Britain's West battered by Atlantic storm

Rain and gales have been battering half of Britain today as the weather took a stormy turn. The west of the country has been the worst hit, with hazardous conditions on the roads, thunderstorms and flash flooding.

Photo: Mike Thomas

But most eastern areas have been spared, and have enjoyed a largely dry and sunny day with just a few scattered showers.

Natural England said spring tides and the storms expected today and over the next two days could cause further problems and warning signs might be washed away.7

Read more: Daily Mail

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China's $20 billion loan offer to Africa may discomfort West

Chinese President Hu Jintao on Thursday offered $20 billion in loans to African countries over the next three years, boosting a relationship that has been criticized by the West and given Beijing growing access to the resource-rich continent. 

The pledge is likely to boost China's good relations with Africa, a supplier of oil and raw materials like copper and uranium to the world's most populous country and second-largest economy. 

But the loans could add to discomfort in the West, which criticises China for overlooking human rights abuses in its business dealings with Africa, especially in Beijing's desire to feed its booming resource-hungry economy. 

Read more: The Economic Times

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