Archive of articles from 2004

Blair to address conference

Tony Blair will today address the Labour Party conference, most likely for the last time before the general election.

Unions defeat leadership on rail renationalisation

The Labour Party conference has voted in favour of a rebel amendment in favour of placing the railways back under public ownership.

Jowell appeals for public and media backing for London Olympics

The Culture, Media and Sport Secretary has used her address to the Labour Party conference to urge both the public and the media to get behind the London Olympic bid.

Labour's European head rounds on UKIP

Gary Titley, the Labour leader in the European Parliament has rounded on the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), accusing them of being the "BNP in suits".

"Common agenda" for unions and Government

The outgoing president of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has told the Labour Party conference that, despite media speculation to the contrary, there is a common agenda between the unions and the Labour leadership.

Outdoor education too important to abandon, says Ofsted

A new report from the school inspectorate Ofsted says that the benefits of outdoor trips are too important to forfeit because of fear of legal action.

Blair promises new general election pledge card

The next general election will see a revival of Labour's famous 1997 pledge card, the Prime Minister confirmed today.

Blair confronts Iraq head on

Tony Blair has used his speech to the Labour Party to confront his critics on Iraq head on.

Prescott promises to help young buyers

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced a new government initiative allowing first-time buyers to get a foot on the property ladder by buying cheap new homes.

No "irresponsible pre-election promises" pledges Brown

Gordon Brown is expected to say he will not sacrifice stable economic growth by offering a raft of short-term policies to line the pockets of voters ahead of the next general election.

Leadership defeated on housing

The Labour leadership has suffered its first defeat of the conference on an amendment on housing policy.

New push on household recycling

The Government has launched a new £10 million advertising campaign to encourage more people to recycle household waste.

Political centre is shifting, says Milburn

Country is moving leftwards claims Milburn

Labour's new head of campaign strategy, Alan Milburn, has said that the political centre in the UK is beginning to shift.

Conservatives promise to build roads

Tim Yeo, the Shadow Transport Secretary, has promised that a future Conservative government would "end the war on motorists" and build new roads.

McCartney turns on Lib Dems

Ahead of the Hartlepool by-election, Labour Party Chairman Ian McCartney has launched a scathing attack on the Liberal Democrats.

Brown promises prosperity and justice for all

In a passionate keynote address to the Labour Party conference, the Chancellor Gordon Brown has promised to ensure there is "prosperity and justice for all".

Ministers back Jaguar workers

Jaguars should be built in Britain, says Prescott

John Prescott has expressed his support for Jaguar workers after they lobbied the Labour Party conference in Brighton.

Unions calls for compulsion in pensions

Unions urge compulsory employer contributions

The general secretary of the GMB union has called for the Government to be "bold and radical" on pensions and to introduce compulsion.

Push on unemployment and poverty at heart of manifesto

Recently appointed Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson has told delegates at Labour's annual conference in Brighton today that poverty and unemployment should be at the heart of the Government's bid for a third term in office.

Conference voices support for Jaguar workers

The Labour Party conference has voted by a show of hands to send a message of support to the workers at Jaguar.

Card vote on rail renationalisation

The vote on rail renationalisation is proving too close to call, as conference organisers have requested a card vote, with prospect raised of a further vote if the margin is tight.

Blair vows to do all he can for British hostage

The Prime Minister has vowed to do everything he can to secure the release of Ken Bigley

Blair stresses "I'm not the wobbling sort"

Tony Blair stresses his commitment to stand firm in the face of protest over Iraq

Plaid's leader calls for more Welsh powers

Plaid Cymru's leader has used his conference address to sharply attack the Labour Party's vision for Wales, and call for the Assembly to be granted greater legislative powers.