Teenagers to be allowed to be MPs
Teenagers will be able to become MPs under plans unveiled by ministers. In a written statement, Constitutional Affairs Minister Christopher Leslie sai…
How political squabbles snowball
It's become commonplace to argue that Blair and Brown are like squabbling school kids and that they (and their supporters) need to grow up and stop bi…
Brown visits slum on Africa trip
Chancellor Gordon Brown has visited Kenya's biggest shantytown as he opened a week-long visit to Africa. Mr Brown's trip is designed to highlight how …
Tories opposing 24-hour drinking
The Tories say plans to extend pub opening times should be put on hold until binge drinking is under control, despite backing a law change last year. …
Clarke plans migrant point scheme
Anyone planning to move to the UK will have to pass a test to prove they can contribute to the country, Home Secretary Charles Clarke has said. He is …
'Best person' for top legal job
The "best person for the job" should be appointed lord chancellor, and not necessarily a lawyer or MP, the courts minister has told MPs. Under reforms…
Blair's hope for Blunkett return
The events leading to David Blunkett's resignation must not "swept under the carpet", the Tories have warned. On Wednesday Tony Blair said he hoped th…
Retirement age could be scrapped
The "myth that ageing is a barrier" to contributing to society needs to be "exploded", the work and pensions minister has said. This was why the gover…
Stalemate in pension strike talks
Talks aimed at averting national strikes over pension reforms have ended without agreement after 90 minutes. Five public sector unions met Deputy Prim…
Correction agency plans dropped
Plans to create a single correctional agency for Scotland have been scrapped. The Scottish Executive will not now merge the Scottish Prison Service wi…
Labour's 'EU propaganda'
A "taxpayer subsidised propaganda exercise" on the EU is being used to lull the British public into a false sense of security, say the Tories. Shadow …
Police urge pub closure power
New powers are needed to close disorderly pubs, bars and clubs for up to a week or even permanently, police chiefs have told MPs. Association of Chief…
Lord Scarman, 93, dies peacefully
Distinguished lawyer Lord Scarman, who conducted the inquiry into the 1981 Brixton riots, has died aged 93. The peer enjoyed a celebrated judicial car…
Falconer rebuts 'charade' claims
Concessions on a bill which critics claim would allow euthanasia "through the back door" were not a political ploy, the lord chancellor has said. Mini…
Kilroy-Silk attacked with slurry
Euro MP Robert Kilroy-Silk has had a bucket of farm slurry thrown over him by a protester in Manchester. The UK Independence Party member was arriving…
Howard pitches for UK ethnic vote
Michael Howard is to make a pitch for Britain's ethnic vote urging people who feel "taken for granted" by Tony Blair to vote Conservative. He will say…
New foot and mouth action urged
A senior Tory MP has criticised agriculture department Defra's "lackadaisical" approach to planning for a future foot and mouth outbreak. Public accou…
At a glance: Tory health checks
The UK' opposition Conservatives have unveiled plans to introduce health checks for immigrants if they win the General Election. Here's a guide to the…
Labour chooses Manchester
The Labour Party will hold its 2006 autumn conference in Manchester and not Blackpool, it has been confirmed. The much trailed decision was ratified b…
Schools to take part in mock poll
Record numbers of schools across the UK are to take part in a mock general election backed by the government. Some 600 schools have already signed up …
'No UK apology' for colonial past
The days of Britain having to apologise for its colonial past are over, Gordon Brown has said. The chancellor, speaking during a week-long tour of Afr…
Child access law shake-up planned
Parents who refuse to allow former partners contact with their children could be electronically tagged under plans being considered by ministers. Curf…
Tories 'would cut number of MPs'
The Conservative Party would cut the number of MPs by about one-fifth if they were elected, Tory leader Michael Howard has said. The plan forms part o…
Labour's four little words
Labour has unveiled the four little words that will form the heart of its general election campaign which, for those just returned from the planet Gal…
Kinnock to urge reform in Lords
Neil Kinnock has said his acceptance of a seat in the House of Lords will allow him to help "achieve further progress with substantial democratic refo…
EU rules 'won't stop UK spending'
The shape of the UK's economy In graphics But he denied that he was ruling out British membership of the euro despite saying there would be no assessm…
Blair 'damaged' by Blunkett row
A majority of voters (68%) believe the prime minister has been damaged by the row over David Blunkett's involvement in a visa application, a poll sugg…
Turkey deal 'to help world peace'
A deal bringing Turkey a step closer to EU membership is of "fundamental importance" to the peace and security of the world, Tony Blair has said. The …
Labour accused of broken pledge
Labour has already broken its pre-election promise on immigration before the ink has dried on its new pledge card, the Tories have claimed. Home Secre…
Baron Kinnock makes Lords debut
Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has officially been made a life peer during a ceremony in the House of Lords. He will be known Baron Kinnock of Bedw…
CSA 'could close', says minister
Ministers would not rule out scrapping the Child Support Agency if it failed to improve, Work and Pensions Secretary Alan Johnson has warned. But he s…
Manchester wins Labour conference
The Labour Party will hold its 2006 autumn conference in Manchester and not Blackpool, it has been confirmed. The much trailed decision was ratified b…
Labour MPs' fears over squabbling
If there is one thing certain to stiffen the spines of Labour MPs it is the prospect of losing their seats at a general election. And it was largely t…
'Debate needed' on donations cap
A cap on donations to political parties should not be introduced yet, the elections watchdog has said. Fears that big donors can buy political favours…
Immigration to be election issue
Immigration and asylum have normally been issues politicians from the big parties have tiptoed around at election time. But no longer. Both Labour and…
Former NI minister Scott dies
Former Northern Ireland minister Sir Nicholas Scott has died at a London hospice, his family has announced. The former Conservative MP for Kensington …
PM apology over jailings
Tony Blair has apologised to two families who suffered one of the UK's biggest miscarriages of justice. The prime minister was commenting on the wrong…
Howard backs stem cell research
Michael Howard has backed stem cell research, saying it is important people are not frightened of the future. The controversial issue was a feature of…
UK heading wrong way - Howard
Tony Blair has had the chance to tackle the problems facing Britain and has failed, Michael Howard has said. "Britain is heading in the wrong directio…
Labour targets 'hardcore truants'
A fresh crackdown on persistent truants in England has been launched by Education Secretary Ruth Kelly. Serial truants make up one in 13 pupils. Previ…
Parties warned over 'grey vote'
Political parties cannot afford to take older UK voters for granted in the coming election, says Age Concern. A survey for the charity suggests 69% of…
Tories pledge free sports lessons
Children would be offered two hours' free sports training a week by a future Tory government, the party has said. The Club2School policy would provide…
Boothroyd calls for Lords speaker
Betty Boothroyd has said the House of Lords needs its own Speaker and that peers should lead the way on reforming the upper chamber. Baroness Boothroy…
Milburn defends poster campaign
Labour's election chief Alan Milburn has defended his party's campaign posters amid Tory claims the ads were nothing short of "sly anti-Semitism". Mr …
Lib Dems highlight problem debt
People vulnerable to problem debts should be afforded greater protection from banks aggressively promoting financial products, the Lib Dems say. Vince…
UKIP candidate suspended in probe
Eurosceptic party UKIP have suspended a candidate for allegedly suggesting the criminally insane should be killed. John Houston, 54, was due to stand …
Job cuts 'false economy' - TUC
Plans to shed 71,000 civil service jobs will prove to be a "false economy" that could hamper public sector reforms, according to a TUC report. Public …
Council tax rise 'reasonable'
Welsh councils should set their taxes at "reasonable levels" after being given an average funding increase of 6%, says the assembly government. Financ…
Civil servants in strike ballot
The UK's biggest civil service union is to ballot its 290,000 members on strikes in protest at government plans to extend their pension age to 65. The…
Brown's poll campaign move denied
The government has denied reports that Gordon Brown is preparing to oust Alan Milburn as Labour's election supremo. Work and pensions minister Alan Jo…
Tory candidate quits over remark
A Conservative election challenger is quitting after being quoted as wanting a "period of creative destruction in the public services". Danny Kruger, …
Labour faces 'cold calls' inquiry
Labour is to be investigated by a watchdog over claims its election campaign has broken the rules on "cold calling" householders. The information comm…
Tory leader quits legal position
David McLetchie has resigned from his post as a partner in a legal firm following criticism over his dual role. The Scottish Conservative leader had i…
What really divides the parties
So what is the gap between Labour and the Tories nowadays? One Starbucks, one Rymans and one small Greek cafe as it happens. Both parties have now com…
McConnell details Scots wave toll
At least three people from Scotland died in the tsunami disaster and a further three are on the missing list, the first minister has told MSPs. The fi…
Housing plans criticised by MPs
Irreversible environmental damage will be caused by government plans to build more than one million homes in south-east England, MPs have warned. "Sus…
Ban on hunting comes into force
Fox hunting with dogs is now illegal in England and Wales after a ban on the activity came into force overnight. The law faces a stiff test this weeke…
Lib Dems unveil women's manifesto
The Liberal Democrats are attempting to woo female voters with the launch of their manifesto for women. Charles Kennedy is pledging a maternity income…
CSA chief who 'quit' still in job
The head of the "failing" Child Support Agency widely reported to have resigned three months ago is still at the helm of the troubled organisation. Do…
Talks aim to avert pension strike
Talks aimed at averting a series of national strikes over pensions reforms will take place this weekend. Five public sector unions will hold private t…
Councils prepare to set tax rises
Council tax in Scotland is set to rise by an average of about 4% in the coming year, BBC Scotland has learned. Authorities will decide final figures o…
Defiant hunts put ban to the test
Thousands of hunt supporters have been out on the first day of hunting in England and Wales after the ban on hunting with dogs came into force. The Co…
MPs criticise child access system
Divorced parents seeking access to their children are often disadvantaged by the legal system, MPs have said. The Constitutional Affairs Select Commit…
Clarke to unveil immigration plan
New controls on economic migrants and tighter border patrols will be part of government plans unveiled on Monday. Home Secretary Charles Clarke wants …
UK's 'useless' quangos under fire
The UK has 529 quangos financed with billions of pounds of taxpayers' cash - many of which are useless or duplicate each other's efforts, a report cla…
Lib Dems target first-time buyers
The Liberal Democrats have unveiled plans to build 100,000 new "affordable" homes on publicly owned land. The party's scheme would allow people to buy…
Strike threat over pension plans
Millions of public service workers could strike if ministers scrap their final salary pension scheme and make them work longer, warn union leaders. Th…
Tory leader unveils spending plan
Tory leader Michael Howard says his party can save £35bn in government spending by tackling waste. The money would be ploughed back into frontline ser…
'No-one can define new hunt ban'
The new law banning hunting with dogs is "so poorly drafted" no-one can define the offence, pro-hunt MPs say. The accusation came after it emerged a D…
'More to do' on adult literacy
The government will only hit its target for improving adult maths and literacy skills if courses are made more attractive, a report says. The National…
'Last chance' warning for voters
People in England, Scotland and Wales must have registered by 1700 GMT to be able to vote in the general election if it is held, as expected, on 5 May…
Tories unveil quango blitz plans
Plans to abolish 162 quangos have been unveiled by the Conservatives as part of their effort to show how government red tape can be cut. Six governmen…
Blair blasts Tory spending plans
Tony Blair has launched an attack on Conservative spending plans, saying they are a "ludicrous improbability". The prime minister has told a Labour Pa…
Brown outlines third term vision
Gordon Brown has outlined what he thinks should be the key themes of New Labour's next general election bid. He said ensuring every child in Britain h…
Hunt demo at Labour meeting
Pro-hunt supporters are set to protest at Labour's spring conference. The Countryside Alliance says it expects up to 4,000 supporters to demonstrate a…
Hague 'given up' his PM ambition
Former Conservative leader William Hague says he will not stand for the leadership again, having given up his ambition to be prime minister. Mr Hague,…
Tories plan migrant health checks
Non-European Union citizens wanting to work in the UK will have to undergo tests for Tuberculosis and HIV, under plans unveiled by the Conservatives. …
Labour attacked on Howard poster
Labour has been accused of using anti-Semitic images in posters which critics claim depict Tory leader Michael Howard as Fagin. The poster shows Mr Ho…
MPs to debate 'euthanasia laws'
MPs are preparing to debate a bill which critics claim would legalise euthanasia "by the back door". The bill would give legal force to "living wills"…
MSPs hear renewed climate warning
Climate change could be completely out of control within several decades, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is warning a committee of MSPs. E…
UKIP candidate suspended
Eurosceptic party UKIP have suspended a candidate for allegedly suggesting the criminally insane should be killed. John Houston, 54, was due to stand …
Kelly trails new discipline power
Teachers could get more powers to remove unruly pupils from classes under a "zero tolerance" drive, Education Secretary Ruth Kelly has suggested. Ms K…
BNP leader Nick Griffin arrested
The leader of the British National Party has been arrested as part of a police inquiry following the screening of a BBC documentary. A party spokesman…
Sayeed to stand down as Tory MP
Tory MP Jonathan Sayeed is to stand down on the grounds of ill health. The decision comes after Mr Sayeed survived an attempt to de-select him in a ro…
Malik rejects all-black MP lists
A call for ethnic minority shortlists to boost the number of black and Asian MPs has been rejected by one of Labour's most senior Asians. Shahid Malik…
Election deal faltered over Heath role
The Tories failed to hold onto power in 1974 after Liberals demanded Sir Edward Heath quit in return for co-operation. Documents released after 30 yea…
Labour battle plan 'hides Blair'
The Tories have accused Tony Blair of being "terrified" of scrutiny after Labour unveiled details of how it will fight the next general election. In a…
Kilroy-Silk quits 'shameful' UKIP
Ex-chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk has quit the UK Independence Party and accused it of betraying its supporters. The MEP said he was ashamed to hav…
Assembly ballot papers 'missing'
Hundreds of ballot papers for the regional assembly referendum in the North East have "disappeared". Royal Mail says it is investigating the situation…
Green fear for transport ballot
The Green Party is concerned thousands of residents may not be able to vote in Edinburgh's transport referendum. Edinburgh City Council is to ballot c…
Minimum wage increased to £5.05
The minimum wage will rise in October, benefiting more than 1m people, the government has announced. Adults must be paid at least £5.05 an hour, up fr…
Kennedy's cautious optimism
Charles Kennedy is far too canny to make any grand claims about how his party may fare at the general election. In his 22 years in the Commons, he has…
Blair says UK tsunami aid to soar
Tony Blair has predicted the British Government will eventually give "hundreds of millions" of pounds in aid to countries hit by the tsunami. The prim…
Parties' plans for council tax
Anger at council tax rises spilled over into mass protests in 2003, when the average English bill rose 12.9%. Pensioners' protests spread - some march…
Protect whistleblowers, TUC says
The government should change the law to give more protection to employees who raise health and safety concerns about their workplaces, the TUC has sai…
Campaign 'cold calls' questioned
Labour and the Conservatives are still telephoning the millions of people who have signed up to make sure they do not get marketing "cold calls". The …
Profile: Gordon Brown
The ultimate prize of 10 Downing Street may continue to elude him but, as he prepares to deliver a record-breaking ninth budget, Gordon Brown can at l…
Abortion not a poll issue - Blair
Tony Blair does not believe abortion should be an election issue, arguing it is a matter for individual conscience. The prime minister's spokesman set…
Top Tories on Lib Dem 'hit list'
The Liberal Democrats are aiming to unseat a string of top Tories - including leader Michael Howard - at the next general election. Mr Howard's seat i…
Blair moves to woo Jewish voters
Tony Blair has pledged to "never, ever, ever" attack Tory leader Michael Howard over his Jewish beliefs. The prime minister told the Jewish Chronicle:…
MPs demand 'Budget leak' answers
Ministers have been asked to explain how Budget details were printed in a London newspaper half an hour before Gordon Brown made his speech. The Torie…
Protesters plan airport challenge
Campaigners against the expansion of Britain's airports have begun challenging the government's plans in the High Court. BAA's expansion of Stansted A…
Profile: David Miliband
David Miliband's rapid rise through the ranks of government continues with his promotion to Cabinet Office minister. Elected in a safe Labour seat in …
Brown names 16 March for Budget
Chancellor Gordon Brown will deliver his Budget to the House of Commons on 16 March, the Treasury has announced. The Budget, likely to be the last bef…
Child access laws shake-up
Parents who refuse to allow former partners contact with their children could be electronically tagged under plans being considered by ministers. Curf…
Wales 'must learn health lessons'
The new health minister for Wales says there are lessons to learn from England in tackling waiting lists. Dr Brian Gibbons, on his first full day in t…
Blair backs 'pre-election budget'
Tony Blair has backed Chancellor Gordon Brown's pre-Budget report amid opposition claims he was too bullish about the state of the UK economy. In a sp…
Drive to 'save' festive holidays
Efforts are being made to 'protect' workers' days off on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Support is being sought for a bill which would ensure that …
Scots smoking ban details set out
Smoke-free areas will save lives and improve Scotland's health, First Minister Jack McConnell has insisted. He told the Scottish Parliament on Wednesd…
Tories leave door open for Archer
The Conservative Party would deal "sympathetically" with any application by disgraced peer Lord Archer to rejoin its ranks, its co-chairman has said. …
More reforms ahead says Milburn
Labour will continue to pursue controversial reforms if it wins a third term in power, the party's election chief Alan Milburn has said. He pledged La…
UKIP MEP attacked German 'empire'
A UK Independence Party MEP suggested Germany saw the EU as an 'empire' and was cheaper than using tanks, a new documentary has revealed. Mike Nattras…
Howard unveils Tory asylum plans
Tory plans to cut immigration to the UK are not racist and will make the asylum system fairer for genuine refugees, Michael Howard has said. As his pa…
Boateng to step down at election
Paul Boateng, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, is to step down as a Labour MP at the forthcoming general election. Mr Boateng, 53, is to become the UK…
BAA support ahead of court battle
UK airport operator BAA has reiterated its support for the government's aviation expansion plans to airports throughout the country. The comments come…
Police chief backs drinking move
A chief constable has backed the introduction of 24-drinking, saying police had a responsibility to ensure people could benefit from a law change. How…
The memory driving Brown's mission
The memory Gordon Brown says keeps returning to him - the one that he says is burnt into him - is that of a 12 year-old girl, whose parents died of Ai…
MPs tout Lords replacement plan
A group of MPs has tried to raise the pressure on Tony Blair over reform to the House of Lords by publishing a detailed blueprint for change. The cros…
Howard taunts Blair over splits
Tony Blair's feud with Gordon Brown is damaging the way the UK is governed, Tory leader Michael Howard has claimed in a heated prime minister's questi…
Russian ex-spy on hunger strike
An ex-Russian intelligence officer who risked his life spying for MI6 is entering the seventh week of a hunger strike near 10 Downing Street. Viktor M…
Parties warned over 'grey vote'
Political parties cannot afford to take older UK voters for granted in the coming election, says Age Concern. A survey for the charity suggests 69% of…
New UKIP defection to 'Veritas'
The UK Independence Party has lost one of its two London Assembly members to Robert Kilroy-Silk's new political party, expected to launch on Wednesday…
MP's shock at long lost daughter
Labour MP Stephen Pound has told of his shock and his joy on learning he fathered a daughter when he was "out of control" during the "wild" 1960s. Luc…
NHS waiting time target is cut
Hospital waiting times for patients in Wales are to be cut, but not to the same extent as those in England. Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt said no pa…
Blair prepares to name poll date
Tony Blair is likely to name 5 May as election day when Parliament returns from its Easter break, the BBC's political editor has learned. Andrew Marr …
'Fido' to be taken off vote lists
The risk of pets and children being given votes could be cut by changing how people register to vote, the UK elections watchdog has said. Those are so…
No to Royal succession shake-up
A Labour peer has withdrawn proposals to give female members of the Royal Family the same rights as males. The legislation would have ended the right …
Budget to set scene for election
Gordon Brown will seek to put the economy at the centre of Labour's bid for a third term in power when he delivers his ninth Budget at 1230 GMT. He is…
Could rivalry overshadow election?
Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are desperately trying to stuff the genie of their rivalry back into the bottle. Along with any number of senior cabinet c…
Lib Dems' 'bold' election policy
Charles Kennedy has told voters his Liberal Democrats will offer them an "honest choice" at the next general election. With the other two big parties …
Chancellor rallies Labour voters
Gordon Brown has issued a rallying cry, telling supporters the "stakes are too high" to stay at home or protest vote in the forthcoming general electi…
Labour trio 'had vote-rig factory'
Three Labour councillors in Birmingham were caught operating a "vote-rigging factory", an Election Court has heard. Police found the trio handling uns…
Brown to outline presidency goals
Next year will be "make or break" for development in poorer countries Gordon Brown will say as he sets out UK goals for its EU and G8 presidencies. Th…
Royal couple watch nation's mood
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles are awaiting the nation's reaction after announcing they are to be married on 8 April. Mrs Parker Bowles will…
Tory leader urges Harry apology
Prince Harry should personally make clear how sorry he is about wearing a Nazi uniform to a friend's fancy dress party, says Tory leader Michael Howar…
Labour's election love-in
Peace and love have been in short supply in the Labour party in recent days. If press reports are to be believed, Alan Milburn and Gordon Brown have b…
Blair and Blunkett Sheffield trip
Tony Blair is to join Home Secretary David Blunkett in a visit to Sheffield on Thursday. Mr Blunkett's conduct is being looked at to establish whether…
UK youth 'interested' in politics
The majority of young people are interested in politics, holding "strong opinions" on policies and have a "keen appetite" for direct action. Research …
UK heading wrong way, says Howard
Tony Blair has had the chance to tackle the problems facing Britain and has failed, Michael Howard has said. "Britain is heading in the wrong directio…
Jowell rejects 'Las Vegas' jibe
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell, has hit out at critics of the Gambling Bill. She told the Guardian newspaper there …
Lib Dems demand new inquiry
A judge should look into the David Blunkett controversy as key questions remain unanswered, the Lib Dems say. Sir Alan Budd's inquiry linked the ex-ho…
New drink limit 'would cut toll'
More lives than previously thought could be saved by cutting drink-drive limits by a third, a report says. University College London research claims c…
Blunkett tells of love and pain
David Blunkett has spoken of his love for married publisher Kimberly Quinn for the first time. The home secretary described how it affected his friend…
Blunkett unveils policing plans
People could be given the mobile phone number of their local bobby under an overhaul of policing in England and Wales unveiled by David Blunkett. The …
Brown ally rejects Budget spree
Chancellor Gordon Brown's closest ally has denied suggestions there will be a Budget giveaway on 16 March. Ed Balls, ex-chief economic adviser to the …
Visa row mandarin made Sir John
The top civil servant at the centre of the David Blunkett visa affair has been knighted in the New Year Honours. Sir John Gieve was Home Office perman…
Fox attacks Blair's Tory 'lies'
Tony Blair lied when he took the UK to war so has no qualms about lying in the election campaign, say the Tories. Tory co-chairman Liam Fox was speaki…
Straw attacked on China arms
Moves to lift the European Union's ban on arms exports to China have been condemned by human rights groups and the Conservatives. The 15 year embargo …
Labour accused of 'EU propaganda'
A "taxpayer subsidised propaganda exercise" on the EU is being used to lull the British public into a false sense of security, say the Tories. Shadow …
Leaders meet over Turkish EU bid
Tony Blair has met Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder to talk about Turkey entering the EU. The Downing …
Labour in constituency race row
Labour's choice of a white candidate for one of the UK's most multi-racial seats proves the need for all-black short lists, says a race group. Local c…
Faith schools citizenship warning
Schools must improve the quality of citizenship lessons - or social cohesion and democracy will suffer, says the education watchdog. Independent faith…
Boris opposes mayor apology
Ken Livingstone should "stick to his guns" and not apologise for his "Nazi" comment to a Jewish reporter, Tory MP Boris Johnson has insisted. Mr Johns…
'Hitler' row over Welsh arts cash
An artist critical of Welsh arts funding being brought under assembly government control has denied comparing the idea with dictatorships in Russia an…
Blair 'up for it' ahead of poll
Tony Blair says his personal standing in the eyes of voters will be "an issue" in the general election. The prime minister said he was "up for it" as …
Parliament's record of scandal
In a locked room at the heart of Parliament there is a hive of scandal. Sex, betrayal and custody of children are all there in this affair but this ti…
Peers debate Crown succession law
Peers are debating proposals to change the rules governing the succession to the throne. Labour peer Lord Dubs' Succession to the Crown Bill aims to e…
Blair joins school sailing trip
The prime minister has donned a life jacket and joined school children in a sailing dinghy as he sought to sell his party's education policies. Tony B…
Jowell confirms casino climbdown
Tessa Jowell has announced plans to limit the number of new casinos in the UK to 24, in a move branded a "humiliating retreat" by the Tories. It puts …
Brown and Blair face new rift claims
For the umpteenth time, Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are said to have declared all out war on each other. This time the alleged rift is over who should…
Voters 'reject EU by two to one'
British voters would reject the European constitution by two to one, according to a poll posing the question the government will put to the country. T…
'Nuclear dumpsite' plan attacked
Plans to allow foreign nuclear waste to be permanently stored in the UK have been branded "deeply irresponsible" by the Liberal Democrats. The governm…
Thousands join strike in Wales
Thousands of civil servants were on strike across Wales on Friday in protest at planned job cuts. A range of services in Wales were affected as civil …
Kennedy criticises 'unfair' taxes
Gordon Brown has failed to tackle the "fundamental unfairness" in the tax system in his ninth Budget, Charles Kennedy has said. How was it right that …
Blunkett row should end - Blair
Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was time to draw a line under the controversy surrounding David Blunkett. The Tories and the Lib Dems have called fo…
Blair stresses prosperity goals
Tony Blair says his party's next manifesto will be "unremittingly New Labour" and aimed at producing "personal prosperity for all". The prime minister…
Howard rejects BNP's claim
Tory leader Michael Howard has dismissed claims that his immigration policy was "moving onto the turf" of the British National Party (BNP). BNP leader…
UK helps raped Rwandan women
Britain is to give a £4m grant to help women survivors of the Rwandan genocide who were raped and often deliberately infected with HIV/Aids. An estima…
Hewitt decries 'career sexism'
Plans to extend paid maternity leave beyond six months should be prominent in Labour's election manifesto, the Trade and Industry Secretary has said. …
Blair 'pressing US on climate'
Tony Blair is pressing the US to cut greenhouse gases despite its unwillingness to sign the Kyoto Protocol, Downing Street has indicated. Officials ha…
School sport 'is back', says PM
Tony Blair has promised that "sport is back" as a priority for schools. The prime minister launched a £500m initiative to allow school sports clubs in…
EU referendum question unveiled
The question to be asked in the referendum on the EU Constitution has been unveiled by the government. It will be: "Should the United Kingdom approve …
Probe launched on Ken Nazi jibe
An investigation by the Standards Board is under way following allegations that Ken Livingstone has brought his office into disrepute. The probe follo…
Campaign 'cold calls' questioned
Labour and the Conservatives are still telephoning the millions of people who have signed up to make sure they do not get marketing "cold calls". The …
Howard's unfinished business
He's not finished yet, whispered the Conservative Party person as your reporter attempted to slip quietly from the hall. And indeed he wasn't. Michael…
Final hunts held as ban looms
Hunts in England and Wales have begun on the last day that hunting with dogs is legal, with more due out later. Thousands of supporters are expected t…
UKIP could sue Veritas defectors
The UK Independence Party could take legal action to unseat two London Assembly members who defected to Robert Kilroy Silk's Veritas Party. Damian Hoc…
New 'yob' targets to be unveiled
Fifty new areas getting special help to fight anti-social behaviour in England and Wales will be named on Thursday. Ten areas have already had access …
UK pledges £1bn to vaccine effort
UK Chancellor Gordon Brown has offered £960m ($1.8bn) over 15 years to an international scheme aiming to boost vaccination and immunisation schemes. I…
Plan to give elderly care control
Elderly and disabled people would choose how their own budget for personal care was spent and organised under government plans. Ministers say elderly …
Taxes must be trusted - Kennedy
Public trust in taxes is breaking down because Labour and Tories are not being straight with people on the issue, Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy has s…
Pre-poll clash on tax and spend
Labour and the Tories have clashed over tax and spending plans as the row over Gordon Brown's Budget turned into a full scale pre-election battle. Ton…
Howard 'truanted to play snooker'
Conservative leader Michael Howard has admitted he used to play truant to spend time with his school friends at a snooker hall. Mr Howard said his tim…
Escaped prisoner report ordered
First Minister Jack McConnell has ordered a report on the decision to allow a paranoid schizophrenic knife attacker to go on a visit unguarded. Michae…
Mallon wades into NE vote battle
Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon has been drafted in to boost the Yes campaign as the North East assembly referendum enters its final week. The former p…
Nat Insurance to rise, say Tories
National Insurance will be raised if Labour wins the next election, Tory leader Michael Howard has claimed. Tony Blair has said he does not want highe…
Blair looks to election campaign
Tony Blair's big speech will be looked back on as the performance that kicked off the election campaign. That poll may still be about 16 weeks away, b…
Tories outlining policing plans
Local communities would be asked to go to the polls to elect their own area police commissioner, under plans unveiled by the Conservatives. Party lead…
Women MPs reveal sexist taunts
Women MPs endure "shocking" levels of sexist abuse at the hands of their male counterparts, a new study shows. Male MPs pretended to juggle imaginary …
Brown hits back in Blair rift row
Gordon Brown has criticised a union leader who said conflict between himself and Tony Blair was harming the workings of government. Jonathan Baume, of…
Watchdog probes e-mail deletions
The information commissioner says he is urgently asking for details of Cabinet Office orders telling staff to delete e-mails more than three months ol…
Blair says mayor should apologise
Tony Blair has urged London mayor Ken Livingstone to apologise for his "Nazi" comment to a Jewish reporter. Labour's Mr Livingstone, who says he is "s…
Mayor will not retract Nazi jibe
London mayor Ken Livingstone has again refused to retract a Nazi insult made to a Jewish reporter. Labour's Mr Livingstone, who says he is "standing b…
Labour pig poster 'anti-Semitic'
The Labour Party has been accused of anti-Semitism over a poster depicting Michael Howard and Oliver Letwin - who are both Jewish - as flying pigs. Pr…
MPs' murder sentence concern
Murder sentences should not be reduced automatically simply because of a guilty plea, says a new MPs' report. The influential Commons home affairs com…
Brown 'proud of economy record'
Gordon Brown has delivered a rousing speech to Labour's spring conference setting out the government's agenda for the next general election. The chanc…
UK rebate 'unjustified' - Chirac
French president Jacques Chirac has called the UK's £3bn rebate from the European Union "unjustified". Speaking after a summit meeting he said unless …
Brown targets OAPs and homebuyers
Gordon Brown has doubled the level at which house buyers pay stamp duty to £120,000 as he put the economy at the heart of Labour's election campaign. …
Minister defends hunting ban law
The law banning hunting with dogs in England and Wales is enforceable and "very clear", Alun Michael has said. The rural affairs minister said it woul…
Lib Dems 'to target stamp duty'
The Liberal Democrats are promising to raise the stamp duty threshold if they win the general election, in a bid to court first-time house buyers. Vin…
Mrs Howard gets key election role
Michael Howard's ex-model wife, Sandra, is to play a leading role in the Conservative election campaign. Mrs Howard will make solo visits to target se…
Tories reject rethink on axed MP
Sacked MP Howard Flight's local Conservative association has insisted he will not be its candidate at the general election. Russell Tanguay, agent for…
Borders rail link campaign rally
Campaigners are to stage a rally calling for a Borders rail link which was closed in 1969 to be reopened. They will mark the 36th anniversary of the l…
Asylum children to face returns
The UK government is planning to return asylum seeker children without parents to Albania. The trial scheme, which could start in weeks, may be extend…
Campbell: E-mail row 'silly fuss'
Ex-No 10 media chief Alastair Campbell is at the centre of a new political row over an e-mail containing a four-letter outburst aimed at BBC journalis…
New rules tackle 'sham weddings'
New rules on marriage for foreign nationals living in the UK are coming into force. From Tuesday, most non-EU citizens will need Home Office approval …
TV debate urged for party chiefs
Broadcasters should fix a date for a pre-election televised debate between the three main political leaders, according to the Hansard Society. It woul…
Observers to monitor UK election
Ministers will invite international observers to check the forthcoming UK general election is fairly run. The move comes amid claims the poll could be…
Labour plans maternity pay rise
Maternity pay for new mothers is to rise by £1,400 as part of new proposals announced by the Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt. It would me…
Tories attack EU asylum moves
David Blunkett has been accused of using the "politics of confusion" to disguise new EU immigration measures. Tory spokesman David Davis told MPs the …
UK 'needs true immigration data'
A former Home Office minister has called for an independent body to be set up to monitor UK immigration. Barbara Roche said an organisation should mon…
Will the Budget bring out smiling voters?
As Tory spokesman Oliver Letwin said - any chancellor would use his pre-election budget to offer some vote winning sweeteners, wouldn't he. And everyo…
Straw to attend Auschwitz service
Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will visit Auschwitz for the 60th anniversary of the former Nazi concentration camp's liberation, it has been announced. …
Howard attacks 'pay later' Budget
Tory leader Michael Howard has dismissed Gordon Brown's Budget as "vote now, pay later" spending plans. The simple fact was that under a new Labour go…
Tory leader 'cleared' over work
Scottish Conservative Party leader David McLetchie claims he has been cleared over a potential conflict of interest. The Edinburgh MSP earns up to £30…
Tories unveil quango blitz plans
Plans to abolish 162 quangos have been unveiled by the Conservatives as part of their effort to show how government red tape can be cut. Six governmen…
Petrol duties frozen, Brown says
Chancellor Gordon Brown has announced a freeze on fuel duty in his pre-budget speech to the Commons on Thursday. Mr Brown told the House that governme…
Jamieson issues warning to bigots
Scotland's justice minister has warned bigoted soccer fans that she wants to hit them "where it hurts most" by banning them from matches. Cathy Jamies…
Cabinet anger at Brown cash raid
Ministers are unhappy about plans to use Whitehall cash to keep council tax bills down, local government minister Nick Raynsford has acknowledged. Gor…
Howard attacks cost of asylum
Michael Howard has launched an attack on the cost of Britain's "chaotic" asylum system under Tony Blair. The Tory leader said English local authoritie…
Brown names 16 March for Budget
Chancellor Gordon Brown will deliver his Budget to the House of Commons on 16 March, the Treasury has announced. The Budget, likely to be the last bef…
Concerns at school diploma plan
Final appeals are being made for the government not to ditch the reform plan for England's secondary schools put forward by the Tomlinson report. The …