The Billy Deacon Search and Rescue (SAR) Memorial Trophy will be presented this evening, Monday 8 May, to Royal Air Force helicopter winchman Master Aircrewman (MACR) Nicholas Petch by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of...

Asked if it was ever the case that Geoff Hoon's job was ever a Secretary of State position, the PMOS said that it was not. Asked if it was a false briefing from the Government, the PMOS said that...

Asked if Race Relations had been moved to Ruth Kelly's department, the PMOS said that it made sense, because the title of her department was now Communities and Local Government. Communities involved relations ...

Asked if the Pensions White Paper was about implementing the Turner Report, the PMOS said that people had known that our approach to the Turner Report had been one of welcome, while investigating the detail. People...

Put that the new Home Secretary had announced today that there could be "several hundred" more serious prisoners still in Britain, and was this the reason that Charles Clarke had to go, the PMOS said that...

Asked if the recent events in Basra could be seen as a message from Iran on the eve of the meeting in New York, the PMOS said that we saw it for what it was, which was a deeply...

Asked for more information about the Prime Minister's dinner with Prime Minister de Villepin later this week, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (PMOS) said that we had regular meetings with the French Prime...

Put that as the Ministers involved in the briefings this week would only have been in their jobs for a few days, were the briefings therefore what the Prime Minister thought instead, the PMOS said that in terms...

Put that the Prime Minister had said today that he wanted to give his successor time to "bed in" and did this mean that he would now not serve a full third term, the Prime Minister's Official Spokesman (...

Press briefing from the Prime Minister's Spokesman on: PM, Minister Briefings, French PM, Basra, Foreign Prisoners, Pensions White Paper, Communities and Local Government and Geoff Hoon.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is today warning landlords to ensure the safe condition of tenants' gas appliances by arranging for CORGI registered installers to carry out annual safety checks and servicing...

New Creative Industries and Tourism Minister Shaun Woodward today pledged to harness his first hand experience working in broadcasting to understand and promote Britain's outstanding creative industries

Two Government consultations announced today will look at amending the transposition of the Habitats Directive in England and Wales, and the transposition of the Wild Birds Directive and Habitats Directive beyond...

Disorderly louts and reckless licensees will be targeted as part of continuing police activity through a fourth Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) launched today by the Government and the Association of ...

Consultation proposals for new national rules and procedures for the welfare of animals during transport are published today.

SATURDAY 13 MAY 2006

Information Bulletin

Science and Innovation Minister, Lord Sainsbury, today announced the appointment of Sir John Chisholm as the next Chair of the Medical Research Council (MRC).

Looking well into the future at which emerging technologies might help power the UK and the world was the subject of the Energy 2100 conference in London today.

Tony Blair has reshuffled his Cabinet. We have the full list of ministerial moves, appointments and resignations.

Tony Blair answered questions from journalists today in his monthly press conference. We have the transcript, some images from the event, and a summary of the topics covered.

Important changes to the information printed in the IACSs Explanatory booklet IACS(1) 2006, dealing with penalties, confirmed varieties of hemp, and LFASS claims

Scottish Executive publication to address the issues for children and young people affected by parental substance misuse.

Environment Secretary, Margaret Beckett, today launched a nationwide clampdown on litter as part of a package of new powers for local authorities.   

Defra today published provisional 2005 estimates for its climate change sustainable development indicator, as well as final figures for 2004 air pollutant emissions for the UK.   

Defra, on behalf of the United Kingdom Agricultural Departments, today published Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2005.   

Figures produced by the Government show today that emissions of the basket of six greenhouse gases fell by about 14 1/2 per cent between the base year and 2005. The UK has agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions ...

A new strategy outlining the changes needed to improve the conditions in which ships are recycled has been published today for consultation.   

The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill, which creates two new organisations charged with conserving and enhancing England's valuable natural environment and giving a stronger voice to rural communities...

As the UK works toward reaching its own goals for halting the loss of biodiversity by 2010, it is also making considerable effort to help other countries meet their own targets.   

Today (March 30th) Lord Bach and the Rural Payments Agency met the British Bankers' Association and other representatives of the major lending banks to discuss the situation of farmers awaiting payment under the...

Regulations made today apply waste management controls to agricultural waste for the first time in England and Wales.   

Companies working at the cutting edge of nanotechnology are being invited to share their knowledge with the Government through a voluntary reporting scheme.   

The Government laid proposals before Parliament today which will amend the Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 and the Agriculture Tenancies Act 1995 in order to provide a more flexible framework for agricultural lettings...

Announcement by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.   

Margaret Beckett, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, today announced her intention to appoint Poul Christensen as the Deputy Chair of Natural England, the new statutory body with responsibility...

Environment Minister Elliot Morley today urged holidaymakers planning to travel abroad at Easter to reduce their effect on the environment.   

Climate Change Minister Elliot Morley today (Mon) spelt out the Government's action on tackling climate change in urban areas at two major conferences.   

The owners / master of a Dutch beam trawler, Cornelia BR14, were fined a total of £15K and costs of £5K by Dover Magistrates Court for fishing illegally in British waters using an illegal net...

New measures to tackle air pollution could extend life expectancy, cut environmental damage from acidic air pollution and generate benefits of £1.4billion a year, the government said today.   

Preliminary tests have found highly pathogenic H5 avian flu in a sample from a swan found dead in Fife, Scotland.   

New powers for local authorities to deal with a plethora of environmental crimes came in to force today.   

England's National Parks and the Broads Authority will receive an extra £3.1 million over the next two years, Landscape Minister Jim Knight announced in the New Forest National Park today.   

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE UK AND SCOTTISH CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICERS   

On the 3 April 2006 at Salisbury Magistrates' Court, Growing Success Organics Ltd and a director of the company, Stanley Mernagh, were each convicted of two offences relating to the illegal supply of two unapproved...

The way Local Wildlife and Geological Sites in England are identified, selected and managed will be made easier through a more transparent and consistent approach promoted by new guidance published by Defra today...

The bird in which H5N1 avian influenza was confirmed on 6 April in Scotland has been identified as a Whooper swan by DNA 'fingerprinting' at the Central Science Laboratory the UK's Chief Veterinary Officers announced...

Some of the nasty whiffs from local sewage treatment works could be a thing of the past thanks to a new voluntary Code of Practice published today by Defra.   

The Government has decided to meet the cost of one pre-movement test per English herd owner for cattle aged over 15 months of age and moving out of a 1-2 yearly tested herd in England. These transitional arrangements...

Issued on behalf of Defra and EDF Energy   

A strategy to tackle the impact of the food industry on precious resources, such as energy and water, and its contribution to climate change, was published by Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment...

Rural Affairs Minister, Jim Knight today announced thirteen appointments to the Board of Natural England, the new public body responsible for enhancing and managing the natural environment.   

Professor Lynda Warren has been appointed as a new independent member of the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Biodiversity Minister Jim Knight announced today.   

The owners and master of a Belgium trawler, Blue Angel (Z60) from Ostend, have been fined £4500 and ordered to pay both legal and investigation costs totaling £2500 at Brighton Magistrates Court...

Preliminary tests have this evening indicated that the avian influenza virus is present in samples from chickens found dead on a poultry farm near Dereham in Norfolk.   

An action plan to unlock the potential for renewable energy in biomass is published by the Government today.   

The results of further tests from the poultry farm in Dereham, Norfolk have confirmed the H7 avian flu virus, Defra announced today. The tests also indicate that the strain of virus is low pathogenicity.   

Tests have provided positive results for avian influenza in chickens on two further poultry farms near Dereham, Norfolk. The preliminary results indicate H7N3, but further tests are being carried out by the Veterinary...

New provisions regarding the use of rights of way by motorised vehicles will come into effect tomorrow (Tuesday, 2 May).   

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett today welcomed the report of the Sustainable Consumption Roundtable and promised the government would take a lead in helping consumers make choices which are more sustainable...

Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett today welcomed the report of the Sustainable Consumption Roundtable and promised the government would take a lead in helping consumers make choices which are more sustainable...

British farmers are competing for a slice of the international beef market as UK beef exports resume today.   

An additional £100,000 is being made available immediately to key rural support organisations who help farmers deal with stress, Minister for Sustainable Farming and Food, Lord Bach, announced today.   

UK Fisheries Ministers have appointed three new members to the Board of the Seafish Industry Authority (SFIA):   

Rural Affairs Minister Jim Knight has approved an application to exchange common land related to the development of a wind farm on common land at Scout Moor, near Rochdale, Lancashire.   

Lord Bach today urged farmers to submit their 2006 Single Payment Scheme application to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) by the 15 May deadline wherever possible. However, in recognition of difficulties this year...

David Miliband has been appointed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.   

Factory gate inflation falls to 2.4%

Coverage: Great Britain Theme: Social and Welfare   

John Hutton today revealed further plans to ensure people's buy-in to future pension reform. Speaking at the Work Foundation, he announced that as part of this process of debate the National Pensions Day will be...

A pilot scheme to help lone parents back into work will be extended into Scotland and Wales, announced Margaret Hodge, Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform today.   

John Hutton today signalled a radical redesign of child support in the UK as well as a package of measures that will get tough on parents who shirk their responsibilities.   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS   

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS HOUSING ANALYSIS & EVALUATION DIVISION   

Labour market figures published today, along with DWP benefit statistics published last month, show that:-   

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS FAMILY POVERTY AND WORK DIVISION   

Disabled people will have the chance to work directly with the Government as part of a new Advisory Group set up to help establish a national forum representing the interests of disabled people in policy and services...

PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE   

Consumers stand to save thousands as the financial services industry pledges to reduce pension scheme costs in response to Lord Turner's proposed National Pension Savings Scheme (NPSS).   

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC) Press Release   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE   

The Government has set out the contracting out rebate rates that will apply from 2007.   

"A painfully good example of an excessive risk-averse decision made with the best of intentions" was how Work and Pensions Minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath described the decision by a head teacher who required ...

People across the UK are urged to have their say online on the future of the pension system and help to shape Government reform.   

A fresh wealth of experience has been recruited to the Department for Work and Pensions Advisory Committee which provides advice on employment barriers faced by disabled people and how to tackle them.   

The Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order 2006 (SI 2006/496) was laid before Parliament on 3 March. The Order, made annually under Section 148 of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, sets...

The Social Security Pensions (Low Earnings Threshold) Order 2006 (SI 2006/500) was laid before Parliament on 3 March. The Order, made annually under Section 148A of the Social Security Administration Act 1992, sets...

PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE   

Thousands more people were lifted out of poverty in the last year, new figures released today by the Department for Work and Pensions show.   

Increased financial help will soon be available for some severely disabled people wishing to live independently in the community.   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS EXTENDING WORKING LIFE DIVISION   

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, has announced the reappointment of five commissioners to the Disability Rights Commission (DRC).   

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC), the independent scientific body which advises the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on the prescription of diseases within the Industrial Injuries Disablement...

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, today announced the appointment of Sandy Blair to the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).   

The Department for Work and Pensions today (Wednesday 15 March) responded to a report by the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman into alleged maladministration relating to occupational pension schemes from...

Labour market figures published today show that the claimant count rose by 14,600 in February and ILO unemployment rose in the last quarter. However, the figures also show that:   

Impact of Sanctions for Lone Parents: Findings from Qualitative Research   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS INFORMATION AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE   

The Pensioners' Incomes Series 2004/5 is published today.   

A review of Remploy Ltd will look at how to open up more employment opportunities for disabled people, announced Minister for Disabled People Anne McGuire today.   

Ministers will today ask people from across the UK what kind of pension system they want in the future, in the largest consultation event of its kind that the country has ever seen.   

prepared by the DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS CHILD SUPPORT DIVISION   

People on low incomes will be able to access affordable loans more easily after changes to the Social Fund were announced today.   

Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire, has announced the appointment of a new Trustee for the Independent Living Funds.   

A pilot scheme helping jobseekers back into work is being rolled out across England, Scotland and Wales today.   

The Pensions Commissioner's today restated their belief that the recommendations on pension reform which the Commission presented last November provide the most balanced way forward.   

A new project designed to tackle worklessness and increase employment in London was unveiled today by Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform.   

PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS CROSS-CUTTING STRATEGY AND ANALYSIS DIRECTORATE Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions explores the characteristics and circumstances of...

Research published today prompts public sector authorities to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.   

New research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions examines public bodies' approach to implementing the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 and provides evidence for a baseline against which...

New research from the DWP on families demonstrates the improvements that have been made in tackling poverty as well as underlining the importance of the Government's plans to reform the Welfare State in enabling...

Labour market figures published today show that:   

NOTE - AMENDED VERSION   

John Hutton, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions announced today the appointment of John Spanswick to the Health and Safety Commission (HSC).   

The Industrial Injuries Advisory Council (IIAC)   

Introduction   

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, today announced a review of the Independent Living Funds (ILFs).   

Health, work and well-being - Caring for our future   

An artefact possibly used by monks who fancied an illicit tipple, or in pursuit of the alchemist's dream, is one of the stunning objects going on display for the first time at 12th century Byland Abbey, near Thirsk...

Tony Blair will answer questions from journalists at 1200 BST today in his monthly press conference. We will have a summary of the topics covered, plus the transcript, later.

The lives of more than 100,000 young people have now been enhanced by the continuing success of the Positive Futures programme, illustrated by the third Impact Report published today by the Home Office.   

Legislation that will make it an offence for anyone in England and Wales to tout tickets for every match in this summer's football World Cup in Germany has been laid before Parliament, Home Office Minister Paul ...

HMP Lancaster Castle continues to provide a high standard of prisoner care and some extremely good resettlement work, said Anne Owers, Chief Inspector of Prisons, publishing the report of an unannounced short follow...

Victims of domestic and sexual violence will be better supported thanks to £2.5 million in new funding announced today by Baroness Scotland QC, Minister of State for Criminal Justice and Offender Management...

Local authorities in England and Wales are continuing to take action against anti-social behaviour, according to the latest set of quarterly ASBO statistics published today.   

Important new measures to boost Government powers to tackle illegal working and strengthen UK borders became law today.   

The Identity Cards Bill received Royal Assent today, placing on the statute book important measures which will help Britain meet the challenges of the 21st century. The National Identity Scheme will provide all ...

Powerful new laws to help the police and law enforcement agencies tackle the threat of terrorism were given the go-ahead today as the Terrorism Bill received Royal Assent.   

The Government has today published a summary of responses to the recent consultation on the restructuring of the Probation Service.   

The Government's commitment to reducing serious organised crime moves into the 21st Century with the launch of the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), Home Secretary Charles Clarke announced today.   

Sir David Normington, Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, today announced the appointment of Helen Edwards as Director General of the Home Office's National Offender Management Service (NOMS) following an open...

A couple who took action against a family that caused harassment and nuisance in their community and a group of residents who inspired young people to clean up their community and contributed to a 41% reduction ...

Local authorities will gain extra powers to help tackle the blight of graffiti, Home Office Minister Hazel Blears announced today.   

A new web-based toolkit, devised by the Home Office and the National Union of Students, is launched today, giving student welfare officers advice and tips on working in partnership with their institution, police...

A new national 24 hour Outreach Service - the first in the UK for victims of human sex trafficking - will be set up through the POPPY scheme thanks to £2.4 million Government funding, Home Office Minister...

The football community has teamed up with the Government's Respect Task Force to bring structured coaching, education and training opportunities through football to young people living in some of the most disadvantaged...

A new advertising campaign aimed at encouraging friends of victims of domestic violence to report offences was launched today in Leeds. There are some 12,000 reported incidents of domestic violence in Leeds every...

Frequent travellers from the UK and abroad can benefit from a faster, simpler way to pass through immigration control as new technology comes to Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport today.   

A package of measures to reform the system under which the Government pays compensation for miscarriages of justice was announced today by Home Secretary Charles Clarke.   

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Nationality (Tony McNulty): The Government is committed to maintaining effective immigration controls while at the same time ensuring that genuine passengers are able...

A £367m plan to develop a national police database that will link up police information across England and Wales has been finalised by the Home Office.   

The new Identity and Passport Service (IPS) has 'hit the ground running', publishing plans today for a major programme of anti-fraud projects that will transform people's ability to confirm identity and protect ...

A booklet setting out how vulnerable adults and those with learning disabilities can protect themselves from crime is published today by the Home Office.   

Overall crime and violent crime in England and Wales remain stable according to the latest crime figures published today.   

With the football World Cup kicking off on 9 June, it is not only Sven-Goran Eriksson who should be planning ahead for the tournament. English football fans intending to travel to Germany are being warned by the...