BA: ‘Absolutely no signs of recovery’ in airline industry

British Airways posted the airline’s worst annual loss since its privatization in 1987 as its chief executive declared there were "absolutely no signs of recovery" in the industry. The airline slumped from profit to loss in the last financial year. During the year ended March 31, its operating loss swelled to £220 million ($348 million) from a restated profit of £878 million ($1.4 billion) in 2008.

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Storm in a teacup over right-winger and queen’s garden party

A controversial British politician convicted of inciting racial hatred could soon be sipping tea with Queen Elizabeth at one of her annual garden parties. Nick Griffin is the leader of the British National Party, a right-wing group that opposes immigration and wants Britain to withdraw from the European Union.

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Gurkhas near victory in battle for UK settlement

The British government planned to announce Thursday that all 36,000 retired Gurkhas who served in its army will be allowed to settle in the UK, a campaigner told CNN, marking a major turnaround in official policy. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith planned to make an announcement on Gurkhas in the House of Commons on Thursday afternoon

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Comment: UK Speaker’s resignation first step to clean stables

Michael Martin, forced to resign as Speaker of the British parliament, has become the highest profile victim of the expenses scandal which has dominated public life in Britain now for nearly two weeks. Martin has suffered because as Speaker he not only chaired debates in the Commons chamber but was in effect parliament’s chief executive. In that role he was responsible for the Fees Office.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber eyes future for Susan Boyle

She "dreamed a dream" on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent, but could Susan Boyle be living that dream as the star of a West End show? It’s a possibility, according to a spokeswoman for Andrew Lloyd Webber, the award-winning composer and producer of more than a dozen musicals including The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

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British Masters falls victim to recession

The economic downturn has claimed another prestigious event on the European Tour with this year’s British Masters dropped from the schedule. The event had been planned for September 17-20 at The Belfry, but joins the English Open in coming off the “Race to Dubai” – the new name for the European Tour. Sponsorship from Quinn Insurance came to an end after three years and tournament organizers ISM have been unable to find a replacement

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