Archive of July 2006

Kennedy denies comeback reports
Charles Kennedy has rejected reports that he is plotting to oust Menzies Campbell and return as leader of the Liberal Democrats.
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Blair's stance toughens after 'war crime' attack
Tony Blair has used his strongest language yet to call for an end to hostilities in the Middle East, although he still refused to call for an immediate ceasefire.
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Drugs classification system 'not fit for purpose'
The ABC system of classifying drugs should be scrapped and replaced with one that is clearer about its aims and more firmly based on the evidence, MPs warn today.
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1,000 prison officers corrupt, report claims
The head of the Prison Service has admitted corruption is a problem, after a leaked report revealed more than 1,000 officers were on the take.
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Nuclear waste burial plans 'must go ahead'
Plans to bury Britain's radioactive waste deep underground should be acted on immediately without the need for further research, the Royal Society has said.
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Met probe Prescott corruption claims
John Prescott is "covered in sleaze" and must resign as deputy prime minister with as much good grace as he can still muster, Norman Baker has warned.
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MPs demand compensation for pension victims
The government must compensate the thousands of people who lost their retirement nest eggs following the collapse of their occupational pension schemes, MPs demand.
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Freedom of information 'threat' revealed
The government is planning on making it more difficult for individuals to gain access to files under the Freedom of Information Act, it has been claimed.
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TUC conference 2006 and fringe events
TUC conference 2006 and fringe events
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Labour conference 2006 and fringe events
Labour conference 2006 and fringe events
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Liberal Democrat conference 2006 and fringe events
Liberal Democrat conference 2006 and fringe events
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Conservative conference 2006 and fringe events
Conservative conference 2006 and fringe events
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Blair heads to Washington for Middle East talks
Tony Blair is flying to Washington later today for talks with US president George Bush over the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
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Stolen mobiles to be blocked within 48 hours
Mobiles phones will be blocked within 48 hours of being reported stolen under a new agreement between industry and the Home Office.
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Cameron pledges 'faster and deeper' reform
David Cameron has promised to step up the pace of change in the Conservative party, saying there is "a mountain still to climb" in making it electable.
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Key skills and experience at heart of new diplomas
Everyone studying the new vocational diplomas would take English, maths and IT modules as well doing work experience in their chosen subjects, it has been revealed.
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Minister defends school sport programme
The government has today rejected claims that it has been too slow in spending the £750 million it committed to school and community sport six years ago.
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IPCC takes lead in Lawrence corruption claims
The police complaints watchdog is to conduct its own investigation into allegations of corruption in the Stephen Lawrence murder case.
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Ming ordered to shape up
Menzies Campbell must "shape up" and start proving he can give the Liberal Democrats a chance in the next election, one of the party's AMs has warned.
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Beckett 'not happy' with US arms reports
Foreign secretary Margaret Beckett last night said she was "not happy" that the US has used a UK airport to transport bombs to Israel.
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PM 'should give war-making powers to parliament'
Parliament should decide if Britain is to go to war abroad, not the prime minister, a committee of peers says today.
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Inquiry launched into Home Office corruption claims
The Home Office has ordered an immediate investigation into reports that one of its officials has offered immigrants refugee status in return for cash.
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Cameron under fire from all sides
David Cameron's attempts to modernise the Conservative party are alienating its core supporters, Lord Tebbit has warned.
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City academies get mixed results
City academies are popular and their performance is improving, but concerns about exclusions and the effect on other schools remains, a new report finds.
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Lib Dem donor faces possible jail term
The man who bankrolled the Liberal Democrats' general election campaign last year is facing a possible jail sentence after pleading guilty to two charges.