News

Rice says Iran must make 'right choice'

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice warned Iran on Wednesday that if it did not make the "right choice" and abandon sensitive nuclear work it faced more punitive action from the international community.

China to probe builders after quake collapses

China vowed on Wednesday to deal severely with anyone found responsible for shoddy state building work, as parents demanded to know why last week's earthquake destroyed so many schools, killing thousands of children.

U.S. official says Cuba embargo successful

A U.S. trade embargo in place 46 years against Cuba has been successful, U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said on Wednesday, even though the island's communist government remains.

Alaska to sue to block polar bear listing

The state of Alaska will sue the U.S. government to stop the listing of the polar bear as a threatened species, arguing the designation will slow development in the state, Gov. Sarah Palin said on Wednesday.

Christians disappointed with abortion vote

The Evangelical Alliance has expressed sadness and concern following the House of Commons rejection last night of efforts to reduce Britain's record levels of abortion.

Survey: Most Britons say religion is sexist, discriminates against gays

A majority of people surveyed in Britain believe religion is sexist and discriminates against homosexuals, according to a recent poll.

Food price crisis threatens relief for the poor

Drastic food price hikes coupled with swelling numbers of hungry people have caused some leading relief agencies to fear having to turn away those desperate for help.

Iraq Church opposes death penalty for Archbishop's killer

An archbishop said Monday that the Iraqi Church is opposed to a court's decision to sentence to death the convicted killer of an archbishop in Mosul.

Jim Wallis in London to launch new book

Jim Wallis will be at the Faithworks church in London this Sunday to launch his new book, Seven Ways to Change the World.

Abortion limit stays at 24 weeks, Christians keep up pro-life campaign

MPs voted on Tuesday to keep the upper legal limit on abortion at 24 weeks, despite strong protests from Christians and pro-life campaigners seeking to protect the rights of the unborn child.

Britain gives go-ahead for new aircraft carriers

Britain is set to sign a long-awaited 4 billion pound deal to build two aircraft carriers, which will be the Royal Navy's largest ever ships and which are set for 50 years of service.

East European migrants at three-year low

The number of Eastern Europeans flocking to Britain to work as fruit-pickers, plumbers and waiters is at its lowest since 2005, official figures show.

Agency staff to get equal rights after 12 weeks

The government agreed on Tuesday to give temporary workers the same rights as full-time staff after only 12 weeks in the job, in a deal likely to break years of deadlock over a European Union law on how long people may work.

Angry police back the right to strike

Front-line police officers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of seeking the right to strike, angered by the government's failure to backdate last year's pay rise.

Darling seeks to calm restive business over tax

Chancellor Alistair Darling will try to soothe business leaders' fears over the economy and higher taxes later on Tuesday, as concern grows that more firms could move their operations to more friendly climes.

Organics outlook rosy despite food inflation

British enthusiasm for organic food shows no sign of waning thanks to a loyal consumer base and a green image, despite rising food and fuel prices, the head of Britain's top organic association said in a recent interview.