Press Releases

Human Rights and Democracy 2012-Iran

There was no substantive improvement in the human rights situation in Iran between October and December 2013. .

Foreign Secretary deplores violence in Ukraine

Foreign Secretary, William Hague, has called on all sides to address the concerns of the Ukrainian people.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Pakistan

During the last three months Pakistan has continued to grapple with numerous human rights challenges in an increasingly difficult security environment

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Sudan

The deteriorating security situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states and Darfur, and reports of continued detention of dozens of civilians arrested during the September protests are a cause for concern.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Syria

The use of indiscriminate weapons, such as ‘barrel bombs’ dropped from Russian-made aircraft, has led to considerable numbers of civilian deaths and widespread suffering.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Libya

The Libyan government continues to face significant challenges in exerting full control over security. This remains one of the biggest obstacles to stability in Libya.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The human rights situation in Israel and the OPTs has remained largely unchanged during the last three months.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Iraq

Progress on human rights remained difficult over the last three months. Terrorist attacks continued to occur on an almost daily basis

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 -Yemen

Significant violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in Yemen continue, with the government showing limited capability to improve the situation.

Human Rights and Democracy report 2012 - Saudi Arabia

In October a prominent campaign advocating the right of women to drive in Saudi Arabia attracted significant international attention, calling for women to drive in protest on 26 October.

Treasury announces plans to find £1.5 billion savings across PFI contracts

Plans have been announced to deliver £1.5 billion savings across the 495 operational Private Finance Initiative (PFI) projects in England.

New rules to stop migrants claiming Housing Benefit

New migrant jobseekers from the European Economic Area (EEA) will no longer be able to get Housing Benefit from April 2014.

Press briefing: morning 16 January

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Portsmouth, military capabilities and Scottish independence.

Making mental health matter more

Deputy Prime Minister sets out mental health action plan

Press briefing: afternoon 16 January

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on Portsmouth, Mikaeel Kular, and the President of the European Parliament.

St Vincent de Paul volunteers secure Big Society Award

Big Society Award for Christian organisation whose volunteers have given more than 1 million hours of voluntary work.

Plant biosecurity strategy nears completion

The plant biosecurity strategy that will safeguard the future of the UK’s trees and plants from pests and disease nears completion

Press briefing: morning 20 January

The Prime Minister’s Spokesperson (PMS) answered questions on the World Economic Forum, benefits, Chequers, and Snowden.