1. APPOINTMENT OF NEW SECRETARY

Dr Julie Hollyman and Bob Reitemeier have been appointed to the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales. The appointment takes effect from 1 June 2006. Chris Holmes CBE, who is presently serving on the Youth Justice...

Today the Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, said:

"I was appalled to learn of the Burmese Government's decision to extend the unjustified detention of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It is unacceptable that the Government of Burma has failed to respond to recent calls from...

This guide gives an overview of the funding available from August 2006 for leaners or potential learners and is a useful guide to pratitioners giving advice to others

This research sought to identify and explore rural communities priorities for local service improvement in terms of access and quality. It included a review of existing local research and consultation findings and...

This research sought to identify and explore rural communities priorities for local service improvement in terms of access and quality. It included a review of existing local research and consultation findings and...

Consultation document onlien form

Consultation document

Culture minister david lammy acts to protect the wreck of 70 gun warship thought to be resolution, sunk off sussex in 1703

Summary of responses.

The Prime Minister has re-appointed Sir Ron Cooke, to the Board of the National Museum of Science and Industry for a period of four years from 6 June 2006.

The Prime Minister has today re-appointed Sir Howard Davies as a Trustee of the Tate Gallery. The term of appointment will be for four years from 20 May 2006.

Tony Blair has re-appointed The Right Honourable Lord Waldegrave of North Hill as Chairman of the Board of the National Museum of Science and Industry for a period of four years from 1 July 2006.

The aim of the Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF) is to encourage workplace learning. This evaluation was commissioned by ASD/ETTLD to assess the difference made by SULF to trade unions' capacity to enhance this...

The aim of the Scottish Union Learning Fund (SULF) is to encourage workplace learning. This evaluation was commissioned by ASD/ETLLD to assess the difference made by SULF to trade unions' capacity to enhance this...

Health Minister Andy Burnham today welcomed the extension of patient choice across the NHS.

63% of adults access the Internet

Asked, following the latest violence, whether the troop levels were sufficient, the PMS said that the Prime Minister had passed his condolences to the family and friends of the personnel killed over the weekend ...

Asked what meetings the Deputy Prime Minister would be having today, the Prime Ministers' Spokesman (PMS) said that the Deputy Prime Minister would be working in Whitehall. He had chaired meetings with officials...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: Deputy Prime Minister and Troops

Ninety years on from the most significant Naval battle of World War One, Veterans' Minister Tom Watson has announced new protection for the 14 British wrecks sunk in the Battle of Jutland.

Foreign Office Minister Lord Triesman, will visit Germany on 31 May and 1 June to review UK preparations for the World Cup. Lord Triesman, who has responsibility for Consular matters, will:

Many people who responded to a consultation on the status of feral wild boar in England were in favour of some form of active management for the animals.

UK Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson has called on international legislators to keep up the pressure on governments to develop an international agreement to tackle climate change.

Care home managers will be better able to provide the best levels of treatment and support for residents at the end of life thanks to the availability of a new guide which provides details about practical steps...

ISSUED BY THE PAYMENT SYSTEMS TASK FORCE, CHAIRED BY THE OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING

The 50th anniversary of the withdrawal from the Suez Canal in 1956 was commemorated in Staffordshire today. The event, held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Lichfield, honoured the bravery and sacrifice of ...

Certain wild birds will be afforded increased protection under the law as of tomorrow (Wednesday, 31 May) when new provisions under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act come into force.

Scientists at the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) are investigating the origins of an outbreak of a notifiable fish disease at a trout farm.

Over 500 voluntary and community sector organisations will share a £24m pot of government grants, Care Services Minister Ivan Lewis announced today.

A new leaflet from the Government explains the steps you can take to protect your health in the event of a heatwave.

Summary report of the consultation on regulation of healthcare and socialcare support staff in Scotland, 2004.

The UK Government warmly welcomes the political agreement reached today on the Services Directive. This commitment by Member States will bring new opportunities for businesses, consumers and jobseekers, who will...

Foreign Office Minister Lord Triesman has issued a statement following the decision by British union NATFHE to boycott Israeli academics and institutions:

Welfare of Animals During Transport: Consultation on the Implementation of EU Regulation 1/2005 May 2006

Wild boar consultation analysis of responses published

New guidance for care homes launched

The last week included the launch of the Pensions White Paper, trips to Baghdad and Washington and overseas visitors at Number 10.

The Government is sending relief to the island of Java after a devastating earthquake killed thousands of people. Tony Blair has also offered his sympathy to the Indonesian people.

My predecessor my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool and Wavertree (Jane Kennedy), informed the House of progress made by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in investigating the...

Foreign Office Minister Dr Kim Howells today expressed sadness at the news of the earthquake in Indonesia. He said:

I have today laid before Parliament the City of London Corporation report on the City of London (Ward Elections) Act 2002, hereafter referred to as "the Act". The Act reformed and modernised the business element...

I will be attending the Competitiveness Council in Brussels on 29–30 May 2006.Monday 29 MayIn the morning, there will be a policy debate on the EU Sustainable Development Strategy, centred around questions set by...

A United Nations conference in New York has accepted British calls for more urgent action to conserve global fish stocks.

A consultation was launched today to determine the most appropriate picture warnings to appear on tobacco packs throughout the UK.

Asked about the Prime Minister's holiday plans, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister would be taking a short break next week. He added that although he didn't comment on travel plans he could confirm that every...

Asked for a reaction to comments by George Galloway that it would morally justified to blow up the Prime Minister, the PMOS said that it was probably best to say nothing....

Asked about the agenda of the G8, the PMOS said that the agenda of the G8 was a continuation of the agenda at Gleneagles in terms of issues such as energy, and that we welcomed. Obviously we were in discussions...

Asked about the significance of the Prime Minister's words on Hamas, the PMOS said that everyone knew what the solution was going to be. It was going to be a two state solution. At present Hams was refusing to recognise...

Asked about Iran, the PMOS said that the important thing about Iran at this stage was that Iran's obligation was spelled out very clearly. We needed to know whether Iran was or was not going to meet its obligations...

Asked what practical steps were being proposed to help unite Iraq, the PMOS said that whenever we were in Iraq it was clear that the new government strategy broke down into three parts. First was reconciliation ...

Asked if the Prime Minister would expand on the idea of having a UN Secretary General with enhanced powers and more freedom to take the initiative, the PMOS said that the Prime Minister sets out for example issues...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) previewed the Prime Minister's speech. He said that this was the third of his series of three foreign policy speeches this year. His first speech spoke of the need ...

There is a "hopeless mismatch" between the global challenges we face and the global institutions available to confront them, Tony Blair said in a speech in the US today.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: Washington Speech, UN Reform, Iraq, Iran, Hamas, G8, George Galloway and the PM's Holiday

Minister for the Middle East, Kim Howells, said today that he was pleased with recent progress on the case of British national Ayaz Ali, who has been held in administrative detention in Israel since 9 May.

The new Iraqi government is a "child of democracy struggling to be born" and "the international community are the midwives", Tony Blair has said.

We held a webchat today with Pensions Minister James Purnell to talk about the White Paper. You can read the transcript to see what was discussed.

Quarterly statement of nuclear incidents at nuclear installations A statement on incidents at nuclear installations in Britain that meet Ministerial reporting criteria is reported to the Secretaries of State for...

The vast majority of older people in a digital television trial thought switching over was easy and liked watching digital television, according to a report published today by Broadcasting Minister Shaun Woodward...

This winter saw a dramatic reduction in the number of NHS operations cancelled at the last minute, according to new statistics released today by the Department of Health.

Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury, today announced the re-appointment of Professor Ian Diamond as Chief Executive and Deputy Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Announcing the...

We are holding a special webchat with pensions minister James Purnell from 1245 BST. Sign in to follow the question and answer session.

The Prime Minister has re-appointed Mr Richard Haythornthwaite to the Board of the National Museum of Science and Industry for a period of 4 years from 6 June 2006.

The Queen has been graciously pleased to signify her intention of conferring a Peerage of the United Kingdom for Life upon the Right Reverend Richard Harries on his retirement as Bishop of Oxford.

Higher rate for women than men

I announced to the House on 16 November 2005, Official Report, col 51WS the publication of the consultation paper 'Registration Modernisation' containing proposals for giving local authorities greater responsibility...

The action plan forms phase three of an agreement signed by the MOD and the EOC in June 2005 that outlined the MOD's commitment to tackling sexual harassment.To inform the action plan, MOD commissioned independent...

On 11 January 2005, the then Secretary of State for Defence, announced to the House that we were undertaking a comprehensive review of the terms and conditions of service under which Gurkhas serve in the British...

My 2006 Departmental report which contains information on progress against the Department's aims and Public Service Agreement Targets, the challenges ahead and summary expenditure plans for 2005-06 to 2007-08 will...

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, on the application by the companies concerned, has today granted drought orders that empower Mid Kent Water and Southern Water to limit or prohibit the uses set out in...

My predecessor my right hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool and Wavertree (Jane Kennedy), informed the House of progress made by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in investigating the...

Copies of the Government's third progress report on implementing the recommendations of the Bichard Inquiry have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses today. Our last report was made in November 2005 and there...

I would like to correct an error contained in my written statement of 23 May, Official Report, column 77WS and to apologise for inadvertently misleading the House.In my statement I reported that four murderers and...

On 5 December 2005 I initiated a consultation on draft guidelines which were aimed at putting in place important safeguards recommended by the Criminal Justice Review as prerequisites for community-based restorative...

The information Commissioner has today published an enforcement notice under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 in relation to requests for information relating to the advice given on the legality of military intervention...

I have today placed a copy of the current list of Cabinet Committees, their full membership and terms of reference in the Libraries of both Houses. Details have also been updated on the Cabinet Office website.

The Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council will be held on 1 June in Luxembourg. My hon. Friend the Minister for Disabled People (Anne McGuire) will be representing the UK except for the ...

We are holding a special webchat with pensions minister James Purnell today from 1245 BST. Don't miss your chance to ask questions about the Government's forthcoming retirement reforms.

The international community should be determined to help the Iraqi people defeat terrorism and violence, Tony Blair said in Washington last night.

The dangers of heat and top tips for surviving the summer sun were today highlighted by the Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson with the publication of an updated heatwave plan.

The Government of Sudan today agreed to allow a joint African Union/United Nations Technical Assessment Mission to travel to Darfur as soon as possible. The Mission is a necessary step in preparing the way for ...

The Minister for Africa, Lord David Triesman, has condemned the renewed outbreak of fighting in the Somali capital of Mogadishu, which resulted today in the deaths of at least 38 people, and has expressed sympathy...

Today the Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, welcomed the news that Honduras and Bolivia have ratified the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. These ratifications allow the protocol to enter...

Margaret Beckett will move to No.1 Carlton Gardens, the Foreign Secretary's official London residence, during the summer. She currently occupies a flat in Admiralty House.

Asked for an update on official residences such as Chevening, the PMOS said that he had clarified this yesterday and without reopening old wounds for the Independent their political editor had, himself, said that...

The PMOS explained that the Prime Minister and the President would discuss the full range of issues that you would expect: trade, the DOHA round was at an important stage; Iran, which was also at an important stage...

The PMOS explained that the Prime Minister had, in Cabinet and in his remarks to the press in the street, described the Pensions White Paper published today as a landmark process. It was about reaching a consensus...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) set out that the disclosure statement on the Iraq legal advice was a response to the Information Commissioner's notice. Essentially there was nothing very new here, ...

We are holding a special webchat with pensions minister James Purnell on Friday. Don't miss your chance to ask questions about the Government's forthcoming retirement reforms.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: Freedom of Information Disclosure Statement, Pensions White Paper, President Bush talks and Offical Residences

Tony Blair has placed blame for the violence taking place in Iraq firmly on the shoulders of terrorists. His remarks came in an interview with Al Jazeera television.

Roadworks at 25 major locations on English motorways and major A-roads will be removed for the Bank Holiday weekend, the Highways Agency announced today.

Welcoming a letter from the Prime Minister setting out the priorities for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Secretary of State, Tessa Jowell, said:

We condemn Israel's incursion into Ramallah on 24 May which left four Palestinians dead and tens injured. We continue to urge the Israeli Government to exercise restraint, avoid escalation of the situation, and ...

The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for East Timor. We are now advising against all travel to East Timor.

A new action plan to prevent and deal with sexual harassment in the Armed Forces was today agreed by the Ministry of Defence and the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) following research to clarify its extent. ...

A successful joint operation by members of the Iraqi Police Service and British soldiers resulted in a significant seizure of arms, ammunition and bomb making equipment in Basra during the night of 24 May.

Following an application by the licensee, Magnox Electric Ltd, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has granted consent for a decommissioning project at Sizewell A nuclear power station in Suffolk. The station ...

Environment Secretary David Miliband highlighted seven key achievements of his new department in Defra's annual report today.

Health Minister Andy Burnham today announced the membership of an Expert Group to investigate clinical trials to the House of Commons. The Chair of the group, Prof Gordon Duff, was appointed in April following the...

The Government today launched a timetable of plans to help boost the rights of consumers and improve the regulation of businesses.

A bold new pensions settlement designed to enable people to plan ahead and save more for their retirement was set out today in the Government's White Paper on pensions reform.

The Pensions Commissioners today welcomed the government's White Paper on pensions, and said that it represented a major opportunity to build consensus around a new pensions settlement which could last.

The Prime Minister has published full details of current Cabinet Committees in a written ministerial statement. Read the full list of Committees here.

The Pensions White Paper represents the "best chance" of facing up to the challenges of providing for people's retirement, Tony Blair said today.

Good progress is being made in implementing recommendations from the Bichard inquiry into the Soham murders, the Home Secretary said today as the Home Office published its third progress report.

An average a person living in the UK spends £34.31 per week on food and drink. It is one of the key findings published today in Family Food Expenditure 2004-5, the latest in a series of annual Defra reports...

The hostels, at Lockton in North Yorkshire and Langdon Beck in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have been awarded the European Ecolabel by Defra, which runs the green scheme in the UK.

Environment Minister Ian Pearson has today agreed to make three further drought orders to allow water companies to limit or prohibit non-essential uses of water.

NEW DELHI: The UK Government today announced it would further back international efforts to protect the world's tigers, including contributing £19,000 towards an International Symposium on the Tiger in...

The publication today of the Ministry of Defence's latest Armed Forces manning figures show that the UK Armed Forces are currently at 98.4 percent Full Time Trained Strength.

- New deal sees return of Saturday morning GPs in under doctored area - - First contract signals start of competition for NHS GP services -

Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare

I am pleased to announce the Government's continued support for the Great Britain-China Centre (GBCC), through a grant-in-aid by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, after a recent review.The GBCC has been a centre...

I am pleased to announce the Government's continued support for the Great Britain-China Centre (GBCC) through a grant-in-aid by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office after a recent review.The GBCC has been a centre...

Experimental: 0.6% 3 monthly rise into Mar

Total Production rises in 3 months to April

Statistics relating to firearm and shotgun certificates held in Scotland in 2005

This research aims to review evidence on DRT delivery including the contribution that DRT can make to social inclusion and accessibility, the impact of the pilot DRT schemes and recommendations on how future DRT...

This research aims to review evidence on DRT delivery including the contribution that DRT can make to social inclusion and accessibility, the impact of the pilot DRT schemes and recommendations on how future DRT...

The OFT today announced that it is considering looking into the UK airports market with a view to establishing if the current market structure works well for consumers.

The statement on the 2006 budget of the European Communities (EC budget), entitled "European Community Finances" (Cm 6770), has today been laid before Parliament. This White Paper is the 26th in the series. As in...

On17 October 2005, I informed this House of the publication of the White Paper "The Future of Legal Services: Putting Consumers First" setting out the Government's proposals for the regulatory reform of legal services...

I am pleased to announce the Government's response, to the 25th report of the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution: "Turning the Tide—Addressing the impact of Fisheries on the Marine Environment".The Royal...

I am pleased to announce the Government's continued support for the Great Britain-China Centre (GBCC), through a grant-in-aid by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, after a recent review.The GBCC has been a centre...

The M6 toll road was privately financed, built, and is now operated by Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL) under a concession agreement signed by the then Secretary of State for Transport in 1992.Having borne all the financial...

The Wales Office departmental report was published today Wednesday 24 May 2006.

Asked for a cast list for the UNICEF Soccer aid event, the PMOS said that it would comprise of the following: England celebrities: Robbie Williams, Jamie Theakston, Bradley Walsh, Jonathan Wilkes, Ben Shephard, ...

Asked why we didn't just apologise over the auction of a signed copy of the Hutton report, the PMOS said that it was a matter for the Labour party and it would be entirely wrong for him to get involved....

Asked what the Prime Minister had discussed with the President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, the PMOS said that part of it was about the joint launch of the plan to help Southern Africa as a whole in terms of...

Asked what the Prime Minister might discuss with President Bush and what was likely to be in his speech, the PMOS said that they would discuss the Doha round of trade talks, the Middle East Peace Process, particularly...

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) told journalists that John Reid would be sending a letter to the chairman of the Home Affairs Select Committee about some of the evidence that he gave yesterday....

Tony Blair has hosted a special reception for Soccer Aid in Downing Street. We have images from the event plus more information on the important work being carried out by UNICEF.

The strength of South Africa at the moment offers "very great hope" for the whole of the continent, Tony Blair has said.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: Home Office, Washington trip, President Mbeki, other business and the UNICEF Soccer Aid event

Tony Blair was visited at Downing Street by the Nationwide Fans' Bus, which is travelling the UK collecting expressions of goodwill for the England Football team.

Consultation response by Scottish Ministers.

A deal that will enable the UK and South African film industries to work together to create top class cinema was today signed by Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell and South African Culture Minister Pallo Jordan.

A review of literature and policy on a range of sustainable development issues. Individual topics of the review are: sustainable development theory; food; procurement; consumption; green jobs and enterprise; the...

A report published today by Environment Secretary David Miliband concludes that climate change poses an immediate challenge to the European Union target of halting biodiversity loss by 2010.

The Government has published its response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution's 25th Report (RCEP): "Turning the Tide - Addressing the impact of Fisheries on the Marine Environment".

Asked why Jack Straw was keeping Chevening, the PMOS said that he was not. Even the Independent's political editor said their diary had been wrong. For the record it had been agreed on the day of the reshuffle that...

Asked by ITN whether Mrs Blair was going to apologise for signing a copy of the Hutton report, the PMOS said that it had been at a Labour Party related event so it would be wrong for him to comment....

Asked what the reception was about, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that it was for UNICEF/Socceraid and guests would be the Socceraid players and UNICEF representatives....

Iraq, immigration and education were on the agenda at this week's PMQs. You can watch the broadcast again here.

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: Football Reception, Mrs Blair and Chevening

Justice Department circular number 4 of 2006 about the Management of Offenders Act 2005

Responses to the consultation.

Web only report accompanying Insight 31

This publication contains information on abortions by: NHS Board and local council area Age Estimated gestation Grounds for abortion Parity (ie number of preceding completed pregnancies) Method of termination Deprivation Ground E diagnosis (The diagnosis of those with a substantial risk of being seriously handicapped)

Web only report accompanying Insight 31

The report provides findings of research including a substantial review of the literature on gender inequalities in schools, information from local authorities and schools on policy and practice in relation to gender...

Keith Fryer, a sole trader trading as Capital Funding, has given undertakings to the High Court that he will not make misleading representations to home sellers.

The first national knife amnesty for over 10 years begins today as people in England and Wales are encouraged to hand over their knives to their local police.

Radical changes to the £19 billion provision of legal services - including one-stop shops for house buying and dealing with bereavement - will flow from new legislation published today which puts consumers...

The Legal Services Ombudsman and Legal Services Complaints Commissioner, Zahida Manzoor CBE, has welcomed the publication of the Government's draft Bill on the reform of legal services.

A further step towards making it easier for people to get involved in their local health services was announced by Health Minister Rosie Winterton today. A new national Patient and Public Involvement Resource Centre...

NOP survey finds 85% public backing for renewable energy

Following the verdict of unlawful killing reached today by the UK inquest into the death of James Miller in Israel in 2003, Foreign Office Minister Dr Kim Howells commented:   

Mr Tom Phillips CMG has been appointed to be Her Majesty's Ambassador to the State of Israel in succession to Mr Simon McDonald CMG who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Phillips...

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, said today,   

A group of Chagossians visited Diego Garcia on the final leg of their humanitarian visit to the Chagos islands on 6 April.   

Dr Howells, Foreign Office Minister for the Middle East, said today:   

The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Nepal. We are now advising against all but essential travel to Nepal during the current period of enhanced tension.   

Mr Edward Oakden has been appointed to be Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in succession to Mr Richard Makepeace who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment. Mr Oakden ...

The Foreign Office Minister Kim Howells said:   

Following today's attack in Karachi's Mishtar Park, Foreign Office Minister Dr Kim Howells has commented:   

Today Jack Straw said:   

The Foreign Office has revised its travel advice for Chad. We are now advising against all travel to Chad.   

A new website providing straightforward, factual and accessible information on the European Union was launched today by the Minister for Europe Douglas Alexander. The site is launched as initial findings from a ...

"I deplore this senseless and totally unjustified terrorist attack. I condemn those who are responsible and extend my sympathies to the families and friends of those who have been killed or wounded. It is particularly...

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, travels to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia today. He will attend the Two Kingdom's Conference in Riyadh. The conference is an opportunity for the UK and Saudi Arabia to discuss regional...

The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for the Solomon Ilsands. We are now advising against all but essential travel due to civil unrest in the country.   

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office today welcomed a report by the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Commons on Consular services to British nationals.   

Foreign Office Minister, Dr Kim Howells, has welcomed the outcome of yesterday's vote by the Wolesi Jirga (lower parliament) for the new Afghan Cabinet:   

Foreign Office Minister, Dr Kim Howells, has welcomed King Gyanendra of Nepal's commitment today to hand over all executive powers to the seven party alliance under a Prime Minister of their choice:   

Lord Triesman, the FCO Minister for the Overseas Territories, will make a speech in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 24 April, taking stock of the relationship between the UK and the territories.   

The Foreign Secretary today issued the following statement:   

Following Mara Yamauchi's performance in the London Marathon Sir Michael Jay, Head of the Diplomatic Service, said:   

The Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw, has condemned today's bombings in the Egyptian resort of Dahab:   

Foreign Office Minister Dr Kim Howells has welcomed King Gyanendra of Nepal's announcement on 24 April that he will recall the Nepalese Parliament. The first session of the recalled Parliament will be on 28 April...

The FCO has made factual amendments to its Travel Advice for Egypt to draw attention to yesterday evening's terrorist outrage in Dahab, Egypt. However, it has not changed the level of its advice, nor is it advising...

The Foreign Secretary and International Development Secretary today expressed their concern at reports of recent attacks in Darfur, and the possible effect of these on the peace process.   

The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for Indonesia. We are now advising avoiding the areas surrounding the volcanic Mt Merapi in Central Java.   

On 27 April 2006, the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS, also known as MI6) will begin open advertising for the first time in its 97 year history, as a means of expanding the Service to meet 21st Century challenges...

Today Jack Straw said:   

On 27 April the Belarusian authorities sentenced Alexander Milinkevich and other members of the opposition to 15 days in prison for their participation in a rally to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl...

In response to Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn's decision to disrupt Serbia and Montenegro's (SaM) Stabilisation Association Agreement (SAA) negotiations over its non-compliance with the International Criminal...

The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for Nepal. We are no longer advising against all but essential travel in Nepal.   

The Minister for Africa, Lord Triesman of Tottenham, and the Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs, Mr Ian Pearson, today issued the following statement about the Darfur Peace Talks to the House of ...

The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for East Timor. They are now advising against all but essential travel due to the potential for politically motivated violence.   

As part of the FCO's commitment to ensure a safe and successful tournament, staff at the FCO, the British Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate in Dusseldorf participated in a live exercise to test our responses to...

The Foreign Secretary, Margaret Beckett, commenting on the election of the UK to the UN Human Rights Council said:   

The Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Margaret Beckett MP, today announced that she would be appointing a Special Representative on Climate Change.   

The UK and Mexico today signed a bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (IPPA) in Vienna. This agreement will offer investors, shareholders and both governments a mechanism for bilateral protection...

Speaking on the first anniversary of the events in Andizhan, Uzbekistan, Minister for Europe Geoff Hoon said, "Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who died in the tragic events which took place...

The United States today announced that it was moving towards normalising relations with Libya. In response to this announcement, the Foreign Secretary said:   

Geoff Hoon MP, the new Minister for Europe, will visit Berlin on Wednesday 17 May. His programme will include meetings with the German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Europe Minister Gunter Gloser.