Archive of articles from 2009

All eyes towards Davos

The Alpine resort of Zermatt in the Swiss Alps

The government's business team is heading off to Switzerland for the Davos summit today, the first since the financial crisis hit.

Christian advert banned by watchdog

Christians accuse ASA of double standards over religious adverts

A pro-Christian advert that claims a vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in young women increases teenage infertility has been banned by the advertising watchdog.

Doubts remain over British Guantanamo detainees

Guantanamo Bay continues to upset human rights activists

The murky status of detainees at Guantanamo Bay has been clouded further after doubt was cast on when British-linked inmates would be released.

Defeat 'possible' over Heathrow vote

The government is nervy about a large-scale rebellion today on Heathrow's proposed third runway - but hopes it will avoid an outright defeat.

MPs: Treasury must prepare to print money

An influential committee of MPs has called on the Treasury to prepare and publish plans for printing money, should deflation get even worse.

Bank rescue puts child poverty targets in jeopardy

The government is putting child poverty targets in jeopardy by focusing its economic rescue package on banks and not families, it has been claimed.

Liberty unites with ACLU

Liberty and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have come together to establish an Anglo-American alliance based on civil liberties and human rights.

Calls for VAT cut on school uniforms

School unforms have VAT once the child is 14 or over

A motion calling for school uniforms to be free of all VAT is gathering support in Westminster.

Bill challenges 'Catholophobic' succession laws

Bill could end ban on monarchs marrying Catholics

Evan Harris says he is confident his attempt to abolish the ban on the monarchy marrying a Catholic will meet with cross-party support.

Stephenson becomes new Met chief

Sir Paul Stephenson has become the new Metropolitan Police Commissioner, taking over From Sir Ian Blair.

Business leader confidence shaken by recession

Outlook 'gloomy' according to business leaders

CEO's confidence in business has reached an all time low as top executives predict a slow, gradual recovery of the economy over the next three years.

'Cash for amendments' peers may face expulsion

David Cameron - promised to change law if he comes to power

Lady Royall has hinted that the four peers embroiled in the 'cash for amendments' scandal could face suspension or even expulsion.

Boris avoids Green inquiry

Boris failed to show up to inquiry into Green arrest

Boris Johnson will receive his second call to give evidence over the arrest of Damian Green today, after failing to attend the first time around.

Asda and BSkyB to create 8,000 jobs

Asda is owned by the American company Wall Mart

In a rare boost to Britain's floundering employment market, Asda and BSkyB have announced the creation of 8,000 new jobs.

Troubles compensation plan defended

Ken Clarke calls Cameron's marriage policy 'social engineering'

Clarke sounds off on Tory social policies

Ken Clarke has reportedly branded David Cameron's tax plan for married couples as tantamount to "social engineering", and an ill-advised lurch towards the policies of the "religious right" in America.