The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today announced that he has appointed Sir David Cooksey to lead a review to build agreement on the best institutional arrangements for the new single fund for health... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, today set out details of the new office of Charity and Third Sector Finance, to be based in the Treasury and foreshadowed in the Budget last week. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

26 specific grants to be included from 07/08 - Read more Comment (0), Email this.

GPs encouraged to tackle more long-term conditions, including dementia, depression, kidney disease and obesity - Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Analysis of responses to the Best Value in Public Services consultation Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The responsibility for railway health and safety regulation is transferring from the Health and Safety Commission and Executive (HSC/E) to the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) on 1 April 2006. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

New, independent research published by the Government today shows the benefits mums and dads are experiencing as a result of family friendly legislation introduced since the last survey in 2002. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

This week the PM has been in Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. We have full details on what he's been up to, with news stories, transcripts and pictures. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Provides information and contact details for ongoing, forthcoming and recently published social research projects relevant to social justice in the various SE departments and Communities Scotland. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Fifty-nine Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) that were previously poor performers on planning have turned the corner by meeting their development control targets. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Guidance on how the planning system can help preserve and enhance England's most valuable habitats was launched today by Planning Minister, Baroness Kay Andrews. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Council Tax (New Valuation Lists For England) Bill has received Royal Assent. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Business growth in areas which have a long-standing dearth of inward investment and high levels of unemployment shortage was today boosted by the announcement of the second round of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

More than half a million people, including victims of crime and those facing difficulties over employment, benefits, special educational needs, and immigration matters will benefit under the new Tribunals Service... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government laid proposals before Parliament today which will amend the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and the Agriculture Tenancies Act 1995 in order to provide a more flexible framework for agricultural lettings... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, today announced her intention to appoint Poul Christensen as the Deputy Chair of Natural England, the new statutory body with responsibility... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The NHS Appointments Commission has announced the re-appointment of Professor Gordon Duff to the post of Chair of the National Biological Standards Board (NBSB). This appointment is from 1 January 2006 until 31 ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Mr Fraser Wheeler has been appointed to be British High Commissioner to the Co-operative Republic of Guyana in succession to Mr Stephen Hiscock. Mr Wheeler will take up his new appointment during the middle of 2006... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Foreign Secretary today said: Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A guidance pack for practitioners on the Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 and the use of special measures for vulnerable witnesses giving evidence. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Firework injuries in Scotland, 2005 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Community Planning Advice Note on Children and Young People - Consultation responses Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT has rejected an application for a credit licence for Romford based car retailer Multilink Trade Limited. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A mobile phone company based in Bexley has had its application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Inspirational projects that are making a real difference to people's lives are being invited to enter the Deputy Prime Minister's Award for Sustainable Communities 2006. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OFFICE OF PUBLIC SECTOR INFORMATION Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Regulations made today apply waste management controls to agricultural waste for the first time in England and Wales. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Companies working at the cutting edge of nanotechnology are being invited to share their knowledge with the Government through a voluntary reporting scheme. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Offenders going through two community justice courts in northern England could have their community penalty assessed as they carry out their sentence. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Main Points This Month Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The NHS is still delivering fast access to hospital care and making significant reductions to waiting lists despite winter pressures, new figures released today by the Department of Health show. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Link to NHS Information Services prescribing statistics website Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The document sets out for consultation Scottish Ministers’ policies for gardens and designed landscapes in respect of their identification and protection, the management of change, and how Historic Scotland will... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) is a new series of policy documents that sets out Scottish Ministers' strategic policies for the historic environment and the operational policies that Historic Scotland... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The first operational Typhoon squadron, No. 3(Fighter) Squadron, forms today at RAF Cottesmore, in Rutland a day before the Royal Air Force marks its 88th Anniversary. This marks a key milestone in the transition... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

As part of a review being conducted by Sir Gus O'Donnell, the Cabinet Secretary, into the role and functions of the Cabinet Office, I can announce our intention to establish the National School of Government as ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am today publishing a report on Departments' and Agencies' performanceon handling Members' and Peers' correspondence for 2005. Details are set out in the attached table. Departmental figures are based on substantive... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

HM Revenue and Customs will be publishing tomorrow on their website draft Finance Bill provisions that clarify how inheritance tax rules will apply to members of registered pension schemes on and after 6 April 2006... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have today set the following key performance indicators for the Valuation Office Agency for 2006–07:CUSTOMER SATISFACTIONTo achieve overall customer satisfaction of 88 per cent.OperationsEnable prompt issue of... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The key targets have been set for the Chief Executive of the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA) for the financial year 2006–07. The Targets build upon progress made by the Agency since it formed... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce that a contract will be signed today with BAE Systems Insyte for the first increment of the Falcon Secure Trunk Communication System. Falcon will provide a modern, secure communications ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to inform the House that today we will be establishing a new executive non-departmental public body in England—FiReBuy Limited.In November 2005 the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published the ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Following a detailed evaluation of the bids from EADS Defence and Security Systems Ltd and O2 Airwave Ltd, I am announcing today that the Firelink contract has been let to O2 Airwave Ltd. This contracts ODPM to ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

In December I announced the first provisional allocations for the 2006–07 round of planning delivery grant in England, the majority of which is a performance-related grant paid to local authorities in recognition... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

My statement to the House of Commons on 28 March re-affirmed our commitment to secure the continued affordability and viability of the Local Government Pension Scheme and to provide secure, equality-proofed pensions... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce that, following consideration of the responses to public consultation, I have today laid before Parliament the Waste Management (England and Wales) regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006 No. 937), ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I represented the United Kingdom at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels on 20 March 2006.The Council adopted two regulations on the protection of geographical indications (GIs) and designations... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will shortly be publishing a revised Guide to the European Union (EU). At the same time the FCO will launch an updated Britain in the EU section of its website. The EU Guide... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am responding on behalf of my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to the Twenty-first Report of the Review Body for Nursing and Other Health Professions (NOHPRB) and the Thirty-fifth Report of the Review Body... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am announcing today statistics relating to antisocial behaviour orders (ASBOs).An ASBO is a civil order that protects the community from behaviour that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today the Government have published statistics on Race and the Criminal Justice System. The statistics, published under section 95 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, are one of the main sources of information available... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today we are publishing the Government's response to the consultation paper, "Restructuring Probation to Reduce Reoffending", published on 20 October 2005.On 9 February 2006 we set out our five-year strategy for... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Fifth Report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) on the pay of in-charge governors and operational managers, prison officers and related grades in England and Wales in 2006 has been published today... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Parliamentary and Other Pensions Act 1987 requires the Government Actuary to make triennial reports on the financial position of the Parliamentary Contributory Pension Fund. His latest report, dealing with the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have placed in the Libraries of both Houses a copy of a DFID report, "The UK and the World Bank 2005".This report explains the UK's work with the World Bank from the start of the bank's financial year 2005 (known... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have placed copies of the Northern Ireland Prison Service's Corporate and Business Plan for 2006–09 in the Libraries of both Houses.The Corporate and Business Plan contains key performance targets I have set for... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The fourth report of the Prison Service Pay Review Body (PSPRB) on the pay of governor and officer grades in the Northern Ireland Prison Service has been published today.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

In answer to questions in the House of Commons on 17 November 1966, the then Prime Minister, the right hon. Harold Wilson MP, said that he had given instructions that there was to be no tapping of the telephones... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The 28th report of the Review Body on Senior Salaries, which makes recommendations about the pay of the senior civil service, senior military personnel and the judiciary, is being published today. Copies are in ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have this week written to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, to confirm that I have approved its first strategy. Full details will be provided by the NDA when it publishes the strategy later today.After carefully... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am making today a statement to the House to announce the Government's decision on the high level regulatory regime to be put in place to regulate offshore electricity transmission.This is a key step in the delivery... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have set Companies House the following targets for the year 2006–07:To ensure that the following services: Companies House Direct, WebCheck, and Web-Filing, are available for 99 per cent. of the time between the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government are publishing today our strategy to protect vulnerable workers and support good employers. The document sets out the Government's commitments on employment relations policy.The Government have combined... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government are aware of the concerns that have been expressed by the London borough of Tower Hamlets and others in the borough about the impacts of Crossrail in Tower Hamlets. Many of those concerns centre on... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am announcing today the Secretary of State's targets for 2006–07 in respect of the Driver, Vehicle and Operator Group.My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport (Alistair Darling), has set a range... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I attended the Transport Council in Brussels on 27 March.The Council's main item was a debate on the draft Public Service Obligation (PSO) regulation which would provide new rules for public funding of rail and ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Highways Agency's 2006–07 business plan is published today and contains eight key indicators for the agency to deliver by 31 March 2007. These are: Indicator 06–07 Target Deliver the PSA target to make journeys... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce the Secretary of State for Transport's targets for 2006–07 in respect of the Government Car and Despatch Agency (GCDA). The Secretary of State has set a range of high-level targets for the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today the Department for Transport has published the North East Regional Planning Assessment for the railways (RPA), the second in a series of 11 RPAs covering England and Wales. The north-east RPA covers the north... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have today approved the operational cases submitted by the 38 safety camera partnerships in England and Wales to enable them to continue as part of the national safety camera programme in 2006–07.As my right hon... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I reported on 14 February 2006 that my Department has been considering its future relationship with London and Continental Railways (LCR) who are responsible for the construction and operation of Channel Tunnel ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The approval of the Department for Work and Pensions spring supplementary estimate via the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No 2) Bill will not occur until the end of the month. Parliamentary approval for additional... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce changes to the discretionary loans scheme from 3 April 2006.We have greatly simplified the rules for determining the size of the maximum budgeting loan amount that can be offered to eligible... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am today able to announce the annual performance targets in 2006–07 for each of the executive agencies of the Department for Work and Pensions. The targets I have agreed are set out below.Further information on... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce that the gross discretionary social fund budget for 2006–07 will be £842 million.This includes an increase in net treasury funding of £120 million. The increase is the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

More than 12,000 UK reservists have made a "very valuable contribution" to operations in Iraq since 2003, receiving particular praise for their adaptability and high skill levels, according to a National Audit Office... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A blueprint for coherent reform of the way law is done was unveiled today by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Update on Scottish Executive action on recommendations within the Strategic Group on Women's Report: "Improving the position of women in Scotland: an agenda for action" Read more Comment (0), Email this.

An evaluation of the Glasgow and Fife Drug Courts and their aim to reduce drug use and drug related reoffending. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

To seek views of consultees on proposed approach to the regulation and any additions they would like to see made to it. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

This consultaton document sets out a strategic framework for the promotion and support of breastfeeding and other aspects of infant nutritution through integrated multi-agency action, and invites all those who are... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Scotland Climate Change Programme Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Scotland's Climate Change programme Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Edward Cousins, the Adjudicator to HM Land Registry, is pleased to announce the appointment of the following persons as full-time Deputy Adjudicators to the Office of the Adjudicator, namely, Ann McAllister and ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today (March 30th) Lord Bach and the Rural Payments Agency met the British Bankers' Association and other representatives of the major lending banks to discuss the situation of farmers awaiting payment under the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Patients will benefit from new reforms giving power back to local NHS Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A group of former Chago islanders and their descendants today set off to visit their previous homes and family graves on the islands. The trip has been organised jointly by the Governments of Britain and Mauritius... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked if there was a decision not to go to Washington to make the third speech next week and if that was a result of something at our end, or was it at the American end, the PMOS replied that... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked what was happening next week on Northern Ireland, the PMOS said that we would announce it whenever we are ready to announce it. However, we had been in the process of putting together a package of proposals... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Put that throughout the debate about security issues in recent years, the Government had made repeatedly the point that the key thing was to listen to what the security professionals had said, and to take their ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked for further information regarding a mosque in Blackburn who had withdrawn its invitation to Condaleeza Rice to visit it this weekend, apparently because of the prospect of protests locally, and what was the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Put that the Spectator had reported that before the Prime Minister went on his trip, he and the Chancellor had met to discuss the succession, and it claimed they had agreed dates, that they had discussed the process... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Put that the Prime Minister had said in his speech last week that there were some people who just couldn't get past Iraq, and was he concerned that that seemed to include an awful lot of Muslims in Indonesia, the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Put that the BBC had been extensively reporting about the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) Investigation Board's report into the July 7th bombing, and did this represent a security breach, the PMOS replied... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) told journalists that before this trip had started, he had said that in many ways, this trip was an illustrated guide to speeches and the themes that the Prime Minister... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The OFT today referred the anticipated acquisition by Safenet Inc of nCipher plc to the Competition Commission (CC). Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Residents of the Thames Gateway are set to benefit from a funding boost of around £15 million for transport to support new homes, announced today by Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman and Minister for ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Army is to get a new air-portable battlefield communications network called FALCON under a contract worth in excess of £200m, Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson, announced today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Please note that the Highways Agency Business Plan is available from Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bill has today received Royal Assent and become an Act of Parliament. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill, which creates two new organisations charged with conserving and enhancing England's valuable natural environment and giving a stronger voice to rural communities... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

As the UK works toward reaching its own goals for halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010, it is also making considerable effort to help other countries meet their own targets. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Millions of consumers will enjoy greater protection from unscrupulous lenders as a result of the Consumer Credit Bill, which gets Royal Assent today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

DTI today announced that six organisations have been awarded contracts under the Sector Sustainability Challenge following a successful tender process. The Challenge is funded jointly by DTI and DFERA. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury, today announced a £52million investment in the next generation High End Computing service, HECToR. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Tony Blair has concluded his week-long trip to the Asia-Pacific region by holding talks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Jakarta. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Visit to Indonesia, Intelligence and Security Committee Report, Prime Minister's speeches/Iraq, Succession/Spectator, Dr. Condoleezza Rice visit, Wilson... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

An evaluation of the Glasgow and Fife Drug Courts and their aim to reduce drug use and drug related reoffending. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Chris Martin, currently a senior civil servant in HM Treasury's Finance and Industry Directorate, has been appointed Head of Communications at HM Treasury. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

An academy which has demonstrated the benefits of businesses and public organisations working together to improve deprived areas was today boosted by a further two-year grant from the Government. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Housing and Planning Minister, Yvette Cooper, today announced final allocations for a £135 million cash injection in to the planning system, with the latest allocation of the Planning Delivery Grant (PDG... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Important new measures to boost Government powers to tackle illegal working and strengthen UK borders became law today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Identity Cards Bill received Royal Assent today, placing on the statute book important measures which will help Britain meet the challenges of the 21st century. The National Identity Scheme will provide all ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Powerful new laws to help the police and law enforcement agencies tackle the threat of terrorism were given the go-ahead today as the Terrorism Bill received Royal Assent. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Government has today published a summary of responses to the recent consultation on the restructuring of the Probation Service. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Highways Agency Business Plan 2006/07 published Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Criminal Defence Service Bill, which includes provisions to ensure that defendants who can afford to pay for their defence costs are made to do so, today received Royal Assent. The new Act paves the way for ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Quote from Care Services Minister Liam Byrne Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Fire Minister Jim Fitzpatrick today announced that ODPM had let a contract for a new multi-million pound digital radio communications system that will help provide a modern more resilient Fire and Rescue Service... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A £160 million National Traffic Control Centre giving the fullest real time picture ever of what is happening across the motorway network will help drivers to plan their journeys better, by enabling them... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The National School of Government is to have more autonomy to develop its role as a centre of excellence for learning and development across the public sector. Cabinet Office Minister Jim Murphy announced to Parliament... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The fees local authorities charge for regulating air pollution and other emissions from industrial processes will increase, Defra announced today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Defra, on behalf of the United Kingdom Agricultural Departments, today published Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2005. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Figures produced by the Government show today that emissions of the basket of six greenhouse gases fell by about 14 1/2 per cent between the base year and 2005. The UK has agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A new strategy outlining the changes needed to improve the conditions in which ships are recycled has been published today for consultation. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt today announced 'fair and affordable' pay awards for NHS staff. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Protecting vulnerable workers, cracking down on rogue employers and lightening the load for legitimate business will be the focus of the Government's employment relations policy for this Parliament. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The drive to increase Britain's offshore wind energy was given a significant boost today as details were announced of how their connection to the electricity network onshore would be funded and operated. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A report out today shows the UK has made progress in raising productivity. High productivity is harder to achieve when employment is high, yet this has been achieved as the economy creates record numbers of jobs... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

People on low incomes will be able to access affordable loans more easily after changes to the Social Fund were announced today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked for a reaction to the report on Deepcut, the PMOS said that we had had the review, which the MOD had made clear was a detailed and painstaking report. It did contain serious recommendations, which would be... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked when the Prime Minister planned to meet newly elected Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, the PMOS said that the phone call between the Prime Minister and Mr Olmert had taken place literally just before Mr... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked what the objectives were for the visit to Indonesia, the PMOS said that in terms of police co-operation, that would be one of the issues discussed tomorrow. There had already been close co-operation as could... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked if the Government had a strategy to rescue the ID cards Bill from pinging back and forth between the Commons and the Lords, the PMOS said that the consistent majority of votes in the Commons for ID cards reflected... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked if the Prime Minister had told John Prescott his timetable, the PMOS referred journalists to the John Prescott's words at PMQs. Asked what those words meant, the PMOS said that was for them to work out. Asked... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked if Ashok Kumar still had his job, the PMOS said that this was a matter for the chief whip. Asked if the Prime Minister had a view on Mr Kumar appearing to say that the Prime Minister should leave... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Asked if the Prime Minister might be required to give evidence to the police as part of their investigation into political funding, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that he didn't give a running... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Police Investigation, Ashok Kumar, John Prescott, ID Cards Bill, Indonesia, Israel and Deepcut Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Local authorities in England and Wales are continuing to take action against anti-social behaviour, according to the latest set of quarterly ASBO statistics published today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The fees local authorities charge for regulating air pollution and other emissions from industrial processes will increase, Defra announced today. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, today launched a nationwide clampdown on litter as part of a package of new powers for local authorities. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Defra today published provisional 2005 estimates for its climate change sustainable development indicator, as well as final figures for 2004 air pollutant emissions for the UK. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

STATISTICAL PRESS RELEASE Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Productivity growth increases Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Experimental: 0.9% 3 monthly rise into Jan Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Nations across the world have to be "very bold" if they are to tackle the environmental problems facing us all, Tony Blair stressed during a speech in New Zealand. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally cleared the anticipated acquisition of Ottakar's plc by HMV Group plc through Waterstone's Booksellers Ltd, after concluding that the merger would not lead to a ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

It is expected that the Finance Bill will be published on Friday 7 April. Explanatory Notes on the Bill's clauses will be available in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office and in the Libraries of both Houses... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Following the publication in November 2005 of "Transformational Government—enabled by technology" (Cm 6683) I am today giving notice of the publication of an implementation plan for that strategy.Transformational... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Charges to cover the costs of local enforcing authorities in regulating processes which are subject to Part I of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Local Air Pollution Control (LAPC)) were introduced in April... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

On 4 April 2005, the then Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office with responsibility for human rights, my hon. Friend the Member for Harlow (Bill Rammell), announced to the House the beginning... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The approval of the Department's Spring Supplementary Estimate via the Consolidated Fund (Appropriation) (No 2) Bill will not occur until the end of the month. Parliamentary approval for additional resources of &... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today I am publishing a report on the review of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act public consultation. The consultation ran from 16 August to 25 November 2005. A total of 535 responses were received from... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

In my written ministerial statements dated 1 December 2005 and 14 December 2005, I explained that I had agreed that proposals for the reconfiguration of strategic health authorities (SHAs), the reconfiguration of... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

During the debate on the Forensic Science Service Trading Fund (Revocation) Order 2005, which took place on Wednesday 14 December, I undertook to clarify the criteria we intend to apply when considering whether ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Department for International Development (DFID) will launch its Disaster Risk Reduction Policy on 30 March 2006. This policy provides a framework for DFID to integrate disaster risk reduction measures more effectively... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Chairman of the Robert Hamill Inquiry, Sir Edwin Jowitt wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office on the 9 December to request formally that I convert the statutory basis of the Robert ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Today the Government are issuing a consultation paper—"Convicting Rapists and Protecting Victims—Justice for Victims of Rape", following a review of the law concerning rape.This paper sets out a range of proposals... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

My Department is announcing today that it is approving a proposal for ports development in the south-east—following a public inquiry in 2004—for the new Bathside Bay Container Terminal at Harwich. The Office of ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have today published a consultation paper which seeks views on proposed changes to the regulations governing on-road and off-road motor events, the Motor Vehicles (Competitions and Trials) Regulations 1969 (as... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Council tax, pensioners and education were on the agenda at this week's PMQs, taken by John Prescott in the absence of Tony Blair, who is overseas. You can watch the session again here, or read the transcript. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw today made a statement on the swearing in of the new Palestinian Authority Cabinet. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said: Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A package of measures to encourage 16 to 19 year olds to participate in education and training was launched today by Paymaster General, Dawn Primarolo, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform, Margaret Hodge, ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Transformational Government implementation plan was published today by the Cabinet Office.. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A United Nations avian flu awareness campaign has been boosted by a £50,000 donation from Defra. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

OFT publishes its Annual Plan 2006-07 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Nicholas Blake QC today published his independent report on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of four young soldiers at Princess Royal Barracks, Deepcut. Privates Sean Benton, Cheryl James, Geoff Gray and... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

"I warmly congratulate Ehud Olmert and the Kadima party on their election victory. We will have new governments in place in both Israel and the Palestinian Authority within the coming weeks. I hope that both sides... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Mr David Powell has been appointed to be Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway in succession to Mrs Mariot Leslie who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Powell will take... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Her Majesty The Queen today presented Dr Philip Muinde with an Honorary OBE, in recognition of his services to race and community relations, and his voluntary work. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Nations across the world have to be "very bold" if they are to tackle the environmental problems facing us all, Tony Blair has stressed. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Council tax, pensioners and education were on the agenda at this week's PMQs, taken by John Prescott in the absence of Tony Blair, who is overseas. The transcript of today's session will be available here later... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Victims of domestic and sexual violence will be better supported thanks to £2.5 million in new funding announced today by Baroness Scotland QC, Minister of State for Criminal Justice and Offender Management... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Transformational Government implementation plan was published today by the Cabinet Office. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Sea users, industries, and conservation groups now have a chance to influence proposals for new laws that will improve the management of the marine environment. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Whole Farm Approach, Defra's new web-based system designed to save England's farmers time and money, goes live today. It is now open to the country's 120,000 farms. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Tony Blair held talks with PM Helen Clark this morning on the latest leg of his overseas tour. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

A full report accompanying Insight 30 Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The evaluation, taking place between September 2004 and August 2005, was examining the views of key stake holders on initial planning and early implementation of the DtS strategy across Scotland. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The evaluation, taking place between September 2004 and August 2005, was examining the views of key stake holders on initial planning and early implementation of the DtS strategy across Scotland. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Research report by the Adoption Policy Review Group (APRG) looking at adoption law and processes in Scotland. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Presents the latest figures on Free Personal and Nursing Care in Scotland. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Statistical Release Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Annual 2005: UK deficit widens Read more Comment (0), Email this.

John Prescott is answering questions from MPs in Parliament as he stands in for Tony Blair, who is overseas. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

Figures released today by Consumer Direct show home improvement and maintenance work was the most complained about service during 2005. Read more Comment (0), Email this.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State and Lord Chancellor, has made the following written ministerial statement:"On 1 April 2006, I will launch the Tribunals Service. The new agency brings together... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs, my noble Friend the Baroness Ashton of Upholland, has made the following written ministerial statement."The following list sets ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (The Baroness Ashton of Upholland) has made the following written ministerial statement."The following list sets out the key performance targets that have... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I have today placed in the Library of the House the structured plan for the phased reduction of troops to peacetime levels, assuming the continued maintenance of an enabling environment, which the Government agreed... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

My statement to the House on 2 December 2005 set out the process by which the Government proposed to amend the local government pension scheme in England and Wales, subject to the outcome of the statutory consultation... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am pleased to announce that the Government and the devolved Administrations have today published the "UK Climate Change Programme 2006", to update the programme that we introduced in 2000.The UK has one of the... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

I am today laying before Parliament Government White Paper Command 6762, "Active Diplomacy for a Changing World: the UK's International Priorities".In a world of global communications and markets, our security and... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Department has set up a review group to consider the concerns that were set out in the case closure report from Ofcom, following its investigation into the price of telephone calls to hospital patients.The group... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

On 17 November 2005 I made a statement about developments at Styal prison following the tragic series of deaths of six women there and further work planned relating to women offenders. I outlined in that statement... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

On the 28 March 2006, I am publishing the Government's "Microgeneration Strategy". Publication fulfils the requirement under the Energy Act 2004 to publish a strategy for the promotion of microgeneration within ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.

The Greater London Authority Transport Grant for 2006–07 has today been determined by the Secretary of State for Transport at £2,389 million, following consultation with the Mayor of London. This is a ... Read more Comment (0), Email this.