In a major political humiliation for French President Emmanuel Macron, a tax increase on diesel, due to take effect in January, has been suspended for six months. The spectacular climbdown came on Tuesday after weeks of protests and rioting by the so-called Yellow Vests movement that have left four people dead. A fourth demonstration, to take place on Saturday, is expected to be a calmer affair, but Paris Correspondent Lara Marlowe says there is a feeling that we’re set for a long period of social unrest in France.

Plus: Theresa May will open five days of debate in the House of Commons today, culminating in a vote on her Brexit deal. First though, she must see off a motion submitted late on Monday evening calling on MPs to find ministers in contempt over their decision not to release the full legal advice on the Brexit deal. London editor Denis Staunton is on the line.