Archive of articles from 2010

MPs end new year's honours exile

Chief of defence staff Gen Sir David Richards is also honoured in the list

Politicians have reclaimed appearances on the new year's honours list for the first time since the expenses scandal broke.

Cameron eyes troublesome 2011

2011 is unlikely to prove pleasant for the prime minister

David Cameron has acknowledged that 2011 is going to be a "difficult year" for Britain.

Lansley faces flu 'U-turn' claim

Flu vaccination advertising campaign launched

Labour has seized on the health secretary's decision to launch a new flu vaccination advertising campaign.

CBI: UK in for 'bumpy' 2011

The CBI paints a mixed picture of growth over the next two year

Britain faces a rough economic start to next year, according to the CBI.

Commuter outrage at rail fare hike

Rail fares will be rocketing upwards in 2011

Campaigners have reacted furiously after it was confirmed train fares will increase by an average of 6.2% in January.

Irish ex-PM Ahern will not stand

Ireland's long-serving former prime minister Bertie Ahern will not contest the upcoming general election, he has confirmed.

Motorists 'could double' organ donor sign-up rate

Only 27% of Brits are on the organ donation register

A new pilot scheme encouraging new motorists to donate their organs could double the sign-up rate to the donor register.

Britain backs Ivory Coast intervention

Tensions are running high in the west African state

William Hague has not ruled out the possibility of British forces assisting potential United Nations (UN) action in the Ivory Coast.

Pub closures loophole up for review

Campaigners say the 'restrictive covenants' deny local communities the opportunity to save their local pub.

The unpopular legal clause which allows large pub companies to restrict the uses of pubs after their closure will be reviewed, ministers have announced.

Amateur theatres seek child performance relaxation

Child performance laws set for overhaul in 2011

Legal restrictions preventing children from participating in amateur theatrical productions could be lifted altogether.

Pessimistic outlook for women MPs

Party leaders pressed on women by the Fawcett Society during the 2010 general election

The coalition government's reforms are unlikely to help increase the number of women MPs, experts have warned.

Miliband: 2011 a 'year of consequence'

Ed Miliband faces huge challenges in 2011

The cuts will begin to bite in the next 12 months, Labour's leader has warned in his new year message.

Union chief looks to 'angry' 2011

More anger in 2011, Brendan Barber expects

The "campaign for change" could pick up decisive momentum in the next 12 months, the TUC's Brendan Barber has said.

Coalition to miss immigration target in 2011

A fall in emigrants from the UK helps explain the static trend

The coalition's immigration policies will not make a major difference in 2011, the IPPR has said.

Labour division deepens over electoral reform

The deep division within the Labour party over the forthcoming electoral reform referendum has been unveiled by the 'no' campaign.

Crisis talks on Northern Ireland Water

Stormont has heavily criticised the response of Northern Ireland Water

Stormont ministers are set to hold emergency discussions to find a solution to the crisis which has seen tens of thousands suffer from a lack of running water.

Ten million Britons will see their 100th year

An ageing population will mean increased strain on pension funding and the NHS

New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlight growing concerns over the UK's ageing population.

Murdoch Sky deal set for watchdog verdict

Jeremy Hunt will have ten days to respond to OfCom's conclusions

Media regulator Ofcom will pass judgment tomorrow on News Corp's controversial takeover of broadcaster BSkyB.

Hughes becomes coalition's access officer

Simon Hughes abstained in the crucial tuition fees vote

Lib Dem deputy Simon Hughes will become the 'advocate for access to education'.

Parties flushed over flu jab row

Political row centred on flu jabs for under-fives

Labour has managed to raise the Tories' temperature in a row over flu vaccinations for under-fives.

E-petitions to parliament set for green light

Online petitions could see popular causes debated on the floor of the Commons

The prospect of popular online causes being debated in parliament took a step closer today.

NHS faces its 'toughest year'

Winning over the hearts and minds of those implementing the government's policy should be a ministerial priority for the NHS, its employers' organisation has warned.

Clegg: We'll prove them wrong

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has offered a defiant new year's message to party members.

Cold water poured on Miliband's 'Clause 4' moment

The Labour leader is currently engaged in a lengthy policy review process

Speculation that Ed Miliband's plans to limit individual political donations would mean a weakening of Labour's ties with trades unions has been doused.