Helicopter shortage 'undermining current operations'
This Report, 'Helicopter Capability' (HC 434), finds that a shortage of medium and heavy lift battlefield helicopters is undermining current operations.
The Committee is critical of the plan to extend the lives of Sea King and Puma to bridge the capability gap that will exist before the introduction of the Future Medium Helicopter in about ten years' time.
'Tremendous strides' made since Stephen Lawrence inquiry
On 22 April 1993, Stephen Lawrence was stabbed to death at a bus stop in South London in an unprovoked racist attack. The police were heavily criticised for their conduct of the investigation and no one has ever been convicted for the crime.
'The Macpherson Report - Ten Years On' (HC 427) finds that, since the 1999 judicial inquiry into the police investigation of Stephen's murder, the police have made tremendous strides in the service they provide to ethnic minority communities and in countering racism amongst its own workforce.
Government faces sustainable food supply challenge
The long-term securing of the UK's food supplies is a fundamental responsibility of Government. Producing sufficient food is only part of the challenge: how food is produced is equally important.
In this Report, 'Securing Food Supplies up to 2050: the Challenges Faced by the UK' (HC 213-I), the Committee notes that increases in production will have to take place in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the food system, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-derived inputs, and conserving soil and water.
UK's low carbon transition plan set out
This White Paper, 'The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan: National Strategy for Climate Change', sets out the UK's transition plan, to 2020, for becoming a low carbon country: cutting emissions, maintaining secure energy supply, maximising economic opportunities and protecting the most vulnerable.
The plan will deliver emission cuts of 18% on 2008 levels.
Green Paper on care services published
This Green Paper, 'Shaping the Future of Care Together' (Cm. 7673), sets out the Government's proposals for reforming the care and support system for adults in England and to establish a National Care Service.
Vision of a 'society for all ages' outlined
In 2007 there were more people in the UK over state pension age than children. This ageing society presents challenges and opportunities in social and economic areas.
This strategy paper, 'Building a Society for All Ages' (Cm. 7655), outlines the Government's approach to ensuring that people are not defined by their age.
Government announces financial markets reform
This document, 'Reforming Financial Markets (Cm. 7667)', sets out the Government's analysis of the causes of the financial crisis, the action already taken to restore financial stability and the regulatory reforms necessary to strengthen the financial system for the future, so that consumers, businesses of all sectors and the economy as a whole continue to have access to the stable credit that is so essential.
Eliminating world poverty ‘our common challenge’
This White Paper, 'Eliminating World Poverty: Building Our Common Future (Cm. 7656)', deals with the challenges presented by the global recession, climate change, and fragile and failing states. It reaffirms the Government's commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the necessity of working in partnership with other countries and organisations towards that end.
211 construction industry deaths investigated
In the three year period 2005-2008, 211 men died in the construction industry. This "unacceptable level of fatalities" led to the commissioning of this inquiry, 'One Death is too Many: Inquiry into the Underlying Causes of Construction Fatal Accidents - Rita Donaghy's Report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Cm. 7657)'.
PM outlines plan for Building Britain's Future
This White Paper, 'Building Britain's Future' (Cm. 7654), outlines the action that the UK Government is taking to: move the UK from recession to recovery and forge a new model of economic growth; restore trust and accountability to the political system through democratic reform and renewal; and modernise our public services and national infrastructure.
New school reforms announced by Ed Balls
The proposals in this White Paper, 'Your Child, Your Schools, Our Future: Building a 21st Century Schools System' (Cm. 7588), aim to ensure that every child enjoys their childhood, does well at school, and turns 18 with the knowledge, skills and qualifications that will give them the best chance of success in adult life.
12th Report of Financial Reporting Advisory Board
This is the Twelfth Report of the Financial Reporting Advisory Board (the Board), which covers the year April 2008 to March 2009. It reports on the Government's progress on the move to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from 2009-10, and other specific financial reporting developments.
The Board's primary objective is to promote the highest possible standards of financial reporting by government.