Independent London journalist Alexander Seale reports on a horrific night experienced by residents of a London neighborhood when a building caught fire from the first to the 27th floor, potentially caused by a refrigerator short-circuit. The 27-story building in North Kensington, housing a predominantly poor and immigrant population, had been renovated several times since its construction in 1974, and residents had complained about the building's safety risks a year ago. Seale observed scenes of assistance and solidarity among the community.

Former French President François Hollande discusses international relations, the rise of dictatorships, and the importance of European defense autonomy in his latest book 'Bouleversements: Pour comprendre la nouvelle donne mondiale'. He emphasizes the need for the European Union to achieve greater military independence while maintaining alliances with the United States. Hollande also addresses the challenges of French diplomacy, the withdrawal of French troops from Mali and Burkina Faso, and the situation of French expatriates in the context of Brexit and global changes since 2017.

Laurence Pais, the Consul General of France in Edinburgh and Glasgow since September 2019, discusses the impact of Brexit on the French expatriate community in Scotland, noting a decrease in students and short-term workers due to visa requirements. The Consulate General has shifted its focus since 2016 to consular protection, assisting with issues like lost passports and organizing elections for French expatriates. Pais also serves as the director of the French Institute of Scotland, which promotes French culture and language through various programs and events.

In Grenoble, France, Mayor Eric Piolle, from Europe Écologie Les Verts, has advocated for allowing swimmers to dress as they wish in public pools, including wearing burkinis or going topless. This decision has sparked controversy, with opposition from the French Interior Ministry and far-right politicians like Marine Le Pen. The debate reflects the broader issue of Muslim women's attire in France and the country's strict interpretation of secularism. While some feminists and politicians support a burkini ban, others argue for personal freedom. The issue has previously reached the Conseil d'État, which overturned a burkini ban in 2016, citing it as a serious infringement on fundamental freedoms.

In Grenoble, France, Mayor Eric Piolle, from the Green Party, has allowed swimmers to dress as they wish in city pools, including wearing burkinis or going topless. This decision has sparked controversy, with opposition from conservative politicians like Marine Le Pen and Laurent Wauquiez, who have expressed intentions to ban or penalize such freedoms. The debate reflects broader issues of secularism, feminism, and Muslim integration in France, a country with over 6 million Muslims. Previous bans on Muslim women's attire have been challenged, with France's highest administrative court overturning a burkini ban in 2016. The current climate remains tense, especially with upcoming Parliamentary elections, as the nation grapples with questions of racism, bigotry, and integration.

Students from French Societies at London universities organized a political debate on March 22, 2022, featuring representatives from Europe Ecologie – Les Verts, Parti Socialiste, La République en Marche, Les Républicains, and Reconquête. The debate excluded Rassemblement National, leading to protests and distribution of leaflets by its supporters. Topics discussed included the economy, education, research, environment, social action, French identity, international issues, French expatriates, and Brexit. The event was seen as a valuable democratic exercise, although some attendees noted the absence of certain parties and topics. The upcoming French presidential election and the importance of voting were emphasized.

The French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal announced on BFM TV stricter border controls with the United Kingdom due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. Starting Saturday, travelers from the UK must present a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 24 hours and undergo a mandatory 7-day isolation in France, which can be shortened to 48 hours with a negative test. Non-French nationals need a compelling reason to enter France. The new measures have caused disappointment among expatriates and French nationals in the UK, especially ahead of the Christmas holidays. French officials and elected consular advisors provided their insights, with some expressing understanding of the precautions and others highlighting the impact on bi-national couples and the timing of the restrictions.

Hubert Germain, the last Companion of the Liberation, passed away on October 12, 2021, at the age of 101. A national tribute is scheduled for October 15 at Les Invalides. Germain joined General de Gaulle in London in June 1940 at the age of 20 and fought in the Legion. He was a French resistance fighter and politician. The article recounts his journey to Britain, his engagement with the French Free Forces at Olympia Hall, and his encounters with de Gaulle. Hubert Rault, a French expatriate, offers tours in London highlighting the history of the French Free Forces. The BBC played a crucial role in the resistance, serving as a communication platform for de Gaulle. Germain will be buried at the Mont-Valérien Memorial, as per de Gaulle's wish, reserved for the last member of the Order of the Liberation.

The UK government announced on July 16, 2021, that UK residents returning from France, even if fully vaccinated, must continue to quarantine due to the persistent presence of the Beta variant. This decision has caused frustration among French expatriates in the UK who had planned vacations in France. Personal accounts from several French residents in the UK express their dismay and the difficulties the quarantine decision has imposed on their lives, criticizing both the UK and French governments' handling of the crisis. The UK is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, with over 54,000 daily cases reported on July 17, 2021.

French expatriates in the United Kingdom voted for local representatives on May 30, 2021, electing 447 French expatriate councilors and 77 consular delegates. In the London constituency, 9 positions were available. Due to the pandemic, the French Consulate in London encouraged online voting, which accounted for over 90% of participation, slightly increasing turnout to 16% from 11% in 2014. Patricia Connell led the LREM list to success with 19.96% of the votes, followed by the right-wing civic movement 'Un Monde de projets' with 17.90%, and EELV with 17.32%. The left and independents now dominate the new Consular Council. Brexit and the pandemic were significant factors influencing the elections, with the elected officials now tasked with supporting expatriates facing these challenges.

Labour MP Tracy Brabin faced criticism on Twitter for wearing a shoulder-revealing dress in the British Parliament, sparking a debate on sexism and dress code. There is no specific dress code for MPs, but attire should show respect for the House. The incident highlighted persistent sexist attitudes towards women in Parliament. Brabin auctioned the dress, raising over £20,000 for Girlguiding UK. Political journalist Marie Le Conte and lecturer Stuart Fox defended Brabin, while Patrick Martin Genier commented on the need for evolution in the Commons and ongoing sexism in politics.

Conservative MPs granted their confidence to Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The event was covered by independent journalist Alexander Seale on BBC.

Conservative MPs granted their confidence to Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. The event was covered by independent journalist Alexander Seale on BBC.

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is hosting an exhibition titled 'Peintures des Lointains' which showcases its collection of paintings for the first time. The exhibition, curated by Sarah Ligner, takes visitors on a journey through space and time, featuring Western perspectives on various regions and peoples from Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Asia. It includes depictions of Amerindian warriors, sensual odalisques, souk merchants, pilgrims in Djeddah, explorers like Savorgnan de Brazza, and various fauna and lovers named Paul and Virginie. The exhibition is open until January 6, 2019.

Prince Harry will marry American actress Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018, at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. The engagement was announced on November 28, and the couple has been together for over sixteen months, now residing at Kensington Palace. Meghan will spend Christmas with the royal family, a first for a fiancée, and will be baptized and confirmed in the Anglican rite before the wedding. She plans to obtain British citizenship, end her acting career, and focus on charitable activities with the royal family, becoming a patron of the Royal Foundation after marriage.

A false alarm on Black Friday caused a panic in London's Oxford Street, leading to a rapid evacuation. Initially treated as a terrorist incident, the panic was later found to be caused by an altercation between two men at Oxford Circus station. Nine people were hospitalized, and seven others were treated for minor injuries. The police declared the incident over after finding no evidence of gunshots, suspects, or victims. The incident occurred in a tense atmosphere in the UK, which had seen several terrorist attacks in recent months.