Archive of articles from 2004

Blunkett to crack down on animal rights extremism

The Home Secretary will today announce plans to prevent intimidation of scientists by animal rights activists.

Heatwave contingency plans published

The Chief Medical Officer has published emergency plans for coping with a heatwave.

Poll bad news for Labour and Conservatives

A new poll shows declining support for both Labour and the Conservatives.

Union membership rose in 2003

Whitehall growth drives 27,000 increase in union numbers, new statistics show.

New protections for park homes proposed

The ODPM has issued a consultation document to bolster protections for park home owners.

Has cannabis reclassification worked?

Today is the six-month anniversary of the formal reclassification of cannabis to a Class C drug.

UK debt hits one trillion

Today the Bank of England confirmed that the total amount of debt owed by the British people has hit the £1 trillion mark.

Government plans for climate change flooding

The Environment Minister, Elliot Morely, has published a consultation paper setting out Government plans to tackle flooding and coastal erosion.

"Insufficient troops in Iraq", warns committee

A new report from the Foreign Affairs Select Committee concludes that an "insufficient" number of troops in Iraq has contributed to a deterioration in security.

Conservative MEPs seek UKIP committee places

The Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament has written to the parliamentary authorities requesting that they are given committee places allocated to United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP).

MPs attack "woeful" defence procurement

A highly critical report from the Defence Select Committee has accused the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of letting British troops down.

British Library praised for e-access

The British Library has been praised by the National Audit Office (NAO) for its response to the information age.

Morris consults on human remains

Morris hopes for "fair and equitable framework"

The laws surrounding human remains held in UK museums, and claims for their repatriation, are the subject of a new Government consultation.

MPs call for action to restore savings confidence

A committee of MPs has sharply criticised the performance of the long-term savings industry, and called for action to improve consumer confidence.

Iraqi High Court challenge begins

Iraqi civilians and their lawyers have begun a High Court action to try and force the UK Government to institute an independent inquiry into alleged deaths and serious injuries to Iraqi citizens.

Smoking ban would boost economy, says Chief Medical Officer

New research shows a ban on smoking in workplaces and public areas would help bars and restaurants, as well as the wider economy, says the Government's health tsar.

Conservatives propose to slim down Defra "flab"

A new report from the Conservatives' James Review has identified £477 million of potential savings at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Trade talks at critical juncture, says Benn

The International Development Secretary has said that next week's World Trade Organisation (WTO) meeting must deliver benefits for developing countries.

Watchdog warns of "substantial risks" to new NHS funding system

A new report from the Audit Commission has warned that the new funding system for the NHS risks "financial instability within NHS bodies."

Pollution fines still too low, says Environment Agency

The chief executive of the Environment Agency has said that she believes that polluting fines are too low, but that they are making progress on tackling offenders.

Government accused of "dithering" on sexual health

Following the publication of new figures showing a rise in sexually transmitted infections, the Liberal Democrats have accused the Government of "dithering".