement " THe Fair Wage Scheme will ensure all workers in Europe covered get a fair wage and that poverty wages end. It will ensure any wage covers the utilities, housing,food and transport costs and have some money left over for leisure. The scheme will benefit economies by ensuring higher pay for the lowest paid workers which is proven to benefit economies by increased spending resulting in win win for employers. "

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Experts raise concerns over Stop Corporate Imperialism Act
Experts have raised concerns over the Stop Corporate Imperialism Act. The act introduced supposedly to stop Corporations exploiting nations has been criticised by experts for endorsing a poverty wage and exploitative model of paying lower prices and wages. The act would ban companies from paying twice the average wage in a sector which could mean many firms paying ethical wages would end up being forced to make the choice of paying poverty wages and prices to suppliers and employees in lower income countries with loose labour laws or to not operate there essentially cutting off well paying markets from companies in those countries as well as well paying jobs in foreign owned factories in those countries. The proposed act has been criticised by the Fair Trade Council , Fair Wage Europe as well supplier guilds and workers unions. Many of these currently work with many companies from around Europe and the Duchies to set basic minimum profitable prices and minimum livable wages.

The move would create problems for companies who decide to pay Living Wages or offer profit sharing schemes and bonuses on top of the wages.

Such a move would great reduce workers benefits and increase inequality according to expert from Fair Wage Europe Director Tristan Heitmeyer. He said in a statement " This would essentially outlaw any attempt to establish minimum profitable pricing and living wage schemes as it would outlaw working with Unions and Suppliers to establish these in the supplier and employment contracts by banning distributors from speaking to organisations like us. We have grave concerns this could lead to poverty wage work becoming more common while a small set of elites profit off the new low wage misery. To call treating workers like human beings and paying fair and equitable prices for goods and wages imperialist is extremely wrong. It is the opposite in that it is making sure one is not exploiting market conditions to make a profit at the expense of worker welfare or smaller suppliers profits. In fact without such schemes suppliers will be vulnerable to market fluctuations so not only is it unfair but it could seriously damage the stability of European markets by having farmers go under during a bad time. This is no time to bring back fully laissez fair capitalism and exploitation of workers we have worked so hard as a continent to defeat."

Even free market advocates on the right have opposed the bill saying the bill is anti-free market. The head of the free market thinktank Open Business Duchies said " It should be up to companies to decide what they pay in wages and prices for their goods. If they can make a profitable business paying higher prices and wages and charging consumers more or offsetting this through internal efficiencies or by accepting a lower margin over time then they should be allowed to. There shouldn't be limits on how high businesses can pay, we don't believe in minimum here either as we believe the market is the best arbiter of wages but that is a point for another day, This act wouldn't increase the free market in fact it would actually harm it by reducing choice for workers and suppliers that could have potentially had higher paying jobs but can no longer get that because its illegal." The government have said they will do everything they can to oppose the act and it is expected the Duchian Deputy European Councillor will vote against the act.

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President of Duchies Rail calls for Fixed Linke between North Africa and Europe
Today the president of Duchies Rail the track manager for United Duchies and State Owned Enterprise in charge of the ticketing system and track maintenance in the Duchies has called for a tunnel from Europe to North Africa. The president of Duchies Rail Kit Houghton said in an interview "I think we are really being held back in terms of carbon reduction by a lack of rail links between Europe and DU and Yosai and Leagio in terms of a short straight route. A Bridge or Tunnel or combination of the two is needed and it would cost alot but if all nations contributed it could happen. We have almost 14% of our exports with the DU alone yet alone Yosai and Leagio and DU is also one of the top nations for imports as well. Visits are also high between our nation and those countries as well as Spain. A fixed link in Spain to Yosai would cut cross channel flights and flights from Duchies to those nations , make it more central so it can serve DU as well even more potential is there for cutting shipping and plane emissions. We all are comitted to carbon cuts and this seems like an obvious way. You only have to look at the Spain and Inquista to UD corridors these are now well over 50% rail with 70% in some pairings. A fixed line into Yosai would provide the potential for air between Yosai and Spain to be virtually eliminated and much of the air and ferry travel that is more carbon intensive between UD and those areas to be replaced by rail in the form of sleeper trains and coaches.

I also believe it can be done look at the success of the Red Croatia tunnel over similar distances and linking similarly important partners in trade. Will it be easy no? Would there be challenges ? Yes but its only with bold vision like this projects like this get started and only with bold vision and innovation will CO2 be cut."

The government have been asked to comment the government said "This is the view of one person in the rail industry and many others may agree. We do believe it is a good idea and would happily join in funding any such project but there is no formal proposal and it is literally just a concept and idea of people right now as it has been for many years. If nations want to go ahead with the concept or reviews into it we'd happily work with them but ultimately for now its a dream."

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United Duchies announces minimum 5 year warranty plan on products over €20
The government of the United Duchies announced today that in a new update to the consumer code on top of repair schematics and the current spare parts law the country would be updating its consumer code to make products sold in the Duchies more sustainable. The plan would require a minimum 5 year warranty for products over €20 unless they are necessarily single use items with a minimum 10 year warranty on goods over €50. The plan has come about upon reccomendations in the Engelhardt Report on Sustainability. The report revealed too many clothes were ending up in the incineration after just 1 year. The new laws will also require all products be fully recyclable with mixed fibres being required to be easily recyclable. The new plan will potentially outlaw the sales of plastic clothing in a boost to natural materials , the new laws will also apply to imported clothing. The warranty may exclude expected and reasonable wear and tear as defined by the Competition and Consumer Protection Authority.

.The law will also require manufacturers or the store to take in goods for recycling at the end of the products life with a minimum €20 incinceration fee per item if they throw it in the garbage. Clothes and products will be required to be put in a separate sorting bin for outgoing garbage collection. If any violations of the law happen it is proposed that a fine of up to 10% of the annual revenue of the company will be took per offense after just 3 violations. The new law would update the law to ensure sustainability is the way companies must act in the future. The law is expected to pass within a month unless the parliament object to the plan but most major parties have backed the new law.

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United Duchies Government will not bow to Inditex Pressure
The United Duchies government said they will not bow to the pressure from Inditex. The government said in a statement "Inditex alledge we want to create monopolies for Duchies businesses which is not the case. We are in an emergency with too much waste going to incineration because it cannot be recycled and lasts a short time. The law is targeted solely at companies who are irresponsibile. Inditex by withdrawing rather than focusing on making sure their clothes are recyclable and last 5 years have only proven their model is not sustainable in the long run or in line with Carbon Emission goals.

We are not targeting one country but a practise much like when we reformed packaging laws at the guidance of experts on sustainability to ensure we can have products that don't destroy the environment and planet. We welcome other sustainable clothing companies that will take market share that irresponsible companies will leave behind in the Duchies , at least we won't have to incinerate their clothes unnecessarily. We are not intending to start a trade war but we will continue to seek best practise on the environment and while we understand the need to allow economically efficient products and companies this should not come at the cost of the environment. We will defend policies that increase sustainability and quality of all products to protect the consumer and environment." The government have said companies can expect over the years where environmental issues are raised for there to be changes required with the government saying in a statement " While economy and freedom of choice is important to us as a nation we must also build an economy around sustainability based on principles of not destroying the planet for short term gain. We are not going to go to the unnecessary lengths of some Strathae policies and will welcome big businesses that are sustainable and want to invest but we also won't let big corporations influence our policy to make short profits at the expense of the local and international environment. We will welcome the increasing presence of truly ethical retailers and product manufacturers in the Duchies market. There may be scope for discussion on what the penalties are and how much time manufacturers and retailers should have to adapt but we must move towards removing this clothing waste and waste from fast consumerism in all sectors. We have after having concerns raised by local sustainable businesses changed the the proposed law going through parliament to require fines of 10% only in cases of gross incompetence over a period of time where there is a significant failure rate and amount of violations or an intentional policy of violations of the new sustainability rules." The change has been welcomed by business experts and is understood to be accepted by green campaigning organisations in the Duchies.

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Reports into Anastasia attacks shows high suspicion of Anastasian Nationalist Responsibility
The innitial police and intelligence reports into the Anastasia attacks show there is a high probability and likelihood of Anastasian Nationalist terrorist involvement and responsibility. The police have said they are still investigating but investigations had led them to focus on Anastasian Nationalists with known fascist groups being unlikely to have resources or ability to carry out such attacks or be likely to focus on this area with no obvious motive for such an attack or intelligence from within suggesting that there is a responsibility by Duchian Nationalists. The investigations are continuing but it is likely according to experts Anastasian Independence Nationalist organisations and groups will be monitored more closely and that people withing groups will face additional scrutiny. The National Police and Police Intelligence Service are opening an investigation focusing on these organisations and hope they can catch the culprits quickly. They have appealed for information saying "If anyone knows who is responsible , these people aren't heroes of Anastasia but enemies of Anastasia and its people. They have killed Anastasians and committed crimes of the worst nature. These are not people to defend or assist, we have this to say if you help us we will reward you and if you assist these terrorists we will hunt you down, capture you and you will face hell, you will face the long arm of justice."

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Damaged sewers mostly repaired
Today the government announced the damaged sewers in Anastasia have mostly been repaired with a the few remaining likely to be fixed within a month. The government praised the quick work of contractors in restoring sewerage and water pipes as well as other services. The government have said that only a few thousand are without piped sewer services and those are being served by the anaerobic toilets and waste dispensers supplied as an emergency The government of the Duchies announced they would be ramping up investment in the city and construction of the tram and metro systems with plans to link all lines to Baltia. A new competition is being launched to design a high speed railway station, they hope to have a high speed rail link directly in Anastasia within 4 years. For not connections to the city will remain to be by bus and coach , with fullsize shopping centres hopefully open by year 3 . Until then the constructed temporary shipping container constructed and prefabricated buildings will remain.

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OGO announced on demand bus hailing integration
OGO today announced councils will be able to move to software systems to enable on demand bus hailing on OGO Maps. The OGO maps will be updated to enable integration of hailing of on demand bus services of councils and transport agencies, and private bus companies that sign up. The app would show your nearest virtual stops arrange the trip and process the payment to the bus company using the OGO wallet.

The company said in a statement "At the moment people having to download 20 different apps puts tourists off using public transport especially on demand buses . We will show the on demand bus hailing options first and integrate fare collection into our system or let you choose to pay or show a card on the bus. This will make collection of payments easier for transit agencies and operators and make paying easier for the consumer. It will also make using services easier by providing one place to book all your on demand bus trips and letting you book trips in parts of the country you may be visiting only once or twice. We will continue to roll out these innovative solutions nationwide. You can also add your Go Pass to pay for this just like you can use to pay bus fares, train fares and transit fares on the app or website already. Now OGO Maps will be even more of the one stop app for all your navigation and transport needs."

Several Duchy Transit regional agencies are signing up to the app already with plans to have the whole country on board by the end of the year. The app will also work with countries internationally including Reitzmag , Yosai and other countries governments to roll out further integration of ticketing and payment processing into the OGO Maps. Some critics worry this will only add to the data that OGO collect on trips though its worth noting that data on location or any trips through the app are already stored and the company knows where one is at all times already so this isn't a new concern.

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Government of UD Distance themselfs from European Enterprise Penalties Act
The government of the United Duchies has distanced itself from the European Enterprise Penalties Act currently going through the European Council which would if passed either have mandatory fines if 10% of global revenue of a company for breaking EU law or up to that amount if amended and have fines be stackable. The business community in Duchies expressed concern it could potentially bankrupt companies for innocent and minor mistakes with it being met with concern from most Duchian businesses who already deal with a fair amount of regulation and say they shouldn't have to deal with a risk of a 10% fine on global revenue on top of that for small mistakes.

The government in a statement said "While we believe James Mizrachi-Roscoe is a good councillor and right to be concerned about fines being at levels that they can be seen as a cost of doing business we believe this is not the right approach. This approach could do more harm than good and we would like to register our opposition to this proposed act. Even here in Duchies we only allow up to 2.5% of revenue in the Duchies and only in the most severe of circumstances with most fines being set at a scale to the damages caused by a company practise or as a percent of profits if that is an option. We can't make him withdraw the act but he should reconsider the act. Potential 10's of billions of euros fines per company may be excessive." The statement is a surprise as usually the government do not comment on European Councillor activities so this is seen as a big intervention for the government.

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19/02/2022
Remembrance events throughout Duchies draw millions combined
Remembrance events in every city were held drawing millions for concerts and cultural events and a moment of silence to remember the victims and the families. The events were marked by a tone of moving on and not looking back in anger but rather overcoming the terrorists who killed over 3,000 that day. Victims who were alive from the attacks including some well known ones were included in the many services across the Duchies .

Crowds around the country sang Don't look back in anger to show unity and that the terrorists have not won. All parties also joined in with The Left to make clear they do not blame the left. Nikolai in a Speech to the crowd at the event in Cair Para below the palace said "Today we show Left, Centre or Right , Christian or non-christian it doesn't matter you cannot divide this nation with your hate, you can cannot defeat us with bombs and you cannot erase the legacy of all those killed and affected. We as a nation stand together and overcome as these Duchies have always done , we as a nation unite and say evil will never win , fear will never defeat hope and terror will never stop us from achieving our bright future" The PM also released his statements and attended events with all party leaders. Victims of the attack where they wanted to were invited onto stages at official events with official events held in all towns and cities. The flag was lowered half mast at the start of the day and raised as the High Duke signalled for a cannon salute and singing of the anthem. This was done at all embassies across the world and people with Duchian flags were asked to lower and raise the flags on poles where they had flag poles with the Duchian flag . A moments silence will be held in 2023.

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Mizrachi-Roscoe announces European Enterprise Penalties Act is dead
Today after a call from parties in the Duchies Parliament James Mizrachi-Roscoe announced that the European Enterprise Penalties Act will not be reintroduced with the current system of penalties being set in act being enough. He said in a statement " There are obvious concerns over the act and the penalties. While serious penalties for breaking EU law are needed this perhaps is not the way to do so instead having them on a case by case , act by act basis. Therefore I will not be reintroducing the bill instead focusing on other issues." The U-Turn was welcomed by businesses in the Duchies including Roscoes itself which was said to be concerned that small mistakes could damage the business but hadn't been able to say anything due to the links to Roscoe.

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Buns in the Oven biggest taking over Greggs

Buns in the Oven have overtook Greggs to become the biggest chain in the Duchies. Greggs were previously the largest at 4.2 Billion Euros from 4,004 Bakeries in the country. The chains have been battling furiously throughout the country with Buns in the Oven famous for their Double Buns Special with a choice of fillings and Greggs famous for their festive and steak bakes. The working class staples are seen everywhere including small regional towns in the Duchies alongside a Hole Lot in a Toad and Great Tits Brewery Pubs.

Buns in the Oven reported 5 billion Euros in Revenue from 5,340 restaurants against Greggs 4.6 Billion Euros from 4,067 bakeries. Buns in the Oven went to twitter to mock Greggs saying "Sorry Greggs but it seems the ladies prefer their buns in our ovens rather than yours!" . The tweet has been shared widely in the Duchies.

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Op-ed: Strathae please stop apologising

I passed protestors in town today from the Strathaen community singing that wretched sing "We don't want no Gobshite" and offering the free hugs for catholics. I know they mean well , I know they are sorry for their former leader ever having been elected but please stop apologising and please stop with the love bombing.Its almost sickening how full of sorrow and shame they are and that's coming from a Duchian who's country has never moved on.

You have done enough in fact too much. It was sad you destroyed freedom of speech in your country just protect catholics with a level of protection our brothers never asked for. As a Catholic I can handle protest and hate thank you very much and I get you don't agree with our pope's policies on many issues but here's the thing neither do we we understand. I want to say we know you are sorry and we love you , we know Blairites do not represent you all or a majority ,we know she was only that extreme in the last 5 years or so. So please stop ,you can move on now prove you are a good neighbour by repealing the restrictions on religion like you are but for goodness sake shut up. We don't need to hear every day how sorry you are we know. I hope you can find it in you to move on from this wretched 3 years you have had and rebuild for all ,you are doing enough you just need to be confident and proud of yourself again.

Yours sincerely a Duchian Catholic

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Selling Cooperatives raise Minimum Price Floors on agricultural goods
The Selling Cooperatives at their annual meetings and the annual producers council have agreed to raise their Minimum Price Floors by an average of 20% over all agricultural products. This decision has affected prices of all foods and agriculture products in Duchies from wool and leather to wheat and dairy products. The average yearly spend on food and groceries is currently €8,771 Euros with the average restaurant meal at a cheap restaurant currently at €20.50 Experts have predicted this will rise to €11,403 a rise of 30% with increase in labour costs and restaurant meals for a cheap 3 course meal to rise €24.50. The cost rises however are likely to be outweighed by a growth in wages.Roscoes is said to be dissapointed by the levels of the rise which it hoped would be in the 10% range however all supermarkets are complying with the rise due to the fears of producers having a sales embargo with any supermarket that tries to undermine the the minimum price floors.

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Christian denominations and Brieighzhigist denominations join up to form Interfaith organisation
Today the ICS Church,Duchies Episocal Church Catholic Church of the Duchies , Lutheran Church , Orthodox Church , New Frontiers, Elim , Baptist and Methodist Churches along with the United Council of Shia Muslims and Duchies Sunni Muslim Council,International Reformed Breizhighism ,Orthodox Union of Breizhighists and Breizonic Breizhigism Alliance as well as denominations of christians and other religions such as Jewish Denominations around Europe have come together to form a new organisation European Interfaith Alliance and the Duchies Interfaith Alliance. The organisations have said in the joint statement "We the faith organisations of Europe believe that there is more to unite us than divide us. We may disagree on a great many social issues, who is God , and different teachings but it doesn't mean we cannot work together for the good of man, woman, inter and bi-kind regardless of sexuality or any other characteristics. We believe it is better to work together than fight over petty disputes of ideology and instead show the love we believe whatever creator we believe in calls for and will work together to this end to end bigotry between religions and also work to show love to all through charity and social work and through interfaith diologue."

The initiative has been praised and while other interfaith dialogues have existed this is though to be the first one uniting so many diverse religions and denominations. The organisation would have a Europe wide organisation which would then have national organisations in each nation connected to the European Interfaith Alliance . The Breizhighist organisations said in a seperate statement " We feel it is important to come together especially for us to join something like this to show there truly is more in common with the Abrahamic faiths than what divides us. All our religions believe in human kindness, acceptance , tolerance, charitable giving and protecting this planet we live on we want to show that through cooperating on this new initiative instead of focusing on our differences of opinion. "

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Farmers boycott supermarkets
Farmers and Producer Unions have today announced a boycott of many supermarkets starting 3 weeks in that import cheaper vegetables and fruits from abroad in the category they produce fruit and vegetables in as well as boycotting food processing and manufactauring companies that do so. All the farmers Selling Cooperatives have joined in on the supply boycott of companies like Aldi ,Spadi ,Walmont ,Heron and even Roscoes who despite being over 70% domestic produced ranges import some cheaper veg and produce from other countries for some of the cheapest ranges.

The boycott aims to cut off the cheap import market by forcing supermarkets to choose either Duchian products which they say are produced more ethically and at a higher standard or foreign products. So far supermarkets are discussing what to do. Roscoes and Spadi are understood to be negotiatiing with Unions with other supermarkets having a tougher stance. The alliance of the selling cooperatives said "We have in place minimum price alliances for a reason to protect our vital domestic farmers from lower standard produce.This is being got around by some unscrupulous groups by buying some cheaper vegetables , crops and fruit from abroad which is fundamentally unfair. We therefore are taking action before this trend grows larger to make sure supermarkets give our farmers a fair shot and prices."

Roscoes said in a statement "The allegations are fundamentally untrue , we import some variety of vegetables and fruit from abroad out of season or if they grow better in that climate. We do not import cheaper or inferior quality to undercut the Duchian farmers. We work well with farmers to ensure they get a fair price and fair volume of sales for their products prioritising local fruit and vegetables to protect from climate change."

Spadi also released a statement saying "We are comitted to Duchian farming and providing a fair price for our suppliers. The allegations are entirely untrue and without merit."Other supermarkets have also released statements however it is expected most will have to back down restricting consumer choice in the market due to the sheer weight of farmers in farmer selling cooperatives since Duchians are unlikely to support a supermarket that doesn't support local farmers.