MPs slam prison sickness rates
News Article 18 January 2005
The powerful public accounts committee has attacked the Prison Service's failure to tackle sickness rates.
Tory MP defects to Labour
News Article 15 January 2005
A former Conservative minister has defected to Labour, warning that a victory for Michael Howard at the next election would be "dangerous".
Hain heads off Iraq debate calls
News Article 13 January 2005
MPs have pressed for a debate on Iraq following news that the US has given up its search for weapons of mass destruction.
Clarke goes on home defence offensive
News Article 13 January 2005
Charles Clarke will publish details of cases brought against householders who have attacked intruders in a bid to convince the public the current law works.
MPs launch inquiry into 'British Guantanamo'
News Article 12 January 2005
MPs are to launch an inquiry into the government's establishment of a "British Guantanamo" in Belmarsh prison.
MPs detail plans for new laws
News Article 12 January 2005
The 20 MPs given the chance to introduce their own laws have been detailing the legislation they would like to see on the statute book.
Blair rules out DfID merger
News Article 12 January 2005
The prime minister has ruled out merging the Department for International Development and the Foreign Office.
Howard attacks PM over government divisions
News Article 12 January 2005
Highlighting reports of rifts between Number 10 and 11, Michael Howard has said Tony Blair is the "deals on meals" prime minister.
Clarke rejects Tory calls for home defence bill
News Article 12 January 2005
Despite Conservative pressure, the government has said it will not change the law on the rights of householders to protect themselves from intruders.
Cunningham to quit at election
News Article 11 January 2005
Former Cabinet minister Jack Cunningham has announced he is to stand down at the next election.
SNP to lead 'an effective opposition' in Holyrood
News Article 11 January 2005
The SNP has vowed to hold the Scottish executive to account during the 2005 parliamentary year.
Michael 'clarifies' fox ban legal challenge
News Article 11 January 2005
Alun Michael has said the government will "neither oppose nor support" a legal bid to delay the implementation of the controversial ban on fox hunting.
MPs set for heated debate on sitting hours
News Article 11 January 2005
The Commons modernisation committee has called for minor changes to parliamentary sitting hours.
Drink-drive change 'would save lives'
News Article 11 January 2005
A parliamentary advisory body has presented fresh evidence to support a reduction in drink-drive limits.
Guantanamo Britons to be released
News Article 11 January 2005
Jack Straw has confirmed that the four Britons remaining in Guantanamo Bay are set to be released.
