writing blasphemous. it s reported that police think hadi matar may have had sympathies for the iranian regime but an official motive has not been established. ever since the attack on friday, world leaders have been issuing words of solidarity for sir salman rushdie. president biden released a statement praising the author for his refusal to be intimidated or silenced. nomia iqbal, bbc news, pennsylvania. nurseries in england are closing at short notice due to financial pressures and staff shortages. the early years alliance, which represents about 14,000 providers, says the sector is facing its worst crisis in 20 years. the government said it was increasing funding paid to childcare providers. 0ne mum, gabrielle drake told the bbc abou the mad scramble to find alternative childcare for her 13 month old son, theo on friday the 5th of august we received a letter
iran s foreign ministry has categorically denied having any link with the man suspected of stabbing sir salman rushdie in new york state on friday. the 24 year old has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder. meanwhile the author s family say he is no longer on a ventilator and has been able to say a few words as our north america correspondent nomia iqbal reports. there s a glimmer of hope for salman rushdie s family, even as he remains in a critical condition in pennsylvania. in a statement, his son zafar rushdie said the family were extremely relieved that he was able to say a few words. he said even though his father s life changing injuries were severe, his usual feisty and defiant sense of humour remains intact. zafar also praised the audience members who were present at the event, who he said bravely leapt to his father s defence to help him. 45 minutes away in chautauqua, over in new york state,