Archive of articles from 2008

Brown urges Congress to 'show reason'

Washington's decision has plunged the inteernational markets into turmoil

Gordon Brown has added his voice to calls from George Bush for Congress to approve a reshaped version of the White House's $700 billion (£388 billion) financial bailout package.

Cameron calls for unity amid economic crisis

Conservative party leader David Cameron today gave a surprise statement calling for the main political parties to work together amid the economic crisis gripping the world.

Analysis: Parties united

There are strange things afoot in British politics. Suddenly, the main parties want to work together to get the country safely through the economic storm.

Comment: Cameron shows his serious side

Cameron sought to appear statesman-like today

Yesterday we had the grown up version of George Osborne. Today it was serious grown up Dave Cameron. He might have said he wasn't playing politics on this one but it certainly looked like it.

Clegg calls for party unity over economy

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has called on David Cameron and Gordon Brown to put aside their party allegiances and adopt a cross-party approach to the economic crisis.

Tories outline tough new job rules

A Conservative government would end the "something for nothing culture" of the welfare state, shadow work and pensions secretary, Chris Grayling has said.

Tories promise to support have-a-go-heroes

Shadow home secretary, Dominic Grieve, has said a Conservative government would do more to help people and the police deal with crime.

Union wants political probe over short-selling

Donors to Britain's political parties should be scrutinised more closely, a union leader says, after a major Tory party donor was linked to short-selling shares in Bradford and Bingley (B&B).

New poll reinforces 'Brown bounce'

Gordon Brown's relatively successful Labour conference appears to have helped him in the polls, as Labour cuts the Conservatives' lead by seven points.

Gurkha law to be reviewed after court ruling

Gurkha soldiers receive massive boost in campaign to remain in UK after high court rules government stance is unlawful

The government has pledged to review current legislation barring Gurkhas who retired before 1997 from living in the UK after a high court ruling earlier today.

Tories promise council tax freeze

The Tories have promised a two year freeze in council tax if they achieve power, the shadow chancellor has said in his keynote speech to the party conference in Birmingham.

Comment: Osborne speech

Someone must have told him not to smile.

Govt nationalises Bradford and Bingley

Darling puts on his bowler hat to buy B&B

The government has nationalised Bradford and Bingley's mortgages, with Spanish giant Santander taking over its savings business.

As-it-happened: George Osborne speech

George Osborne unveils Tory economic policies

Review George Osborne's speech to the Tory party conference, in which he pledged to freeze council tax rises for two years.

Tories would scrap third runway at Heathrow

Ms Villiers said the Tories would scrap the third runway at Heathrow

The Conservatives would scrap plans for a third runway at Heathrow, it emerged this morning, introducing a high speed rail link between Leeds and London instead.

Europe 'must hurry' on climate change

Glacier retreat in the Alps is part of the climate change challenge faced by Europe

Europe must step up its preparations for the continent's changing climate, a report out today warns.

Internet safety council meets

Children need govt protection on the internet

The UK Council on Internet Safety meets for the first time today - six months ahead of schedule.

Voters desperate amid 'cripplingly high' tax burden

Labour comes out on top in a poll on taxing and spending, new research shows, as it is estimated the lifetime tax burden placed on UK households has risen to £668,000.

PM seeks stability after B&B move

Gordon Brown prioritises "stability" as financial crisis continues

Gordon Brown says he will work "night and day" to ensure the "security" and "stability" of the financial system.

Tories promise single rooms for patients

The Conservatives have promised single rooms for all mothers giving birth at an NHS hospital.

Johnson promises tax freeze

Johnson has promised a GLA tax freeze for next year

Boris Johnson promised to freeze the council tax burden imposed by the Greater London Authority on Londoners next year in his first speech to the Conservative party conference as mayor of London.

Tories set to win conference war, poll suggests

David Cameron's leader's speech will be the highlight of the Tory conference

The Conservatives are set to gain the most from this year's party conferences, a <i>politics.co.uk</i> poll suggests, as Tory delegates converge on Birmingham today.