The crew members of a French yacht held by pirates off Somalia have arrived home.

The crew members of a French yacht who were held by pirates off Somalia have arrived in France.

Protesting students shut down Eurostar trains to the UK and blocked a convoy of parts for the crown jewel of European aviation, Airbus’ A380, to put more pressure on France’s embattled government to repeal a new labour law.

French protesters are aiming to rally at least a million people for nationwide marches and strikes today against an employment law that has plunged the country into crisis.

FRENCH protesters declared themselves on the brink of victory yesterday in their battle against the controversial ‘first employment’ labour law.

French protesters, declaring themselves on the brink of victory, hoped today to rally at least a million people for nationwide marches and strikes against a law – aimed at stemming joblessness – that has plunged the country into crisis.

It was a scene from hell: after a massive quake tore through the earth, the desperate cries of women mingled with the harsh wail of ambulance sirens. Blocks of buildings lay in ruins.