The Lancet: We were wrong: MMR vaccine does not cause autismMedical journal The Lancet formally retracts a now discredited paper it published 12 years ago, which linked the measles mumps rubella vaccine to autism and caused widespread panic amongst parents.
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A fascinating look inside the espionage tactics of Chinese spies
A leaked MI5 document reveals the tricks Chinese spies in Britain have used to bug, burgle and blackmail UK business executives, allowing them to hack into the computer networks and email accounts of major companies.
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New Margaret Thatcher files released
Fascinating new files have been released from Margaret Thatcher’s first year as British PM, containing revelations ranging from a debate with Jimmy Carter over the Iranian hostage crisis to the Iron Lady’s 28-egg a week diet. Read them here.
More dodgy IPCC claims?
The IPCC faced a fresh round of criticism in the British media over the weekend, with revelations of more spurious sources and that its chief, Rajendra Pachauri, may have known about the false claims before Copenhagen.
Britain declares war on climate sceptics
In an interview with the Observer, UK climate secretary Ed Miliband declares a “battle” against climate change deniers and defends the IPCC.
Why Australia welcomes the wacky Windsors
Whether you support the monarchy or not, you have to admit: royal visits down under are a jolly good show, says Jack the Insider. They could sure show the Australian Republican Movement a thing or two about PR.
George Monbiot puts a price on Tony Blair’s head
British writer and activist George Monbiot reckons Tony Blair should be tried for war crimes. So he’s launched an online campaign and is willing to pony up £100 to anyone who attempts a citizen’s arrest.
Does Australia need its own Iraq War inquiry?
The Chilcot inquiry into the UK’s role in the Iraq War is heating up in Britain, with Blair and co coming under heavy scrutiny. Should the Howard government face the same treatment?
Republican movement’s new enemy: Prince William
Prince William’s visit has left more than just giggling schoolgirls and a princely display of bowling. It has also revealed how unprepared the Australian Republic movement is for the next generation of royals.
Guy Rundle: Rundle’s UK: Jack Straw takes the stand, Chilcot becomes the new Watergate
Today Jack Straw took the stand at the Chilcot Inquiry, the first currently serving cabinet member so to do – and promptly landed his erstwhile leader, Mr Tony, even further in it.
Blair’s secret Iraq notes to Bush
Tony Blair sent secret letters to George Bush in 2002 promising British support for military action in Iraq, former Downing St spin doctor Alastair Campbell has told the Chilcot Inquiry.
Westminster 2.0: UK pollies on Twitter
With the UK’s electoral battle heating up, The Independent has a guide to the best tweeps in British Parliament — and beyond.
British High Commissioner: We’ll all live with the consequences of Copenhagen failure
We will all live with the consequences of our government’s failure to achieve a legally binding agreement at Copenhagen, writes British High Commissioner to Australia Valerie Amos.
A Christmas Carol for Gordon Brown
On Christmas Eve, Gordon Brown is visited at Downing Street by three spirits and the spectre of Tony Blair. Bah, humbug!
A win for journalists and their sources
There has been a significant freedom of the press win in the European Court Of Justice in a battle over the protection of journalists’ sources. The ruling should be read by every court in this country.
The secret plan to make Wills the “Shadow King”
The Mail says it has obtained private Treasury documents which reveal the Queen is planning to hand over a substantial part of her duties to Prince William in order to groom his as the next monarch, bypassing Prince Charles — though the Palace says “pish tosh”.
No sympathy for British wankers … err bankers
British bankers are upset at having their bonuses taxed a year after many were rescued by taxpayer money from the biggest financial mess they had helped create in decades. Who would ever have thought that?
Gordon Brown: Copenhagen must be a turning point
On the eve of Copenhagen, British PM Gordon Brown has written an op-ed for the Guardian, urging leaders to help create a legally-binding agreement within six months, and hitting out against climate sceptics and the Climategate emails.
UK Met publish 150 years of climate data to silence sceptics
With the stolen “Climategate” emails igniting anti-climate-change hysteria around the world and Copenhagen about to begin, the British Met Office has announced it will publish 150 years of climate data to prove temperatures have indeed increased.
Was the Iraq invasion planned before 9/11?
The former head of the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee, Sir John Ricketts, has told the Chilcot Inquiry he heard “drum beats from Washington” about plans to overthrow Saddam Hussein months before 9/11.
Is Tony Blair a war criminal?
With the Chilcot Inquiry into Britain’s involvement in the Iraq war soon to go public, one big question must be answered, says Oliver Miles: was this a war of aggression and therefore a war crime?
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Documents reveal Blair’s Iraq cover-up
Documents leaked to the Telegraph have revealed Tony Blair mislead British MPs in 2002 by claiming that his goal in invading Iraq was “disarmament, not regime change” and that the military action was unplanned.
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UK plans to create Internet Piracy General with power to appoint militias, create laws
A UK government source claims a new Bill will give the Secretary of State unprecedented powers to pass laws on online piracy without debate and confer investigative and enforcement powers to record labels and movie studios, giving them access to personal information and files.
The Times reveals its paywall plans
As News Corp sites prepare to erect paywalls around their content, the editor of the UK’s Times has finally revealed some bricks-and-mortar information about what it will be doing and when.
Former British Corporal: My entire unit abused Iraqi civilians
A former British soldier convicted of war crimes in Iraq claims his entire unit physically abused Iraqi detainees, kicking and punching them while down, threatening to set them alight and holding guns to their heads.
