An avoidable tragedy…intelligence from the U.S., UK and Canada suggests that the downed Ukraine International Airlines passenger jet was likely hit by an unintentional Iranian missile near Tehran. In Washington, Congress votes to curb President Trump’s ability to take military action against the Islamic Republic in the wake of the killing of General Qasem Soleimani but the resolution will remain non-binding. Wall Street rises, boosted by a new all-time high from Apple shares after Chinese iPhone sales were reported to have grown up to 18 per cent in December. And in Brexit news, the House of Commons finally passes Boris Johnson’s withdrawal bill with a majority of 99 and without any amendments. The bill now passes to the House of Lords to be approved.