Brits Working Longer Days

His EU veto could have major ramifications

(NEWSER) - David Cameron's decision to exercise Britain's veto and sit out negotiations on a new EU treaty is being seen as a momentous move, even if the ramifications aren't quite clear yet:

• New York Times : The decision "has left Britain as isolated as it has ever been in postwar Europe and effectively left out of future European decisions," write Sarah Lyall and Julia Werdigier. They add, however, that "there was widespread confusion over what this all actually means."
• Guardian : "I do not hear the sound of champagne corks or celebration among British Eurosceptics," writes Michael White. "Beware of what you wish for, is a wise saying. Who knows what happens now? But Europe, for all its follies and failings, has become a scapegoat for weaknesses that are really our own. We may be about to rediscover that awkward truth. It was why we joined in the first place."

(NEWSER) - The European Union is “disqualified” from participating in further nuclear talks with Iran, the country’s top general said today, accusing it of “interference” in post-election riots. At the same time, the EU is considering withdrawing its ambassadors in response to the arrest of nine British embassy staffers in Tehran last week, the BBC reports. One is still being held. More»

Brits scoff at having to sign EU pledge not to eat their horses

(NEWSER) - British horse owners are sputtering at a European Union directive requiring them to sign a pledge stating they won't eat their animals, the Telegraph reports. The Brits say the order—aimed at preventing veterinary drugs from entering the food supply in countries where horses are commonly eaten—has left them insulted at the very suggestion they might plan to put their ponies in the pot. More»

US urges more spending; EU focused on regulation

(NEWSER) - European leaders’ love affair with President Obama has hit its first snag: Obama is pushing Europe to spend more to battle the financial crisis, while Europe would prefer to focus on stricter regulation, the Los Angeles Times reports. “The Americans should be more modest about giving lessons, because the crisis comes from them,” said France’s recovery minister. More»

Sarkozy's hopes dashed amid other leaders' opposition

(NEWSER) - Leaders of Europe’s four biggest economies did not settle on a unified plan for tackling the financial crisis, the Washington Post reports. Instead, each country will deal with banking problems as they crop up. While France’s Nicolas Sarkozy hoped for a Europe-wide plan, British and German leaders were opposed to a single safety-net fund. More»