Archive of articles from 2008

Call for maternity care improvement

The King's Fund report is "reassuring" overall

English maternity care lacks a "systematic approach to safety", a King's Fund inquiry has found.

Australian-style immigration system begins

Scientists and businessmen first to be affected

The first stage of the new points-based immigration came into force today, designed to ensure only foreign workers with the skills needed by the UK are allowed entry.

Brown prepared to ban plastic bags

Gordon Brown has given his strongest indication yet that he could outlaw free plastic bags.

Parliamentary pass-holder arrested over protest

Pass holder arrested on suspicion of aiding protesters

A parliamentary insider has been arrested following Wednesday's security breach at Westminster.

Government funding for new adventure playgrounds

Playground funding part of Children's Plan

At least 15 new adventure playgrounds will be built across England as the government attempts to encourage children to play outside.

Training 'at heart of benefits problem'

Too many claimants are returning to the dole, MPs say

Helping those who struggle to achieve sustainable employment through training is crucial to reducing dependency on benefits in Britain, MPs believe.

Network Rail hit with £14 million fine

Network Rail fined £14 million for delays

Network Rail has been fined a record £14 million after new year engineering works overran.

Cabinet's "rank hypocrisy" over post office closures

2,500 post offices set to close by end of 2008

Prominent Cabinet members have been accused of "rank hypocrisy" after apparently campaigning against government policy to shore up support in their own constituencies.

Council tax bills to rise by £50

Council tax bills to rise by average 3.9 per cent

The average household will be charged more than £50 extra in council tax this year, according to estimates.

Fewer pupils passing key maths tests

The number of 14-year-olds reaching an adequate level in maths has fallen while "slight improvements" have been seen in English and Science attainment.

Superbug infections increase

The government face criticism on hospital cleanliness

A sharp rise in the number of deaths from the Clostridium difficile (C. diff) superbug has prompted an angry reaction from opposition parties.

Tories offer services cuts to fund £28 billion extra for NHS

Lansley promises choice and competition in NHS

A future Conservative government would spend an additional £28 billion a year on the NHS, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has pledged.

Police chief questions Conway silence

Standards commissioner not planning to refer Conway case

The head of the Metropolitan police has demanded to know why an MP who overpaid his "invisible" son was not reported to the police.

Digital switchover costs 'overestimated'

Broadcast television will only be available digitally from 2012

The government has "massively overestimated" the number of people needing help with digital switchover, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Legal challenge begins to DNA database

Men want DNA and fingerprints removed from database

A legal challenge to the DNA database which could force the Home Office to destroy thousands of records begins in Europe today.

Information to be released on senior MPs second homes

MPs have been ordered to publish a more detailed breakdown of their expenses in the interests of freedom of information.

Drivers backing tougher measures for mobile phone use

Three penalty points and £60 for using a phone

Drivers recognise the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel, the government claims.

Brown rejects call for TV debate

High noon: Cameron challanges Brown to a TV-dual

Gordon Brown has rejected calls to take part in a televised debate with party leaders ahead of the next general election.

Dog review demands dismissed

The government will not be reviewing the Dangerous Dogs Act

The government has rejected calls by the Liberal Democrats to review the Dangerous Dogs Act, following a rise in the number of dog-related injuries.

Brown challenged to free vote on EU treaty

Brown insists treaty does not need a referendum

Gordon Brown has once again rejected calls for a referendum on the EU treaty as campaigners descend on parliament.

MPs lament 'cod war' compensation failures

Britain's distant water fishing industry collapsed in the late 1970s

The government's failure to fairly compensate British trawlermen who lost their jobs after the 'cod wars' of the 1970s is "incredible", MPs believe.

Govt abandons supercasinos amid gambling concerns

Manchester supercasino will now not be built

The government has formally dropped plans for a Las Vegas-style supercasino.

Cameron wins crucial voters to eye Commons majority

The Conservatives are on course to secure an overall majority at the next general election, having extended their lead across nearly all sections of society.