Archive of articles from 2010

Cameron-Merkel in 'absolute agreement' on EU budget

Angela Merkel was treated to a meeting at Chequers

David Cameron held talks with German chancellor Angela Merkel today, arguing the two countries were in "absolute agreement" on the EU budget.

Air freight security review pledged

Britain is to review its security policies for air freight

The government is to review its approach to cargo security for air freight, home secretary Theresa May announced.

Danny Alexander defends 'valuable' rodents

Danny Alexander: I am proud to be ginger

Danny Alexander has issued a defiant tweet after being called a "ginger rodent" by Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman.

Scottish Labour turns on 'beastie' Salmond

The man who hopes to succeed Alex Salmond as Scotland's first minister has launched a sustained attack on the Scottish National party leader.

Mitchell faces 'Chocfinger' questions

Andrew Mitchell at the 2010 Tory party conference

Andrew Mitchell's personal intervention in a lobbying case involving a rich cocoa magnate triggered concerns among Foreign Office officials, it has emerged.

Knife crime lessons sought

Police X-ray showing a knife crime victim

The government's anti-knife crime tsar Brooke Kinsella wants lessons on knife crime and gun crime to be incorporated into the national curriculum.

Revealed: Full extent of housing benefit cuts impact

Only green areas will remain affordable by 2016

Tens of thousands of householders could be forced from the centre of London as a result of planned housing benefit changes.

Spin or win? Cameron claims victory in Europe

David Cameron with European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso

The Downing Street spin operation is frantically trying to present a mild rise in the UK's EU budget as a victory for the prime minister.

Miliband: I'll force a vote on housing benefit

Miliband during his autumn conference speech, when he last employed 'optimism' rhetoric

Labour will force a vote on housing benefit in the Commons in a move which could drag the row on for another fortnight.

Govt unclear over social rent 'lottery'

Questions still unanswered for social housing

Housing experts are struggling to pin the government down over its plans to hike social housing rents to 80% of market value.

Child benefit: Threat of 'penalties'

Higher-rate taxpayers face penalties if they fail to satisfy the Treasury

Higher-rate taxpayers could find themselves facing fines if their partner receives child benefit and doesn't inform the government.

Cameron and Clegg reveal their favourite kids' books

Kids reading: The PM and DPM, both parents to young children, offer their choices.

David Cameron has opted for a suitably patriotic selection when asked his favourite kids' book - while Nick Clegg went with something sillier.

Austerity, what austerity? Executive pay jumps by 55%

As Britain prepares for austerity, it appears CEOs have not heeded the chancellor's suggestion that 'we are all in this together'

As the country prepares to endure tough spending cuts, a report today confirmed a 55% jump in pay for FTSE 100 executives in the past year.

Defence review: An opportunity 'lost'

Defence experts viewed the govt's decision to preserve the new aircraft carriers as right in the circumstances

Defence experts regard the recent strategic defence and security review (SDSR) as a missed opportunity to redefine Britain's role in the world, a survey has suggested.

Unions to plead for minimum wage rise

Brendan Barber is pushing the government for a minimum wage rise

The Trades Union Congress (TUC) will petition the government to raise the national minimum wage (NMW) to £6.14 per hour, it has confirmed.

Race against time: Campaigners fight clocks going back

Daylight savings bill has its second reading on December 3rd

An MP's proposed bill to stop the clocks going back is gathering "enormous" cross-party support, Rebecca Harris has claimed.

Government in disarray as housing benefit row continues

The cut would hit London hardest due to high rents in the capital

The increasingly bitter row over housing benefit reform hits the Commons today, just as it caused significant splits in the Tory party.

'God' denies coalition meddling

Sir Gus O'Donnell is head of the civil service

The head of the civil service has denied putting pressure on politicians to avoid a minority government in coalition talks.

Scientists discover 'liberal gene'

A liberal gene? Researchers at UC San Diego and Harvard suggest political beliefs may be affected by genetic factors.

Scientists have highlighted research showing a link between a specific receptor gene and liberal political views.

Boosting the north? Regional growth plan unveiled

Mr Clegg will announce details of the regional growth fund in Manchester

The government is setting out the details of its plans to encourage regional development today.

Cameron fights EU budget

David Cameron's phone diplomacy targets EU budget

David Cameron is pressuring European leaders to avoid a six per cent increase in the European Union's budget, in his first major diplomatic test on the continent.

Cable cancels visit in face of student anger

Student anger with the Browne review continues unabated

Vince Cable has postponed a scheduled visit to Oxford University today, in the face of planned protests by students over cuts and tuition fees.

Hints of airport security change after BA outburst

The transport secretary insisted US procedures were out of his hands

Philip Hammond has implied the government is looking at changes to the way airport security works, after the chairman of British Airways called many measures "redundant".

MI6 chief distances Britain from torture claims

This is the first time a serving intelligence chief has given a public speech

The head of MI6, Sir John Sawers, has delivered the first public speech by a serving chief of the intelligence services, insisting that Britain plays no role in torturing terrorism suspects.