britain

The British government has a cure for the economic slowdown; and it’s in the fast lane.

The British government is looking to jump into the driver’s seat of the global economy. And to help the country get there; officials are suggesting an increase in the speed limit on motorways. Transport secretary Phillip Hammond says the speed limit is fifty years old and out of date. Hammond says with the recent advances in safety and vehicular technology there’s no reason people can’t drive a little faster.  read more »

Forget alcohol and tobacco, British retailers will now card you for purchasing a little holiday fun.

Christmas crackers are a British holiday tradition involving a tightly wrapped package that two people pull apart. It pops with a bang and inside are little toys and trinkets the person left holding the bigger half gets to keep. But this year you’re going to have to be sixteen years of age or older if you plan on cracking anything open.  read more »

The country might be emerging from a recession, but some British citizens are still feeling the pinch.

According to a new survey the weekly allowance given to kids in Britain is at a seven-year low. A sign that no matter how many of the chores get done, parents are still cutting back on non-essential spending.

The survey conducted by the banking group Halifax interviewed over 1,000 children between the ages of 8 and 15. It found that since last year, the average weekly payout for kids has gone from almost $10 in 2009 to $9.23. This is the lowest paycheck for minors since 2003. And girls are feeling the cutback even more, receiving 6% less than their male peers.  read more »

Britain’s advertising watchdog group is cracking down on a new radio ad, from the police department.

The Advertising Standards Authority says the new anti-terrorist hotline is offensive towards ordinary citizens. The hotline commercial lists examples of suspicious behavior the police department links to terrorism. But at least 18 listeners have already complained saying the commercial could lead to innocent people being targeted and neighbors growing suspicious of each other.

The commercial says “the man at the end of the street likes to keep to himself. He pays with cash because he doesn’t have a bank card and he keeps his curtains closed because his home is on a bus route. This may mean nothing but together could add up to you having suspicions.”  read more »

If you’re looking for work in a risky industry, Britain is making it hard for you to find out about any potential openings.

A new ban is in effect in Britain for the sex industry. Employers looking to hire lap dancers, strippers or web cam performers can no longer advertise at employment offices. A similar ban had been in place seven years ago but was overturned when the high court agreed with a lingerie retailer that the ban was unlawful. But the government disagrees and is determined to protect the more vulnerable jobseekers from being swayed by the lucrative sex industry.  read more »

Sometimes it’s not about polling numbers, political parties or who gives the best speech. Sometimes the choice of who best to rule the country is in the power of prayer.  read more »

Pub crawlers in Britain are going to have to take it down a notch thanks to some new regulations designed to save the government a little money.

The British government says excessive drinking is costing the country 12 billion pounds a year, so they are introducing some new rules to maintain sobriety. Pubs and clubs will be required to ban drinking games and promotions such as women drink free and all you can drink for ten pounds.  read more »

It's not uncommon to register for everything you need to start a life together. But a new business venture will allow you to register for your life apart.

British department store Debenhams has created a gift list for anyone going through a divorce. According to the Office for National Statistics 45% of British marriages will end in divorce and Debenhams will make sure you're ready if I do becomes I don't.  read more »

Uncorking a bottle of bubbly is a traditional way to bring in the New Year. But in Britain opening one bottle to many is going to cost you.

A report by the right leaning, British group Policy Exchange says excessive drinking on New Year's Eve cost the National Health Service about 23 million pounds. And instead of the government footing the cost, the report says payment should be up to the wayward drunks.  read more »