French News Digest: Franky Zapata Crosses the Channel by Jetpack

Politics

France has reiterated its opposition to Boris Johnson’s Brexit plan, and wants to “get past the stage” of negotiations. France’s state minister for European affairs Amelie de Montchalin says France would like to “calmly” navigate Britain’s new relationship with the EU.

French President Emmanuel Macron called Boris Johnson to congratulate him on becoming Prime Minister, inviting him to Paris.

Culture

Inventor, Franky Zapata succeeded in his second attempt to cross the Channel by jetpack. Accompanied by three helicopters, he landed in Saint Margaret’s Bay, near Dover. His first attempt was thwarted when he failed to land on the boat waiting to refuel his kerosene-powered jetpack, so he fell into the sea.

The boy thrown from the Tate Modern viewing platform was a French national on holiday with his family, according to the police. The victim is recovering, and a 17-year-old boy has been arrested and detained on suspicion of attempted murder.

Sports and Showbiz

Paris Saint-Germain sub, Angel Di Maria, scored the winning goal with a jaw-dropping free kick as the Ligue 1 champions defeated Stade Rennes 2-1 and lifted the French Super Cup in Shenzhen on Saturday.

Currency

Sterling started last week by losing an average of 2.1%, falling to a 22-month low against the euro as Brexit uncertainty continues. The CBI reported universal unpreparedness for a no-deal and claimed that 23 areas of the UK economy “would experience disruption”.