"We are glad that these last few days are over and we would like to express our gratitude to the Palestinian Authority, the British Government and all groups and individuals in Gaza and worldwide who have been supporting...

We are pleased to confirm that Kate, Win and Hugh Burton have been released unharmed. They are well and in good spirits. They are currently with officials from our Consulate General in Jerusalem, who are providing...

"We are overjoyed to hear that Kate and our parents have been released safely.

172 UK Armed Forces and Defence staff have been granted State honours by Her Majesty The Queen in her annual New Years Honours list which was published today.

As Year of the Volunteer 2005 comes to an end, Home Office Minister, Paul Goggins, has applauded the invaluable work of volunteers and has encouraged those not yet involved, particularly the young, to take part ...

People across the UK who have made a difference to society or helped out in difficult situations have been recognised in this year's New Year's Honours list.

Delivering his New Year message, Tony Blair said we enjoyed a "beautiful and prosperous" country we should always be grateful for.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: New Year's Honours and Other business

The OFT today announced the clearance of the proposed acquisition by BSkyB Broadband Services Limited (Sky) of Easynet Group Plc (Easynet) and the merger of NTL Incorporated (ntl) and Telewest Global, Inc (Telewest...

A team of specialist commando engineers is building emergency shelters for villagers as temperatures plummet in the earthquake-hit district of Bagh in Pakistan.

Jowell's New Year Message to UK Industry: Get ready for 2012

People have one more week to have their say on the future of wild boar in England.

PREPARED BY THE GOVERNMENT STATISTICAL SERVICE

Six month maximum wait target will be met: Lord Warner

We are a close family, and are naturally deeply concerned about our parents and sister.

Statement by Dr Kim Howells, UK Foreign Office Minister:

The new multi agency anti-piracy crime group has seized more than £1.5m of counterfeited goods including bootleg DVDs and CDs in a series of raids at Wembley market over the last month.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has picked out ten of the best green energy projects that began generating electricity in 2005.

Government aid for the areas badly hit by the Tsunami a year ago has reached £290 million.

Foreign Office Minister Ian Pearson today hailed the work done on international human rights during the UK Presidency of the EU.

The Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 placed a duty on Scottish Ministers to establish a Public Transport Users' Committee for Scotland. This consultation is about the structure, remit and membership of that Committee...

Drivers are being advised by the Highways Agency to check the weather forecast and road conditions before they set out today, with a fresh band of snow forecast this afternoon and overnight.

Consumers who want to claim up to £15,000 for poor work by solicitors will no longer have to go through the courts, DCA Minister Bridget Prentice announced today.

Museums and Galleries across England received a £9.4 million boost today as the Government announced new funding for educational work. Children and young people across the country will benefit as national...

2005 has been a positive year for England's wildlife and habitats, according to the annual Biodiversity Stocktake released by Defra today.

Dr Andrew Hall OBE has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Nepal in succession to Mr Keith Bloomfield. Dr Hall will take up his appointment in June 2006.

Analysis of Responses to Draft Crofting Reform (Scotland) Bill 2005

Health Minister Jane Kennedy today announced that Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) will be available to more people than ever before, following a change in the guidance for its use.

This summary report evaluation to examine how the "Hungry for Success" Free Fruit in Schools initiative had been implemented by Local Authorities and schools

A web only research report accompanying Insight 26

Local authorities in England are still on track to exceed their targets for efficiency gains for 2005/06, Local Government Minister Phil Woolas has announced.

Magistrates' courts across England and Wales could soon text fine evaders demanding they pay up, after the initiative was successfully used in the Midlands recently.

Health minister Rosie Winterton today announced the seven organisations that have been chosen to pilot the new Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA) role. From January 2006, pilot IMCA advocates will provide...

New powers aimed at cutting bureaucracy and better equipping the police to tackle the changing nature of crime will come into force on 1 January 2006, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.

The EU has been following closely the trial of Mr Ayman Nour, leader of Egypt's opposition Al-Ghad Party, since his arrest in February 2005.

"A year ago today a devastating earthquake and tsunami took the lives of over 300,000 people across South Asia and East Africa. The impact of this disaster is still felt today. Many people not only lost loved ones...

The Ministry of Defence has converted disused bunkers on a firing range in Dorset to save a rare species of bat.

Help is at hand for sale bargain-hunters bewildered by a plethora of green labels and logos on everything from furniture and textiles to dishwashers and cars.

The Foreign Secretary has issued the following statement in relation to the first anniversary, on 26 December, of the Indian Ocean Tsunami:

This week Mr Blair paid a surprise visit to Iraq, gave two major speeches on Europe and delivered his last monthly press conference of 2005.

Tony Blair has paid tribute to the UK's armed forces stationed around the world in a seasonal message.

The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Israel and the Occupied Territories.

The families of the British, Canadian and US citizens kidnapped in Iraq on 26 November have jointly issued the following notice, appealing for their safe return. This appeal, translated into Arabic, will appear...

Water Framework Directive (Groundwater Quality) Directions 2005, made by the Scottish Ministers under the terms of the Environment Act 1995 (c25), requiring the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to submit...

The Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott today announced the appointment of three new members to the board of English Partnerships. John Parker, Richard Harrold and Geoffrey Wright bring a wealth of knowledge and...

The Secretary of State for Defence John Reid has chosen five songs that will be broadcast during an hour-long show that he has recorded for British Forces (BFBS) radio, to be broadcast to forces on Christmas Day...

Alarming figures released today by the Health and Safety Executive reveal that 21 workers died in workplace incidents in the North West in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and the services sector between...

Today the Government of the Lebanese Republic and the Government of the United Kingdom (UK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the deportation of persons suspected of activities associated ...

The Prime Minister has re-appointed Professor David Cannadine D. Phil, Litt.D, F.B.A. to the Board of the National Portrait Gallery for a period of four years.

A website providing information about cosmetic surgery and treatments has been launched by the government.

The Prime Minister has re-appointed Professor Ludmilla Jordanova and Sir Christopher Ondaatje CBE OC to the Board of the National Portrait Gallery for a period of four years.

The Prime Minister has re-appointed Professor David Cannadine D. Phil, Litt.D, F.B.A. to the Board of the National Portrait Gallery for a period of four years.

SCVS: Calibration Exercise Report

Measures to stimulate competition in the £190 million property search market are being published by the Government today.

Productivity growth continues to slow

Jessica pushes Emily off the top spot

Accounts prepared pursuant to section 22(5) of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 showing the Operating Account for the year ended 31 March 2005

Based on an England-wide survey of visits to Walk-in Centres last Christmas Day and hits and calls to NHS Direct over the last festive period, over a quarter of a million people could be using NHS out-of-hours services...

Following meetings held in Tripoli on 12 and 18 December between the Association of the Benghazi Families, the Bulgarian Civil Association for Encouraging Bilateral Relations with Libya, the Qadhafi Foundation, ...

A consultation draft of the Commission's first guidance to licensing authorities

A consultation draft of the Commission's Statement of Principles on Licensing and Regulation

Following a Whitehall-wide competition, John Kingman has been appointed Managing Director of the Treasury's Finance and Industry Directorate. Currently Director of the Treasury's Enterprise and Growth Unit, John...

John Reid paid his second visit to Saudi Arabia as Defence Secretary on 20-21 December for a series of high level talks with the Saudi leadership.

The Competition Commission (CC) has published its final report on the franchise bid by National Express Group plc (NEG) for the Thameslink and Great Northern (TGN) rail franchise.

Statement of issues

The number of incidents of pesticide poisonings has gone down again this year and none were from correctly applied pesticides.

On behalf of the European Union, the Presidency warmly welcomes yesterday's agreement to set up a Peacebuilding Commission at the United Nations.

The European Union is pleased to note that the elections in Bolivia have been conducted in a free and fair manner and applauds the people of Bolivia for this achievement. The EU congratulates Evo Morales on the...

The Competition Commission (CC) has cancelled the inquiries into the references about the separate proposals for the acquisition of the Greater Western passenger rail franchise (GWF) by National Express Group plc...

Minister for Local Environment Ben Bradshaw has today announced the allocation of £215m to local authorities in England to improve local waste services.

Ministers have appointed 8 new members to give expert, independent science advice on science policy and strategy to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Two Glasgow car dealers have been disqualified from acting as company directors following enquiries by the DTI's Companies Investigation Branch.

The Brussels Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal against a landmark ruling in favour of the OFT, confirming the OFT's view that mailings sent to UK consumers by Belgian company D Duchesne SA were misleading.

Parents were today urged to think twice before giving mini-motos as Christmas presents unless they are sure they will be used properly and sensibly.

Health Minister Jane Kennedy and Science Minister Lord Sainsbury today announced the appointment of seven new members to the Human Genetics Commission.

Report on the development and expansion of Sure Start Scotland services since 2001.

The provision of local services has been transformed as local authorities will be over 97% e-enabled by the turn of the year, Minister for local e-government, Jim Fitzpatrick, has announced.

Quarter 3 2005: UK deficit widens

1.0% 3 monthly rise into October 2005

Economy rose by 0.4% in Q3 2005

Tony Blair flew into Basra on Thursday morning for a surprise Christmas visit to British troops in Iraq.

The European Union's Fisheries Council today struck a deal to balance the needs of the fishing industry and the marine environment.

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson today launched a new website providing important information for people considering cosmetic surgery. Last year Sir Liam asked Harry Cayton, Director for Patients and the...

Regional Transport Partnerships - Guidance on Membership

The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, released the following letter today:

Guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities and care service providers

this publication describes the administration of the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme in Scotland in 2006

Ministerial statement on the abolition of priority need by 2012.

HOMELESSNESS AND THE ABOLITION OF PRIORITY NEED BY 2012 – TECHNICAL APPENDIX TO MINISTERIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY SECTION 3 OF THE HOMELESSNESS ETC (SCOTLAND) ACT 2003

HOMELESSNESS AND THE ABOLITION OF PRIORITY NEED BY 2012 – A SUMMARY OF RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION ON MINISTERIAL STATEMENT REQUIRED BY SECTION 3 OF THE HOMELESSNESS ETC (SCOTLAND) ACT 2003

The Governments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have today signed an Understanding Document, which is intended to establish a greater partnership in modernising...

A consultation into care home price information was launched today by Care Services Minister Liam Byrne. This fulfils the commitment made in the government's response to the Office for Fair Trading (OFT) report, ...

Over 12,000 low paid workers will celebrate Christmas with a pay boost following HM Revenue & Customs investigations into cases where the national minimum wage was not being paid.

Today the Government published the 3rd Annual Report on the UK's programmes to address WMD proliferation threats across the Former Soviet Union (FSU).

A consultation draft of the Commission's Statement of Principles on Licensing and Regulation

Today the Government published the 3rd Annual Report on the UK's programmes to address WMD proliferation threats across the Former Soviet Union.

The Arts Council has played a key role in ensuring that the arts are now healthier, more optimistic and more central to national life than ever before, according to an independent peer review, published today by...

A High Court ruling today has upheld Defra's decision to forward the application seeking protected food name status for the name 'Melton Mowbray Pork Pie' to the European Commission.

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett today welcomed a UK/China landmark agreement on the development of clean coal technology with carbon dioxide capture and storage, which aims to reduce significantly the climate...

Mr Stephen Evans, CMG, OBE has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in succession to Dr Rosalind Marsden who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment...

The Foreign Secretary has approved the appointment of John Duncan OBE to be the UK Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva and Ambassador for Multilateral Arms Control and Disarmament...

Tony Blair has reflected on the success stories of 2005 in health, education, the economy and law and order but says there it still lots of work to do.

The Prime Minister has today appointed Anish Kapoor as a Trustee of the Tate Gallery. The term of appointment will be for four years from 22 November 2005.

PowerPoint presentation on Transport Assessment and Implementation: A Guide

Minutes of Third Meeting of EAFRE: 29 November 2005.

SPP 17 Power Point presentation.

Report of an omnibus survey of smoking in public places

Guidance on smoking policies for the NHS, local authorities and care service providers

PowerPoint presentation on PAN 75.

PowerPoint presentation on New Ways to New Streets.

Thousands of travellers across England are being reminded of the information now available from the Highways Agency and the Met Office to help combat seasonal delays on the roads.

Defra has announced that it is seeking representatives for a new Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) for Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB).

Today the Government publishes the 3rd Annual Report on the UK's programmes to deal with weapons of mass destruction legacies of the Cold War across the Former Soviet Union.

The Neighbourhood Statistics website now contains historic information on air quality.

Russia and Kazakhstan are set to receive £2.2 million of UK money to help decommission their reactors and reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks announced today.

In a letter to the Chairman of the Treasury Select Committee on 29 September 2004 (a copy of which was deposited in the Library of the House), I reported that the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) was conducting...

I have today published the Cabinet Office 2005 Autumn Performance Report (Cm 6725). Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

I am pleased to announce that we have been able to agree to a change to the already successful Skynet 5 PFI deal, to enable a revised risk mitigation approach to be adopted.Rather than relying on space insurance...

The European Union Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Brussels from 20 to 22 December 2005.I will chair for the agriculture items and my hon. Friend, the Member for Exeter, (Mr. Bradshaw) will chair ...

States Party to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) met in Geneva, 5–9 December. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and promote common understanding and effective action on the content, adoption...

Copies of the British Council Annual Report, incorporating the Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts, for the year ended 31 March 2005 have been placed in the Library of the House. During the period the Council received...

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council met on 8–9 December. The Secretary of State for Health chaired the meeting and I represented the United Kingdom. Items on the agenda relating to...

I am announcing today statistics relating to Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).An ASBO is a civil order which protects the community from behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress...

The National Probation Service has today published its Annual Report for 2004–05. The Prison Service and the Office for Contracted Prisons published their Annual Reports and Financial Accounts for 2004–05 on 19 ...

The Justice and Home Affairs Council was held on 1–2 December in Brussels. I chaired the meeting along with my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor. My...

I have decided to reduce UK budget support this year to Uganda by £20 million. Some £15 million of this money will be used to provide humanitarian relief in northern Uganda, and £5 ...

The European Council on 15–16 December agreed to establish a 10th European Development Fund (EDF) to provide development assistance to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries that are signatories to the ACP...

I am placing in the Libraries of both Houses a copy of a discussion paper, "The EU's contribution to the international response to the 2004 Asian Tsunami: Achievements, next steps and lessons learned".The paper ...

I am pleased to announce that Her Majesty in Council has approved the appointments of Janet Paraskeva as the First Civil Service Commissioner and Janet Gaymer CBE as the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Janet...

In summer 2004, I commissioned Sir. Patrick Brown to undertake a review of the Business Appointment rules. The terms of reference were:"To review the Business Appointment Rules to ensure that they are compatible...

I chaired the extraordinary Competitiveness Council in Brussels on 13 December 2005 on the draft regulation for the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), and establishing ...

As the Prime Minister explained in his statement to Parliament of 19 December, the European Council of 15–16 December 2005 succeeded in achieving agreement on the next EC budget for the 2007–13 Financial Perspective...

Institutional net investment £10.7 bn

Total production lower in 3 months to Nov

Tony Blair has held talks with the sisters of a man killed in a street fight in Northern Ireland.

Tony Blair will answer questions from national and international journalists today during his monthly Number 10 press conference.

Drivers travelling home for Christmas this year are at risk of being distracted by illegal roadside adverts that also blight the countryside. New measures to crack down on this nuisance to drivers were announced...

Hundreds of same-sex couples up and down the country will be celebrating today as they get legal recognition for their relationships for the first time.

The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Chad due to changes in the political and security situation.

The Scottish Executive will engage with stakeholders through a series of workshops and seminars on how to refresh and embed Best Value in central government public service organisations, leading to the development...

Defra has launched a consultation on wild boar in England and invites your views on how they should be managed. The Government's overall aim is to ensure an acceptable balance between wild boar and the interests...

The National Waste Plan for Scotland sets the aim of 0% growth in household waste by the year 2010...

Consultation Paper on Technical Specifications to further regulate the use of snaring.

This exercise is designed to take the views of consultees on proposed changes to some of the existing ringing and registration requirements and to evaluate the effectiveness of the bird registration scheme as it...

Committment to consultation following the passing of the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act 2004, to afford greater protection to nest sites not in constant use, and identify those species to benefit from communal...

The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on proposed changes to the rules governing how tax-privileged pensions schemes are established, operated or wound up. The changes are designed to simply existing...

Partial Regulatory Impact Assessment on a proposal for implementing a new national waste data strategy

Revision of Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual

Exchange of Driving Licences

Proposed changes to charging schemes for Waste Management Licensing, Pollution Prevention Control, Radioactive Substances Regulation, Integrated Pollution Control and Transfrontier Shipments.

This is a public consultation on the recommendations of the School Meals Review Panel's report - Turning the Tables: Transforming School Food. The Panel, an independent group with members from a variety of professional...

Marketing Strategy for The National Archives

Our corporate and business plan covers information such as what we do and why this is important, our business objectives and targets for the coming year, and our vision for the future.

Consultation on local authority environmental regulation of industrial plant: 2006/07 risk based fees and charges

Recommendations to DARD for a Renewable Energy Policy

The UK Government has launched this consultation document on its proposals to introduce a public sector duty to promote gender equality - commonly referred to as the 'gender duty'.

The Government is seeking views on its proposals to ensure that the public sector can better meet the needs of men and women.

These new regulations are being introduced to update the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and ensure that it is in line with EU Directives on Disability Discrimination for employment and Vocational Training

These new regulations are being introduced to update the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) and ensure that it is in line with EU Directives on Disability Discrimination for employment and Vocational Training

Consultation on changes to the Recycling Credits Scheme (2005)

Alternative penalties for health and safety offences

The consultation seeks views on what the strategic priorities for Scotland's rail should be

Draft Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2006

Consultation on criteria for waste PFI projects

The Agency is seeking comments on a draft Code of Practice (CoP) on the enforcement of animal feedingstuffs legislation in the UK. The CoP has been drafted in response to a recommendation from the European Commission...

This seeks views on a proposal from the European Commission for a for a programme of community action in the field of health and consumer protection for the years 2007 to 2013.

Equality Impact Assessment Programme 2005-2007

The purpose of this consultation is to invite comments on potential amendments to UK legislation to one, implement the possible lifting of the EU ban on the export of bovines and bovine products from the UK and ...

The Agency is seeking comments on a draft Code of Practice (CoP) on the enforcement of animal feedingstuffs legislation in the UK, attached at Annex A. The CoP has been drafted in response to a recommendation from...

The Agency is seeking comments on a draft Code of Practice (CoP) on the enforcement of animal feedingstuffs legislation in the UK. The CoP has been drafted in response to a recommendation from the European Commission...

This consultation is looking at the possible implementation of several new CFR codes to ensure that extended school activities are captured consistently across all maintained English schools. Please note that as...

This consultation is part of the Review of National Minimum Standards and associated legislative framework for adult social care, announced on 27th October 2004.

This consultation seeks views on how to implement the decision by the ALB review to abolish the National Biological Standards Board and transfer its functions (currently discharged through the National Institute...

Consultation on the Evidence and Innovation Strategy 2005-08

Consumer Protection (Northern Ireland) Order 1987

Consultation on proposed changes to the Patent Office's business hours for receiving and according dates to applications, forms and other documentation

Code of Practice for Traders on Price Indications

This consultation letter seeks views on the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's (MCA) proposals for implementing Council Directive 2002/44/EC (the "Vibration Directive"), which introduces provisions intended to improve...

This consultation paper sets out proposals designed to ensure the appropriate use of judicial resources, particularly at High Court level

Power to Promote or Improve Economic, Social and Environmental Well-Being: Draft Guidance

Defra welcomes your views on the enclosed draft Statutory Instrument (SI) we have prepared that implements in England and Wales EC Regulation 2003/2003 for fertilisers with regard to those areas left for national...

This consultation is intended to contribute to the development of quality standards for SEN Support and Outreach Services with a strong focus on strengthening inclusion. The standards would apply to all SEN advisory...

This consultation seeks views on a first set of proposed amendments to the Greenhouse Gas Trading Regulations 2005 with respect to missing and late installations, surrender of permits, powers to delay the issues...

Consultation on draft Magnox decision document

The items addressed by this consultation are the dressings, incontinence appliances, stoma appliances, chemical reagents and other appliances listed in part IX of the Drug Tariff and related items in secondary care...

Proposed Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness, Equipment and Use) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2005

This document provides guidance to the Environment Agency on the regulation of Article 3(2)(b) of the High-activity Sealed Radioactive Sources and Orphan Sources Directive (Council Directive 2003/122/Euratom).

Consultation on options for local authority statutory performance standards on recycling and composting in 2007/08

Consultation on the amendments to the plant breeders' rights legislation

Driver licence EQIA

Draft Planning Reform (Northern Ireland) Order

The aim of this consultation exercise is to ensure that the published Cancer Research Network Measures are comprehensive and clear and to invite your comments on them.

Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Amendments Order 2006: A paper for consultation

The Patent Office is reviewing the fee structure and levels for patents, trade marks, registered designs and unregistered design right. Before deciding how to proceed with detailed proposals and to a formal consultation...

'Framework for Change' A Proposed Strategy for the future of Northern Ireland's Public Library Service

This document sets out the draft principles that the Gambling Commission will apply in exercising its functions under the Gambling Act 2005. It is issued in accordance with section 23 of the Act.

This consultation document has been written for all those involved in the management of healthcare waste and provides practical advice and guidance for waste producers.

During the Autumn of 2004, Defra performed a consultation on the future strategic direction of the National Scrapie Plan (NSP). However this consultation exercise did not address the needs of the rare breeds of ...

Consultation on TSE Breeding Programme for Rare Breeds of Sheep

The Patent Office is undertaking a review of its statutory forms with a view to reducing the administrative burden on external users. We also want to make more forms available for electronic filing and case file...