2009 United Kingdom Special Weapons News

Former ministers, including Blair, to give Iraq evidence IRNA 23 Dec 2009 -- Former prime minister Tony Blair and other members of his government were named Wednesday to give evidence in Britain’s inquiry into the Iraq war during January and in early February.
Former UK PM: Saddam's Removal Correct Regardless of Lack of WMDs VOA 12 Dec 2009 -- The actions of Tony Blair have again come under scrutiny in Britain as he admits in a BBC interview that he was behind regime change in Iraq.
Blair defends Iraq war ahead of giving evidence IRNA 12 Dec 2009 -- Former British prime minister Tony Blair has pre-empted giving evidence to the Iraq war inquiry by insisting he would have found a way to remove Saddam Hussein without weapons of mass destruction that were never found.
Post-Iraq war decisions made in advance by US, UK inquiry says IRNA 10 Dec 2009 -- Controversial key decisions on Iraq's new administrative and military structures were made by the US in the weeks after the 2003 invasion, Britain’s former special representative in Baghdad Sir John Sawyers revealed Thursday.
UK cannot afford to replace nuclear weapons, say MPs IRNA 09 Dec 2009 -- The British government is being urged by MPs to scrap its plans to replace the country’s Trident nuclear missiles on the basis of cost as well as the dangers of adding to proliferation.
Blair had been warned about lack of planning before Iraq invasion IRNA 08 Dec 2009 -- A senior British officer revealed Monday how he urged former prime minister Tony Blair to delay the 2003 invasion of Iraq because preparations for dealing with the aftermath were not in place.
UK Iraq inquiry gives insight IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- The Iraq Inquiry gave insight to UK’s policy after being told that Washington believed that Britain would take an active part in the Iraq war even if there were no attempts to solve the crisis through the UN.
Lawyers advise British troops on Geneva Conventions IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- British troops are advised by lawyers on aspects of the Geneva Conventions while serving in overseas theatres.
Brown pledges more support for Pakistan's counter terror efforts IRNA 03 Dec 2009 -- PM Brown pledged more support for Pakistan’s counter terrorism efforts after holding talks with PM Gilani.
UK navy personnel back in Iraqi waters IRNA 02 Dec 2009 -- British naval personnel have returned to Iraq to help train local forces following the ratification of an agreement by the Iraqi Presidential Council.
Britain to Send More Troops to Afghanistan VOA 30 Nov 2009 -- Britain has confirmed an additional 500 British troops will be heading to Afghanistan in the next month, bringing its force level there to 9,500.
UK to send more Afghan troops despite declining morale IRNA 30 Nov 2009 -- Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth confirmed that 500 more British troops would be sent to Afghanistan.
UK nuclear reactor plans flawed, says safety watchdog IRNA 27 Nov 2009 -- Britain’s plans to build a new generation of nuclear plants have been thrown into doubt by safety concerns over European and American reactor designs that are central to the government’s proposals.
Legality of Iraq war ‘questionable,’ former ambassador admits IRNA 27 Nov 2009 -- Britain’s former ambassador to the UN, who was at the centre of failed attempts to obtain a Security Council mandate for the 2003 invasion of Iraq, admitted Friday that the legitimacy of the war was “questionable.”
UK berated for building world’s biggest plutonium stockpile IRNA 26 Nov 2009 -- The UK government was criticised by eminent scientists and non-proliferation experts for stockpiling and building the world’s biggest arsenal of separated plutonium over the past 50 years.
UK to set out details of second Iraq abuse inquiry IRNA 25 Nov 2009 -- The British government is due Wednesday to set out details of a second public inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by UK troops in Iraq following years of litigations.
UK rejected al-Qaeda links with Iraq, inquiry told IRNA 25 Nov 2009 -- The UK government rejected claims of links between al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein’s regime prior to the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the Iraq war inquiry was told Wednesday.
British Officials: Little Pre-War Evidence of al-Qaida-Iraq Link VOA 25 Nov 2009 -- Two senior British officials say there was no evidence of serious cooperation between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaida after the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and only sporadic contacts in the years before.
Bring Blair to account, Iraq war inquiry told IRNA 24 Nov 2009 -- The long-awaited inquiry into the Iraq war opened in London Tuesday as protesters called for former prime minister Tony Blair to be brought to account for involving Britain in the “illegal” US-led invasion in 2003.
British Official: Secret Iraq War Talks Began in 2001 VOA 24 Nov 2009 -- A former top British intelligence officer says British officials decided in 2001 against participating in talks with U.S. officials about regime change in Iraq.
UK Opens Wide-Ranging Iraq War Inquiry VOA 24 Nov 2009 -- Britain has opened a long awaited, wide-ranging inquiry into the government's involvement in the Iraq war, vowing to be thorough and fair and not shy away from criticizing individuals or institutions if warranted.
British Leader Vows Afghan Mission Unchanged VOA 04 Nov 2009 -- Prime Minister Gordon Brown underlined that British forces remain committed to their difficult mission there.
Afghan Policeman Kills 5 British Soldiers VOA 04 Nov 2009 -- British defense officials say five British soldiers have been shot dead by an Afghan police officer in southern Helmand Province.
U.K., Russia are now 'a step forward from yesterday' - Miliband RIA Novosti 04 Nov 2009 -- British Foreign Secretary Miliband appraised his recent visit to Moscow and the meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
Britain Attempts Own Russia 'Reset' With Miliband Visit To Moscow RFE/RL 02 Nov 2009 -- After years of tension, Britain and Russia are attempting to reset their relations.
Miliband, Lavrov find common ground on international issues RIA Novosti 02 Nov 2009 -- Russian FM Lavrov and his British counterpart David Miliband signed joint statements in Moscow.
Royal Navy cuts: ships as reflection of state might RIA Novosti 30 Oct 2009 -- Her Majesty's Navy has cancelled plans to build the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales, newswires announced in the middle of the week
Britain Remembers Iraq Conflict VOA 09 Oct 2009 -- Britain remembered the soldiers and servicemen who served in Iraq at a ceremony formally marking the end of British military involvement in the country.
British Arms Manufacturer Faces Bribery Charges VOA 01 Oct 2009 -- Britain's Serious Fraud Office announced it will seek to prosecute the world's No. 2 defense contractor on charges of corruption.
UK leader, addressing UN debate, calls for 'grand' global nuclear bargain UN News Centre 23 Sep 2009 -- UK PM Brown proposed a “grand bargain” between nations with and without nuclear weapons.
British Paper Says Kazakh Ambassador 'KGB Spy' RFE/RL 18 Aug 2009 -- A British newspaper says it has evidence that the Kazakh ambassador to Britain has been a spy since 1988.
Parliamentary Committee Calls for Inquiry into Alleged British Torture Complicity VOA 04 Aug 2009 -- British human rights parliamentary committee called for an independent inquiry to be established to examine claims that British intelligence was complicit in acts of torture on terrorism suspects during rendition.
Lockheed Martin-Built Trident II D5 Missile Achieves 127 Successful Test Flights Lockheed Martin 30 Jul 2009 -- The U.S. Navy supported the May 26 launch of a U.K. Royal Navy Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).
British Government Defends its Strategy and Support in Afghanistan VOA 13 Jul 2009 -- Britain's Defense Secretary Ainsworth tried to rebut claims British forces are under-equipped for mission they are engaged in.
Britain Revokes 5 Arms Export Licenses to Israel VOA 13 Jul 2009 -- Israeli and British officials: Britain has revoked licenses from several companies that export arms to Israel.
First swine flu death registered in Europe RIA Novosti 15 Jun 2009 -- The first human death in Europe as a result of swine flu has been registered in Scotland, local officials have announced.
UK Reports First Swine Flu Death Outside Americas VOA 15 Jun 2009 -- Britain is reporting its first H1N1 swine flu death, the first known fatality outside the Americas.
Swine Flu cases pass 900 in UK IRNA 12 Jun 2009 -- There are now 909 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the UK and that figure is likely to further increase.
UK veteran wins right to sue over nuclear weapons tests IRNA 05 Jun 2009 -- British ex-servicemen, who took part in nuclear weapons tests, won the right to sue the government for compensation.
British soldiers killed in Afghanistan overtakes Iraq toll IRNA 03 Jun 2009 -- Number of British troops killed in Afghanistan as a result of hostile action has overtaken the 136 combat deaths in Iraq.
UK pressing for new sanctions against North Korea IRNA 02 Jun 2009 -- British government is pressing for further sanctions to be imposed after DPRK carried out nuclear tests.
Miliband acknowledges backlash caused by Iraq war IRNA 21 May 2009 -- Foreign Secretary Miliband placing the war alongside the Crusades and colonialism in a list of "prejudices that British history generates."
UK strategy in Afghanistan 'long-term', says armed forces minister IRNA 20 May 2009 -- Armed Forces Minister Ainsworth refused to say when British troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan.
Parliamentary Group Clears British Intelligence of Failing to Prevent London Bombings VOA 19 May 2009 -- Committee released findings into what country's intelligence service knew before 7th of July 2005.
MI5 unable to track terror suspects ahead of London bombings IRNA 19 May 2009 -- Britain's security service did not have manpower to do checks on ringleader of the London bombings ahead of attacks in 2005.
Further delays in major UK defence projects IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Britain's major defence projects are continuing to suffer further delays and increased costs according to the latest annual report.
Another British soldier killed in Afghan explosion IRNA 15 May 2009 -- Britain's Ministry of Defence announced that another UK soldier had been killed in an explosion in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Two-thirds of UK terror suspects released without charge IRNA 14 May 2009 -- Less than 7% percent of terrorist suspects arrested in Britain since 9/11 have so far been convicted under terrorism legislation.
UK refuses to intervene over deportation of Pakistani students IRNA 14 May 2009 -- British government rejected appeal to prevent deportation of students detained originally under terrorism legislation.
UK's new armoured vehicles in Afghanistan 'unreliable' IRNA 14 May 2009 -- New armoured vehicles performed so badly in Afghanistan that commanders had to resort to Land Rovers they were to replace.
UK names individuals banned from entering country IRNA 05 May 2009 -- Home Office announced it was publishing for the first time a list of individuals who were banned from entering the UK for 'stirring-up hatred'.
UK monitoring agency spies 'only when necessary' IRNA 05 May 2009 -- GCHQ, the British government's electronic eavesdropping centre has denied it was planning to target everyone in the UK.
Renewed calls for Iraq inquiry as UK troops withdraw IRNA 01 May 2009 -- Opposition MPs are joining peace campaigners in stepping up demands for an immediate inquiry into the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Britain Ends Combat Role in Iraq VOA 30 Apr 2009 -- British forces have ceased combat operations in Iraq, handing over the role to U.S. troops.
U.K. to pull out of Iraq one month earlier - Defence Secretary RIA Novosti 30 Apr 2009 -- British Defence Secretary Hutton announced that British troops would leave one month earlier than initially planned.
Costs blamed for limited increase in UK troops in Afghanistan IRNA 30 Apr 2009 -- British army chiefs were reported to have lost out in wanting to permanently raise the number of UK troops deployed in Afghanistan.
Catalogue of safety breaches at UK's nuclear base IRNA 27 Apr 2009 -- Britain's nuclear submarine fleet has been hit by a series of serious safety breaches at its home base in Scotland.
Thales’s in-theatre ISTAR contract extended Thales 27 Apr 2009 -- The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has extended Thales UKÂ’s H-450 unmanned air system (UAS) contract that provides vital intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) support to UK forces on current operations.
More British troops accused of abuse in Iraq IRNA 23 Apr 2009 -- British troops have been accused of using interrogation techniques on Iraqi civilian detainees in Maysan Province that breached human rights laws.
Extra 2,000 British troops on standby to go to Afghanistan IRNA 17 Apr 2009 -- 2,000 troops have been designated for possible deployment to Afghanistan to boost Britain's military presence to over 10,000.
Iran dismisses Miliband's mandatory statement IRNA 14 Apr 2009 -- FM spokesman Qashqavi dismissed "the mandatory statement" made by British Foreign Secretary Miliband over nuclear program.
UK hopeful of new impetus to resolve Iran nuclear dispute IRNA 09 Apr 2009 -- British Foreign Office hopeful that "new direction" of US policy will help to break the logjam and lead to progress.
UK in first trade mission to Baghdad since arms-for-Iraq scandal IRNA 07 Apr 2009 -- Britain's Business Secretary Lord Mandelson is urging UK companies to 'seize the opportunity' of investing in Iraq.
Miliband: West ready to solve Iran's nuclear issue IRNA 02 Apr 2009 -- British foreign secretary: West ready for surveying various multilateral initiatives aimed at solving Iran's nuclear issue.
Protesters Square Off with Police as London Prepares for G20 VOA 01 Apr 2009 -- Thousands of police squared off with thousands of protesters as the British capital prepares to host the G-20 summit.
Unprecedented security for G20 summit IRNA 01 Apr 2009 -- Final preparations were being put in place for G20 summit amid the launch of Britain's biggest ever policing operation.
Replacing Trident nukes within NPT framework, UK insists IRNA 31 Mar 2009 -- British government denied that any plans to replace the country's nuclear warheads would be in breach of the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Britain wants bilateral talks with Iran over the nuclear issue IRNA 26 Mar 2009 -- Britain says it supports multilateral and bilateral talks with Iran over its nuclear issue.
UK checking foreign arms used in Israel IRNA 25 Mar 2009 -- The British government is carrying out its own investigations into what foreign arms were supplied and used in Gaza.
MPs in new bid for Iraq war inquiry IRNA 24 Mar 2009 -- Conservative Party is launching a new bid in the British parliament to force PM Brown to call an immediate independent inquiry into the Iraq war.
UK's new anti-terrorism strategy 'counter-productive,' warn Muslims IRNA 24 Mar 2009 -- Britain's largest Muslim organisation has criticised the UK government's plans to widen the definition of extremism.
UK ends resettlement program for former Iraq staff IRNA 24 Mar 2009 -- Foreign Secretary Miliband has announced ending of his government's offer to resettle former Iraq staff who helped British troops.
MPs doubt timetable to replace UK nuclear missile system IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- MPs expressed concern about Britain's ability to maintain a continuous nuclear deterrent.
Indian top nuclear scientists to visit UK IRNA 20 Mar 2009 -- A delegation of top Indian nuclear scientists led by Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Anil Kakodkar will be on a 4-day visit to the UK.
UK police pay £60,000 damages over assaulting terror suspect IRNA 18 Mar 2009 -- Metropolitan police agreed to pay damages to a man after admitting officers subjected him to a prolonged series of assaults.
Britain ready to cut nuclear arsenal, says Brown IRNA 17 Mar 2009 -- PM Brown: Britain is prepared to further reduce its arsenal of nuclear weapons as part of a co-ordinated move with other nuclear states.
British PM Warns of Tougher Sanctions for Iran Nuclear Program VOA 17 Mar 2009 -- British PM Brown warned Iran that by continuing to enrich uranium, it faces tougher international sanctions.
Iran nuclear talks remain conditional, UK clarifies IRNA 17 Mar 2009 -- The renewed offer made to Iran by PM Brown over its nuclear program was more of a change in tone and approach, rather than in substance.
Brown offers Iran 'test case' deal on nuclear power IRNA 17 Mar 2009 -- PM Gordon Brown set to offer to help Iran to develop nuclear power for civilian use within the framework of United Nations rules.
British PM Renews Nuclear Offer to Iran VOA 17 Mar 2009 -- British PM Brown has renewed offer of international help for Iran to develop a civilian nuclear industry, providing Tehran ends enrichment program.
UK war costs more than double in less than a year IRNA 09 Mar 2009 -- British MPs are calling on the Ministry of Defense to detail the sudden rise in the military cost of the country's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
British Prime Minister Addresses US Congress VOA 04 Mar 2009 -- In address to joint meeting of US Congress, British PM Brown urged US to seize the opportunity to expand cooperation with Europe .
Enhanced UK-US collaboration on nuclear weapons to remain secret IRNA 03 Mar 2009 -- British government refusing to disclose details of collaboration with the US on the country's nuclear weapons.
UK admits handing over Iraq prisoners to US for rendition IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- UK government under pressure to hold inquiry into role in extraordinary rendition of terror suspects.
Britain Acknowledges Two 'Rendition' Cases VOA 27 Feb 2009 -- Britain admitted that 2 terror suspects captured in 2004 in Iraq were later surrendered to the US and transferred to a prison in Afghanistan.
UK's top Palestinian charity cleared of any terrorist links IRNA 27 Feb 2009 -- Britain's top Palestinian charity has been cleared for the third time of any alleged links with so-called terrorist organisations.
Britain Refuses To Publish Cabinet Record Of Iraq War Decision RFE/RL 25 Feb 2009 -- The British government has vetoed publication of minutes from ministerial discussions about legality of invasion of Iraq.
Straw accused of cover-up over Iraq war decision IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- Justice Secretary Jack Straw to used ministerial veto to prevent publication of minutes of key Cabinet meetings in the run-up to Iraq war.
UK welcomes US overtures towards Iran IRNA 25 Feb 2009 -- The British government has praised the new policy adopted by US President Barack Obama in wanting to engage with Iran.
UK to 'vigorously defend' legal challenge to Israel policy IRNA 24 Feb 2009 -- A historic legal case effectively challenging the British government's relations with Israel launched.
Freed Guantanamo Detainee is Back in Britain VOA 23 Feb 2009 -- Former British resident Binyam Mohamed has been released from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, after 7 years of detention.
'Tortured' Guantanamo detainee back in UK IRNA 23 Feb 2009 -- UK resident Binyam Mohamed returned to Britain after being incarcerated at the US internment camp in Guantanamo Bay for more than four years.
Britain Says US to Transfer Guantanamo Detainee to UK VOA 20 Feb 2009 -- The British government said the United States is to transfer a Guantanamo Bay detainee to Britain.
Britain One-Step Closer to Expelling Radical Muslim Cleric VOA 18 Feb 2009 -- Britain's highest court has cleared the way for the expulsion of radical Muslim cleric, Abu Qatada.
Former Security Chief: UK exploiting terrorism to restrict liberties IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- Former head of Britain’s MI5 accused the country's Labor government of exploiting the fear of terrorism to restrict civil liberties.
UK to widen definition of Muslim extremist IRNA 17 Feb 2009 -- The British government was reported to be considering plans that would lead to thousands more British Muslims being branded as extremists.
British-French Nuclear-armed Submarine Collision Disclosed VOA 16 Feb 2009 -- British official: Nuclear-armed submarines from Britain and France collided deep under the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month.
UK costs of Iraq, Afghan wars soar IRNA 13 Feb 2009 -- The cost of Britain's military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq soared by more than 50 per cent according to the latest official figures.
US carrying out 'illegal' nuclear arms research in UK IRNA 09 Feb 2009 -- Opposition MPs calling for a full parliamentary inquiry into reports that the US has been carrying out illegal nuclear arms research in the UK.
Miliband defends keeping alleged US torture evidence secret IRNA 05 Feb 2009 -- Foreign Secretary Miliband defended the non-disclosure of US intelligence in the case of alleged CIA torture.
Senior UK soldier arrested over Afghan 'secrets' IRNA 04 Feb 2009 -- British Army officer arrested in Afghanistan for allegedly supplying sensitive civilian casualty figures to a human rights campaigner.
Foreign recruits in British army capped at 15 per cent IRNA 03 Feb 2009 -- Defence Secretary John Hutton: The number of foreign and Commonwealth recruits in three army regiments is being capped at 15 per cent.
UK should take lead on nuclear disarmament, says former Nato commander IRNA 30 Jan 2009 -- The British government should take a lead on nuclear disarmament by giving up its Trident weapons system.
UK has own stockpiles of white phosphorous, minister admits IRNA 21 Jan 2009 -- Defense Minister Quentin Davies admitted that Britain's armed forces has its own arsenal of white phosphorous shells.
UK armed forces under 'substantial' strain, says defense secretary IRNA 20 Jan 2009 -- Britain's armed forces are under 'substantial' strain after fighting in two wars.
British official concedes U.S drone attacks affects Pakistan IRNA 20 Jan 2009 -- British Defence Secretary Hutton conceded that the continuing US drone attacks in Pakistan having serious negative fallout.
War on terror was mistaken, admits Miliband IRNA 16 Jan 2009 -- Foreign Secretary David Miliband admitted that the so-called 'war on terror' was wrong and may have caused "more harm than good".
UK has no need for nuclear weapons, says former army chiefs IRNA 16 Jan 2009 -- The claim that Britain's nuclear weapons are still vital to the security of the country a "fallacy," according to 3 former military chiefs.
Britain's Miliband Calls for Reassessment of 'War on Terror' VOA 15 Jan 2009 -- Britain's foreign secretary calling for democracies to rethink their strategy against extremists.

NEWSLETTER

Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

2009 United Kingdom Special Weapons News