5 Things You Need To Know (19/5/17)

Welcome to our daily update, where we summarise the key talking points from the last 24 hours.

1. Conservative immigration “aim” doesn’t have a timetable

The Conservatives do not have a cost or timetable for meeting their manifesto pledge to reduce migration to tens of thousands, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has revealed. He described it as an “ambition” and “aim.”

2. Social media is bad for your health

Social media is bad for mental health, a Royal Society for Public Health study reveals. Instagram was judged the worst, based on issues such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, bullying and body image.

3. Chinese jet intercepts US aircraft

A Chinese jet has intercepted a US aircraft over the East China Sea, the US military has said. The plane came close enough and maneuvered in such a way that it was considered “unprofessional” by the US. The incident is being addressed diplomatically.

4. Assange charges dropped

Swedish authorities have dropped the rape investigation into Julian Assange.

The Wikileaks founder has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London for the past five years, fearing that if he left the building he’d be extradited to Sweden and in turn extradited to the United States. He is wanted in the U.S for leaks, and remains a top U.S arrest priority.

He could in theory now leave the embassy, but the MET Police have indicated that he could still be arrested.

5. Trump departs

President Donald Trump is starting his first foreign visit today, with his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia. Following that, he will head to Israel and Italy, where he will meet with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Starting his trip, Mr Trump tweeted “Getting ready for my big foreign trip. Will be strongly protecting American interests – that’s what I like to do!”

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