Press Releases

UK music exports hit a high note with government support

British music companies are to receive government funding to support the promotion of the nation’s music around the world.

Local laws and customs catching British nationals out abroad

FCO encourages people to be better prepared by researching the local laws and customs of their holiday destination before travel.

UK completes incineration of Syrian chemicals

FCO Minister welcomes international cooperation on destruction of Syrian chemical components; underlines need for international unity to end the appalling conflict.

Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to China

Barbara Janet Woodward has been appointed Her Majesty's Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China

Prime Minister recognises Northern Ireland top social enterprise

The Workspace Group, one of Northern Ireland’s leading social enterprises, wins the Prime Minister’s Big Society award.

Green light for A1 Coalhouse Interchange improvements

Work to improve the A1 Coalhouse Interchange on the Newcastle Gateshead Western Bypass, including installing traffic signals at this busy junction, will begin next week.

Small energy suppliers the winner from increased switching

More than two million customers have switched to independent electricity suppliers since 2010 thanks to Government action to open the energy market.

Reminder: Weekend overnight A1 closure in North Yorkshire

The A1 will be fully closed north and southbound between Scotch Corner and junction 51 (Leeming) overnight on 9 August, from 8pm on Saturday evening until 6am on Sunday morning.

Plan ahead for major M180 closures for 13 miles of resurfacing work

Drivers are reminded that major resurfacing work will take place on the M180 in August. The Highways Agency will be fully closing sections of the M180 over a number of days and nights in order to carry out essential carriageway maintenance and safety improvement work.

M180 closures for major resurfacing work

Major resurfacing work will take place on the M180 in August, providing a new road surface along 13 miles of the motorway between Doncaster and Scunthorpe.

Critically endangered tansy beetle re-discovered at Woodwalton Fen NNR after a 40 year absence

The rare and visually stunning iridescent green tansy beetle (Chrysolina graminis) – was believed to have one last remaining stronghold in the UK on a 30km stretch of the banks of the river Ouse in York.

Ministerial appointments: August 2014

The Prime Minister has announced new ministerial appointments.

UK Commission for Employment and Skills calls for employers to act now to help avert 'skills crisis'

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) calls for employers to do more to help young people into work, following new findings from HSBC and the Prince's Trust.

Advice to road users in Surrey and London this weekend

Road users planning to travel through Surrey and London during the Prudential RideLondon cycling events this Sunday (10 August) are strongly advised to leave extra time and plan their journeys.

Rosetta arrives at comet destination

Europe’s Rosetta has today become the first spacecraft to rendezvous with a comet, opening a new chapter in Solar System exploration.

Assisted Departure of British Nationals from Libya

The FCO has helped more British Nationals to leave Libya as the security situation continues to get worse.

Humber Enterprise Zone creating thousands of jobs

A government grant will help the Humber become a world-class centre for renewable energy industries.

Standardised packaging can save lives and boost local economies

Public Health England responds to standardised packaging of tobacco products consultation.

Welsh companies win NATO contracts

Three companies based in Wales are among the first to be announced as successful bidders for contracts for this September’s NATO Summit.

Koi herpesvirus disease outbreak confirmed in Nottinghamshire

Koi herpesvirus (KHV) disease has been confirmed in koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) at Goosedale Fisheries and Leisure, Nottinghamshire

Improved help for the financially vulnerable targeted

Plans to increase the minimum debt which can trigger bankruptcy proceedings and improve the low cost debt relief system are being considered by the government.

Press freedom boosted by new 'right to report'

New law now allows press and public to film, tweet and blog town halls.

Chief Operating Officer announces that he will be leaving government

UK government Chief Operating Officer Stephen Kelly has announced his resignation from the Civil Service.