Boozing Brits Go Down the Tube

(NEWSER) - After failing to reach an agreement with management, London Underground workers will go on a two-day strike starting tomorrow evening, Reuters reports. The dispute over worker safety could affect millions of commuters and tourists. London transportation authorities say they will add extra buses and ferries to accommodate the disruption. More»

End of the line for lushes

(NEWSER) - One of the first acts of the newly elected mayor of London was to ban drinking alcohol on London's Tube subway system and buses, USA Today reports. The ban, which was a campaign pledge by Boris Johnson, will take effect Sunday. Public drinking has been commonplace in Britain for decades. More»

Shooting seen as sign of violent super power in decline

(NEWSER) - While Americans are wringing their hands, trying to make some sense of a senseless act, the rest of the world is shaking its head in dismay. To Europeans in particular, the shooting deaths of 6 people and the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is symptomatic of a gun-obsessed nation rattled by the doubt and pessimism of a super power in decline, notes the Christian Science Monitor . Commentators from both the right and left in newspapers in London, Paris, and Berlin decry the toll of rabid political rhetoric, slipping fortunes, and entanglement in two wars. More»

He surrenders in London

(NEWSER) - Julian Assange has surrendered to London authorities, who have arrested him on a Swedish warrant for suspicion of sex crimes. His lawyer arranged to deliver the controversial WikiLeaks founder to police for questioning. The 39-year-old Australian is wanted on suspicion of "sex by surprise," sexual molestation, and unlawful coercion in Sweden. The case could lead to his extradition. He's due to appear in Westminster Magistrate's Court later today. Assange is being held at an undisclosed location, and he was been hiding out somewhere in Britain at least since last week, reports the AP . More»

Battered man's body found in oil royal's bed

(NEWSER) - A Saudi Prince beat his male servant for weeks before strangling him in a gruesome lovers battle at a ritzy London hotel, a court was told yesterday. Prince Saud Bin Abdulaziz Bin Nasir Al Saud, grandson of King Abdullah, was videotaped kicking and punching Bandar Adulaziz on an elevator at the Landmark Hotel, where the two were living. Bandar is seen cowering in the corner; three weeks later, his battered body was discovered in the prince's bed, reports the Telegraph . More»