Central Hall, Westminster, United Kingdom, 31 January 2006 (Embargoed until 6.30pm UK time. Please check against delivery.)

Contact Group Ministers together with the EU High Representative, the EU Presidency, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, the NATO Secretary-General and UN representatives including the UN Special Status Envoy...

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath yesterday underlined the cost of sickness absence to the British economy. The latest estimate puts the cost to the economy at around £12 billion per year, with absenteeism in the...

The international community today launched the five-year Afghanistan Compact together with the Government of Afghanistan, assuring continued high-level global support for Afghanistan over the coming years.

Contact Group Ministers together with the EU High Representative, the EU Presidency, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, the NATO Secretary-General and UN representatives including the UN Special Status Envoy...

Response to consultation - "Tourism is everyone's Business"

Defra has today published a statement of forthcoming legislation. The statement sets out when in 2006 new regulations impacting businesses and the public at large will take effect. This statement is part of a cross...

This consultation document invites views and comments on the draft Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) forms, prescribed information and accompanying guidance as outlined in the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (sections 9-...

Bulletin providing statistics on the number and type of community orders and social enquiry reports.

The first Two Year Settlement, providing local government in England with stable and truly predictable funding, was confirmed today by Local Government Minister Phil Woolas.

Homebuilding on previously developed land has hit a new record high of 72 per cent, new figures show today.

The number of women and people from minority ethnic groups appointed as judges and tribunal members in England and Wales continues to rise, to the point that there are almost twice as many as there were ten years...

"Birmingham should play its part in the debate about the country's future energy policy", Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks said today as he visited the city to meet businesses, environmental groups and other stakeholders...

Asked what the Prime Minister would be discussing with Kofi Anan, the PMOS said they would discuss a wide range of issues. Obviously they would discuss Iran and the Middle East Peace Process among other things....

Asked if the Prime Minister was satisfied that the joint statement referring Iran to the UN Security Council had been worded strongly enough, the PMOS said that we should be clear what our goal here was. Our goal...

Asked for the Prime Minister's reaction to the 100th British casualty in Iraq, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that first and foremost the Prime Minister was deeply saddened by this death, as...

The PM has met with Afghan President Karzai as they host a major international conference on the redevelopment of Afghanistan. Read Mr Blair's statement and see images from the event here.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Iraq, Iran and Kofi Annan

The British Association of Removers (BAR) Consumer Code of Practice has successfully completed the first stage of the OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.

The ways in which water companies should prepare and publish their plans for managing water resources are the subject of a Government consultation launched today.

Statistical Bulletin: SVDLS 2005

The report sets out the finalised model policies on the built environment and natural heritage, which are suitable for most local authorities to use in the preparation of new development plans.

Exclusions of pupils from local authority schools during 2004/05.

Cancer in Scotland: Radiotherapy Activity Planning 2011-15

Findings from the Survey of English Housing (SEH), focusing on the issues of domestic fires and fire safety measures were published today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).

The majority of Met Office weather forecasts will now be produced in Exeter, while Aberdeen will maintain a key role in providing services to the marine community, Defence Minister Don Touhig announced today.

English farmers will start receiving full payments in February under the Single Payment Scheme, Farming Minister Lord Bach confirmed today.

Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare

UK population to rise by 7m by 2031

Asked if it was still a quiet week, the PMOS said yes and it was likely to continue to be so....

Asked about the Written Ministerial Statement (WMS) on troops stationed in Germany, the PMOS said it was about what would happen with the number of troops in Germany, which would be rebalanced under the Future Army...

Asked if the Prime Minister had made any representations over the takeover of French steelmaker Arcelor by Laksmi Mittal, the PMOS said he was not aware of any representations....

Asked if there would be a read out of dinner, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said he was not aware of any plans to do a briefing afterwards given the nature of the meeting but they should check with...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Jack Straw's dinner, Arcelor, Troops stationed in Germany and Reshuffle

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has issued the following Statement:

The masterplan for the Olympic Park was largely developed in the second half of 2003 by the EDAW consortium and outline planning permissions were secured in autumn 2004. The candidate file submitted to the International...

In my statement on 12 December 2005, Official Report, columns 1119–21, following my appearance at the Public Administration Select Committee oral evidence session on the operation of the FEPOW scheme, I told the...

My predecessor announced to the House on 16 December 2004, Official Report, column 1795, that under the future Army structures, we intend to re-role an Armoured Brigade to a Mechanised Brigade and a Mechanised Brigade...

The General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) will be held on 30 January in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and I will represent the UK.The agenda items are as follows:General AffairsAnnual...

The Employment and Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Informal Council was held on 19 to 21 January in Villach, Austria.My hon. Friend the Member for Bradford, South the Minister for Employment Relations...

Tony Blair has texted a message of support to a national campaign which is aiming to increase the awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer.

Commando Engineers from 59 Independent Commando Engineers Squadron, North Devon, and 42 Commando Royal Marines, part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, Plymouth, return this week from the earthquake disaster region...

The 4th Armoured Brigade, currently based in Osnabruck and Munster garrisons in Germany, will return to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire by 2008/09, Defence Secretary John Reid announced today.

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt today announced a fundamental shift in focus that will provide integrated health and social care services in local communities and closer to people's homes.

The Our health, our care, our say White Paper published today, sets out the vision to provide communities with the best possible NHS and social care services.

Tony Blair paid a visit to north London to see for himself how a wide variety of healthcare can be delivered directly within a local community.

Personalised health advice and support, provided within easy reach of everyone, lies at the heart of new government plans.

You now have the chance to pose a question to Dr David Colin-Thome, a GP who works as the government's director for Primary Care. Ask him about any aspect of the new health White Paper.

Consultation on National Scenic Areas (NSAs)

Three applications to discharge effluent to the Atlantic Ocean will be the subject of an inquiry requested by the Defra Secretary of State Margaret Beckett.

Over the last year we have seen growing evidence of climate change. Indeed, statistics suggest that 2005 is the second warmest year on record. The Arctic sea ice shrank to its lowest extent last summer and devastating...

Asked to comment on the IMC report, the PMOS said that the IMC were due to deliver a report today. Asked to comment on the leak in the Irish Times, the PMOS said he had read the Irish Times this...

Asked if the Prime Minister was happy with the huge profits that QinetiQ had made, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister would agree with John Reid, who had set out the case on Thursday. The Government had only ...

Asked if David Blunkett was right to say that there was a new understanding between the Chancellor and the Prime Minister, the PMOS replied that he had nothing to add to what the Prime Minister did not say this ...

Asked if the Prime Minister was flattered or embarrassed that David Cameron had praised the Prime Minister in his speech, the PMOS replied that the Prime Minister would get on with his job, but would leave it to...

Asked for further information on what the Prime Minister would say in his Europe speech later this week, the PMOS said it would be a broad vision of where he saw Europe at the moment....

Asked what the feelings were about Hamas, the PMOS said the onus was on Hamas to make its position clear. Was it a political force, or was it committed to violence? It had to make its choice. The key facts...

Asked if there might be a formal response to the Select Committee about the education reforms, the PMOS replied that we were in a process where people were contributing to the debate. As the PMOS had said last week...

Asked if the Prime Minister was going to raise the issue of extraordinary rendition with Dr. Rice during their meeting, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister had set out the position on rendition, therefore it did...

Asked what were the objectives for the talks involving Dr. Rice and others about Iran, the PMOS said that the primary reason people were in London was for the conference on Afghanistan. There would be 60 delegations...

Asked if the Prime Minister was delaying a reshuffle because he wanted to keep junior Ministers in line over education reforms, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied that it was much obvious a question...

The Downing Street website is hosting a webchat this week with Margaret Hodge MP, the minister responsible for welfare reform. Pose your question here.

The Queen has approved that Richard Butt MA BA, be re-appointed a member of Churches Conservation Trust.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Reshuffle, Afghanistan-Iran, Rendition, Select Committee response, Hamas, Europe Speech, David Cameron, David Blunkett, QinetiQ Shares and IMC Report...

Minutes of meeting held on 20 December 2005.

Research report commissioned on behalf of SEED: Pupil Support and Inclusion Division in response to a recommendation by the Expert Panel on School Meals for an evaluation of the implementation of the recommendations...

A web only full report accompanying Research Findings No 14

The organization tasked with the smooth running of England's trunk roads and motorways is to be strengthened by two new Financial Directors, Highways Agency Chief Executive Archie Robertson announced today.

On 22 June 2005 the Scottish Executive published a consultation paper – Finding Practical Solutions to Complex Needs inviting comments on options being considered for changing the arrangements for supported further...

Spring Budget Revision 2005-06

Provides detailed statistics about road accidents, accident costs, vehicles involved, drivers and riders, drink-drive accidents, drivers breath tested, and casualties.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley visits Manchester and Merseyside today (30th January) as part of a national sustainable development tour to see green housing developments, energy-saving schemes and efforts by...

The search is on to find the UK city, town, place or area that best exemplifies the enterprise spirit, with the launch today of the DTI's Enterprising Britain 2006 competition.

The Minister For Europe, Douglas Alexander today made the following statement:

Professor Klaus Schwab has been awarded an honorary knighthood in recognition of his contribution to UK global priorities of safeguarding the environment and reducing poverty through sustainable development. This...

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson today announced the appointment of Andrew Cahn as the new Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

The Action Plan focuses on 4 key themes: Education, Sport, Faith and Marches & Parades

Guidance on what farmers/crofters should expect at an inspection by SEERAD staff.

Busy commuters will now be able to see a doctor or nurse on their way to and from work at the first of the UK's NHS Walk-in centres for commuters.

Findings from a comprehensive survey of the Scottish Executives's stakeholders undertaken in Autumn 2005, exploring the effectiveness of engagement between the SE and stakeholders, and performance of the SE against...

The OFT has been officially recognised as one of the top 100 employers for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff in the UK.

New Chief Executive Appointed On Future Aircraft Carrier Project Peter McIntosh, Managing Director of VT Shipbuilding, has been appointed to head the Alliance Management Team on the MoD's Future Aircraft Carrier...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today signed a ground-breaking partnership agreement with EEF, the manufacturers' organisation, to promote effective health and safety management across manufacturing industries...

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has presented a petition in the High Court to wind up two Norfolk scaffolding companies in the public interest.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and Trade and Industry Secretary Alan Johnson today announced the appointment of Andrew Cahn as the new Chief Executive of UK Trade & Investment (UKTI).

Asked if the Prime Minister was happy with the value that was obtained for QinetiQ shares in the first sale, the PMOS replied that John Reid had set out the position on that this morning. The Government had only...

Asked for the No10 reaction to the Education Select Committee report on the White Paper, the PMOS said that what we recognised and welcomed was that there was support for independent trust schools and for local ...

Asked if we agreed with what he had said, the PMOS replied that Sir Ian Blair had spoken himself this morning. It was therefore better for him to set out what he was he was trying to say, and also...

Put that Dr. Rice had called on governments to stop giving aid to Palestine until Hamas renounced violence, and what was our position on it, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied that the Prime ...

The Downing Street website is hosting a webchat next week with Margaret Hodge MP, the minister responsible for welfare reform. Pose your question here.

The last few days have seen new welfare policy, the launch of a multi-faith community initiative, the PM's monthly press conference and Holocaust Memorial Day.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Hamas, Sir Ian Blair, Education Select Committee report and QinetiQ Shares

The Government is making £121 million available for the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFGs) in England this year, up 17 per cent on last year.

CORRECTED VERSION

The Prime Minister has today appointed Sir David Omand to the Board of the Natural History Museum for a period of four years.

Report of the Scottish Local Authorities Remuneration Committee

The Under Secretary of State for Defence, Don Touhig MP, has announced the outcome of the competition, launched in September 2005, to find a new Chief Executive of the Met Office.

Traditional values must be fused with dynamic 21st century skills to deliver better advice to Ministers and services to the public - that was the message today from the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil...

The Cabinet Secretary and the First Civil Service Commissioner will tomorrow launch consultation on a new Civil Service Code. The Civil Service Code, which was introduced in 1996, sets out the duties and responsibilities...

My noble Friend the Secretary of State has made the following written ministerial statement in the other place today:"I am pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen has appointed Sir John Brigstocke KCB as ...

The provision for the Government Indemnity Scheme is made by the National Heritage Act 1980. The scheme facilitates public access to loans of works of art and other objects for public display made to museums, galleries...

On 5 December 2005, I informed the House that I had issued for consultation a provisional local government finance settlement for 2006–07 giving indicative grant increases for that year and for 2007–08. The consultation...

Today the Social Exclusion Unit in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is publishing a major report entitled "A Sure Start to Later Life: Ending Inequalities for Older People".The report highlights:that significant...

In July 2004 we announced that we were to fund an additional 170 training places for dentists. A Joint Implementation Group (JIG) comprising representatives of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE...

On 5 December 2005, I informed the House that I had issued for consultation a provisional police finance settlement for 2006–07 giving indicative grant increases for that year and for 2007–08. The consultation period...

I have published the Government's response to the public consultations carried out on its proposals for the future of electoral registration and the regulation of political donations in Northern Ireland.The consultation...

Following appropriate consultation and in accordance with Section 10 of the Intelligence and Security Act 1994, I have appointed the right hon. Michael Ancram QC DL MP as a member of the Intelligence and Security...

The DTI has today published its Annual Statement of Common Commencement Dates (CCDs) and other forthcoming proposals. This shows the extension of CCDs to all domestic regulatory areas of DTI. The Statement lists...

The Dartford—Thurrock Crossing Road User Charging Scheme accounts for 2004–05 are published today under section 3(1)(b) of the Trunk Road Charging Schemes (Bridges and Tunnels) (Keeping of Accounts) (England) Regulations...

Further to my statement to the House on 5 July 2005, I am today publishing guidance on the operation of the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF). Copies are today being placed in the Library of the House, published on...

Today we have published a consultation document on the implementation of the provisions in the Railways Act 2005 relating to network changes. The consultation covers the guidance which the Secretary of State is ...

On behalf of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Benefit Fraud Inspectorate (BFI) has today announced its Phase 14 programme of work.BFI inspections in this programme will include...

Victoria Cross (VC) holder Private Johnson Beharry yesterday (Thursday) dedicated new and improved accommodation for soldiers at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) to VC holders.

Tony Blair has urged that efforts to restore Northern Ireland's assembly must make significant progress during 2006.

Tony Blair joined holocaust survivors and their rescuers at a remembrance service in Cardiff for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Tony Blair has sent a New Year message to the Chinese community, saying it was a chance "to reflect on how we all gain from the diversity in our society".

Tony Blair spoke about climate change, education, police reform, trade and Africa during his weekly Question Time session.

On hearing of the agreement of the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) to meet in Geneva in February to discu

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