Bolton: UK Can Have Just One Closest Ally

In challenge to Brown, seek army, taxation, control of oil reserves

(NEWSER) - The August lull in British politics has given way to a national debate on an unexpected topic: Scottish independence. The separatist leader of Scotland's regional parliament has published a white paper outlining plans for a referendum and suggesting features of an independent Scotland: its own army, its own EU membership, and especially its own governance of huge North Sea oil reserves. More»

(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»

Lord West got 66-1 odds on Labour defeat

(NEWSER) - Lord Alan West, the UK’s colorful security minister, today denied he’d bet on the Labour party’s defeat in the next election, the Times of London reports. The Telegraph yesterday alleged that West placed the bet when Gordon Brown succeeded Tony Blair as prime minister, grabbing 66-1 odds. West refuted that, adding, “I have never placed a bet at all while a minister ever on a political issue.” More»

Pair brings disease home from a trip to Mexico

(NEWSER) - Two British citizens have contracted swine flu, the virus that has killed at least 149 people in Mexico and sickened 20 in the US, the Guardian reports. The pair returned from a trip to Mexico last week and fell ill, the Scottish health minister said today. Seven others who had contact with the infected have shown mild symptoms, but it cannot yet be confirmed that they have swine flu. More»

(AP) - President Obama and Michelle Obama visited Buckingham Palace for a private meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, the AP reports. They brought gifts, ABC News reports: a personalized iPod and a rare songbook signed by the legendary American composer Richard Rodgers. Several thousand well-wishers crowded the traffic circle in front of the gated palace to cheer and wave as the limousine carrying the first couple rolled past. More»