Archive of March 2007

Beckett: Miliband would be "daft" to run for leadership
Margaret Beckett has publicly warned environment secretary David Miliband against running for the Labour leadership.
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Brown's pension plans defended
Gordon Brown's decision to scrap dividend tax credit in his first Budget has been defended by a Treasury official amid criticism from charities and the Conservatives.
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UK at forefront of disability rights
The UK is set to become on of the first countries to commit to promoting the human rights of people with disabilities.
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UN's 'grave concerns' up diplomatic heat on Iran
The UN security council has voiced its "grave concerns" over Iran's capture of 15 British sailors, in statement calling on Tehran to allow UK consular access to the detainees.
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MPs condemn "appalling" asylum policy
MPs have robustly criticised the treatment of asylum seekers in the UK, concluding many applicants lack advice and support and the overall experience can be "inhuman and degrading".
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Blair promotes new workplace flexibility
British workplaces need to promote flexibility for the benefit of employers and employees, the prime minister has argued.
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Welsh Conservatives launch manifesto for 'change'
The Welsh Conservatives have unveiled their manifesto for the forthcoming Welsh election, billed as their most comprehensive and ambitious yet.
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Brown extends remit in trip to Afghanistan
The chancellor Gordon Brown has met with British troops in Afghanistan, where he praised their "great courage and bravery".
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Blair condemns continued Iranian 'propaganda'
Tony Blair has been forced to defend the government's handling of the ongoing Iranian hostage crisis, as Iran releases a second "confession" from one of the 15 captured sailors.
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Jowell looks for plan B as Lords reject casinos
The House of Lords last night voted against the government order on casinos, leaving culture secretary Tessa Jowell struggling to claim plans are "very much alive".
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Split will make Home Office fit for modern world
The Home Office is to concentrate on security and counter-terrorism, creating a slimmer department to "meet the challenges of today's world", the home secretary confirmed today.
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MPs: Pension scheme must be simple and cheap
The compulsory pension savings scheme must be simple and cheap if it is to succeed, MPs have told parliament.
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Miliband: Act now on rising carbon emissions
Rising carbon emissions underscore the need for the UK to take "swift and decisive action" on climate change, the environment minister David Miliband has claimed.
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Brown defends Budget to MPs
Gordon Brown has denied last week's Budget offered workers a "tax con" and insisted the majority of people will be better off under his budget.
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Tories view Miliband as lean green barrier to No10
The Conservative party see David Miliband as an increasing rival to David Cameron, as the environment secretary moves to enhance his media profile.
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Govt's failed asylum policy 'lacks human decency'
The government's treatment of failed asylum seekers goes against "human decency" and needs to be reformed, a report published today has argued.
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ID cards for immigrants to strengthen UK security
Foreign nationals will be forced to carry ID cards, as part of new measures to strengthen border controls, the Home Office announced today.
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UK delivers 'proof' sailors in Iraqi waters
Negotiations with Iran to secure the release of 15 personnel have entered the "next phase" the prime minister and foreign security said today.
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Plaid Cymru unveils assembly manifesto
Plaid Cymru today unveiled its manifesto ahead of May's Welsh assembly election.
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SNP gain strong lead over Labour
The SNP have achieved a ten point lead over Labour ahead of the upcoming Scottish election.
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Jowell makes concessions in casino vote
MPs will be able to scrutinise the decision to site the UK's first super casino in Manchester, the culture secretary Tessa Jowell has conceded.
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Parliament to approve devolution on May 8th
Parliament will today rush through legislation in order to delay devolution to Northern Ireland ahead of a power-sharing executive on May 8th.
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MPs urge more guidance on bullying
Schools should not blame the victim for bullying, by encouraging them to change their behaviour or excluding them for retaliation, a report has warned.
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Blair launches major review of crime policy
The prime minister has launched a comprehensive review of crime, designed to focus on the offender not the offence.
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Child poverty puts govt inline to miss targets
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are on course to miss their targets on child poverty, as new figures show the number of children in relative poverty has increased.