Press Releases

Foreign Secretary signs UK-Canada joint declaration

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond met Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Rob Nicholson in Toronto today to renew the UK-Canada Joint Declaration.

New measures will keep the country building across the housing market

New measures will deliver new homes across the country, help aspiring homeowners onto the property ladder and offer greater support to those renting privately.

New fund will help more tenants to become homeowners

Council tenants unable to take up their Right to Buy will have the help they need to become homeowners.

Docklands deal will deliver 3,500 new homes in the heart of London

Work on a major new development at the heart of London’s Docklands will start in a matter of months thanks to £200 million government funding to Canary Wharf Group, Eric Pickles announced.

Starter homes designed to stand the test of time

Housebuilders and councils should strive for the highest design quality when planning new starter homes, says Housing Minister.

Government sets out its ambition to bring World Expo to Britain in 2025

Move part of new Business Events Strategy for UK to increase share of global conference market

Baroness Anelay on conclusion of UN Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council concluded its 28th Session today with important resolutions on Syria, Iran, Libya, Burma, DPRK and freedom of religion or belief

New research shows seven is heaven for girls and sports

Report suggests increased self-consciousness and lower confidence after Year 3 can stop girls participating in sport

One step closer to pioneering noise barrier solution

Six proposals have been shortlisted in the second phase of a competition to design and produce cost effective, innovative noise barriers, the Highways Agency has announced today.

New animations show how the new Dartford Tunnel safety system will operate

New animations have been released today (Friday 27 March) by the Highways Agency showing how the new safety system will operate at the Dartford Crossing.

New members appointed to Big Lottery Fund UK Board as chair is re-appointed

Francis Maude has appointed Natalie Campbell and Rachael Robathan as members of the Big Lottery Fund UK Board.

Help plan the future and protect our environment - join the flood and coastal committee

The Environment Agency is looking for 3 new members for its Regional Flood and Coastal Committee (RFCC) which covers large parts of Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire – and is keen to hear from people wanting to join.

Northern destinations join forces to woo international tourists

Deputy Prime Minister and Culture Secretary announce £10 million fund to help the North showcase itself as a top tourist destination

National Minimum Wage regulations amended as part of government’s Red Tape Challenge

National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015 to come into force on 6 April 2015 merging a number of amendments into 1 single set of regulations.

Government announces new appointment to Acas

Sally Hunt has been appointed as a new member to the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service.

A21 Tonbridge to Pembury dualling work to start in April

Main construction work on a much-needed scheme to provide vital extra capacity on the A21 between Tonbridge and Pembury in Kent will start next month.

Making it easier for communities to set up new town and parish councils

Stephen Williams confirms new measures giving communities a greater say in how their local neighbourhood should be governed.

Media contact databases merger could lessen competition

The CMA has announced that GTCR Canyon Investments’ completed acquisition of Gorkana Group will be referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation unless acceptable undertakings are offered.

Government revs up motorcycle market

Motorcycles and scooters will join cars, vans, trucks and buses in the government’s drive for greener vehicles.

Ayrshire Dunlop cheese wins protected status

Traditional Ayrshire Dunlop joins the pasty and the pork pie as it gains Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.

Chair of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services Lay Observers' National Council

Anthony Fitzsimons appointed as the Chair of the Prisoner Escort and Custody Services Lay Observers' National Council.

Bascule Bridge improvement work

Road users are advised that the A12 Bascule Bridge in Lowestoft will be closed overnight for four weeks from Tuesday 7 April for major improvement work on the bridge lifting mechanism.

Duncan Sutherland reappointed to HS2 Ltd board

Duncan Sutherland has been reappointed as a Non-Executive Director on the board of HS2 Ltd, the company set up to deliver Britain’s new north-south high speed rail link

Update: A14 Kettering Bypass improvements

Further improvements are planned for the A14 junctions 7 to 9 Kettering Bypass in Northamptonshire.

Appointments maintain and enhance expertise of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee

Appointments made at committee that advises ministers on the making of building regulations and related legislation.

Eric Pickles welcomes council prayers law

The Local Government Secretary welcomes passing of a new law to ensure councils have the right to hold prayers.

Minister welcomes Human Rights Council resolution condemning situation in Syria

Foreign Office Minister highlights need to hold human rights violators to account in Syria.

UK to provide £5 million support to tackle Boko Haram

Foreign Secretary announces £5 million in UK support for regional task force to tackle Boko Haram.

Biggest overhaul of consumer rights in a generation

Consumers will have enhanced, easy to understand rights following Royal Assent for the Consumer Rights Act being given today (26 March 2015).

Boost to Lincolnshire economy as ceremony marks beginning of A160 / A180 major improvement scheme

The official start of works ceremony to mark the beginning of construction on the A160/A180 Port of Immingham improvement scheme will take place today (27 March).

Chair of the Law Commission and re-appointment of Law Commissioner

Appointment announced of a new Chairman of the Law Commission and the re-appointment of Professor David Ormerod QC as a Law Commissioner.

Government cash boost for software developers

The government has invested nearly £500,000 to support small software developers to produce new and innovative ways to use data.

Multi-agency clamp down on illegal scrap metal operators in Boston

Businesses in Boston have been visited by authorities in a clamp-down on illegal vehicle dismantlers and unlicensed scrap metal dealers.

New charity investigation: Kurdish Community Centre

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into the Kurdish Community Centre, registered charity number 1083004.

Schools get £4 million boost from copyright deals

New copyright agreements will free schools from time-consuming paperwork, allowing them to focus on teaching.

February 2015 Market Trend Data

Land Registry's Market Trend Data for England and Wales.

Welsh employers urged to offer more work experience

Wales’ Commissioner for Employment and Skills Scott Waddington has urged more employers to offer work placements to young people, following a major study showing that job experience is the most valued asset firms look for when hiring new recruits.

Special Olympics GB race to World Games with £2 million funding

£2 million funding boost will help 115 athletes prepare for 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.