Britain

Terrorism & Security
In interview about 'Decision Points' memoir, Bush stands by waterboarding

In an interview with The Times of London about his memoir 'Decision Points', former President George Bush said that waterboarding, which the British government has deemed torture, saved British lives – a claim some British officials dispute.
Global News Blog
Queen Elizabeth says 'friend me' on Facebook

The British monarchy is active on YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and now Facebook, though it's garnering varied reactions. 'Can we have some of our money back please?' one person commented.
Global News Blog
Guy Fawkes Day: 'Remember the fifth of November'

Guy Fawkes Day 2010 gives Brits occasion to burn in effigy the revolutionary who attempted to violently restore Catholicism in 1605. But some see him as a symbol for dramatic change in government.
After election 2010, Europe asks why US no longer smitten with Obama

In the wake of Republican gains in Tuesday's midterm elections, Europeans are wondering why a president who captivated their hearts was dealt such a blow.
Britain tightens air security after Yemen bomb scare, renewing civil liberty concerns

After criticism of its initial response to the threat of Yemeni cargo-hold bombs, Britain is moving to close loopholes surrounding freight transportation and tighten vetting of travelers.
France and Britain forge new path with defense treaty

France and Britain inked a defense treaty Tuesday that will allow sharing of nuclear secrets and the creation of a rapid-reaction force. President Sarkozy called the accord 'unprecedented.'
Global News Blog
Iraq war artifact added to British war collection

The Imperial War Museum now includes a car destroyed in a Baghdad suicide bombing during the Iraq war alongside artifacts, symbolizing civilian death tolls and devastation of Iraqi history.
What Britain's cuts mean for its place in the world

Britain made deep cuts to social services, government jobs, welfare benefits, and defense spending in order to reduce a mounting deficit. The cuts could dramatically reshape British society.
What Britain's deep budget cuts mean for its future prosperity

Britain's left warns that the country's social fabric will unravel under the deep budget cuts announced today, while conservatives see a new society emerging.
Five noteworthy aspects of Britain's tough spending plan

Britain announced budget cuts Wednesday that are part of a five-year austerity plan and the largest public spending reductions since World War II. Cuts will average 19 percent for most departments, but welfare benefits take a strong hit and some departments' budgets will be trimmed by as much as 23 percent.
Britain's budget cuts outline radical path toward smaller government

Britain announced deep and wide-ranging budget cuts today that aim to eliminate its $245 billion deficit over the next five years.
Britain says it's still US 'wingman' despite defense budget cuts

Britain's sharp defense budget cuts target 8 percent of the military's $59 billion budget. Prime Minister David Cameron called President Obama to reassure him that the UK would remain a 'first rate' military power.
Cyber attack tops Britain's list of defense priorities

Britain's strategy for national security, released today, tips resources toward new threats like a cyber attack. The shifting priorities come on the eve of a review that will outline cuts to the defense budget.
Terrorism & Security
France warns travelers of increased terrorist threat in Britain

France warned its citizens traveling to Britain to be especially vigilant, saying a terrorist attack on public transport or tourist sites is 'highly likely.'
Terrorism & Security
Al Qaeda plot in Europe possibly revealed by German terror suspect

The Al Qaeda plot was reportedly a coordinated Mumbai-style attack on major cities in Britain, France, Germany, and possibly the United States.
New world university ranking puts Harvard back on top

Harvard snagged the No. 1 spot in a new world university ranking that puts the United States at the head of the pack in higher education excellence.
Pope Benedict XVI extends hand to a wary Britain

Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Britain today for the first papal trip there since 1982. The visit is clouded by recent sex-abuse scandals and is being met with a distinct lack of reverence.
Global News Blog
The world's Top 200 universities: Harvard no longer No. 1?

The annual QS survey of the world's Top 200 universities says the best picks are in the US and the UK. But Asian schools are on the rise.
70 years on, London commemorates surviving the 'blitz'

The 70th anniversary of the start of the Nazi 'Blitz' on England today was commemorated near St. Paul's Cathedral, which survived the bombing campaign as much of the city around it was reduced to rubble.
Why 'Islamophobia' is less thinly veiled in Europe

How anti-Muslim sentiment is different in European countries than in America.
Tony Blair memoir: I'd do Iraq again, and I considered firing Gordon Brown

In his new memoir, former British prime minister Tony Blair shares misgiving about the Iraq war – and catalogs his extensive struggles with then-finance minister Gordon Brown.
Terrorism & Security
Britain to Libya: Don't celebrate Lockerbie bomber's release

Libya leader Muammar Qaddafi may throw a party for convicted Lockerbie murderer Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, released one year ago today. Britain is warning against such action.
One year after release of Lockerbie bomber Megrahi, questions about BP role

Convicted Lockerbie bomber Megrahi is expected to be fêted by Libya's Qaddafi as he marks one year since his release on compassionate medical grounds from the UK. Questions have risen about a possible BP role in pushing for the release.
Global News Blog
What the British Library and Susan Sarandon have in common: ping-pong

The ping-pong craze – like the summer temperatures – is heating up in London, as the English Table Tennis Association Ping! festival brings 100 tables to the city.
Terrorism & Security
Pakistan President Zardari arrives in London, sparring with Cameron continues

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari arrived in London on Wednesday, but his proximity to British Prime Minister David Cameron did not soften the growing fight between leaders ahead of their Friday meeting.