Press Releases

Tough action to protect England’s beaches and £3.6bn seaside economy

Final year before bathing waters have to meet new water quality standards which are twice as strict.

UK company Chinook Sciences wins UAE deal with a total value of over £300 million

850 jobs created or secured throughout UK supply chain by Chinook’s continuing success.

Bathing water testing begins in the South West

The Environment Agency bathing water monitoring teams will be out and about in the South West every week until the end of September, taking nearly 4,000 samples from 194 bathing waters.

Painting the town yellow in Teignmouth

The Environment Agency are working together with Teignbridge District Council to explain to local businesses what happens if they pour fat, oils or other dirty liquids down their yard drains or road gullies.

Inquiry opened into Insaan Relief

Insaan Relief under inquiry.

Government proposal to extend benefit waiting days: consultation announced

Launch of a consultation on the government’s intention to extend the number of days a claimant must wait before they are entitled to get certain benefits.

UN imposes sanctions on terror group Boko Haram

Foreign Secretary welcomes addition of Boko Haram on UN sanctions list.

Foreign Secretary condemns attack on Ukraine checkpoint

Foreign Secretary William Hague has condemned today’s deadly attack on a checkpoint in Eastern Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary calls for return to democracy in Thailand

Following a military-led coup in Thailand today, the Foreign Secretary has called for calm and a return to democracy.

Foreign Office meeting with Russian Deputy Ambassador

Senior Foreign Office official meets Russian Deputy Ambassador and urges Russia to step back from actions provoking instability in Ukraine.

Foreign Secretary condemns Russian and Chinese veto of ICC referral

William Hague welcomes wide international support for ICC referral and pledges to continue to work for accountability in Syria.

Castleford residents invited to comment on new permit application

Castleford residents are being invited to comment on an environmental permit application for a new renewable resources facility

M5 northbound near Gloucester closed overnight for bridgeworks

Road users are advised that the northbound M5 between Junction 12 and junction 11a will be closed tonight, Thursday 22 May, while two new bridge beams are installed.

Foreign Office Minister meets families of missing ‘Cheeki Rafiki’ crew members

Minister Hugh Robertson holds second meeting with families of missing ‘Cheeki Rafiki’ yachtsmen.

Lord Faulks: Court should be the last resort

Disputes should be kept away from court and resolved using better, quicker and more efficient ways, Justice Minister Lord Faulks declared today.

Wales Office Ministers lend their support to Queen’s Baton Relay

Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games baton to begin 7-day tour of Wales

Smoother journeys on the A36 at near West Wellow

Road users will enjoy a smoother journey on the A36 near West Wellow following resurfacing work taking place between the Ower Roundabout and the A27.

Sea trout return to the River Leven after a century of absence

First rod catch of sea trout for a century.

Foreign Secretary condemns terrorist attack in China

Foreign Secretary condemns the terrorist attack in Xinjiang, China, which killed more than 30 people.

NEET in England at lowest level since 2005

New figures show 135,000 fewer young people not in education, employment or training since last year.

Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire conferred: Elisabeth Mary Caroline Laing

Damehood is conferred upon Elisabeth Mary Caroline Laing, QC on her appointment as a Justice of the High Court.

Resurfacing work on A38 in Worcestershire

The Highways Agency will be carrying out overnight resurfacing work on the A38 Worcester Road and slip roads at Wychbold, Worcestershire, from Tuesday 27 May.