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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statistical Bulletin: SVDLS 2005

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

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

Cancer in Scotland: Radiotherapy Activity Planning 2011-15

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

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

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

Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare

UK population to rise by 7m by 2031

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

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

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

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

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

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has issued the following Statement:

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

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

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

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

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

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