In the headlines
King Charles’s planned state visit to France next week has been postponed, as protests over Emmanuel Macron’s plans to raise the pension age intensified. More than a million people joined demonstrations across the country yesterday; in Bordeaux, rioters set fire to the town hall. The BBC has reversed its decision to scrap the BBC Singers chamber choir after a petition to save the group topped 140,000 signatures. The broadcaster said “a number of organisations” had suggested different ways to fund the 99-year-old institution. For the first time in history, ordinary Britons will be allowed to stand on the 755-year-old mosaic where monarchs are crowned. Westminster Abbey’s Cosmati Pavement, a 25ft square of marble, glass and gemstones, has until now been trodden on by only kings, queens and cardinals. But between May and July, visitors will be able to pay £15 to step on it – provided they’re wearing socks and take their shoes off.