Press Releases

Foreign Secretary and Dutch Foreign Minister discuss Ukraine

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and Dutch Foreign Minister Albert Koenders discuss latest situation in eastern Ukraine and access to MH17 crash site.

Significant increase in pace of party engagement says Villiers

Secretary of State is encouraged by increase and pace of engagement by NI Political Parties at this week's talks

Kelly Hoppen and Jo Malone to lead the UK’s biggest creative festival in China

Leading British entrepreneurs Kelly Hoppen MBE, Jo Malone MBE and Sir John Sorrell to attend The GREAT Festival of Creativity in Shanghai.

UK employers set a new benchmark for social mobility

The Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has announced 12 Social Mobility Business Compact 'Champions'.

Greater Manchester’s smart motorway scheme enters next stage

The next stage of a £208 million project to cut congestion and improve journey times on parts of the M60 and M62 in Greater Manchester will begin on Monday 17 November.

Northampton’s flood warning sirens put to the test

A vital part of Northampton’s flood warning system will be tested this week.

£85,000 of improvements planned on the A40 Longford Roundabout

The Highways Agency is beginning £85,000 of improvements next week around Longford Roundabout on the A40 at Gloucester.

M23 bridge maintenance finishes near Gatwick

Repair work to a major bridge on the M23 near Gatwick airport has been completed, earlier than originally expected.

Traffic Officers provide safe winter driving advice

Highways Agency traffic officers will provide winter driving advice at motorway service stations across England as part of Operation Showtime this weekend.

Community path scheme is a success

Natural England has produced a report that summarises the success of the Paths for Communities (P4C) scheme.

FCO hosts UK-Pakistan Energy and Investment event

FCO Minister for Pakistan welcomed the Prime Minister of Pakistan to open the UK-Pakistan Energy and Investment event.

Environment Agency announces new £300m contract to reduce flood risk

The new contract is to deliver a £300m programme to reduce flood risk in London and the Thames estuary.

Southern Water fined for polluting the sea and a Kent watercourse

Southern Water Services Limited (Southern Water) has been ordered to pay £500,000 after untreated sewage was discharged into the Swalecliffe Brook.

Meeting beats tweeting when it comes to getting a job, new research finds

New research shows that employers looking for new staff shun social media for the human touch.

Timetable set out for Dartford Crossing toll booth removal

With the launch of Dart Charge set for 30 November, more details have been announced today about how the Dartford Crossing payment booths will be removed

New Children's Commissioner appointed

Anne Longfield OBE has been appointed as the new Children’s Commissioner for England.

Deputy PM celebrates number of apprentices doubling and launches one-stop job shops for 16-18s

A new database of courses, opportunities and skills for 16 to 18-year-olds, similar to the UCAS system, will be in place for September 2015.

Universal Credit support boost for social landlords

A support pack has been designed to give social landlords practical advice on how to ensure their tenants are prepared for Universal Credit.

Housebuilding efforts reap real results

The numbers of new homes in England has risen by 10% over the past year – the highest percentage increase in 12 years.

£5.5 million of improvements start at Drumbridges Roundabout on the A38

The Highways Agency and Devon County Council are beginning £5.5 million of improvements next week around Drumbridges Roundabout on the A38 at Newton Abbott.

UKCES welcomes call to close the gap between working and learning

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) today welcomed the findings of the OECD's latest report on post-secondary vocational education and training.

Communities can create their own power stations

The Urban Community Energy Fund has been launched today, giving community groups in England the opportunity to bid for grants of up to £20,000, or loans of up to £130,000.

UAE / UK Bilateral Trade Hits GBP 12 Billion 2 years early

Figures released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics show that bilateral trade between the UAE and UK reached £12.36 billion in 2013.

Government funding boost is music to the ears of UK independent labels

More than £1 million in export funding has now been distributed to 60 acts in the UK including Mercury Prize winners, Young Fathers.

Men need humour and camaraderie to lose weight

The Men’s Health Forum, supported by PHE, publishes guidance on how to tailor weight management services for men based on new research.