The latest short-form news audio from FSN Bureaus worldwide
Mass celebrations, huge firework displays and pyrotechnic shows are to be set held across the UK to usher in 2020.
Meanwhile police in London have issued a warning over London's New Years Eve celebrations urging people without a ticket to "stay away."
UK correspondent Holly Hudson has more.
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/3112-london-hh-generic.mp3
IN: More than 100
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DUR: 00:31
As of the 31st December, mixed-sex couples in Britain will now be allowed to enter a civil partnership.
Until now, only same-sex couples had been permitted to become civil partners.
Civil partnerships offer almost the same rights as marriage - including entitlements for tax, property and inheritance.
UK Correspondent Natalie Powell has the latest.
IN: Thousands of couples in
OUT: SOC
DUR: 41 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1231civilpartnerships-np-generic.mp3
A transport strike against the French government is on track to be the longest in the history of the country. And as Paris and union leaders continue to trade bitter accusations, there appears to be no end in sight to the deadlock and nationwide transportation disruptions.
A British woman has been found guilty of lying about being gang-raped by a group of Israeli men while she was on holiday in Cyprus.
The 19-year-old was convicted on Monday of the charge of causing public mischief. Her lawyers say they will appeal the verdict.
Our UK correspondent Holly Hudson has more.
Two U.S. lawmakers have been banned from visiting the Philippines, after they voted in favor of a provision against anyone involved in the detention of a top government critic. The nation's president warns… there's more to come.
Jillian Wolf reports in New York.
IN: " Senator ... "
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DUR: 30 seconds
Weblink: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1227philippines-jw.mp3
British Border Force and Coastguards have rescued 49 suspected migrants, from the Channel between the UK and France.
A coordinated search and rescue operation took place on Boxing Day, following a number of reported incidents off the British coastline.
UK Correspondent Natalie Powell reports.
IN: 49 suspected migrants
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DUR: 44 seconds
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IN: "... As is customary"
OUT: "... overwhelming public support."
DUR: DURATION 00:41
Link: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/JapanHanging-dq-generic.mp3
The British economy is on track for the weakest year outside a recession since the Second World War, as political turmoil and Brexit uncertainty draggs down growth.
Surveys of business activity suggest economic growth in the final three months of 2019 has essentially stalled.
Benji Hyer reports from London.
IN: UK economic growth for 2019
OUT: SOC
DUR: 51 seconds
There are growing calls for a fresh inquiry into the UK government's handling of the collapse of the travel firm Thomas Cook.
A study suggests that most former employees are still out of work after losing their jobs at the company in September.
Benji Hyer reports from London.
IN: Thomas Cook collapsed over three months ago
OUT: SOC
DUR: 39 seconds
LEAD
International Medical charity, Doctors Without Borders has stopped its Ebola prevention activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Biakato territory due to the presence of Congolese soldiers at health facilities.
The organisation's emergency coordinator Ewenn Chenard says the presence of soldiers at health centre's goes against their principles of neutrality and impartiality. The security deployment follows an increase in attacks by militia groups in the region. Chris Ocamringa reports
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1227msfstopsebolaactivities-co-gen.mp3
IN: Doctors Without Borders say their decision to end operations i
OUT: SOC
DUR: 54secs