Archive of articles from 2009

Vestas granted eviction order

An unprecedented coalition of climate change activists and trade unionists have been camped outside the plant on the Isle of Wight

Vestas wind turbine manufacturers have been granted a possession order after going to court for a second time today to evict the workers who have been barricaded in its offices for over a fortnight.

Tomlinson case handed to CPS

Ian Tomlinson being pushed to the ground

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has handed over evidence over the death of Ian Tomlinson at the G20 demonstrations to the crown prosecution service (CPS).

'Torture inquiry' demanded

Extraordinary rendition and other forms of complicity: how much did the govt know?

Frustrated parliamentarians are insisting on a public inquiry into allegations the British government has been complicit in torture.

Government spends millions lobbying government

A new report highlighting the level of taxpayer-funded lobbying has revealed the government spends an estimated £38 million a year lobbying other parts of the government.

Commons pressured to make right-to-die call

Debbie Purdy's law lords win has forced the DPP to prepare a clarification

Keir Starmer, the man responsible for clarifying right-to-die legislation, has voiced concerns at parliament's ability to decide the issue.

Expenses boss gets a pay rise

The man in charge of the expenses system received an eight per cent pay rise last year, according to newly released Commons accounts.

Half a million 11-year-olds unable to read and write since 1997

Literacy appears unimproved from when Tony Blair entered Downing Street

The number of 11-year-olds leaving primary school unable to read or write has reached half a million since Labour came to power, according to figures released today.

Local authority staff sacked for ID card data breach

Critics say the identity database is vulnerable

Nine local authority workers have been sacked after illegally accessing personal details of the public held on the government's national identity database.

Tories select Wollaston in Britain's first open primary

The Tories have announced the winner of their open primary in Totnes today

The Conservatives have today announced the result of a groundbreaking open primary selection process, with Dr Sarah Wollaston winning the contest to be the party's candidate in Totnes.

Local MP blamed for Vestas closure

A satellite image of the White Cliffs of Dover. Environmentalists want to make more use of Britain;s natural resources, like wind power.

It was revealed today that Isle of Wight MP Andrew Turner has a history of campaigning against wind farms on the island, despite now speaking out against the closure of the Vestas plant.