Latest United Kingdom government News

UK Conservatives suspend lawmaker as sleaze allegations swirl over possible misuse of party funds

Apr. 18, 2024 05:06 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s governing Conservative Party said Thursday it has suspended a lawmaker who is alleged to have used campaign funds for personal medical expenses and to pay off someone who was threatening him. The Times of London reported Mark Menzies took thousands of...

Britain's contentious plan to send some migrants to Rwanda hits a hurdle in Parliament

Apr. 17, 2024 15:42 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — A law that will enable Britain to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda suffered a setback on Wednesday after Parliament's upper chamber pressed its attempt to amend the contentious legislation. The House of Lords inserted amendments into the Safety of...

UK lawmakers back landmark bill to gradually phase out smoking for good

Apr. 17, 2024 07:24 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — The British government's plan for a landmark smoking ban that aims to stop young people from ever smoking cleared its first hurdle in Parliament on Tuesday despite vocal opposition from within Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party. The bill, a key policy...

Former UK leader Liz Truss backs Trump and blames others for her ouster after 49 days

Apr. 16, 2024 21:47 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — During her 49 days as Britain’s shortest-serving prime minister, Liz Truss sparked mayhem on the financial markets and turmoil within her Conservative Party. Now she is speaking up, and her message is: It wasn’t me. In interviews and a new book,...

A key plank in Britain's plan to send migrants to Rwanda is set to become law

Apr. 15, 2024 17:10 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — A key plank in the British government’s plan to send some asylum-seekers on a one-way trip to Rwanda is expected to become law this week, but opponents plan new legal challenges that could keep deportation flights grounded. A bill aimed at overcoming a U.K. Supreme...

The US and UK restrict the trade of Russian-origin metals

Apr. 12, 2024 18:13 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. and U.K. will begin restricting the trade of new Russian-origin metals — including aluminum, copper and nickel — on global metal exchanges and in derivatives trading. The announcement is meant to follow up on the Group of Seven nations' commitment in...

Steelworkers at the UK's largest production plant vote to strike over job losses

Apr. 11, 2024 12:01 PM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Steelworkers at Britain's largest steel production plant voted to strike for the first time in around 40 years to protest the planned loss of 2,800 jobs by Indian owner Tata Steel, union officials said Thursday. The Unite trade union said 1,500 of its members at the...

Blinken and Cameron urge Congress to approve aid for Ukraine, calling it critical for world security

Apr. 09, 2024 14:54 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Congress on Tuesday to approve new military aid for Ukraine, saying the stalled funding is critical for U.S., European and world security. Speaking after a meeting at the State...

British, French troops march in historic joint parades in London and Paris in a show of solidarity

Apr. 08, 2024 09:22 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — French troops joined their British counterparts in the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace for the first time Monday, marching together in a display of solidarity between Britain and France amid the war in Ukraine. At a parallel ceremony...

Even in the age of Google Earth, people still buy globes. Here's why they remain so alluring

Apr. 07, 2024 05:57 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Find a globe in your local library or classroom and try this: Close the eyes, spin it and drop a finger randomly on its curved, glossy surface. You’re likely to pinpoint a spot in the water, which covers 71% of the planet. Maybe you’ll alight on a place you’ve...