BRUSSELS — Just a week before the deadline, Britain and the European Union struck a tentative free-trade deal Thursday that should avert economic chaos on New Year's and bring a measure of certainty for businesses after years of Brexit turmoil. The deal, reached after nine tough months of negotiations, would...
Cut Off: Britain Hit With Travel Bans Over New Virus Strain
LONDON — Trucks waiting to get out of Britain backed up for miles and people were left stranded at airports Monday as countries around the world imposed stringent travel restrictions on the U.K. because of a new and seemingly more contagious strain of the coronavirus in England. A growing number...
No Visible Progress Yet on Key Day for Final Brexit Deal
BRUSSELS — Leaders of Britain and the European Union were holding a high-stakes phone call Monday for the second time in 48 hours, as the two sides sent out gloomy signals about the chances of breaking an impasse and securing a post-Brexit trade deal before the current relationship winds down...
First COVID Vaccinations Expected Within Days as Britain Approves Use
LONDON — Britain authorized a COVID-19 vaccine for use Wednesday, greenlighting the first shot backed up by rigorous scientific review. The first vaccinations are expected within days — a major step toward eventually ending the pandemic. The go-ahead for the vaccine from American drugmaker Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech comes as...
Delayed & Over Budget, High-Speed Rail Project Gets Underway in UK
LONDON — Construction formally began Friday on Britain's $140 billion high-speed railway project, aiming to forge better connections between cities for decades to come. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps defended the HS2 project, which has its “shovels in the ground" moment just as the country is wondering whether the over-budget and...
UK, US, Canada Accuse Russia of Hacking Virus Vaccine Trials
LONDON — Britain, the United States and Canada accused Russia on Thursday of trying to steal information from researchers seeking a COVID-19 vaccine. The three nations alleged that hacking group APT29, also known as Cozy Bear and said to be part of the Russian intelligence service, is attacking academic and...
UK, France Move to Extend Rules on Face Coverings in Public
LONDON — Britain and France moved Tuesday to make face coverings compulsory in more places as both countries try to get their economies going while at the same time seeking to prevent further coronavirus outbreaks. Following days of procrastination and mixed messages, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the wearing...
Here's How America's Allies Are Viewing U.S. Politics Right Now
For American politics, it’s been a week for the ages: a bungled start to the 2020 presidential primary season, a State of the Union speech with partisanship on full display and a conclusion to the most contentious chapter of all — the nation’s third-ever impeachment trial. Watching all this from...
In Snub to US, Britain Will Allow Huawei in 5G Networks
LONDON — Britain decided Tuesday to allow Chinese tech giant Huawei to supply new high-speed network equipment, ignoring the U.S. government's warnings that it would sever intelligence cooperation if the company was not banned. Britain's decision is the first by a major U.S. ally in Europe, and follows intense lobbying...
Questions of Racism Linger as Harry, Meghan Step Back
LONDON — When accomplished, glamorous American actress Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, she was hailed as a breath of fresh air for Britain’s fusty royal family. That honeymoon didn’t last. Now the couple wants independence, saying the pressure of life as full-time royals is unbearable. And a debate...