Archive of articles from 2007

Tories launch attack on ID cards

David Davis leads new drive against ID cards

The Conservatives have today launched a major new offensive against ID cards, pledging to scrap the project if they win the next election.

Blair hails 'green UK' but rejects heavy taxes

Tony Blair hails UK's climate change record

Tony Blair has praised Britain's role as a global leader on climate change, but insisted he would not penalise people driving cars or taking cheap flights in a bid to save the planet.

CPS says no charges in one honours arrest

CPS says no charges against headmaster Des Smith

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said there is "insufficient evidence" to bring charges against one of four people arrested in the cash-for-honours police investigation.

PM defends civil liberties trade-off

Tony Blair defends the trade off between civil liberties and law and order

The use of summary justice and DNA data are "difficult" because of their impact on civil liberties but they are the only way to solve crime, Tony Blair has declared.

Beckett urges resolution in friendly fire soldier death

Beckett called for a quick end to the inquiry

Foreign secretary Margaret Beckett has called for the inquest into the "friendly fire" death of a British soldier in Iraq to be completed as soon as possible, as a cockpit video of the attack was made public.

Blair warned over Iran military threat

Iranian president rejects claims he wants to build nuclear weapons

The UK must use its position as broker between America and Europe to stop any military action against Iran, a new report by academics, charities and unions has warned.

Archbishop warns of 'police state' detention

Archbishop of York condemns plans for 90-day detention

The archbishop of York has warned that extending the time terror suspects can be held without charge to 90 days is getting close to creating a "police state".

Clarke: Reid wrong to split Home Office

Charles Clarke says plans to split Home Office are wrong

Charles Clarke has condemned home secretary John Reid's plans to split the Home Office as "wrong", saying the move would only make problems at the department worse.

Ukip rebranded as 'independence party'

Ukip leader Nigel Farage tries to broaden party's appeal

The UK Independence Party (Ukip) is to rebrand itself as the Independence Party ahead of the local elections in England this May.

School curriculum opened up

Reforms published to 11 to 14 school curriculum

Reforms to make the school curriculum for 11 to 14-year-olds more flexible and better tailored to pupils' needs have been published by the exams watchdog today.

Ron Davies to stand as assembly member

Ron Davies to stand as candidate for Welsh assembly

Former Welsh secretary Ron Davies, who quit the cabinet after a "moment of madness" on Clapham Common nine years ago, is to stand for the Welsh assembly.

Bird flu risk to public 'negligible'

Government says all bird flu procedures were kept to

The risk to the public from the outbreak of the deadly H5N1 strain of avian bird flu in Suffolk is "negligible", environment secretary David Miliband has insisted.

Language shake-up for schools

Alan Johnson says competition in the global economy is driving the changes

English schools may be allowed to teach Mandarin and Arabic in new curriculum proposals set to be revealed on Monday.

Cruddas: Blair must go

Jon Cruddas is running for the Labour deputy leadership

Labour deputy leadership contender Jon Cruddas has said that "the time has come" for Tony Blair's departure from Downing Street.

Blair urges Labour to hold firm

Tony Blair tells Labour activists to concentrate on policies rather than storm of controversy

Tony Blair has today called on Labour supporters to remain calm and ride out the "storm" of the loans-for-peerages affair.

Blair 'not distracted' by honours row

Tony Blair defends his record against honours scandal

Tony Blair has insisted he is not being distracted by the police investigation into cash-for-honours - but said he would not "plead" for his integrity.

Budget indecision 'threatens Olympics'

National Audit Office warns of risk of budget uncertainty

The failure to agree a budget for the London 2012 Olympics could have a "detrimental impact" on the Games, the government's financial watchdog has warned.

'Unequivocal' evidence of global warming

The government has called for urgent international action to tackle climate change, after a new United Nations report found "unequivocal" evidence for global warming.

Deputy leadership candidates 'should quit cabinet'

Jon Cruddas criticises fellow Labour deputy leadership candidates

Cabinet ministers standing for the Labour deputy leadership should quit their jobs to allow a proper debate, the one non-ministerial candidate has declared.

Legal questions over doubling of air tax

New hike on air passenger duty comes into force today

Gordon Brown's hike in air passenger duty comes into effect today, amid claims that it is not legal because it has not been approved by parliament.

Cabinet to approve Lords reform plans

Cabinet discuss House of Lords reform plans

The cabinet is today expected to approve proposals to reform the House of Lords, which suggest it should be made up equal numbers of elected and appointed members.

Police quiz Blair a second time

Tony Blair questioned by police for a second time

Tony Blair has been questioned by police investigating the cash-for-honours affair for the second time, Downing Street revealed today.

Adams meets Blair over NI collusion

Gerry Adams meets Tony Blair to discuss police collusion

Gerry Adams is today meeting Tony Blair at Downing Street to discuss collusion between British police and loyalist paramilitaries in Northern Ireland.