http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/uk/ en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:42:00 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049858/posts LONDON, England (CNN) -- A protester who wanted his message to stick managed to superglue himself to the British prime minister Tuesday evening. Dan Glass, right, takes hold of the British PM's right arm just before he was about to receive his award. Dan Glass was at 10 Downing Street to receive a charity's award for his work on transportation issues when he staged the unusual protest. Just before Prime Minister Gordon Brown presented him with the award, Glass squirted superglue in the palm of his left hand. He shook Brown's right hand and then grabbed the prime minister's sleeve.... CNN http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049858/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:42:00 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049881/posts A Royal Marine who threw himself on a grenade to save his comrades' lives is to receive the George Cross. Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher, 24, from Solihull, in the West Midlands triggered a trip wire in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in February. He immediately dropped to the ground and lay across the grenade, being blown into the air as it went off. The George Cross is one of the highest decorations that can be awarded for acts of gallantry. L/Cpl Croucher said: "All I could do in the moment was shout out 'grenade' before diving on top of it." His bag... bbc news http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049881/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:29:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049873/posts A British soldier has died and two others have been wounded in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. The soldiers, serving with the Parachute Regiment's 2nd Battalion, came under fire while on patrol. The soldier who died was with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to the Parachute Regiment. The injuries of the other two soldiers are not thought to be life threatening. All next of kin have been informed. The soldier's death, on Tuesday night, takes the number of British military casualties in the country to 111. A statement issued by the MoD said that the... bbc news http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2049873/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:13:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048813/posts Bluetooth Big Brother uses mobiles and laptops to track thousands of Britons Last updated at 12:04pm on 21.07.08    Thousands of people in Bath are unaware their movements may have been tracked through their bluetooth mobiles Thousands of Britons' movements have been covertly tracked by scanners placed in streets, pubs and offices for a technology experiment.  The Cityware project run by the University of Bath has secretly placed scanners around the Somerset city, with the first 10 installed 2006. The scanners pick up bluetooth radio signals transmitted from mobile phones and laptops. In a scene reminiscent of the Will Smith... The Evening Standard (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048813/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:43:58 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2048909/posts Expect the coming week to be one huge Obamafest as all three of the major network anchors join Obama on his much feted (taxpayer funded) Middle East and European tour. We're already seeing stories about how the troops are "overjoyed"...you get my drift. For my take on the media coronation of Obama, check out 'Obama's Magical Mystery Tour.'Obama gave his first speech in Afghanistan, decrying the lack of political progress in Iraq. Our media anointed president in waiting must have missed the news that Iraqi lawmakers have approved the appointment of six Sunni cabinet ministers after a yearlong boycott by... DBKP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/2048909/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:45:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048837/posts HOMEOWNERS must let council inspectors in to check for DANCING BEARS after they were handed 1,043 powers to pry. Armies of clipboard-touting officials can demand entry to check on everything from pot plants to fridges. Details of the vast array of laws were quietly slipped out to MPs last Tuesday by the Home Office. The list includes 430 new powers of entry brought in by Labour ministers – a year after a report said there were only 266. The checks include whether POT PLANTS have pests or imported “passport” documents, or if HYPNOTISM is being practised illegally. Inspectors can demand... The Sun UK http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048837/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:26:41 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048678/posts A householder who took photographs of hooded teenagers as evidence of their anti-social behaviour says he was told he was breaking the law after they called the police. David Green, 64, and his neighbours had been plagued by the youths from a nearby comprehensive school for months, and was advised by their headmaster to identify them so action could be taken. But when Mr Green left his £1million London flat to take photographs of the gang, who were aged around 17, he said one threatened to kill him while another called the police on his mobile. And he claimed that... dailymail. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048678/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:05:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048574/posts From The TimesJuly 21, 2008 Baikal: the gangsters' gun James Andre Smartt-Ford, known as Dre, was standing by the steps to the ice at Streatham rink when a black-clad youth emerged from the crowd, gripping a gun. He fired two shots from close range into his victim's back. Dre fell forward dying, his blood spreading across the ice The revolver that killed Dre had the words “Made in Russia” imprinted close to the muzzle, and was fitted with a silencer to muffle the shots. But nothing could mask the tang of cordite in the air or silence the screams of... The Times (UK) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048574/posts#comment Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:00:29 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048529/posts Gordon Brown to condemn Iran's president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Gordon Brown will pledge "unbreakable" support to Israel while launching his strongest attack yet on Iran. The Prime Minister will send a tough message to the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Monday, warning of imminent sanctions on oil and gas if he does not abandon his nuclear ambitions. In a landmark speech to the Israeli parliament, Mr Brown will say that Mr Ahmadinejad's denial of Israel's right to exist is "totally abhorrent". The European Union has already said it stands ready to push for a block on foreign investment in new Iranian... Telegraph http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048529/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:43:13 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048456/posts Gordon Brown announced an extra $60 million for the Palestinian National Authority today urging both it and the Israeli Government to seize the chance for peace. Speaking at a press conference with President Mahmoud Abbas, Mr Brown said the cash would help “underpin” a Palestinian state should the current round of talks conclude successfully. Half of the additional funding – which will take the UK’s contribution to the PNA $175 million this year – will be spent keeping the administration afloat. The remainder is targeted at projects both to improve the territories’ security and economy. In particular Mr Brown said... timesonline.co.uk http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048456/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:51:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048402/posts New TV Series Has 'Extremist' Christian Beheading 'Moderate' Muslim Last week, the BBC aired a new TV series titled "Bonekickers" touted as a "groundbreaking" show where "history comes alive," and a series that is "Based in fact." The premier episode, though features an odd thing if "fact" is the aim of the Beeb's new TV series: a Christian beheading a Muslim. Yeah, THAT is really a "fact" based premise, isn't it? Of course, the few remaining Christians in Britain have found themselves a bit put out by this "fact based" show where it is a Christian beheading a Muslim instead... NewsBusters http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048402/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:31:30 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048270/posts ‘Harassed for being a Christian’- the policeman who objected to gay ribbons and is turning to a tribunal Last updated at 01:08am on 20.07.08    A policeman is taking his force to an employment tribunal, claiming that he has been harassed because of his Christian beliefs.Constable Graham Cogman says he has been persecuted since he objected to wearing ribbons to mark a gay event.The controversy echoes the case of Lillian Ladele, the Christian registrar who successfully took on Islington Council in London over her refusal to conduct civil-partnership ceremonies for gay couples.  Making a stand: PC Graham Cogman says... The Evening Standard (U.K.) http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048270/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 05:36:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048139/posts Exclusive: US rocker Ted Nugent's outrageous rant on UK knife crime By Jody Thompson, 17/07/2008 (What's this?)American rock star Ted Nugent has followed in Lily Allen's footsteps to be the latest celebrity to comment on the UK's knife crime problem. However, unlike Lily, he's set to spark controversy with his outrageous views. An advocate of hunting and gun-ownership rights, Nugent currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association and thinks the problem would stop if Britons were allowed to arm themselves with guns. Talking mid-set during his gig at London's Indigo venue in the 02 Arena... Mirror.co.uk http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2048139/posts#comment Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:54:07 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2047572/posts Knife crime is at epidemic proportions in Britain's inner cities, with an attack of some kind taking place every four minutes. In London alone 21 young people have been stabbed to death this year. A church group has come up with a new solution. It's reported here. The suggestion is that church leaders should move into crime ridden inner city areas to work with the youths and become role models since most of the boys who stab each other don't have Dads. Whoops! problem is, since women's ordination the Anglican Church has been turned into a matriarchy remember? Nearly half... Standing on my Head http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2047572/posts#comment Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:04:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047547/posts London - Young British Muslims are to be taught citizenship in mosque schools to prevent them from being influenced by Islamist extremism, the government announced on Friday. The new lessons will be tested in London from the start of the new term in September, and other areas with high Muslim populations, like Birmingham and Leicester in central England and Oldham, Rochdale and Bradford in northern England. The initiative is part of a package of measures, including a new board of academics, theologians and community leaders to advise on responses to tackling extremism, to show there is no conflict between being... News 24 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047547/posts#comment Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:14:21 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047111/posts Father-of-three branded a 'pervert' - for photographing his own children in public park By David Wilkes Last updated at 1:46 AM on 16th July 2008 When Gary Crutchley started taking pictures of his children playing on an inflatable slide he thought they would be happy reminders of a family day out. But the innocent snaps of seven-year-old Cory, and Miles, five, led to him being called a ‘pervert’. The Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047111/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:34:38 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047119/posts Squadron Leader Frank Day Last Squadron Leader Frank "Fearless" Day, who has died aged 91, came close to freedom during the Great Escape from Stalag Luft III; he was near the end of the tunnel when the exit was discovered, by which time 76 airmen had broken free, but he was forced to retreat and was soon in solitary confinement. In the spring of 1943 the escape committee decided to construct three tunnels and make a mass breakout. Day volunteered to assist but his health did not allow him to go underground as a digger. He became one of a... Telegraph UK http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2047119/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:52:24 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046557/posts Plans for a massive database snooping on the entire population were condemned yesterday as a ‘step too far for the British way of life’. In an Orwellian move, the Home Office is proposing to detail every phone call, e-mail, text message, internet search and online purchase in the fight against terrorism and other serious crime. But the privacy watchdog, Information Commissioner Richard Thomas, warned that the public’s traditional freedoms were under grave threat from creeping state surveillance. Big Brother: Critics warn our surveillance culture is going too farApart from the Government’s inability to hold data securely, he said the proposals... The Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046557/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:57:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046552/posts The UK is not in danger of an Islamic takeover, according to Steve Bell, the National Director of Christian mission agency Interserve, who is an expert on Muslims issues. Speaking at this year's Keswick Convention, a meeting of conservative evangelical Christians in the north of England, Steve Bell, the National Director of Interserve, pointed out that 'Muslim fertility rates are dropping noticeably in Europe, and dramatically in the Middle East and North Africa. Fundamentalism thrives in communities with large extended families and poverty and this pattern is diminishing among Europe's Muslim communities. A sub-replacement birthrate was one of the causes... Religious Intelligence http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046552/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:46:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046460/posts British Forces in Afghanistan have killed their second senior Taliban leader in a little over two weeks, striking a critical blow to the insurgency's command and control capabilities in Helmand. Scimitar Combat Vehicles Bishmullah was a senior key facilitator and logistician responsible for the Northern Helmand region. He is believed to have commanded numerous fighters and was identified by Task Force Helmand as a key player in the insurgency, and criminality, before the strike. He was killed in a firefight in Now Zad in the early hours of Saturday, 12 July 2008, just 15 days after Sadiqullah, another senior Taliban... MOD http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046460/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:47:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046457/posts THE PM’S plan to pull Our Boys out of Iraq has been scrapped – and 120 EXTRA troops are to be sent to the war zone instead. The decision follows the biggest crisis between Britain and the US since before the 2003 invasion. Our top brass got a heavy dressing-down from US chiefs and were accused of not pulling their weight in Iraq. And US President George Bush made it clear to Gordon Brown in London last month that any early British withdrawal would mean failure to achieve long-term targets. In tense phone calls, US Iraq supremo Gen David Petraeus... The Sun online http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046457/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:41:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046336/posts When Gary Crutchley started taking pictures of his children playing on an inflatable slide he thought they would be happy reminders of a family day out. But the innocent snaps of seven-year-old Cory, and Miles, five, led to him being called a ‘pervert’.snip The Daily Mail http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046336/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:31:46 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046258/posts LONDON: One in five parliamentarians in Britain suffers from mental illness caused by the stress of their public lives, a confidential survey of MPs and peers has found. Those questioned said they feared disclosing their struggles because of stigma and discrimination. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health questionnaire was completed by 94 parliamentarians, 100 lords and 151 parliamentary staff. According to the survey, more than a quarter had a mental health issue, while 86 per cent of MPs said their job was stressful. The group's report is critical of the law forcing MPs to give up their seat for... Times of India http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046258/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:42:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046110/posts A man who was found with his head severed by a chainsaw was fighting to stay in a block of 70 flats in Hampshire cleared for redevelopment. David Phyall, 50, was the last tenant at the Atlantic Housing Ltd housing association flats in Eastleigh. His body was found by police on 5 July, who said his death was not suspicious. Post-mortem tests showed he died of a "complete transection of the neck". An inquest was opened and adjourned at Winchester Coroner's Court on Friday. A spokesman for the coroner said: "As far as we know nobody else was involved. "There's... BBC News http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2046110/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:11:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045992/posts MORE British Insanity Mother Needs Criminal Record Check Before Accompanying Epileptic Son to SchoolThe Brits are entering the terminal stages of The Nanny State. While their streets are awash in criminals, the schools failing, the Health Care system on the respirator, and Islam on the verge of being the new royalty, the Brits have redoubled their efforts to make life more difficult for British families. From the Daily Mail. (How do they find this stuff? Hotline?) "Mother stopped from travelling with son in taxi to school - because she hasn't had a criminal record check" Yep. In Britain a mother... DBKP http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2045992/posts#comment Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:18:34 GMT