The Friday Round-Up, Week 2

Hello, and welcome to this week's edition of The Friday Round-Up.

BREAKING NEWS: President Mubarak has resigned as leader of Egypt and has handed over power to the military. The news comes on the 18th day of protest from anti-Mubarak campaigners. On Thursday, protesters were frustrated after it was revealed Mubarak would not step down from his post until presidential elections due in September. Today however the Egyptian leader has given in to increasing public demand for his resignation and handed over power to the high command of the armed forces. Newly-appointed Vice President Omar Suleiman announced Mubarak's departure in a televised broadcast earlier today.

An overwhelming majority voted for independence in South Sudan after results were announced on Monday. Election statistics revealed 98.83% of voters had backed independence. The newly created nation will officially declare independence from Northern Sudan on 9 July.

MPs have voted to keep the ban on prisoner voting after the European Court of Human Rights ruled such a ban was illegal. In defiance of the European Court of Human Rights, the motion was carried in the House of Commons by a majority of 212. Ministers will adhere to the ruling enforced by the European Court of Human Rights but MPs have asserted only the "minimum necessary" will be carried out. Currently only untried prisoners are able to vote.

A government decision to axe a school building program has been deemed "unlawful." Six county councils pushed for a judicial review after the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme was cut earlier this year. A judge has ordered Education secretary, Michael Gove, to reconsider his decision.

That's all from The Friday Round-Up this week but keep checking the blog for more updates.

IB