Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - September 2005

Following the unprecedented number of telephone donations to charity during and since the tsunami appeal, the Government will make it easier for charities to claim Gift Aid on those donations, the Chancellor of ...

Sir Nicholas Stern FBA, currently Second Permanent Secretary at HM Treasury, has been appointed by the Prime Minister as Adviser to the Government on the economics of climate change and development. In this role...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and Chinese Finance Minister, Jin Renqing, today launched a joint paper - Responding to Global Economic Challenges - setting out the opportunities and challenges presented...

Following today's announcement by the Bank of England that Sir Andrew Large is to retire as Deputy Governor (Financial Stability), the Queen has been pleased to appoint, under the Bank of England Act 1998, Sir John...

Part I: UK Government Foreign Currency Assets and Liabilities - October 2005

This is available on-line at http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=2586&l=1 Choose 'Statistics of Planning Applications' APRIL to JUNE 2005

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister published today the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) Operational Statistics bulletin, which covers operational statistics for the period 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004.

Statistical Release

North Yorkshire, Ryedale and Hambleton Councils are to be given help with meeting the costs of clearing up following severe storm and flood damage in the council areas on 19th June 2005, the Parliamentary Under ...

Statistical Release

- only one in three to afford homes by 2026 on current plans -

The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) will gain strategic planning powers from 31 October 2005, Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper announced today.

The South East Fire and Rescue control centre, which will help deliver the best possible service to the public will be based at Fareham in Hampshire, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister announced today.

Latest national fire statistics covering financial year 2004/05 were issued today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Council Tax (New Valuation Lists For England) Bill was published today by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott today announced Dr Gill Taylor as the Chief Executive of the new Academy for Sustainable Communities.

Outstanding work by the fire and rescue service with local community partners succeeded in driving down arson rates by more than a fifth last year.

New guidance to inform emergency planning for clearance of sites affected by incidents such as natural disasters or terrorist attack has been published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Welsh Assembly...

Families in England needing to adapt their homes to care for a disabled child will no longer be subject to means testing from December 2005.

Bristol is set to take centre stage in the UK's Presidency of the European Union in December as the city lends its name to a new European agreement aiming to offer a better quality of life to 450 million citizens...

The Government announced today it is introducing a new rule linking building control by Approved Inspectors on new homes with designated housing warranty schemes.

The Government has announced three new appointments to the Board of the Housing Corporation.

Home Information Packs (HIPs) will be good for consumers and will cut costs and waste, Yvette Cooper, Housing Minister said today, as the Government published draft regulations for consultation of the contents of...

A challenge to the traditional view that new technology will widen inequality in the future comes today from the Government's Social Exclusion Unit. The report shows how technology is already improving life chances...

More than £2 million is being given out to innovative schemes to develop new ways of tackling homelessness more effectively. The successful projects were announced today by Housing Minister Yvette Cooper...

The Deputy Prime Minister today announced that he has re-appointed James Strachan for a second term as Chairman of the Audit Commission. The appointment is for two years from 5 November 2005.

Plans for £60,000 homes became a reality today as the successful bidders for the first four sites were announced.

Secretary of State for Defence John Reid this afternoon arrived in Pakistan to meet President Pervez Musharraf, on his first visit to the country since taking up post.

Friday 21 October

Secretary of State for Defence John Reid today paid tribute to members of the Pakistani Armed Forces, during discussions with the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Ashan Saleen Hyat.

John Reid today arrived in New Delhi, for his first visit to the country since taking up post. The visit, part of a tour of the sub-continent, acknowledges the growing importance of the relationship between the ...

Five members of a British submarine rescue team were today presented with awards by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin in recognition of their life saving role in the rescue of AS28 Prize, a stricken Russian...

The close defence ties between India and the UK were highlighted today by Defence Minister John Reid when he met the Indian Minister of Defence Pranab Mukherjee and other Senior members of the Indian Government ...

Adam Ingram, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, today arrived in Ekaterinburg on the first day of his first ever ministerial visit to Russia.

The first of the UK's Trident submarines, HMS VANGUARD, which is part of the UK's nuclear deterrent, successfully launched an unarmed Trident II D5 ballistic missile during a naval exercise in the Atlantic Ocean...

The grand finale of the Royal Navy's Trafalgar 200 events programme will be staged in the presence of their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Edinburgh and Prince Michael of Kent to an audience of 10,000 in the unique...

At 8am Nelson's famous signal 'England expects...' will be raised in HMS VICTORY, and the traditional memorial service will take place on board at 8.45am. At 11am wreaths will also be laid at Nelson's tomb in St...

Lord Drayson: PAC press notice not only unrepresentative of the improvements being made in defence procurement but of their own report.

The special relationship between the UK and US on defence issues is alive and well said Secretary of State for Defence John Reid today.

Defence Ministers of the European Union met at RAF Lyneham today to discuss EU defence matters, including the EUFOR mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Royal Navy warship HMS Walney is due to sail into her home town of Barrow-in-Furness.

Approval has been given for public and government buildings to fly the 'White Ensign', the flag of the Royal Navy, as part of the Trafalgar 200 programme on the weekend of 21-23 October 2005.

In 1627 the English Fleet (as it was then) was divided into three squadrons, the Red, Blue and White, in that order or seniority, and each had an English ensign in the appropriate colour with St George's Cross in...

Over 23,000 ration packs have been sent to Pakistan as further relief for earthquake victims, as part of the UK's wider earthquake relief effort, Defence Secretary John Reid announced today.

Royal Navy Warships on deployments around the world will mark the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar by the ringing of 8 bells at 1200 (noon) on Trafalgar Day on Friday 21st October, supporting an international...

The first Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh chaplains to the Armed Forces have been appointed, the Under Secretary of State for Defence, Don Touhig announced today.

Soldiers from the Infantry Training Centre Catterick demonstrated the latest generation of infantry firepower in a live firing exercise today.

Defence Procurement Minister, Lord Drayson, today outlined the key values which will be crucial in ensuring that the Defence Industrial Strategy, when published, can be delivered.

Three Chinook aircraft from Royal Air Odiham, Hampshire will go out to Pakistan to aid the relief effort.

Her Majesty the Queen will be the Guest of Honour at a special Trafalgar Night dinner onboard HMS VICTORY on Friday 21 October as part of the Royal Navy's Trafalgar bicentennial celebrations. Her Majesty will make...

Three Sea Cadets from the Falkland Islands are flying in to play a major role at the annual Sea Cadet Trafalgar Day Parade on Trafalgar Square on Sunday 23 October. They will act as wreath-bearers to HRH The Duke...

On Friday 21 October Adebambo Salawu (18) from City of London Sea Cadets will join the First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Sir Alan West GCB DSC ADC, to lay wreaths at Nelson's tomb in the crypt...

A six hour walk for water will become a thing of the past for thousands of Ghanaians when a team of Royal Engineers install a water pipeline that will deliver water at the turn of a tap.

As Trafalgar Day approaches on Friday, the Royal Navy keenly awaits the raising of Admiral Lord Nelson's "England Expects" signal on HMS VICTORY to mark the beginning of a weekend of remarkable Trafalgar Bicentennial...

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF DEFENCE ESTATES

Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Drayson visited Her Majesty's Naval Base Devonport today where a programme of cutting-edge work worth around £400+M is underway on submarine HMS Triumph.

Your Majesty, your Royal Highness, brother and sister officers.

Britain is taking the lead in a project to help establish democratic accountability in Ukraine's armed forces, Adam Ingram, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, announced today.

Italy's vital contribution to training Iraqi police forces was highlighted by UK Defence Secretary John Reid when he met the Italian Minister of Defence, Professor Antonio Martino today.

The consultation period on the future of the Met Office's organisation and structure has been extended until 15th November 2005, Under Secretary of State, Don Touhig, announced today.

John Reid, Secretary of State for Defence, has expressed his sorrow at the death of William Allan, the last Australian World War I veteran to have seen active service.

Christmas came early for Service families and friends today when the Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid, announced free post for presents to the Armed Forces away on operations this and every future Christmas...

The Defence College of Logistics in Deepcut opened its doors this morning. Adam Ingram, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, invited the media to see for themselves how the Army, and in particular the Defence...

The British Army proudly showcased its excellent combination of modern expertise and heritage in London today when a delegation from Bosnia visited the National Army Museum in Chelsea.

Government support for projects commemorating the heroism of our World War veterans and providing practical support to ex-service personnel will be extended indefinitely, Veterans' Minister Don Touhig announced ...

The Bowman communications system will be going to Iraq in the Challenger 2 tanks and Warrior armoured vehicles for the first time, announced Secretary of State for Defence John Reid, today.

MOD's Annual Report points to an Armed Forces that remains one of the most professional and best equipped in the world

The British frigate HMS Cumberland has seized a two-tonne haul of cocaine with a UK street value of some £200 Million in a Caribbean drug bust.

Sgt Ray Holmes, the World War 2 RAF fighter pilot who saved Buckingham Palace, and his Hurricane will be honoured tomorrow (2 November) when his former Squadron are presented with a specially crafted model of the...

Secretary of State for Defence, John Reid today (2 November 2005) met the Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Urmas Paet, at the House of Commons in London.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has granted consent to Magnox Electric Ltd for a decommissioning project at the company's Chapelcross nuclear power station in Dumfries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services (LACoRS) jointly launched the Large Organisation Project Pilot (LOPP) today. The project will focus on developing...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published updated guidance on organising public firework displays safely.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today announced that it is content for the Sizewell B nuclear power station to operate for up to a further ten years, subject to continued satisfactory safety performance.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today issued a warning to the construction industry about possible dangers with two items of mobile plant commonly used by construction companies - mobile elevating working...

Amendments that clarify and simplify working with contained Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have recently come into force.

Last year 14 people died from falls while working on a ladder, and over 1200 people suffered major injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today announced a national initiative to promote safe use of ladders...

Last year 13 workers died from falls while working on a ladder, and more than 1200 suffered major injuries. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today announced a national initiative to promote safe use of ladders...

CHANNEL TUNNEL SAFETY AUTHORITY COMITE DE SECURITE AU TUNNEL SOUS LA MANCHE

Allan Sefton, Director of Rail Safety at the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said today that a decision on whether to prosecute for health and safety offences in relation to the Potters Bar train derailment will...

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath today addressed a conference of key members from European businesses, trade unions and the European Commission emphasising the challenge that Europe is facing in tackling occupational ill...

With the aim of reducing ill health in construction the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are calling for small and medium enterprises to take part in a pilot project.

Transco plc was today fined £1,000,000 and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £134,000 at Manchester Crown Court, after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety law. The case follows an...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today published its sixth annual Offences and Penalties Report 2004/5. The web only publication can be accessed at: www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/off0405/index.htm

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today published its annual Pesticide Incidents Report on its agriculture website at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/information.htm

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new free guides to help raise awareness of the risks associated with ladder use and to give advice on how to use ladders safely. The guides are aimed at all users...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a new edition of its guidance for food manufacturing industries, A recipe for safety: Occupational health and safety in food and drink manufacture. This publication...

The Health and Safety Commission's (HSC) Railway Industry Advisory Committee (RIAC) is hosting a public meeting at HSC's London headquarters on 2 November 2005 that will debate crowding, trespass and vandalism on...

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publish its final monthly Signals Passed at Danger report (SPAD) before moving to a quarterly reporting system.

The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) today published a consultative document seeking comments on proposed amendments to its asbestos regulations and an Approved Code of Practice (ACoP).

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced today that it will prosecute Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd and Amey Rail Ltd in connection with the partial derailment of a high-speed train near Southall station...

Six new schemes aimed at helping refugees fully integrate into UK society were launched today in Leicester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton, Brighton and London by Immigration Minister Andy Burnham.

Responding to Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons (HMCIP) inspection report on the announced inspection of Haslar Immigration Removal Centre, Home Office Minister Tony McNulty, said:

The strong case for extending the maximum period of pre-charge detention for terror suspects was put forward by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, today.

Fifteen international terror organisations are set to be banned, the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, announced today.

Proposed new laws to combat terrorism were published today by the Home Secretary, Charles Clarke.

Plans to introduce a new registration regime controlling the sale of air weapons have been announced by the Home Office.

A £30 stand-alone ID card is to be introduced, Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced today.

A £30 stand-alone ID card is to be introduced, Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced today. This figure takes into account the overall finances of the scheme, including revenues from passports as well...

New measures to help victims and witnesses of crime and greater involvement of local communities in the Criminal Justice System are two of the key themes for the second Inside Justice Week, running across England...

Violent and sexual offenders are being identified better and managed more effectively through the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), Baroness Scotland, Minister for Criminal Justice and Offender...

The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, welcomed the signing today of a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK and Libyan Governments.

Integration and resettlement projects led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) were given a boost today with a grant of £1m in funding by the Home Office.

Crime in England and Wales fell by five per cent in the 12 months to June 2005 according to latest British Crime Survey (BCS) findings published today. This follows annual statistics published in July this year...

Commenting on today's decision by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC), Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said:

The Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, today announced two new appointments to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

Mongolia, Ghana and Nigeria are to be added to the list of designated countries as part of the Government's continuing drive to prevent failed asylum seekers using the appeals process to frustrate their removal ...

The third year of the Taking A Stand Awards which pay tribute to the courage and bravery of local people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour were launched by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears today...

Peter Neyroud, currently Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, has been appointed Chief Executive designate of the new National Policing Improvement Agency Home Secretary, Charles Clarke, announced today.

The Government and the supermarkets are to join forces to crack down on underage drinking, the Home Office announced today.

Police forces across England and Wales are reducing crime and bringing more offenders to justice according to police performance assessments published today by the Home Office.

West Yorkshire

Tough new offences to deal with drivers who cause death on the roads were announced today by Criminal Justice Minister Fiona Mactaggart. The measures, tabled as amendments to the Government's Road Safety Bill, will...

Voluntary organisations with a proven track record will be able to apply for unrestricted grants and have the opportunity to represent the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) at a national level, Home Office Minister...

All adults who want to become a British citizen will need to demonstrate their knowledge of life in the UK by successfully completing the new Life in the UK test from tomorrow.

The Home Office and the education sector as represented on the Joint Education Taskforce are agreed that international students make a major contribution to the UK's economy, reputation and prosperity and are therefore...

Issued on behalf of: Criminal Justice System

Police and local authorities are continuing to use Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) as a means of tackling the anti-social behaviour that blights the lives of many people across the country.

Flashing cones and new types of convoys to escort drivers safely as they approach roadworks are being introduced by the Highways Agency as part of a wider initiative to make roads safer for workers and drivers.

Drivers on the country's motorways and major 'A' roads are being reminded of good driving habits today. The Highways Agency is reminding all road users to keep left when not overtaking and not to drink and drive...

Roads Minister Dr Stephen Ladyman today visited the £100 million A249 Bypass and Swale Bridge scheme, which will improve transport links between the Isle of Sheppey and the Kent mainland, and support the...

With heavy rain and strong winds spreading into South West England during today, Monday 24 October, and then into the Midlands and Central South region tomorrow, Tuesday 25 October, the Highways Agency reminds drivers...

The Highways Agency is inviting smaller specialist companies to bid for its projects. The Agency has today advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union seeking interest from potential suppliers to provide...

Too many bikers are still being killed or injured on England's motorways and major A roads so the Highways Agency has launched a major initiative to help them stay safe.

With heavy rain and strong, gusty winds spreading from the South West into Southern England and Wales tonight, Wednesday 2 November, the Highways Agency reminds drivers to take extra care on the roads.

Jim Murphy, Cabinet Office Minister with responsibility for e-government will today visit Chatham to meet students from Mid Kent College and hear first-hand about their experiences of using government services online...

Dr Steve Marsh, Director of the Cabinet Office unit in charge of information assurance has won the 2005 European Information Assurance Award for best policy delivery, it was revealed last night.

The UK Presidency today welcomes action by the European Commission that will save business money by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens.

Sir Gus O'Donnell, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, today unveiled a 10-Point Plan to raise the pace towards a representative workforce. The Plan introduces a major programme of change aimed...

Customers will be able to access essential public services via mobile technology and interactive digital television, under plans to make government services more accessible and convenient published today by Cabinet...

The Government today announced a new drive to deliver major efficiencies for tax payers by merging back office functions in public services.

Competition Commission invites evidence

Competition Commission invites evidence

Home Credit customers are generally happy with the loans they receive but this satisfaction comes at a high price, according to the latest document published by the Competition Commission (CC) as part of its inquiry...

Competition Commission invites evidence

The Competition Commission (CC) has today published an issues statement as part of its inquiry into the market for personal current account (PCA) banking services in Northern Ireland.

Statement of issues

The Competition Commission (CC) will allow either Deutsche Borse AG (DBAG) or Euronext NV (Euronext) to acquire London Stock Exchange plc (LSE)-provided each party gives undertakings to implement a package of structural...

The Competition Commission (CC) has today formally cancelled its inquiry concerning the proposed acquisition of a 90% holding in Exeter and Devon Airport Ltd from Devon County Council by Macquarie Airports Group...

The Competition Commission (CC) has today formally cancelled its inquiry concerning the anticipated acquisition by Robert Wiseman Dairies plc of the fresh milk business of Scottish Milk Dairies.

The new team of top legal appointments is ushered in today at the start of the new legal year. The Right Honourable Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers becomes the Lord Chief Justice for England and Wales.

Witnesses appearing at more than 260 magistrates' courts across England and Wales can now give evidence via video link, Constitutional Affairs Minister the Rt. Hon Harriet Harman QC MP said today during a visit ...

Baroness Usha Prashar will be the first Chair of the Judicial Appointments Commission, which will come into being in April 2006.

An advertising campaign urging more young people in North East London to become magistrates has begun.

An advertising campaign urging more young people in North West London to become magistrates has begun.

Today sees the publication of the review undertaken by HM Inspectorate of Court Administration (HMICA) of how domestic violence issues are addressed by the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (...

New ways to boost the number of people registered to vote are unveiled in a new voting bill by Elections Minister Harriet Harman today.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer today announced the appointment of Dr David Wolfe as a new non-executive member of the Legal Services Commission (LSC).

RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS PRESS OFFICE ON BEHALF OF THE COUNCIL ON TRIBUNALS

An advertising campaign urging more young people in Wigan and Leigh to become magistrates has begun.

Putting consumers first in modernised legal services is at the heart of a package of proposals for reform of the legal services market published today by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs.

Simpler and more accessible court structures leading to more efficient and effective civil justice will be delivered by proposals announced today by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor...

Proposals to ensure the most effective use of judges at all levels have been outlined in a new consultation paper issued today by the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA).

Thousands of offenders deny their identity every year when a Civilian Enforcement Officer (CEO) knocks on the door to enforce a warrant. But CEOs now have access to police photos of offenders taken when they are...

North Liverpool Community Justice Centre, the first of its kind in England and Wales, was officially opened today in its new home in the city, as part of Inside Justice Week 2005.

Mediation Week is a series of around 100 events across England and Wales aimed at encouraging people to settle disputes before they reach court. It runs from 24 October to 4 November.

An advertising campaign urging more people in Bath & Wansdyke to become magistrates has started.

An advertising campaign urging more people in Suffolk to become magistrates started today.

The Old Bailey has started using computers in the courtroom to record hearings as the award-winning XHIBIT system is introduced in more than 50 Crown courts across England and Wales.

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

Families will be able to discuss sensitive issues more easily with advice centre staff, health care professionals and counselling services under new rules which come into effect on Monday 31 October.

People living in Wandsworth who have small debt claims, business, housing and consumer disputes will be able to get help to solve their problems from a new Dispute Resolution Service launched by Civil Justice Minister...

Barristers are used to acting for clients - but for one Hampshire QC, it's a case of acting "as" someone as he transfers a landmark 17th Century trial from the court to the stage.

Measures to increase judicial diversity, including a new drive to encourage solicitors to apply to become judges, have been unveiled by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord...

Unscrupulous claims management companies (CMCs), will no longer be able to exploit the public when they are considering claiming for compensation Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor...

Spreading the word about advice on rights to pensions, healthcare and housing assistance to other ex-services personnel was discussed by the Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor, Lord...

The Department for Constitutional Affairs today publishes statistics for company winding up, and creditors' and debtors' bankruptcy petitions issued in the High Court and county courts of England and Wales during...

Education, enforcement and consumer choice are the essential tools which will help to protect our creative industries from Intellectual Property (IP) theft and secure the future prosperity of our creative economy...

Nine national UK museums, including the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, have this week acquired powers to move human remains out of their collections as the Government brought section 47 of the Human...

Music Minister, James Purnell, today took an important step towards breaking down the financial barriers faced by the small and medium sized businesses that make up 90 per cent of the UK's music industry.

The Queen has decided that November 13 shall be observed as Remembrance Sunday, and the Secretary of State, on behalf of the Cabinet, is making the necessary arrangements for the ceremony at the Cenotaph. The Customary...

Tourism leaders today pledged to ensure the UK tourism industry has the skilled workforce needed to maintain its place at the heart of the country's economy.

Culture Minister, David Lammy, has placed a temporary export bar on the Codex Stosch, considered to be the most telling record of Raphael's famous scheme to record the great buildings of ancient Rome at a time when...

The Olympics Minister, Tessa Jowell, is to be the keynote speaker at a special 'summit' in November which will spell out how UK-based businesses, their employees and trade union members can benefit from the Games...

More than a hundred top musicians, teachers, students and music professionals, have contributed to SoundJunction, a pioneering new website that gives young people the opportunity to explore, discover and create ...

Culture Minister, David Lammy, has placed a temporary export bar on an English royal medieval jug, the 'Wenlok jug'. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep the jug in the United Kingdom.

Tourism Minister James Purnell today launched a bureaucracy-busting task force for the culture, media and sport industries, at the 4th annual European Tourism Forum in Malta.

Budding broadcasters who want to help their communities were given a boost today with the launch of a unique Community Radio Toolkit.

Application forms for the new Temporary Event Notices (TEN) under the Licensing Act 2003 have been laid before Parliament, James Purnell announced today.

Museums, libraries and archives must work to ensure that they do not accidentally acquire material that has been stolen or looted, Culture Minister David Lammy said today.

A new single has been released today (31 October) following a Culture Online project designed to provide a voice to people with long-term and terminal illness.

Licensing Minister James Purnell today warned licensees that if they serve children alcohol, they risk going out of business under new laws that come in later this month.

Creative Industries Minister, James Purnell, today spelt out how the Government would help make Britain the world's creative hub.

Real progress is now being made under the new Environmental Stewardship Scheme, Farming Minister Lord Bach said today. The first agreements started in August, and already over 6,000 farmers and other land managers...

A poultry sample sent to the UK from Turkey has proved positive for the high pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain virus.

The most significant animal welfare legislation for nearly a century has been published by Defra.

Farming Minister Lord Bach today announced an £8m package of support for English beef at a meeting of the industry's top figures.

Most respondents to a public consultation on wildlife legislation are in favour of reviewing the laws that protect individual wildlife species in England and Wales, according to a report published by Defra today...

The European Court of First Instance will hear the UK's legal challenge against the European Commission today in Luxembourg. The UK launched legal proceedings against the European Commission last March following...

Fly-tipping is now costing almost £1 million a week to clear-up, according to new data released by Defra today.

Everyone spending taxpayers' money must use their purchasing power to maximise environmental, economic and social benefits to the public, a government minister has urged.

A new code of practice on the use of snares was launched today, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare when people are considering the use of snares.

The Government is today laying regulations in Parliament that will transpose the Linking Directive into UK law. The use of project credits these regulations allow has the potential to increase UK operators' compliance...

People living in rural England should enjoy the same standards of health care as the rest of the population, Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight said today at the launch of a new toolkit for health care providers.

Some birds under threat of dying out across Britain appear to be making a comeback, a major annual survey shows.

The UK Government's indicator of wild bird populations has been updated and published today (see Figure 1).

Changes to packaging rules have been announced today that will mean that more packaging waste will be recycled and recovered and that there will be more businesses involved.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley has given his backing to 10 new British projects that will see groundbreaking technology developed to boost recycling, improve the quality of our rivers and restore contaminated...

Commercial poultry keepers will be asked to register their flocks as part of an initiative, backed by the industry, to step up surveillance of the avian influenza virus, the Government announced today.