A Foreign Office spokesperson said:   

Views are being sought on proposals to restrict, and in some cases ban, the keeping of endangered species and related specimens in the United Kingdom.   

Issued jointly by the Department for Culture,Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills   

The EU welcomes the departure of 439 Uzbek refugees from Kyrgyzstan, and congratulates the Kyrgyz Government on its efforts to effect their safe and speedy onward transfer. The EU commends the excellent work of ...

Damage Stability Assessment

Discussion Paper on Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Pension Simplification

The purpose of this consultation is to seek comments on the amendment to Merchant Shipping Notice 1790 which implements Commission Directive 2005/12/EC amending Annexes I and II to Directive 2003/25/EC of the European...

Launch of Second Cross-Compliance Consultation

The Court of Appeal is today handing down its judgment in the case of Miller v Miller. The court has upheld the award of £4.5 million net made by Mr. Justice Singer on 5 April 2005 - see [2005] EWHC 528...

Looking at reducing flood risk by identifing catchment issues and the risks presented in the next 50 100 years.

Application from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) for authorisation to dispose of specified amounts of radioactive waste in the form of gases, liquids and solids from their facility on the Winfrith...

We are considering an application from Waste Management Technology Limited (WMTL) for authorisation to dispose of specified amounts of radioactive waste in the form of gases, liquids and solids from their facilities...

The Agency seeks comments on its draft guidance on the use of the terms 'vegetarian' and 'vegan' in food labelling, which seeks to improve clarity and consumer confidence in this area.

A forward planning document that is used to manage flood risk in the River Aire catchment in the long term.

Port Of Mostyn: Applications For Dredging And Disposal Consents

Discussion paper on Supporting growth in innovation: enhancing the R&D tax credit

Leased Plant and Machinery - Technical Note

HRH The Duke Of Gloucester today unveiled a memorial dedicated to all those who lost their lives serving with the Royal Air Force Support Helicopter Force since its inception 55 years ago.   

Consultation on the 'draft Regulation on the information of air transport passengers on the identity of the operating carrier and on communication of safety information by Member States'.

Section 94 of the Traffic Management Act 2005 includes a provision for inspection of parking badges. This consultation is on two sets of guidance notes that need to be in place before Section 94 can be commenced...

The Human Tissue Act 2004 provides a consistent legal framework, based on consent, for issues relating to the taking, retention and use of human tissue and organs from adults or children. It also establishes the...

The consultation looks at the options for creating a Consumer and Trading Standards Agency (CTSA) as identified in the Hampton Report, including the roles and responsibilities the CTSA should have, the powers it...

This consultation seeks views on how the EU Regulation on Consumer Protection Co-operation should be implemented in the UK. This includes discussion of which bodies should be directly involved in the cross-border...

Improving Individual Voluntary Arrangements

Member states are obliged to put sanctions in place to deal with misuse of slots by airlines. Views are seeked on the sanctions that could be introduced, and how a system should be administered.

Consultation on the draft National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 2006

These draft regulations set out a complete regime for the average system of quantity control applied to packaged goods. The aim is to simplify the legislation and rationalise its scope as well as removing unnecessary...

Proposed Amendments To The Children (Prescribed Orders Northern Ireland, Guernsey And Isle Of Man) Regulations 1991

Consultation on draft regulations that will for the first time outlaw age discrimination in employment and vocational training.

The Occupational Pension Schemes (Member-nominated trustees and Directors) Regulations 2005

The proposed Childcare Bill will enshrine in law parents' legitimate expectation of accessible high quality childcare and early years provision as part of the modern 21st century welfare state.

Youth matters sets out the Governments new strategy for providing opportunity, challenge and support to teenagers.

A questionnaire especially for young people on Youth matters

The Government is seeking views on the impact, cost and benefits of possible changes to the law relating to companies' security interests in particular whether to implement in England and Wales the recommendations...

Consultation document on the development of the National Allocation Plan for Phase 2 of the EUETS

FBDS Business Plan to be completed in conjunction with FBDS Investment in Agricultural Holdings Application form

Application form for the Farm Business Development Scheme to be completed in order to apply for grant for Investments in Agricultural Holdings projects

Geoffrey Podger, currently Executive Director of the European Food Safety Authority, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Mr Podger will take up his new role at the HSE on...

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has presented a petition in the High Court in the public interest to wind up Atlantic Property Limited.   

There are now 31,210 consultants and 32,190 GPs working in the NHS, according to new statistics.

Following consultation in 2003 on a revised Directive for the control of Foot and Mouth Disease, the Directive was adopted in September 2003. The UK Government is legally obliged to implement the Directive. This...

This is a summary of a report which presents findings from the 2004 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey on a module of questions designed to provide a better understanding of attitudes towards alcohol and second-hand...

This document sets out the broad framework, with which SEPA will operate, in particular: the rules and guideline relevant to the exercise of SEPA's functions, duties and powers; the conditions under which any public funds are paid to SEPA; and how SEPA is to be held to account for its performance.

This memorandum defines the framework of controls on financial, staffing and related matters for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

This report presents findings from the 2004 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey on a module of questions designed to provide a better understanding of attitudes towards alcohol and second-hand smoke in Scotland.

The OFT has decided to revoke a Manchester mail order supplier's consumer credit licence. The trader has appealed against the decision.   

The OFT has decided to revoke the consumer credit licence of a Mid Glamorgan motor dealer.   

Statistics released yesterday by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show the total number of fatal injuries to workers in construction for this year is 72, a small increase on 71 workers in 2003/04. However, ...

STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE:   

New figures published today by Health Minister Lord Warner show a continued fall in the NHS's three-month vacancy rates meaning that more NHS jobs are being filled.   

AIDS/HIV Infected Healthcare Workers: Guidance on the Management of Infected Healthcare Workers and Patient Notification

This study identified and assessed the information on victims and witnesses collected by statutory and voluntary agencies involved in the Scottish justice system. Recommendations were made on how to improve information...

This study identified and assessed the information on victims and witnesses collected by statutory ans voluntary agencies involved in the Scottish justice system. Recommendations were made on how to improve information...

New rights for leaseholders to receive regular statements of their service charges are to be delayed following concerns raised by social landlords in a recent consultation.   

STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE:   

The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally concluded that the proposed acquisition of London Stock Exchange plc (LSE) by Deutsche Borse AG (DBAG) or Euronext NV (Euronext) would substantially lessen competition...

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, condemns the brutal killing of Mr Ali Belaroussi and Mr Azzedine Belkadi, Algerian envoys to Baghdad.   

The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the decision of the Government of Romania to provide temporary shelter for a large number of Uzbek refugees currently based in Kyrgyzstan.   

This consultation seeks your comments on the proposed TSE (England) Regulations 2005 which would replace the existing TSE (England) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No 843).

Proposals to strengthen procedures for prescribing controlled drugs are released in response to the Shipman Inquiry.

The Prime Minister has welcomed the announcement that the IRA is to end its armed campaign as 'a step of unparalleled magnitude'.

Record levels of previously developed land is being used to deliver the new homes needed for first time buyers and young families.   

Beswick resident Liam Brady was today handed the keys to his brand new home by ODPM Minister Baroness Andrews.   

Minister visits couple's dream home   

British troops are to get Javelin, one of the most advanced anti-armour missile systems in the world, four months ahead of schedule thanks to the work of the UK MoD, the US Javelin Joint Venture and the US Department...

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention of conferring a Peerage of the United Kingdom for Life upon Sir Andrew Turnbull KCB CVO.

Proposals to strengthen procedures for prescribing controlled drugs are released today in response to the Shipman Inquiry.

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern have released a joint statement welcoming the IRA's announcement to end its armed campaign.

This consultation paper reviews the adequacy of the amount of the statutory legacy (the amount of money that can be paid to a spouse from the assets of a person who dies without having made a valid will). The paper...

Consultation on proposed amendments to the Agricultural Holdings (Units of Production) (England) Order

This consultation is on how businesses can use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to manage and report their environmental performance. It also sets out which environmental impacts (i.e. which KPIs) are most significant...

This is a consultation paper on rules of jurisdiction on international divorce matters in European Union member states. The consultation seeks views on applicable law and harmonisation.

This consultation exercise seeks comments on EU proposals for a Council Directive on the welfare of chickens kept for meat production.

This consultation seeks views on draft Regulations and associated draft Statutory Guidance that will extend the existing contaminated land regime under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to cover radioactivity...

This consultation seeks views on the development of the National Allocation Plan for Phase II of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), including questions on whether the UK should extend the Scheme to other ...

Consultation on the review of the Sea Fish Industry Authority

The Rural Social and Community Programme is designed to develop the capacity of the rural Voluntary and Community and parish council sectors to address important rural social issues and tackle the causes of rural...

Consultation Responses relating to Parental Involvement Bill

The OFT has refused an application for a credit licence by a motor dealer from the vale of Glamorgan.   

The Court of Appeal this morning (Thursday 28 July 2005) handed down its judgment in the case of R (Burke) v the General Medical Council. The judgment of the Court is to allow the GMC's appeal, and to set aside ...

Recommendations to review the library services were supported by David Lammy, Minister for Culture, today. The independent report by PKF Accountants and business advisors, commissioned by DCMS and MLA, looked into...

Public Engagement to be key in Shaping Services   

AMENDED VERSION -   

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention of conferring a Peerage of the United Kingdom for Life upon Sir Andrew Turnbull KCB CVO.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has made a statement on today's announcement that the IRA is to formally end its armed campaign.

The OFT has launched a market study into public sector information holders (PSIHs).   

At the launch of the Health and Safety Executive's annual fatal injury statistics Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) called for all sections of industry to continue to improve their ...

The Health & Safety Commission (HSC) today publishes the latest detailed statistics on fatal injuries in HSE and local authority (LA) enforced sectors in 2004/05 - Statistics of Fatal Injuries 2004/2005. The document...

Measures to tighten the procedures for the prescribing of controlled drugs in patient care were announced today in a joint consultation by the Home Office and the Department of Health.   

Defra took a further step towards completing its review of the extensive guidance on pollution control standards for installations regulated by local authorities under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act, with...

Chief Nursing Officer Chris Beasley today launched the consultation regarding the future development of mental health nursing in England.   

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention of conferring a Peerage of the United Kingdom for Life.

Proposals to set targets for recycled content in public sector procurement.

Update on Issues Raised by Business, July 2005

This publication contains an update of Breast Screening statistics on attendance, biopsy results and screening outcomes. It also contains an update against the Breast Screening Pritchard Standards.

Pre-School and Childcare Statistics 2005

This release contains statistics relating to influenza GP consultations and influenza vaccines dispensed in the community across Scotland.

The 2005-06 Research Programme sets out those areas that may require externally commissioned research. The research will inform policy development and implementation and evaluate the impact of policy.

Update on : percentage of the eligible female population screened in the last 3.5 and 5.5 years; total number of smears processed; average reporting times; results of smear tests.

This report contains statistics on the Labour Market, Education and Skills for Scotland and Scottish Local Authority areas.

Key results   

JOINT OFGEM AND DTI RELEASE.   

Statistical Press Release   

Plans to give Churches and other religious groups greater flexibility in managing their church buildings were unveiled today by Minister for Culture, David Lammy. The proposals strike a balance between the changing...

Government Minister Jim Fitzpatrick today congratulated the 22 Fire and Rescue Authorities assessed by the Audit Commission as "excellent" or "good" and urged the others to follow the best.   

This Consultation Document seeks views on proposals to merge certain local justice areas in Dyfed powys under section 8 of the courts act 2003:

This consultation seeks views on the proposal to extend the use of telephone hearings in the civil courts. The consultation follows the success of a telephone hearings pilot scheme run at Newcastle, Luton and Bedford...

HSE has launched a new guide for safety and other trade union representatives, offering practical advice on long-term sickness absence and return to work issues. The Health and Safety Commission in a new strategy...

Promoting UK scientific excellence on the international stage is a vital part of our diplomatic efforts overseas, Foreign Office Minister Ian Pearson said today.   

Mr Alan Huckle has been appointed Governor of the Falkland Islands and Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands in succession to Mr Howard Pearce CVO who will be transferring to another Diplomatic...

The Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman today met Roy Bennett, former Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) MP. Mr Bennett was recently released from prison in Zimbabwe after suffering gruelling conditions during...

The first lottery game to raise funds for the 2012 Olympics in London is expected to bring in GPB750 million over the next seven years.

Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed a proposal from the Spanish Government for an 'alliance of civilisations' to combat terrorism.

The aim of the strategy is to develop a more strategic and co-ordinated approach across Government in order to identify cost effective measures to help new and existing microgeneration technologies make a significant...

Premium Rate Services are regulated by the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS). The Department is seeking to increase the maximum fine for breaches of...

Records Management: Code of Practice

Newborough consultation (Wales)

Controlled drugs are medicines used to treat a variety of clinical conditions. They are subject to special legislative controls because of their potential for harm if wrongly used. This potential, illustrated by...

Consultation on the Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) service

This consultation document seeks comments on the proposed amendments to the rules of court governing family proceedings required as a consequence of the creation of the new legal status of civil partnership.

Getting it right for every child: Proposals for Action: Section 3

The King of Bahrain and Tony Blair have issued a joint statement following talks at Downing Street.

Getting it Right for Everey Child: Proposals for Action: Section 3

Getting it Right for Every Child: Proposals for Action

The OFT has recently searched the premises of 22 companies in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire under warrant as part of an investigation into allegations of collusive tendering for...

The Department for Constitutional Affairs today published figures for mortgage possession actions entered in the county courts of England and Wales for the second quarter of 2005.   

Environment Minister Elliot Morley announced today that, following an open competition, he has appointed Ruth Hall and James Brathwaite as part-time non-executive members of the Environment Agency Board. The appointments...

Prime Minister Tony Blair has urged greater cooperation between nations in the fight against terror following talks with his Turkish counterpart.

The Agency seeks your views and comments on the changes to the operational instructions that will instruct Veterinary Public Health Unit (VPHU) authorised officers from 1 January 2006. The instructions will apply...

The Draft Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 will allow the current system of Meat Hygiene Service charges for meat inspections to continue on 1 January 2006.

A Sustainable Framework for Scottish Sea Fisheries - A Summary

The OFT has refused an application to renew a credit licence from a motor dealer in Dartford.   

Mrs Anne Seex has been appointed by the Queen as a Commissioner for Local Administration, on the recommendation of the Deputy Prime Minister.   

STATISTICAL PRESS NOTICE:   

All parties are working together to examine a whole new range of anti-terror measures over the summer, Tony Blair has said.

The first lottery game to raise funds for the 2012 Olympics in London is expected to bring in £750 million over the next seven years.

The Queen has approved that Sir David Wallace Kt DL PhD FRS be appointed to the Mastership of Churchill College, Cambridge, in succession to Sir John Boyd KCMG.

GDP 2005Q1

Energy Minister launches consultations at opening of Artfield Fell wind farm   

Employment up 5.2%

The Health and Safety Commission has published a consultative document setting out proposals for new regulations to consolidate and replace the Construction (Design and Management) and Construction (Health Safety...

Views are seeked on the draft Meat (Hygiene and Inspection) (Charges) (Wales) Regulations 2005, which will allow the current system of Meat Hygiene Service (MHS) charges for meat inspections to continue on 1 January...

The Department, together with Defra and the devolved administrations, is proposing to consolidate and update the TSE Regulations. This letter seeks your comments on the proposed TSE Regulations (Northern Ireland...

Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations (as amended) (Northern Ireland) 1999

Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in Roads

Notice under paragraph 2 of schedule 6A of the Competition Act 1998 of the Gas and Electricity Authority's proposal to accept commitments persuant to section 31A(2) of the Competition Act 1998

Road users are advised by the Highways Agency to take extra care when travelling over the next few days as heavy rain is set to continue in many parts of the country.   

[This is the transcript of one of the Prime Minister's occasional press conferences; these are the words of the Prime Minister giving a statement and answering the questions of journalists. Unlike the PMOS's briefings...

The Prime Minister has held his final monthly press conference before the summer break. Read the full transcript here.

The cull of pheasants at a farm in Surrey to stop the spread of Newcastle Disease has been completed. The affected premises are now being cleansed and disinfected.   

Consultation on the overhaul of UK migration routes, which is aimed at implementing a simpler, clearer more selective points-based system for managed migration.

The OFT has written to eight major credit card companies to consult on its provisional conclusion that the levels of default charges they impose (e.g. for late payments) are excessive.   

Following on from the great success of last year's awards, entries are being invited for this year's Deputy Prime Minister's Awards for Sustainable Communities.   

Environment Minister Elliot Morley has today agreed to make a drought order to allow Southern Water to reduce the compensation flow from Weir Wood reservoir to the River Medway.   

The Lakin and Vickers family has requested that the Foreign Office issue the following statement:   

Mr Paul Brummell has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan in succession to Mr James Sharp who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Brummell will take...

A wave of new GP practices and walk-in services are set to open next year to tackle poor access to health care.

The Prime Minister has held his final monthly press conference before the summer break.

All parties are working together to examine a whole new range of anti-terror measures over the summer, Tony Blair said today.

The OFT has decided to revoke the consumer credit licence of a debt consultant from London. Michael Brandon has had his credit licence revoked on the grounds that in 2001 he was disqualified from being a company...

A new green housing development which will cut the amount of harmful carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere has been given a government minister's seal of approval.   

The following statistics were released today by the Health and Social Care Information Centre.   

A loan shark who built up an £800,000 empire by preying on vulnerable people has been sent to prison for three years and nine months after being caught by a new Government funded team of loan shark hunters...

Tony Blair has held talks with with French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, in Downing Street. Read a transcript of the press conference.

The Prime Minister will hold his final monthly press conference before the summer break today at 1200 BST.

HOUSE OF LORDS APPOINTMENTS COMMISSION   

Over 700 people are currently barred from working in regulated social care settings by the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Scheme, which is one year old this week.   

The Competition Commission (CC) has provisionally concluded that the completed acquisition by Somerfield plc (Somerfield) of 115 stores and other assets from Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc (Morrisons) may be expected...

Total production fell in 3 months to June

- Deprived and growth areas get support to tackle inequalities in health services -   

The Lloyd family has requested that the Foreign Office issue the following statement:   

A pilot programme of lay TB cattle testing is to start next month, Defra has announced today.   

The UK Government is to give an extra GBP 1 million aid to Niger, where millions of people are facing famine.

These are the published responses received to the Executive Consultation on Community Justice Authorities.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today signed an agreement with the National Trust and Swindon Borough Council to work together on health and safety at Trust premises. Senior managers from the three organisations...

Background   

First Release Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare   

Police numbers have reached a record level of more than 141,000, the Home Office revealed today.

Tony Blair has held talks with with French Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, in Downing Street.

Police are continuing to search for those responsible for Thursday's attacks on the London transport network. The Prime Minister has urged support for the police as the investigation continues.

This outlines a draft Scottish strategy for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)to be consulted on between 25 July and 31 October 2005

The OFT has refused to issue a consumer credit licence to a Tamworth mortgage and general insurance broker.   

The OFT has refused to renew a consumer credit licence of an East Sussex car dealer. This decision will not take effect until after an appeal process (see note 5).   

Consumers using credit brokers to introduce them to sources of credit are reminded that if they are not found a suitable loan within six months and do not take up any loan offered - for whatever reason - the broker...

Police numbers have reached a record level of more than 141,000, Home Office Minister Paul Goggins announced today.   

Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced today that, from November, thousands of patients facing long waits for diagnostic tests such as MRI and CT scans in their local hospital will be offered the choice of going...

A Carmarthenshire couple have lost their appeal against a decision by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) not to renew their consumer credit licences.   

Asked if there were any changes to the Prime Minister's holiday, and also to Charles Clarke's holiday, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said the Prime Minister was here this week, and the Home Secretary...

Asked if the Prime Minister was attending Edward Heath's funeral, the PMOS said he was not able to attend the funeral because of a pre-arranged lunch with the Prime Minister of France, but he would be attending ...

Asked if during the meetings with the EU Ministers this week, they would discuss anything other that terrorism, the PMOS said it was a welcome fact that the meetings gave us the opportunity to talk about our EU ...

Asked if the Prime Minister expected compensation to be paid to the family of the Brazilian man shot on Friday, the PMOS replied that it was a matter for further consideration and for the relevant authorities. Asked...

Holidaymakers jetting off for their summer holidays are being encouraged to consider 'carbon offsetting' to reduce the environmental impact of their travel.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman on: Terror Shooting, Prime Minister's meetings, Edward Heath Funeral and Holiday Plans

The UK Government is to give an extra £1 million aid to Niger, where millions of people are facing famine.

HM Treasury today published a consultation document on its proposals to strengthen and modernise the arrangements under which a limited number of commercial banks in Scotland and Northern Ireland are permitted to...

Police are continuing to search for those responsible for Thursday's attacks on the London transport network. You can read Tony Blair's statement here.

Tony Blair will today hold lunchtime talks with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Increase of £404bn on previous year

Minister for Culture David Lammy and ODPM Minister Baroness Andrews launched a public consultation today on revisions to the criteria used to assess a building's suitability for listing.   

Holidaymakers flying to the sun this summer are being are being encouraged to consider 'carbon offsetting' as way of reducing the environmental impact of their holiday travel by Environment Minister Elliot Morley...