New laws to tackle binge drinking

Government plans to crack down on binge drinking and reclaim high streets for "sensible law-abiding drinkers" are set to be unveiled this week.

Home Secretary Theresa May said 24-hour licenses have failed to produce the benefits of a "cafe culture" and tougher action is needed to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder which costs the taxpayer up to £13 billion each year.

The overhaul of licensing laws will give communities greater flexibility to find a solution that suits them, she said. Proposals included tougher penalties for serving under-age drinkers, with fines doubling to £20,000 for persistent offenders, and a late night levy to allow licensing authorities to charge premises which open late for the additional policing.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley confirmed that there would be a ban on selling alcohol at below cost price.

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Britain likely to tighten US-UK extradition law

LONDON — Britain is likely to overhaul its extradition laws amid concerns the United States is able to fly suspects out of the U.K. with little proof they have committed a crime, a senior government minister said Wednesday.

A review of current laws would propose changes and consider whether the present rules are "unbalanced" in favor of the U.S. and against British citizens, Home Secretary Theresa May said in a statement to Parliament.

It follows worries over high profile extradition cases including hacker Gary McKinnon, who is wanted in the U.S. for allegedly breaking into American military computers, and retiree Christopher Tappin, accused of plotting to sell missile components to Iran.

"I’m fully aware there are a number of areas of the U.K.'s extradition arrangements which have attracted controversy in recent years," May said. "This government is committed to reviewing those arrangements to ensure they work both efficiently and in the interests of justice."

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