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03/09/2007
Brown Dismisses Early Election Speculation
Prime Minister Gordon Brown has played down speculation that he may call a general election for October.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Brown said that he was "getting on with the business of government". He said: "There will be a time and a place for a general election, but it is not now."
Meanwhile, a poll in 'The Independent' put Labour neck-and-neck with the Conservatives on 36%, with the Liberal Democrats on 15%. Labour had a 3% lead over the Tories in the same poll last month.
However, a YouGov poll for GMTV put Labour on 38%, the Conservatives on 35% and the Lib Dems on 15%.
Mr Brown, however, has pledged "a new type of politics" as he also announced plans to broaden consultation in government decisions.
Speaking to the National Council of Voluntary Organisations in London, the Prime Minister said that it could no longer be "business as usual" when parliament returns after the summer recess on October 8.
Mr Brown said: "I believe that Britain needs a new type of politics which embraces everyone in this nation, not just a few. A politics built on consensus, not division. A politics that draws on the widest range of talents and expertise, not the narrow circles of power.
"Whether it is crime and gang violence, the future health of the nation or climate change, the solutions will not come simply from a narrow debate between states and markets."
The Prime Minister also announced plans to involve opposition MPs, citizens’ juries and a citizens' summit in government and promises a cross-party Speakers' Conference to tackle the issue of low voter turn-out.
The first citizens' jury will meet later this week to discuss youth and children's issues.
Mr Brown also announced that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer has been asked to advise the government's security minister, Lord West, and that Conservative MP John Bercow is to lead a review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor would advise ministers on land use through the planning system to support sustainable rural communities.
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, Mr Brown said that he was "getting on with the business of government". He said: "There will be a time and a place for a general election, but it is not now."
Meanwhile, a poll in 'The Independent' put Labour neck-and-neck with the Conservatives on 36%, with the Liberal Democrats on 15%. Labour had a 3% lead over the Tories in the same poll last month.
However, a YouGov poll for GMTV put Labour on 38%, the Conservatives on 35% and the Lib Dems on 15%.
Mr Brown, however, has pledged "a new type of politics" as he also announced plans to broaden consultation in government decisions.
Speaking to the National Council of Voluntary Organisations in London, the Prime Minister said that it could no longer be "business as usual" when parliament returns after the summer recess on October 8.
Mr Brown said: "I believe that Britain needs a new type of politics which embraces everyone in this nation, not just a few. A politics built on consensus, not division. A politics that draws on the widest range of talents and expertise, not the narrow circles of power.
"Whether it is crime and gang violence, the future health of the nation or climate change, the solutions will not come simply from a narrow debate between states and markets."
The Prime Minister also announced plans to involve opposition MPs, citizens’ juries and a citizens' summit in government and promises a cross-party Speakers' Conference to tackle the issue of low voter turn-out.
The first citizens' jury will meet later this week to discuss youth and children's issues.
Mr Brown also announced that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer has been asked to advise the government's security minister, Lord West, and that Conservative MP John Bercow is to lead a review of services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Liberal Democrat MP Matthew Taylor would advise ministers on land use through the planning system to support sustainable rural communities.
(KMcA/SP)
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01 April 2008
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
British Troop Withdrawal From Iraq 'Unlikely'
The Defence Secretary Des Browne is expected to tell the Commons that there are currently no plans to reduce the number of British troops in Iraq. Ambitious plans to decrease the number of soldiers from 4,100 may have been withdrawn, sparked by recent fighting in Basra, the BBC has reported.
03 October 2007
Cameron Launches Attack On Brown's 'Old Politics'
Conservative leader David Cameron has launched an attack on Prime Minister Gordon Brown, describing his policies as "old politics", during his speech to the party conference in Blackpool. Addressing party members, Mr Cameron said that change was required and that "old politics" were failing.
Cameron Launches Attack On Brown's 'Old Politics'
Conservative leader David Cameron has launched an attack on Prime Minister Gordon Brown, describing his policies as "old politics", during his speech to the party conference in Blackpool. Addressing party members, Mr Cameron said that change was required and that "old politics" were failing.
08 July 2009
Foreign Office Minister Mallock-Brown Resigns
Labour's Lord Malloch-Brown today resigned from the Cabinet for "strong personal and family" reasons. The peer, a former top UN diplomat, stood down from his Foreign Office post insisting he "greatly admired" the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Foreign Office Minister Mallock-Brown Resigns
Labour's Lord Malloch-Brown today resigned from the Cabinet for "strong personal and family" reasons. The peer, a former top UN diplomat, stood down from his Foreign Office post insisting he "greatly admired" the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
25 July 2007
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
More homes evacuated as flood misery continues
Around 250 homes have been evacuated in Oxford as the city became the latest area of Britain to be affected by flooding. The homes were evacuated in the Osney area of the city and some residents seeking shelter stayed in Oxford United's Kassam stadium.
16 January 2006
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
Baby joy for Chancellor Gordon Brown
The wife of Chancellor Gordon Brown is pregnant, a Treasury spokesperson has announced. Mr Brown's wife Sarah is expecting the baby in July and the spokesperson said that the couple were "absolutely delighted" with the news. Mr and Mrs Brown have a two-year-old son John, who is named after the Chancellor's father.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
