Press Releases

Foreign Secretary concerned by arrest of journalists in Egypt

William Hague concerned by press restrictions in Egypt, and urges interim government to demonstrate commitment to free expression.

‘Francis Effect’ on NHS care one year on from Mid Staffs Inquiry

‘Francis Effect’ on NHS care one year on from Mid Staffs Inquiry with 2,400 more nurses hired in the last year.

New board members for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

David Willetts appoints Peter Houillon and Apurv Bagri to the board of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Funding boost for programmes that reduce reoffending

Charities and social enterprises who use innovative ways to reduce reoffending in England have been handed a boost worth more than £2 million.

Forty two new flood defences given the green light

Government announces an additional £130 million for critical flood defences.

Mediation is better - couples told as divorce rate rises

Thousands of couples who separate each year have been urged to spurn confrontational court battles and instead to try mediation to sort out disputes over finances and children – as new figures show divorce rates increased last year.

New benefit cap statistics released

Over 8,000 households who had their benefits capped have found jobs, reduced their benefit claim, or had another change of circumstance.

Cable: We’ll keep working with business to help Portsmouth get ahead

Vince Cable visits Portsmouth and Gosport and pledges that the government would continue working in partnership with local businesses.

Crossrail rolling stock and depot contract to be awarded to Bombardier

65 trains to be built in Derby, with over 1,000 jobs and around 100 apprenticeships supported in the UK.

£73 million to improve access to data and drive innovation

David Willetts unveils £73 million of new funding to help the public and academics unlock the potential of big data.