The Foreign Office today revised its Travel Advice for Thailand and Sri Lanka. We advise against all but essential travel to affected resorts and towns along Thailand's west coast, in particular Phuket...

Briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on the New Year Honours List 2005.

People from all walks of life are honoured in the New Year Honours List for 2005.

New building regulations aimed at curbing the unacceptable number of deaths, injuries and house fires caused by faulty electrical installations, come into force on 1st January.   

The vast majority of people in England and Wales trust their neighbours according to the main findings from the 2003 Home Office Citizenship Survey, published today.   

The Highways Agency reports that all motorways and trunk roads routes in the North East are running smoothly except the A66 between Scotch Corner and the Cumbria Border which has been closed to high-sided...

A £600,000 scheme will light up a 1.25-mile stretch of the M53 in Wirral with the latest environmentally friendly lighting system.   

The Highways Agency reports that all motorways and trunk roads routes in the North East are running smoothly except the A66 between Scotch Corner and the Cumbria Border which has been closed to high-sided...

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has chartered a British Airways jumbo jet to bring people stranded by the disaster in south east Asia to the UK. The flight will leave Bangkok on Saturday January...

Briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on Earthquake Appeal/Prime Minister's Holiday.

REMINDER PRESS NOTICE The second phase of maintenance work to improve safety on the A1 between Carlton-on-Trent and North Muskham, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, is due to begin on Tuesday, 4 Jan 2005.   

Healthcare professionals throughout England will receive help in the fight to tackle obesity thanks to £3 million of extra government funding, Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson announced today.   

Kebab shops, burger bars and hotdog vans that attract alcohol-fuelled violence face closure under new rules that come into force next year.

The United Kingdom has dispatched aid to families made homeless by the Asian earthquake and tsunamis.

New diversion route signs will be installed on the A1 near Peterborough to help reduce congestion following an unplanned incident or during maintenance work.   

Kebab shops, burger bars and hotdog vans could, from next year, be shut down if they are attracting alcohol-fuelled violence and rowdy behaviour after the pubs have shut, Licensing Minister, Richard Caborn...

Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Nature Conservation, today launched a new strategy and action plan for the sustainable management of wild deer in England.   

Check against delivery   

SPEECH BY THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER, GORDON BROWN AT THE POLITICAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION AWARDS CEREMONY, LONDON   

The Chancellor announced a series of measures that promote productivity growth, flexibility and fairness, alongside high and stable levels of employment, in the East of England, today. The Government's...

The Chancellor announced a series of measures that promote productivity growth, flexibility and fairness, alongside high and stable levels of employment, in Yorkshire and the Humber, today. The Government...

The Government asked Sir Derek Morris to conduct a wide-ranging independent review of the UK actuarial profession. Sir Derek Morris has today published his interim assessment.   

Sir Andrew Turnbull wrote to Sir Nigel Wicks on November 20th 2003 about a proposed amendment to the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers set out in the Government's Response to the Committee's Ninth Report...

WITNESSES FOR THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER IN LONDON   

A prospective credit broker from Wolverhampton has had his application for a consumer credit licence refused by the OFT.   

A better coordinated approach to consumer education in the UK has been published by the OFT.   

Shoppers in Preston are being targeted by the OFT with hot shopping tips and advice as part of a major consumer awareness campaign.   

The £200 million property search sector will be the focus of a new market study by the OFT.   

A door-to-door collector of donated clothing has been stopped by the OFT from being involved with misleading advertisements that may lead people to think the collections are for charity.   

Householders can help protect their homes and families from unsafe electrics by following the advice outlined in a consumer leaflet published today (16th December) by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister...

Responding to the Audit Commission's announcement of the results of Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) for district councils in Suffolk today, Local Government Minister Nick Raynsford said:   

Not heeding the fire safety message this Christmas and New Year could be a matter of life and death, Fire Safety Minister Phil Hope warned today.   

Further Government measures to tackle the problems caused by unauthorised Gypsy and traveller developments were announced by the Minister for Housing and Planning Keith Hill today.   

A series of National events to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War was announced today by Ivor Caplin, Minister for Veterans. Her Majesty the Queen will lead the events taking...

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY/ INFORMATION:   

You're young, you want to see the world, you love food - well what better career can you find than to join the Royal Navy or the Royal Marines.   

It will be 'all hands on deck' when 12 Royal Navy Artificers (Engineering Technicians) from HMS Sultan arrive at the Gurdwara in Southampton on Monday 29 November for a week of paint stripping, cleaning...

The Royal Navy has today accepted into service one of the most technologically advanced warships ever to join the fleet - the 18,500 tonne HMS Bulwark.   

Savill Fabrications Limited was fined £4,000 at City of London Magistrates on 2 December 2004 following an HSE prosecution for a breach of health and safety law. The prosecution followed an HSE investigation...

Concern that migrant workers could be missing out on crucial health and safety training because their employers are not providing safety material in any language other than English has prompted the Health...

Andrew Brian Armitage and Bernard Greaves - who together trade as Birthday Bouncers from premises at Heaton Moor Rd, Heaton Moor, Stockport - were today each fined £2,500 and together ordered to pay £...

Crime partnerships across the South East are pledging to crackdown on drunken violence across the region over the Christmas period. A conference to be held in Kent today will bring together representatives...

The fight against violent crime received a boost today as the Home Secretary announced that he is considering a proposal to ban the sale of knives to under-18s.   

From today, police community support officers (CSOs) in the Durham Constabulary area could have the power to detain suspects who refuse to provide their name and address, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears...

From today, police community support officers (CSOs) in North Yorkshire could have the power to detain suspects who refuse to provide their name and address, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced...

From today, police community support officers (CSOs) in Norfolk could have the power to detain suspects who refuse to provide their name and address, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.   

Roadworks are being removed from England's motorways and trunk roads - wherever it is safe to do so - to make journeys easier for travellers this Christmas.   

The next stage of the A14 safety scheme at Rookery Crossroads, Bury St Edmunds, comes into affect on Sunday 19 December with eastbound traffic transferring to a new temporary carriageway alongside the ...

A temporary ban is to be imposed on heavy goods vehicles using M53 Bidston Moss Viaduct from mid-January as a safety precaution after a rigorous analysis of the viaduct highlighted a potential need for...

Following this morning's advance warning of heavy snow from the Met Office, the Highways Agency is asking drivers to check weather forecasts and travel news before they set out this Christmas.   

Drivers, especially those using the highest routes in Northern England, are being advised to drive with extra care in the high winds which are affecting the country. Heavy rain showers are also expected...

The Financial Services Authority has today issued its publication scheme under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This can be found on our website at www.fsa.gov.uk/foi/ . We are also releasing Policy...

Directgov, the Government's new online service, has been given the thumbs up by users, delivering on its promise to improve the way that government information is made available and accessible electronically...

A Cabinet Office Spokesperson said:   

OPERATIONAL NOTE: STRICTLY NOT FOR PUBLICATION OR BROADCAST   

The Prime Minister's Office of Public Services Reform   

Sir Michael Bichard today asked the Government to report on progress in taking forward recommendations published in The Bichard Inquiry report earlier this year.   

Competition Commission invites evidence   

Chairman of the Competition Commission (CC) Professor Paul Geroski has welcomed the appointment of Christopher Clarke and Diana Guy as Deputy Chairmen of the CC. The appointments were announced today by...

The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally cleared the acquisition of LINPAC Containers Ltd by DS Smith Plc. After examining the merger's likely effects on the market for the supply of corrugated...

The Competition Commission (CC) has cleared the acquisition of LINPAC Containers Ltd by DS Smith Plc. After examining the merger's likely effects on the market for the supply of corrugated cardboard sheet...

Guidance on how the Competition Commission (CC) may apply divestiture remedies in merger cases is published today, following a public consultation exercise.   

The Criminal Cases Review Commission has referred the sentence of Mr Darren Michael Brown to the Court of Appeal.   

The new chairman of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Professor Graham Zellick, today outlined his plans for the future of the organisation.   

Excellence in customer service was the theme as dozens of courts and court staff were recognised at an awards ceremony in London today.   

An order was laid before Parliament today to give schools and Armed Forces provision to extend their deadlines to respond to information requests under the Freedom of Information Act in some circumstances...

New guidelines that set out precise details of how future courts should be designed and built have been published by Courts Minister Christopher Leslie.   

Police and the family courts in Greater Manchester will tomorrow (Wednesday 1 December) start testing a new way to reduce delay in domestic violence and child protection cases and tackle waste of police...

The Government has taken an important step to creating a simple system for the exchange of information between public bodies and the public under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, which takes full effect...

Heritage Minister Andrew McIntosh today announced plans to list a unique seaside structure in Bournemouth, Dorset. Built for the Festival of Britain, the Neck Building at Boscombe Pier dates from 1958-...

Budding young web designers are to get the chance to make their mark in a new initiative to celebrate internet design skills in the classroom. Arts Minister Estelle Morris launched the Web Design Challenge...

(ISSUED BY THE DCMS ON BEHALF OF THE FCO)   

Broadcasting Minister Andrew McIntosh today stressed that digital switchover must be a "truly inclusive revolution" as he welcomed the publication of a key report into the issue.   

Heritage Minister Andrew McIntosh has listed the neck or entrance building to Boscombe Pier in Bournemouth, Dorset at Grade II. The decision to list follows a public consultation.   

A recent exercise to test the extent to which pesticide companies meet their obligation to report human health incidents involving their products has been reported to ministers and is described in an Information...

Defra is helping more people enjoy countryside walks in the East of England by funding access improvements.   

At the conclusion of the European Union's Fisheries Council today in Brussels, agreement was reached on new measures to protect depleted stocks and on the fishing quotas for 2005.   

A Gloucestershire fishery will be able to take its first paying guests from mid-January 2005, after the development of holiday accommodation funded by Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).   

EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01HRS 24 DECEMBER 2004   

Health Secretary, John Reid, today published the implementation framework for the review of Department of Health's Arm's Length Bodies (ALB's), setting out the first steps in reducing the number of bodies...

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued new advice to patients and doctors about the group of antidepressants known as SSRI's, today.   

Reid pledges 4 million doses of vaccine for use in case of outbreak abroad   

The Department of Health today published a guide aimed at cutting Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in the South Asian Community. Heart disease is the biggest killer in the UK and South Asians living in the...

Denise Lewis, Girls Aloud, and Eastenders' Michael Phipps are just some of the stars who tell their stories to pioneering NHS magazine Your Life!, which hits the streets this week.   

New details on the eligibility requirement for occupational pension schemes seeking help from the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) were announced by the Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks.   

Ambition:Energy, a Jobcentre Plus programme that trains unemployed people to work in the gas industry has scooped a prestigious award.   

Reforms have been announced today so companies can encourage workers to join good pension schemes. Changes to the Financial Service and Market Act (FSMA) will now make it far easier for employers to promote...

The Employer Task Force on Pensions today presented its report into occupational pension schemes to Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with a clear warning that action needs to be ...

Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare   

The exceptional heritage of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire and Gloustershire has a new champion. English Heritage, the Government's lead body for the historic environment has appointed Robert...

A group of Black youngsters have been exploring Birmingham's urban landscape in a photography project run and supported by English Heritage.   

- Thought-provoking new research reveals the economic and social value of England's Anglican cathedrals -   

- Thought-provoking new research reveals the economic and social value of England's Anglican cathedrals - New research has revealed that the cathedral of the South East can expect to generate around £...

- The Dean of Peterborough Cathedral supports thought-provoking new research, revealing the value of England's Anglican cathedrals -   

Foreign Office Minister Douglas Alexander today welcomed the reported release from jail of the prominent Burmese journalist and pro-democracy campaigner, U Win Tin.   

Following the upsurge in violence in Darfur in recent days, Minister for Africa, Chris Mullin commented:   

French Journalist M. Jacques Duplouich has been awarded an Honorary OBE by Her Majesty The Queen for his important contribution to UK - French relations.   

On 27 October 2004, the British and Spanish Foreign Ministers, Jack Straw and Miguel Angel Moratinos, made a joint statement in Madrid, on which the Chief Minister of Gibraltar, Peter Caruana, had been...

"We are all devastated by the loss of Michael and Jeanette in yesterday's tragic accident. They were much loved - and also much in love with each other. We will all miss them terribly. At this difficult...

The Food Standards Agency is warning consumers today against eating a brand of Tahini products after tests found they may be contaminated with salmonella.   

The Food Standards Agency's (FSA) second survey of school lunchboxes reveals that children in the Midlands who take a packed lunch to school are still eating too much fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar...

26 MILLION EATING MORE THAN THEIR DAILY LIMIT   

Practical guidance on keeping union recognition ballots fair and above board is published by the DTI today.   

UK manufacturing has received an £86,000 a day boost since the start of the Manufacturing Advisory Service 1,000 days ago, Industry Minister Jacqui Smith revealed today at the MAS Annual Dinner.   

Output (Tables 1 to 3)   

Competition Minister Gerry Sutcliffe is seeking views on plans to revoke two pieces of competition law that place restrictions on the distribution of cinema films and the sale of car parts.   

A company that promoted one-day international indoor cricket events has been wound up in the public interest following a DTI investigation. Power Cricket Limited and its forerunner D P Cricket Limited ...

More action needed broaden business talent pool   

Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and Innovation, today announced the re-appointment of Professor John Wood as Chief Executive of the Central Council of the Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC...

Orders in the year to October 2004 rose by four per cent compared to orders in the previous twelve month period, and orders in the three months to October 2004 rose by nine per cent compared to the same...

Transparency and accountability will be at the heart of the Union Modernisation Fund, Employment Relations Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said today as the DTI published a public consultation on how the Fund...

Allan Leighton has been re-appointed Chairman of Royal Mail for a further three years Secretary of State Patricia Hewitt announced today.   

Consumers will be able to agree credit agreements online from 31 December, Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe announced today.   

Consumers across the East Midlands will soon have access to expert advice over the phone to help them solve consumer problems.   

The West Midlands was today urged to "harness the region's enormous talent and desire to boost its economic development" by Industry Minister Jacqui Smith.   

The UK electronics industry is invisible and fragmented even though it impacts on nearly every sector of the economy, according to a ground breaking report published today.   

Following a positive response to its recent consultation the Government today announced that it is to give authorisation for the substitution of High Level Waste (HLW) for Intermediate Level Radioactive...

New proposals to crack down on age discrimination in the workplace were today unveiled by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt, and Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson.   

A director of a mobile telephone business that failed with total debts estimated at over £697,600 has given an Undertaking not to hold directorships or take any part in company management for 11 years...

A travel promotions company which offered free holidays to thousands of customers has been wound up following a DTI investigation.   

Business Link Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire ' Snakes and Ladders' project is one of thirteen projects based throughout England to be set up with £1.25 million of DTI funding, as announced...

A £4.5 million grant to create up to 460 jobs at a manufacturing facility in Dagenham, Essex, was today announced by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.   

JOINT PRESS NOTICE WITH FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND MINISTRY OF DEFENCE   

Rogue lenders face tough new sanctions under a new Bill introduced in the House of Commons today, by Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.   

Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

UK Energy Minister Mike O'Brien today announced that the Orchard School in Sidcup will be one of 15 solar photovoltaic (PV) energy projects across the UK to share in almost £1 million in funding, bringing...

UK Energy Minister Mike O'Brien today announced that the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich will be one of 15 solar photovoltaic (PV) energy projects across the UK to share in almost £1 million in ...

UK Energy Minister Mike O'Brien today announced that Lewisham University Hospital will be one of 15 solar photovoltaic (PV) energy projects across the UK to share in almost £1 million in funding, bringing...

- Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

- Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

- Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK-   

- Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

- Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

Government allocates almost £1 million funding for 15 new solar energy projects across the UK   

£2.4million boost to low paid   

Two £15 million centres that will help reduce traffic congestion and help tackle the effects of global warming were announced today by Industry Minister Jacqui Smith.   

- 229 workers in Wales benefit   

Community Interest Companies (CICs) offer an exciting new opportunity to build dynamic and sustainable businesses with strong social objectives.   

New legal provisions to help British trade unions tackle political extremism in their ranks comes into force today (31 December).   

The threat of increased premiums for many women drivers has been dropped with under 30's making the biggest savings, thanks to a deal agreed by all Member States in Europe, Women and Equality Minister ...

The Health and Social Services Minister Jane Hutt welcomed journalists from the lobby to the Welsh Assembly Government media briefing and told them of the Welsh Assembly's business for the week.The Minister said that it was...

International development minister Gareth Thomas today announced £10 million to support flood-affected people in Bangladesh. The funds, available to organisations involved in relief work, will be channelled...

UK Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn today (Tuesday 27 July) challenged world trade negotiators meeting in Geneva to reach an agreement delivering real benefits to the world'...

DFID has launched a new programme to help generate employment in southern Iraq. The £6m Southern Iraq Employment and Services Programme (SIESP) aims to provide 1.75 million days of employment throughout...

International issues will be highlighted this Thursday, 23 September, as international development minister Gareth Thomas MP visits Cardiff to support development education in Wales and to attend the launch...

Gareth Thomas, Minister for International Development, MP, today announced that Britain will provide £190 million over the next four years to support the Government of India's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how individuals can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book, entitled the Rough Guide to a Better World, is supported...

Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for International Development will visit Tanzania from Tuesday 16 to Wednesday 17 November. He will discuss Tanzania's progress and challenges in implementing its Poverty...

A DFID backed trial, carried out in Zambia by the Medical Research Council (MRC), has shown that using a widely available antibiotic drug can cut AIDS-related deaths in children after infancy by 43 per...

International development minister Gareth Thomas today joined Caribbean political and community leaders to challenge the homophobia and stigma that are allowing the region's HIV and AIDS epidemics to get...

Hilary Benn, UK Secretary of State for International Development, today called on Europe to play a stronger role in the fight against global poverty by focusing more of its aid on the poorest countries...

Joining the AIDS Walk for Life with Congress President Sonia Gandhi will be one of the highlights of Hilary Benn's visit to India next week, where he will also see how the UK's £250 million support to...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World is supported...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Scotland can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World ...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people throughout the region can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled 'The Rough Guide to a Better...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in the East of England can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in the North West can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Wales can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World is ...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in the South West can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better ...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Cumbria can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World is...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in London can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World is...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in the North East can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better ...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Lancashire can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Greater Manchester can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Merseyside can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World...

Rough Guides has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Cheshire can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World is...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Berkshire can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in Buckinghamshire can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better...

Rough Guides, has published a new guide on global development that explains how people in East Sussex can help in the fight against world poverty. The free book entitled The Rough Guide to a Better World...