Archive of articles from 2004

Labour ahead in new poll

Blair still ahead despite Blunkett problems

Labour have maintained their lead over the Conservatives, according to a new poll.

Brown calls for stronger dollar

Brown warns of global risks of weak dollar

Gordon Brown called on US treasury chiefs on Thursday to strengthen the dollar in a bid to curb the greenback's depreciation on world financial markets.

Christmas binge-drinking blitz starts

Police forces around the country are today warning Christmas revellers to behave - or face a £80 fine.

Turkey given EU accession talks date

Turkey has been offered the date of October 3rd 2005 for accession talks on joining the European Union.

Shipman causes re-think on doctors' testing

New rules on the testing of doctors have been postponed while the Government considers the recommendations from the Shipman Inquiry.

Drugs Bill published

The latest of the Government's key legislation for this session has been unveiled with the publication of the Drugs Bill.

Scotland moves closer to becoming smoke free

Scotland is one step closer to a smoking ban in public places this morning after the formal publication of the Smoking, Health and Social Care Bill.

MoD defends Eurofighter purchase

The Ministry of Defence has strongly defended its decision to purchase 89 new Eurofighter (Typoon) aircraft.

Red tape cuts for NHS

In a move designed to reduce red tape in the NHS, the Government has announced that it will be scrapping or reducing central data collection in the health service.

Brown calls for new 'Marshall Plan' for developing world

The international community should wipe out third world debt, dismantle its trade barriers and give an extra £50 billion in aid as part of a new plan to help the developing world, Chancellor Gordon Brown said today.

Conservatives demand answers on teacher training fees

The Shadow Education Secretary has written to the new Education Secretary, Ruth Kelly, demanding assurances about the cost of teacher training courses.

Blair: Turkey deal sends important signal to the world

The decision to start talks on Turkey's membership of the European Union will send a message to the world that Muslim and secular states can work with each other, Prime Minister Tony Blair said today.