Archive of articles from 2009

Brown reeling after conference backlash

Mr Brown's speech was well recieved in the hall, but he faced problems immediately afterwards

A set of five gruelling and sometimes bad-tempered media appearances left the prime minister gasping for breath today.

Balls backs foreign social workers

Children's secretary Ed Balls has asserted his support for foreign social workers in comments to politics.co.uk.

Balls to investigate BNP presence in schools

There will be an investigation into the extent of BNP involvement in schools, children's secretary Ed Balls told the Labour conference this afternoon.

Harman wants pimp site terminated

Harriet Harman wants to shut down a California-based website which helps pimps sell women online.

A California-based website which helps pimps sell women online should be shut down, Harriet Harman has told Labour delegates in Brighton.

Murdoch delivers body blow to Brown

There was bad news for the Labour party this morning after the Sun newspaper ran the front page headline "Labour's lost it" just hours after Gordon Brown's triumphant keynote speech.

Afghan girl killed by RAF leaflet drop

An investigation has begun into the death of a young Afghan girl killed by a box of MoD leaflets

An investigation has begun into the death of a young Afghan girl who is believed to have died after being hit by a box of leaflets dropped by an RAF Hercules aircraft.

Broadband companies against cutting off pirates

Internet service providers have warned against Lord Mandelson's plans to disconnect illegal firesharers.

Internet service providers (ISPs) have warned against Lord Mandelson's plans to disconnect illegal firesharers.

Closer to the end of hospital parking charges?

Andy Burnham has promised an end to hospital parking charges within three years, in his speech to the Labour party conference in Brighton.

Cameron hints at Lisbon treaty U-turn

David Cameron has given the first indications he may not force a referendum on the Lisbon treaty if the Conservatives win power.

Brown takes on Broken Britain

Gordon Brown took the fight to the Tories today

Gordon Brown tried to turn the Conservative agenda of 'Broken Britain' to his advantage today with a tough and socially authoritarian conference speech.

Brown must reach out, Alexander urges

Douglas Alexander wants Brown to address country, not conference

Gordon Brown must "talk to the country" in his leader's speech, the man responsible for coordinating Labour's general election campaign has urged.

Council bosses face Labour pay crackdown

John Denham has told Labour conference delegates he will act to rein in "out of hand" pay for local government bosses.

Johnson: 'No excuses' for Pilkington deaths

Home secretary Alan Johnson has admitted that there were "no excuses" for the deaths of Fiona Pilkington and her disabled daughter.

Home secretary Alan Johnson has admitted that there were "no excuses" for the catalogue of failings that led to the deaths of Fiona Pilkington and her disabled daughter.

School girl dies after HPV jab

A 14-year-old girl died yesterday shortly after receiving a vaccination against cervical cancer.

Bradshaw: BBC better than American news

The culture secretary has used his speech to the Labour conference to launch a robust defence of the BBC, saying it is far superior to news in the US or Europe.

Poll puts Labour in third place

An Ipsos Mori poll has put the Liberal Democrats narrowly in second place.

An Ipsos Mori poll has put Labour in third place for the first time since February 1982.

Straw wants National Victims Service

Jack Straw says George Osborne views cuts with "ghoulish enthusiasm"

Jack Straw has unveiled plans for a National Victims Service amid a fighting speech to the Labour party conference.

'Wife-beater Asbo' backed by Johnson

Those who subject their partners to domestic violence will face Asbo-style domestic violence prevention orders, Alan Johnson has announced.

Darling promises Fiscal Responsibility Act to reduce deficit

Alistair Darling is congratulated by the prime minister after addressing the conference

Chancellor Alistair Darling has promised to introduce a Fiscal Responsibility Act to reduce the budget deficit.

CPS to charge G20 police officer

The CPS have decided to charge a police sergeant over an alleged assault during the G20 protests.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have taken the decision to charge a police sergeant over an alleged assault during the G20 protests.

Minister orders babysitting ban review

Children's minister Vernon Coaker has ordered a review of the Childcare Act after two mothers were told that looking after each other's children was illegal.

Mandelson: We are in the fight of our lives

Lord Mandelson: "Labour is in the fight of its life"

Peter Mandelson called on Labour to follow his lead by achieving an unlikely comeback in his speech to the party's autumn conference.

Flint: Labour suffering from 'surfeit of initiatives'

Flint said there was too much white noise eminating from the government

Former Cabinet minister Caroline Flint has hit out at excessive "white noise" coming from the government, but insisted Labour can still win the next general election.

Mandelson launches salvo against BBC

Business secretary Lord Mandelson launched a blistering attack on the BBC this morning over its handling of an interview with Gordon Brown on the weekend.