All stories about "Uk"

Today UK prime minster Gordon Brown and French president Nicolas Sarkozy are set to announce a joint declaration on illegal immigration. The plan calls for increased surveillance at Calais and other ports, and a larger number of spot-checks. Later, Sarkozy said that Britain should work with France to help strengthen the EU: "Who can possibly think that we can build the Europe of tomorrow without Britain?" he said. [London Times]

In an attempt to curb smoking among children, UK cigarette vending machines may soon be banned from pubs and restaurants, and supermarkets and convenience stores will be forced to sell cigarettes from beneath shop counters. The move would put the UK in line with regions in Canada, Australia and Tasmania, where similar bans have been implemented. A consultation process regarding the issue will begin in late May. [The Times]

In order to avoid bankruptcy, airport operator BAA has sold off 58 of its duty-free shops to Italy's Autogrill. "BAA, which faces an annual interest bill of about £900m, raised £546.6m through the disposal of World Duty Free Europe, which has shops at the company's seven UK airports." Autogrill now has a monopoly on the duty free industry. [The Guardian]

Almost 23,000 dogs gathered today for Crufts, the world's largest dog show. Held in Birmingham, England, the event spans four days and may have as many as 150,000 visitors. A unique aspect of this canine competition is that, in addition to show dogs, Crufts also hosts therapy dogs and assistance dogs, which help the disabled and deaf. [The Times]