Press Releases

Press briefing: afternoon 20 November 2014

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson answered questions on webcam hackers, Scotland, EU migration, EU bonus cap and health devolution.

Essential maintenance work planned for M4 Junction 22 roundabout

Essential resurfacing work will be carried out next week on the junction between the M49 and the M4 near the Second Severn Crossing.

Bradford retailers fined for rotten fruit and vegetables

HMI investigation sees Bradford shop owners fined for selling rotten, damaged and incorrectly labelled fruit.

Acas Council members reappointed

Employment Relations Minister announces the reappointment of 3 members to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) Council.

Record breeding season for rare wetland birds in Somerset

The bearded tit, one of the UK’s rarest and fussiest birds is on the increase at a Somerset nature reserve.

Minister signs £190 million Tees Valley Growth Deal

Funding to provide major boost to Tees Valley economy by creating 1,000 jobs, building up to 1,500 homes and strenghening transport links.

700,000 new homes under this government

There are now 700,000 more homes in England than in 2009, with the number of empty homes at a 10-year low.

£10.8 million improvements to M54 in Telford start this month

Work to improve the M54 between junctions 3 and 5 in Telford will begin this month.

New figures show sharp fall in number of young people NEET

The number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) for 2014's summer months returned to levels not seen since 2007.

Public consultation begins on route options for a new M54 to M6/M6 Toll link road in Staffordshire

Road users and members of the public are being invited to find out more about the Highways Agency’s plans to provide a new link road between the M54, the northbound M6 and the M6 Toll.

Reminder of A453 overnight closures near Nottingham

Road users are reminded that the A453 will be closed overnight tonight (Thursday 20 November) and tomorrow (Friday 21 November) between the Mill Hill and Crusader roundabouts in Clifton, near Nottingham.

Safeguarding consultation on proposed route of Crossrail 2

Ten week consultation on protecting land for potential Crossrail 2 development.

Fresh approach to school mental health support

Childcare and Education Minister Sam Gyimah outlines new actions to support pupils’ mental health.

Ofsted announces new plans for inspection of children’s homes

Inspection framework will put experiences of vulnerable children at the heart of how children's homes are inspected

Overnight closures of M1 between junctions 19 and 16 for barrier work

A series of overnight closures will be taking place at various locations on the M1 between junctions 19 in Leicestershire and 16 in Northamptonshire in December.

Privy Council appointments: November 2014

The Queen has approved new appointments to Her Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council.

Drivers reminded of overnight M56 closures this weekend

Drivers using the M56 between junctions 5 and 6 around Manchester Airport are being reminded the westbound and eastbound carriageways will be closed overnight on Saturday night and Sunday night respectively

Written Ministerial Statement on St Helena Child Abuse Inquiry

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond announces Sasha Wass QC will lead the St Helena Child Abuse Inquiry.

Cautions at lowest level for 30 years as sentences increase

Cautions are at their lowest level for 30 years and criminals are going to prison for longer than ever before, new Ministry of Justice figures have revealed today.

RPA announces 2014 SPS entitlement values

Entitlement values announced for three English regions under the 2014 Single Payment Scheme.

Highways Agency ready whatever the weather this winter

Whatever weather the winter brings to drivers across the North East, freezing conditions or pouring rain, the Highways Agency is ready and prepared, and this year has a new high volume pump at its disposal.

UK pledges to help hardest hit by climate change

The UK has committed up to £720 million to the Green Climate Fund, joining other major economies to help developing countries adapt to climate change and go low-carbon.

Bishop of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich: Martin Alan Seeley

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Reverend Canon Martin Alan Seeley for election as Bishop of Saint Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

New financial levels set for operator licensing

Revised criteria applies to existing haulage, bus and coach operators and new applicants.

Change of British High Commissioner to Australia

Mrs Menna Frances Rawlings CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to Australia.