The News Matrix: Monday 27 May 2013

Pakistani lesbians marry in Britain

What is thought to be the first civil partnership between a Muslim lesbian couple in Britain has taken place in Leeds. Rehana Kausar, 34, and Sobia Kamar, 29, both from Pakistan, who received death threats, are believed to have immediately claimed asylum following the ceremony, which was conducted in Arabic. MORE

Paris paralysed by gay marriage protest

Paris was brought to a standstill as opponents of France’s new law permitting same-sex marriage took to the streets. Large parts of the capital were paralysed by four converging marches and an intense police clampdown intended to contain the threat of violent attacks. MORE

TV presenter Ross defends remarks

Nick Ross, the former presenter of Crimewatch, has defended himself after the serialisation of his book in the The Mail on Sunday revealed controversial remarks about rape. They include the notion that for women who do not give consent while drunk, “rape isn’t always rape”. MORE

Shimon Peres urges resumption of talks

Israel’s President urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resume peace negotiations, saying the sides could not afford “to lose this opportunity.” President Shimon Peres issued his call ahead of a gathering of Middle Eastern leaders at a World Economic Forum meeting in Jordan.

Tory party donors threaten UKIP move

David Cameron has been warned that he could face a leadership challenge, as wealthy donors threaten to switch financial backing to UKIP. The unrest in the right-wing of his party has led Cameron to take a tougher stance on Europe and promise no further socially liberal measures. MORE

Chinese premier warns on trade spat

The Chinese premier Li Keqiang met the German Chancellor Angela Merkel amid a looming trade spat with the EU. Mr Li earlier criticised the EU for pursuing anti-dumping cases against Chinese solar power and telecoms manufacturers.

Police name betting shop killing victim

A 55-year-old man who was murdered at a betting shop has been named by police as they warned the public not to approach a suspect they are hunting. Andrew Iacovou was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack in Morden, south London.

Daft Punk finally top UK album chart

Dance duo Daft Punk have topped the UK album chart for the first time in their 20-year career. The French outfit’s fourth studio production, Random Access Memories, became the year’s fastest-selling album, selling 165,000 copies during its first week.

Opposition to mass goose cull plan

The gassing of up to 10,000 geese will begin near Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport this week. Provincial government allows the mass killing because of the risk of collisions. But welfare groups are campaigning for ‘more humane’ ways of dealing with the birds. MORE

Champagne in store at Sainsbury’s

Some 53 of Sainsbury’s outlets will soon stock a range of high-end goods, included bottles of bubbly from Krug, Dom Perignon and Bollinger.

Choir performs its big number

With the aim of setting a world record for the largest choir, 4,335 singers performed outdoors in St Petersburg yesterday. Thousands of spectators sang along.