Archive of February 2008
Call for maternity care improvement
English maternity care lacks a "systematic approach to safety", a King's Fund inquiry has found.
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Australian-style immigration system begins
The first stage of the new points-based immigration came into force today, designed to ensure only foreign workers with the skills needed by the UK are allowed entry.
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Brown prepared to ban plastic bags
Gordon Brown has given his strongest indication yet that he could outlaw free plastic bags.
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Parliamentary pass-holder arrested over protest
A parliamentary insider has been arrested following Wednesday's security breach at Westminster.
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Government funding for new adventure playgrounds
At least 15 new adventure playgrounds will be built across England as the government attempts to encourage children to play outside.
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Training 'at heart of benefits problem'
Helping those who struggle to achieve sustainable employment through training is crucial to reducing dependency on benefits in Britain, MPs believe.
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Network Rail hit with £14 million fine
Network Rail has been fined a record £14 million after new year engineering works overran.
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Cabinet's "rank hypocrisy" over post office closures
Prominent Cabinet members have been accused of "rank hypocrisy" after apparently campaigning against government policy to shore up support in their own constituencies.
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Council tax bills to rise by £50
The average household will be charged more than £50 extra in council tax this year, according to estimates.
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Fewer pupils passing key maths tests
The number of 14-year-olds reaching an adequate level in maths has fallen while "slight improvements" have been seen in English and Science attainment.
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Superbug infections increase
A sharp rise in the number of deaths from the Clostridium difficile (C. diff) superbug has prompted an angry reaction from opposition parties.
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Tories offer services cuts to fund £28 billion extra for NHS
A future Conservative government would spend an additional £28 billion a year on the NHS, shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley has pledged.
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Police chief questions Conway silence
The head of the Metropolitan police has demanded to know why an MP who overpaid his "invisible" son was not reported to the police.
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Digital switchover costs 'overestimated'
The government has "massively overestimated" the number of people needing help with digital switchover, according to the Liberal Democrats.
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Legal challenge begins to DNA database
A legal challenge to the DNA database which could force the Home Office to destroy thousands of records begins in Europe today.
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Information to be released on senior MPs second homes
MPs have been ordered to publish a more detailed breakdown of their expenses in the interests of freedom of information.
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Drivers backing tougher measures for mobile phone use
Drivers recognise the dangers of using a mobile phone behind the wheel, the government claims.
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Brown rejects call for TV debate
Gordon Brown has rejected calls to take part in a televised debate with party leaders ahead of the next general election.
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Dog review demands dismissed
The government has rejected calls by the Liberal Democrats to review the Dangerous Dogs Act, following a rise in the number of dog-related injuries.
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Brown challenged to free vote on EU treaty
Gordon Brown has once again rejected calls for a referendum on the EU treaty as campaigners descend on parliament.
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MPs lament 'cod war' compensation failures
The government's failure to fairly compensate British trawlermen who lost their jobs after the 'cod wars' of the 1970s is "incredible", MPs believe.
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Govt abandons supercasinos amid gambling concerns
The government has formally dropped plans for a Las Vegas-style supercasino.
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Cameron wins crucial voters to eye Commons majority
The Conservatives are on course to secure an overall majority at the next general election, having extended their lead across nearly all sections of society.
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First Great Western warned to improve or lose franchise
The government has stepped in to take action over persistent complaints of poor service on First Great Western.
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Truancy in English schools hit new record high
New figures showing record new levels of truancy in English schools have been released by the government.
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